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. For the next CoffeeBreak, please submit by Friday, Nov. 29, for a Wednesday, Dec. 4, publication.
Former GPS Colleague and Adjunct Professor Elected
Dr. Ghazala Hashmi was elected to the Virginia State Senate this month. Her election was her first try at elected office. She will represent parts of three counties on the west side of Richmond. Dr. Hashmi served as faculty coordinator and taught English on the Richmond campus for several years for Averett’s GPS program.
Welcome to New BSN Clinical Coordinator, Morgan Farmer
Morgan Farmer joined the School of Nursing on October 14 as the BSN Clinical Coordinator, replacing Dr. Dameron. Morgan has a BS in athletic training from Roanoke College, and an MA in education, curriculum and instruction from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Morgan has hit the ground running to help plan and schedule the clinical experiences for the BSN students for this semester and next spring, and we’re glad to have her here. She and her husband live in the Danville area.
CoffeeBreak Submission Deadline This Week
CoffeeBreak entries needing to run on Wednesday, Dec. 4, will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 2, because of the holiday break. For questions, contact Cassie Williams Jones at [email protected].
R.E.A.L. Talk
Join our R.E.A.L. Talk in the MPR Tuesday, Dec. 3, at noon for a luncheon and Academic Bingo! We will host three rounds of Academic Bingo, and coveted prizes will be given to the winners. Academic Bingo will focus on tips for finals, so please come for fun, food, and academic engagement. See you there!
Save the Date: Millennium Advisory Services (MAS) at Averett
Millennium Advisory Services will be at Averett on Monday, Dec. 2, and Tuesday, Dec. 3, to meet individually with interested employees in the Schoolfield House Booksellers bookstore.
A financial advisor will be available to meet with employees who are interested in:
• Reviewing any questions pertaining to the Averett retirement plan and their retirement account.
• Going through Millennium’s financial planning process offered to all employees.
• Reviewing and updating a financial plan that has previously been created for you.
• Retaining Millennium for professional fee-based asset management of their retirement plan account(s).
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your TIAA retirement account or go through Millennium’s financial planning process, you may contact the Scheduling Team at (877) 435-2489, option 1, or via email at [email protected] to schedule time to meet or speak with an advisor.
Millennium Advisory Services is a registered investment advisory firm that specializes in working with higher education institutions and their employees, providing education and advice services to retirement plan participants.
All Averett employees are offered the opportunity to meet privately with an advisor to go through Millennium’s financial planning process and receive a personalized financial plan. This goal-based financial planning process is intended to help provide guidance on issues such as how much you should be saving for retirement, how your retirement account should be invested and whether you are on track to reach your personal retirement goals. Spouses/significant others are encouraged to participate as well.
Center for Spiritual Life
CSF Bible Study: Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 8:30 p.m. in the Prayer & Meditation Room. Bring a friend, and join us for our final Bible study of the semester! All are welcome.
Blessing of the Brains: Thursday, Dec. 5, at 9 p.m. in the Student Center. Come and receive some spiritual nourishment before your exams! Rev. Skyler Daniel, Fr. Jonathan Goertz and students from Christian Student Fellowship and Catholic Campus Ministry will be in front of MPR to pray for you and your finals. Also, feel free to stop by on your way to Late Night Breakfast and snag some candy and treats from us!
Winter Commencement
Winter Commencement will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. Those wishing to attend commencement except faculty/staff included in the procession and graduates will need a ticket. Graduates will receive their tickets at commencement rehearsal. All guests, including children of any age, are required to have a ticket. Tickets (one per person) for students (other than graduating seniors) and staff may be picked up at the Vice President for Academic Affairs office from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2-4:30 p.m. daily. If you would like to make arrangements to pick up your ticket, you may email Mary Sullivan at [email protected]. Commencement questions from graduating seniors should be directed to Katie Johnston at [email protected], and those from faculty and staff should be directed to Mary Sullivan.
Adjunct faculty and staff members are invited to participate in the Winter 2019 Commencement exercises. 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 Mary Sullivan by Friday, Dec. 6.
47th Annual Danville Historical Society Holiday Tour
The Architectural Wonders of Danville tour will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 per person and are now available at www.danvillehistory.org, Eventbrite or at the Gingerbread House, Karen’s Hallmark, Rippe’s or Vitages by the Dan. All profits will be used to help preserve Danville’s history.
Places to see are include residences of 444 Downing Dr., 163 Hawthrone Dr., 127 Westmoreland Ct., 842 Main St., Knitting Mill Lofts 523-525 Lynn St., as well as Ascension Lutheran Church’s Chrismon Tree, plus the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, Langhorne House Museum and Fire Department Museum. Tickets on December 7 are $25 at the museums.
Averett Family Holiday Party
President Tiffany Franks and Joe Franks invite faculty, staff and a special guest to the Averett Family Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 12, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the President’s House, 500 Hawthorne Dr.
Please respond to Cyndie Basinger with names and numbers of guests by phone at (434) 791-5671 or email to [email protected].
Halloween Costume Contest
Congratulations to the winners of the Annual Halloween Costume Contest! The individual costume contest winner was James Thurnes as Bob Ross, and the group costume contest winner was the GPS team as a safari. Lets give a round of applause for all the participants in the Halloween Costume Contest this year!
Faculty Staff Giving Drawing
Thanks to all faculty and staff who have given to the Averett Fund. Winners of the drawing included Jude Swanson – $250 amazing gift card; Meaghan Byrne – Fitbit; and Chloe Mayhew – $75 bookstore gift card. Congratulations!
Haven’t given yet? There’s still time! As a reminder, it’s not about how much you give – what’s important is that we have participation across the board. Gifts can be made in-person, online or through payroll deduction. For questions, contact Dan Hayes at [email protected].
Averett 101: 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. Throughout the year, we will be sharing some of the comments students shared with Dr. Franks and Joe about Averett!
“The home environment at Averett.”
“My advisors and counselors take time to understand me.”
“The teachers push you to become more than you thought you were – I’m a new person after a short time.”
“I like the sweet and sour chicken and quesadillas.”
“Aviation program is very professional.”
“Nobody judges you – they want to learn about my culture.”
“I like how coaches and North Campus faculty push for you to do your academic responsibilities before extracurricular. Reiterate student-athlete.”
“I like that there are community people walking around all of the time.”
“Even as an athlete, you can still be part of clubs.”
“Diversity is a plus.”
