Weekend enriched by CSU fine and performing arts

I had the wonderful opportunity to see a group of our theatre students perform masterfully in Circle Mirror Transformation. The acting was outstanding, and direction was impressive. Our students continue to impress audiences and tackle challenging dramatic works.

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending a concert by our CSU Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Paul Vaillancourt. The concert was wonderful, and the students performed two pieces with Matthew Welch, a world-class bagpiper who premiered The Favrile Opalescence, commissioned by our own Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians. The final piece involved our Percussion Ensemble and a premiere screening of Day of the Dead by professor Hannah Israel, gallery director for our Art Department.

In all, it was a terrific weekend connecting the dots in the fine and performing arts at Columbus State University.

Conference equips students to become leaders

This afternoon, I had the great pleasure of kicking off our inaugural CSU Student Leadership Conference at the Cunningham Center. More than 100 students from across the university will spend the afternoon and most of the evening immersed in leadership training. The training workshops/seminars will be delivered by 20-plus CSU faculty/staff/grad students and community leaders who have worked mightily in building a great agenda.

Our director of orientation and student leadership, Collins Brown, working closely with her boss, Dr. Kimberly McElveen, developed an exceptional agenda. The interest level and enthusiasm among the students was sky high and, this spring, these students will attend a monthly leadership session as well. This is very important for our university and will have a profound impact on these students.

Alumni Weekend 2012 events impressive

Kudos go to Jennifer Joyner, our CSU alumni director, and the extended team in University Advancement for a great Alumni Weekend series of events.

The recognition luncheon was particularly impressive, and special congratulations go to Sommer Bundy, Heather Avery, Dr. Jason Harrison, Capt. Charles Anklam and Jay Knape on special recogntion received for their many accomplishments.

The final event, Evening on the Top, at our parking deck in Uptown, was truly wonderful. Not only was it a perfect evening, but the view of the upcoming whitewater course was magnificent, and many alums enjoyed reconnecting with friends from days gone by.