The Grand Event
Southern’s biennial Parents Weekend event which began on February 15, included for
the first time The Grand Event, held in the Iles P.E. Center on Sunday morning.
The Grand Event offers a unique opportunity for parents, alumni, donors and guests to catch a glimpse of various things happening on Southern’s campus while they walk through the departmental showcase. This year there were nearly 600 people in attendance.
“Different academic and nonacademic departments showcased their areas so that parents, guests and students could see in one place what is taking place all over campus,” said Kari Shultz, director of Student Life and Activities.
When entering the Iles P.E. Center, goats and chickens welcomed attendees to the booth for the new Master of Science in Global Community Development. Beyond that, the WSMC ensemble played one of three pieces that were chosen and conducted by guests ranging from a nine-month-old baby to university president, Gordon Bietz [pictured]. Guests also witnessed a simulation of a wounded tornado victim on a hospital bed being pushed around by a nurse, which was a portrayal of the SCORE (Southern Center Of Response Enhancement) program, a joint effort between Social Work, Campus Safety, and the School of Nursing.
The Grand Event showcased 24 of Southern’s departments. The activities at these departments' booths included 24 portrait drawings by the School of Visual Art and Design, five finger food stations, four artists showcasing their talents, a hover plane roaming by the Technology Department, and WSMC’s ensemble playing Beethoven’s 5th a total of 17 times.
The President’s Circle 100 (PC100), a growing group of loyal supporters and advisers for Southern, sponsored the event, giving Southern’s valued donors an opportunity to see the impact of their gifts firsthand.
“Their [PC100] history goes back over 45 years,” said Christopher Carey, vice president for Advancement. “[They have] helped build many of the buildings students now have the benefit of using, like the Hulsey Wellness Center.”
Southern has been hosting Parents Weekend since February of 2001 and alternates each year with Mother/Daughter Weekend, which can be anticipated during February of 2014.
Meet The Firms
Meet the Firms, a campus career fair hosted each year in the fall and spring semesters,
offers opportunities for students and alumni of Southern Adventist University to network
with potential employers. The event typically results in internships, job offers,
and resume reviews for possible future employment. This year on February 21, 357 students
met with recruiting representatives from 36 participating firms.
In today's competitive job market, Southern wants to give students a cutting edge for job placement. Internships provide valuable opportunities to gain on-the-job experience, build important professional networks, and enhance resumes. Meet the Firms gives students experience in meeting professionals and getting information about the availability of jobs in their chosen field.
“I am delighted to share that two students were hired for internships as they met with representatives,” stated Janita Herod, office manager for the School of Journalism and Communication. “Another student was offered a job and several others have already been contacted for interviews. We praise the Lord for His guidance and blessing of this event as we seek to serve our students and alumni."
Alumni who are experiencing a transition in their careers, seeking employment, or are interested in hiring Southern graduates are encouraged to participate as part of services provided by Alumni Relations.
The next Meet the Firms will be Thursday, October 10, 2013. Interested firms are invited to visit the online registration site HERE. Alumni participants may request an invitation from Alumni Relations by emailing alumni@southern.edu or calling 423.236.2830.
McKee Library Celebrates Mark Twain and Hosts Southern Scholars Dinner
On October 26, 2012, the McKee Library hosted its third annual Mark Twain Celebration,
welcoming a full house of students, alumni, and community members. Guest speaker John
Henley, a rare book appraiser, explained the importance of keeping history alive by
preserving first editions and manuscripts from historical figures. His presentation
focused on the value of the Duane and Eunice Bietz Collection of Mark Twain material,
a focal point of McKee Library’s special collections.
Mr. Henley is very familiar with this collection, having worked closely with the Bietz family in its development. After the talk, library professionals interpreted several pieces from the collection as attendees viewed them.
Following the Mark Twain Celebration, Southern Scholars alumni, faculty, and current students met together on the second floor of McKee Library to enjoy a time of fine food, Christian fellowship, and intellectual discourse. The meal, catered by Events with Taste, featured a variety of internationally-themed menu items and unique flavors from around the globe.
The speaker for the evening was Jerry Arnold, senior pastor of the Collegedale Community Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Jerry challenged the Scholars to ask hard questions and not to be satisfied with pre-packaged, canned responses. He inspired them to diligently compare Scripture with Scripture and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help them find their way not to the answer, but to the Answer: Jesus Christ.
Southern Adventist University Alumni Association Facebook Page
What is Your Relationship to the Adventist Church?
The Adventist Connection Study is looking at various ways in which young alumni of Adventist universities and colleges connect or disconnect with the Adventist church. If you graduated from Southern Adventist University, Oakwood University, or Pacific Union College between the years of 2001-2012, this is your chance to share your feelings about the Adventist church and your relationships. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/adventistretentionstudy and keep an eye out for their global alumni survey! Your feedback is very valuable. This research project is sponsored by the General Conference Research Office and the Pierson Institute of Evangelism and World Missions at Southern.
Film Score Expert Helps WSMC Connect with Younger Audience
Nearly 100 students got a jumpstart on Spring Break by enjoying “The 15 Greatest Music Moments in Movie History” on February 28 in the Lynn Wood Hall Auditorium. This lighthearted but educational event, presented by WSMC Classical 90.5 FM, showcased both traditional and contemporary Hollywood masterpieces in an attempt to help young people understand that classical music remains relevant in today’s world.
Edmund Stone, host of the nationally syndicated radio program “The Score,” was the featured speaker. Following his lecture, audience members were treated to a full screening of Casablanca and complimentary popcorn. Admission for the event was free, but donations were collected for new equipment at the radio station.
Stone spent considerable time before his presentation touring campus and guest hosting several WSMC programs. Scott Kornblum, general manager for the station, voiced excitement about the artistic and educational synergy brought about by the day’s events.
“We were so pleased to have someone with Stone’s powerful background in film and music on our campus,” Kornblum said. “He brings not only experience, but also humor and passion into everything he does.”
Stone was already in the area as part of the “First Annual Film Music Symposium,” a March 1 event hosted by the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera. They “loaned” him to Southern for the Lynn Wood Hall presentation, a testament to both WSMC’s strong reputation as an arts leader in the Tennessee Valley and the university's ongoing partnerships with the CSO.
~by Luke Evans
School of Social Work Achieves Accreditation for New MSW Program
At its February, 2013 meeting, the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on
Accreditation granted Southern's School of Social Work full accreditation status for
its MSW program. Accreditation is typically a four-year process; however, because
of the high quality documents, and positive reports from three site visits, Southern’s
program was offered a compressed option and has gained full accreditation in three
years. The MSW program has been in pre-accreditation status since February, 2011.
Southern MSW graduates will now have full access to social work licensure and positions
that require licensed social workers.
School of Social Work dean, Rene Drumm, Ph.D., and other members of the social work faculty and staff have efficiently led this new program through the accreditation process.
On March 14, special friends and partners of the School of Social Work who have contributed significantly to the success of the program were invited to a celebratory come-and-go reception held in Wright Hall on Southern’s campus. Light refreshments were served, followed by a presentation in Thatcher Chapel by acclaimed journalist and committed human rights advocate Benjamin Skinner. Skinner, author of A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern Day Slavery, spoke to the campus and community about the current issue of human trafficking.
Skinner did more than deliver facts and statistics. He opened his heart and released the passion that has driven him to four continents to share the untold stories of victims, particularly a 15-year-old orphan girl who was pulled into prostitution along with her best friend. During an interview for Newsweek, he asked if there was anything specific she wanted readers to know. After thinking for a moment she replied, “Thank you for listening to my story, because no one has before.”
For the past 12 years, Skinner’s purpose has been to reveal the truth about human trafficking and slavery. He has gone to the frontlines, encountering danger and even becoming the first outside person to observe the sale of human beings.
Skinner said although the task of ending modern slavery is daunting, it is a rewarding endeavor. Ever since his youth when he felt called to address this issue, he has been on a mission to share the stories of survivors. His work has not only impacted lives across the globe, but has left deep impressions on his own life. “I receive an extraordinary sense of satisfaction,” said Skinner, “and an ongoing fulfillment of purpose.”
~by Shana Browne
QuickNotes is edited by Jaclyn Pruehs, Alumni Relations Assistant
