Career fair scheduled Nov. 14 at Knoxville Regional Center

Tusculum College will host a Fall 2013 Career Fair at its Knoxville Regional Center on Nov. 14, providing valuable networking opportunities with local employers.

The Career Fair will take place from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. at the Tusculum College Knoxville Regional Center, located at 1305 Centerpoint Boulevard near the intersection of Lovell Road and Pellissippi Parkway.

Employers from the region will share information during the event about their firms, job positions available and skill sets they require in employees. Employers will also have information about opportunities for internships and co-ops and seasonal, part-time and full-time positions.

Employers continue to be added to the Career Fair. There is no registration fee for employers to participate in the event. Employers are encouraged to register to participate as soon as possible because a limited number of tables are available. For more information about employer participation, please visit www.collegecentral.com/tusculum.

The Career Fair is open to all Tusculum students and alumni. Those attending the event are encouraged to dress professionally as they would for a job interview and to bring several copies of their resumes and business cards to distribute to employers.

Although not required, students and alumni wishing to attend the Career Fair are encouraged to contact Stephanie Langley at the Knoxville Regional Center at slangley@tusculum.edu or by calling 865-691-6391.  Information about how to make the best of the event as a job seeker can be found at www.collegecentral.com/CCNEngine/LiveEvents/Tips.cfm?EventID=625 .

Fall Festival fundraiser to be held at Tusculum College on Oct. 25

The Tusculum College Bonner Leader Program is hosting the first annual Fall Festival on Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 10 p.m.

All the proceeds from the event will to go Baileyton Elementary School to help renovate their playground.

According to Ashley Shipley, Center for Civic Advancement and Bonner Leader coordinator at the college, “We are currently getting community vendors and Tusculum sport teams, clubs and organizations to help make this event successful.”

Additionally, donations are still being sought for cakes for a cake walk. If you are interested in donating cakes for the Fall Festival, please contact Shipley at 423-636-7300, extension 5252 or email anshipley@tuscululm.edu. Donations would be greatly appreciated.

In the Bonner Leaders Program, students work through a community-based organization or agency to provide a minimum of 100 service hours per semester. These students have chosen to be in this program because of their interest in service, and by fulfilling all the requirements they are eligible for a tuition award.

As a group, the Bonner Leaders at Tusculum College are leading the way for a more integral and civically engaged student-body. Through diverse service activity offerings and both small and large scale projects, Bonners has established its position within Tusculum as well as Greene County.

Tusculum President Dr. Nancy Moody Receives Texas Women’s University’s Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award

Dr. Nancy B. Moody

Dr. Nancy Moody, president of Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn., is the fall 2013 recipient of the Texas Woman’s University Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award.  She is being honored for her distinguished career in higher education.

“I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to attend Texas Woman’s University on the Houston campus for a summers only program.  I had the privilege of learning from renowned faculty, but the education that I was provided while living in the Medical Center went far beyond the classroom and clinical experiences.  This was where I learned how to deal better with challenging situations, how to be self-reliant and how to become a better decision maker,” Dr. Moody said.

“The experiences that I had during those three summers provided me with a foundation for success that has guided me throughout my career as a faculty member, department chair, dean and, even now, as President of Tusculum College.”

Dr. Moody has served as president of Tusculum College since 2009.  During her tenure, she has led the college’s successful reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and secured a $45 million Community Facilities direct loan for the construction of two new apartment style residence halls, a science and math facility and to refurbish an existing academic building.  She also secured a $3.875 million gift for the naming of the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math that will be complete in 2015.  In addition, Dr. Moody has overseen the efforts to bring several new undergraduate and graduate programs to the college, including nursing, chemistry, criminal justice, psychology and a master of business administration degree.  The college’s board of trustees recently recognized Dr. Moody’s contributions to Tusculum by presenting her with the inaugural Founder’s Award in February 2013.

Prior to joining Tusculum College, Dr. Moody was president of Lincoln Memorial University for seven years.  Under her leadership, LMU’s enrollment increased by 90 percent.  The university also initiated the Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and expanded the Caylor School of Nursing to include a master of science in nursing degree program with family nurse practitioner and nurse anesthesia concentrations.  Other programs initiated under her leadership included a master’s degree program preparing physician’s assistants and a doctorate of education degree.

A registered nurse, Dr. Moody began her academic career as a nursing instructor for Lincoln Memorial University in 1974 and advanced to hold several academic leadership positions there – including dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health –  prior to being named LMU president.  Her career also includes serving as the executive director of the Tennessee Center for Nursing, as an assistant professor of nursing in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and as associate professor and department chair in the College of Nursing at East Tennessee State University.

She is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, chair of the NCAA DII South Atlantic Conference, and an advisory board member for the Northeast Tennessee College and Career Readiness Consortium funded through an Investing in Innovation (i3) grant funded by the U. S. Department of Education.  Previously Dr. Moody served on the NCAA DII President’s Council, was chair of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA), and a member of the Board of the Appalachian Colleges Association (ACA).

Dr. Moody received her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University and earned a master of science in nursing from the TWU Institute of Health Sciences-Houston Center in 1978.  She also received a doctorate in nursing from the University of Alabama School of Nursing at Birmingham.

In 2011, TWU Chancellor Ann Stuart donated $120,000 to fund a 20-year program to bring the two recipients of the Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award to campus each year to share their experience and expertise with the TWU community.

Tusculum to host simulated disaster scenario on Greeneville campus Monday, Oct. 14

Numerous emergency response providers will be involved in a simulated disaster scenario Monday, Oct. 14, to be staged on the Tusculum College campus in Greeneville.

A mock emergency will be staged during the scenario, designed to help both the Tusculum College community and surrounding emergency response personnel improve their preparedness for a real emergency situation. All involved agencies will be reacting to the event as if it is real, which will provide valuable training for both the emergency personnel and Tusculum staff members involved.

The event, which may last several hours, is the result of a cooperative effort between the college and local emergency response agencies. Participating in the scenario on Monday will be Tusculum College Campus Safety, the Greeneville Fire Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the Tusculum Police Department, Greeneville-Greene County Emergency Medical Service, the Tusculum Fire Department, Greene County Emergency Management Agency, Wings, Laughlin Memorial Hospital and the Walters State Community College Police Academy.        The effort to stage the simulated disaster scenario is being coordinated by the college’s Office of Student Affairs and School of Nursing, the Emergency Management Agency and the Greeneville Fire Department.

Make plans today to attend Family Weekend

Come and experience  A Walk in Their Shoes during Family Weekend, October 25-26.

You can feel the excitement in the air as preparations are underway for our upcoming Family Weekend! We encourage you to join the excitement and be a special part of this weekend and share in the good time for families and their students as these parents did in year’s past.

Parents, we are so honored that you’ve entrusted your young men and women to us!  We look very forward to you taking A Walk In Their Shoes, getting a hands on experience of the what, when, where and how’s of your student’s campus life.

We’ve planned a variety of experiences to immerse you into the culture of Tusculum College and deepen your connection.

 

Weekend highlights include:

Wednesday, October 23rd

For local parents or families that arrive early, come out and cheer the Women’s Soccer Team and Men’s Soccer Team in doubleheader action against Lincoln Memorial University. The women’s match begins at 5:30 p.m. and the men follow at 7:30 p.m.

In Historical Jonesborough the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee is hosting an Art Show.  Partnering with the Town of Jonesborough and Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts, The Women’s Fund of East Tennessee will host an art show featuring women artists with a theme of women in art. This event is being held in conjunction with the Annual Fine Art in the Park. More info: 423.791.3869  *Please note that this event will run daily from 10/18 – 11/2.

 

Thursday, October 24th

If you’ve arrived by early afternoon, come out to the second Music Off Main downtown concert presented by Main Street:  Greeneville.  The event will be held in the parking lot of Towne Square Shopping Center, 233 W. Summer Street and begins at 6:30 p.m.  It will feature The Polka Kings of Knoxville at 7 p.m.  Free polka instruction begins at 6:30 p.m.  The concert is free and is a family-friendly event.  For more information, call 423-639-7102.

Friday, October 25th

If you’re coming in on Thursday evening and wish to spend Friday with your student(s), we have many activities of which you can choose:

8 a.m. -4 p.m.        Registration in Niswonger Living Room

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.      Class with your student –  If you want to get a true feel for taking A Walk in Their Shoes, we would like to invite you to attend class with your student either in the morning or in the afternoon depending on your student’s schedule.  Pre-registration and pre-approval  is required.  Please find out the name of the class and professor from your student and indicate it on the registration form.

11:30 a.m. -1 p.m.      Lunch in the Caf with your student(s).  Again, we want you to experience it all!

12:30 -3:30 p.m.     Class with your student -If you want to get a true feel for taking A Walk in Their Shoes, we would like to invite you to attend class with your student either in the morning or in the afternoon depending on your student’s schedule.  Pre-registration and pre-approval  is required.  Please find out the name of the class and professor from your student and indicate it on the registration form.

3:30 p.m.      An Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social located in Niswonger Commons in the Chalmers Room. *Registration is greatly appreciated for this event.

4 p.m. Conversations with Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College, and Cabinet.

5 -10 p.m.      Fall Festival with activities for all ages  (sponsored by the Bonner Leader student service organization)

6 p.m.           Pickin’ At the Doaks, a traditional music jam session, which earned the Tennessee Association of Museums’ Award of Commendation. Swing by a local restaurant (see list below) for some take out, grab a blanket for a picnic and spend some special time with your son(s) and/or daughter(s) at the Doak House Museum. Session begins at 6 p.m. and reservations are not required.

6 – 9 p.m.      Come take a Sneak Peek and watch as the production crew from A Christmas Carol as they build the set for the upcoming production.

6:15 p.m.    Sports Hall of Fame Banquet – Students and family members are also invited to attend the Tusculum College Sports Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday evening at the General Morgan Inn.  The banquet will begin at 6:15 p.m. with a reception with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. Three alumni are to be inducted into the College’s Sports Hall of Fame during the banquet. They include Carlos Garcia ’08 (men’s tennnis), Jennie Murphy ’04 (women’s soccer) and Sue Lewis Pieczonka ’05 (cross country).

7:30 p.m.           The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre will be putting on Rapunzel/Rumpelstiltskin.  These two classics will be combined for a full-length performance with songs, comedy and lots of action the whole family will enjoy. Tickets will be available September 25 and can be purchased at the Jonesborough Visitors Center or by calling 423.753.1010 or online at jonesboroughtheatre.com

Take some time to explore Greeneville and the surrounding community. Some of the local community attractions include the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site (121 Monument Ave., hours – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily), A Walk With the President Tour of downtown Greeneville (departs from the lobby of General Morgan Inn at 9:30 a.m.), City Garage Car Museum (210 South Main St. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park (1245 Davy Crockett Park Rd., Limestone, Visitor Center and museum open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.),  Dickson-Williams Mansion (108 N. Irish St., daily tours at 1 p.m.) and the Nathanael Greene Museum (101 W. McKee St., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

Saturday, October 26th

Kicking off the day, we will have registration between 8 and 10 a.m.  in the Living Room located in Niswonger Commons. After Registration, there are many opportunities to get A Walk In Their Shoes throughout the day.

9 – 10 a.m. – Plan to attend our Panel Discussion featuring Career Conversations with Robin Lay, Director of Career Development & Services and David McMahan, Dean of Student Service.  Robin will share Tusculum’s initiatives in career education, mentoring, leadership, professional development and employer engagement as well as the strategy behind the unique career and personal development activities of which we offer our students and David will spend some time discussing campus life and all that Tusculum offers its students.

10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.      Come take a Sneak Peek and watch as the production crew from A Christmas Carol as they build the set for the upcoming production.

10 – 11 a.m.    Meet us in front of Niswonger Commons for A Walk In Their Shoes Campus and Dorm Tour.

10 a.m. – 11 p.m.   Take a tour of the new Wetland on campus.

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.         Wait!!!! Did I hear someone say CORN HOLE????? Yes, you did! Make your way to the Lawn (located in between Niswonger Commons and McCormick Hall) for some friendly –and quite possibly fierce competition for the Annual Corn Hole Tournament!

12 p.m.      Lacrosse Scrimmage at the Lacrosse Practice Field

12 – 1:30 p.m.       After experiencing the Corn Hole victories (or defeat!) join in another great TC tradition: Tailgating! Parents, we would like to extend a special invitation to Tailgate with the Pioneer Club prior to the game.  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.  Tickets for the game may be purchased at a 50% discount for Parents. (Please note that this discount is only available through pre-registration. No discounted tickets will available at the gate.) *If your student is a qualified player, please check with them first as they have four tickets each game with which they can distribute to family/friends.

1:30 p.m.                    Go Pioneers! Cheer on the Pioneers as they face rival Wingate University at Pioneer Field.

After the game, allow your student to take you on A Walk In Their Shoes through the campus and the local community.  Dinner will be on your own with your student(s) and we’ve included a listing of the local restaurants below. Also you’ll find a listing of the local festivities in our area in which you may wish to attend:

Greeneville

7th Annual Halloween Bash at the Market.  Located at the Livestock Pavilion at Greene County Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. -.  For more information, email greenevillefarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit the website at http://www.greenevillefarmersmarket.com/events–seminars.html.

 

Bristol

The Barter Theatre offers the following shows on Friday and Saturday evening.

A Visit from Scarface – An almost true story from Barter’s favorite comic authors! From the comedic duo who brought us Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell; Dracula Bites, and Elvis Has Left the Building! It’s 1930, and successful screenwriter Ben Hecht is in a pickle. He’s just written a script for the movie Scarface, inspired by real-life gangster Al Capone. It’s guaranteed to be a hit, if Capone’s hit-men don’t get him first! The jokes fly fast and thick in this hilarious new comedy as Hecht tries to duck gangsters on one hand and the Hollywood censors on the other.  For more information, please click on the link to the Barter Theatre’s website: http://www.bartertheatre.com/calendar/

 

Dial ‘M’ for Murder – A thrilling game of cat and mouse! Washed up tennis pro Tony Wendice thinks he has hatched the perfect plan to get rid of his wealthy wife Margot. But when the murder is botched, the story takes an unexpected turn, and the audience is left breathless as Tony tries to out maneuver the police and Margot’s suspicious lover. A classic thriller that has been a hit on stage and in film.

 

Sunday, October 27th

Attend the church of your choice with your student. First Presbyterian Church of Greeneville (110 N. Main St.) is the mother church of the College. Its early service is at 8:30 a.m. with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and the traditional service at 10:45 a.m. Learn more at www.firstpresgreeneville.org.

On Sunday afternoon, cheer on the Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams as they take on Coker University at Pioneer Field. The Women’s Soccer team will be celebrating Senior Day prior to their match at 1 p.m., and the Men’s Soccer match will be at 3:30 p.m.

For a real Sneak Peek of the performance A Christmas Carol, the cast will be rehearsing and you’re invited to attend.  Come to the Annie Hogan Byrd building at 2:30pm for this special treat!

If you’re traveling North, you may wish to stop in Bristol as the Barter Theatre is performing Kiss Me, Kate, the classic Cole Porter musical!  Fred and Lilli are a divorced couple who can’t live with each other and can’t live without each other in this hilarious musical romp. Fred is directing and producing a new musical version of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew– if he can convince his leading lady (and ex-wife) Lilli to cooperate. Relive the classic 1948 musical, with its stunning choreography and perfect Cole Porter tunes, in a production only Barter can bring you. Full of laughter, wit and romance, Kiss Me Kate is a musical delight that will have you humming long after you leave the theatre.  For more information, http://www.bartertheatre.com/calendar/?dates_showDate=2013-10

Take some time to explore Greeneville and the surrounding community. Some of the local community attractions include the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site (121 Monument Ave., hours – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily), A Walk With the President Tour of downtown Greeneville (departs from the lobby of General Morgan Inn at 9:30 a.m.), City Garage Car Museum (210 South Main St. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park (1245 Davy Crockett Park Rd., Limestone, Visitor Center and museum open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.),  Dickson-Williams Mansion (108 N. Irish St., daily tours at 1 p.m.) and the Nathanael Greene Museum (101 W. McKee St., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

We so hope you’ll join us to take A Walk In Their Shoes and truly experience for yourselves the campus life at Tusculum College.  If you haven’t done so, we encourage you to register soon as the first five families to register will receive a special prize!

Below, please find a sampling of  local restaurants and information about local hotels:

Restaurants

Applebee’s
636-1483
11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
2771 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

Brumley’s
(Contemporary)
787-1000
11 a.m. – 2 p.m., evenings
North Main Street (inside General Morgan Inn)
Sunday Buffet

Cancun Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
787-9300
11 a.m. – 10 p.m. M-F,
11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
915 E Andrew Johnson Hwy

China Buffet
636-8838
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
590 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

Diamond House
(Chinese)
639-6440
11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p. m.
650 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

Fatz Cafe
787-9090
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
3140 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
636-9800
11 a.m. – 11 p.m
3465 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

Monterrey Restaurant
(Mexican)
639-3363
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
1351 Tusculum Boulevard
and
638-3695
3545 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

Ricardo’s Italian Village
11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
1240 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.
638-1000

Ryan’s
(Buffet)
10:45 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. M-Thurs.,
10:45 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Friday,
8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday,
8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Sunday
2645 E Andrew Johnson Hwy
638-9727

Stan’s Barbecue
(Barbecue, ribs, smoked turkey)
787-0017 (closed Sundays)
10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
2620 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

The Salsas Restaurant
625 Asheville Hwy.,
787-0800
Thai Jasmine Restaurant
609 Asheville Hwy.,
639-5281

Hotels:

Comfort Inn

1790 East Andrew Johnson Hwy. (33745)

(423) 639-4185

 

Days Inn

935 East Andrew Johnson Hwy. (37745)

(423) 639-2156

 

General Morgan Inn

111 North Main St. (33743)

(423) 787-1000

 

Hampton Inn

3130 East Andrew Johnson Hwy. (37745)

(423) 638-3735

 

Quality Inn

3160 East Andrew Johnson Hwy. (37745)

(423) 638-7511

 

 

 

 

Herbs Workshop to be held at Doak House Museum on October 19

An Herbs Workshop will be offered at the Doak House Museum on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sandee Cook from the Big Spring Master Gardener’s Association will lead a class on how to harvest, preserve and use herbs in the fall and winter months. Cook is a community herbalist and has a wealth of information to share about the many uses for nature’s bounty.

The fee for the class is $25, which includes lunch, an informational packet and a plant of your choice to take home.

In this workshop the participant will discover medicinal uses, how to store herbs for the coming winter, what herbs thrive in cold weather and much more. Attendees will also make a salve, lip balm and ointment to take home.

“We are thrilled to have Sandee back for another workshop,” says Site Manager Leah Walker. “Her first workshop was sold out, and we are anticipating this one will be as well.”

Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Walker at the Doak House Museum. Call 423-636-8554 or email lwalker@tusculum.edu.

Tusculum’s Bryan is featured artist at “Journeys of Women” exhibition in Jonesborough, Oct. 19 – Nov. 2

Artwork by Dr. Deborah Bryan, associate professor for art and design at Tusculum College, will be included in “Journeys of Women” at the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Oct. 19 through Nov. 2.

The exhibition is sponsored by the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee and the Jonesborough Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts. Bryan is one of 25 area artists invited to participate in the exhibition. The McKinney Center is located in the restored Booker T. Washington School on Franklin Avenue off East Main Street in downtown Jonesborough.

Rome Window with Lane and Vines

“When I was asked to participate, I was just beginning a series of large graphite drawings,” said Bryan. “By the time the work was due for the exhibition, I had seven drawings completed.”

Bryan said that the drawings are intended to be one part of several triads—a black and white photograph, a graphite drawing based on the photograph and her memories of the scene, and then a black and white etching based on the drawing.

“The subject matter is windows, and is based on a series of window photographs I have taken from 1976 to the present. But with the triads, I’m interested in having the viewer decide which medium they like and why. Each medium is black and white, and even though each triad shares the same subject, the photograph, drawing and etching are distinct.”

This past summer, Professor Bryan also exhibited artist’s books at the Foundry Art Center in St. Charles, Mo., had a photograph from her “Natural Structures” series accepted at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art in Augusta, Ga., for their “Sense of Place” exhibition and exhibited at the National Print Biennial in Boston, Mass.

Blood Drive dates set for Tusculum and Carson-Newman competition

The Annual Blood Bowl between Tusculum College and Carson-Newman University is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 16, on the Greeneville Campus. Tusculum will be going for its 6th consecutive title. Below is the information for the week. Please encourage everyone to donate and help us once again beat Carson-Newman!!!

 

Blood Donation Dates, Times and Locations:

 

Monday Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Knoxville

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Greeneville

Thursday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Morristown

 

For the Greene County location Pal’s is sponsoring the event (Donors will get a coupon for a free tea or frenchie fry), free Texas Roadhouse Appetizer and a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.

 

2003    Tusculum

2004    Carson-Newman

2005    Tusculum

2006    Carson-Newman

2007    Carson-Newman

2008    Tusculum

2009    Tusculum

2010    Tusculum

2011    Tusculum

2012    Tusculum

2013    ????????

“Echoes of Emancipation:” conference set for this weekend at Tusculum College

By Trenikia Shelton

Student Intern

On the 150th anniversary of emancipation, the African American Heritage Alliance of East Tennessee will present “Echoes of Emancipation: One Region, Many Voices,” a conference and recognition focusing on the 50 years of history, art, music and culture in post-slavery East Tennessee.

The conference will be hosted at Tusculum College, a partner in the event on Oct. 4-5. Other partners include the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and the George Clem Multicultural Alliance.

The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with, “150 years of the Arts in Black Communities: Traditions and New Directions.” This will include lectures on music in the black community and on art, identity and community. Lectures will be held in Chalmers Conference Center, located in the Niswonger Commons

The Greeneville Black History Bus Tour will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with lunch at the end of the tour. Reservations are required, as space is limited. Entertainment will be provided by the Obayana Ajanaku African Drummers.

At 2 p.m., there will be a welcoming and opening keynote address from Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody and Assistant Attorney General Cecil Mills.

Afternoon lectures include “Writing the Nelly VanVactor Story: A Free Woman in Color in 19th Century Greeneville”  and “Thoughts on Saving the History of Black Schools in East Tennessee.” Also on the afternoon agenda are a poetry reading and a lecture on preserving the history of George Clem School in Greeneville.

“An evening with Paul Robeson,” a one-man show recreating the life of world-famous scholar, athlete, actor, singer and civil rights activist Paul Robeson will be held on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Behan Arena Theatre.  A reception will follow with entertainment from members of the Tusculum College band program.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, at 9 a.m., will be an opening performance from Eston Williams and Kelle Jolly. Lectures begin at 9:30 a.m. and include “Black Cemeteries, Preserving Stories, Building Community” and “Telling Tales, What’s Your Family’s Story.” The keynote address will be given by Harry Bradshaw Matthews, founder and president of the U.S. Colored Troops Institute at Hartwick College.

At 2 p.m. a roundtable discussion will be held on the topic of “Emancipation Celebrations and African-American Resilience in East Tennessee.”

The program concludes with “Praying with Our Feet: August 8, Crossing Boundaries, and the Ongoing March to Freedom,” presented by Dr. George White, associate professor of history and philosophy at York College, City University of New York.

For more information on the event, contact Dr. Beth Vanlandingham at 865-471-3323.

New initiative to promote professionalism across campus

A new program at Tusculum College seeks to promote professionalism across campus. Dr. Joel Van Amberg, associate professor of history and director of the Commons program, will be leading an effort with support from the Niswonger Foundation. The program is designed to cover both academic and co-curricular functions to increase student involvement in the program.

“Our students want to be leaders but they often find themselves in an entry level position with no available leadership opportunities,” said Dr. Van Amberg. “Not everyone can begin as a leader, but everyone can exhibit professionalism.”

Dr. Van Amberg explained the partnership is tailored to fit three major elements on the Tusculum campus. It recognizes Tusculum is a value-based institution, establishes what behaviors are associated with professionalism and incorporates the presentation of professionalism Tusculum students are already being taught.

“We want to find ways to make professionalism overlap with our other values and traditions,” he said.

The first year of the partnership is designated specifically for planning with intent to implement a pilot program this spring and fully integrating the professionalism plan in the 2014-15 fall semester. Dr. Van Amberg explained the partnership is currently overseen by two committees, a curricular and a co-curricular committee to best assess student engagement with the program and to establish the principles of the partnership in the students’ lives outside of the class room.

“The Niswonger Foundation is proud to establish this innovative partnership with Tusculum College,” said Dr. Nancy Dishner, executive vice president of the Niswonger Foundation. “Focusing on professionalism through the entire undergraduate experience will provide their graduates with important credentials for success in today’s challenging job market. Not only will graduates be academically qualified, this program will provide the confidence and maturity that is certain to produce a more successful professional career.”

Homecoming 2013 brings more than 200 alumni back to campus

More than 200 alumni and friends of Tusculum College enjoyed four days of reminiscing about times past and making new memories during Homecoming 2013 this past weekend, Sept. 26-29.

Highlights of the weekend included the groundbreaking for the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math (please see related article on the website), the golf tournament, the annual Alumni Association meeting, the Homecoming parade and the Saturday evening dinner featuring music by Shiloh, a band that formed on the Tusculum campus in the 1970s.

The Alumni Association meeting featured the presentation of awards for which alumni make nominations.

Mitch Robinson, left, was honored with the Pioneer Award during the Alumni Association meeting. Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody, left, presented the award.

Mitch Robinson ’04, who is president of Coffman Oil in Morristown, TN, was presented the Pioneer Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association. “This year’s recipient has served the College faithfully, and has been called a one-man word-of-mouth promotion in the Morristown area,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, Tusculum’s president, in presenting the award. Robinson is a vocal supporter of the Graduate and Professional Studies program and its benefits to adult learners. He is a member of the President’s Advisory Council and has visited the residential campus to speak with student business leaders and to high school students at the former Junior Conference held on campus.

Wayne Thomas, center, was presented the National Alumni Living Faculty Award by former students, Abby Wolfenbarger Hill '12, left, and Kenneth Hill.

Wayne Thomas, associate professor of English, was recognized with the National Alumni Living Faculty Award. Kenneth Hill ’12 and Abby Wolfenbarger Hill ’12, alumni of the Creative Writing program at Tusculum, presented award, saying they were pleased to be able to honor Thomas not only for the knowledge and skills he is able to teach his students, but also for his belief in their abilities and his support of them in their education.

Dr. Ken Bowman '70, chair of the Board of Trustees, presented fellow Board member Dr. Dan Donaldson with the National Alumni Recognition Award.

Dr. Dan Donaldson, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Greeneville, was presented with the National Alumni Recognition Award. Dr. Ken Bowman ’70, chair of the Board of Trustees, said he was honored to be able to recognize Donaldson, a fellow member of the Board. “He has committed himself to the work of the College, giving of his time, expertise and resources wherever he is needed,” Dr. Bowman said, noting his efforts to improve and strengthen the relationship between Tusculum and First Presbyterian, the mother church of the College.

Dr. Craig Shepherd was presented the Sports Benefactor Award by Joe Vogt ’53, a Life Trustee of the college and also a

Dr. Craig Shepherd, right, was presented the Sports Benefactor Award by Joe Vogt '53.

past recipient of the award. Dr. Shepherd is “unfailing in his support of the Tusculum College Athletics Department” Vogt said, and “exemplified the Civic Arts at the core of Tusculum’s mission through his service in the community.” A member of the Pioneer Club for many years, he served three terms as chair of the group and served in leadership of professional and community civic organizations.

A special announcement of the new Joseph L. Stallard ’56 Endowed Scholarship Fund was also made during the meeting by Dr. Moody. Calling it a “momentous announcement,” Dr. Moody noted the importance of scholarships in enabling first-generation college students, who make up about half of the residential college’s enrollment, to continue their education. The scholarship has been established by Pat Hash Stallard to honor her husband his life-long interest in his Alma Mater. Stallard is a charter member of the College’s Sports Hall of Fame for his participation in basketball.  He has received both the Sports Benefactor Award and the Pioneer Award from the Alumni Association. He has served as the president of the Alumni Association. The Stallard Scholarship will be awarded to members of the College’s men’s or women’s basketball team.  If no basketball player is deemed eligible, another college athlete may be selected.

The annual golf tournament was held under a cloudless, sunny sky Friday afternoon at Link Hills Country Club. The winning team in the Net division was Roger Abramson ’64, Cody Greene ’08, Glenn Vicary ’10 and Richard Winant ’69. The Gross division winners were Derek Cantrell ’13, Ben Raby, Brice Stefanick and Barry Wilson.

Friday afternoon also featured a workshop by Kim Lapsley Muir ’68 who shared her expertise in the acting business and gave tips to those who want to get started in a professional acting career.

The Homecoming parade preceded the football tailgate party Saturday afternoon and featured the Tusculum College Marching Band, the Homecoming Court, the alumni award winners, the Tusculum Cheerleading Squad, the East Tennessee Twirling Academy and members of the Metro Knoxville Buffalo Soldiers. Members of the Class of 1963 served as grand marshals of the parade.

Steven Hollingshead, left, and Ashley Sarmiento were crowed Homecoming King and Queen during halftime festivities at the football game.

During halftime of the football game, Steven Hollingshead and Ashley Sarmiento were crowned as Homecoming King and Queen. Hollingshead, a senior from Memphis, TN, is  majoring in political science and business administration. An active student on campus, he has served as president of the Student Government Association and the Black Student Union and been a director in the Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. He has also been involved in the Help Me Help You small business program and in several other community organizations.

Sarmiento is a senior from Centerville, Ohio, with a double major in mathematics and mathematics education. She has excelled in the classroom and as a member of the Pioneer volleyball team. Active on campus, she serves as a peer tutor, president of Pioneer Student Athletic Advisory Council and an organizer of the Tusculum College Make-A-Wish Annual 5K race.  Sarmiento is an Academic All-American honoree and has received the Student of the Block award. Also during half-time, she was presented the 2013 South Atlantic Conference President’s Award, the highest honor the conference presents a student-athlete.

Saturday’s activities were capped with a dinner at the Event Center featuring a performance by the original Shiloh members  – Herb Rupert ’74, Wayne Hensley ’70, Bobby B.B. Brown and Ken “Shadow” Winterbauer  ’73 for an all-alumni show. Shadow’s wife Gail joined the group for back-up vocals and flute solos.

Homecoming concluded with a pancake breakfast on Sunday followed by a Chapel and Memorial Service, which included a special time of remembrance of the alumni who have passed away since Homecoming 2012.

To see more photos of Homecoming, please visit Tusculum’s Facebook page.

 

Groundbreaking held for Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math

Ground was broken on the Tusculum College Greeneville campus at the site for the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math on Friday, Sept. 27. More than 200 people turned out for the occasion.

“This is a day that marks hard work, determination and persistence,” said Kenneth A. Bowman, chair of the Board of Trustees and 1970 graduate of Tusculum College. “Thanks to so many, this building will be another structural representation of all that is Tusculum College. Inside these walls will be the work of education, of teaching and learning and growing. The impact of the bricks that will stand here are immeasurable when you consider the impact of what will occur here for the next 200 years.”

Held in conjunction with Homecoming 2013, the event celebrated the planned construction of the 88,000 square-foot building to house classrooms, lab space and research facilities for the science and mathematics programs at Tusculum, as well as general classroom space and a large auditorium-style classroom.

Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math

“As we break ground today on the future Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math, I think of everyone who was involved, all the hours of planning, all the support and community partnerships that developed,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College.

Special recognition was given to Verna June Meen, whose $3.875 million gift towards funding the facility in memory of her husband, Dr. Ronald H. Meen, allowed the leadership of the college to move forward with plans for the facility.

“I wanted to do this for Ron, as a way to honor him, to remember him,” she said of her gift to Tusculum College.

Dr. Ronald Meen worked for Eastman Chemical Company for many years and held numerous patents for chemical compounds developed during the course of his work for the company. He was a respected, published author in the field of organic chemistry who enjoyed riding his bike, reading, fishing, building and flying model airplanes and visiting his second home in Canada.

“Mrs. Verna June Meen has always known the value of education. With her gift to Tusculum College, she honored not only the memory of her beloved husband, but also that value that has always been dear to her,” said Dr. Moody. Dr. Moody talked about how education had played a strong role in Mrs. Meen’s life. “Mrs. Verna June Meen was born in Indiana with a strong sense of how education could change a person’s life. At a time when few women attended college, she set her sights on an accounting degree at Indiana University.

“With $80 and a merit scholarship, she set out to finance her education. Mrs. Meen worked her way through school, earning top marks. She worked hard, eventually graduating in two and two-thirds year. She was a pioneer in her own education and now has paved the way for thousands more to achieve that same dream.”

From left, Dr. Alan Corley, Rev. Angus Shaw, Rev. Dan Donaldson, Addie Hancock, Dr. Kenneth Bowman, Verna June Meen, Dr. Nancy Moody, Joe Woody, Scott Niswonger, Dr. Bob Davis.

Representatives of the USDA were also recognized, as a $39 million Community Facilities direct loan from USDA Rural Development put the institution in a financial position to fund the construction. The low-interest loan helped to significantly lower what the college pays in debt service, making the new construction and renovation possible while also improving the college’s overall finances, said Bowman.

“USDA Rural Development is proud of the relationship being formed with Tusculum College,” said Joe Woody, area director for Knoxville/Greeneville, Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture. “From the onset we established with Dr. Moody and the Board of Trustees what our role would be – more than a lender, but a partner. I believe that is coming to fruition with our involvement in activities such as Nettie Day and Penny Wars. Open communication has been the key to success thus far.”

Addie Hancock, a senior pre-med student from Rogersville, spoke on behalf of the student body. She talked about the excitement over the new space and what it will mean for undergraduate research and collaborative projects with professors, adding that the Meen Center will be a unifying campus icon for science and math students.

“The building and all that it represents in terms of educational advancement gives the student body, specifically the math and science students, a sense of pride and accomplishment,” she said.

Dr. Bob Davis, professor emeritus and a former professor of biology who taught for 42 years at the college, talked about how different the new facility would be for teaching and learning.

“This is a landmark day. It really is,” said Dr. Davis. “It would not have happened without the alignment of the planets and the stars. Some of those stars are here sitting on the stage.”

He thanked everyone who had helped to make this project a reality, a dream he did not expect to see in his lifetime.