Quicknotes | october 2018

Interest accrued from a $2 million contribution to Southern by Adventist Health System (AHS) in 2015 has been used since 2016 to help defray, in perpetuity, the cost of a faculty position in the School of Business. An additional $1 million gift from AHS in 2018 completes the funding for this new Adventist Health System Endowed Chair of Business Administration and makes allowances for other departmental uses within the School of Business.

“Gifts from businesses show a high level of commitment and support for Southern,” said Mark Hyder, JD, School of Business professor. “I appreciate their vote of confidence!”

Some of the endowed chair’s responsibilities include becoming knowledgeable about AHS’ mission, purpose, and reach; functioning in an advocacy role for AHS; and fostering a good professional relationship between AHS and the university. Much of this work is supplemental, as a healthy partnership already exists between the two institutions.

A plaque recognizing AHS hangs in the School of Business hallway with brass nameplates to list professors who have held its chairship.

Braam Oberholster, DBA, is the current Adventist Health System Endowed Chair of Business Administration. Oberholster is a professor in management studies and has special interest in international business and finance. A faculty member at Southern since 2004, his professional experience is divided nearly evenly between administration of medical and educational Seventh-day Adventist institutions in Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as in the classroom as a professor for multiple colleges and universities.

Oberholster’s love of teaching is evidenced outside the classroom, as well. His presentation for Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (“Using Business as Mission”), Outpost Centers International (“Leadership Adjustments to Serve People”), and other organizations can be found online.

These gifts from AHS were applied toward the endowment impact area of Southern’s $50 million Campaign for Excellence in Faith and Learning. For more information about this campaign, visit southern.edu/webelieve.

-Staff Report

Although the internet and other advances in technology have changed how students learn—often reducing the amount of physical materials referenced in the course of their studies—circulation of books and media items at McKee Library increased by 13 percent during the last academic year. Given the industry shift from print resources to digital formats, this is a significant increase.

The value of a learning support hub on campus has never been more important. McKee Library’s mission statement remains intact and as relevant as ever: equip students and community members through instruction, resources, and spaces for lifelong academic and professional growth.

A recent $100,000 corporate gift for infrastructure enhancements will ensure the library functions at the highest levels in support of student development. Nine proposed renovations have been vetted and prioritized by both McKee Library leadership and Southern’s administrative team. The top two needs, an upgrade to the fire alarm system and interconnected second-floor projects (LED lighting, ductwork, and ceiling improvements), must be completed before the other work can be scheduled. The anonymous gift will be applied toward those two specific projects.

“McKee Library has benefited tremendously from the generosity of donors over the last several years, and without their patronage, we would not have been able to make necessary updates to our facility,” said Deyse Bravo, McKee Library director. “Most recently, these gifts have allowed for the creation of three different types of designated study spaces (collaborative, quiet, and silent), better lighting throughout the first floor and basement, and essential structural improvements.”

External funding is a critical component of Southern’s success, but ample evidence of support for McKee Library can be found in the university’s internal plans and budgets, as well. Southern has invested more than $2.6 million toward the building’s improvements during the past 12 years. The combination of community and campus support is vital for maintaining this educational beacon.

-Staff Report

In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, Southern students and employees jumped into action. As flooding receded in the Carolinas, teams of trained individuals deployed to help, with groups taking turns serving in New Bern, North Carolina.

This quick response was possible thanks to a partnership with 2Serve Disaster Training and Response that helped train and prepare students and employees for just such a natural disaster. 2Serve partners with Adventist academies, universities, and conferences to carry out the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church through Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The first formal CERT training was offered at Southern in August, followed by a disaster response simulation in September and training in how to organize a shelter and ensure the safety of those affected.

“Being ready is very important because it is a matter of when another disaster is going to happen, not if it is going to happen,” said Jennifer Carter, director of Southern’s Christian Service program. 

As Hurricane Florence touched down, Southern’s team was able to mobilize and recruit students and staff for relief assistance. Three groups deployed over the span of two weeks. Those who participated came back to campus tired and sore but inspired.

“After we had ripped out soggy carpet and put furniture back in place on the swept concrete floor for an older couple, we prayed with them and then shared hugs,” said Elaine Hayden, an employee volunteer who works in the School of Education and Psychology. “The reward of seeing tearful people thanking us after seeing young people and others give so cheerfully to help them out of the ditch, so to speak, is something I will carry with me forever.”

Laura Racovita-Szilagyi, associate professor of social work, and other campus leaders in emergency preparedness are focused on growing the program at Southern and responding locally to needs within the Southern Union.

“However, we are not ruling out deploying to help wherever God calls us,” Racovita-Szilagyi said. “Ultimately, we model Jesus’ love for a hurting world; He took care of the needs of the people first, and then invited them to follow Him. These trainings and experiences will remain with students, staff, and faculty participants, and they will take their skills and knowledge wherever they go.”

-Staff Report

Southern student Elliot Ranzinger died in May 2017 from injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident, just after he finished his freshman year. He was only 19 years old. But even in the midst of such a terrible tragedy, God gave Elliott’s family an amazing gift to comfort them.

About a week before Elliott passed away in a motorcycle accident, the Planned Giving team at Southern was looking through some files and found a certificate from 1999 for three burial plots at Collegedale Cemetery that a donor had given to the university. They had been set aside, and years later Southern still had no immediate use for them.

How those plots were put to use, and details surrounding the donor’s family history of similar tragedy, testify to a loving God who is in control during life’s darkest moments. Adventist Review recently published an in-depth, first-person account of this story by Carolyn Hamilton, vice president for Advancement at Southern.

-Staff Report

Are you or someone you know 70 or older and looking for a tax-wise opportunity to help students at Southern? An IRA rollover gift is simple and easy.

You may make a rollover gift from your IRA to charity without any federal income tax on your gift, and it may qualify as your required minimum distribution. To make an IRA rollover gift to Southern, simply contact your IRA custodian and request that an amount of your choice be transferred directly to the university. Your gift could be $1,000, $10,000, or even as much as $100,000.

As always, consult with a qualified financial adviser before making a gift that may impact your tax status.  For more information, contact Southern’s Planned Giving office at 423.236.2818 or visit southern.edu/irarollover. 

-Staff Report