Virtually Shorter
June 2007

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Quite a "Note"worthy gift A $110,000 gift from Robert and Kathy Engeman of Locust Grove, Ga., has funded the purchase of two grand pianos for the Shorter College music department. The gift also allows the establishment of a 12-unit Kawai digital piano lab at Shorter. Mrs. Engeman graduated from Shorter in 1964. “Throughout the years, Bob and Kathy Engeman have been generous supporters of Shorter College and its students,” said President Harold E. Newman. “This major gift to fund the Shigeru Kawai pianos will have a lasting impact on Shorter College’s music programs, and we are grateful for their generosity and ongoing commitment to Shorter.”

With the gift, Shorter has purchased one SK-EX Shigeru Kawai nine-foot full concert grand piano and one SK-5 Shigeru Kawai six-foot, six-inch artist grand piano. While the artist grand piano is expected to be delivered this month, the full concert grand piano is being handcrafted in Japan and should be delivered to Shorter by the end of 2007, according to Dr. Alan Wingard, dean of Shorter’s School of the Arts.

As a result of this purchase, Shorter College has EPIC (Elite Performing Instrument Collection) status with Kawai. “The EPIC Program is more than just a piano purchase plan,” said Dr. Wingard. “It is a strategic partnership that will bring added benefits to the School of the Arts’ faculty and students.”

Baltimore Orioles draft Shorter Hawk On June 7, the Baltimore Orioles selected 2007 Shorter graduate and Hawks pitcher Cliff Flagello during the 25 th round of the Major League Baseball 2007 Draft. Cliff was the 759 th pick overall, and he was assigned to one of Baltimore’s minor league affiliates, the Bluefield Orioles. In his first two professional games, he picked up two wins, struck out 10 and only allowed one earned run in the 7.2 innings he pitched.

During his career at Shorter, Cliff made quite an impact. In the 2006-07 season, he was 8-5 with a 2.87 ERA, striking out 97 batters in 87.2 innings and allowing batters to hit only .205. He was named First Team All-Conference, SSAC All-Academic and a National Scholar-Athlete. Additionally, he currently holds the all-time Armuchee High School record for most strikeouts in a season (120).

Time to check your mailbox for Homecoming/Alumni Weekend brochure

It’s almost time to “Plug In!” to Shorter College during Homecoming and Alumni Weekend on September
28-29. From class reunions to the Hawk Hustle 5K race, from the 50 Years and More breakfast to candlelight campus tours and from the alumni dinner/auction to tailgating before the Hawks’ football game, the last weekend in September will be filled with opportunities for you to “recharge” your Shorter memories as you catch up with friends and reminisce about your college days on the Hill.

Details for these events, reunion parties and campus activities are included in the brochure and registration form set to arrive in your mailbox soon. Details are also available online at hawkspace.shorter.edu.

Shorter group serves in Ghana Eight Shorter students and campus minister the Rev. David Roland have volunteered and ministered in Ghana since June 6. In addition to spending time at the Baptist Medical Center in Nalerigu, Ghana, the team built relationships and shared their faith with many village groups. For a glimpse of their mission trip experiences, visit http://www.shorter.edu/student_life/bcm/ghana_trip.htm. Rev. Roland would be happy to share more details, and alumni may contact him at droland@shorter.edu.

Summertime brings campus improvements For your favorite hilltop college home, the summer months include many renovation projects around campus. From fresh paint throughout three residence halls, new hallway carpet, classroom renovations and office moves, to the more noticeable outside additions, Shorter College is receiving many facility improvements before the fall semester begins.

Another visible outdoor project is the facelift of the area in front of the Sheffield-Thompson building during the summer break. The project is designed to improve the area, which serves as a "front door" to the college. 

Crews began work May 30 to remove the existing asphalt and prepare the area for brick pavers, additional green space and a central fountain.

Painting parents Mothers and fathers of current Shorter students traveled from as far away as Louisville, Ky., to lend a hand on campus on Saturday, June 23, during the third annual Parents Work Day. The volunteer team repainted the interior walls of the Townes apartment-style residence hall. The Parents Council leaders said the event was a way to give back to the school and help out. To find out more regarding the activities of Shorter’s Parents Association, visit hawkspace.shorter.edu or contact Suzanne Scott at sscott@shorter.edu.

Deep in the heart of Texas Shorter College President Dr. Harold Newman; Dr. John Head ('87), vice president of enrollment management; Dawn Tolbert, director of institutional relations; and Tracy Batchelor, assistant director of institutional relations; visited with many Shorter alumni and friends, prospective students, and pastors and delegates from across the nation at the 2007 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, held June 11-13 in San Antonio, Texas. The event drew more than 8,600 delegates, known as "messengers," and their families. In the photo, Dr. Newman, left, visits with Dr. Ed Stetzer, a 1988 graduate of Shorter who now serves as director of LifeWay Research and LifeWay Christian Resources' missiologist in residence.

Shorter’s Summer Arts Institute, held June 17 to 30, is a unique summer opportunity for high school students seeking to develop their musical theatre, voice, keyboard or theatre talents. Led by Shorter’s music and theatre faculty, the two-week institute includesprivate lessons, classes and seminars designed to develop students’ musical knowledge and performance abilities.

“The Summer Arts Institute provides an opportunity for exceptional growth and a foundation for students to learn how to pursue their dreams,” said Dr. Brian Nedvin, one of the institute’s organizers. “It is also an opportunity to be immersed in the arts here at Shorter and to be surrounded by students and faculty whose love for the arts is unparalleled.”

SPORTS NEWS

Individually, Shorter Hawk Alex Lantz had the strongest showing for the team as he finished the third round 10 over par, with a total of 226; he tied for 42nd.

For a summary of the Hawks’ season on the green, visit Men's Golf.

She was also awarded the Southern States Athletic Conference’s (SSAC) Freshman of the Year title, and she was named to the All-Region and All-Conference teams.

Lantz, a member of the Hawks golf team, was named second team All-American for his play at nationals, where he shot a 10-over-par across three rounds including a third round score of one-under to lead the Hawks.

Butler, a teammate on the Hawks golf team, was named honorable mention All-American, after being named the SSAC and Region XIII Player of the Year. He was the low-medalist in the Region XII tournament, shooting a three-day score of 211.

Nate Scott, a track and field freshman from Douglasville, Ga., had an outstanding trip to nationals, being named All-American as he placed sixth overall in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.87. He is Shorter’s first track All-American.

For further information on Shorter’s 2007 All-Americans, visit athletics.shorter.edu.

Hawks pigskin preview That’s right! The 2007 Shorter College football schedule and promotional calendar have been finalized, and now’s the time to plan your fall visits to Rome and cheer on the Hawks at Barron Stadium. Shorter’s football team will play 11 games during the 2007 season, five at home and six away. For the first time, each of the five home games at Barron Stadium will have a featured special event/promotion. “We couldn’t be more happy about our third season,” said head coach Phil Jones. “We’re hoping to put ourselves in position to be contenders for a conference title, and our non-conference games should be just as exciting.”

The Hawks’ season begins with two away games against NCAA Division II opponents: Brevard College on Sept. 1 and Stillman College on Sept. 8.

The Hawks will play their first game at home on Sept. 15 against NCAA Division III LaGrange College in the Battle for the Governor’s Cup. As part of the day’s festivities, the winning team will be presented the “Governor’s Cup,” emblematic of Georgia’s small college football champion. It will then reside at the winning school until next year’s game. In addition to the trophy presentation, this day will also be “Legislative Day” at Barron Stadium, where legislators from all over the state will be honored. To show Shorter’s appreciation for the local school system, senior high students from Rome and Floyd County schools will also be admitted free to this opening day event.

After traveling to Campbellsville University on Sept. 22, the Hawks will play Union College (Ky.) on Sept. 29 for Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. Shorter College’s homecoming king and queen will be crowned during halftime of the game, and alumni activities are currently being planned. Visit hawkspace.shorter.edu for a listing of Alumni Weekend activities.

On Oct. 6, Shorter will face West Virginia Tech for Championship Saturday and Boy Scouts Day. All boy scouts in uniform will be admitted free to this event, and past and present championship teams from Shorter College will be celebrated. The Hawks will then travel to Georgetown College on Oct. 13 and Belhaven College on Oct. 20.

Youth Football/Cheerleading Night will take place during the Hawks’ special Thursday night game this season on Oct. 25 against Bethel College at 7 p.m. This night will feature youth teams and cheerleaders from the Greater Rome Area, and every youth in uniform will be admitted at no charge. Weather permitting, youth teams will play mini-games both before the game and at half time.

After their final away game on Nov. 3 against Cumberland University, the Shorter Hawks will play their final game of the season at home on Nov. 10 against Lambuth University. In addition to honoring Shorter’s senior football players and their parents, this day will honor our military personnel. Senior high school students from Bartow, Polk, Chattooga and Gordon county schools will also be invited to attend this final game for free.

Make plans now to attend the games and support your Shorter Hawks. Tickets go on sale July 16 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 706-233-7288 or 800-868-6980, Ext. 7288. Season ticket packages are available. Click here for more information.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR THESE UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

For more information on the events below, visit Hawkspace, call the Alumni Office at (800) 868-6980, ext. 7353 or (706) 233-7353 or e-mail sgraves@shorter.edu.

Piano Sale and Fund-raiser to benefit Shorter College
Aug. 17-19
Additional details will be announced in July.
Contact Dr. Alan Wingard at awingard@shorter.edu with questions.

Shorter Alumni Night at the Rome Braves Game
Saturday, Aug. 18, at State Mutual Stadium
Pre-game picnic begins at 5:30 p.m.; Game begins at 7 p.m.
Cost: $17 per person for picnic and game ticket
Limited tickets available; pre-registration required by Monday, Aug. 13

Classes Resume on the Hill
Thursday, Aug. 23

Music Faculty Celebration
Monday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Rome City Auditorium, 601 Broad St., Rome
This don’t-miss musical event will feature works by Beethoven, Mozart, Verdi and many others – all performed by Shorter College’s stellar voice and keyboard faculty.
Tickets: $12 for adults; $8 for senior citizens and students; $20 for reserved seats (limited quantity available)

Homecoming & Alumni Weekend
Sept. 28-29
This year's theme is "Plug In," so be sure you get plugged in to all the exciting events happening during the weekend! Registration booklets have been mailed.

Professional Studies Day at Shorter Hawks Football Game
Saturday, Oct. 6

Reunion celebrating 40 years of the Shorter Chorale
Nov. 9-10

Alfred E. Shorter Society Dinner
Saturday, Nov. 17

SHORTER ALUMNI BENEFITS

Liberty Mutual: Savings on auto and homeowner’s insurance to Shorter alumni

For a free, no-obligation rate quote, call Beth Blalock at (770) 924-6464 x 206 or e-mail Beth.Blalock@LibertyMutual.com.

"I've switched my homeowner's and automobile insurance to Liberty Mutual. Not only does Shorter receive a portion of my payments, but coupled with the discount for alumni, I've realized an annual savings of more than $1,300. I've also made a new friend in Beth Blalock, who
is Liberty Mutual’s quote representative for Shorter.”
Shorter alumnus Clark Samples (’71)

Shorter College Alumni Association
Platinum Plus MasterCard Credit Card

"The Bank of America credit card is a wonderful tool for alumni to promote Shorter through name recognition. Every time I present the card, a new person sees the Shorter College name, and often asks about the college.
Shorter alumna Patsy Drummond (’62)

Travel Benefits: Savings on resort vacation
condominium rentals for Shorter alumni

To review available locations and dates as well as booking information, visit www.alumnitravelbenefits.com/shorter.asp or call (888) 729-3842. Use Shorter’s code AGA-002.

"We had a wonderful trip to Disney World! The condo through Alumni Travel Benefits was beautiful; it exceeded our expectations in every way!”
Shorter alumna Tina Chapman (’04)

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 ckirby@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 the Office of Institutional Relations. If you have questions, comments or suggestions for our e-newsletter, e-mail Tracy Batchelor at tbatchelor@shorter.edu.

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