Alumni
Georgia Southern Announces Fall 2015 Commencement Speakers
Georgia Southern University will hold its 24th annual Fall Commencement with three commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 11, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., at Hanner Fieldhouse, 590 Herty Drive.
Kathy Bradley will address graduates in the 9 a.m. ceremony for the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies and College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Bradley is an author, speaker and prosecuting attorney who lives and works in Bulloch County. She is a cum laude graduate of Wesleyan College where she received an A.B. in American Studies and the Walter F. George School of Law of Mercer University where she received a J.D. degree. Her first book, Breathing and Walking Around: Meditations on a Life, published by Mercer University Press, received the Will D. Campbell Prize for Creative Nonfiction in 2010, and in 2013 she was named Georgia Author of the Year in Essay. Her second book, Wondering Toward Center, will be published by Mercer University Press in spring 2016. She is a former adjunct faculty member of Georgia Southern’s College of Business and currently serves on the University’s Department of Writing and Linguistics advisory board.
Lonice Barrett, special assistant in the Office of Gov. Nathan Deal, executive director of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Foundation and a 50-year alumnus of Georgia Southern, will speak at the 11 a.m. ceremony for the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Information Technology and College of Health and Human Sciences. Barrett has served the administrations of eight Georgia governors, beginning with the late Gov. Lester Maddox, and has served twice as the Department of Natural Resources Commissioner. He currently serves as Gov. Deal’s appointee to and chairman of the State Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees and chairman for the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority. A longtime civil servant, Barrett has received numerous awards including the National Governor’s Association (NGA) Distinguished Service to State Government Award, Georgia TREND Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Georgians list in 2006 and election to the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Hall of Fame. His dedication to Georgia Southern earned him the 1990 Alumnus of the Year award for the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Barrett received a bachelor’s in recreation administration from Georgia Southern and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in parks and recreation from Georgia State College. Today, the 108-acre “Lonice C. Barrett Lake,” a public fishing lake in Perry, Georgia, is named in his honor.
Maj. Gen. Leslie C. Smith will address graduates at the 1 p.m. ceremony for the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, College of Education, College of Business Administration and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health. Smith received his commission in the U.S. Army from Georgia Southern in 1983 as a Field Artillery Officer and currently serves as Deputy to the Inspector General for the Office of the Secretary of the Army. Previously, he served as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Other commands include leading a Field Artillery Battalion, a Chemical Battalion and a Chemical Brigade. During his extensive and impressive military career, he has received numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Senior Parachutist Badge. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Georgia Southern and was a distinguished military graduate and branched as a Chemical Officer. He also holds a M.S. in administration from Central Michigan University and a master’s in national security strategy from the National Defense University.
The 24th annual Fall Commencement will mark the first ceremony members of the Double Eagle Society will be recognized at the beginning of each of the three ceremonies. This new incentive program and joint initiative between the University’s College of Graduate Studies and the Alumni Association includes alumni who have earned two or more degrees, one undergraduate and one graduate degree or two graduate degrees, from Georgia Southern. For more information on the Double Eagle Society, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/doubleeagle.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu
Georgia Southern’s Shooting Sports Education Center Opens
The Shooting Sports Education Center (SSEC) at Georgia Southern University, a state-of-the-art instructional facility dedicated to the shooting sports, is open to students and the public. The facility includes training rooms, an archery center and a firearms range. The SSEC is located at the edge of the University’s campus on the corner of Old Register Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway (3271 Old Register Road). A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 10:30 a.m.
The SSEC is the only facility of its kind on a college campus dedicated to providing exceptional education in archery and firearms, and to developing the knowledge and skills necessary to enjoy lifelong participation in shooting sports. With a public indoor archery center and a firing range, it will provide new experiences for many students and community members by serving as a comprehensive center for education, training, competition and recreation. The facility also provides a much-needed indoor space for the University’s championship-winning archery club team and the University’s women’s varsity NCAA rifle team to practice and host competitions with seating for visitors.
“The educational experiences in the shooting sports we will be able to provide for our students, community and region through this facility may be the only time an individual will have the opportunity for suchan experience,” said Gene Sherry, executive director of Georgia Southern’s Campus Recreation and Intramurals (CRI). “In addition, this resource will allow many individuals to participate and hone their skills in the very popular American pastime of recreational target shooting.”
Courses in archery and firearms are taught at the SSEC by trained and certified SSEC personnel. Current education programs include safe shooter training for firearms and archery, introductory classes for archery and firearms, USA Archery level 1 and level 2 instructor certification, U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) concealed carry course and National Rifle Association (NRA) basic pistol class. Introductory class materials and length are tailored to youth, collegiate or adult audiences and course fees begin at $15. A student discount rate is provided.
Construction of the 30,000-square-foot facility began in December 2014. The building features two spacious training and seminar rooms, an archery center and firing range. Behind a glass wall, the 16-lane, 25-meter archery center accommodates 64 archers with additional spectator seating. The 16-lane, 25-meter firearms range, divided into two bays of eight lanes each, provides for state-of-the-art firearms training. Each of the 16 lanes include an automated target retrieval system and eight lanes are equipped with turning targets, ideal for law enforcement training. In addition, it is equipped with a cutting-edge target system designed specifically for precision or Olympic-style shooting identical to the system used in the 2012 London Summer Olympics. The leading edge ventilation system, designed specifically for indoor firing ranges, ensures the air turnover rate virtually eliminates exposure to airborne lead.
The SSEC is the newest high quality recreational outlet at Georgia Southern,which is already home to the 215,000-square-foot award-winning Bruce and Kathryn Grube Recreation Activity Center (RAC). The RAC is positioned on the 70-acre M.C. Anderson Park, a corner of campus that boasts 20 acres of outdoor lighted recreation fields, outdoor basketball courts, one mile of walking/running paths, and an 8,000-square-foot covered pavilion.
The SSEC is a partnership between Georgia Southern and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Georgia Southern’s prime location in southeast Georgia is favorable for representing and providing education on the shooting sports. The University’s infrastructure and ability to provide exemplary education and training assures that the facility and its programs are administered with the highest standards.
“This state-of-the-art shooting facility, providing both public and collegiate access to this growing recreational and athletics interest, was made possible through our partnership with Georgia Southern University,” said Dan Forster, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Resources Division director. “It is through range partnerships like this that we can serve our customers and increase opportunities to experience shooting in Georgia.”
The project was funded by private donations to the University, support from the Easton Sports Development Foundation, the City of Statesboro, the Archery Trade Association and a $3.3 million grant, secured by the DNR, ensuring that the University can offer this opportunity to students without increasing student fees.
“We are very excited to open this facility that has such great educational and economic development opportunities for our students and community, said Teresa Thompson, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “We are grateful for the support our partners have provided to us and look forward to showcasing this world-class facility to the nation.”
Prior to using the SSEC, all students and members of the public must first become an approved user of the facility unless registering for an introductory course. The approved user authorization process is contingent on successful completion of the in-person application for authorization; a background investigation; viewing of the Range Safety orientation video; a written exam on the SSEC’s range safety and procedures for firearms, archery or both; and a hands-on practical exam under the supervision of an SSEC official for firearms, archery or both.
Individuals wishing to use the SSEC but who are unable to successfully pass the written or practical exams (or both) will be required to take the safe shooter training class in firearms or archery during which they will learn the required skills and knowledge to become an approved user. Upon successful completion of the course and background check, they will be authorized to use the SSEC.
The SSEC enforces age restrictions for both the archery center and firing range. The archery center requires individuals to be seven years or older and accompanied by an adult if under the age of 14. The firearms range is available for individuals 10 years or older and individuals ages 10 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult who is an “approved user” or an “approved user – firearms.” In addition, youth must have written permission from a parent or guardian to use a firearm.
Storage space of personal firearms and archery equipment is available for rent at the center and is accessible by SSEC personnel only. Patrons are encouraged to utilize the firearms and archery equipment available for rent through the center.All firearm rentals must use ammunition purchased from the center.
All current weapons laws related to firearms on campus remain and apply to approved users of the facility. It is unlawful for anyone to bring a firearm or a bow into the facility without prior authorization or arrangement. Individuals attending the facility to seek authorization as a user of the facility should not bring their firearm or bow.
For more information and hours of operation, visit recreation.georgiasouthern.edu/ssec.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
Georgia Southern’s Performing Arts Center presents “The Reduced History of Comedy (abridged)” on Sept. 26
The Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Georgia Southern University is excited to present the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s performance of “The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)” on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 pm.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a three-man comedy troupe that leads the audience through 105 minutes of fast, funny, and physical sketches exploring what makes us laugh, including wordplay, music, improv and everyone’s new favorite comedy bit, the top ten list. Called “the Bad Boys of Abridgment,” they have performed the world over, including off-Broadway and at the White House, the Kennedy Center and London’s West End.
Their performance of “The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)” has been called “a non-stop laugh fest” by critics. While covering comedy through the ages from the Greek master of laughs – Aristophanes, to Shakespeare, the era of vaudeville, Charlie Chaplin, and “The Daily Show,” the play answers important fundamental questions such as “why, in fact, did the chicken cross the road?”
Tickets may be purchased through the PAC Box Office by phone (478-7999) or in person (847 Plant Drive), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets also are available for purchase online at www.georgiasouthern.edu/pac by clicking the eTix logo.
Detailed show information and ticket prices, as well as pictures and video clips can be found on the PAC website at www.georgiasouthern.edu/pac.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
42nd Annual ‘A Day for Southern’ Campaign Breaks Another Record to Raise More Than $2.3 million
(left to right) Lissa Leege, Ph.D., director of the Center for Sustainability and faculty co-chair of the on-campus campaign; Gloria Goosby, director of Annual Giving; Salinda Arthur, vice president for University Advancement and president of the GS Foundation; Interim University President Jean E. Bartels, Ph.D., RN; Anthony Water, community chair for A Day for Southern; Frank Hook, Athletics Foundation director of special projects; and Robert Meguiar, training coordinator in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and staff co-chair for the on-campus campaign
Georgia Southern University’s 42nd annual A Day for Southern fundraising campaign has raised $2,335,990. This marks the third straight year the campaign has raised more than $2 million and broken the prior year’s record. Last year’s record was $2,221,424.
“We are very grateful that once again the community has supported Georgia Southern in such an incredible way,” said Interim President Jean E. Bartels, Ph.D., RN. “To break another record is remarkable and we look forward to continuing to provide unparalleled educational experiences for our students.”
Statesboro and Bulloch County businesses along with Georgia Southern faculty, staff, students, retirees and alumni donated to the campaign as a way to show their support for the University. The gifts received support University programs not funded through state dollars, allow students to achieve academic excellence and support outreach centers such as the Center for Wildlife Education, the Georgia Southern Museum, the Garden of the Coastal Plain and state-of-the-art facilities and programs that attract and support research and scholarships.
Jenny Shaffer, a University Honors Program student and scholarship recipient, credits support fromA Day for Southern for helping in the pursuit of her educational dreams.
“I can honestly say that my college career has been significantly and positively impacted by the outstanding scholarship support I’ve been blessed to receive at Georgia Southern,” said Shaffer. “With the help of scholarships — funds that were primarily raised through A Day For Southernefforts — I was able to study abroad in Germany last summer and return to complete a three-month long research internship. I never imagined that I would be able to experience my dream internship while in college!”
Alumnus Anthony Waters, a Bulloch County native and co-owner of L.A. Waters Furniture Company, served as the community chair for this year’s campaign. Lissa Leege, Ph.D., director for the Center for Sustainability and professor in the Department of Biology, served as the faculty co-chair. Mr. Robert Meguiar, training coordinator in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management served as the staff co-chair. Two hundred volunteers from the University and the community supported their efforts.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
Georgia Southern’s Garden of the Coastal Plain Named to Top 50 List
The Garden of the Coastal Plain at Georgia Southern University has been named to a list of the 50 most amazing university botanical gardens and arboretums in the U.S. by BestOnlineColleges.org.
The Garden at Georgia Southern boasts over 11 acres of gardens on the early 20th century farmstead of Dan and Catherine Bland. Woodland trails, a landscape garden of coastal plain natives, an arboretum, a children’s garden, 20th century farm buildings, the Rural Life Museum and a native azalea collection are just a few of the attractions the garden has to offer.
“It is an honor to be included with some of the world leaders in botanical research and conservation,” said Carolyn Altman, director of the Garden. “Since its inception, the Garden has developed unique and important collections featuring plants native to the coastal plain and engaged the University and beyond in discovering the fascinating life this area produces. We’re about to be adding significantly to the Garden, and encourage visitors from all over to stop in often and explore the wonders of the coastal plain and its culture.”
The list was created using a point system for various accolades including awards, variety of plant species, conservation and education, connected University degree programs and “wow factor.”
Conservation efforts in cultivating over 20 of Georgia’s protected plants and 17 endangered species and the offering of internships, service learning projects and research projects are just a few of the things that stood out about the Garden of the Coastal Plain when being considered for the list.
Other universities mentioned on the list include Louisiana State University, University of Delaware, University of Kentucky and the University of Michigan among others.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125-degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu