May 2009

We want to see you here for Homecoming!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars now for Shorter’s 2009 Homecoming! Coming Oct. 16 and 17, it’s a weekend you don’t want to miss. Class reunions, family fun and football will make this year’s event full of smiles and laughter. More details about Friday and Saturday’s events will be announced as the date approaches. See a photo gallery from last year’s event>

Nation’s top voice teachers coming to Shorter this summer

Four of the nation’s top voice teachers will find a home at Shorter this June, as the college will host the 2009 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Intern Program. Shorter alumni and the local community will have a chance to attend student performances and teaching demonstrations during the program being held June 9 through 19.

Current Shorter music faculty members Dr. Matt Hoch and Dr. Linda Lister are both alumni of the NATS program, which allows master teachers to train young voice teachers from around the United States. Additionally, Dr. John Ramsaur, professor emeritus of music at Shorter College, was selected as a master teacher for the 2001 NATS Intern Program at the University of Dayton. Dr. Ramsaur taught at Shorter for 50 years along with his wife, Helen.

Read more about this exciting program coming to your alma mater>

More than 350 receive Shorter College degrees

Tears of joy, abundant applause and a few sighs of relief filled the Winthrop-King Centre on Saturday, May 9, as more than 350 students received degrees from Shorter College. Students, dressed proudly in their caps and gowns, made the short walk across the stage to receive their much-anticipated diploma - signaling the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Check out our photo slideshow from the Spring 2009 commencement ceremonies> MORE ALUMNI NEWS Shorter heading online this summer A Shorter College education is becoming more accessible thanks to the addition of online courses. This summer, the college will begin offering online courses in business, communication, English, history, math, and sport management.

This summer’s courses will help complete the college’s core curriculum and may be beneficial to former students who are just a few hours short of completing their degrees.

For additional information on online courses at Shorter, visit http://www.shorter.edu/online, call 706-233-7319 or email admissions@shorter.edu.

Ricci Lattanzi named Staff Member of the Year Ricci Lattanzi, director of operations for Shorter College’s Athletic Department, received the Staff Member of the Year award at the college’s annual appreciation dinner held on May 7. The award, based on nominations from staff and faculty, is given to employees who have displayed helpfulness and encouragement to students, loyalty to the college, and effectiveness in the fulfillment of job responsibilities and cooperation in relationships with fellow employees. Read more about the faculty and staff appreciation dinner>

Shorter professors honored with awards

	Two Shorter College professors were honored for their dedication to teaching and scholarship during Shorter’s Spring 2009 commencement ceremony. Lisa M. Keith, chair of the college’s Department of Natural Sciences and assistant professor of biology, was selected as the 2008-2009 Vulcan Materials Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award recipient.
	Dr. Sabrena R. Parton, dean of Shorter’s School of Liberal Arts and associate professor of communication, was presented the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship. Read more about these two excellent professors>

Cowan honored for 40 years of service to Shorter College

Dr. Richard Cowan, mathematics professor and department chair of Math and Computer Science at Shorter College, was recently honored for 40 years of service to the college. Cowan was presented with a special certificate and medallion at the May 7 staff and faculty appreciation dinner. Other faculty and staff were also honored with service awards. Read more on this story> Shorter eyeing improvements at Barron Stadium To meet the needs of its growing football, soccer and marching band programs, Shorter College has been researching the possibility of building an artificial turf, multi-purpose field on the Rome campus.

A recent proposal by college leaders, however, would benefit more than the college and its student athletes.

Read more on this story>

There’s still time to sign up for Shorter summer camps

It’s only a few days until the official start of summer, but there’s still time to enroll your child into one of the great summer camp programs on The Hill. Shorter is offering several summer camps this year, ranging from voice and keyboard to softball and tennis.

Find out more details on Shorter’s summer camps>

ATHLETIC NEWS

Thomas receives 2009 SSAC Female Honor Student Athlete of the Year

Senior softball standout Becca Thomas recently garnered the SSAC's most prestigious award, 2009 SSAC Female Honor Student Athlete of the Year. Thomas, a first-team All-SSAC choice as a pitcher and infielder, scored the conference's Female Honor Student Athlete award with her impressive resume both on and off the diamond. Read more about Thomas> Severns honored as SSAC Men’s Sports Coach and Soccer Coach of the Year Shorter’s head men’s and women’s soccer coach Josh Severns was presented with the SSAC Men’s Sports Coach and Soccer Coach of the Year title on May 20. Severns guided the Hawks' soccer team to the SSAC regular season title and a 7-1-1 mark in conference play despite being picked to finish in the bottom half of the league according to the preseason polls. Read more about Severns honor>

Byrd named Mid-South Coach of the Year

Scott Byrd, fourth-year Hawks track and field coach, was recently named the 2009 Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year for both men’s and women’s programs. This is the first such award for Byrd, who recently guided Shorter College to a sweep of the Mid-South Conference Outdoor Track and Field championships.

Read more about Byrd>

Broome, Thomas named ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District

Shorter College baseball outfielder Jake Broome has been named to the District 3 College Division First Team, while softball pitcher Becca Thomas has been named to the District 3 College Division Second Team. These are the first two Shorter College athletes that have received this recognition from their respective sport.

Read more about these athletes>

Lady Hawks take home SSAC softball championship

It took five games and four days to do it, but the Shorter College Lady Hawks softball team can now call themselves the conference champions. On May 2, the Lady Hawks beat the Lee University Lady Flames, 6-2, to be crowned champs and earned an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship.

Read more about the Lady Hawks big win>

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

For more information on the events listed below, call the Alumni Office at 1-800-868-6980, ext. 7401 or 706-233-7401 or e-mail cfitzsimmons@shorter.edu.

June 9 – 19 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Intern Program Various times. Open to the public and free of charge. Complete schedule> Oct. 16 – 17 Shorter College 2009 Homecoming

Got news? Maybe a new job or a new baby? Recently married? Share the good news with your friends through class notes in Shorter magazine. E-mail your news to wtaylor@shorter.edu . Be sure to include your full name, class year, e-mail address, mailing address and phone number. Please let fellow alumni know that they can subscribe to Virtually Shorter by visiting Shorter's alumni web community Hawkspace. You also can reach the Alumni Office at (800) 868-6980.

Virtually Shorter is compiled by Shorter Public Relations. If you have questions, comments or suggestions for our e-newsletter, e-mail Aimee Madden at amadden@shorter.edu.

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