“This is the first year we have donated items directly to a charity,” explains Melantha Ardrey, College of Charleston director of residence life. “We really wanted to promote both sustainability and community involvement in our residence halls, so a partnership with Goodwill just made sense. We are so happy the Charleston community will benefit from the items donated by our students.”

The move out program, known as Lighten Your Load, has been going on for years, but previously, the items have been sold in a yard-sale-type setting, with profits donated alternative spring break trips through the Center for Civic Engagement.

“Donations are key to our ability to fund mission services such as job training and employment services,” says Tina Marshall, Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina, Inc. VP of corporate relations. “We provide clothing assistance to people in need through our Clothing Voucher program. In 2012, we provided 11,012 vouchers to people in our community. So, students can be proud to donate to Goodwill knowing that they are making an environmental impact on the community while also making difference in people’s lives. Our sincere thanks once again to the College of Charleston for your support.”

All nine campus residence halls participated in the Lighten Your Load program.

For more information, contact Melantha Ardrey at ardreym@cofc.edu.

Real estate students will be able to complete sensitivity analysis when calculating the value of a property with many leases or a project that is under development over an extended period of time.   In addition, students will develop their skills in simulated situations to determine how much cash flow a building will generate or to manipulate variables to see how those changes will affect the value of the investment.

“The ARGUS software platform is a valuable asset in making our students competitive in the commercial real estate job market.  Our students will be better equipped in and out of the classroom with relevant skills that are needed for internships and post-graduation opportunities,” says Alan T. Shao, Dean of the School of Business.  “We are extremely grateful to the ARGUS Software company for making it possible.”

Elaine Worzala, director of the Carter Real Estate Center and professor of real estate, facilitated the software gift with ARGUS and will begin using the software with her students in the fall 2013 courses.

“Most major real estate companies, financial institutions, appraisers, investors, developers, and contractors that use institutional capital apply this software when analyzing investment opportunities,” says Worzala.  “These skills will be incorporated into our undergraduate real estate curriculum to better prepare our students for their careers.”

The two software packages include ARGUS Valuation DCF and ARGUS Developer. Valuation DCF is designed for the valuation and management of existing properties, while Developer is intended for large-scale development projects that may take years to complete such as shopping centers, office buildings, industrial buildings, apartments, hotels, resorts and mixed-use developments.

In addition to the ARGUS software, students will have the opportunity to compete each spring semester in the ARGUS case competition against other universities across the country.

For more information about the Carter Real Estate Center or the real estate academic program, contact Elaine Worzala, director of the Carter Real Estate Center, at worzalae@cofc.edu or 843.953.8121.

About the School of Business
College of Charleston’s School of Business offers seven undergraduate majors and several interdisciplinary concentrations, an honors program in business, an M.S. in Accountancy and an MBA.  Approximately 1800 undergraduate and graduate students attend from as far away as China, Germany and Brazil. The faculty has research expertise in areas such as global logistics, hospitality and tourism, political economics, financial investment, bankruptcy, business intelligence, real estate, and sustainable business practices. Visit http://sb.cofc.edu/to learn more about our students’ achievements, undergraduate and graduate programs, faculty and Centers of Excellence.

About the Carter Real Estate Center
The Carter Real Estate Center (CREC) facilitates the teaching, research, and industry service by bringing together students, faculty and business community executives to better understand the complexities of commercial real estate assets and the changing dynamics within the industry today and to help prepare students for post-graduate job placements. The CREC was established and is supported with a generous gift from Ben Carter of Ben Carter Enterprises (Atlanta, GA), the Carter family, and other friends of the Center.  Visit http://sb.cofc.edu/centers/carter/ for more information.

One student says, “Serena-Kaye Kinley-Cooper, a peer mentor in the ROAR Scholars program, really helped me throughout this entire academic year to push myself and to not be afraid to speak up when I know something is not right.”

More than 50 professors, staff members, and students were recognized by 2013 first-year students as making a difference in their lives as they transitioned to the College of Charleston. The professors represented every academic School on campus and recognition ranged from simply caring about students to more tangible impacts.

“Kelly Owen, my English 110 professor, really encouraged me in my writing, helped me develop my strengths, and took an interest in my life. She believed in me and helped me to believe in myself. She also recommended me for a position that will be beneficial to me in my future, and encouraged me to try for it, when I never would have tried for it on my own. I am so thankful I had a chance to meet her, and I consider her not just a teacher, but a friend.”

Another student says, “As a data science major who had never taken a computer science course before last semester, I was nervous about programming and how I would do. Professor RoxAnn Stalvey was the professor for my first computer science class, and she was extremely helpful and encouraging throughout the entire semester. For helping me learn more than I ever thought I could about programming, I cannot thank her enough.”

Often, first-year students face challenges they never knew they would.

“When I was placed on academic probation and found out I would be required to take a class with the workload of a 3-credit class, but that didn’t count for credit…. I was upset. I expected a traffic-school-style remedial class; something akin to a teacher lecturing a mass of annoyed students about how terrible their skills are. Cristy Landis’ learning strategies class is possibly as far from that idea as possible. Through her enigmatic teaching and personal interest in my improvement, I have acquired countless skills that will guide me through college and life. Most likely, neither of us know the extent to which Cristy Landis has changed my life, but I would not be surprised to find that, years from now, my success will have been a result of the skills her Learning Strategies class taught me. I could never thank her enough.”

2012-13 First Year Service Awards:

1. Honors College – Bryan Ganaway (recognized by 2 students)
2. Honors College – Maria Richardson
3. ROAR Scholars – Serena Kaye Kinley-Cooper
4. EDLS instructor/Center for Academic Advising & Planning – Cristy Landis
5. Center for Student Learning, Study Skills Coordinator – Melissa Hortman
6. Public Safety – Officer John Dougans
7. Dining Services, Liberty Street Fresh Food Company – Kenneth Ladson
8. Athletics – Tennis, Coach Aaron Spencer
9. Athletics – Tennis, Coach Jay Bruner
10. Faculty, English – Kelly Owen
11. Faculty, History/FYE – Tammy Ingram
12. Faculty, Marketing/Computer Science/FYE – Lancie Affonso
13. Faculty, Computer Science – RoxAnn Stalvey
14. Faculty, Spanish – Devon Hanahan (recognized by 2 students)
15. Faculty, Political Science – Claire Curtis
16. Faculty, Music – Irina Pevzner
17. Faculty, Math – Katherine Thom
18. Faculty, Asian Studies – George Fam
19. Faculty, Astronomy – Fred Rosenburg
20. Faculty, Classics – Joann Gulizio
21. Faculty, Math – Andrew Przeworski
22. Faculty, Math – Cheryl Taylor
23. Faculty, Russian/FYE – Oksana Ingle
24. Faculty, Communications – Kerry Gomer
25. Faculty, Jewish Studies/FYE – Adam Mendelsohn
26. Faculty, Historic Preservation – Christina Oberstar
27. Faculty, Math – Anthony Parker
28. Faculty, Theatre – Joy Vandervort-Cobb
29. Faculty, Psychology – Patricia Janes
30. Faculty, Management/Entrepreneurship/FYE – Carrie Messal
31. Faculty, Math – Jason Howell
32. Faculty, Math – Sully Johnston
33. Faculty, English – William Russell
34. Faculty, Art History – Alvaro Ibarra
35. Faculty, French – Carol Ayer
36. Faculty, Political Science – Helen Delfeld
37. Faculty, Anthropology – E. Moore Quinn
38. Faculty, Sociology – Tracy Burkette
39. Faculty, Physics- – Ana Oprisan
40. Faculty, Sociology & Anthropology/FYE – Heath Hoffman
41. Residence Life, Liberty Residence Hall Resident Assistant – Lee Bullard
42. Residence Life, College Lodge Resident Assistant – Ryan Gunning
43. Center for Student Learning, SI Leader Chemistry 111/112 – Tatiana Reinhardt
44. Center for Student Learning, Chemistry tutor – Lisa Kasprzok
45. Center for Student Learning, Peer Academic Coach – Anna Grace Burnette
46. FYE peer facilitator/Center for Excellence in Peer Education (CEPE) – Logan Orihuela
47. FYE peer facilitator/Center for Excellence in Peer Education (CEPE) -  Victoria Ward
48. FYE peer facilitator/Center for Excellence in Peer Education (CEPE) – Haley Marcus
49. Student, CRU – Mary-Claire Higgins
50. Student, Greek Life – Chi Omega sorority – Sarah Proctor
51. Student, Greek Life – Chi Omega sorority –  Anne Marie Baker
52. Student – Michael Bachman

More about the First Year Experience program.

The following is the agenda:

I.         Discussion Items:
·      Overview of Budgetary Process
·      Budgetary Schedule
§  May 31, 2013 – Budget and Finance Committee Meeting
§  June 10, 2013 – Board of Trustees Meeting
II.         Action Items:
·      None
III.         Other Business

Both groups of students have engaged in alternative break social justice curriculum, coordinated trip fundraisers, and participated in pre-trip service projects. Students interested in wildlife rehabilitation and sustainable tourism volunteered at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s annual Fam Jam. Students interested in cultural preservation will volunteer with the Catawba Nation in Rock Hill, S.C. on May 14, where they will work to preserve a historic dwelling on the reservation and help the after-school program for children in the community.

“This year’s Maymester alternative break groups will be focusing on sustainability through different lenses,” explains Maggie Szeman, assistant director of the Center for Civic Engagement. “While one group will be returning to Greece for a second time participating in service related to environmental sustainability and eco-tourism, the other group will spend time exploring the sustainability of indigenous cultures in our own country. “

While in Greece, student volunteers will research and record the affects of tourism on the local environment, provide information on the local flora and fauna to visitors, rescue injured animals, and participate in beach and forest cleans. Volunteers will also monitor the nesting and population of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and the Mediterranean Monk Seal. While volunteering, participants will learn the basic care and maintenance of aquatic, marine, and reptilian animals at the Wildlife Information Centre.

While in Washington, students will spend two weeks in partnership with the Quileute People in La Push and nearby Forks working on various projects related to the preservation of the rich Quileute culture and the natural environment of the Olympic Peninsula.

For more information, contact Maggie Szeman at 843.693.7353.

]]> http://news.cofc.edu/2013/05/13/maymester-alternative-break-trips-take-students-to-greece-washington/feed/ 0 http://news.cofc.edu/2013/05/11/lt-governor-urges-graduates-to-confront-integrity/ http://news.cofc.edu/2013/05/11/lt-governor-urges-graduates-to-confront-integrity/#comments Sat, 11 May 2013 16:19:41 +0000 Michael Robertson http://blogs.cofc.edu/news/?p=6085 A record number of students crossed the stage under the majestic oak trees in the historic Cistern Yard today during the 2013 College of Charleston graduation ceremonies. View photos from the ceremony.

More than 1,850 students received their degrees in two ceremonies, one held in the morning and the second in the afternoon.

South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Glenn McConnell was the commencement speaker. He told the graduating class that the most important value they can carry with them in life is integrity.

“Down the road you will be called upon to give your time, your money, and your talent. You’ll be asked to reinvest yourself in your family and community,” said McConnell. “Giving time to pursuits other than fame and fortune will give you a sense of satisfaction that money can’t buy.  Integrity, sacrifice, and service – the ultimate path to a successful life.”

A 1969 graduate of the College of Charleston, McConnell later received his law degree and began his career in public service by working as a staff attorney with the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program.

In 1980, he was elected to represent the 41st District in the South Carolina Senate, where he has served as Chairman of the Rules Committee and then as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In 2001, he was elected the first Republican President Pro Tempore of the South Carolina Senate since Reconstruction. During his time as President Pro Tempore, McConnell created an atmosphere of non-partisanship and mutual respect in the Senate. As the incumbent Senate President Pro Tempore, he ascended to the office of Lt. Governor on March 13, 2012.

The College of Charleston also presented an Honorary Degree to Trident Technical College President Mary Thornley during the ceremonies.

The graduating class includes the first graduates of three programs: both the B.A. and B.S. in public health, and the B.S. in exercise science.

More on the College of Charleston class of 2013 can be found at http://www.cofc.edu/about/graduation-class-profiles/index.php

Tonney, senior vice president for external affairs at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Foundation, is a 1984 graduate of the College of Charleston.

She joined the CDC Foundation staff in 2002. As senior vice president for external affairs, she is responsible for overseeing the private‐sector fundraising program of the Foundation and the entire cycle of effective fundraising, impactful program implementation and stewardship.

Tonney is also responsible for developing, building and implementing public‐private sector partner strategies with national and international partners and Foundation advocates.

Forty-seven students have been accepted to medical school, 35 to nursing school, 13 to dental school and 11 to pharmacy school. Students will also be continuing their education in allied health professions including physician assistant (PA), physical therapy (DPT), occupational therapy (OT), cardiovascular perfusion and health administration.

There are approximately 700 students in the pre-health loop at the College of Charleston, including medical, veterinary, dental, pharmacy, nursing and allied health. Alpha Epsilon Delta, the CofC Chapter of the National Pre-professional Health Honor Society, has a membership in excess of 75 students who have spent the past year volunteering with local organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House and The Hope Lodge. The Pre-Nursing Club, the Pre-Dental Club and the Pre-Vet Society have been involved in community outreach activities, fundraising and have offered professional development opportunities in CPR certification and standardized test prep. A growing number of pre-health students are becoming EMS certified and gaining clinical exposure through the First Responder Program on campus.

As competencies for medical schools and standardized tests are being revised, the College of Charleston is well-staged to meet the challenges according to Karen Eippert, director of pre-professional health advising. “As a liberal arts school, with a strong science curriculum, our students can choose from a wide range of courses and unique minors in areas like neuroscience and physics. Dental students can take sculpture classes to combine their creative and academic interests; medical students can combine their study of science with philosophy, biomedical ethics and the arts. Majors in exercise science, public health and athletic training attract students with an interest in science who enjoy a more experiential academic program. Plus, a wide range of study abroad opportunities, for students to expand their worldview and gain a more global perspective of healthcare.”

For more information, contact Karen Eippert at 843.953.6460.

In this year’s class, 10 out of the 12 had some sort of international experience as an undergraduate. All participated in impressive research projects with faculty at the College, the Medical University of South Carolina, or another institution. This class features one Rotary Global Scholar recipient, one Fulbright recipient, and two Bishop Robert Smith Award winners.  All of these students have had a tremendous impact on this community through internships and other leadership roles.

Jeffrey (Jeff) Brooks is an International Business and Spanish double major with a minor in Finance from Newark, Delaware.  Jeff is in the process of applying and interviewing for jobs in the corporate finance and banking industry. Thanks to funding from the School of Business, Jeff studied abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico. While there he worked as a research intern studying lean thinking in area hospitals. During his time at CofC, Jeff served as a peer instructor for Spanish conversation courses, was a member of the College of Charleston Swim Club, and was a member of the Schottland Scholars program through the School of Business.

Lauren Krouse is an English major with a focus in Creative Writing from Knoxville, Tennessee. She has completed her work at CofC in three years. This fall, Lauren will move to Lebork, Poland to teach English. During her time at CofC, Lauren published several stories in local publications. A travel memoir of her study abroad experience in Spoleto, Italy was featured in the College of Charleston magazine last fall.

Chelsea Michael is an Arts Management and Studio Art double major from Duluth, Georgia. Chelsea is currently applying for arts-related jobs in Charleston and plans to apply for a graduate program in the arts management field beginning in 2014.  Last summer, she earned a fellowship to intern at the Sotheby’s Institute in New York City. Through the Arts Management program Chelsea has interned with two local galleries including the Halsey Institute. Along with her work in arts management, she also served as an Honors Peer Facilitator.

Chelsea Montgomery is a Political Science and German double major with a minor in German Studies from Aiken, South Carolina. Over the past year Chelsea has discovered her passion for medicine and will spend the next year completing her pre-medicine course requirements and studying for the MCAT. She plans to combine her interest in global studies with medicine by eventually working with refugees and displaced persons. While at CofC, Chelsea studied abroad twice in Germany (once on a William Aiken Fellows Society Summer Enrichment Grant) and spent a summer in Peru teaching English. She has been an active member of the German Club and the Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

Lydia Nickolas is a Geology major from Austin, Texas.  This summer Lydia will continue her work in campus sustainability through an internship with the Office of Sustainability and apply to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in water resources. Lydia’s involvement with sustainability and water issues extends both locally and internationally. At CofC, she has served as the president of the Geological Society, a volunteer with the Green Hearts Project, and an intern with the Office of Sustainability. Through a program with the Geology Department she traveled to India to explore issues of water pollution and with the Center for Civic Engagement she participated in two service trips centered on food security.

Mallen Urso is a Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies double major from Clover, South Carolina. As the 2014 election season is gearing up, Mallen is pursuing a position working on a campaign following graduation. Mallen worked on numerous campaigns as an undergraduate, most recently with Paul Tinkler’s campaign for SC state senate. Through the Honors College Washington Semester program, she was able to combine her interest in politics and women’s issues with an internship at the National Women’s Caucus. She also served both as the president of the Honors Student Association and the Student Alumni Associates.

Alice Van Arsdale is a Classics major with minors in Theatre and Art History from Naples, Florida. Following graduation she will move to New York City to gain experience through an internship at an area museum. She will then apply to graduate school in either Art History or Museum Management. While at CofC, Alice interned in the Marketing and Events Management Department at the Gibbes Museum of Art. She also served as the treasurer of the Classics Club and was a member of Center Stage. During the summer of 2011, she explored her interest in roman architecture through a study abroad program in Rome, Italy.

Dyanne Vaught is an Economics and Mathematics double major with a minor in Discovery Informatics from Lexington, South Carolina. Dyanne recently accepted a position as a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston starting after graduation. Last summer, Dyanne interned with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in their Research and Statistics department. While at CofC, she served as an Honors Peer Facilitator, a tutor in mathematics and economics, and as a crisis counselor for People Against Rape. She also had the opportunity to study abroad at the London School of Economics. Dyanne was a finalist for a UK Fulbright grant.

Levi Vonk is an International Studies major with a minor in Spanish from Kingsland, Georgia. This summer Levi will intern at the University of Maastricht School of Governance with support from a William Aiken Fellows Society Summer Enrichment grant. Following his internship, he will attend the University of Sussex on a Rotary Global Scholar grant. He started his own organization in Charleston, Hispanic Outreach and Literacy Advancement (HOLA), working towards bettering the lives of migrant Hispanic workers. During his summers, he interned with Student Action with Farmworkers in North Carolina. Levi was recently awarded CofC’s most prestigious award, the Bishop Robert Smith.

Anneke Wilder is a Biology major with a Studio Art minor from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Upon graduating, Anneke hopes to return to Spain to teach English for a year through a Spanish government program. She will then pursue graduate studies either in scientific illustration or environmental studies. While at CofC, Anneke was able to study abroad in two different countries, Spain and Panama. She completed internships with both GreenBy3 and the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy. Through support of a National Science Foundation grant she studied the effects of environmental contaminants on frog reproduction. Anneke will continue her research this summer through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Beverley (Liza) Wood is a double major in Political Science and Biology from Boardman, Ohio. Starting in the fall, Liza will attend the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands on a Fulbright grant to study sustainability science and policy. While at CofC, she interned at the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and Lowcountry Local First and served as an Honors Peer Facilitator.  Liza’s bachelor’s essay focused on alternative agriculture movements in Thailand. She presented her work at both national and international conferences, and currently has a manuscript in the final stages of review. Liza was recently awarded CofC’s most prestigious award, the Bishop Robert Smith.

Morgan Zipperly is a Psychology major with a Neuroscience minor from Mobile, Alabama. After touring Europe this summer Morgan will work as a research specialist at the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs at MUSC. She will take the next year to apply to MD/PhD programs to pursue her career in academic medicine. Since the summer after freshman year, she has been a researcher at MUSC. Her research has mainly focused on addiction studies. During the summer of 2011, she participated in a summer neuroscience seminar in Germany with other CofC students and faculty. On campus, she has been actively involved as the president of the Neuroscience Club, a member of the Psychology club, and a volunteer with numerous organizations.

“We want to provide a celebration that is representative of African American and African tradition, heritage, culture, and legacy and reaffirm the campus and community’s commitment to encourage and support students,” says Teresa Smith, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services. “This ceremony marks a tradition of valuing our cultural offerings to the College and is a celebration of this philosophy. It reinforces the bonds of scholarship, and extends the sense of community that was created from the time the students first arrived on campus.”

The “nia” principle encourages citizens to commit themselves to the glorious duty of restoring families, neighborhoods, and people to their historical greatness. As a life-long member of the College of Charleston family, through the Nia Rite of Passage Celebration, graduates will be charged to do the same.

For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services at 843.953.5367.