Profile: The Magazine of Lenoir-Rhyne University

2010·4.2 MB·English

The Magazine of Lenoir-Rhyne UniversitynnFa// 2
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Apart of the tea
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Research in the tropics
page 6
Help for Haiti
page lo
We at Lenoir-Rhyne University are entering ttie fall semester filled with
hopes and expectations. In the midst of the worst recession in our lifetimes,
we completed lastyear in the strongest financial position in our history. We
saw a record enrollment in the Fall 2009, and we expect to far surpass
that number this fall. Ourgrowth in student numbers is across the board,
occurring both in traditional undergraduate programs and in ourgraduate
offerings. This good fortune for Lenoir-Rhyne has not occurred by chance,
but rather because in these uncertain times, students are showing more
discernment in their choices. This is to our advantage because we compare
very well to all others through our long tradition ofexcellence as well as the
innovative programming we are producing today.
We are filled with hope because we have a new and exciting core
curriculum that will challenge students to think creatively andguide them
as they seek to understand the basic components ofour culture. We are
hopeful that we can also encourage our students to achieve at their fullest
potential through the programming in the Learning Commons, which offerings
assistance with international study, communication skills, engaged learning,
mathematics skills, and much more. We are excited about our opportunities
to grow with our new program offerings such as the masters degrees in Public
Health, Language Development & Learning, and Liberal Studies as well as
our new bachelor's programs in Community Health and Liberal Studies. The
Dietetics Internship post-graduate program is also ready to begin in a year.
Students who matriculate to Lenoir-Rhyne have expectations to study at
one of the premier institutions in the South. Not only will they be challenged
and mentored by an outstanding and dedicated faculty, but they also can
expect to find an educational offering that is enriched by extracurricular
programming. For example, this year our campus will be hosting another
round of world class authors, from sports writerJohn Feinstein to U. S.
Poet Laureate W. S. Merwin to popular fiction writer David Baldacci. We also
will continue to sponsor the Alex Lee Leadership series that hosts a series
ofprograms presented by distinguished business leaders and addresses
contemporary issues in the world in which we live. This kind ofenrichment
programming complements a vibrant student life offering, great athletic
events, and numerous other cultural and intellectual offerings to allow our
extended community to expect a year which will help us all to grow and
broaden our horizons.
With the hope and expectation that we all experience at Lenoir-Rhyne
today, there is also a sense that we have a responsibility to leverage our
reputation and expand our services. We seek to always stay within our
mission while we reach more people with the LR brand ofeducation. To
do this we continue to study options for program expansion. We see many
opportunities in the health sciences and business to provide an educational
experience for the next generation and will be looking carefully at these in the
comingyean One example is a current feasibility study being conducted for a
possible post-graduate program in applied actuarial science. We also believe
we can solidify our mission by expanding programming in more traditional
areas. In particular we are in a growing partnership with Southern Seminary
to coordinate and expand theological education in the South.
This will be a very interestingyear as we enjoy the success that so many
have worked so hard to achieve for so long. It will also be exciting as we
develop the plans for expansion andgrowth that we all desire.
As always, I want to thank all ofyou foryour commitment to Lenoir-Rhyne
and for staying engaged with us as we celebrate our past and make decisions
about our future. You are truly invaluable to us.
Sincerely,
Wayne B. Powell, Ph.D.
President of the University
Fall 2010
PROFILE
Editors
Mike Langford, MargaretAllen
ContributingWriters
MargaretAllen, Brendan Haney
Contributing Pliotographers
MargaretAllen, AndrewNiesen, Fall 2010 Volume 60 Number 2
Austin K. Rieley, Mike Langford,
Phil Robinson/SportsFotos
Featixres
Layout and Design
Bill Kincaid
Graphic Design Services A Part Of The Team 4
Printing
66
HickoryPrintingGroup Research In The Tropics
Web 10
site Help For Haiti
www.lr.edu
122
President A Learning Experience
Dr. Wayne Powell
133
828-328-7334, [email protected] Giving Pages
Provost 311
A umni Weekend
Dr. LarryHall
828-328-7112, [email protected]
32
Vice President
for Institutional Advancement 33
Scott Shrode
828-328-7360, [email protected]
Vice President In EacK Issue
for Administration and Finance
PeterKendall Bear Tracks 16
828-328-7100, [email protected]
Alumni News 24
Vice President
for Enrollment Management Calendar 34
Rachel Nichols '90
828-328-7306, [email protected]
Class Notes
or Change ofAddress
SuzanneJackson
828-328-7080,
[email protected]
To suggest a storyidea, contact On the Cover
Mike Langfordat828-328-7302,
[email protected] The cover shows deaf student athletes
wide receiver Stuart Jones and tight end
©Copyright2010byLenoir-RhyneUniversity, David Washington. See story on page 4.
Hickory, NC. Lenoir-Rhyne, foundedin1891,
isaprivateliberalartsinstitutionaffiliatedwith
theNorthCarolinaSynodoftheEvangelical
LutheranChurchinAmerica. Lenoir-Rhyne University Mission Statement
in pursuit of the developnnent of tine whole person, Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind
Profile isapublicationof and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build a sense of community, and promote
Lenoir-Rhyne University. responsible leadership for service in the world.
IR As an institution of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the
university holds the conviction that wholeness of personality, true vocation, and the most useful service
to God and the world are best discerned from the perspective of Christian faith.
Postage paidat As a community of learning, the university provides programs of undergraduate, graduate, and
7thAvenue NEand8th StreetNE continuing study committed to the liberal arts and sciences as a foundation for a wide variety of careers
Hickory, North Carohna 28603 and as guidance for a meaningful life.
Profile
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Two deafstudents
At first glance, you might not of their interaction with others.
notice anything different about Jones is on a football scholarship,
wide receiver Stuart Jones and while Washington was a walk-on.
tight end David Washington. Jones also is a Lineberger Scholar,
Both are sophomores on the LRU receiving one of the top academic
football team. Both are popular scholarships Lenoir-Rhyne awards.
with classmates and have good
Fred Goidsmitli, head football
academic records.
coach, has nothing but praise for
But Jones and Washington are the LRU Services for Deaf and
also profoundly deaf, relying on Hard-of-Hearing Students. The
sign language interpreters for much office has sent sign language
^
Fall 3010
LRU
team
}n football
interpreters to every football Washington said his father is
practice and meeting, helping deaf and his mother is hearing, so
the students communicate with he grew up learning sign language.
coaches and other players. "There He said he has had no trouble
can't be any better (services for keeping up with his class work. It
deaf students) in the country," is helpful to play on the same team
Goldsmith said. "It's been fantastic as Jones. "He helps me out a lot,"
from the day they (Jones and Washington said. He added, "I am
Washington) arrived." very thankful for this experience."
Jones played for Dutch Fork As a child, Jones learned to
High School near Irmo, S.C, communicate using a combination Other student-athletes were
and Washington played for rival of lip reading, speaking and deaf and hard-of-hearing
BIythewood High. The two students signing. He said via email that he
were redshirted last year and hope attended Central Institute for the
to see some playing time this Deaf in Missouri for a couple of It is somewhat unusual for deaf
or hard-of-hearing students to play
season. years when he was about three
on inter-collegiate teams. But Stuart
or four years old to improve his
Goldsmith said Jones was Jones and David Washington, the
communication skills. However, he
considering attending either two deaf players currently on the
was mainstreamed throughout the
LRU or the University of South LRU Football Team, are not the first
rest of his school years. He relies
Carolina. Jones's father advised at L-R.
on L-R interpreters to communicate
his son to choose L-R based on its with his coaches and other players. Shawn Frank '89, director of
commitment to serving deaf and
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services,
hard-of-hearing students. However, he added that being came to L-R as a student in 1985.
deaf has some advantages. "Not
Washington decided to attend In 1991, she joined the staff. During
LRU because of its deaf education being able to hear tmhee crowd and her time at L-R, she remembers the
major. When his mother called trash talking gives a slight following deaf and hard-of-hearing
to ask about a campus visit, she advantage in that these things do players who competed at L-R.
not stress me out on the field," he
learned that football recruitment • Elizabeth Spezzano Smith '91,
said. Goldsmith said his coaches
weekend was the following week. was a pitcher on the Women's
He attended and was picked for call in plays using hand signals. Softball Team. She later became
So the two deaf players just need
the team. Miss Deaf North Carolina.
to learn the signals like the rest of
Goldsmith said he played high the team. • Alicia Lane '96 played on the
school football with a deaf student, Women's Basketball Team.
"We're glad to have them," the
so he knew could work. However,
it coach said. "They don't miss a • Craig Bryden '96 was a member
it is unusual for deaf students to day. They work really hard." of the Men's Golf Team.
play on the college level.
Both students, who have been Jones is majoring in physics • Artie Connley played football in
and plans to earn a master's 1986-87.
deaf since birth, seem confident
in their abilities and have been degree in mechanical engineering • Graydon Dunn, currently a junior,
in mainstream classrooms after graduation. He said his is on the Men's Tennis Team.
decision to attend Lenoir-Rhyne
tshairdouignhaonutesmcahiololi.ntWearsviheiwngthtaotn has proved to be a good one. "I CollIeneanddCiatrioosne,lGlaabMeosWhriiegrht'9a6nd
was able to balance my dedication
being independent is the best were members of the Cheerleading
to the classroom and being able
thing about being at Lenoir-Rhyne. to make good friends at the same Squad in the mid-'90s. Lenoir-Rhyne
After graduation, he plans to get established its Office of Deaf and
time," he said.
a teachingjob or earn a master's Hard-of-Hearing Services in 1977,
degree at Gallaudet University (a Jones added: "Here, I'm not making it one of the first in the
university founded to educate deaf known as 'the deaf guy.' Here, nation to provide services for these
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people). I'm Stuart." students.
Profile
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Studenti
Several Lenoir-Rhyne University British Virgin Islands Department monitoring so they have a basis for
students and professors spent of the Environment and Fisheries policy decisions."
their spring break tiiis year and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community
He added, "This gives the
conducting research in the College, which has a state-of-
opportunity for advanced students
British Virgin Islands. Their work the-art marine laboratory. Their
to engage in research that has
may help that nation protect research findings will be given to
practical applications. also
the ocean's water quality and the BVI government to aid that It
provides them with real world
beach characteristics, ultimately country in making environmental
benefiting both endangered sea decisions. experience of working in a multi-
disciplinary team."
turtles and the tourism industry.
"It's basically a service
The research related to water project, said Dr. John Brzorad, The study trip was part
"
quality, beach erosion and marine director of the LRU Reese Institute of a class taught by Brzorad;
ecology. The group of 11 faculty, for Conservation of Natural Dr. Bjarne Berg, associate
students and support personnel Resources and one of three professor of mathematics and
lived in close quarters on a 51-foot professors who led the effort. computing science; and Dr.
sailboat during their 11-day trip. "We're helping the British Virgin Douglas Burkholder, professor of
They were collaborating with the Islands perform environmental mathematics.
Fall 2010
tropi
cs
ind professors work to protect marine habitat
Berg said: "Personally, things that wasn't expecting.
I I
think it's very encouraging to For example, learned how to sail
I
see advanced statistics and as we moved from bay to bay via
marine biology being leveraged in boat."
undergraduate research. To my
Exploring the British Virgin
l<nowledge, there are very few Islands was exciting for Carnohan,
U.S. universities that are able whose hometown Shoshone,
is
to do these projects together Idaho. "I got to snorkel in coral
with government agencies while reefs and relax on beaches in the
students are studying for their evenings," he said. "As explored
I
bachelor's degrees. It is also one beautiful beach after another,
fun to see computer scientists, thought about all of the tropical
I
mathematics and biology students paradise images that have seen
I
work together solving real problems on TV and in movies. Before this
outside the classroom." trip, having an experience like that
was only a dream to me, but now
Julia Cable, a psychology major
can say with satisfaction that my
from Statesville, was one of the I
dreams became a reality!"
students who participated in the
trip. "Beside an amazing tan, The students spent many 10-
remembered how much love 12 hour days in the field or the
I I
hands-on research," she said. lab. But they did get some time
"How science is exciting! learned off to relax on the beach. Their
that even in small quartersI , people first project was the first step in a
long-term study of beach erosion
can get along just fine with a little
at Josiah and Cane Garden Bays.
maturity and a lot of humor."
The beach at Josiah Bay is a
Lucas Carnohan, a biology many days taking and analyzing nesting ground for leatherback
major with a chemistry minor, also water samples, recording data, and green turtles. Local officials
felt he learned a lot from the trip. and measuring the conditions of are concerned that beach erosion
"Primarily, I learned what it's like the various sampling locations. is making it difficult for the
to do real field research. spent But also learned about some endangered turtles to climb out of
I I
J
the water to build their nests. repeating the measurements lab and incubated over night. The
to determine long-term erosion next day, the students examined
Students working on this
patterns. Eroding sand can bury the samples and quantified
project took detailed surveys of
offshore coral reefs that diminish the bacteria in the water. This
the beach, measuring longitude,
wave action. This effect could feed experiment involved testing water
latitude and elevation. Chris
back to cause even more erosion. samples from three marinas, two
Thomas, a GIS analyst for the
bays and one open channel. The
Western Piedmont Council of The second project involved
samples were taken from the
Governments, participated in the mapping the water quality in surface, midway down, and near
trip and taught the students how to several areas around Tortola, the the bottom in each area.
conduct this survey. The students main island in the country. Brzorad,
collected very precise GPS data whose specialty is water quality In the third project, the L-R
with a hand-held Trimble unit and its effect on the habitat, led team surveyed the marine life
and augmented this information this part of the research. near the proposed extension of an
airport. Developers hope to extend
using laser survey instruments. Team members took water
The data was then downloaded samples in several locations, the runway offshore by filling in
and "scrubbed" at a nearby base testing for salinity, pH, conductivity, some of the area that is now under
water.
station. The LRU professors plan to temperature and dissolved oxygen.
return to the site for several years, Filtered samples were taken to the LRU team members dived to
Fall 2010
8
the sea floor to establish survey trip by planning the research and
quadrants over the bottom. Then doing background research. After
they catalogued the animals in
the trip, they analyzed their data
each quadrant. They found a high
and developed ways to present
concentration of baby Queen it.
Conchs, which are a popular food Some of the class members will
source in the Caribbean. Brzorad prepare a web site to make their
explained that the conchs only data and results available to the
come out of deep water during public. Results will also be given
part of the year, so the group
to British Virgin Islands officials for
was lucky to document the conch
their use.
nursery when they conducted their
research. Funding for this LRU study
The trip was an inter- trip was provided by two campus
disciplinary project, including endowments, the Donald and
elements of math, computer Helen Schort Endowment for
science and conservation studies.
Mathematics and Computing
The students attended classes
Science, and the Thomas W. Reese
once a week throughout the
semester. During the first part of Endowment for the Conservation of
B
the semester, they prepared for the Natural Resources.
Profile
Help
for Haiti
LRU
nursing alumna makes
trip to save lives
Like many others, LRU nursing Haughney. waiting for them, along with family
alumna Jennifer Haughney '09 members who had brought them
Before going, they collected
was transfixed by tine images 400 pounds of medical supplies, there.
of suffering and destruction
which they carried with them. "We The hospital, which had
appearing on television after a
really appreciate everyone who been built in the 1970s, was in
catastrophic earthquake struck
donated medical supplies, as well dilapidated condition and had
Haiti on January 12, 2010.
as the pilot who volunteered to fly been slated for closure. It had
Unlike most others, she knew us in his own plane," Haughney no running water, no glass in
what to do. Haughney is a nurse said. "We could not have done the windows and only occasional
it
in the Trauma Unit at the Medical without everyone's support and electricity. Yet, for those seeking
University of South Carolina in prayers." medical care, it was a beacon of
Charleston. As she watched the hope.
news reports showing traumatic First they flew to Nassau, The
Bahamas, which had become Even before the earthquake,
amputations, crushed bodies and
broken bones, she thought to an unofficial staging ground for the infrastructure in Haiti was
herself, "I know how to fix that." volunteers. From there, they flew to primitive. "We had to travel over an
a small runway in Les Cayes, about hour on a dry river bed to reach the
She discussed the situation 90 miles from the earthquake hospital," Haughney said.
with several colleagues who
epicenter. The Charleston group found
also felt moved to act. A week
later, they were on a private They had made contact with another medical team in the area
and brought them to the hospital.
plane headed to Haiti. The team local missionaries first, so their
included Dr. Shane Woolf, an arrival was expected. When the Soon, Haitian nurses began to
orthopedic surgeon with MUSC; medical team got to the hospital arrive, as well as a volunteer team
of surgeons from Mississippi.
as well as an emergency room in the small town of Bonne Fin,
nurse, a physician's assistant and they found about 100 patients Some of the injuries were