CoffeeBreak is an e-newsletter distributed to Averett faculty and staff to keep them up-to-date on campus activities and information. Please send information you would like included in CoffeeBreak via this form by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, for a Wednesday, Oct. 18, publication.
Five Staff Members Complete Community Leadership Development Program
Dr. Sherill Anderson, Rachel Covingon, Cassie Williams Jones, Philip Wilson and Tia Yancey recently graduated from the Middle Border Fellowship Program. The year-long program is designed to introduce emerging leaders to the opportunities and challenges within the Middle Border region, to encourage civic engagement and to create a network of grassroots change agents.
The fellows met once a month for a year and explored various topics and industries relevant to the region, and are finishing out the program with the unveiling of their group community impact project, “Stories of the Middle Border.” Join your colleagues on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Middle Border Forward office (326 Main St., Unit 102, Danville) from 6-8 p.m. during the River District Association’s Sip & Shop for the official unveiling.
GPS Student Spotlight
Meet Serina Gaines, a student pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree and is expected to graduate in 2017. To see her on the GPS blog, click here.
QUESTION: What is your motivation for obtaining your degree?
ANSWER: “Besides making myself more marketable in the job market, my biggest motivation for obtaining by degree is my three children. Neither of my parents, my grandparents nor my great-grandparents have received a college degree. None of my aunts or uncles have college degrees. I felt a strong need to break this cycle for myself and for my children. I needed to set the example that education is important and it is never too late to strive for greatness. A very good friend of mine was attending Averett and referred me. I was nervous about signing up at first. Once I met with the Averett advisor, there was no turning back for me.”
There’s No Place Like Home…Coming in Five Days!
Do you have your spirit day outfits picked out? Don’t worry you still have five days to do so, but only five days! Monday: Jersey Day. Tuesday: Superhero Day. Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday. Thursday: Throwback Thursday. Friday: Blue and Gold! Dr. Franks is encouraging everyone to get in the homecoming spirit and dress up! Be on the look out for a visit from your Staff Council members, reminding you of each spirit day.
There are a lot of activities happening for students, faculty and staff during Homecoming week, so don’t miss out!
Monday, Oct. 16: Block Party from 6-8:30pm. Homecoming Court will be announced, as well as sports teams recognized.
Tuesday, Oct. 17: Banner Making Contest in multipurpose room starting at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 18: A Volleyball and Men’s Soccer game starting at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 19: A hypnotists show in Pritchett Auditorium at 8 p.m. Homecoming court will be announced and underclass Prince & Princess will be crowned.
Friday, Oct. 20: Alumni Career Expo, 7:45 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Carrington Gym
Carnival on the Lawn, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside the Student Center.
Homecoming Hometown Party, 6:30 p.m., at the Community Market. If you would be willing to help sell tickets, please contact Dan Hayes at [email protected]. If you sell nine, you get one free!
Saturday, Oct. 21: Alumni Awards Ceremony, including Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards, Athletics Hall of Fame Induction and Class of 1992 Pinning Ceremony at 10 a.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. The following will be receiving awards:
Averett Athletics Hall of Fame
- Albert “Eddie” Guessford ’04
- Beth Schledorn Hicks ’99
- Michelle Warner ’99
- Courtney Carrington Wells ’04, ’07
Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards
- Distinguished Alumnus Award: Vaughan Alexander ’96, and Richard Riccardelli ’99
- Recent Alumnus Excellence Award: Corey Williams ’14
- Fugate-Davis Women’s Leadership Award: Dr. Elizabeth Compton
- Mary Jo Davis Lifetime Service Award: Eric Miller ’96
Tailgate Alley, 11 a.m., North Campus
Women’s Soccer vs. Greensboro, 1 p.m., Frank R. Campbell Stadium
Cougar Walk, 4 p.m., Tailgate Alley
Football vs. NC Wesleyan, 6 p.m., Frank R. Campbell Stadium. King and queen will be announced at half-time.
For the full homecoming schedule, to sign up for events or to buy tickets, click here.
Averett Chapel
Averett Chapel will be canceled this week, Thursday, Oct. 12, due to fall break. Join us next week, Thursday, Oct. 19, at 11:15 a.m., for a worship service devoted toward our Veterans. We will be hearing a message from Phill Owens, an Averett student and veteran, who has been overseas for a year. He will be returning next week.
Faculty and Staff Active Shooter Training
All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend a joint active shooter training, presented by the University’s Emergency Response Team, on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 11:15 a.m. Please note, this time is replacing the usually scheduled staff meeting and faculty forum meeting. The campus meeting location is yet to be determined, but will be communicated in advance of the training. For questions, contact the Lesley Villarose, dean of students and chair of the Emergency Response Team, at [email protected].
The Compassion Experience
The Compassion Experience is coming to Danville. The Compassion Experience features an interactive journey through the true stories of children living in developing countries like the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda and the Dominican Republic. In over 2,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space, visitors will step inside homes, markets and schools – without getting on a plane. Each child’s story starts in poverty, but ends in hope.
The whole event is taking place in the parking lot of Union Church, 810 Main St., from Thursday, Oct. 19, until Monday, Oct. 23. It is a FREE event but you need to sign up and spaces are filling up fast. Click here to sign up.
Although this is within walking distance, if you need transportation, the CCECC van will be available. Please contact Rachel Covington at [email protected].
Arts@Averett Presents: Women Composers
Dr. Janet Phillips, flute, and Dr. Anne Lewis, piano, will present a recital with music of all women composers on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m., at West Main Baptist Church. All the composers are contemporary living, working musicians. One of these composers will be in attendance at the recital, as Dr. Phillips is presenting the world premiere of her new piece, Jurupari. This work was commissioned by Dr. Phillips and is inspired by her participation in Dr. Marc Muneal’s Caribbean Literature class last summer. The event is free.
Flu Shot Clinic
There will be a flu shot clinic on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 7 a.m. until noon in the multipurpose room. Bring your insurance card and your photo ID. No sign-ups required, just show up. It is free if you are Averett insured. We cannot say for certain it will be free if you are under other insurance companies, just in case they don’t call it preventive, although most do. All are welcome.
Averett Student-athletes, Special Olympians take part in ‘Fall Fun Day’
Last week, around 225 Averett University student-athletes and coaches paired up with 120 local Special Olympians for a Special Olympics Fall Fun Day at North Campus. Special Olympians were paired with a student-athlete buddy, and they each went around 10 stations that focused on a particular sport — ranging from wrestling to volleyball to lacrosse. Each station was run by student-athletes and assistant coaches from that sport. To see the full story and video recap, click here.
Averett Spring Classes Abroad!
Faculty advisors, please keep in mind the following Averett study abroad classes offered this Spring!
SOC/WGS399: Comparative LGBTQ Studies in Athens. This course includes an international service learning component! Students will coordinate with Colour Youth, an LGBTQ youth organization in Athens, Greece, where students will travel during spring break.
ES307: Epona Equestrian Center in Spain. Students will study the history of equine evolution, how horses came to be in the Andalusia region of Spain and the use of the Andalusian horse throughout time. Travel dates are February 28- March 10, 2018.
FR299: French Language Immersion in Montreal. Earn credit toward Averett class FR201-225 in one of the most cosmopolitan, peaceful and affordable cities in the world. Includes morning language classes at the Université du Québec à Montréal with cultural activities/free time in the afternoon. The course runs July 8-28, 2018.
For more information, contact Catherine Clark at [email protected] or click here.
Cougar Nation Discount Program
Do you like to eat, play and shop in Danville? Averett’s new community-wide Cougar Nation Discount Program is helping you do just that! Not only does this program reward students, faculty, staff and alumni for supporting local businesses, but it also encourages the growth in our community! The list of participating businesses is continuing to increase, but we still need your help. If you know of any businesses in the Danville area that would be interested in participating, please contact Katherine Bishop at (434) 791-5632 or [email protected]. Go Cougars!
Mindset Minute: Averett’s QEP
Have you helped a student think with a growth mindset today? Need ideas for encouraging students? Each week we will provide a snapshot into the world of growth mindset research and practice through “Mindset Minute,” where you can check back for tips!
Growth Mindset Tip of the Week: Highlight the relationship between learning and “brain training.” The brain is like a muscle that needs to be worked out, just like the body.
