Honors Convocation recognizes excellence in students, faculty and staff as academic year nears conclusion
GREENEVILLE – With the end of the academic year approaching, Tusculum University recognized the accomplishments of its students as they become career-ready professionals and of the faculty and staff for their one-on-one work with these Pioneers.
Tusculum held its annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 23, to spotlight academic achievement and other important elements of the university experience, such as civic engagement and school spirit. The event highlights the pioneering spirit that reverberates around the university and the focus on preparing student to lead successful lives following graduation.
“The Honors Convocation is an excellent way to conclude the academic year because it causes us to reflect on what has taken place in the classroom and extracurricular activities,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “When we stop for a moment and contemplate what our students, faculty and staff have achieved, we see excellence in so many facets. We are proud that the Tusculum family is making its mark on campus and in the community and are pleased to see everyone excelling in faith, knowledge and love.”
Christian Leadership Dinner at Tusculum to raise scholarship funds for students’ faith development, honor couple that have served the God and enhanced the community’s quality of life
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students who are growing in their relationship with God by living in housing that fosters discipleship will benefit through scholarship funds raised at an upcoming dinner held on campus.
The Christian Leadership Dinner, which will be held Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. in Pioneer Arena, will also honor Jeff and Lisa Idell, two Greene County residents whose dedication to serving the Lord and loving their family have served as a model for others to follow.
Jeff Idell has also been an exceptional Christian businessman, making positive contributions to the community’s quality of life as a second-generation leader of the family company, Idell Construction. Lisa Idell has been a valuable partner and a significant contributor to the growth of young people’s faith.
Four Tusculum University students honored for exceptional writing in annual competition judged by award-winning author
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students have been honored for excellence in writing by an award-winning author who was impressed by the caliber of the entries she judged.
The English program held the Curtis ’28 and Billie Owens Literary Prize ceremony Thursday, April 16, in Behan Arena Theatre. The competition for the awards was open to all students regardless of their major. Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, who served as the judge, picked the following recipients for prizes in four genres:
- Drama – “The One with the Custody Agreement” by Kiersten Paxton
- Fiction – “The Winners” by Austin Reed
- Nonfiction – “Holy Ground” by Paxton
- Poetry – “One Weekend a Month” by BriAnna Higgins
In addition, JP Campione was selected as a runner-up in the nonfiction category for “Go Find Your Own Mom.”
Tusculum celebrates entrepreneurial spirit with Pitch Day; three students and one community member receive awards
GREENEVILLE – Entrepreneurship was on full display as 12 students and community members shared their impressive and well-developed ideas for businesses and products during Pioneer Pitch Day Saturday, April 18, at Tusculum University.
The event, held by Tusculum’s Center for Free Enterprise and New Venture Creation, gave participants five minutes to share the story of their creation and explain what type of support they needed to start their business or project successfully or continue to grow it. They were bidding to receive the first place prize of $5,000, the second place prize of $3,000 or one of two third place prizes, which brought $1,000 each.
“We were really excited to hold this event and were thrilled with the attention it brought to these up-and coming entrepreneurs and the Tusculum academic program that supports their aspirations,” said David Hite, the center’s director and associate professor of business at the university. “It enabled us to bring out the talent within our student body and the region and help them make a strong first impression in the business world or take their project to the next level.“
Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science students learn about résumés, interviews and proper dining etiquette
GREENEVILLE – Leaders and advisors in Tusculum University’s Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science programs are helping high school students in those programs put their best foot forward when they complete their résumé and participate in an interview.
Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science, which are part of the federal TRIO programs, held sessions Saturday, April 11, on interview skills and résumé-building in the Meen Center. Additionally, students learned the finer points about dining and interacting with others in an eating establishment through an etiquette session in Tusculum’s cafeteria.
Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president, who visited the group during the etiquette session, highlighted the value of making a positive first impression. He also commended the students for attending the sessions.
A relaxing and fun time awaits attendees of the multifaceted Old Oak Festival coming April 25-26 at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Celebrate springtime and have a great time with a visit to Tusculum University as you peruse wonderful items at the vendor’s booths, listen to terrific music, admire cars and eat great food during the tradition-rich Old Oak Festival.
This is just a sampling of the enjoyment people will experience when they walk the campus grounds Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests can meet local authors, listen to students read their prose and see children’s artwork. Children can also scream with delight as they burn off energy in Kiddie Corner.
“Family fun abounds at the Old Oak Festival, and we are delighted to host this spectacular event,” said Tiffany Greer, vice president of institutional advancement. “Around every corner, guests will discover something that brings joy. We encourage the community to join us and take it all in. With the trees in full bloom, our campus provides an especially beautiful setting for a relaxing weekend for our guests.
An entrepreneurial spirit will permeate Tusculum University as students and community present business ideas at Pitch Day
GREENEVILLE – Promoting an entrepreneurial spirit that is growing on campus, Tusculum University is holding a special event for students and community members to present their innovative ideas for business startups.
Pioneer Pitch Day will be held Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Dr. Nancy B. Moody Lecture Hall in the Meen Center. Those who are presenting need to arrive by 8:30 a.m. In addition to their pitches, participants will hear feedback on their ideas and have the opportunity to network. Prizes will be awarded to winning entrants who have been selected by a panel of judges.
Tusculum’s Center for Free Enterprise and New Venture Creation is sponsoring the event, which is free and open to the public.
Cast and crew preparing to launch “Pollyanna” for six-show run in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – “Pollyanna,” a delightful, award-winning musical written by a local resident that focuses on the indomitable spirit of a girl to overcome adversity is arriving soon at Tusculum University for a six-show run.
Performances will be held April 17, April 18, April 24 and April 25 at 7 p.m. and April 19 and April 26 at 2 p.m. in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre, which is located on Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Art Center’s main level. An American Sign Language interpreter will be present for opening night to assist guests with enjoying the show.
“This musical has been great fun to develop during rehearsals, and the cast and crew are thrilled they will have the opportunity to present it in front of audiences,” said Steve Schultz, the show’s director. “We have assembled outstanding cast members who will bring tremendous energy to the stage as they bring this important story to life. We urge the community to join us because we guarantee everyone in the seats will have a great time.”
Tusculum University names experienced administrator, promotes assistant dean to key academic leadership posts
GREENEVILLE – A former provost and vice president of academic affairs with nearly 40 years of administrative and teaching experience in higher education has been named an assistant vice president and a dean at Tusculum University.
Dr. Amiel Jarstfer has joined the Tusculum family as associate vice president for academic innovation and dean of the School of Arts and Sciences as part of an updated oversight structure that is designed to effectively meet the needs of students, faculty and assistant deans. He will supervise the assistant deans for the Math and Science, Social Science and Humanities divisions, lead the development of new academic programs and execute findings from the ongoing new program study.
“We are thrilled to add Dr. Jarstfer to the academic team and will benefit greatly from his expertise,” said Dr. David Cook, Tusculum’s provost and vice president of academic affairs. “He has a proven track record of producing positive results on the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Jarstfer’s vast experience will position Tusculum for even greater success by identifying programs of study that will keep us on the cutting edge of higher education.”
Tusculum creates Master of Arts in Leadership with multiple concentrations, partners with local business community
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University is ensuring a strong pipeline of leadership in the for-profit, nonprofit and ministry realms with the introduction of an innovative new master’s degree that will utilize a hands-on approach for students to refine this important skill.
Beginning this fall, Tusculum will offer a Master of Arts in Leadership, which can be completed in 12 or 17 months and includes options for online or in-person coursework. This program not only supports the student, but the collaborative approach with companies and other organizations is also designed to help them by strengthening the skill sets of their employees.
Attendees at open house learn how Tusculum University supports students and prepares them for the rest of their lives
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University leaders and students shared what makes the higher education institution special as prospective students explored all that is available on campus during an open house Saturday, March 28.
Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president, noted that providing students access to college is important to the university, but he said the institution places even more emphasis on helping its Pioneers attain graduation.
“We want you to start college, we want to support you through college and we want to see you walk across the stage,” he said. “You’re going to find a whole lot of support to help you get across that finish line.”
Woman whose family members fled Nazi Germany shares experience of surviving their new home, the Shanghai Ghetto
GREENEVILLE – A woman whose family fled Nazi Germany due to the persecution of Jewish individuals will give a presentation at Tusculum University about the experience of refugees of that faith who settled in Shanghai, China.
Judy Kolb will deliver the talk Monday, April 20, at 1 p.m. in Chalmers Conference Center, which is located in the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. The community is invited to hear this free lecture, titled “Surviving the Shanghai Ghetto: A Presentation by Survivor Judy Kolb,” and participate in a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of her remarks.
“This presentation will offer a unique and personal perspective on the persecution Jews suffered under the Nazi regime, as well as highlight the measures Jewish families undertook to survive this inhumane treatment,” said Dr. Joel Van Amberg, professor of history and the university’s faculty chair. “We are grateful to Judy for sharing this account and encourage community members to expand their knowledge about this chapter in history by attending her talk.”