They Say...The Judson College Newsletter for Parents

Spring/Summer 2012

They Say...

VOL. 11 NO. 03

May 22, 2012 www.judson.edu

The Judson College Newsletter for Parents

• Highlight on...Academics • FINANCIAL AID: Lost in Paperwork?

In this issue...

Is Private Education Worth it?

• TRANSITIONS: Reflections of a Fourth-Year Parent

What to Teach Your Student before She Goes to College

• SERVICE: Not Your Normal Christmas Vacation Painting with Purpose

They Say...

A Word from the Editor

Is a quarterly online publication of the Judson College Admissions Office. Its purpose is to give parents of current and prospective students helpful information about college, Judson, and life as a parent of a college student--particularly, life as a parent of a Judson student.

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Whew! How this year has flown! Our spring semester at Judson is over, and these months since our last issue have been a whirlwind of campus events, classes, finals, and goodbyes. It’s been a common sentiment around campus that no one can believe that we’re almost to the end of our first summer term! Our campus is a bit more quiet, the parking lots are easier to navigate, and, generally, things seem more relaxed, except for the students who’re speeding through May Block classes!

Hopefully this Spring/Summer edition will catch you up on the Judson-related happenings of the Spring 2012 semester, and together we’ll look ahead at some college preparations you can make over the summer months. You’ll find photos and recaps of campus events in this issue, as well as academic, athletic, and student life updates. We’ll also hear from our Student Bloggers, some of whom have made their bittersweet farewells to Mother Judson. Our Transitions section contains information about Judson’s new student orientation and a few ideas on preparing your college student for life on her own. If you’re dreading Fall tuition statements, the Financial Aid section aims to allay some fears about whether paying for college is worth it, particularly at a private institution like Judson.

I’d love to hear from some of you about your learning experiences through your journey as a college parent, so please do send some thoughts to me at the email address on the left.

newsletter, click here.

Until next time,

Comments, concerns, or guest contributions may be sent to the newsletter editor, Mary Amelia Taylor, at mtaylor@judson. edu.

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*Judson College is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer.

On our cover:

Shelby Stackhouse, who’ll be a sophomore this fall, and her mom Norma posed for this photo on move-in day Shelby’s freshman year.

Shelby’s a biology major and a Lady Eagles softball player from Georgiana, AL.

In This Issue:

Mary Amelia Taylor

Campus Happenings.............................................................................................................2 Academic Updates.............................................................................................................................3-4 Transitions.............................................................................................................................. 5

Judson College S.O.A.R...........................................................................................................5

Eight Life Skills to Teach Your Student Before She Heads to College.....................5 Financial Aid: Is Private Education Worth its Sticker Price? .............................................6 Service: Purposeful Paint...................................................................................................7-8 Athletics...................................................................................................................................9 Campus Life..........................................................................................................................10 Campus Extras......................................................................................................................11 Upcoming Events.................................................................................................................12

Soon after the publication of our Winter 2011-2012 issue, we welcomed some visitors to our campus for a guidance counselors’ conference and for our February Preview/Scholarship Day. Our Ambassadors and Admissions staff (represented at above left by Teosha Jones, Miriam Hart, and Winter Bruner) enjoyed spending time with these guests, who got acquainted with our campus facilities, faculty, staff, and students!

At the Guidance Counselor Conference on Feb. 22, Dr. Ed Nichols (above right), Assistant Superintendent of the Decatur School System, stood in for an absent Dr. Tommy Bice (State Superintendent of Education) and delivered an inspiring address on the importance, and mostly unwitting influence, of educators’ work with students. The conference’s luncheon featured cute “Hats Off” decorations (right) made by members of the Mobile JC Alumnae Chapter to honor the nation’s guidance counselors, who, in the U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings, rated Judson among the Top 20 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.

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J-Day 2012 The links under the photos above contain photos from J-Day, Judson’s alumnae weekend. Current students and alumnae participated in a banquet honoring the 50-year reunion class (1962), an entertaining talent showcase, an awards luncheon, the JC Alumnae Association annual meeting, a J-Day Court ceremony, and, of course, the J-Day Step Sing.

Acade

Haley Pham, Charlene Farmer, Dr. Price, Liz Bosarge, and Paula Fendley at Marion’s historic Female Seminary.

English and Social Work: Students in Ms. Angela Dennison’s Southern Peoples and Cultures class, Dr. Golar’s African American Literature class, and Dr. Parham’s 20thCentury Literature class attended the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham on April 20.

Math: In February, Judson math students Emily Booker, Liz Bosarge, Charlene Farmer, Paula Fendley, and Haley Pham accompanied math professors Stiefel and Price to the Troy MathFest 2012 in Montgomery, Alabama. The meeting began at the Rosa Parks Museum Auditorium with featured speaker Michael Starbird from the University of Texas, who spoke on inquiry-based learning and then later in the day on the fourth dimension. Throughout the day, students and faculty from around the state gave short talks about their math research.

After returning to Marion, Liz, Charlene, Paula, and Haley accompanied Dr. Price to the “Low Country Boil” sponsored by the Perry County Historical Society, where all had their fill of boiled shrimp while listening to live music by local musicians Chip, V.K., and Mac Spencer.

The English department hosted an African American Read-In on February 23rd in celebration of Black History month. This event was part of a national event coordinated by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the Black Caucus of the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC). It was also a service learning project for students in Dr. Golar’s African American literature course and Dr. Hokanson’s Mythology course.

A few weeks ago the Religious Studies majors (and a few of the program’s minors) got together for a cook-out at Dr. Bullard’s house. (He’s the tall guy in the back.) After eating burgers, hot dogs, and chips, they watched the 2006 version of the movie Luther.

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emics Education Laura Lee Logan has been recommended by the Department of English at Auburn University to the Graduate School for the M.A. program in English this fall. That department has also recommended that she be awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship. The Judson Education Department is extremely proud of Laura Lee and knows that she will continue to represent Judson well at Auburn this fall.

Along with Laura Lee and Dawn Dorr, Bethany Rush received an Education Department Outstanding Student award at April 10’s Honors Convocation.

Bethany presented her senior Honors Presentation on May 4 for the Education Department. Her presentation was entitled “Fostering Intrinsic Motivation Through the Development of Classroom Community.”

Also in Education news, JC student Sarah Smith received the Martha Gaskins Scholarship for outstanding leadership from the Samford University Alpha Iota chapter of KDE. Sarah is the newly elected president for the Judson College Beta Rho chapter of Kappa Delta Epsilon.

In late March, JC education professors Dr. Gwenyth McCorquodale and Dr. Lesley Sheek (in absentia) and English professor Dr. Chris Hokanson presented their research project, “The Secret Garden at 100: Its Enduring Legacy,” at the Global Summit on Childhood in Washington, D.C.

Art Graduating art student Dakota M. Callicott, of Demopolis, AL, presented her exhibition “Nothing is as it Seems” on April 25 in the Marian Acree Tucker Gallery on Judson’s campus. Callicott’s collection of illustrated works in oil pastels and India inks dealt with hidden meanings beneath what our first glances perceive.

She’s pictured here at her exhibit’s reception with Mrs. Maggie Quinney (left) and daughter Jan Carol Hasty (right), a Judson alumna, from Gallion, AL.

Bowling Library... ...has begun an instructional video series to teach Judson students to use the library’s online resources. The first of these is directed to distance learners and can be found on this webpage.

Equine Studies

Several equine studies students will be working at camps this summer.

Kathryn Baxter of New Milford, CT, will return to WinShape Camp in Rome, Ga., for a second summer of work teaching Western horseback riding and caring for the horses there. WinShape is a Christian-based sports camp established by Truett Cathy, founder of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain.

Jessica Douthat of Ft. Payne, AL, will return to Camp Skyline for the fifth time as a staffer.

Skyline is a Christian camp for girls and is located in Mentone, AL. Jana Davenport of Jemison, AL, will be working at Wings of Eagles Ranch, a Special Equestrian Ranch in Concord, NC. She’ll be managing the barn, the “horse part” of all 6 camps there, and teaching classes and private lessons.

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Transitions

Whether you’re a first-time college parent or have been navigating higher education with your daughter for a year or more, you’ve undoubtedly discovered that college is DIFFERENT. It changes your relationship with your daughter, and sometimes it’s difficult to know how to ‘let go’ in encouraging ways. This section’s tips and ideas will hopefully be helpful to you this summer as you work toward the fine art of “letting go”.

Photo: Volleyball Coach Anna Wood, Michelle Vandergriff, and Susan Jones (Director of FaithBased Service Learning) stopped for this picture at our last S.O.A.R event.

Judson College S.O.A.R. (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration)

JUNE 5-6, 2012

S.O.A.R. is a time for students and their parents to familiarize themselves with Judson and to begin the official steps of enrolling at Judson. Students may stay overnight in a residence hall, meet current students, professors, and coaches, and register for Fall classes. If your daughter’s planning to attend Judson this Fall but can’t make it to the June S.O.A.R., there’ll be another on August 2. Contact Residence Life at (334) 683-5186 for more information.

Here are a few activities new students and parents can expect: Students: • English Proficiency and Math Placement tests • Core Curriculum review • Meet professors and coaches at the Majors and Activities Fair • Make directory photos • Academic Advising and Registration for Fall Classes • Session on Residence Life, Campus Ministries, and Service-Learning

Parents: • Financial Aid Session • Parents’ Survival Course • Meet professors and coaches at the Majors and Activities Fair • Special Academic Offerings • Core Curriculum Review • Business Office FAQs • Session on Residence Life, Campus Ministries, and Service-Learning

Eight Life Skills to Teach Your Student Before She Heads to College A fair amount of academic prowess isn’t everything your child will need to succeed in college. She’ll need a few basic skills to help her stay on her feet while she’s there. We found this helpful list at collegeparents.org. Click through the title to see the full article--it’s very helpful!

• • • • • • • •

Know how to do laundry Know how to cook a few simple items Know a little about good nutrition Know how to balance a checkbook Know the advantages – and dangers – of credit cards Know how to manage a simple budget Know how to use e-mail in a professional manner Know how to manage time efficiently

Don’t forget the most important thing!

Find this and other ideas about what to give your college student at http://pinterest.com/judsoncollege.

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FSA!

the FA e t e l p m o c t to Don’t forge

Financial Aid

Is Private Education Worth Its Sticker Price?

by Mary Amelia Taylor , They Say... Editor

In a time when economy is everything, many prospective college students and their families pass over “expensive” private institutions and decide in favor of “cheaper” public institutions. Perceived cost is often a primary obstacle for many students considering attending private colleges. However, while at first glance an education from a private institution may appear to cost more than an education at a public one, the difference isn’t what you’d think.

Graduation rates Four-year graduation rates of public universities are much lower than those of private institutions. A student may graduate in four years at a private college (even three years at Judson), but it might take another student 5 to 6 years to complete the same degree at a public institution.

Tack on two more years of tuition and board costs, and the difference starts to look much less daunting. More years at a public institution on average, plus lost income from delay in entering the workforce, means the ‘cost’ playing field is nearly leveled.

Honors colleges for every student Because even the brightest students can sometimes get lost in the crowds at public universities, many public institutions have established honors colleges, where smaller contingents of students work closely together with teaching-oriented faculty in an individually supportive, tight-knit microcosm of the larger university campus.

Private colleges and universities, often because of their size, can concentrate more effort and resources on individual students than can public institutions, thus becoming ‘honors colleges’ for every student. This individualized focus at private institutions reveals itself in student satisfaction levels in a 2011 Noel-Levitz report: at private institutions, student satisfaction with their institution’s concern for them as individuals was 55.9%, while the same question posed to public institutions revealed only a 47% satisfaction rate. This individualized experience makes for an engaging campus environment, where academics are rigorous and rewarding, for all. At Judson, no classes are taught by teaching assistants, which means that students learn thoroughly and have the full advantage of a confidence-building relationship with their professors.

Individualized campus climate In “campus climate” satisfaction items in the same NoelLevitz report, students at private institutions were more satisfied with their overall campus experiences than were their public counterparts. Students at private institutions are often more apt to be heavily involved in campus activities, which can help build leadership and personal skills. At larger public universities, students, again, have a tendency to ‘slip through the cracks’; there may be a few standouts, but many others miss out on opportunities for personal achievement simply because individual resources and attention are spread too thin. The private institution

The “Judson 2-10 Option” For many of its academic programs, Judson College offers its students the opportunity to graduate in 2 years and 10 months, which can potentially save up to three semesters of tuition and board payments. Classes are offered during the summer months of May and June, and by taking a full course load then (10 hours), many students can usually complete their degree in three years. Students who attend “Short Term” classes can also save on tuition--it’s waived during short term.

“campus climate,” then, is more valuable in the long run than that of public institutions--not just financially, but personally.

Most graduates from private institutions are better-prepared, in all areas, to enter the workforce.

So, the ‘cost’ to attend a public institution, in dollars and opportunities, is actually much greater than it seems. Judson’s President Dr. David Potts often quotes Erasmus: “Three things come not back: the spoken word, the spent arrow, and the missed opportunity.” If you’re hesitating about the “price tag” of a private education, I’d encourage you to consider education that proves its value over a lifetime, rather than trusting initial perceptions of “low cost” and “convenience.” Consider Corey’s words: “My friends who went to another school missed out on getting an education at a school that truly cares about them as a person. A school that isn’t just a school, but a home--where your classmates aren’t just friends, but family, people who touch your life in a way that no one ever has or ever will. At Judson...you are not just another graduate, a member of a class; you become part of a history, a tradition, and most importantly, a family that goes back farther than you can imagine.”

Is it worth it? We think so.

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SERV Purposeful Paint

Two Judson College students superintended a painting project in the third-grade wing at Albert Turner Elementary School in Marion, AL. The project involved repainting the wing’s hallways, with a colorful mural as a centerpiece. Many of the third grade students often sat with (and sometimes helped!) Amanda (below, far right) as she painted the mural, which both Amanda and Ashley (far left) describe as a meaningful, memorable experience.

Pictured are Judson student Ashley Evans of Hoover with Albert Turner Elementary third-graders and Judson student Amanda Nolander of Huntsville.

I have really enjoyed my time painting at Albert Turner. The kids are so much fun to be around!

On the days I painted I always looked forward to the kids coming back from P.E. and sitting around me while I worked. I think I enjoyed the time with the kids more than the painting!

After the first day of painting, God quickly showed me that His purpose for me being there was to do more than just paint. The mural gave me the opportunity to be a good influence on the kids and just love on them. Doing something so simple as spending time with them became an extremely effective and wonderful way to show the love of Christ.

Amanda Nolander, ‘12 7

VICE In March, Judson was named to the 2012 President’s Community Service Honor Roll. The Honor Roll, which recognizes colleges and universities with an outstanding commitment to community service and civic engagement, is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service in partnership with several federal agencies and non-profit organizations.

Judson was one of 513 American colleges and universities to receive this honor, and one of only 110 to be placed on the Honor Roll with Distinction for work in this year’s special focus area: efforts to reach out to low-income children and teens. A total of seven Alabama colleges were included on this year’s honor roll, three of which earned the award with distinction, including Judson.

This year marks Judson’s fifth consecutive appearance on the Honor Roll.

We’ve believed for a long time that the Judson experience prepares students to change the world in a way that is at least comparable to, if not better than, any educational experience in the country. The significance of the Honor Roll commendation is that an outside, objective group also believes that to be true.

It is very gratifying to have that belief confirmed, but the part of my job that I really love is watching students like Amanda Nolander and Ashley Evans grow as servantleaders during their time at Judson. The experience I gained through service and leadership opportunities as a Judson student was second to none. The most gratifying part of my job is having the chance to provide similar opportunities for our current students.

Having the opportunity to introduce students to needs here in Perry County, then involve them as participants in projects, and then help them lead their own projects is tremendously rewarding.

Susan Jones, JC Class of ‘02 Director of Faith-Based Service Learning

Some may argue that something as simple as a coat of paint would have a negligible impact on the education of students in one of Alabama’s most impoverished communities. This neglects one simple fact: environment matters. When students attend a school with dirty walls and cracked baseboards throughout, they may feel that education is not a priority in their community. This can lead them to not take their own education seriously.

We can see this in many communities in the Black Belt. But the best hope for real change in poor communities is improving education. I feel like this project is a small way to encourage lasting change in the community.

Ashley Evans, ‘13 8

Athletics

Read Sam’s final blog post here!

The Lady Eagles softball team finished the season 12th in the nation with a 14 -18 record, concluding the season on April 20th with two wins over Talladega College (8-6 and 9-5). The softball program graduated 3 seniors this year: Samantha Hale, Malina Graff & Victoria Graff.

The Lady Eagles soccer team has been in the weight room this spring, running and playing a number of 4 v 4 games. In March the team played in the Montevallo 7 v 7 Tournament at the University of Montevallo. Their hard work and dedication this spring will certainly have positive returns during next fall’s tough schedule. Coach Ken Headley has scheduled several new teams, including a Division 1 school.

This season the Lady Eagles tennis team played 10 matches and won many singles and doubles matches. Susan Moore won 1 singles match; Fatima Champagne won 2, Emily Dundore won 2; and Fatima and Emily won 2 doubles matches.

Says Coach Anna Wood, “We competed very well against all the teams we played and look forward to building the prgoram in the future to bring home more wins!”

IHSA Teams: At March 3’s equine hunt seat regional show at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, Megan Cook competed in advanced walk/trot/canter, and Rebecca O’Neal placed third in walk/trot competition. Lander University in Greenwood, SC, hosted the Western regional show on the same day. Andrea Luckie placed first in novice Western horsemanship.

Corey Finlay placed second in intermediate Western horsemanship, and Jana Davenport placed third in beginner Western horsemanship. Corey, Andrea, and Jana went on to represent Judson in the Western semi final show March 24-25 at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.

Since summer’s been underway, Judson’s intercollegiate sports seasons have wound down, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been a lot of campus athletic activities! Faculty and staff have challenged students to tennis and softball, not to mention Parents’ Day basketball!

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Campus Life Class Day

On April 17, the last Chapel gathering of the year, the Judson seniors passed their leadership positions and academic regalia to next year’s senior class in a bittersweet ceremony. Pictured here are members of next year’s senior class, who inherited caps and gowns from their big sisters.

JC’s Got Talent!

In March students gathered in Mary Katherine Archibald Blount Student Center for a campus talent show, hosted by the student-run Athletic Board (or A-Board). Ten performers sang, danced, and entertained the crowd in order to win favor with the judges. The winner was Janice Washington (right), who recited an original poem. She was awarded with a gift card to the JC Bookstore. Though she’s on break for the summer, you can catch up on Janice’s student blog by clicking on her picture above.

Jr/Soph Formal on the Bama Belle The senior Social Committee members planned all year for the Junior/Sophomore Formal, held on March 24th, for their little sister class. The formally-themed Candlelit Excursion was held at the Bama Belle in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Over one hundred students enjoyed a two-hour cruise down the Black Warrior River at sunset. Music, dancing, and refreshments made the night enjoyable for all.

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Campus Extras Old Howard 100 Bike Ride

At the ‘rest stop’ in Newbern, AL, Dr. Potts, Judson’s President (neon shirt), made sure the Judson students’ bicycles were road-worthy for their return to Marion!

Read Brittany’s blog post about the event!

Springtime brings on quite a few outdoor activities! Read about Megan’s rather muddy one here!

JC Student Bloggers Close their Spring Semester Freshman Bloggers Lindsey and Emily compared their beginnings at Judson to their feelings after a whole year as “Judson Girls”!

• Lindsey- Finals Time and Final Days • Emily - Dear Diary Judson’s graduating student bloggers wrote a host of beautiful farewells to their college--enjoy them below.

• Corey - The Final Final • Sam - This is Goodbye and Not Goodnight • Audra - Final Thoughts on New Beginnings • Bethany’s final post revealed her last lesson as a student teacher.

Ms. Rush and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Kasey’s final sping semester post echoes the bittersweetness of the graduating seniors as she said goodbye to some of her friends. - It’s not Goodbye, It’s See Ya Later 11

Upcoming Events May Event Calendar Date

Event

Details

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May Block Classes End

Exams on May 29

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Memorial day

Administrative offices closed, no classes

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May Block Exams

June Event Calendar Date

Event

Details

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S.O.a.r.

Student Orientation and Registration for Judson’s new freshman class!

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Last Day of Classes for Short Term

20-21

Short Term Finals

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Commencement Practice

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Commencement

11:00am Alumnae Auditorium

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REsidence Halls Close

4:00pm

AE for Graduating Seniors 0 Year Class Reunion

Social Media Links

1:30pm Alumnae Auditorium

Find us on the Web!

Don’t forget to “Like” our Judson College Parents Facebook Page, too, for pictures and videos of campus happenings!

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