Reinhardt University has recently been accepted as a football-playing member of the Mid-South Conference. Reinhardt begins intercollegiate competition in football during the 2013 season and becomes an official associate member of the MSC on July 1, 2013.

“I am so excited for us to be a part of a solid football league like the Mid-South as it provides us with a great home and opportunity to compete with some of the best teams in the NAIA,” Reinhardt athletic director Bill Popp said. “The Mid-South Conference was obviously our first choice as a home for our new football program because of the fine colleges and universities associated with the league. We know this is the right place for us to grow our program and hopefully to be able to be competitive in one of the top conferences in all of the NAIA.”

Divisional Setup

The MSC office is located in Louisville, Ky., with Steve Baker serving as commissioner. Affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the football-playing conference members represent institutions located regionally in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Virginia. The projected divisional setup for football in 2013 includes Reinhardt in the West Division with Belhaven University (Jackson, Miss.), Bethel University (McKenzie, Tenn.), Campbellsville (Ky.) University, Cumberland University (Lebanon, Tenn.), Faulkner University (Montgomery, Ala.) and Lindsey Wilson College (Columbia, Ky.). Making up the East Division are Bluefield (Va.) College, the University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, Ky.), Georgetown (Ky.) College, Kentucky Christian University (Grayson, Ky.), the University of Pikeville (Ky.), Union College (Barbourville, Ky.) and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. For more information on the MSC, please visit www.mid-southconference.org.

“We are excited to be in the Mid-South Conference,” Eagles head football coach Danny Cronic said. “It will be a true challenge to compete in that conference.”

Appalachian Athletic Conference

Reinhardt became a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference in the 2009-10 academic year. The AAC, however, does not sponsor football as a championship sport, so the university was forced to look elsewhere for a conference affiliation. The majority of Reinhardt’s athletic teams will continue competing as members of the AAC.

“Confident in their commitment.”

“Reinhardt is an excellent addition to the Mid-South Conference as an associate member and we look forward to them joining one of the top football conferences in the NAIA,” Baker said. “I’m confident in their commitment to their student-athletes and to character-based athletics. I’m also confident in their commitment to our conference. Our presidents voted unanimously in support of Reinhardt and we look forward to them beginning membership in 2013.”

Approximately 150 Reinhardt University friends – alumni, trustees, faculty, staff and students – gathered for the Talon Awards Gala on Thursday, March 22, 2012.  They honored seven individuals and one Sunday School class at the event at Northside United Methodist Church in Atlanta.

JoEllen Bell Wilson ’61, vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs, emceed the affair, and she thanked SEI Investments, the presenting sponsor, for their generous support.  “Their gift will allow Reinhardt to use more of the ticket proceeds toward scholarship funds for deserving students,” she said. “In addition to recognizing some very special people, enjoying a theatrical performance and exceptional music provided by Reinhardt students and sharing a delicious meal, we also raised funds for scholarships. What a lovely evening!”

Alumni Awards

The first to be honored on this special night were the Alumni Award recipients, who were presented by Randell Trammell ’03, ’09, president of the Reinhardt Alumni Board of Governors. Dr. Franklin R. Croker, Reinhardt Class of 1954 and resident of Marietta, Ga., was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. This award recognizes an individual with outstanding personal achievement and an unselfish and dedicated personal devotion to Reinhardt. 

Dr. Franklin Croker ’54

Croker is a retired teacher and administrator who served his community for more than 30 years. He was a teacher at Mableton Elementary School from 1956-57and served in the United States Army from 1957-59. He returned to teaching in 1959 at South Cobb High School and then went back at Mableton Elementary School from and 1960-63. He was appointed as principal at Lucious D. Clay Elementary in 1964 and served until 1970, when he then took a sabbatical leave to Auburn University for his doctoral degree. In 1971, he became principal at Garrett Middle School, and then he returned in 1981 to serve as principal at South Cobb High School until he retired in 1994.

He currently serves on the South Cobb Rotary, WellStar Regional Advisory Board, Reinhardt University Board of Advisors, Reinhardt Alumni Board of Governors, and Sweetwater Valley Community Action Mission Program Board.

Croker and his wife, Carolyn, reside in Marietta, Ga. where they attend Marietta First United Methodist Church. They have tree children: Ron, Beth and Karen (deceased); and four grandchildren: Mathew, Christopher, Kevin and Amy.

“Reinhardt was a special place…almost made just for me.”

As Croker accepted the award, he acknowledged the profound effect Reinhardt had on his life. “ I found that Reinhardt was a special place…almost made just for me. I needed somewhere that would help me grow academically and guide me spiritually; I needed somewhere that would help me with my life decisions. I found it to be a very good place for me, and I am glad I got a chance at Reinhardt to do so many things with my life.

“What Reinhardt has done for me and what it has enabled me to do…as Tennyson [Lord, Alfred] said it best, ‘I am a part of all I have met,’ and you know, that is a lot of people, and I want to thank them all for this award.”

Chanda Aebersold Bell ’94

Chanda Aebersold Bell ’94, a resident of Snellville, Ga., received the Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year award. This Award was created in 2008 to recognize alumni who had graduated within the past 10 years, who have excelled in their profession and who have provided service to their communities.

Bell, co-author of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition®, is not only a writer, but a full-time mom and co-CEO of CCA and B publishing and owner alongside her mother, Carol Aebersold, and her twin sister, Christa Pitts. Bell earned an Associate Degree from Reinhardt and a Bachelor of Art in Middle Grades Education from the University of West Georgia. She taught English, social studies, and reading to grades 5-8, and as a teacher, Bell designed a remedial reading curriculum for a local school system and was commissioned to design a county wide reading skills test.

With media appearances across the country, Bell, a resident of Snellville, Ga., has been featured on NPR and in The Atlanta Journal Constitution and USA Today, and she has been a featured writer for Guidepost’s “Angels on Earth” series. As a public speaker, Bell visits schools and communities throughout the nation to tell the inspirational story of CCA and B, and of course, promote The Elf on the Shelf®.

For the 2011 animated Christmas special, An Elf’s Story, Bell lent her talents by co-writing the screenplay for this animated feature, working as an executive producer, and writing the musical number “The Naming Song.”

“I learned more about myself while at Reinhardt.”

When accepting the award, Bell acknowledged how Reinhardt helped her follow her dreams. “I want to thank my family, and Reinhardt for this opportunity. The school gave me so many opportunities and is the reason for what I am doing today. I want to thank so many of the people in this room who poured so much into my life to help me become what I was going to be.

“Interestingly enough, I was president of Student Government Association at Reinhardt when I attended. At a special end of the year SGA meeting for our families, Dr. Falany [Reinhardt president from 1984-1999] told my parents ‘Chanda is going into education. I have only met a few people like her in my life. I don’t think she’ll make it longer than 4 years as a teacher.’ My parents did not tell me that at that time, and I proceeded and I outdid it and made it 6 years! But he was right. He knew God had a different calling on my life, and I was going to be a writer and affect children in a different way.

“I want to thank all of you for this opportunity, and all of you that support Reinhardt. It was so important for me to grow up and learn about myself a little bit. And I have made a lot of special friends and a lot of special memories at Reinhardt, and I am so grateful.”

John Wesley Awards

The John Wesley Laity and Clergy Award recipients were also named: Christopher E. Dupree, a resident of Acworth, Ga., and the Friendship Class at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Ga., respectively. The Wesley Award was established in 1991 to recognize a layperson who had made a significant contribution to United Methodist institutions of higher education and ministries. Two years later, the clergy award was added. These awards are named for John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The Rev. Dr. Ron Flowers, president of the Reinhardt Ministerial Association, presented the awards.

Christopher Dupree (center), celebrates his award with his wife, Deborah, and son, Jacob.

Christopher Dupree

Dupree is director of sales for The Coca-Cola Company. He is a 1979 graduate of University of Alabama, and served a commissioned officer in the United States Army. He is an ex-officio member of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and an active member of the Reinhardt University Board of Trustees. Dupree volunteers his time with youth basketball, Boy Scouts of America Troop 540 and Feed My Lambs. He and his wife, Deborah, and son, Jacob, are members of Due West United Methodist Church.

“The students are important in everything we do.”

Dupree shared his sincere appreciation for being honored. “Thank you, and I am very humbled for this honor. Being on the Board of Trustees is really a privilege. I can stand here and say that all the Trustees have God in everything we do, and we are there to support the young people. Those are the two focuses that we have on the Board. Being the chair for the [Board of Trustees] Student Development Committee…I love it. It’s because the students are involved. The students are important to everything we do. That’s what our job is. To prepare the young people for the future. Thank you to my family and thank you to Reinhardt!”

Friendship Sunday School Class

The Clergy Award recognized a Sunday school class that “has a longtime association with Reinhardt, and their primary outreach is to support students seeking careers in Christian ministry,” said Flowers. “There is no more important work for the church or the University to be doing than this.

“The class began as a young married couples class, and today, as many of you know, it has evolved into a class where most members have grandchildren. The Friendship Class has supported many Christian outreach projects and needy individuals, and has made an impact on Reinhardt with generous gifts for students scholarships since the early 1960s.”

Gloria Landreth, class president, accepted the award on behalf of the Friendship Class. “Thank you and I really appreciate this, as does the class as well. Thank you very much.”

Honoree Awards

The Honoree Awards were given to three special recipients this year, including Canton, Ga., residents Judge Marion T.  Pope, Jr. and Curtis A. Chapman, and in memory of Calhoun, Ga., resident the late Rev. Willie Mack Tribble, Jr. The Reverend Dr. James Mooneyhan “66, elected to Reinhardt’s Board of Trustees in 1992, recommended that Reinhardt’s Ministerial Association create a Ministerial Honoree Scholarship Program. The Honoree Award recipients are identified by a selection committee as those persons whom they wish to honor and lift up to their students, faculty and staff – persons whose character epitomizes the “core values” taught at Reinhardt. These awards were presented by Mooneyhan, pastor of Tuckston United Methodist Church.

Judge Pope (center) is congratulated by his son Jonathan, and Reinhardt President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood.

Judge Marion T. Pope

Pope is a retired Court of Appeals Judge, and has been a member of the Reinhardt Board of Trustees since 2006. He is a fellow of the American Bar, State Bar of Georgia and is a member of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta and Commerce Club of Atlanta. He is a founder of Cherokee Federal Savings Bank and served on the committee to build the new Cherokee County Courthouse in Canton, Ga.

He is a 1953 graduate of the University of  Georgia, and was admitted to the Bar in 1953. He earned a Master of Law from the University of Virginia in 1988. He and his wife, Judy, belong to First Baptist Church in Canton.

“This is one of the greatest moments of my life.”

“This is a great honor, and I appreciate it very much,” said Pope. “I have met a lot of good friends at Reinhardt, and this is one of the greatest moments of my life. Of all the awards and plaques that I have received coming from Reinhardt University, this is top drawer and I thank you very much.”

Curtis Chapman

Chapman began his career at Reinhardt in 1966 after he earned a bachelor of art degree from LaGrange College that same year. He earned a master of fine arts degree from the University of Georgia in 1969, and completed post-graduate study at Emory University from 1973-’74, Atlanta College of Art in 1982, and North Georgia College in 1989. Chapman held post-graduate fellowships at the National Endowment for the Humanities, University of Illinois in 1984, State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1987, and John Hopkins University in 1988.

At Reinhardt, Chapman became a tenured faculty member in 1978, where he served as professor of art up until his retirement in May 2005. He served as an adjunct faculty instructor at the University for several years after retirement, and was named Professor Emeritus in May 2006.

“It was a special privilege to work there.”

Chapman shared a very sentimental moment with the crowd. “I had no idea in 1965 that my life would turn out how it did,” said Chapman. “I didn’t apply to Reinhardt; I was recruited. I think many times I stood trembling, wondering why I was given such a wonderful privilege to discover my calling. I never doubted a time that I was at the College, which is now a University and I am so proud of that, that it was a special privilege to work there. Reinhardt changed my life, as it has so many other people I have worked with and met there. I am so grateful. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!”

Pam Tribble ’70 (center) accepted the Reinhardt Honoree Award in memory of her late husband, The Rev. Willie Mack Tribble, Jr. She was joined by her family, pictured from left to right, Ritchie and Emmie House, Tribble, Mitzi Callahan and Chip Grant.

The Rev. Willie Mack Tribble, Jr.

Tribble was born November 16, 1926. He is a graduate of Duke University and Chandler School of Theology at Emory University. He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII. As a Pastor, he served many churches in the North Georgia Methodist Conference, including: Thompson First UMC; Waleska UMC; Acworth UMC; Calhoun First UMC; Young Harris UMC; East Point UMC; Level Creek UMC; Buford UMC; St. Philip UMC; and Jackson UMC (from which he retired).

He had close ties with Reinhardt serving as the Waleska UMC Pastor and Reinhardt Campus Minister from 1958-60. He passed away in August, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Pam Haney Tribble ’70.

“He gave us hope, faith and love.”

Pam Tribble accepted the award in his memory. “We lost Mack 7 months ago,” she said. “I want to thank all my friends and family, and the people who put this honor together. Mack believed in love. for a man who spent 40 years of his life loving others, It was hard for him to accept the love from others. Mack Tribble, thank you for giving us hope, faith and love.”

Special Alumni Recognition and Presentation

The evening concluded with a special alumni recognition and presentation by Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood, Reinhardt president. “The Hubbard family is a model for alumni everywhere,” said Isherwood. “Their consistent support is an inspiration to all of us at the University.”

Glenn H. Hubbard ’36 and Marjorie Humphrey Hubbard ’37

Glenn Hubbard and Marjorie Humphrey Hubbard, a resident of Woodstock, Ga., attended and graduated from Reinhardt College: Glenn in 1936 and Marjorie in 1937.  Both became teachers in Cherokee County. They married in 1940. While Marjorie continued to teach in Cherokee County until her retirement in the 70s. Glenn left teaching to work at an aircraft plant in Marietta. After WWII, he returned to teaching in 1950, and in 1951, began a career in accounting, which he continued until his retirement in 1980.

During the early 1990s, the classes of 1934-1938 decided to work together to raise funds for a Carillion on campus. The Hubbard’s co-chaired the committee, established to generated contributions—they wrote letters, they called friends, and ultimately more than 200,000 was generated to construct the Bell Tower and establish the William M. Bratton Scholarship Endowment.

Elaine Hubbard accepts a special alumni recognition gift on behalf of her parents, Marjorie H. Hubbard ’37 and the late Glenn H. Hubbard ’36.

“A history of commitment to Reinhardt.”

“Marjorie continues a gift each year in memory of her last husband to benefit Reinhardt students, and over the years the family has been very generous and helpful, including a wonderful request that Marjorie has planned for the future needs of Reinhardt,” Isherwood said. “Elaine, Glenn and Marjorie’s daughter, who is here tonight, is very supportive of the University’s desire to create a lasting memorial to her parents and their devotion to Reinhardt. In response to this history of commitment offered by the Hubbard family, I am pleased to announce the naming of the new residence hall, currently under construction, which will be utilized by students in the fall of 2012, as the Glenn H. and Marjorie Humphrey Hubbard Residence Hall.”

Student Performances

Also taking part in the evening were Reinhardt students Lauren Coleman ’12 and Matt Bearden ’14, who performed David Ives’ “Sure Thing,” and Marjorie Saviano ’14, Brandon Sosebee ’14 and Isabella Novaes ’15, who provided the musical entertainment for the evening.

For more information about how you can support Reinhardt student scholarships, visit www.reinhardt.edu/advancement

Alexander Bryant (from left), Lauren Gates, Laura Waite, and Alexander Levy are all members of the Reinhardt SIFE team that worked with Riverstone Chick-fil-A to sell tickets for a half court shot for free Chick-fil-A for a year at the University’s recent homecoming basketball game. This event and several fundraisers allowed the team to donate enough funds to Precious Pearls to purchase a dairy cow and 15 sewing machines for Eldoret, a small village in Kenya, Africa.

There are a large number of homeless street children in Kenya’s urban interior, many of whom fall into elicit activities including theft and drug use. As they attempt to survive on the street, these children become victims of child labor practices and prostitution. The prostitution and drug use results in an increase of teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and a continually high rate of HIV. This epidemic leaves even more children homeless, with no one to care for them and one organization is working to change this. 

Empowering children physically, academically and emotionally

Precious Pearls, a Christian based non-profit, was established to provide these children with access to Christian education, empowering them physically, academically, and spiritually so they may lead successful and fulfilled lives. Precious Pearls has laid out specific goals that to be achieved through a series of key phases. The organization has already been able to accomplish several, including the purchase and development of land and the expansion of support to now include more than twenty children. The next phase is a key aspect in establishing the sustainable nature of this organization. It includes the purchase of cows, which will initiate the beginning of a dairy farm project. The dairy project will provide a steady source of in-country income that will enable the support of additional children and ultimately fund a boarding school. The school will support the Eldoret community in Kenya by providing children from all income levels a safe and nurturing environment.

SIFE raises awareness for Precious Pearls

Reinhardt University SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) was able to raise $1,500 to purchase a cow for Eldoret. The team engaged in several various fund raising activities on campus to raise the necessary funds. They hosted several meals, held a Valentines Day bake sale, and partnered with Riverstone Chick-fil-A to sell tickets for a half court shot for free Chick-fil-A for a year at the homecoming basketball game. The team was very successful in ticket sales and raising awareness at the event about the needs for the Kenyan community.  

The team was very driven to purchase the cow for Eldoret because they learned that the dairy cow could produce up to $2,500 a year in income for the Kenya community, which allows 25 children to attend school and hopefully will help them break the cycle of poverty. The SIFE team partnered with Precious Pearls, and Reinhardt senior communications major and SIFE team member Lauren Gates led the fund-raising efforts. She has personally volunteered more than 1,200 for Precious Pearls and has made numerous visits to Kenya to work with the children. 

Lauren Gates, pictured with one of the children cared for by Precious Pearls, has personally volunteered more than 1,200 for Precious Pearls and has made numerous visits to Kenya to work with the children.

“An organization that is close to my heart.”

“Precious Pearls is not only a non-profit I truly believe in, but also one that is very close to my heart,” said Gates, a resident of Canton, Ga. “Precious Pearls was founded, in 2003, by Geoffrey and Linda Kibii. It is a Biblical-based non-profit organization dedicated to giving unwanted orphans and children from impoverished families a better life and a hopeful future. Its purpose is to help disadvantaged children in the city of Eldoret, Kenya, gain access to education, a key element in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty.”

The team also was given a $1,500 grant from Sam’s Club to purchase sewing machines for the small village. This grant allowed the team to purchase 15 sewing machines, which helps the young girls there become more self sustainable. The young Kenyan females often turn to prostitution as a way to support themselves because they have no skills or family support. Through the Precious Pearls program, theses young adults are taught how to sew. Their products can be sold and they can secure a way to support themselves long-term in a much more meaningful and safe environment. With four sewing machines, the provision of materials and three months training will enable 21 girls to leave life on the street behind. 

“We all pull together.”

“In Kenya, the motto ‘harambee, which means ‘we all pull together,’ comes from the idea that one fisherman himself cannot pull up a net alone, but when he works with a team he is able to accomplish much,” said Tina Boosel, instructor of business and SIFE advisor. “This is true for anything in life and especially true for our SIFE team, together we are strong and together we are able to make a difference in the lives of many, even across the ocean in Kenya.”

The team will be presenting these projects, along with several other community service projects they’ve led this year, on April 2, 2012, at the Regional SIFE competition in Atlanta, Ga.

A commitment to community education has sparked an innovative partnership between Reinhardt University and the City of Woodstock. Beginning in August 2012 the University will offer the Reinhardt Advantage Master of Business Administration (MBA) at The Chambers at City Center, the first graduate program to be offered at the new site. It will be followed by Reinhardt’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a track in Criminal Justice planned for Spring 2013 delivery.

Reinhardt Advantage MBA Open House in Woodstock on March 27 at 6:30 p.m.

The University will hold an open house on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at the Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St., Woodstock, Ga., 30188, at 6:30 p.m. — Reinhardt faculty and staff will be available to provide indepth information about the Reinhardt Advantage MBA and to answer questions.

Meeting the Educational Needs of Adult Learners: Career-Focused, Convenient, Flexible

“The University welcomed the invitation from the City of Woodstock to provide graduate programming for area residents and city employees,“ said Reinhardt President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood. “Part of the University mission includes addressing the educational needs of the adult learner and advancing the career goals of area professionals. The Woodstock location allows Reinhardt the opportunity to provide a quality educational program that fits the needs of the adult student for flexibility and convenience.”

Reinhardt Advantage MBA classes are slated for the conference room at the Chambers Building, which will provide both an intimate and professional setting. Classes will begin Tuesday, August 21, 2012, and will meet one night per week. Traditional classroom instruction is enhanced by online instruction to allow students to complete the program in 19 months.  Interested students are encouraged to apply early.

Small Classes, Individual Attention, Educational Value

“As one of the best educational values in the Atlanta area, the Reinhardt Advantage MBA program has attracted professionals from a variety of areas including business, education, science and the arts. These professionals have used the Advantage MBA to advance in their current positions, improve career opportunities, and start new businesses. The success of the Advantage MBA is underscored by meeting marketplace needs, offering small classes and providing the type of individual attention that is part of the Reinhardt trademark,” added Isherwood.

For additional information, prospective students can contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 770-720-5797.

Hunter Collett, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound center from Waleska, has signed a letter of intent to attend Reinhardt University in the fall and be a part of the Eagles’ new football program under head coach Danny Cronic. Collett comes to Reinhardt from nearby Cherokee High School in Canton, where he played for head coach Brian Dameron.
           
“We are happy to announce the signing of Waleska native Hunter Collett to a scholarship to play football at Reinhardt,” Cronic said. “Hunter is a quick and agile lineman, and we are extremely excited to have him be one of the first signees at Reinhardt. I think we are off to a great start in recruiting.”

Four Time Letter Winner and Three-year Starter from Cherokee High School

Collett, the son of Phil and Stephanie Collett, was a four-time letter winner and three-year starter at Cherokee. Following his senior season, he was selected as the CMT Oil Company Offensive Lineman of the Year at the Cherokee County Gridiron Club Awards Banquet after being named to all-county teams by The Cherokee Tribune and The Cherokee Ledger-News. A 2011 team captain and preseason all-state pick by Georgia High School Football Magazine, Collett is a former winner of Lumpkin County’s Bull-Pull Challenge for lineman. He also competed for two years as a discus thrower for the Warriors’ track and field squad.
           
“Among the other colleges I was looking at, Reinhardt was the one that really wanted me more so than the other ones,” Collett said. “The coaches here welcomed me with open arms and really wanted me. I’ve grown up near the campus and I’m looking forward to coming here and helping start the football program at Reinhardt.”
           
Collett chose Reinhardt after also considering Georgia Southern University, Jacksonville State University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Birmingham-Southern College.      

Photo Caption:

Reinhardt University head football coach Danny Cronic recently signed Hunter Collett from Waleska, Ga., and Cherokee High School in Canton to attend Reinhardt this fall and be an inaugural member of the University’s football program. On hand for the signing on Reinhardt’s main campus were, front row (from left): Phil Collett (Hunter’s father), Stephanie Collett (Hunter’s mother), Collett, Callie Collett (Hunter’s sister) and Peggy Page (Hunter’s grandmother). Back row (from left): Larry Prather (Reinhardt assistant football coach), Cronic and Lindsey Smith (Hunter’s girlfriend).

As a part of the Student Government Association, the RU Green Committee was a standing committee established to encourage going green around the campus. Students, faculty and staff showed a large interest in expanding the committee to increase campus involvement in the going green movement. Student Government Association Treasurer Maria Flores (far right) worked with the SGA Executive Board to promote the RU Green Committee to program status, now titled the RU Green Program.

In establishing a program status for the RU Green Program, the Executive Board allocated $1,000 to the RU Green Program which created two student worker positions that will be working under the housekeeping department to maintain the recycling bins around the campus which were bought by last year’s SGA Senate. Stephanie Hightower (far left), a freshman, and Ethan Cole (second from right), a sophomore, will be working with Valarie Jordan, supervisor of housekeeping, to recycle cans, cardboard, bottles, junk mail, magazines, newspapers and plastics 1-7.

Environmental Stewardship

“The RU Green Program is helping promote environmental stewardship throughout the Reinhardt Community,” said Jordan. “Their work in helping recycle will keep our buildings clean and beautiful, and I am looking forward to working with the RU Green Program in the future.”

“Seeing the bigger picture.”

Flores also proposed to the Senate on behalf of the Executive Board for an allocation of $1,500 to the RU Green Program which will hire an Assistant Program Coordinator and help with funding green events. The Senate unanimously passed the proposal, which resulted in the hiring of freshman Dallas Hollis (second from left) as the assistant program coordinator. Hollis is also the Reinhardt University representative at the Chamber of Commerce Green Committee meetings.

“RU Green will help Reinhardt students see the bigger picture and their part in taking care of the world and minimizing their carbon footprint,” said Hollis.

Recycling bins are located around the main campus, and Hollis will be working to plan Earth Day events as well as other Going Green initiatives.

“A cause-worthy program.” 

“I am excited to get to help start such a cause-worthy program here at Reinhardt,” said Hightower. “This is what students have been wanting, and it is great to see the Student Government Association help do just that.”

For more information, please visit www.reinhardt.edu or “like” the RU Green Program on Facebook.

Reinhardt University SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) team has been working with a class at Porter Academy in Roswell, Ga., on implementing Chick-fil-A’s Core Essentials Program. SIFE members visit the school once a month and work with the children on the importance of treating others right, exhibiting self control, being generous and various other character education topics. 

Giving back to the community.

“SIFE students are learning the importance of planning and organizing each visit with the children, which is something that will help them as they embark on their professional careers,” said Tina Boosel, instructor of business and SIFE adviser. “This project required our students to do more than show up for a one day event. They have had to really engage themselves in the project and remain dedicated to see the work through. They are also seeing the benefits of giving back to the community—the children are connecting with them and they are seeing very positive results when they review the materials with the children on each visit.”

Operation Christmas

The SIFE team recently helped the Porter Academy children pack 30 shoe boxes to send to the Dominican Republic for Operation Christmas, to help the children understand the importance of being generous and helping those less fortunate.

“Our goal is that the children not just learn about the Chick-fil-A core values, but experience them and ultimately use them throughout their entire life,” said Amanda Lam, a junior accounting major from Canton, Ga., and SIFE president. “We do that by making the learning part fun for the students. To help them understand the value of generosity, we recently had them pack shoe boxes filled with toys, toiletries, and school supplies to send to Operation Christmas. We make sure to do activities, crafts, and games that relate to the values we are teaching them.” 

A lifetime investment.

The team will be showcasing this and their other community service projects at the SIFE regional competition in April, in Atlanta, Ga. Teammates for the project are, pictured from left to right: Lam, Phoebe Budd (Cedartown, Ga.), Isabella Novaes (Marietta, Ga.), Elizabeth Williams (Lawrenceville, GA), and not pictured, Daniel Guerrero (Woodstock, Ga.).

“One of the most important things you can do is teach a child values and invest in making sure they know someone cares about them,” said Boosel. “The return on this investment we hope will last a lifetime!”

Chick-fil-A Core Essentials Program

Core Essentials is a values education program, designed for grades K-5, that provides affordable, simple, and downloadable tools allowing schools to quickly incorporate values education into their curriculum.

Their goal is to help schools create a culture of caring, respect and personal responsibility. The curriculum filters all of our lesson plan suggestions, and other strategic tools through the lens of the following big three ideas:

1. Treat others right
2. Make smart decisions
3. Maximize your potential

The program provides a “value of the month” curriculum that encourages individual classrooms, the entire school, and every family to emphasize the same aspects of each value. The values that Core Essentials emphasizes are common attitudes that every parent and teacher wants children to learn and demonstrate.

Core Essentials® is a non-profit organization and was begun in 1998 by concerned parents and teachers who wanted to help kids by providing quality character building resources to schools. The first Core Essentials program was launched in partnership with Chick-fil-A® in about 24 elementary schools in the metro Atlanta area. Since that time, over 450,000 children have been impacted each year.

Community members are invited to see “Naturally Sharp,” the Reinhardt University Collegiate Chapter of Music Teachers National Association, perform a variety show of original musical comedy, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the Falany Performing Arts Center, on the campus of Reinhardt University in Waleska, Ga.  Admission is $3 per person, and the proceeds will help fund the group’s professional activities, service and community projects.  “Naturally Sharp” is made up of Reinhardt music performance, music education, and sacred music majors and is affiliated with the Georgia Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association. 

“You’ll laugh your socks off!”

Susan Naylor, an associate professor of music at Reinhardt and the group’s advisor, describes the show as “good, clean entertainment for the whole family.  It’s a fun way to reach out to the community, to showcase our incredibly talented students, and to raise funds to support their activities.”  She also gives an interesting guarantee: “If you don’t laugh your socks off, we’ll give you your money back.  Otherwise, we’ll just give your socks back.”

Student Performances

Students are key leaders in the production.  King Waters, a music performance major from Tampa, Fla., and co-president of “Naturally Sharp,” is directing this year’s show, and Brandon Sosebee, a music performance major from Ball Ground, Ga., will emcee the evening.  Other performers include “Naturally Sharp” Co-President Brianna Hendrickson of Canton, Ga., Lily Freeman, Unita Harris, Kanisha Howard, Katie Kemp, Christopher Lawhorne, LeeAnn Moore, Holly Nash, Charity Neese, David Richards, and Marjorie Saviano.

Included in the line-up will be “From the Bottom” – a take-off of the NPR show, “From the Top;” student reports of little known speculations about Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov and the origin of world music; a duet with two cats; a couple of confused pianists; a special appearance by the rapper, Emma Naylor; vignettes featuring a Hoe Down, Silent Film enactment, Mash-off, Practice Room Scene and Ode to Tom; and last, but not least, a surprise ending inspired by the popular music scene in the 1970s.

Reinhardt students are singing to the tune of a new professor. Dr. Martha Shaw has been appointed as a professor of music at the University, which is located in Waleska, Ga. Her official duties will begin in fall 2012.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to add someone with Dr. Shaw’s experience and reputation to our faculty,” said Dr. Dennis McIntire, dean of the School of Music.

Shaw Background

Shaw, the Lester Harbin chair of conducting, is professor of music and the director of choral activities at Shorter University. In 2008, she was honored with the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship. A specialist in vocal pedagogy for all ages, she is active as a clinician and as a guest conductor throughout the United States. Her fifteen years of experience as a public school music specialist contribute significantly to her work at Shorter, where she teaches conducting, ear-training, sight-singing, and music methods classes as well as conducts the Shorter Chorale. 

She is the founding director of the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir. Under her direction, the choir has been featured in performances for state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, the national conferences of the Orff-Schulwerk Association, and Chorus America, and on NPR’s Performance Today and From the Top. 

Shaw received a bachelor of music education degree from Shorter College and a master of science degree in Music Education from the University of Tennessee, where she studied with Donald Neuen. Prior to joining the faculty at Shorter in 1999, Shaw studied with Larry Wyatt at the University of South Carolina, where she was a member of the faculty and earned a doctor of musical arts degree in conducting.

The Knox Foundation for Ethics and the Reinhardt University McCamish School of Business will host an ethics speaker on Thursday, February 9, at 2 p.m. in the Bannister Glasshouse of the Hasty Student Life Center on Reinhardt’s campus in Waleska, Ga. Mr. Kevin Dunlap, 2nd vice president of client services at AFLAC, will be discussing AFLAC’s history/culture, business statistics, ethics, message from the chairman, code of ethics, employee training,  and leadership examples.

“We are excited that Mr. Dunlap will be speaking to our students about the ethical culture and values at AFLAC,” said Dr. Katherine Hyatt, assistant professor of business. “It is a delight to see how large organizations practice ethics.”

Dunlap Background

Dunlap currently serves as 2nd vice president of the Client Service Department of the Customer Assurance Division of AFLAC, with responsibility for the leadership and direction of the Account Services teams, Outbound Call teams, Resource Planning team and the Sales Lead Management team.

He joined AFLAC in November 2002 as 2nd Vice President of Policy Service with leadership responsibility for policyholder and account level maintenance for Pacific and West Territories. In May of 2003, the Southwest Territory was added to his responsibilities and in August of 2004, he assumed responsibility for the Northeast Territory. In 2008, he was transferred to AIM and Support Service Division as 2nd Vice President of Support Services with leadership responsibility for the Print, Mail, Fulfillment and Distribution departments.

Prior to joining AFLAC, Dunlap held multiple leadership position of increasing responsibility with Computer Science Corporation, United Health Care and MetLife. He has over 30 years of operations management experience with extensive background in customer service, claims management and transactional processing. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Rutgers University.

Knox Foundation Background

The Knox Foundation was founded by the late Mr. Pete Knox who was a loyal trustee and friend of Reinhardt. He began the Foundation in support of ethics education in business and other areas at Reinhardt. His son, the late Mr. Boone A. Knox, continued to support Reinhardt University through the Foundation after the death of his father and throughout his own life.