around campus
Thurman receives grant for FAR role Dr. Justin Thurman, Associate Professor of English and the college’s Faculty Athletic Representative, received a full scholarship to the NCAA New FAR Orientation held Feb. 17-19 in Indianapolis. “Every year, the NCAA recognizes conferences, programs and individuals with scholarships, grants and named awards,” he said. “President Baxter reached out last year and asked if I would be interested in applying for this one, so we did.” Dr. Thurman, who has been the college’s FAR for two years, said the orientation helped him in three specific areas: NCAA structure and governance, networking with other FARs, and student-athlete wellbeing. “Dr. Thurman has been a great ambassador for both academics and athletics, and he has a high level of commitment to student excellence,” said Terlynn Olds, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “The student-athletes describe Dr. Thurman as ‘amazing and easy to talk with.’” He takes his experiences as a former student-athlete into his role. “Working with athletics reminds me of the joy I experienced when I played football and baseball,” he said. “I enjoy helping faculty and athletics work together toward the common goal of making our students good people and productive citizens.”
OLYMPIAN DELIVERS BLACK HISTORY MONTH ADDRESS Mattiline Render, an African American Olympian from Moreland, Georgia, encouraged her audience at the Black History Month address on Feb. 22 to live with no regrets. “Love what you do, and don’t let anyone bust your bubble,” she said during her speech in Callaway Auditorium. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re not capable of doing because you have your own capabilities.” She ran for Tennessee State University, Temple State University and the New York Police Athletic League. In 1971, Render won a gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay at the
Pan American Games and set a world record in the 4x110 yard relay. She competed in the 100-meter event and the 4x100 meter relay event at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich and placed fourth in the relay. “Being an athlete for me has been educational and beneficial,” Render said. During the event, the Rev. Dr. Adam Roberts called Render “one of the pioneering athletes of African American women’s presence in the Olympic games.” Concluding her remarks, Render told students that “Love, peace and happiness equals riches.”
5
