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 24 for an April 29 publication.
Thank You!
I would like to thank members of the Averett community who expressed condolences and offered comfort to me and my family after the passing of my father, Peter Miller. While the past few weeks have been difficult, your kindness has been much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Robinson
Technical Services Librarian, Assistant Professor
Soon to be Theatre Graduates Obtain Jobs
Congratulations to Breyona Coleman, who was offered a job at Missoula Children’s Theatre in Montana, where she will go on a year-long national tour with the company. Breyona will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts.
Congratulations also to Heather McLeod, who has been offered a Stage Manager position with the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y. Heather, who is also a May graduate, will receive a bachelor’s degree in Theatre with a minor in Business.
Averett Riders Make History
By Jessica Stipic
Averett’s riders made history this past weekend by placing third as a team during the 38th annual American National Riding Commission (ANRC) National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship held at St. Andrew’s University in Laurinburg, N.C. This is only the second year Averett has had a team compete at ANRC.
Approximately 15-20 college teams showcased their most talented riders, who were judged and scored in four phases: a program ride (including United States Equitation Federation hunter equitation tests); a Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Course; a Derby Equitation Course (over natural obstacles in a field); and a written test based on riding theory and equine science. Novice division entries competed over fences at 2’6″ and national division entries competed over fences at 3′.
In addition to placing third as a team, several individual riders also earned awards. Hailey Brown and Zuri Lamper carried Averett by placing high in all four divisions. Individually, Hailey placed fifth and Zuri placed seventh out of more than thirty riders. Hannah Walters, Dana Ellwanger and Amanda Schoenfeld did not place in the top ten, but rode beautifully and made the show a great learning experience — which is what Averett is all about.
Capital Campaign Announcement and Free Lunch!
Please remember to join us tomorrow (April 23) at 11:15 a.m. for a press conference at the Student Center Plaza as we announce the success of Averett’s first comprehensive campaign. Don’t forget to wear your blue and gold! Following the announcement, lunch will be provided for all faculty, staff and students. (Please note that in the event of inclement weather, the announcement will be made inside the Student Center.)
Averett Singers to Perform
The Averett Singers will perform a spring concert on Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church. They will sing a variety of songs including one written by Joan Kahwajy-Anderson, Director of Counseling, as well as the “Forehand Benediction” written by Dr. Gail Allen. (This will be the final concert led by Gail, who is retiring at the end of the semester.) The performance is free and open to the public.
Averett and PCC Sign New Articulation Agreement
On Tuesday, March 14, Averett signed a new articulation agreement with Piedmont Community College (PCC) that will allow PCC graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree (and a cumulative 2.0 GPA) to transfer to Averett and pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree. At Averett, students will pursue a BAS degree through the University’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) or IDEAL programs as well as a minor in Leadership or Business.
This is the second agreement we have signed with an area community college. We signed one with Danville Community College on March 31.
Spring Commencement
Adjunct faculty and staff members are invited to participate in the Spring 2015 Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 9. In order to participate in the exercises, you must have received at least a graduate degree and have the proper regalia. If you would like to participate, please email Marquita Graves by Wednesday, April 29. Thank you.
New and Updated Job Postings
There are new positions open on campus that have been posted online: Skills Lab Simulation Coordinator and Adjunct Instructors for Nursing and Sociology. For more information, or to apply for these positions, visit the employment opportunities page on our website.
TIAA-CREF Representative on Campus
Michelle Horne, our TIAA-CREF representative, will be on campus Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Michelle will be set up in the conference room of the Student Center. Additional information and an appointment calendar will be available soon.
Visit tiaa-cref.org/averett to learn about our benefits.
Flash Sale
The Schoolfield House Booksellers is wrapping up their flash sale today (April 22). In-store and online sale offers include 25 percent off all T-shirts (men’s, women’s and children’s), shorts, backpacks, bags, totes, hats, and drink ware as well as an additional 25 percent off clearance (in-store only). Visit www.averettshop.com to shop online.
April is Autism Awareness Month
As we approach the last week of April, it has been very encouraging and refreshing to see the AU community work together to promote autism awareness. This Saturday (April 25) is the 4th annual Dan River Autism Awareness 5K. Everyone, whether you run, walk or sit, is encouraged to join the region in promoting awareness and acceptance of its citizens. For more information and last minute registrations, please go to www.danriverautism5k.org.
Listed below are this week’s seven facts about autism spectrum disorders:
- Scholars and parents debate whether autism is a disability or whether it should be considered merely a different kind of personality.
- Many children with autism have a reduced sensitivity to pain, but may be extra sensitive to sound, touch or other sensory stimulation. This could contribute to reluctance to being cuddled or hugged.
- Dogs and other animals have been shown to improve quality of life, independence and safety for individuals with autism. The animals can reduce aggressive behavior, calm the individual and serve as a link to the individuals’ communities.
- Research has found that non-medical costs for things such as behavioral intervention, special education and residential placements account for the greatest proportion of expenses.
- The costs of autism per year are nearly twice as high for children and adults with an intellectual disability than for those without.
- The Autism Society estimates that 60 percent of annual costs of autism are from the needs of adults on the spectrum, in particular for residential care across the adult lifespan.
- Autism costs a family $60,000 a year, on average.
Sam’s Club Rep on Campus
Karen Shields, our Sam’s Club representative, will be in Main 131 Wednesday, April 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. She will be registering new members and renewing current memberships.
RSVP for Luncheon
Don’t forget to RSVP for the Faculty/Staff/Retiree Appreciation Luncheon, which will be held Thursday, May 7 from noon-1:15 p.m. in the dining hall. RSVP to [email protected] or to the invitation sent to your Averett email.
Inaugural Engagement Symposium
Please join us on Tuesday, April 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center for the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness’ inaugural Engagement Symposium. The 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. You can find the awards nomination criteria here and the nomination form by clicking here.
Gateway Representative on Campus
Chris McFarling, our Gateway representative, will be in the Student Center multipurpose room on Wednesday, May 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for anyone needing information concerning coverage, claims and general inquiries.
