Reflecting on the academic year's major events
By David A. DeCenzo, CCU President
As this 2011-2012 academic year draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the events and celebrations around campus that have made the year such a rewarding one for our students, the community and the Coastal Carolina University family. I want to thank each of you for your contributions and commitment to this University.
Here's a quick overview of some of the year's major accomplishments from various areas:
The Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts has, of course, been celebrating its 10th anniversary with a year of activities culminating in the Gala on April 13, a chilly evening that was so superlative it will be hard to replicate. In addition to the Decade Project, the humanities faculty also offered the Community Dialogue Series, a collection of lectures from different academic areas, and the Student Networking Dinners, a faculty and Board of Visitor celebration of high student achievement.
The College of Science welcomed guest speaker Kathie Olsen, Ph.D, on Sept. 8 as part of the Distinguished Scholar Lecture Series sponsored by HTC. The founder and managing director of ScienceWorks and an affiliate professor of neuroscience at the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study at George Mason University, Olsen gave a talk titled “A Life in Science: From High Calling to Low Comedy.”
In the past year, the College of Science has acquired a pontoon boat that serves as a floating laboratory for the study of area marshes. The 20-passenger craft is named "Greg's Dream" in memory of the late CCU marine
science student Gregory Shull. Greg's parents, Gary and Christi Shull of Lexington, S.C., have generously donated funds to equip the boat with a new motor.
Kimbel Library celebrated Banned Books Week last fall with displays and a read-out in conjunction with the English honors society. This spring, National Library Week was celebrated with gaming night, crafts and the ever-popular Edible Book Fair. For finals, the De-Stress Fest provided late night snacks, massages, puzzles and other activities to relieve exam stress.
The Spadoni College of Education hosted an Early Learning Forum on Nov. 28 in conjunction with the Education Consortium for Educational Research and Evaluation. The keynote address by Baron Holmes, Kids Count director, was followed by an expert panel discussion on curriculum and policy implications of early learning research. Last month, the Global Education Forum explored the significance of education in a global society. A panel of experts addressed the interdependence and interrelatedness of our constantly changing world and how the geographic boundaries that may have limited cultural, political, and economic connections are becoming virtually nonexistent. The panel also discussed how teachers can involve students in learning how to identify and assess current global information to successfully participate in a global society.
The Wall College of Business hosted its signature annual event, Wall College Connections 2011, featuring guest speakers from the business world to give students insight into career opportunities and the professional world. "Making Connections in a World of Change," this year's event theme, featured Peter Gasca and Rhett Power, co-CEOs of Wild Creations, discussing "Sustainable business practices in a changing world."
The Volleyball Cookout with FYE students and the business college was another important annual event enjoyed by faculty and staff as well as students.
University College hosted the induction to Phi Eta Sigma induction, the freshman honor society. Nearly 160 students who received a 3.5 or higher GPA first semester were inducted. Around 100 parents, including trustee Bill Biggs, attended.
In Student Activities, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life raised more than $100,000. During Homecoming 2011, two bands played an outdoor concert to more than 6,000 people.
Coastal Sustain held three major events:
• Campus Sustainability Day, held Oct. 20 during Homecoming, was a time to celebrate sustainability on campus. The day was devoted to the achievements of the staff, faculty and students who are contributing to a more sustainable future by instilling sustainability principles, policies and practices in the institution and community.
• During April, the Eco-Reps in the Sustainability Initiative plan and celebrate campuswide events to celebrate the Earth. This year's events included the Bottle Walk, Tap Water Challenge, Campus Care Day, Movie Night, green booths at CINO Day, a boat landing clean-up and the newest addition, a Farmers Market.
• At the end of the academic year, the Sustainability Initiative organizes and coordinates the Campus Salvage move-out donation program. Unwanted items from students, staff and faculty are collected at the end of the school year and donated to local organizations in need, or sold at the community sale. Campus Salvage has saved more than 20 PODS full of unwanted items from the dumpsters.
For all your hard work on these important events, thank you for your selfless dedication!
