The University heralded in the advent and Christmas season on Tuesday, Nov. 27 with its annual Averett Celebrates Christmas event.  During the event, Averett’s own Nancy Clark signed for the audience as the community choir sang “Christ, Be Our Light.”

December 2012

'Tis the season of lights – candles, trees, fireplaces and that special glow that comes to our hearts during the holidays.  Your Hometown University has some bright lights to celebrate: this past year saw a third year of record enrollment in our traditional undergraduate program; the opening of the Health Sciences Innovative Practice Center and its first BSN class; we were recognized by Senator Mark Warner for the Carrington Autism Resource Center; we sent students and faculty to countries around the globe, expanding opportunities for global learning; our women's soccer team went undefeated during the regular season in conference play and won the USA South conference tournament; and we were blessed to announce more than 19 million dollars has been given toward Averett's first comprehensive capital campaign.  These are just a few of the highlights from this year and we are looking forward to what 2013 will bring us.

While 2013 means new beginnings for Averett, it also means new beginnings for our more than 400 graduates who will receive their diplomas on December 8.  We are proud of our graduates and confident they leave Averett prepared to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in their communities and workplaces.

As you prepare for the holidays with your loved ones, my husband Joe and I, along with the rest of the Averett family wish you a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for coming year.

P.S. Be on the lookout for a new format to the newsletter in the New Year.

P.P.S.  Please forward this to others who might enjoy this newsletter, or have friends fill out our online form to be added to our mailing list. I welcome your comments and questions.

Danville Resident Endows Scholarship
Jean Carroll Harper Vernon of Danville, along with her sons Melvin Vernon III and R. Hutchings Vernon, have recently endowed a scholarship at Averett in memory of their husband and father, Melvin Calvin Vernon Jr.  Full Story

Commencement
Former Virginia Senator William Wampler Jr., the new director of the New College Institute in Martinsville will speak at our December Commencement.  Full Story

Coffeehouse Lecture
If your family is a fan of Christmas stories, our 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture this month is sure to be a delight.  Join us at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 as we host "Christmas Readings for Children" (ages 4-9) in the multipurpose room of the Student Center.  In addition, to Christmas stories there will be a surprise visit from Santa Claus.  The event is free and open to the public.  For more information call 434-791-7189.

From Earthquake Ravaged Haiti to Averett
Every year, Averett welcomes students from around the world to its campus.  This fall, the University had a student from earthquake ravaged Haiti join the family.  Read Lude Labieville's story in the Danville Register & Bee here.

Mark Your Calendars for our Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Prayer Breakfast
At 7:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, the University will be holding its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Prayer Breakfast in the Student Center dining hall. Cost is $10 per person. Stay tuned for more information.