Category Archives: Visitors

Community Invited to Ethics Lecture on Nov. 5

Alumni, Career Services, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Graduate, Home, Parent, School-Business, Visitors, Working Adults

Reinhardt University Invites Community to Ethics Lecture on Thursday, Nov. 5

Reinhardt alumnus Rod Norton will address developing a personal code of ethics on Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.
Reinhardt alumnus Rod Norton ’14 will speak on developing a personal code of ethics on Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.

Reinhardt University welcomes Rod Norton, a 2014 MBA graduate from Reinhardt’s McCamish School of Business, as a speaker for the McCamish School/Knox Foundation for Ethics-sponsored lecture series. This free event is open to the public and will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. in the Bannister Glasshouse/Hasty Student Life Center on Reinhardt’s Waleska, Ga. campus.

Developing a personal code of ethics

Dr. Katherine E. Hyatt, associate professor of business, has coordinated Reinhardt’s ethics activities in recent years. She invited Norton to speak because she was impressed by a memorable ethics presentation he gave during his MBA coursework.  His speech will address how to use one’s personal experiences, relationships and society in building a personal code of ethics.

Norton’s undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Management, is also from Reinhardt. He has more than 16 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, having spent 10 years with a major wireless carrier and six years as a consultant and executive providing strategic services and network infrastructure to major wireless carriers. Before working in telecommunications, Norton worked in real estate construction and residential and commercial project development. He was site manager for the inaugural beach volleyball venue at the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta.

The Knox Foundation for Ethics promotes ethics education at Reinhardt

The Knox Foundation was established by longtime Reinhardt trustee and friend, the late Pete Knox of Thomson, Ga., to promote ethics education. His son, the late Boone A. Knox, continued to support the Foundation’s efforts after his father’s death and throughout his own life. In recent years, Reinhardt has hosted panel discussions and essay contents, in addition to lectures, to examine ethics.

Reinhardt alumnus Amy Fernandez Geiger '14 spoke on the impact of social media on business ethics on Oct. 20, 2015.
Reinhardt alumnus Amy Fernandez Geiger ’14 spoke on the impact of social media on business ethics on Oct. 20, 2015.

Oct. 20 Lecture addressed how social media impacts business ethics

On Oct. 20, 2015, Reinhardt MBA graduate Amy Fernandez Geiger ’14 provided social media pointers and guidelines for job seekers and hiring managers in her presentation, “How the Transparency of Social Media Blurs the Lines of Business Ethics.” As a marketing manager for ClubCorp, she oversees and manages marketing and advertising for 35 private golf and country clubs in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

For more on programming supported by the Knox Foundation for Ethics and the McCamish School of Business, see www.reinhardt.edu/business-ethics.

Welcome New Vice Presidents for Finance and Administration and Advancement

Advancement, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Financial Aid, Home, Media Relations, Parent, Visitors

Welcome New Vice Presidents for Finance and Administration and Advancement

Norton and LeopardTwo new vice presidents have been appointed to serve on the administration of Reinhardt University. David Leopard is the Vice President for Finance and Administration; He replaced Robert G. “Bob” McKinnon, who served in the position from March 2008 until his retirement this in March 2015. Timothy A. “Tim” Norton is the Vice President for Advancement; Norton filled the position of JoEllen Bell Wilson ’61, who retired from Reinhardt after serving in many roles for 33 years (July 1982-2015).

“Mr. Norton and Mr. Leopard bring years of experience to their respective positions and will be joining an already strong leadership team,” said Dr. Kina Mallard, president. “The future of Reinhardt is bright. With our excellent leaders, faculty and staff, we are ready to soar into the future as we continue shaping lives and building futures.”

David Leopard – Vice President for Finance and Administration

Leopard previously served as vice president of finance and administration at Young Harris College, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center, Inc. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia State University and was licensed as a CPA in 1984.

“With many years of non-profit experience in higher education and the arts, I am looking forward to working with the other members of the Leadership Team to guide the development of distinctive programs and degrees that will make Reinhardt competitive for many years to come,” Leopard said. “As a financial executive that understands the importance of branding and product perception, I will push for our campuses and facilities to represent Reinhardt in a manner that is appealing to potential students and their families.

“We will also work to develop and have a deeper understanding of our business model and how that will be critical in developing the next strategic plan for the University,” he continued. “There are numerous challenges facing higher education in the next 20 years. It is crucial that we position the University to meet those challenges and emerge stronger, both financially and operationally.”

Tim Norton – Vice President for Advancement

Norton has served the last four years as chief advancement officer for Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in Johnson City, Tenn. In this position, he provided leadership for communications/public relations, philanthropy/development, volunteer recruitment and deployment and information technology. At ASP, he built and implemented the online giving program, developed and implemented the planned giving program, and established a rigorous program of private foundation and government grant research, proposal preparation/presentation.

Prior to ASP, Norton served as interim vice president for advancement at Carson-Newman University, Development Director for The Christian Index in Atlanta, Associate Vice President for Development at Palm Beach Atlantic College, and Associate Director for Marketing and Development for the Home Mission Board in Atlanta.

“Having worked in fundraising for colleges & universities and non-profits for over 30 years, my greatest gift is as a relationship builder,” Norton said. “I look forward to building mutually beneficial relationships in support of students, alumni, faculty, and programs that will, in turn, benefit Reinhardt, our immediate community, and the world.

“I have always believed–and experienced this to be true–that people are willing to invest their hard-earned dollars in a place like Reinhardt University when they understand the mission, are offered a compelling case for support, are asked to do what they are able to do as financial supporters, and are appreciated and recognized for giving,” he said. “This is what I hope to do, together, as we move Reinhardt University forward as a place of life-transforming experiences for all those who live, work, serve and visit here.”

Future Eagles “Soar” at New Student Orientation

Accepted Students, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors

Future Eagles “Soar” at Reinhardt’s Orientation Weekends

Mallard with students.
O-groups
Public Safety

“Nearly 200 students and over 300 parents from as close as Canton, Ga. and as far as Winter Haven, Florida took part in the University’s most recent Orientation weekend, and we are expecting another 150+ students and 300 more parents during orientation sessions in July,” said Dr. Walter May, assistant dean of students.

Excitement and Energy on Campus

Dr. Roger Lee, vice president for student affairs, emphasized that “New Student Orientation at Reinhardt University brings all the excitement and energy to our campus family. Entering students and parents connect with new friends as we all focus on new learning opportunities and exciting futures.”

Seeking Support Opportunities and Exploring Campus Life

Steven Vosika ‘15, coordinator of involvement and orientation, further described New Student Orientation (NSO) as “a comprehensive one of a kind experience for freshmen, transfer, and dual enrollment student populations which introduces them to their first real taste of life as an Eagle. Our diverse and passionate Orientation Leaders and Student Leaders from across campus help each incoming student to experience a stress-free transition to college through educational sessions on campus life, safety, academic success, and financial success on their path as an Eagle. This time allows for us to support incoming students with opportunities to explore campus life and for incoming students to build long-lasting personal relationship with other students.”

Orientation: SOAR and Eagle Bound

Orientation at Reinhardt University is a two-part process: SOAR and Eagle Bound. SOAR is a series of one-day sessions during June and July where students learn about studying and living at Reinhardt as well as getting advised and registering for their first semester classes. Eagle Bound is an action-packed two day experience for new students the weekend before fall classes start in August.

During SOAR, new students and their families spend the first part of the morning taking their Student ID pictures, learning about housing, signing up for post-office boxes, and meet one-on-one with a Financial Aid representative.

Following the welcome ceremony, students break off into small O-groups facilitated by a Reinhardt Orientation Leader to learn more about the college experience and how to find their niche at RU.

Vosika explained, “While in these small O-groups, students take part in interactive activities that energizing the group, initiating creative thinking, make the students feel comfortable and encouraged to seek involvement within the RU community.”

Bonding Experiences and Building Relationships

“One of my favorite parts about orientation is breaking off into our “O-groups” I like being able to get to know everyone through our ice breakers. The ice breakers help the group make connections and friends. It also helps the leaders get to know each student. Since the students are in their O-group for most of the day, it helps them get a better feel for the campus and also bond with the group” said Katie Purcell ‘17, orientation leader.

Following lunch, while students are finalizing their fall semester classes, Lee, along with Peggy Feehery, director of career services, and Derek Struchtemeyer, director of counseling, lead an interactive discussion with parents about the student experience. This session addresses issues facing today’s college students and suggest tips for how to best navigate the college transition. You’ll learn how to help your student know what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of the resource and opportunity that RU has to offer.

To find out more about New Student Orientation, visit www.reinhardt.edu/orientation 

Reinhardt Business Students “Imagine No Malaria”

Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-Business, Visitors

Reinhardt University Students “Imagine No Malaria”

In the spring semester of 2015, Dr. Dana Hall’s students in her course Non-profit Marketing Campaign Strategies, focused on the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church’s annual initiative to raise 

“This is a really important effort, as each dollar raised goes directly to the mission (The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pays all the administrative costs), and each $10 raised literally saves a life,” said Hall, an assistant professor of business. “$10 buys an insecticide-treated mosquito net, the medications, training and education to prevent/treat malaria. Malaria is a completely preventable disease, one that is particularly deadly for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.”awareness and funds for “Imagine No Malaria,” a ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The students developed a campaign strategy specifically for the North Georgia Conference that will help in reaching the organization’s objective of raising $750,000 this year.

“Imagine No Malaria” Background

When the United Methodist Church started working on this effort in 2008, a child died every 30 seconds from malaria. Now it’s every 60 seconds. To date, the campaign has trained 11,600 health care workers in Africa who literally go door-to-door to hang nets and educate their neighbors. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. One in five children in Africa will die from malaria.

Prior to 1951, malaria was a serious health problem in the U.S. and in fact, it led to the creation of the CDC. A comprehensive effort from 1947 to 1951 virtually eradicated malaria in the U.S.

Imagine No Malaria
Imagine No Malaria

Class Efforts

Hall’s class and D.R.E.A.M.S. sponsored a Half-Time Shoot-out during a spring Reinhardt Men’s basketball game. People from the audience were selected to shoot 3- point shots for an allotted amount of time. Each shot made raised $10, and people also had the opportunity to donate on their own. Through this fundraising effort, the class was able to raise more than $340 in only 5 minutes.

Alexandra Mahan ’15 presented the class’ efforts at the 2015 Annual Conference for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church in June. She emphasized that “our class did research and created a marketing plan to support cause. We gained real world experience and in the process, helped save 116 lives!”

Members of the class who contributed to the “Imagine No Malaria” class project included spring 2015 graduates Blake Hallman, Michael Coleman, DJ Sellers, Carley Shoemaker and Mahan; and returning students Christian Hill, Abel Ramirez and Calvin Robertson.

For more information on how you can “Imagine No Malaria,” visit www. ImagineNoMalaria.org or contact Hall at 770-720-5756 or DLH@reinhardt.edu

Reinhardt Business Students “Imagine No Malaria”

Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-Business, Visitors

Reinhardt University Students “Imagine No Malaria”

In the spring semester of 2015, Dr. Dana Hall’s students in her course Non-profit Marketing Campaign Strategies, focused on the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church’s annual initiative to raise 

“This is a really important effort, as each dollar raised goes directly to the mission (The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pays all the administrative costs), and each $10 raised literally saves a life,” said Hall, an assistant professor of business. “$10 buys an insecticide-treated mosquito net, the medications, training and education to prevent/treat malaria. Malaria is a completely preventable disease, one that is particularly deadly for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.”awareness and funds for “Imagine No Malaria,” a ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The students developed a campaign strategy specifically for the North Georgia Conference that will help in reaching the organization’s objective of raising $750,000 this year.

“Imagine No Malaria” Background

When the United Methodist Church started working on this effort in 2008, a child died every 30 seconds from malaria. Now it’s every 60 seconds. To date, the campaign has trained 11,600 health care workers in Africa who literally go door-to-door to hang nets and educate their neighbors. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. One in five children in Africa will die from malaria.

Prior to 1951, malaria was a serious health problem in the U.S. and in fact, it led to the creation of the CDC. A comprehensive effort from 1947 to 1951 virtually eradicated malaria in the U.S.

Imagine No Malaria
Imagine No Malaria

Class Efforts

Hall’s class and D.R.E.A.M.S. sponsored a Half-Time Shoot-out during a spring Reinhardt Men’s basketball game. People from the audience were selected to shoot 3- point shots for an allotted amount of time. Each shot made raised $10, and people also had the opportunity to donate on their own. Through this fundraising effort, the class was able to raise more than $340 in only 5 minutes.

Alexandra Mahan ’15 presented the class’ efforts at the 2015 Annual Conference for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church in June. She emphasized that “our class did research and created a marketing plan to support cause. We gained real world experience and in the process, helped save 116 lives!”

Members of the class who contributed to the “Imagine No Malaria” class project included spring 2015 graduates Blake Hallman, Michael Coleman, DJ Sellers, Carley Shoemaker and Mahan; and returning students Christian Hill, Abel Ramirez and Calvin Robertson.

For more information on how you can “Imagine No Malaria,” visit www. ImagineNoMalaria.org or contact Hall at 770-720-5756 or DLH@reinhardt.edu

Future Eagles “Soar” at New Student Orientation

Accepted Students, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors

Future Eagles “Soar” at Reinhardt’s Orientation Weekends

Mallard with students.
O-groups
Public Safety

“Nearly 200 students and over 300 parents from as close as Canton, Ga. and as far as Winter Haven, Florida took part in the University’s most recent Orientation weekend, and we are expecting another 150+ students and 300 more parents during orientation sessions in July,” said Dr. Walter May, assistant dean of students.

Excitement and Energy on Campus

Dr. Roger Lee, vice president for student affairs, emphasized that “New Student Orientation at Reinhardt University brings all the excitement and energy to our campus family. Entering students and parents connect with new friends as we all focus on new learning opportunities and exciting futures.”

Seeking Support Opportunities and Exploring Campus Life

Steven Vosika ‘15, coordinator of involvement and orientation, further described New Student Orientation (NSO) as “a comprehensive one of a kind experience for freshmen, transfer, and dual enrollment student populations which introduces them to their first real taste of life as an Eagle. Our diverse and passionate Orientation Leaders and Student Leaders from across campus help each incoming student to experience a stress-free transition to college through educational sessions on campus life, safety, academic success, and financial success on their path as an Eagle. This time allows for us to support incoming students with opportunities to explore campus life and for incoming students to build long-lasting personal relationship with other students.”

Orientation: SOAR and Eagle Bound

Orientation at Reinhardt University is a two-part process: SOAR and Eagle Bound. SOAR is a series of one-day sessions during June and July where students learn about studying and living at Reinhardt as well as getting advised and registering for their first semester classes. Eagle Bound is an action-packed two day experience for new students the weekend before fall classes start in August.

During SOAR, new students and their families spend the first part of the morning taking their Student ID pictures, learning about housing, signing up for post-office boxes, and meet one-on-one with a Financial Aid representative.

Following the welcome ceremony, students break off into small O-groups facilitated by a Reinhardt Orientation Leader to learn more about the college experience and how to find their niche at RU.

Vosika explained, “While in these small O-groups, students take part in interactive activities that energizing the group, initiating creative thinking, make the students feel comfortable and encouraged to seek involvement within the RU community.”

Bonding Experiences and Building Relationships

“One of my favorite parts about orientation is breaking off into our “O-groups” I like being able to get to know everyone through our ice breakers. The ice breakers help the group make connections and friends. It also helps the leaders get to know each student. Since the students are in their O-group for most of the day, it helps them get a better feel for the campus and also bond with the group” said Katie Purcell ‘17, orientation leader.

Following lunch, while students are finalizing their fall semester classes, Lee, along with Peggy Feehery, director of career services, and Derek Struchtemeyer, director of counseling, lead an interactive discussion with parents about the student experience. This session addresses issues facing today’s college students and suggest tips for how to best navigate the college transition. You’ll learn how to help your student know what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of the resource and opportunity that RU has to offer.

To find out more about New Student Orientation, visit www.reinhardt.edu/orientation 

Cherokee Retired Educators Association Gives Scholarship Donation

Advancement, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-Education, Visitors

Cherokee Retired Educators Association Gives Scholarship Donation to Benefit Education Students

CREA Donation

Teachers of the past help teachers of the future! The Cherokee Retired Educators Association presented Reinhardt with a $2,000 check to provide scholarships for students majoring in education. Dr. Kina Mallard, Reinhardt president (center), accepted the generous donation from Marlene Harrington, CREA president, along with Karen Hawley (from right), president-elect; Kathy Brown, membership officer; and Jean Cantrell, treasurer.

Faculty Members Honored for Dedication with Presentation of Annual Awards

Advancement, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors

anderson

Anderson

thomas lee

Thomas-Lee

Davis

Davis

mcnally

McNally

Mullins

Mullins

Reinhardt University Honors Faculty Dedication with Presentation of Five Awards; Students Present Faculty Mentor Award

At the final Faculty Senate meeting of the academic year, University administrators underscored the crucial role that faculty play in making Reinhardt a true community of challenge and care. Among the outstanding faculty honored at the meeting were Dr. Matt Anderson, Dr. Paula-Thomas Lee, Jym Davis, Robin McNally, and Joe Mullins, and Dr. Catherine Emanuel was recognized during Honor’s Day.

Jane England Faculty Award for Excellence – Dr. Matt Anderson

Dr. Matt Anderson, instructor of music and a resident of Cumming, Ga., was honored with the Jane England Faculty Award for Excellence. The $500 award is named for a long-time Reinhardt faculty member who retired in May 2001 and passed away in January 2007. England was a professor of history and political science for 31 years at Reinhardt. She also served in numerous leadership roles, including advisor to the student newspaper and faculty chair. Upon her retirement, Reinhardt established this annual faculty award, along with a scholarship fund, in her honor. Anderson has been a faculty member at Reinhardt for almost three years.

Faculty Research and Scholarship Award – Dr. Paula Thomas-Lee

Dr. Paula Thomas-Lee, assistant professor of music, received a Faculty Research and Scholarship Award for her contributions to the artistic community. Thomas-Lee, a resident of Woodstock, Ga., has taught at Reinhardt for more than seven years.

“It was such a tremendous honor to receive this award for research,” said Thomas-Lee. “Conducting research is something that I find incredibly exciting! I think as educators we should always strive to look for ways to be more effective and applicable to our students. By researching on varying topics in the field of music education, I think I’ve become a stronger and more influential educator.”

Faculty Artistic Award – Jym Davis

Honored with the Faculty Artistic Award was Jym Davis, associate professor of art and a resident of Canton, Ga., who has taught at the University for more than eight years.

“Receiving the Faculty Art Award was a tremendous honor,” Davis said. “It was nice to have my art recognized and to hear so many encouraging words from my colleagues at Reinhardt University. There is a tremendous amount of creative energy at Reinhardt so it was nice to receive recognition from my peers.”

United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award – Robin McNally

Robin McNally, assistant professor of mathematics, received the prestigious United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award. McNally, a resident Acworth, Ga., has taught at Reinhardt for more than 21 years.

“I am very honored to have received this meaningful award,” said McNally. “I have been blessed for the last 20 years working with wonderful faculty members, amazing students and outstanding staff/administration at Reinhardt University.”

Funded by the Division of Higher Education of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, the Exemplary Teacher Award is given annually to a Reinhardt faculty member to recognize excellence in teaching, commitment to value-centered education and service to students at the University.

Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award – Joe Mullins

Honored with the Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award was Joe Mullins, assistant professor of sport studies. Mullins, who is a resident of Jasper, Ga., has taught at the University for almost three years.

“I was excited to be nominated for the Vulcan award because the nominations come from students and faculty,” Mullins said. “I love to teach, and I am truly blessed to get to work with wonderful students and faculty every day. I was surprised to win the award and thankful to be recognized for something I love to do.”

Established in 1991, the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Awards annually honor an outstanding professor on selected member campuses of the Georgia Independent College Association. The award recognizes an outstanding faculty member who demonstrates strong academic skills in the classroom and provides leadership and support in the other areas of campus life. The recipients are faculty who assist the institutions in nurturing an academic climate which fosters teaching and who provide leadership to enhance the campus community.

Elizabeth Moss Bailey Faculty Mentor Award – Dr. Catherine Emanuel

The Elizabeth Moss Bailey Faculty Mentor Award was presented during Honors Day by Student Government Association President Alexander Bryant. Catherine Emanuel, director of the Center for Student Success, was selected by the students to receive this award.

“I certainly wasn’t expected this award, but it’s nice to have students acknowledge my efforts,” said Emanuel, a resident of Marietta, Ga. and faculty member for more than six years. “I feel very honored to have been recognized.”

The Elizabeth Moss Bailey Faculty Mentor Award was created in 2003 by the College’s Student Government Association (SGA) as an opportunity for recognizing a faculty member that renders outstanding mentorship to students. The SGA takes nominations for the honor from students, and then the members of the Student Senate vote on the faculty recipient. The award is named for Elizabeth Moss Bailey ’28, a distinguished alumna and former professor and dean of women who helped create the work-study program at the College.

Students Learn Important Concepts and Raise Funds for House of Hope in Kenya

Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-Business, Visitors

Two Reinhardt business classes presented more than $1300 to SERV International.

Reinhardt Business Students Learn Important Concepts As They Raise More than $1300 to Address Food and Clothing Shortages and Help the House of Hope in Kenya

Two Reinhardt University business classes have had much more than just good grades on their minds this spring.  They have explored the complicated issues of hunger, inadequate clothing, and malaria prevention, and by partnering with SERV-International, a Christian nonprofit headquartered in Canton, Ga., these students’ projects have produced impressive results:

  • Raised $1000 to build a bread oven for House of Hope, the orphanage in Kenya run by SERV International
  • Raised $342 for mattresses and malaria nets for the orphanage
  • Donated 45 school uniform shorts during a mission trip to the Dominican Republic
  • Provided 850 meals financed by increased clothing donations to SERV
  • Collected and donated 252 pairs of flip flops

Reinhardt senior Brooke Haley“I kept feeling like it was something I was supposed to help fix.”

Reinhardt senior Brooke Haley (left) from Marietta, Ga. was deeply moved by what she’s learned.  “My attitude changed 100 percent. I would come home from school, not depressed, but definitely not how I usually was. I would constantly having to talk to my family and even teammates at practice about what’s going on in Kenya.  I kept feeling like it was something I was supposed to help fix. I realized that I was drawn in and felt so connected to the children in Kenya, and it has made me want to go over there with SERV… I can’t thank [Dr. Joann P. Adeogun] enough for partnering us with SERV… Yes, we receive a grade, but someone also gets something out of our work.”

Ambitious Goals Include $1000 to Build a New Bread Oven

Instructor Tina H. Boosel’s Project Management class focused on raising $1000 for the oven, which will help the orphanage become more self sustainable by allowing them to prepare and feed fresh bread to the children, and also provide bread to sell to the community to generate income.  The class raised the money by selling Chick-fil-A lunches on February 11 and the Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q on March 26.  The successful projects allowed the students, professors and Reinhardt administrators to present a $1300 check ($1000 for the oven and $300 for mattresses and malaria nets) to SERV officials as part of the Bar-B-Q.  The foundation for the oven has already been laid, and the class hopes to get a photo of the completed project before the end of April.  

Boosel commended the University community for its support.  “It has been a tremendous learning experience for our students, and it’s also given us a platform to teach to give back to the community.”  For the barbecue fund raiser, Boosel’s class worked with Dr. Joann P. Adeogun’s class.  “Working together helped them all learn the importance of teamwork to carry out a goal.  The projects have certainly met our theme of ‘A Great Leader Must SERV First,’” Boosel said.  

Jim Mroczko, a Reinhardt alumnus and SERV’s president, was thankful for the assistance.  “It is a great pleasure for our SERV team to have the honor of being the recipient of the proceeds from such a meaningful project!” he said. “Bringing global awareness to the basic needs in developing countries through our work in Kenya has been truly rewarding.  I would like to thank Dr. Joann Adeogun, Tina Boosel, and all of the business class students for their efforts as they are a huge inspiration to us.  It was so great to see such enthusiasm for the project as they worked together toward a common goal with such purpose.”

Selling Chick-fil-A to raise funds was one of the business class' projects. Wrapping supplies at SERV International.
Reinhardt business student Chase Holmes (right) of Canton, Ga., sells a Chick-fil-A lunch to fellow business student Alex York of Marietta, Ga.  To help raise money to build a bread oven for an orphanage in Kenya which is supported by SERV International, Instructor Tina H. Boosel’s Project Management class sold lunches on February 11. Senior business major Warren Staples, from McDonough, Ga., securely wraps supplies at the SERV International facility in Canton, Ga.

The projects will have long-lasting Impact on the House of Hope in Kenya

Mroczko said the House of Hope Kenya will be greatly impacted for years to come through the efforts of the Reinhardt staff and faculty.  “I look forward to personally tasting the bread from the new oven when I visit Kenya the first week of May, along with having the privilege of seeing the smiles on the orphans faces with their new flip flops, mosquito nets and mattresses.  In addition to benefiting the House of Hope, the clothing drive helped to provide for much needed food in the Turkana District of Kenya where many are dying daily from a severe famine.  [This has been] truly a huge blessing!”

To learn more about the developing countries, students in the International Business class researched challenging topics like education, transportation, religion and churches, self-sufficiency of women, relationship building and communication, and risk factors and violence in developing countries.  That research will be shared with SERV to help them address their goals.

Adeogun said the idea to collaborate with SERV International developed after Mroczko gave the University’s annual business ethics lecture.  A Christian organization, SERV International establishes long-term projects designed to empower and partner with local residents.  Its staff and volunteers also share the love of God as they address critical needs, like providing clean water, life skills and feeding programs.

When Mroczko and the organization’s project coordinator Shelby Thayer spoke with the classes, the project took on a new energy, Adeogun said. 

“When Jim and Shelby came to the class and showed a video, my students got a visual of the organization, and that visual actually helped them identify with the people in Kenya and in House of Hope orphanage.  That, along with actually going to volunteer in the SERV store in Canton and seeing where the clothing, the flip-flops, the money was going, underscored the real-world impact their efforts could have.”

Writing letters to the children who live in the House of Hope Orphanage touched the students.Writing Letters to the House of Hope Children “Opened my eyes and made me see the real world.”

Adeogun’s students also were impacted by the time they spent volunteering in the SERV facility.

Haley really enjoyed writing the letters to the House of Hope children.  “I was always one of those people who would act like everything was fine because I kept myself uneducated about developing counties so that I could continue to go on with my life. I love that this experience opened my eyes and made me see the real world. While writing, I was nearly in tears. I couldn’t believe what I was reading about each of the children. Writing those letters to the children made me feel connected to them, and I hope the letters let the children know that they are so loved.”

“It gave me hope that what we were doing would actually make a difference…”

Senior John “Adam” Rogers of Lindale, Ga., also learned a great deal through the assignments, especially the volunteer experience.  “During our SERV project, I learned not only the struggle of underdeveloped countries, but the project also shed light on how well we have it here in America. Poverty on any level is saddening, and it is a shame to see people struggle… It touched my heart when our class was given the opportunity to go work… at the SERV facility. We were able to package some electronic Bibles to send to the Dominican Republic and to write letters to some of the kids who are in the orphanage in Kenya. Although they live in poverty, it was evident in their letters and pictures that they possess a light, a happy demeanor that shines through no matter the circumstances thrown their way. This had to be my favorite part of the entire project because it gave me hope that what we were doing would actually make a difference. They are living under extreme circumstances and facing some incredible obstacles in life, but yet they remain optimistic. So therefore, if they can do it, I can do it as well.”

The Projects also helped the students and faculty get to know one another more as individuals

Radvile Autukaite, a senior from Vilnius, Lithuania, also learned from the experience.  “While working towards a common goal all together, we were able to learn about each other, each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Autukaite said. “I think it was helpful because we were able to learn about who we are more as individuals and not just students, including the professor.”

Senior business major Jared “JJ” Johnson of Ellenwood, Ga., said the experience underscored the “importance of giving back and how little things in our world make a big difference in underserved people across the world.”

To learn more about the giving opportunities provided by SERV International, visit https://servone.org/