Alumnus of the Month: Garrick Smith ’92

Posted on 1/17/2013 by hallm

A proud member of the Class of 1992, Garrick’s class was the first to enter Lees-McRae College as freshmen and graduate as seniors during LMC’s transition from a junior college to a baccalaureate institution. His major was Business Administration and he is now the general manager and funeral director for Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

“Lees-McRae set a good balance for me,” said Garrick. “The professors knew me and they were aware of my schedule at the funeral home. Professors like Lewis Hall, Suzy Sheffield, Jack Coffey and Sam Burton worked with me. I’ve always appreciated how much they did for me while I was in college and working full-time.”

His advice to current students: “Enjoy your time at LMC. You will always use what you learn.” Sage advice from an alumnus who continues to enjoy success in business! Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home was recently featured in the Business Spotlight section of the Avery-Journal Times.

Garrick also commented on the relationship between Lees-McRae and the community: “Lees-McRae is an important part of Banner Elk. Lees-McRae and Banner Elk are good for each other. I have found that everyone I’ve worked with during difficult times, like memorial services on campus, have been professional and very helpful. It is meaningful to me how supportive Lees-McRae is of the community… especially during times of grief.”

When asked what motivates him personally to give back to his alma mater, Garrick did not hesitate with his answer. “I think we all should give back. Lees-McRae was there for us then and we need to support the College now and in the future.”

A favorite LMC memory: “The time my friends and I rolled a casket across campus to the North Carolina building and back … it was a prop for speech class. I parked it in the foyer on the first floor. This fellow walked by and I’ll never forget seeing his eyes bug out when he realized there was a casket sitting there!”

Garrick and wife, Carol Jones Smith ’05, live in Banner Elk.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Featured | Leave a comment

Werner repeats as national champion, Bobcats place third at Cyclo-cross Nationals

Posted on 1/15/2013 by hallm

MADISON, Wis. – Kerry Werner (Birdsboro, Pa.) successfully defended his 2012 championship at USA Cycling Collegiate Cyclo-Cross Nationals this weekend, crossing the finish line ahead of the field to lead the Lees-McRae College cycling team to a strong third-place performance.

With a young squad of two seniors, six sophomores, and seven freshmen, the Bobcats entered the competition hungry to prove themselves in the bitter cold and muddy conditions. The weekend kicked off with the women’s collegiate division I race on Saturday afternoon, with a field of 50 riders all racing for a chance to become the 2013 division I national champion.

The conditions for Saturday’s race were daunting to say the least. Following two days of unseasonably temperate weather, the entire race course was coated in four to six inches of thick mud. The race took its toll on every rider in the field, as they fought forward with each pedal stroke.

Katherine Shields (Salisbury, N.C.) paced the field for the Bobcats, finishing eighth with a time of 50:57. Twin sister Emily Shields (Salisbury, N.C.) followed close behind, placing 10th with a time of 51:28 as freshman Erin Donohue (Norwich, Vt.) crossed the line in 13th with a mark of 52:02.

Cinthia Lehner (Greer, S.C.) followed in 19th, followed by Sarah Hill (Johannesburg, South Africa) in 22nd and Kaitlyn Lawrence (Emmaus, Pa.) in 23rd, as the Bobcats entered Sunday’s men’s race sitting third in the team omnium standings.

Sunday brought completely different conditions to the venue as the temperatures plummeted on Saturday night, leaving the course frozen and littered with ruts measuring between one and four inches deep. These conditions proved to be ideal for Werner, who put down the hammer early on and slowly pulled away from the field.

Werner’s break-neck pace put him into the lead early on, as the senior jumped to the head of the back on the second lap and did not falter, leading through the finish line to repeat as the division I collegiate national champion.

The senior’s effort proved to be the run rather than the exception for the Bobcats on Sunday, with four riders finishing in the top 16 to cement a strong third-place performance for Lees-McRae in the team omnium.

Cody Phillips (Altadena, Calif.) followed Werner’s performance with a 12th-place showing, as Gunnar Bergey (Harleysville, Pa.) and Davis Bentley (Mill Valley, Calif.) finished 15th and 16th, respectively. Zach Bender (Glen Rock, N.J.), Kevin Burgess (Charlotte, N.C.) and Brian Jorgensen (Bend, Ore.) also turned in strong performances with two top-25 finishes.

Marian University took home the team title with the maximum 188 points, followed by Fort Lewis College in second with 166 and Lees-McRae in third with 146. Lindenwood University was fourth with 113 points, followed by Virginia Polytechnic University in fifth with 105.

Lees-McRae will resume competition in its road season opener on February 16 when the Bobcats travel to Tallahassee, Fla. to race at Florida State University.

Posted in All College News, Featured | 4 Comments

Bobcats post school record GPA during fall semester

Posted on 1/4/2013 by fosterl

BANNER ELK, N.C. — The Lees-McRae College athletic department soared to new academic heights this past fall, combining for a grade point average of 3.13 as a department, which ranks as the highest in school history for a single semester announced Director of Athletics Craig McPhail Thursday.

“This is a tribute to understanding faculty, dedicated coaches and committed student-athletes, along with many other helpful resources,” said McPhail. “I am proud of all of those who helped contribute to this success, it has been a goal of the department’s to reach and maintain a 3.0 GPA and we have achieved it!”

Thirteen of the Bobcats’ 17 intercollegiate athletic programs posted a combined team GPA of 3.0 or higher during the fall 2012 semester, including six teams with a GPA over 3.2. Overall, 154 student-athletes (includes multiple sport participants) registered a grade point average over 3.2 for the fall 2012 semester; 192 (includes multiple sport participants) posted a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Women’s tennis led the way with a team GPA of 3.48, while women’s cross country and women’s volleyball each eclipsed the 3.4 plateau with marks of 3.437 and 3.425, respectively. Women’s track and field recorded a GPA of 3.33 for the semester, with 20 student-athletes breaking 3.0 and 18 eclipsing the 3.2 mark.

Women’s lacrosse posted a team GPA of 3.314 with 10 student-athletes over a 3.0, while men’s soccer recorded the highest single-semester GPA in program history with a 3.30. The women’s soccer team continued its academic success with a mark of 3.254 as 20 student-athletes posted a 3.0 or higher, including 17 with over a 3.2. Cycling recorded a GPA of 3.218 as a team, with 40 riders topping 3.0 and 31 achieving a 3.2 or higher.

Men’s tennis, men’s volleyball, softball, and women’s basketball each performed well in the classroom this fall as well, each recording a team GPA over 3.1 while combining for 31 student-athletes with a 3.0 or higher and 21 over a 3.2. Men’s basketball, men’s cross country, men’s track and field, and men’s lacrosse combined for 32 student-athletes with over a 3.0 while 26 posted a GPA over a 3.2.

Much of the Bobcats’ academic success this past semester can be attributed to the CATS (Challenging Athletes to Succeed) program, which partners with the Burton Center for Student Success to provide student-athletes with services that assist in balancing achieving academic success with athletic responsibilities.

The primary objectives of the CATS program are to prepare student-athletes to achieve academic progress towards their degree, provide student-athletes with academic success services and tools to reach their goals academically, and provide career and life development resources that will prepare student-athletes for their lives outside of college and athletics.

Lees-McRae’s coaching staff and the department as a whole bought into what the CATS program can do this past semester, totaling more than 4,500 study hall hours during the fall as part of their commitment to success, both on the court and in the classroom.

“This is great progress for our athletic department,” said McPhail. The commitment to a well-balanced intercollegiate experience is crucial as we recruit the right-fit student-athlete to Lees-McRae.”

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, Featured | Leave a comment

Dr. Karen Reesman named director of nursing

Posted on 12/11/2012 by fosterl

Lees-McRae College is pleased to announce Karen Reesman, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CLNC as Director of Nursing. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the development of the May School of Nursing and Allied Health, the accreditation process for Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and the North Carolina Board of Nursing, the nursing curriculum, and the hiring process for nursing and allied health faculty. She will also play an integral role in advising the construction of the new facility.

Dr. Reesman brings a wealth of nursing knowledge and experience in health care to Lees-McRae College. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University, a Master of Arts in Nursing Education from New York University, a PhD in Philosophy with a focus in Nursing and Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and certification as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC). Throughout Dr. Reesman’s career, she has focused on education, serving in faculty roles at East Tennessee State University and Appalachian State University. Most notably, from 2005 to 2007, Dr. Reesman held the position of Founding Chair of Appalachian State University’s Department of Nursing and Nursing Program.

As an international scholar and humanitarian, Dr. Reesman has authored several books and publications and been very involved with the International Council on Women’s Health Issues (ICOWHI), presenting topics to the Research Congress in Botswana, Africa and currently serves as a board member to the 19th International Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Her life’s work also includes co-founding Johnson County’s Safe Haven in Mountain City, TN, where she has served as a facilitator for domestic violence, grief, trauma, and bereavement groups.

When asked about her newest appointment as Director of Nursing at Lees-McRae College, Dr. Reesman responds, “I am excited to be part of the LMC family, and look forward to the growth and development not only of the nursing program but allied health sciences as well. Most importantly, I am grateful to be part of bringing more health related education to the region.”

Groundbreaking for the May School of Nursing and Allied Health will take place in spring 2013 and students may begin enrolling in fall 2013.  The college has received more than 150 applications thus far. To learn more about Lees McRae College and the May School of Nursing and Allied Health, visit go.lmc.edu/nursing-allied-health.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, Featured | 2 Comments

Plans underway for Lauritsen Technical Theatre and Design Studio

Posted on 11/30/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College razed the dilapidated Center Theatre building in July to make room for the new Lauritsen Technical Theatre and Design Studio. Thanks to a generous commitment from the Lauritsen family and several other friends of the College, the performing arts department will soon have a new facility for set building and technical theatre work.

Set building in Hayes Auditorium

“How many college majors teach not only professional skills but life skills? Performing Arts majors at Lees-McRae learn how to sew, hang lights, work with electricity, and build scenery in addition to learning theatre history, arts business, directing, acting, singing and dance,” said Dr. Janet Speer, Virginia McKenzie Reeves Endowed Chair of Performing Arts. “The scene shop is basically a classroom for all of our students who require several technical classes in their curriculum.”

For many years, audiences have enjoyed the incredible scene work that goes along with academic theatrical performances as well as Summer Theatre shows. The scenes are oftentimes built by current students and serve as a classroom for those who wish to further develop their technical theatre skills. Because of spacing issues, scenes have been built on the Hayes Auditorium stage,

“If it weren’t for our many generous donors, particularly Jim and Kay Laurtisen, Ed and Kay Hood, and Glenn and Carol Arthur, this building wouldn’t happen,” Speer said.

“Currently our shop is approximately 10 feet by 30 feet, which doesn’t allow for large scale equipment or storage,” said Danielle Baisden Curtis, assistant professor of performing arts. “In the new Lauritsen Scene Shop and Design Studio, students who want to be theatre technicians, carpenters, props masters, scenic artists, etc. will have the space they need to use many industry standard tools like table saws, drill presses and band saws.”

The new Lauritsen Technical Theatre and Design Studio will be nearly seven times larger than the current space with a garage door and loading dock, adequate storage for combustibles, a paint sink, and emergency eye wash area and other amenities providing appropriate and safe workspace.

“The basic elements in set design for the theatre are platforms and flats placed in interesting arrangements that are decorated to fit the show for which it was designed,” explained Curtis. “There is a lot of work that goes in to creating detail on the sets to make the space feel real. With the new facility, we will be able to function as most theatres do with a stock set of platforms and flats so that students do not have to build the same type of set pieces for each show, but can learn advanced skills that produce better designs and better theatre technicians.”

The new Lauritsen Technical Theatre and Design Studio will also ensure that the performing arts program retains its accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), a prestigious accrediting association with fewer than 200 institutions nationwide holding the title. NAST has insisted that in order to retain accreditation, the College make plans in short order to build a new scene shop.

“It is unusual for a small college like Lees-McRae to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, but we are and we want to continue that accreditation. Our only ‘hold-up’ to continue that accreditation has been the scene shop. With this building, we will be in an excellent position to carry that prestigious title,” said Speer.

Plans for the building are being finalized, and construction could begin this spring. Fundraising to outfit the new facility is still underway. For information on how to contribute to this project, contact Caroline Hart at hartc@lmc.edu or call (828) 898-8777.

Lees-McRae College offers academic programs in Performing Arts Studies, Musical Theatre (Bachelor of Fine Arts) and Theatre Arts Education. Performance-based scholarships are available with amounts ranging from $1500 to $5000 annually. For more information, visit www.go.lmc.edu/creative-fine-arts.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Featured, The Arts | Leave a comment

Bobcat Athletics Fall season highlights

Posted on 11/19/2012 by fosterl

The fall semester featured a number of highlights for the Lees-McRae College athletic department, with perhaps the most notable of those being the women’s soccer team repeating as Conference Carolinas regular season championships.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Nick Whiting, the Bobcats posted a 12-5-2 overall record and a 10-1 mark in conference play, repeating as the league’s regular season champion while advancing to the semifinal round of the conference tournament. The Bobcats finished strong in conference play, winning their last eight matches to clinch the program’s second-straight league title.

Lees-McRae was well represented on the all-conference teams, earning a program-record eight selections, as senior Mary Dorn (Shallotte, N.C.) garnered first-team honors as well as the league’s inaugural Defensive Player of the Year award.

Joining Dorn on the first team were freshman forward Sarah Mahar (Jacksonville, Fla.) and junior midfielder Kaitlyn Kerrigan (Lakewood Ranch, Fla.), as senior midfielder Emily Jones (Leonardtown, Md.), junior defender LeeAnn Sullivan (Greensboro, N.C.) and sophomore defender Ariana Smith (Jackson, N.J.) each earned their first career all-conference honors.

The men’s soccer team fought hard all season, putting together a far better campaign than its record would indicate with several outstanding performances against some of the top teams in the country. The Bobcats opened the season with a heartbreaking 1-0 extra time loss to No. 2 Lynn University, which has advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament and currently ranks 11th in the nation.

Perhaps the highlight of the season camp on September 29, when the Bobcats out-worked defending conference champion Coker College en route to a thrilling 1-0 victory on James Galvani’s (High Wycombe, England) sensational extra time winner. The Bobcats dominated possession in midfield against some of the top teams in the region down the stretch, frustrating eventual co-conference champion Limestone with their fluidity en route to a hard-fought 1-1 draw on October 10.

The women’s volleyball team battled through adversity throughout the 2012 season, registering several hard-fought wins while reaching personal milestones and bidding farewell to a treasured teammate and friend.

After opening the campaign with a pair of victories over UNC Pembroke and Winston-Salem State at the Wingate Classic, senior Taylor Clendenin (Statesville, N.C.) became just the fourth player in program history to reach the 1,000-kill plateau against USC Aiken on September 15 with a match-high 20 smashes. Fellow senior Megan Mitchell (Minden, Nev.) made history of her own the same afternoon, claiming the top spot on the program’s all-time service aces list with an ace against North Greenville.

The Bobcats followed with a four-match winning streak, surrendering just one set against Limestone, Converse, Erskine, and Barton. Clendenin made history against Erskine on September 22, registering 16 kills to move into third on the program’s all-time list.

Tragedy struck the Lees-McRae community and the volleyball program on October 15, when dear friend and teammate Meme Brown lost a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Brown was a member of the women’s volleyball program in 2009 and 2010, appearing in 18 matches during her freshman before being diagnosed in December of 2009. The Bobcats chose to honor Meme on October 24 with Teal Night, dedicating the match to Meme’s memory and incredible spirit.

Lees-McRae put on perhaps their best performance of the season that night, sweeping King College behind a dominating display by Clendenin, as the senior outside hitter smashed a match-high 14 kills in honor of her friend and teammate. Clendenin followed with another outstanding performance on senior day against Pfeiffer, keying the Bobcats to a straight-set sweep with a match-high 11 smashes.

With the win over Pfeiffer, the Bobcats clinched a berth in the Conference Carolinas Tournament for the 15th consecutive year, earning a trip to Queens in the quarterfinals. Queens would defend its home court well in the match, however, as three Royals recorded double-digit kills en route to a straight set sweep.

Lees-McRae’s cross country programs enjoyed a strong season this fall as well, turning in several strong individual and team performances. Perhaps the highlight of the season came in the first meet of the season, when sophomore Emily Shields (Salisbury, N.C.) raced to the top of the podium at the Lenoir-Rhyne Invitational.

Shields followed with a pair of strong performances at the Conference Preview Meet and the Blue Ridge Open, as the Bobcats placed third at the preview meet and second among all non-NCAA I teams at the Blue Ridge Open. A trio of Bobcats was rewarded for their work in the classroom with a spot on the Conference Carolinas all-Academic team, as Lindsey Bush (Catawba, N.C.), Cinthia Lehner (Greer, S.C.), and Heather Peterman (Buford, Ga.) each earned academic recognition from the league.

The men’s team performed well this season on the whole, finishing fourth at the Conference Preview Meet and placing two harriers on the Conference Carolinas all-Academic team. Lees-McRae’s freshman steadily improved over the course of the fall, as rookie Matthew MacPhail (Spartanburg, S.C.) turned in one of the performances of the season with a 47th-place finish at the conference championships to pace the Bobcats.

With the basketball season underway and spring fast approaching, the Lees-McRae athletic department is sure to become a buzz of activity and excitement as our winter and spring teams begin their championship season with high hopes of success. Bobcat Nation is encouraged to come out and show their support for all of their fellow Bobcats as they prepare to take the court or the field in their first competition of the year.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, Featured | Leave a comment

Communication Arts and Design Student Show on display in King-Shivell Gallery

Posted on 11/15/2012 by fosterl

Lees-McRae College and the Division of Creative and Fine Arts are pleased to announce the Communication Arts and Design Student Show.

The show will open Thursday, November 15 with a 6 p.m. reception in King-Shivell Gallery in the Cannon Student Center, and will be on display through the middle of the Spring semester, providing opportunity for viewing and enjoyment.

“We are excited for the show because we have not had the opportunity to showcase student work for almost two years,” said Melissa Ball-Martin, program coordinator for Communication Arts and Design. “This show is to promote our students achievements, the program, and what we have to offer here at Lees-McRae, for both majors and non-majors.”

Between fifty and seventy students are planned to participate and almost one hundred different pieces are expected to be displayed.  Artwork on display will represent a combination of courses offered at Lees-McRae, including Digital Imaging, Photography, Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Sequential Imaging, Electronic Publishing, and Graphic Design.  Faculty and mentors involved in the show are Chris Carr, Melissa Ball-Martin, Jesse Knight, and Michael Joslin.

The evening will begin with the art show and reception followed by the opening of Pride and Prejudice at 7:30 p.m. in Hayes Auditorium, directed by Dr. Tessa Carr.

Come and meet the student artists, observe their talent, and enjoy some light refreshments.

For additional information, please contact Melissa Ball-Martin at (828) 898-8765.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, sub featured, The Arts | Leave a comment

Technology Services significantly increases bandwidth for faster internet speed

Posted on 11/9/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College Technology Services is pleased to announce a significant increase in internet bandwidth for the campus. Effective October 30, internet bandwidth for the entire campus increased from 35 megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 Mbps.

Systems Administrator Michael Hughett said, “Negotiations took a while, but were well worth the effort.  Not only did we significantly increase our bandwidth, but we are paying $1000 less per month for the service. Some additional adjustments will be made to improve entertainment services such as gaming consoles, but for the College’s main priority, academic needs, there is plenty of bandwidth.”

According to an article in Network World magazine, schools in the US need broadband speeds of 100 Mbps per 1000 users by 2014 to meet the growing demand for web-based instruction and a skyrocketing number of student-owned web devices.

“With the increased use of Sakai and other online learning resources, this upgrade keeps us ahead of the curve,” said Hughett.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Featured | Leave a comment

New Opportunity School for Women book signing November 11

Posted on 11/1/2012 by Site Administrator

Banner Elk native Jane Baucom Stephenson has been changing lives for twenty five years.

Local residents can learn about the extent of her transformative work on November 11th when Stephenson will sign copies of her newest book, Changing Lives in Appalachia: TheNew Opportunity School for Women.

Stephenson is the founder of the non-profit New Opportunity School for Women, which she began in Berea, Kentucky, in 1987. As a graduate of Lees-McRae College and former member of the Board of Trustees, she was pleased to oversee the opening of the Banner Elk branch of the program nine years ago. She has just released her third book about the organization and the women it serves.

The mission of the New Opportunity School for Women is to help low-income Appalachian women improve their personal, financial, and educational circumstances. The program consists of a three-week residential summer program serving 12-14 women. During their stay, and at no cost whatsoever to the women, they take classes from qualified volunteer instructors who teach attendees skills such as creating a resume, how to interview for jobs, and public speaking. The program also covers home accounting and budgeting, job search skills, domestic violence awareness, self-defense and self-esteem classes, computer lessons, and instruction on applying for higher education certificates and degrees.

The New Opportunity School for Women takes no public funds, and operates through grants and donations. Local foundation support includes the High Country Women’s Fund, the Appalachian Women’s Fund, and generous church groups and individuals.

Changing Lives in Appalachia: The New Opportunity School for Women describes the innovative program in detail, and includes stories from women who have attended the program. Stephenson will sign books at the Carson Library on the Lees-McRae Campus on Sunday, November 11th from noon to 3pm. The price is $15, and Stephenson will also offer DVDs of a documentary about the New Opportunity School for Women.

More information about the book signing or the program can be found at www.lmc.edu/nosw/ or by contacting NOSW at Lees-McRae Director Karen Sabo at 828-898-8905.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Lees-McRae College yearbooks are available online at DigitalNC.org

Posted on 10/26/2012 by Site Administrator

Do you remember what your classmates looked like in your Lees-McRae College Ontaroga? You can see them all online now at www.digitalnc.org.

“This summer, thanks to a donation from alumnus Dr. H.G. Jones, all of the Lees-McRae College yearbooks were taken to the Wilson Archive at UNC-Chapel Hill and digitized as part of a state-wide digitization program for college and university papers and items,” said Russell Taylor, director of libraries.

According the DigitalNC.org the North Carolina yearbooks exhibit provides a window into college life in North Carolina from the 1890s to the present. From sports teams to sororities, fashions to hairstyles, these volumes document the changing attitudes and culture of college students year by year.

The website states, “The North Carolina Digital Heritage Center is working with colleges and universities around the state to digitize student yearbooks and make them available online. Both public and private schools are participating in this project.”

Yearbooks from 1930 to 2006 can be viewed at the following link: http://digitalnc.org/institutions/lees-mcrae-college.

 

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Featured | Leave a comment

Performing Arts presents Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice November 15-18, Students invited to participate in special Performing Arts Preview Weekend

Posted on 10/22/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College Performing Arts will present Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice Nov. 15-18 on the Broyhill Theatre stage in Hayes Auditorium.

Julia Dion and Anthony Marble in the World Premiere of Pride and Prejudice, Arizona Theatre Company, Tucson, Arizona (2005). Photo: Tim Fuller.

The Performing Arts department will also offer a special preview weekend for prospective students Nov. 16-17 that includes admission to Pride and Prejudice.

Austen’s classic storyline with all of the wit and romance comes to life in a refreshingly fast-paced and engaging adaptation by Jon Jory and directed by Dr. Tessa Carr.

“The Jory adaptation is very true to the novel. The choices that he makes move the play along very quickly and capture the lively style of Austen’s writing,” said Carr.

Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet’s most urgent priority. But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it’s difficult to escape the subject. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense — but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems. In a society where subtle snubs and deceit proliferate, is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice, and to make the best match of all?

Lees-McRae students will portray all the roles in the play, and Tony McClenny is serving as dramaturg and Ciddy Forkpah as stage manager and assistant director.

“Tony researches historical information important to the play and presents that information in rehearsal. He has discussed entailment, gender roles in the Regency, and the structure and function of the Anglican Church in Regency life to date,” said Carr. “Tonight [during rehearsal] we are discussing the importance of dance as a social courting ritual. Students are working on finding ways to reveal character through their interactions in the dance sequences.”

Danielle Baisden Curtis’s set design will feature period detail but not in the realistic sense of showing a complete room or house. According to Carr, because the play moves around so many locations with such speed, realism is impossible.

“We will quickly establish new locations through a variety of furniture configurations and outdoor embellishments,” said Carr. “Danielle’s design includes fantastical cut-out projections such as carriages, silhouettes and text on the rear screen. Michael Hannah’s costumes strongly ground the production in 1813 through an attention to period specific detail.”

Show times are Nov. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. The box office opens one hour prior to show time. Tickets are general admission and are sold at the door. Prices are $12 for adults and $5 for children and students.

Prospective students interested in Performing Arts at Lees-McRae can register for the Performing Arts Preview Weekend November 16-17. (A second weekend is scheduled for March 1-2, 2013.)

During the preview weekend, students will meet current students and faculty, participate in interactive theatre workshops, attend a showing of Pride and Prejudice, tour facilities and meet the technical staff. Students may also interview or audition for talent-based performing arts scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 annually. For more information or to register, visit www.go.lmc.edu/performingarts.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Community, Featured, The Arts | Leave a comment

Win a full tuition scholarship in the My Future Elevated Video Essay Competition

Posted on 10/17/2012 by Site Administrator

Are you wondering how you might pay for college? This year, Lees-McRae College is offering an exciting opportunity for incoming fall 2013 freshman to win a full tuition scholarship!

To be eligible to win the “My Future Elevated Video Essay Scholarship Contest,” get creative and submit a video essay answering one of two questions: why are you a good fit for Lees-McRae or how will Lees-McRae elevate your future?

Keep your video less than three minutes long, and be as creative as possible. Don’t just record yourself speaking to the camera. Show us what makes you a standout fit for Lees-McRae!

To be eligible to win, you must apply to Lees-McRae College for admission in fall 2013, and you must enroll to receive the scholarship.

Video submissions will be accepted now through April 1, 2013. The Lees-McRae College selection committee will choose five finalists based on originality, creativity, adherence to the theme and overall quality of the video.

Finalists will be announced on April 8, 2013 and voting will be open to the public until 11:59pm on Monday, April 22, 2013. Winners will be announced and notified on April 23, 2013. The “Fan Favorite” Grand Prize will win a full tuition scholarship to Lees-McRae College. The “Fan Favorite” Runner Up will receive a $10,000 scholarship to Lees-McRae College.

Elevate your future at Lees-McRae College! For full contest rules and details, visit www.lmc.edu/videocontest.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, sub featured | 5 Comments

CANCELLED: Career Services presents minor league baseball exec Tyler Tumminia November 8

Posted on 10/16/2012 by Site Administrator

Due to the impending Nor’easter in the northeast, Tyler Tumminia had to cancel her speaking engagement at Lees-McRae College on Nov. 8.  Career Services hopes to reschedule her visit during the spring semester.

——————————————————————

Lees-McRae College Career Services will host minor league baseball executive Tyler Tumminia Thursday, November 8. She will present a lecture, “Breaking through Barriers and Hitting a Home Run,” at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. Tumminia is senior vice president of the Goldklang Group and oversees the marketing and broad scale sponsorship, operations and communication efforts for the sports entertainment consulting and management firm.

Tyler Tumminia

Tyler Tumminia

Tumminia is a sought after speaker on the campuses of elite colleges and universities, educating students on various topics relating to the business of sports. In 2012, Tumminia spoke at the SINC Conference in Washington, DC. During the “Marketing Sport: Action & Adventure to Professional” panel, Tumminia gave an in-depth look at the challenges of operating four minor league teams while providing behind the scenes insight into the marketing goals, sponsorship, operations and communication efforts for the Goldklang Group.

In addition to speaking at the SINC Conference, during the 2011-2012 academic school year Tumminia spoke at University of New Haven, St. Thomas University, SUNY Fredonia, University of Florida, Indiana University, University of San Diego, University of Michigan, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Minnesota State University. She has also previously spoken at NYU and Columbia.

To highlight the start of her speaking tour for 2012-2013, Tumminia was the keynote speaker at the NCAA Women’s Leadership Symposium in Boston, MA in September. In addition she spoke at the Ohio University Sports Business Forum in October, and the world’s leading sports digital conference, Blogs with Balls in Toronto in October. She will be speaking at the Ivy Sports Symposium in November at Columbia University and the Sport Leadership Sportif in Montreal in November.

She is a recipient of the Roland Hemond, MASA and Marcom awards for excellence in her field, and in 2011 was named Executive of the Year by NYU’s sports management program. In the fall of 2011, she successfully completed MLB Scout School in Arizona.

“We are very fortunate to have Tyler Tumminia come and speak on our campus since she is in such high demand as a speaker. I think her message of determination, hard work and perseverance when working to achieve your goals will resonate well with college students and indeed the whole community,” said Russell Taylor, director of Career Services and director of libraries at Lees-McRae.

“Her life is a demonstration of those ideals since she has achieved what few others have to become one of only a handful of female executives in all of baseball. I strongly encourage everyone to come hear Tyler’s informative and insightful presentation,” said Taylor.

The Goldklang Group provides operational consulting and management services in all areas relating to sports franchise and event acquisition, promotion and operation. Current clients of the Goldklang Group include Minor League teams the Charleston Riverdogs, St. Paul Saints, Hudson Valley Renegades and Fort Myers Miracle. Past clients include the Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox.

At the Goldklang Group, Tumminia developed the Group’s award winning marketing philosophy, Be Your Own Fan, in response to current market trends and industry analysis. In addition, Tumminia is responsible for the largest group-wide partnership with a major brand and the largest singular themed promotional event in the Group’s history.

Her development of the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame has received tremendous recognition throughout the industry, and has been hailed as a game-changer in how scouts are perceived at the local levels. In February of 2012, Tyler became co-owner of the Pittsfield Suns, a summer collegiate baseball team that plays in the Futures League in Pittsfield, MA.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 828-898-8729 or email wrightm@lmc.edu.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Owen, Neese presented with alumni awards during Homecoming Weekend

Posted on 10/10/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College presented Banner Elk Town Manager Rick Owen with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award and Alumni Board immediate past president Lynn Swisher Neese with the 2012 Alumni Service Award during the Green and Gold Alumni Brunch on Saturday, October 6 during Homecoming Weekend.

Owen is a 1988 and 2000 graduate of Lees-McRae College. A native of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, Owen has served as Town Manager of Banner Elk since 2010. He also serves as Mayor of Beech Mountain, a position he has held for 11 years. He graduated from the UNC School of Government Municipal Administration course earlier this year.

Owen is married to Nancy and they have one son, Hampton, 8. Owen is the son of former Banner Elk Mayor Deka Tate, a member of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church and has over 20 years of experience in resort management.

“To be recognized by this group of people, I can’t even tell you how much this means to me. I have been involved with the College over the years; one of the main reasons is in the 20 years I was in resort management, I had hundreds of Lees-McRae students who worked for me and with me. It was really great to get to know all these students, and it really helped me maintain my connection to the college. It cannot be any more of an honor to be recognized this way. I am humbled to know that this group of people thinks of me as a distinguished alumnus of Lees-McRae College,” said Owen.

To be considered for the Distinguished Alumni Award, an individual must meet the following criteria: be an alumnus or alumna of Lees-McRae College; demonstrate a respectable profession or life mission for which the College is exceptionally proud; distinguish his or herself in business, life work or worthy endeavor; and manifest and commend the hallmarks of the Lees-McRae graduate in his/her life.

Lynn Swisher Neese, immediate past president of the Alumni Board, was presented with the Alumni Service Award.

Neese is a 1988 and 1990 graduate of Lees-McRae College. Over the last several years, she has hosted multiple alumni events in her home. She has been a member of the Alumni Board for several years, first serving as the Greensboro Representative.

“This is a great honor, and I thank all of you. I love this school, and it means a lot to me,” said Neese accepting the award.

While at LMC, most people knew her as “Swish” and she still goes by this today. Having stayed at Lees-McRae through the 2-year to 4-year transformation, she is connected to many alumni. She has planned reunions for both of her classes at Lees-McRae and makes sure to reach out to those who haven’t returned to campus in a long time.

She served on a Committee to help plan Frolic Week and Homecoming for several years.  In 2009, Neese was elected Vice President of the Lees-McRae Alumni Board. In February 2011, she took on the role as President of the Lees-McRae Alumni Board.

To be considered for the Alumni Service Award, an individual must meet the following criteria: be an alumnus or alumna of Lees-McRae College; provide significant service to Lees-McRae College and/or the Lees-McRae Alumni Association; demonstrate a continuing interest in Lees-McRae by attending alumni events on and off campus and by contributing time, energy or money to programs of the institution; and manifest and commend the hallmarks of the Lees-McRae graduate in his/her life.

To nominate a classmate for an alumni award, visit go.lmc.edu/alumni and click on “Alumni Awards.”

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, sub featured | Leave a comment

Suzette A. Fronk named vice president for finance and business affairs

Posted on 10/8/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzette A. Fronk as vice president for finance and business affairs. Fronk began her duties on October 1.

Fronk comes to Lees-McRae College from Ohio Northern University where she served as assistant vice president of financial affairs and director of budget and planning. Prior to her service at Ohio Northern, Fronk spent more than a decade at University of Toledo where she was assistant director of contracts and fiscal planning, assistant athletic director for business affairs, and business manager of the College of Engineering.

At Lees-McRae College, Fronk will oversee the financial operations of the College, as well as develop strategic financial and facility service plans. She will serve as the chief financial officer and treasurer of the College, overseeing all business affairs, human resources, informational technologies, telecommunications, facility services, campus security and contracted services.

A financial executive with more than 35 years of experience, her areas of expertise include budget administration, financial analysis, process improvement, revenue growth, strategic planning, and operations, project and cost management.

“Suzette brings over 12 years of university financial experience to Lees-McRae College, most recently with Ohio Northern University. She provides a wide spectrum of knowledge developing financial initiatives to reduce operating shortfalls,” said President Barry Buxton. “We are very happy to welcome Suzette to the Lees-McRae College family.”

Fronk holds a BS in Business Marketing from Miami University and both an MBA and JD from the University of Toledo. She has four children and three grandchildren with one more due in February.

Posted in All College News, sub featured | Leave a comment

Career Services hosts successful Graduate School Fair

Posted on 10/3/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College Career Services hosted its first Graduate School Fair Sept. 26 from noon to 4 p.m. in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center.

Several representatives were on hand to recruit for their respective graduate programs including Appalachian State University, Limestone College, East Tennessee State University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Montreat College, Gardner Webb University and Savannah College of Art and Design.

Students had the opportunity learn about the particular schools and gain an early start on the graduate school application process. Career Services also offers several resources to help students prepare for graduate school on their webpage at go.lmc.edu/careers including entrance exam preparation, graduate school directories and access to the College Central Network.

Currently, Lees-McRae College graduates are enrolled in graduate school programs at universities including Duke Divinity School, University of Idaho, University of Edinburgh, Savannah College of Art and Design, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Appalachian State University, Marquette University Law, University of Tennessee Veterinary School, and Virginia Tech Veterinary School.

Upcoming Career Services events include résumé and internship workshops and the Career and Internship Fair Oct. 24 in Evans Auditorium. This fall’s featured event is speaker Tyler Tumminia on Nov. 8. Tumminia oversees the marketing and broad scale sponsorship, operations and communication efforts for the Goldklang Group, a sports entertainment consulting and management firm. The Group provides operational consulting and management services in all areas relating to sports franchise and event acquisition, promotion and operation for four Minor League Baseball teams.

Spring events include a leadership retreat, the Career Symposium that features the formal dinner and fashion show and other workshops. For more information, visit go.lmc.edu/careers or stop by the Career Services Center in the Carson Library.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, sub featured | Leave a comment

President Barry Buxton announces prestigious Shelton Scholars program

Posted on 9/25/2012 by Site Administrator

Ed and Dotti Shelton

Lees-McRae College is pleased to announce the establishment of the Shelton Scholars program named in honor of Ed and Dotti Shelton for their generous and humble leadership, guidance and support of Lees-McRae College. The Shelton Scholars program will be the highest honor bestowed upon entering freshmen beginning Fall 2013. This prestigious award, valued at over $130,000 over the course of four years, will provide full tuition, room and board to one student selected during Scholars Day.

Lees-McRae President Barry M. Buxton announced the Shelton Scholars program at the September 21 Board of Trustees meeting.

“We are so grateful to Ed and Dotti Shelton for their belief in Lees-McRae College and all they have done in providing encouragement, wisdom, and financial support. We can never adequately thank the Sheltons for their leadership, but the Shelton Scholars program will serve as a tangible expression of our gratitude and love for the Sheltons,” said Buxton. “Ed and Dotti are passionate about helping young people achieve their dreams, and over the coming decades, this scholarship will serve that purpose.”

Qualified students must have at least a 3.5 GPA and 1150 SAT (or ACT equivalent) at the time of admission to the college and agree to be an active member of the LMC Honors Program. All students who meet these criteria will be invited to participate in Scholars Day on Feb. 23, 2013 and will have the opportunity to compete for this award. The Shelton Scholars recipient will be chosen through an interview and essay competition.

Ed and Dotti Shelton, of Dobson, N.C. and Banner Elk, N.C., have a long history with Lees-McRae College. Mr. Shelton is an alumnus of the class of 1960 and was awarded an honorary degree in Political Science in 1995. He serves on the College’s Board of Trustees and is currently the interim chairman of the Board.

The Sheltons have helped fund many projects at Lees-McRae including the automation project for the James H. Carson Library in 1995-96, campus facility enhancements, and support for enrollment management efforts.

Lees-McRae College honored Ed and Dotti Shelton with the 2008 Rev. Edgar Tufts Founder’s Medal, the most prestigious non-academic award given by the College, as part of the College’s Founder’s Day celebrations. The medal reads, “Individuals selected to receive the Founder’s Medal reflect the ideals of our founder and have made extraordinary contributions of time, talent and treasure to the College.”

In 2011, Ed Shelton was presented an honorary Doctorate of Humanities during Commencement exercises in May. The honorary doctorate degree is the highest academic distinction awarded by the College; a degree that is given in honor and recognition of distinguished service and dedication to higher education.

Dotti Shelton, an artist, has donated several paintings to Lees-McRae over the years, both for display and auction at the Scholarship Gala. Her art can be found in Alta Vista Gallery in Valle Crucis and Hampton House Gallery in Winston-Salem and King, N.C.

The Sheltons are entrepreneurs in every sense of the word. Ed Shelton and his brother, Charlie, co-founded companies including The Shelton Companies of Charlotte, Shelco, Inc., Fortis Homes, King Sash, Carolinas’ Distribution Services, and most recently, Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, N.C. The award-winning Shelton Vineyards, opened in 1999, is the largest family-owned estate winery in North Carolina. Ed Shelton was also inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 2007.

For more information on the Shelton Scholars program or how to apply to Lees-McRae, contact an admissions specialist at 800-280-4562 or admissions@lmc.edu.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Featured | 2 Comments

Ellen Beinhorn tells the story of Poet Laureates October 4 at 7 p.m. in the Carson Library

Posted on 9/20/2012 by Site Administrator

Do you know who was the first Poet Laureate of the United States? How

A Beinhorn drawing

about the present one? If you do not have a good answer, come to Lees-McRae College on Thursday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. to hear poet, sculptor, painter and teacher Ellen Beinhorn tell the story of our Poet Laureates in the Stafford Room of the Carson Library. Her lecture is open to the public and free of charge.

Beinhorn, with a B.A., M.A., and a B. Litt. from Oxford University, has specialized for many years in presenting public programs on poets and poetry. She has taught courses at the University of South Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Appalachian State University in their Lifelong Learning programs. Her students of all ages respond enthusiastically to her lively presentations.

“My focus is to draw my audience into poetry, not turn them away. I try to keep it to poetry that is excellent, but appealing,” says Beinhorn, who has written two books of her own poetry and is working on a third.

In addition to her lecturing, Beinhorn is the author and illustrator of Poems by Emily Dickinson with Faces by Ellen Beinhorn, a unique collection of the famous American author’s poems accompanied by Beinhorn’s insightful commentary and her inimitable drawings of faces evoked by the poet’s voice. The book provides a fascinating journey through Dickinson’s words and Beinhorn’s images.

Her artwork also illustrates her lecture; Beinhorn’s painting Sitting in the Catbird Seat is a humorous look at the poet laureate’s position in the Library of Congress where he or she figuratively sits in what is known as the Catbird Seat.

“We invite everyone from poetry lovers to folks looking to learn more about the Poet Laureateship in our country to come to Lees-McRae to share the evening with Ellen Beinhorn. Lees-McRae is fortunate to host such a lively and distinguished teacher and artist,” said Dr. Michael Joslin, coordinator of the college’s English Program.

Ellen Beinhorn’s program is free and open to the public. For information, call Meghan Wright at 828-898-8729.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, The Arts | Leave a comment

Lees-McRae invites community to participate in Homecoming Parade October 6 at 11 a.m.

Posted on 9/19/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College invites community businesses and organizations to participate in the annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 6 at 11 a.m. on Main Street in Banner Elk.

Join parade grand marshal Dr. David Burleson, Avery County Superintendent of Schools, and his wife, Beth, along with LMC President Barry Buxton, Avery County High School Band, bagpipes and drums, clowns, the alumni float, LMC athletic teams, Wily the Bobcat, Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department, Avery EMS, campus clubs and organizations, and more!

The parade is part of Homecoming Weekend festivities including class reunions, NCAA soccer and volleyball, Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the Performing Arts production of Legally Blonde, the musical. For a full schedule, visit go.lmc.edu/homecomingschedule.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at Tate-Evans Park and end on campus. Line-up will start at 10 a.m. at the park.

Those interested in participating in the parade should contact Allison Norris, dean of students, at Norrisa@lmc.edu or 828-898-8797.

Posted in All College News | Leave a comment

Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Series at Lees-McRae College features Dr. Ralph C. Wood October 22-23

Posted on 9/19/2012 by Site Administrator

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Series at Lees-McRae College is pleased to host Dr. Ralph C. Wood on October 22-23 in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center on the campus of Lees-McRae College. He will present two lectures: “J.R.R. Tolkien: Writer for our Time of Terror” on Monday evening at 7 p.m. and “Flannery O’Connor and the Christ-Haunted South” on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.

Ralph C. Wood, University Professor of Theology and Literature at Baylor University in Waco, Texas since 1998, holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Texas A&M University-Commerce, as well as M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Chicago. Before coming to Baylor, he served for 26 years on the faculty of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he was the John Allen Easley Professor of Religion. He has also taught at Samford University in Birmingham, at Regent College in Vancouver, and at Providence College in Rhode Island.

At Baylor, he teaches in both the Great Texts program and the Department of Religion. He serves as an editor-at-large for the Christian Century and as a member of the editorial board of the Flannery O’Connor Review.

His major book, first published in 1988 and still in print from the University of Notre Dame Press, is entitled The Comedy of Redemption: Christian Faith and Comic Vision in Four American Novelists (Flannery O’Connor, Walker Percy, John Updike, and Peter De Vries). He is also the author of Contending for the Faith: The Church’s Engagement with Culture (Baylor, 2003); The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-earth (Westminster John Knox, 2004); Flannery O’Connor and the Christ-Haunted South (Eerdmans, 2004);Literature and Theology (Abingdon, 2008);
Preaching and Professing: Sermons by a Teacher Seeking to Proclaim the Gospel (Eerdmans, 2009); and Chesterton: The Nightmare Goodness of God (Baylor, 2011).

Dr. Wood has written numerous essays and articles about J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, P.D. James, G.K. Chesterton, Flannery O’Connor, Walker Percy and other topics.

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Series is designed to provide scholarly speakers for religious emphasis programs at small Christian colleges. The Staley endowment to Lees-McRae College provides the funding to bring Ralph C. Wood to the campus during the 2012-13 academic year.

These lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Mr. Jim Taylor at 828-898-8842 or taylor@lmc.edu

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Lees-McRae Admissions goes test-optional this spring

Posted on 9/19/2012 by Site Administrator

Beginning with the entering class of Spring 2013, Lees-McRae College will eliminate the requirement for standardized test scores in the admissions process. As a test-optional institution, Lees-McRae College will approach admissions holistically, taking into consideration many factors when reviewing applicants.

Students are required to submit official transcripts and engage with admissions specialists throughout the admissions process. ACT/SAT scores are not required for students who feel that these exams do not adequately represent their academic abilities. With the exception of prospective intercollegiate athletes and Honors Program candidates, students are otherwise not required to submit test scores as part of the admissions process. Personal interviews are recommended and can be scheduled in person, by phone or Skype.

Over 800 U.S. colleges have eliminated the requirement to submit test scores (ACT/SAT), at least for some students. Most schools in this network believe that standardized tests are not the most important factor in predicting long term success. Schools do this in a variety of ways. In North Carolina, both Wake Forest and Guilford College have recently adapted this policy. You can learn more by visiting www.collegedata.com or www.fairtest.org/university/optional.

“At Lees-McRae College, we believe that all students have the potential to succeed,” commented Ginger Hansen, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Communications. “Our decision to go test optional is largely based on our institutional philosophy of giving all students, regardless of a singular standardized test score, an opportunity to elevate their futures.”

Lees-McRae College operates on rolling admissions. Students are encouraged to apply online at www.lmc.edu and submit their transcripts to begin the admissions process. Students can be notified of their admissions decision and academic scholarship awards in as little as two weeks.

Approximately 95 percent of students receive some form of financial assistance. Lees-McRae College awards $10 million of institutional scholarships each year. To learn more, visit www.go.lmc.edu/test-optional.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, sub featured | Leave a comment

Performing Arts presents Legally Blonde, the musical October 4-7

Posted on 9/18/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College Performing Arts presents the musical Legally Blonde Oct. 4-7 in the Broyhill Theatre of Hayes Auditorium.

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

“The show is very true to the film. The music is delightful and catchy. We go from one big musical number to the next,” said Director Dr. Janet Barton Speer. “It also makes a really good point. We are not allowed to stereotype. Stereotyping blondes has been somewhat acceptable over the years, but this show makes us remember that it’s not ok.”

Legally Blonde features a large cast of over 30 performers plus two dogs. “We found an abandoned Chihuahua mix in Atlanta and adopted it. It already has a home after the show. We also have a bulldog that stars as the trailer park dog,” said Speer.

Nicole Wright plays Elle Woods, the female lead of Legally Blonde. Wright transferred into Lees-McRae this fall and is excited to be in her first LMC production. “I can relate to Elle because she put herself in a new environment and discovers something new about herself. I kind of went through the same situation transferring to Lees-McRae. Going through that discovery with her as a character has been great,” said Wright.

Richard Gebo, senior performing arts major, has appeared in many Lees-McRae productions, but playing Emmett Forrest, one of the male leads, has been a good learning experience. “I feel like I can really step into becoming someone else with this character,” said Gebo. “I want to convey to the audience through my character that you can never stop growing and becoming a better person. There’s always time for change, and if you have the drive, you can become whoever you want to be.”

Another treat for audiences is having two Lees-McRae performing arts alumni back on campus to contribute to the show. Justin Hall ’07 is the guest costume designer. Hall works as a full-time costumer at Twin City Stage in Winston-Salem. Stephanie Deal Bengston ’05, a regular Lees-McRae Summer Theatre performed, is the dance captain. “It’s fun to have alumni come back,” said Speer. “Stephanie and Justin really add flair to the show.”

This production will be the last academic performance directed by Dr. Janet Barton Speer before her retirement in May 2013. Speer has been teaching theatre, performing, choreographing, writing and directing plays for nearly 50 years, which includes more than 600 educational and professional productions. She is the Virginia McKenzie Reeves Endowed Chair of Performing Arts and Distinguished Professor at Lees-McRae College. She is also the artistic director for Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, a position she plans to continue after her retirement from teaching.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Speer. “It brings back a lot of memories of when I first started and we couldn’t get enough students to fill the show.” Lees-McRae had two students enrolled in performing arts when Speer came to teach at the College. “It’s a lot different now.” Speer has been teaching performing arts at Lees-McRae since 1978.

“Since I live in the community, I won’t be gone,” said Speer. “I’ll still be involved with Summer Theatre, and I’ll be an ambassador for Lees-McRae.”

Show times for Legally Blonde are October 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. and October 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and children and $12 for adults and may be purchased at the door. All tickets are general admission. For more information, visit go.lmc.edu/shows.

The musical is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture with book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Legally Blonde is presented through a special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. (421 West 54th Street, New York, NT 10019)

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, The Arts | Leave a comment

Dr. Michael Joslin presents lecture on his latest book, Mountain Spring, September 27

Posted on 9/13/2012 by Site Administrator

Award winning photographer and writer Dr. Michael Joslin will present a slide show/lecture at Lees-McRae College on September 27 as part of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia Lecture Series. Based on his latest book, Mountain Spring, Joslin’s presentation will take you through Appalachia’s vernal season. His program begins with a book signing at 6:30 p.m. in the Stafford Room of the Carson Library on the Lees-McRae campus; the lecture will follow at 7:00. The Stephenson Lecture Series is free and open to the public.

Mountain Spring: A Personal Journey through the Season in Appalachia is Michael Joslin’s sixth book on the region. The author has also published over a 1000 newspaper and magazine articles illustrated by his photographs. In his 24th year as a professor at Lees-McRae College, Joslin teaches literature, photography, journalism, creative writing and Appalachian studies, and serves as the Director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia.

“My program will cover many of the topics I write about in Mountain Spring. Wildflowers, waterfalls, a moonshine still, wild edibles such as ramps, morels and branch lettuce, hiking trails, gardening and wildlife are all part of my mountain springs, and I will present photographs and stories to illustrate the part they play in my life,” said Joslin, who lives in the Buladean Community of Mitchell County.

Most of the past 30 years he has spent in that rural hamlet in the shadow of Roan Mountain on a farm where he has raised three children with his wife Pam. Chickens, horses, dogs, cats and a continuing steam of wild animals passing through (and sometimes taking up residence) keep their days full.

Mountain Spring is the first in a series of four books which will take the reader through the variety of seasons in Southern Appalachia. The book is available through The Overmountain Press (800-992-2691), the Lees-McRae College Bookstore, Twisted Laurel Gallery in Spruce Pine and other booksellers.

Everyone is invited to participate in Joslin’s book signing and program, which are free and open to the public on September 27th. For information contact Meghan Wright at (828) 898-8729.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Study Abroad Fair is September 6 in Evans Auditorium

Posted on 8/31/2012 by Site Administrator

“In which direction will you walk?” That’s the question Career Services is asking students to consider this fall during the Study Abroad Fair held in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center on Thursday, September 6, from noon to 4 p.m.

For the first time, Career Services is offering this opportunity for students to learn about various study abroad programs offered at Lees-McRae. Representatives who have hands on experience with the countries they represent will be on hand to answer questions. It will feature 17 organizations that work with universities all over the world, including Lees-McRae College.

“There’s nothing like a student being able to directly access information about a program through someone who has already experienced it,” said Russell Taylor, co-director of Career Services.

Nearly 80% of high school students said during a survey that they want to study abroad during their college career, but far less than that actually pursue it.

Dr. Marv Williamsen, director of international programs at Lees-McRae who has been instrumental in organizing the Study Abroad Fair, said the goal is not necessarily to have students sign up for a study abroad program at the fair, but to, instead, stimulate curiosity. This fair will provide students with an initial exposure to study abroad programs, and Previewfor those interested, with the information needed to take the next step.

Students are encouraged to think about what they might be interested in for their future college or professional career, and how studying abroad might help students reach their goals.

“Just because we’re in the mountains, doesn’t mean we have to be separated or isolated from the rest of the world,” said Taylor.

For more information about the Study Abroad Fair, contact Russell Taylor at taylorrg@lmc.edu or Dr. Williamsen at Williamsenm@lmc.edu.

Posted in Admissions, Alumni & Friends | Leave a comment

Lees-McRae College welcomes businesses to participate in the Career and Internship Fair October 24

Posted on 8/31/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College welcomes businesses, agencies and organizations to participate in the Job and Internship Fair on October 24 in the Cannon Student Center. For the second year, Career Services is organizing this event to provide students with options for discovering job opportunities available on a seasonal or full-time basis for students who are graduating. The event is also design to help students find internships, apprenticeships and, volunteer and service opportunities as they move forward with their education.

Representatives are needed in the following areas:

  1. Business Administration including any regional business or larger corporation
  2. Creative and Fine Arts including local or regional theatre companies, local art galleries, art supply stores and TV or radio stations
  3. Education including afterschool programs, 4-H and public school systems
  4. Humanities including local and regional newspapers, libraries, cultural-based organizations, history museums or organizations, area churches and faith-based organizations
  5. Nursing and Allied Health including area medical facilities, area hospitals, rehab facilities, pharmacies and physical therapy offices
  6. Science and Mathematics including hospitals, wildlife centers, nutrition-based organizations, nature centers, research and data collection services and afterschool math tutoring programs
  7. Social and Behavioral Sciences including police departments, correctional facilities and local and regional non-profit human service organizations

If you are interested in participating, please contact Russell Taylor at taylorrg@lmc.edu or call 828-898-8770.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, sub featured | Leave a comment

Professor, photographer and author Dr. Michael Joslin releases new book, Mountain Spring: A Personal Journey through the Season in Appalachia

Posted on 8/15/2012 by Site Administrator

“Bitter winters help me realize more fully than ever that spring in the mountains is a good time and place to be alive. Whatever the disappointments or setbacks of the rest of the year, spring brings new beginnings and a season of hope,” writes Dr. Michael Joslin in the introduction to his latest book, Mountain Spring: A Personal Journey through the Season in Appalachia. Recently published by The Overmountain Press, Joslin’s sixth book on the region takes the reader on a meandering journey through Appalachian Spring.

Illustrated with his vivid color photographs, Mountain Spring tells the story of the season, covering everything from the first vernal signs to late snow storms to welcoming hiking trails that take you into the woods and down to waterfalls. Whether he is wandering through the woods looking for the first flowers or early wild edibles or preparing the garden for planting, Joslin shows his eye for detail and his love of the land through prose and photography.

In his 24th year as a professor at Lees-McRae College, Joslin teaches literature, photography, journalism, creative writing and Appalachian studies, and serves as the Director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia. Most of the past 30 years he has spent in the Buladean community in the shadow of Roan Mountain on a farm where he has raised three children with his wife Pam. Chickens, horses, dogs, cats and a continuing stream of wild animals passing through (and sometimes taking up residence) keep their days full.

Mountain Spring presents an eclectic experience of the season as Joslin enjoys it over several years. He features human friends and relatives, like Ralph the reformed moonshiner; Aaron Linville, who descended from the Linville Falls family; Joslin’s son Mitchell, who accompanies him on forays into the forest, and L. G. and David Sheets, who have reconstructed the cave shelter where their forebear hid out during the Civil War. A wide variety of flora and fauna also fill the pages. Sir Walter the dog has a chapter, as do phoebes and possums. Edibles such as ramps, branch lettuce and morels pop up among trillium, lady’s slippers, and trailing arbutus.

Brilliant color photographs illustrate the essays lavishly. You can enjoy simply flipping through the pages, as well as carefully savoring each section. Joslin’s love and appreciation for the mountains comes through clearly as he evokes the season through all the senses.

Mountain Spring is the first in a series of four books which will depict the seasons in the Southern mountains. The book is available through The Overmountain Press (800-992-2691), the Lees-McRae College Bookstore, Twisted Laurel Gallery in Spruce Pine and other booksellers.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, The Arts | 2 Comments

Lees-McRae College announces new May School of Nursing and Allied Health

Posted on 8/15/2012 by Site Administrator

Based on student interest, marketplace demand and the generous donation from Daniel and Dianne May, Lees-McRae College is pleased to offer undergraduate degree programs in Nursing and Allied Health, pending accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

President Barry M. Buxton announced the plans last Wednesday evening to friends and alumni during a reception at the home of Daniel and Dianne May.

“We believe the May School of Nursing and Allied Health can be an important tipping point in the continuing revitalization of Lees-McRae College. There is great student interest in nursing and no shortage of demand for additional health care professionals,” said President Buxton. “This new program will benefit the College and the community by elevating health care in Southern Appalachia. We are grateful to Daniel and Dianne May for their love of Lees-McRae College and their transformational support.”

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), employment for RNs who hold a BSN degree is expected to grow by 22% between 2008 and 2018. In addition, the AACN reports that many healthcare institutions are now requiring RNs to hold a B.S. degree in nursing in order to be hired, sustain employment, and/or to qualify for promotion. This data warrants offering a pre-licensure undergraduate nursing program.

Groundbreaking construction for the May School of Nursing and Allied Health will begin as early as spring 2013 on the campus of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. A new 18,000 sq. ft. facility will be constructed directly across from the main entrance to campus and the Chaffee Administration Building on NC Highway 194.

This state-of-the-art facility will ensure adequate lab space and technology in order to successfully administer the Nursing Program. The facility plan includes two classrooms, a technology lab, two labs for nursing and allied health and six faculty offices. Until the building is complete, pre-requisite courses will be delivered in an alternative academic facility.

The curriculum will meet the requirements of CCNE accreditation. Nursing students will be required to take biology, chemistry, statistics and psychology classes as pre-requisites for entering the Nursing Program, in addition to their general education requirements. Full admittance into the Nursing Program will take place during the sophomore year of study. All nursing students are required to obtain their Certified Nursing Assistance certificate prior to admission into the program along with other academic requirements.

Allied health professions are developing at a rapid rate as the demands of the healthcare industry become more diverse. Lees-McRae College currently offers Athletic Training, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, and Pre-Health Sciences. Possible offerings within the allied health field will fall into the categories of physician assistant, wilderness medicine, community health and physical therapy.

Interested students are encouraged to apply online at www.go.lmc.edu/apply for Fall 2013.

For more information on Nursing, Allied Health and other programs at Lees-McRae College, please visit www.go.lmc.edu/nursingandalliedhealth, complete an inquiry form at go.lmc.edu/admissions or contact Admissions at 800-280-4LMC or admissions@lmc.edu.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Featured | 2 Comments

President Barry Buxton speaks to Mountain Television Network on This Week in the High Country

Posted on 8/14/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College President Barry Buxton recently spoke to Mountain Television Network’s Terry Smith on This Week in the High Country.

President Buxton shared news and updates on behalf of the College during the 30-minute program. Follow this link to watch the interview: http://www.mtn18.com/etc/videos/index.php?amazon_path=interview&video_file=leesmcrae-buxton.flv.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, sub featured | Leave a comment

Former NFL player Leonard Wheeler ’89 to speak at Opening Convocation Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Posted on 8/14/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College will hold the Opening Convocation ceremony on Thursday, August 16 at 3:30 p.m. in the Broyhill Theatre in Hayes Auditorium. Opening Convocation is an important part of the academic tradition at Lees-McRae. Literally a ‘coming together’ of the College community, Opening Convocation celebrates the beginning of the academic year and welcomes new and returning students to campus. Leonard Wheeler ’89, former NFL player, 2011 Lees-McRae College Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and president of Wheeler Enterprises, Inc., will present the keynote address, “Unleash Your Potential.”

Former NFL player turned power player on the coaching circuit, Leonard Wheeler has been a change agent for athletes, high-power executives, and major corporations for the last 12 years. His competitive spirit, power to persuade, and infectious personality have taken him all over the world. From serving on the boards of prominent national organizations to addressing various groups in London, Barcelona, Seville and even the survivors of the Columbine tragedy, Leonard is highly sought after to speak, train, coach and lead. He also starred in the movie Radio, the TV show One Tree Hill, and has been featured on BET and the Word Network for his powerful message. Leonard truly has a gift, as he gives people hope and inspires the masses to reach their full potential in every aspect of their lives.

As the President of Wheeler Enterprises, Inc. and owner of Athletes Institute, Leonard has worked with Capital One, MIT, Vanguard, Bojangles, Ford, National Gypsum, Domtar, AAA, N Group, Carolina’s Medical, Abbott Laboratories, White Knight Engineering, Habitat for Humanity, the NFLPA, and the NFL to name a few. He is a national educational speaker for the National Collegiate Scouting Association, the NFL’s “Fuel Up To Play 60″, and serves on the board of directors for all former NFL players and the NFLPA Finance Committee.

Before evolving into the accomplished speaker he is today, Leonard started his college career at Lees-McRae College, graduating from the then junior college in 1989 and attended Troy University. He played eight years in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and the Carolina Panthers after being selected in the third round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He holds a degree in Business Administration and Communications and is certified by ICF (International Coaching Federation), Coachville, the Robert Hartman Institute in Axiology, which is a quantitative analysis of how people think on paper, “Who Moved My Cheese Change Essentials” and the “The Human Element.”

For additional information, please contact Meghan Wright, director of communications, at (828) 898-8729 or wrightm@lmc.edu.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Dr. Len Indianer presents lecture on his latest novel, The H Factor, August 21 at Lees-McRae College

Posted on 8/13/2012 by Site Administrator

Dr. Len Indianer will present a lecture on his latest novel, The H Factor, Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center on the campus of Lees-McRae College.

An international thriller, The H Factor tells the story of a freakish natural disaster that depletes more than half of the oil supply of the United States. OPEC hikes the price of oil, threatening the economic survival of the U. S. economy. A new American President, R. Gary West, Jr., faces deadly foreign and domestic terrorist attacks as he struggles to save a nation on the verge of collapse.

Marc Garrett and Gerri Miller meet in the first semester of their freshman year at Georgia Tech. Both major in Chemical and Bio-molecular Engineering. They become romantically involved by the second semester and partner for a three-year undergraduate thesis. Their ambitious project involves the design of the “H Factor,” a device which will separate hydrogen from water, convert it into energy, and could eliminate the need for fossil fuels. Their goals are three-fold—improve the environment and reduce global warming, eliminate the United States and its ally’s dependence on foreign oil, and stop the revenues that the oil produces to fund terrorism around the world.

When the H Factor passes its tests on the proving grounds of Universal Motors, Marc and Gerri face unforeseen dangers. Desperate to obtain the technology and unable to block production of the new hydrogen converter, Iranian government officials set in motion plans to forcibly seize it and its inventors. The Israeli Mossad gets wind of this and passes it on to the CIA, who in turn alerts Gerri and Marc. Faced with a deadly confrontation in the midst of global turmoil, the students are determined to survive. Their actions and decisions drive rapidly to a startling conclusion.

Author of The H Factor and the successful novel A Bridge to Elne: Novel of a French Family’s Struggle against the Nazi Occupation, Indianer grew up in Miami Beach, Florida. He attended the University of Alabama and Southern College of Optometry. Before opening his practice in Daytona Beach, Florida, he served as an Air Force Bio-Medical Service Officer for three years.

A long time lecturer on eye-related subjects, he has also lectured on International Terrorism for the past 20 years. He has written two plays, ƩAMMY and A BRIDGE TO ELNE, on which his first novel is based. He and his wife have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Find out more at www.LEIndianer.com. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Meghan Wright at 828 898-8729 or wrightm@lmc.edu.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Preservation North Carolina awards Deborah Buxton and Lees-McRae College with 2012 Carraway Award for restoration of Daniel Boone VI Cottage

Posted on 8/13/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College is pleased to announce that Preservation North Carolina awarded Deborah Buxton and the College a 2012 Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit for the restoration of the Daniel Boone VI Cottage.

The Carraway Awards are presented each year to people and organizations demonstrating genuine commitment through extraordinary leadership, research, philanthropy, promotion and/or personal participation in historic preservation.

Deborah Buxton will accept the award at Preservation North Carolina’s Annual Conference in Asheville on September 21.

Daniel Boone VI Cottage under construction

“We are blessed to have a beautiful campus with many historic native stone buildings that date back to the early 1900s. Our goal is to be good stewards of this historic legacy and do everything we can to restore and rehabilitate these beautiful and soulful buildings,” said President Barry Buxton. “We are therefore especially happy to have received the 2012 Gertrude S. Carraway Award for the restoration of the Daniel Boone VI Cottage from Preservation North Carolina.

This charming structure, built in 1935, is filled with wormy chestnut paneling and hand-hewn beans, four stone fireplaces, Tennessee marble floors, and hand-wrought iron by Daniel Boone VI.

Over the years, the house had fallen into disrepair,but with the vision of Deborah Buxton and the help of countless sponsors, volunteers and designers, the cottage was restored and has become a perfect reflection of the ideal “Appalachian Retreat” filled to the rafters with antiques, exquisite artwork, master crafts, and gorgeous fabrics.

The house was open for tours as a designer showcase in fall 2010, a project that was co-chaired by Dianne Davant of Dianne Davant and Associates and Pam McKay of The Art Cellar. Tours of the house raised funds for building restoration and historic preservation on the Lees-McRae College campus. It is now used as a guest house for campus visitors.

“True to the motto of Lees-McRae College – in the mountains, of the mountains, for the mountains – this charming home has returned to its original purpose and character,” said Deborah Buxton. “It is a showcase for Blue Ridge Mountain talent including artists, craftsmen and designers.”

“I am especially grateful to my wife, Debbie, for leading this effort and to the dozens of community and campus volunteers who made this restoration possible. Their efforts in laying stone, painting, roofing, decorating and furnishing this historic cottage is inspirational and reflects the level of community support for Lees-McRae,” President Buxton said.

For more information about the Daniel Boone VI Cottage and to see a listing of designers and sponsors, visit www.lmc.edu/danielboonecottage.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, Featured | Leave a comment

Alumna of the Month: Sara Travis ’08

Posted on 8/10/2012 by Site Administrator

Sara Travis is originally from Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Lees-McRae in 2008 with a major in Wildlife Rehabilitation and a minor in Psychology. She is currently working at the Palm Beach Zoo, in Palm Beach, Florida as an animal trainer.

“I would describe my experience at Lees-McRae as mind opening, inspirational, and an adventure!” said Sara. “The environmental attitude of everyone there is wonderful and it really made me want to be a steward for our planet.”

Sara chose Lees-McRae College for the Wildlife Rehabilitation program because it sounded like an interesting and, possibly, rewarding line of work. She always knew she was interested in working with animals, but before choosing Lees-McRae, she wasn’t sure what field to go into.

The required wildlife rehabilitation educational programs afforded Sara the opportunity to start working as an educator at the Palm Beach Zoo, of which she later moved into the animal training department. “Through the guidance of Dr. Skeate, Nina Fischesser, and Dr. Pyatte, I learned so much, not just about animals, but also how people affect habitats” said Sara.

“I am so grateful to Lees-McRae for the friendships that were formed, but also for the experiences that made me the person I am today.”

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, sub featured | Leave a comment

REEL ROCK Film Tour returns to Lees-McRae September 13

Posted on 8/10/2012 by Site Administrator

On Thursday, September 13 Lees-McRae College Outdoor Programs will host the seventh annual REEL ROCK Film Tour at 8:00 p.m. in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center at Lees-McRae College.

“We are so excited to be hosting this awesome film tour at Lees-McRae again this year!” said Dee Thomas, director of outdoor programs at Lees-McRae. “We encourage everyone to come early and visit the information booths for product demos.”

According to the REEL ROCK website, REEL ROCK shows are exciting events where climbers and outdoors lovers come together to celebrate the ultimate in adventure filmmaking. Prize giveaways, appearances by top climbers, and fundraising for non-profit organizations are just some of the ways that REEL ROCK events are more than just film screenings.

For the seventh year, Sender Films and Big UP Productions are combining the biggest names in the sport with stories of pushing the limits like never before. From battling Himalayan peaks to a battle on Spanish limestone to establish the world’s first 5.15c. From the non-conformist world of offwidth climbing to the new found fame of the boundary-pushing sport of free soloing. This year’s films are nothing short of intrepid tales that will get your palms sweating from beginning to end.

REEL ROCK founders Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer have been producing and directing climbing and adventure films for over a decade, with devoted audiences around the world. Their work has been featured on NBC, NPR, and The New York Times, and has won a Sports Emmy Award, plus dozens of awards at international film festivals.

After organizing small tours for their individual film releases, Lowell and Mortimer realized the huge demand for exciting live events in the outdoors community and combined forces to create The REEL ROCK Film Tour in 2006.

In 2011, REEL ROCK screened in over 280 locations world-wide, drew over 65,000 audience members, raised over $15,000 for non-profits, partnered with more than 150 retailers, university outing clubs and climbing gyms, and won copious media coverage and critical praise.

This event costs $7.00 at the door and will benefit the Carolina Climbers Coalition and the Lees-McRae College Climbing Team. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. so come early for climbing information and equipment demos.

For more information please contact Dee Thomas at (828) 898-8810 or thomasd@lmc.edu. Learn more about the Reel Rock Film Tour at www.reelrocktour.com.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Celebrated conductor John Clanton to direct music for LMST’s production of Show Boat opening Wednesday in Hayes Auditorium

Posted on 7/30/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is honored to have among its cast and crew renowned conductor John Clanton as the music director for Show Boat opening Wednesday in Hayes Auditorium.

Retired from the U.S. Army as Lieutenant Colonel, Clanton conducted some of the military’s finest musical ensembles, including the U.S. Army Orchestra and U.S. Army Chorus. In his career, he has also conducted the National, Tuscaloosa, Annapolis, San Francisco, Grant Park, Naples, Detroit, Ravinia Festival, Cincinnati Pops and London Symphony Orchestras and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Clanton is a graduate of Furman University and the Eastman School of Music.

In a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Army, Clanton recalls three experiences as the greatest accomplishments of his career; Clanton conducted the state funerals of U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford and the White House State Dinner for Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.

“Those are the three that topped it. It’s not just the music that makes it special, but the people for whom you perform,” said Clanton. “I was there in the middle of history. It is unbelievable to look out at the crowd and see the heads of state. There I was in front of them conducting the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’.”

Clanton heard about Lees-McRae Summer Theatre from longtime friend, Laura Carringer, a seven-season performer for Lees-McRae Summer Theatre (LMST). “Our fathers were both Army chaplains. We’ve been friends since junior high,” Clanton said of Carringer. “She talked to Janet [Speer] and suggested me. I did some research and asked some friends about Lees-McRae, and they all said you should do this. It all came out of the blue, but it was meant to be,” Clanton said.

“It amazes me that with all John’s notoriety he is one of the warmest individuals I know.  It’s easy to work with him and he comes to us with such a wealth of musical information,” said Artistic Director Dr. Janet Speer. “His longtime friend, Laura Carringer, has been associated with Summer Theatre for years and on a ‘lark’ asked him if he was interested. The rest has been a glorious history. We are fortunate indeed.”

The respect is mutual. Clanton said of Speer, “It has been a pleasure collaborating with Janet. She has a huge heart. She’s in that rare category of people; the more you get to know her, the more you like her.”

Clanton has also enjoyed working with the cast and crew of LMST. “I have been so impressed with their talent and preparedness since the first day of Seussical.” Clanton also directed the music for Seussical, the musical. “Everyone has made me feel like part of the group.”

Clanton says Show Boat will be a grand spectacle of a Broadway musical. “People will love it. They really will love it! If you don’t enjoy Show Boat, then you just don’t enjoy musical theatre,” Clanton said.

After Summer Theatre concludes, Clanton will teach a semester at the Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA. “I’m booked through December. After that, I don’t know. I spent the first half of my life completely structured, and the other half may be completely unstructured.”

As for returning to Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, Clanton said, “I’d love to come back. This is a very different experience from the Army, but it’s all music. The energy and enthusiasm has been wonderful.”

“The theatre world is definitely a small one!” said Donna Morgan, managing director for Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. “My husband recently accepted a position in Washington, DC and reconnected with an old college roommate from UNCG who is a currently serving as a member of the Army’s chorus. When I heard that John would be joining us as Music Director for summer theatre and that his background was with the Army Chorus, I immediately asked my husband’s friend if he had known John. He grinned and responded that John had been instrumental in recruiting him to the Army Chorus, and that we couldn’t possibly wish for a finer musician or a finer person to work with us. That prediction has certainly been realized in John’s work with the company this summer. He has become a member of the LMST family and has been an absolute pleasure to work with!”

Show Boat begins Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. and continues through August 5. For tickets, visit www.lmst.lmc.edu or call the box office at 828-898-8709.

Posted in Alumni & Friends, Community, Featured | Leave a comment

Join us for Barefoot and Barbecue on Tate Lawn July 13 from 4-7 p.m.

Posted on 7/2/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College invites alumni and friends to join us on Tate Lawn for Barefoot and BBQ Friday, July 13 from 4-7 p.m. Kick off your shoes and dance to the music from the Nightlife Band and enjoy a barbecue dinner with all the fixins!

The barbecue dinner is $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-9. Children under 5 are free. Enjoying the music on Tate Lawn is free.

R.S.V.P. to Michelle Vance Scott ’86/’90 at scottmv@lmc.edu or call 828-898-2489 by July 9. You can pay over the phone or at the event.

Stick around after the Nightlife Band finishes up for opening night of See How They Run, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s side-splitting comedy that runs through July 20.

This comedy is sure to delight audiences. Director Janet Speer says, “It’s the funniest play I’ve ever directed!”

This fast paced farce centers on a young vicar’s wife who is trying to fit into a small tightly knit town. Set in the background of the Cold War, things go awry when a pompous church matron comes calling unannounced and a male friend of the young vicar’s wife’s past comes to visit.

The story moves into light but misinterpreted scandal, mistaken identities, the mugging of the good vicar, and the church matron’s introduction to heavy drinking (which she has never done before). Throw in another vicar and a witty maid who is a little off and you have a comedy that will make even the grumpiest smile.

For more information about the play, visit www.lmst.lmc.edu.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Alumnus of the Month: Shane Michael Koerber ’04

Posted on 6/29/2012 by Site Administrator

Married to Staci Watson Koerber ’07
Ingalls, NC
Major: Elementary Education

Shane grew up near Banner Elk. Known somewhat as a shy guy, Shane chose Lees-McRae because it is located in the mountains he dearly loves and because of the close-knit atmosphere of the campus. Small classes afforded an opportunity that can’t exist at larger institutions of higher education. Being on a first name basis with professors and not having to compete for academic attention provided a great experience for Shane.

These days, Shane is involved in a Christian Rock band called Relentless Flood. In a few days, he and the band are traveling to Cornerstone Festival in Illinois to perform. “Cornerstone is sort of like a Woodstock for the Christian Rock world,” stated Shane. What is equally impressive about Relentless Flood is that their song, Never Again, is currently in the Top 25, nationally, on christianrock.net and spent five weeks on Billboard’s Top 30 in the Christian Rock category.

“Lees-McRae provided a guy like me an opportunity to meet diverse people. My roommate was in a band, which was really cool to me and my involvement in Theatre Arts classes practically cured my shyness!” said Shane. “I attribute my being comfortable on stage with the band to my experiences at Lees-McRae.”

www.lmc.edu.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Lees-McRae College introduces new Family Association

Posted on 6/29/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College is pleased to introduce the new Family Association, a program designed to inform and engage family members in the life of the College. Efforts are being made by the association to include parents and family members in the Lees-McRae experience by providing an abundance of opportunities for involvement. Parents of LMC students automatically become members due to their current affiliation with the College.

“The Family Association is a great opportunity for families of Lees-McRae students to connect and engage in the life of the institution. The LMC experience isn’t just for students,” said Caroline Hart, Vice President for Advancement.

The mission of the Family Association of Lees-McRae College will be to connect, inform, and support the family members to become partners with the college in the education and development of every student.

“Families are an instrumental ingredient to a successful college experience. The Family Association will afford LMC families the opportunity to be directly involved with campus life. There is lots going on, and we want to share this great experience,” said Hart.

Ultimately the association will work to encourage active interest of families of LMC students in the activities and programs of Lees-McRae College, in order that they may share in the continued development of their students.

A subset of the Lees-McRae Family Association, the Family Council will serve as a vehicle for families of current students to communicate ideas, questions and concerns to the College. These Council members will provide Lees-McRae with direction by studying issues, offering guidance and acting as liaisons. It is planned that Council members will also serve as ambassadors in their geographic area to prospective Lees-McRae College students.

Check the LMC website later this summer for the family tab entirely devoted to the Family Association and the many exciting opportunities it will offer. It will include information about campus events, Banner Elk accommodations, area activities, campus contact information, the academic calendar and much more.

In addition to the website, a Family Association Facebook page is planned to be launched soon as well.

For more information please contact Caroline Hart at (828) 898-8777 or email hartc@lmc.edu.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, sub featured | 1 Comment

Grand opening and dedication of the Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is July 12 at 11 a.m.

Posted on 6/26/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College will celebrate the grand opening and dedication of the Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, on the campus in Banner Elk. The new home of the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute is the first new construction on campus in nearly a decade.

Thanks to a $400,000 gift from Dan and Dianne May, residents of Linville, NC and Bonita Springs, FL, through the Edwin and Jeanette May Foundation, the new 2500 square foot facility opened in April for students, faculty and animals in the program.

With the landscaping and finishing touches going on at the Center now, college officials, faculty and students are ready to show off the new facility along the banks of the Elk River to alumni, friends and the community on July 12.

The new facility will provide an improved atmosphere for students, faculty, wildlife and visitors. One significant improvement is the addition of an education area that keeps visitors out of treatment areas, providing a more enjoyable educational experience.

“The best aspect of our new facility will be the ability to keep the rehab center behind the scenes while still providing an exceptional educational experience for our visitors,” said Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute Director Nina Fischesser. “Also, our students will now have a multipurpose work room that will provide a quiet area away from treatment for the training of animal ambassadors.”

Other improvements to the new facility include a quarantine and intensive care unit for animals that need to be kept in a quiet place. There is also a room dedicated to the study of herpetology, the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles. The Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute at Lees-McRae College is one of the only centers of its kind in western North Carolina that is licensed to care for amphibians and reptiles.

Lees-McRae College offers two unique programs, Wildlife Biology and Wildlife Rehabilitation, for students interested in wildlife with an intense, experiential component, either through field or clinical study, or a combination of both. The Wildlife Biology program has a strong focus on the wildlife and ecology of the Southern Appalachian region and offers numerous courses, such as Mammalogy, Ornithology, Conservation Biology and Natural History of Vertebrates that are not commonly available to undergraduates.

Both wildlife studies programs at Lees-McRae prepare students for a wide variety of careers in the wildlife and animal care fields, including veterinary science, parks and recreation, forestry, zoos and aquaria, fish hatcheries, natural resources and additional graduate work in wildlife and related disciplines. Students have opportunities for numerous internships with nature centers, fish hatcheries, wildlife rehabilitators and area veterinarians while in school.

Educational outreach is another important mission of BRWI. Students and faculty take animal ambassadors, non-releasable wildlife, into local schools and community organizations to educate the community about wildlife conservation and environmental awareness.

Licensed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Institute annually cares for more than 900 injured or orphaned wild animals from western North Carolina. These include animals attacked by cats, hit by cars, gunshot, caught in fences, and a myriad of other human-induced causes. This vital wildlife rehabilitation work includes medical assistance (in conjunction with trained veterinarians), feeding, housing, and supportive care. Fully recovered animals are released in appropriate wild habitats.

The community is invited to attend the grand opening celebration of the Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Center on July 12. The Center is located at 367 Mill Pond Road in Banner Elk. For more information, visit www.lmc.edu or call Meghan Wright at 828-898-8729 or email wrightm@lmc.edu.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, Featured | Leave a comment

Former LMC cycling coach Doug Owen named director of cycling

Posted on 6/26/2012 by Site Administrator

Doug Owen has been named Director of Cycling at Lees-McRae College. In this position, Owen will manage the cycling team and will continue the growth of the cycling studies program.

“Doug understands the larger vision for cycling at Lees-McRae, and he embraces our vision of the bicycle as a vehicle for social change,” said President Barry M. Buxton. “Doug will be very proactive and supportive of the business of cycling curriculum minor degree we have started here at Lees-McRae.”

From 2005 to 2008, Owen served as head coach of the Lees-McRae Cycling Team, during which time he expanded the program from a strong mountain bike team to a four-discipline championship team. During his successful coaching career at LMC, his team won four national championship team omnium titles, two national championship team time trial titles and 15 individual national titles.

Prior to returning to Lees-McRae College as director of cycling, Owen was an inaugural member of the College’s Bicycle Advisory Council, having also served as the chair of the Council from 2010 to 2011.

After leaving Lees-McRae, Owen helped Appalachian State win their first two cycling national team championships, and in August 2009, he opened Cycle 4 Life Bike Shop in Banner Elk. He has been married for 25 years and has two children; one is a rising sophomore at Lees-McRae.

One of Owen’s top priorities is to find a head cycling coach for the program. A search is underway, as Head Coach Luke Winger ’07 resigned this spring to pursue a new career opportunity.

For more information about cycling at Lees-McRae College, visit www.lmcbobcats.com or contact Owen at (828) 898-3432 or by email at owend@lmc.edu.

Posted in Alumni & Friends, sub featured | Leave a comment

Stephenson Lecture Series begins July 11 with storyteller Orville Hicks

Posted on 6/25/2012 by Site Administrator

If you are looking to gain insight into Appalachian culture or seeking to enrich your summer experience, reserve three Wednesdays in July to participate in the John B. Stephenson Lecture Series at Lees-McRae College. Scholar, teacher, humanist and caretaker of Southern Appalachia, John B. Stephenson began his career at Lees-McRae College and rose to be the president of Berea College. He left an enduring legacy of devoted stewardship of the mountains. This series of programs honors his memory and carries forward his devotion to our Southern mountains.

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Evans Auditorium of the Cannon Student Center on July 11, 18 and 25, Lees-McRae College will present a diverse set of programs: storyteller Orville Hicks, regional scholar Dr. Pat Beaver and musician, author, and scholar Dr. Ted Olson will share their expertise with the public in presentations that promise to be both entertaining and enlightening.

On July 11, Orville Hicks will practice his art of telling traditional stories. He comes by his profession naturally. By birth and by breeding, he is the heir of his relative Ray Hicks as the king-of-the-mountain of traditional storytellers.

Ray had a hand in raising and mentoring Orville, but the younger Hicks’ tale-telling roots extend much further back. On his mother’s side he is descended from the legendary Council Harmon, 19th century patriarch and repository of Old World lore. Sarah Hicks, Harmon’s granddaughter, raised her 11 children on Jack tales, oatmeal and cornbread.

“I was the baby, the youngest one of seven boys and four girls. Mom always had a big ol’ pot of oatmeal and a pan of biscuits; by the time it got to me it was about empty. I learnt most of my tales from my mother.

“The stories come down from her side of the family, the Harmon side. Her grandfather was Council Harmon—the tale books give a lot of credit to him,” says Orville who wears the mantle of master storyteller as easily as he does his overalls.

Orville Hicks has told his tales at the Smithsonian Institution, colleges, festivals, and at the recycling center. His traditional stories bubble out as naturally as breathing for the area native.

“We are fortunate to have someone like Orville Hicks to bring to us today the tales of yesterday, told in the same way as mountain masters from the past told them,” said Dr. Michael Joslin, director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae College. “Orville always puts on an entertaining and informative show. His voice is an echo from times gone by that we are privileged to hear. We invite everyone to come to share his tales.”

On July 18, Dr. Pat Beaver, professor of Anthropology and director of the Center for Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University, will present her program “Women and Community Memory.” She has spent many years in the area researching various aspects of mountain community and family, as well as conducting research on similar topics in China, and has written and lectured widely on these subjects.

On July 25, Dr. Ted Olson, professor of Appalachian Studies and an American Folk Music Instructor at East Tennessee State University, will present a program on early recordings of traditional mountain music. This past year he was nominated for Grammy Awards in the categories of Best Historical Album and Best Liner Notes for his work on The Bristol Sessions, 1927-1928: The Big Bang of Country Music, a five-CD box set accompanied by a 120-page hardcover book. He has also written and edited several books on Appalachian music and literature.

“Lees-McRae College welcomes everyone to share these Wednesday evenings with us. We encourage you to experience these sages of Appalachian culture,” said Joslin.

The Stephenson Lecture Series is free and open to the public. Each program begins at 7:00 p.m. in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center as Lees-McRae. For information contact Meghan Wright at (828) 898-8729.

 

 


Posted in Admissions, Alumni & Friends, Community, Featured, The Arts | Leave a comment

Summer Theatre kicks off with Seussical, the musical, June 27; Box office opens June 14

Posted on 5/31/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre will open for the 2012 season on June 27 with the magical and charming Seussical, the musical, a family favorite full of colorful characters from the famous works of Dr. Seuss. The fast paced comedy See How They Run will delight audiences July 13-20, and the Hal Prince version of Show Boat will close the LMST season Aug. 1-5.

Seussical the musicalSeussical lovingly brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think” captures the show’s spirit of imagination, as the colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

Narrated by The Cat in the Hat himself, the story is centered on Horton, the Elephant. Horton is challenged with guarding an egg and while protecting all the people of Whoville, all of who live inside a speck of dust. Today Seussical is believed to be one of the most performed shows in America! Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant in a story that makes you laugh and cry.

Show times for Seussical are June 27-30 at 7:30 p.m., June 28 at 10 a.m., and June 30 and July 1 at 2 p.m.

On July 13, the side splitting comedy See How They Run takes to the Hayes Auditorium stage. This comedy is sure to delight audiences. Director Janet Speer says, “It’s the funniest play I’ve ever directed!”

This fast paced farce centers on a young vicar’s wife who is trying to fit into a small tightly knit town. Set in the background of the Cold War, things go awry when a pompous church matron comes calling unannounced and a male friend of the young vicar’s wife’s past comes to visit.

The story moves into light but misinterpreted scandal, mistaken identities, the mugging of the good vicar, and the church matron’s introduction to heavy drinking (which she has never done before). Throw in another vicar and a witty maid who is a little off and you have a comedy that will make even the grumpiest smile.

Show times for See How They Run are July 13-14 and July 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. and July 18-19 at 2 p.m.

Rounding out the 2012 season is perhaps the most influential musical of the twentieth century, Show Boat. After three film versions, numerous Broadway and London revivals, and countless tours and recordings, legendary director Harold Prince took the helm for a new Broadway production in 1994; this streamlined version became an instant hit!

Based on Edna Ferber’s bestselling novel of the same name, the musical follows the lives of the performers, stagehands, and dock workers on the Cotton Blossom, a Mississippi River show boat, over a span of nearly fifty years, from 1880 to 1927. Show Boat tells the story of a showboat family and their struggles with gambling, race, infidelity and poverty.

Show times for Show Boat are Aug. 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 2, 3 and 5 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available to purchase online now at www.lmst.lmc.edu. The box office will open June 14. For pricing, seating options, and box office hours, visit the website or call the box office at (828) 898-8709.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, Featured, The Arts | Leave a comment

Lees-McRae announces tuition freeze for 2013-14

Posted on 5/30/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College is pleased to announce that there will be no tuition increase for academic year 13-14.  This early decision comes as a result of a continued commitment to providing a quality, affordable education at the highest elevated campus in the eastern U.S.

“We recognize that many families are challenged in these tough economic times and want to do our part to make a Lees-McRae College education both accessible and affordable for our students,” said Ginger Hansen, vice president for enrollment management.  “A college education is one of the best investments a family can make as the earnings potential for college graduates is twice as high as those with only a high school diploma.”

Tuition will remain at $23,450 for the 13-14 academic year.  The college will continue to administer academic and performance based scholarships and generous financial aid packages for qualifying students.  Approximately 95% of Lees-McRae College students receive some type of aid.

The college operates on rolling admissions, so there is no deadline to apply.  In fact, it’s not too late to enroll for Fall 2012.  Visit www.lmc.edu for more details.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, sub featured | 1 Comment

Degrees conferred upon 230 during commencement exercises; Speaker Robert S. Jepson encourages the Class of 2012 to ‘make a difference’

Posted on 5/7/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College conferred degrees upon 230 graduates during commencement exercises Saturday, May 5 beginning at 10 a.m. inside Williams Gymnasium on the campus in Banner Elk.

Mr. Robert S. Jepson, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Jepson Associates of Savannah, GA and a member of the Lees-McRae College Board of Trustees, delivered the commencement address “Making a Difference.”

Jepson addressed the graduates. “If you understand the uniqueness of yourselves, that wonderful power of the human spirit, you can and will make a difference.”

In his address, Jepson identified the operative words and thoughts from a Henry David Thoreau poem that he encouraged graduates to tie into their future lives: dreams, confidence and determination, direction, leadership, and success – each being important for those who wish to be a player in the game of life.

“If you want to be a player, the game of life is waiting, and, I promise you, it is fascinating. Many of the rules are made up as we go. There are no formal teams, but teamwork is absolutely essential. We do not choose sides, but rather we play positions which shift regularly. The game is as competitive as you wish.

“The more you desire to achieve, the greater the competitive task and the greater the level of necessary commitment. I encourage you to choose to be one who will make a difference, and let me share a secret with you – once you are on the field, you are hooked; you cannot be dragged away. Why? Because every true player knows that the only losers in the game of life are those who do not try,” he said.

Jepson concluded his speech with a charge to the Class of 2012. “Well, graduates, the world outside is waiting for you. With wings on your feet, run to it! And when you get there, tell them that Lees-McRae sent you!”

President Barry Buxton conferred upon Jepson an honorary doctorate of business administration before his address.

“Dr. Buxton and distinguished faculty, the greatest recognition an education institution can bestow upon an individual is the Honorary Doctorate. The degrees are never given lightly, and I can assure that this honor is not received lightly. I will hold it close all of my days,” Jepson said.

At the conclusion of Jepson’s address, degrees were conferred upon the 230 graduates by President Buxton. Then, Alumni Board President Catherine Button Campe ’89/’91 inducted the Class of 2012 into the Alumni Association.

Campe said, “It is my honor to welcome each and every one of you into the alumni association. As you go forth in life, it is my hope that you will remember and cherish your alma mater. You are now part of a long legacy of graduates who strive to make a difference in both their community and the College. Congratulations, Lees-McRae alumni.”

Near the end of the ceremony, President Buxton honored two graduates with the H.C. Evans, Jr. Fidelity Award. Named after the late Dr. H. C. Evans, ninth president of Lees-McRae College, the Fidelity Award recognizes academic excellence, campus citizenship, friendliness, and service to the college and community. The recipient is selected by the graduates themselves, approved by the faculty and administration, and represents the highest ideals of the graduating class. Dr. Evans, after whom this award is now named, used to refer to the Fidelity Award recipient as “Mr. or Miss Lees-McRae College.”

Charles Fernsell, a religious studies major and FBI hopeful, received the main campus Fidelity Award for his campus contributions including being a member of the honors program and Order of the Tower, a resident assistant, president of Alpha Chi Honor Society, a Student Ambassador, and a tutor for the Burton Center for Student Success.

Stephanie Beasley Haymore was awarded the Fidelity Award for extended campus students. A native of Surry County, Haymore is an elementary education major, a peer adviser in her Surry Community College cohort and worked closely with students, faculty and administrators at Westfield Elementary School and White Plains Elementary School in Surry County.

About the Speaker

Robert Jepson is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jepson Associates, Inc., a private investment firm which he founded in 1989. He was formally chairman and CEO of the Jepson Corporation, a Fortune 500 diversified manufacturing conglomerate, listed on the NYSE, which he sold in 1989. In 1993, he became Chairman of Kuhlman Corporation, also a NYSE listed diversified manufacturing company, where he engineered a restructuring that resulted in the successful sale of the company to Borg-Warner Automotive in 1999.

Mr. Jepson and his wife, Alice Andrews Jepson, focus much of their philanthropy on higher education and are known benefactors in the field. Among their most notable contributions is the University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies, founded in 1992. The school is the only one of its kind in American academia. Mr. Jepson earned two degrees from the University of Richmond: a B.S.B.A. in 1964 and an M.S. in Commerce in 1975. The University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree in 1987, the Alumni Award for Distinguished Service in 1992, the Trustee Distinguished Service Award in 1994, and the President’s Medal in 2002. In 1996, the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society awarded him the Medallion for Entrepreneurship. In 2008, The National Leadership Honor Society of Omicron Delta Kappa presented him with their Laurel Crowned Circle Award. He has also been awarded honorary degrees by eight other American institutions of higher education.

Mr. Jepson currently serves on the Board of Dominion Resources, Inc., in Richmond, Virginia, and is a member of the Dominion Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. He also serves on the Board of the Georgia Ports Authority in Savannah, Georgia, where he is Vice Chairman and serves on the Audit Committee. In addition, he is Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, a Member of the Board of Trustees of The Georgia Historical Society, all in Savannah, Georgia, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Mr. Jepson and his wife, in co-partnership with Mr. and Mrs. John Kane and Mr. and Mrs. Curtis G. Anderson, founded the Savannah Educational Alliance. This scholarship program provides full scholarships at Savannah State University for 24 graduates of the Savannah School System. In addition, Mr. Jepson and his wife have provided scholarships and professional stipends at Gonzaga University for the past 30 years.

In former years, he has served on the Boards of numerous NYSE listed companies, including Washington Water Power Company, Hecla Mining Company, and AGL Resources, Inc., as well as local and State charities in Georgia, including the Georgia Cancer Coalition. He has also previously served on Boards of Trustees of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Jepson is listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, Who’s Who in the South & South West, and Who’s Who in the South & South East.

Mr. Jepson holds an airline pilot’s license and is a certified diver. He and his wife, Alice Andrews Jepson, have two sons and five grandsons.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, sub featured | Leave a comment

LMC student Walter Ford selected as finalist in ASU’s Appalachian Adventure Achievement Award

Posted on 5/3/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae student Walter Ford was recently chosen as a finalist in ASU’s Appalachian Adventure Achievement Award (A4) for the 17-23 year old division. Appalachian State University’s Outdoor Programs began the award in 2011 and continued the tradition by awarding one of three finalists in each of their two divisions with recognition and prizes onstage at this year’s showing of the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

The award is given to identify and celebrate young people who are actively involved – and thriving – in mountain sports of some kind, and who are giving back to their sport and/or the community in some way. The Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour took place in Boone, NC on March 30-31 in Farthing Auditorium on ASU’s campus.

On Saturday night, March 31, Walter took the stage for the award ceremony and prize giveaway in front of a crowded Farthing Auditorium. Ten of his fellow Lees-McRae students were present at the event, along with Dee Thomas, the director of Outdoor Programs at Lees-McRae College. Each spring Dee takes her most dedicated and outstanding Outdoor Programs student leaders to the Banff Mountain Film Festival for either one or both nights as a way to say ‘thank you’ for the rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking trips that they have led and the outdoor activities and events that they have hosted throughout the year.

Dee said, “By treating LMC student leaders to the event the students have the opportunity to enjoy fantastic outdoor films as well as to meet other ASU students and local adults who are also passionate about outdoor adventures. There are also lots of booths set up by local organizations so that the students can meet the people who make and sell the equipment we use all the time in the Outdoor Programs.”

For Walter, the Banff Festival this year provided an exciting, and perhaps slightly nerve-wracking experience. “Truthfully, I was completely horrified about getting on stage. There were over seventeen hundred people in Farthing Auditorium, and being in front of all those onlookers was quite intimidating,” said Walter. “But once my name was called and I got up there, I somehow managed to relax. I realized that though there were many, the people in the audience really were just people, and that I shouldn’t feel nervous but excited and privileged for making it as far as to become a finalist.

“It’s such a compliment because you don’t apply for the A4, you are nominated. Then you are reviewed by a whole group of people and if they feel you meet the standard, you become a finalist. I was one of three chosen for my age group, and so for their committee to look at all the things that I’ve done during my time here at Lees-McRae and think me worthy is an awesome feeling,” he continued.

Walter, a dedicated rock climber, knows the feeling of being anxious very well. “What I felt at Banff before I got onstage is also how I feel before competitions. I am fine until the moment I see the wall in front of me, and then those nerves start to kick in. But once I start climbing and interacting with my teammates, the nerves relax and it turns to focus.” Although Walter did not receive the main prize, he learned that he was the first African American male to be selected as a finalist for the A4 Award. Walter said, “That was an honor in and of itself.”

Dee Thomas, who nominated Walter for the A4 award, said that she was proud to nominate Walter because he truly represents a student deserving of this award. Dee stated, “I have seen Walter take on personal challenges and grow so much in his technical skills and leadership ability since becoming involved with Outdoor Programs clubs and academic classes. I knew he might be nervous on stage, but this was a wonderful opportunity for him to be recognized for all of his achievements.”

And there is no shortage of achievements for Walter, who was not only a co-captain of the LMC Competition Rock Climbing Team, but now the sole captain. He is also a member of Order of the Tower, he is an LMC Climbing Wall Instructor and Manager, and he is also the co-coach of the LMC Kids Climbing Team, which is a completely voluntary project that works with local kids. With this busy of a schedule, it might be surprising to learn that Walter still climbs four to five times a week.

“Now that I’ve gotten into rock climbing,” Walter says “it’s something I can’t imagine myself not doing. Wherever I end up settling down is definitely going to have to be near climbing areas, whether indoor or outside.”

And he does it quite well, according to Dee. “Walter is a natural athlete, so he picked up climbing his freshman year quickly, and hasn’t stopped since.” This love of climbing has helped develop his love of the outdoors, which is a key factor in his nomination for the Appalachian Adventure Achievement Award. Dee added, “The selection committee looks for young people who are committed not only to an adventure sport, but for those students who are also committed to helping others to develop their skills and strive to maintain and protect the beautiful mountains that provide the rock climbers with these challenges.”

Walter has had quite the school year, and if the A4 wasn’t enough, he picked up six awards at the Outdoor Programs Award Banquet which took place on April 26. One of the honors that he received was an award in his name to be given out annually.

“The name of my award is the ‘Walter Ford Above and Beyond Leadership Service Award.’ It will be given out to deserving students even after I’m gone, and I have no words to describe how that feels. For someone to feel that you’ve done enough of a job to deserve this type of recognition and that you have set a standard is touching. It lets you know that all the time and effort that you have put in hasn’t gone unnoticed or under-appreciated, and that means a lot to me.”

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, sub featured | 1 Comment

Athletic Training Education reaccredited by Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education

Posted on 5/1/2012 by Site Administrator

Athletic Training Education program has been reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education. The program will not need another onsite visit until 2020-21.

“Extending the reaccreditation date is a testimony to the high quality curriculum of our Athletic Training Education program (ATEP) and the diligent work of our Athletic Training faculty and staff,” said Dr. Kacy Crabtree, vice president for academic affairs.�

Rita Smith serves as the Program Director of ATEP and Bradley Huff is the Clinical Supervisor.  Jill Sparrow, Joe Hawkins and former employee, Michael Nyquist complete the team.

Athletic Training is an allied health field. The “Standards of Accreditation” are endorsed and supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Orthopaedics Society for Sport Medicine and the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, sub featured | Leave a comment

Alumnus of the Month: James “Jim” Edward Mahan ’59

Posted on 4/30/2012 by Site Administrator

“Every now and then someone unexpected stops by the Alumni House and we remember why we love Lees-McRae so much. The other day was one of those days,” said Michelle Vance Scott ’86, ’90, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations.

Jim Mahan is a proud member of the class of 1959 and is hoping to add to his already prolific and successful résumé by running for the office of governor in North Carolina.

Mahan is from Charlotte and graduated from East Carolina University after attending Lees-McRae College where he played football and tennis.

When asked about his perception of his Alma Mater, he stated, “My heart is still here. I love LMC’s heritage; I love that there is still a sense of community on campus. When I was a student, I was amazed at the genuine and diverse student body—classmates and friends that I still hold dear even after all these years.”

In reference to the current Class of 1959 memorial project in front of the North Carolina Building he said, “The entryway into historic campus is beautiful, and I’m so proud of my class for supporting this endeavor. I love knowing that giving to the College truly makes a difference!”

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, sub featured | Leave a comment

Summer School registration open now through May 10

Posted on 4/30/2012 by Site Administrator

Registration for Lees-McRae College Summer School is open now through May 10. Several courses are offered for academic credit and non-credit during the summer term, May 14-July 20.

Courses offered include Appalachian Women, Integrating Photography and Feature Writing, Appalachian Ecology, Small Business Accounting, Financial Decision Making, Investment Management, Appalachian Documentary, Spanish and Latin American Film, and many more.

The cost for community members interested in taking non-credit courses is $85 per course.

Registration for summer school courses is open until May 10. For a full listing of courses and dates, access the course schedule online at www.lmc.edu/academics. Click the link for Summer School. You may also contact the Office of the Registrar at hinshaw@lmc.edu or 828-898-3473.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Commencement exercises are Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m.; Robert Jepson to deliver commencement address

Posted on 4/27/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College will hold Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. at the Williams Physical Education Center. Approximately 230 graduates will become the newest members of the Lees-McRae Alumni Association when degrees are conferred upon them.

Lees-McRae College Board of Trustee member Mr. Robert S. Jepson will deliver the commencement address.

A live webcast of commencement will be available at www.lmc.edu beginning at 9:45 a.m. Check the website for updates.

About the Commencement Speaker

Robert Jepson is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jepson Associates, Inc., a private investment firm which he founded in 1989. He was formally chairman and CEO of the Jepson Corporation, a Fortune 500 diversified manufacturing conglomerate, listed on the NYSE, which he sold in 1989. In 1993, he became Chairman of Kuhlman Corporation, also a NYSE listed diversified manufacturing company, where he engineered a restructuring that resulted in the successful sale of the company to Borg-Warner Automotive in 1999.

Mr. Jepson and his wife, Alice Andrews Jepson, focus much of their philanthropy on higher education and are known benefactors in the field. Among their most notable contributions is the University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies, founded in 1992. The school is the only one of its kind in American academia. Mr. Jepson earned two degrees from the University of Richmond: a B.S.B.A. in 1964 and an M.S. in Commerce in 1975. The University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree in 1987, the Alumni Award for Distinguished Service in 1992, the Trustee Distinguished Service Award in 1994, and the President’s Medal in 2002. In 1996, the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society awarded him the Medallion for Entrepreneurship. In 2008, The National Leadership Honor Society of Omicron Delta Kappa presented him with their Laurel Crowned Circle Award. He has also been awarded honorary degrees by eight other American institutions of higher education.

Mr. Jepson currently serves on the Board of Dominion Resources, Inc., in Richmond, Virginia, and is a member of the Dominion Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. He also serves on the Board of the Georgia Ports Authority in Savannah, Georgia, where he is Vice Chairman and serves on the Audit Committee. In addition, he is Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, a Member of the Board of Trustees of The Georgia Historical Society, all in Savannah, Georgia, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Mr. Jepson and his wife, in co-partnership with Mr. and Mrs. John Kane and Mr. and Mrs. Curtis G. Anderson, founded the Savannah Educational Alliance. This scholarship program provides full scholarships at Savannah State University for 24 graduates of the Savannah School System. In addition, Mr. Jepson and his wife have provided scholarships and professional stipends at Gonzaga University for the past 30 years.

In former years, he has served on the Boards of numerous NYSE listed companies, including Washington Water Power Company, Hecla Mining Company, and AGL Resources, Inc., as well as local and State charities in Georgia, including the Georgia Cancer Coalition. He has also previously served on Boards of Trustees of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Jepson is listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, Who’s Who in the South & South West, and Who’s Who in the South & South East.

Mr. Jepson holds an airline pilot’s license and is a certified diver. He and his wife, Alice Andrews Jepson, have two sons and five grandsons.

Posted in All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community | Leave a comment

Two Lees-McRae students chosen to participate in Wake Forest University’s Summer Management Program

Posted on 4/26/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae junior Lindsey Bush and senior Inee Ader will join 110 undergraduate students from throughout the Southeast to participate in the Summer Management Program at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem May 29-July 3.

Lindsey and Inee received notification on April 17 that they had been accepted into the Summer Management Program. The Summer Management Program, a five-week program, provides business education opportunities for undergraduate students who are not majoring in business or a related field.

The program is designed for students pursuing studies in the liberal arts and sciences and who desire to challenge themselves to become more competitive on graduate school applications and in the job market. Acceptance is based on four criteria: academic success, leadership achievements, being classified as a rising junior or senior, and academic major.

A junior honor student from Catawba, NC, Lindsey is majoring in Pre-Professional Biology, preparing for graduate school so she can become a physician assistant. Lindsey is a Resident Assistant, member of Order of the Tower, and an intern in the Office of the President.

Lindsey said, “I am thrilled and honored to have been accepted into the Summer Management Program. I am so thankful for all the help and support I have received from my professors and the LMC community. I hope that the Summer Management Program will introduce me to the business and management skills needed to apply in the workplace as a physician assistant.”

Inee, a senior from Santa Fe, NM is majoring in Pre-Professional Biology. She is a Bonner Leader with AmeriCorps and President/Captain of the Lees-McRae Quidditch Team/Club. In addition, Inee is an honor student and cyclist. After graduation, Inee plans to pursue her Master’s degree in Naturopathy.

In discussing her recent acceptance into the Summer Management Program, Inee said, “I am very excited to be invited to attend such a prestigious summer program and am looking forward to making new connections. The experience I will gain will no doubt contribute to all my future endeavors of opening my own Naturopathic clinic, and will prepare me to view business with a new eye of understanding. By combining this business insight with my future knowledge of Naturopathic medicine, it will allow me to thrive in an age where society is finally getting fed up with conventional allopathic medicine.”

Both students will have the opportunity to further their education through a robust study in business. The curriculum for the Summer Management Program consists of courses such as Accounting, Business Law, Business Life Skills, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information System Management, Marketing, and Strategic Management.

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kacy Crabtree, said “I am excited about the partnership formed between Lees-McRae College and Wake Forest University. This is an educational opportunity for our students to gain new knowledge and skills, understand the value of business education, and learn strategies on how to transfer business concepts into their chosen career path.” The concept of a partnership stemmed from mutual professional conversations between biology adjunct faculty Steve Saunders, Star Kepner, Chair of Business Administration, and Steve Reinemund, Dean of the Schools of Business at Wake Forest University.

Posted in Admissions, sub featured | Leave a comment

Lees-McRae offers a variety of camps this summer

Posted on 4/20/2012 by Site Administrator

Lees-McRae College offers a variety of summer camps for students who seek excitement both in and out of the classroom in a summer climate that is unrivaled. Whether they hit the bike trails or take to the stage, Lees-McRae has a camp for your child in a safe and enriching environment.

Lees-McRae is featuring three academic summer camps for rising 9th-12th grade students, day camps for younger children and athletic camps for students of many ages.

Lees-McRae College will host the Creative and Performing Arts Camp (CAPA) June 23-29 on the campus in Banner Elk. CAPA is a model arts program for rising 9th-12th grade students. Participants in this camp will discover and explore a wide range of arts experiences including, but not limited to acting, costuming, dance, improvisation, make-up, music, performance, script writing and set design and how all of these theatrical elements work together. The camp will culminate in a performance at the end of the week for family, friends and the college community.

Discovering ones creative potential and individual self in relationship to the world in which they live, work, and play is essential to the creative and performing arts experience. The faculty and staff of CAPA greatly value quality education and arts experiences for all youth. The National Standards for Arts Education underpin the camp curriculum.

Offered June 24-29, the Outdoor Adventure and Nature Camp is designed for rising 9th-12th grade students who have an interest in learning and exploring the outdoor environment. Participants will have the opportunity to study in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, a natural setting for hiking, backpacking, camping, swimming and ziplining.

The camp will provide participants with insight into wildlife rehabilitation at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute and field biology at the Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station, both located on the campus of Lees-McRae College.

Lees-McRae is offering a Wildlife Rehabilitation Camp at the brand new Daniel and Dianne May Wildlife Center July 8-13. This camp provides high school students an opportunity to experience the academic side of the Wildlife Rehabilitation program and work with patients at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute. The camp is designed for motivated students and will feature lectures and labs on wildlife rehabilitation and natural history. Each day features hands-on learning at the Institute.

Participants will work with wild mammals, songbirds, raptors, and reptiles. The camp is definitely not all work and no play as participants will engage in day hikes, campfires, and swimming.

Athletic camps include basketball, road cycling, mountain biking, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball. Ages and genders range, so visit the website at www.go.lmc.edu/summercamps for details.

Day camps for younger children include Camp Bobcat, an 8-week day camp offered June 4-Aug. 3, and CAPA for younger students June 18-22 and June 25-29.

For pricing and additional information about any of the camps offered at Lees-McRae College, visit www.go.lmc.edu/summercamps or contact Ben Austin at 828-898-8772.

Posted in Admissions, All College News, Alumni & Friends, Community, sub featured, The Arts | Leave a comment