NEWS & CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Josh Davis, a senior from Sharps Chapel, has been selected the first-ever drum major for the Tusculum College Band program. Davis was selected after formal tryouts were held on Saturday, April 30.

In addition, Addie Hancock, a sophomore from Rogersville, was named assistant drum major.

“We are very excited about the selection of our first drum major and assistant drum major,” said David A. Price, director of music and special events for Tusculum College. “The drum major is the leader of the marching and pep band and will be an important part in continuing to grow the College’s band program.”

Davis, who is in his first year with the Tusculum College Band program, plays keyboard and a variety of percussion instruments. He is a member of the Pep, Concert and Jazz bands and a member of the Tusculum Handbell Choir. He also served as an alternate drum major at Union County High School.

Hancock has had seven years of band experience prior to coming to Tusculum College. She is a member of the Pep, Concert and Jazz bands. She plays flute, oboe, saxophone and the English horn.

The drum major serves as the conductor of the Marching and Pep bands and coordinates the on field performances and assists the band director with leadership responsibilities.

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Representatives of Tusculum College and Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine signed an affiliation agreement on Wednesday, April 20, opening the door for a seamless transfer for students majoring in selected academic programs at Tusculum College.

Tusculum College President Dr. Nancy B. Moody and Dr. Ray Stowers, vice president and dean Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, signed the articulation agreement at the Tusculum College Knoxville Regional Center on Wednesday afternoon.  The agreement becomes effective immediately for students enrolled at Tusculum College.

“We are very pleased to announce this new partnership and affiliation agreement that offers Tusculum College students a seamless transition into the osteopathic medical college at LMU,” said Moody. “This affiliation agreement provides a pathway to launch our best and brightest students into a career as an osteopathic physician.”

The two colleges have been working out the details of the affiliation agreement for several months and have come up with a program that allows for Tusculum College undergraduate students who meet the guidelines to be given provisional acceptance into the LMU-DCOM.

“We look forward to working with Tusculum College students as part of this program,” Stowers said. “Through this program the two institutions are helping to address the critical health care needs of the region,” said Stowers.

“The Early Acceptance Program is designed to facilitate the admission of Tusculum College students into the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program,” said Dr. Kim Estep, provost and academic vice president at Tusculum College.

Once recommended by Tusculum College, representatives of the program will interview the student in their junior year at Tusculum. Those who have a successful interview will be offered provisional acceptance into the program.

“We are very excited about the additional options this agreement will provide for current and future Tusculum College students,” said Moody. “We will continue to strive to provide them opportunities to excel not only while they are on our campus, but also as they continue their education in professional schools such as the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.”

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Due to continuing icy road conditions, Tusculum College will be opening on a two-hour delay for Tuesday, January 11, 2011. The delayed opening is in effect for all sites and campuses, with the exception of the Morristown site, which will remain closed for Tuesday. Evening classes in Morristown will not be held.

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Approximately 300 alumni and friends of Tusculum College returned to campus for Homecoming 2010 activities Oct. 8 and 9.

Homecoming activities included a parade, a tailgate party, an alumni dinner and dance, Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a memorial service and the annual Alumni Association meeting.

In addition, this year’s festivities included the Inauguration of Dr. Nancy B. Moody, Tusculum College’s 27^th and first female president, and related events. Alumni representing almost each class beginning with the class of 1940 marched in the processional for the ceremony, and Dr. Robert Pollock, a member of the class of 1965 and president of the Alumni Association, spoke during the ceremony on behalf of the alumni.

At half-time of the football game, seniors Jerwayne Gunn and Amber Sharp were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. Gunn is a graphic design major from Antioch, Tenn., and a student assistant with the Lady Pioneers women’s basketball team and a peer mentor for the Quest group. Sharp is an athletic training major from Tazewell, Tenn., who is the president of the Bonner Leaders program and a member of the President’s Society, the Student Alumni Association, Athletic Training Student Society and Iota Tau Alpha.

During the annual Alumni Association meeting, members of the Class of 1960 presented a class gift of $2,000 to Dr. Moody in honor of their 50^th anniversary. The gift was used to purchase a defibrillator for use by campus safety.

Also during the meeting, awards were presented to a distinguished alumnus and a long-time professor and staff member. Recipients of the awards are nominated by alumni.

Howard Doscher of East Hanover, N.J., a member of the class of 1960, was the recipient of the Pioneer Award, the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association for exemplifying the Pioneer spirit of excellence and service to others. A veteran of the U.S. Army and the New Jersey National Guard, Doscher had a 33-year distinguished career at Chubb Life Insurance Company, holding various leadership positions. He later founded the Economic Management Group, a specialty insurance consulting firm.

Doscher is deeply involved in his community, serving on the East Hanover Environmental Commission, coaching little league teams and helping teach his church’s confirmation class. He devotes considerable time to the Knights of Columbus and the Deer Lake Club, a family recreation center. Doscher has been a longtime supporter of his alma mater and served on Tusculum’s Board of Trustees in the 1980s.

Honored with the National Living Faculty Award was Dr. David Bow, professor of physical education, who has been a leader and positive influence in the classroom and on campus for more than 20 years.  Dr. Bow teaches a variety of classes in both the Residential College and Graduate and Professional Studies programs. He has served in several leadership positions including coordinator and chairman of the Physical Education program, director of athletics and a coach. His work for the athletics department has been recognized by his induction into the Tusculum College Sports Hall of Fame. Dr. Bow is a member of several professional physical education organizations and has served as president of the Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Receiving the National Alumni Recognition Award was Jeanne Stokes, director of the federal TRIO Program at Tusculum College. Stokes has positively touched hundreds of lives in the East Tennessee region through her work with the programs that provide enrichment activities to encourage prospective first-generation college students to continue their education after high school as well as provide services to students once they enter college. Stokes has been involved in the Tusculum TRIO Programs for 20 years at Tusculum, joining the staff as coordinator for the Talent Search program. She has been an instructor at Tusculum and Warren Wilson colleges and also worked as a teacher at Concord Middle School and EastView Elementary. At Tusculum, she also serves as a member of the Judicial Review Board, the Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee and as an advisor for students.

On Saturday evening, three new members were inducted into the Tusculum College Sports Hall of Fame.  This year’s induction class included All-Region women’s cross country runner Amanda Musick Hale, a 2004 graduate; All-Conference quarterback Caleb Slover, a 2003 graduate, and All-Region volleyball standout Deb Varney Zevetchin, a 1998 graduate.

Also presented during the ceremony was the Sports Benefactor Award, which recognizes an individual for their contributions toward the Pioneer athletic programs. The 2010 recipient was Larry Coughlin, a long-time supporter of Tusculum athletics. Coughlin is currently serving as the chairman of the 2010-11 Pioneer Club Campaign, which provides funds for scholarships for student athletes and program support.

The date has been selected for Homecoming 2011, which will be Sept. 23 and 24.

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Dollie Boyd has been appointed interim director of the Department of Museum Program and Studies at Tusculum College effective July 1. In her new role, Boyd will oversee the operations of the museums of Tusculum College, including the Doak House Museum and President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library, as well as the College Archives.

She will also continue to be responsible for the development and implementation of on-site and outreach curriculum-based school programs offered through the Doak House Museum. The museum offers a variety of educational programs throughout the academic year for school groups and home-schooled children. It hosts thousands of children annually.

Boyd joined the staff of the department in September 2009 as manager of school programs. In this position she developed several new curriculum-based offerings for the public and home-school audiences. A native of Franklin County, Tenn., Boyd taught grades 9-12 from 1994 to 2007, served as a graduate research assistant at the Albert Gore Research Center and was an interpretive ranger at Tims Ford State Park.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in speech and theater with minors in education and history from Middle Tennessee State University and is a candidate for her master’s degree in history/public history from MTSU as well. Boyd has also made several professional presentations including to the National Council of Public History and Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference.

In addition, she conducted research and an oral history project on three lost communities in Franklin County which were inundated through the creation of a Tennessee Valley Authority lake.

Boyd’s appointment follows the retirement of George Collins after forty-one years in education and non-profit management. Collins joined Tusculum College as director of Museum Program and Studies in 2000. Prior to joining the staff, he had served as acting president and vice president of operations at Genesee Country Village and Museum, director of programming at the New York State Historical Association, director of historical interpretation and director of human resource development at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Over the past ten years, Collins has managed and instructed in the Museum Studies degree program, one of the few in the country. During his tenure, the museum studies program has grown as have educational programs for schools and the general public.

Under Collins’ direction, seven major exhibits have been developed and opened for the community. Collins responsibilities included working to obtain support for the museums which, among other initiatives, has led to the on-going preservation of the Doak House Museum and the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library.

“He has been a tireless advocate on preserving and presenting the history of Tusculum College,” said Dr. Kim Estep, provost and academic vice president.

Effective July 1, Collins has been appointed museum program adviser. In this new part-time role, he will provide assistance in operational transitions, instruct in selected Museum Studies courses, work with adjunct instructors, provide presentations in select programs and assist in developing funding support for the museums.

“We welcome Dollie to her new role and wish George the best during his retirement. We are pleased that he has agreed to continue to support the museums and the college with his experience and knowledge,” said Estep.

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There was much to celebrate on Saturday, May 8, for 231 individuals who received degrees during Tusculum College’s spring commencement ceremony. Smiles were prevalent on stage and in the standing room-only Pioneer Arena.

Seventy-eight students earned Bachelor of Science degrees in organizational management and 115 earned Bachelor of Arts degrees.  In addition 38 earned Master of Arts degrees.

Walking with this spring’s graduates were representatives of the Tusculum College Class of 1960 who are celebrating their 50^th anniversary year. Representatives walked in the procession, clothed in golden caps and gowns and were recognized during the ceremony by Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College.

The new graduates were addressed by Moody, who recognized the commencement ceremony as “an occasion of celebration and completion.”  Adding, “I encourage you to savor the occasion and to recognize all of those in this room who have sacrificed so that you could achieve your dream.”

Glenn Vicary, a pre-med major from Oak Ridge addressed the crowd as a representative of the Residential College program. Vicary has been accepted to the pharmacy graduate program at the University of Louisville.

He told the group, “Life is defined by what is achieved, and fellow students, we have achieved a college education. Every one of us came to Tusculum College hoping to earn a college degree, but none of us knew what it would encompass in the next four years.  The amount of work was often tedious, intense and sometimes overwhelming. We learned to help each other and a sense of community has arisen within our class.”

He encouraged the class to continue to achieve with action, adding, “Our lives will lead is in different directions, with some of us going on to further education, while others are going out into the workforce. Just like your career at Tusculum College, spend your life achieving great things, not just saying you will.”

William Keene of Knoxville spoke on behalf of the college’s Graduate and Professional Studies program. Keene, who received his master of arts in education degree, focused on his long and winding journey toward completion of his degree.

Keene began his road to higher education later in life, after joining the U.S. Air Force. He returned to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and believed his school days were completed.  However, a twist in his career path placed him in the company of co-workers who wanted to enroll in the master’s program and encouraged him to “be an example.”

It was a long road, but something he would cherish, he told the crowd. “I worked hard for this. Like many of you here today, my family sacrificed so I could succeed.”

Also speaking was Dr. Stephen R. Weisz, chaplain and associate professor of religious studies. Weisz presented a sermon titled, “Be Patient.” Weisz encouraged the graduates to “be patient in things big and small” because in “the real world, things don’t happen overnight.”

He added that they should “see life as an opportunity to cherish each day.”

In addition to the presentation of the undergraduate and graduate degrees, Dr. Moody presented an honorary doctorate of humane letters to Dr. Russell L. Nichols, who served as interim president at the College from 2007-2009.

Having served as interim president during a time of transition for the college, Dr. Nichols earned the respect, friendship and admiration of those associated with the college during his tenure, said Moody.

Currently serving as interim chief executive officer of Concordia University in Michigan, Nichols also retains the title of president emeritus at Hanover College in Indiana, an institution he served as president for 20 years. At Tusculum, Nichols focused on ensuring financial stability, while at the same time he helped develop an international program and study-abroad opportunities for students and led the efforts to create the college’s Center for Global Studies.

Moody added, “While at Tusculum, Dr. Nichols gained high praise from staff, faculty, students and community members for his guiding hand in keeping the College on course as the search for a new sitting president was conducted. He was a focused leader who guided the college’s efforts in strategic planning and college-wide efforts to ensure a viable, dynamic institution for many generations to come.”

Also on the program was recognition of three outstanding faculty members, who were presented Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership awards. Recognized were Dr. Bill Garris, assistant professor of psychology; Dr. Rhonda Smith, director of the School of Business and professor of management, and Dr. Melanie Narkawicz, associate professor of research.

See the Commencement Program online - click here.

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During their last hectic week before graduation, seniors took the time for fellowship with friends, to remember their time at Tusculum College and to pass their legacy on to underclassmen.

On May 3, 60 students gathered for the Lantern Festival, one of the longest-running traditions of the college. Seniors Vanessa Fyffe and Glenn Vicary addressed their classmates, reminiscing about their time and experiences at Tusculum.

The ceremony was held at the Thomas J. Garland Library after the seniors participated in a processional march from the Niswonger Commons. The processional, according to Dean of Students David McMahan, symbolizes the seniors “showing the light” to those who follow in their footsteps.

McMahan explained the symbolism to the gathered crowd of approximately 75 students, faculty and staff, adding the in this context, Tusculum College’s motto of “Sit Lux,” which means “let there be light” is interpreted as the students represent the light.

Fyffe and Vicary each told their personal experience and placed a “call for boldness in leadership” to the juniors, and introduced the passing of the “light” in the form of their lanterns. Dressed in their commencement robes, seniors individually came forward and presented their lanterns to the underclassmen, telling why they had chosen the student to receive the lantern, the symbol of the senior’s legacy.

“You represent individuality, creativity and strength,” said senior Brian Ricker to junior Elizabeth McDonald, “The three things that embody my time here.”

Senior Estefania Chavez passed her light to junior Simon Hozapfel and encouraged him to continue in service and be a role model for others to come, and Mary Ann Vizcarrondo passed her light to younger sister Adriana Vizcarrondo, “her sister and best friend.”

After the emotional ceremony, students celebrated as a group and formed a giant “T” on the library stairs with the lighted lanterns.

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Amber Sharp has been honored for her academic achievement and campus leadership as “Student of the Block” for the eighth block at Tusculum College.

Sharp is a junior athletic training major hailing from Tazewell, Tenn. A 2007 graduate of Claiborne County High School, she has always possessed a love for the full student experience, taking part in many student organizations and programs during her high school career, which include Business Professionals of America, the National Honors Society, Student Council, serving as a teacher’s aide, participating in the journalism program and attending Skills USA.

Continuing her commendable level of engagement, Sharp balances her many responsibilities as a student in the rigorous athletic training program with co- curricular activities, which include the Student Alumni Association, the Bonner Leader program, the President’s Society, the Athletic Training Student Society, Iota Tau Alpha, the National Athletic Training Association, the Southeastern Athletic Training Association and serving as a mentor for the Murdock Circle (student living and learning community.)

Amanda Waddell, director of career services, who co-nominated Sharp along with Dr. Troy Goodale, assistant professor of political science, noted in her nomination, “Amber is a shining example of what we wish to instill in each of our students. She is responsible, reliable, civic-minded and academically driven, and I can think of no student more deserving of this recognition.”

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This year’s launch party for the Tusculum Review literary magazine featured two prize-winning student readers and nationally-known poet Alex Quinlan and drew a crowd of more than 70 students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

A launch party was held on Thursday, April 29, at the Chalmers Conference Room of the Niswonger Commons on the Tusculum College campus.

The Tusculum Review features fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, prose and art that is selected from annual submissions from writers and artists from across the country and around the world.

Students featured included Andy English, a senior English major from Greeneville and winner of the 2010 Curtis Owen Prize for Fiction, who read from his Senior Capstone Project. Also featured was Phillip Dean, a senior biology and environmental science major from Whitesburg, who took home the 2010 Curtis Owen Prize for Poetry.

Quinlan, whose work has appeared in previous editions of the Tusculum Review, is also a contributing editor. He is the recipient of the Intro Journals Prize and his poems have appeared in such literary journals at the Tampa Review and Pebble Lake Review.

Quinlan lives in Chattanooga, where he teaches classes in creative writing and humanities in the English Department at the University of Tennessee. He earned a master’s degree in fine arts at Washington University in St. Louis, where he was a post-graduate fellow in poetry.

According to Wayne Thomas, assistant professor English at the College and editor of the Tusculum Review, Tusculum College is one of only a few undergraduate colleges in the United States that offers students the opportunity to work for an international literary journal.

Thomas also thanked the assistant and student editors who helped the 2010 issue of the Tusculum Review become a reality.

The Tusculum Review offers students the chance to learn and refine their skills as reviewers of literature, critics of visual art and editors of the written word. These opportunities provide students with unique qualifications for graduate studies and employment in publishing.

“It is a great experience for them as future writers, editors and publishers,” said Thomas.

Copies of the new issue are available for sale at the Tusculum College bookstore.

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The Office of Institutional Advancement is excited to announce a Matching Gift Challenge! Several anonymous donors have agreed to match new gifts made after May 1, 2010, up to a maximum of $13,000 to inspire you to make a gift in support of the Tusculum College Fund. In order for your dollars to be matched, i.e. your $25 gift becomes a $50 gift, you must make your gift prior to June 30, 2010.

The sooner you make your gift, the sooner we can maximize the generosity of our anonymous donors. Thank you for your consideration of a gift that will make a difference in the life of Tusculum College and in the lives of the deserving students who we seek to serve.

To give online, visit http://www.tusculum.edu/giving/gift or mail check to P.O. Box 5040, Greeneville, TN  37743. You may also make a gfit by calling toll-free 1-800-729-0256, ext. 5303.

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