Archaeology professor from The Hebrew University returns to Tusculum University to deliver lecture about biblical kings
GREENEVILLE – An archaeology professor at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem will return to Tusculum University to deliver another public presentation, this one delving into biblical kings.
Dr. Yosef “Yossi” Garfinkel will deliver his lecture “Searching for the First Biblical Kings of Jerusalem: David, Solomon and Rehoboam” Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Nancy B. Moody Lecture Hall in the Meen Center. His talk comes three years since his last appearance at the university, when he discussed Lachish, one of the most famous Israeli sites with connections to all parts of the ancient near East and the biblical tradition.
“We are honored to host Dr. Garfinkel again and to learn about recent archaeological finds that inform our understanding of Israel during the biblical period,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president and a friend of the archaeologist. “Dr. Garfinkel delivered an insightful lecture during his first appearance, and his upcoming presentation will be just as informative and stimulating. People will come away with a greater appreciation and knowledge of ancient Israel and the Bible.”
Auditions scheduled for “Edgar Allan Poe and Other Haunted Stories in the Woods” and “The Sneeze” at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Explore your interest in performing theater or expand your acting résumé by auditioning for a role in two upcoming productions at Tusculum University.
Theatre-at-Tusculum will hold auditions for the “Edgar Allan Poe and Other Haunted Stories in the Woods” Sunday, Sept. 7, and Monday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in Behan Arena Theatre. Then, Theatre-at-Tusculum will have auditions for Anton Checkov’s “The Sneeze” Sunday, Sept. 14, and Monday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Behan.
“We are excited as we gear up for these two entertaining productions,” said Steve Schultz, director of Tusculum Arts Outreach. “We seek actors who will bring enthusiasm and quality to the shows and continue the tradition of excellent theater at Tusculum. A lot of fun awaits for those who are selected, so we encourage people to demonstrate their talent at the auditions.”
Tusculum University Center for the Arts to hold exhibit by award-winning photographer who focuses on self-inquiry
GREENEVILLE – An award-winning photographer from the region whose images have appeared on covers and in publications such as Art Ascent International Magazine will show her work during an upcoming exhibit at Tusculum University.
Leanne Trivett S. will present the exhibition “The Dual Breath” Monday, Sept. 15-Friday, Oct. 24, in the Clem Allison Gallery, which is located inside Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. Tusculum’s Center for the Arts will hold a reception Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery. Visiting the exhibition and attending the reception are free and open to the community.
Trivett S. describes the show as a visual exploration of the delicate balance of inner and outer worlds and calls it a profound reflection on duality through a feminine lens. She said the project reveals the spectrum of identity with self-portraiture that spans quiet and concealed depths of internal difficulties and secret emotions to vivid and joyful expressions of one’s external self.
“5 X 10 Plays” come to Tusculum stage to entice audiences with delightful performances in shorter format
GREENEVILLE – Fast-paced plays with a variety of themes will enthrall audiences when the lights shine in Behan Arena Theatre for an upcoming production at Tusculum University.
Theatre-at-Tusculum will present the “5 X 10 Plays” starting Friday, April 25, as part of a six-show run. Traditionally, the production has featured five plays lasting about 10 minutes apiece, but due to the quality of submissions, leaders have increased the number of plays to seven.
Tusculum students pursuing degrees in multiple fields earn writing awards at annual literary prize ceremony on campus
GREENEVILLE – Three Tusculum University students earned first place honors recently in a writing competition that showcased their talent in multiple genres and demonstrated they are on the path to becoming career-ready professionals.
Tusculum’s English program hosted the annual Curtis ’28 and Billie Owens Literary Prize ceremony Thursday, April 10. Held every spring, the event allows Tusculum students of any major to demonstrate their writing skills. English professors encouraged students to submit pieces in the drama, fiction, nonfiction and poetry categories.
Poet Gregory Emilio, executive director of the Georgia Writers Association and a lecturer at Kennesaw State University, served as this year’s prize judge. He began the ceremony by reading from his poetry collection “Kitchen Apocrypha.” The collection features poems themed around food with curated biblical and mythological connections.
Four summer camps this summer at Tusculum University to enhance children’s knowledge and skills in many subjects
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University will again provide exciting active and experiential learning opportunities for local children during the summer with four camps offered on campus.
The camps and their costs are:
Multiple initiatives to drive voter registration and inform people results in national award for Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Civic engagement by Tusculum University students, faculty and staff to foster an informed and participating electorate and citizens who are well grounded in subjects such as the system of government, public opinion and voting has netted the higher education institution a special designation.
Tusculum was named a Voter Friendly Campus for 2025-2026 in recognition of its multiple projects to assist those at the university and in the community. The Fair Election Center’s Campus Vote Project and the LEAD initiative on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement of NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, bestowed the honor on Tusculum.
“The Tusculum family performs excellent work in supporting efforts to ensure our students are registered to vote,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “We also take great pride working with high school students to prepare them to exercise their responsibility and privilege to vote with the necessary information at their disposal. We relish having our students involved in the political process and connecting with the community and are grateful to receive this recognition from these excellent organizations.”
Cast selected for upcoming “5 X 10 Plays” to be held at Tusculum University; rehearsals and other preparatory work underway
GREENEVILLE – Cast selection is complete for the upcoming “5 X 10 Plays” at Tusculum University, and now everyone involved in the production is moving forward with rehearsals and other preparation for the six-show run.
Theatre-at-Tusculum recently held auditions for the plays, and directors made their cast selections soon afterward. The group consists of many who are highly experienced in theater productions at Tusculum along with a few newer faces who will team to provide enriching shows for audiences.
“We are thrilled to have such strong casts for our plays and are ready to unleash our performers’ talents for audiences to enjoy,” said Steve Schultz, director of Tusculum Arts Outreach, who is overseeing the shows. “These actors are teaming with great directors to bring to life vibrant stories penned by our students and alumni as well as community members. We are excited and look forward to turning the lights onto the stage and bringing fulfillment to those in the seats.”
Nigerian-born artist holding exhibit at Tusculum University featuring depictions of the rich Yoruba culture
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University’s Center for the Arts is hosting an exhibit featuring depictions of the rich Yoruba culture by renowned artist Akintayo Akintobi in the Clem Allison Art Gallery.
The exhibition, titled “Pattern is Journey,” opened Saturday, March 1, and runs through Sunday, March 30. A reception for Akintobi will take place Thursday, March 6, from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery, which is housed inside Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center.
“His work is excellent and skillful, and I am excited to showcase it at Tusculum,” said Benjamin Conley, assistant professor of art and design and the gallery’s director. “’Pattern is Journey’ showcases a mix of Akintobi’s painting practices. He is skilled in both realistic rendering of pattern and texture, while also possessing a brilliance in abstraction and shape. The displayed works exemplify each of these differing, yet connected qualities.”
Tusculum Young Actors Studio Showcase will give audiences an excellent opportunity to watch young actors on stage
GREENEVILLE – See young talent begin their theater journey or take their skills to the next level during an upcoming production at Tusculum University.
Tusculum Arts Outreach will hold the Young Actors Studio Showcase Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. in Behan Arena Theatre. Community members are invited to watch 51 students, ages 8-19, perform plays and readings featuring the writings of a couple of local students as well as renowned authors, such as Agatha Christie, and playwright William Shakespeare.
“These students have worked extremely hard and have teamed with their directors to prepare nice shows for the audience,” said Steve Schultz, Arts Outreach’s director. “For about a quarter of these students, the showcase will be the first time they have performed in front of an audience, so it will be valuable learning experience for them. We also have many other performers who have served in the casts of Tusculum and community theater productions, so it will be nice mix.”
Tusculum University to honor African American contributions to culture in multiple forms with special event on campus
GREENEVILLE – Celebrate the talent, intelligence and artistry of African Americans during a special event to mark Tusculum University’s observance of Black History Month.
Tusculum’s English program will hold the African American Read-In Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Living Room of the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. Community members are invited to join Tusculum faculty, staff and students in this annual event that commemorates the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s culture.
Valentine’s Painting Night at Tusculum University is a sellout, generates enjoyment from participants at all skill levels
GREENEVILLE – Brushstrokes spread across canvases throughout Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center as community members demonstrated their take on a Mediterranean landscape during the sold-out Valentine’s Painting Night at Tusculum University.
Community members, as well as Dr. Scott Hummel and Starr Hummel, Tusculum’s president and first lady, displayed their artistic abilities during the third annual event, presented by the university’s Center for the Arts, Thursday, Feb. 13. Benjamin Conley, assistant professor of art and design, and Rouja Green, director of the Center for the Arts and a 14-year art teacher, guided the participants with their painting but encouraged them to express their individual tastes.