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. April 17 for an April 22 publication.
Caring for Carrie
Another order is being placed for the teal and pink Caring for Carrie “Strike out Cancer” shirts. The shirts are $10 and all proceeds go toward Caring for Carrie and the Jimmy V Foundation. If you would like to order a shirt, please email [email protected] no later than this afternoon (March 15).
Textbook Adoptions Due
Textbook adoptions for the upcoming summer and fall semesters are due by Thursday, April 16. Adoptions can be submitted via email to Thad Mangum or by calling (434) 791-5641. You may also stop by the bookstore and place your order in person.
Autism Awareness Month
April is a time for growth and renewal, and also a time to promote autism awareness. Thank you to the staff and students who have been amazingly helpful and supportive during the awareness events thus far in our community! Everyone is encouraged to be a part of the Dan River Autism Awareness 5K on Saturday, April 25 at Angler’s Park. For more information about the 5K, visit www.danriverautism5K.org.
The following video is of Board of Trustees member, Hampton Wilkins ’73 & ’87, and his family personally promoting autism awareness. Please watch and support this local family! And, as promised, listed below are seven more facts about autism spectrum disorders to assist the AU community in becoming more aware of this complex disorder.
- Many scholars believe autism is a combination of genetic vulnerability that is triggered by some kind of social or toxic influence.
- Researchers have noted that infants who had early accelerated head growth were at risk for autism.
- When taken during pregnancy, the prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide have been linked with a higher risk of autism.
- Researchers have found that the area of the brain called the amygdala (controls fear/emotions/fight or flight response/etc.) was on average 13 percent larger in young children with autism compared with children without autism.
- Children rarely outgrow or overcome autism and its challenges. They merely accommodate.
- There are dozens of treatments and interventions; yet, no cure.
- Scientists are unclear as to why about 20-30 percent of children with autism develop epilepsy by the time they reach adulthood.
Nominate a Leader
Nominate a student, instructor or community partner for an Engaged Leader Award at the inaugural Engagement Symposium Tuesday, April 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center. You can find the nomination criteria here and the application by clicking here. All applications must be submitted by Sunday, April 19.
The Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness’ Inaugural Engagement Symposium is focused on recognizing the great work of students, faculty and staff who have been engaged in volunteerism, internships, and service-learning at Averett, Danville Community College and Piedmont Community College.
In addition, the Center is looking for students to showcase their work at the event. Students may present their final slideshow from a service-learning course, a poster used to promote a service project, materials from an internship, or anything that represents their work. Each student will be provided a table to showcase his/her work during the Engagement Symposium. To sign up for the showcase, please email your name, school, and project to Brigid Belko.
University Staff Meeting
A reminder to everyone that our University-wide staff meeting will be Thursday, April 30 in the multipurpose room. Hope to see everyone there.
Student Accolades
Last fall, the Student Life Department began recognizing students who go the extra mile in whatever they are doing on campus. Each week, during Student Life staff meetings, staff members nominate students whose dedication they want to recognize. Students are notified about the recognition and informed of their chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card at the end of the semester.
The students nominated this week are: Jake Comer, Taylor Booze, Jewel Dale, Ryne Gammon, Gabriel Verde, Ryan Gardner, Micah Andrews, Hannah Glover, Brandon Veasey, Alex Argentieri, Michael Williams, Katie Abelseth, Carter Jones, Kieren Jenkins, Kayla Sanon, Laura Brown, Nichell Foisey, Rosie Anderson, Jessie Gomes, Adele Tignor, Kamihila Preston, Logan Lantrip, Tyler Jarvis Bennett, LaVoice Newby, Kenneth Washington, Alexis Simoneli, Bradley Robinson, JaColby Hawkins, Charles Bryant, Emily Kester, Melissa Sanchez, Annalies Jobsis, John Matrisciano and Brian Benitez.
Poster Presentation from Nursing Students
Our School of Nursing is holding a poster presentation and reception for senior nursing students on Thursday, April 23 from 2:30-4 p.m. in the community room (second floor) at the Riverview Campus. Stop by and see what our nursing students have been working on this semester – topics range from HIPAA privacy violations to helping dialysis patients to addressing workplace shortcuts and patient falls. Light refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Pam Giles.
Administrative Professionals Day
The Southside Virginia Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) will present their annual luncheon/seminar in recognition of Administrative Professionals’ Day Wednesday, April 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. This year’s speaker is Kristina R. Barkhouser, Founder and President of Excelen Performance, Inc. Cost to attend is $25. If you are interested in attending, please email Christy Oakes by today (Wednesday, April 15). For more details about the luncheon and seminar, please click here.
