Rhodes College On-Line Community

Dear Alumni,

Books for the Barret Library

We have been delighted to receive books written by alumni to place in the Barret Library.  We extend thanks to our alumni who have responded to the request. 

The following list provides names and works that have been donated.  Email addresses, when available, are provided for you to contact the authors should you wish to inquire about securing books or send greetings.

Janice E. Baker ’63 (Bakerhomeplace@msn.com) Enchantment of Africa series –
     Upper Volta, Niger, and Central African Republic
Gayle Bartos-Pool ’71 (Bakerhomeplace@msn.com) Media Justice
Westley F. Busbee, Jr. ’61 (wbusbee@bellsouth.net) Mississippi:  A History
Charles R. Crawford ’80 (ccrawford@armstrongallen.com) Bluff Walk
J. Millen Darnell ’50 (jdarnell@bellsouth.net) The History of the Presbytery of Memphis
     and its Predecessor Presbyteries:  1810 – 2001
Ruth C. Duck ’69 (ruth.duck@garrett.edu) Welcome God’s Tomorrow
J. Howard Edington ’64 (Edingtons@juno.com) The Forgotten Man of Christmas
Anna R. Olswanger ’75 (anna@olswanger.com) Shlemiel Crooks
Edith Vincent Swihart ’87 (edieclaire@juno.com) Meant To Be
Carol C. Strickland ’68 (carol.strickland@rockefeller.edu)
     The Annotated Mona Lisa:  A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post- Modern
     The Annotated Arch:  A Crash Course in the History of Architecture
Ralph V. Turner ’57 (rvtu1066@aol.com)
     Men Raided from the Dust:  Administrative Service and Upward Mobility in Angevin England
     King John:  England’s Evil King
James T. Webb ’60 (giftedbook@aol.com)
     Guiding the Gifted Child:  A Practical Source for Parents and Teachers
     Grandparents’ Guide to Gifted Children
     Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults
     Is My Child Gifted?
     Do Gifted Children Have Special Needs?
     Parenting Successful Children
Ann Barr Weems ’56 (aweems7@swbell.net) Putting the Amazing Back in Grace!

We appreciate so much the gifts of books written by alumni.  Should you wish to donate works you have completed, we ask that you send two copies.  One will be placed in the archives in a special section of books written by the alumni of the College.  The remaining one will go into general circulation for the use and enjoyment by members of the Rhodes community. 

Features about Rhodes Community Members

Advising Students Interested in Health Professions – Rhodes College is moving toward a more purposeful and coordinated effort of supporting students interested in entering health professions.  Dr. Alan Jaslow, Biology, has assumed new responsibilities of advising students having interest in any area that would come under the broad umbrella of “health professions,” including Veterinary Medicine.   

Professor Jaslow wants to utilize alumni of Rhodes as resources to provide counsel and learning opportunities for students.  He invites all healthcare workers and veterinarians who want to be part of an advising network or serve as resources through other means in helping current Rhodes students to contact him at AJaslow@Rhodes.edu.  Please read more about Dr. Jaslow’s leadership for this exciting new initiative at Rhodes by seeing the profile and related announcement here.

Dean Llewellyn to retire as Academic Dean – Effective June 30, Dr. Robert R. Llewellyn, Dean of the College and Vice President of Academic Affairs, will retire.  A lighthearted reflection  about how he came to serve in administration of the College is offered by Dean Llewellyn in the web profile featured here. 

In its meeting of April 1, the Alumni Association Executive Board passed a resolution expressing thanks to Dean Llewellyn for his service to Rhodes College.  We wish Bob and Lola all the best he joins her in retirement.

Two Rhodes Students Receive Goldwater Awards – K. Adam Bohnert ’07 and Sarah E. Mercer ’08 have been named Goldwater Scholars for 2006-2007.  For profiles on both students and further information about Goldwater Scholarships click here.

Golden Lynx Update

Members of the Golden Lynx met on campus recently to discuss the results of a survey sent last fall and to make recommendations for future Golden Lynx programming.  The group made the following recommendations:

• Golden Lynx will be the nomenclature used to refer to alumni who have celebrated their 50th reunion.

• There will be two Golden Lynx functions offered each year: one during Homecoming/Reunion Weekend and another in the summer.

• The Golden Lynx classes will have the option to celebrate their reunion with class members every 5 years.

During Homecoming/Reunion Weekend 2006, a special Golden Lynx brunch will be held on Saturday morning, October 21 at the home of President and Mrs. Troutt.

Chapter News

Mobile – The Mobile Chapter held its spring event on Thursday, April 6, 2006, at the home of Ruth ’84 and Scott Rye ’83.  The event began with a reception for accepted students and their parents and was followed by a reception for alumni, parents of past and present students, and friends of the College.  Dr. Jim Lanier, senior faculty member, delivered a lecture “Founding Traditions and Current Realities: The History of Rhodes” as part of the evenings activities.  

 Photo left to right – Scott Rye ’83, Ruth Rye ’84 (co-chairs of Mobile/Gulf Coast Steering Group); Holly Hilliard, Associate Director Alumni Relations; Sue McLean ’58 and Billy McLean ’57 (founding members of Mobile Chapter)

Atlanta – The Atlanta Chapter will host a career networking event, reception for accepted students, and an alumni reception Thursday, April 13, 2006, at the home of Cathy and Art Rollins ’81, 375 Glen Arden Place NW, Atlanta.  The career networking segment will be held from 3:30pm – 5:00pm with a reception followed by a panel discussion.  A welcome reception for accepted students and their parents will follow.  The evening will conclude with alumni, parents and friends of the College joining the career networking participants and accepted students.  Please click here to RSVP.

Washington DC – The Washington DC Chapter held a career networking event on Monday, March 13, 2006.  Current students and young alumni seeking work in DC were invited to attend the reception and panel discussion held at the Watergate Building Complex. Chapter President Viktoria Ziebarth ’97 served as moderator, and panelists representing the public and private sectors were Charlie Cook (father of Becky Cook ’08), Emily Bacque ’98, Clyde Henderson ’95, Chris Higgins ’02, and Shilpa Reddy ’91.  Panelists shared their experiences and lent valuable advice about living and working in the nation’s capital. 

The Chapter will host a reception and lecture, “Founding Traditions and Current Realities: The History of Rhodes” by senior faculty member Dr. Jim Lanier, Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at the home of Knight Champion ’86.  The reception will begin at 6:30pm, followed by the lecture.  Please click here to RSVP.

In collaboration with alumni clubs and chapters from other institutions, the Rhodes Chapter of Washington will provide opportunity for alumni to purchase tent passes on University Row at the Gold Cup races held in Virginia on May 6.  Spaces are limited.  Contact Jon David Willingham (JDWillingham@Rhodes-Alumni.net) for information or to reserve spaces. 

Arkansas – no report

Memphis – The next meeting of the Memphis Chapter is April 20 beginning at 5:30 pm in King Hall.

The Memphis Chapter is planning a social event on Saturday, May 20 from 4:00 -7:00 pm.  In their own way of saluting the Memphis Barbecue festival that weekend, transplanted Louisianans will cook a Cochon de Lait in the backyard of Anne ’88 and Jim Apple ’89.  Further information is forthcoming. 

Nashville – The Nashville Chapter held a reception and lecture featuring senior faculty member Professor Jim Lanier on March 28 at the home of Katherine ’77 and Jim McElroy ’69.  Approximately 40 alumni attended. 

The Nashville Chapter will host a reception for accepted students on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at the home of Marcie ’96 and Chris Cardwell ’94.  Nashville area alumni and current parents are encouraged to attend.  To register for this event, please click here.

North Texas – The North Texas Chapter is holding a reception, BBQ and Business Cards, in honor of Memphis in May on Sunday, May 21, 2006.  The event will be held from 12 noon until 3 pm at the home of Gail and Ron Berlin, parents of Amy ’98.  Details for residents of the area are forthcoming.  The event promises to offer plenty of fun and Memphis style BBQ.  For details about the event or to register click here.  We have been asked to extend a special invitation to the members of the Class of 2006 who may be residing in the Dallas area following their graduation to attend. 

Birmingham –The Birmingham Chapter held a reception and lecture featuring senior faculty member Dr. Jim Lanier at Rojo Mexican Restaurant on March 27.  Approximately 25 guests attended.

Houston – The newly formed Houston Chapter appointed several chapter officers.  Congratulations to Chapter President Rachel Rosson ’99, Vice President Scott Howard ’73, Secretary Ashley Browning ’99, Treasurer Kristen McDaniel ’00 and Career Network Coordinator Chip Lane ’98.  Other members of the Chapter Steering Committee are Jeanie Carter (parent of Katherine Carter ’05), Malcolm Waddell and Suzanne Bruce (parents of Julianne Waddell ’07), Jason Javarone ’01, Julie Javarone ’00, Nancy Turner ’94, Patricia Brasfield ’99, Allison Tetreault ’01, and Vanessa Lanceley ’99.

The first Thursday of every month the Houston Chapter will hold a Happy Hour at Brian O’Neil’s, 5555 Morningside in Rice Village, Houston.  May’s Happy Hour will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2006, and will begin at 5:30pm.  To RSVP please click here.

The Houston Chapter will host a Crawfish Boil on Saturday, April 29, from noon to 4:00 pm at Mardi Gras, 3111 Chimney Rock, Houston.  Tickets are $15 for adults.  Admission is free for children under age 12.  For more information or to register for the event, please click here.

Chicago – Chandra and Mike O’Keefe ’81 hosted a meeting of alumni and parents in their home on March 23 for the purpose of establishing the Chicago Chapter.  There was a good representation of alumni across several decades.  Commitment to establish the chapter is strong.  No officers were elected at the meeting, but parents and alumni volunteered to form a steering group to organize the chapter.  Should you have interest in working with the chapter, please contact Holly Hilliard (hilliardh@rhodes.edu).  Congratulations to the Rhodes Chapter of Chicago in becoming the tenth Rhodes Chapter.

New York City – The Alumni Office will host a reception for area alumni on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 6:00pm, at the home of Theodore Striggles and Deborah Sale ’70, 151 W 74th Street, Apt. 9AF, New York, New York.  President Troutt, Holly Hilliard, Jenna Goodloe Wade, and Lauren Busbee from the College staff will attend the reception. 

We anticipate holding a meeting of interested alumni and parents for the purpose of establishing a Rhodes Chapter of New York City in the near future.  While we are in contact with some alumni, should you live in the area and wish to become involved in establishing the chapter, please contact Holly Hilliard (hilliardh@rhodes.edu).

Announcements

Charlotte Borst named new Provost – On July 1, Charlotte Borst will join Rhodes College as Provost. We welcome Charlotte to the Rhodes Community.

URCAS scheduled– The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium (URCAS) will be held on the campus on Friday, April 28, 2006.   The symposium begins at 10:20 am.  Students will present findings of research activities and showcase scholarly projects in this program.  Alumni are welcome to attend and see some of the amazing things that the students are doing.  

Join the Online Community – The Lasting Lynx password-protected online community has new features to serve alumni more effectively.  Please use this program to search for classmates or professional contacts, inform friends of happenings in your life by using the class notes and photo gallery, post your business or services on the yellow pages, and secure a permanent email forwarding address which requires you to report changes of a new email address to only one source rather than everyone in your address book.  We especially encourage Rhodes seniors to make use of the program as they graduate and enter new communities.

Rhodes Travel Opportunities – This fall Rhodes to Travel offers two opportunities: Hemingway’s Europe visiting the Basque region in Spain and France, Oct 14 – 21; and Chihuly and Chardonnay, a long weekend in Seattle and Tacoma, Nov 2 – 5.

Camp Meeman – Camp Meeman sponsored by the Meeman Center for Lifelong Learning, will celebrate its 5th anniversary this summer, June 5 – 9.  Join us for a taste of college life, enjoy the campus and the new Barret library, and take a couple of courses from Rhodes professors. You can stay in the dorm and  relive your college experience or attend as a day camper. It’s FUN.  You’ll go home invigorated.

Closing

In response to a request for nominations of worthy alumni, we received a number of nominations for Distinguished Alumni Award, Young Alumnus/a of the Year, BSA Distinguished Alumnus/a, and Athletic Hall of Fame.  As part of my duties in staffing the Alumni Association Executive Board, I have had contact with many who submitted nominations for the Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumnus/a awards.  I also initiated contact with the nominees in those categories to inform them that they had been nominated. 

I had the pleasure not only of reading heartfelt nominations but also receiving messages from nominees who, generally speaking, felt honored to be nominated.  There were some consistent themes in the responses of the nominees.  Beyond being moved by being thought of highly enough to receive a nomination, they spoke of people at Rhodes who made a difference in their lives.  Many mentioned faculty members by name and wrote about their impact.  They wrote about the culture at Rhodes which provided both the challenge and the support for reaching their potential as students and as people.  They wrote about developing as young scholars and growing in character as a result of the care and concern of both faculty and fellow students.   They wrote about values and the impact that Truth, Loyalty, and Service had on their lives.  They wrote about the importance of serving others and the ethos of service that exists within the community of the College. 

A Rhodes alumnus from the class of 1982 nominated his father, a member of the class of 1953.  The nomination was a special one.  It was well done in providing an overview of professional accomplishments and a portion of it spoke of the importance of having parents of strong character that he attributed in part to their days at Southwestern. 

At least two of our nominees only reluctantly “allowed” their names to be placed in nomination, obviously having been approached by classmates who indicated they wanted to do this.  An additional two declined the nominations.  Both, in their own ways, indicated that with the benefit of a Rhodes education they should be going about work that makes a difference.  An alumna who has had a brilliant career as a professor of English suggested that most of her classmates went on to success in their fields and she did not believe that she was particularly “distinguished” among Rhodes graduates.  Another alumnus, who has done so much professionally and in his service to the College which resulted in his being recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” one year, simply said, “much like the last one, I don’t deserve consideration …”

A law student from the class of 2004 acknowledged in his closing statement that he genuinely appreciated being nominated.  He further conceded that he didn’t think he had much of a chance to be selected for the award, but spoke of one of the lessons he learned while a student at Rhodes.   He learned that you must try your hardest to do your best in meeting challenges that came your way.  He felt he had an obligation to uphold the faith of the person who had made the nomination.  When I read this statement, I couldn’t help but think of the words of Dr. Diehl in which he admonishes us to seek excellence and be at our best.  It sounds as if the hopes of Dr. Diehl were not lost on this one.  

The Awards Committee of the Alumni Board had a time of it in selecting only one recipient for each of the two categories.  Just as the young alumnus who tried his hardest in meeting a challenge, the committee members did their best in upholding the faith of alumni who trust them to provide leadership for the Alumni Association and the College. 

It is not my job to be proud of you, but I am.  And, in a different kind of way, I am especially proud of the young alumni and the students.  Perhaps that comes from days of being a student affairs dean and, for years after they left their undergraduate studies, maintaining contact with former students. 

The more I come to know you, the more I come to realize how truly special the alumni of Rhodes College are.  I suspect the Awards Committee could have placed the names of all alumni ten or more years out in a big barrel and blindly reached in and selected one name.  They could have done the same with names of alumni in the ten youngest classes.  Chances are better than average that they would have selected two distinguished and outstanding individuals who are making a difference in their communities and in the world. 

Please do what you can to find ways to help us realize the Rhodes Vision.  Please do what you can to help us advance the objectives of the College.  Please know that those of us on the faculty and staff are grateful to be serving a population of caring and distinguished individuals. 

Following the sign off in this issue, please see the listing of recent scholarly activities of our faculty members.  

Until next month, with 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

2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38112-1690, 800-264-5969 alumni@rhodes.edu