News & Announcements             Summer Enrichment Academy: Tanner and Athens State Make Summer Learning Fun Two week program involved collaboration between elementary and collegiate group Athens, ALA. – When Athens State Dean of Education Debra Baird envisioned a Summer Enrichment Academy for kids, she never realized the quick actions of her department would lead to such a successful program. “I visited the Summer Enrichment Academy at Tanner Elementary School,” said Baird. “I was absolutely impressed with what those folks were doing. Bravo to all involved for such hard work and such great response from the children! “ Co-Supervisors for the program and Athens State University faculty members, Lisa Hyde and Rosemary Hodges, worked with Tanner Principal Billy Owens to organize the 8-half-day pilot program and created an experience that was fun and educational for the students participating. The Summer Enrichment Academy targeted elementary school students in grades 3, 4 and 5 with each grade working under a separate curriculum. “The 3rd grade had a thematic topic of ‘A Bug's Life’ in their lessons,” explains Hyde. “In 4th grade, the students did an author study of the children's writer Patricia Polacco, and the 5th graders integrated a study of fossils and dinosaurs into their reading curriculum. The program was very hands-on, discovery/inquiry oriented.” Other Athens State faculty members involved in the project were Pat Kuby, Amanda Branscombe, Mary Harris, Bonnie Heatherly, Cathy Woodruff, Tina Sloan, and Darlene Turner-White. Athens State education students assisting were Allison Linick, Jessica Wathan, Shaina Stoddard, Amy Rosenblum, Nancy Ruff, Kellianna Brazier, Leanne Reed, Deborah Craft, Hannah Britton, and Kri'Shon Long. Athens State President Bob Glenn thanks those involved. “Athens State is a great University precisely because we have professionals like these who go the extra mile to do the best job possible,” says Glenn. “I am proud of each of them for what they did.” Tanner Assistant Principal Vince Green was so impressed with the program that his own 3rd and 4th grade children participated. “The Summer Enrichment Academy was a great opportunity to enhance our students’ reading skills,” stated Green. “We are able to offer a quality educational opportunity along with free breakfast and lunch to youth in the Tanner community. It was a great experience for the kids.” Photo caption: Left to Right: Academy participants Jazmin Ellison and Reagan Green with Athens State student Kri’shon Long. Athens State Scholarship supports the arts Athens, Ala. – A student scholarship for the arts has been created at Athens State University by Dr. Joe H. Slate, an alumnus and longtime professor at the University. Dr. Slate and his wife Rachel recently met with Athens State President Dr. Bob Glenn who accepted the $10,000 check to establish the Dr. Joe H. Slate Scholarship for the Arts. The scholarship shall be awarded to one or more students enrolled at Athens State University. The student must be earning a major or minor in the arts which may include art, drama, dance, theater, music, graphic arts, or English. The scholarship will be managed by the Athens State University Foundation. “We sincerely appreciate the support for our students through the creation of this scholarship,” said Glenn. “We are grateful to alumni like Dr. Slate who share our desire to provide academic opportunity through our scholarship program. This fund will help us build and attract new students to our arts programs.” Dr. Slate was a longtime professor of psychology at Athens State. He is the author of numerous books in the field of psychology and parapsychology. He and Rachel reside in Hartselle, and own and operate Holladay Antiques. This year, the Athens State University Foundation awarded approximately 125 scholarships to deserving students at Athens State. The scholarships are annual or endowed scholarships donated corporately or by individuals to the Foundation. Criteria vary for each scholarship but typically include one or more of the following: the student’s grade point average, field of study, student involvement, and financial need. Caption: Left to Right: President Bob Glenn, Joe Slate and Rachel Slate. Athens State University Alumni Bridge Benefit to be held June 17th Athens, Ala. - Wednesday, June 17th marks the date for the Athens State University Alumni Bridge Benefit. Last year's event hosted more than 70 players and assisted in raising much needed funds for the Alumni Scholarships. "As in years past there will be door prizes provided by the Alumni Board of Directors from our local merchants,” says Trish Dilullo of the office of Alumni Affairs. “We have special gifts for the high, 2nd high and low scorers." The Bridge Benefit is open to any interested players - not just alumni of Athens State. Table reservations for teams of four are $10 per person and include refreshments. June 15th is the deadline for registration and individuals or teams can do so by calling 256-216-3319 or visiting the Alumni Office in the Sandridge Student Center on the Athens State campus. Athens State Announces Its Annual Flag Day Ceremony Athens, Ala. - Athens State University will be hosting its annual Flag Day Ceremony sponsored by the Athens State Alumni Association on Friday, June 12 at 12:00 noon in the Sandridge Student Center Ballroom. This year’s program will be presented by the Sons of the American Revolution – Cullman Chapter. The organization members wear both regimental continental line uniforms and colonial militia hunting frocks with tri corner hats. The chapter members will bring eight flags from different periods of American History and briefly describe the history of each one. They will also talk about their ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War. Before and after the presentation, guest may view a display of revolutionary period items such as real muskets, lanterns, period kid’s games, wooden canteens, etc. Music for the event will be provided by the Athens State Community Band. The public is invited to this yearly free event and the ceremony is followed by a cookout. "We are honored to have the Cullman chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution with us this year,” says Lisa Payne, chairperson of the Flag Day Committee. “Their costumes and relics will add an interesting element to our much-anticipated yearly event.” Picture Caption: Athens State Flag Day Committee, left to right: Chad Easterling, Tena Bullington, Lisa Payne, and Janice Owen. Athens State Sponsored Trips Deadline Approaches Collette Tours to be on campus June 9th for presentation The Athens State Alumni Association is sponsoring two upcoming trips. A New England Backroads trip on October 10-17, 2009 with a reservation deadline of June 10, and a European Christmas Market Trip from December 5-13, 2009 with a reservation deadline of July 5, 2009. Reservations for these trips made after the deadline dates are subject to price increases. An online brochure about the trips are located on the University website at http://www.athens.edu/alumni/events.php The Alumni Association will host a trip presentation on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center. A representative from Collette Vacations will highlight the European tour and be available for questions. Incentives will be offered for those that make a reservation and turn in a deposit that evening for the European tour. Refreshments will be served. If you are not interested in either the New England Backroads or European Christmas Markets trips, visit www.collettevacations.com and check out the over 170 other tours. Please mention Athens State University as the group when you communicate with Collette or contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 256-216-3319 for assistance in researching your specific travel interests. Athens State University commencement on May 8th Congressman Parker Griffith to be keynote speaker Athens, Ala. – Congressman Parker Griffith will be the keynote speaker at the institution's spring commencement on Friday, May 8th at 7 p.m. Graduation exercises will be held at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. Approximately 600 students will march, encompassing both the fall and spring graduating classes for the academic year. Congressman Griffith is a retired physician and small business owner. He was elected to the Alabama State Senate in 2006. In 2008, Griffith was elected to his first term in Congress where he serves on three House Committees – Transportation & Infrastructure, Science & Technology and Small Business “Congressman Griffith is a part of Athens State - he is certainly no stranger to our campus,” stated Athens State President Bob Glenn. “It is certainly apropos that he relay his message of congratulations and words of inspiration to these students beginning new stages in each of their lives.” Athens State's Commencement Ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information call 256-233-8126. Congressman Parker Griffith Athens State University Community Band announces spring concerts Athens, Ala. - The Athens State University Community Band will present a Spring Concert on Sunday, May 3th at 3:00pm on the lawn of Founders Hall. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in McCandless. On Monday, May 4th at 7:00pm, the Community Band will present a special Inaugural Concert honoring the Installment of Dr. Robert Glenn as Athens State’s 36th President. This concert is also planned to be held on the lawn of Founders Hall or in McCandless in the event of rain. The Community Band, under the direction of Dan Havely, was founded in 2003 and is supported by Athens State University. In the beginning, the group was largely conceived as an outlet for graduates of the Athens High School band program, which Havely conducted for 34 years, to continue with their musical interests. Today the band meets weekly throughout the year to practice and welcomes any local musicians with an interest in good music, good fun, and community performances. “We're going around the world in 80 minutes,” states Havely. “We’ll be playing music from England, Ireland, Germany, Italy and of course the United States.” Havely also stated that some guest artists will appear, and for the Monday evening performance they will honor President Glenn with "The Presidential Polonaise" by John Philip Sousa. Both concerts are free and open to the public. For more information please call 256-233-8126. Follett Company Donates Gift Cards to ASU Scholarship Students Athens State Bookstore helps those coeds with a demonstrated financial need ATHENS, Ala. – The Follett Company, the vendor for the Athens State University Bookstore, is donating $2,500 worth of gift cards to need-based scholarship students. The University has selected to donate 25 of the cards at $100 per card to those students identified by the institution as needing the most assistance with funding for books and supplies. Doug Clark, Vice President for Financial Affairs, states, “Follett has made a commitment to financially support those students we feel would benefit the most by receiving assistance with the cost of essential materials. We thank them for their generosity.” The Athens State University Bookstore serves the campus and the community and is open during the academic calendar Monday through Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and Friday 9am until 3pm. The bookstore is located on the lower level of the Sandridge Student Center. Vision 2020 to Map the Direction of Athens State’s Future Master Plan project involves campus and community participation ATHENS, Ala. – In Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, there is a conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat that is often paraphrased as "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there." Athens State President Bob Glenn agrees, grinning like the famous cat, and says, "The most important thing in charting the course of a university is making choices between well worn paths and the paths less chosen. We are at the stage in our development where we need to surge forward on some well worn paths, like our College of Education, and we need to carefully select some new trails to blaze, like distance education, so that we can help our students get to their destinations." As Athens State enters a new era of administration, it realizes the importance of physical and academic direction as it begins the compilation of a comprehensive Master Plan entitled VISION 2020 to be completed by the end of 2010. This planning initiative commenced with an initial meeting of the VISION 2020 Committee on April 9 on the Athens campus. Glenn indicated that he expects the plan to guide major University decisions during the next decade. He also indicated that the plan should be comprehensive, visionary and feasible. Glenn states, “We have asked campus representatives, community leaders, and institutional experts to assist us in indentifying the major components of our future vision for Athens State. We have assembled a top-notch team and are confident that their report will encompass areas of needed attention and areas of most potential.” Dr. Jess Brown, Professor of Government and Public Affairs, has been tapped to chair the VISION 2020 Committee, consisting of 25 voting members. President Glenn and Vice Presidents Rick Mould, Denver Betts, John King, and Doug Clark will serve on the committee as ex-officio members. College Deans Linda Shonesy and Debra Baird will also be ex-officio members. The university representatives will be Dean Ron Fritze, Wanda Pryor, Jim Kerner, Larry Keenum, Suzanne Sims, Robert Burkhardt, Mike Gibson, Sean Busick, Robbie White, Al Elmore, Susan Owen, Lisa Rich, Kim LaFevor, Bob Gulbro, Wanda Hutchinson, Yvette Bolen, Nate Mitchell, Prentice Chandler, and student representative Laura Leigh Laxson. Author Nanci Kincaid to speak at Athens State Athens alum returns for free public lecture and reception ATHENS, Ala. – Athens State graduate and renowned author Nanci Kincaid will speak at the Athens State University Library on Tuesday, April 21 at 2:00 pm. The free event is open to the public and sponsored by the Friends of the Athens State Alumni Association and the Livingston Concert Lecture Series. The lecture will be held on the 2nd floor of the library in front of the University Archives. Following the lecture, a reception honoring Kincaid will be held in the Parlor of Founders Hall. Kincaid, who claims Alabama as her home state, is a novelist who wrote a short story collection titled Pretending the Bed Is a Raft, as well as novels Crossing Blood, Balls, Verbena, and As Hot As It Was You Ought to Thank Me. The film My Life Without Me was based on the title story in Pretending the Bed Is a Raft. Her most recent novel is Eat, Drink, and be from Mississippi. Kincaid was born in Tallahassee, Florida and now lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, and San Jose, California. No reservations are needed for either the lecture or the reception. For more information about the events, please call 256-233-8126. Athens State and Athens Middle School Partner to Introduce SUCCESS Program Program seeks to reduce the secondary school dropout rate by early intervention ATHENS, Ala. – The Athens State University College of Education and Athens Middle School are collaborating to combat an alarming drop-out rate in our local secondary schools. This collaborative effort is the first to focus on student retention in a city school system and hopes to identify those students most at-risk for dropout before they reach the age of consent to end mandatory schoolwork. The SUCCESS Program partners selected Athens State education majors with at-risk Middle School students in a buddy system that encourages a goal to receive a high school diploma. Dr. Debra Baird, Dean of the College of Education, states, “This groundbreaking approach to solving a growing problem is an excellent example of a win/win situation. It allows our students the opportunity to get involved with a public school issue, as well as hopefully provide an answer to a growing problem. The significant drop-out rate that we are currently facing is between 16 and 18% and we feel this program can reduce that considerably.” Athens Middle School’s Assistant Principal Joanna May serves as the secondary school sponsor of the SUCCESS program. Earlier this year she met with Athens State and Athens Middle School students to instigate and access the mentoring component. May states that this project will not only have an impact on the lives of the students, but on their parents as well. Manuals for the mentors and mentees were compiled and authored by Laura Lynn Kerner, a Professor of Business at Athens State who is an expert in areas of self-esteem building and professionalism. “The project has caught all of our attention,” Kerner states. “It’s a wonderful interdisciplinary program that hopes to stress the importance of education and staying in school to students who may fall through the cracks of the system. I anxiously await the results that will gauge the impact.” Athens State Announces Scholarship Deadlines for Upcoming Academic Year Athens, ALA. – Athens State University has announced deadlines for institutional, need-based, and Foundation scholarship applications for the academic year 2009-2010. The application process for all scholarships is available online at https://stars.athens.edu/stars. Institutional scholarship such as Presidential, Academic, Student Activities Leadership, Athenian, Golf, and Alumni scholarships carry a May 1 deadline. The deadline for need-based scholarships is July 1. 35 Need-Based Scholarships will be awarded to students who meet specific criteria regarding their financial need. Eligible students must qualify for the Federal Pell Grant Program; must have and keep a minimum 2.0 grade point average; must be a regular, degree-seeking student; and must maintain enrollment in all course registrations. The Athens State University Foundation has over 100 endowed or annual scholarships that have various requirements and/or stipulations for awarding. The deadline for receipt of Foundation scholarships is May 1. For information on institutional and need-based scholarships please contact the Athens State Financial Aid office at 256-233-8122 or apply online at http://www.athens.edu/financial/index.php For information on Foundation Scholarships please contact the Athens State Foundation at 256-233-8215 or visit http://www.athens.edu/foundation/. Athens State University hosting annual alumni recognition event Athens, Ala. – Athens State University will be hosting its 102nd Annual Alumni Banquet honoring its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. The event, which also incorporates the group’s annual meeting, will be held at 6:00pm on Saturday, April 4th in the University’s Sandridge Center Ballroom on its Athens campus. The banquet will also include several other awards given to alumni and supporters of the school. “I look forward to this event each year,” remarks Athens State Alumni Director Tena Bullington. “The Alumni Association continues to have strong presence on campus, and for the university to be able to honor the success of these graduates is a joy." This year’s award recipients are: Distinguished Alumnus of the Year- Terry L. Greer Alumni Loyalty Award – John Wayne King Outstanding Alumnus in Arts and Sciences- Brent Jordan Outstanding Alumnus in Business- Sandra Ables Outstanding Alumnus in Education- Suzanne Joiner Outstanding Commitment to Teaching- Frazier Douglass Distinguished Support Staff Award- Suzanne Sims Alumni Spirit Award – Walt Merritt Deweese and Jim Beasley Appreciation Award- Canebrake Golf Club For reservations or information call 256-216-3319. Reservations are $25 per person and must be made by Monday, March 30, 2009. Athens State Art Students Take Top Prizes in Poster Contest Posters assist in communicating mission of state organization dealing with disabilities Athens, ALA. – Two Athens State art students have been proclaimed winners in the 59th Annual Ability Counts Poster Contest sponsored by the Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, a program of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Rolf Goedhart won first place in the Postsecondary division and Thomas Irby took third place in the competition. Both are students in Pamela Keller’s Adobe Photoshop class. Judges considered originality of design and the artistic merits of the poster. In addition, the judges weighed the poster’s impact and effectiveness in portraying people with disabilities positively. This included language sensitivity. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services serves the state to enable children and adults with disabilities achieve their maximum potential. The poster will be used to publicly promote the Services’ mission. State winners and their teachers will be invited to attend an Awards Luncheon in Montgomery at the Capital City Club in the spring to receive their certificates and monetary awards. Caption: Rolf Goedhart’s winning poster design Fraudulent Magazine Sales Solicitation FYI - We have received several reports that area people are being solicited in their homes for magazine sales under the auspices of a fund raiser for Athens State University. Please know that we are not, have not, and will not be promoting a door-to-door magazine solicitation. Thank you. Mr. and Ms. Athens State University Recognized Athens, Ala. - Athens State University recognized the 2009 Mr. and Ms. Athens State University on Friday, February 27th in the Parlor of Founders Hall. President Bob Glenn introduced this year’s recipients at a morning reception for the University’s faculty and staff. Mr. Athens State University is Jordan Isbell from Cullman. He is a senior majoring in Management and transferred from Wallace State Community College. Jordan is a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member and was nominated for the International Scholar Laureate Program. In 2008-2009 he received an Academic, Alumni and Redstone IAAP Scholarship and was on the President’s List. He is a Collegiate All American Scholar Award Recipient and has maintained a 4.0 GPA at Athens State. Ms. Athens State University is Rachel Meigs from Cullman. She is a junior majoring in Accounting and transferred from Wallace State Community College. While at Athens State she receives an Academic Scholarship and maintains a 3.72 GPA. Photo caption: Left to Right: Ms. Athens State Rachel Meigs, Athens State President Bob Glenn, Mr. Athens State Jordan Isbell. Athens State to Host Well Known Education Advocate Jonathan Kozol to visit campus sponsored by the College of Education Athens, ALA. – The College of Education and the Livingston Concert Lecture Series will be hosting renowned education activist Jonathan Kozol on Tuesday, February 24. Kozol will visit the Athens campus for a lecture that is open to the University’s education students, local educators, and the public. Kozol is an educator and non-fiction writer best known for his books on public education in the United States. After his graduation from Harvard in 1958, Kozol began to tutor children in Roxbury, Massachusetts and soon became a teacher in the Boston Public Schools. He was fired for teaching a Langston Hughes poem and immediately became deeply involved in the civil rights movement. Kozol has held two Guggenheim Fellowships, has twice been a fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation, and has also received fellowships from the Field and Ford Foundations. Kozol is currently on the Editorial Board of Greater Good Magazine, published by the Greater Good Science Center of the University of California, Berkeley. Kozol's contributions include the interpretation of scientific research into the roots of compassion, altruism, and peaceful human relationships. The Kozol lecture will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center. The lecture is free and open to the public, but a reservation is required due to limited seating. Call 256-233-8206 for reservations. Athens State Hosting Congressman Artur Davis February 16 event for Black History Month celebration Athens, ALA. - The keynote speaker for Athens State’s observance of Black History Month will be Congressman Artur Davis. Davis will be speaking in McCandless Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16. A reception in the Parlor of Founders Hall will follow. Davis was reelected in 2008 to serve his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents a twelve county area that spans from Birmingham and Tuscaloosa to the Black Belt. Davis serves as a member of the prestigious Ways and Means Committee, which oversees economic policy. Davis is only the tenth Alabamian in 190 years to serve on this committee, which is the only congressional committee actually described in the Constitution. The theme for this year’s Black History Month at ASU follows the national theme derived by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. “The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas” will be the topic for the month-long series of events sponsored by Athens State. For more information please call Athens State at 256-233-8126. Athens State to Host Basketball Tournament February 28h event will support Health and Physical Education Club Athens, ALA. – Athens State University’ Health and Physical Education Club is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament beginning at 9:00 am on February 28 to be held at the Carter Gymnasium on the Athens campus. Players 18 and over and invited to participate in the double-elimination tournament with the cost being $40 per team. There is a minimum of three players per team with a maximum of four players. The tournament is limited to the first 32 teams to register. Teams must provide their own numbered t-shirts or jerseys. To register or for more infomration, please stop by the Carter Gym on Pryor Street on the Athens campus or contact Brian Gunnels at 205-412-9792 or bgunnels@my.athens.edu. Prizes will be awarded for the tournament champions. Athens State to Host Meeting for Alumni Trips 2009 trips to include New England and Europe Athens, ALA. - The Athens State University Alumni Association is offering two trips, one to New England and one to Europe, in 2009. Both ventures are open to the public and are being arranged through the Office of Alumni Affairs. On January 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center, a representative from Collette Tours will provide a presentation on the trips and answer any questions for those considering attending. A fall tour of New England will begin by bus on October 10 after a flight to Boston. The trip will take passengers through Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine during the autumn leaf changing season. Travelers will be returning from Boston on October 17. An early December European trip is also planned. Leaving via air from Nashville on December 5, travelers will visit Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland for a Christmas shopping experience of a lifetime. The tour will conclude on December 13 arriving back in Nashville. For more information about the trips offered by Athens State University or to request a brochure, please call 256-216-3319. Athens State to host Christmas Open House for the community Athens, ALA. - Dr. Robert Glenn, President of Athens State University, has announced plans for a Christmas Open House to be held Sunday, December 21 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The event will be held in the parlor of Founders Hall on the Athens campus. “I am thankful for Athens State’s partnership with the community and welcome this opportunity for us to come together and celebrate during a wonderful time of year,” states Glenn. “We look forward to seeing all of our friends and showing off the parlor with the beautiful Christmas decorations arranged by the Alumni Association.” The event is free and open to the public. For more information please call 256-233-8126. Photo Caption: Dr. Glenn, Alumni Association President Anita Raby, and Louise Steele prepare the Christmas tree for the holiday season. Athens State Crowns 2008 Miss Merry Christmas Athens, Ala. - Dr. Robert Glenn, President of Athens State University, crowned this year's Miss Merry Christmas on Friday, November 21 in McCandless Hall. Miss Brittney Peppers, from Athens, is this year's Miss Merry Christmas. She is the daughter of Pam and Steve Peppers, and transferred from Calhoun Community College majoring in Early Childhood Education. First Alternate is Miss Lindsay Smith from Eva, the daughter of Larry and Janice Smith. Lindsay transferred from Wallace State Community College and is a junior majoring in Business Management. Miss Cate Hamilton from Madison is the Second Alternate. She is the daughter of Harry and Diane Hamilton and transferred from Calhoun Community College majoring in Secondary Education - English. The pageant is sponsored annually by the University's Athenian Hosts and Hostesses. Photo Caption: Left to Right: Cate Hamilton- 2nd Alternate, Brittany Peppers - Ms. Merry Christmas, Lindsay Smith- 1st Alternate. Athens State Announces Alumni Art Show Call for Art Work underway for exhibit opening January 12 Athens, Ala. - In preparation for the Athens State Alumni Art Exhibit entitled Full Chroma opening January 12 and running through February 6, we ask that any alumni who would like to present one of their art pieces, be it on canvas or sculptural, to participate. The Exhibit will be open to the public for viewing and will hang in the University’s Sandridge Student Center Art Gallery. If interested, please send an e-mail to Gary Anderson at garyandson@knology.net with your work's title, your name, the media, and price (if applicable) to be displayed with your work. Deadline for entries is December 15. Photo Caption: Students admiring works at last year’s Alumni Art Exhibit Athens State Community Band Christmas Concert announced Athens, Ala. - The Athens State University Community Band, under the direction of Dan Havely, is gearing up for two performances of their annual Christmas Concert. The Athens State Alumni Association and the Livingston Concert Lecture Series will co-sponsor the concerts. The Community Chorus, under the direction of Dixie Harrison, will once again join the band to provide vocals to some of the holiday favorites. Due to the popularity of this event, two concerts are scheduled. There will be a 3:00 pm performance on Sunday, December 7, and an additional 7:30 pm performance on Monday, December 8. Seating is limited and tickets are required for either performance. The admission price is $5 per person. To obtain tickets please call 233-8126. A reception, hosted by the Alumni Association, will be held following the Sunday afternoon performance in the Parlor of Founders Hall. Both concerts will be held in McCandless Hall on the Athens State campus. Athens State announces Founders Queen and Court Athens, ALA. - On Friday, October 31, Athens State President Bob Glenn crowned Jessica Aguirre as this year’s Founders Queen. Aguirre is from Fayetteville, Tennessee and transferred to Athens State from Motlow State Community College. She is a junior majoring in English/Secondary Education and was awarded the 2008-2009 Geraldine Whitt Alumni Scholarship. Members of this year’s Founders Court include, Brittany Benson from Huntsville, Holly Causey from Alex City, Alyssa Jones from Union Grove, and Lindsey Erin Stephenson from Warrior. Student representative Chris Dye presided over the crowning held in the Parlor of Founders Hall. Dye stated, “The student body chooses the Queen and her court, therefore each young lady should be extremely proud of this honor.” Athens State to Discuss The Origins of the Bible Belt Athens, ALA. - Athens State’s Department of Religious Studies will host a Table Topic Discussion on Tuesday, October 28 at noon in the Chapel on the second floor of Founders Hall. Assistant Professor Sean Busick will introduce the subject, "The Origins of the Bible Belt." Busick is an assistant professor of History at Athens State University. He earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. Busick is President-Elect of the William Gilmore Simms Society and the author of A Sober Desire for History: William Gilmore Simms as Historian. He also wrote introductions for new editions of Simms's The Cassique of Kiawah, and Life of Francis Marion. His current projects include editing a scholarly edition of the "Patrick Henry" v. "Onslow" debate between John Quincy Adams and John C. Calhoun, writing a biography of Major Henry B. McClellan, and a social history of early American political barbecues. The Table Topic discussion is free and open to the public. For more information call 256-233-8126. Photo Caption: Dr. Sean Busick ASU Production of Jekyll and Hyde Set for Halloween Weekend Performance to include actors from the University and Community Athens, Ala. – Athens State University announces its second annual Halloween theatrical performance of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by T. R. Sullivan based upon the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. Performances of the play will be offered on Thursday, October 30 and Friday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Griffin Auditorium of McCandless Hall. Tom McDougle will be directing the performances and the cast includes Athens State faculty, staff and students – as well as community members. Actors involved in the project are Mark Anderson, Yvette Bolen, Andy Coffield, John Gregg, Al Elmore, Mark Marek, Jo Murchy, Aletha Pardue, Zach Pardue and Ann Solby. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students, and group rates are available. Reservations may be made by calling 256-216-3319. Photo caption: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde performers practice the play. Athens State Club to host Haunted Grounds on the University Campus Health and P.E. Club sponsoring ghoulish tour to celebrate Halloween Athens, Ala. - The grounds of Athens State University will soon be set for Halloween fun and filled with spooky characters. The Health and P.E. Club is sponsoring "Haunted Grounds" - an outdoor festival that will be assembled next to the University Library on Pryor Street. Free parking for the event is available in the gymnasium parking lot off of Hobbs Street. The Haunted Grounds will open at dark on October 17, 18, 24, 25, 30 and 31, and will stay open until the last scream can be heard. Professional DJ Jessica Brock will be providing music and concessions will be available. Admission is $10 per person with the proceeds benefiting the Health and P.E. Club, assisting students with funding to attend conferences. For a discount ticket coupon for groups of 4 or more, or for more information, please visit http://www.athens.edu/students/holloween/index.htm Haunted Grounds Coupon At Athens State University: Convention Crowns First Female "Fiddle Champ" Athens, Ala. – Jewelia Hartley was named “Fiddle Champion” at the 42nd annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention at Athens State University on Saturday night. Hartley is the first female to be crowned champ in the convention’s history. Hartley of Joelton, Tenn., won the title by winning the “fiddle off” which traditionally pits the top fiddlers from the junior and senior divisions. Roy Crawford of Cullman, finished runner-up. Hartley, who won the junior fiddle division, earned the convention’s top prize of $1,000. The 19-year-old plans to enroll at Belmont University next spring. The convention is sponsored by the Athens State University Foundation and the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce. The convention has contributed more than $500,000 to Athens State to fund student scholarships and university projects. Fiddle Champ 2008 Fiddlers a feast for the ears and the palate The senses of taste and smell are also treated at yearly event Athens, Ala. - The University Cafeteria in the Sandridge Student Center will offer extended hours during the upcoming Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. Paulette Young of Classic Catering who manages the university's food services states, "We will open our doors for our normal hours of operation at 11:00am on Friday - and keep them open until the last note is played and the last clogger has clogged!" Young adds, "But to be more specific we'll stay open Friday until 11:00 p.m. with our famous chicken and dumplings, country fried steak and homemade chicken salad. We will reopen for breakfast on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. and stay open until the event closes down that evening serving items from our grill." "We love to see our old friends return year after year - and we also love seeing new faces who have just discovered the convention and the home-cooking we provide." remarks Young who has managed the cafeteria year-round since 1996. There will also be many vendors set up on the lawn of Founders Hall offering quick bites or full meals. Rick Mould, Vice President of University Relations states, "Its always fun to choose vendors to assure that no one will go hungry. I hear constantly that the smells coming from our campus can be as much a draw for Fiddlers as the sounds of the event." Food vendor offerings will also include pizza, kettle korn, catfish, barbecue, steak sandwiches, hamburgers, hotdogs, funnel cakes, pork chop sandwiches, chicken-on-a-stick, and much more. Construction will restrict parking at this year's Fiddlers Convention Athens State's growing pains shouldn't hamper attendance at yearly event Athens, Ala. - Due to construction presently underway on the Athens State campus, a portion of the parking lot on the east side of Beasley Field will be unavailable. Fiddler Convention attendees are asked to find alternative parking when attending this year's event. Parking is available in all lots of the First Baptist Church and First Methodist Church's Beasley Center. In addition, Athens City lots on the corner of Hobbs and Monroe, and Bryan and Marion will be open for parking. The City Hall Annex lot on the corner of Market and Clinton will be open, as well as Chasteen Hall lot on the corner of Hobbs and Clinton. The University also has parking available at the Softball Field a few blocks north of campus on Elkton Street. "Fiddlers weekend draws thousands of spectators each year and we try to make their ease of attendance a priority," stated Rick Mould, Vice President of University Relations. "Although we regret any inconvenience our current construction projects may cause, parking should not be a problem thanks to the alternatives offered by our neighboring churches and the city." Fiddlers Convention to offer free workshop Renowned artists to share talents with those attending event Athens, Ala. - At this year's Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention at Athens State University, a free Fiddle and Guitar Workshop will be offered by Buddy Spicher and David Grier on Saturday, October 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in McCandless Auditorium. Ace fiddler Buddy Spicher is one of the latest musicians honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s on-gong Nashville Cats series. Born in Pennsylvania, Spicher toured in the bands of Patsy Cline, Faron Young, and Ray Price. As a session player, Spicher performed with nearly every country star of the 1960s and 1970s, including Country Music Hall of Fame members Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Roger Miller, Charley Pride, Marty Robbins, Statler Brothers, Hank Thompson, and Bob Wills. For the past several years, David Grier has been voted Best Guitar Player of the Year by the members of the International Bluegrass Music Association. He has also appeared on two Grammy- winning recordings: "True Life Blues-A Tribute to Bill Monroe" and "The Great Dobro Sessions." David is also included in the book, "1,000 Great Guitarists." His inspiration to learn guitar came from exposure to Bill Monroe while his father, Lamar Grier, played banjo for the Blue Grass Boys in the middle 1960s. This workshop is offered free of charge and a reservation is not needed to participate - although seating is limited and participants are chosen on a first come basis. David Grier and Buddy Spicher Athens State student loan defaults remain among lowest in the U.S. Athens, Ala. – Once again, Athens State University students fare better than the national average on student loan repayments, according to recent U.S. Department of Education figures. U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings recently announced that according to the last fiscal year's figures, the national student loan cohort default rate remains historically low at 5.2 percent. But according to Athens State University's Director of Financial Aid Sarah McAbee, the default rate for Athens State's graduates was even less than half of the nation's low percentage - an impressive 2.5 percent. "Our alumni historically seem to be good credit risks for these federal loans," said McAbee. “An affordable tuition, the maturity of our students, and the university's commitment to assure a manageable debt upon graduation are all strong factors in the low default rate. I am always impressed in the manner in which our former students have fulfilled their financial responsibilities." To decrease the amount of debt incurred by their graduates, Athens State's Office of Financial Aid identifies federal, state, institutional and outside funding sources available to students, including both grant and loan programs. In addition, Athens State awards approximately 60 scholarships annually with the Athens State University Foundation and the University's Alumni Association providing more than 100 scholarships awarded each year. Athens State religious studies Department to sponsor noted speakers Calvin Miller and Kay Campbell to address two separate lunchtime audiences Athens, Ala. - The Department of Religious Studies at Athens State University will be hosting two separate lunchtime discussions next week in the Chapel on the second floor of Founders Hall. On Monday, September 22, noted theologian Calvin Miller will speak to students, faculty, staff and the community at 12:00 noon in the chapel. Miller, an Oklahoma native, is the author of more than forty books of popular theology and inspiration. His poems and free-lance articles have appeared in various journals and magazines such as Christianity Today, Campus Life, Leadership, and His. He has served as an inspirational speaker in various assemblies and religious convocations, both in his own denomination and other gatherings. On Thursday, September 25, Huntsville Times Religion Columnist Kay Campbell we address the noon gathering. The topic of Campbell's discussion will be Understanding Black Liberation Theology. Campbell is a journalist with a strong background in education. As a reporter for the Times, she reports on religious matters for the citizenry while showing strong human compassion. Campbell has over 20 years of reporting experience for various newspapers in Alabama and Tennessee. Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, call Dr. Robert White at 256-216-6641. Athens State announces art exhibit Heritage Art Exhibit to showcase Beaty Mason home Athens, Ala. - Athens State University is sponsoring its annual Heritage Art Exhibit that gathers works spotlighting one example of an important architectural building or feature located on campus. The Heritage Art Exhibit was founded in 2002, and this year the exhibit will feature works inspired by the University President's home, the historic Beaty Mason mansion located at 211 South Beaty Street. The works of art must be submitted by hand delivery on Friday, September 26 in room 16 of McCandless Hall between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Exhibit dates are from September 30 through October 30 in the Sandridge Student Center. An exhibit opening and awards presentation will be held at noon on September 30. The winning art piece will receive $150.00 and will become a part of the University's permanent collection, hanging on the campus of Athens State University along with the past winners. The winner will be chosen by Athens State's president, Dr. Robert Glenn. The exhibit is open to all North Alabama and Southern Tennessee artists who are at least 18 years old. Each artist may submit up to three entries at no charge in the following categories: acrylics, graphics, mixed media, oils, pastel, or watercolors. The works must be no larger than 50 inches in either direction and must be framed under plexiglass and fitted with eye screws for hanging. For more information or to receive a registration form call Pamela Keller at 233-8232. Attached Photo: The Beaty Mason Home Athens State marks a record enrollment for fall semester ATHENS, ALA. - The current semester at Athens State University represents the largest increase in enrollment in the University's history. With over 3,300 students registered for classes this fall, the upper division institution realized a 9 percent increase in the registered attendees over the figures for fall 2007. President Robert Glenn, states, "I am excited to see an extraordinary increase in enrollment for our current semester. What these numbers tell me is that we are continuing to reach our goals of effectively and efficiently providing our students with flexible scheduling, choosing the right blend of online and traditional coursework, and that we have assembled a faculty attuned to the needs of today's undergraduates. But this success does not mean we will be resting on our laurels - we really like breaking records!" Overall, students taking online offerings represented 51 percent of the total student body for the fall semester. The University offers at least one or more courses that can be taken online in each of the university's 33 majors, as well as traditional day, evening and weekend classes. Bartlett and McDonald honored by State Board of Education Dr. Jerry Bartlett, recently retired president of Athens State University, was honored by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) in Montgomery on August 28. System Chancellor Bradley Byrne conferred the title of President Emeritus upon Bartlett who served as president of Athens State for 18 years before retiring at the end of July this year. According to state board policy, retiring presidents must have had at least ten years of honorable and distinguished service to the institution from which they are retiring to be eligible to be considered for the honor. Also, a positive vote of three-fourths of the members of the State Board of Education is required to confer the title. The chancellor may call upon a President Emeritus to provide counsel or to serve in various roles or capacities for the enhancement of The Alabama Community College System. Also honored by the ACCS was Nancy McDonald who retired from Athens State after 24 years as a Professor of Chemistry. Byrne conferred upon McDonald the title of Professor Emeritus for her exemplary service and years of committed loyalty. Dr. Denver Betts, Athens State's Vice President for Academic Affairs states, "The emeriti titles bestowed upon Drs. Bartlett and McDonald are a fitting honor and proof that their good works were recognized at a state level. I am proud of them and for them." Photo: Left to Right - Mary Jane Caylor, Jill Bartlett, Jerry Bartlett, Bradley Byrne Athens State to host Huntsville Time Editor at Constitution Day event Athens, Ala. – Mr. Kevin Wendt, the recently named editor of The Huntsville Times, will be the keynote speaker at Athens State University's Constitution Day program on Wednesday, September 17, at 2:00 p.m. in McCandless Hall. Wendt will speak on the changing nature of the American media as it tries to perform its critical role relating to the Constitution's First Amendment. The annual forum is open to the public and celebrates the freedoms bestowed upon all Americans through the signing of the famous statute. Wendt became editor of The Huntsville Times in July of this year. He was previously an Assistant Managing Editor at the San Jose Mercury News, a 200,000-circulation daily newspaper located in the heart of Silicon Valley. During his eight years at the Mercury News, Wendt oversaw many departments, including his most recent role where he supervised 60 employees in the Sports, Copy Desk and Design departments. Nationally, September 17th marks the anniversary of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention who, at their final meeting, signed the Constitution of the United States in 1787. Across the country events celebrate the birth of a document which itself represents the nation's greatest expression of statesmanship and compromise. In its four hand-written pages, the Constitution gives us no less than the owners' manual to the greatest form of government the world has ever known. Athens State President, Dr. Robert Glenn, remarks, "Athens State is proud to host this yearly event commemorating an important date in our country's history that can often be overlooked. This will be my first Constitution Day, but I understand that it is well received by our campus family and we welcome the community to join in our celebration." Mr. Kevin Wendt Fiddler's Convention set for October 3-4 Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press to headline Athens, Ala. – Athens State University will host the 42nd annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention on Oct. 3-4 at the school's campus in Athens, Alabama. The musical competitions will be on the steps of historic Founders Hall. A total of $11,870 in prize money will be awarded. The convention is sponsored annually by the Athens State University Foundation and the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the convention have funded over $500,000 toward student scholarships and other university projects. The convention has historically attracted more than 15,000 people for the two-day event, with more than 200 musicians participating in the musical competition. The coup de gras for the convention is the naming of the “Fiddle Champion.” Competition for the crown is always fierce and this year will be no different. Joel Whittinghill was named “Fiddle Champion” at last year’s convention. He won the “fiddle off” which traditionally pits the top fiddlers from the junior and senior divisions. This year’s fiddle champ will earn a total of $1,000 in cash and a trophy. This year's special guest will be Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press performing Friday, October 3 at 4:00pm and 6:00pm. A legendary giant in bluegrass music, Bobby Osborne continues to be on the cutting edge of the now enormously popular music form. His instantly recognizable, quality high lead and tenor voice and inventive mandolin stylings remain unsurpassed. Approximately 150 booths featuring old-fashioned arts and crafts are part of the convention. Convention goers will see everything from traditional artwork to coal-fired metal works. Food vendors will also be on hand to provide anything from a quick snack to a full meal. Contests begin at 7:00 p.m. following the Bobby Osborne concert on Friday, Oct. 3., and will resume on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8:30 a.m. with the gates opening at 8:00 a.m. Cost is $8 for Friday, $10 for Saturday and $15 for both days. Children ages 12 and under are free with a parent. For more information visit http://www.athens.edu/fiddlers/ Senator Orr to address Athens State graduates Athens, Ala. –Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr will be the keynote speaker at Athens State University’s summer commencement on Saturday, August 23 at 9 a.m. Graduation exercises will be held on Athens State University’s campus in front of Founders Hall. Approximately 200 students are expected to graduate. Senator Orr is a Republican member of the Alabama Senate, representing the 3rd District since 2006. Orr has provided community service both locally, in the regions of Decatur, Morgan County and internationally. Internationally, he served in Nepal as a volunteer with the Peace Corps, in Bangladesh as a new country developer, and in the Pacific Ocean region of Asia with Habitat for Humanity International as staff attorney. Locally, Orr holds various positions on a number of boards. Orr is treasurer to the Chamber of Commerce and serves as president of the Community Foundation, the Decatur Rotary Club, Main Street Decatur and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He is a the chairman of the Calhoun College Foundation, the City Beautification Board and the Volunteer Center. He also sits on the board of several non-profit organizations, including the Southern Growth Policies Board, TVA Advistory Board, State Water Commission, and the Community Free Clinic which he helped establish to assist the working poor. Orr is an alumnus of Wake Forest University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, and the University of Alabama School of Law, where he receieved a Juris Doctor degree. Orr and his wife of 10 years, Amy, have one son, Jack. Athens State University offers coursework at the junior and senior level and is the baccalaureate degree granting institution of the Alabama Community College System. It provides affordable education in an environment that recognizes diversity and nurtures the discovery and application of knowledge. Athens State prepares students for professional careers, graduate school, lifelong learning, and enrichment. Athens State to host Dinner Piano Concert featuring Jason Guy September event sponsored by the Livingston Concert Lecture Series Athens, Ala. - Athens State University will be hosting a dinner piano concert featuring renowned pianist, Jason Guy. The event, sponsored by the Livingston Concert Lecture Series, will he held September 9 beginning at 6:30 pm in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center. Admission to the event will be $25 per person. Reservations may be made before September 1 by calling 256-233-8126. Livingston Concert Lecture Chair, Kim Goedhart states, "This dinner concert kicks off the 2008/2009 season which I am sure will have something for everyone. We are thrilled to have Jason Guy as our first event - he is no stranger to performing at Athens State and we feel his music would be the perfect compliment to a romantic dinner setting." Jason Guy's repertoire includes jazz melodies, standards, light favorites, and a few Broadway compositions. Jason Guy Patriotic Play Presented at Athens State University "America's Town" recalls turn of the century life Athens State University presents a light and warmhearted children's play called "America's Town" on Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, at 7:30 PM in McCandless Theater. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children and are available at the door. They may also be reserved by calling 216-3319. Directed by Dr. Al Elmore, "America's Town" features such audience sing-alongs as "Bicycle Built for Two," "America the Beautiful," and "The Star-Spangled Banner." One minute Gloria's group is leading the audience in "Dixie" while sporting Confederate uniforms. The next minute, Cecilia's groups is leading them in "Battle Hymn of the Republic," clad in Union blue. As the Fourth of July, 1900, approaches, the little town of Lincoln, Kentucky, has been selected "America's Town." Reporters from all over America will converge on this heartland town as the Mayor's children and their friends present patriotic songs and skits depicting the history of America in the city park. A burning question has divided the seven children in the home of Mayor Upchurch. Who will write these skits? Will it be the dominating oldest sister of the family, Gloria, or her rival and next in line, Cecilia? Gloria is a conservative, Cecilia a liberal. These sisters cannot—will not—work together. They even compete for the same boyfriend. Lindsey Martin and Logan Moore lead the female cast, while Cade Bolen, Jacob Johnston, and Tyler Gibson lead the boys. Darren Butler plays the Mayor. Also starring are Ciera Gilbert, Mary Frances Moore, Shelby Johnston, Grace Martin, Ross Pate, Collin Gooch, Holly Elmore, Shelby Elmore, Harriett Shelly, and Mitchell Shelly. An old bicycle built for two lent by Richard Martin reminds the audience of an older and simpler world. Dr. Yvette Bolen serves as choreographer and musical director. Tom McDougle is technical director. Athens State marks a record enrollment for summer semester Double-digit increases spurred by popular online offerings ATHENS, ALA. - The current semester at Athens State University represents the largest increase in enrollment for the summer academic term in the University's history. With over 2,500 students registered for classes this summer, the upper division institution realized an 11 percent increase in the registered attendees over the figures for summer 2007. Dr. Denver Betts, Vice President of Academic Affairs, states, "I believe that our commitment to provide access to the citizens of Alabama and beyond is having great success. We hope to continue to bring valuable academic baccalaureate programs to those determined to receive a quality degree without sacrificing professional or personal responsibilities." Enrollment in distance learning classes for the summer term has increased by 19 percent over the same period last year. Overall, students taking online offerings represented 62 percent of the total student body for the summer semester. To address this trend the University has made available at least one or more classes that can be taken online in almost all of the 33 majors. Reception planned to honor Jerry Bartlett Retiring Athens State President to be feted by peers and public Athens, Ala. - The Athens State University Foundation will host a reception to honor Dr. Jerry Bartlett upon his retirement as president of Athens State University. The public reception is Thursday, June 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center. Highlights will include the unveiling of the Jerry and Jill Bartlett Endowed Scholarship. Funds for the endowed scholarship honoring the Bartletts were raised through contributions by University faculty, staff, friends and the local community. Dr. Joe Brasher, Professor of Education at Athens State University, will provide the music. Bartlett, 66, will officially step down on Aug. 1 after 18 years at the helm. He will have served Athens State for 41 years beginning his academic career as an assistant business professor. Bartlett is one of the longest-serving presidents in the institution’s history. Photo caption: Retiring Athens State President Jerry Bartlett. Athens State Announces Its Annual Flag Day Ceremony Athens, Ala. - Athens State University will be hosting its annual Flag Day Ceremony sponsored by the Athens State Alumni Association on Friday, June 13 at 12:00 noon in the Sandridge Student Center Ballroom. This year's guest speaker is CW4 Jim Scala USA (Ret), who became associated with the Army in 1983. During his tour of duty, Scala was stationed in Korea, Germany, Kuwait and Iraq to name a few. He received a long list of awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Scala is currently employed by Dynetics to support the Aviation Engineering Directorate on Redstone Arsenal, supporting the Warfighters through engineering and analysis. Music for the event will be provided by the Athens State Community Band and the group "Clear Title." The public is invited to this yearly event and the ceremony is followed by a cookout. Lisa Payne, chairperson of the Flag Day Committee, once again reminds us of the words of Woodrow Wilson, "Flag Day is a day when we are to recall the things which we should do every day of our lives. There are no days of special patriotism." Picture Caption: Athens State Flag Day Committee, left to right: Tena Bullington, Chad Easterling, Janice Owen, Lisa Payne. Athens State's College of Education gets top marks from state agency Athens, Ala. - Dr. Debra Baird, of the College of Education at Athens State University, recently announced that her department received "all A's" on the 2006-2007 Alabama Teacher Preparation Program Performance Profile Report Card for Athens State University. Incredibly, they received this recognition in addition to their simultaneous preparations for the NCATE accreditation. Athens State's College of Education swept all categories with a total grade of 4.0 out of 4.0. The State itself scored a 3.70. Photo Caption: McCain Hall, home of the College of Education on Athens State's campus Athens State University Alumni Bridge Benefit to be held June 18th Athens, Ala. - Wednesday, June 18th marks the date for the Athens State University Alumni Bridge Benefit. Last year's event hosted more than 70 players and assisted in raising much-needed funds for the Alumni Scholarships. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Trish DiLullo of Alumni Affairs, states, "There will be several door prizes provided by the Alumni Board of Directors from local merchants, plus special gifts for the high, 2nd high and low scorers." The Bridge Benefit is open to any interested players - not just alumni of Athens State. Table reservations for teams of four are $10 per person and include refreshments. June 16th is the deadline for registration and individuals or teams can do so by calling 256-216-3319 or visiting the Alumni Office in the Sandridge Student Center on the Athens State campus. Chancellor recommends Robert Glenn for Athens State Presidency Click Here to view article Presidential search panel narrows field to 5 finalists The search committee for a new Athens State president narrowed the list of 48 candidates to five with two alternates during an all-day session on April 25 at the school. The candidates, in alphabetical order, are: • Dr. Thomas Chesney - McKinney, Texas, district vice president of Academic Affairs, Collin College- Central Park Campus. • Mr. Jeffery A. Foshee - Las Vegas, Nev., vice president, Administrative Operations, Community College of Southern Nevada. • Dr. Robert K. Glenn - Murfreesboro, Tenn., vice president, provost, Middle Tennessee State University. • Dr. Ronald Hy - Kingsville, Texas, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University, Kingsville. • Dr. Hal Jenkins II - Columbus, Miss., dean and professor of education, Mississippi University for Women. Two alternates chosen in case any one or two of the five primary candidates withdraws from consideration: • Dr. Denver Betts - Huntsville, vice president for Academic Affairs, Athens State University. • Dr. Galan Janeksela - Charleston, W.V., assistant provost at West Virginia University Institute of Technology The public is invited to a reception on May 12 to meet the candidates. The candidates will be individually interviewed on campus on May 13. On May 14, Alabama College System Chancellor Bradley Byrne will interview the three finalists in Montgomery. Byrne is expected to make his recommendation by May 22 to the State Board of Education for approval. Athens State University Community Band Announces Spring Concert Athens, Ala. - The Athens State University Community Band will present a Spring Concert on Sunday, May 4th at 3:00pm and Monday, May 5th at 7:30pm in McCandless Hall on the Athens State campus. This concert will have a distinctively international flair including Spanish marches and European classics. Including traditional American music, the event will have something for everyone. Featured on the program will be Franz Von Suppe's "Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna," the Czech march, "Entry of the Gladiators," and most recognizably Rossini's theme and music from Disney movie classics. Dan Havely, the band's director states, "Added to the mix will be the music of Souza, Fillmore, LeRoy Anderson and W.C. Handy, making this the most gratifying concert in the band's five-year history. The Community Band, under the direction of Dan Havely, was founded in 2003 and is supported by Athens State University. In the beginning, the group was largely conceived as an outlet for graduates of the Athens High School band program, which Havely conducted for 34 years, to continue with their musical interests. Today the band meets weekly throughout the year to practice and welcomes any local musicians with an interest in good music, good fun, and community performances. Tickets for the event are $5.00 per person and reservations may be made by calling Guy McClure at 233-8126. Athens State Alumni Weekend Recognized Alumni and Supporters Athens, Ala. – Athens State University hosted its 101st Annual Alumni Banquet on Saturday, April 5th in the University’s Ballroom. The Alumni Weekend honored distinguished and outstanding alumnus and supporters and also included a reception at the President's Home on Friday, April 4th. Awards presented over the weekend included Stan Pylant as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dwight Cooley as Outstanding Alumnus in Arts and Sciences, Mike Grisham as Outstanding Alumnus in Business, Sandra Davis as Outstanding Alumnus in Education, Lisa Rich as Outstanding Commitment to Teaching, Jerry Bradford as Distinguished Support Staff, and the Beasley Appreciation Award was awarded to Dan Havely. Photo Caption: Pictured left to right: Stan Pylant, Jerry Bradford, Sandra Davis, Dan Havely, and Lisa Rich Local Author, R. Garth, to speak at Athens State New Novel, "Tales from Blue Springs," to be discussed ATHENS, ALA. - The Friends of the Library of Athens State University will be hosting local author R. Garth to read from his recently published book, "Tales from Blue Springs: The Hatchet Woman." Mr. Garth will take the stage at McCandless Hall on Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00pm. Garth, an English teacher at Athens High School, was born in Athens and attended The McCallie School, Auburn University and Athens State. He received a master's degree in Education from the University of North Alabama. In 1979, he received Athens State's William Butler Yeats Award for Creative Writing. A few of his many life-lessons have included driving a taxi in Manhattan, teaching English in Australia and Colombia, and spending two years in the Blue Springs area of Limestone County where his story takes place. C.L. Rossman reviewed Garth's book through Armchair Interviews and commented, "The writing is like crystal; the story bounces around from one incident to another, from the way Sarah is now to how she became that way, and finally draws to an unexpectedly gentle end for the inhabitants of Blue Springs, and justice for the deprived." The April 15th event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event, and are currently available at Pabl