Catawba College will host the 74th annual session of Tar Heel Boys' State June 16-22. This is the tenth consecutive year that the weeklong event has been held on campus and approximately 300 participants, all rising high school seniors from North Carolina, are expected. Notable state leaders traditionally speak at sessions during Tar Heel Boys' State. Past speakers have included the N.C. governor and lieutenant governor, the N.C. attorney general and secretary of state, as well as...

Scott "Scotty" Mitchell, who coached men's and women's tennis at Catawba from 1987 until 1989, and thereafter coached only women's tennis at the college into the late 1990s, died June 12. A native of New Jersey, Mitchell earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Dartmouth College. He was a veteran of World War II, serving for three years during the conflict, two of those overseas in the South Pacific with the 5th Army Air Force.

ESPN's Basketball Color Commentator Dick Vitale was just one of the sportscaster/sportswriter celebrities in Catawba College's Goodman Gym on June 10. He was on hand for the 54th annual NSSA Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and was this year's NSSA Hall of Fame sportscasting inductee.

Catawba College will be hosting the graduation ceremonies for five Rowan-Salisbury Schools in Keppel Auditorium of the Robertson College-Community Center on campus on Saturday, June 8th. The schedule for high schools graduating on June 8th at Catawba College is as follows...

Until July, incoming first-year students can select their top three choices from among all of Catawba's unique first-year seminars. First-Year Seminar (FYS) is an integrated comprehensive discussion and seminar course that approaches an interesting topic from multiple perspectives. All first time freshmen take FYS. Not only do students enjoy learning about various topics with their peers, but there are common elements across all First-Year Seminars.

June 9-15 will be the 74th consecutive year of Tar Heel Girls State, and for the twelfth year, Catawba College will host the weeklong session. At the annual event, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of North Carolina, several hundred girls from across North Carolina, all high school juniors who are academically in the top third of their class, will participate. The Girls State program is a weeklong practical study of the structure and operation...

Dr. Tim Moreland can tell you a lot about a dog's life and he can certainly tell you about how dogs have figured into his. In addition to the dogs he's owned, he's met quite a few while helping to rescue and save their lives.

Twelve Rowan Cabarrus Community College students have applied and been accepted as the first cohort of Noyce Summer Interns. Funds from a $1.45 million National Science Foundation grant provide monies to pay the tuition for these students to take a three credit hour online Education course through Catawba College and to allow each of them a paid summer internship in a STEM occupation.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles discussing current political topics.

Catawba College student TyNia Rene' Brandon of Charlotte, who was crowned Miss Queen City 2013 in January, will compete for the title of Miss North Carolina June 14-22 in Raleigh. TyNia, the daughter of Tyrone and Sharon Brandon, is a senior at Catawba, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre. During the Miss Queen City Pageant, she sang an Italian aria entitled "Star Vichino" and won the talent portion of the pageant.

Six new directors were recently added to the Catawba College Chiefs Club Board, bringing the membership on the board to a total of 30 for the 2013 year.

An article published in the March 17, 2008 edition of "The New Yorker" is the Common College Reading for the incoming class of first-year students at Catawba College. "The Real Work: Modern Magic and the Meaning of Life" by Adam Gopnick will be discussed by students during orientation in August and during their fall semester first-year seminar classes.

The Catawba College chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, welcomed three new members during an induction ceremony held in late April at DJ's Restaurant. The new members are Madelin Contreras of Salisbury, Kaitlin Johnson of Myersville, Md., and Cinthia Rodriguez of Salisbury. The advisor is Dr. Lyn Boulter, professor of psychology.

Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Catawba College's chemistry honor society, recently initiated new members. The induction ceremony for the Alpha Delta Chapter took place April 24 on campus.

The Catawba College's Tau Eta Chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society, inducted nine members at its annual induction ceremony on April 25. Graduating seniors who are members of the society were also recognized at the ceremony.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer will serve as Catawba College's acting provost beginning June 1. President Brien Lewis made that announcement to the campus community on May 20. Bitzer, an associate professor politics and history and chair of the Department of History and Politics at Catawba, joined the faculty in 2002. He will fill a vacancy left by the departure of Dr. W. Richard "Rick" Stephens, Jr. who will lead the academic administration at Alfred University.

by Sydney Berk '13 - I say goodbye to my position as Editor of the Spotlight with deepest gratitude for those that I work with as well as this program in general. Graduating is a funny thing...

Thirteen students from Catawba College's School of Evening and Graduate Studies were commissioned as Junior Marshals in an April 20 ceremony. Dean of the School of Evening and Graduate Studies, Dr. Edith Bolick, and College Marshal, Professor David Pulliam, officiated at the ceremony.

Dr. W. Richard "Rick" Stephens, Jr. will step down as provost of Catawba College at the end of this academic year. He has accepted a position as provost and academic vice president at Alfred University in Alfred, New York, and starts there July 1.

Catawba College's Zeta Chapter of the mathematics honor society, Kappa Mu Epsilon inducted eight new members in late April at a ceremony held in Ketner Hall. The inductees included Matthew Hodgson of Salisbury; Sydney Hyder of Asheboro; Lindsay C. King of Kannapolis; Ekaterina Kruglov of Karmiel, Israel; Jacob Regensburger of Fayetteville; Cristin Ritchie of Salisbury; Brinsley Stewart of Boonville; and Frank Villa Hernandez of Kannapolis.

Three Catawba College students became members of the college's chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, the International Foreign Language Honor Society, in late April. The new members included graduating seniors Chelsea Starr of Weston, Fla., and Whitney Corriher of Salisbury, and rising senior Jordan Greene of Oak Island.

"Don't be afraid to fail and if you do fail, try again, but do it strategically," North Carolina Governor Patrick L. McCrory '78 told an audience of graduates and their families and friends at Catawba College's 10 a.m. Commencement Exercise on May 11. Showing off a pair of red boxing gloves given to him by his friend George Foreman, the former Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, McCrory relayed a story about his own failure to win the North Carolina gubernatorial election in 2008.

There was celebration and remembrance at Catawba College's Commencement Exercises on May 11. Three graduates and one alumnus received awards during the two ceremonies, while one student who died just five credit hours away from completing the coursework for his bachelor's degree was honored with a special tribute.

Catawba College recognized three retiring faculty members at its May 11 Commencement Exercises. Drs. James "Jim" Beard, John B. "Jack" Green and Cynthia B. Osterhus '73 were cited for their contributions to the institution at the 10 a.m. ceremony held in Keppel Auditorium.

It was a very familiar figure who delivered the homily at Catawba College's Baccalaureate Service on May 10. On the eve of their graduation, College Chaplain and Senior Vice President, the Reverend Dr. Ken Clapp '70, advised the graduates to "Take wing by giving God that place of greatest importance in your lives and allowing God to direct you and call the shots."

Graduating seniors who are members of Catawba College's Omicron Chapter of Alpha Chi, national college honor society, were recognized during a May 10th ceremony held in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel.

Catawba College's End-of-the-Year Luncheon for Faculty and Staff was a time to recognize 10 individuals who are retiring from the college this year.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on WFAE discussing the North Carolina GOP Leaders' plan to cut and expand taxes. Bitzer said it is an ambitious plan. "In conjunction with the budget, with voter I.D., with a lot of other big-ticket items that Republicans campaigned on, this is probably going to be the most controversial and biggest hurdle that they're going to have to try and get through if they want...

Catawba College alumnus Tomas Smogner '12, is one of only two students chosen to represent Ernst and Young - Sweden in the International Intern Leadership Conference this summer in Florida. Only twelve students were selected from the Nordic countries. Tomas majored in Accounting at Catawba and was a member of the Men's Basketball team. He is currently working toward a Master's degree in Accounting, Auditing, and Analysis at Stockholm University.

Students who want to make the most of their educational experience choose the Catawba College Honors Program. Our Honors program is unique for a wide variety of reasons. Classes are often team-taught by faculty members from two entirely different disciplines, often focusing on one question or topic from multiple perspectives. Students study in an environment that promotes creativity and critical thinking and the courses count toward your general education requirements for the college.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - Wow ... where did this year go? It blows my mind that I am already finished with my first year of college. It literally feels like just yesterday when I walked into an empty dorm room and had to decide where the TV was going to go ... priorities people. I think back too on how much I feel like I've grown throughout this year. After taking a gap year I was coming into a completely different world with no one I knew, I was truly on my own. Little did I know...

Students at Catawba College enhance their education outside the classroom and are involved in many multidisciplinary research projects. Catawba students are engaged in challenging and unique research experiences that emphasize current developments in biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, environmental chemistry and forensic science using state-of-the-art instrumentation. At Catawba, you'll learn science content in the context of work-world applications.

Experience the difference that is Catawba College. Come visit our campus, meet with our students, faculty and staff. See for yourself what the Catawba Experience is all about. Get a glimpse of the Catawba Experience in the following video...

The professor whom students call "Dr. O" was recognized by the students and her colleagues in the Catawba College Department of Teacher Education at a retirement reception held April 30 in the atrium of Ketner Hall. Dr. Cynthia B. Osterhus, an associate professor of teacher education and director of the Shirley Peeler Ritchie Academy for Teaching at Catawba, will retire at the end of this academic year after 10 years as a full-time faculty member at the college.

Catawba College alumnus Richard Steinert '81, the artistic director of Ballet Pensacola, returned to his alma mater in April to offer master classes for college students and members of the Salisbury-Rowan community. Steinert and Christine Duhon, also from Ballet Pensacola, worked with students and members of the local community on Tuesday, April 23 in Keppel Auditorium of the Robertson College-Community Center on campus. Steinert will return to Catawba in spring 2014 for a collaborative...

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles concerning current political issues. Read the articles...

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory will be the speaker for Catawba College's 10 a.m. Graduation Exercise to be held Saturday, May 11 in Keppel Auditorium of the Robertson College-Community Center. McCrory is a 1978 alumnus of the college and a former seven-term mayor of Charlotte. McCrory's schedule will only permit him to speak at the college's 10 a.m. exercise at which the college will award baccalaureate degrees to 191 students who are graduating from the traditional day program...

Catawba College has announced its 2012-13 athletic award winners for its student-athletes. The awards were presented at the annual athletic ceremony held at the Keppel Auditorium on Tuesday, April 30. Heading the list of award winners were Nick Lomascolo and Jenny Young, who were awarded the Kirkland and Lomax Awards for the top male and female senior athletes, and Eoin Duffy and Taylor May, who were given the Wurster Awards for team leadership.

Two Catawba College trustees who are also alumni were honored by their alma mater on Sunday, April 28, as recipients of the College's prestigious Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service. Recipients included Mr. Larry T. Cloninger '74 of Salisbury and Mr. Barry D. Leonard '65 of Lexington. College President Brien Lewis and Chair of the College Board of Trustees Darlene Ball made the presentations during a special President's Circle Event held to recognize the institution's...

Entrepreneur Brandi Tysinger-Temple, founder of the Lexington, N.C. kids clothing company Lolly Wolly Doodle that conducts business on Facebook, admits she did not even have a business plan when she launched her business. But today, Facebook recognizes her business as one of its largest retailers with a page touting almost 550,000 likes and 68,500 who are talking about it.

Catawba College students shared their research with faculty, staff and other students at the annual Catawba Research and Creativity Showcase on Thursday, April 25. The event featured a wide variety of interdisciplinary research topics. View some quick quotes by the students about their research experience and a photo gallery...

Seven million pounds of garbage – 961 refrigerators, 143 sinks, 67,000 tires, 3,700 55-gallon barrels, 63 messages in bottles and much, much more. That's how much trash Chad Pregracke and his organization have dredged up from the Mississippi and 16 other major rivers over the past 15 years. This dedicated river champion has been featured on CNN, the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, ABC, CBS and NBC. He was awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service, a prize that is considered the U.S.

Author Francis Koster will speak Thursday, May 16, on his recently published book, Discovering the New America: Where Local Communities Are Solving National Problems, at the Center for the Environment building on the Catawba College campus. The 6:30 presentation will be followed by a reception and book signing. His book will be available at a discounted price.

Children made flower bursts while their parents learned about how to improve air quality at a "Growing Green Kids" family night on Earth Day, April 22. A joint venture of the Center for the Environment at Catawba College and Town Creek Commons Chick-Fil-A, the event site, the festivities drew children from age 2 to their teens. "A girls' soccer team from Iredell County came as they were on their way to East Rowan," says Sarah Moore, outreach coordinator for the Center.

Members of the Catawba College community gathered in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on April 23 to celebrate achievement. The occasion was the annual Awards Convocation.Scheduled the day after Earth Day, the awards distributed were eco-friendly, made of Catawba blue, 100% recycled glass. They symbolized the college's commitment to environmental responsibility and are a reminder to the recipients to promote a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.

Catawba College alumnus Richard Steinert '81, the artistic director of Ballet Pensacola, will be back at his alma mater April 21-24 to work with college students and to offer master classes for them and the members of the Salisbury-Rowan community. Steinert, who visited campus in February 2012, has enjoyed a long and successful career as a dancer, a choreographer and an artistic director at some of the country's premier ballet companies.

A group of students from the "Politics & Public Policy" class went to Raleigh to speak to members of the media, legislative staff, lobbyists, senators, representatives, and the Governor to see the legislative process in action. During the trip, the students sat in on the opening sessions of both chambers and were recognized by the Speaker and the Lt. Governor, along with sitting in on a committee hearing to witness debate on the voter identification bill pending...

An article by 2011 Catawba College alumna Kacey Hoover is featured in the April 2013 issue of the award-winning magazine of the American Solar Energy Society, Solar Today. Hoover earned her degree in environmental science from Catawba in 2011 and is pursuing a master's in Technology with a concentration in Appropriate Technology at Appalachian State University. She works as an energy analyst and specializes in rate structure analysis and estimating utility bills.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on the Charlotte Observer's website discussing the slowing of GOP lawmaking momentum at the halfway point and how well the House and Senate work together could determine how messy it gets. Bitzer said how the relationship progresses will help define the session.

by Sydney Smith of Salisbury, West Scholars Cohort '11 - Eighteen Catawba College sophomores and juniors who are West Teaching Scholars ventured to Charleston, S.C., to gain firsthand experience of the historic town. The April 5-9 excursion was led by Dr. Rhonda Truitt, associate professor of teacher education and chair of education department at Catawba, and Teresa Weddington, administrative assistant for Catawba's Academy for Teaching.

Catawba College is one of the 322 most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review (www.PrincetonReview.com). Catawba was also only one of 21 institutions among the 322 featured in the guide to be included in The Princeton Review's "Green Honor Roll" for receiving Green Ratings of 99.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on the WRAL.com website discussing Gov. Pat McCrory's plans to ignore peripheral issues, to stay away from legislative peccadilloes and spend time on his "Three Es:" economy, education and efficiency.

Nearly 140 people learned about the harmful effects of common chemicals on the public health April 9 when research scientist Dr. John Peterson Myers spoke at the Center for the Environment building on the Catawba College campus.

As the 2012-2013 academic year comes to a close, Catawba College students are thinking about their futures. For some graduating in May, a next step — graduate school — is on their minds. For those with a year or so to go before they earn their undergraduate degree, thoughts are on how to enhance their future opportunities and make themselves ready for the next steps after Catawba.

A piano concert by Steven Heyman at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel will conclude the Catawba College Artist Series for spring semester. This concert is free and open to the public. Heyman is currently an Associate Professor and Co-Chair of the Keyboard Department at Syracuse University. In the central New York area, he has an active performing career including being the soloist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra 27 times over a 35 year period.

2011 Catawba College Alumnus Joseph "Joe" S. Manser is now a graduate student at the University of Notre Dame's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He recently shared a video link to his research concerning assembling and testing quantum dot solar cells in the lab there.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) White of Salisbury, a chemistry major at Catawba College and the college's current Alpha Chi chapter president, has been selected as one of 10 recipients of the 2013 Alfred H. Nolle Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded by the Alpha Chi National Academic Honor Society.

Two Catawba College students were awarded 1st place Derieux Research Awards, in their respective divisions, for excellence in undergraduate research at the 110th Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Academy of Science (NCAS) Meeting. Marlon Ryan Barber of Mocksville and Mary Podgorak-Lagro of Salisbury were recognized at the annual meeting held April 5 and 6 at UNC Pembroke.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in a Winston-Salem Journal Journal article discussing Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx's decision to not run for re-election. Bitzer said Foxx will have numerous opportunities if he wants to continue in politics.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in a WSOCTV.com article discussing how new local leaders might inherit divisive issues. Bitzer said that change is part of the job. "Those people that have risen to that level generally know this is the way that business works," he said.

Dr. David L. Fish, associate professor of music and chair of the music department at Catawba College, has been accepted to take part in a traditional Korean music international workshop at Korea's National Gugak Center in Seoul. The all-expense paid workshop starts June 17 and runs for two weeks.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - Has there ever been a moment where it seems like a lot of different things are hitting you at once and just when you feel like you've finally got everything under control, all of a sudden something drops and you find yourself under water?

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several local and national articles discussing the proposed bill for establishing a state religion in North Carolina.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in a WSOCTV.com article discussing how new legislation might cut back on early voting days and voting locations. Bitzer said it could be an attempt at saving money.

Five new members will be inducted into the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 27, during the festivities of the Hall of Fame's 36th anniversary. The inductees are (with graduation year): Heath Bost '95; Charla Doss Hill '91; Stephanie McCormick '94; Red Richardson '49 (deceased); and Nick Sabol '98.

The Golden LEAF Foundation awarded $420,000 to North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities to be distributed among NCICU's member colleges for the 2012-2013 academic year. The Golden LEAF Foundation has partnered with North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities to provide scholarship support for more than 10 years. During this time, the Foundation has contributed more than $5.8 million, helping over 1,200 students attend North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.

Amy Hrinsin, an instructor of Accounting in Catawba College’s Ralph W. Ketner School of Business, recently completed a Teaching Effectiveness Seminar offered by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Hrinsin was evaluated on her teaching effectiveness by five faculty members with considerable experience in the classroom and she received critical constructive feedback.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in a WBTV.com article discussing the difference in freedoms state-to-state. A new study from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University has ranked the states based on freedom. According to the study, people in South Carolina have significantly more freedom than people in North Carolina because there is less government oversight and regulation in South Carolina.

Students from Catawba College's Sociology Capstone Seminar class recently participated in the annual "Point in Time" homeless person count in Rowan County organized by Rowan Helping Ministries.

First Reformed United Church of Christ in Lexington will host a concert by the Catawba Singers at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. The church is located at 104 E. Center Street and members of the general public are invited to attend the concert.

By Pen Chance '15, Augusta, Ga. - Catawba College's Theatre Department will close its 2012-2013 season with Arthur Miller's chilling classic, "The Crucible." The production runs April 9-10 at 6:55 p.m., and April 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. in Hedrick Theatre on campus. The stage is set in late 1600s, Salem, Massachusetts, as something evil winds its way into a small village. Rumors of witchcraft run amok and young girls fall ill to unknown causes.

Entrepreneur Brandi Tysinger-Temple has been called an internet pioneer by CBS, HLN and Businessweek. The founder of the Lexington, N.C. kids clothing company will speak at Catawba College's 10th annual CEO Lecture at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25 in Peeler Crystal Lounge of the Robertson College-Community Center. Tysinger-Temple will offer remarks entitled "Fearless Entrepreneurship in a Socially-Connected World: Community Building. Always Improving."

By Rebecca Rider - The Center for the Environment at Catawba College collaborated March 21 with Bread Riot to host a screening of the film "GROW!" at the Center building on campus. Bread Riot also provided locally grown foods for a tasting before the film. Set against the backdrop of rural Georgia, the film explores sustainable farming and the new face of agriculture.

By Sarah Campbell, SalisburyPost.com - Unlike most college students, Jeremy Gardner wasn't in line to buy a gigantic television or scoop up $3 movies on Black Friday. Instead, the 21-year-old Catawba College senior battled crowds at Kohl's to become the owner of a shiny, new griddle.

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute in Kannapolis has received a $5.3 million grant to study fetal alcohol disorders in South Africa. The funds are from the National Institute of Health's National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The study will be conducted by Dr. Philip May '69, a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) and Department of Nutrition.

Robert Casmus, head athletic trainer at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, was one of two individuals inducted on March 23 into the North Carolina Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame. The 36th annual NCATA Spring Awards and Business Meeting was held at Carolinas Healthcare System – Northeast in Concord.

Author Sena Jeter Naslund contends that "loving a work of art is almost as good as writing it." She shared that contention with those gathered March 21 for Catawba College's 27th annual Brady Author's Symposium. Naslund said her fifth novel, "Ahab's Wife," launched her writing career and "changed my life in many ways." The book, four years in the making, "needed to be" and was her response to the lack of strong female protagonists in American literature.

Dr. John "Jack" Green, an associate professor of marketing in Catawba College's Ketner School of Business, chaired a session and made a presentation at an international conference held in Valencia, Spain, during the college's spring break.

by Lizzle Davis, Class of '13 - Catawba College students pursuing careers in teaching participated in a free workshop on campus that will help better prepare them for their pending jobs. Catawba's Teacher Education Department hosted the Spencer Kagan workshop, "From Survival to Success: Essential Strategies for New Teachers" at the Center for the Environment on March 14 and 15 for juniors and seniors majoring in Education.

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College will host its third Faith, Spirituality and Environmental Stewardship workshop on Thursday, April 18, at the Center facility on the Catawba campus. The workshops are designed to allow participants of various faiths to share their knowledge and experience or learn more about topics that focus on environmental stewardship. They are a Campaign for Clean Air initiative.

A new endowed scholarship established at Catawba College memorializes Anna Katherine Gregory Vance, a 2003 alumna who died in April 2011. The Scholarship was established by her husband, Dr. Shawn L. Vance of Kannapolis.

Two faculty members and several students from the psychology department at Catawba College attended the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association in Atlanta, Ga., March 13-16.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - Wow, it seems like forever since I've written a blog post. I sincerely apologize; I know how much y'all have missed reading my weekly posts, but do not fret I am back! (cue thunderous applause, whistles, etc.) "Oh my gosh, you guys stop it, you're too kind!"

Area teachers and the staff of the Center for the Environment met recently to explore ways the Center and its Campaign for Clean Air can help them in the classroom, especially as they prepare lessons on air pollution and ways to lessen it.

The Catawba College Gospel Choir will host a United in Prayer Rally on Wednesday, March 20 between 6 and 8 p.m. in Leonard Lounge of the Cannon Student Center. At the rally, free prayer posters will be distributed that students and others may write a prayer on, photograph their prayer and then share it via social media. The United in Prayer Rally is organized by Hope Raisers at www.hoperaisers.org and the rally at Catawba is just one of the stops on a cross-country trip...

The folks at Morgan Ridge Vineyards in Gold Hill wanted a website that was warm and welcoming, one that was user-friendly and easy to update. That's exactly what they got after Catawba College students enrolled in Dr. Pamela Thompson's fall semester e-commerce class finished their work. The students in Thompson's class tackled the project as a group assignment while they were learning about the latest web technologies. Their work, www.morganridgevineyards.com, launched in February to rave visito

By Pen Chance '15, Augusta, GA - As spring begins to show its face, join Catawba College and the Blue Masque on a journey of hope and love in the theatrical production of Once on This Island. The production runs March 20-23, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Catawba's Florence Busby Corriher Theater.

A 1962 Catawba College alumna, the Reverend June Grubb, was honored by her alma mater as the recipient of the institution's 2013 College Church/Ministry Award. Grubb, who makes her home in Lexington and is active in the First Reformed United Church of Christ there, was recognized in February at a Church/College Dinner held on Catawba's campus.

"Every Body Needs an Athletic Trainer" is the 2013 theme for the month of March recognizing Athletic Trainers (ATs) as experts in taking care of all kinds of injuries and for their commitment to helping people prevent injuries and keeping people healthy and active.

Catawba College has slated its Pride Day for Saturday, April 27, and plans are for the new and returning students to the Pride Marching Band to be able to interact. Music for the 2013 Pride Marching Band halftime show will be available for preview. Beginning at 1 p.m. in the Williams Music Building, new students will have an opportunity to audition for the Pride – its wind, percussion and color guard units – as well as for music department scholarships. New and returning students...

Dr. Pete Myers, founder, CEO and chief scientist of Environmental Health News, will speak on "Endocrine Disruption: A Global Threat to Health" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Center for the Environment facility on the Catawba College campus.

Joseph "Joe" R. Gorman and wife Sharon of Greensboro, Ga., have established a scholarship at Catawba College and students from Georgia will be given preference for it. Joe stated, "Sharon and I love Catawba College because it played such a pivotal role in our lives. Catawba is where we met and fell in love. I met Sharon at the freshman orientation dance on her first night at Catawba. Rick Toms, a fellow football teammate and great friend, and I decided to check out the girls...

The Center for the Environment and Bread Riot will host a screening of "GROW!" on Thursday, March 21, at the Center facility on the Catawba College campus. The film focuses on the new generation of sustainable farmers. "All across the U.S. there is a growing movement of educated young people who are leaving the cities to take up an agrarian life," the "GROW!" website says. "Armed with college degrees, some are unable to find jobs in the current economic slump.

Larry Farmer, Catawba College's Director of Human Resources, has been elected as Southern Region Director to the National Board of Directors for the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). Farmer currently serves as the Past Chair of the Southern Region Board of Directors and will continue his service to the Southern Region and to the National CUPA-HR Board of Directors. Farmer, who joined the Catawba in 1998, has been active in CUPA-HR for a number of ye

The Catawba College Board of Trustees approved tenure for Theatre Arts Assistant Professor Erin B. Dougherty at its February meeting. Dougherty joined the Catawba faculty in 2007 as assistant professor of costume design and technology. She has served since 2008 as the faculty advisor to Catawba's Blue Masque, a student theatre organization, and served during the 2012-2013 academic year as a member of the Catawba faculty's curriculum committee.

The residential life experience at Catawba College and the many options and benefits of living on campus. Watch the video...

The Center for the Environment will offer a second Faith, Spirituality and Environmental Stewardship Workshop Thursday, March 14, at the Center facility on the Catawba College campus. This workshop, as well as those in February and April, is designed to offer people who have implemented green projects the opportunity to share their experience with others. Topics include Green Gardens, Green Food – starting a community garden; Go Green, Save Greenbacks – learning about inexpensive ways...

by Rachel Shelton (West Scholar Cohort '11). As part of its annual teacher of the year presentation, the Academy for Teaching at Catawba College welcomed the 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year, Darcy Grimes.

Beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, all campus buildings at Catawba College will be tobacco-free, instead of just smoke-free. After substantial discussion and reflection on feedback from students, faculty and staff, college trustees approved this change to the college policy at their February meeting.

Members of the Catawba College campus will be drinking Starbucks espressos, frappuccinos, lattes, teas and coffees on campus this fall. This, thanks to a new program, Starbucks We Proudly Brew, to be offered by the college's food service provider, Chartwells, and approved by trustees at their February meeting.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on The Daily Tarheel website discussing the City of Charlotte's dispute with the City of Raleigh over funding for transportation projects.

From the sage perspective of his 66 years, Dr. Kurt Corriher shared advice on how to live a joyful life with those gathered for Catawba College's 10th Annual Lilly Colloquium. Beginning his remarks with lines from Poet Mary Oliver's "The Summer Day," Corriher spoke in the college's Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on Feb. 19...

New York Times bestselling author Sena Jeter Naslund, who admits a contemporary, feminist sensibility, will be the featured speaker at Catawba College's 27th annual Brady Author's Symposium scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21. The symposium will take place in Hedrick Theatre of the Robertson College-Community Center on campus.

Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, has launched a pilot program to make standardized tests optional in its admissions process. The program may have some positive effects for applicants who hope to enroll at the college in fall 2013. Under the new guidelines, applicants with a weighted grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher will not be required to submit SAT or ACT test scores. In lieu of the standardized tests, students will need to submit supplemental materials...

by Leanna Hicks '16 - POP QUIZ! Okay people, this is a really important pop quiz question. Okay, ready? What is your favorite band/musician/group etc.? You have 5 seconds, GO! ... You all pass, huzzah here's your degree, you're ready for the world! If only it was that easy, but anyway back to the point. You may be wondering why I asked this specific question, knowing that I wouldn't hear your answer since I'm not psychic or anything, so why? WELL I'll tell you...

"Learn how to find the balance. Understand that this [college] is a stepping stone for the rest of your life," Elaine Pasqua, an advocate for right choices, told Catawba College students on Feb. 14. Speaking in Keppel Auditorium, she encouraged them "to learn to be comfortable with who you are" and to "put your goals first and your academics first."

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in the following recent articles about current political topics. Read the articles...

Nearly 50 individuals learned about everything from harnessing the sun's energy to engaging young people in eco-friendly efforts February 7 at the Center for the Environment's Faith, Spirituality and Environmental Stewardship Workshop. Participants drove as much as two hours to the Catawba College campus to gather information they could take back to their faith communities.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - *The phone rings* Leanna answers the phone anxiously. "Hello?" The Boss calls with a new mission for her." Leanna, it's The Boss ... I have a new mission for you. If you decide to accept, this mission requires you to go into a completely different world that you've never seen before ... do you accept?" There's a pause at the other end, but Leanna takes a deep breath and answers this very important question. "I accept."

Ask residents of Asheboro and Randolph County what they can tell you about the Black Lake Retreat Center and you will likely get an answer such as, "What is that?" Just across Highway 220 from the N.C. Zoological Park is what has been up to this point in time almost a "hidden treasure." Riding past rolling fields and pastures that flank New Hope Road, one suddenly comes upon a lighted, paved parking lot that serves a state of the art conference center.

Catawba College will launch a new Environmental Stewards and Scholars Scholarship Program this fall through the college's Center for the Environment. These scholarships are being offered in addition to the academic scholarships the college currently offers to students majoring in one of the four environmental degree programs: Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies or Sustainable Business and Community Development.

A dark comedy that deals with big issues, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," plays in Catawba College's Hedrick Little Theatre Feb. 19-23. The College Theatre Department offers performances at 6:55 p.m. Feb. 19 and 20, and at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-23. The play, written by Academy Award and Tony Award winner, Tom Stoppard, takes two small characters from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and turns them into larger than life comics in his hysterical and absurdist piece.

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College recently posted an 8½ -minute video on its website about the 2012 National Environmental Summit, which brought high school students from across the country to the Catawba campus to learn how they could use their talents to effect positive change in the world. John Wear, executive director of the Center, taped a number of the summit activities and interviewed about a dozen of the participants near the end of the session last July.

Catawba College Environmental Science and Sustainable Business students greeted the cold and clear first day of February by assisting the N.C. Zoological Park in management of a significant tract of longleaf pine in the Uwharrie region of northern Montgomery County. The Nichols Tract, a 116-acre property containing one of the finest examples of a piedmont longleaf pine community in North Carolina, was recently purchased by the N.C. Zoological Park and Salisbury's Land Trust...

Catawba College freshman, Nathan Hatley, is one of the recipients of a 2013 Sacks for Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship, awarded by the Boomer Esiason Foundation. Nathan was one of the $10,000 scholarship recipients announced on Super Bowl Sunday. "This scholarship is going straight toward my tuition," Hatley said, noting that he had submitted his application materials for the scholarship to the Foundation in early January. "I'm just so grateful to have received it."

Catawba College student TyNia Rene' Brandon of Charlotte was crowned Miss Queen City 2013 on January 5 and is set to compete for the title of Miss North Carolina at the state pageant. The daughter of Tyrone and Sharon Brandon, she is a junior at Catawba, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre. During the Miss Queen City Pageant, TyNia sang an Italian aria entitled "Star Vichino." She won the talent portion of the pageant with this moving operatic love song rendition.

by Leanna Hicks '16 -You know that moment when you're trying to think of that perfect topic to write about and then in a second you strike gold? That happened to me this morning folks, so here we go! Being here at Catawba, I have quickly built relationships that I know will last me a lifetime, but the one relationship in my life that has been constant and I cherish more than anything is the relationship I have with my sister. (Insert pause so you can grab a tissue)

When Gordon A. Kirkland, Jr. '70 of Clemmons retired as director of athletic development at Catawba College in December, he did so quietly, likely hoping for little or no fanfare. Instead, he received a tribute in the form of a new Endowed Scholarship, established in his honor by his fellow alumni, members of the Catawba Chiefs Club members with whom he had worked, and friends.

Catawba College Alumnus and Trustee Gregory M. Alcorn '79 of Salisbury is one of three new members appointed by N.C. Governor Pat McCrory '78 to the State Board of Education. That announcement was made Wednesday, Jan. 30. McCrory told N.C. legislative leaders that he had chosen Bill Cobey of Durham, Greg Alcorn of Salisbury and Becky Taylor of Greenville to the state's policy-making board for the public schools. The General Assembly must vote to confirm the new governor's choices.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on the WCNC.com website. Bitzer discussed Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, who has been outspoken in his support for a ban on assault weapons and high-magazine clips but has declined to join the group Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Read the full story...

A free program of piano music by Patrick Behringer at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel continues the Catawba Artist Series for spring semester. Behringer will perform works of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Prokofiev. Behringer performs throughout the Fort Worth, Texas area and maintains a private piano studio there. He is a regular lecture recitalist in public schools as part of the Fort Worth Contemporary Music Fund's education program, "The Legacy of the Americas."

junior, Kedtrin Gallagher of Little River, S.C., is one of 23 college students to receive a $500 scholarship from Dr. Pepper's 2012 N.C. Scholarship Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes ran from August 1 through December 31, 2012. Kedtrin learned she was one of the tuition money winners after she returned to campus from the college's Christmas holiday break.

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College will host Faith, Spirituality and Environmental Stewardship Workshops to bring together people who would like to share their experiences with green projects in their congregations with those who want to learn how to implement projects in their own faith communities. "This workshop is based on the understanding that the people in the trenches are the experts," says Dr. John Wear, executive director of the Center for the Environment.

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College is now accepting applications for its third annual National Environmental Summit for High School Students, scheduled for July 9-13. The summit, "Redesigning Our Future," is open to high school students from across the country who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors during the 2013-2014 academic year.

by Sydney Berk '13, Encino, Calif. -Catawba College's steamy and bold production of "References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot" opens at 7:30 p.m. February 6 and runs through February 9 in Catawba College's Florence Busby Corriher Theatre. Catawba's Blue Masque, the largest and oldest student club on campus, takes theatre-goers to a new world of magical realism during the course of this comedy drama.

Two Catawba College alumni and former football teammates will be across the field from each other in New Orleans during Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3. San Francisco 49ers Defensive Line Coach Jim Tomsula '90 and Baltimore Ravens Kicking Consultant Randy Brown '89 will share both a Catawba connection and a healthy rivalry at the game.

Catawba College's fall 2012 production of "The Life of Galileo" was selected to compete at the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) for Region 4 in Albany, Ga., in early February. The Catawba Theatre Department will offer a special, free viewing of the production at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, the week prior to the competition, in Hedrick Theatre on campus. Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to attend.

Catawba College's North Carolina Omicron chapter of Alpha Chi was recently recognized as a Star Chapter for the 2011-2012 academic year, one of only 32 chapters nationally to earn this designation. The Omicron chapter will be formally recognized during the awards presentation at the 2013 National Convention in Nashville, Tenn., April 4-6.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured on the CharlotteObserver.com website regarding the possible influence of N.C. Republicans on a future GOP blueprint.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - *Now back to your original programming* And we're back Catawba! Yes I understand we've been back for about two weeks, but just go with it. While I thoroughly enjoyed my break, I was ready to return to school.

by Sydney Berk '13 - Currently in my final semester of college, 4 years of studying, listening, reading and slaving over papers will culminate in a project that is near and dear to my heart. I will be directing my first full length show, References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot by Jose Rivera. For the past 6 months, I have had the complex task of researching and prepping for this project.

Catawba College Baseball Coach Jim Gantt was recently awarded the 2012 Walter Rabb Award, presented annually to the North Carolina Amateur Baseball Coach of the Year. This is the second time that he has been honored with this award; he also received it in 2002. Gantt's 2012 team went to the 2012 NCAA II College World Series with a 45-17 record, the second most wins in school history. In his 17th year serving as head baseball coach...

Dr. Buster Smith, an assistant professor of sociology at Catawba College, recently served as a moderator for a panel discussion on Arts of Faith held at Waterworks Visual Arts Center in Salisbury. The discussion was held Jan. 17. Smith, who joined the Catawba faculty at the start of the 2011-2012 academic year, is interested in the study of the sociology of religion.

Elaine Pasqua, an advocate for right choices, will speak at Catawba College's Keppel Auditorium at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. She will offer a high-energy program entitled, "Sex and Excess: Surviving the Party," that will encourage students to make their goals a priority, as they examine why they engage in high-risk behaviors and how things can go wrong.

A new scholarship fund established at Catawba College will provide music scholarships for students from Rowan County. Steven J. Shuping and his parents, Romas and Sarah Shuping, all of Salisbury, established the Romas H. Shuping, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund in memory of their brother and son. Steve Shuping, a 1983 alumnus of Catawba, says the new scholarship was a tangible way to memorialize his brother who died accidentally in 1967 at age eight. "All of my siblings have played music...

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured on the SalisburyPost.com website. The article featured the following excerpt from a blog that Bitzer wrote for "The Party Line" political blog at www.wfae.org: When the North Carolina General Assembly gaveled the two chambers into session, the leaders of the House and Senate took to their respective podiums to deliver their outlook on the upcoming biennium session...

New members will be inducted into the Catawba College Athletic Training Hall of Fame on Feb. 9. The induction of the Class of 2013 will take place between noon and 2 p.m. in Peeler Crystal Lounge of the Robertson College-Community Center on campus. The 2013 inductees, both from the Class of 1995, are Bryan Fass of Davidson and Carrie Graham of Coventry, Conn. Jeff Tucker '90 of Jensen Beach, Fla., an inductee in the Class of 2012, was unable to attend last year's ceremony. Tucker will be on han

by Nathan Hardin, Salisbury Post - As Gov. Pat McCrory stepped back from the microphone after his inaugural address Saturday, an audience peppered with Salisbury residents rose to its feet. Hope, some later said, had returned. Thousands gathered around the Capitol building's south lawn to hear the second swearing-in of McCrory and his first official speech. McCrory, the former mayor of Charlotte, is the first Republican governor in North Carolina in 20 years.

A free piano concert provided by Catawba College adjunct faculty member, Wei Jiao, at 3 p.m. Sunday Jan. 20, in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel kicks off a Catawba Artist Series for spring semester. Jiao will perform works of Scarlatti, Mozart, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and modern Chinese composer Zhou Long.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - Well I'm sure the title of this blog post gives it away, but I'll say it anyway ... man, am I happy to be home for the holidays! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Catawba and have come to find that I miss school... I know right, you miss school? ...but after working so hard this semester and especially those exams, I feel that I and the rest of you lovely folks have been counting down the minutes and seconds until the beautiful, month-long holiday break!

Catawba College students will participate in several inauguration events for North Carolina's new governor, 1978 Catawba alumnus, Pat McCrory. Catawba's Vernaculars All Stars will perform between 7:30 and 8 p.m. on Friday, January 11 at the Inauguration Ball. Students Olivia Albertson of Thomasville, Silas Boyle of Louisville, Ky., Jacob Martin of St. Louis, Mo., Greg Moore of Durham and Allijah Motika of Asheville will be accompanied by Department Chair and Director of Popular Music and...

A total of 267 students have been named to the Dean's List for the 2012 Fall semester at Catawba College, according to Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Jr., Provost of the College. Traditional Day program students named to the Dean's List have achieved a 3.5 grade point average in 15 or more semester hours. School of Evening and Graduate Studies students named have achieved a 3.5 grade point average in at least 12 semester hours.

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) will host a Regional Professional Learning Day on the campus of Catawba College on Saturday, February 23. This training day for pre-service and current teachers, as well as National Board candidates, is one of five sessions being held across the state.

More than 240 middle and high school choral students participated in the first annual Catawba College Honor Choir Festival held Friday, January 4th, 2013 on Catawba's campus. Those participating were seventh through twelfth grade students who had been selected from participating schools across North Carolina. They rehearsed throughout the day and offered a well-attended evening performance at 7 p.m. in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel.

Dr. Eric R. Hake, Associate Professor of Economics and Department Chair of Business & Economics at Catawba College, recently attended the annual conference of the Association for Evolutionary Economics in San Diego, Calif., a conference he helped organize as the secretary of the Association.

D.G. Martin, President of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Fund, has hosted UNC-TV's "North Carolina Bookwatch," the state's premier literary series, for the past 13 years. At the January 15th Catawba College Community Forum, Martin will describe lessons he has learned about North Carolina's rich literary traditions while hosting Bookwatch. The forum, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7:30 p.m. in Tom Smith Auditorium of Ralph W. Ketner Hall.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in the following recent articles about current political topics. Read the articles below:

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in several recent articles about current political topics. Read the articles below...

The discovery of the rare wreckage of a Brewster Buffalo plane in only 10 feet of water has rekindled interest in the aircraft. Amidst the history of American military aviation, the rounded, snub-nosed fighter stands out as a turkey. The day of ignominy for the plane was in the epic Battle of Midway (June 1942), when a number of Marine pilots engaged Japanese Zeroes in dogfights above Midway Atoll, strategically located roughly 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu. Only five returned...

The Catawba College School of Performing Arts announced that Catawba College alumni Dr. Ralph G. Perrino, Founder and Director of Northern Virginia Tutoring Service, LLC, and Ms. J. Denise Perrino, charter inductee of The Catawba Blue Masque Hall of Fame in 2008 in recognition of her meritorious life in the theatre, have created the "Young Theatre Artist Development Fund."

Catawba alumnus Paul Ken Clifton has been selected as one of five finalists among the 58 North Carolina community colleges for the 2013 Excellence in Teaching Award. Clifton received the Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where he is an instructor for Computer Information Technology. By receiving this honor, Clifton was designated the college's nominee for the 2012 North Carolina Community College System's R.J. Reynolds Excellence in Teaching Award.

Children of a United Church of Christ ordained minister who have financial need and good academic standing will benefit from a new scholarship established at Catawba College by the Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Hamilton '55 and wife Jane Whitener Hamilton '53 of Newton. The couple, who met at Catawba while students, know how vital financial assistance can be to students attending college. "We know how important it is to have help when you need it," Jane explained. "A friend stepped forth and helped to make

An anonymous donor has provided funds to established endowed scholarships at Catawba in honor of four members of the Board of Trustees. The scholarships were created to recognize the contributions of Trustees Daniel "Dan" Bross '71 of Issaquah, Wash., William "Bill" Graham '83 of Salisbury, Richard "Dick" Seiwell '67 of West Chester, Pa., and Mona Lisa Wallace of Salisbury.

The 10th annual Lilly Colloquium will feature Catawba professor, author and actor, Dr. Kurt Corriher, who will emphasize the importance of examining the artistic dimension of our lives. The colloquium keynote is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel and is free and open to the public.

Catawba College's Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology inducted three new members on December 4. The new members are Benjamin S. Patterson of Rockwell, a psychology major; Jordan M. Greene of Oak Island, a business administration major and psychology minor; and C. Denise Grissom of Stokesdale, an elementary education major and psychology minor.

In a formal pinning ceremony held in late October, thirty eight Catawba College students and two faculty members were accepted into the Department of Teacher Education at the college. The ceremony, held in Hedrick Little Theatre, was sponsored by the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). Ms. Laura Ritchie, a 2011 Catawba alumna, shared remarks about her perspective on teaching and a reception followed in the Peeler Crystal Lounge.

The 1st Annual Catawba College Honor Choir Festival will be held Friday, January 4th, 2013 on Catawba's campus. The more than 150 seventh through twelfth grade students that have been selected from participating schools across North Carolina will rehearse throughout the day and will offer an evening performance at 7 p.m. in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, chair of and an associate professor of history and politics at Catawba was recently interviewed by WSOC-TV and News14 Carolina to discuss South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint's resignation announcement.

Catawba welcomed a new Director of Retention and Academic Support Services in September. Andie Overbeck Lynch '06 filled the position and will focus on ensuring that students progress in their college experience without academic or social difficulties.

During this holiday season, we pause to reflect on all the wonderful memories of holidays and Christmases gone by. We invite you to catch a glimpse of some of the favorite holiday memories from the Catawba College community. We hope these special moments bring you additional warmth and joy this holiday season. View Catawba's 2012 holiday e-card below...

Longtime Catawba College religion and philosophy faculty member, Dr. J. Daniel Brown, was honored at the college on Dec. 6 when his book collection was dedicated. The J. Daniel Brown Book Collection will be housed in room 312 of Hedrick Administration Building, a small, intimate seminar room with a large built-in bookcase. A commemorative plaque, describing the collection and including a photo of Dr. Brown, is displayed on the door into room 312.

Students in Dr. Julie Chamberlain's First Generation First Year Seminar (FYS) Class at Catawba College this fall, "FIRST!," were uniquely suited to consider their seminar topic. They all are first-generation college students, including their professor, a first generation college graduate, and they pondered "What does it mean to be first?" in the context of their class.

Senior Justin Smith of Greensboro says he wants to keep maximizing his options in the future if possible, and when he made a decision late during fall semester to attend medical school, he felt it was "the right one – the one that will be of the most benefit to me." The pre-med student, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, had plenty of options open to him as he entered his final spring semester at Catawba. That was thanks in large part to opportunities he created for himself.

By Raven Canty ’13 of Seagrove, N.C. - It's that time again, when students are studying for final exams. They are pulling out all of their notes from their classes and starting study groups. It's also the time when students are stressed the most. There are some steps, as a student myself, that I take so as not to stress as much or at all. Here are the things I always try to do...

Associate Professor of Political Science and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer will be featured this week on the "Carolina Business Review: Election Debrief" segment. Air dates/times below...

By Raven Canty ’13 of Seagrove, N.C. - For many seniors in college, their last year is pretty easy but for some that like to add a little more in the place of where they have nothing to do. I was one of those who added more, one being the president/ leader some clubs. And running a club can be very complicated between running meeting to setting up an event. Now that I have been leading for some time I have started to lead by some simple standards...

by Frances Livesay and Guy Rich, Class of 1961 - Recently Guy & I looked at the calendar and realized that if we were ever going to see Alaska, it was time to go. Off we went to AAA Travel Agency for maps and tour books and a "pep talk" from a AAA rep. He was excited about the trip and did a good sell job.

Catawba College has announced that Curtis Walker, a former All-American player for the Indians, has accepted the position of head football coach. The announcement was made today by Brien Lewis, Catawba's president. Walker, defensive coordinator at Western Carolina University since last January, follows Chip Hester, who resigned on Nov. 16 after 11 seasons. Hester will remain at Catawba as Director of Athletic Development, replacing Gordon Kirkland who is retiring at the end of December.

Catawba Honors students in Dr. Connie Lowery’s "Real vs. Reel Biology" class this fall have written, produced, and starred in an original short Sci-Fi movie. The premier of this film, "Vector," will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5th in Tom Smith Auditorium on campus.

Catawba students were treated to a formal dinner Wednesday, complete with fine china, fancy dishes and all the facts they need to know about proper manners for such an occasion. The Career Services Office, along with the Ketner School of Business, hosted the Manners Matter Dinner. Catawba faculty served as the wait staff. Oliver Scott, Assistant to the President for Special Events, shared tips on the proper way to dine, including which fork to use when (work from the outside in), how to pass the

Dr. Aaron Butler, Assistant Professor of English at Catawba College, delivered a paper at the 23rd Annual Conference of the Mid-Atlantic Popular & American Culture Association, held November 1-3, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The title of Butler's paper was " 'The [a]isle is full of noises': Using Contemporary Music to Enhance Performances at the Blackfriars Playhouse."

Dr. Julie Rhyne Chamberlain, an Associate Professor of Music and the Director of the Sacred Music Concentration at Catawba College, recently received Wingate University's Distinguished Alumni Award, that University's highest alumni honor.

Catawba College students attended or will attend the Stanford Biochemistry Departmental Symposium in Santa Cruz, Calif., the 2012 National Leadership Conference in Charlotte, the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference in Atlanta, Ga., and the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Louisville, Ky., all thanks to new SGA-funded scholarships.

Two open houses for Catawba's Evening Program are scheduled in December. Prospective students will have the opportunity to learn more about the evening degrees offered by the School of Evening & Graduate Studies. View details on the open houses and programs...

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles this week about current political topics. Read the articles below...

by Leanna Hicks '16 - I have never been more tired than I was the week before Thanksgiving break! I was praying, pleading for the break to get here as fast as it possibly could. Along with being EXTREMELY busy working my fingers to the bone to make sure people got their tickets to the amazing show of Legally Blonde by our even more amazing theatre department, I also had the opportunity to have a prospective student stay in my dorm and give her a little taste of Catawba.

The Catawba College community celebrated its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Service together on Monday, November 19 in the Cannon Student Center. The event was co-sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the President's Office.

On November 13th, over 100 volunteers participated in the second annual Operation Christmas Child Packing Party – a joint effort of Volunteer Catawba and the Student Affairs Office. The smell of fresh popped popcorn and hot chocolate - as well as the sound of familiar Christmas tunes - filled the air, as energetic “elves” packed a total of 360 gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. These gifts will be distributed to children in impoverished and war torn countries by Samaritan’s Purse...

Catawba College announced today that Chip Hester has resigned his position as head football coach. Hester has accepted the position of Director of Athletic Development at Catawba, a position that will be vacated in December with the retirement of Gordon Kirkland, Jr. '70, who joined the college in 2000. Hester's new position is part of Catawba's Development Office and includes oversight of the Chiefs Club, the athletics' booster club.

Catawba College Professor Richard Browne recently shared insights in his presentation "Strategy vs. Execution – which matters more in achieving global business success?" while lecturing to the Master's of Business class at the Universidad Americana, Managua, Nicaragua. Browne, who lectures in International Business at Catawba's Ketner School of Business, utilized case studies from several Fortune 500 companies to highlight the factors for winning at business in the global arena.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - "Previously on 'As Catawba Turns,' Leanna had just finished her run of the show Charlotte's Web and didn't know what she was going to do with her nights after all her homework was done, what will she do now?!" ...oh come on, y'all know me well enough by now to know I have to start the blog off with something dramatic. So what am I involved in now you ask? Well calm down, I'll tell you.

One of the individuals inducted into Catawba College's Ketner School of Business Hall of Fame on November 13 was the man who started it in 2007. Philip J. Kirk ’67 of Raleigh, a member of the Business Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012, was credited with establishing the Hall of Fame when he was employed at Catawba as the Vice President of External Relations.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles this week about current political topics. Read the articles below:

by Melanie Goergmaier '05 (Business Administration Alumnus) - Goergmaier recounts why she came to Catawba College and what has resulted from her experiences there. Watch this Catawba Story...

Catawba College's 189-acre environmental preserve was named for environmental champion Fred Stanback on November 8 in a special surprise ceremony honoring the longtime benefactor and advocate of the Center for the Environment.

Poet and fiction writer Debra Daniel and singer/songwriter Jack McGregor will perform their work at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 15, in Tom Smith Auditorium on campus. The performance of poetry, flash fiction, and songs is sponsored by the English Department and is free and open to the public. A Q&A session focusing on the differences in poetry and song lyrics will follow the performance.

Dr. Janice Fuller, Writer-in-Residence and Professor of English at Catawba College, has had her fourth collection of poetry entitled On the Bevel accepted for publication in 2014 by Cinnamon Press in Wales. An independent press, Cinnamon has published books from Wales, Scotland, England Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, the US, and China. Their books have won the Wales Book of the Year awarded by Literature Wales and the Sundial Scottish Arts Best First Book of the Year.

North Carolina's new governor is 1978 Catawba College alumnus, Pat McCrory. McCrory, a seven-term mayor of Charlotte, successfully ran as N.C.'s Republican gubernatorial candidate, defeating Democratic nominee and N.C. Lt. Governor, Walter Dalton, in the Nov. 6 election.

Learn why birth to five years of age are a child's most formative years at Catawba College's November Community Forum. Deborah K. Howell, M.Ed., Assistant Director at Partners in Learning Child Development and Family Resource Center in Salisbury, will be the keynote speaker at the event scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, in Tom Smith Auditorium on the Catawba campus.

By Lisa Thornton - Like most, Gary Freeze enjoyed "The Andy Griffith Show" in the same familiar progression as other Southerners: He laughed at its silly antics in his childhood, and reminisced like old friends when he revisited the characters in reruns as an adult. But for Freeze, a Statesville native and professor of North Carolina history at Catawba College in Salisbury, his views on the show don't stop there.

Catawba College students will see a modest three percent increase in tuition, room and board costs for the 2013-2014 academic year. College trustees made that decision at their October board meeting rather than in the spring, in order to give both current and prospective students and their families plenty of time to plan for next year.

Catawba College's annual Service of Lessons and Carols marks its 25th anniversary this year and those attending will hear the story of the birth of Christ in both scripture and song. Members of the general public are invited to attend the Service in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on Thursday, November 29. The Service of Lessons and Carols will be offered to special guests of the college on two additional nights – Monday, Nov. 26 and Tuesday, Nov. 27, but these performances are not open to the general..

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles this week about current political topics. Read the articles below...

by Doyle A. Luckenbaugh '62 (Religion and Philosophy / History Alumnus) - Luckenbaugh recounts how Catawba faculty and staff came together to help him find the light at the end of the tunnel in the most desperate of circumstances.

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law! Add some music and dancing to this plotline, and you've got "Legally Blonde, The Musical!"

Catawba College's Gospel Choir, under the direction of Young-Artist-In-Residence and Inspire the Fire founder, Dennis Reed '06, will offer a free fall concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. The concert, which is open to the public, is scheduled in Peeler Crystal Lounge of the Robertson College-Community Center.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Catawba College alumnae Sally Schultz and Katiearl Etters graduated from the Teacher Education program) By Sarah Campbell, salisburypost.com - They weren't dressed the part, but three teachers from Hanford Dole Elementary School were sure acting like fairy godmothers Wednesday as they stood in the parking lot of Weant Street Apartments giving out candy and school supplies.

Well hi there fellow Catawba peeps, it has been a long time since my last post and I know that you all have been sitting next to your computers every hour, minute and second waiting for a new post, so take a deep breath and enjoy this one. This past week, the run of Charlotte's Web came to a close. It seems like it was only yesterday when I was allowed to have my script in front of me ... ah, good times. Then all of a sudden it was "cue lights, cue sound and places!" I mean seriously people, whe

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles this week about current political topics. Read the articles below...

Catawba College's 23rd President Brien Lewis conjured images of an exciting voyage into the future for the college at his inauguration ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 28. The ceremony marked an official beginning for the 45-year-old president, who joined the college in April.

Catawba alumni found it was good to see and be seen when they came home to their alma mater for Homecoming 2012. The smiles, the hugs, the laughter told the tales of fond memories and good times. View photos from Homecoming Weekend 2012 below...

At a barbecue luncheon that was part of the college's Homecoming Weekend activities, four individuals were honored as recipients of Catawba College's Distinguished Alumnus Award on Saturday, Oct. 27. The honorees include 1979 alumnus Michael S. Bauk of Salisbury; 1955 alumnus the Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Hamilton of Newton; 1971 alumnus Dr. Dolan Hubbard of Timonium, Md.; and 1951 alumnus Jack Ward of Mocksville.

Members of the senior class, Denise Grissom of Stokesdale and Drew Laurens of Salisbury were crowned Homecoming Queen and King for the 2012-2013 academic year during halftime of Catawba College's Homecoming football game against North Greenville on Oct. 27.

Catawba College's Residence Life staff will be using plastic ducks for the ninth consecutive year to raise money to buy Thanksgiving turkey dinners for needy local families. Over the past eight years, more than 1,100 families have been provided with Thanksgiving meals, thanks to the annual Thanksgiving Duck Draw project. This year, the project's goal is to provide meals for an additional 150 families.

Three Bone Theatre, a production company started by two Catawba College alumnae, will offer its first production of Fiction at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, November 4 in the Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on campus. Tickets are $10 per person and reservations for them can be made at tbtreservation@gmail.com.

Catawba College's Ketner School of Business will induct six individuals into its 2012 Business Hall of Fame on Tuesday, November 13. The 11 a.m. ceremony, free and open to the public, will be held in Peeler Crystal Lounge of the Robertson College-Community Center on campus.

Traumatic brain injury survivor and motivational speaker Scott Maloney told Catawba College students gathered Oct. 23 on campus that he is "the king of poor decision-making" who is sharing his cautionary tale to "save a life." Maloney, who fell from his dormitory roof in 2004 after a Friday night of beer drinking, spoke at Catawba as part of the college's Alcohol Awareness Week activities (Oct. 19-25). Today, thanks to modern medicine, prayer and determination, the 29-year-old Maloney...

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles this week about current political topics. Read the articles below...

Fourteen Catawba College students employed their unique gifts and talents in service to others as interns with tax-exempt nonprofit organizations during the summer of 2012. Funding and coordination for the program were provided through the college's Lilly Center for Vocation and Values. While these students clearly benefitted from the experiential learning opportunities offered through such internships, they also filled vital roles within the programs they served.

A free production of "Charlotte's Web," will be offered by Catawba College's Theatre Arts Department at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, October 23-25, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 in the Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on campus. Suitable for all ages, this stage adaptation of the classic children's novel by E.B. White is offered by Catawba's first-year students and is the second student-directed show of the season.

Four individuals will be honored as recipients of Catawba College's Distinguished Alumnus Award on Saturday, Oct. 27 during a barbecue luncheon scheduled in Goodman Gymnasium as part of the college's Homecoming Weekend activities. The honorees include 1979 alumnus Michael S. Bauk of Salisbury; 1955 alumnus the Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Hamilton of Newton; 1971 alumnus Dr. Dolan Hubbard of Timonium, Md.; and 1951 alumnus Jack Ward of Mocksville.

Marvin Ridge High School of Charlotte was the winner of the Catawba Pride Marching Band Classic cup at the competition held at Catawba College on Saturday, Oct. 13 in Shuford Stadium. The event drew high school marching bands from surrounding counties and included an exhibition from the Catawba Pride Marching Band, under the direction of Mr. Jay Meachum.

Catawba College will install its 23rd president, W. Brien D. Lewis, during a 3 p.m. ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 28 in Keppel Auditorium on campus. Members of the Salisbury-Rowan community are invited to the installation that concludes the college's homecoming weekend activities planned for Oct. 26-28.

By Dr. Paul Baker, Catawba College Professor of Mathematics and Part-time Missionary - The e-mails and Facebook postings began arriving about 9:00 Sunday night - 10:00 Monday morning in Cambodia. Norodom Sihanouk, the Pere-Roi, the Father King, who led Cambodia for the past seventy-one years, had died.

tt Maloney, a young man who survived a traumatic brain injury that resulted from a rooftop fall after a college night of drinking, will share his story with students at Catawba College at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23 in Goodman Gymnasium. Maloney's appearance on campus is one of several events being coordinated through Catawba's Office of Student Affairs to mark National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, Oct. 19-25.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles this week about current political topics. Read the articles below:

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent WSOC-TV segment regarding privacy concerns surrounding the use of smartphone apps in Presidential campaigns. Bitzer said the app is effective and important for Obama's campaign, the only one using an app this advanced so far. "It will probably be widely used as cellphone technology, smartphone technology continues to advance," Bitzer said.

Catawba College students are now registering for "J Term" courses that will allow them to take a one to three-hour online class or travel abroad during Catawba's winter term, the December-January time that coincides with Christmas break. Courses offered and enrollment in the "J term" has doubled since it was initially offered in the 2009-2010 academic year. Courses offered during Catawba's J term are only available to Catawba College students...

Repeating third grade was the best thing that ever happened to the Rev. Larry Bullock. Bullock related the story to French Academy students on Friday as part of the History Makers program, a national archive of black leaders who visit schools to tell their stories and urge children to make a serious commitment to their own education and success.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - Well folks, it's finally here ... what we've all been waiting for ... FALL BREAK!! Whether you're going home or staying with a friend nearby, the fact remains that we have a few days off school! Don't get me wrong, I am LOVING school but everybody needs a break after working...

By Raven Canty '13 - Catawba College’s Wellness Committee sponsored a Health Fair on Friday, October 5th in Leonard Lounge. To pull off the event, the Wellness Committee partnered with many Rowan County agencies and health care providers, including Rowan Regional Medical Center - Novant Healthcare, Maxim, YMCA of Rowan County, Family Crisis Council, and the Pregnancy Support Center. In addition there were some clubs and staff members who played active roles in the Health Fair, including...

The Rowan Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Rowan Class of 2012-13 visited the Center for the Environment at Catawba College. Watch a video of highlights from the visit below...

With the 2012 election headed to a photo finish in key battleground states, Catawba College's Community Forum slated at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, will offer a timely analysis of this year's elections and what they may mean for the future. The event, to take place in Tom Smith Auditorium of Ralph W. Ketner Hall on campus, is free and open to the public.

Volunteer Catawba is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Rowan County and a local family to build a home by Christmas. The official ground-breaking for the home, located on Grants Crossing Lane, was held Saturday, September 22. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Habitat and Catawba College, as well as family members and friends of future homeowner, Kimberly Cornelius, and other community volunteers. Following a brief ceremony, which included music provide by members of the Corn

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent News14 article which discusses Democrat Walter Dalton hitting the campaign trail just one day after the first statewide television debate in this year's governor's race. While Dalton was talking education, others were talking about his chances at being the state's next top executive. "It would take, let's say a minor miracle to potentially pull that off. Stranger things have happened...

by Leanna Hicks '16 - "So how old are you, 18 or 19?" ... "20"... "Oh ... you're old!" Yes, I am and I still can't believe it! After I decided to come to Catawba, I was excited but also a little concerned because even without taking a gap year I still would have been older but now I'm almost a full two years older. I was worried that I wouldn't make friends as easy as I usually do because of the age difference, but I was wrong!

Again this year, Catawba College's Admissions website is among the most highly rated in the country, scoring in the top 100 of all sites rated. The site was recognized in the 14th annual My College Options® Enrollment Power Index® (EPI), an analysis of the admissions websites of nearly 3,000 colleges and universities.

By Rebecca Rider - Conservation veteran Eugene Hester shared his wood duck adventures with 75 people September 27 at the Center for the Environment facility on the Catawba College campus.

by Katlyn Shaw '15 - OMIGOD YOU GUYS! On Monday I started rehearsals for our fall musical, Legally Blonde. I am so unbelievably excited to be apart of this show. Of course this means that I am beyond busy now, but that is something I am completely okay with. Spending my evenings learning music and choreography and blocking is exactly my idea of a perfect night. In the show, which I am sure you will all come see, I am a Delta Nu girl, part of the "Greek Chorus," and a Perfume Saleswoman...

Catawba College has received a $1.45 million grant from the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program of the National Science Foundation that will provide five years of support for scholarships and internships that help prepare Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors for teaching careers. This is the largest grant of this type that Catawba has ever received.

The Catawba College Singers and the Chamber Singers will present their Fall Concert at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 7 in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. The Singers, under the direction of Dr. Jim Shepherd, Catawba's director of choral music and assistant professor of music, will offer a variety of choral music during the program, including American Folk, Gospel, Classical, Traditional, Contemporary, and Multi-cultural selections.

Poet and novelist Alan Michael Parker will read from his work at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 18, in Catawba College's Tom Smith Auditorium in Ketner Hall. The reading, sponsored by the College's English Department, is free and open to the public.

With the arrival of iPhone 5 and its record-breaking sales, experts are saying it could be a sign of recovery for the economy. Before lines to purchase the phone had even formed, pre-orders topped two million within the first 24 hours, according to Apple. It was projected that 10 million phones could be sold by Monday, September 24.

Families joined their students on campus for Catawba's Family Weekend, Sept. 21-23. Saturday activities coincided with an Admissions Open House at the college and swelled the number of family members on campus with students, either enrolled or prospective.

Eighteen new members were inducted into Catawba College's Omicron Chapter of Alpha Chi, the national college honor society, during an initiation ceremony held September 21 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on campus. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the college's annual Family Weekend.

Catawba College Assistant Professor of English, Forrest Anderson, is teaming up with other Southern writers to participate in "The Great Write Off" October 3-5. The Great Write Off fundraiser will support six non-profit organizations based in Michigan. According to its website (http://thegreatwriteoff.com), donations of any amount can be made to support the participating writer(s). The event aims to encourage writers by showing them how much their work is valued.

By Kara Procell '13, Bel Air, Md. - A student-directed Italian farce, "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!" by Dario Fo, is Catawba College's second theatre production of the fall 2012 season. The show runs in Catawba's black box Florence Busby Corriher Theatre at 7:30 p.m. from October 2-6, and because it contains mild strong language, would be most suitable for young adults.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - Theatre this and theatre that, that's all you've read in my blogs so far but this one is not going to be about that. "What?! But Leanna, that's all you talk about! What else is there in life but theatre??" Family Weekend! The time has come for the folks to come check up on us and I am so ecstatic!

Check out who has been on the Catawba College campus in recent months...

For the seventh consecutive year, area high school marching bands will converge on the Catawba College campus in October for a marching band competition. The Catawba Pride Marching Band Classic, formerly the Lord Salisbury Marching Band Classic, begins at 1 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 13 in Catawba's Shuford Stadium.

Catawba's Blue Masque Theatre Hall of Fame will honor four new inductees on Friday, October 26, during the college's Homecoming Weekend. Those being honored for their meritorious lives in the theatre arts includetheatre administrator and preservationist John Bell, class of 1976; dance administrator, choreographer, and teacher Richard Steinert, class of 1981; composer, song writer and sound designer Mike Yionoulis, class of 1988; and longtime Catawba theatre arts professor, Dayna Anderson.

An original play about the Dorothea Dix Hospital by Dr. Janice Fuller, Catawba's Writer-in-Residence and Professor of English; Directed by 2008 Catawba Alumna Brianna Smith - Dix, a Story of the Back-Ward Women is a new show by local Salisbury playwright and poet Janice Fuller. The play will be offered at Lee Street Theatre in collaboration with TapRoot Ensemble in its East Coast Premiere.

by Leanna Hicks '16 - "Hey Leanna, want to have a movie night and just hang out?" "Oh no sorry I can't, I have rehearsal." Oh how I have missed saying those words! The fact that saying this means that I basically have no life outside of the show, but I absolutely love it! This week was the first week of rehearsals for Charlotte's Web which means scarfing down your dinner because you know by the time rehearsal's done, all you have to look forward to in your room is...

Many students wonder what it would be like to meet their college president or even if they would ever have the chance to meet him/her. This year on our campus, for the first time, many students got the chance to meet Catawba College's new president, Brien Lewis.

Dr. F. Eugene Hester, a scientist and government administrator who shaped federal wildlife policy at the highest levels for 25 years, will talk about his experiences with wildlife photography and illustrate memorable photographic events with a slide presentation Thursday, September 27, at the Center for the Environment facility on the Catawba College campus.

A group of volunteers from Catawba College, including President Brien Lewis, participated in the 2012 Rowan County United Way Day of Caring on Thursday, September 13th. On this annual event, hundreds of volunteers from across Rowan County travel to various schools and other non-profit organizations to paint, carpet, landscape, and/or do whatever the organization needs.

Pat McCrory, the N.C. Republican gubernatorial candidate, seven-term mayor of Charlotte and a 1978 Catawba College alumnus, stumped for votes at his alma mater on Thursday, Sept. 13. McCrory, accompanied by New Jersey's Republican Governor Chris Christie, and other state Republican candidates and officials, spoke during a rally held in Kirkland Lobby of the Abernethy Physical Education Center on campus.

For the fifth consecutive year, Catawba College is named one of the nation's Best Music Schools by In Tune magazine. Catawba was one of only 51 institutions included in the magazine's listing of The Best Music Schools of 2013.

Again this year, Catawba College is included among the nation's Best Regional Colleges, according to the 2013 edition of "Best Colleges," published by U.S.News & World Report and released today. Catawba is ranked 17th among 107 of these Best Regional Colleges in the South.

Mollie Landers, a 2008 Catawba College graduate, will be ordained into the ministry of the United Church of Christ at 3 p.m. on Sept. 15 at New Covenant United Church of Christ.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer recently commented on the impact of young voters, whose enthusiasm helped propel President Obama's win four years ago. Although a recent poll revealed waning excitement among younger voters following dismal job growth, N.C. Democratic Party leaders and DNC youth delegates maintain a strong, positive outlook.

by Katlyn Shaw '15 Hello there. My name is Katlyn, I am a sophomore at Catawba College, and I am your stereotypical musical theatre major. Just one look at my computer or the way I carry myself, and you will quickly see just how passionate I am about it. I listen unapologetically to mainly showtunes. I tap dance in the hallway. I sing on the way to class. I monologue in line at the cafeteria. There is this feeling of bliss that just consumes me when I step onstage.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer recently commented on last week's DNC. Read the articles below...

Catawba College's first theatrical production of the new academic year, "The Life of Galileo," runs at 6:55 p.m. on September 18 and 19, and at 7:30 p.m. September 20 through 22 in Hedrick Little Theatre on campus. Written by Bertolt Brecht in 1938 during the rise of Nazi Germany, the play is set in 1610 and follows the meteoric rise to world recognition of Italian astronomer and the "father of science," Galileo.

Fifteen Catawba College music students performed at the 2012 Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, September 5th as part of a choir backing up American Idol finalist and singing sensation Jessica Sanchez.

Are you looking at Catawba's Theatre program and wondering what a day in the life of a theatre student might be? If so, then the "Day in the Life of Theatre Students" blog might just be the one for you. Catawba Theatre Arts students will be giving an account of their daily life, which includes classes, meetings, working in the shops, lunch, rehearsals, dinner, more rehearsals, and eventually ... getting some sleep!

In an effort to "Go Green," the theatre department has converted to online ticket sales for individual tickets, which will make the process more streamlined and efficient. The initiative will also double as a learning tool for students, who will not only learn about the process, but will take an active part in managing, selling, and processing tickets for theatre productions using an online system.

Fifteen Catawba music students will perform as part of the gospel choir accompanying American Idol finalist and vocal phoneme Jessica Sanchez at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, September 5th at 7:50pm.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer will be commenting on this week's DNC and other topics during this week in politics.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in several articles this week regarding a number of popular political topics.

By Raven Canty '13 of Seagrove, N.C. - Now that the renovations for the cafeteria are done and students have had time to eat and explore it, I took the time recently to ask some students a few questions. Students were asked how they felt about the new renovations, if there was anything that they disliked or they thought that needed to change. Juniors and Seniors were asked to compare the cafeteria to what they experienced during their Freshman and Sophomore years.

Washington Monthly magazine released its 2012 College Guide and Rankings on August 27 and Catawba College is included in that publication's baccalaureate college rankings. Catawba ranks 89th out of 352 baccalaureate colleges in the country.

At the first Catawba College Community Forum of the 2012-2013 academic year, Dr. Benjamin Farley will introduce his most recent novel and present his views on the French and Indian War and the lessons that struggle can still teach us today. The Forum, free and open to the public, is slated at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 18, in Tom Smith Auditorium of Ralph W. Ketner Hall on campus.

Dr. Janice Moore Fuller, Catawba College's Writer-in-Residence and Professor of English, has been awarded a two-week fellowship in December by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA). The VCCA is located near Sweet Briar College in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in rural Virginia. Fuller will be among approximately 25 Fellows focusing on their own creative projects at this working retreat for visual artists, writers, and composers.

The Democratic National Convention Committee announced that Inspire the Fire (ITF), the music and dance ensemble created by 2006 graduate and current Catawba Young Artist in Residence Dennis Reed, will appear on the final night (Sept. 6th) of their convention in Charlotte.

Catawba College President Brien Lewis talked of dreams to those gathered in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on August 23 at the Opening Convocation for the 2012-2013 academic year. The occasion marked the beginning of Catawba's 161st year since its founding in 1851 and the start of a new school year with Lewis as president.

Catawba College President Brien Lewis commissioned sixteen junior marshals from the day program and a new senior marshal from the faculty for service in the 2012-2013 academic year during a ceremony held August 22 in the Hurley Room on campus.

Catawba College students are enjoying meals this academic year in a renovated dining hall. Over the summer, Chartwells, the college's food service provider, renovated the space used for serving and dining in the Cannon Student Center, and the changes and upgrades are being well-received.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article from The Post & Courier regarding South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley's selection for a prime-time speaking spot at next week's Republican National Convention.

This fall, the Catawba College Chiefs Club hopes to fill Shuford Stadium during home football games by promoting themed game days.

Again this year, Catawba College is ranked among "The Best 377 Colleges" by The Princeton Review in its 2013 annual college guide. Catawba was also named to The Princeton Review's 2013 Green Honor Roll, one of only 21 colleges in the nation and one of only two in North Carolina to receive the highest possible score – a 99 – in the publication's tallies.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, chair of and an associate professor of history and politics at Catawba was interviewed by WSOC-TV recently to discuss the Republican National Convention co-chairwoman's visit to Charlotte.

Catawba College's newest students learned about the campus' many green initiatives and opportunities August 14 when the Center for the Environment and Sustainable Catawba hosted a special event at Peeler Crystal Lounge on the Catawba campus.

Catawba College's chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, has been designated as a Psi Chi Model Chapter for the year ending June 30, 2012. That honor was announced August 15 by the Psi Chi Board of Directors.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent News & Observer article regarding Mitt Romney's visit to Charlotte to raise money for his GOP presidential campaign which needs North Carolina to retain the possibility of a victory in the November election.

By Sarah Campbell, salisburypost.com A Catawba College football player who broke two vertebrae in his neck Saturday during practice is walking again thanks to a quick response by medical personnel. Head athletic trainer Bob Casmus was on the field when the collision occurred between Tyrone Johnson, a defensive back, and his teammates as they leapt for the ball. "It was very intense and somewhat violent," Casmus said.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent Charlotte Observer article regarding where the donations to the two men running for governor geographically fall in North Carolina. "With a candidate from the western part of the state (Dalton), it's going to be interesting to see how he makes inroads in the I-95 corridor where McCrory has been living for the last four years," said Bitzer.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured by News14 Carolina commenting on concern for the current economic climate."Gridlock is going to be with us because they're not going to have 60 votes in the Senate," said Bitzer. "Things are going to continue to come to a standstill and that's only going to create more uncertainty for the business community."

With the beginning of the new semester at Catawba College, the Class of 2016 will have a new major to welcome them to campus. Recently, the Catawba faculty approved a bachelor's degree in the "administration of justice" for Catawba students interested in professional opportunities in local, state, and federal governments, along with within private businesses and organizations.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer provides perspectives on the selection of US Rep. Paul Ryan as Mitt Romney's running mate for the presidential election. View Bitzer's video below...

Dr. Forrest Anderson, assistant professor of English at Catawba College, led a recent discussion on how author Wiley Cash came to write his bestselling book and learned from repeated rejections. The talk was held at Trinity Oaks Retirement Community, where the author spoke with attendees via Skype.

Members of the Catawba Pride Marching Band participated in band camp on Friday, August 10. The band is under the leadership of drum major D.J. Colson. Read more about Catawba Pride at www.catawba.edu/pride.

Looking from the doorway into the residence hall room of Catawba College first-year students, Michelle Eisenman of Brunswick, Ohio, and Kristen Kaiser of Blacksburg, Va., one might wonder how the two girls will be able to fit in the space with all of their belongings.

Suited out in new and reconditioned concussion-resistant helmets, the Catawba College Football Team has participated in pre-season practices this week before the start of classes on August 15.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent segment on WFAE 90.7 discussing next month's Democratic National Convention and the November election.

The Friends of the Corriher-Linn-Black Library have introduced a new "wish list" project to strengthen the library's current holdings with the goal of giving Catawba students a library collection to support their research, deepen their understanding of the world, and enable them to excel...

Five swimmers from Catawba's Men's and Women's teams achieved Academic Honorable Mention All-American status at the conclusion of the 2011-2012 academic year. They were recognized for achieving a 3.6 or better GPA and achieving an NCAA B qualification time.

Catawba College President Brien Lewis sought to inspire and motivate faculty and staff at the start the new academic year. During the annual fall conference held Monday, August 6, Lewis referenced the late Bart Giamatti, president of Yale University and the former commissioner of Major League Baseball, and Giamatti's thoughts on "the constant conversation" in higher education; Ben Franklin and his quote, "When you're finished changing, you're finished;" excerpts from a poem...

Catawba College alumnus Sheldon Rogers had an impromptu performance with music star Ingrid Michaelson in Lancaster, PA. A graduate of Catawba's Musical Theatre program, Rogers was in the front row at Michaelson's show and sang an unplanned duet with the New York-based indie-pop singer-songwriter. He made quite an impression on both the audience and Michaelson herself.

"Dirty Barbie and Other Girlhood Tales," a one-woman show which made its world premiere in Salisbury in March 2012, was created by Catawba alumna Denise Laughlin Stewart. The show was recent listed as one of the top five must-see shows in Edinburgh by the Daily Record.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article from The Post and Courier discussing South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley's increased use of social media as her go-to political tool. Bitzer says Haley's posts are a way to bypass the traditional media and "speak directly to her people."

Catawba College's Student Government Association has set aside a portion of its annual budget to help students fund travel to academic conferences. All students will have the opportunity to complete the online application (at www.catawba.edu/SGAapp) for up to $250 annually to help cover transportation, conference registration and hotel expenses.

Again this year, Catawba College is included in Forbes' "America's 650 Top Colleges" list. It is one of only 19 North Carolina public and private institutions included in this annual listing and is ranked 542 among the 650 best undergraduate colleges. The Forbes' rankings were prepared by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, a Washington, D.C. think tank, and focus on the things that are most important to students, including quality of teaching, great career prospects...

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent AP article discussing the readiness of the City of Charlotte's police department in the case that crowd control is needed at the upcoming DNC convention. "The city's landscape and the close proximity of the major convention venues will help security," Bitzer said.

Dr. Sanford Silverburg, professor emeritus of political science at Catawba College, recently had an article published in the "Indian Yearbook of International Law & Policy 2010-2011, Volume II." Silverburg’s article was titled "The Contravention of Consistency: Indian Foreign Policy Toward Israel."

Dr. Pam Thompson, a Catawba College associate professor in the Ralph W. Ketner School of Business, has had a paper accepted for an upcoming conference. Her paper "From Music to Emotions and Tinnitus Treatment, Initial Study" (with Deepali Kohli, Zbigniew Ras, Pawel Jastreboff, and Alicja Wieczorkowska) has been accepted as a regular paper with oral presentation to a top level conference in the field of Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence...

Catawba College faculty and staff enjoyed ice cream treats and fellowship at Corner Coffee on campus between 2 and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Those who attended filled an oversized, handmade card with personal messages and birthday wishes for President Brien Lewis, whose birthday coincided with the event. The social was sponsored by the Catawba College Staff Council.

Camp Invention, which features hands-on science and real world challenges for children, hosted the INNOVATE program on July 23-27, 2012 on the Catawba College campus. The camp immersed children in a weeklong adventure of creative problem solving. In this session, children built motorized creatures. View a few of the campers' creations below...

Dr. Steve Coggin, Dean of the Hurley School of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biology at Catawba College, traveled to Costa Rica this summer with a group of high school students from First Presbyterian Church in Salisbury. The group worked together to build a house for a Costa Rican family.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, chair of and an associate professor of history and politics at Catawba, joined Scott Huffmon of Winthrop University on Capital Tonight to talk about Southern politics. Watch the video segment below...

By Juanita Teschner, Catawba College Center for the Environment - Two summer interns from Duke University completed their work at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College on July 20. Both recipients of Stanback Internships, they have focused on planning, promoting and helping to orchestrate major events offered by the center.

When the Uwharrie Players of Stanly County open their production of "Camelot" on July 27, two Catawba College graduates will be a big part of it. Heather Wilson is the artistic director and John Stafford is the musical director.

Mollie Landers, a 2008 Catawba College graduate, has been named as the Associate Director of Outdoor Ministries for the New Hampshire and Maine Conferences of the United Church of Christ.

By Sarah Campbell, salisburypost.com - Local students are using their hands and minds this week at Catawba College. They use their hands to tear up old appliances like VCRs, coffee pots and radios. Then they put their minds to work coming up with new ways to use those parts. Thirty-eight children in first through sixth grades are taking part in Camp Invention, a weeklong summer enrichment program sponsored by Invent Now that focuses on problem solving and teamwork.

[Visit www.catawba.edu and www.gocatawbaindians.com on your mobile device] Earlier this summer, Catawba College announced the launch of its mobile app, which is touch-optimized for all popular mobile device platforms, smartphones, and tablets. Catawba now also offers a mobile version of its Athletics website, www.gocatawbaindians.com.

2008 Catawba College alumnus Justin Dionne is directing the upcoming production of The Retreat from Moscow by William Nicholson, the author and playwright of Shadowlands. The St. Thomas Players and Center for Faith & the Arts are presenting the production, which runs August 2-5 and August 9-11 in the Florence-Busby-Corriher Theatre on the Catawba College campus.Dionne is directing his former theatre arts professor, Dr. Kurt Corriher, who performs one of the three roles in the production.

The Pittsburg City Paper recently posted a rave review of Osage County, calling it "spellbinding." The production was produced by Throughline Theatre, a company created and operated by Catawba College Alumni. Joey Yow, a 2007 Catawba graduate, directed the production and was highly praised for accomplishing the impossible despite his youth. The production was cited to be a "profound showcase" for the new theatre company.

Catawba College upped its institutional commitment to sustainability recently by agreeing to create a green revolving fund that will loan money to finance on-campus investments in clean energy and efficiency projects. With this commitment, Catawba joins 41 other institutions, mainly colleges and universities, in the U.S. and Canada that are part of the Billion Dollar Green Challenge.

Andrew Tamer, a 2011 Catawba College alumnus, has been named as Associate Editor of Charlotte's Access to Justice Journal for the upcoming school year. Andrew graduated with a degree in Political Science, double-majoring in Pre-Law and International Relations and minoring in Economics. He is currently attending the Charlotte School of Law.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer recently appeared on a RadioExiles.com segment to discuss the recent Obamacare ruling and what it means for politics and public health. Listen to the segment below...

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article on the HuffingtonPost.com website regarding the costly inter-party battle in the North Carolina Republican primary. "It is a battle within the Republican Party," said Bitzer. "It is basically the establishment Republicans versus the Tea Party faction. I literally think it's anybody's ball game."

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article on the CharlotteObserver.com website. The topic was the recent political equivalent of a civil war centered around the the 8th Congressional District race.

High school students from across the country converged on the Catawba College campus in Salisbury on July 9 to explore how they can use their interests and talents to make a difference in the world.

Six Catawba College alumni who are part of the musical group "The Studs" will celebrate their annual 40-year reunion for the fifth time on August 16.

The Catawba College Vernaculars performed at the annual Association for Popular Music Education conference in Nashville in June 2012. The Vernaculars are the flagship ensemble of Catawba's popular music degree concentration and are dedicated to the performance of contemporary popular (aka vernacular) music — alternative, rock, pop, R&B, and more.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer provides a little bit about the history of the vice presidency and modern vice presidents, along with some perspective on who Mitt Romney may select for his running mate. View Bitzer's video on YouTube @CatawbaPolitics below...

By Lawrence Toppman, CharlotteObserver.com - If you're Reid Leonard, the best thing about running Piedmont Players Theatre may be the chance to hold production meetings in your own bathtub. Leonard’s official title, according to the PPT website, is "resident director/designer." His unofficial title might be "selector of shows, director of plays, designer of sets, hanger and focuser of lights, coordinator of volunteers and...

The membership drive for the 2012-2013 Catawba Chiefs Club is well underway. After last year's membership of 465, the goal for 2012-2013 is 500 members. 2012-2013 Chiefs Club President Bill Hall notes "this is a great way for Catawba Alumni and fans and anyone interested in Catawba and it's major impact on our community to support Catawba coaches and student athletes.

The Ralph W. Ketner School of Business hosted the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce event, "Business After Hours" on Monday, July 9th from 5:00pm–7:00pm on the Catawba College campus. View photos from the event...

Darin S. Spencer, an assistant professor of accounting in Catawba College's Ketner School of Business, has been asked to serve on the Accounting Advisory Board at Rowan Cabarrus Community College. Spencer holds his bachelor's degree and master of accountancy degree from UNC Charlotte and his M.B.A. from Pfeiffer University.

A paper authored by a Catawba College professor of psychology and two college alumnae has been accepted for publication in the journal, "Psychology." Dr. Sheila Brownlow and alumnae Amanda Kanoy of Salisbury and Tiffany F. Sowers of Asheville authored the paper entitled "Can reward obviate stereotype threat effects on mental rotation tasks?"

Dr. Gary Freeze, Catawba College professor of history and a recognized expert on North Carolina history, will be featured on WFAE's "Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins" on July 11 to discuss the late Andy Griffith's legacy and impact. The segment will be devoted to the famous North Carolinian from Mayberry. The show can be heard at 9:00 a.m. on WFAE (90.7 FM) and will also be streamed on the WFAE.org website.

Bunker Hill High recently named Catawba College Alumnus Lee Miller as the new athletic director for the upcoming school year. Miller, assistant principal at Bunker Hill, will add the title of athletic director to his duties and replaces the recently retired Jim Woodruff. Miller is a 1990 graduate of Bunker Hill and began his career as a teacher and coach at St. Stephens High in 1995 after graduating from Catawba.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article on the Centre Daily Times website. The topic of the article was the Democratic Party feud that emerged recently as African-American backers of U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell pulled their support after his decision not to endorse President Barack Obama and his plan to vote to repeal the health care law.

Catawba College associate professor of communication arts Dr. Tim Moreland and his friend "Chester," a six-year old Australian Shepherd, fly dogs to safe havens for Pilots N Paws animal rescue. Chester has been Moreland's co-pilot on rescue flights since his own adoption in Sarasota, FL.

Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer recently appeared on a WSOC-TV segment regarding political campaigns which are aiming to capitalize on the June 2012 jobs data.

2006 Catawba College alumnus Dennis Reed will appear on the NBC television series America's Got Talent on July 17 with his troupe, Inspire the Fire (ITF), as part of the top 48 finalists. Please tune in to support and VOTE for Dennis and these inspiring youth!

2008 Catawba alumna Aileen [Thomson] Rhodes, will be moving to Thailand with her husband in August to work on legal reform for a Burmese organization. Aileen will be sharing her experiences on her blog, Adventures of a Nerdy Nomad. The newlywed couple will first travel to Helsinki, St. Petersberg, Moscow, Beijing and various cities in China for their honeymoon before settling in Thailand.

"A Raisin in the Sun" will be offered by Evening Star Productions, Inc. , a Charlotte-based production company founded and operated by 2011 Catawba College alumnus Tony Mullins of Charlotte. The production will run at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14 and July 20 and 21 at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square in uptown Charlotte.

Friendship, faith and a kidney have come together to irrevocably connect two Catawba College alumnae and the husband of one. In February, Jeremy Morris of West Palm Beach, Fla., husband of Kate Merrell Morris '04, donated a kidney to his wife's best friend, Ashley Quinones '04 of Sanford. For Jeremy and Kate, the decision to donate the kidney was one grounded in faith.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article on The Post and Courier's website. The article discussed U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-Greenville, who has announced plans to transform a fund he's used to back insurgent GOP Senate candidates into a super political action committee — known as a "super PAC."

Dr. Jim Shepherd is Catawba College's new director of choral music and assistant professor of music. He will join the faculty at the college in August for the start of the 2012-2013 academic year. Shepherd comes to Catawba from Concord University in Athens, West Virginia, where he served during the 2011-2012 academic year as assistant professor and director of choral and vocal music.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, chair of and an associate professor of history and politics at Catawba, says the June 28 U.S. Supreme Court decision on President Barack Obama's health care law "turned out to be a definitive legal and policy victory for the President, but perhaps a political victory for the Republicans in the long run."

Political expert and Catawba College professor of politics Dr. J. Michael Bitzer will be offering insight on the U.S. Supreme Court's health care decision today, June 28, at 10:00 a.m. Tune in to the News 14 Carolina website, which will be streaming LIVE COVERAGE.

by Julian B. "Duke" Thompson '41 - Julian B. "Duke" Thompson and Betty Sumey Thompson ’43 met while students at Catawba and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Betty and Duke were married in April of 1942 in Florida, and then again, two months later in Pennsylvania due to military regulations and war time interference.

Catawba College alumnus and trustee, Daniel Bross '71 of Seattle, Wash., who serves as Microsoft's Senior Director Corporate Citizenship, was included in "Treasury & Risk" magazine's annual "100 Most Influential People in Finance" list for 2012. The 2012 list focuses on CFOs, treasurers and risk managers who impacted the world of finance and treasury this year.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article on the CharlotteObserver.com website. The article discussed the emerging dynamic between Phil Berger and Thom Tillis.

Thirty-four Catawba College freshmen and 13 members of a college leadership team of upper class students, faculty and staff spent two and a half days participating in the June Lilly Center Freshman Retreat. The retreat, which allowed the incoming students an opportunity to explore what it means to be a college student and how to be successful in one's college experience, was held June 22-24 at Johns River Valley Camp in Collettesville, N.C.

Evangelist Bill F. Sheeks, a 1956 Catawba College graduate, will lead a four-day revival July 1-4 at Fellowship of Praise Church of God. Sheeks was born in Kannapolis, N.C., in 1934 and began his ministry after graduating from Lee College in 1954. He received his bachelor's degree from Catawba and his master's and doctorate degrees from the California Graduate School of Theology in 1979.

Two hundred and twenty three students enrolled for summer school classes at Catawba College. Of this total, 116 came from the day program and 107 from the School of Evening and Graduate Studies.

Catawba College and the Rev. Dr. Kenneth W. Clapp, the college's chaplain and senior vice president, were recognized at the annual conference of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. The June 14-16 conference event, held at the Holiday Inn in Salisbury, was hosted by the Western Association.

Catawba College alumnus Kevin Leonard, lobbyist for the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, was promoted to deputy director. Leonard will share the deputy director title with Patrice Roesler. Leonard has been with the association since 2009 and has worked for Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice and for the state Department of Labor as a lobbyist. Leonard graduated from Catawba in 1995 with a degree in Political Science.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article on the NewsObserver.com website. The article discussed N.C. Rep. David Price's newly unveiled legislation that would restructure financing of presidential elections by substantially increasing the public tax dollars used to match private contributions.

On the June 20 edition of News14 Carolina's Capital Tonight, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer and James Kotecki discuss the polarization of politics in America, and Larry Shaheen and Dan McCorkle duke it out in our Quick Takes Section.

Jonathan Jackson of Moyock, NC was elected as Governor of the American Legion Tar Heel Boys’ State Wednesday, June 20 during the week-long event held at Catawba College. Jonathan is a rising senior at Currituck County High School. He is the son of Rebecca Logan and Steven Jackson.

Catawba College Alumnus Glen Lloyd has been named the new Assistant Director of Multicultural Programs at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. Lloyd's duties will include overseeing the Mentoring for Student Success Program, advising the Diversity Leadership Council, and developing outreach methods to the campus community.

We have just the event to get your competitive juices flowing! Come and enjoy the Silent Auction on Thursday, August 2 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Kirkland Lobby of Goodman Gymnasium on campus.

Visit www.catawba.edu on your mobile device - Catawba is pleased to announce the launch of a mobile app that is universally device-friendly. The app is built for a touch-optimized user interface system for all popular mobile device platforms, smartphones, and tablets and does not require installation or a download.

"The Checklist Manifesto," by Atul Gawande is the common summer reading for the incoming class of first-year students at Catawba College. These students will be discussing this text during orientation in August and during their fall semester first-year seminar classes.

In a recent News14 Carolina interview, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on North Carolina's unemployment rate, which was 9.4 percent in May, well above the national average of 8.2 percent. "Realistically they need the unemployment rate to continue to go down," Bitzer says, "Holding steady or even increasing a little is really going to be problematic."

Catawba College 2003 alumnus Josh Jordan will join the baseball coaching staff at Duke. Jordan, a former Hunter Huss High standout, is joining the Blue Devils baseball coaching staff as an assistant coach. Jordan played baseball at Catawba, helping the Indians claim the 2002 South Atlantic Conference title before embarking on a 10-year coaching career.

William Lacy Swing, a 1956 alumnus and six-time U.S. Ambassador, will be honored on June 26 by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) for his many contributions and lifetime of public service.

St. Thomas Players, the award-winning theatre company of the Center for Faith & the Arts, will present Dinner with Friends, written by Pulitzer prize winner, Donald Margulies. Dinner with Friends will be presented in the Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on the campus of Catawba College on June 14-16 and 21-23 at 7:30pm and June 17 at 2:30pm.

In a recent News14 Carolina interview, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on the advertising battle that is just beginning over two hotly contested congressional seats in North Carolina. "The airwaves are just going to be completely over taken by campaign commercials," Bitzer says.

Catawba College will host the 73rd annual session of Tar Heel Boys' State June 17-23. This is the ninth consecutive year that the weeklong event has been held on campus and approximately 300 participants, all rising high school seniors from North Carolina, are expected. Notable state leaders traditionally speak at sessions during Tar Heel Boys' State. Past speakers have included the N.C. governor and lieutenant governor, the N.C. attorney general and secretary of state...

A total of 101 students have been named to the Presidential Honor Roll List for the 2011-2012 academic year at Catawba College, according to Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Jr., Provost of the College. Students named to the Presidential Honor Roll List have achieved a 3.7 grade point average in 30 or more semester hours. Students on the 2011-2012 academic year Presidential Honor Roll List include...

A total of 263 students have been named to the Dean's List for the 2012 Spring semester at Catawba College, according to Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Jr., Provost of the College. Students named to the Dean's List have achieved a 3.5 grade point average in 15 or more semester hours.

By Hugh Fisher, for the Salisbury Post - The holidays bring with them joy and splendor, warm memories and favorite songs, comfort foods and family memories. The challenge for many Americans is not just enjoying the season, but surviving it. Erin Wood, assistant professor of psychology at Catawba College, said that two of the keys to happier, healthier holidays are positive attitude and realistic expectations.

Several open houses for Catawba's Evening Program are scheduled during the month of June. Prospective students will have the opportunity to learn more about the evening degrees offered by the School of Evening & Graduate Studies. View details on the open houses and programs below...

Catawba College is pleased to announce that Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Provost, is one of 20 senior college administrators selected by the Council of Independent Colleges to participate in a year-long Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission program for prospective college and university presidents.

The family of Marvin A. "Skeeter" and Ann Francis has established a scholarship at Catawba College. Although Ann Francis and her late husband, Marvin, never attended Catawba, their son, Marvin A. Francis, Jr. did, and is an alumnus from Catawba's class of 1979.

Beginning with this fall's incoming first-year class, Catawba College students will need to complete community service hours to officially graduate with honors. That proposal was approved unanimously last year by both the Student Council and the Honors Faculty Board at Catawba.

Several top names in sports writing and sports broadcasting from around the nation filed into Salisbury on Saturday, June 9 for the 53rd National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction. The banquet was held in Goodman Gym on the Catawba College campus. View the list of honorees who were scheduled to be in attendance.

The Catawba College Board of Trustees elected a new slate of officers at its May meeting. Darlene Landis Ball of Greensboro, a 1962 alumna of Catawba, was elected chair of the board, succeeding Paul Fisher of Salisbury. Ball had served on the board since 2001 and served as its vice chair since 2008.

By Sarah Campbell, salisburypost.com - Jametta Gilmore applies for at least two jobs a day. It's a pace she's been holding steady since graduating from Livingstone College on May 5. Robin Perry, director of career services at Catawba College, said Gilmore has the right idea.

In a recent WSOC-TV interview, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on the effect of the second month in a row of meager job gains to the stock market and experts' optimism.

Athena Bless of Asheboro, NC, a member of the Women's Soccer team is in Paraguay this summer on a sports mission trip with "Athletes in Action." Athena is sharing her experiences and photos through her blog below...

June 10-16 will be the 73rd consecutive year of Tar Heel Girls State, and for the twelfth year, Catawba College will host the weeklong session. At the annual event, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of North Carolina, several hundred girls from across North Carolina, all high school juniors who are academically in the top third of their class, will participate.

Lindsay Smith of Salisbury contends that her research data supports her theory that there is a correlation between head injuries and Alzheimer's disease. The research she outlined in a paper presented at a super-regional convention of Alpha Chi, national college honor society, was so convincing to the scholarship committee that it won her an Alpha Chi Region III scholarship.

Concussion-resistant helmets will be purchased with funds raised in the 18th annual Catawba Football Golf Classic held May 11 at the Warrior Golf Club in China Grove. Catawba Head Football Coach Chip Hester said the fundraiser "really just exploded this year." "I think we had a worthy cause that people just wanted to be a part of and it was fueled by great leadership ," Hester explained. "The response was overwhelming and people really got behind the effort."

Catawba baseball's historic post-season ride in 2012 came to an end in another one-run affair in the semifinals of the NCAA II College World Series in Cary, N.C. Despite an outstanding pitching effort from Nick Lomascolo on three days rest, Catawba could not muster much offense in falling 2-1 to West Chester.

A current and a retired Catawba College employee have been honored with new scholarships established in their honor. Joanna Jasper, Catawba's chief information officer, and David E. Setzer, who retired in 1997 as special assistant to the president after 36 years of service, were honored with the scholarships created by gifts from an anonymous donor.

2007 Catawba alumna Lauren Ebersole of Hagerstown, Md., recently wrapped up her 27-month stint as a Peace Corps volunteer in Indonesia. Read about her final goodbyes and about the adventures she shared while being posted there...

People who know Jay Baker realize he's been riding a bicycle most of his life. The same could be said about his dedication to firefighting. So when those two worlds come together in this year’s inaugural Carolina Brotherhood ride from Wilmington to Asheville, Baker will be one of the 30 firefighter cyclists pedaling for the family of a fallen brother.

Catawba College withstood a ninth-inning rally to defeat St. Mary’s University (Texas) 5-4 in an elimination game at the 2012 NCAA Division II College World Series on Wednesday night at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.

In a recent WSOC-TV interview, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on the early negative ads in the North Carolina Governor's race.

Catawba's Baseball team will play in its second game of the college Division II World Series today, May 29, 2012 at 4pm at the USA Baseball Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was featured in a recent article on The New York Times website. The topic was the effect of President Obama's self-described "evolution" on same-sex marriage that appears to be catalyzing an early similar shift among African-Americans.

Catawba's Baseball team will take its first ever trip to the college Division II World Series. Catawba, ranked #4 nationally with a record of 43-15, will take on #11 ranked University of Indianapolis (46-14) in the opening round on Sunday at 1 pm at the USA Baseball Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. During the regional playoffs, Catawba defeated nationally ranked #2 Tusculum, #4 Mt. Olive, #6 Francis Marion and #7 Armstrong Atlantic to claim the championship.

In a recent WSOC-TV interview, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on the role the state delegates will play at the Democratic National Convention. Watch the video below...

Catawba College will be hosting the graduation ceremonies for five Rowan-Salisbury Schools in Keppel Auditorium of the Robertson College-Community Center on campus on Saturday, June 9th. The schedule for high schools graduating on June 9th at Catawba College is as follows...

In a recent WSOC-TV interview, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on the fundraising group that is taking corporate money for the DNC. Watch the video below...

Catawba's Baseball team will take its first ever trip to the college Division II World Series. Nationally ranked #21 Catawba, with a record of 43-15, will take on #15 ranked University of Indianapolis in the opening round on Sunday at 1pm at the USA Baseball Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. During the regional playoffs, Catawba defeated nationally ranked #2 Tusculum, #4 Mt. Olive, #6 Francis Marion and #7 Armstrong Atlantic to claim the championship.

The deadline to apply for the 2012 National Environmental Summit for High School Students has been extended to June 14. The event, "Redesigning Our Future," is an intensive experience which is open to high school students who will be juniors and seniors in the 2012-2013 academic year. It will be held July 9-14 on the Catawba College campus.

By Karissa Minn, salisburypost.com - A local political analyst says that while he wasn't surprised that Amendment One passed, figuring out who voted for it and why is more complicated than it seems. Michael Bitzer, political science professor at Catawba College, said no exit polls from Tuesday's election show how voters made their choice. But the political and religious makeup of North Carolina and Rowan County could help explain it.

Jobs, better jobs, and more education were on the minds of Catawba College graduates Saturday, May 12, following two commencement exercises held in Keppel Auditorium.

Three Catawba College graduates were recognized for academic excellence during Commencement Exercises on May 12. Two were honored as the Whitener Award recipients during the 10 a.m. ceremony, while one student was honored as the Barbara Andrews Award recipient during the 2 p.m. ceremony.

A 1956 Catawba College alumnus and six-time U.S. Ambassador, William Lacy Swing, received the O.B. Michael Award for 2012 at the college's 10 a.m. commencement exercise on May 12. Swing, a native of Lexington, N.C., has enjoyed a long career at the U.S. Department of State, serving as a six-time ambassador and managing some of the largest diplomatic missions and foreign development and humanitarian aid programs in two hemispheres.

Two long-serving faculty members at Catawba College were recognized during the college's commencement exercises on Saturday, May 12. Dr. Michael Baranski, a professor of biology with 38 years of service, and Dr. Laurel Eason, a professor of English with 21 years of service, will retire at the end of this academic year.

Catawba's 2012 graduating class participated in the Baccalaureate Service and Marshal's Walk on Thursday, May 10 as part of the 2012 Commencement activities.

After a busy week in North Carolina politics with several hot topics, Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was interviewed and featured by a number of local media outlets. Read Bitzer's comments and the full stories below...

Dennis Reed of Charlotte, 2006 graduate of Catawba College, has been selected by the America's Got Talent judges along with his troupe, Inspire the Fire (ITF), to move on from Las Vegas to the next round of competition in New York.

by Stephanie Cook '12 - Every individual in the senior class has constantly been asked this school year about their plans post-graduation from Catawba. Since it is less than a month until the big day, many of us have our answers now. I have picked five different outstanding individuals to highlight based on what they will be doing after they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Their plans are all different and unique...

North Carolina's most crowded congressional primary has been marked by personal attacks, calls to dismantle government, a detour into the "birther" controversy and one of the biggest self-funded campaigns in the country. And that's just the opening round. With 10 Republicans on the ballot, Tuesday's 9th District primary is almost certainly headed to a July 17 runoff. "I would be shocked if we don't," says Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at Catawba College...

"New Media is a high maintenance class," says Communication Prof. Cyndi Allison Wittum. "If it's in a book, then it's already 'old' media." Wittum does use a text that covers some of the history of media and includes some sociological and psychological studies related to media use. She thinks students need to know the background in order to understand the new technological world.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer welcomes visitors to his "ivory tower," the third-floor office in the stone tower of Catawba College’s Hedrick Administration Building. Layers of neatly spaced term papers are on his desk, waiting to be read and graded. The whole wall behind him is filled with books on politics, history, sports and law — virtually all of which he has read.

Catawba College's new president, a Catawba alumnus who has served as a six-time U.S. Ambassador, and a Fox Network television show star will figure in the college's commencement exercises slated for Saturday, May 12 in Keppel Auditorium of the Robertson College-Community Center.

Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Catawba College's chemistry honor society, recently initiated new members. The induction ceremony for the Alpha Delta Chapter took place April 25 on campus.

Bradley J. Hamm, dean of the Indiana University School of Journalism, has been named dean of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern Provost Daniel I. Linzer announced today. Hamm will join the faculty as dean-designate on July 1 and assume the deanship on Sept. 1.

Fourteen students in Catawba College's School of Evening and Graduate Studies (SEGS) program were inducted into the College's chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society during a ceremony held April 18 in Tom Smith Auditorium on campus.

Dr. Michael Bitzer, associate professor of politics and history at Catawba College, was an invited speaker at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce's "Redistricting 101" public forum. Speaking to 40 business leaders, Bitzer described the process of redistricting in North Carolina, as well as his analysis of how the new district lines may impact the composition of the North Carolina General Assembly and the congressional delegation from the state.

Dr. Stephen Hiatt, a Catawba College professor of management in the Ketner School of Business, has been invited to join other top management educators at Cengage Learning Headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, in early June as a member of an exclusive advisory board on digital learning. The advisory board, which includes other faculty from across the country, will discuss technology and teaching strategies in management.

Catawba College has announced its 2011-12 athletic award winners for its student-athletes. The awards were presented at the annual athletic ceremony held at the Keppel Auditorium on Tuesday, May 1. Heading the list of award winners were Braden Artem and Dana Hicks, who were awarded the Kirkland and Lomax Awards for the top female and male senior athletes, and Steffi Cook and Jeb Bass, who were given the Wurster Awards for team leadership.

"People love passion," says Cyndi Allison Wittum, a Catawba College communication professor. "I always tell my students that everyone will forgive you almost any sin if you are enthusiastic and excited about what you're doing." Wittum will be blogging this summer for Sears on a "Grilling Is Happiness" project which includes some of the top grilling and barbecue writers across the country. Sears is hosting a corporate blog to help consumers learn about and enjoy cooking outdoors.

Charter members of the Catawba College Chi Omega chapter of the national Communication Association Lambda Pi Eta honor society welcomed four new members to the organization this year. New members included Rebecca Heffernan, Allison Justice, Melanie Mishue, and Leslie McMillan. They received stamped certificates and honor society pins.

Catawba College students from various disciplines shared their diverse research projects during the 2012 Interdisciplinary Research Symposium held Thursday, April 26 in the Leonard Lounge of the Cannon Student Center. Faculty, staff and students on campus dropped by during the two-hour event to listen and learn from these students.

Although he died in 1989, memories of U.S. Congressman Earl Baker Ruth flowed as freely on April 26 as traffic on the highway that was dedicated in his memory. A ceremony, emceed by N.C. Board of Transportation member, Ralph Womble, and attended by Ruth's family, past and present elected officials, and his former students, friends and colleagues, was held that day in Peeler Crystal Lounge on the Catawba College campus.

Catawba College student Christopher "Yung Citizen" Williams will have his Senior Showcase on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in Hedrick Little Theatre on campus. Williams, a music business major from Charlotte, will be performing with fellow Catawba student, Jaymarr "J-Real" Williams of Stafford, Va.

Dr. Laurel Eason scurried to drape a table with books and roses before the 1:30 p.m. start time of her Southern Literature class at Catawba College on April 24th. She knew she was a day late for her celebration, but it did not matter.

The Catawba College Chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honor society, inducted five new members during an April 17 ceremony held in Ketner Hall on campus. Inductees included Andrew McCollister of Rockwell; Cameron Beard of Conover; Suzanne "Suzie" Williams of Efland; Jordan Hunsaker of Charlotte; and Luke Kooyman of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dr. Michael Bitzer, Associate Professor of Politics and History at Catawba College, was an invited respondent to The University of Georgia's Future Faculty Program Conference held recently at Sapelo Island, Ga. During the conference, sponsored by UGA's Center for Teaching and Learning, Bitzer worked with doctoral students in their career preparations for teaching and serving as future faculty.

Thirteen students from Catawba College's School of Evening and Graduate Studies were commissioned as Junior Marshals in an April 14 ceremony held in the Hurley Room on campus. Dean of the School of Evening and Graduate Studies, Dr. Edith Bolick, and College Marshal, Professor David Pulliam, officiated at the ceremony.

Thirty-four Catawba College juniors and seniors, all pursuing academic majors in the Ketner School of Business, were inducted into the Business Honor Society during an April 12, 2012 ceremony held in the Hurley Room on campus.

Catawba College's Danceworks this year features 11 original dances choreographed by students. There is a wide variety of music and dance styles to be enjoyed, including tap, jazz, ballet, and contemporary dance forms. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28 in Keppel Auditorium.

The Catawba Singers and Chamber Singers will present their final concert of the year and the final concert under the direction of Justin Hazelgrove, Catawba’s director of choral music, at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 29 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on campus.

Catawba College held its annual Awards Convocation on April 19 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. Students, faculty and staff were recognized for various achievements. Watch a video of the presentation of awards and highlights from the service...

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College received one of four 2012 N.C. Mobile Clean Air Renewable Energy (CARE) Awards from the N.C. Solar Center/N.C. State University on April 20 at the 9th Annual Sustainable Energy Conference in Raleigh. The Center's Campaign for Clean Air was the winner in the Policy/Organization Innovation category.

Catawba College President Brien Lewis had a chance to meet and learn about the achievements of some of the college's best and brightest students during his first week on the job. That opportunity came for Lewis at the college's annual Awards Convocation held April 19 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel.

Catawba College will hold its annual athletic awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. in Keppel Auditorium. The ceremony will recognize the accomplishments of Catawba's athletic teams for the 2011-2012 year. Photos and a list of winners will be posted following the event.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, professor of politics and political expert at Catawba College, was one of four area political analysts to share their reactions to Wednesday's gubernatorial debate.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, Professor of Politics at Catawba College, was recently featured in an article on newsobserver.com. The topic of the article was the prospect of North Carolina changing its House delegation from a Democratic majority to a Republican super-majority and how a current scandal involving sexual harassment allegations comes into play.

Four new members will be inducted into the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame on April 28, during the festivities of the Hall of Fame's 35th anniversary. The inductees are (with graduation year): John D. Coble '52 (deceased); Scherrie A. Dalton '98 of Martinsville, Va.; Gregory K. Payne '98 of Anderson, S.C.; and Bill H. Wilhelm '57 (deceased).

Catawba College is one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S.A. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review (www.PrincetonReview.com). The Salisbury, North Carolina-based college was one of 322 schools included in the third annual edition of "The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition." Catawba joins 10 other North Carolina colleges and universities included in this free, downloadable book...

"The most important thing this college did for me was let me become a student here," Dr. Joseph B. Oxendine recalled Sunday, April 15, as he accepted Catawba College's prestigious Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service. Oxendine, a 1952 alumnus of Catawba and chancellor emeritus of UNC Pembroke, was tapped to serve as interim president of his alma mater last March while a national search was launched for Catawba's next president.

EDITOR'S NOTE: James C. Lyerly, a graduate of Catawba College and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, organized his own funeral home in Salisbury in 1957. His son Brent is now president of the Lyerly Funeral Home, which was destroyed by a fire on Friday, April 13, 2012. Though devastated by a lunchtime fire that destroyed Lyerly Funeral Home's main building Friday, Brent Lyerly said the business will rebuild. "We will be back, hopefully, with the Lord's help," said Lyerly.

Catawba College's new President Brien Lewis began his first day in the position April 16. His first day included meetings with campus constituencies and lunch with students in the dining hall. Catawba's Board of Trustees approved the selection of the former Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., in early March, following a recommendation by the College's Presidential Search Committee.

by Lauren Ebersole '07 - The last few months have been flying. The beginning of March was my close of service conference. Mostly three days being spoiled in a very nice hotel with good food and good friends. And also futsal and tennis. I basically did not teach the entire month of March due to practice national exams for grade 12, mid-semester exams for grades 10 and 11, and final school exams for grade 12. I'm back to teaching now and happy to be so, although next week will be another break for

Catawba College, in conjunction with The Salisbury Post and the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, hosted several Candidate Forums on Wednesday, April 11, and Thursday, April 12 in Tom Smith Auditorium on campus. These forums were offered as a public service to the Salisbury and Rowan County community. Read recaps from the Candidate Forums by the Salisbury Post...

by Len Clark for SalisburyPost.com - Are You Lonesome Tonight? Well put on your Blue Suede Shoes and Surrender yourself to an evening chronicling the era and honoring the influence of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. If you don't laugh you have a Wooden Heart.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) has distributed $97,200 in UPS Scholarships at private colleges and universities in the state. The scholarships were made possible by a grant to NCICU from the UPS Educational Endowment Fund of the Foundation of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE) which is held by the Council for Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, D.C.

Catawba College's Theta Phi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) education honor society installed new officers for the 2012-2013 year and inducted 25 new members in a ceremony held at 7:00 p.m. on April 3 in the Tom Smith Auditorium on campus. Faculty members from the Teacher Education Department played active roles in the ceremony.

Three Catawba College students and one faculty sponsor represented the North Carolina Omicron chapter at the super-regional convention of Alpha Chi, the national college honor society, March 22-24 in Baltimore, Md.

On Thursday, April 26, 2012, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., there will be a Special Education Awareness Fair held in Catawba College's Cannon Student Center. The fair will be sponsored by Catawba's Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE).

By Katie Higgins, Catawba College Student - Catawba College's production of the musical, "Huck Finn," will pay tribute to "Mr. Music" of Salisbury, 94-year-old Billy Burke, a college alumnus. The musical, based on Mark Twain's classic, "The Tales of Huckleberry Finn," will be performed in Keppel Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19 through Saturday, April 21, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 22. The April 22 matinee will be presented by the Rowan County Concert Association.

Catawba College is one of 16 colleges and universities nationwide recognized by University Business magazine's Models of Efficiency program, which is sponsored by Higher One, a technology and payment services company serving higher education. The Models of Efficiency program recognizes innovative approaches for streamlining higher education operations through technology or business process improvements.

Longtime Catawba College trustee and benefactor, James F. Hurley III, the former editor, publisher, and head of the family who had owned the Salisbury Post for over 80 years, died Monday, April 2. The death of the 80-year-old Hurley, who joined the Catawba College Board of Trustees in 1977, brings to an end one of the most distinguished periods of personal philanthropy and social awareness in the history of Salisbury and Rowan County.

Catawba College's annual awards convocation will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 19 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. Held each spring, this is an opportunity for the campus community to celebrate the gifts and talents of students, and the strengths and abilities of a few faculty and staff members.

Author Jane Hamilton visited Catawba College for the 26th Annual Brady Author's Symposium. Hamilton is the author of "The Book of Ruth" and "A Map of the World" along with many other titles. View a gallery of photos from Hamilton's visit...

Thanks to the efforts of friends and fellow alumni of the late Henry C. Bernhardt '50, a fully funded scholarship has been established in his memory at Catawba. The fund-raising effort for the scholarship was led by two close friends of Bernhardt, Tuck Gudger '48 and Walt Ramseur '49. Preference for the scholarship will be given to student athletes and/or members of the marching band.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, Professor of Politics at Catawba College, was featured in an article on WRAL.com. The topic of the article was the importance of North Carolina in the marriage debate. Bitzer says the debate in North Carolina has a special resonance because of the prominence the presidential election will bring to the state.

By Sarah Campbell, salisburypost.com - When Bianca Stokes started brainstorming ideas for her senior project, the Catawba College student knew she wanted to combine her love of music and talking. It didn't take her long to land on an idea that does just that.

Catawba College, in conjunction with The Salisbury Post and the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting several Candidate Forums on Wednesday, April 11, and Thursday, April 12 on campus in Tom Smith Auditorium. These forums are offered as a public service to the Salisbury and Rowan County community.

The SNCAE Benefit Concert hosted on the Catawba College campus in Goodman Gymnasium on Saturday, March 24 was a successful event. According to Catawba's SNCAE advisor and director of Catawba's Curriculum Materials Center, Amanda Bosch, "The performers were excellent, booths were fun and best of all, we had a total of 387 school supplies donated."

The N.C. State Board of Education has granted final approval of Catawba College's Special Education Licensure Program. While special education teachers work with children and youth who have a variety of disabilities, Catawba's licensure program will prepare teachers to work with students with mild to moderate learning challenges.

On March 3, Catawba College hosted CAT-RUM-2012, a regional undergraduate mathematics conference, sponsored in part by the Mathematics Association of America and the National Science Foundation [DMS-0846477]. Catawba College Mathematics Professor, Dr. Paul Baker, served as the conference director for the second year. Math and science undergraduates from area colleges and universities came both to present their mathematical research and to hear about research at other schools.

The Mathematical Association of America held its Southeastern Regional Section Meeting at the Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, on March 8-10. At the conference, Catawba College Mathematics Professor, Dr. Paul Baker, made a presentation: Using Topology to Solve a Geometric Existence Question.

Dr. Sanford Silverburg, professor emeritus of political science at Catawba College, recently had a paper accepted for presentation at the International Organization of Social Sciences and Behavioral Research in Atlantic City, N.J., April 23-25. The paper is entitled "The Grotian Moment of Post-Intra-State Conflict: Accountability Process as a Normative Foundation of Jus Post Bellum."

In the April 2012 edition of "Music Alive!" two individuals — a student and a faculty member — from Catawba College's Music Department were featured in advertisements. Blakley Leonard, who will graduate May 12, 2012 from Catawba with a degree in Music and concentrations in Music Business and Popular Music, appears in an ad for Notion Music. The ad is about music notation for iPad.

U.S. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-5), whose new congressional district will include Catawba College and northern Rowan County in 2013, visited the Catawba campus on March 16. Accompanied by Todd Poole, her chief of staff, and Brad Langston, her constituent liaison, Congresswoman Foxx toured campus...

March is National Athletic Training Month. Catawba College's Athletic Training Program is responsible for the health care needs for the 18 varsity sports and the varsity cheerleaders. This includes practice and game coverage virtually seven days a week including holidays and both the Fall and Spring breaks. The certified athletic trainers supervise and educate the students enrolled in the Athletic Training Education Program.

"The Feather: Cat-U Radio" is now on the Internet, with some Catawba College students hosting and producing the broadcast and others performing during it. "The Feather" joins other virtual radio stations that can be tuned in via the Internet. The broadcast is recorded weekly and uploaded to the Internet. It showcases the talents of Catawba College students and provides another media outlet for students in addition to the online student newspaper...

Ralph W. Ketner was honored with the Wilson L. Smith Philanthropic Award during Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation's Annual Donor Appreciation and Recognition Dinner held on March 15, 2012. Mr. Ketner was presented with this prestigious award by Dr. Thomas K. Carlton, Jr., Board Chairman of Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation. Among the special family and friends witnessing the presentation were son Robert Ketner and fiancée Leslie Sadler and his sister Dot Swing.

The 18th Annual Catawba Football Golf Classic will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 10:00am at the Warrior Golf Club in China Grove, NC. This will be a great day of fun and food for all fans and golfers. Prizes will be awarded for the longest drive, closest to the pin and for the tournament-wide putting contest.

Catawba College's School of Evening and Graduate Studies will partner with Central Piedmont Community College to offer an evening degree program that will allow CPCC graduates to earn their bachelor's degree from Catawba College on CPCC's Central Campus.

Catawba College students will take their meals in a renovated dining hall when they return to campus in August. This after College trustees approved a plan for Catawba's food service provider, Chartwells, to renovate the space in the Cannon Student Center on campus. View Renderings...

For the fourth consecutive year, Catawba College has been selected for the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This year, Catawba was among 110 colleges and universities nationwide named to the Honor Roll with distinction. This designation was awarded to the college for demonstrating a strong institutional commitment to service, developing campus-community partnerships resulting in measurable impact, and engaging students in meaningful service.

The Catawba Singers and Chamber Singers will offer their next concert, entitled "Departures: A Tale of Two Lovers in a Time of War," at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 18 in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on campus. This free concert program seeks to illumine and honor the sacrifices made not only by those brave men and women serving in the American armed forces around the world, but also by those men and women who remain here on the home front.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Alumnus Dave Robbins '66 played football at Catawba and was inducted into the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.] Gastonia's Dave Robbins is hardly one to brag about his "other" sport, but most who know him recognize him as a talented golfer. So when he shot an uncharacteristic 95 three weeks ago at Lincoln Country Club, his friends were asking him why he was off his game. On Tuesday, the world knew as Robbins was announced as a member of...

When Robin Tynes wakes up, the music filters in immediately. It's with her as she walks between classes at Catawba College or hangs out at the student center. Every evening, she can't wait for another "Huck Finn" rehearsal and a chance to sing and hear the music again. Billy Burke composed the songs running through Tynes' head, as she prepares to play the lead role of Huck Finn in a musical comedy first produced on the campus in 1955, then again in 1958.

In a recent video interview with WSOC-TV, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer discussed President Obama's visit as part of his election strategy. With praise for a local company, local workers and a storied basketball rivalry, President Barack Obama's speech carried with it a healthy dose of political strategy, said Bitzer.

Food Lion Co-Founder Ralph Ketner, the keynote speaker at Catawba's ninth Distinguished CEO Lecture Series on March 1, likened himself to the turtle atop a fence post. "That turtle knows he didn't get there by himself – he had help. I'm only standing here today because of the help I have from the original investors in Food Town," the 91-year-old Ketner quipped.

By Sarah Robinson, Catawba College Student Intern. An air of excitement fills the student center. Dozens of students are lined up 20 minutes before the event begins. Sustainable Catawba hosted a successful kickoff Tuesday, February 21st, in the Cannon Student Center on the Catawba College campus. During the event, 193 students, faculty, and staff (including College President Dr. Joseph Oxendine) pledged to make sustainable behaviors a habit in their daily routines.

Brien Lewis, currently Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., will become Catawba College's next President, effective in April. The College Board of Trustees approved Lewis' selection in early March, following a recommendation by the College's Presidential Search Committee.

"When you have a sitting president — when you know who we're going to be re-nominating — it's a way to engage everyone in the process," Emmerling said. J. Michael Bitzer, a political science and history professor at Catawba College, called the approach smart and novel. "If you can sponsor, particularly here in North Carolina, a barbecue contest, that will create a lot of chatter on the street," Bitzer said.

In a recent interview with News 14 Carolina, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer discussed what candidate names will be on the NC ballot. Watch the video...

You might say that Catawba College senior, Christopher Williams of Charlotte, has the beat – and his is one that even rapper Neako wanted. For those not familiar with Neako – he is an American rapper, producer and songwriter whose debut album, "The Rubix Cube: Red Edition," was released on his own imprint, World Team Olympics, in 2007.

Can't believe college students would be interested in opera? Come witness for yourself. Hearing is believing! At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, Omwake-Dearborn Chapel will resound as Catawba College students wow with songs from various opera scenes, including Mozart's "Cosí Fan Tutte" and "The Magic Flute," Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi," and even Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." This free performance will include several selections in English, along with Italian, French and German selections.

"The Facts: On October 6, 1998, a gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, left the Fireside Bar with Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. The following day, he was discovered at the edge of town. He was tied to a fence, brutally beaten, and close to death." (Kaufman et al). This is a quote from the opening lines of "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later" to be offered by the Catawba College Theatre Arts Department March 20-24 in the Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on campus.

Thanks to a new $1 a year lease agreement between Catawba College and the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ, Catawba will assume management of the 306-acre Black Lake Conference Center in Asheboro. The property is located adjacent to the N.C. Zoological Park in Asheboro.

By Catawba College Student Bianca Stokes '12 - In 1958, 17-year-old Mildred Jeter, who was black, and her childhood sweetheart, Richard, a 23-year-old white construction worker, left their home in Virginia because as an interracial couple they could not be married there. The two traveled to Washington, D.C., where interracial marriages were legal and they were married.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Dan Ryan, a 2009 graduate of Catawba College, majored in Music and minored in K-12 Education. He has been the choral director at North Iredell High School since 2009 and wrote the music and lyrics for the upcoming original musical "The Millennium Problem," which is set for March 8th, 9th, and 10th.

by Katie Scarvey, SalisburyPost.com - Three cheers for ignorance. An early historian and participant of Piedmont Players Theatre, Betty Anne Stanback wrote in a history of the group that the organizers of PPT back in 1961 were "blissful" in their ignorance — unaware of what challenges lay ahead.

by Brittany Wescott '15 - During the first few days of January, my First-Year Seminar and I went to Washington D.C. The trip was awesome. It was the first time a few of us had ever been on a plane, especially myself. I do not know about the others but it was definitely an experience for me. The feeling when the plane leaves the ground is amazing it is similar to the feeling you get in your stomach after dropping off the peak of a roller coaster.

A Catawba College alumna, a faculty member and a student were each recognized at the College's annual Church/College Dinner held Feb. 20 on campus in Peeler Crystal Lounge. Those attending included trustees, college administrators, students and supporters of Catawba's Campus Ministry and its Lilly Center for Vocation and Values.

Two faculty emeriti from Catawba College's Theatre Arts Department were honored Feb. 20 with a facility on campus named in their honor. College President, Dr. Joseph B. Oxendine, recognized Dr. Hoyt M. McCachren, Jr. and Dr. James R. Epperson during a dinner on campus. He unveiled a bronze plaque and announced that the McCachren-Epperson Theatre Arts Office Facility is being named in their honor.

Three members were inducted into the Catawba College Athletic Training Hall of Fame on Feb. 18 during a ceremony held in the Robertson College-Community Center on campus. The ceremony was sponsored by the Catawba College Athletics Department and the Catawba College Athletic Training Program.

By Catawba alummnus Reid Leonard, For The Salisbury Post - As I write this, a production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" is playing in the Meroney Theater and "Honk, Jr" opens Friday night in the Norvell Theater and auditions are in two weeks for the musical "Company."

Catawba's 2012 Lilly Colloquium speaker, Dan Miller, told students on Thursday, Feb. 16, that their vocational happiness could be found "where wisdom meets passion." Miller, president of 48 Days, LLC, said wisdom and passion were equally important, "but if you don't have both, you won't be fulfilled."

Food Lion co-founder and Chairman Emeritus Ralph Ketner is trying to re-create history. He'd love to have in his hands a list of the 125 original investors in Food Town, which became today's Salisbury-based Food Lion grocery chain.

Author Jane Hamilton, cited by "Chicago Tribune" as "one of our most magnetic and provocative novelists," will be the featured speaker at Catawba College's 26th annual Brady Author's Symposium scheduled Thursday, March 29, in the Robertson College-Community Center on campus.

Camp Invention, which features hands-on science and real world challenges for children, will have one its programs hosted on the Catawba College campus. The INNOVATE program will take place in the Center for the Environment on July 23-27, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

by Lauren Ebersole '07 - We are well into the New Year and I have not made resolutions because lets face it, it only sets you up for disappointment. I am trying to make my last few months worthwhile and successful. I spent New Year's in Kuta, Bali which is, in reality, a terrible place. But for a group of 20 somethings who have limited access to normal 20something activities, it serves its purpose, i.e. I was able to eat four burritos in three days.

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College and Salisbury's Bread Riot will host a screening of "Dirt! The Movie," followed by a panel discussion, which includes a Davidson County farmer, on March 1 at the center facility on the Catawba campus. Bread Riot, a nonprofit food advocacy organization dedicated to "facilitating a supply of locally produced food, utilizing sustainable farming practices," will offer a "tasting" of local foods at 6 p.m. The movie will begin at 6:45 p.m.

By: Paul Schenkel, Morganton News Herald - By the end of his time at Catawba College, Freedom High graduate Donald Rutherford had developed the nickname "the dunker" due to his aerial feats and athleticism. And while the high-wire act has not been slowed in his time playing professionally overseas, Rutherford prefers a different persona now. Just call him "go-to guy."

By Sarah Robinson, Writer/Communications Intern for the Center for the Enviornment - A collaborative effort called "Sustainable Catawba" will soon unveil a new approach to sustainability on the Catawba College campus. Representatives from several campus organizations gathered February 9 to discuss their vision for the effort as well as to report on what their groups currently do to promote sustainability.

On-campus collaboration between Catawba College student groups, organizations, and academic and operational departments is key to creating a new vision for Sustainable Catawba. An effort to seal this collaboration launches February 21 with a pledge.

When 1981 alumnus Richard Steinert came back to Catawba in February, he shared more than just some dance techniques. He shared some of his life experiences with students and gave them insights into his long and successful career as a dancer, a choreographer and an artistic director at some of the country's premier ballet companies.

As Rep. Fred Steen aims for a place in Congress, several people have subtly begun to set their sights on his State House office, including Democrat John Williams and County Commissioner Carl Ford. Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, political science professor at Catawba College, was recently featured in a Salisbury Post article discussing the matter.

Nine-term Republican Congresswoman Sue Myrick is leaving Congress at the end of the year. She announced Tuesday that she won't seek re-election to North Carolina's 9th Congressional district, which covers portions of Mecklenburg, Gaston and Union Counties. WFAE political blogger Dr. J. Michael Bitzer discusses her career and what this means in the race to replace her.

The state of South Carolina recently filed a lawsuit challenging the Justice Department's blocking of the state's voter identification law, possibly costing taxpayers $1 million or more. The state has hired high-powered Washington attorneys and other contracted associates and paralegals that will receive high earnings. Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, Professor of Politics, was featured in an article on The Huffington Post website after being asked to share his thoughts on the topic.

The Salisbury branch of the English Speaking Union will hold a dinner program at the Country Club of Salisbury on Thursday, Feb. 9 starting at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Michael Bitzer, Professor of Political Science and History at Catawba College, speaking on "American Politics in 2012."

Ladies Night has become a fixture as part of Blue-White Weekend and this year is no exception. It will be held Friday, March 30th at 6 pm (not the usual 7 pm) in Kirkland Lobby of Goodman Gymnasium. The first portion of the evening will be ideas for home entertaining entitled "Tricks, Treats,Tastes and Tablescapes" with Tippie Miller and Linda White sharing what works best for them.

K-12 students in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools will be the beneficiaries of a Saturday, March 24th benefit concert hosted on the campus of Catawba College by Catawba's Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). Admission to the 11 a.m. concert, featuring a special performance from Christian Rock band, Grace Reigns Down of Greensboro, will be open to those who make a donation of one school supply to attend.

Dr. Gary Freeze, professor of History at Catawba College, will be a guest lecturer at the 15th Annual Salisbury Confederate Prison Symposium. The event, which runs April 13-15, will move to Tom Smith Auditorium in Ketner Hall on the Catawba College campus on April 14. A series of six lectures on topics relating to the Salisbury Prison will be presented from 9:15 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Freeze will present an overall synopsis of the prison's history from 1861 to 1865.

When Independence High School's production of "Grease" opens next weekend, drama teacher Paula Baldwin will have come full circle. Baldwin got her start in acting at Mount Pleasant High School in Cabarrus County, and attended Catawba College on a drama scholarship. After earning her MFA in acting and directing at UNC Greensboro, she headed to New York City, where she lived and worked for eight years.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, political expert and Professor of Politics at Catawba College was recently quoted in an article by TheNation.com entitled, "How the GOP Is Resegregating the South."

As of Feb. 2, 2012, the State of North Carolina Health Departments are reporting multiple cases of the Norovirus. While there have been no confirmed cases to date on the Catawba College campus, the college’s Health Services wanted to inform the community of symptoms associated with this virus and preventative measures that can be taken to prevent it.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, political expert and Professor of Politics at Catawba College recently commented on the negative approach of Mitt Romney's campaign ads. Polls show Romney heading toward victory in the Florida GOP primary, which is likely due to the relentless onslaught of negative ads attacking and targeting Newt Gingrich.

By Katie Scarvey, salisburypost.com - Jasika Nicole, a Catawba College alum who plays a regular character on the science fiction TV drama "Fringe," will be the focus of the show’s upcoming episode. Nicole plays Astrid Farnsworth, the lab assistant of the scientist Walter (played by John Noble).

D.J. Colson, a sophomore business major from New London, knows something about how to take an idea and make it reality. The new lamppost banners on campus are evidence of that. It all started with an idea D.J. had during fall semester — one he got after visiting several other colleges about Catawba's size. "I saw they had lamppost banners in place on their campus. I thought we should have some to help create more campus pride here at Catawba."

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, political expert and Professor of Politics at Catawba College was recently featured in several articles discussing the effect of Gov. Bev Perdue's exit from office on voting this May on the proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriages in North Carolina. Bitzer says the contested primary is a golden opportunity for those who want the state to remain the only one in the southeast without a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Dan Miller, president of 48 Days, LLC and author of the widely acclaimed 48 Days to the Work You Love and No More Dreaded Mondays will be the keynote speaker for the 2012 Lilly Colloquium, to be held at Catawba College on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Miller will speak at 11:00 a.m. in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel and again at 7:30 p.m. in the Tom Smith Auditorium. Both presentations are free and open to the public.

Catawba College will be among other area colleges, universities and community partners to collaborate as part of a unique educational and civic initiative related to the 2012 election season and the presidential nominating conventions. The program, called "49er Democracy Experience," was launched by UNC Charlotte and will offer many types of educational programming led by UNC Charlotte faculty and others from area colleges and universities, including Catawba College...

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, political expert and Professor of Politics at Catawba College was recently featured in an article by the Charlotte Observer regarding the possibility of two Charlotte mayors facing off for the N.C. Governor position following Gov. Bev Perdue's announcement that she would not seek re-election.

The Martha Kirkland West Scholars are students from both inside and outside of the state of North Carolina who have demonstrated leadership, community involvement and a strong commitment to teaching. The Scholars are so designated in honor of Catawba College alumna, College trustee and former Teacher Education faculty member, Dr. Martha Kirkland West of Salisbury, N.C. Watch a video of the Teaching Scholars singing the Standards Song...

Noting that only two higher education institutions in the Carolinas were selected to receive a prestigious Duke Energy 2011 Power Partner Award, Catawba College President Joseph B. Oxendine accepted Catawba's award during a Jan. 25 luncheon hosted by Duke Energy on campus. Oxendine explained that Catawba College and Clemson University were the only two higher education institutions tapped for the awards.

By Verity Pryor-Harden, Class of 2015 - Technology's unique ability to continue a man's life after his death and to bring unexpected strangers together is explored in Catawba College's production of "Dead Man's Cell Phone." The production, directed by Theatre Arts adjunct faculty member Craig Kolkebeck in the style of Japanese Noh theatre...

He has been called a visionary for transforming food retailing and has been named among "Tar Heels Who Made a Difference" in the 20th century. Ralph W. Ketner, one of the co-founders of Food Lion and chairman emeritus of the board of Food Lion, Inc. , will deliver the keynote address at Catawba College's ninth annual CEO Lecture on Thursday, March 1. The event is free and open to the public.

As recently as 2004, it would have been unheard of for the Republican Party to spend money on TV ads in North Carolina this early in the election season. The state was a shoo-in for Republican presidential candidates. "I mean it was basically a true part of the Republican Southern base," says Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer.

Four members will be inducted into the Catawba College Athletic Training Hall of Fame on Feb. 18. The induction of the Class of 2012 will take place between noon and 2 p.m. in Peeler Crystal Lounge of the Robertson College-Community Center on campus. The inductees are (with graduation year): Jim Bradley '86 of Mebane; John Lukowski '92 of Irmo, S.C. ; Angela Shirk Sneed '93 of Mooresville; and Jeff Tucker '90 of Jensen Beach, Fla.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Bobby Lomax '56 graduated from Catawba College, majoring in biology and chemistry as part of his premed studies) by Mark Wineka, SalisburyPost.com - As he marks his 50th year as a Salisbury dentist, Dr. Bobby Lomax still has a way with patients. "I've just always had a good feeling, being in his hands," says Ronald Moose, who went to Lomax for more than four decades. "He just made you feel comfortable, which is not easy."

The Catawba Conservation Camp, a summer camp that teaches middle school girls about the importance of conserving and protecting the natural environment, will continue operating this summer, thanks to a $25,000 Ribbon of Hope grant. In late 2011, the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation's Board of Directors awarded the Ribbon of Hope grant to Catawba College to continue its Catawba Conservation Camp or C3 that began in 2009 with funding provided by a three-year grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

By Kathy Chaffin, SalisburyPost.com - The more than 100 people who attended Thursday evening's presentation at the Center for the Environment facility on the Catawba College campus learned they had something in common: high ozone levels. They heard about the results of a Piedmont Carolina summer air monitoring study conducted by the Center for the Environment through its Campaign for Clean Air and Dr. Cindy DeForest Hauser, associate professor of chemistry at Davidson College.

College financial aid officers and specialists will be available across North Carolina on Saturday, February 18th to help high school seniors and families complete and submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms online. There will be free FAFSA Day programs in all 100 counties with most sites open from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College is now accepting applications for its 2012 National Environmental Summit for High School Students. The event, "Redesigning Our Future," is an intensive experience which is open to high school students who will be juniors and seniors in the 2012-2013 academic year.

A total of 286 students have been named to the Dean's List for the 2011 Fall semester at Catawba College, according to Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Jr., Provost of the College. Students named to the Dean's List have achieved a 3.5 grade point average in 15 or more semester hours. View list of students...

Registration for spring classes that begin the week of January 20 is now underway in Catawba College's Community Music Program. Classes end the week of May 10 with recitals. Since 1984, the program has provided a variety of quality musical experiences including private lessons, music classes and performance opportunities to help students of all ages and abilities in Salisbury and the surrounding areas develop lifelong musical foundations and skills.

Dr. Eric R. Hake, associate professor of economics at Catawba College, presented a paper at the Allied Social Science Association (ASSA)/American Economics Association Conference in Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 6, 2012. Seven students, accompanied by two Catawba College faculty, will present four pieces of research at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association.

Catawba College Professors Sean Meyers and Janice Moore Fuller will be on hand for the opening of an exhibit of their photographs and poems on Thursday, January 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Waterworks Visual Arts Center, Delhaize Room. The exhibit entitled "This Has Been My Life All My Life: Portraits of Residents, Lutheran Home-Winston Salem, North Carolina" includes 16 pairings of photographs and poems based on interviews with the residents.

Catawba College was among businesses, colleges and school systems throughout Duke Energy's service territory chosen as a 2011 Power Partner Award recipient. Since 1993, the program has recognized customers who share Duke Energy's commitment to strategic energy solutions and economic development.Catawba was selected because of its participation in Duke Energy's Smart Metering and SmartBuilding Advantage programs.

The annual Blue-White Spring Football game is set for 10:00am on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Come and watch the 2012 Indian squad as they begin the road back from last season's disappointing year. A lot of young players got their first taste of Division II football last fall and will be much improved as a result.

By Dr. Forrest Anderson, Assistant Professor of English - Laura van den Berg, author of the prizewinning short story collection "What the World Will Look Like When All the Water Leaves Us," will read at Catawba College at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18. The event, slated in Tom Smith Auditorium, is free and open to the public.

Dr. Sanford Silverburg, professor emeritus of political science at Catawba College, authored a chapter included in a 2011 book published by Cameron May of London. Dr. James Slate, associate professor of economics at Catawba College, will attend the annual meeting of the Academy of Economics and Finance to be held in Charleston, S.C., Feb. 9-11.

Classes for the third year of Catawba's "J term," concluded on January 4, with 104 students seizing the opportunity to earn course credit online and/or to travel abroad over the break between semesters. While some courses included a travel component and took students to London, France, Nashville and even Nicaragua, other online courses netted them three credit hours in subject areas ranging from English to Psychology.

Please join us for a memorial service honoring the life of our friend Louise Tucker who passed away on December 18th. The service will take place on Sunday, January 22 at 2:00 p.m. in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on campus. A 1944 graduate of Catawba College, she went to work for the College where she served as secretary to the registrar, associate registrar and assistant to the vice president for planning and academic services. She retired in 1986.

Stephanie Bruce grew up in public housing. Now she helps people move out of it. Bruce, 45, serves as the new coordinator for the Family Self-Sufficiency program at Salisbury Housing Authority. Bruce graduated from the program herself in 2004, learning skills and saving enough money to move out of Civic Park Apartments a year later and buy her own home.

Source: AllAccess.com - Clear Channel Alternative WEND (106.5 The End)/Charlotte appoints Dusti Kempf '11 as Programming Asst. replacing Jessica Ray, who will now focus 100% of her time to the Total Traffic Network. Dusti will also program The End's new music show. WEND APD/MD DZL said, "Dusti is a Music Biz major who has just graduated from Catawba College here in North Carolina. She spent her internship time in the programming department here at CC/Charlotte.

The 2012 Class of Catawba Sports Hall of Fame Inductees has been announced. The four members of the Class of 2012 have been selected as follows: John D. Coble (d) '52 Football; Scherrie A. Dalton '98 Women's Soccer; Gregory K. Payne '98 Football and Baseball; Bill H. Wilhelm (d) '57 Baseball Coach.

By Sarah Campbell, SalisburyPost.com - The flip of a coin sent Scott Campbell and Art Franzen on a trek to the highest mountain in the world. The pair, torn between a climb to the base camp of Mount Everest and going up Argentina's Aconcagua, let a simple coin toss be the deciding factor.

Two new and temporary administrative positions were filled Tuesday evening by the Davidson County Board of Education. At the monthly meeting, the board unanimously approved Lydia E. Mack, as the assistant principal of both Midway and Friedberg elementary schools, and retiree Max T. Cole as the temporary assistant principal of Central Davidson Middle School.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Tomsula, a 1990 Catawba College alumnus and native of West Homestead, Pa., has served as defensive line coach for the 49ers since Jan. 16, 2007) by Kevin Lynch, Niner Insider Blog - A source said that 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula may interview or has already interviewed for the University of Pittsburgh's head coach position. Former coach Todd Graham left five days ago to take the job at Arizona State, after former 49ers coach Dennis Erickson was fired at ASU.

Michael Baranski, professor of biology at Catawba College, recently spoke to the Winston-Salem Journal about "Flat Rock" in Stokes County. The rock formation is made up of a mass of granite that is 300 feet long and is one of only two found in the northern part of the Piedmont. "Soils are hard to form on it, and it is very, very dry," says Baranski."

Dr. Dolan Hubbard, a member of the Catawba College Board of Trustees and 1971 alumnus, will spend the 2012 spring semester at Harvard University, where he will be a Sheila Biddle Ford Foundation Fellow at the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African-American Research.

In a recent Creative Loafing Charlotte article, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on why Larry Kissell may be the political story of 2012.

In a recent WBTV interview, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on the endorsement by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley of Mitt Romney for President. Watch the video...

Noted historian David Goldfield writes: "The Civil War killed 620,000 Americans, traumatized survivors, and devastated a vast swath of the country. The war was America's greatest political failure. It was a tragic example of what happens when religious and ideological extremism captures the political process. Could the war have been averted? Could the grand results of that war – the liberation of four million slaves and the salvation of the Union – have been accomplished peacefully?"

by Lauren Ebersole '07 - It's that time of year again, and no I don't mean the cookie baking, present shopping, tree-cutting time of year. It's finals time here in Indonesia. I'd like to devote this email to explaining the test process, which is only slightly less complicated than nuclear physics.

By Dr. John Wear. Students – and prospective students – are placing more importance on colleges' sustainability record than ever before. Environment & Energy, a publishing firm, recently noted that "colleges are ... beginning to see that environmental initiatives have impacts on how their peers, along with their current and past students, perceive them. A school's reputation may hinge as much on its green credibility as it does on conference titles and championships."

By Deirdre Parker Smith, SalisburyPost.com - After the show, you'll probably be wheezing from all the laughing you've done at this Ray Cooney farce, starring Salisbury's best comedic actor, Gary Thornburg. Thornburg earned entrance applause on opening night and twice more following fiercely frantic bits.Pairing up with him is the multi-talented Justin Dionne, who is Piedmont's marketing director and a Catawba alumnus.

Wrapped in bright red like presents next to the Christmas tree, about 145 children sang for residents of Oak Park retirement community Thursday. Catawba College Community Music Program Director Erin Harper directs the North Hills choir, which includes students from first through fifth grades.

National Native American Heritage Month was celebrated on Nov. 17 in the Hefner VA Medical Center Social Room. The theme was Service, Honor, Respect, Strengthening Our Cultures and Communities. Catawba College president Dr. Joe Oxendine was the keynote speaker, quoting from his book and speaking about the nuances of culture and tribal group of the Lumbee Indians.

A new scholarship has been established at Catawba College in memory of the late automobile dealer, Hubert B. Parks of Kernersville. The Michael and Parks First Family Scholarship was created through gifts from Catawba alumnus and automobile dealer Chester A. "Junie" Michael, III '70 of Mooresville and his wife, Teresa, and the family of Hubert Parks.

Catawba College alumnus Ben Prater '02 returned to campus in late November to help mark the 15th anniversary of the Center for the Environment and the 10th anniversary of the building that houses it, and to share some real-world advice about landing a job with current students.

The Catawba College community celebrated its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Service together on Monday, November 21 in the Cannon Student Center. The event was co-sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the President's Office.

In a recent WCNC.com article, Catawba College Professor of Politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer commented on the two N.C. congressmen who have stood their ground in the budget divide issue. Bitzer says Haywood County's Heath Shuler's role in the debate could serve him well in a conservative district. "He probably sees himself more as a bridge between the two parties," Bitzer says, pegging Shuler as "a classic, conservative-moderate Southern Democrat."

On November 12th, the activity room at the Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks was transformed into "LaVille Lumiere" – or "the City of Lights," as Paris is called. This magical transformation was a result of the hard work of Volunteer Catawba and nearly 70 Catawba College student and staff volunteers, who set out to provide the residents of this skilled nursing facility with an evening to remember at the sixth annual Harvest Moon Ball.

Catawba College's production of"A Tuna Christmas" brings an abundance of humor to the holiday. The play, by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard, runs Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 at 10 p.m. (after hours showing follows Catawba's"Service of Lessons and Carols") and Nov. 30 and Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on campus.

Four students in Catawba College's Artist Development Program will offer a 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, Nov. 20 in the lobby of Hoke Hall on campus. Students Allijah Motika of Asheville, Olivia Albertson of Thomasville, Caleb Casper of Waxhaw and Alex Gage of Harrisburg will offer different selections, ranging from deep Southern Country to Techno.

The Alumni Board of Directors hosted a Catawba College Faculty and Staff Appreciation Reception on Thursday, November 17 from 3:00 to 4:00pm in the lobby of the Hedrick Administration Building. Dessert and hot apple cider was served. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Alumni Board of Directors hosted the event to thank Catawba's employees for their continuous positive impact on students and the campus community, as well as...

Though it was only mid-November, the sounds of Christmas could be heard coming from the Cannon Student Center recently as volunteers scurried around, filling shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for children in impoverished and war torn countries. On November 15th, approximately 40 students and several staff members enthusiastically participated in the Operation Christmas Child Packing Party – a joint effort of Volunteer Catawba and the Student Affairs Office.

Source: offoffbroadway.broadwayworld.com (EDITOR'S NOTE: Catawba College alumna McKenna Dabbs graduated with a BFA in Directing/Performance. She is a director, producer and writer based in New York City.) Karina Martins and McKenna Dabbs in conjunction with Fresh Ground Pepper, present a limited engagement of "All the Rats and Rags" at 3LD Art and Technology Center from November 17-20.

The Catawba PRIDE Marching Band is the recently reformed marching band at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. The last marching band Catawba had was in 1973, and in the past five years they have been entertained with a drumline at football games and a pep band at basketball games. This year, visitors saw a marching band with a hornline, drumline, and colorguard, and all with brand new uniforms.

One hundred and seventy five needy local families will enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner this year, courtesy of Catawba College's annual "Duck Draw. " The eighth annual event, sponsored by the college's Residence Life Staff, raised $3,500 that will be used to buy materials for the Thanksgiving meals. A plastic duck might seem an unlikely starting point for a Thanksgiving dinner, but thanks to this year's successful results, "Duck Draw" has raised money since its inception to provide holiday meals for

By Kathy Chaffin, SalisburyPost.com - The Center for the Environment's 15th anniversary celebration on November 10 elicited a host of praise and appreciation for the work of the Center and for those who have brought its mission to life. Among the 80-plus people at the celebration included Catawba officials and professors, members of the Center Advisory Board and supporters. "The Center is all of us," said Executive Director John Wear, "and we all feel very proud of what we have accomplished."

The Center for Faith and the Arts will hold its annual Colloquy on Monday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. in Tom Smith Auditorium on the Catawba College campus. Co-sponsored by Catawba's English Department, the Colloquy will feature Cathy Smith Bowers, North Carolina's Poet Laureate.

Catawba College President, Dr. Joseph Oxendine, announced the hiring of Amy Harrell Williams as assistant to the president on Oct. 31. Williams replaces Linda Hamilton who retired from Catawba on Oct. 28 after 29 years of service. Williams, a Salisbury native, graduated from Davidson College and has worked at Catawba since 2001. She joined the college as executive assistant to then President Fred Corriher and served in that capacity during the last year before his retirement in 2002.

The recent big news was my trip to India to visit my dad, who was there for a month volunteering. I went with a fellow volunteer named Samantha. The first thing that struck me about India was its similarity to Indonesia. It is crowded and dangerous to cross the street, it is dirty and there is so much pollution the inside of your nose turns black. Yet at the same time it is oddly charming and enjoyable.

Six Catawba College brass students performed for a Nov. 9 Veterans Day Service/Meal at Stallings Memorial Baptist Church. The students included Brent Messenger (Music Education '12), Melanie Hudson (Music Education '12), John Lincourt (Music Performance '12), Taylor Lee (Music Education '16), Zach Veitenheimer (Music Education '16), and Ryn Crawford (Theatre Arts '16).

What causes humans to be self-serving and self-indulgent? Are there biological or other bases for this behavior? Are we incurably captive to it, or is it possible to overcome such tendencies? If so, how? Over the past several thousand years, theologians and philosophers have constantly wrestled with this question. The Christian tradition attributes our corrupted nature to the Genesis "Fall," and the resulting concept of original sin, viewing it as something we are powerless to control...

Source: raleigh.broadwayworld.com - Heavenly melodies are at the heart of a romantic musical showcase when the North Carolina Symphony, led by Music Director Grant Llewellyn and featuring concertmaster Brian Reagin and soprano Christina Pier, presents "Mahler's Fourth Symphony."

The Cabarrus County Public Library will present "A Look at the Cannon Family," a lecture by historian and Catawba College Professor Gary Freeze, on November 10 at 5:30pm at the Cabarrus County Public Library. Freeze will discuss the history of the Cannon family, their business and cultural legacies and their contributions to the Cabarrus County community. This event is free and open to the public.

With much going on in the area of politics and voting right now, Catawba College politics professor Dr. J. Michael Bitzer has been frequently sought after to comment on these hot topics. Read the stories in which Bitzer has been recently featured...

Catawba College politics professor Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, who has followed South Carolina politics for two decades, recently commented on the questions raised by Gov. Nikki Haley's use of donated plane rides. "That's quid pro quo," Bitzer said.

Catawba College political science professor Dr. Michael Bitzer spoke to WSOC-TV about the impact of the campaigns Anthony Foxx and Scott Stone have been running these past few months.

by Carlisle Holeman Scott '72 - Scott recounts a very eventful Thanksgiving holiday while at Catawba. Watch video...

2011 marks the eighth year that Catawba College's Residence Life staff has used plastic ducks to raise money to buy Thanksgiving turkey dinners for needy local families. A plastic duck might seem an unlikely starting point for a Thanksgiving dinner, but to date, Catawba's annual Thanksgiving Dinner "Duck Draw" has raised money to provide the holiday meal for more than 800 families.

Before she retired from Catawba College after 29 years service, Linda Hamilton traded tears and memories with Mark Wurster, son of the late college president, Dr. Stephen Wurster, who had hired her in 1982. Linda had given Mark the gift of his late father's academic regalia before her last day at Catawba, October 28. The long-time assistant to the president, who served five different Catawba presidents during her career, still holds the man who brought her to the college in high esteem.

Catawba College first-year students enrolled in the "Living Globally" first year seminar learned about globalization in an unexpected way — from their t-shirts. The students in this honors class, taught by Dr. Steve Coggin, Dean of Catawba's School of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biology, went through their closets and noted the country of origin for their t-shirts. They then used this information to produce a world map showing where the items in their wardrobes were manufactured.

Piedmont High School was the winner of the Catawba Pride Marching Band Classic cup at the inaugural event held at Catawba College on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Shuford Stadium. The event drew high school marching bands from surrounding counties and included an exhibition from the Catawba Pride Marching Band, under the direction of Mr. Jay Meachum.

Three of Catawba’s students in the School of Evening and Graduate Studies – Crystal Hodges, Katrice Pruitt, and Colleen Smiley – traveled along with the professor of their Shakespeare class, Dr. Aaron Butler, to the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia on October 8-9. The American Shakespeare Center is home to the Blackfriars Playhouse, a re-creation of an indoor theatre used in Shakespeare’s day.

Members of Catawba College’s Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), a national business fraternity, toured the "financial district" in Uptown Charlotte led by local media personality and 1977 Catawba alumnus Joey Popp on October 19.

Catawba College's Omicron Chapter of Alpha Chi, the national college honor society, held an initiation ceremony for candidates on October 21 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on campus. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the college's annual Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Forty eight Catawba College students and one faculty member were honored in a formal pinning ceremony held in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on Wednesday, October 12, 2011. This event marked admission to the Teacher Education Program at Catawba College. The ceremony was sponsored by the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE).

The Catawba College Department of Music will present its annual Service of Lessons and Carols in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel for the twenty-fourth consecutive year. Members of the general public are invited to attend on Thursday, December 1, while a Tuesday, November 29 performance is open only to invited guests of the College.

The sophistication, wit, insight, heart and genius of Broadway's most innovative and influential artist is at the center of an upcoming Catawba College Theatre Arts' tribute to composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim. "Side by Side by Sondheim" runs November 8-9 at 6:55 p.m. and Nov. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. in Hedrick Theatre on campus.

by Travis Allen '06 (Business Administration Alumnus) - Allen attributes his turning point at Catawba to former faculty member Dr. Andrew Morris of the Ketner School of Business.

by John H. Rapp '76 (Sociology and Psychology Alumnus) - An alumnus remembers two former first ladies (Omwake and Dearborn) and their impact on his time at Catawba and beyond.

Gail Murray of Shallotte, N.C., and Kyle Hendrick of Palatka, Fla., were crowned Homecoming Queen and King for the 2011-2012 academic year during halftime of Catawba College's Homecoming football game against Wingate University on Oct. 22.

Even as they were being honored Saturday, Oct. 22, as recipients of Catawba College's Distinguished Alumnus Awards, twin brothers, Benjy and Brad Hamm '86, were paying tribute to their alma mater and to future generations of students who would be shaped by their college experience as the Hamms have been.

by Peggy Wilson (Married to Biology Alumnus, Dr. Robert Wilson '62) - Wilson tells of the loyalty her husband and Catawba alumnus has to his alma mater. His dedication to Catawba is such that he has been at every homecoming, except one...

by Eleanor Link, Flo Breisch Peck, and Alice Funkhouser Carrick (1962 Alumni) - Three alumnae reflect on their 53-year friendship that began when they were Catawba College freshmen.

Three individuals were honored as recipients of Catawba College's Distinguished Alumnus Award on Saturday, Oct. 22 at a barbecue luncheon held in Goodman Gymnasium as part of the college's Homecoming Weekend activities. The honorees included 1976 alumnus William V. 'Bill" Godley of Woodleaf, and twin brothers, 1986 alumni Benjamin "Benjy" Hamm of Louisville, Kentucky, and Bradley J. Hamm of Bloomington, Indiana.

By Emily Ford, SalisburyPost.com - Discussion about Fibrant dominated a candidate forum Thursday at Catawba College featuring nine candidates for Salisbury City Council. Five incumbents and four challengers vying for five seats also answered questions about the Rowan-Salisbury Schools central office, public safety, a gay Pride event, economic development, the city-county relationship and more.

Newton and Nancy Fowler of Concord and members of their family have made a gift to Catawba College that moves their Fowler Endowed Scholarship Fund, established in 2005, to the First Family Scholarship level. Preference for the Fowler Family First Family Scholarship will be given to a student athlete who maintains a 3.0 grade point while majoring in Education.

Associate Professor of Political Science and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently asked by Charlotte News 14 to comment on President Obama's visit to North Carolina and how the state's importance comes into play at the 2012 elections. Bitzer said that the suburbs are where the kind of "real battle" plays out. In terms of the rural vote, Bitzer says Obama has a long way to go. Watch video...

Hundreds of people waited in line outside of West Wilkes High School Sunday in hopes of getting a ticket to see President Obama. The president plans to stop at the school Monday as part of his three day American Jobs Act bus tour. Professor of Politics Dr. J. Michael Bitzer comments on the possible impact of the President's visit to areas in rural America on spreading his message.

Krispy Kreme Chairman, President and CEO James Morgan visited the Catawba College campus on Oct. 13 to share key thoughts and encouraging words with the students gathered in Keppel Auditorium. Morgan was the speaker at Catawba's Ketner School of Business Eighth Distinguished CEO Lecture Series.

When Dr. Bethany Sinnott retired from the faculty of Catawba College this past spring, the entire college rose for tribute after tribute to her gentle spirit and unflagging dedication to the college community. Dr. Sinnott left a remarkable legacy: hundreds of former students who, under her tutelage, learned to love English language and literature in general, and the works of William Shakespeare in particular.

Past and present members of the Catawba College Theatre Arts Department — students, alumni and faculty — were winners in the 2010-2011 season of Metrolina Theatre Awards. The awards were presented at the Metrolina Theatre Association's 8th annual Gala on Sunday, October 9 at the Omni Charlotte Hotel at 132 East Trade Street in downtown Charlotte. Members of Catawba's Theatre Arts Department received 29 nominations and eight awards.

Volunteer Catawba is hopeful that a free t-shirt might serve as both an enticement and as a reminder for members of the campus community to make a commitment to serve others during this academic year. To date, more than 400 of the t-shirts, imprinted with "Catawba Cares: One campus. One community. One world." have been distributed to faculty, staff and students on campus. The initial demand for the t-shirts was so great that Volunteer Catawba ran out of several sizes and had to order more...

During the summer of 2011, the Lilly Center for Vocation and Values at Catawba College provided funding and facilitated the placement of 16 students as interns in the nonprofit sector. On September 15, the interns came together in Tom Smith Auditorium on campus to share highlights from their summer experiences. The evening's program was entitled "My Summer of Service."

Catawba College, in conjunction with The Salisbury Post and the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting a Candidate Forum for the candidates vying in the Salisbury City Council election from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20 in Tom Smith Auditorium. Dr. Michael Bitzer, associate professor of politics & history, will serve as moderator of the forum. All nine candidates running in this year's election have confirmed their participation.

A celebration of science and curriculum-based fun with Dennis Regling's "The Magic of Science" Wonder Show is slated between 2:30 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 in the J.C. Carson High School Auditorium in China Grove. This free family event, sponsored by the Catawba Conservation Camp, celebrates three successful years of the summer camp held at Catawba College for girls from a six-county area.

The Ralph W. Ketner School of Business hosted its Inaugural Chili Cook Off on October 1, 2011 from 3:00 to 7:00pm. The event took place in Ketner Hall on campus. The following winners were announced...

By Ruby Osorio, Class of 2015 - Enjoy the talents of Catawba College's newest students when the Theatre Arts Department presents "Fresh Faces," a series of short plays. See the talent of these first-year students as they offer free debut performances at 7:30 p.m. October 7, 8 and 22, and at 2 p.m. October 9 and 23 in the Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on campus.

An article published online by the Smithsonian Institution's www.Smithsonianscience.org site highlights the results of collaborative research conducted in part by Dr. Jay F. Bolin, assistant professor of biology at Catawba College. The online article, entitled "Super tough seed coat keeps Michaux's sumac on critically endangered list," presents highlights from a scholarly research paper authored by Bolin and fellow researchers...

Rowan County's Partners in Learning (PIL) Child Development & Family Resource Center marks its 15th anniversary on October 6 and its director Norma Honeycutt says the non-profit has much to celebrate. From serving less than 50 children the first year it opened, PIL has grown to serve more than 300 children a week. In its 15 years of existence, Honeycutt believes a total of more than 5,000 children and their families have been served by her organization that she terms "an extended family."

By Katie Scarvey, SalisburyPost.com [EDITOR'S NOTE: Erin Harper is Director of Catawba's Community Music Program and is only the fourth director since the program began in 1984.] Parents of young children often say to Musikgarten teacher Erin Harper, "Oh my child is so musical!" Erin's response is always: "Of course they are!" All babies are musical, says Erin, who has been a certified Musikgarten instructor for three years now, but that instinct needs to be nurtured to see its full expression.

The Catawba College Math Club and KME Chapter sponsored a visit by alumnus Daniel D. Dubree, assistant director of the Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) for the FBI's Information and Technology Branch, on September 22 in Ketner Hall. Dubree spoke to members of the college community about the mathematics and computer science involved in his career at the FBI.

In recognition of its 2010-2011 activities, Catawba College's Chapter of the American Chemical Society has received an Honorable Mention Chapter Award from the American Chemical Society. Catawba's chapter will be recognized in the November/December issue of "In Chemistry" magazine and at the ACS Student Chapter Award Ceremony to be held in conjunction with the 243rd ACS National Meeting in San Diego, Calif.

The Catawba College Singers and Chamber Singers will present a wide repertoire of songs during their Fall Concert, slated for 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 2 in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. This will be the first formal concert of the academic year for the Singers who are directed by Catawba's new Director of Choral Music, Justin Hazelgrove.

It has a new name this year, but it is the same marching band competition that has drawn area bands to Catawba College for the past five years. The Catawba Pride Marching Band Classic, formerly the Lord Salisbury Marching Band Classic, gets underway in Catawba's Shuford Stadium at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 8.

Catawba College is proud to announce that its Admissions website is among the most highly rated in the country, scoring in the top 100 of all sites rated. The site was recognized in the 13th annual My College Options® Enrollment Power Index® (EPI), an analysis of the admissions websites of nearly 3,000 colleges and universities.

Ralph W. Ketner, founder and chairman emeritus of Food Lion, Inc., celebrated his 91st birthday Tuesday, Sept. 20 with some help from his colleagues at Catawba College. Ketner was surprised with flowers and an array of refreshments in the conference room of Ketner Hall on campus.

By Jordan Clifton, Class of 2014 - A piece of classic Southern literature, adapted for the stage by Catawba College Writer-in-Residence and Professor of English Dr. Janice Moore Fuller, kicks off Catawba's 2011-2012 theatre season. Fuller's adaptation of William Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying" will be offered in Hedrick Theatre on campus at 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 27 and 28, and at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 29 through Saturday, October 1.

North Carolina voters will decide whether to ban same-sex marriage in the state's constitution next May, rather than in the November general election. The timing has serious political implications. Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer says Democrats were in a tough spot. Without enough votes to defeat the measure, opponents saw putting it on the primary ballot as a way to "take the lesser of the two evils and see what happens eventually in the courts."

Catawba College will welcome James H. Morgan, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., as the keynote speaker at the eighth annual CEO Lecture Series on Thursday, October 13. Sponsored by the Ralph W. Ketner School of Business and much anticipated by the local business community, this event will be held at 11 a.m. in Keppel Auditorium with a reception sponsored by Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to immediately follow in Peeler Crystal Lounge.

Catawba College is among 13 Duke Energy customers in five states to receive Duke Energy's 2011 Power Partner Award. The awards, given since 1992, recognize customers who work with Duke Energy to achieve high levels of energy efficiency, sustainability and economic growth.

by Lauren Ebersole '07 - It has been almost two months since my last email yet I am having trouble thinking of anything witty or unusual to write about, so prepare yourself for the mundane. Year two of teaching is leaps and bounds easier than year one. First I am not coming up with completely new lesson plans every single time, but am working to tweak them. I understand the Indonesian education system better...

For four consecutive years, Catawba College has been named one of the nation's Best Music Schools by In Tune magazine. Catawba was one of only 45 institutions included in the magazine's listing of The Best Music Schools of 2012. Catawba offers a bachelor's degree in Music with concentrations in Music Business, Music Education, Music Performance, Popular Music and Sacred Music, and offers a bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre.

By David Freeze, for the Salisbury Post - [EDITOR'S NOTE: Lori Wong graduated summa cum laude from Catawba College in the B.A.E. program and completed her licensure program in teacher education] Young students at Partners in Learning Children’s Development Center know they are taught by a high-energy teacher named Lori Wong. However, few of the children or their parents, and just a small number of the school’s staff, know Wong’s story.

Catawba College continues to be ranked as one of the nation's Best Regional Colleges, according to the 2012 edition of "Best Colleges," published by U.S.News & World Report and released September 13. Catawba ranked 16th among 99 of these Best Regional Colleges in the South. In total, 371 colleges are ranked as "Best Regional Colleges" according to geographic region (North, South, Midwest, and West). Highlights of these rankings are published in the magazine available this month on newsstands...

Four new inductees to the Catawba College Blue Masque Theatre Hall of Fame will be honored on October 21 during the college's Homecoming Weekend. Those being honored for their meritorious lives in the theatre arts are New York based actor Bill Tatum, class of 1970; theatre entrepreneur Jerry Moore, class of 1974; New York costumer and wardrobe supervisor Ginnie Patton, class of 1979; and Charlotte, N.C. designer, director and actor Jim Glouster, class of 1984.

by Allijah Motika '14 - So today has been really up and down. This morning was wonderful. My throat is still in a lot of pain, I wish that I'd stop being sick and my voice would just come back. But even with that I really enjoyed the session this morning on melody and harmony with Judy and Bobby.

by Hugh Fisher, Salisbury Post - Sunday's "Ceremony of Remembrance" at Catawba College's Omwake-Dearborn Chapel honored those who died on 9/11 with music and prayers for peace. The mournful wail of a bagpipe echoed through the arches of the chapel, while a color guard of Salisbury Police Explorers slowly marched in. The Rev. Jim Dunkin, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury, asked the company to honor "all who gave their lives in sacrifice, trying to save others."

By Susan Shinn, for the Salisbury Post - What do you get when you combine members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Livingstone football players, students from Catawba College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and a whole lot of enthusiasm? Some 20,000 meals packaged for the Stop Hunger Now campaign. More than 100 people from all these groups came together in the church’s fellowship hall Sunday afternoon to complete the service project.

Sixteen Catawba College students, all 2011 summer interns through the Lilly Center for Vocation and Values will make presentations about "My Summer of Service" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 in the Tom Smith Auditorium of Ketner Hall on campus.

A 9-11 poem written by Catawba College's Writer-in-Residence and Professor of English, Dr. Janice Moore Fuller, was featured Sept. 7 on the N.C. Arts Council's website. Her poem, "This Whistling is For You There in the Dark," was among poems by N.C. poets featured on the site to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9-11.

Past and present members of the Catawba College Theatre Arts Department — students, alumni and faculty — received many nominations for the 2010-2011 season of Metrolina Theatre Awards. The awards will be presented at the Metrolina Theatre Association's 8th annual Gala on Sunday, October 9 at the Omni Charlotte Hotel at 132 East Trade Street in downtown Charlotte.

The sensational inquiry into the 1935 death of youthful hotel heiress Elva Statler Davidson in Pinehurst, North Carolina, made front-page headlines across the nation and has been described as the O.J. Simpson trial of its day. But few modern residents of the town had even heard of this long-cold case until journalist Steve Bouser, former editor of The Salisbury Post, became so caught up in the story that he turned it into the recently published book, Death of a Pinehurst Princess.

Stephanie Cook is a senior majoring in Communication Arts at Catawba College. In the summer of 2011, she lived in Atlanta in the Midtown area and interned in the Sports Communications Office at Georgia State University, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. In what is Catawba's first student video blog, she shows what a day in the life of an intern living in a big city is all about! Watch footage of her complex journey to work, meet some of her co-workers, and...

The first home football game will be on Saturday, Sept. 17th at 7:00 pm against Newberry. Season Tickets were mailed on August 31 to all who have joined the Catawba Chiefs for 2011. You still have time to become a member of the Catawba Chiefs or to renew your membership. There are plenty of good seats available in Shuford Stadium and we hope you will consider joining us for an exciting year!

Catawba College will mark the 10th anniversary of 9-11 with several activities on campus, including a campus worship service, a 9-11 Panel Discussion, symbolic ringing of the carillon bells to note the time of the 9-11 attacks, and commemorative stickers designed and distributed by the SGA. These 9-11 activities begin with the weekly campus worship service, slated at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6. At the service, remembering 9-11 will be theme.

by Allijah Motika '14 - So today has been really up and down. This morning was wonderful. My throat is still in a lot of pain, I wish that I'd stop being sick and my voice would just come back. But even with that I really enjoyed the session this morning on melody and harmony with Judy and Bobby.

by Allijah Motika '14 - Here we go again! So ... today and yesterday have been insane. There isn't any other way to describe it. Yesterday none of the faculty arrived until the last session of the night from 7:30 to 9:00 and it was so frustrating waiting and waiting for them to get here. We were told that they'd arrive at 1:30, 3:45, and 4:30 before the real time of 7:30 actually happened. So in other words yesterday was a huge tease.

by Mark Wineka, SalisburyPost.com [EDITOR'S NOTE: Tyler Howe is a 2011 Catawba College graduate, while his brother, Andrew, graduated in 2007] - This is a story about bands of brothers. And a father. During pre-game festivities Friday night, the Salisbury and North Rowan high school bands performed together. A cool thing, but even cooler when you know that the bands are directed by brothers — Tyler Howe at Salisbury and Andrew Howe at North Rowan.

Welcome to the "Don't Worry, Be Happy" blog ... those four words have definitely been something that I've had to remind myself so far. First of all let me just say that getting here was the most insane travel experience of my life. Due to Hurricane Irene my original flight was canceled and I had to find another way to get to Rhinebeck, NY where the workshop is being held. My friends Kat Tierney and Meghan McLaughlin (both Catawba graduates) also ran into the same problem...

One is a Toastmaster and has authored four books, including one entitled, "Cows Are People Too: Lessons from Someone Out Standing in the Field." One signed his employment contract in Borneo and left his job at the Smithsonian Institution to come to Catawba College. Another is a nationally certified athletic trainer with a keen personal interest in motorsports. Then, there is one who can solve a Rubik's Cube in just two minutes and is interested in studying the sociology of religion.

The subject was stories at Catawba College's Opening Convocation on Thursday, August 25. Lumberton native and author Jill McCorkle wove that subject into her keynote address, telling students gathered, "we all have a story to tell," and encouraging them "to make the most of yours." McCorkle, a professor in the MFA in Creative Writing program at N.C. State University, shared the importance of storytelling in her own life.

[Katie Earl Etters is a 2010 Catawba College graduate who majored in Elementary Education (K-6). Etter's father is among the music faculty at Catawba.] When the calendar turns to August, children, teachers and parents know all too well it's time for school again. Even now there are children moaning and groaning, while at the same time their parents are in the background trying to hide laughter.

Spartanburg Day School in Spartanburg, South Carolina has announced new faculty and staff members for the 2011-2012 school year. Among the new hires is Catawba College alumnus Ken Winslow to teach physical education in the lower and middle schools, in addition to being the varsity boy's soccer head coach. Winslow majored in Physical Education and Recreation.

The annual Club Fair was held between 5 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24 in Leonard Lounge of the Cannon Student Center. The event was an opportunity for students to get involved. Many clubs on campus set-up tables and displays about their organizations trying to generate interest in their club among students, particularly first-year students.

Thirteen students were commissioned for service as Junior Marshals by Catawba College President Dr. Joseph B. Oxendine in a ceremony held Wednesday, August 24 in the Hurley Room of the Cannon Student Center. These Junior Marshals, who assist College Marshal David Pulliam, assure that order and dignity are observed during formal occasions of the college, including Opening Convocations, Awards’ Day, Baccalaureate, and Commencement. Marshals also serve at the annual Service of Lessons and Carols.

Catawba College sophomore Allijah Motika of Asheville will participate in a vocal workshop August 28 through September 2 with ten-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin. The workshop will take place at the Omega Center in Rhinebeck, N.Y. During the workshop, Allijah will report on his experiences via blog entries that will be available on the Catawba College website. Along with participants from around the world, he will be joined at the workshop by two Catawba Alumnae....

More than 120 members of the Class of 2015 participated in this year's Freshman Retreats sponsored by the Lilly Center for Vocation and Values. The students were joined by more than 40 members of the Catawba faculty and staff and members of the Lilly Center Retreat Leadership Corps (RLC)...

Catawba College will mark its 160th year of operation when students, faculty, and staff gather for Opening Convocation on Thursday, August 25. Author Jill McCorkle, a native of Lumberton, will be the speaker for the event that begins at 11 a.m. in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel.

By Sarah Campbell, salisburypost.com - In a sense, Catawba College alumna and China Grove native Tammy Tutterow is coming home. Sure, she never left the area. But when she graduated from South Rowan High School in 1992 she wasn’t exactly expecting to come back, to the school that is. But this fall, Tutterow will start her teaching career by launching to school’s first marketing program.

For the 27th year this fall, Catawba College's Community Music program will be providing musical instruction for children and adults in the Rowan-Salisbury area. The program, under the direction of Erin Harper and with the addition of some instructors, offers a wide variety of classes, everything from private piano lessons to a new class called Exploring Music Theory.

It was cloudy and humid on the Catawba College campus on Saturday, August 13, but that did not stop resolute first-year students, with their families in tow, from moving into their residence halls. Although some students had already staked their claims on campus earlier in the week, including athletes, resident assistants, and members of the Catawba Pride Marching Band, the influx of first-year students will help fill the residence halls to capacity.

It was 1973 when Catawba College last had a Marching Band that performed on the field during halftime of football games, but that will all change this year. On September 17, fans attending Catawba's first home football game of the season will be entertained and energized by the Catawba Pride Marching Band.

Catawba College Professor of Political Science Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on the IndependentTribute.com website. Bitzer was asked to comment on the topic of who will be chosen to serve out the term for for N.C. House of Representatives legislator Jeff Barnhart, who announced he would be retiring from the General Assembly.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 was a hot summer evening on the Catawba College campus, but a really cool event took place in the Kirkland Lobby of the Abernethy Physical Education Center. Catawba's inaugural Silent Auction, a fund-raising event for the college Athletics Department, brought alumni, Chiefs Club members, faculty, staff, and fans of the college out for food, beverage, fellowship and a chance to bid on some hot items.

The Catawba Pride Marching Band will offer an exhibition on Friday, August 12 on the Catawba College practice field near the Whitley Softball Field off of Lantz Avenue. Fans of the Pride are encouraged to begin arriving and bring lawnchairs around 5 p.m., and the exhibition will begin at 5:30 p.m.

By: Sarah Pisciuneri, News 14 Carolina - While most North Carolina colleges are cutting back in this tough economic time, one is expanding its music program. Salisbury-based Catawba College is calling their recent expansion an investment in the future. When the Catawba Indians hit the football field this fall, they will be joined by the Catawba Pride, a full marching band, something the college hasn't seen since the 1970s.

Catawba College wants to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, according to the plan it submitted as a signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment. To get there, the institution will have to change the way it uses energy and reduce the amount of energy it uses. Carrie Gonnella, an Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Public Sector Fellow, spent ten weeks at Catawba this summer. During that time, she was busy, assessing the college's energy usage and costs...

Catawba is one of only 20 North Carolina public and private institutions included in Forbes' "America's Top Colleges 2011," and is ranked 476 among the 650 best undergraduate colleges. The Forbes' rankings were prepared by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, a Washington, D.C. think tank founded by Ohio University economist Richard Vedder. The rankings focus on post graduation success, student satisfaction...

Of the 2,500 four-year colleges in the United States, Catawba has been ranked among "The Best 376 Colleges" by the prestigious Princeton Review in its 2012 annual college guide. This places Catawba among the top 15 percent of American colleges. The Princeton Review's "The Best 376 Colleges" annual college guide was available on newsstands August 2. Only about 15% of America's 2,500 four-year colleges and three colleges outside the U.S.A. are profiled in the book.

"Make it a week long next year, instead of just three days!" said C.J. Burns of Fellowship United Church of Christ in Chesapeake, Virginia. Phyllis Horton, C.J.'s pastor at Fellowship UCC, chimed in "I agree. We're planning to bring a whole busload of young people next year!" The sentiments of Burns and Horton were echoed by others who recently participated in Church Youth Empowerment Weekend 2011 (CYEW 2011) at Catawba College. July 15-17, more than 70 youth and leaders from 20 churches...

Members of Catawba College's Presidential Search Committee were announced today by Mr. Paul Fisher, Chairman of the Catawba College Board of Trustees. The Committee, chaired by Trustee Bill Graham, a 1983 Catawba graduate, has begun a national search for the college's 23rd president.

Rowan County Commissioners approved a resolution today recommending that the N.C. Department of Transportation name five miles of the highway "Congressman Earl B. Ruth Memorial Highway."Ruth, a native of Spencer, was a coach, professor, Athletic Director and Dean of Students at Catawba College before being elected to Congress in 1968. A Republican, he won re-election twice and served briefly as governor of America Samoa, from 1975 to 1976.

[Catawba College Trustee and alumnus Bill Graham '83 was awarded the Community Care Clinic's 2011 Humanitarian Award] By Mark Wineka, SalisburyPost.com - Lawyers develop strong hides out of necessity, and it's a good thing given all the ribbing Salisbury attorney Bill Graham absorbed Friday night.

Two new academic majors will be offered to Catawba College students beginning this fall. The Ketner School of Business adds a new Economics and Finance major, while the Goodman School of Education adds a new Special Education major with a variety of concentrations. According to College Provost, Dr. Richard W. Stephens, Jr., the new majors are in response to the projected needs in the marketplace.

by Julie Rose, WFAE.org - The two most likely candidates for North Carolina governor in 2012 are already raising significant money: Governor Bev Perdue's re-election campaign reports pocketing $1.3 million in the first half of this year. Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory raised just over a million.

By Kathy Chaffin - Even high school students eager to take on the world's environmental problems admitted to being scared when it came to the night hikes along the pristine preserve behind the Center for the Environment on the Catawba College campus. The night preserve hikes were held July 21 during the "Redesigning Our Future" National Environmental Summit for High School Students sponsored by the Center for the Environment in partnership with Rocky Mountain Institute of Colorado.

By Kathy Chaffin - A couple of years ago, Dr. John Wear, executive director of the Center for the Environment at Catawba College, said he received a phone call from Robert Pruehsner of Salisbury. He and his wife, Lois, had been regular supporters of the Center for some time, and Pruehsner wanted to talk to Wear about his plans for the future. At that time, cosponsoring a "Redesigning Our Future" National Environmental Summit for High School Students with Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado...

By Kathy Chaffin - Kenneth Dunn of Durham didn't realize the extent of the world's environmental problems before participating in the "Redesigning Our Future" National Environmental Summit for High School Students. Sponsored by the Center for the Environment at Catawba College in partnership with Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado, it was held July 20-24 on the Catawba campus.

By Kathy Chaffin - High school students attending the "Redesigning Our Future" National Environmental Summit at the Center for the Environment on the Catawba College campus had the opportunity to learn from representatives of one of the country's leading authorities on energy solutions. Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in Colorado – which cosponsored the July 20-24 summit – is committed to mapping and driving the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy and energy efficiency.

By Mark Wineka, salisburypost.com - Julie Williams of Moore County did things you might expect at a National Environmental Summit for high school kids. She and her "small group" braved the summer's toughest heat and Catawba College Ecological Preserve's largest mosquitoes to radio-track turtles, often from a kayak.

[By Kathy Chaffin] It was in December of 2003 when Doc Hendley — named one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes for 2009 — heard the phrase, "Wine to Water," repeating itself over and over in his head. Hendley had no idea what it meant, he said at Wednesday night's opening of the "Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students," cosponsored by the Center for the Environment at Catawba College and Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado.

Catawba College has been honored for the third consecutive year with a place on the 2010 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America's communities. The recognition was made by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The President's High Education Community Service Honor Roll is an annual recognition program that celebrates exemplary commitment to service and volunteering from institutions of higher education.

September will mark the 27th year of biweekly Chayon Ryu martial arts classed offered at Catawba College by Master David Mitchell of Salisbury. Over those 27 years, over 2,000 students from both the College and the area community, have participated in the biweekly Chayon Ryu martial arts classes offered on campus each Monday and Wednesday by Master Mitchell. Mitchell traveled to Korea in May, took his rank test at an ancient school in Pusan, Korea, and was awarded an eighth degree black belt...

In a recent webcast by CLTblog.com, Catawba College political science professor Dr. Michael Bitzer joined Warren Cooksey, Dan McCorkle, and moderator Brian Francis in a discussion on how Mecklenburg County is affected by the redistricting in North Carolina.

What began as an adjustment involving five N.C. counties on Tuesday turned into a congressional map that jumbles districts across the state and pits four Democrats against other incumbents. Republican lawmakers had promised a ripple effect when they began redrawing their 2-week-old map. "That ripple effect turned out to be a tidal wave," said Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at Salisbury's Catawba College.

When Joe Oxendine came to Catawba College the first time in 1948, he was an 18-year-old Lumbee Indian who had just spent a year working at a Detroit automobile factory making and saving money to put himself through undergraduate school. When Oxendine returned to Catawba this past March, he was an 81-year-old man, retired after a long and successful career in academia.

Dr. Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College recently spoke to the Charlotte Observer about his analysis of the new legislative districts according to the voting results from the last two presidential elections compared to how the state voted.

By Emily Ford, salisburypost.com - Dr. Erin Wood, assistant professor of psychology at Catawba College, offers some advice on how employees can stay focused and productive during the summer. As temperatures soar outside, the summer slump begins inside. When desk jockeys and cubicle dwellers should be crunching numbers, making sales or writing articles, they are daydreaming about the beach or pool.

1948 Catawba College alumnus Joe Riley grew up in New York and Pennsylvania but headed south to attend Catawba College and eventually make Salisbury his home.

Doc Hendley, one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes for 2009, will speak at the National Environmental Summit for High School Students July 20 at Catawba College. Hendley, 32, is the founder of an organization that has provided clean water to nearly 100,000 people in 11 Third World countries since 2004.

A cigar store will open in a 110-year-old Victorian cottage in downtown Salisbury, thanks to a $41,000 grant from the state. Darren Moody, a Catawba College graduate who lives in Salisbury, plans to open The Perfect Smoke in six to nine months. Salisbury will receive a Main Street Solutions Fund grant to help pay for the $124,000 rehabilitation of the house at 213 S. Lee St. near the Norvell Theater, behind City Hall.

Catawba College Professor of Political Science Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on the IndependentTribute.com website on the topic of the possible new representative Cabarrus County could gain in the N.C. House if the proposed legislative district changes are approved.

by Lauren Ebersole '07 - The past three weeks have been a whirlwind: 3 countries, 8 flights, 6 boats (including cruise, pontoon, glass bottom, semi-submersible, and row), 4 coach buses, 1 scenic train, 1 gondola skyrail, and numerous taxis, hired cars, and angkots.

by Michael Tomsic, WFAE.org - Republicans today released a map of how they plan to redraw voting districts for the North Carolina senate. The House maps are supposed to come out today too, but aren't available online yet. GOP lawmakers are in charge of redistricting this time, and have carved out some major changes to districts in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties.

The plan for North Carolina's new Senate and House voting districts was due out Monday, but lawmakers said they have received so much input from voters and want to ensure that the map is easily downloaded, so they postponed the release date until Tuesday.

by Sarah Campbell, SalisburyPost.com - Bryson Nesbitt graduated from Catawba College in December 2010 with a degree in Business Administration. Nesbitt, needing a job while finishing up college, became a school bus driver and plans to drive full-time until he finds a job in his field. His driving skills landed him second place in the local school bus roadeo before securing a fourth place win in the district competition. He now has hopes of a possible win at the international level.

Source: SalisburyPost.com - The Rev. Angela Burris was recently appointed to Shiloh United Methodist Church in Granite Quarry and will preach her initial sermon Sunday, July 10, at 11 a.m. A graduate of Catawba College and Duke Divinity School and an ordained elder, she most recently served in an internship at Faithwalk, a new United Methodist congregation in Gibsonville.

by Mark Wineka, SalisburyPost.com - Catawba College associate professor Dr. Cyndi Osterhus has strong, personal ties to the shuttle program as one of the NASA Teacher in Space finalists and considered traveling to Florida for the final shuttle launch.

When the new academic year begins, the Catawba College Music Department will welcome a new Director of Choral Music and an Artist-in-Residence. Justin Hazelgrove will be Catawba’s new Director of Choral Music, and Christina Pier, will be a Catawba Artist-in-Residence. College Provost, Dr. Rick Stephens, announced the appointments July 8.

Catawba College professors Missy Barnes and Bethany Sinnott and alumna Brie Smith are among the creative team behind this production, which they hope might lead to an annual summer Shakespeare event in Salisbury. Those who think that Shakespeare's history plays are tedious and long will be pleasantly surprised by Lee Street Theatre's upcoming production of Henry V. Funny and fast-paced, this show is true to the Elizabethan tradition of popular entertainment.

By Kathy Chaffin, Center for the Environment - For Catawba student Sarah Moore, helping with the National Environmental Summit for High School Students at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College gives her experience planning a large event and the opportunity to ultimately help create a better world.

Catawba College alumni will have a chance to shine on the stage of Hedrick Little Theatre in the Showcase of Alumni Talent during Homecoming Weekend, October 21-23. The Showcase will be held just prior to the Blue Masque Hall of Fame induction and reception, which begins at 8pm on Friday, October 21.

Come and enjoy the Silent Auction on Tuesday, August 9 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Kirkland Lobby of Goodman Gymnasium on campus. There will be something to fit every pocketbook, and all proceeds will benefit the Athletics Department! Items up for bid include five vacation homes, great golf packages, dinners with celebrities, NASCAR racing experiences, massages, personal training, great dinner getaways, Grand Ole Opry tickets, golf lessons, Carolina Panthers tickets, and more!

The recent release of preliminary proposals for the state legislative districts have made Democrats and civil rights activists angry. Catawba College Professor of Political Science Dr. J. Michael Bitzer recently spoke to WFAE 90.7 FM regarding the redistricting. Bitzer says redistricting is a messy political process in most states, but especially in North Carolina.

Logan Ellis, member of the incoming Class of 2015 at Catawba College, has been selected as a finalist for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) High School Sullivan Award. Ellis graduated from Southeast Guilford High School in Greensboro, N.C. and will begin classes at Catawba in the fall. A two-time all-conference golfer, Ellis qualified for first-round match play in the 2010 CGA NC Junior Matchplay Championships. He started scouting at age 7 and earned the rank of Eagle at age 16.

Catawba College Professors, Pam Thompson (ABD) and Darin Spencer, CPA, M.Acc., MBA, attended the annual meeting of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) in Indianapolis, Indiana June 24 - June 27 with the generous support of Mr. Ralph Ketner, a trustee of the college. While there, the two attended workshops and seminars in preparation for continuing accreditation activities. They also met with regional and national leaders of ACBSP.

Ted Demarest, Class of '77, has been named Delaware School Psychologist of the Year for 2011. He received the award at the annual conference of the Delaware Association of School Psychologists in May. Ted has been a school psychologist for the Colonial School District in New Castle, Delaware, since 1982. During his tenure with the school district, he has served preschool through secondary students.

by Sarah Campbell, SalisburyPost.com - Barry Hawkins, Program Director for Students in Training (SIT), earned degrees from Catawba College in business and information systems. The nonprofit organization, run primarly through grants from the Woodson Foundation, provides technology training...

by Mike London, SalisburyPost.com - When former Catawba slugger Jerry Sands was with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this year, Catawba sports information director Jim Lewis naturally watched his games. There were times when a play-by-play man, unfamiliar with Sands, was astonished to learn he was from a Division II school in North Carolina called Catawba. Almost instantly, researchers would inform the play-by-play guy that the most famous baseball player to come out of Catawba was Johnny Temple

by Sarah Campbell, scampbell@salisburypost.com - When Rick Hampton took over as the principal of North Rowan Elementary School in 2004 he quickly realized that regular Band-Aids simply aren’t good enough. "I had to go out and buy Blues Clues and Sponge Bob Band-Aids," he said. "I fixed a lot of boo-boos with those Band-Aids. They always brought a smile."

By: Carrie Gonnella, 2011 EDF Climate Corps Public Sector Fellow - This summer I am lucky to have a fellowship at Catawba College's Center for the Environment. I was fortunate to start just in time to learn about two initiatives the Center is pursuing: a green roof for the science building and a new high efficiency greenhouse.

By Jay Laurens, Coordinator of Outreach Programs - Lilly Center for Vocation and Values. From April 25-28 of this year, a total of 362 tornadoes ripped through the southern United States, killing at least 350 people. Hardest hit was the state of Alabama, where a 1.5-mile wide tornado left a path of destruction almost 80 miles long and resulted in at least 65 deaths and the destruction or major damage of an estimated 5,000 homes.

Source: foxcharlotte.com - Game, money, and power. That's how political science professor Dr. J. Michael Bitzer describes political campaigns for the White House. "I explain to my students in the classroom on the first day, that politics is a game," said Bitzer. "And just like any game, you've got players, you've got strategies, and you've a court."

Catawba College professor of History and Politics, Dr. Michael Bitzer, recently spoke to WSOC-TV regarding the possible political impact of redrawing the voting districts across the state. "This is probably the key thing that will shape North Carolina politics for the next decade," said Bitzer.

The Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" MS Scholarship Foundation, a national program, has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Catawba College first-year student Danielle Jenee NaSonya Cooper for raising the most funds for Multiple Sclerosis nationwide. Cooper, a graduate of Myrtle Beach High School in SC, raised $602.50 for MS research and was one of 30 high school seniors who participated in the the national fundraising program.

By Paul Schenkel, Media General News Service. Chip Lewis played defensive back for the Catawba Indians, where he earned an honorable mention All-American. A Morganton native, Lewis isn't usually the emotional type. But when he learned his dream of being a high school football head coach would come in his home county – as the young Patton High program's third coach – he couldn't help himself.

LaQuon Rogers of Ayden was elected as Governor of the American Legion Tar Heel Boys' State Wednesday, June 22 during the week-long event held at Catawba College. LaQuon is a rising senior at Ayden Grifton High School. He is the son of Trymane Rogers and Alisa Barret of Ayden and the grandson of Julia Rogers of Ayden.

On the outside, Catawba College Public Safety Officer Ralph Michael seems a tall, quiet, unassuming man with a ready smile, intent on doing his job. On the inside and when he's off-duty, Ralph Michael is a man serious about his barbecue and dipping sauce — so serious that he's started producing his own version for retail sale. The retired Lexington police officer and native of North Carolina's barbecue capital admits he's been making his Ralph's BBQ and Dipping Sauce for more than 25 years.

C.A. "Junie" Michael, III, a 1970 Catawba College alumnus, was honored by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA ) with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is the highest honor that the NCADA bestows.

by Emily Ford (SalisburyPost.com) - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has expanded its focus at the N.C. Research Campus to include fetal alcohol disorders. The UNC Nutrition Research Institute in Kannapolis has hired Dr. Philip May, a research professor and expert in the field of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Mr. Paul Fisher, Chairman of the Catawba College Board of Trustees has announced that the college will begin a national search for its 23rd president. Fisher also announced that Trustee Bill Graham, a 1983 Catawba graduate, will Chair the Presidential Search Committee. "As we begin our search for the 23rd President of Catawba College, we will focus on finding a candidate who is first and foremost a leader, with an enthusiasm for higher education combined with bold and visionary goals...

Catawba College professor of History and Politics, Dr. Michael Bitzer, recently spoke to WBTV on the topic of the flurry of new bills the GOP majority is scrambling to push through.

Catawba College alumna Dinah Carpenter retires from Overton Elementary School after teaching 24 years. Carpenter received her teaching certification from Catawba.

Catawba College employees gathered with co-workers for watermelon and fellowship on campus between 2 and 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011. The summer afternoon social, one of several planned during the months of June and July, was sponsored by the Staff Council and the President's Office.

Jean Wurster, a librarian at the Corriher-Linn-Black Library at Catawba College, is one of three generations of women in the same family to be a breast cancer survivor. Her mother, Doris Miller, and daughter, Liz, have also survived breast cancer. WRAL-TV recently covered their stories, which illustrate the advances in care for the disease for nearly 30 years...

Catawba College's School of Evening Studies will sponsor an open house in Kannapolis on Monday, June 27, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. in the ante room of the Core Lab Building in Kannapolis. Prospective students are invited to drop by at any time for an overview of the program and financial aid opportunities.

Catawba College's School of Evening Studies will sponsor an open house on Tuesday, June 21, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. in the Conference Center on the main campus of Davidson County Community College. Catawba currently offers evening courses on the DCCC campus. Prospective students are invited to drop by at any time for an overview of the program and financial aid opportunities.

Catawba College will host the 72nd annual session of Tar Heel Boys' State June 19-25. This is the eighth consecutive year that the weeklong event has been held on campus and approximately 300 participants, all rising high school seniors from North Carolina, are expected.

A total of 122 students have been named to the Presidential Honor Roll List for the 2010-2011 academic year at Catawba College, according to Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Jr., Provost of the College. Students named to the Presidential Honor Roll List have achieved a 3.7 grade point average in 30 or more semester hours. Students on the 2010-2011 Presidential Honor Roll List include...

A total of 244 students have been named to the Dean's List for the 2011 Spring Semester at Catawba College, according to Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Jr., Provost of the College. Students named to the Dean's List have achieved a 3.5 grade point average in 15 or more semester hours.

Each summer Inspire The Fire (ITF), founded by 2006 Catawba College graduate Dennis Reed of Charlotte, facilitates a week-long conference for youth (ages 10-21) to exhibit their talents through music, dance and dramatic workshops. On July 18-24, 2011 teens will be engaged in an intense artistic learning environment that will promote self-confidence and foster an aspiration for an improved way of life.

Kathy Conte, a 1973 alumna of Catawba College, retired from Charles England Elementary School after a 38-year career in education. After receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Catawba, Conte started her career at Cecil School teaching third grade. Later, she taught at Southwest Elementary School and Dunbar School, which was later renamed to Charles England.

Catawba College's School of Evening Studies will sponsor an open house on the Catawba campus on Monday, June 20, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. in Ketner Hall, Room 108. Prospective students are invited to drop by at any time for an overview of the program and financial aid opportunities.

Popular music stands as the vibrant soundtrack of our modern lives, and a long list of luminary artists has proved its artistic worth. Despite this, few institutions of higher learning have embraced it, making popular musicians a group still woefully underserved by education. In fact, only about a dozen American universities offer a curriculum specifically designed for students of popular music. Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina has just officially joined their ranks.

Church Youth Empowerment Weekend 2011, an interdenominational Christian event for high-school age youth (rising high school freshmen – rising college freshmen) will be held Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17, 2011, on the campus of Catawba College. The cost for the three-day event is only $25 per person. All activities, lodging in the college's dormitories, meals, and a commemorative t-shirt are included.

Jessica Bound, a junior student at Catawba College, was selected to receive a UPS Scholarship for the 2010-2011 academic year. Bound is majoring in biology and is from Waxhaw, NC. North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), a Counsel of Independent Colleges (CIC) State Fund member association, distributed $2,700 in UPS Scholarship funds to Catawba College.

By Sarah Campbell, salisburypost.com - South Rowan High School Senior Tyler Rea has been helping out with athletics including football, basketball and baseball since he was a freshman. He'll be heading to Catawba in the fall to study physical education. Physical limitations have never kept Tyler Rea out of the game.

By Joe Habina, Charlotte Observer - When Michaela Boyd thought about her chances of playing college softball, she thought she would be "one of those players that got overlooked and never got a chance to play." The Northwest Cabarrus senior outfielder believed Anderson College was committed to her last summer, but she said its interest faded away. Out of the blue, Catawba College in Salisbury offered her a tryout, which soon turned into a scholarship offer.

Renewal forms for Chiefs Club members have been mailed. 2011-12 Chiefs President Bob Setzer is expecting an increase in membership from last year. 2010-2011 membership stood at 451 after four consecutive years over 500. Setzer said "with a very attractive five game home football schedule including UNC Pembroke and our economy showing signs of improvement, we look for new members and we hope our former ones renew as well."

Catawba College may have to get a bigger trophy case just to house all of the awards collected by longtime Head Athletic Trainer Robert Casmus, MS, LAT, ATC, EMT. Last year, he was named an NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer, which will fit nicely alongside his NCAA Division II College and University Athletic Trainer of the Year and North Carolina College and University Athletic Trainer of the Year awards.

June 12-18 will be the 72nd consecutive year of Tar Heel Girls State, and for the tenth year, Catawba College will host the weeklong session. At the annual event, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of North Carolina, several hundred girls from across North Carolina, all high school juniors who are academically in the top third of their class, will participate.

By Sarah Campbell, Salisburypost.com - Theresa Pierce '10 can't walk down the halls at Overton Elementary School without students waving, calling out her name or running to hug her. "They are always so excited to see her," Jennifer Sheppard, the school's Title I coordinator, said. Pierce was recently named the Rowan-Salisbury Teacher of the Year, an accolade Sheppard said is well-deserved.

Forty-two Catawba College students, members of the Catawba Singers, returned May 25 from a 10-day trip to Europe that included stops in four different countries. For some of the students, the trip marked their first plane ride or their first trip outside the United States. It was an eye-opening, life-enriching experience for them, and although their time abroad was brief, it will be memorable and likely viewed through time’s unwavering glass as a pivotal moment in each of their lives.

Patience really is a virtue and one I do not have in abundant quantities. However, I do think I am getting better. For example, last Saturday I had planned to give a test but was then told school was cancelled at 10am, right before my class. One of the teachers' fathers had passed away so we were all going to pay our respects.

By Joanie Morris, for the Salisbury Post - Robert Van Geons '97 has a secret. The economic development director has been harboring this secret for years. He sings. He sings loud and he sings proud.

Again this year, Catawba College's 1,450-seat Keppel Auditorium will be the site for the Rowan-Salisbury School System's high school graduations on Saturday, June 11. Doors open for the graduation ceremonies one hour prior and tickets are required for admittance.

Catawba College's Community Music Program is offering several camps for summer 2011, in addition to private lessons in almost every instrument. All camps are $100 for the entire 4 days and private lessons are $18.50 per 30 minute lesson. Very few slots are still available so register today!

"Receiving a college diploma" was the common theme during the two commencement exercises in Catawba College's Keppel Auditorium on Saturday, May 14. The different exercises were for two distinct populations of students at the institution.

When Dr. George Drum, a 1962 alumnus of Catawba, returned to his alma mater as a faculty member in 1987, he brought his academic journey and his family ties to the institution full circle. Drum followed his grandfather’s footsteps as a faculty member; Harvy Kopenhaver was on the faculty at Old Catawba in Newton.

It was 87-year-old Martha Rhea Hartley Platt of Salisbury who was the first baccalaureate candidate to walk across the Keppel Auditorium stage during Catawba College's Commencement Exercise on Saturday, May 14. For Platt, it was an opportunity to remedy a regret she had had for 52 years.

Kristopher Watson of Voorhees, N.J., a 2011 Catawba College graduate and tenor, wowed those gathered for the Baccalaureate Service on campus Friday, May 13, with a solo performance of "Over the Rainbow." The song's inclusion in the service was at the request of outgoing Catawba College President Dr. W. Craig Turner. Turner, who leaves Catawba this month after serving three years as its 21st president, tied his baccalaureate homily to that song.

A paper authored by Catawba College professor, Dr. Sheila Brownlow, and several of her students, Amanda J. Janas of Concord, Kathleen A. Blake of Atlanta, Ga., and Kathleen T. Rebadow of Melbourne, Fla., has been accepted for publication by the journal, "Psychology."

By Stephanie Cook '12 - As we welcome the Class of 2015 to the Catawba College campus, we will also acknowledge and give our attention to the newest intercollegiate team added to the Catawba Indian's athletics program. Women's Lacrosse, under the direction of Ashley Gilroy, will kick off its inaugural season in January 2012.

A group of students, faculty and staff from Catawba College will depart on May 16 for the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham, Alabama area on a mission trip to assist with clean up and recovery after recent destructive tornadoes there. The weeklong trip is coordinated by Volunteer Catawba. The Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Birmingham, Ala. will serve as the base of operation for the Catawba team as they help remove debris and distribute much-needed food, water...

The Catawba Singers will be embarking on a Summer European Concert Tour May 15-May 25, 2011 to include stops in France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Tonia Black-Gold, Catawba's communications officer, will be blogging about the students' experiences while on the tour...

This Saturday, the 2011 graduating class of Catawba College will be saying goodbye to their alma mater as they cross the stage of Keppel Auditorium and receive their degrees. It will be a day marked with celebration and some much needed R&R after four years of dedicated study. The weekend of celebration will inevitably end, and these accomplished young men and women will again focus their efforts on a question of great importance: What now?

The House Elections committee recently voted to shorten the early voting period from 18 to 11 days. The popularity of early voting has increased over the past few years. A recent study by Dr. Michael Bitzer, professor of political science, showed 60% of NC's 2008 general election ballots were cast before election day, up from 30% in the 2004 election.

By Susan Shinn, Catawba College News Service - At age 3, Dr. Bethany Sinnott was introduced to William Shakespeare. It's a love affair that continues to this day. In May, Sinnott retires from Catawba College after 42 years of teaching English — most notably Shakespeare. To encapsulate a career that's touched so many lives, we'll have to ignore this quote from "Hamlet": "Brevity is the soul of wit."

Students traveled to Jamaica over Spring Break to get first-hand field experiences as part of their course, "Biogeography and Literature of Islands." View photos and read about their experiences..

Catawba College has announced its 2010-11 athletic award winners for its student-athletes. The awards were presented at the annual athletic ceremony held at the Keppel Auditorium on Tuesday, May 3. Heading the list of award winners were Alexa Baird and Marty Tuohy...

by David Whisenant, WBTV.com - They were in elementary or middle school at the time of 9/11, but it is the major historic event of their lives. College students across the country and the Carolinas are now reacting to the death of Osama bin Laden, and the memories today's news brings back even for our society's young. "We ended up getting out of school early," Jeremy Gardner recalled. Gardner, from Concord, is a sophomore from Catawba College.

By Laurie D. Willis, Livingstone College News Service - Jazz was the genre in a historic concert Wednesday that joined students at Livingstone and Catawba colleges for the first time and featured acclaimed trumpet player Vinnie Ciesielski.

Catawba College will host an Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps Public Sector fellow this summer who is specially trained to identify areas where the college can save energy and money. Carrie Gonnella, a candidate for a master of environmental management degree in the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, will work with Catawba's facilities management staff to develop a custom energy efficiency plan for the college.

John Wear, director of the Center for the Environment at Catawba College, delivered the keynote address April 29 at the three-day 2011 Moravian Environmental Stewardship Conference in Laurel Springs, N.C. The conference, co-sponsored by Laurel Ridge and the former Commission on Church & Society, was for congregations and stewardship leaders from across the Moravian Church's Southern Province.

Source: SalisburyPost.com - When it comes to confronting environmental challenges such as expanding green energy, sustaining ocean fisheries or providing a thirsty world with pure water, you couldn’t blame America's youth if they were worried about the future.

Two individuals have joined the staff of the Center for the Environment at Catawba College for the coming year. Craig Midgett, a former researcher with the Environmental Assistance Office at UNC-Charlotte, and Michael Smith, a LEED-accredited professional, will work with the Center in energy-related fellowships.

Catawba College's two commencement exercises are slated for Saturday, May 14 in Keppel Auditorium of the Robertson College-Community Center. On that day, the college will award baccalaureate degrees to 196 students graduating at 10 a.m. from the traditional day program and to 104 students graduating at 2 p.m. from the School of Evening and Graduate Studies. Seating is limited for both exercises and those planning to attend will need a ticket to enter the 1,450-seat venue.

Lisa Reid of Greensboro took Professor Al Carter and Mr. Ralph Ketner's 50-question finance exam and won a meal on the two with her 48 correct answers. Reid was one of 40 individuals, including her husband and even one test-taker from Florida, who tested their personal finance knowledge by taking the exam.

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, professor of Political Science and political expert recently spoke to the Charlotte Observer regarding the GOP proposal that would cut a week from early voting and would also end Sunday voting and so-called "same-day registration."

by Lauren Ebersole '07 - Recently I have received a flood of requests for a new update, so here is the answer to both of those requests. Fun activities for you to try: For one week, oh heck for two days, try eating rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then let me know how many more days you want to do that. When you take a shower count how many small lizards seem to be staring at you.

Celebrate May Day with an early evening of wonderful music by the choral ensembles of Catawba College. Because of the bad weather two weeks ago and the changes in schedule that resulted, the Spring Choral Concert was rescheduled for this Sunday, May 1 at 5:00 p.m. in Keppel Auditorium on campus.

Catawba College alumnus Pat McCrory '78, the former seven-term Mayor of Charlotte, N.C. and the 2008 N.C. Republican Gubernatorial candidate, visited campus on April 7. He spoke to students in Dr. Michael Bitzer's State and Local Politics class about politics and issues he has encountered running for public office.

Again this year, Catawba College students from various disciplines shared their diverse research projects during the 2011 Interdisciplinary Research Symposium held Thursday, April 21 in the Leonard Lounge of the Cannon Student Center. Faculty, staff and students on campus dropped by during the two-hour event to listen and learn from these students.

By Susan Shinn, Catawba College News Service - Fifth-graders at Bostian Elementary School got a taste of the Bard on Tuesday, April 19, as Donna Rymer's AIG class presented a Shakespeare festival. Special guest was Dr. Bethany Sinnott, Catawba College professor of English, who retires this spring after more than 40 years of service to the institution.

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College will honor three organizations in Rowan and Cabarrus counties this spring as Champions for Clean Air. The winners are Roush Fenway Racing, the City of Concord and the Centralina Council of Governments/Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition.

By Kathy Chaffin - Renowned wilderness conservationist Dave Foreman delivered a passionate message at the Center for the Environment facility on the Catawba College campus Tuesday evening for humans to help save wild habitants and habitats.

Salisbury resident Eric Slipp has made a gift to establish a new scholarship at Catawba College. Preference for the Eric P. Slipp Endowed Scholarship will be given to a member of the Catawba baseball team who is majoring in business, environmental science or physical education.

In early April, the Catawba College Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE) became one of seven colleges and universities to be designated a blue ribbon chapter and was awarded a $150 prize for membership activities by the North Carolina Association of Educators.

Catawba College senior Joe Manser of Mooresville and faculty sponsor Dr. Bethany Sinnott represented Catawba College's North Carolina Omicron chapter of Alpha Chi at the national convention in San Diego March 31-April 2.

The Catawba College Community Music Program will host several spring semester performance events for students enrolled in the program. These performances showcase the classes and private lessons taught through Community Music, including the new classes of the year, such as Class Piano for Senior Adults, Group Guitar, and Suzuki Violin classes.

By Susan Shinn, Catawba College News Service - The next time you apply that oh-so-convenient lip balm, think of Carly Sabat. Sabat, 21, a senior chemistry major at Catawba College, researched lip balm as part of her senior project. Her research has garnered accolades for herself and for the college.

Test your personal finance knowledge by taking this 50-question finance exam! Even if you weren't able to take the class, you can take the final exam for a chance to have a meal on Mr. Ralph Ketner and Professor Al Carter! During spring semester at Catawba College, Mr. Ralph Ketner and Professor Al Carter have been teaching a one-hour Personal Finance course, trying to develop some basic financial understanding among Catawba students.

By Staff Members of The Pioneer - The Pioneer staff, through talking with professors and students, have come up with a list of students to watch in the future. These students have excelled in their classes and their majors. We honor all of their hard work and congratulate them for being chosen as a Student to Watch for 2011.

Catawba College alumnus Grant Gibson '10 has been admitted to McMaster University's graduate program in Economics. Gibson, who majored in Sustainable Business and Community Development and was a member of the men's swimming team, intends to earn his Ph.D. in Economics at McMaster, which is a member of the "Group of Thirteen" in Canada. The G-13 is considered "top-tier" and is very research intensive.