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Issue 10.36 | Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010 |
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TODAY'S FOCUS GAINESVILLE, Ga., Aug. 3, 2010 -- Brenau University has officially reorganized all of its academic programs under two banners, Graduate School and Undergraduate School, as it continues execution of a strategic plan to double its enrollment by 2025.
Brenau Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Southerland says the action consolidates programs in three previous academic units into more logical groupings to streamline management and use resources more efficiently. "The previous organization really only differentiated between the three teaching platforms - online, evening and weekend programs on regional campuses and the Women's College in Gainesville," says Southerland. "The reorganization really will not affect those platforms, but it will make a huge difference in the execution of the university's long-range growth strategy." Gale Hansen Starich, dean of the College of Health and Science, has assumed the additional role of Graduate School dean. Andrea Birch, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Humanities, will also be Undergraduate School dean. Previously
the three Brenau organizations were the Women's College, the Online College
and the Evening and Weekend College, each with a mix of undergraduate
and graduate programs. In the new organization, the 132-year-old Women's College, which Southerland emphasizes "remains the crown jewel of Brenau University," will be part of the university's Undergraduate School. The Undergraduate School, however, now also oversees all the coeducational undergraduate programs that operate on all of Brenau's regional campuses and online.
Brenau University President Ed Schrader said the reorganization will help Brenau achieve its vision to become "the leading private institution in the Southeast that blends liberal arts with professional preparation." Southerland adds: "We believe the Women's College will continue to thrive as an exceptional undergraduate platform experience for those who choose the single-gender higher education experience. Because we plan to limit enrollment in the Women's College to about 1,000 students, it probably will be more difficult for some students to get admitted." Founded in 1878, Brenau University currently enrolls about 2,800 students in graduate, undergraduate and preparatory programs on campuses and online.
Although other Brenau undergraduate programs for men and women are expected to maintain their current pace of double-digit growth, Southerland says the university anticipates that graduate school enrollments will post triple digit growth by 2025 as Brenau moves toward becoming a doctoral-level degree-granting institution. Currently Brenau offers master's degrees in business, education, nursing, gerontology, occupational therapy, health care administration, psychology, interior design and project management. Brenau also offers an education specialist degree, and in the fall term, which begins later this month, the university will enroll students in its first "terminal degree" (the highest degree attainable in a field) track - a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design. In the next two or three years it plans to offer other doctorates in education, nursing and other disciplines. Southerland says the reorganization also will help Brenau build on the quality and quantity of its online academic programs. Currently more than a third of Brenau's undergraduate and graduate students are taking at least one course per semester in the online format. EEB PERSPECTIVE AUG. 3, 2010 -- Dread going to work every day? That's not the case with Steven Howington of Norcross. The 40 year old is eager to go to his job at the laundry at the Hilton Hotel in Peachtree Corners. His co-workers are always glad to see him, as Supervisor Sunanta Mangkang says "...for he is funny, and makes people happy."
Recently Steven marked his 20th anniversary at the Hilton, as co-workers threw a party for him, awarded him a certificate and praised him. What's different from other long-term employees? Steven has Down's Syndrome, yet pulls his regular 32 hour weekly shift efficiently and happily. Kay Butler, executive housekeeper for the 14 story Peachtree Corners hotel, says Steven is a hard worker, and "drama free. He's the type you love to work with, who gets along excellently with the other people in the laundry." In his work, Steve loads and unloads the washer and dryer, works the roller machine pressing items, folds sheets and towels, and generally keeps his area neat and clean. Kay adds: "He's always on time, and never forgets anything." Tony Contigiani, the general manager at the Hilton, says that Steven "Never has a bad day. He enjoys having conversations about what he is doing. It's a repetitive job, but it's good for him, and he produces well. I wish we had more like Steve."
The human resources director, Dan Hickey, says that "Steven is reliable, dependable and enjoyable. He's social, and can easily work along and maintain a good steady pace." Steven lives with his father, Carl Howington, in Norcross. When he's not working, he enjoys a bowling league, and particularly likes old-time radio, and Boss Hogg and the Dukes of Hazzard. But he likes to work. Carl says: "It's difficult to talk him into taking vacation time. He's up at 6:30 each morning, waiting to go to work." In recent years, the most difficult problem for Steven has been the death of his older brother, Scott, who died in 2004 at age 39, and then three years ago, the death of his mother, Joyce. He finds this difficult to understand: "They don't hear me," he laments. Yet through his steady employment years, Steve remains resilient. He's got awards to show for his hard work, including being Barrier Free Gwinnett's Employee-of-the-Year in 1994. Other recognition has come often over the years, including Hilton Hotels recognizing him for star performance and Team Player accomplishments. He was delighted to officially light the City of Norcross Christmas tree first in 1988, chronicled with a proclamation. Lighting the tree in Norcross has been an annual event for him since. He and his father enjoy eating out, with his favorite restaurant the Norcross Station Restaurant. "I like the trout there," Steven says, though he shows partiality to chicken fingers, too. He also likes steak and shrimp dishes. Recently Steven has been watching his weight, needing to cut back on Coca Colas. Kay Butler brings him alternate drinks. When she asks him how many Cokes he's had, Steven responds: "Water, water, Miss Kay," with a big smile and laugh. Kay adds: "He's comfortable with our staff, for we hug and kiss on him." Who wouldn't want to go to work in such a setting! Congratulations, Steven Howington, on your 20th year with the Hilton Hotel at Peachtree Corners! ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. For over 60 years, WIKA Instrument Corporation has continuously advanced pressure gauge, transmitter and temperature measurement instrumentation. As the global leader in lean manufacturing, WIKA offers a broad selection of stock and custom instrumentation solutions, which are often available for distribution within days. Producing over 40 million gauges, diaphragm seals, transmitters and thermometers worldwide annually, WIKA's extensive product line provides measurement solutions for any application. The WIKA sales team, along with its customer service and technical staff members, are ready to share their extensive product and industry knowledge to make your business experience with WIKA productive and progressive. WIKA provides distinctive service and support to our channel partners and customers through the following: U.S.-based manufacturing, sales and ordering, customer service and technical support; certified technical specialists who conduct Best Practice Instrument Reviews with performance improvement reports; in-house engineering team for product customization and innovation; proven capabilities to connect with customer business processes for ordering and inventory management; web-based customer support features, including RFQs, literature request and competitor product cross reference; and an Online Customer Center for checking orders, shipping, product availability and lead times. More: WIKA.
FEEDBACK Editor, the Forum: After 33 months, our highly controversial dog barking case has come to a close. On June 29 Recorders Court Judge Patricia Muise revoked the remaining two months of a 24-month term sentencing me to serve 30 days in the Gwinnett Detention Center for failure to pay $473 in probation fees.
While I have complied with the court's order of "bringing my property in compliance" with all zoning issues, that alone did not satisfy the judge. This case has long drifted from a case of barking dogs to an issue of inflicting punishment for what the court found was an isolated "three minute" incident of barking close to three years ago. Citizens should be concerned why our court system saw fit to hold seven pretrial hearings, a full trial and six hearings attempting to revoke my probation. During the process the court awarded (and the taxpayers funded) three court appointed attorneys, including one who was assigned in an attempt by Sentinel Offender Services to collect $129 in "late probation fees." Obviously, the court fails to understand that there are citizens in our community who have been affected by the economic downturn. Judge Muise seems confused not only on interpreting the Constitution but the real concerns about crime in our community. In an era where citizens are being threatened with loss of police, fire and emergency services our court found fit to expend thousands and thousands of dollars to force me into surrendering dogs to our local shelter where they would be greeted by employees all too ready to kill them. Do we really feel safer knowing the county was able to lock up a retired senior citizen who was found guilty of providing a safe haven for some old hound dogs that otherwise would be dead? I always said I would go to jail before I would allow the county kill even one of my hounds - so NOW I've served my time. The leash is off - no more threats - no more intimidation. Those of us in rescue have long been the last line of defense for the senseless killing of our companion friends. We speak out for the voiceless suffering and silent screams that kills far too many innocent creatures in our county funded kill shelter. Each life lost is sacred and I will continue to speak out against the planned slaughter of our county's homeless pets.
UPCOMING These well
known garden friends are known by many names including lady bug, lady
cow, lady beetle and lady fly. Tradition says that if you catch one, it
will bring good luck. Nationally-known abstract artist featured at Lawrenceville show Abstract collages by nationally exhibited artist Eugene Motz will be featured in the Fall Art Show, "Stamp Collage," at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse August 5 through October 29. The artist will exhibit mixed media collages reusing stamps, advertisements and envelopes. Motz's self-taught skills include paint, collage, printmaking and glass, but his varied artwork often includes common abstract and colorful styles using found materials. The Romanian-born artist began his collages at age 16, using colored paper. Eugene Motz currently resides in Atlanta and continues his bold, mixed media artwork. Visitors can meet the artist at the exhibit's opening reception on Thursday, August 5, 7 until 9 p.m. Exhibit hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Admission is free. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan St., in downtown Lawrenceville. For more information, call 770-822-5450. Kudzu Art Zone to host new acrylic media workshop Aug. 21-22 A Golden Paint workshop in new acrylic media is being planned at the Kudzu Art Zone in Norcross on August 21-22. Both sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Acrylic expert Phil Garrett will lead the workshop, exploring new surfaces for paint and collage. All paints, mediums and gels are being provided to workshop participants by Golden Paint. The fee for each workshop is $150 for Kudzu Art Zone members and $160 for non-members. The workshop is open to all. Kudzu Art Zone is located at 116 Carlyle Street in downtown Norcross. For more information about the Center, go here online. NOTABLE In a study
just released by J.D. Power and Associates, Jackson Electric Membership
Corporation (EMC) ranked highest in customer satisfaction among midsize
utilities in the South. This marked the third year that Jackson EMC had
been included in the study and the second time it has received the award.
Randall
Pugh, Jackson EMC president/CEO, says: "This recognition is a great
honor for our employees, who have met the challenge of doing more with
fewer resources during this recession. Jackson EMC's employees continue
to demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile every day. I am so very
proud to be associated with employees who are as committed to their work
and serving our members as those at Jackson EMC." Gayle Hayes first nurse to win Medical Center Daisy Award Nurses at Gwinnett Medical Center are to be honored with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses. The award, presented in collaboration with The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
Gayle Hayes,
a registered nurse in the surgical interview department, is the first
winner of GMC's DAISY Award. The DAISY Award committee, selected Hayes
from a total of 35 initial nominees. RECOMMENDED
GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
As the forceful ruler of the Creek town of Coweta, on the Chattahoochee River fifteen miles south of Columbus, Brims (no first name known) was the first of a line of strong Lower Creek leaders during the eighteenth century and set the standard for their diplomatic policy of neutrality. His stance of regular interaction with all European empires-Spanish, French, and British-earned him mixed evaluations among foreigners and natives, who applauded his clever schemes or condemned his crafty fluctuations. His date of birth and the place of his birth and death remain unknown, but Brims operated in Georgia during the early eighteenth century. He filled the positions of mico (ruler) and warrior for the town of Coweta, and his multiple skills gained him the title emperor. He began a powerful lineage, including Chigelli (brother), Malatchi (son), and Togulki (grandson), all of whom upheld his political strategy, and he was probably uncle to Mary Musgrove, although her exact claims of kinship are unclear. Brims's greatest moments occurred during the Yamasee War of 1715 and the subsequent decade. Brims originally supported the Yamasee, who were distantly related to the Creeks, in their quest for revenge for abuses by South Carolinians. When circumstances changed, Brims began talks with several European and Indian nations to determine the best course of action for Coweta. He eventually negotiated peace and trading privileges with the British, but he remained open to the possibility of future opportunities elsewhere and refused to pledge unconditional support to Charleston, South Carolina. Brims spent the decade of the 1720s establishing this neutral attitude and earning a reputation as a shrewd bargainer who always acted in the interests of his fellow Lower Creeks. CREDITS GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday. If you would like to serve as an underwriter, click here to learn more. Send
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© 2010, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. |
TODAY'S QUOTE
Here
are the simplified profiles for the August 10 runoff primary in Georgia.
This information first appeared here prior to the July 20 election. For
the 2010 primary season, GwinnettForum asked all candidates facing primary
opposition in Gwinnett County to provide answers to a few questions. You
can read their answers below by clicking on the links. PROFILE KEY
SAMPLE BALLOT FOR YOUR PRECINCT You should
eventually be able to see a sample ballot for your particular precinct
online at this site: http://www.sos.georgia.gov/MVP/Login.aspx However as of July 26, the Secretary of State's office had not posted the runoff ballot online. Only the ballot for the General Primary was on line on that date. Check back later to see if the Secretary of State's office has posted the ballot prior to the election. 2010 FEDERAL CANDIDATES U.S. Congress, District 7
2010 STATEWIDE CANDIDATES Georgia Governor
Georgia Attorney General
Georgia Commissioner of Insurance
Georgia Secretary of State
Georgia Public Service Commission
2010
LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES
State Representative, District 102
2010 GWINNETT COUNTY CANDIDATES Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 2
Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 4
MORE RECENT COMMENTARY
ABOUT US GwinnettForum.com is a twice-weekly online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. Contact us today. © 2001-2010, Gwinnett Forum.com is Gwinnett County's online community forum for commentary that explores pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. PHONE: 770.840.1003
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