2019 SPRING MAGAZINE
Students become polished professionals with help from AU PRO and Center for Career Development College of Business internships, co-ops and events pave the way to full-time positions Christian Ministry Foundation supports students entering full-time ministry
ANDERSON UNIVERSITY
2019 / SPRING MAGAZINE AU Focus
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College of Business internships, co-ops and events pave the way to full-time positions
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AU PRO and Center for Career Development students become polished professionals
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School of Public Service and Administration students bridge generation gaps, prepare for the work force
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20 College of Education
Campus News
AU Family
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AU Update
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Senior Follies director retires, leaves legacy
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Christian Ministry Foundation helps those going into full-time ministry
24 School of Interior Design
Alumni News
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28 AU Diary 30 Jason’s Column
Athletic News
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Trojans in Motion on the courts and in the classrooms
Anderson University Magazine is a publication of the Marketing and Communication Department of Anderson University for alumni and friends. President: Dr. Evans P. Whitaker Editor in Chief: Jonathan Todd Photographers: Tara Ashton, Kelly Godwin, Lynn Guthrie, Jason Jones Photography, John Robert Register
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university happenings...
Campus News
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where the rubber meets the road… on the Journey Dear AU Family, AU business major Charlie Duncan is among our Spring 2019 graduates. With diligence, a concentration in supply chain management, and help from our College of Business, Duncan turned a four-semester co-op with BMW into a full-time engineering and operations management job offer. Before Duncan or any of our graduates enter the job market—or advance with an employer—we strive to give them hands-on experience so they’ll have an advantage in their career journey. As we prepared for our recent 10-year institutional accreditation renewal, we developed AU PRO, a five-year plan to enhance our students’ preparedness so they not only knew intellectually what their careers would demand but would gain experience performing skills for those careers. In this issue of AU Magazine, we scratch the surface of what some of our colleges, schools and Center for Career Development are doing to prepare students for their futures.
• about the mid-career success of interior design graduates Kerry Howard and Susan Peace-Vernon, who started working on projects together after reconnecting at a School of Interior Design networking event • about the College of Education’s networking events that give education students interview practice, pointers on building resumes, and introductions to employers • how the College of Business revamped its internship and co-op program and strives to convert paid internships and co-ops into job offers • about Annette Martin, the retiring director of Senior Follies, a three-decade-running variety show at AU • our new feature AU Update, a selection of must-read news about the AU community that’s curated by AU’s Executive Director of Public Relations Andrew Beckner
In this issue, you can read: • about major job readiness programming that is being coordinated through our Center for Career Development • the AU Diary in which recent education grad Brad Brazell recalls how a change of heart and his campus visit inspired him to attend AU • a story about how the School of Public Service and Administration developed a program that helps younger and older generations learn from each other • how Columnist Jason Rutland says his job in the Office of Development makes him privy to many stories about how AU prepared grateful alumni for the workforce—and how their gratefulness has overflowed into their giving back to AU
• about contributors and beneficiaries of the Christian Ministry Foundation, which raises money for scholarships for AU students pursuing full-time ministry As we prepare our students for the workforce, we can’t rely on our accolades—such as our 2019 recognition from U.S. News & World Report as having the best online bachelor’s program (and online graduate nursing, criminal justice, business and education programs) in Upstate South Carolina. It’s also about where the rubber meets the road; as our students are gaining knowledge, how do they apply it in the field? Please continue to pray and give as the Lord leads to help foster career readiness at AU.
In His service, - Anderson University Magazine
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College of Business internships, co-ops and events pave the way to full-time positions The College of Business’ revamped internship and co-op programs aren’t just about helping students gain work experience. “We want to turn these experiences into full-time jobs,” Dean Steve Nail said. The goal is for students to secure paid internships and co-ops that convert into offers of employment. In just two years the number of internships has doubled, with students spending the semester or summer with a company—not just once during their academic careers but multiple times, as well as part-time during the school year when possible. In addition, the average hourly pay rate for internships has risen from $9.14 in 2016 to $13.57 in 2018. The current pay rate for co-ops is $16.07. “We have really tried to discourage unpaid internships,” Nail said. “If an organization is unwilling or unable to pay for an intern, they probably won’t pay for a
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full-time employee. We want a conversion rate into full-time employment of 75 percent.” Among business majors who graduated in December 2016 and May 2017, 93 percent had jobs or plans for graduate school at the time of graduation.
The “concierge approach” For an internship, students work full-time during the summer. For a co-op, students work full-time for multiple terms. Students can find these opportunities in various ways, especially during a networking event held each semester when at least 30 organizations seeking interns or full-time employees are invited to campus, each one interviewing four to eight students matched by the university to what the organization is seeking from both a competency and cultural perspective. This streamlined “concierge approach” has led to a 100 percent satisfaction rating from the participating organizations. Kyle Brown, who graduated in December with a double concentration in supply chain management and business management,
interned last summer at textile and materials manufacturer Milliken in Spartanburg and then continued there part-time in the fall. He worked on a project to benchmark the company’s costs. p y transportation p
“The knowledge I gained at BMW made my educational experience that much richer in the classroom.”
“ The knowledge I gained at BMW made my educational experience that much richer in the classroom. ” — Charlie Duncan Class of 2019
“The goal was to get a good understanding of where we stood in the market compared to competitors so we could see if we were overpaying or in line with the market,” he said. Each day, he gathered new data on spending and then analyzed it using different software tools specific to the logistics market. The internship led to a full-time position as a corporate logistics analyst. He felt well-prepared by AU, he said, especially with the emphasis on ethics, which is stressed at Milliken. Charlie Duncan, who will graduate in May 2019 with a concentration in supply chain management, turned a four-semester co-op with BMW in Greer into a full-time job. He worked in two different positions during the co-op. The first involved supporting and sustaining new model vehicle production, meeting with a team to make decisions on how to build those cars in real time. The second position involved developing and maintaining a process to manage the flow of prototype cars. His full-time position is in the engineering and operations management development program, which involves eight-month rotations to prepare him for a manufacturing career.
A students in all business concentrations AU have completed internships and co-ops at many organizations, including Bosch, SYNNEX, AnMed and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, as w as in state and local government. well
Students also gain valuable experience and insights through on-campus events hosted by the College of Business. For example, students helped organize and run the university’s first HR conference and had opportunities to attend this half-day seminar on how forgiveness is a strategic advantage in business, and a strategic leaders seminar. Disrupt HR, a national event described as “Ted Talks for HR,” will be held in the spring. A thought leaders mini-seminar series premiered early this year.
Among business majors who graduated in December 2016 and May 2017, 93 percent had jobs or plans for graduate school at the time of graduation.
“I’m a car guy at heart, so getting a position at BMW was not even on my radar entering college but was an unbelievable blessing,” he said. He added that not only did he learn more than he could have imagined during the co-ops, but the co-op experience impacted what he learned back on campus.
Mentorship program During the spring 2017 semester, the College of Business instituted a mentorship program for HR students. Top HR executives from around the state were paired with students and mentored them the entire semester, which included a minimum of one meeting, either in person or virtually, each month.
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AU PRO and Center for Career Development help students become polished professionals
Ensuring that students have the skills to take on jobs
for professionalism,” Austin said. “The dual structure
after graduation means doing more than teaching subject
of the Center for Career Development programs and
matter, AU’s career experts say.
discipline-specific events creates a more integrated, university-wide approach to teaching the much-needed
After meeting with parents, students and other university
skills of professionalism.”
stakeholders, Rebecca Albert, who directs AU’s Center for Career Development, says the center is creating
Albert said the center decided to focus on career-read-
opportunities for students to learn how to become
iness competencies, such as communication, to provide
professionals in their chosen fields.
students with a leg up against their peers in getting jobs in professional environments. Working with students in
As part of the university’s Quality Enhancement
this way means helping them understand how to speak,
Plan (QEP) to provide access to broader undergraduate
how to write and how to dress as a professional, she said,
experiences, the center launched AU PRO, or Anderson University Professional Readiness Opportunities.
“ The dual structure of the Center for Career
“AU PRO is a new program that is special to Anderson University and is designed to prepare students for the workforce through a set of co-curricular opportunities,” Albert said.
Development programs and disciplinespecific events creates a more integrated, university-wide approach to teaching the much-needed skills of professionalism.
”
— Tracy Austin Tracy Austin, the QEP Director and
QEP Director and Associate Director of Center for Career Development
Associate Director of Center for Career Development, said AU PRO gives students a unique opportunity to learn professionalism before they hit the professional world.
which will help them not only shine in their interview, but also put them on a path to success once they get
“AU PRO… is a program unique to Anderson University
the job. So far, the program has been well-received,
and is grounded in the university’s overall mission as it
Albert said.
will instill the values of the servant leader as the model
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Facing Page: Rebecca Albert
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“The Center for Career Development has piloted several
The program has a multi-year approach. Each year,
workshops that cover AU PRO content, and we have seen
from their freshman to junior year, students will focus
tremendous results. Students who attended some of
on different aspects of communication. For instance,
our workshops focusing on professionalism, oral and
in their freshman year, students focus on written
written communication have told us that the information provided has helped them acquire internships or jobs,” Albert said. “AU PRO has been advertised to students and employers, and we have received positive feedback. Employers have expressed their
“AU PRO will not only prepare our students but will also strengthen our partnerships with employers.
”
concerns about this generation lacking the necessary soft skills, and employers are excited to hear that Anderson University
— Rebecca Albert AU’s Director of Center for Career Development
is equipping our students. AU PRO will not only prepare our students but will also strengthen our partnerships with employers.”
communication. And through events with industry leaders, including career fairs, networking events, seminars, and job site tours, students learn more about written communications specific to their industry. These opportunities help students enhance their experience and better position themselves among the hiring
In order to ensure students are ready for professional success, AU PRO focuses on other career competencies as well. They include: • • • • •
critical thinking skills informational literacy technological and digital literacy professional preparedness interpersonal and digital communication skills • collaboration and teamwork dynamics • intercultural and diversity awareness and understanding
professionals when they leave college.
The Center for Career Development provides a myriad of services to achieve these goals from offering workshops to help students gain insight into industries, to creating résumés, to helping students find internships in their fields. And students are taking advantage of them. Last year, nearly 1,000 AU students attended programs at the center.
“We’ve gone through a transition,” Albert said. “But we’re seeing the number of students taking advantage of the programs increase with each new event that we offer.”
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Facing Page: Tracy Austin
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School of Public Service and Administration helps students bridge generation gaps, prepare for the workforce
Instructor of Criminal Justice David Williams, a former
enforcement as a career. Of the 700 job applications he
hiring manager for the Greenville County Sheriff ’s
received a year, he said, only about seven percent actually
Office, wants to give students real-world experience in
made it before an interview board.
law enforcement. The School of Public Service and Administration not “I had been a hiring manager for years, so I knew what
only teaches undergraduate law enforcement, but also
skills candidates are lacking when they come into the
graduate-level management courses to law enforcement
workforce out of college,” he said. “I wanted to make sure
officials looking to advance their careers. Students can
that students, on both the undergraduate level and the
obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or homeland
graduate level, have experience in doing what the job
security and emergency management, or earn a master’s
really entails.”
degree in criminal justice.
Williams said in his days as a hiring manager, he found
For undergraduate students, Williams said, some of the
that many job candidates didn’t realize what the job
skills they were lacking were collaborating with others
entailed or weren’t prepared for the realities of law
older than them, creating and implementing plans, and
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speaking before groups of people. For graduate students,
stress and chaos of the situation like it is in real-life, and
necessary skills were learning how to motivate and engage
not how it is in a typical classroom.”
people in younger generations, and learning how to give meaningful and productive feedback to those working
The goal, he says, is to not only help students to take on
under them.
jobs in law enforcement and criminal justice, but also to have their expectations meet reality.
In trying to determine how to best serve both populations, Williams realized the best idea may be to bring them together. “I put the undergraduate students in positions as public information officers and had them work on their presentation skills with the graduate-level students,” he said. “This helped both groups to
“ I wanted to make sure that students, on both the undergraduate level and the graduate level, have experience in doing what the job really entails.
”
gain that real-world experience that
— David Williams
is needed to be an effective law
Instructor of Criminal Justice
enforcement officer.” Both groups felt the program was not only beneficial but helped them to learn more about
“In my undergraduate years, I will never forget graduating
bridging the generation gap. The idea helped both sides
and having all these expectations like ‘who’s going to call
understand how to communicate with each other, he says,
first and offer me a job,’” he said. “I probably learned
and helped both sides to learn how to better cooperate to
more in that first three months after graduation (about the
improve the end product.
real world) than I did in school. I felt so disillusioned… I am determined that when these students get out there in
Williams and others in the School of Public Service and
the real world that their experience in school is going to
Administration are working on other real-world experiences
help them match their expectations with the reality of
they hope will enhance their students’ understanding of
the workforce.”
what it takes to be effective in their fields. Williams said the school will continue to come up with Another example is an enhanced crime scene investigation
ideas and programs that push the boundaries and give
class that will mimic an actual crime scene.
students the cutting-edge education they need to succeed in the workplace.
“We’ll be incorporating actors into the crime scene to give students a taste of what it’s like to have the radio going off and other officers walking around and media personnel asking questions,” he said. “It’s not finalized yet, but we really want students to have to handle the
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AU UPDATE Curated by AU Executive Director of Public Relations Andrew J. Beckner
Dr. James Duncan, Professor of Communication
Professor’s Shakespeare App shines spotlight on coding program Professor of Communication Dr. James Duncan has created a mobile application to help actors memorize Shakespeare’s eloquent language—and to eliminate mishaps on stage. The app is a transformative development for those directing and performing Shakespeare’s plays, making memorization easier for actors. “The core idea of the app is that it will present you the full text, but then it will hide text progressively as you get better at learning something,” Dr. Duncan said.
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The app’s subtitle summarizes its purpose: “Read. Memorize. Adapt. Publish.” A sleek design allows users to swiftly navigate through the four sections, making it simple for casts and directors to create their own adaptions. Through an in-app purchase, users can upload their adaption to the cloud, making it available to the entire cast. With all of Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays included in the free download, directors and actors have quick access to the material they need for a successful production. Actors may even narrow the focus to their character and the adaptation they are performing. Dr. Duncan’s Shakespeare App is an example of Anderson’s foray into coding instruction. Last year, the College of Arts and Sciences launched a new minor in coding, open to all students. AU collaborated with Apple to develop this Coding and App Development minor, said Vice President of Technology, Online Learning, and Innovation Dr. Benjamin Deaton.
Steven Nail, Dean of the College of Business
Dr. Carol Archuleta, Dean of the School of Nursing
Servant leadership the goal of new College of Business graduate program
School of Nursing dean recognized for excellence in leadership
The Master of Organizational Leadership is a ten-course program that can be completed in as few as 15 months, enabling adult students to finish their degree quickly and affordably while developing leadership skills that put people and purpose first.
Dr. Carol Archuleta, Dean of the Anderson University School of Nursing, was recognized by the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing for excellence in leadership.
Effective leaders who guide organizations with a servant’s heart are in short supply, said Steven Nail, Dean of the AU College of Business, which launched the master’s degree program this academic year.
The Gamma Mu Chapter, which consists of honor society members from AU, Clemson University, and the surrounding communities of Upstate South Carolina, noted her contribution to the society while presenting the certificate of recognition. The award honors her achievement in nursing practice and academic performance.
The ten courses that make up the organizational leadership program are available completely online or through a hybrid format that includes a one-night-per-week, inperson class at AU’s campus at the University Center of Greenville. Five courses come from AU’s MBA program, combined with two electives and three specific to
Membership to the prestigious society is granted by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and exhibit exceptional achievements in nursing.
organizational leadership. (Continued on page 14)
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Left: Dr. Evans P. Whitaker, AU President, Right: Dr. Keith Miller, Greenville Technical College President
AU partners with Greenville Technical College to create bridge program
Video students make the grade at major International film festival
AU has formalized a partnership with Greenville Technical College that will allow GTC students to more easily transfer and complete their studies at AU.
Five College of Arts and Sciences film students recently won a top prize at WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, the oldest and largest film festival in the U.S.
Officials from both schools recently signed an agreement that puts in place the Anderson University Bridge Program, which is intended for Greenville Technical College students who complete an associate’s degree and who wish to transfer to Anderson to complete a bachelor’s program.
Garrett Black, Ashlyn Boudolf, Parker Roberts, Ashley Smith and Mary Hunter Smittkamp, corporate video production students of Assistant Professor of Communication Gorman Woodfin, took home a Bronze Remi for a short film about Golden Harvest Food Bank, a poverty-alleviation program that serves people in Georgia and Upstate South Carolina.
“This agreement represents an incredible opportunity for college students in our region,” said Dr. Evans P. Whitaker, President of Anderson University. “We are so appreciative of our friends at Greenville Technical College, and we look forward to welcoming their students into the AU family.” Under the agreement, Bridge students enrolled in Greenville Technical College’s Associate of Art, Associate of Science and designated Applied Science degrees will sign an intent to transfer to AU. If they meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.50 and earn an associate’s degree, they will be accepted for transfer to AU and will receive advising and academic support that will ensure a successful transition from the two-year college to the four-year university. Merit and transfer scholarships will be available for those who qualify.
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“What really impressed me about the video project was that the people at Golden Harvest liked it so much, they immediately put it on their website,” Woodfin said. “Our students’ work was professional and emotionally moving.” Woodfin attributes the students’ success to college and department-level vision. “A clear departmental vision, combined with the talented young men and women here at Anderson University, is putting our digital media and video production program on the map,” Woodfin said. “To see our students win at a film festival that gave top honors to Spielberg, Lucas, Ang Lee and the Coen Brothers when they were beginning their careers tells me we may very well have a future Lucas or Spielberg studying right here at AU.”
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Retiring Senior Follies Director Annette Martin shaped show and community over three decades
Senior Follies, Anderson University and Annette Martin have been a team for 30 years. While Martin, the long-time director of the Senior Follies, has just retired, the show will go on. It was 31 years ago that Mark Hopkins, then-president of Anderson College, found inspiration in a senior citizens variety show in Brainerd, Minnesota, called Geritol Frolics. He tasked Dr. David Larson, now Dean of
“ People from all over the region know
is funneled back into Henderson Auditorium, which now boasts new sound and lighting systems. Hiring Martin was key to the evolution of Senior Follies, Dr. Larson said. “The most important and successful decision I made was to reach out to her,” he said. “She has been the key player from the beginning. By the fourth or fifth year, Annette was running the show…To me the real beauty is that it allows seniors to do things they never thought they could do.”
about AU as the home of the Senior Follies. There’s nothing like it that’s out there.
”
— Dr. David Larson Dean of The South Carolina School of the Arts
The South Carolina School of the Arts, with creating something similar. A committee wrote a musical called Meet Me at the Klondike Café and recruited volunteer performers from senior choirs, barbershop quartets and even a clogging group. And they hired Martin to direct the music. In year two, the show evolved to a variety show format, and eventually the name changed from Senior Swing to Senior Follies and the age minimum lowered from 65 to 55. Seventy-five performers are chosen during tryouts each fall for the March shows. Tickets sell for $15 and $20. “Most of the...patrons come from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia,” Martin said. “However, we have reached into other states with family and friends of the performers from California to New York! An audience member has come from as far away as Puerto Vallarta, Mexico,” she said. The Senior Follies has performed three times at U.S. Army bases, on cruise ships, at Disney World and Dollywood and throughout the community. Money from ticket sales 16 | CAMPUS NEWS
A good example is Charlie Hayes, an Anderson College graduate now retired from a career as a school principal. “When I auditioned, I told Annette I couldn’t dance and didn’t want to sing solo,” Hayes said. “The first year, she had me doing it all.” Chuck Cape echoes many in calling Martin the heart and soul of Senior Follies. “She’s the nucleus,” he said.
Mary Busey, who completed clown college, is a master comedian and storyteller who got involved after retiring to Anderson 25 years ago. At age 87, she decided to step down along with Martin. But she takes with her many wonderful friendships. While Martin modestly refers to herself as “just the piano player,” she recognizes that Senior Follies has played an important role in her life. “I am paid to direct the show, but my job goes far beyond directing,” she said. “For me, it’s more of a ministry.” “Senior Follies’ impact—under Martin’s leadership—was great,” Dr. Larson said. “It’s a great community outreach,” he said. “People from all over the region know about AU as the home of the Senior Follies. There’s nothing like it that’s out there.”
Facing page lower left corner: Annette Martin
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our faculty and students...
The AU Family
Early classroom exposure, interviewing events help College of Education graduates land jobs quickly
Before Bradley Brazell had completed his freshman year
events in the spring and fall that works to prep students for
majoring in education at Anderson University, he was
getting jobs once they graduate. He said that many students
already getting experience in the classroom.
end up with a job lined up before they graduate, particularly if they’re in a field that’s in high demand, such as special
The Lugoff, South Carolina, native was drawn to AU for its
education or early childhood education.
reputation as a Christian university, but he soon found out the university had a great program for getting him the job
The spring/fall networking events prep students for
he always wanted.
the battery of interviews they’ll face once they start the job-search process, and they give the students pointers on
“Anderson prepared me well for the classroom,” said
building résumés and practicing interview skills with
Brazell, who teaches seventh-grade social studies at
interviewing experts.
Lugoff-Elgin Middle School in the Kershaw County School District in South Carolina.
“The more they interview, the more comfortable they will become,” Hiott said.
The College of Education introduces prospective teachers to the classroom early, matching them with veteran teachers
They always stress professionalism, he said, because
to see what happens in a classroom first-hand.
the networking events do involve actual interviews.
Al Hiott, Coordinator of Education Field Partnerships,
The Fall Networking Event hosts school districts from
said that AU coordinates a series of interviewing and hiring
around the region. The Spring Networking Event hosts
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districts from around the entire Southeast, with school
AU alumna Megan Middleton fell into her niche by her
districts coming from as far as Florida. AU also works with
senior year. She said she was able to pick from a district and
districts from students’ hometowns, often helping them
a general grade level, but she wasn’t really sure what she was
land jobs back home.
getting into. She ended up in fifth-grade math. It was there she realized she wanted to stick with elementary education.
Hiott said with the teacher shortage, school districts are seeking new talent, and he said about 90 percent of the
She started her freshman year working with many of the
graduates get jobs in their chosen fields within the
area’s surrounding districts. By the time her senior year
first year.
rolled around, she had a number of contacts. The Columbia, South Carolina, native didn’t know the area when she
He also said the Center for Career Development on
came to Anderson, but the networking helped her become
campus works with graduates closely.
well-acquainted with the Upstate. By the time she graduated, she had
“
The Fall Networking Event hosts school districts from around the region. The Spring Networking Event hosts districts from around the entire Southeast, with school districts coming from as far as Florida.
”
— Al Hiott
her position lined up at Pendleton Elementary. She said how the position worked out was a “God thing,” as the teacher she worked under as a student had gotten married and moved, leaving the position open for her. “If I had gone anywhere else,
AU Coordinator of Education Field Partnerships
I wouldn’t be in my dream job as a math teacher,” Middleton said.
Sarah Harbaugh, another AU alumna, came to the In total, he said the networking events have been very
university by way of Spartanburg, but she had plans on
successful, and they’ve even had to turn away school districts.
working there. However, her current role as special education teacher at Spearman Elementary School
“The reputation of the AU teacher program is well-known,”
and Palmetto Elementary School came through the
Hiott said.
networking experiences she had at AU.
Graduates like Brazell also cited his experience with the
She said she tried to reach out to a couple of districts in
Anderson University Education Club in his professional
Spartanburg County that didn’t come to fruition, but
development. The group is open to any student within the
she had already had a couple of interviews with a couple
College of Education, and it totals about 25 students. He
of districts in the Anderson area. She said the districts
described the group as “action-oriented” in that it fostered
here reached out to her. After two interviews, she had a
teacher leadership and advocacy.
job lined up.
He was also thankful for the early exposure to the classroom,
“AU did all they could to get me prepared,”
saying he has teacher friends who didn’t see the classroom
Harbaugh said.
until they were seniors, and at that point they decided education wasn’t for them. T H E AU FA M I LY | 2 1
Contributors to the Christian Ministry Foundation help new ministers and missionaries start serving
AU’s Christian Ministry Foundation is driven by a single goal: to help lessen college expenses as students prepare for ministry careers. “We want to help them reduce or eliminate college debt so they do not have to delay beginning their ministry careers,” said Dr. Bob Cline, AU’s Vice President for Church Relations. The foundation formed in January 2017. A similar program at a university where Dr. Cline was a student who benefited inspired AU’s program. “I understand how important it is to have some help when you need it,” he said. “It’s especially gratifying now to see it come full circle and for me to have a part in helping it grow here.”
“Once I became a believer, I felt adopted into a family by a Father who loves me no matter what,” she said. DiJenno’s goal is to become a children’s director or pastor. “I want to help children know they’re fully loved regardless of their home life,” she said.
“ Once I became a believer, I felt adopted into a family by a Father who loves me no matter what. ”
Initially, the goal was to fund a $100,000 endowment. During that campaign, the foundation received an $8,000 grant from the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina that allowed three scholarships to be awarded the first year, and board members of the Christian Ministry Foundation contributed funds toward three more scholarships the second year. For the 2019-2020 school year, the foundation has reached its goal with an endowment of over $124,000 and can begin to draw on those funds to award five scholarships. A new goal seeks to increase the endowment to $250,000. The annual renewable scholarships go to undergraduate students in any major who are planning a full-time ministry career. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, with selection based primarily on financial need. Anna DiJenno, a senior majoring in Christian studies, says the scholarship was an unexpected blessing. “I’m so thankful to not have to worry about how to pay for this year,” she said. DiJenno was raised by a single mom
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and says her life was shaped by an abusive father and not growing up in a Christian home.
— Anna DiJenno Class of 2019
Noah Greene, a junior majoring in Worship Leadership with plans to enter the seminary, says that not only was the scholarship “an answer to a prayer” that alleviated financial burdens, but he has also found a supportive community in the annual banquets that unites contributors and recipients. “They are all very encouraging, asking how I’m doing in school and what my plans are,” Greene said. The banquets also provide an opportunity to spread the word about the foundation’s efforts, Dr. Cline said. “That’s what motivates people to help and to give—when they meet real students and hear their need and passion for the ministry and strong sense of calling,” Dr. Cline said. Members of the foundation help support it by paying a yearly membership fee of $150. As of February 2019, there were 147 members (or member couples), plus 18 churches and 15 business or ministry groups who’ve joined.
The chairman of the foundation’s board is Cliff Satterwhite, a graduate of Anderson College who still vividly remembers the impact when someone paid for his first semester. He and his wife, Barbara, welcome the chance to pay it forward. Other foundation members are the Reverend Dale and Harrianne Lynch, both Anderson alumni as well as AU parents. They had established a scholarship at the university but have since transferred it to become part of the Christian Ministry Foundation.
“We believe in everything it’s doing,” said the Rev. Lynch. “It provides a way for students to receive a Christian education and to be able to follow their calling to the ministry, to fulfill God’s purpose and plan in their lives.”
To make a gift or for more information about the Christian Ministry Foundation, visit andersonuniversity.edu/giving/cmf or call Dr. Bob Cline at 864.231.2147.
T H E AU FA M I LY | 2 3
School of Interior Design points students and grads to opportunities throughout their careers In 2015, AU alumna Susan Peace-Vernon started an interior design venture as an extension of her 14 years as vice president of award-winning, luxury custom-home firm Dillard-Jones Builders. Dillard-Jones had been receiving more and more requests for high-end interior design services from customers with existing residential and commercial properties, so Peace-Vernon and president Tom Dillard formed Tribus Design Studio in downtown Greenville. Business was already booming; and as principal designer of the new firm, Peace-Vernon needed to hire staff she could trust to help her tackle demand. AU alumnus Kerry Howard had been running his own successful interior design firm, KMH Interiors, in Atlanta for 17 years. Over that time, his role had become more managerial and less creative, and he was contemplating ways to delve back into his craft closer to family in Upstate South Carolina.
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That year they both attended The Gathering, a yearly one-day networking function sponsored by the School of Interior Design and the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID). The event has been a mainstay of the department for over 20 years and features presentations and panel discussions with industry leaders, hosts a tradeshow where industry representatives display furniture and other design elements and offers students the opportunity to have their résumés and portfolios reviewed and critiqued. The event that year focused on successful alumni and how they had used their academic preparedness and experience to advance their careers; Peace-Vernon was one of the speakers. Howard attended her presentation; and when he saw her slides, he realized he’d seen and admired her work in the past, not realizing it was hers.
“Her classic style is similar to my own design aesthetic,” Howard said. “I introduced myself after her presentation and told her I wanted to work with her.” “I needed a senior designer who shares my creative vision,” Peace-Vernon said, “and I felt an instant connection with Kerry.” “Susan and I both feel that meeting at The Gathering was a God thing,” Howard said. That connection has been strong ever since. With PeaceVernon’s two demanding roles, she’s able to focus on orchestrating soup-to-nuts interior and exterior designs at Dillard-Jones and promote Tribus to prospective clients “because Kerry picks right up where I leave off, working on small renovations, projects with other builders, and ongoing interior designs for existing clients. Our style and skills complement each other,” she said.
furnishings. He and Peace-Vernon even took the clients to the High Point Market to pick out high-end furniture. The couple was so impressed with the result that they asked Howard to come back and decorate the entire home for Christmas. Both alumni greatly credit AU’s School of Interior Design with their success. “The confidence gained through hands-on experience there nurtures an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Howard, who was the first president of the student chapter of ASID as well as the student representative to the Carolinas ASID. “Being a part of ASID helped me start my business in Atlanta,” he says. At the time of the 2015 Gathering, he was president of the Georgia ASID. Peace-Vernon echoes this sentiment as she talks about her career alongside architects and builders.
also quick to emphasize the program’s “ They’re focus on connecting grads with jobs that fit their skills and passions as a major source of the program’s success; ninety-nine percent of the program’s participants have jobs lined up before or within a few weeks of graduation.
”
— Susan Peace-Vernon AU Alumna
Howard turned his interior design firm in Atlanta into another office of Tribus, and the Dillard-Jones office in Asheville now includes a third location of the growing company. The three offices allow Tribus to serve a growing number of clients—some in more than one state. A current client has projects going on at a home in Atlanta and also at a second residence at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs in Six Mile, South Carolina. In July 2018, the two finished an 18-month collaboration on another luxury home in Six Mile. Peace-Vernon worked with the client on the build side, guiding the selection of paint colors and hard surfaces, including flooring. Then Howard stepped in to help choose $400,000 in
“The program enabled me to excel as a woman in a man’s world,” she said. She is a past president of the Greenville Home Builders A Association—only the second w woman to hold the position in the history of the organization. They’re also quick to emphasize the program’s focus on connecting grads with jobs that fit their skills and passions as a major source of the program’s success; ninety-nine percent of the program’s participants have jobs lined up before or w within a few weeks of graduation.
“[Dean Anne Martin] is like the matchmaker of ID jobs!” Howard said. Indeed, it was Martin whom they called when they needed a junior designer to join Tribus. She recommended recent grad Baylie Weeks, who’s been a terrific asset to the team. Martin also steered Haley Garrett their way when Tribus was looking for an intern last spring, and they’ve been impressed with Garrett’s work. “I’ve never seen a school so hands-on about providing opportunities for its students,” Howard said. And as involved alumni, he and Peace-Vernon are continuing that legacy of connection.
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united with a passion...
Alumni News
Bradley Brazell is a recent AU graduate who teaches seventh-grade social studies at Lugoff-Elgin Middle School in the Kershaw County School District in South Carolina. Never say never. I said “never” sitting in the soccer stadium at the Athletic Campus. It was 2012, and I was a headstrong high school junior who was “drug” to Anderson to watch my sister represent her classmates on the Homecoming Court, something I didn’t quite understand (or care to understand). That day I vowed to myself I would never attend AU and live in my sister’s shadow. I was determined I would create my own path. I made my decision the winter before junior year ended, and I made my plans to attend a state school.
AU graduate Bradley Brazell reflects upon high school heart change that inspired him to attend AU However, it never felt quite right, and I knew in the back of my mind I was settling, settling and lowering my expectations just to “get by.” So when well-intentioned family members at holiday gatherings asked, “Well, Brad, what are your plans after graduation?” I’d have an answer. It gnawed at me, until one day I walked into my mother’s office and said, “Mom, I’m ready.” “Ready for what?” she replied. “I’m ready to tour Anderson.” She was mouth agape. I had declared my intent (and rather strongly, mind you) to attend school elsewhere. Mom gleefully set up the visit. Some weeks later, my oldest sister, my mother, and I traveled to Anderson for what would be my fifth college visit. The moment I walked on campus I knew something was different than the other universities I had toured. We were greeted warmly by people who genuinely cared about my family and me. They took time to ask more than the ice breaker “Hey, how are you?” “How was your drive?” questions. They wanted to know me.
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It wasn’t long after we arrived that we were taken to a conference room where we were provided an overview of what the Anderson experience is all about. That’s when something struck me. This place wasn’t ashamed of identifying with Christ. From the get-go I realized that Anderson beautifully and intentionally combines an authentic Christian environment with serious academics to create a product that no one else could come close to offering. It’s uniquely Anderson. Before we headed out on our campus tour, Pam Ross (currently Vice President for Enrollment Management) offered a prayer for those of us visiting, not that we would choose to be students at Anderson, but that we would find a college home where we could learn about ourselves and our major and that we would come to discover God’s plan for our lives.
For more AU Diaries visit AndersonUniversity.edu/myjourney
As we left the Office of Admission, my mom and I looked at each other, and without saying a word we knew that this was the place that I would call home. Just a couple of years after watching my sister participate in Homecoming Court, I had a few opportunities to do the same. Each time, I looked into the stands where I sat years earlier, and I remembered the high school student with his own plans and his own agenda. And each time, I was more than grateful that God allowed me to understand and experience what it means to bleed black and gold.
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Jason’s COLUMN
By jason rutland, Associate Vice President for Alumni & Parent Engagement
Working in Office of Development shows columnist how AU has made a difference in lives of alumni I love Anderson University. If this is your first time reading this column, I want to lead with that. Yes, I am biased. No, I have no problem admitting that. If this isn’t your first time reading this column, I hope that you have already realized this. I am a Trojan, my wife is a Trojan and my daughter has already committed as a seven-year-old. Members of my family are among the biggest fanatics in regards to Anderson University. As I moved to the admission department from AU’s coaching ranks, I related with people from all parts of the university. I began to see how Anderson impacts entire families, not just students. I see that it impacts my family daily, but I am beginning to see the bigger picture of how it molds countless lives. When I moved into the Office of Development, I anticipated a rude awakening. I was trading the world of inspiring stories of students working through adversity, battling to attend college for one of tax relief, unfulfilled pledges and codicils. I was unsure of the decision as I began the first few months of learning the new ropes. I am a what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of person. I like to relate to people. I like to help people. I am not a huge fan of purely transactional relationships. I am not a fan of surface relationships. Was the Office of Development going to be all about counting up dollars and cents? Ugh, what have I done?! What I found did not shatter the illusion of what Anderson University means to people. It is not a world of tax relief. It is a world where a CEO fondly remembers how Anderson saw potential in a young man in 1990 and how it transformed his outlook on what was possible for him. It is a world where that same CEO now invests in the next group of young people that have not even scratched the surface of their potential, nor have many seen the first step that the Lord has for their calling of being a Kingdom builder. People contribute to this university because of what they gained from Anderson! I found myself inspired by the
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conversations, memories and wisdom that I began to hear from Anderson alumni. Anderson means growth. It means accountability. It means opportunity. The reason my fellow alumni give is not for tax benefits (although that is a great perk); it is to replicate this opportunity for the next generation of students that come through the campus. When they meet with the student who benefits from their gift, they hear from the student that their gift tipped the scales for them to receive a world-class, Christ-centered education. It has nothing to do with anything tangible that the contributor receives. They give because they appreciate the intentional Christ-centered campus that has stayed true to its original mission. They love that in a world of compromises, Anderson provides a campus that loves and welcomes anyone while unapologetically sharing the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Where your heart is, you will see the money follow. People are very protective of their time and money. I am inspired daily by the people who release both to further a place they hold dear to their heart.... a place that still has the special spots they remember on campus, such as the six acres of grass and trees at the front of campus, untouched at a time when space is a premium. And while the campus does change, the heart of the institution lives on in the people that inhabit the expanded landscape. What I have learned in this office is not about money. It is about experiences that change lives through opportunities, growth, and sometimes finding salvation in Jesus Christ. We cannot put a price on these things. In a world obsessed with accruing wealth, giving to AU seems to be one of the greatest investment opportunities that I have come across. Thank you, Jason Rutland Associate Vice President for Alumni & Parent Engagement
Because our students are worth your investment. Gifts to the Anderson Fund help the university provide life-changing scholarships for our students. In addition, the Anderson Fund helps pay for computer and laboratory equipment, course development, art exhibitions, athletic enhancements, theatrical performances, library books, student mission trips and so much more, that all have a positive impact on students. The Anderson Fund touches the lives of thousands of students each year and provides hope to our world as Anderson University sends forth inspired Christian leaders and servants who will make a difference in their local communities where they will live, work and serve.
Make your gift today with the enclosed envelope or visit: AndersonUniversity.edu/giving/online. You may also contact our Office of Development at 864.231.2147. Anderson University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or religion in its programs and activities. Please direct inquiries to Dr. L. Dianne King, Associate Vice President for Student Development/Dean of Student Success/Title IX Coordinator, Thrift Library Office 203, 316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC, 29621, (864) 231-2026, ldking@andersonuniversity.edu or to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov.
athletic news...
Trojans in motion!
Trojans Rank 16th Nationally in NCAA DII Learfield Directors’ Cup Final Fall Standings
AU Leads the Way among NCAA Southeast Region Schools The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) released its final fall Division II Learfield Directors’ Cup standings in early January, with Anderson checking in at No. 16 nationally and atop the South Atlantic Conference rankings.
“ …the Trojans were also the highest-
ranked program among schools in the Southeast Region (South Atlantic Conference, Peach Belt Conference and Conference Carolinas).
”
The Trojan men’s soccer team nearly advanced to the third round of the NCA A Tournament in mid-November, while the volleyball squad made its second straight appearance in the semifinals of the NCA A Southeast Region Tournament. The Trojan women’s cross country team closed out its season by finishing third at the NCA A Southeast Regionals in mid-November and posted a 33rd-place finish at the NCA A National Championships in its second consecutive appearance in early December.
The Learfield Directors’ Cup, which was developed and launched in 1993 as a w jjoint effort between NACDA and USA Today, is awarded annually to the nation’s best overall collegiate athletics program. Points are awarded based on each institution’s finish in NCA A Championships.
On the strength of stellar showings in men’s soccer, cross country and volleyball during the fall campaign, the Trojans were also the highest-ranked program among schools in the Southeast Region (South Atlantic Conference, Peach Belt Conference and Conference Carolinas).
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To contribute to the AU Athletic Department, you can make a gift online at AndersonUniversity.edu/giving/online. Or contact Dr. Bert Epting at bepting@andersonuniversity.edu or 864.231.2023.
AT H L E T I C N E W S | 3 5
Trojan Student-Athletes Carry Success into the Classroom
Athletes Surpass Previous Record-Setting Academic Performance For the second time in three semesters and fourth time in seven semesters, Anderson University’s student-athletes’ academic performance continued to rise to record heights, as they achieved an overall 3.264 grade point average for the fall semester.
record 3.24 GPA, which at the time eclipsed the previous 3.16 departmental record, which was set just five months earlier. The 2017 fall semester saw the men’s tennis squad lead the department to a 3.26 GPA and it was announced in early January that the women’s cross country team posted the highest mark in the history of the Dr. Shirley Jacks Award, which is awarded to the team that possesses the highest grade point average at the end of each semester.
“ …in early January women’s cross country team posted the highest mark in the history of the Dr. Shirley Jacks Award, which is awarded to the team that possesses the highest grade point average at the end of each semester.
Anderson in Third Place in SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award Standings When the NCA A’s fall seasons wrapped up in early W December with the NCA A Division II National Championships Festival in Pittsburgh, Pa.,
”
Anderson was in third place in the chase for the A 2018-19 South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award. A
Led by the women’s cross country team’s stellar performance in the classroom with a 3.784 GPA, AU
Fueled by a trio of second-place finishes in men’s and
student-athletes surpassed the Athletic Department’s
women’s cross country and volleyball and a pair of
previous record-setting performance in the classroom
fourth-place finishes by the soccer teams, the Trojans
and have soared to the department’s highest GPA in school
trailed just Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate in the standings.
history for the second time in three semesters.
At the conclusion of the spring, 2016 semester, Black and Gold clad student-athletes achieved a then-departmental
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AT H L E T I C N E W S | 3 7
Alexy Mollenhauer
Women’s Basketball
Randall Shaw
University. Easter hit nine consecutive three-pointers, which tied the NCA A record for most consecutive
The Trojans have enjoyed success and garnered national
three-point shots.
attention after consistently being at the top of the South Atlantic Conference standings and being ranked in the
Easter followed that performance with a 17-point outing
Top-25 in both the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association
in an 89-59 victory over Queens, going 5-of-10 from the
(WBCA) national poll and the D2SIDA Media Poll.
field, including 4-of-8 from three-point distance and netting all three free throw attempts. On the week, Easter
In late January, junior Alexy Mollenhauer had already
shot 72 percent from the field, including a sizzling 77.3
captured SAC AstroTurf Player of the Week on four
percent (17-of-22) from beyond the arc and was 11-of-11
occasions and had recorded 13 double-doubles on the
at the free-throw line, while averaging 3.5 rebounds and
season. She became the 14th women’s basketball player
3.5 assists.
in program history to reach the 1,000 career-point milestone in the rout of Queens.
Men’s Basketball
Redshirt senior guard Ace Easter was named the U.S.
With his first field goal of the second in the game against
Basketball Writers Association Women’s Division II
Queens University of Charlotte on Jan. 26, senior guard
National Player of the Week in late January after averaging
Randall Shaw moved into second place in the school
32 points per game and breaking two single-game
record books with 1,556 career points after surpassing
conference records. The Maiden, N.C., native scored a
former standouts Chandler Hash (2011-14) and Nick Trull
SAC single-game record 47 points on 13-of-15 shooting,
(2008-12).
which included a SAC single-game record for 13 threepointers on 14 attempts in a 121-56 win over Mars Hill
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Dillon Carpenter
Baseball
Meghan Majeski
with the Indians, the Saluda, S.C., native posted a .334 batting average while seeing action in 90 games. Adams
After sweeping a three-game series with King University to
earned All-Conference accolades and notched 19 doubles,
open the season, the Trojans were off to their best start in
six home runs and five triples, while driving in 48 runs
program history (NCA A Division II era).
with USC Salkehatchie.
First baseman Dillon Carpenter was named to the
He scored 56 career runs, drew 41 walks, swiped 16
National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association
bases and was named to the Indians’ Golden Glove Club
(NCBWA) Preseason All-Region First Team and outfielder
following last season. Adams was a two-time All-State,
Chandler Castleberry was recognized on the Preseason
All-Lakelands and three-time All-Region honoree as a
All-Region Second Team, as announced by the association
prep standout at Saluda High.
in late January. The tandem also earned Preseason First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference honors earlier in the month. In mid-January, the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper named Castleberry as a Player to Watch in the Southeast Region,
Softball Junior Meghan Majeski garnered Preseason First-Team All-Conference honors while senior Breanna Hagerty captured Second-Team All-SAC accolades.
while incoming junior Cody Adams was named as a
Majeski made starts in all 46 games during the 2018 season,
Newcomer to Watch by the publication.
while posting .392 batting average. She was second on the
Adams is a junior college transfer who played his first two seasons at USC Salkehatchie. During his two-year stint
team with 34 runs scored and ranked third on the squad in on-base percentage. The speedster from Simpsonville, S.C. swiped a team-high 24 bases and ranks second (Continued on page 40)
AT H L E T I C N E W S | 3 9
Breanna Hagerty
all-time in career stolen bases at Anderson with 50.
Duarteearning Preseason South Atlantic Conference
Hagerty batted .331 last season with 10 home runs, fi ve
honors in late January.
doubles and one triple. The strong-armed third baseman started all 46 games for the Trojans and committed just
Depiaggio and Duarte captured Second-Team Doubles
seven errors in 131 chances at the hot corner.
recognition, while Bidegain was named First-team AllSAC on the singles side.
Men’s Tennis In mid-January, the men’s tennis team was tabbed No. 27 nationally, with seniors Tomas Depiaggio and Hufelder 4 0 | AT H L E T I C N E W S
The duo of Depiaggio and Duarte fi nished the 2018 regular season with a 5-8 overall record and 4-4 record in SAC play.
JOIN THE TEAM!
Your contributions through a Trojan Club membership have not only increased success in competition, but they have enabled our student-athletes to experience an athletics program that values academic excellence as they strive for championships. Join the Trojan Club today at autrojans.com For membership questions, contact the Athletic Department at 864.231.2057 or trojanclub@andersonuniversity.edu
Non-Profit Org. US Postage
PA I D 316 Boulevard • Anderson, SC 29621
Permit 306
www.AndersonUniversity.edu 800.542.3594
2019 President’s
Greenville, SC
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Eight O’clock in the evening.
This festive concert will feature the finest performers from The South Carolina School of the Arts. We hope you will make plans to join us for this special occasion. For additional information and tickets, please contact the Rainey Fine Arts Center Box Office at 864.231.2080.