CoffeeBreak is an e-newsletter distributed to Averett faculty and staff to keep them up to date on campus activities and information.
Please send information you would like included in CoffeeBreak via this form by 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 for a Wednesday, May 6 publication.
Honors Program Attends VCHC Conference
Averett University’s Honors Program attended the annual Virginias Collegiate Honors Council Conference April 10-11 held at Virginia Commonwealth University. At this event, Honors Programs from Virginia and West Virginia gathered for fellowship and to hear students give research presentations.
This year, two seniors, Morgan Williams and Donald Downs, represented Averett. Morgan presented the “Historical Analysis of the Longevity of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study,” and Donald presented the “Optimal Experiences: Peak Experience, Peak Performance, and Flow State.” The group was also accompanied by junior Allyson Payne. At the conclusion of the conference, ten of the presentations were judged the most outstanding, with each of these students receiving an award — Donald was one of these recipients.
Student Accolades
Last fall, the Student Life Department began recognizing students who go the extra mile in whatever they are doing on campus. Each week, during Student Life staff meetings, staff members nominate students whose dedication they want to recognize. Students are notified about the recognition and informed of their chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card at the end of the semester. The students nominated this week are Davis Absher, Michael Williams, John Matrisciano, Brian Benitez, Kelee Marcy and Kayla Sanon.
Soon-To-Be Graduates Find Success
Carl Adams III will be graduating in May with a major in History/Politics and a minor in Criminal Justice. Recently, Carl was accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Masters of Criminal Justice program. Carl, who is from Culpeper, was the SGA president. He is happy to start at VCU this fall. Congratulations, Carl!
After her May 2015 graduation, Theatre major Amanda Van Der-Sluys will be working in costume design with the Heritage Theatre Festival, a professional theatre company which is in residence at the University of Virginia during the summer months. Amanda is from Troy. We wish her the best!
Erica Sturkie, May 2015 graduate, has accepted a position as Project Analyst with the Information Systems branch at Exelis in Herndon. Erica is an English major and Art History minor. She is a writing consultant and an academic tutor, and was the editor of Ember Magazine. Congratulations, Erica!
Mehalko Promoted
The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) is pleased to announce that Dana Mehalko ’09, ’12 has been promoted to Associate Director of Institutional Research. Since joining the OIRE in November 2013, Dana has conducted institutional research tasks, redesigned processes, managed research projects, supervised student staff and assisted with assessment and strategic planning support. Going forward, Dana also will have more responsibility for research and academic assessment activities. Congratulations, Dana!
Summer Hours & Holiday Schedule
Summer Friday hours will begin on Friday, May 15 and end Friday, July 31. During this period, office hours on Fridays only will be from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Please note the summer Fridays and Christmas/New Year’s holiday schedules may require skeleton coverage, which will be determined by respective Vice Presidents and Directors. Please check with your supervisor if you have any questions.
The 2015-16 holiday schedule is provided here for your reference.
Students/Staff Softball Game
The annual Students/Staff softball game will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 12 p.m. on the softball field at the North Campus. All students, staff and faculty who wish to participate in the game should email Karmen Robinson. The deadline to sign up is today (Wednesday, April 29). Pizza will be provided for those participating in the game.
Summer Reading
Visit the bookstore for our expanding selection of general trade books. Select best-selling titles are 30 percent off. Stock up for summer!
Thank You to All Volunteers!
The CCECC staff would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time for our first Week to Engage. We had 435 volunteers from Averett University, Danville Community College and Piedmont Community College serving with 22 community partners throughout the week; and 100 of those volunteers were Averett faculty and staff. That is the most faculty/staff participation we have ever had, and we are truly grateful for your service.
We are already looking forward to the fall semester, and we hope you will join us again. Thank you for making it your Week to Engage!
Staff Meeting Reminder
Don’t forget that the University-wide staff meeting is tomorrow, Thursday, April 30 at 11:15 a.m. in the multipurpose room.
April Is Autism Awareness Month
The end of April is upon us, and after the last two points below, each of you will know 30 facts related to autism spectrum disorders. Reflecting back on this month and the AU community’s efforts in raising autism awareness, I want to personally thank our student leaders, “Moose” Nassar and Jada Little, for all of their hard work! Click here to see the great event held on campus Thursday, April 9. Thank you also to all of the students, staff and faculty who participated in the 4th Annual Dan River Autism Awareness 5K this past Saturday.
The remaining two facts are highly important points to recall as our community’s awareness and acceptance grows.
- Autism is treatable, not a hopeless condition.
- People with autism need understanding, love and acceptance, just like everyone else.
TIAA-CREF Representative on Campus
Our TIAA-CREF representative, Michelle Horne, will be on campus for 1:1 visits on Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Carrington Conference Room in the Student Center. Click here for information about scheduling an appointment.
Gateway Health Representative on Campus
Reminder that our Gateway Health representative, Chris McFarling, will be on campus Wednesday, May 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Anyone on the medial/vision and/or dental plans are welcome to drop in, or if you are interested in learning more about the University’s health plans feel free to drop by. Chris will be available to address questions, concerns, coverage and eligibility.
