Columbus State had a part in Extreme Home Makeover

Sunday night, May 16, epitomized the Columbus State University core value of Servant Leadership on the season finale of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which featured the Williams’ family of four in Pine Mountain Valley, Ga. The home makeover benefited Jeremy Williams, his wife Jennifer (a 1995 CSU alum), their 6-year-old son Jacob, and daughter Josie, 8. During the show, the wonderful, caring parents, Jeremy and Jennifer, were moving in their perspectives on life, sports and family and their gratitude to the greater Valley community for their new home. Hundreds of CSU students, faculty and staff were engaged in this project, from serving food to workers to cleaning out the locker-room at Jeremy's high school (see picture) to helping load in the family's new furniture. The show Sunday night brought national attention to the family and highlighted Columbus State University’s legacy commitment to serve. Volunteers worked tirelessly on the build and last night’s episode revealed that the CSU Foundation committed 4-year scholarships to the Williams’ children, should they elect to attend our university. The parents were moved and the nation sat riveted to their TV's. For the CSU community, this was service as usual and one more great reflection of a higher level commitment to community. I was so very proud.

Organizers pull off flawless 100th graduation ceremony

Our 100th commencement was extraordinary last night. It is difficult to realize the amount of time, energy and effort expended in creating a flawless evening for all. Dr. Tina Butcher and an exceptional team orchestrated a magical night that included thousands and thousands of family and friends celebrating the academic accomplishments of so very many. Recognizing the long-term generosity of Sally Foley and family and the great Capitol Hill advocacy of Congressman Bishop contributed to the special evening. Except for the fact that all of our graduates will have to return to the Lumpkin Center to pet the cougar, I would change not a thing. The greatness of Columbus State is our ability to serve such a diverse student population in baccalaureate and graduate programs, days and nights, weekdays and weekends. This, coupled with extraordinary faculty delivering exceptional courses, supported by a gracious community, spells greatness. The Chairman of our Trustees, Jimmy Yancey, represented this august group, and last night was the 40th anniversary of the graduation of Trustee Lamar Powers. All-in-all, a truly wonderful evening.