Spring break photos are great, but...

...is that really an appropriate first impression? That you've been on the dean's list four consecutive semesters might paint a better picture, don't you think?

You’ve graduated and started the process of applying for jobs, and a potential employer Googles you. Pictures of you on spring break pop up, straight from your Facebook profile. The next hit down is a colorful tweet that seemed like a good idea at the time. The list goes on, and by the time the employer is finished looking, he hasn’t noticed anything that shows you as someone to be taken seriously. The end result? You not only don’t get the job, you don’t get an interview, either.

It’s a horror story many graduating students have experienced, and it’s not because they aren’t good students. It’s because most often, students’ profiles on social media sites portray them personally— not professionally. So how do you avoid it? We can’t work miracles, but we’ve found something that can help.

ReadMedia and its student profile site, www.readabout.me, is a service Union now uses. It builds profiles for you that display the achievements you have earned. Each time one of your achievements is published, you get that story published to your profile, along with a badge that illustrates that achievement at a glance.

So how does that work? Say you make the dean’s list at Union College. A release is written about it and sent to your hometown newspaper. Mom and Dad are so proud. Grandma has it laminated and puts it on the fridge. This story is automatically posted to your “Read About Me” profile. You receive an email telling you the story is up and that you can now share it with friends and family by clicking a social media icon.

The next step is yours if you choose to take it. Once an email is sent telling you that you had a story posted to your profile, you need to go claim your profile. There are two ways—both very easy—to do this. The first is simply by opening the email you receive and following the directions. There should be a link that takes you to your profile and lets you verify your identity. The other way is by visiting the site www.readabout.me and doing it there. Do a search for your name, and once you find it, click the link next to it that asks, “Is this you?” You will then enter your email, and if it matches the one that is in the system, you will be sent an email that will walk you through how to customize your profile and link it to your Facebook.

The customization options let you upload your own picture and add achievements that may not be covered, such as internships.

Your professional profile, once you develop it some, will start popping up as one of the highest hits when your name is Googled. It’s a much better place to send future employers. So make sure to log on and claim your profile. It will move those embarrassing Facebook photos a little further down in the results when your name is put into a search engine.

She's finally taking a seat

Just weeks before her final curtain call, Dr. Rebecca Pettys, professor of theater at Union College, can finally boast the completion of a project that has slowly taken shape over the past three decades.

Rector Little Theatre now has new seats.

After contributing to a fund since she began working for Union College in 1984, Pettys’s farewell performance will be the first time audiences will face the stage from new seats—an event that will mark both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

Union’s spring production will be Pettys’s only director’s chair experience with the updated theater. However, this doesn’t dampen her excitement. “I’m just glad it’s here. This project wasn’t for me, it was for the future,” she said.

The improvements were much needed, as the old seats, which had begun to suffer from metal fatigue, were literally “breaking underneath people,” Pettys said.

The project isn’t complete just yet, though. Engraved arm plates for chairs are still to be added. These will identify names of donors, whose contributions supplemented the expense. The arm plates will also identify four people Pettys chose to honor because they each “really made a difference in the theater program at Union College,” she said.

Dr. Dan Covington, Union College biology professor, is among Pettys’s four honorees. Covington has been a frequent performer through the years and is acting in the upcoming play. The chair in his honor will identify him as “performer.”

Pettys also chose to recognize Melissa Garrett, Union College librarian, who has volunteered countless hours as a crew member helping most notably with costumes. Garrett’s plate will identify her as “costumer.”

Dr. Andelys Wood, professor of English at Union, has supported the theater program through consistent financial contributions through the years. Pettys has chosen to honor Wood with a plate identifying her as “friend.”

The fourth honorary seat will go Edward D. de Rosset, former president of Union College, whose help with the theater program stems back to Dr. Pettys’s first year. The bulk of the theater program’s archived images are due to de Rosset’s keen eye and many volunteered hours. De Rosset will be identified as “photographer.”

There is also a chair reserved for Pettys herself. Her seat is “the best one in the house,” she said. Against the wall, on the back row, with only the center aisle separating her from the stage, it gives her an unobstructed view of the action. Her chair will be flanked by the four honorary seats to one side, and a chair she purchased in honor of her late husband, Dr. Robert Pettys, on the other.

The replaced seats have served Rector Little Theatre well.  Local movie theater owner Charles Reed Mitchell donated the seats in 1983, the year before Dr. Pettys came to Union College, she said.

Performances for James Goldman’s “The Lion in Winter” will be March 22-24 and 30-31. Pettys will both direct and act in the play.

The gift of life is the best incentive

Meet Union College freshman Austin Riggs and his brother, Owen, whose life was saved by the 13 blood transfusions he received as an infant. Need another reason to donate blood? In the release below, you'll find a few more details about the Riggs family and how we learned about their story. Plus you'll find contact information to help you find a donation center if you missed this week's drive on campus.

Some people require a gentle nudge, or even an incentive, before pushing up their sleeves to greet the blood donation needle, while others are so eager to give, they jump to the front of the line.

Union College hosted a blood drive earlier this week, and freshman Austin Riggs knows all about the different levels of enthusiasm that such an event can generate. He makes it his business to know because donations saved his brother’s life.

This annual blood drive inspired a Facebook post on the Union College fan page, which asked if anyone would be willing to share personal experiences related to the benefits of donating blood. Almost immediately, Austin’s mother, Union alumna and Barbourville native Debbie Owens Riggs, issued a reply:

“My youngest child had a life threatening illness and needed 13 blood transfusions. Donating blood is a top priority with our family.”

Austin’s younger brother Owen, now in middle school, was born with a hole in his heart. In order to survive as a newborn, Owen received transfusions over the course of a month, until he was ready for open-heart surgery. Following this struggle, Owen was named Kentucky Children’s Miracle Network Champion.

The Riggs testimony lends credence to the notion that it’s not important why you give, just that you do.

Sometimes people will give blood because a tangible gift is involved. Union’s Student Government Association answered this call with movie passes to the first 40 students who donated. Additionally, Kentucky Blood Center, which organized the event, offered $10 Wal-Mart cards for donors.

Regardless of what lures people in the door, people should know that their donations—no matter how large or small—are significant. People like Austin are very grateful and are eager to tell donors what an impact they have made.

“When you donate blood, you’re not just giving it away, you’re saving a life,” he said.

While it is rarely ill-advised to donate blood, there are certain situations that call for careful scheduling. Athletes, for example, should abstain from donating just prior to engaging in competitive games. As a case in point, Union hosted a swim meet just two days after the blood drive, which removed several students from the donation pool.

While it is unfortunate that the timing doesn’t work out for everyone when a blood drive rolls around, people should keep in mind that donations can be made by visiting a donation center. 
 
Union’s blood drive ran from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday. Forty-five people donated, and out of that, professionals were able to collect 37 good units, or pints, of blood.  The average red blood cell transfusion requires about 3.4 pints, so Union College was able to donate enough blood for approximately 10 transfusions.

For more information about scheduling a blood donation, contact the Kentucky Blood Center at www.kybloodcenter.org.

Three Decades of Drama

Since the mid-1980s, Dr. Rebecca Ansary Pettys has directed 49 productions in Union's Rector Little Theatre. She'll add one more just before retiring this spring. As her last opening night draws near, let's glance back at the plays she has directed from 1984 through her final production, which opens in late March.

1984
Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon

1985
Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton
The Boor by Anton Chekov
The Good Doctor by Neil Simon

1986
A Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni
Plaza Suite by Neil Simon
The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman

1987
Butterflies Are Free by Leonard Gershe
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon

1988
Iphigeneia at Aulis by Euripedes
The Crucible by Arthur Miller

1989
A Killin’ by Patricia Ramsey
The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder
Night Must Fall by Emlyn Williams

1990
See How They Run by Philip King
She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith

1991
White Lies, Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer
The Apple Tree by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick
Noel and Reb by Paul Power

1992
A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt

1993
The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

1994
The Diviners by Jim Leonard, Jr.

1995
A Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni

1996
The Crucible by Arthur Miller

1997
Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig

1998
Rashomon by Fay and Michael Kanin
Iphigeneia at Aulis by Euripedes

1999
California Suite by Neil Simon

2000
Hot l Baltimore by Lanford Wilson

2001
An Evening of Culture by Mark Landon Smith

2002
Antigone by Jean Anouilh
Talking With… by Jane Martin

2003
Tartuffe: Born Again by Freyda Thomas
The Good Doctor by Neil Simon

2004
Hecuba by Euripedes

2005
An Act of the Imagination by Bernard Slade
The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder

2006
The Curious Savage by John Patrick

2007
A Case of Libel by Henry Denker

2008
Charley’s Aunt by Brandon Thomas
Doll House by Henrik Ibsen

2009
Comic Potential by Alan Ayckborn
Play On! by Rick Abbot

2010
She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith
The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman

2011
Twelve Angry Jurors by Reginald Rose

2012
The Lion in Winter by James Goldman

Check out why everyone is checking in

... with Foursquare and other handy apps

In a world of social media, it can be easy to get lost. Turns out there’s an app for that.

While not new to the smartphone app scene, Foursquare—for whatever reason—isn’t very popular in our neck of the woods. But we think you should give it a shot. There may be more in it for you than you realize.

For those of you who don’t know, Foursquare is a social media app that helps a person figure out what is around them, how to get there, who else among their friends is there and even offers reviews about certain places if other Foursquare users are talking about it. It can be very useful if you are in a town you know nothing about, or if you do get lost and need to figure out points of reference around you.

Foursquare has turned into more than just a locator, however. Businesses are also using Foursquare as a promotional tool to help get word out about what they offer. Some places even offer users a discount if they check in at that place of business. And sometimes they’ll even give you a prize. We’re talking tangible goodies. Google “random acts of kindness foursquare” and see for yourself. Union can’t jump on board with this type of promotion unless students are on board with the app, right?

Foursquare can be linked to Facebook and Twitter, accounts you’re probably already using for checking in. But since Foursquare offers such an expanded information bank regarding businesses and entertainment all over the globe (not to mention a prize or two), why not use it?

As long as you’re shopping, you should also check out these other smartphone apps that could come in handy on campus.

iSource MLA/APA
When you’re writing a paper, you’ve got to make sure everything is cited correctly. This app lets you check to make sure you are doing just that. There are versions available for both MLA and APA styles.

Flash My Brain
Have a big test coming up? Sometimes you will want to study at places where your notes or computer aren’t accessible. In that case, use your phone. This app lets you make flashcards on your phone, so that you can study wherever you are.

iStudiez Pro
This app lets you organize any dates you don’t want to forget. Whether it is an upcoming exam, a due date on an important paper, a rival basketball game or event on campus that you are looking forward to, this app will keep track of it. It will even send you reminders to make sure you don’t miss it.

iTalk Recorder
Have a professor that talks faster than you can take notes? Or maybe you need to remember something important, but have nothing to write it down with. This app lets you record whatever you need to remember. Just press the record button to start and stop, and you’ll be good to go.

Notes Plus
Sometimes you get to class and realize you forgot to stick your notebook in your backpack. Or maybe you just don’t want to carry a notebook or computer to class to take notes. With this app, you can take notes on your phone. It will keep those notes in an easily accessible place and keep them organized so that you can always find what you need.

Facebook
Almost every student has Facebook. Here at Union, we want you to not only feel connected to your friends, but to your school as well. Through Facebook, you can do just that. Make sure to share your photos with us and join in our conversations. With Facebook on your phone, you can do that from anywhere on campus.

Twitter
We know you’re aware of the various apps available for accessing Twitter. No doubt you’re using one (probably right this minute, between paragraphs as you read this). But are you using it to follow Union College? We use it for a variety of reasons, one of them being to announce delays and closures, so wintertime is a great to time to start. Also, we’d like you to follow us so we can follow you. It’s a great way for college decision-makers to learn about what you like and don’t like about Union College.

TuneIn Radio
Need something to do while walking across campus, waiting on class to start, working out or eating lunch? This app lets you tune in to different radio stations. You can find local radio, music, talk and sports channels to listen to. Or you can brows by music genre so you can always find something to listen to that interests you.

Groupon
Every college kid loves a good deal. That’s why you should be sure to check out this app. It sends you local deals on merchandise, and shows you online deals based on your interests. This app could also be helpful when planning a spring break trip, because it will send you deals for travel and vacations.

I ran a marathon last weekend

Ok, it was a half-marathon. And even though my headline suggests otherwise, I'm not bragging about it. If an ego trip was my objective for this blog, I wouldn't dare mention this race, for which I was ill-prepared and suffered from chest congestion, joint pain, ice (yes, I said ice) in my hair, and fatigue of the body and mind. No, I’m not here to toot my own horn. I’m here to convince you to participate in a race with me in late April—the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, to be exact.

My tactics of persuasion are seriously flawed, you might be thinking. Perhaps. But consider this: As miserable as my experience appears to have been, it was actually amazing—so singular, in fact, that it’s difficult to describe in such a way that could actually do it justice. So I’m ditching persuasion (for the most part) and reaching for my handy-dandy bulleted list. Before I reveal this list, you should have some background information so you better understand the significance of this post.

A group of Union College alumni, staff and students joined together last year for the Derby Festival Marathon. We called ourselves the “Derby Dogs,” and our matching shirts got us noticed along the course and prompted many shouts of encouragement. Some of us ran, others walked. Some of us ran the entire 26.2, while others completed half that distance. Others set personal distance goals and quietly pulled ourselves from the field of runners when either we met the goal or our bodies told us it was time to rest. A few of us waited at the finish line and cheered as each person crossed it. We all “ran our race,” even if we did so figuratively, and had a bonding experience in the process.

Being part of this group was amazing. But being part of a group that together witnessed several highly unusual things—things we wouldn’t see in our daily routines—put extra glue to the bond. These are the types of things that can make it a great day, even when you’re combating jet lag with ice in your hair. I’m talking about things like I saw last weekend. Here comes that list I've been bragging about.

Along the 13.1 mile course, I witnessed:

• a man wearing Carhartt pants while he was running. We’re talking LONG pants.
• a pregnant woman with a “Baby on Board” road sign pinned to her shirt. I must admit that these signs rub me the wrong way when I see them hanging in a vehicle. But it was charming to see this young woman wearing it. She walked at a brisk pace and was met with cheers when I encountered her.
• a man running dressed as Batman. There were many super heroes represented, actually, but only Batman passed me that I noticed.
• a man running dressed as a University of Kentucky cheerleader. This was fun, especially since UK played Vanderbilt that night, but we were in Birmingham for the race. My worlds felt more connected after seeing this guy, as odd as that sounds.
• a wheelchair-bound spectator holding a sign that read “Worst Parade Ever.” This isn’t an uncommon sign to see along the course of a race, but this particular one struck a chord with me because of the man holding it.
• two male spectators wearing very elaborate donkey masks and sitting next to a sign that read “Save Your Ass.” I looked it up, and the SYA Foundation is a fairly recently established nonprofit organization whose mission is to spread awareness about colorectal cancer detection.
• several men wearing only shorts and running shoes. Keep in mind it was about 20 degrees when the race started.
• a host of women wearing shirts that read “Black Girls Run.” This is associated with an organized effort to, according to their blog, “tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African-American community and provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners.” Check them out for more info: http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/about/
• girls wearing hooped skirts and bonnets in true southern-belle style who volunteered to take up tickets for special drawings for give-aways.
• a bellman at the host hotel, serenading passersby with Whitney Houston’s “How Will I know.” And let me say, he was totally audible. No holding back. But the enthusiasm of his delivery evoked in me an urge to celebrate with him the life of a truly great vocalist. Because of this experience, I will never forget where I was when Whitney Houston’s death was announced.
• the most amazing finisher’s medal ever. This is the closest I’ll ever come to owning a real Mercedes hood ornament. The local Mercedes dealership was a major sponsor.

Yes, my joints are achy today, and I’m mad at myself for not training with more discipline. But I ran my race and, in the process, experienced a lot in a short amount of time. The only way to enhance the experience, in my view, is to enjoy it with a group of people. I’d love for that to happen again this year at the Derby Festival Marathon.

Thank you for considering it.

If you’re interested in gathering with the Derby Dogs for this year’s Derby Festival Marathon, please contact me. If you’re not up for the whole shebang, I know some folks who want to participate in a relay team and are currently looking for teammates. The race is April 28.

Missy Reid, '91
mreid@unionky.edu
606-546-1610

Valentine's Day and Love Songs

Before deciding what to do on Valentine’s Day, consider these two details about the concert Union College is presenting that night: Musical selections were made famous by acclaimed composers such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Gershwin brothers; and Broadway hits from shows like “Wicked” and “West Side Story” will be performed.

The program is designed to deliver familiar, romance-themed music, which is a platform that has pleased audiences for the past five years. Dr. Virginia Gay Gandy, conductor for the performance, came up with the idea of presenting a Valentine’s Day Concert in 2008.

“It was well received and popular, so it has become a Union College tradition since that time,” she said. “We are very much looking forward to presenting the fifth annual Valentine Concert.”

Three choirs will perform: UC Singers, Union Harmony and UC Regional Chorus. Additionally, there will be a men’s ensemble, a women’s ensemble and several soloists. A few selections include Think of Me from “Phantom of the Opera,” My Funny Valentine from “Babes in Arms,” A Bushel and a Peck from “Guys & Dolls,” and many others.

On the violin, Laura Jones will perform Victor Young’s When I Fall in Love, a traditional piece featured at each Valentine concert.

The concert is this Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Conway Boatman Chapel. Admission—just like true love—is free. We hope you join us.

A link to Dr. Gandy’s blog is below. She offers insightful commentary regarding choral music and keeps a current calendar of cultural events in the area. We encourage you to take a peek.

http://theartofchoralmusic.blogspot.com

Union announces Fall 2011 Dean's List and Presidential Laureates

Union College has released its fall 2011 Dean’s List and list of Presidential Laureates. Seventeen students earned entry into the list of Presidential Laureates for fall 2011. One hundred and twelve undergraduates made the fall 2011 Dean’s List. Presidential Laureates are Union College undergraduates who achieve a 3.75 grade point average for two successive semesters, with at least 15 hours of graded work and without grades of C or below in either semester. The Dean’s List is comprised of undergraduates who have completed at least 15 hours of graded work with a 3.33 grade point average, no grades of incomplete for the semester, and no grades of C or below for the semester.

Presidential Laureates:

• Jacob Reed Scalf, Barbourville, Ky.
• Heidi Nola Ann Marsh, Benham, Ky.
• Holly B. Wilson, Barbourville, Ky.
• Jennifer Hope Burke, Ewing, Va.
• Jessica Holly Burke, Ewing, Va.
• James Justin Hyde, Hopkinsville, Ky.
• Aaron Scott McCollum, Berea, Ky.
• Stephanie Lynn Cagle, Independence, Ky.
• Olivia A. Brock, Florence, Ky.
• Nicole Lynn Jeck, Berea, Ky.
• Kara J. Pile, Fairdale, Ky.
• Sarah Catherine Mills, Barbourville, Ky.
• Andrew Lewis Long, Knoxville, Tenn.
• Samson Jordan Warren, Hinkle, Ky.
• Rachel Ann Scalf, Barbourville, Ky.
• Caleb Hugh Spurlock, Riverside, Ohio
• Marah Catherine A. Rice, Scottsville, Ky.

Dean’s List:

• Andrew J. Abner, Barbourville, Ky.
• William Chad Abner, Woollum, Ky.
• Megan Rae Abraham, Wallins, Ky.
• Christopher G. Adams, Milford, N.J.
• Ximena Aguilar, Chapultepec, Mexico
• Lauren Elizabeth Alexander, Lafayette, La.
• Candice R. Asher, Middlesboro, Ky.
• Michael William Baird, Pendleton, Ky.
• Jennifer M. Baker, Pineville, Ky.
• Julie Lynn Beal, Barbourville, Ky.
• Samantha Lucille Bergman, Lebanon, Ohio
• Roberto Freitas Bertholo, Bandeirantes BR
• Christina Marie Brandenburg, Williamsburg, Ky.
• Olivia A. Brock, Florence, Ky.
• Morgan Ann Brown, Waynesburg, Ky.
• Jennifer Hope Burke, Ewing, Va.
• Jessica Holly Burke, Ewing, Va.
• Stephanie Debra Burton, Steege St AU
• Stephanie Lynn Cagle, Independence, Ky.
• Casey Noelle Camargo, Lexington, Ky.
• Travis Mark Cole, Powder Springs GA
• Jonathan David Combs, Hazard, Ky.
• Kathryn Ellen Crawford, Flemingsburg, Ky.
• Michael John Davenport, Delaware, Ohio
• Vera Ashley Dick, Science Hill, Ky.
• Zachary John Dillman, Harrison, Ohio
• Zachery Robert Eagler, Florence, Ky.
• Cynthia Ann Ellison, Pineville, Ky.
• Maria Esswein, Perryville, Mo.
• Amy Denise Estep, East Bernstadt, Ky
• Alexandra Layne Estes, Barbourville Ky.
• Kaylyn R. Evans, Flat Lick, Ky.
• Molly K. Fittro, Seaside, Calif.
• Rebekah Marie Griffith, Heidrick, Ky.
• Amanda D. Hale, London, Ky.
• Kelli Wynne Hensley, Berea, Ky.
• Patty Sue Hensley, Pathfork, Ky.
• Jimmy Tyler Hibbard, Somerset, Ky.
• Edwin Cecil Hobson, Dayton, Ohio
• Leslie Ann Howard, Pineville, Ky.
• Kelly LeAnne Hutson, Bristol, Tenn.
• James Justin Hyde, Hopkinsville, Ky.
• Juleda N. Hyde, Manchester, Ky.
• Carla Lynn Jackson, Corbin, Ky.
• Nicole Lynn Jeck, Berea, Ky.
• Jennifer Shea Johnson, Rockfield, Ky.
• Sofie Bloch Jorgensen, Ostparken, DK
• Austin Blake King, Leburn, Ky.
• Chelsea Nicole Kirschman, Ponte Vedra, Fla.
• Lauren Catherine Knecht, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Cassy Christian Kost, Owensboro, Ky.
• Cassandra Quinn Lawson, Lexington, Ky.
• Andrew Lewis Long, Knoxville, Tenn.
• Amanda Jo Loveless, Somerset, Ky.
• Heidi Nola Ann Marsh, Benham, Ky.
• Tyler Dylan Martin, Corbin, Ky.
• Richard Thomas Mathes, Corbin, Ky.
• Aaron Scott McCollum, Berea, Ky.
• Leigha Marie Nicole McFerron, Mt Vernon, Ky.
• Byron Alexander McIntosh, London, Ky.
• Amanda Paige Merida, Flat Lick, Ky.
• Kayla Elizabeth Messer, Barbourville, Ky.
• Stacey Lynn Miller, London, Ky.
• Jacob Michael Mills, Cannon, Ky.
• Melissa Louise Mills, Barbourville, Ky.
• Sarah Catherine Mills, Barbourville, Ky.
• Whitney Laurel Mills, Flat Lick, Ky.
• Kelsey Leanne Morgan, Viper, Ky.
• Kevin M. Niehaus, Independence, Ky.
• Katie Danielle Nusz, Shepherdsville, Ky.
• Vitoria L. A. Oliveira, Bairro, BR
• Christopher Cody Partin, Fourmile, Ky.
• Daniel Ray Phipps, Barbourville, Ky.
• Derrick Scott Phipps, Barbourville, Ky.
• Kara J. Pile, Fairdale, Ky.
• Michael Derrick Poff, Barbourville, Ky.
• Donald Wayne Popham, Louisville, Ky.
• Kasey Denise Powell, Mt. Vernon, Ky.
• Jolena Angeline Ramey, Lily, Ky.
• Marah Catherine A. Rice, Scottsville, Ky.
• Marissa Mae Richardson, Barbourville, Ky.
• Samantha Sayre, Berea, Ky.
• Jacob Reed Scalf, Barbourville, Ky.
• Leigha Kelly Scalf, Middlesboro, Ky.
• Rachel Ann Scalf, Barbourville, Ky.
• Abigail Leanne Sears, London, Ky.
• Austin Michael Sebald, Burlington, Ky.
• Ashley N. Shipley, Jonesborough, Tenn.
• Amanda Poliane Silva, BR
• Caleb Hugh Spurlock, Riverside, Ohio
• Jacob Gilio Spurlock, Riverside, Ohio
• Lauren Esta-Marie Stage, Barbourville, Ky.
• James S. Stewart, Flat Lick, Ky.
• Tasha Nicole Stewart, Heidrick, Ky.
• Vance Patrick Sullivan, Verona, Ky.
• Emily Aaron Tackett, Jackson, Ky.
• Cody Cameron Thompson, Bimble, Ky.
• Brittany Danielle Turner, Somerset, Ky.
• Cassie Renee Tye, Barbourville, Ky.
• Jennifer Marie Vanover, Whitley City, Ky.
• Samson Jordan Warren, Hinkle, Ky.
• Krystal Ann Webb, Paris, Ky.
• Helen Weber, Marburg, Germany
• Kayla D. Wilburn, Barbourville, Ky.
• Leigh-Ella Michelle Williams, Langley, Ky.
• Kari Anne Williamson, Barbourville, Ky.
• Kevin Robert Williamson, Barbourville, Ky.
• Holly B. Wilson, Barbourville, Ky.
• Courtney Montana Woods, Mayfield, Ky.
• Charles Tyler Young, Manchester, Ky.
• Glenna Nicole Young, Lexington, Ky.
• Brittany Marie Zins, Cincinnati, Ohio

Union scheduled to receive $2 million for online upgrades

Union College’s online courses are poised for a $2 million boost.

The college recently received a Title III Strengthening Institutions grant, known as Expanding Higher Education Opportunity. This federal Department of Education grant will increase Union’s capacity to develop and deliver online and hybrid curricula.

The grant runs until September 2015, and will provide just under $2 million, if all five years are fully funded. With this, the college will convert more than 40 courses for online hybrid delivery with the assistance of a new faculty studio, where instructors will be provided the tools they need to effectively design web-based courses. The college will also provide a number of online student services, including orientation, tutoring, financial aid, advising and degree auditing.

Additionally, the college hopes to broaden access to postsecondary opportunities for residents of Appalachia.

Jerry Jackson, vice president for enrollment at Union College, said that these online developments will help with that.

“We realize that the best way for us to increase enrollment without major changes to our infrastructure in the short term is to strengthen our online presence,” Jackson said. “Online gives us the opportunity to grow without the worry of classroom space or additional residence halls.”

A new technological infrastructure will support these initiatives and will also increase the college’s capacity to support online programming and web-based enrollment increases.

The program is headed by Tara L. Cooper, Title III director. The program has additional staff, including an online learning specialist/activities coordinator, online student services specialist, academic technology specialist and an administrative assistant.

Timeliness isn't exactly a priority with this one

For your viewing enjoyment, in case you missed it, is the Union Alumni Magazine, Summer 2011 edition. We didn't have our Issuu account set up then, and it never made it on our Web site. Now that we're forging ahead with a new Web site, we've decided not to populate the existing one any content we can provide in other ways. More on the new site later. It's exciting business.

Thanks, and enjoy!

Missy Reid, '91
Editor

Open publication - Free publishing - More aaron thompson