CSU magazine vol.22 no.1

vo

l.22 • no

.1

CSUMagaz ine .com

CAPS College of Adult and Professional Studiespg.10

CSU student takes on Parkinson’s

pg.18Quinn Franco’s Radical Acts of Faith Inspire

pg.28Five Weeks in Ghana

CSU v22 n1.indd 1 3/7/12 11:28 AM

char lestonsouthern.edu/ legacy

For additional information about Office of Planned Giving contact:

Lili GreshamDirector of Corporate Relations

and Planned Giving

[email protected]

8 Ways to a Better Estate PlanIf you haven’t done so already, today is the day to begin planning your estate. Thinking ahead can save you many tax dollars, and with estate tax rates reaching up to 35 percent, this should be of primary importance to you. In addition, you want to control the disposition of your property at death. Below are some tips to help you make certain your estate is properly planned.

1. Update Your Will or Living TrustYour will or trust is the most important component of your estate plan. It is the basis for distributing the majority of your as-sets. Your will or trust should be updated every three to five years and also after times of personal change, such as marriage, death, divorce, birth, adoption, inheritance or a move to another state.

2. Consider TaxesYour estate plan may need to be updated because of frequent tax law changes to the federal estate tax exemption amount. In 2012, you can own $5 million in assets when you die. That amount drops to only $1 million in 2013 and thereafter, unless Congress makes further changes.

3. Choose an Executor or TrusteeThink long and hard about the individual or institution named to act as your executor or trustee, bearing the responsibility of carrying out your wishes after deah. You will want to name someone you trust implicitly, someone who is experienced to act. You may consider naming a loved one along with an experienced financial institution as co-executors/trustees.

4. Name a Power of AttorneyAssign someone to act for you to handle your financial affairs in the event that you are unable to do so yourself. Property can also be managed, and disposition rights granted, through a durable power of attorney.

5. Create a Living WillDraft a living will that makes your wishes known regarding extraordinary measures for keeping you alive. A living will allows decisions to be made when you are unable to communicate them yourself. This document can help family members who may be distraught make decisions based upon your stated intentions. You should inform your family members of your wishes in advance.

6. Check Up on InsuranceEvaluate your insurance periodically. Make sure that you have enough to cover changing needs. You should also review your beneficiary designations to ensure they’re reflective of the people you intend to benefit. For example, you may need to update your beneficiaries if a deceased or former spouse is listed. If your estate may be subject to estate taxes in the future, consider shifting ownership of your life insurance to an irrevocable trust or to your heirs.

7. Evaluate Retirement Plan Asset Beneficiarieslike insurance, you should make sure the beneficiaries of your retirement plan assets are up-to-date. But keep in mind that when you name anyone other than your spouse as beneficiary of these assets, they can be exposed to double taxation: first as part of your taxable estate and second as income to the individual beneficiary. If you’ve thought about making a gift to Charleston Southern University consider giving retirement assets to us and giving other assets that are not as heavily taxed to family members. As a nonprofit organization, we are tax-exempt, so we can use 100 percent of your gift.

8. Be CharitableAn unlimited amount of money can be given to a qualified charitable organization during your lifetime or at your death, free of federal gift and estate taxes. Charitable gifts are an important component of any estate plan and may be especially helpful for people who do not have heirs to consider when distributing their estate. Through gifts to a charitable organization, you can benefit during life and at death—and reduce your taxable estate as well. Just call CSU’s office of Planned Giving if you’d like more information.

© The Stelter Company The information in this publication is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

CSU v22 n1.indd 2 3/7/12 11:28 AM

A PUBLICATION OF CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CSU magazine 1

from the president

Dear Friends,We are experiencing a wonderful year at the University. Not only are we enjoying the growth of our student

body but we are also enjoying additions to our campus facilities and expanded programs.

One of the University’s strategic initiatives is the growth of our online program. In this issue of CSU

Magazine, we are highlighting the College of Adult and Professional Studies and all of the exciting new

programs CAPS is adding. The students in our online program receive the same quality education founded

on Christian principles that traditional students receive. Instruction is just delivered in a different way.

We are proud to introduce you to one of our current CAPS students, James Mangini, in this issue. James is

a full-time student, a small business owner and a husband. He is also training to run from Charleston to New

York in May to raise funds and awareness for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its fight against Parkinson’s

disease. The fight against Parkinson’s is personal for James because his father is battling the disease.

Another story we are excited to share is a detailed look at the five-week trip to Ghana, West Africa,

which students and professors took last summer. The trip, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of

Education’s Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad program, was life changing for our students and for the

children they interacted with in Ghana.

As the University approaches its 50th anniversary in 2014, we are contemplating Charleston Southern’s

impact. The map of the United States in the School Ties section illustrates that CSU now has alumni living in

all 50 states. We are proud of the influence Charleston Southern alumni are having and look forward to our

next 50 years.

We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to visit our beautiful campus and experience

the excitement and growth we are enjoying.

Sincerely,

Jairy C. Hunter, Jr.

President

CSU v22 n1.indd 1 3/7/12 11:28 AM

2 CSU magazine A PUBLICATION OF CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

about the cover:

Life moves…

Accredited.Affordable.Flexible.

Charleston Southern University’s College of Adult and Professional Studies is growing fast. Our team is meeting the market demands for online education. CSU’s online programs help our students find their BALANCE between work, life, family and education.

CSU

mag

azin

e

a publication of charleston

southern university

volume 22number 1

Spring 2012

EDITORIAL STAFF:

Jan Joslin ’82, Editor, Director of Publications

John Strubel ’11, Director of Integrated Marketing

Sherry Atkinson, University Relations Officer

Christi Pearson, Web Developer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Kara Butler ’13

Elizabeth Mahaffey ’02

Nicole Thomas ’14

Mike Woodard ’15

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Kara Butler ’13

Jessica Paetzke ’15

Emily Weston ’15

CSU Magazine is published three times a year by the university relations office for alumni and friends of Charleston Southern University. Address changes should be sent to

[email protected] or CSU Advancement Office, PO Box 118087, Charleston, SC 29423-8087.

charlestonsouthern.edu

CSU Magazine on the web: csumagazine.com

Design and layout by:

One Poston Road, Suite 190, Charleston, SC 29407 843.747.0025 • www.issuu.com/apgpub

Richard Barry, President

Bob Durand, Senior Art Director

Maggie Barry, Financial Services Director

Printed by:

345 Dreher Road, West Columbia, SC 29169803.791.1786 • fax: 803.794.9487 • www.sunprintingusa.com

© 2012 Charleston Southern University

CSU v22 n1.indd 2 3/7/12 11:28 AM


LEARNINg LEAdINg SERVINg SCHOOL TIES

contents

CSU student takes on Parkinson’s 4 BALANCE found in CAPS

9 CAPS graduate Collins

14 CAPS graduate Norton

15 Thornton teaching online

Quinn’s Radical acts of Faith Inspire

16 Praying with expectancy

22 Family math night

Summer @ CSU

23 Construction Update

Burgess earns perfect score

24 Karges-Bone presents at national conference

Young publishes book

25 Lewis releases CD

Hulsey appointed to UN post

Nolan following Bonnette’s footsteps

Going, going, Ghana

26 Rare bird seen on campus

Habitat for Humanity

27 Packing Party for Operation Christmas Child

32 Journal excerpts from Ghana

Alumni Profile: Naomi Wentsky 34 Class notes

36 Memorials

50 states 37 Baby Bucs

38 Alumni News

39 Homecoming 2011

42 Metts Scholarship grows

Baseball working to light park

43 SON receives donations

Shopping for Scholars

44 Artist April Knight

46 Naomi Wentsky traveling world

47 Alum Blogger Community

10 18 28 46

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Dreamspassionquick

remotepurpose

connectedpriceless

realitycomprehensive

affordable

innovative

bAlAnCe

CSU v22 n1.indd 4 3/7/12 11:28 AM

LEARNINg

Students are able to learn the same subjects that are taught in a traditional on-campus classroom in a virtual classroom setting.

Colleges and universities are delving into online options to meet the needs of their student body. Charleston Southern has identified the growth of online programs as one of the top six strategic imperatives for the University.

Online programs are increasing the number of courses they offer and broadening the subject and program offerings in this format. “New Study: Over 6 Million Students Learning Online,” a recent article published by The Sloan Consortium, says a recognizable increase in online enrollments as compared to enrollments for higher education as a whole is noted, along with the acknowledgment that many institutions are incorporating online initiatives as part of their overall growth strategy.

CSU magazine 5

Can You Really Learn Any Subject Online?

VIRTUAllY !

By Elizabeth Mahaffey

photos by Sherry Atkinson

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The renaming of the department to the College of Adult and Professional Studies better reflects the program and the students. To speak to this specific student population in upcoming program advertising, CAPS has adopted a theme of balance.

With increased per credit hour enrollments up approximately 40 percent for fall 2011, the strategic growth has not only been the result of meeting student demand for additional online courses but has also been a focused effort to ensure course rigor and provide student support within the platform.

bAlAnCeCAPS Expansion

In recognition of this increased need for expanding delivery methods, the Charleston Southern adminis-tration has implemented additional programs in the online platform to provide opportunities for a niche of students who are unable to complete a degree in an on-campus setting.

The typical CAPS student balances a full-time job, school and family life, and a degree program offered 100 percent online is often the most favorable or only option for busy adults.

ThIRTY-onE

PERCEnT oF

hIGhER EDUCATIon

STUDEnTS now

TAkE AT lEAST onE

CoURSE onlInE.

ThE 10 PERCEnT

GRowTh RATE

FoR onlInE

EnRollMEnTS FAR

ExCEEDS ThE Two

PERCEnT GRowTh

In ThE ovERAll

hIGhER EDUCATIon

STUDEnT

PoPUlATIon.

ACADEMIC

lEADERS BElIEvE

ThAT ThE lEvEl

oF STUDEnT

SATISFACTIon IS

EqUIvAlEnT FoR

onlInE AnD FACE-

To-FACE CoURSES.

Source: Babson Survey Research Group,

november 2011

passionquickpurpose

innovative

“Being faith-based, Charleston Southern allows us as professors to place God first and at the center of everything we do. It challenges students to put their faith to the test. You don’t grow as a Christian unless you are tried and tested.”

— Dr. Evelyn Delaine-hart, adjunct faculty

“I need the flexibility. I have a two-year-old son. The fact that I can pick my time, sit at my desk, in my home office and work, works best for an adult student like me. My grades have improved because of the flexibility.”

— Anthony howard, senior

DreamsconnectedCSU v22 n1.indd 6 3/7/12 11:28 AM


LEARNINg

“There are several key elements that are imperative to the success of these programs. These elements in-clude an accelerated format, a superior platform that provides ease of access to professors and students and rigorous course content,” said Dr. Jim Jones, dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies. “The impor-tance of offering online courses for working adults is to provide an opportunity for personal, professional and spiritual growth.

“My own personal experience as an adult student required that I work full-time and attend on-ground classes,” said Jones. “The opportunities afforded to me

in an online learning platform were not available. This educational pathway for online learning enables adults to meet or exceed their educational goals, which results in a chance to change their lives.”

Additional ProgramsThe existing, fully online, undergraduate program,

the bachelor of science in organizational management, is growing with the addition of four new programs for high growth industries.

Research of growing fields and relationships with lead-ing Lowcountry companies led to four areas of growth.

REPoRTED YEAR-To-

YEAR EnRollMEnT

ChAnGES FoR FUllY

onlInE PRoGRAMS

BY DISCIPlInE

Show MoST ARE

GRowInG.

SIxTY-FIvE

PERCEnT oF

hIGhER EDUCATIon

InSTITUTIonS now

SAY ThAT onlInE

lEARnInG IS A

CRITICAl PART oF

ThEIR lonG-TERM

STRATEGY.

Source: Babson Survey Research Group,

november 2011

realitypurposeinnovative

“one of the advantages of the program is that I could take the class lessons and use them in the workplace. The instructors are practicing business owners and leaders in the community. That helps me learn and develop my skills in my current job.”

— Abraham Doctor ’09

“while working on my degree I got a position in the office at Dorchester District 2. Going through this program definitely helped me. I think it put me above the rest in getting the job.”

— Elizabeth hayes ’09

DreamsconnectedCSU v22 n1.indd 7 3/7/12 11:28 AM


bAlAnCeADDITIonAl

ChARlESTon

SoUThERn onlInE

PRoGRAMS

School of BuSineSS

MASTER

oF BUSInESS

ADMInISTRATIon

School of nurSing

Rn To BSn

MASTER

oF SCIEnCE In

nURSInG

Project management courses launched in fall 2011. The additional concentrations will launch in the spring and summer of 2012.

The project management concentration teaches stu-dents to take projects from idea to reality and prepare to sit for the Project Management Institute certification exam.

The healthcare management concentration will aid practitioners moving into management and those new to the field in managing a complex industry.

Hospitality and tourism management will emphasize planning and development, advanced marketing, eco-nomics and organizational behavior unique to this field.

Students in the human resources management concen-tration will study employee training and development, labor relations, law, compensation and more.

Pearson Learning StudioThrough the online platform provider, Pearson

Learning Studio, expansive resources are made available to our students in both content and method of delivery. Courses contain interactive components, media and

discussion boards. Nearly all of the CAPS courses contain an eBook, saving students the cost of textbook purchases.

Tutorials help students learn to navigate the online classroom. An evaluation of classroom metrics shows Pearson’s enhanced resources have resulted in more than a 90 percent course completion rate for all CAPS courses.

Positive CAPS student course evaluations for the first term of 2011 reinforce the benefits of Pearson’s resources.

Increased enrollment hours and promising data supporting the existing efforts to ensure the success of all CAPS students have led to additional plans to provide further avenues for student support in the future.

CAPS is integrating Pearson’s MyLab functionality into existing and future courses where applicable. The MyLab feature provides students with further media components and practice exercises in quantitative and qualitative subjects.

Writing manuals have been placed within various courses, and further tutorials are being developed that are subject specific.

In addition, an undergraduate course aimed toward providing skills for ensuring success in the online classroom is in the development stages.

Wondering what it’s like to study online? Check out a preview class atcsuniv.edu/caps/online_class.asp

CSU v22 n1.indd 8 3/7/12 11:28 AM


L E A R N I N G

D r. Jones changed my entire life,” said Hillary Collins.

Dr. Jim Jones, now the dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies, was a new adjunct professor in the evening college when Collins was taking classes.

Jones had his class take an assessment to find their strengths and weaknesses. “He told us many companies will focus on our skill sets,” said Collins. “He said companies should concentrate on strengths. He shed some light on my life and made me rethink my perspective about myself.

“Dr. Jones once asked us in class, ‘What are you worth?’ I said I was satisfied with what I was making. He told me not to sell myself short. I get that now – I learned from that experience.

“I’m not a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person. I see the glass as half full of water and the other half full of air – always full of something,” said Collins.

The lessons learned in Jones’s class changed the direction Collins was headed. “The jobs I was trying to get weren’t right for me.

“I decided on real estate,” she said. “I’m my own boss. In real estate I’m able to work as hard as I want.” Her first year in real estate she was named Rookie of the Year. Collins had found her niche.

“I agree with what Donald Trump says – that you should never feel like you’re taking a vaca-tion, that you should love what you do,” said Collins. “I wake up excited every day about what I’m going to do. I help people leave the rental world and buy a house. It’s fun because I’m also kind of their therapist.

“I’m a busy girl; I have a lot of energy. I am my own boss, and my boss is tough on me, but I can also take down time when I need it.”

Collins said, “My father, grandfather and brother have an entrepreneurial drive, and I guess I do too.” She serves as vice president of Chucktown – a com-pany her family owns which celebrates a laid-back lifestyle. “My brother is a professional kite boarder, and it’s that kind of lifestyle,” she said. “It’s a fun, promotional kind of job to have.”

She also helps friends who are small business owners learn accounting soft-ware using the knowledge she gained in Accounting I and II. “It’s something I can do to help friends; I don’t get paid to do it,” said Collins.

At 19, newly graduated from Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, Collins headed to Arizona to study wilderness leadership. A year later, she was so homesick, she headed back to Charleston. “I met my husband, married, had a son and took core classes at Trident Tech.”

The adult business degree at Charleston Southern came up when she searched for a college for her next step. “I had a job and the challenges of being a new mom. Evening classes were perfect.”

In addition to earning a degree, Collins made lifelong friends in the program. And she learned one of her greatest lessons. “Two ladies, who were also moms, and I would stay two or three hours after class studying. I learned it was ok to ask for help. It’s important to have a group of peers who support each other.”

The support of friends and family sustained her. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband,” said Collins. “And without my dad – I called him after every class was over and he would say, what’s the question

C A P S G R A D U A T E P R o F I l E :

Hillary Collins

By Jan Joslin

note: collins is a realtor with carolina one. for more information, visit www.hillarycollins.com or [email protected].

-- about what I studied, and he always had the answer. Also, my sister had unconditional sup-port for me the whole time; every “B” I got and cried about she reminded me that it was still great! I am a bit of an overachiever …”

Collins is the first person in her family to graduate from college. She earned her BA in 2008 and graduated with honors.

“

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bAlAnCe

CSU v22 n1.indd 10 3/7/12 11:28 AM

Parkinson’s

LEARNINg

CSU magazine 11

Take a moment; let that sink in.

This essentially boils down to this basic mathematic formula: 1,000 miles divided by 30 days equals, roughly, 33 miles per day. For the record, a marathon is 26.2 miles. What Mangini is attempting is 38 marathons in 30 days.

Simple math – with a calculator; interesting – if you are reading this over lunch; inspiring – on paper; easier said, calculated and plotted, than done.

By John StrubelIN EARLY MAY, JAMES MANGINI WILL LEAvE NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND BEGIN RUNNING EIGHT TO 10 HOURS A DAY. NOT ON SMOOTH CEMENT SIDEWALKS AND HIGHWAYS, BUT ON GRAvEL, DIRT, GRASS, AND ON BYWAYS, SECONDARY ROADS, THROUGH SMALL TOWNS, LARGE CITIES, ACROSS NINE STATES, 1,000 MILES, UNTIL HE REACHES HIS DESTINATION: NEW YORK CITY.

CSUstudent takes on

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bAlAnCe

M angini, a full-time student in Charleston Southern University’s College of Adult and Professional Studies and a member of the Board of visitors, is

the Chief Executive Officer of SweetAngelGifts.com, a philanthropic online gift company whose mission is to partner with charities to cure and/or control disease and make a significant impact on society.

Not long after SweetAngelGifts.com launched last fall, the company partnered with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s disease research. Instead of simply adding The Michael J. Fox Foundation to his list of partners, Mangini invested time in researching Parkinson’s, its fundraising efforts and the overwhelming effects the disease has on human life.

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation reports more than five million people worldwide have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (60,000 are diagnosed every year); another two million are estimated to be living with the disease – but have yet to be diagnosed. An estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease.

The disease not only cripples people physically, but financially as well. The PDF states, “combined direct and indirect cost of Parkinson’s, including treatment, social security payments and lost income from inability to work, is estimated to be nearly $25 billion per year in the United States alone.”

The numbers were staggering as Mangini sat in his office pulling research off the Internet. “It shocked me,” he said. “I didn’t realize it affected so many people, and right now there is no cure. I just sat back in my chair and absorbed that.”

Mangini felt challenged. As his mind began thinking how and where he and his company could attack this problem, “the gears started turning,” he remembers. “Marathons seem to be very effective. I am in Charleston, South Carolina. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is headquartered in New York City, what if I was to run from here to there?”

His first call was to Katy Reitz, director of advancement for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. When he casually threw the idea out the phone went silent, a pause that seemed to last forever.

“This is fantastic,” Reitz finally replied. “I think this is heroic.”

“I figured she was thinking, this is either heroic or I am nuts – probably a little more nuts,” Mangini said laughing. “Team Fox is just an amazing organization of passionate people who are helping with communication and national media.”

After moving to Charleston two years ago and launching a startup company, Mangini decided to take care of some unfinished business, a college degree. He searched Google for Charleston colleges and enrolled at Charleston Southern’s College of Adult and Professional Studies.

“Two things really stood out,” said Mangini. “There is faith integrated into learning – as a Christian, that was huge - and the other was the flexibility of having an online, off-campus degree program. With my busy schedule I could work and still take classes online, on my schedule. The flexibility allowed me to run my own company and balance taking classes full-time.”

Mangini is balancing priorities -- his business, life, marriage -- and now, the rigorous college class work at CSU, taking 18 credit hours per semester. The journey will mean he’ll be gone 30-35 days, away from his wife, his life, his business and his school work. He called Daniela, his wife.

“I wasn’t sure how she was going to take it,” said Mangini. “When I first told her she was at work, and I said, “By the way, this is what I’m thinking of doing …”

The casual, “by the way …” query seemed to work. Daniela was encouraging and supportive.

Mangini began plotting his course on a map, figuring out ways to connect with the community along the way. The 1,000 Mile Marathon: Search for America’s Heroes will include stops in 13 major markets along the route to host fundraising events. The financial goal is $500,000, made possible by The Brin-Wojickick challenge; dollar-for-dollar fundraising match by Sergey Brin, a co-founder of Google, the search-engine company, and his wife, Anne Wojcicki, a co-founder of 23andMe, a genetic-testing company.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Mangini plans to spend his spring educating, training and promoting 1,000 Mile Marathon: Search for America’s Heroes. Since going public with his plan, people in Charleston, customers and business partners across the country have begun to rally in support of the event.

Oh, one small detail: James Mangini doesn’t enjoy running – or even walking. At age 32, he has never run a marathon. He’s never run a half-marathon. The longest distance he’s ever run was five or six miles when he was in the military. He was 19 years old.

“I’m a strength athlete,” he said. “I enjoy working out with weights and just a little bit of cardiovascular workouts to keep your heart healthy, so this will be interesting.”

Mangini began planning his physical workout schedule with a call to Sam Fox [no relation to Michael J. Fox], who ran 2,250 miles in 61 days in support of Parkinson’s. Fox’s advice to Mangini was simple: practice like you’re going to play.

ThE PARkInSon’S

DISEASE FoUnDATIon

REPoRTS MoRE ThAn

FIvE MIllIon PEoPlE

woRlDwIDE hAvE

BEEn DIAGnoSED

wITh PARkInSon’S

DISEASE (60,000 ARE

DIAGnoSED EvERY

YEAR); AnoThER

Two MIllIon ARE

ESTIMATED To BE

lIvInG wITh ThE

DISEASE – BUT

hAvE YET To BE

DIAGnoSED. An

ESTIMATED SEvEn

To 10 MIllIon

PEoPlE woRlDwIDE

ARE lIvInG wITh

PARkInSon’S

DISEASE.

CSU v22 n1.indd 12 3/7/12 11:28 AM


LEARNINg

“My goal and plan will be to mimic what I am going to be doing on the road, which is to jog a couple miles, walk a couple, jog a couple; the problem is the body – remember, this is the equivalent of one-and-one-half marathons a day – is not going to have time to recover,” said Mangini.

Mangini is expected to consume 8,900 calories a day. The terrain will be rugged; the journey dangerous. Mangini will have a support team trailing in a vehicle every step of the 1,000 Mile Marathon. But he must overcome more than physical endurance. This “journey” will require intense focus and mental preparation.

“You’re pushing yourself to a physical and emotional limit every day,” Fox said in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. “You don’t have time to recover. Not getting enough rest. Not getting enough food; trying to catch up because you’ve fallen behind. All those things factor in. The emotional part is going to be the biggest challenge for me, especially on the road.”

“If I am on the road 8-10 hours a day, what do I do?” Where is my mind at?” said Mangini. “There are some things we are going to do from a marketing perspective using technology to connect. But, I think, being mentally prepared, being mentally there during the trip and at the speaking engagements will be the toughest part.”

Daunting, certainly, but for Mangini this journey is a matter of the heart. Three years ago Parkinson’s was another disease on a long list of debilitating illnesses. Then Mangini’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and suddenly the disease had a face.

“When my father was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s it really didn’t sink in,” he said. “I didn’t see any of the symptoms, you know, the tremors and loss of body functions.”

When Mangini went home last summer the tremors were only noticeable in his father’s pinky finger. Then, last Christmas, James and Daniela traveled to New Jersey to spend time with his family. As they pulled up to the curb, James’ father came out of the house to greet them.

“From the time I saw him last summer, the disease has progressed quite a bit,” said Mangini. “His body movements, his facial expressions, there’s a lot of loss of control of movement and tremors.”

Daniela held back tears. It was in that moment James knew his father was physically in a fight with a powerful disease. “When we got out of the car to speak to him, we realized Parkinson’s also affected his ability to communicate.

“That was tough,” he said. “In six months [since the last time he saw his father], it’s night and day. I’m still trying to put that together. I can’t even imagine what he’s going through.”

Mangini’s father has always been active and was a Little League umpire in New Jersey.

“The stages I’ve gone through, in terms of passion and level of energy for this project, obviously starts with my father, then the realization after seeing my father, it becomes personal.”

The second to the last stop on the 1,000 Mile Marathon: Search for America’s Heroes will be Hillsborough, New Jersey, Mangini’s hometown. He will have the opportunity to stop and see his father on the final leg of the journey. “I can’t even imagine what that is going to be like,” he said. “It will be really fun and emotional, but I hope we can raise awareness and honor my father.”

Mangini is driven by his father’s condition, but his relationship to Parkinson’s disease runs deeper. His father’s grandfather was diagnosed in the 1960s with the disease and lived the last 20 years of his life fighting the condition. Through his partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Mangini’s met and built friendships with people with Parkinson’s. Some of his customers have Parkinson’s.

“When I first spoke to my father about this he was speechless,” said Mangini, who told his father at Christmas. “He was so proud and honored. I think he’s still trying to digest everything we’re doing. The whole family has been extremely supportive.”

Pride. Honor. Courage. There are no numbers, no math, no words to define that.

ThE SEConD To ThE lAST SToP on ThE 1,000 MIlE

MARAThon: SEARCh FoR AMERICA’S hERoES wIll BE

hIllSBoRoUGh, nEw JERSEY, MAnGInI’S hoMETown.

hE wIll hAvE ThE oPPoRTUnITY To SToP AnD SEE hIS

FAThER on ThE FInAl lEG oF ThE JoURnEY. “I CAn’T EvEn

IMAGInE whAT ThAT IS GoInG To BE lIkE,” hE SAID. “IT

wIll BE REAllY FUn AnD EMoTIonAl, BUT I hoPE wE

CAn RAISE AwAREnESS AnD honoR MY FAThER.”

For more information on

the 1,000 Mile Marathon:

Search for America’s

heroes, visit:

1000milemarathon.org

michaeljfox.org

CSU v22 n1.indd 13 3/7/12 11:28 AM


L E A R N I N G

M ichelle Norton completed a bachelor of management arts degree in 2009 and is a paralegal at Motley Rice LLC,

one of the largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms in the U.S. She is currently serving as president of the CAPS Alumni Association.

Q. How has your degree helped you in your professional life?

The knowledge I learned while attaining my management degree has allowed me to effec-tively manage large projects at work in a project manager role as well as perform financial analy-ses of defendant assets. My BMA has increased my efficiency and effectiveness while building my confidence and self-esteem and has allowed me to take on additional responsibilities.

Q. What do you do at Motley Rice?

I work on 9/11 litigation as a paralegal on the Anti-Terrorism & Human Rights Team. We partake in a comprehensive, in-ternational effort to uncover the financial and material sponsors of al Qaeda and disrupt the cash flow of their terrorist ac-tivities. Terrorist groups rely on continu-ous funding, often millions of American dollars, to recruit members, provide training, promote their organizations and provide logistical support for operations and attacks. We use civil litigation not only to recover for terror victims, but also to expose and punish the financial spon-sors of terrorist organizations in order to deter and disrupt future acts of terrorism.

Q. How did you become involved with the CAPS Alumni Association?

Dr. Jim Jones announced that the Uni-versity was starting a CAPS chapter of the alum-ni association. I thought that was a wonderful idea, and volunteered for the role of president and was subsequently elected president by my fellow alumni.

Q. What is the purpose of the CAPS Alumni Association?

Our College of Adult and Professional Studies Alumni Association mission is to serve; to serve God, the alumni, the University, the students and the community. With distance learning, it can be difficult to feel a real sense of unity with other students and the university outside of your cohort. It is very important to us that nontraditional students who attend CAPS feel that they are a part of the Charleston Southern family. The Alumni Association will help to promote a positive image of the University; we

can do this by strengthening feelings of identity with the University and by offering opportuni-ties for alumni to serve the University, faculty and staff, the students and the community. We will keep alumni conversant with the programs and activities of the College of Adult and Profes-sional Studies and the University, encourage alumni to be lifelong stewards and participants in the Charleston Southern community, and promote interaction among CAPS alumni through programs and activities that enrich their professional and personal lives.

Q. What are your hopes for the Alumni Association? What plans do you have as president?

What we hope to accomplish is to create a network which brings the CAPS alumni to-gether by promoting a sense of University pride among all graduates, allowing them to share their experiences, their stories, advice and fel-lowship. By embracing our alumni and getting them involved in the organization, we can make a difference in our community. We plan to host community events, such as charity fundraisers, which will foster a sense of goodwill toward the University and enhance Charleston Southern’s image. We also hope to create resources for de-serving CAPS students by engaging in fundrais-ing that will allow us to provide scholarships. We also hope to hold social events to allow the alumni a chance to network and meet one another in person.

Q. Do you have anything you would like to share with CSU Magazine readers?

We plan on sending a letter to CAPS alumni in the near future introducing the alumni chapter and the officers. I encourage involvement in this worthwhile organization and welcome any sug-gestions and ideas that alumni have for the or-ganization. Contact us at [email protected]. And go Bucs!

C A P S G R A D U A T E P R o F I l E :

Michelle Norton

By Jan Joslin

bAlAnCe

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B y now you’ve probably heard, read or seen the College of Adult and Profes-sional Studies advertisements. You

know, “find your balance …” CSU professor and alumnus Sean Thornton ’95, knows first-hand the importance of balance.

In addition to teaching business law online, Thornton serves as the Deputy Solicitor for the 14th Circuit, a position that enables him to bring a world of experience to the classroom.

“The program is flexible for the student, but it’s also flexible for the professor,” said Thornton, who has spent the last four years as an instructor in CSU’s online program. “As an attorney I am in the court room. If I am in the middle of a case, I don’t get to just leave, but I have access to the Internet no matter where I am.”

His legal career started in 1998 as an assistant public defender in Walterboro. Two years later, in 2000, he was promoted to chief public defender. In 2003, Thornton joined the solici-tors for the 14th Circuit (covering Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper coun-ties) where, in 2006, he was promoted to “the number two person supervising the serious cases; death penalty cases, serial armed robbery, drug traffickers,” he said.

Throughout his professional career, Thornton has been an adjunct professor at Charleston Southern. He started in 1998 in the classroom. Since 2008 he has taught exclusively online.

“The greatest advantage that the environment Charleston Southern fosters with its teachers and students is that, since I actually practice law currently, and both business and criminal law in different contexts, I am able to give real-world examples,” he said. “I can talk to you about the law, and I can talk to you about rules and regulations all day, but when someone can give you a ‘for instance,’ I can actually flesh out examples of what the law is.”

The real-world experience is a marketing cliché in higher education, but the reality is experience offers students the best of both worlds. In fact, Thornton says students need professors who

can provide both textbook and experience.“As great as the materials are at CSU nothing is

better, in my opinion, than having someone tell you, ‘this is what happened to me,’” he said. “CSU does an excellent job of melding both together, the materials provided and professors who can give real-world examples. To be suc-cessful, you really need both.”

Thornton, like his students, communicates on lunch breaks, in the evenings, even while he is waiting for a jury to return with a verdict. He’s found his balance between work, family, life and teaching part-time, a lifestyle experience he shares with many of his students.

“Since a lot of the students are already em-ployed, I often get emails from students about situations that come up on the job,” he said. “Probably the questions and answers we give outside of the classroom setting offer the best real-world examples.”

Thornton says the online learning process combines education and professional growth. “It’s almost like a real-time application process. They (students) can learn it at night and apply it the next morning on the job.”

Thornton is also quick to point out the bal-ance between a busy life and faith, a compo-nent he is able to share and use in the virtual classroom. For Thornton, faith is a personal value, one which he is able to comfortably share through the course.

“Charleston Southern makes it easy to do that [integrate faith in the classroom] because they hire the right people,” he said. “The entire program is set up to foster faith integration in the classroom. For me, it’s pretty easy because I teach law and law is based on morality in one form or another. As a professor I try to exhibit the Christian morals and values that are impor-tant to CSU inside the classroom.

“As a side benefit Charleston Southern prides itself on Christian faith, Christian values and Christian morals,” added Thornton. “One of the cornerstones of that is family. This is a program you can do with a family, with a job, and your family can come first because you always have time to go back in and do your studies. There is no set time. Convenience works in a lot of different areas.”

ONLINE PROFESSOR OFFERS BEST OF BOTH WORLDS By John Strubel

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P rayer with Expectancy kicked off spring semester with students, faculty, staff and coaches gathered to pray for the Lord to

continue the work He started in fall semester with Grace Awakening.

Jon Davis, campus minister, said, “To impart and declare the power of God to the next gen-eration is what gives me hope. What we’ve seen with Grace Awakening, God is doing something with this generation.”

“We are praying for this to be the year of increase,” said Tam Odom, director of women’s ministry and creative arts. “First Corinthians 3:6 says, ‘I planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase.’ We challenge you to seek the Lord and ask Him to show you very clearly where you are to water and sow this semester as we prepare for the harvest,” she said.

Prayers were lifted up for:

•theHolySpirittoraindownonstudents•Godtoallowustoembracetheopportunity we have to serve Him•theinfluenceofathletesandcoaches to be positive•thecampustostandunited•Godtodosomethinghistoriconcampus•noothernametobeaboveHisat Charleston Southern

continues

SEMESTER OPENS WITH ExPECTANT PRAYERBy Jan Joslin

The CSU community gathered for prayer in

expectation of the lord’s increase on campus.

Photo by Christi Pearson

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Trey Barnett, a senior majoring in youth min-istry and religion from Westminster, prayed that the faculty would “praise God’s mighty acts to this generation.”

In planning the semester, Odom said, “We believe the undertone of our worship experi-ences will be a freedom party full of celebration in expectancy. There has to be a celebration of the freedom we receive, and our hearts have to

expect that the Holy Spirit is going to be pres-ent and move.”

Campus ministries will specifically target sow-ing and watering through worship and service this semester, all while praying for the Lord’s increase.

Graphic by Tam odom

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LEAdINg

There’s nothing ordinary about Quinn Fran-co’s college experience at Charleston Southern.

In the fall of 2010, the Aiken native enrolled at CSU declaring biochemistry his major. Inspired by a Chapel performance by the Annie Moses Band, with no prior music experience, Franco changed his major from biochemistry to music and worship leadership, a radical act of faith.

“It was kinda scary actually,” he confessed. “I didn’t even know what sharps and flats were.”

In January, as he began adjusting to his new life in the classroom, Franco took another leap of faith after attending Passion 2012, the four-day Christian conference at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. He was one of 45,000 college students from across the country who attended the event that redefined modern-day slavery. Passion officials reported there are 27 million slaves worldwide -- sex trafficking and forced labor topping the list.

“It was so inspiring,” said Franco. “I could feel the Holy Spirit moving there.”

Before the conference, Franco said he was like the majority of the world, knowing slavery was alive but believing it lacked relevance in today’s culture. “I was, admittedly, thinking if I didn’t see it then I wouldn’t have to deal with it.

Passion’s modernization of slavery helped raise $3.3 million and lit a fire in Franco. With the images seared in his memory, the stories of slav-ery lingering in his mind, Franco knew he could not just walk away. When Franco returned to Charleston he began praying daily, asking God for guidance.

“What if this were your brother or sister – or your own child – that was taken away from you?” he said. “Being sent to a camp to work, feeling completely hopeless. That’s when it re-ally hit home for me. All those things I take for granted.”

Prayer led to action. He decided to go barefoot, adopting the Tom’s Shoes campaign concept of “A Day Without Shoes.” Franco said living barefoot is about awareness.

“I really don’t think I am starting a move-ment,” said Franco. “It was just me trying to sense a little bit of the pain they feel. They [slaves] can’t afford shoes themselves, so I thought, maybe if I walk in their shoes – or not in their shoes – for a day I’d realize how painful it is for them.”

Franco has walked across campus barefoot in the rain. He’s stepped on trash and pebbles, stubbed his big toe on brick walkways and wiped his feet clean in the grass (he carries a pair of flip-flops in his bookbag to wear in the dining hall, where students are required to wear shoes for health and safety reasons).

continues

Quinn’s radicalBy John Strubel

photos by Sherry Atkinson acts of faith

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inspireacts of faith

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LEAdINg

“Every time my feet start to hurt, I am mo-tivated to pray … to pray for the people who don’t have shoes; all the people who go with-out,” he said. “I felt if I suffered with them, I’d feel more of their pain and more motivated to give whatever I have so that they can be blessed. It keeps me in constant awareness of it.”

Franco lifts his left hand, revealing gal 5:1 scrawled in black ink on the back of his hand. It’s a reminder of the Bible verse Galatians 5:1: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free, so don’t take on the yoke of slavery.

He points to the index finger on his left hand where he’s carved another verse in ink. This one is 1 John 3:17: If someone has worldly possessions and sees his brother in need, but doesn’t help, then how can he have the love of God in him?

Two more reminders of the lessons he learned in Atlanta. Besides his feet, his hands and fingers, Franco shared his story on Facebook. Friends and classmates started sending back text messages and comments.

“This isn’t about me, it’s about them [slaves],” Franco replies. “It’s not about the cause, it’s about the effect. It was really unexpected because I wasn’t doing it for anyone to see me doing it, but when they do I am able to tell them more about it.”

Franco said he doesn’t have a START and STOP date adding, “I didn’t know how I was going to help. I still don’t know how I will help. It’s just one person at a time, one life at a time that can change.”

want to learn more about slavery?

visit these web resources:

http://slaveryfootprint.org/

www.callandresponse.com/

www.notforsalecampaign.org/

http://love146.org/

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F uture teachers from the School of Educa-tion presented a Family Math night for families at Westview Primary School in

Goose Creek.Brightly colored display boards greeted the

families and served as a backdrop as the 22 future teachers engaged children and parents in hands-on activities.

“It was a great success,” said Dr. Luci Carter, principal of Westview Primary School. “More than 100 participants attended our annual Family Math night. The display boards and ac-tivities focused on the math standards currently being taught and gave our students and their families the opportunity to practice math skills together.”

The event was coordinated by Dr. Norma Harper, dean of the School of Education, and teacher candidates enrolled in Education 338.

“It is a unique way to show families what re-ally counts in math; it is about the lessons and about building relationships,” said Harper.

Senior Devon Kemble, said, “It was such an awesome experience to see families supporting their children and school. I am thankful to have had this opportunity to help children develop their math skills and more importantly, a love for math.”

Dr. Linda Karges-Bone, an education professor who teaches courses on assessment, said, “Ac-cording to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress, sometimes called the Nation’s Report Card, fewer than four out of 10 4th graders are proficient in math, making math

education a priority for CSU’s future teachers and the teachers and families at the partner schools that they serve.”

The partnership with Westview Primary School in Berkeley County is one of many collaborations maintained by the School of Education, an NCATE accredited teacher education program.

lauren Deas and Rebecca Braun prepare a math bingo game for Family Math night. Photo provided

Family Math Night Adds Up to Success

SUMMER @ CSULooking for something for the kids to do this summer? Check out these programs at CSU.

Baseball Camp

June 18 - 21 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ages 7 - 12July 9 - 12 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ages 7 - 12Aug. 6 - 9 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ages 7 - 12

Summer Music Camp

June 17 – 22 grades 4 – 12

Band, choir and piano camps Dorm or day camp with meals options

Aug. 25 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.ages 13-high school seniorCosts and details at csusports.com, click on baseball, then camps

Music camp faculty are Horton School of Music professors and guests

charlestonsouthern.edu/[email protected]

Web:Email:

Phone:

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Senior achieves perfect score on national prep test

Construction Update

Athletic Center Construction is progressing on the Athletic Center. Completion is scheduled for later this year.

P lans for our Christian Leadership Center, to be housed in the Christian Leadership Building, continue to move forward and

will provide state-of-the-art resources to fur-ther expand and encourage CSU’s core objec-tive to provide all students the opportunity to learn through a biblical worldview. Construc-tion on the CLB has been temporarily delayed due to an improper structural engineering design but will resume soon.

Shannon Burgess, a senior majoring in elemen-tary education, recently earned a perfect score of 200 on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching test administered by the Educational Testing Service.

Burgess, a native of Anderson, is a South Carolina Teaching Fellow. The PLT test has a range of 100 to 200, with a score of 185 used to identify Recognition of Excellence winners. A Recognition of Excellence Certificate identifies those teaching certificate candidates who score in the top 15 percent nationally.

“Perfect scores of 200 on the Praxis Prin-ciples of Learning and Teaching K-6 test are very rare,” said Kevin Larkin of the Educational Testing Service. “Only about 0.2 percent of examinees have achieved scores this high.”

Burgess is completing a year of clinical prac-tice at Spann Elementary School in Dorchester District Two, a Professional Development Site

for CSU’s School of Education. She is on the Dean’s List, serves as treasurer of the Future Teachers’ Society and is an officer for Teach-ing Fellows. She has served as a mentor/tutor at Boulder Bluff Elementary School and has worked with Lowcountry HeartWalk, Operation Charleston Child, Lowcountry Orphan Relief and Habitat for Humanity.

Dr. Norma Harper, dean of the School of Edu-cation, said, “Shannon is more than a perfect score. She lives out the CSU commitment to learning, leading and serving. Her intellectual and creative energy are already making a differ-ence for children.”

The Principles of Learning and Teaching test is a requirement for graduation and state certifi-cation and measures the future teacher’s ability to apply knowledge and to think critically about classroom curriculum, management and assess-ment, as well as leadership skills.

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T housands of educators heard Dr. Linda Karges-Bone, professor of education, present “Cortisol, Creativity and the Ce-

rebrum: Diminish the Threats of Poverty with Brain-Friendly Research” at a National Title I Conference in Seattle.

Bone said, “I think the uniqueness of the topic drew interest. The idea that cortisol, the stress hormone, does so much damage to our brains as it seeps out, shutting down the prefrontal cortex, impeding creativity, actually shrinking the hippocampus, the center of memory and neurogenesis, is daunting enough. You have a huge problem when you recognize the fact that simply living in poverty triggers cortisol, even when there is no direct stressor like abuse or illness in a child’s life. I linked the two, cortisol and creativity, to introduce this model:”

• Childrenwholiveinpovertyneedtouse their most creative brains to find new pathways for learning and living.

• Childrenwholiveinpovertyaresubjectto more cortisol, which impedes creativity.

• Therefore,teachers,leadersandparentsneed to find creative ways to reduce cortisol and increase creativity.

“I saw this conference as an opportunity to expand my reach as a Christian scholar,” says Karges-Bone.

She shared inexpensive, practical strategies from her books, “Differentiated Pathways of the Brain,” “Breaking Brain Barriers,” and “Brain Framing: Instructional Planning with the Brain in Mind:”

• Playingclassicalmusicduringreviewand practice sessions

• Usingjournalingtoimproveexpressive language and reduce anxiety

• Givingactiveboysexerciseballstositonto allow for kinesthetic learning

• Usingscentslikecinnamonandlavenderin the classroom to evoke sensory connections between the limbic system and the cortex

• Tryingsinglegenderdifferentiation

• Usingwaittimetoincreasegirls’confidence in mathematics and boys’ fluency in language

• Bibliotherapy

D r. Hester Young, assistant dean of stu-dents for student services, has written a motivational book which examines

practical principles from scripture for becom-ing a woman of integrity.

“Women of Integrity: A Classy Woman after God’s Own Heart” is designed to encourage self-awareness, confirm purpose and encourage a closer spiritual walk with Jesus Christ. A work-book is also available.

Visit Amazon.com.

FACULTY / STAFF NEWS

Young publishes motivational book

Karges-Bone presents at national conference

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T ara Hulsey, dean of the School of Nursing, has been appointed chair of the United Nations and Global Health

Advisory Council for Sigma Theta Tau Inter-national, the international honor society for nursing.

She will represent Sigma Theta Tau at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development – Rio +20 in Brazil in June.

Sigma Theta Tau, an associated nongovern-mental organization of the UN, is working with the UN to address global issues which affect health. These include such things as reducing child mortality, combating diseases and eliminating hunger and poverty.

“And Now I Know” is the result of collabo-ration between classical soprano, Jill Terhaar Lewis, her husband, jazz musician Robert Lewis, on saxophone and their friend, pianist Gerald Gregory.

Lewis, a classical soloist and recitalist, is an assistant professor of music teaching voice and music history courses. She enjoys collaborating on new music projects with great musicians, and this recording was a chance to study a different style.

“This project was an experiment in find-ing common ground between my classical background and Robert and Gerald’s jazz background,” she said. The result is a mix of selections from the Great American Songbook, including jazz standards as well as songs from folk, sacred and popular culture.

The cd can be purchased at CDBaby.com

Lewis releases “And Now I Know”

Hulsey appointed to UN post

D r. Amy Nolan ’94, a 12-year professor of biology, has been named to the Board of Trustees at Trident Hospital. Her ap-

pointment will last three years. Currently, Nolan teaches courses in physiol-

ogy, nutrition, medical terminology, pharmacol-ogy and life-science for educators. She is also the academic advisor for the pharmacy club and serves as CSU’s representative to the South Carolina Women in Higher Education Network.

Nolan is honored to be chosen as a member of the Trident board and attributes much of her success to one of her former CSU professors, recently retired Dr. Ken Bonnette. A chemistry professor later promoted to provost, Bonnette recommended Nolan as his successor on Tri-dent’s Board of Trustees. “It is such an honor,” she said, “that he would recommend me.”

NOLAN FOLLOWS FOOTSTEPS OF FORMER PROFESSOR AS MEMBER OF TRIDENT HOSPITAL BOARDBy nicole Thomas

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D r. Matthew Campbell, assistant professor of biology, and his ornithology class have discovered a

unique visitor to campus – a Greater White-Fronted Goose, a type rarely seen in South Carolina. The arctic species usually winters in Mexico. Dr. Campbell speculates that the Greater White-Fronted Goose got lost and found other geese with whom to spend the winter.

Bird of adifferent feather

Photo by Matthew Campbell

S tudents Thomasina Gary and Jade Collins joined Lanita Sumpter, service learning coordinator, to help out at a local Habitat

home build. Habitat for Humanity is one of CSU’s Engage with Eight ministry projects. Sumpter is an AmeriCorps vISTA serving on campus to promote service learning.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

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M atthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and

sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Elevate, CSU’s midweek corporate wor-

ship gathering, used their last meeting of fall semester to host an Operation Christmas Child packing party.

After a time of worship, students and local OCC volunteers started packing boxes – 391 in all. Operation Christmas Child, a worldwide Samaritan’s Purse project, planned to deliver 8 million shoe boxes to children in 100 countries.

Taylor Bass, a freshman music and worship leadership major from Marion, S.C., said, “At Operation Christmas Child, I got the feeling that the gospel was being shared through the love the children are receiving and just the unselfishness of every single person that packed a shoebox.”

Reverend Jon Davis, campus minister, said, “The chance for students to impact the world globally is what it’s all about. And so for stu-dents to be able to do something locally that affects the whole world, that just stirs their pas-sion and heart for the Lord. That’s what excites everybody about Operation Christmas Child because it’s not confined just to America.”

Amy Funderburk, a sophomore English major from Neeses, S.C., said she “got the fulfillment

of knowing that God’s love would be shared to those kids who maybe don’t have people to love them and help them to know that someone does love them, even if they don’t see it. “

Operation Christmas Child volunteers were thrilled with the event and hope to make it an annual event at Charleston Southern.

“It is always a blessing to help those who need

to be helped, and sharing the gospel with them as well takes it to a whole different level,” said Mike Woodard, a freshman communication major from Goose Creek, S.C. “As Christians, we are called to go to the ends of the earth to show God’s love and make disciples in His name. And this event helped us all take another step toward that calling.”

Charleston Southern University

students packed 391 boxes for

operation Christmas Child at a

packing party. Photo by Emily weston

A haitian child received a box

in 2010. Photo courtesy of

operation Christmas Child

Packing Party for Operation Christmas Child Yields 391 Shoe Boxes

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SERVINg

Going, Going,

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T he School of Education, in collaboration with the English department, used a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad

program, to spend five weeks in Ghana, West Africa.Five in-service teachers, six preservice teachers, three

undergraduate education majors and two professors worked with rural schools in Akotokyir and Efutu-Koforidua villages outside Cape Coast, Ghana.

The education students who traveled to Ghana took part in research and teaching children in classroom settings. In addition to teaching, the team engaged in narrative biographical writing, Fante language learning, field visits to historic locations and the developing of Ghana-related lessons and activities to share with colleagues at home.

The children at St. Cyprian’s, the school where the CSU students taught, became comfortable around the CSU team very quickly. The children began asking questions, playing and teaching games and hoping to make their way into a picture or two.

The CSU team made lasting relationships with the St. Cyprian children despite only being with them for a week. Many left with tears in their eyes as they pulled away from the school. Aubree Lindamood ’12, said, “I am so thankful I came on this trip. No matter what chaos lies ahead, I know I was supposed to be in Ghana this summer. Thank you Lord for this, the trip I’ve prayed for.”

Going, Going,

GhanaBy Mike woodard


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SERVINg

T he trip was impactful in the lives of the children in Ghana as well as the lives of the team who made the journey. Amanda Hobson ’07 got to know one of the children

well. She shares her experience as the students were leaving, saying “As we turned the corner, everyone full of tears, I saw my sweet Simone. He ran across the field to wave goodbye. Goodbye for now, my sweet friend.”

Lindamood said, “When I think of Africa my heart will always be with one little Ghanaian boy, Obed.”

Davey West ’13, explains his feelings toward the children in Ghana, “My hands feel so empty. Already I long for one of theirs to reach for it. There were so many times when I had one on each finger, but right now one is all I need. Just to stand beside me content as they so often did. Not just to hold it, but to rub the back of my hand, to pull my arm hair, to study me while they infiltrated my life. I love them. I knew it would be hard, but before hard was only a word. Now it is hard and it hurts. I’m afraid of losing their faces.”

Hilary Griffin ’13, talks about her struggles to convey her time spent in Africa. “I find it difficult to explain my experiences in Ghana. How can I put into words the impact these beautiful people have made in my life? The people I have met and friends that I have made will forever have a place in my heart. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, especially because I felt like I’d just said hello.”

The team also took part in adventuring through a safari and canoeing through the Hippo Sanctuary, which are classic African attractions.

They visited Cape Deaf, one of 10 schools for the deaf and blind in Ghana. Katie Bowman ’11, and Griffin communicated with the blind students by holding hands, and it melted their hearts to see “huge smiles on their faces” as they interacted with them. When visiting a few classrooms for the deaf, the students weren’t able to use sign language but were able to communicate by smiling. They called smiling the “universal language.”

Dr. Don Clerico, professor of education, has directed undergraduate and graduate programs in Ghana for 10 years and was the project director. Dr. Celeste Pottier, assistant professor of English, was the curriculum coordinator and writing instructor.

A total of 69 applications were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, and CSU was chosen as one of the 22 projects from around the world to receive the Fulbright-Hayes Group Projects grant.

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“how CAn I PUT InTo

woRDS ThE IMPACT

ThESE BEAUTIFUl

PEoPlE hAvE MADE In

MY lIFE? ThE PEoPlE

I hAvE MET AnD

FRIEnDS ThAT I hAvE

MADE wIll FoREvER

hAvE A PlACE In MY

hEART.”

— hIlARY GRIFFIn ’13

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SERVINg

Jou

rnal

exc

erp

ts fr

om o

ur

first

wee

ks in

Gh

ana

Reading out loud to my students is something I do on a daily basis

(in the U.S.). Reading out loud today was a totally new experience.

The students in my class were very tuned in to my every word.

They did not talk or comment while I was reading. I soon realized

that they are not read aloud to very often, if ever. I am going to

read a book or two every day that I am here. The joy I saw in their

smiles and their eyes lighting up while I read I will never forget.

Marcy Gasperson ’07 (1st time in Ghana)

God’s Orchestra: In the distance I hear the soft sound of drumming and a flute. The sounds blend perfectly with the chirps and coos of the birds. The kitchen staff is talking quietly with an occasional laugh and clatter of dishes and pans as they prepare our breakfast. The air is warm and humid. The sky has gray clouds with small patches of sun rays pushing through the grey. A morning at the Fair Hill Guest House. Paula Watson MEd ’10 (4th time in Ghana)

Seeing the children at T.H.I.S, I suddenly realize, this is why I am here. This is why I traveled to Ghana. The children’s smiling faces are worth it all. I do not know them, but I already love them. Hilary Griffin ’13 (1st time in Ghana)

Simone found me in the library and said something about the book I gave him in 2007 being old. “Will you bring me a new book and write a message again? When you come back I will show you.” I gave him a big hug and patted his back, and he copied me and patted my back. Then he said, “If you go, I will miss you.” Then I thought; will I be back? I hope he can show me the message in a few years just like a few days ago. The pages worn, but love and friendship intact. Amanda Hobson ’07 (3rd time in Ghana)

My eyes are being opened up to the fact that my problems are so small compared to the problems many people face. The people here have so much less than I do, yet they have so much more joy. Elizabeth Hopkins ’11 (2nd time in Ghana)

I love how welcoming the people are in Ghana. Even people that I have never met before express such hospitality. They greet us by saying, “You are welcome.” People that I have met once or twice greet me with such joy upon return. They are genuinely thrilled to see us again. That glimpse of purity in their eye. They are honestly, truly happy to see us back. Akwaaba - Welcome back home. Lindsey White ’11 (2nd time in Ghana)

Familiar sounds of traveling in Ghana: Beep, beep, beep ... Beep, beep ... beep ... Beep, beep, beep. Peco Sanders (3rd time in Ghana)

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I want to be a sharpened tool for the Lord while I’m in Africa. I don’t want this trip to be a travel experience for myself … I want people to come to know Jesus, not just think I’m a nice American girl who came to Africa to love the children. If all they know is my love, then that will go away when I leave…If they can have the love of Jesus, then that will last for eternity. Katie Bowman ’11 (1st time in Ghana)

My heart is rejoicing and my soul sings for the chain of salvation has started to form. I am amazed everyday of God’s love and his mercy. Today he allowed me to see the reward of my effort to go the distance. I praise his holy name. Jessica Hunter ’11 (2nd time in Ghana)

We went to the market today. As always, the sights and smells are overwhelming. Brightly colored spices mingle with raw fish and crabs lying upon slabs balanced atop the heads of women. Tightly we squeezed through the labyrinth of stalls and wove our way around the REAL market of Cape Coast. Amber Prince ’11 (2nd time in Ghana)

I have formed a small army at break time. We move together. We grunt together. Sometimes we all fall down. My every move and sound is reflected before me, and they copy things I did not realize I was even doing. This I think is what it means to be a father. Davey West ’13 (1st time in Ghana)

Today was the first day I walked by my classroom after teaching and all the students yelled, “Madam Aubree!” I’ve heard names of so many group members called by these precious students; but today they know my name. Aubree Lindamood ’12 (1st time in Ghana)

In class on Friday, I ask the

children, “What can we give

to our communities?” A boy

answers, “A church.” “How can

we give a church?” I ask. He

responds, “You can build it.”

Me: “What if you can’t build the

whole thing?” Him: “You can

give a bag of concrete.” And I

think: Here we are, all of us, each

bringing our own bag of cement.

Dr. Celeste Pottier, assistant

professor of English (1st time in

Ghana)

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s c h o o l t i e s

1971

frank Shivers recently published Spurs to Soul Winning, a sequel to the book Soulwinning 101. Shivers is an evangelist and also runs Longridge Camp and Retreat Center.

1974Artie hughes, a CPA, is the controller for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He is retired from Wilbur Smith Associates.

CoMPIlED BY JAn JoSlIn ’82

Classnotes

1975

Bill “lipids” McKinney and llewlee edwards McKinney are retired and living in Ellijay in the North Georgia mountains. They were married in June 1977. Bill obtained MDiv and DMin degrees and served churches in Florida and Georgia. Llewlee received an MEd from The Citadel in 1979. Her professions included being a mental health counselor, teaching school and directing a Crisis Pregnancy Center. Their blended family includes two sons, four daughters and three grandchildren.

Sara l. Sanders is the chairperson of the S.C. Humanities Council, an affiliate program of the National Endowment of the Humanities. Sanders is a linguistics professor and Kearns Palmetto Professor 2007-2012 at Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband, Steve Nagel, are the authors of English in the Southern United States.

1987James A. Way has published a book, Mounting Rareness: Seven Characteristics of Growing Christians. He is pastor of Buffalo Baptist Church, and he and his family live in Kershaw.

1991

“CSU, here I come!” Charity Hope Austin, daughter of Terri Ward Austin and harry Dale Austin Jr., ’90, poses on her first day of 3-year-old preschool. In addition to her parents, Charity Hope has many CSU connections: granddaughter of Johnny and Sandra Ward, longtime contributors; the niece of robin Ward nichols ’91, and the cousin of Morgan Brinson fann ’08, and James Mathew Ward ’08.

1993Dan e. Jones has been elected chairman of the S.C. Cable Television Association. He is vice president of government affairs at Time Warner Cable and lives in Columbia.

1999Jason Jurkowski recently became an NOC Assistant Senior Watch Officer with the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., and has also been named to Madison Who’s Who, a listing of professionals.

2000Adam Summerford is co-owner of We Talk Dog, which offers dog training, grooming, kennels and a dog park, in Birmingham, Ala.

2003Dwayne Boulden is the new operations director for Fairfax Data Systems in New Milford, Conn. He and his wife, Veronica, also a 2003 graduate, have two daughters and are expecting another child in the spring.

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lynn Stafford Mchoney and Michael Mchoney ’05, announce the birth of twins, Jeremiah and Joshua McHoney, born Sept. 15, 2011. Michael and Lynn were married May 22, 2010.

2004Jason Brewer and his band, The Explorer’s Club, which includes 2004 classmate Dave ellis, are releasing their sophomore album, Grand Hotel. The new tunes were Warner Music Group’s #1 free downloads for October and were the #7 most downloaded of all of Amazon’s products for October. To keep up with The Explorer’s Club, check them out at www.rockridgemusic.com/explorersclub.

2005Jessica Brooke Davis and charles M. “chase” Mount ii, were married June 25, 2011, in Union. He is a specialty pharmaceutical sales representative with Nycomed US Inc. They live in West Columbia.

2007

David Beasley received the Legacy volunteer Award from Governor Nikki Haley during the S.C. Governor’s volunteer Awards at the South Carolina State House May 16, 2011. Beasley was recognized for his volunteer work with the American Red Cross. He is a retired Coast Guard warrant officer and is also a volunteer with Adopt-A-Beach, Historic Charleston Foundation, Preservation Society of Charleston and the Riverland Terrace Neighborhood Association.

Sabrina lynn horton and Preston Robert Sollee were married April 17, 2011. Sabrina is a teacher at Bethlehem Christian Academy. Preston graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in May and is employed at Wells Fargo. They live in Simpsonville.

2008Julie raeanne Mims recently graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a master of arts in Christian education and biblical counseling.

2009

J. Andrew Yoho is in his final year at the School of Law at University of South Carolina. He writes, “While in law school I have had the opportunity to meet members of the South Carolina and Federal Judiciary, including all five members of the S.C. Supreme Court, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Dennis Shedd and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. This past year I served as a law clerk for the S.C. Senate Judiciary Committee, and this past spring I was elected the president of the School of Law Student Bar Association.” At the recent Law School’s commencement exercises, he led the processional with the University Mace.

2011latoya frazier works with Americorps vista and the CNCS. She writes, “My assignment this year is with Charleston County School District’s community outreach department. I do the PR, and I codirect Parent University, and I direct the children’s program that the kids go to while the parents are in sessions.”

we want to hear from you – send us information about job changes, family additions and memories from your time at CSU.

Deadline for the summer issue of CSU Magazine is May 10. Photos should be jpeg at least 1MB in size. (If you send a professional photograph, please include permission to print from the photographer.)

Send news and photos about job changes, marriages, births and more to:[email protected]

or mail to:Class notesCSU University RelationsPo Box 118087Charleston, SC 29423-8087

Send address changes to:[email protected]

name change on your permanent record:[email protected]

KEEP IN TOUCH

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s c h o o l t i e s

Calling All Baby Bucs!

orDering A ShirT

CSU graduates – if you have a child under the age of 2 or are expecting a child, let us know at [email protected], and we will send a CSU creeper for your Baby Buc. The shirt is free of charge – all we ask in return is a photo of your Baby Buc for the magazine.

SuBMiTTing A phoTo

Send a picture of your Baby Buc wearing the shirt to [email protected]. Pictures should be 1 MB in size or larger and in jpg format.

April loraine Bair-Martin ’85, age 48, died Jan. 15 in vance. She was a retired Holly Hill School District Three teacher.

ralph “Buck” Bell Jr., age 85, died Oct. 16, 2011, in Manning. He was a member of the Charleston Southern board of trustees from 1977-1981.

iva Jean gibson Boris ’75, age 75, died Dec. 2, 2011, in Summerville. She was a nurse at Roper Hospital and an English teacher at Hanahan High School.

Brenda fairley chaplin ’99, age 55, died Dec. 15, 2011, in Cross. She was a retired accoun-tant from Santee Cooper.

James gregory Davenport ’86, age 49, died Oct. 11, 2011, in Centreville, va. He was a retired major in the United States Air Force.

Marguerite Jackson gilbert, age 83, died Jan. 12 in Charleston. She established the Carolyn E. Gilbert Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

Jerry l. gowdy ’89 Med, age 71, died April 14, 2011, in Charleston. He was the owner of Charleston’s Finest Historic Tours.

harold head ’80, age 77, died Nov. 24, 2011, in Murrells Inlet. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force and civil service.

Julius Mahlon Kirkland, age 91, died Nov. 27, 2011, in Summerville. He was a retired minister. He was a member of the Charleston Southern board of trustees from 1976-1980. He received an honorary doctor of divinity from CSU in 1975.

Memorials

NIFTY!WE’RE IN ALL FIFTYA large number of graduates stay in the Charleston area and South Carolina after

graduation. After all, Charleston has been named the #1 travel destination in the United States and is a great place to live.

We started wondering: how many states do our graduates live in now? A study of our alumni database revealed that BCC/CSU alums reside in all 50 states!

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BabyBucs

1. Twins, Bailey D. Boyd and Ethan A. Boyd, children of Billy A. Boyd ’03 and Diana B. Boyd (photo by Timeless Memories, Inc.)

2. Malachi L. Capers, son of Dr. Travien l. capers ’04 and Ashley Capers

3. Ayden Dupree Lewis, son of iris gooding lewis ’94 and Bryan Lewis and grandson of linda gooding, professor emerita of history

4. Twins, Joshua and Jeremiah McHoney, sons of lynn Stafford Mchoney ’03 and Michael Mchoney ’05

5. Brantley Smith, son of harriet Smith ’11 Med and Mike Smith ’05, ’10 MBA

1 2 3

4 5

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Alumni News

S C H O O L T I E S

Alumni Board executive council 2011-2012

(from left) Rex Divinie ’85, vice president; David Weiss ’03, treasurer; Ron Jaicks ’83, Aaron Dunn ’82, past president; Lori McFadden ’84, Hope Harrison ’88, Scot Carnell ’91, Wayne Dasher ’81, Lecius Moorer ’00, secretary; Mary Palmer Hutto ’90, ’94, Brandon McCoy ’11 and Daniel Cross ’90. Not pictured: Anne Turner ’86, ’89, president

Photo by Jan Joslin

cSu on the road

TailgaTing aT The PreSByTerian College & CSU fooTBall gaMe

Thirty alums from the Upstate and their families joined the Alumni Association at the CSU football vs. Presbyterian Col-lege game in Clinton, S.C.

Keep up with alumni events on the web at charlestonsouthern.edu/alumni.

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s c h o o l t i e s

e-newsletter

The alumni office partners with university relations to bring you the alumni and friends e-newsletter once a month.If you are not receiving the newsletter, it’s because we don’t have your current e-mail address.Please send an e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected] to be added to the list.

hoMECoMInG 2011Photos by kara Butler and Emily watson

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s c h o o l t i e s

Alumni News

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s c h o o l t i e s

hoMECoMInG 2011

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s c h o o l t i e s

T heir collegiate baseball careers may have ended, but former members of the CSU baseball team are still committed

to their team.Members of Building Buccaneer Baseball are

raising money for lights at the ballpark. A recent golf tournament at Kiawah Island Golf Resort netted $10,000. As a group, they are continu-ing to raise funds to support enhancements to the CSU baseball ballpark.

Head Coach Stuart Lake ’94, said, “One of the main goals I have had since accepting the job was to light CSU Ballpark and allow our program to grow along with the great communi-ties that surround us.”

Recent alumnus Nick Chinners ’11, all-time hits leader for the Bucs, said, “Lights would make it easier for players to schedule classes and for the coaching staff to work practices around those classes. It was challenging to have a full practice with all players when half of the team was in class during daylight hours.”

Matt Brownlee ’89, head baseball coach at Holly Hill Academy, said, “Lights at CSU

Ballpark will bring more to the campus than I believe most people realize. The ability to have night games will enhance student life, player excitement and community involvement. CSU will benefit greatly by giving the community the opportunity to watch great college baseball in a family friendly ballpark.”

Quincy Boyd ’94, scout for the Boston Red Sox, said, “The addition of lights to a baseball field elevates the status of a program immedi-ately! From recruiting to simply increasing the fan base there will be immediate benefits which will in turn pay for the lights.”

L exington County Sheriff James R. Metts presents a check in the amount of $9,000 to President Jairy C. Hunter, Jr.

for the James R. Metts Endowed Scholarship at the University. The check reflected proceeds from the eighth annual Sheriff James R. Metts Golf Tournament. A total of $164,115 has

been contributed to the endowed scholarship. Pictured are: Bill Ward, executive director for development; Alan Fix, instructor of criminal justice; Metts, Jairy Hunter, president, and Cory Humphries, ’09 MSCJ, assistant dean of students for campus life

GIVING BACK

Metts Endowed Scholarship growsPhoto by Sherry Atkinson

BuiLding Buccaneer BaseBaLL working To LighT up csu BaLLpark

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s c h o o l t i e s

T he Derry Patterson Wingo School of Nursing has received two donations from Kindred Hospital and Select Health

of South Carolina. “We value our relationships with Kindred and Select Health.

“Kindred provides a wonderful clinical learn-ing environment for our students,” said Dean of the School of Nursing, Dr. Tara Hulsey, “and we appreciate their donation of infant beds totaling $2,400 for our simulation laboratory.

“Select Health has provided scholarships for our nursing students, many of whom would not be able to achieve their dream of becom-ing a nurse without such financial assistance,” continued Hulsey. “Select Health also supports our program by contributing to the simulation equipment needs of the faculty and students.”

Most recently, they assisted our purchase of a $5,000 birthing simulator. This has been a need for several years now,” she explained, “and the students and faculty are thrilled to have this resource.”

In the face of health care changes, nursing schools will always need community partners to ensure quality nursing education. “Our educational nursing programs would not be successful without the support of our commu-nity partners,” said Hulsey.

School of Nursing receives donations

By Sherry Atkinson

lauren Ranz and Ariel kline work with the

isolette donated by kindred hospital.

Photo by lili Gresham

The Women’s Council raised $23,170 for scholarships in November during their annual Shopping for Scholars auction. Taylor Nicolette displays auction items open for bidding.

Photo by Sherry Atkinson

SHOPPING FOR

SCHOLARS

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s c h o o l t i e s

By kara Butler

Hometown Art Influences

AlUMnI PRoFIlE

April Knightgraduated May 2008,

bachelor of arts in religion, minor in art

Rising Sun, Maryland My art stems from the surrealist movement minus the creepy images of course. Favorite artists include Rene Magritte and Salvador Dali. Scripture.

Husband Robert Knight, ’08

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s c h o o l t i e s

Q: What was your turning point in choosing to pursue art?

A: The turning point for me in pursuing art for my life was just before the start of my junior year. I went to an event in N.C., called Worship Fest. During one of the breakouts called “the direction of your life,” I was encouraged to consider what I was most passionate about and then decide to pursue that ... that possibly it was part of God’s dream for my life to share with the world and that He had entrusted it to me to make it come true. At the time I just knew in my heart that it was art and I had to pursue. I called my mom and she said, “Are you sure”? She may have thought I was crazy but she didn’t let it show. My grandfather, who was paying for my education at the time, asked about a backup plan ... considering the fact that I was halfway done with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which by the world’s standards is a much wiser career path. I remember saying “I don’t need a backup plan because that means I don’t really trust God to make this dream come true.” Thankfully he was gracious to my radical little soul and did not relinquish his funds. The support of my family truly helped me pursue my dream with confidence.

Q: How are you involved with Seacoast; do you do live art during their worship services?

A: Seacoast is Robert’s and my home church. We absolutely love being part of the Lord’s work there. I paint at Seacoast on a monthly basis for our First Wednesday worship and communion service. Also this fall we hosted an art show called Affinities in which I had a series. In addition I help with stage design from time to time when they need a painter. Most recently I was part of the creative team for our Chosen women’s conference. My job was to transform the foyer space as well as put together an art instal-lation wall with some of the conference’s theme scriptures. It was an incredible experience.

Q:What is your favorite medium?

A: My favorite medium is definitely acrylic. I always paint my work in acrylics. I love the colors you can achieve without having to wait long for a drying time as in oil painting. I really have only ever done one painting in oils and it wasn’t my favorite. I also love mixed media and collage. Lately I have been covering journals with collage and also fabric to sell in my Etsy shop. Collage and mixed media is my fun art that doesn’t really make me money.

Q: What are some ways that your art has impacted others on a spiritual level/personal level?

A: Well, I only know what people tell me, but from time to time people will come up after I paint and tell me that they really related with my piece, or that they felt like it was a word for them from the Lord on a specific area in their lives. There have been a couple really neat stories where I’ve completed a piece of art-work and afterward found out that it was a perfect fit for the particular place it was going to hang. Anytime that kind of thing happens it is always the Lord ... and I am so thankful for His hand in my work.

Q: How do you want to impact others who see your art?

A: My favorite art teacher of all time, Professor Aaron Baldwin, shared something with us in class that I of-ten think about; he said something like, “As artists we want our art to change the world; it really just makes it a more beautiful place.” I want my art to make the world beautiful, but I really do want it to change the world. I want to draw people closer to their creator when they look at my paintings. Last year I did an art series called “Think;” it was a progressive series where each piece posed a question to ponder. The goal was to challenge people to evaluate where they were in life and cause them to ask themselves if there was more to life, to show them that a transformation can take place to reveal true life. When I paint work centered around scripture I want to bring the word to life for the person who receives it. I want them to look at my work and see Jesus.

Q: Have you received comments that people have been impacted by your twitter scripture doodles?

a: yes! the #scripturedoodle idea came straight from the lord for me one day when i was starving for creativity in my life. My goal is to use it as a twitter bible study of sorts to share the word of God in a creative way. recently i asked twitter friends to do a #scripturedoodle collaboration on the book of lamentations. a couple of the girls who took part said it really impacted their quiet time with the lord; that they looked forward to their #scripturedoodle each day. God is using #scripturedoodle to make my dreams of encouraging creativity in worship come true. i keep telling my husband that #scrip-turedoodle is going to change the world ... he agrees.

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s c h o o l t i e s

A fter receiving her communication de-gree from CSU in 2009, Naomi Wen-tsky applied for numerous positions

in her areas of passion – travel and planning mission trips.

She was repeatedly told she needed more ex-perience. She is gaining that experience by pur-suing a master’s degree in international peace and conflict resolution at Arcadia University, outside Philadelphia. “How many people get to say they travel for school?” said Wentsky.

Her two-year graduate program focuses on one year in the classroom and the second year studying abroad. “I’ve been to seven countries in a year, five of them for school,” she said. She has studied ethnic conflict in Serbia and Ukraine, worked in a baby home in Uganda and traveled to Ireland, Serbia, Kosovo and Paris.

Wentsky is planning to put her background in interpersonal relations and international peace and conflict resolution to work by planning and conducting mission trips when she graduates.

“With any mission trip, there will definitely be conflict,” she said. “So many groups want to go into a country and dominate. They don’t under-stand the culture and what they are getting into. I want to help groups break down barriers.”

In class she studies the theory of conflict, and in her travels, she learns how to handle conflict. “Some conflicts just need to die out,” she said. “Others need mediation and help with different points of view.”

Her face lights up when she talks about her time in Uganda with Watoto, a Christian organi-zation serving orphans. She spent a month in a baby home working with children from birth to

AlUMnI PRoFIlE

Naomi WentskyClass of 2009,

Master’s Program, Arcadia University

three years old. “It’s a wonderful work they are doing to train Christian leaders for Uganda.”

Wentsky views preparation as key. “If you know a lot about a country before you go, you’ll have a better chance for success and adjust-ment,” she said. “When we went to Africa, we had done a lot of research. We thought we were prepared, but realized we weren’t.” She wants to spend her life preparing others to go.

“You need to know about general things we take for granted,” she said. She includes know-ing what is appropriate and not appropriate to eat and drink in that category. “In Ukraine, Serbia, Kosovo and Africa we had to boil water or purchase bottled water. Packing the appropri-ate adaptors and converters and appropriate clothing are important too.

Wentsky pays close attention to the climate and what people are wearing in the countries she is going to visit. Learning at least a few words in the language of the country is vital and can help with the success of your visit. “For example, Parisians and Ukrainians find it very rude if you don’t greet them. Put some effort into learning the language. Natives are more appreciative and personable if they feel you are making an effort,” she said.

The biggest preparation for a mission trip is spiritual. “Make sure you have prayed over yourself personally and ask God to prepare the hearts of those you are going to meet,” said Wentsky.

“Remember whatever plans are created, cir-cumstances are going to change. Being able to go with the flow takes some of the stress away and allows God to work in his mighty ways!” she said.

“It is good to remember, wherever people go, they are the visitors. Individuals are there to help, not take control. Mission trips are to provide assistance and allow growth in areas to continue after the group leaves.”

Wentsky looks forward to the time she can lead her own mission trip groups and make life a little better for all she meets on her travels.

By J

an J

oslin

photo by Christi Pearson

phot

o pr

ovid

ed

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s c h o o l t i e s

Thomas ’96 and Dita Floyd Rose ’00http://www.thomasanddita.blogspot.com/

Tam odom ’03, ’08http://tamodom.net/

Chip Reeves ’92http://revchip.blogspot.com/

Clark Carter ’87http://csucampusminister.wordpress.com/

libby Bailey wright ’04http://libscoffeebreak.blogspot.com/

Greg Atkinson ’97http://gregatkinson.com/

James Strickland ’92http://www.jamesbstrickland.com/

Jolene weber Smith ’78http://jolenesmithinteriors.com/blog/

Jonathan Pearson ’08http://jonathanpearson.net/ and http://millennialleader.com/

Bryant w. Shultz ’82http://thegracezone.blogspot.com/

Bethany Reconnu kaczmarek ’97http://www.marredandreformed.blogspot.com/

Michael Joe harvell ’90http://mjharvell.com/

Shawn wood ’96 http://shawnwoodwrites.com/

Michael Gunter ’89http://klyvian.com/about-the-book/

veronica Evans Boulden ’03http://www.veronicaboulden.com/

Sarah Ann Rogers ’11http://www.sarahannrogers.com/

Filipe Santos ’02http://www.filipesantos.me/

Mandy van Deusen Santos ’01http://mandysantos.com/

hilary Singleton Surratt ’09http://www.paintbakeandcreate.blogspot.com/ and http://hilarysurratt.blogspot.com/

Rebekah woods Jackson ’04http://thecookingvent.blogspot.com/

Andy wood ’02http://blogofandywood.blogspot.com/

Phillip McCart ’00http://www.phillipmccart.com/

lisa kluttz king ’99http://zealwithknowledge.blogspot.com/

If you are a CSU alumnus and we missed your blog, let us know,

([email protected]) and we’ll add you to our list!

ALUM BLOGGER COMMUNITYParenting, ministering, cooking, decorating, adopting – these are just some of the things your fellow alums are blogging about. Check them out.

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s c h o o l t i e s

To MAkE An IMPACT, ConTACT

ThE ADvAnCEMEnT oFFICE

843-863-7513

[email protected]

ChARlESTonSoUThERn.EDU/DEvEloPMEnT

Byron MelvinJuniorGraphic Design majorGaston, S.C.

Thank You! to our Board of Visitors, Alumni & Friends

CSU v22 n1.indd 48 3/7/12 11:29 AM

www.charlestonsouthern.edu/brick

Buildingthe tradition

Personalizing a brick is a great way to celebrate your time

at Charleston Southern, to commemorate friendships and

memories made, to honor your favorite faculty or staff member

or to memorialize a loved one.

Please join us in building a tradition! The cost of $100 per

brick includes engraving, plus a gift to the Charleston Southern

Fund to support student scholarships.

The annual Charleston Southern Fund provides

unrestricted scholarship support for students. Every gift to the

Fund goes directly to help students.

Providing access for students to attend CSU and become

the next generation of Christian leaders has always been the

University’s top priority, and your support for the Charleston

Southern Fund helps make that experience possible.

Order your brick or make your gift to support our students by

using the envelope in the magazine, go to charlestonsouthern.

edu/brick or contact the alumni office at 843-863-7516.

BUY a BRICK

Gabriela Johnson, daughter of wes and Juliana ’08 Johnson

CSU v22 n1.indd 3 3/7/12 11:29 AM

INTEGRATING FAITH IN LEARNING, LEADING AND SERvING

Charleston Southern University

9200 University Blvd.

P.O. Box 118087

Charleston, SC 29423-8087

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDCharleston SC Permit #1202

COMMENCEMENTMay 5, 2012, 10 a.m. North Charleston Coliseum

Guest speaker: U.S. Congressman Tim Scott ’88

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CSU magazine vol.22 no.1

Documents

Transcript of CSU magazine vol.22 no.1