Spring semester 2016 Dean’s List recognizes academic achievement


The Tusculum College academic honors lists have been announced for the spring 2016 semester recognizing students for their academic achievements.

Tusculum students are recognized for academic achievements through three academic honors lists.

The Dean’s List includes full-time students who have earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher during a semester.

The President’s List includes those students who have earned a 4.0 grade point average during the semester. These students are also included on the Dean’s List.

The Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List recognizes students who have been named to the Dean’s List for two or more consecutive semesters.

Below are the listings for the the spring 2016 Dean’s List for the Traditional (residential) program and the Graduate and Professional Studies program for working adults. Students named to the President’s List are denoted with an *. Those who are listed on the Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List are noted with a +.

Spring 2016 Dean’s List

Traditional program

Dennis Mensah Acquah

Cynthia Paige Adkins +

Antoinette Eva Allen

Makenzi Lynn Alley +

Evan R Altizer +

Jorge Alvarez +

Lori M Anderson +

Katja Sabina Elisabeth Andersson +

Ashley Marie Andrukonis +

Hannah Beth Arnett +

Benjamin A. Arnold +

Cheyene Leigh Arnold *+

Grace Ann Rose Arthur +

Ashlie Katelyn Ayres +

Charles Tyler Bailey +

Kyle Bailey +

Samuel Ray Baker +

Sarah Ann Baker +

Toni Lyn Bates +

Taylor Alexandria N. Battle +

McKenzie Beavers

Cheyenne Nicole Beeler *+

Miranda Leeann Beeler +

John Evan Bennett

Alexis Hope Berlin +

Hannah Marie Berling +

Emily Rae Bernin +

Emory Leigh Bibb +

Kyle Christopher Bittner +

John Russell Bivens +

Jonathan Blaylock +

Brandon Bolden

Eric Rufus Bowers

Benjamin Frederick Boyd

Sabrina Nichole Bradley

Jule Brass *+

Cheyenne Renee Bray +

Spencer Darris Brothers +

Victoria Nicole Browder

Kaitlin Brooke Brown +

Maggie Brown

Megan Lorraine Buczek *+

Lawson Henry Burrow *+

Lindsay Ann Butler *+

Brianna Elizabeth Byerley

Mason Ray Calhoun +

Shelbi Breanne Cameron +

Alison Faith Camp +

Amelia Ellen Cannon +

Michaelae Carden

Jessie Leonard Carey *+

Erin Helene Carmody +

Ethan Wayne Carpenter +

Laura Kaye Carr *+

Darius O’Neil Carter +

Benjamin T Cash +

Callie S. Casteel *+

Mitchell Frank Lewis Chapman +

Matthew Keith Church +

Lia Alexis Renae Clark

Christopher Murray Cochrane

Denise Nicole Coffey +

Matthew S. Cole +

Riley Edward Collins

Sarah D. Combs

West Thomas Connor

Dustin Daniel Conway +

Samuel Thomas Runion Cooley

Rebecca L. Cope +

Jacob William Countiss +

Christen Janay Craig

Emily Lynne Cross

Heather Renee Crouch +

Bailey Alexandria Culler +

Craig Matthew Cutler +

Samantha Czapik +

Jennifer Leeann Dalton +

Eliza Lucille Davis *+

Samuel George Davis *+

Zachary Robert Davis

Andre Alvaro Moreira De Giorgi

Melissa Dearstone

Payton Alexandra Dehart +

Rachel N Del Duca

Kayla Brooke Dodson +

Kelly Chase Donnelly

Tandon Gregory Dorn *+

Renee Amans Doyle +

Gary Joseph Dunlop +

John Eric Durr *+

Derrica Echols

Michael Jason Eggert +

Samantha Elizabeth Eldridge +

Madilyn Joyce Elliott *+

Savannah Elliott +

Micheal Harvey Emery

Kasey Blake Fawbush +

Hettige Joseph Michael Rukshan Fernando +

Todd Jamie Fidler

Zachary G Finchum

Sean Brenden Finucane +

Lia Theresa Fiore +

Karli Payten Fisher *+

Harper Nicole Ford +

Nicholas Larry Forsberg *+

Kelsey Lynae Freeman +

Macy Amanda French *+

Jennifer Michelle Frost +

Jordan D’Ann Fullerton *+

Franziska Funke *+

Rachel Eileen Garnett +

Cheyenne Garrison

Zachary Joel Gass +

Travis Maxwell Gaubert +

Alexus Breann Gibson *+

Haley Morgan Glenn

Hannah Marie Graham *

Eduardo Granados Munoz +

Shelby Anne Gray +

Ashley Skye Greene

Andrea Nichole Grooms

Guillem Giro Guil +

Courtney Danielle Hackney *

Brock Daniel Hakalmazian *

Allison Marie Hall *+

Holly Brooke Hall +

Tyler James Hall +

Macey Leann Hance *+

Edward Oliver Moore Hancock *+

Sierra Paige Hanson +

Olivia Elaine Harrell

Zachary Lee Hartle +

William Harrison Harvey +

Michala Katherine Hash *

Mamie Britt Hassell +

Bradley Daniel Hawkins +

Michael James Haycox

Kealee Heffner

Tarah Ranae Helms +

Dyer Keith Hendricks

Rachael Bethany Hensley +

Emily Elizabeth Hester +

James Cameron High

Benjamin Luke Hillis +

Bradford Blaine Hinkle *+

Sarah Elizabeth Holly *+

Ronnie James Holt +

Sayre Catherine Hopper +

Brittney Nicole Horton *+

Lynsey Brooke Hughes

Logan Tyler Hunter +

Cody Christopher Ingram

Katie Elizabeth James +

Kierney Lynn Jarvis

Jeffrey Tyler Johnson *+

Alexis Joiner +

Morgan Deanne Jones +

Tashique Kader *+

Briana Michelle Kaltenmark +

Adrienne Martine Kaye *+

Jordan Hayley Keene +

Seanmichael Gordon Kidder

Teresa Ann Kinley +

Tonya Michelle Kinley

Staci Nicole Knipp *+

Kelsi Hayden-Flaire Knox

Andrew D Kransberger +

Andreas M. Kvam +

Pablo Laguna *+

Taylor Kara Lambertsen *+

Taylor B. Lamons

Zachary Aaron Lane +

Bailey Elaine Laws

Calley B. Lawson *+

Shane Allen Lawson +

Guillermo Lazcano Carrera +

Hannah Irene Lefler +

Lilian Briane Lesniewski

Lindsey Danielle Lewis *+

MaKenna Noel Lewis +

Mariah Lynn Lewis +

Daniel Ray Lowery +

Emma Catherine MacDonald *+

Morgan Mahaffey *+

Yared W. Mamo +

Whitney Brianna Marshall +

Miriah Elizabeth Martin +

Shawna Ann Martin +

Miranda Danielle Mathews

James Wayne Mayes +

Mitchell Vance McCain +

Kelli Lynn McCalla +

Kassandra Lea McCamey

Joseph Bryson McCarter *+

Conor Patrick McKenna

Billi L. McKenzie *+

Nicole Sarah McMillen +

Kristen Renee McMillion

Ragen Danielle McNair +

Charles Richard Mills +

Erin Ashley Mills *+

Ashlyn Nicole Misischia +

Connor Grey Mitchell

James Curtis Moneyhun +

Vasco Miguel Monteiro *

AAliyah Jada Montgomery +

Brian Steve Montgomery

Dana Stacia Morong +

Pamela Kay Morong +

Margaret Ann Moss +

Yusuf Muhammed +

Shannon Rose Murphy +

Jordan Nicole Newby +

Mackenzie G. Newsome

Robert E. Nichols +

Micah Brianne Nicley +

Kylee Jordan Nolan +

Charla Deidre Odom +

Kaitlyn Marie Odoms

Erin Christian Osborne +

Fabian Paier *+

Breeanna Nicole Parker

Ross Gregory Parsons +

Callie Sierra Patterson

Kendall Patterson +

Carly Jeannette Payne *+

Shaveen Perera +

Jalesa Janae Perkins

Matthew Ralph Pierce +

Amanda Leigh Ann Pipes +

Christopher Edwin Pittman

Taylor Nicole Plemons

Diego C. Poore +

David Lee Quesenberry +

Christian Scholly Raasch

Heath Ratliff +

Ciara Rattana +

Zachary James Redden +

Tiffany L. Rednour *+

Chelsey Brooke Reed *+

Michael Bryce Reed +

Treslyn Kelley Reese +

Jenna Marie Restivo

Linda Joy Reyna

Jamie Rebecca Rhea +

Brooke A. Rhodes

Amie Elizabeth Rice

Cassi L. Ricker +

Allyson Kathleen Rines +

Kaara Heloise Roark

Rachel Elizabeth Roberts +

Malinda Irene Rode

Carrie Leigh Rose *+

Christopher John Ryan

Ciara Leigh Ryan

Kathleen J. Samples +

Donavon O’Neil Samuels

Brooke Ashley Sane

Sabrina L. Schleuger +

Brooke Morgan Schreder *+

Drew Henry Schreder

Leon Seiz +

Roxanne Inez Shepard *+

Sarah Rebecca Shipley

Madison Kate Shumaker +

David Felix Siegle *+

Payton Dakota Silcox +

Erin Janae Sims +

Zachariah William Slagle +

Garland Taylor Smith *+

Jacob Lee Smith

John Conagher Rufus Smith

John James Paul Smith +

Jordan Dianne Smith +

Tyler James Smith +

Tyrone Antonio Smith

Alexandra Marie Soldati +

Carey L. Sommers

James William Spears +

Jonathan Spicher *+

Danae K. Stauffer *+

Meagan Olivia Steelman *

Tim Stierle +

Robin Marie Stoner +

Teela Sullivan +

Amanda Lynn Sumner *+

Shannele Marjorie Sunderland *+

Joshua Taylor Suttles +

Kathy Lyne Swick

Carlie Amanda Thornber *+

Kayla B. Tipton *

Breanna Lynn Tolliver +

Elizabeth H. Tomassoni +

Katherine A. Tomassoni +

Donald James Townsend

Preston R Tucker +

Britney Nicole Turner *+

Stephanie Marie Turner +

Taylor Linea Tyree *+

Cheyenne Upton +

Samuel J. A. Van Amberg *+

Samantha Jean Vogt +

Rebekah Grace Voiles +

Brooke Elizabeth Wagner +

Brooke Ellen Wallin *

Nicholas Alexander Wasylyk *+

Emily Christine Waters +

Coneisha P. Waugh

Daniel D. Wedding +

Victoria Kailand Weiss

Amanda Marie Werder +

Jarett Jerell Wesley

Nathaniel Gerome West +

Savana Jeanette Wheeler

Carly Leeanne White +

Emily Marie White

Taylor Lindsey White +

Kristen Faith Wiggins +

Creighton Wilke

Donna Nicole Wilkerson +

Carolyn Elizabeth Williamson +

Sydney Nicole Wilson +

Johnathan Cole Wilt +

Jonas Burkhardt Siegfried Winkelmann +

Mark Lee Winningham

Rachel Marie Wisner +

Jennifer Renee Wolfenbarger

Christopher Devin William Woodson

Parker Katelyn Alisa Wright *+

 

Graduate and Professional Studies program

Natalia Acosta

Scott Eugene Adams *+

Shawn Travis Adcox

Jennifer Rene’ Alfter *

Brandon Keith Allen +

Lisa Nachelle Anderson *+

Amy Lee Anthony

Jaime Lee Arnold *+

Angel Renee Arrington +

Eleonora Surenovna Assadova +

Amy Jeanette Atchley +

Christopher Franklin Baber

April Suzanne Bachman +

Anthony Maurice Bagwell +

Kevin Ray Ball *

Mindy Michelle Barton +

Ashley Marie Bates

Joshua V Batson

Candace Angelique Baxter +

Leslie Deanna Ruth Beach +

Chiarra Leann Beasley

Marcus Gabriel Blair +

Sheila D Blair +

Joseph Adam Boles

Matthew Tyler Booth +

Elizabeth Anne Nicole Bowman

William Scott Bowman

Mercedes L. Boyd +

Casey Elizabeth Bradley +

Mindy Dawn Bradley +

Kristi Michelle Breeden *+

Morgan Maechelle Brewer +

Alexander Neil Briggs

Terry Dean Brooks *+

David Bryan Brown +

Shannon Kay Brown *+

Joshua Adam Broyles *+

Janie Danielle Bryant +

Jeffrey Allen Bryant

Jonathan Wayne Bryant *

Melissa Bryant

Victoria Jacqueline Bryant +

Keith Christopher Buch +

Kevin W Buckner +

Sarah Ruth Buel

Adam Michael Burchfield +

Lara Gail Burchfield *+

Jessica Caroline Burgner +

Robin Annette Burnette +

Christina Angela Burton

Carrie Chae Cagle *+

Melissa Callahan *+

Camille Nicole Calloway *

Billy Carroll Calwell +

Bradley Mitchell Capps

Cathryn Carol Carpenter

Claire D. Carter +

Kirsten Dixie Carter +

Michelle Carver *

Daniel Cate +

Hannah Lynn Champlin +

Brent Eugene Chapman *+

Ann Marie Cheezum *+

Floyd Alden Cheyne *+

Brandon Anthony Chittum *+

Savannah Hope Clabough +

Debra Nicole Clack

Dawn Trista Cody

Mandy LaChelle Colburn +

Katie Lee Cole +

Linda Darlene Coleman +

April Dawn Collins *+

Brittany Leigh Colon

Robert Earl Colquitt +

Paula Renee Conley +

Tabitha Lydia Cook +

Amber Lawson Cooper +

Gary Robert Cooper

Jeremy Brent Cooper *+

Justin Ross Cornett +

Donna M. Costa-White *+

Charles Harvey Cottrell

Molly Elizabeth Cowart *

Polly Louise Cowart

Tyler Robert Cox +

Amy Denise Crawford +

Nathan Wayne Criswell

Jamie A. Cunningham +

Melanie Ann Cusmano +

Mariah Kilday Dalton *

Ryan Clark Dalton

Gabriel James Dando +

Angela Ruth Daniels-Taylor

Kira Lauren Dash +

Alexandra Nicole Davis *+

Allison Roxie Davis +

Heather D. Davis +

Rebecca Lee Davis *

William Zachary Davis +

Kayla Gabrielle Dearstone *+

Jessica Susan Deaton +

Mario Antonine Debro +

Emily Marie Delacruz +

Alaina Christen DeMay +

Gilbert Charles Downey +

Jessica L. Drinnon *

Jennifer Duff +

Amber Christine Duke *+

Deidra Michelle Dunlap +

Tabitha Ann Dyer +

Brittany Ann Eck

Jessica Lea Elkins *+

Melissa Jeannette Emerson *+

Brianna Fannon +

Lori Ann Farmer *+

Lisa Josephine Feezell +

Kristoffer Mykell Fernandez +

Scott Allan Fisher +

Natalie Paige Foland *+

Christie D. Forbis +

Justin Wayne Foster +

David Andrew Franklin

Taylor Victoria Fritz *+

Amanda Gardner

Jamie L. Gass +

Maura Gilbert +

Balinda Anne Gillis +

David Allen Glasscock +

Tiffany Marie Golden *+

Jill Edith Goodpasture *+

Mendy Lynn Goss +

Trisha Cox Gossett *+

Kinsley Rhea Graves *

Jessica Danielle Green

Kimberly Grace Gregg *+

Tatum Elizabeth Gregory

Kelsey Griffith *

Brittany Danielle Grizzle

Mandy Michele Haga +

James Travis Hale +

Justin Tyler Hamilton +

Lisa Denise Hannah *

David Sean-Lloyd Harding

Ronda Kay Harrell

Philip Michael Harris

Brittney Colonalyn Harrison +

Roben Andrea Hartsell +

Jonathan Hayes

Randi Jean Hayes *

Tanya Marie Hayes *+

Danielle Rae Henderson +

Brent Aaron Hickman *+

Ruth Ann Hickman *+

Crystal Lee Hicks +

Gregory Ward Hilemon +

Jenny Rebecca Hill +

Kristina Marie Hill

Amy Marie Hodge +

Zoe Elizabeth Holcomb

Kirsten Nicole Honeycutt *

Cathleen Marie Hopson +

Chilae Houston

Ryan Wesley Hudson +

Velvet Dawn Hughes +

Mark Anthony Hunley +

Maleah Linda Huskey +

Deanna Lynn Hutcheson

Andrea Lauren Hutchins +

Charlotte Nicole Jackson *+

Rebecca Michelle Jenkins *+

Bertrane Jarvis Jennings +

Jeffrey Adam Jennings *+

Katelyn Jasanna Jennings *+

Kiana Raelene Johnson *+

Rebecca Leann Johnson +

Sandra Rae Jones *

Stephanie Michelle Josey +

Wesley Justice +

Angela Marie Kagley +

Stacey Caroline Keiser

Courtney Michelle Kelly +

Bradley James Kidwell +

Elissa Ruth Lane +

Kendra Michelle Lane +

Kevin Brett Lane +

Melissa June Lanzafame *

James Adam Large +

Zachary Brown Lassiter *+

Brandy Rose Lawson

Mary Kristina Lawson +

Heather Le Ann Lay

Randall Steven Lee

Stephanie Nicole Lee

Hannah E. Linkous +

Allison Ray Lloyd +

Olivia Lobertini *+

Rachel Hope Looney +

Gregory Glenn Lynn +

Amy Patrice Lyon +

Hannah Danielle Mason

David Michael Mathis

Phil Every Mauk *+

Joshua Dylan McClure *+

Shawn Tommie McClure *

Heather June McConnell *+

Kylie M. McCoy +

Derek Channing McFall +

Patrick David McKenzie *

Nancy Anne McKinley +

Madison Neil McKinney +

Nanette Louise McLain +

Jessie Marie McPeters

Matthew Edward Meese +

Rebecca Lashea Melton +

Evan Peter Mendes *

Lauren Angeline Menefee +

Emily Ann Menner +

Daniel Joseph Miget *

Kara Michelle Mitchell

Ruth Ann Mitchell +

Evan Dewayne Monroe *+

Jason Randal Monroe

Sarah Jennifer Monroe +

Jennifer Marie Moore

Jonathan G. Moore *+

Charles Mark Morgan +

Kristen Leigh Morgan *

Alexis Gray Morrow +

Cortney Mercedes Mynatt +

Tomi A. Nelson +

Craig Lee Newman +

Whitnie Elaine Norman +

Amie Suzanne O’Brien +

Tiffany Nichole Ogle *+

Tracy Michelle Olson +

Sherry Lynn Ottem +

Shaunna Passmore +

Christina Louise Paxton *+

Christopher David Payne +

Lindsey Pennington *

David Perry *

Heather Dawn Perry +

Keith Calvin Phillips

Matthew Allen Piper +

Jacqueline Nicole Rader +

Rodney Scott Ramin +

Johnathan Hugh Reagan +

Rachel Renee Reed

Sunday Lynn Reeves +

Abby Caitlin Reynolds +

Rebecca Ann Richardson *

Mark C Riley *+

William Scott Ritter

Rachael Elizabeth Roach +

Matthew Garrett Roberts +

Sharon S. Roberts +

Jacqueline Anne Robinson +

Sarah Elizabeth Rowland

Tabitha Ann Rue *+

Roger Grant Sams +

Regina Starr Sandidge +

Kara Marie Santana

Audrey Lynn Sauls +

Whitney Suzanne Scearce *+

Cortnay Paige Scott +

Steven Douglas Scott +

Talia Seiber *

Christina Shackleford

Deborah Rolen Sharp *+

William Robert Sharp *+

Jeffery Alan Shelton +

Kaliah Alexis Sheppard +

Briley Nicole Shinlever

Saasha Noel Shirooni +

Jennifer Amanda Silcox

John Cody Simmons +

Robert Renoel Sitterson +

Adam Michael Smith

David Grant Smith +

Michael Jason Smith +

Wendy Marie Smothers +

Elexis Sloan Snyder

James Allen Southerland

Candice N. Spradlin +

Lindsey Nicole Stair +

Suzanne Michelle Starnes +

Christie Michelle Steele

Ashley Catherine Mae Steinhorst

Sandra J. Stelter

Jason Andrew Strange

Travis Carl Stuart +

Jason Matthew Tarbet +

Rockne Von Taylor +

Sara Kapileo Techur +

Raymond Allen Thacker +

James Kenneth Thompson *

Shannon Edward Thompson +

Joshua Thorn *

Jason Michael Titlow *

Brent Adam Tittsworth

Miranda Lin Tobler *+

Kenneth R. Tucker +

Kristene Martha Turner

Remola Wanavee Turner +

Matthew David Urnick +

Angela Diane Vaughn *+

Bailey F. Walker *+

Misty D. Wallen +

Samantha Laynea Wallen *+

Kayla Renee Ward +

Benjamin Harden Warnick +

Jada Lynn Watts +

Joshua Aaron Weaver +

Mitzi Michele Weese *+

Melissa Kim Whaley +

Courtney Ann Whittington +

Martin Lewis Whorley +

Leslie Camera Wilkerson +

Marti L. Willen *+

Debbie Lee Williams

Jennifer Williams *

Rosa Dawn Williams +

Calandra Livesay Williamson +

Misty Dawn Wilson

Kimberly Ruth Wise +

Kristin Alexis Woods +

Angela Dawn Young +

Genevive Zaide

Angelique Louise Zimcosky *+

 

 

 

Students recognized for academics, service during Honors Convocation


Student excellence in academics and service were recognized during Tusculum College’s annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 28.

The two top honors for students presented by the College are the President’s Award and the Bruce G. Batts Award. Nick Forsberg from Staples, Minn., was presented the President’s Award and Carly Payne of Greeneville, was presented the Bruce G. Batts Award.

Brian Click

The students were also addressed by Brian Click, a 1999 graduate from Tusculum, who spoke about the difference earning a degree at Tusculum has made in his life. The co-owner of Cornerstone Wealth Management Group encouraged the students to use their college education as a foundation for success and to take steps to plan their future if they had not.

The Student Government Association officers for the upcoming 2016-17 academic year were also sworn in during the program. Sworn in were Carrie Rose of Knoxville as president; Oliver Hancock of Mooresburg, TN, as vice president; Julie Bielowski of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., as treasurer, and De’Erica Garrett of Greeneville as secretary.

President’s Award

Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College, presents the President's Award to Nick Forsberg.

The President’s Award is presented to the graduating senior who has contributed the most to the college and who has been the most outstanding achiever in the combined areas of academic work, athletics, campus leadership and personality. The selection is made on the basis of the student’s total four-year record at Tusculum.

Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of the college, presented the award to Forsberg, a sport management major, who has excelled in both the classroom and on the links as a member of the Pioneer Men’s Golf Team. Throughout his time at Tusculum, he has been listed on the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Commissioner’s Honor roll, the Tusculum Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, the Tusculum College Dean’s List and the Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List. He was named the SAC Men’s Golf Scholar Athlete of the Year for both 2015 and 2016 and has received Capital One Academic All-District first team and Golf Coaches Association of America All America Scholar honors. In 2015, he received the top academic award presented to students in the physical education, sport management and sports science majors.

Forsberg has also earned numerous athletic honors including being named the 2015 SAC Tournament Most Valuable Player Award and chosen for the 2014 and 2015 SAC All-Tournament Teams. He was also a member of the 2015 SAC Tournament Championship team that was also the first in school history to advance as a team to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

With a packed academic and athletic schedule, Forsberg has also committed himself to being an active member of the Tusculum College community and giving back. He has served for the past two years as the president of the Pioneer Student Athlete Advisory Council. He is a volunteer for the Greene County Food Bank and the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has served as a volunteer for junior golf camps at a golf course in Minnesota.

Batts Award

Presented in memory of a beloved educator at Tusculum who helped define the college’s civic arts curricular focus, the Bruce G. Batts Award is presented to a student who clearly demonstrates the qualities that reflect the civic arts ideals.

Carly Payne receives the Bruce Batts Award from the Rev. Dr. Ronda Gentry.

This year’s recipient, Carly Payne of Greeneville, has demonstrated her commitment to excellence and serving others at Tusculum. She is currently president of the Tusculum Student Nurses Association and is a member of the National Student Nurses Association.

Payne has led the Tusculum organization through a variety of service and fundraising projects. For example during this past year, the organization has conducted a bake sale fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, sponsored a “Dress Down Day” to raise funds to help provide nutritious meals for children through the Feeding America summer program, collecting donations and boxes for Operation Christmas Child and promoting blood donation during the American Red Cross blood drive on campus.

Exemplifying the importance of serving others, Payne is a volunteer member of the East Tennessee Medical Reserve Corps and volunteer trainer for the Tennessee READY’s program.

In her nursing studies, Payne has achieved a high level of scholarship and uses critical thinking skills to carefully plan individualized care for all of her assigned patients, noted the Reverend Dr. Ronda Gentry, director of the Center for Civic Advancement, in presenting the award. “Carly consistently exhibits those characteristics that most define individuals we call ‘nurses’ – compassion, respect, civility, humility and kindness,” Gentry said.

In addition to the Bruce Batts Award, Payne also received the Nursing Student of the Year Award for the senior class. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates high moral values, communicates and acts with integrity, provides safe and effective nursing care, promotes and practices life-long learning, demonstrates a commitment and passion for the practice of nursing and has demonstrated academic excellence.

Student-Chosen Awards

Dr. Ken Brewer was presented the Outstanding Service to Students Award by Dr. Alan Corley, representing the Greene County Partnership.

Presented during the convocation were faculty, staff and community awards whose recipients were selected by student vote. Receiving the Outstanding Service to Students Award, a faculty honor, was Dr. Ken Brewer, assistant professor of psychology.

In presenting the award on behalf of the Greene County Partnership, Dr. Alan Corley said that Brewer has earned the respect and praise of his students for his teaching style and his availability and willingness to help students. This is the second year that Brewer has been honored with the award.

The Staff Award was presented to Tiffany Dearstone, senior student life coordinator. In presenting the award, Student Government Association President Michael Fernando noted that while Dearstone has held a variety of positions in the Office of Student Affairs, her first priority has always been the students and making sure their campus life experience is the best it can be.

Tiffany Dearstone, senior student life coordinator, receives the Staff Award from SGA President Michael Fernando.

Well known and respected local musician John Brown was the recipient of the Community Award, which is presented to an individual, organization or business that has made a significant contribution to the Tusculum campus community. In presenting the award, Fernando noted that Brown decided several years ago to find ways to give back to the community, including organizing the Dogwood Park summer concert series in Greeneville. Brown has provided support to the College’s Band Program and has been instrumental in the return of the Old Oak Festival to campus, serving as coordinator of the musical performers that appear at the festival.

Academic Honors

Senior Honor Key Awards were presented to students who have earned a 3.25 grade point average or higher in their major, shown achievement and aptitude in the major and possess strong character.  The following are the award recipients and their degree programs:

Accounting – Samuel Davis of Harriman;

Athletic Training – Grace Arthur of Maryville;

Art Education K-12 – Lindsey Lewis of Luttrell;

Art and Design, Graphic Design Concentration – MaKenna Lewis of Sevierville;

Biology  – Ben Arnold of LaFollette;

Criminal Justice – Lawson Burrow of Greeneville;

Economics and International Business – Erin Mills of Duluth, Ga.;

English, creative writing concentration – Sarah Holly of Jonesborough, TN;

English, journalism and professional writing concentration – Stephanie Turner of Shelbyville;

Environmental Science – Jonathan Blaylock of Chuckey;

Field Guide Naturalist – Shane Lawson of Talbott;

History – Billi McKenzie of Allegan, Mich.;

Interdisciplinary Studies K-6 – Cheyene Arnold of Morristown;

Interdisciplinary Studies K-6/Math 7-12 – Staci Knipp of Greeneville;

Management – Jonas Winkelmann of Boeblingen, Germany;

Museum Studies – Alexis Joiner of Wesley Chapel, Fla.;

Nursing – Cynthia Adkins of Bristol, Va.;

Political Science –Jeffrey Johnson of Greeneville;

Psychology – Hannah Lefler of Chapel Hill;

Special Education Early Childhood – Calley Lawson of Gaithersburg, Md.;

Special Education Modified and Comprehensive – Megan Buczek of Chattanooga;

Sport Management – Curtis Moneyhun of Kingsport, and

Sports Science – Drew Schreder of Cosby.

Senior members of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society were also recognized. Upperclassmen ranked in the top 10 percent academically of their classmates are invited to join the honor society. Those recognized included Grace Arthur of Maryville; Samuel Davis of Harriman; Madilyn Elliott of Hampton; Michael Fernando of Ragama, Sri Lanka; Sarah Holly of Jonesborough; Brittney Horton of Afton; Adrienne Kaye of Egg Harbor City, N.J.; Staci Knipp of Greeneville; Erin Mills of Duluth, Ga.; Tiffany Rednour of Mohawk; Britney Turner of Morristown. and Nicholas Wasylyk of Ontario, Canada.

Jonathan Spicher received the Alpha Chi Excellence Award from Dr. Troy Goodale.

The Alpha Chi Academic Excellence Award, which honors the highest academically ranked members of the junior class, was presented to Kaitlin Brown of Chuckey and Jonathan Spicher of Lindlar, Germany.

Eight students inducted in the Tusculum College chapter of the Psi Chi psychology honor society during the past year were recognized. The 2015-16 inductees include Amber Duke of Oak Ridge, Roben Hartsell of Seymour, Oliver Hancock of Mooresburg, Katelyn Jennings of Greeneville, Juliana Pressley of Morristown, Chelsey Reed of Morristown, Kathleen Samples of Greeneville and Carly White of Sevierville.

The Undergraduate Research Excellence in Psychology award was presented to Kelsey Freeman of Johnson City. This award recognizes a student who has completed a research project and presented it in a public forum.

Kelsey Freeman was presented the Psychology Research Award by Dr. Jennifer Harper.

The Outstanding Achievement in Psychology, Behavioral Health Award was presented to Zoe Holcomb of Knoxville. This award recognizes academic excellence, achievements and aptitude in the major, as well as personal characteristics and leadership in and out of the classroom.

Members of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society were also recognized. In order to become a member of this honor society, students must have taken at least 15 hours of history courses, have an overall 3.0 GPA and a 3.1 GPA in history. Inducted during this past year were Mamie Hassell of Hermitage; Victoria Hawk of White House; Zachary Lane of Fayatteville, Ga.; Aaliyah Montgomery of Memphis, and Allison Woody of Newport.

Recognized with the Billie and Curtis Owens Literary Award were Jennie Frost and Sarah Holly. Presenting the award was Wayne Thomas. Not present for the photo was Emily Waryck.

Students who were chosen for the 2016 Curtis and Billie Owens Literary Prizes were honored. Students submit original, creative works in the annual writing competition. Jennie Frost of Friendsville earned top honors in the fiction category; Sarah Holly of Jonesborough in the non-fiction category, and Emily Waryck of New Concord, Ohio, in poetry.

The Dr. Shirley Beck Award for an outstanding Master of Arts in Education major was presented to William Scott Kilgore of Kingsport.

The Outstanding Education Student Award was presented to Jaime Arnold of Fall Branch.

William Scott Kilgore was presented the Dr. Shirley Beck Award by Dr. Raymond Hatfield.

Trisha Gossett of Greeneville and Roben Hartsell of Seymour were presented the Jean Hixon Memorial Award, named in honor of a long-time member of the Graduate and Professional Studies staff. Hixon’s sister Anne Hall and her husband, James Hall, presented the award. The award recipients are chosen by Tusculum faculty and staff and are students who have demonstrated academic achievement with a GPA of 3.50 or better and dedication to community service.

The Barnett, Conley and Davis Award in Natural Sciences and Mathematics was presented to Nicholas Wasylyk of Ontario, Canada. The award recognizes a graduating senior outstanding in the combined fields of natural sciences and mathematics. The award is based on overall GPA, science and math GPA, depth of interest in science and math and academic service to the college such as tutoring and/or research.

Jaime Arnold received the Outstanding Student in Education Award.

Josh Suttles of Seymour was the recipient of the Doug Ratledge Environmental Science Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student majoring in environmental science or the field guide naturalist program.

Michael Fernando of Sri Lanka was presented the Walter R. Johnson Award, which recognizes the graduating senior determined most outstanding in business and economics.

Rachel Garnet of Middletown, Ohio, was presented Nursing Student of the Year award for the junior class. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates high moral values, communicates and acts with integrity, provides safe and effective nursing care, promotes and practices life-long learning, demonstrates a commitment and passion for the practice of nursing, demonstrates high professional standards of conduct and has demonstrated academic excellence.

Receiving the Jean Hixon Memorial Award were Trisha Gossett, left, and Roben Hartsell, right. The award was presented by from Hixon's sister and brother-in-law Anne and James Hall, center.

The Theatre Award was given to Alexis Joiner from Wesley Chapel, Fla., for her participation and dedication to the theater program at Tusculum College.

Toni Bates of Chuckey of Greeneville was the recipient of the David Behan Award for her contributions to the theater program both onstage as an actress and part of the backstage technical crew.

The James E. Ward Future Professionals Award is selected by the physical education faculty to recognize an outstanding major in the field and was awarded to Shannele Sunderland of Georgetown, Texas.

 

Service Awards

Nicholas Wasylyk was presented the Barnett, Conley and Davis Award by Dr. Debra McGinn.

The Service-Learning Award was presented to Robert Nichols of Dresden. Nichols was recognized for his many hours of volunteering in various capacities at the Paul E. Hayden Wetlands on campus.

The Bonner Leaders Program Award was presented to Megan Buczek of Chattanooga. The award is presented to a student within the Bonner Leaders Program, who has exhibited exemplary long-term dedication to the six keys of the program – community building, civic engagement, diversity, international perspective, social justice and spiritual exploration.

Josh Suttles receives the Doug Ratledge Environmental Science Scholarships from Dr. Melissa Keller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Fernando was presented the Walter Johnson Award by tho honor's namesake, a 1971 alumnus of the College.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Garnet and Carly Payne receive Nursing Student of the Year Awards for the junior and senior classes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toni Bates is presented the David Behan Award by Marilyn duBrisk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shannele Sunderland was the recipient of the James E. Ward Future Professionals Award, presented by Suzanne Byrd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gentry presented the Service Learning Award to Robert Nichols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Megan Buczek receives the Bonner Leaders Program Award from Dr. Gentry.

Tusculum tradition continues as students celebrate Lantern Festival


The soon-to-be graduates sign the tops of their lanterns prior to the passage of the lanterns.

On April 27, one of the longest traditions at Tusculum College continued as students soon-to-be graduates passed their legacy of leadership to underclassmen as part of the Lantern Festival.

The Lantern Festival began in the 1950s and continued until the late 1970s. The custom involved seniors, garbed in academic regalia and carrying lanterns, walking in procession to an outdoor stage on the evening before commencement. The seniors shared what Tusculum had meant to each of them. The event closed with the seniors passing their robes on to members of the junior class.

The rebirth of the tradition came in Tusculum’s Bicentennial year of 1994. Since then, the Lantern Festival has been celebrated a week or two prior to graduation and has become a celebration of the close relationships nurtured at the College.

The Lantern Festival continues to include a procession with lanterns and the passing of robes to underclassmen. The lanterns are not only symbolic of the light of leadership of the soon-to-be graduates, but also the the difference they have made in the lives others while also being positively impacted by others themselves.  Many of the lantern bearers carry the lantern “willed” to them by a previously graduating senior and inscribed with both of their names.

This year, 12 graduating seniors passed their lanterns to underclassmen. Stories about how bonds were formed between the students in the classroom, in the residence halls and in student activities were shared as the students passed lanterns and robes.

In recent years, the Lantern Festival has evolved to also allow students to recognize faculty and staff members who have made a positive impact in their lives at Tusculum. More than 20 students presented Golden Lantern Pins to faculty and staff members with some students choosing to recognize more than one faculty and staff member.

The lantern has been a central icon in the traditions of Tusculum. The terms “Sit Lux” and depiction of a lamp or lantern appears on the Tusculum College seal. “Sit Lux” is the motto of the College, and the Latin words translate as “Let There Be Light.” The phrase is consistent with Tusculum’s tradition of sending students forth to be a light in the world through their character and good works.  By the close of the Lantern Festival, it was apparent to those in attendance that that tradition remains strong as well.

The students participating in the Lantern Festival gather for a group following on the terrace of the Chalmers Conference Center.

Nearly 300 receive degrees Saturday at Tusculum College


Graduating from Tusculum College during spring commencement were 295 individuals in two ceremonies held on Saturday, May. 7.

On Saturday 102 students earned Bachelor of Science degrees and 134 earned Bachelor of Arts degrees. In addition 41 graduates earned Master of Arts degrees and 18 received Master of Business Administration degrees.

Walking with this spring’s graduates were 17 representatives of the Tusculum College Class of 1966 who are celebrating their 50th anniversary year. Representatives walked in the procession, clothed in golden caps and gowns and were recognized during the ceremony by Dr. Moody.

The new graduates were addressed by Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody, who recognized the hard work of the path to graduation, saying “Commencement is an occasion of celebration and completion. It is a culmination event for the graduates.” Adding, “Today is a testament to your efforts, to your persistence. Each of you made sacrifices, made adjustments and made some tough decisions along the way.”

She told the group, that while there was no doubt they were thinking about the many people in their lives who have stood by them on this journey, that graduation day was a moment to celebrate the completion of a goal they had worked hard to attain. “Relish the victory that you claim today.”

The Golden Pioneers, represented by Bruce C. Howell, of  Hackettstown, N.J. and the Class of 2016, represented Michael Fernando, a business major from Sri Lanka, presented a check to Dr. Moody for $50,818 as a gift to the college to be used to endow the Tusculum First Scholarship.

Commencement speakers David Baker, at left, and Nicholas Wasylyk

The new graduates were addressed by Dr. David Baker, senior vice president of field services for the DIRECTV Group, Inc. and a member of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees. Dr. Baker shared with the graduates in both ceremonies things he has learned in the more than three decades of his career.

Among his advice, he told graduates to never pass up a chance to help someone or to say something nice. Adding, that this is the base level for building relationships, which are critical throughout life in all capacities.  He also told the audience to always be positive, and when in doubt to smile. “It is easy to go negative,” he said, “Be openly and visibly positive.”

Afternoon Commencement Speaker John Shaw, Jr.

He stressed the importance of communication skills and creative thinking, which he said are skills that grow in value as one progresses in his career.

“One of the best things you can take into a career is a strong set of personal values. With that, you can work your way through some very difficult and complex situations.”

Speaking at the morning ceremony was Nicholas Wasylyk, a pre-med major from Ontario, Canada. Wasylyk has been a member of the Pioneer Football team and president of the Science Club. He has been a member of the President’s Society and Alpha Chi Honor Society and spent countless hours helping other students as a Tusculum College tutor.

Wasylyk told the group to cherish the wonderful memories made with friends, faculty and family. “It is an honor to receive a degree from Tusculum College. We are all now staring at an open door, and all we have to do is run head-first through it. We have the key to our future – knowledge.”

Speaking during the afternoon ceremony was John Shaw, Jr., who received his Master in Business Administration. John also received his undergraduate degree at Tusculum in 1997. He is a project manager at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge. John has been married to his wife, Brenda, for 33 years and they have two daughters, Shanna and Aleia.

His advice to graduates was to find new opportunities to put new skills and knowledge to work. “The important thing is finding your passion,” he said.  “In life, control is an illusion. Treasure and relish each moment.”

Beth Brimer, at left, accepted the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership award for the traditional program for her late husband, Bill Brimer. At right is Dr. Michael Dillon, dean of the School of Business, who received the award for the Graduate and Professional Studies program.

Also during the ceremony, members of the Tusculum College faculty were recognized. Receiving the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership award for the Residential College was the late Bill Brimer, accepted on his behalf by his wife, Beth. Receiving the award for the Graduate and Professional Studies program was Dr. Michael Dillon, dean of the School of Business.

 

After receiving their degrees, students at Tusculum College “walk the gauntlet,” receiving congratulations from the faculty.

Left front, Dr. Nancy B. Moody welcomes back former Tusculum College President Douglas Trout, right front, along with members of the graduating class of 1967. Celebrating their 50th reunion year, the Golden Pioneers walked with the graduates at the Spring Commencement ceremony.

 

Members of the Golden Pioneers pose with Dr. Moody and Dr. Trout.

Tusculum College announces nurse practitioner program


Tusculum College has  received final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to offer the Master of Science in nursing degree with a concentration in family nurse practitioner in August. The college received approval by the Tennessee Board of Nursing in February to move forward in planning the new degree program and hopes to receive final approval in June.

The family nurse practitioner program is a graduate level Master of Science degree designed to address the need for more primary healthcare providers in the community. It will be led by Dr. Linda Garrett, assistant dean of nursing, health sciences and human services and chair of graduate nursing.

“In East Tennessee, there is a gap between the number of people who need healthcare and the number of healthcare providers,” said Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of nursing, health sciences and human services. “The nurse practitioner program will help fill that gap in our community,” she added.

“Nurse practitioners provide primary care across the lifespan to people of all ages with simple to complex illnesses. We provide care for patients that have comorbidities. We have the same privileges that family physicians have, such as prescribing medications,” said Dr. Garrett.

Applications for enrollment in the program will be available in late spring.  The first class is tentatively set to graduate in fall 2017.

“One of the things that is very special about this program, especially in this part of the country, is that we plan to develop an RN to MSN program, which will allow nurses with associate degrees to obtain their master’s degree in six semesters,” said Dr. Garrett.

With this bridge component, Dr. Ewen hopes to serve more nurses in the area and serve the community with quality advanced practice nurses. The nurse practitioner program will be housed in the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Math and Science, where the students will have access to state-of-the-art equipment specialized for their degree.

“The Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Math and Science will provide students with a lab separate from the lab for the undergraduate program,” said Dr. Garrett. “The undergraduate lab is styled like a hospital, the nurse practitioner labs will be designed much like a typical medical office with high technological recording capabilities.”

Dr. Garrett hopes to work with the theater program at Tusculum and have people trained as “standardized patients.” These standardized patients would act as real patients through scenarios developed by the nursing faculty in order to assist nurse practitioner students in patient interaction and diagnosis.

“My vision is to provide the community with primary care providers–this is an area of need—to provide the folks in this community access to good quality care and to get the nurse practitioner program going and graduating students.”

Individuals with interest in attending the family nurse practitioner program should contact the nursing department at nursing@tusculum.edu or 423-636-7430 for more information.  Tusculum College is now accepting applications for admission into the college.

 

Tusculum Commencement ceremony to feature Dr. David Baker


Dr. David Baker, senior vice president of field services for the DIRECTV Group, Inc. and a member of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees, will be the speaker at Tusculum College’s spring commencement exercises.

Dr. Baker will deliver the address to students at both ceremonies on Saturday, May 7, in the Pioneer Arena in Niswonger Commons on the Greeneville campus. The morning ceremony will be graduates of the college’s residential program and will begin at 10 a.m. An afternoon ceremony, which will begin at 2 p.m., will be held for graduates of the Graduate and Professional Studies program.

Dr. David Baker

“Dr. David Baker joined the Tusculum College Board of Trustees in October 2009 and has been an active participant in Board and institutional events,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College. “He initiated an effort for Tusculum College to use a process called “Kill the Company” in an effort for institutional representatives to identify and alleviate or ‘kill’ antiquated policies and procedures directed primarily at removing barriers to student admission, progression and graduation.”

Dr. Baker oversees DIRECTV Group’s national network of installation and service providers and is charged with improving the quality of the customer experience at the point of installation and service. Additionally, he is responsible for DIRECTV Home Services, which is DIRECTV’s owned and operated field services operation. He is currently based in DIRECTV’s Denver offices.

Dr. Baker’s career includes more than 20 years with The DIRECTV Group and its former parent company. Between 1998 and 2006, he held leadership positions with DIRECTV Latin America and DIRECTV Japan, as well as several senior-level financial and operational roles.

Most recently Baker was executive vice president and chief operating officer for On Command Corporation, where he led the integration of On Command into its new parent company, LodgeNet. Also, as a managing director at Nightingale and Associates, LLP, Baker restructured a $350 million construction company to return it to profitability.

Prior to DIRECTV, Baker was at Weyerhaeuser Company as an engineer in raw materials and research and development in Federal Way, WA, and then worked as an operations research analyst for Getty Oil Company in Los Angeles, Calif.

Dr. Baker holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering from West Virginia University and earned his doctorate in mineral economics at the Colorado School of Mines.

Dr. Baker and wife, Nancy, reside in Parker, CO, and have one daughter who is nearing graduation from West Virginia University.

For the morning ceremony, practice begins at 8:45 a.m. For the afternoon ceremony, practice begins at 12:45 p.m. The Pioneer Arena will open for guest seating after completion of each rehearsal. Guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. For those who are unable to attend the ceremonies and would like to view live online, they may send an email requesting instructions to bhenley@tusculum.edu.

No tickets are required for graduation.

 

Doak House Museum to host history camp


The Doak House Museum, located on the campus of Tusculum College, will be offering a history camp for area children this summer.

History Camp will be held June 13-17 and is designed for children ages 6-12.

In History Camp, children will explore the Tusculum College campus and the Doak House Museum site through a variety of interactive games, crafts and activities. The camp will feature a new instructor with all new activities and curriculum.

Tuition for each camp is $85 with all materials and a daily snack included. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Sibling and Tusculum College employee discounts are available. A deposit and registration are required.

“We pride ourselves on having fun, engaging, affordable camps for the families in our community,” said Dollie Boyd, director of Museum Program and Studies at Tusculum College.

Space is limited. For more information, contact Boyd at dboyd@tusculum.edu or by phone at 423-636-8554.

Students learn through fun during the Doak House Museum’s History Camp on the Tusculum College campus.

Home school conference to be held at Tusculum College


Heritage Home Scholars will host a regional home-school conference at Tusculum College on Monday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The goal of the day is to promote college readiness and provide valuable information to current and prospective homeschoolers. There will be a variety of home-school related vendors, including education materials and textbooks.

“We are sponsoring this conference to provide support and resources for home-schooling families in the Greene County region. This free conference is open to all home-schoolers and prospective home-school families,” said Jennifer Jenkins, coordinator for the conference. She added that there will also be vendors on site with used home-school curricula, as well as speakers on various home-school related topics.

Informational sessions will be provided on topics such as financial aid information related to Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, how to prepare for college and navigate the application process and home schooling through high school, which will be presented by Taylor.

Special guests from HomeLife Academy will be in attendance and available to answer questions regarding home schooling in Tennessee. They will also be presenting sessions on “How Does Your Child Learn Best” and “Homeschool Organization.” They will present on organizational methods for homeschooling as well as different methods of homeschooling and the resources available. Conference attendees will be offered a 20 percent discount by HomeLife Academy for umbrella school registration.

Other topics of discussion will include the Hope Scholarship, preparation for high school, what high school credits can be received, graduation requirements, college admission requirements, duel enrollment, testing, beginning a resume, Eta Sigma Alpha National Homeschool Society, the different extracurricular activities available, as well as athletics, beneficial items and driving courses. Visit Heritage Home Scholar’s website at www.heritagehomescholars.org for a schedule of speakers.

Tusculum College, which is hosting and supporting the event, will have a table setup at this event, as will Walters State Community College and East Tennessee State University.

Heritage Home Scholars is a nonprofit corporation formed in 2014 in Greeneville. HHS is a home-school support group that operates a co-op that meets on Mondays from August through April, with more than 120 families participating.

The purpose of HHS is to serve and support Christian home-schooling families. This includes families who are anticipating home schooling, families who are currently home schooling one or more children and families who may no longer be home schooling but are still interested in ministering to home-schooling families. For more information contact the HHS by email at heritagehomescholars@gmail.com.

 

Students gain financial literacy


On Saturday, April 16, the students in Tusculum’s SSS/ARCHES programs set sail on a sunset voyage of financial literacy. Participants had the opportunity to attend the informative session while aboard the Tennessee River Company boat the STAR of Knoxville. Gary Stuart of Ed Financial presented ways for students to become financially savvy.

After seeing many sites, enjoying a delicious meal and music on the riverboat, students learned how “not to sink” into financial hardships during and after college.

For more information on joining ARCHES please visit our website http://www3.tusculum.edu/adult/sss/arches-program/.

Class of 1966 to be special guests on campus during Spring Commencement weekend


Members of the Class of 1966 will be in the spotlight next weekend as they reunite on campus to celebrate their 50th anniversary year.

Special events are planned on both May 6 and 7 to bring the newest Golden Pioneers back together on campus to mark this milestone for the Class of 1966.

The Golden Pioneer celebrations occur during the spring commencement weekend and include recognition and social celebration, that includes a reception at the President’s House.

Donning a golden cap and gown, each participant is presenting a commemorative medallion and be recognized by for their dedication and loyalty to the College for the past 50 years. The class members participate in the Commencement processional and will be recognized during the ceremony from the podium.

Below is the agenda for the Golden Pioneers for May 2016 Commencement:

 

Friday, May 6

3 – 5 p.m. – Tours of Tusculum

5 to 6 p.m. – Reception with Dr. Nancy B. Moody and Mr. Tom F. Moody at the President’s house with Medallion Ceremony

6:30 p.m. – Dinner at The Brumley’s Restaurant in the General Morgan Inn (Dutch Treat)

 

Saturday, May 7

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast in the Pioneer Perk, Niswonger Commons

10 a.m. – Commencement Ceremony, Pioneer Arena, Niswonger Commons

Following Commencement – Golden Pioneer Luncheon in the Pioneer Perk

Members of the Class of 1966 can register for these events by visiting this page.

 

Tusculum event coming to D.C. area soon


If you will be in the Washington, D. C. area next week, make plans to attend the upcoming alumni event on Tuesday, May 3. Alumni are invited to visit with Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody and learn about all the exciting developments at the College, including the construction progress for the new center for science and math (above).

Alumni will gather at 7 p.m at The Atrium inside the Crystal Gateway Marriott (1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 2202).  Meals will be Dutch treat. Please RSVP to the Office of Alumni Relations at 423.636.7303, 800.729.0256 ext. 5303 or bsell@tusculum.edu.

Tusculum alum referees in NCAA women’s basketball championship


Beverly Roberts

When the University of Connecticut defeated Syracuse University, on Tuesday, April 5, during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game, a Tusculum College alumna was right in the middle of the action.

Beverly Roberts ’90 was selected to serve as one of the game officials at this year’s Women’s Final Four, held in Indianapolis. Roberts was one of the three referees working the national title game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, shown on ESPN.

Serving as referee in big games is not new for the Kingsport native. She officiated the 2008 NCAA Final Four in Tampa, FL, and has worked in 10 consecutive NCAA tournaments. This was her first national championship game. Roberts officiates women’s games in the Big Ten, Big 12, Missouri Valley Conference, Southeastern Conference and Conference USA.

Officiating runs in the family. Beverly’s father, Garry Roberts, is a basketball official in the South Atlantic Conference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

’50s

Rev. Don Wright ’53 has just finished serving as temporary pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn, MI. He has filled in for more than a year as the church searched for a new pastor. Don is Pastor Emeritus of this church and this was his third time to minister to the congregation. With his 57 years of service, the Presbytery continues to use his service to assist churches in need. Don met his wife Dorothy (Jaynes) ’54 at Tusculum and they married on his graduation day. The Wrights live near their daughter Debbie. Their oldest son, Alan, owns a software company in California; their middle son Doug is compliance officer for an investment company, and their youngest son Dean is vice president of MGM.

 

’90s

Brian Click ’99 of Greeneville, TN, has realized a longtime dream with the opening of Cornerstone Wealth Management Group with partner Chris O’Dell. The new business will offer such services as comprehensive financial management, from 401(k)s, IRAs and retirement preparation to college planning and investments, as well as some insurance services. Click has been a certified financial planner for 17 years. As part of the new business, the partners took a vacant building that had been the location of a popular locally owned store, renovating it and returning it to useful life in the community.

 

’00s

Jeremy Parrott ’00 has been named the new head coach of the Bearden Bulldogs boy’s basketball program in Knoxville, TN. Jeremy had taught  history and driver’s education courses at Cherokee High School in Rogersville, TN, as well as served 15 years as the head boy’s basketball coach there. He is the longest tenured head basketball coach and his teams have recorded the most consecutive winning seasons in school history. Jeremy has served as the chairman of the Basketball Coaches for the Intermountain Athletic Conference since 2006. He was voted Coach of the Year in District II AAA in 2006-07 and was chosen Lakeway Area Coach of the Year in 2011-12. That year, his team made it to the state tournament, the only team to ever do so at Cherokee.

 

 

 

 

’40s

Elizabeth Taylor Duggins ’41 of Greeneville, TN, passed away April 17, 2016. Mrs. Duggins was a lifelong resident of Greeneville and Tusculum and a retired educator who served both the Greeneville and Greene County school systems. Mrs. Duggins began her career working in a two-room school in the Sinking Springs community. She was known as a champion of troubled students and a favorite English teacher and counselor to generations. Always ready to listen with equal measures of caring and humor, Mrs. Duggins was sought out both by students and parents as well as other adults who showed up at her back door under the cover of darkness looking for a sympathetic ear and wise council. She could not get enough of the beauty of Greene County and the Unaka Mountains, and after she gave up driving was always ready for a ride in the countryside or nearby mountains. Her survivors include sister and Tusculum alumna Marjorie Bright ’59.

 

’60s

Delia Swain Acuff ’60 of Greeneville, TN, passed away March 31, 2016. Mrs. Acuff was retired teacher and principal of Greeneville Middle School. She was a member of Tusculum Baptist Church. Mrs. Acuff was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the Greene County Democrat Party. She had a desire to travel, having visited all 50 states. She also traveled around the world. In the 1970s, she went India and Poland, trips that were sponsored by the State of Tennessee.Mrs. Acuff devoted her time to the Alliance for Mental Health and was affiliated with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) and TAMI (Tennessee Alliance on Mental Health). She was instrumental in establishing the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greene County. In addition to traveling, she also enjoyed her flower gardens, sewing, politics and cats.

 

Tony M. Seay Jr. ’66 of Mosheim, TN, passed away on April 24, 2016. Mr. Seay was a career educator, having taught at Mosheim Elementary School.

’80s

The Rev. Dr. Roy E. Blakeburn ’84 of Greeneville, TN, passed away April 14, 2016. Dr. Blakeburn served 54 years as an ordained Cumberland Presbyterian minister, with 35 of those years in Greeneville. He also served churches in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. Dr. Blakeburn served the church in other capacities including associate secretary of the Board of Home Missions, General Assembly commissioner, moderator of the General Assembly, stated clerk of the General Assembly and co-chair of the Committee to Revise the Confession of Faith of 1984. Dr. Blakeburn was the author of two study books: “The Presence, the People, and the Journey,” and “The Holy Spirit Comes Through the Word,” as well as several articles for “The Cumberland Presbyterian” magazine and the “Missionary Messenger.” He published two books of his selected sermons: “God, Gabriel and the Cannonball” and “Faithful Living Outside the Box.”

 

’90s

Sherri Lee Taylor ’99 of Greeneville, TN, passed away April 4, 2016. Ms. Taylor worked for the U.S. Postal Service. She was a member of First Christian Church and a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 1653.

 

Faculty

William Thomas “Bill” Brimer of Chuckey, TN, who was a professor of mathematics at Tusculum, passed away of pancreatic cancer on April 8, 2016, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Mr. Brimer formerly taught and coached wrestling, football and track at Greeneville High School, Tennessee High School and Morristown West High School. He also served as the minister of music at Tusculum Baptist Church, where he was a member.  His final days included visits from hundreds of friends, family, wrestlers, former students, and colleagues thanking him for the impact of his humble, yet powerful influence upon their lives. In keeping with his life’s work, among his last words were; “Keep making a difference in people’s lives.”

Friends

Loyce “Sue” C. Raber of Colonial Heights, TN, passed away on April 5, 2016, after an an extended illness. Mrs. Raber was the wife of Dr. Donald R. Raber H’13, who serves on the Tusculum College Board of Trustees. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mrs. Raber had lived in Kingsport since 1981. She was a loving homemaker and long term officer of Aldebaran Financial. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Loyce and August Ritzler Scholarship Fund, Tusculum College, 60 Shiloh Road, Greeneville, Tennessee 37743, which the Rabers established and named in honor of Mrs. Raber’s parents.