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. Please submit by Friday, Mar. 9, for a Wednesday, Mar. 14, publication.
Averett Brother4Brother Attends 2018 “Uplifting Black Men Conference”
On Saturday, Feb. 24, the Averett University Brother4Brother (B4B) peer-mentoring organization attended the “Uplifting Black Men Conference” at Virginia Tech. The conference primarily focused on uplifting black male high school and college students, as well as adults.
At the conference, Averett B4B mentors and advisors had the pleasure of meeting with mentors and advisors from both Ferrum and Hampden-Sydney College. While at the conference, the group observed and participated in breakout sessions, panel discussions and heard from keynote speaker Dr. Marc Lamont Hill from Temple University and CNN.
Academic Support Tutor of the Week
Jason Lemery is our Academic Support Tutor of the Week. Jason is a junior majoring in computer science. Jason tutors statistics, and while his tutoring calendar is already booked for scheduled appointments, you can still work with him during open groups on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. in room 116 of the Student Success Center. What Jason most enjoys about tutoring is witnessing the “eureka” moments that happen with his tuttes! Make sure to go see him on Thursday nights!
GPS Student Spotlight
Meet Adam Shively, a student pursuing his Master of Business Administration degree who is expected to graduate in 2018. To see him on the GPS blog, click here.
QUESTION: What is your motivation for obtaining your degree?
ANSWER: “I’m a firm believer that education is the answer to all problems. While being raised by an educator, I was taught that you never stop learning. Enrolling in a graduate program was a natural progression in my learning process. I knew that in order to reach the level of management that I aspire to, more formal training and education would be required. I knew the knowledge I would gain from Averett would complement my career aspirations.”
Averett: From the Eyes of Freshmen
During every Averett 101 class each fall semester, the students go to the president’s house and enjoy a dinner with Dr. Franks and her husband, Joe. During that time, Dr. Franks asks the students what they love about Averett and if they have any concerns. During this spring semester, we will be sharing some of those positive comments with you. Enjoy!
“Diversity – my good friend is from Australia.”
“Independence – I’m free to make more of my own decisions.”
“Campus is pretty with rolling hills.”
“The Danville community is welcoming – when you wear AU gear, people ask.”
“I am happy here.”
Renovations to Begin Next Week at Main Hall
Starting on Monday, Mar. 12, the campus community will see changes happening around Main Hall as the construction process begins. The demolition of 4th Main (currently vacant and the Penthouse) will begin next week. The work will be daily from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., through the end of April. Following that, work will continue Mondays through Fridays, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., through scheduled completion on Aug. 8.
To accommodate dumpsters and related construction equipment, parking will be limited on Woodland Drive from Main Street to the turn mid-way down the block to the Townes St. intersection (4-5 spaces). The sidewalk along Woodland Drive will be closed from the service driveway behind Main Hall north to the Student Success Center. The pace of construction will accelerate immediately upon the end of the academic year. Pending demand for space in the fall, it is likely that students will continue to be housed in 2nd Main which is not on the schedule for renovation for fall 2018.
The overall project will result in a total of 90 beds to 3rd and 4th Main and will be completed for occupancy by freshmen in August 2018.
Sam’s Club on Campus
The Sam’s Club Representative will be on campus Wednesday, Mar. 14, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the dinning hall. Karen Shields, our Sam’s Club Representative, can renew your memberships or register you for a new account. Ask her about the specials that go with each level of membership. Karen can also renew your membership several months in advance of its expiration; just ask her! She will only be returning to campus one more time this spring, next month.
Staff Meeting
The next staff meeting is Thursday, Mar. 15, at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room. Please join your fellow staff members for an update on the new Staff Council Charter, details about voting for new Staff Council members for next year, as well as the Faculty and Staff Member’s of the Year nominations; followed by lunch in the café.
We want to congratulate Daniel Jones, general utility laborer at North Campus, for winning the Golden Bagel award for the month of February! There will be a new staff member of the month announced tomorrow and we continue to encourage you to submit your Golden Bagel nominations to [email protected].
Would You Like to Judge the Student Talent Show?
To kick off Spring Fling, The Student Engagement Center is sponsoring a talent show on Thursday, Mar. 15, at 8 p.m., that is open to all currently enrolled Averett students. Contestants are judged on overall performance, audience response, stage appearance, originality and personality. Would you like to be a judge? Then email Kennsel Anderson at [email protected].
Glow in the Dark Dodgeball
Please join The Student Engagement Center as we host our Spring Fling Glow In The Dark Dodgeball for students on Friday, Mar. 16, at 8 p.m. in the Carrington Gym.
The Glow Carnival
Join the Student Engagement Center for The Glow Carnival on Saturday, Mar. 17, from noon-4 p.m., on the Student Center lawn. Free food, games and activities. This will be an exciting event, with a live performance by country artist Morgan Wade. All faculty and staff are welcome.
Averett Highlighted in the March Issue of Rivertown
Rivertown, an online magazine created and written by Averett alumnus Corey Williams, featured eight of our staff and faculty members this month. Kara Hankins, senior student financial services counselor, pictured here was one of them! Check it out, by clicking on the “Meet the Cougars” tab here.
Elizabeth and James Bustard Distinguished Award for Graduate Study
Applications for the Elizabeth and James Bustard Distinguished Award for graduate study are available in the office of Dr. Timothy E. Fulop, vice president for academic affairs and student success. The application deadline for the award, which is available for graduate students, is Tuesday, Apr. 3, at noon. You may pick up an application from Mary Sullivan, Main Hall 208.
All applications must be submitted with proof of acceptance to graduate school and three letters of recommendation attesting to character, service activities and/or scholarly potential. Any questions should be sent to [email protected].
Nominate a Student or Faculty Member for an Engage Leader Award
It is that time of year, again—The Engage Showcase! This is time for you and your students to celebrate and share your community work.
Awards – Nominate a student, community partner or colleague that stands out in their community work! To nominate an Outstanding Engage Leader, please visit the criteria for award nominations and the award application. All applications must be submitted by Friday, Mar. 23.
Table Presentations – Would your class or intern be interested in hosting a table to discuss their engagement in the community? There will be 18 Averett tables in the Frith Lobby for the Engage Showcase on Monday, Apr. 9, from 5:30-7 p.m. Students should bring tangible evidence of their work via photos, videos or products made for the community partner. We seek genuine conversation and ask that students bring what they used to connect with the community partner. If they cooked a meal, then bring some of the ingredients. If they put on an event, then bring some of the favors and promotional flyers, and so on. Please let Brigid Belko Gorton know of your interest by Friday, Mar. 23 at [email protected].
Study Abroad Program Spotlight
Europe’s oldest city, Athens, is filled with ancient sites and modern art. This historical city has a vibrant street life and a relaxed lifestyle. Students take classes at Hellenic American University, known for its language study programs. HAU has small class sizes with a variety of English course options.
Signature course: Athens Across the Ages. This experiential learning course takes students on a journey across the country for a series of interactive excursions exploring the history of Greece through day hikes, walking tours and guided visits to regional museums, historical sites and famous monuments. Traveling from the Homeric epics of the Bronze Age to the 19th century War of Independence, students follow the vicissitudes of 5,000 years of history.
Classes are available in Psychology, Music, Language and Literature, Business Administration, General Engineering and Information Technology. For other subjects, contact [email protected]. Financial aid is available and credits transfer. Internships can be arranged!
Student Success Center Presentation
Aries Wilson, assistant director of the Student Success Center, and Holly Kilby, coordinator for academic support, recently presented at the 2018 Southeastern Writing Center Association Conference in Richmond, Va. The title of their presentation was “Incorporating Growth Mindset Theory in Your CRLA Tutor Trainings.” This presentation provided an opportunity to share the good work happening in Averett’s Student Success Center. Fellow learning center representatives have expressed an interest in working closely with the Student Success Center in sharing their implementation of these new ideas. Good job, Aries and Holly!
Second video: Averett Alumni Board Match Challenge
The Office of Institutional Advancement has launched an Averett Alumni Board Match Challenge to help name a room in Main Hall after the Alumni Association. The Alumni Board is issuing a challenge to match gifts up to $12,500 to help reach their goal of $25,000 to name one of the 46 dorm rooms in Main Hall in honor of alumni.
Click here to watch the SECOND video of the series, which features student Joshua Davis and why this renovation is so meaningful for students like him. Please share on social media to help us get the word out. Thank you! All donations can be made by clicking here.
