Thursday, March 28, 2013

Student Loans Impact Higher Ed

By Alicia Jacobs, Excelsior Life Staff--National news reports indicate student debt is now a trillion dollars. On average, school loan default rates are increasing, while educational costs continue to rise. Debts impact students. Conversely, student loans impact higher education.Media focus is often placed on student debt, but a student's ability to repay their student loan does have consequences to an institution and default rates are monitored by the Department of Education (DOE).On a national level, more students are borrowing more money than...

Two alumni ready for next big jump in film industry

Grace McPhillips ’03 and Colin Havey ’10 are raising funds to get two different new filming projects off the ground.****Grace McPhillips ’03 is in the middle of her own March Madness, but not because of basketball.A graduate of Elon's music theater program, McPhillips is working hard to reach an ambitious goal: Raise $100,000 for her first independent film, The Other One, by April 1.Her short films have had festival success and won awards and now...

Fairfield University dean named Distinguished Woman in Higher Education

Robbin Crabtree, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University, received the 2013 Distinguished Administrative Woman in Higher Education Award presented today by the Connecticut American Council on Education (ACE) Women's Network. The award is designed to recognize and honor those Connecticut women who have distinguished themselves by providing outstanding leadership to women in their institutions, in their profession,...

Annual greenhouse gas emissions inventory completed

Energy consumption is the largest source of Elon's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest inventory by the Office of Sustainability. *****Greenhouse gas emissions at Elon remain lower than they were five years ago even as the university has added more buildings, employees and students, and campus sustainability leaders said they believe the trend is a result of educational programs and institutional commitments to energy efficiency, conservation...

"Belly of the Basin"

Screening of award-winning documentary film about Hurricane Katrina3 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2013DiMenna-Nyselius LibraryFairfield University, Fairfield, CTFree AdmissionFairfield University, as part of its Urban Vision Film Series on Cities, presents a screening of "Belly of the Basin," the award-winning post-Katrina documentary filmco-produced by Fairfield University's Roxana Walker-Canton, Assistant Professor of Visual & Performing Arts,at...

Fairfield University communication faculty to share their cutting edge research on the internet, politics, roller derby and more

Four Fairfield University communication professors will present their most recent research into such diverse topics as the Internet, advertising, Lyme Disease and roller derby at "Talk About Communication: Twenty-five Years of Communication at Fairfield University," a free lecture series held on campus. The public is welcome to the second session in the series, which will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2013, in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library.The...

School of Communications alumni win state journalism awards

Alumni Anna Johnson '12, Molly McGowan '10 and Scott Muthersbaugh '06 all received North Carolina Press Association awards March 21. ****Three School of Communications alumni won four awards, including a first-place finish in the Best Video category, from the North Carolina Press Association March 21.Sanford Herald reporter Anna Johnson '12, a journalism major and former editor in chief of The Pendulum, won first place in Best Video for "Scenes...

Full-day workshop on leadership styles offered at Fairfield University

Paul Maloney, Ed.D., a Fairfield University assistant professor who has been a senior manager at several international corporations, will lead a full-day workshop, "Leadership Styles," on Friday, May 3. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fairfield University's Alumni House. The fee is $99.Today's leaders function in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Dr. Maloney, an assistant professor of the practice in industrial and organizational...

Evangel University Marching Band recruiting now for next season

The Evangel University Marching Band is now taking applications for students interested in becoming part of one of the University’s most visible and exciting traditions.Since its historic debut in 2011, the marching band has grown to more than 100 members, many of whom have majors other than music. United by their love for music, these students are part of an organization that sets Evangel apart from many universities of its size.Michael Kolstad,...

Women's basketball team to host second round WBI game Saturday

The Phoenix will take on McNeese State in Alumni Gym March 23 at 2 p.m. *****The fourth-seeded Elon women’s basketball team will host eighth-seeded McNeese State in the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitational on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in Alumni Gym.The Phoenix defeated fifth-seeded Eastern Kentucky, 68-61, on Wednesday, while the Cowgirls knocked of the one-seeded Mercer, 82-70, in Macon, Ga., on Thursday.Tickets for Saturday’s...

Fairfield University's Women's History events continue into April

Fairfield University continues its celebration of Women's History Month into April with six events. They are sponsored by the University's Program in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGS).Take Back the Night, April 3, 6:30 p.m., Barone Campus Center(BCC) - Take Back the Night is a candlelight vigil in memory and protest against the violence women have experienced physically and sexually, especially at night. Students will meet at the campus...

Fairfield University professor to discuss guerilla marketing at Fairfield University Bookstore

Ever wonder how Pabst Blue Ribbon became the beer of choice of the hipster set? How about how the U.S. Army morphed into a popular videogame?Michael Serazio, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication at Fairfield University, explains it all in "Your Ad Here: The Cool Sell of Guerrilla Marketing," a timely talk on Wednesday, April 10 at the Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield. The 7 p.m. event is free and open to the public.It...

Evangel honor society Alpha Chi receives exclusive “Star Chapter” recognition

The Evangel University Alpha Chi officers are pictured with EU President Robert H. Spence at the Fall 2012 induction ceremony. From left: Rintu Thomas, Kayla Jordan, Jonathan Mussetter, Lacey Mussetter, President Spence, Dr. Laynah Rogers, Dr. Dale Scheusner and Sheri Hewes. The  national college honor society, Alpha Chi, has recognized Evangel University’s Alpha Chi Missouri Rho chapter as a “Star Chapter,” a yearly award given to only 15...

Fairfield University alumna to discuss her new book at Fairfield University Bookstore

Fairfield University alumna Donna Gillotte '00  comes home to the Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield, to discuss her new book, "Secret of a Medici Mistress," at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. The event is free and open to the public.Gillotte brings the golden age of the Italian Renaissance alive with her meticulously researched and beautifully written novel. Filled with extraordinary historical characters, "Secret...

Fitchburg Art Museum director to discuss Land Art April 10

Fitchburg Art Museum Director Nick Capasso will discuss contemporary art on Wednesday, April 10, as part of Fitchburg State University’s Humanities Visiting Speaker Series.Capasso, a recognized authority on contemporary sculpture and public art, will present “Understanding Land Art” at 3:30 p.m. April 10 at Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall.His remarks will explain art history and major aesthetic themes in American earthworks and site-specific...

Deatsch and Evans earn SoCon Postgraduate Scholarships

Two standout Phoenix student-athletes receive Southern Conference awards to continue their studies.Ali Deatsch (l) and Kelsey Evans are among the 2012-13 SoCon Postgraduate Scholarships. The Southern Conference announced its 10 postgraduate scholarship recipients for the 2012-13 academic year on March 21. Elon volleyball’s Ali Deatsch and women’s basketball’s Kelsey Evans were both selected as graduate scholars. The two seniors will be honored for...

Theater production “(Sacco-Vanzetti) Vince, Al & Teddy” April 2-7

A new play that examines “otherness” in America through the immigrant experience – and framed against the backdrop of the polarizing Sacco-Vanzetti trial of the 1920s – will have its world premiere as Fitchburg State University’s spring theater production."(Sacco-Vanzetti) Vince, Al & Teddy," written by Bruce Robinson, will be performed at the Wallace Theater for the Performing Arts at the McKay Complex, 67 Rindge Road. Performances will be...

Evangel University senior Christine Temple wins national journalism award

Evangel University senior Christine Temple has been named the 2013 Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year by the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ).The award committee cited “major competition” from finalists across the nation.“She distinguished herself exceptionally on so many levels that she was the clear choice,” says Bill Ruehlmann, SCJ past president and member of the selection committee.Temple, a Journalism major from Ozark,...

Elon Academy documentary shares stories of program success

“Elon Academy: Preparation, Opportunity, Success” includes interviews with scholars, parents, faculty members and more. *****An award-winning documentary about the Elon Academy debuted to the public for the first time Wednesday afternoon during public screenings inside the McEwen building.“Elon Academy: Preparation, Opportunity, Success,” a 16-minute film that shares the history and purpose of the university’s college access and success program...

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Joint Letter to Congress in Response to Suspension of Military Tuition Assistance

Joint Letter to Congress in Response to Suspension of Military Tuition Assistance [Editor's Note: This is a copy of a joint letter that was sent to Capitol Hill this morning in response to the suspension of Military Tuition Assistance.]---As Presidents of some of our nation’s most innovative public and private not-for-profit colleges and universities, we write to bring to your attention the plight of thousands of college students on active military duty that have suddenly received news that their Military Tuition Assistance (MTA) benefits...

Lizzy Appleby '13 named 2013 Newman Civic Fellow

The honor from Campus Compact is for students who "demonstrate a personal commitment to creating lasting change."Elon University senior Elizabeth "Lizzy" Appleby *****Elon University senior Elizabeth “Lizzy” Appleby is one of 181 students from around the United States selected by Campus Compact as a 2013 Newman Civic Fellow, an award that recognizes campus leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.Campus Compact’s...

Career Moves: Mentors helped alum pursue law school

Finance major Evan Glover '12 turned to the Student Professional Development Center for critiques of his applications to premier schools.Evan Glover '12 *****Evan Glover '12 was majoring in finance when a summer internship in the nation's capital introduced him to another career opportunity: law. The native of Bowie, Md., returned to campus for his senior year and soon found himself working with faculty and staff mentors in the Student Professional...

Filmmaker and Thrillseeker: The Sorrow's Vernon Mortensen

Filmmaker and Thrillseeker: The Sorrow's Vernon Mortensen By Alicia Jacobs, Excelsior Life News Staff--Businessman, filmmaker and thrillseeker, Vernon Mortensen spent his entire life circling the globe, visiting more than 83 countries in search of adventure and fortune. Today he is following his dream of making movies after pursuing his education and a diversified career path. His life experiences are so varied, that they sound like roles in...

White House Scorecard Ignores Higher Ed Model with Best Chance to Boost Degree Completion

White House Scorecard Ignores Higher Ed Model with Best Chance to Boost Degree Completion By Excelsior Life News Staff—The White House’s College Scorecard has generated substantial feedback from both higher education and student communities. Unveiled the day after President Obama’s State of the Union address, the initiative is in response to growing concerns over both access and affordability in American higher education.Yet, while the scorecard...

International Studies speaker April 11

Fitchburg State University will welcome Ambassador Adrian A. Basora – national security strategic and scenario planner, scholar and business leader – to deliver the address at the International and Conflict Studies Keynote Speaker Series at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl St.Basoram, pictured, will discuss “the challenges for post-communist democracies surviving a continued Euro-crisis.” Basora...

Elon MBA earns high marks in US News grad ranking

Elon rises in ranking of nation's best graduate business programs.The MBA program of Elon University's Martha and Spencer Love School of Business is ranked among the nation's finest in the 2014 ranking of part-time programs by US News & World Report. Elon's overall rank jumped to #69 from last year's #152 ranking, with a strong increase in the measurement of the program's reputation.A total of 282 AACSB-accredited schools are ranked by US News...

Fashion Week events set to inspire and encourage young women at Evangel

Promoting healthy body image, confidence and self-esteem for Evangel’s female students, Fashion Week kicks off at Evangel University on Monday, March 11, 2012.This year’s theme is Unveiled: Uncovering the Past, Reclaiming the Future.The  focus is on helping women find identity in Christ rather than basing it on the expectations of society, says senior Mehleena Edmonds, chair of the 12-member, student committee that plans the Fashion Fever...

Director to screen award-winning film about nuns at Fairfield University

Fairfield University will host a free screening of the film "A Question of Habit," a lively look at contemporary depictions of nuns, followed by a Q&A with director Bren Ortega Murphy at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the University's DiMenna-Nyselius Library multimedia room. Light refreshments will be provided.The screening is sponsored by The Humanities Institute in the College...

Finding Solutions to Complex Problems - The Story of Kate Elder, '12

Finding Solutions to Complex Problems - The Story of Kate Elder, '12 By Mike Lesczinski, Excelsior Life News Staff--The moment Kate Elder received her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree this past July, it marked the culmination of an improbable journey for the Cobleskill, New York teacher. She is, after all, a civil engineer by trade – someone who looked towards Silicon Valley after graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.The...

Register now: Four more EU Visit days left this semester

With just four open EU Visit days left this semester, there’s no better time than now to get registered. While you can visit Evangel almost anytime throughout the year, an EU Visit day is the premier opportunity to tour our facilities, meet with our faculty and staff, attend a class and spend the night in a residence hall. “Visiting campus allows potential students to experience what it’s like to be a part of the Evangel family,” said Julie...

Elon employees recognized as top young leaders in the Triad

Philip Craft and Brian Baker join the 2013 Class of 40 Leaders Under 40 in the Triad.Philip Craft (l) and Brian Baker, Elon employees honored for their leadership by The Business Journal  *****The Business Journal of the Triad recently named Elon employees Brian Baker and Philip Craft to its annual list of 40 Leaders under 40, a group of outstanding young professionals in the Triad recognized for past accomplishments and potential in the future.Baker,...