News Briefs
Man and Woman of the Year
Students Honored for Service, Academics At the annual Academic and Student Life Awards ceremony in the spring, Lander University honored its cocurricular standouts for service and scholastic achievement during the 2011-12 academic year. Lander President Dr. Daniel Ball presented mass communication major Kirsten Stewart, of Spartanburg, with the prestigious President’s Award, given in recognition of unique exemplification of the ethic of service to the university community. Business administration major Rhett Sapough, of Clarkesville, Ga., and Megan President’s McCartney, an early childhood educaAward tion major from Laurens, were tapped as Lander University Man and Woman of the Year. Earning Lander Greek Man and Woman of the Year honors were athletic training major Kenneth Peppers, of Greenwood, and nursing major Paige Kight, of Florence. Stewart, McCartney and Kight are members of Lander’s Class Kirsten Stewart, left, and Dr. Daniel Ball of 2012.
Rhett Sapough
Megan McCartney
Greek Man and Woman of the Year
Kenneth Peppers
Paige Kight
Academic Showcase Grows in Second Year
Bearcat Breakout 5K Proceeds Donated
Following a successful first year in 2011, organizers for the annual Student Academic Showcase hoped the program, which spotlights student research and creativity, would be even better the second time around. They got their wish. “The 2012 Showcase surpassed the inaugural one in both the number of participants and the quality of the work presented,” said Dr. Alice Taylor-Colbert, Showcase originator and associate vice president for Academic Affairs. Co-sponsored by Lander’s College of Arts and Humanities and Alpha Chi International Honor Society, the 2012 Showcase, which took place in March, featured examples of exceptional scholarly work by students from each of the College of Arts and Humanities’ five departments, as well as the College of Science and Mathematics and the Department of Political and Social Sciences. All participants received a certificate and a pin with the Showcase logo. “The Showcase is designed to reward students for their scholarship, to help them learn how to present their work professionally, and to help faculty enhance the academic experiences of their majors and minors,” Taylor-Colbert said. Organizers are already looking ahead to the 2013 Showcase, and Taylor-Colbert said all four of Lander’s academic colleges have committed to sponsoring cash awards for department sessions. “With the support of all four colleges and the Office of Academic Affairs, as well as the addition of many new faculty to the Steering Committee for the Showcase, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.”
In the spring, Lander University’s Physical Education and Exercise Studies (PEES) Club hosted its first Bearcat Breakout 5K. The race is intended to be an annual event that promotes the health and fitness of the community by adopting an active lifestyle. The club also seeks to provide outreach within the area by donating all proceeds to a local organization or charity that embodies the spirit and promotes the strong values of the Greenwood community. This year, proceeds were presented to Connie Maxwell Children’s Home.
Pictured during the check presentation, from left, are: Eric Taylor, Connie Maxwell vice president for development; Julie Benefield, of Greenwood, PEES Club president; Dr. Leland Nielsen, Lander assistant professor of physical education and exercise studies; Dr. Jenny LeMoine, Lander assistant professor of physical education and exercise studies; Seth Whitehead, of Union, PEES Club; Dr. Kym Kirby, Lander associate professor of physical education and exercise studies; and Dr. Gina Barton, chair of Lander’s Department of Physical Education and Exercise Studies. Lander Magazine • Fall 2012
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