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Dear Alumni,
Today’s issue opens by providing you with on several programs either in place or in early stages of development. Only a brief description is the newsletter text with links to expanded information on our web site.
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Some Current Initiatives at Rhodes
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RHODES CARES PROGRAM (Center for Academic Research and Education through Service) Umbrella organization that clusters student research and service programs. Funded through $6,000,000 grant from the Robert and Ruby Priddy Charitable Trust.
http://www.rhodes.edu/Academics/Rhodes-CARES/index.cfm
Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies – An eight week intensive, summer program in which students conduct independent research with guidance of Rhodes faculty members on matters of interest in Memphis and the “mid south” area.
http://www.rhodes.edu/RegionalStudies/index.cfm
Rhodes St. Jude Summer Plus Program – Provides research opportunities for students at St. Jude Children’s Hospital
http://www.rhodes.edu/StJudeSummerPlus/index.cfm
Summer Service Fellowship – Nine week program which provides opportunity for students to engage in a significant service project.
http://cms.rhodes.edu/CampusCommunity/Students/StudentLeadershipPrograms/Summer-Service-Fellowship-Program.cfm
Bonner Scholars Program – Four year renewable scholarship available to entering students having commitment to service.
http://www.rhodes.edu/ReligiousLifeandCommunityService/Bonner-Scholars.cfm
Rhodes Learning Corridor – A partnership involving Rhodes College, the Memphis Zoo, Pink Palace Museum, Central High School, Cypress Middle School, and Snowden Elementary School in a collaborative effort to advance learning, particularly in sciences, of students in neighborhood schools.
http://www.rhodes.edu/LearningCorridor/index.cfm
SERVICE PROGRAMS THROUGH CHAPLAIN’S OFFICE
Kinney Program – Service and Social Action
http://www.rhodes.edu/ReligiousLifeandCommunityService/Kinney-Program.cfm
TexMex Alternative Spring Break – Annual spring break mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico in which Rhodes students build houses for area residents
http://www.rhodes.edu/ReligiousLifeandCommunityService/Tex-Mex-Border-Ministry.cfm
Soup Kitchen – Weekly meal prepared and served by students and other Rhodes community members to impoverished midtown Memphians.
http://www.rhodes.edu/Alumni/Volunteer/Soup-Kitchen.cfm
CODA (Center for Outreach in the Development of the Arts) – Scholarship based program designed to round out students’ education with non-credit involvement and emphasis in the fine arts. Junior and Senior scholars create and carry out their own projects in Memphis. A faculty mentor is assigned to each student who works on a project.
http://cms.rhodes.edu/Academics/CODA/index.cfm
CROSSROADS TO FREEDOM – Will link a digital archive of Civil Rights materials to community engagement and education. Modeled after University of Virginia’s “The Valley of the Shadow”. Proposal developed. Funding being sought.
NEW CURRICULUM - Beginning Fall Semester 2007, the academic curriculum will provide a new approach to the study of the arts and sciences at Rhodes.
http://www.rhodes.edu/Academics/CollegeCatalogue/GeneralInformation/NewCurriculum/index.cfm
ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE PARTNERSHIPS
RAVE Program (Rhodes Alumni Volunteer Effort) – in collaboration with Admissions
http://www.rhodes.edu/Alumni/Volunteer/RAVE-Program.cfm
Rhodes Career Network – in collaboration with Career Services. Post positions and resumes.
http://www.rhodes.edu/careerservices/
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Homecoming/Reunion Weekend - Save the dates of October 20-21, 2006
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Planning for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2006 is underway. We seek your involvement. If you will celebrate a reunion this year (classes ending in 1 or 6), we welcome your participation in a planning meeting on Saturday, March 4 in King Hall. If you would like to attend the meeting or serve on the planning committee, please contact Kaye Jones at joneska@rhodes.edu, or by phone at 800-264-5969. If you are unable to attend, lend your voice to this important process by filling out a survey at http://www.rhodes.edu/Alumni/Homecoming/Reunion-Survey.cfm. The results of this survey will be used in planning.
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Nominations Sought
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The Alumni Relations Office invites nominations for recognition awards to be presented at Homecoming 2006. Please mail nominations to the Alumni Relations Office, Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38112 or use the links below to nominate worthy alumni. All nominations are due by March 27, 2006.
Distinguished Alumnus/a Award, presented by the Alumni Association, recognizes extraordinary achievement. Nominate here .
Young Alumnus/a of the Year, presented by the Alumni Association, recognizes achievement of young alumnus/a up to ten years out. Nominate here .
BSA Distinguished Alumnus/a Award, presented by the Black Student Association, recognizes achievement and contributions to student life. Nominate here.
Athletics Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have either made outstanding contributions to the athletic program of the College, or who have distinguished themselves—and brought honor to the College—through their athletic accomplishments after their years at Rhodes. Nominate here.
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Spotlight on Students
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On January 21, 2006, our students constructed a mock refugee camp near the Rollow Avenue of Oaks. The camp was modeled after Kakuma, a refugee camp in Kenya. The students were joined by 40 members of the refugee community now living in Memphis, Boy Scouts, several medical students from UT-Memphis, and community members. Articles appearing in the Commercial Appeal and Memphis Flier highlighted the efforts of the students to call attention to conditions in refugee camps.
The letter below appeared in the “Letters to the Editor” section of the January 28, 2006 issue of the Commercial Appeal with a title of “Rhodes Students Build a Better World.”
I passed Rhodes College recently and noticed students building a structure of some sort. I wondered what it might be, and thought it likely was some type of community awareness project. When I read your Jan. 22 article, “living like a refugee/Mock desert camp set up to spread word,” my thoughts were confirmed.
Rhodes has long had a history of service, humanitarian education, and voluntarism … Rhodes students, because of your efforts and examples, our world will become a better place for all.
Memphis
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Announcements
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Meeman Center Programs
Meeman Center’s trip to Guatemala has been postponed. The new dates are March 22 – April 1. Reservations must be in by February 22, 2006.
Camp Meeman will celebrate its 5th anniversary this summer, June 5 – 9. Join us for a taste of college life, stay in the dorm, enjoy the campus and new Barret library, and take a couple of courses from Rhodes professors. You’ll go home invigorated!
For more information email Marilyn Hury and for up-to-date information on all Meeman Center activities check the website, http://meeman.rhodes.edu.
TEACH For America – Rhodes College has been selected as an institution from which Teach For America wishes to recruit alumni. We are pleased to be regarded so favorably by the organization. Applications are due by February 17. Should you have further interest, please see the trailer following the close of this newsletter.
Alumni Singers To Perform at Carnegie Hall – Rhodes alumni are invited to join Professor Tim Sharp in performing the works of Morten Lauridsen at Carnegie Hall during the 2006 Thanksgiving Weekend. Rehearsal in New York begins November 21, 2006, with the performance scheduled for Friday evening, November 24, at 8:00 p.m. in Carnegie Hall. Sharp will conduct the combined choirs (the Rhodes Alumni Choir and other choirs), and Morten Lauridsen will be in residence during the week. Prior to the stay in New York, participants will receive by mail the musical scores, rehearsal tape and markings sheet. Rhodes alumni who participate are welcome to include their friends and family in the group.
The cost for the event is approximately $1,000 per person which includes the residency and room. Participants must arrange their own transportation to New York City. For complete information, visit: http://cms.rhodes.edu/Alumni/choir.cfm
Information about the Summer 2004 concert at Carnegie Hall, led by Dr. Sharp, which featured the same music may be seen at http://cms.rhodes.edu/NewsCenter/RhodesMagazine/Fall2004/CarnegieHall/index.cfm
Rhodes Singers Spring Break Tour
Rhodes Singers, the concert choir of Rhodes College, will be on concert tour in England from March 10-19, 2006. Led by director Tim Sharp, the 45 voice ensemble will sing recitals, concerts, and services of Choral Evensong in historic cathedrals in Canterbury, Arundel, Winchester, Oxford, Cambridge, and London. The focus of the tour is the service of Evensong which they have prepared through faculty lecturers at Rhodes this year, including Cambridge guests Tim Brown from Clare College, and Stephen Cleobury from King's College.
(Rhodes alumni living in European nations have received the schedule of performances. Should others wish to receive this information, please contact us at alumni@rhodes.edu.)
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Chapter News
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Mobile – The Mobile/Gulf Coast Chapter will hold its spring alumni and family reception on Thursday, April 6. Special guests who will be included in the event are entering students and their families. Details will be sent to Rhodes alumni and families living on the Gulf Coast.
Chapter leaders report that Alice Turner ’06, a Political Science major, has been named Queen of Mardi Gras by the Mobile Carnival Association.
Atlanta – The Atlanta Chapter hosted a reception for prospective students and their parents on January 8, 2006 at the home of Robert “Bobbo” Jetmundsen ’77. Approximately 20 applicants and their parents were greeted by alumni, current students and their parents. After socializing over milkshakes, alumni and students sat on a panel and fielded questions from prospective students and their parents. Thank you to the alumni, students and parents who participated: Claire Chambers ’01, Andrew Daly ’03, Caitlin Goodrich ’04, Peter Goodrich ’07, Jessica Hoback ’03, Bobbo Jetmundsen ’77, Mary Katherine McRae ’06, Karen McRae, Daniel Webb ’05, and Lucy Webb ’05. For a complete story about the event please visit the Chapter’s webpage at http://rhodes.edu/Alumni/AlumniChapters/Atlanta.cfm.
Washington DC – Alumni gathered for a Washington Wizards/Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at the MCI Center on January 22 which was arranged by Katie Walsh ’04. On February 6, leaders of the Chapter met with Bud Richey in a planning session. Chapter President Viktoria Ziebarth ’97 led the group in a very productive discussion. Two projects underway as a result of the meeting are a career networking program for Rhodes seniors on March 13 and a collaborative effort with other Tennessee institutions to host a “Tennessee Tent” at the fall Gold Cup horse races.
Arkansas – The Arkansas Chapter turned lemons into lemonade on January 18, 2006 with the help of retired Economic Professor Chuck Orvis. Originally, Dr. Jim Lanier was scheduled to attend the reception and present a lecture, “Founding Traditions and Current Realities: The History of Rhodes.” Unfortunately Dr. Lanier lost his voice as a side effect of the flu. Dr. Orvis, who now resides in Cotter, Arkansas with his wife Jane Darr, stepped in for a last minute save! The event was hosted at the home of Chapter Chairperson Mimi Gavigan ’97 with the help of her husband Mike and sister Abby Considine ’00. Approximately 25 alumni and parents of current students attended and enjoyed hearing about Dr. Orvis’ fond memories of the College. A few of his former students took the opportunity to administer some light hearted ribbing as well. A big “Thank You” to Chuck Orvis and Jane, and to our hosts for their support of this event.
Memphis – On January 27 the Memphis Chapter sponsored its second happy hour gathering at the Blue Monkey in Midtown. Local alumni gathered for libations and appetizers. More happy hours to come!
The Memphis Chapter, with the Athletic Department, is sponsoring a Family Fun Day on Sunday, February 19. Alumni, faculty, staff and their families are invited to attend the Rhodes vs. Millsaps basketball games. Free pizza, beverages, and ice cream will be provided. The Lynx mascot will be available for photo ops with the kids. The men’s game begins at 1pm, and the women’s game begins at 3 pm. Admission is free, so bring the whole family for a day of Lynx fun.
Nashville – The Nashville Chapter held its second meeting on January 25, and chapter officers were appointed. Patrick Yoder ’01 is the Chapter Chairperson, Sara Kate Reaves ’01 is the Student Recruitment Chairperson, Theresa Carl ’75 is the Education Chairperson, Emily Ogden ’00 is the Social Chairperson, Colleen Grady ’86 is the Service Chairperson, Andrea Hutchinson ’01 is the Young Alumni Chairperson and Trisha Moalla ’90 is the Career Network Chairperson.
Social Chairperson Emily Ogden ’00 didn’t waste any time in putting together a social event. The Nashville Chapter sponsored its first happy hour on Wednesday, February 8 at Sambuca in the Gulch. Approximately 40 alumni attended. Emily would like to make this a monthly tradition, so stay tuned for the March announcement coming soon.
North Texas – The North Texas Chapter scheduled a reception and lecture by senior faculty member Dr. Jim Lanier on January 19. Unfortunately, Dr. Lanier was not able to attend due to illness. Alumni and current parents enjoyed the reception held at the home of Alisa ’98 and Piers Hurley ’99 and used the opportunity to discuss ideas for future events.
Birmingham –The Birmingham Chapter held its first event on January 26 at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Charlotte Russ ’97 who works at the museum coordinated the successful event. A reception preceded a lecture, “Inside the Palaces of Renaissance Venice” by Professor Patricia Fortini Brown of Princeton University. More than 30 alumni and friends of the College attended.
Houston – The Alumni Office held a chapter establishment meeting in Houston on February 7, 2006. Approximately 30 individuals attended the reception and meeting hosted at the home of Jeanie and Tom Carter, parents of Katherine Carter ’05. A small steering group emerged as a result of the meeting, and it plans to engage the local Rhodes community with a variety of events in 2006.
Next up…Chicago and New York City! If you reside in either of these cities and are interested in serving as a chapter leader please contact Holly Hilliard at hilliardh@rhodes.edu.
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Ways to help the College
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Rhodes Career Network – Our office is receiving visits from seniors seeking employment. In most cases, they want to establish contact with alumni who are employed in the fields they desire to enter within communities of interest to them. Should you receive a call, letter, or email message from a student requesting assistance, please do what you can to help.
International Work Experiences – At least four students in the Class of 2006 have expressed desire to live and work abroad following their May graduation. Should you live in another country and be in a position to offer counsel to young alumni or assist them in finding employment, please let us know in order that we may place the students in contact with you.
Support the Annual Fund – Rhodes has a rich history of strong alumni participation in the Annual Fund. The loyalty of alumni, as demonstrated by a historic giving level of about 50% each year, helps enormously in securing other resources. Please make your gift online, by mail, or by phone when you receive a call from one of the student callers.
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Closing
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I don’t know if we always do justice to the many activities that are underway in keeping you informed of developments at the College. This issue of Inside Rhodes provides you with a snapshot of several of the programs that are engaging students in meaningful learning experiences. I encourage you to click on links that are provided to learn more about those areas that pique your interest. These programs tie directly into our ongoing effort to achieve the Rhodes Vision.
You have plenty of reading in this issue without a lengthy closing adding to that, but I will leave you with a couple of thoughts. Please know that we appreciate all that our alumni do in helping to advance Rhodes. Thank you. Also know that we stand ready to serve if there is anything we can do. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Following the signoff, you will find the message we received from Teach For America in its entirety.
Until next month, all best wishes from your Constituent Programs Staff,
Bud Richey, Associate Vice President and Director of Alumni Relations
Alumni Relations Office
Tracy Comer, Administrative Assistant
Holly Hilliard, Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Matt Semko ’98, Coordinator of Student Alumni Projects
Meeman Center for Lifelong Learning
Marilyn Hury, Director of Meeman Center
Barbara Cockrill, Administrative Assistant
Cissy Whittaker, Administrative Assistant
Scheduling and Events Office
John Rone ’71, Director of College Events
Lori Ducey, Associate Director of Meeman Center for Scheduling and Event Operations
Marsha Williams, Administrative Assistant
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