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(04/10/13 2:10pm)
Couple goes on campus-wide scavenger hunt, candlelit proposal on Tarver Library roof
Mercer University brings many people together. Four years at this institution gives the students wonderful memories, lifelong friends and to the very lucky, their future spouses.
On Feb. 16 Morgann Belcher and Stephen Bradshaw began their Valentine’s date that to Belcher’s pleasant surprise, ended with a candlelit proposal on the rooftop of Jack Tarver Library.
The two began their relationship meeting through mutual friends and their involvement in Reformed University Fellowship. They grew as friends and eventually began dating.
A month before the proposal, Bradshaw began planning and making arrangements for the big date. A 2012 Mercer graduate, Bradshaw is currently a Mercer admissions counselor while working on his Master’s of Business Administration at Mercer’s Stetson School of Business.
Bradshaw used his connection to Mercer to make the proposal the best it could be. He said he had to pull a few strings and discuss the rooftop proposal with Mercer Police Chief Gary Collins, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Doug Pearson and finally the Dean of University Libraries Beth Hammond to get permission to access the library’s rooftop.
“When I met with Dean Hammond for the first time to talk about the proposal, she said ‘I assume you want to go and see the roof to see what it looks like’ and then she stopped herself and said, ‘You already know, don’t you?’” explained Bradshaw.
All of the locations Bradshaw took Belcher to on Feb. 16 were significant to their relationship. Because their relationship was founded at Mercer, the majority of the places were on campus and where the two had spent time together.
Bradshaw began Feb. 16 by picking Belcher up for their surprise Valentine’s celebration date. They drove to Atlanta for lunch at a spot the couple had been before, RiRa Irish Pub. Following lunch, Bradshaw brought Belcher to shop at Lilly Pulitzer, asking her to pick out an outfit for the evening portion of their date.
Back in Macon, Bradshaw cooked dinner for Belcher in his home, something she says was very out of the ordinary. Bradshaw said he was so nervous eating dinner that he could barely taste the food.
“Anything that was said at the dinner table that night I have no recollection of,” explained Bradshaw. “I was shaking and I didn’t really eat it because I was nervous. Once we got to Macon, from then on, it’s a blur. I remember the proposal and I was there for that, but dinner was scary.”
Following dinner, Bradshaw led Belcher to a number of different places on campus that held significance to them. Each location had an envelope with a small poem and a single rose. The couple visited the steps of the administration building where they shared their first kiss, the quad where they had spent afternoons sitting on the grass, and Willingham Auditorium where they had spent a night dancing on the stage.
The stops around campus ended at Jack Tarver Library, a place that both Bradshaw and Belcher had spent many long hours together studying and talking.
“The biggest thing is that the library is closed on Saturday nights,” explained Bradshaw. “I knew I wanted to propose on Saturday night but I had to have multiple meetings, emails, an in person conversations with Dean Hammond and she was nice enough to come in after hours on a Saturday night, unlock the door for us and was there the whole time.”
The final envelope and rose were placed outside the door leading to the library’s roof.
“It was significant because a night before we started dating, I had had a really bad day and he came into my study room and said. ‘I want to take you somewhere to make you feel better’ and somehow he knew that the door to the roof was unlocked, I don’t know how. He took me up on the roof and we sat on the roof of the library and just talked for a long time,” explained Belcher.
When Belcher opened the door to the roof, mason jars filled with tea lights lined the stairs. Once on the roof, a pathway of more candles formed a circle where Bradshaw took a knee and asked Belcher to marry him. A photographer, also a Mercer employee and co-worker of Bradshaw’s, stayed hidden in the dark capturing the moment.
The couple went back downstairs where their families were waiting to congratulate and celebrate with them.
Belcher explained that she was unaware the entire evening that a proposal was coming. The romantic Valentine gestures were normal for the couple.
“I actually didn’t realize what was happening almost up until the proposal,” said Belcher. “It wasn’t until he opened the door to the roof that I thought something might be up. Up until that point, I just thought it was our Valentine’s day celebration.”
Following Belcher’s graduation in May, the couple will continue to hold Mercer in their hearts. They plan to wed on Aug. 3 this year, in Newton Chapel surrounded by their families and friends.
(03/27/13 1:53pm)
The Student Government Association held the annual presidential debate featuring the president and vice president candidates. Sophomore senators Raymond Partolan and Melina Hettiaratchi are on one ticket and junior senators Austin Thompson and Kelsey Jones are on the other.
Current SGA president Mollie Davis and vice president Joshua Lovett moderated the debate and asked a number of questions based on the candidates’ platform issues, campus issues and characters. They then took questions from SGA representatives and the audience before the candidates added their closing remarks.
The debate began with both tickets expressing what aspect of their campaign they felt most passionate about. Thompson and Jones expressed their focus on having open conversations between students, SGA and the administration. They also explained that their platform focuses largely on the student perspective of Macon and bringing the community together.
“What we’re all about is making Mercer yours. We want to be there for you,” Thompson said.
Partolan and Hettiaratchi discussed their passion and goal of a community of organizations and their interest in expanding the Paint the Town Orange and P.A.W. Point initiatives.
“We’re trying to improve recognition for academic achievement for students of all schools, not just the College of Liberal Arts,” Partolan said. “We’re trying to create new athletic traditions with the return of football and trying to do new things with the Bear Rock Café.”
Both presidential candidates, Partolan and Thompson, addressed hot topic issues such as making Mercer more environmentally sustainable, the possibility of a wet campus or wet tailgates and the fiscal responsibility of their plans.
Voting for SGA president and vice president will begin Monday, April 1 at 9 a.m. and continue through Tuesday, April 2 at 5 p.m.
(03/06/13 3:38pm)
Dance Marathon is more than just dancing. It’s about staying active and on your feet for six hours to raise money and awareness “For the Kids.”
The eighth annual event was held Feb. 23 to rase money for The Children’s Hospital in downtown Macon.
Dance Marathon is a nationwide organization where over 100 colleges participate in raising money for The Children’s Miracle Network hospital in their community. The yearlong process of raising money culminates at one end-of-the-year event to celebrate the money raised.
Ellen Begley, this year’s director of Mercer’s Dance Marathon said that although raising money is always a challenge, the greatest sense of accomplishment is announcing the total raised and knowing it’s going to directly help children who need it.
This year’s total was over $9,000 and donations are continuing to come in.
Begley joined the Dance Marathon executive board following her freshman year after participating in the event.
After hearing the personal miracle stories from families in Macon, a sorority sister of Begley’s and being directly impacted after an accident that led to Begley’s brother being treated in The Children’s Hospital, Begley was eager to become more closely involved in Dance Marathon.
“Hearing the miracle stories of people treated in The Children’s Hospital, you realize [Dance Marathon] impacts people more than yourself and it’s the people who generally care that make the difference,” Begley said.
This year’s event featured two miracle stories from families in Macon and a video that expressed the purpose of Dance Marathon and the Children’s Miracle Network. Participants broke up into four different teams that danced, played games and crafted all while staying active and on their feet for the full six hours.
The executive committee works yearlong to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network through milestone events and a number of smaller fundraisers within the Week of Hope. The Week of Hope generally consists of restaurant nights and percentages of sales benefiting The Children’s Hospital in the week’s leading up to the grand Dance Marathon event.
Kristina Drew first participated in Dance Marathon as a freshman at Georgia College and State University before transferring to Mercer her sophomore year. This year, as a junior, she served on the executive committee as the day of the event planner and will serve as director of Dance Marathon next year.
“Dance Marathon at Georgia College was the most inspiring event that I have ever attended,” Drew said. “I was dreading it because I couldn’t imagine being on my feet for 12 hours but I’m so glad and so happy that I went because it completely impacted my whole view of Children’s Miracle Network.”
Drew’s goals for next year include raising more money and awareness for the cause by striving to encourage a wider variety of people to participate in the actual event. In order to do so, she hopes to implement milestone events every month, extend the executive board, and raise the amount of hours Dance Marathon is held. At other universities, Dance Marathon can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.
“I really hope to involve the entire Mercer campus, including Mercer Law and Mercer Medicine, in order to get our total up,” Drew said. “It’s important to raise awareness and money so that the hospital can accommodate kids going through scary situations.”
The Macon Children’s Hospital’s neo-natal unit currently exists due to funds raised by Mercer and Georgia College and State’s efforts through Dance Marathon.
This year’s event had over 80 participants, signed up as either individuals or through sponsored organizations.
Next year’s fundraising efforts will begin with a kick-off in late August or early September.
“In past years Dance Marathon has really been advertised more to the Greek community and we want to start reaching out to all of Mercer’s campus and faculty members,” Drew said. “We just want everyone on Mercer’s campus to know what Dance Marathon is and want to get involved.”
Those interesting in participating next year, sponsoring the event or applying to be on the 2014 executive committee should contact Kristina Drew at kristinadrew2008@yahoo.com. Applications are due March 8.
(02/20/13 3:05pm)
On Feb. 7, junior Carly Iannarino was in class taking a test when she received a phone call saying her car had been stolen and found. Iannarino was not aware her car had been stolen the previous night.
A Macon police officer found Iannarino’s green 1995 Honda Accord abandoned near Macon Mall after it was allegedly stolen Feb. 6. The car was parked in the Mercer Police parking lot, located near the Garden Apartments, where she parked it Monday, Feb. 5.
Iannarino said that according to Macon Police, her car was used to rob a house following the initial car theft.
“Apparently they broke into someone’s house and a woman was there that they didn’t expect so they drove off quickly, damaging the car further,” Iannarino said.
According to Iannarino, Macon Police found paperwork inside her abandoned car and contacted her parents. Iannarino later received a phone call informing her that her car that she thought was still parked on campus, had been stolen and found abandoned.
The vehicle was found totaled with the contents inside stolen. The car was damaged past repair with a broken window, a cracked windshield, a scratched front bumper, two flat tires, a detached steering wheel and ignition damage.
Iannarino left her vehicle in the parking lot with the doors locked and the spot was later found with nothing but shattered glass. She doubts that the police will be able to find the people who stole her car.
“I had no idea my car was stolen,” Iannarino said. “Mercer Police really nice and helped me get the information from the towing company and go through the process of calling my insurance company. They did everything they could have done and were very sympathetic.”
According to Mercer Police, this was the first car stolen on campus this year.
(11/28/12 11:00pm)
Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music will host “A Grand Mercer Christmas” concert on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at The Grand Opera House.
The event is a holiday favorite for Mercerians and the Macon community, as many people attend to hear favorite holiday music, in addition to new musical selections.
The event will include performances by the Mercer Singers, conducted by Dr. Stanley Roberts, and the students and faculty of the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings.
Acclaimed violinist and Center for Strings founder, Robert McDuffie, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Musical selections will include “What Child Is This” and “What Sweeter Music,” alongside Matt Catingub’s “Christmas Medley for Strings” and J.S. Bach’s “Concerto for Two Violins,” featuring Amy Moretti and Robert McDuffie, along with the Center orchestra.
The combined chorus and orchestra will also perform two new orchestrations by composer Randol Bass: “Glory to God” and “Exultate Justi.”
Emmy Award-winning Brandenburg Productions will record the program live for broadcast on Georgia Public Broadcasting and PBS stations across the nation throughout the holiday season.
The concert is a free event for the community. However, tickets are required for entrance.
Students, faculty and staff can reserve tickets by visiting the box office at the University Center or calling 478-301-5470. The box office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets can also be picked up at The Grand Opera House weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Seating will be first-come, first-serve, and tickets must be picked up at the box office at The Grand Opera House by 5 p.m. on Nov. 28.
Any tickets not claimed will be released to the public. Children under the age of five will not be allowed inside the theatre due to the filming for television.
(11/28/12 11:00pm)
To quote one of her own songs, loving Taylor Swift is red. One song can be so good you have it on repeat for days and the next has you wanting to rip your hair out when it plays on the radio. Yet whether you love her or hate her, you can’t deny her music is catchy, relatable and extremely popular.
Swift’s newest and fourth record, Red, was released Oct. 22. According to iTunes, the album expresses Swift’s “taste for vengeance, her hot-blooded romantic streak, and the neon-lit pulse of a dance floor.” The girl known for releasing songs about past romances, good and bad, has done it again in a more grown-up and dangerous approach.
Her fourth album includes lyrics of confusion, love, danger, frustration and jealousy. Although the underlying theme of her lyrics is typically about love, her songs seem to have matured in their message. Songs like “The Last Time” and “Everything Has Changed”, featuring Ed Sheeran, give the listener this thought.
And then they hear “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”
The danger in her lyrics comes through in songs like “Treacherous,” where she describes her love as quicksand: “this path is reckless, this slope is treacherous and I like it.” It seems Swift has gone looking for trouble. In the song “State of Grace” she sings of “walking fast through the traffic lights…We fall in love ’til it hurts or bleeds.” Not to mention the track “I Knew You Were Trouble,” which is all about falling in love with someone you know is bad from the beginning.
For those in college, the relatable lyrics in “22” express all of our thoughts as Swift sings, “We’re happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time. It’s miserable and magical, oh yeah.” For those of us feeling “22,” we can’t help but sing along in agreement.
Although her album is certainly not country despite its given genre, the music is a new sound for Swift. The upbeat pop songs range from dubstep in “I Knew You Were Trouble” to the slow and sultry sound of “Begin Again.”
Top-played songs like “Red” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” are undeniably pop. Swift’s new sound could be credited to Max Martin, one of the album’s producers and contributing songwriters known for working with pop superstars including Britney Spears, *NSYNC, Kelly Clarkson, Bon Jovi and Katy Perry.
Do I think Swift has the voice of our generation? No. Are her songs deep and meaningful? Not always. Will I still buy her CD and jam out in my car? Absolutely. So for those of you who want to argue Swift’s ability to perform or produce a well-rounded album, we are never ever going to agree.
(11/28/12 11:00pm)
Mercer University honorary alumna Neva Jane Langley Fickling died Nov. 18 at the age of 79. She was an accomplished pianist, a former Miss America and the wife of Mercer Trustee William A. Fickling Jr.
Mrs. Fickling was a longtime Macon arts supporter and community leader. Mercer’s McCorkle Music Building was dedicated in her honor in 2003.
Fickling grew up in Lakeland, Fla. and attended Florida Southern College as a freshman. She transferred to Wesleyan College her sophomore year and majored in piano. In 1952, Fickling was named Miss Macon and went on to be named Miss Georgia. In 1953, she was the only Miss Georgia to be crowned Miss America. Fickling was awarded the title at the age of 19, with piano performance as her talent.
Fickling married in her senior year and graduated from Wesleyan in 1955. She and her husband raised four children.
She was an active member on numerous boards, including Wesleyan College, the Keep America Beautiful Commission, the Macon Symphony Orchestra, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, the Atlanta Symphony, the Georgia Council of the Arts, the Park City Chamber Music Society, the Junior League of Macon and the advisory board of the Hay House, in addition to others.
“Neva Fickling was the embodiment of grace, talent and leadership,” Mercer President William D. Underwood said. “She was loved by her family, her community and all who supported the arts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fickling family during this time of loss.”
Fickling founded the Georgia Women of Achievement, an organization that recognizes women of outstanding achievement in Georgia.
At Mercer’s 2011 May commencement, Fickling was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.
“Neva Fickling was a generous supporter of the Townsend School of Music,” said Dr. David Keith, Interim Dean of Townsend School of Music and Director of Graduate Studies. “She loved music and the impact that it had in the lives of people, and the Townsend School of Music will always be grateful for her generosity and gracious spirit.”
(11/07/12 11:00pm)
Seven Mercer University cultural archeology students traveled to Roanoke Island, N.C. and uncovered possible evidence that could be connected to Sir Walter Raleigh’s Lost Colony.
The students went for fall break, Oct. 6-13, to research and work on an archeological excavation of the Lost Colony.
Dr. Eric Klingelhofer, professor and chair of the History Department, who is also the Vice President of Research for the First Colony Foundation, led the class in their work.
The class worked to discover clues by digging firsthand, in order to aid in the explanation of the lost colony that vanished from the island more than 400 years ago.
Roanoke Island was the location of the first English colony. The settlement was established in 1585 by military colonists, who were eventually replaced by a civilian group in 1587.
In 1590, a ship landed on the island and found it to be deserted. The fate of the colonists remains a mystery.
This is the third year that Dr. Klingelhofer has taken the Cultural Archeology class to the site. However, this year’s class unveiled the most beneficial clues yet.
While on site, the students worked on various different projects, some in assistance of the Festival Park. They aided the rangers in marking and lining the ground where previous excavations had found traces of buildings. These areas will be reconstructed and marked for public viewing.
While on site, the students worked on various projects. They aided the park rangers in marking and lining the ground where previous excavations had found traces of buildings. These areas will be reconstructed and marked for public viewing.
The class also tested the site inland for archeological evidence. This area had never before been tested.
Junior Joshua Whitfield explained that in his working area, they found many shards of Native American pottery, some of which that contained patterned markings on the outside, indicating decoration.
In another testing pit, students dug through ancient soil dating back to the 16th century and light traces of charcoal. “Most importantly we found probably an inch and a half long of what we think is an iron nail that we found in this desired soil level,” said senior Aidan Kirkpatrick. “We think that it’s European-made, not Native American, which could be tied back in theory, to the Roanoke colonists.” The discovery is currently being tested along with the other discoveries.
In the final pit, students unveiled small pieces of pottery, charcoal, burnt animal bone and remnants of a burnt out tree, which suggests the location was “not a casual occupation,” according to Dr. Klingelhofer.
Dr. Klingelhofer is hoping the clues may lead to where the Indian village was located, where Sir Walter Raleigh’s men were welcomed to negotiate and exchange gifts.
“The great mystery of the island is that we have found some traces of the English occupation, the Elizabethan occupation, but very little. These students might have found a clue to it, and that was so interesting because what we found is a lot of Indian activity, and we think it’s of the right period,” said Dr. Klingelhofer.
In addition to their archeological excavation, the class also had the opportunity to attend a symposium about the history and discoveries of the Lost Colony.
“What was most interesting and what I learned in general is just how meticulous the methods are when you go about excavating a site,” explained Kirkpatrick. “Sometimes you end up with nothing and sometimes you find really interesting things when you wouldn’t expect to find anything. It’s really more of an adventure, which is what I like about archeology.”
(10/24/12 9:00pm)
Returning from Student Government Association’s annual Pilgrimage to Penfield event on Oct. 19, one of the eight charter buses experienced a three vehicle automobile accident. The bus was the second to last bus driving and contained 54 people onboard, including three SGA members and the bus driver.
No serious injuries resulted from the accident.
“All of the students on the bus were pretty calm, everyone was concerned about other involved vehicles. There was one girl that reported back pains from the accident,” said Nakita James, a student aboard the bus.
The accident occurred while traveling through Green County, before the overpass near I-20 and headed toward Gray. An SUV driven by a 17-year-old girl attempted to take a left turn in front of the moving bus.
“I assumed she misjudged the distance because when she was turning she took it way too late and hit the front end of the bus right below where the driver would be sitting. That caused her SUV to spin and it spun around a couple times before it rear ended another vehicle,” explained Senior Senator Branden Ryan, who was aboard the bus.
The driver of the SUV was taken to the hospital but no major injuries have been reported. There were three men in the third vehicle that was hit, but all three men sustained minor injuries, according to Ryan.
The accident caused a two-hour travel delay. The buses were expected to return to Mercer’s campus around 11:30 p.m. and did not arrive until 1:30 a.m.
“SGA wants to express our apology for the inconvenience that it happened,” said Ryan. “We understand that these things happen and we are incredibly thankful that all of the students reacted well, remained calm and were very supportive in shuffling around the bus situation so we could get everyone back safely.”
(10/10/12 4:00pm)
Mercer University’s School of Engineering was awarded two grants to support the research projects of Dr. Sinjae Hyun, associate professor of biomedical engineering. The grants were awarded from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The grants will aid in creating a more effective inhalation drug delivery system. One grant is a NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award for $79,500 to purchase a Wide Range Particle Spectrometer. The second grant is a research grant for $324,012 for three years in collaboration with researchers from North Carolina State University to research particle uptake in human lung models.
“If we can accurately predict the amount of inhaled aerosol particles that is taken into the lungs, we can use medicine more efficiently and control dosages,” Dr. Hyun said. “This research will benefit both the patients and the pharmaceutical companies.”
The Wide Range Particle Spectrometer, which will be purchased with the first grant, will allow Dr. Hyun to accurately measure the particles in his inhalation experiments between five nanometers to 10 microns. The purchase will aid in the accuracy of the measuring and benefit engineering students’ work.
The experimental studies done with the $324,012 grant will be integrated with the computational research done with his collaborator, Dr. Clement Kleinstreuer, developed at the North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C.
Dr. Hyun explained that this research will help create more effective inhalation drug delivery systems, such as those used to treat asthma and COPD. In addition, it could potentially benefit those on the horizon, such as inhaled insulin to treat diabetes.
“Support from the NSF is a catalyst for our research program within Mercer Engineering,” said Wade Shaw, dean of the School of Engineering. “Initially, our faculty and students will benefit from this investment in Biomedical Engineering. Eventually, this project will improve the delivery of medications via direct absorption through the trachea and then the benefits extend to a huge community of people. We are very proud of Dr. Hyun and excited to be part of this research.”
As part of the grant, Dr. Hyun will be required to report back on his research each year. With the experiments, Dr. Hyun and his students will have the opportunity to present at national conferences.
“The grant review panels at the national level are very aware of both the people and capabilities of the universities who receive their support and this grant is additional confirmation that we are doing the right kinds of things to build our program,” said Shaw.
Dr. Hyun has received much recognition for his research for inhaled aerosol transport and deposition in lung airways. In addition, he also received a gift from YKK-USA, Inc., an international company based in Macon, to assist in his research and help construct the models. The gift was a 3D Printing System capable of printing any object in three-dimensional form. The gift will benefit engineering students’ innovative design processes.
“I’ve already had more requests from students to join my lab. I would like engineering research to be more visible on campus and hope that the grants and gifts will have a positive impact on my research with students.” Dr. Hyun said.
(09/26/12 9:43pm)
To recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the third annual Joshua’s Walk was held Sept. 22 at Mercer’s Walter F. George School of Law.
The event’s proceeds benefit Joshua’s Wish, a non-profit organization focused on raising funds and awareness for pediatric brain cancer.
This year’s Joshua’s Walk had approximately 100 participants choosing to run or walk the 5k.
Joshua’s Walk was founded by Labrina Solomon who began the organization and the event after her son, Joshua, passed away from a rare form of brain cancer at the age of four.
In his memory, Solomon founded the philanthropic organization to help raise funds and awareness of the disease.
Beth Manley, a senior Mercer student, has attended the event for the last three years.
“I enjoy this event because I have been able to help make a difference in the fight to end childhood pediatric brain cancer. More so, I have enjoyed my participation in this event because I have seen the hard work and dedication that Miss Labrina pours in to Joshua’s Wish each year, and I have seen how she is personally affected by its outcome. Each year, Joshua’s Walk has more and more awareness for pediatric brain cancer while involving the Macon and Mercer community.”
The goal of the organization, Joshua’s Wish, is to raise funds to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, clinical trials and other medical organizations in search for a cure.
According to the Joshua’s Wish Facebook page, “Joshua’s Wish, Inc. was formed primarily to conduct fundraising to support medical research in finding a cure for pediatric brain tumors.
Joshua’s Wish, Inc. also exists to financially assist families of children who have cancer and are undergoing treatment, and to raise awareness of childhood cancer.”
Participants registered with a $20 fee and received a t-shirt for their participation. They had the choice to register as a team or as individuals.
Mercer students were incredibly active in both volunteering and participating on the day of the event.
Mercer Law students organized a bake sale the week leading up to the event to benefit the organization.
In addition, many Macon businesses held philanthropy nights where their establishment donated a portion of their sales to Joshua’s Wish.
Mellow Mushroom held a benefit night on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 6-9 pm, while Amanda’s Cakery downtown sold a special cupcake commemorating Joshua’s Wish by sending 100% of proceeds to the philanthropy. Also, on Sept. 24 Chili’s donated their profits to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information on the organization visit www.joshuaswish.org
(09/12/12 4:00pm)
Mercer University was recently awarded a grant of $174,574 from The National Science Foundation to benefit the University’s Chemistry Department and improve the undergraduate chemistry lab experience. The funds will primarily provide six students the opportunity to work as researchers using the studio lab approach.
The National Science Foundation awarded the grant to the department through its program Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics. Chemistry Professors Dr. Dale Moore, Dr. David Goode, and Dr. Caryn Seney will lead the project. The two-year grant is titled, “Going Further: An Integrative Approach to a more Research Oriented, Exploratory Junior-Level Lab.”
“What we hope to accomplish through this grant is a collaborative in-depth exploratory junior level laboratory plan that in its primary emphasis acts as our junior-level chain of engagement for recruitment and retention of students and in its secondary emphasis as an opportunity to facilitate such interactions at other primarily undergraduate institutions,” said Dr. Seney. “The impetus for running the laboratories in this way is to have a guided inquiry that will further prepare students to perform research independently. Thus, faculty members scheduled to teach this laboratory mentor the students by giving them a springboard research/lab idea with some background information in order to facilitate an initial start on the student laboratory project.”
The funds will be used for a variety of projects including new instruments for the junior-level Exploratory Laboratory classes (CHM 371 and CHM 372) in addition to instruments within the research laboratories and classes. Specific instruments include: an Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) Instrument, a microplate Spectrophotometer, a refrigerated Centrifuge and a Shaking Incubator.
“We want to incorporate one in-depth student laboratory project per project mentor, strengthening not only the mentor-mentee relationship but also the peer group interactions, while also allowing the students to go further in their exploration,” said Dr. Seney. “This process should lead to a more confident research-independent student with strong communication skills because they were able to see a full student laboratory project to completion inside the structure of a peer group.”
The grant will also aid in funding summer research students, including their stipend and housing costs in addition to faculty salaries to work with the summer research students.
Also configured into the grant plans include travel costs for the department to attend regional and national conferences and a consultant to evaluate and assess what the department will be doing within the studio-style laboratory.
“This grant provides the opportunity to increase the department’s instrumentation holdings and allows students the access to the ITC to address challenging interdisciplinary questions,” said Dr. Kevin Bucholtz, associate professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and director of undergraduate research.
“The ITC is a state of the instrumentation that is usually only seen at larger research-focused institutions, but students at Mercer will get to use it as part of their undergraduate experience. For students participating in undergraduate research, these types of grants enrich the research environment and allow for deeper and more cutting edge research to be conducted.”
“All of the research projects have utility in the real world,” Dr. Seney said. “Our students will learn a holistic approach to research as a result of this award.”
(08/29/12 4:06pm)
Season tickets for Mercer’s Football team went on sale to the public on Thursday, Aug. 16. The team will begin their season in the fall of 2013 and prepare this year with a practice season.
“This is an exciting time for Mercer Athletics and the Mercer football program,” Director of Athletics Jim Cole said. “We are happy to offer this opportunity to the general public and thrilled with the support we have received so far from our alumni and donors.”
Ticket prices are starting at $50 per seat in the “Orange Sections” that are located between the end zones and the 35-yard markers in the west stands. For those interested in seats between the 35-yard markers, $75 per seat tickets are available in the “White Section.” Season tickets include all eight home games and the 2013 Homecoming game.
Reservation tickets are available through Sept. 17 and ticket reservations are limited. Purchase date of season tickets will be factored into the final seat assignments.
Seating arrangements will be finalized in the spring of 2013. Opportunities to purchase parking passes and lease field house suites on game day will be available soon.
“We are excited to be at the point where we are selling season tickets,” head coach Bobby Lamb said. “This is another landmark step in the development of the program and an opportunity for the community to begin to rally around the team.”
To purchase season tickers, the public can contact Mercer Ticket Sales at (800) 637-2378 or (478) 301-5470
(08/29/12 4:00pm)
Mercer University was recently ranked No. 8 in The Princeton Review’s 2013 The Best 377 Colleges guidebook for participation in intramural sports.
The Review does not rank the 377 schools overall individually, however the schools are ranked in various categories that are decided upon based on student surveys. Mercer placed in the category titled, “Everyone Play Intramural Sports” in addition to being recognized for the University’s academics and esteemed faculty and staff.
Mercer has been among many schools highlighted in The Princeton Review for nine consecutive years.
About 15 percent of four-year colleges in America and two Canadian colleges were chosen for this year’s edition of the book.
“We commend Mercer for its outstanding academics, which is the primary criteria for our choice of schools for the book,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s vice president of publishing and author of the book.
Mercer was featured in a two-page profile that included quotes from Mercer students who were surveyed for The Review. Students expressed that “the number of opportunities available to enhance the student’s academic experience is excellent” and “Mercer is a place that respects its students and knows the enormous potential its students have.”
“Our choices are based on institutional data we collect about schools, our visits to schools over the years, feedback we gather from students attending the schools and the opinion of our staff and our 28-member National College Counselor Advisory Board,” said Franek. “We also work to keep a wide representation of colleges in the book by region, size, selectivity and character.”
Mercer’s involvement in intramurals landed the University ranked as No. 8 but the academics of Mercer and ideal college experience contributed to Mercer’s coverage in the book.
(08/29/12 4:00pm)
Josh Shutter, senior captain of the men’s soccer team, has already garnered recognition in the conference. As a sophomore, he made the Atlantic-Sun All-Conference Second team. In his junior season, Shutter made the Atlantic-Sun All-Conference First team. Prior to the 2012 season, he was named to the Preseason All-Conference team roster. Shutter begins his senior season for the Bears, and looks to help them make a push for a conference title and an NCAA tournament berth.
Cluster: Where are you from?
Shutter: I was born and raised in Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania and transferred from Clemson to Mercer after my freshman year.
C: What is your major and academic year?
S: After being undeclared during my freshman and sophomore years, I declared my major last year as communications and am currently in my senior year.
C: What is your favorite part about playing soccer for Mercer?
S: My favorite part about playing soccer at Mercer would have to be the group of guys that are on the team. They are second to none and we are all one big family. Everyone takes care of each other and even the parents do anything they can for any one of us. I couldn’t ask for a better group of teammates!
C: How did you come to play soccer for the Mercer Bears?
S: Going into my freshman year at Clemson, I found out that the head coach was resigning due to legal matters and that the assistants would take over the team for the time being until another head coach could be assigned. At this point, I began to search for another team and coach whose style of play I fit better with and after talking with my former teammate Joey Heavner, I found out that Mercer was the team for me.
C: What position do you play and what do you like about your position?
S: I was recruited as a center back and after playing right back for a short stint, I am back in the center for Mercer. At center back I enjoy being able to help lead my team and keep them organized. I also enjoy the limited amount of running and getting to be an enforcer on the field.
C: How do you manage your time as a student athlete?
S: Being a student athlete, it is very important to manage your time wisely. Trying to work in time around games and practice can be difficult and we don’t have the spare time that many others students have and most of the time our work is being done during our travel times.
C: How does it feel to be named preseason all conference?
S: I am honored to be named to the preseason all conference team and knowing that my hard work has been paying off, but I am more worried about how the team does this year. I will be much more excited when we win the conference.
C: What are your personal goals for this season?
S: My personal goal for this season is to be on the all conference team at the end of the year and to also be the defensive player of the year.
C: What are your team goals for this season?
S: The team goals for this year have been set high after what we accomplished over the last two seasons. We want to be regular season champions, conference champions, and make it to the NCAA tournament.
C: What do you hope to improve on, both individually and as a team?
S: I personally would like to improve on being a better role model and team leader in order to help the team progress and become more connected than ever before. As a team, we look to improve on being able to close out games and limit our opponents scoring opportunities because after our preseason and the first couple of games, we have proven that we can play with the best in the country, but at the same time we have learned from these games and hope to improve on the areas that we lacked in so that we can finish games with a win. With this, I believe we can go further than we have before with the group of guys we have this year.
(08/16/12 12:30am)
Mercer University will welcome the incoming Class of 2016 as the majority of incoming students will begin to move in to their dorm rooms on Aug. 18.
In order to aid the freshman class with transitioning from high school to college, Bear Beginnings is organized to give the incoming students and their families an enjoyable and stressfree experience. The incoming Class of 2016 is expected to have more than 650 students.
“Bear Beginnings is a first-year student’s first few days as a Mercer Bear,” said Amanda Carls, coordinator of new student programs. “Not only will they meet members from the incoming Class of 2016, but they will also experience support in their transition to Mercer as our Peer Advisors, faculty and staff introduce them to academics, campus life and the Mercer community.”
Move-in will begin at 9 a.m. and last the majority of the day as students prepare their college homes in Mary Erin Porter Residence Hall Complex, Plunkett Hall and Roberts Hall. As a Mercer tradition to welcome the new students and their families, Mercer Movers will assist with the moving process. Mercer Movers consists of student and faculty volunteers who help move boxes and furniture from incoming student’s vehicles to their rooms.
Following move-in, incoming student and their families are invited to have refreshments with Toby, the University’s beloved bear mascot, in the University Center. The event will last from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tot, the female mascot, will also be present to meet the new Mercerians. Families and their students are able to have their photos taken and framed as a gift to remember the first day of college. Students are also able to receive a free Class of 2016 t-shirt for the class photo at this event.
New Mercerians will need their class t-shirts at the welcome ceremony that will take place in the University Center Hawkins Arena at 2:30 p.m. Here, the students will learn the Mercer fight song as well as other Mercer traditions and take a class photo.
As a part of the first day of Bear Beginnings, students will meet with their orientation groups otherwise known as “o-groups” and meet their peer advisor and resident assistant.
The weekend following move-in day consists of many activities for freshmen to keep busy and meet a variety of people. Freshman favorites include the street carnival on Aug. 19 from 8-10 p.m. on Porter Patch. The traditional event includes a DJ, karaoke and inflatable games.
On Aug. 20, the Class of 2016 will participate in one of their first Mercer traditions as they attend their first Convocation. Convocation will take place in Willingham Hall from 2-3:30 p.m. The traditional academic ceremony will end with the students signing the Class of 2016 banner.
Following Convocation is Bear Fair, an event where new students can meet various student organizations on campus and learn how they can become involved.
“Students enjoy the orientation programming, especially the Sunday Night street party, pizza party, Bear Fair, New Student Convocation, time with O-groups and meeting future friends and classmates,” said Carls.
Bear Beginnings will commence with “Ice Cream with the Underwoods” on Porter Patch from 6-8 p.m. with the Underood family.
(08/16/12 12:30am)
An important aspect of college is getting involved within your community whether it is through a job, event or service project.
In Macon, Mercer students are fortunate to have the opportunity to attend and participate in the many local events hosted by the College Hill Alliance.
The College Hill Alliance began in 2009 as a department of Mercer with the mission to create a positive change to the physical and social aspects of the College Hill Corridor.
The location of the College Hill Corridor is a two-mile area between Mercer and Macon’s downtown business district. The Alliance was funded by a three-year, $2 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
As a part of College Hill’s mission, many events are hosted throughout the year in an attempt to connect Mercer to the community.
These events include Soapbox Derby, Big Screen Movie Nights, Mercer Village Festivals and the College Hill signature event, Second Sunday.
Second Sunday takes place the second Sunday of the month from April to October and is held in Washington Park, weather permitting.
The event is centered on live music as community members and students attend the community picnic, many bringing their lawn chairs, lunches, and pets.
College Hill hosted Second Sunday at Sunset Aug. 12 from 7-9 p.m. in the historic Washington Park featuring live music by Savannah’s KidSyc@Brandywine followed by Macon’s Floco Torres.
KidSyc@Brandywine includes members Lloyd “KidSyc” Harold, MC; Charles Hodge, Bass; Daniel Butler, lead guitar; Lane Gardner, keys; and Derrick Larry, drums.
The group is known to have a sound like The Roots, Lupe Fiasco, Jermaine Cole, Kendrick Lamar and N.E.R.D. KidSyc@Brandywine formed in early 2010 and later performed at the 2010 Savannah Urban Arts Festival.
Following KidSyc@Brandywine’s performance, Floco Torres took the stage. Kevin “Floco Torres” Williams Jr., took on the name Floco Torres in order to create a brand that would influence people to inquire before they judge, as he is an African American man with a Spanish name.
Torres has created a fan base throughout Macon as well as his hometown of Willingboro, N.J. He has won awards as an artist such as “Best Local Hip-Hop” in addition to winning the grand prize of the Gateway Project music competition last summer.
His first album is titled “Floco’s Modern Life.”
Second Sunday attracts hundreds of community members and students with all different interests, lifestyles, and music tastes, yet they all join together in this classic community event hosted by College Hill.
The monthly musical event is free to attend and usually features a cash bar, food available to purchase and various extra activities for children.
For more information about Second Sunday and College Hill, visit www.collegehillmacon.com
(08/15/12 4:01pm)
The success of Mercer Athletics is proven through the work ethic and commitment of the coaches, who mold and guide their players. This summer, the Athletics Department has been preparing for many successful athletic seasons by renewing the contracts of both Baseball Head Coach Craig Gibson and Basketball Head Coach Bob Hoffman. In addition, Mercer Athletics recently hired Kyle Hannan to be the head Mercer Lacrosse coach.
Gibson agreed to terms on the renewed contract extension through 2017 after finishing his ninth season coaching for the Bears. With a 277-233 all-time record at Mercer, Gibson is the second coach with the most wins in Mercer’s baseball history.
This spring, the Bears were led to a 38-21 overall record and attended the Atlantic Sun Tournament for the seventh year in a row.
“I am excited to get this deal done with Craig because he exemplifies the commitment to academic and athletic excellence that Mercer stands for,” said Jim Cole, director of athletics.
“Craig is the ideal leader of our baseball program for the future and I would be proud to have my own son play for someone of his character.”
Over Gibson’s last three seasons as head coach, he has led the Bears with a 115-65 record marking the program’s best three year run. The success over the last three years with 115 wins places the bears at the 29th in the nation.
Gibson graduated from Mercer in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and recreation. While at Mercer, Gibson was a four-year member of the baseball team where he received the 1985 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year award after his junior season. Gibson also received his master’s degree in social science from Mercer in 1988.
In addition, Mercer’s Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bob Hoffman was rewarded after last year proved to be the most successful men’s basketball season in Mercer’s history. Hoffman’s new five-year contract will lead him to continue his head coach position through the 2016-2017 season.
“Bob has done a tremendous job taking the men’s basketball program to new heights,” Cole said. “We were proud to extend this offer and look forward to the team’s continued success on and off the court.”
The Bears previous season was one to set records as they won the CollegeInsider.com Tournament championship and finished their season with a 27-11 overall record. That season record established the program record for single-season wins.
Hoffman holds a 75-61 as head coach since beginning in the 2008-2009 season. The Men’s Basketball team has qualified for the Atlantic Sun Championships all four years he has coached for Bears. Hoffman’s 75 wins in four seasons holds the program-best win total over a four-year period.
Hoffman has been recognized by SI.com, where he was listed among some of the nation’s elite coaches.
Bleacher Report and CollegeInsider.com also gave him recognition where the Bears were among the season-end top 25 mid-major polls.
Mercer Athletics has also taken a step forward with the lacrosse program as they recently hired Head Coach Kyle Hannan to lead the program.
Hannan has 19 years of experience as a head coach and will begin his coaching role as the team moves to the Tony and Nancy Moye Family Football and Lacrosse Complex, which is expected to open in early September.
“I am extremely excited and proud to announce the hiring of Kyle Hannan to lead our men’s lacrosse program,” Cole said.
“Kyle quickly rose to the top of our search list because of his reputation in the lacrosse world, not only as a coach but more importantly as a person of high character. Kyle, his wife Angie, and their two children are a welcome addition to the Mercer family and the middle Georgia area.”
Hannan has produced an overall 179-122 record throughout his 19 years as a head coach, including a 128-71 record in his most recent coaching at Goucher College in Towson, Md.
Hannan spent 12 years as a coach at Goucher. Prior to his work with Goucher, Hannah was the head men’s lacrosse coach at Colorado College from 1998-2000 and Virginia Wesleyan College from 1993-1998.
Hannah received his education at Salisbury University where he graduated in 1986 and was a four-year starting midfielder for the Sea Gulls.
As a player, he received the Charles B. Clark Award for Salisbury’s best all-around men’s lacrosse player in 1985.
“I want to thank Director of Athletics Jim Cole and President William D. Underwood for providing this opportunity to my family,” Hannan said. “I’m excited to continue developing my relationship with them and the entire middle Georgia community.”
(08/15/12 4:00pm)
Mercer Intramurals continues to offer students of all interests the chance to participate and get involved in various sports. Whether you are a sports fanatic, or just looking to meet new people, Mercer’s Intramural sports is a great way for freshman to graduate students to get out and get active.
Many organizations sign up to participate and compete in intramurals but it’s not just organizations that have the ability to form a team. Anyone can grab a few friends and register their team on www.IMleagues.com
Todd Thomas, assistant director of recreational sports and wellness, explained that, “Intramurals are one of the premiere ways for all Mercer students to interact with students outside of their typical social structure. They get to meet people that they’re not going to see in their classes or their residence hall. They essentially get to expand their pool of people that they meet and somewhere in there chances are they’re going to find someone to connect with.”
With almost 55 percent of the student body participating in intramurals of some kind, it’s apparent that one will connect and meet a variety of people.
“There’s tons of empirical research to suggest that those students who are involved in Student Affairs activities, including intramurals, show higher retention rates, higher graduation rates, and higher GPAs,” said Thomas.
Mercer’s Intramurals offers many different sports throughout the year, including competitive sports such as basketball, flag football and soccer. For those looking to just blow off some steam after class hours there are less competitive sports such as battleship, which takes place in Plunkett Pool during spring semester, and table tennis.
“It’s also just fun. We do a ton of special events each year that are fully intended to be non-competitive and just fun,” said Thomas.
“Battleship is a great event that’s not ultra competitive, our Championship Nights are always a big event, the Mercer Madness event last year had a great dodgeball tournament that drew a large crowd, and our Halloween 5K event this year partnering with Quadworks should be a lot of fun.”
“So while there’s a whole lot of intrinsic value in participating, I’m more than willing to admit that the main reason most people participate is because it’s a blast.”
To register a team for an upcoming intramural season visit www.IMleagues.com, enter your information with a valid Mercer email account and register your team.
(08/15/12 4:00pm)
After years of controversial discussion and debate, the people of Macon and Bibb County voted to approve consolidation of the two governments on Aug. 1.
In order for consolidation to be approved, it had to be passed in Macon and in all of Bibb County. According to The Telegraph, city voters favored it 9,624 to 7,028 and 18,493 to 14,131 across Bibb County.
By consolidation passing, the governments of Macon, Bibb County and Payne City will dissolve separately and be replaced with a single government led by one mayor and nine county commissioners.
According to The Telegraph, Macon Mayor Robert Reichert said, “[The vote] marks the time that Macon and Bibb County have embraced the future and set out to be a more unified community.”
Those in favor of the consolidation voted in hope of a more efficient government that would save taxpayers money.
Those who opposed feared that the consolidation proposal was flawed with mandated 20 percent cut in government costs and a budget process that requires approval from six of the nine commissioners.
According to The Telegraph, State Rep. Allen Peake, a long-time supporter of consolidation, said, “This is a game-changer day for our community.” He explained that the next step will include Bibb County’s legislative delegation setting up a transition team in order to aid in the progress. The transition will begin Sept. 1 and the consolidated government will become effective January 2014.
The transition team will consist of 15 members and will be led by state Rep. Nikki Randall, chairwoman of Bibb County’s legislative delegation.
The committee will also include the Bibb County Commission chairman, Macon’s mayor and City Council president, Macon’s police chief and the Bibb County sheriff. The consolidated government will consist of a nine-member county commission and a mayor elected at-large.
The consolidation will attempt to reverse 30 years of demographic and economic decline.
Although the discussion and debate of consolidating has been present for decades, the July 31 vote was the first public vote on the topic in 35 years.