c mpassspring 2 0 0 4

A quarterly publication of Armstrong Atlantic State University

INSIDE

2Propst honored

New life forHawes and Solms

5To Russiawith love

6ArmstrongFest 2004

AASU onthe move!See story on page 3.

2

Propst receives honorary doctorate

The university bestowed an honorary doctor of letterson one of its most dedicated supporters, H. DeanPropst. A respected and highly effective academic

leader, Propst was both visible and accessible tostudents and faculty during a distinguished careerthat spanned 34 years.

In 1969, Propst joined Armstrong StateCollege as academic dean and professorof English. He progressed to the positionof vice president and dean of faculty in1976. The faculty knew first hand thedeep respect that Propst had for teach-ing. For ten years, Armstrong was hisvery large classroom in which he taughtby word and example.

The degree was awarded in Decemberduring the commencement ceremony forfall graduates.

Honorary degrees are awarded by institutions of higherlearning as a way to recognize worthy individuals who,during their careers, have given outstanding service to theseinstitutions, their profession, and the community. Theawarding of this degree is the highest distinction ArmstrongAtlantic can bestow upon someone.

President Thomas Z. Jones said, “Propst provided valuableleadership during a period of great institutional change. Heactively supported the development of new programs atArmstrong, most notably the college’s designation as aRegional Health Professions Education Center.”

After leaving Armstrong State College in 1979, Propstcontinued his distinguished career with the UniversitySystem of Georgia (USG) for the next 14 years. He servedas vice chancellor for academic affairs and executive vicechancellor before being appointed the system’s eighth

chancellor in 1985.

Several major initiatives took place duringPropst’s tenure as chancellor. The GeorgiaState Legislature approved full funding of thesystem’s “Formula for Excellence” — the firsttime in the Board of Regents’ history that theformula had received 100 percent support.

Under his leadership, USG goals includedupgrading teacher education in Georgia,strengthening the core curriculum, andimproving minority recruitment and reten-tion. With Propst at the helm, the regentsplaced an emphasis on institutional coopera-tion and forming working agreements with

other state agencies. They worked with the Georgia Boardof Education to raise admission standards for studentsentering USG institutions by requiring them to complete acollege-preparatory curriculum in high school.

The regents also worked to offer associate degree programsto students seeking technical careers. Differential admissionstandards were introduced at the junior-college level thatdistinguished between students primarily seeking vocation/technical training and those pursuing degrees transferableto senior institutions. Propst retired from the UniversitySystem of Georgia in 1993.

New life for Hawes and Solms halls

Representatives of the Hawes and Solms families join universityleaders to rededicate Hawes and Solms halls.

Last fall a ceremony was held to rededicate two of its newlyrefurbished academic buildings — Solms and Hawes halls.Hawes, originally built in 1966, was named for Foreman M.Hawes, former president of Armstrong Junior College andArmstrong College from 1944 to 1964.

Solms, built in 1968, was named after Annie Lee Solms,mother of Anthony Solms, a member of the Georgia Board ofRegents who was instrumental in advancing the university.

Annie Lee Solms’ son, William, spoke on behalf of the Solmsfamily, several of whom were in attendance. Arthur Gignilliat,a 1953 graduate of Armstrong College and former member of theGeorgia Board of Regents, spoke on behalf of the Hawes family.

The buildings include state-of-the-art computing labs, tieredlecture halls, and more open and spacious classrooms.

3

Rising record enrollments andacademic facilities that do not meetincreasing space needs were dynami-cally addressed in a mid-Februaryannouncement.

Steve Green, president of theEducational Properties, Inc. (EPI),revealed that Armstrong Atlantichas expanded its campus to include18 acres of land located adjacent tothe university. The property willprovide much needed space foracademic classrooms, academicsupport offices, and a facility for theexpanding professional and continu-ing education program.

EPI, a sister entity to the AASUFoundation, purchased the land for$7.5 million. The site includes Publixand Shops at the Savannah Mall.After appropriate renovation, EPI willlease the shopping center to theuniversity.

“It can take 10 years or more for auniversity to get a new buildingthrough the state’s funding andconstruction process,” Green ex-plained before the announcement.“This purchase provides the fast-growing university with a creativesolution to meet its critical need forspace.”

Enrollment growth is expected tocontinue at a rate of nine percent peryear over the balance of this decade.With this rate of growth, the univer-sity expects an enrollment of wellover 10,000 students by the year 2010.

Ray Gaster, president of the AASUFoundation, commented on thegrowth saying, Armstrong Atlantic“is fast-becoming a major urbanuniversity in the state of Georgia.”

“This additional space will allowArmstrong Atlantic to better serve itsstudents, the city of Savannah, andsoutheast Georgia,” said AASUPresident Thomas Z. Jones. “Thisexpansion will provide much neededinstructional space for the campus, anda professional and continuing educationconference center on the Southside.”

Thomas C. Meredith, chancellor ofthe University System of Georgia, alsoaddressed the news conference whichincluded both reporters and commu-nity leaders. He characterized AASUby saying, “This institution is aliveand on the move.

“Growth is upon us,” Meredith said,“and we need to find a way to respondto it. The acquisition of this space isthe epitome of partnerships.”

ON THE MOVEAASU applies innovative and creative solutions to accommodate growing enrollment

Regent Timothy J. Shelnut, whorepresents the twelfth district whichincludes Chatham County, com-mented on the partnership saying,“What I particularly appreciate is thatyou’ve avoided all the red tape (youwould have experienced) if you hadgone through us.”

The 65,000 square-foot building,currently occupied by Publix, willfeature academic classrooms, academicsupport space, technology labs, and aprofessional and continuing educationconference center that will include amid-sized auditorium, ballroom, andmultiple meeting rooms. The buildingalso will include a facility for plantoperations. The remaining space atthe shopping center will becomeavailable for development by AASUas the leases of the retail center’sexisting tenants expire.

The university plans to significantlyexpand educational programs andoffer a broad array of community-based services. “The new facility fitsin with Armstrong Atlantic’s strategicmission of becoming a total commu-nity resource,” said Leary Bell, vicepresident of external affairs at AASU.“It will provide a dedicated home forthe delivery of these programs andservices.”

EPI will grant AASU a 25-year leasefor the shopping center and will giveall properties to Armstrong Atlanticand the University System of Georgiaat the end of the lease.

Pictured above (left to right): Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith talks with EPI PresidentSteve Green; President Thomas Z. Jones explains how the new facilities will be used;AASU Foundation President Ray Gaster, Chancellor Meredith, and Regent Timothy Shelnutenjoy a light moment.

4

Profile in Leadership — James Brawner

Jim Brawner is an unusualmathematician. As an under-graduate at Williams College,

he enjoyed both his mathematics andEnglish professors. Because he wantedto continue taking courses with them,he consequently ended up with adouble major.

From this beginning springs anenergetic and articulate leader.

Brawner arrived at ArmstrongAtlantic in 1993 after six years at St.John’s University. For the past threeyears he has been interim head of themathematics department.

Ed Wheeler, dean of the College ofArts and Sciences, is full of praise forthe man who followed him in themathematics leadership position.Wheeler said Brawner “is highlyorganized and handles highly chargedsituations in a way that is beneficial toall. He is very concerned about thewell being of the people he leads.”

The warm fuzzies are mutual. Brawnersaid, “The help I got from Ed Wheelerwas invaluable.” Like a true leader,Brawner is quick to recognize theworth of the people around him. “I’velearned from the accumulated wisdomof our faculty,” Brawner offers enthusi-astically. “Our department is blessedto have a group of folks who work welltogether. The relationship with mycolleagues hasn’t changed too much.”

Brawner says he still gets to playtennis with his fellow faculty membersand enjoys informal discussions withthem on how to improve teaching.

Wheeler ticks off a long list ofresponsibilities Brawner has managedwell: member of the statewidecommittee of department heads ofwhich he was recently electedchairman; active in the state andnational P-16 initiative that forgesrelationships between universities andpublic schools; and service onAASU’s retention task force.

Student evaluations of Brawner tendto glow. “He is very caring and alwaysmakes sure that we have a clearunderstanding of the course matter,”writes one. “His teaching ability isamazing. I hope to have him foranother math class,” enthuses an-other.

Part of his popularity and success isprobably due to his double major.“When you have students explain inwords what they are doing, there is anopportunity for deeper understand-ing,” Brawner explained.

For the past two-and-a-half years, hehas been active in the InterfaithHospitality Network of CoastalGeorgia (IHN), first as president andcurrently as secretary of the board.The IHN assists homeless families byhousing them in participating

churches and assisting them to findjobs and permanent homes.

Speaking for himself and his wife,Aubrey, in a recent Savannah MorningNews interview, Brawner said, “This isa way we can give back a little bit,and I think we both feel that, themore fortunate we are, the moreresponsibility we have to share withothers who are not as fortunate.”

The Brawners live on Isle of Hopewith their two sons, 10-year-oldJimmy and eight-year-old Will.

Wheeler and Brawner recently hadtheir book, Discrete Mathematics forTeachers, published by HoughtinMifflin.

The dean credits Brawner as a man ofscholarly interest having writtenpapers on both pure mathematics andcomputer science. Wheeler points outthat Brawner is one of the departmen-tal leaders in integrating technologyinto instruction, using cooperatinglearning groups, and requiringstudents to do writing in the disci-pline.

In 2001, Brawner won the Carl B.Allendoerfer Award for expositorywriting in mathematics based on hispaper, “Dinner, Dancing, and TennisAnyone?,” published in MathematicsMagazine. Now, that sounds likesomething written by someone with adouble major.

Leadership Profile features a member of the Armstrong Atlanticcommunity who has demonstrated effective leadership skills, broadlydefined. Those recognized must be knowledgeable, thoughtful, and willhave demonstrated the ability to put leadership values into practice.Compass especially seeks to identify unsung heroes among AASUstudents, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and supporters who havemade a positive difference in the community.

To nominate someone, contact Leary Bell, vice president for externalaffairs, at belllear@mail.armstrong.edu or mail your nomination to:AASU Leadership Initiative, Office of External Affairs, ArmstrongAtlantic State University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419.

5

Drop by The Midtown Deli & Bread Bakery in the Chatham Plaza ShoppingCenter any day of the week and you are likely to hear a conversation in Russiantaking place behind the counter. In fact, in the kitchen where the deli’s signaturehomemade baked goods are made, only Russian is spoken. The person responsiblefor this cosmopolitan experience in southside Savannah is Armstrong Atlanticalumnus, Michael Kaplan.

Kaplan has a Russian heritage and speaks the language fluently. He is retired fromthe military where he served in Soviet Special Operations and as a Russianlinguist. His family brought him back to Savannah where he opened his success-ful restaurant and bakery. Russian friends help with the work behind the counterand in the kitchen. Kaplan travels to Russia regularly and will soon be importinga special line of Russian mineral water that will be sold at the deli.

Fortunately for AASU, Kaplan has also chosen to share his love of easternEurope with students interested in a study abroad experience. He has establishedthe Kaplan Study Abroad Scholarship for Russian and Eastern European studies.The scholarship will provide financial assistance to a political science, econom-ics, or history student wishing to spend a semester in Russia or Estonia. AASUpresently offers study abroad programs in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Tartu,Estonia. Michael hopes to encourage interest in the region he loves by makingthis opportunity available to Armstrong Atlantic students.

Ironically, this generosity was prompted by a personal disappointment. WhenKaplan was a student at Armstrong Atlantic, he wanted to spend a year studyingin Estonia. He received support from the college faculty and received permissionto follow this course. However, just days before his intended departure, hediscovered he was $2,000 short of the amount required to make the trip. Unableto raise the funds in such a short period of time, he had to cancel his plans andnever did have his year in Estonia. From this experience, he vowed that he neverwanted finances to stop anyone else from pursuing the dream of internationalstudy. After becoming a successful businessman, he contacted AASU’s director ofinternational education, James Anderson, to set up a scholarship. Kaplanadvertises the scholarship in his delicatessen and invites contributions to the fundfrom his customers.

Thanks to MichaelKaplan’s dedication tointernational educationand his support of Arm-strong Atlantic, studentsfor years to come will havethe opportunity toexperience studying andliving in another country.Any student interested inadditional informationabout this program shouldcontact the AASUDepartment of Interna-tional Education.

About the scholarshipThe Kaplan Study AbroadScholarship for Russian andEastern European Studies will beawarded annually to a deservingstudent majoring in politicalscience, economics, or history.The university will award thescholarship each fall in theamount of $2,500. Optional fullsemester, Maymester, and summerprograms are available.

Applicants must complete 45semester hours with a gradepoint average of 3.2 in the major,and an overall average of 3.2.Those selected will be required togive an oral presentation at theconclusion of their trip abroad.

For more information about thescholarship, contact the Officeof International Education at912.921.5671. To make a donationto the scholarship fund, contactMichael Kaplan at 912.355.8717,Clint Nessmith, director ofdevelopment, at 912.921.5415,or stop by Midtown Deli inChatham Plaza.

Michael Kaplan (left) receives thanks fromPresident Thomas Z. Jones for establishinga foreign studies scholarship.

To Russia with love

6

Monday, April 12

AASU Invitational Alumni Art Exhibition(April 12-28)Art department graduates return for theannual AASU Invitational Alumni ArtExhibition.Sponsored by the Department of Art,Music & TheatreSolms Hall Conference Room Gallery9 a.m.-5 p.m., weekdaysAdmission is free.Call 912.927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays for information.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition(April 12-28)The artwork of the inaugural bachelor offine arts degree candidates will be ondisplay in AASU’s first BFA exhibition.Sponsored by the Department of Art,Music & TheatreFine Arts Gallery9 a.m.-5 p.m., weekdaysAdmission is free.Call 912.927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays for information.

LasertagThe lasertag arena provides all theobstacles, fog, specialty lighting, andtargets to make this a competition youwon’t soon forget.

April 12 - 18

Sponsored by the Campus Union BoardMemorial College Center Lawn at thecorner of Science and Library drives.noon-4 p.m.912.927.5300

College and Organization Quiz BowlWitness the thrill of victory and the agonyof defeat as aspiring AASU intellectualsflex those muscles between their ears.This year’s competition will feature teamsfielded by student organizations in lightninground competitions. Be there to cheer yourfavorite scholars on. It’s cum laude or don’tcome at all!Memorial College Center Cafeteria • noon912.927.5300

Tuesday, April 13Annual Student Scholarship Symposium(April 13-15)The Student Scholarship Symposiumcombines the Student Research andScholarship Exhibition and the StudentWriting Contest. Students compete for cashawards and panels featuring their work willbe on display.Memorial College Center • 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Faculty and Staff Appreciation BBQEnjoy an hour of good food and goodcompany during the second annual faculty

and staff appreciationBBQ. To minimize buffetlines, please attend duringthe times shown below.Library lawn • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (names beginningwith A to M)12:30-1:30 p.m. (namesbeginning with N to Z)912.921.2369, merricsh@mail.armstrong.edu

Nursing AlumniReceptionDepartment of NursingAshmore Hall, room 2545:30-7 p.m.912.921.5311

Slam Poet Kirk Nugent “The People’s Poet”Public speaker, activist, and poet Kirk Nugentof Kingston, Jamaica uses his writing abilitiesand the microphone to convey messages ofempowerment and as a platform forspeaking out against social injustice. He isthe 1999 Gram Slam Champion and authorof The Unpopular Truth.Sponsored by the Campus Union BoardUniversity Hall, room 156 • 7 p.m.912.927.5300, www.ironicworld.com

AASU Jazz Combo and PercussionEnsemble Joint ConcertThe AASU Percussion Ensemble and JazzCombo share the spotlight in a joint concert.Led by Stephen Primatic and Frank Gordon,respectively, each group will perform half ofa dynamic program. The new AASU IndoorDrumline is scheduled to make a specialguest appearance on this program.Sponsored by the Department of Art, Music& TheatreFine Arts Auditorium • 7:30 p.m.Call 912. 927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays, for ticketing information.

Wednesday, April 14Baseball vs. PfeifferPirate Field • 2 p.m.www.athletics.armstrong.edu

International Night in the CourtyardEnjoy the evening breeze mixed withthe Caribbean beat of the GrammyAward-winning Trinidad Tripoli Steel Bandfrom Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. The band,considered a pioneer of steel band music,will perform songs from their native calypsoreggae style to modern, classical, and rock.Since 1942, the band has won numerousawards including the Medal of Merit fromformer president Ronald Reagan andinduction into the Motown Hall of Fame.Complimentary samples of internationaldesserts will be available while you dancethe night away. Don’t forget your lawnchairs and picnic blankets.Sponsored by the Campus Union Board andthe Office of International EducationCompass Point Courtyard • 7 p.m.International night 2003

7

Annual Alumni Golf TournamentOne of Homecoming’s most popular events,the golf tournament benefits the AASUScholarship Fund. Come out for a goodcause, prizes, a delicious box lunch, and alot of fun. Registration fee: $60 per player.For a downloadable registration form,point your browser to www.armstrong.edu/armstrongfest04/golfregistration.pdf

Southbridge Golf Club415 Southbridge Boulevard11 a.m. Registration11:30 a.m. Complimentary golf clinicnoon Shotgun Start912.921.2369, merricsh@mail.armstrong.edu

Faculty Lecture — Raku Pottery: FromCompletion to InceptionJohn Jensen, AASU art professor, presents afascinating lecture/demonstrationas a part of the Robert Ingram StrozierFaculty Lecture Series.Admission is free.Fine Arts Hall, room 102 • 12:15 p.m.912.927.5381 or 912.927.5325

BFA Exhibition ReceptionJoin inaugural bachelor of fine arts degreecandidates in a gallery reception for theSpring 2004 BFA exhibition.Admission is free.Sponsored by the Department of Art,Music & TheatreFine Arts Gallery • 6 p.m.Call 912.927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays for information.

Chamber Light“Chamber Light” is a very special faculty,alumni, and friends chamber music recitalfeaturing Scott Joplin rags, a Jamaicanrumba, popular musical theater numbers,and more.Sponsored by the Department of Art,Music & TheatreFine Arts Auditorium • 7:30 p.m.Call 912.927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays, for ticketing information.

The Mad Woman of ChaillotThe AASU Masquers present the Frenchfarce The Mad Woman of Chaillot byJean Giraudoux.Sponsored by the Department of Art,Music & TheatreJenkins Theater • 7:30 p.m.Call 912.927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays for ticketing information.

Thursday, April 15Week of the Young Child Conference“Tapestry” — Two storytellers from twocultures — Arab and Jewish — weavingtogether stories, poetry, and songs as a steptoward peace. B.J. Abraham and AudreyGalex offer their alternative way to stop thewar raging between their two peoples.Sponsored by the Department of EarlyChildhood EducationUniversity Hall, room 157, for parents andchildren • 4 p.m.912.927.5281

2004 AASU Awards ConvocationEach year the campus comes together tocelebrate the achievements of our best andbrightest students. The accomplishments ofAASU’s scholars are remarkable and ofteninspirational. Don’t miss this impressive event.Fine Arts Auditorium • 7 p.m.912.927.5300

The Mad Woman of ChaillotThe AASU Masquers present the Frenchfarce The Mad Woman of Chaillot byJean Giraudoux.Sponsored by the Department of Art,Music & TheatreJenkins Theater • 7:30 p.m.Call 912.927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays for ticketing information.

Friday, April 16Week of the Young Child ConferenceConference registration and keynotespeakersSponsored by the Department ofEarly Childhood EducationUniversity Hall, room 156Registration 8 a.m.

“Tapestry” — Two storytellers from twocultures offer their alternative way to stopthe war raging between their two peoples.University Hall, room 156, for conferenceattendees • 9 a.m.

Kathy McCollister, an early childhoodconsultant for Georgia PublicBroadcasting, presents “Children andTelevision: What Every TeacherShould Know” and “Leading the Wayto Literacy with Between the Lions.”Sponsored by the Department ofEarly Childhood EducationUniversity Hall, room 156, for conferenceattendees • 1 p.m.912.927.5281

Saturday, April 175K Run/WalkArrive early for warm-ups. Complimentary5K Run T-shirts for all entrants. This annualevent is open to alumni, students, faculty,staff, families, and friends.No entry fee.Aquatic Center — front door • 9 a.m912. 921.5841aasurec@mail.armstrong.edu.

Alumni Association Annual MeetingScience Center, room 1405 • 5 p.m.Call 912.921.7487 to RSVP.

Faculty recital by Stephen PrimaticAssistant Professor Stephen Primatic presentsa preview of his doctoral recital program.Sponsored by the Department of Art,Music & TheatreFine Arts Auditorium • 7:30 p.m.Call 912.927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays, for ticketing information.

The Mad Woman of ChaillotThe AASU Masquers present the Frenchfarce The Mad Woman of Chaillot byJean Giraudoux.Sponsored by the Department of Art,Music & TheatreJenkins Theater • 7:30 p.m.Call 912.927.5381 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.weekdays for ticketing information.

Sunday, April 18Georgia Music Teachers AssociationSpring RecitalThe public is invited to attend this free studiorecital presented by the members ofthe Savannah Chapter of the GeorgiaMusic Teachers Association.Fine Arts Hall, room 206 • 1 p.m.912.921.5496

MACAS AwardsThe Minority Academic AchievementScholars (MACAS) Program highlights theacademic achievements of ethnic minoritystudents. Students earning a 3.0 grade pointaverage or better and completing 12 hoursof study will receive recognition to honortheir achievement. Evelyn Dandy, interimdean of the College of Education, will bethe guest speaker.Sponsored by the Office of Minority Affairs.Fine Arts Auditorium • 5 p.m.912.927.5271

8

’60sRonald Boatright ’64 was a candidate fora seat on the Springfield (GA) CityCouncil in the November 2003 elections.

Frank Harkins ’68 recently retired fromthe Savannah Police Department wherehe was personnel coordinator for thepolice officers.

’70sJames Brotherton, Jr. ’71 has been namedthe fiftieth recipient of the PGA GolfProfessional of the Year Award, the highesthonor bestowed by the PGA of Americaon a PGA professional.

Edna Jackson ’74 was honored at areception October 15, 2003 for her years ofservice as an alderwoman-at-large for theCity of Savannah. Jackson was alsoreelected in the November 2003 election.

W. Ray Persons ’75 was named to theGeorgia Trend 2003 list of the Legal Elite.Persons, an attorney with King &Spalding, LLP in Atlanta, was cited for hiswork as a business litigator.

Giselle White-Perry ’75 has earned aMaster of Criminal Justice from theUniversity of South Carolina, Columbiaand is currently working there as anassistant professor and field coordinator forthe university’s Criminal Justice Depart-ment. She also received a master of arts insociology from the University of Georgia,Athens.

Rudolph Alexander ’77 was guest speakerat Savannah State University in Januarywhen he addressed students on hisexperience as a young man with thecriminal justice system. Since his 1967experience, Alexander has focused his

attention on education, and ultimatelyearned a doctorate in social work from theUniversity of Minnesota in 1989. He haspublished four books over the last fouryears: Race and Justice (2000); To Ascendinto the Shining World Again, an autobiogra-phy (2001); Understanding Legal Conceptsthat Influence Social Welfare Policy andPractice (2002); and Counseling, Treatment,and Invention Methods with Juvenile andAdult Offenders (2003).

Daniel J. Johnson ’77 is working as anenvironmental director for AbbottPharmaceutical in Virginia.

Ted Michael Kinder ’79 has been namedathletics director for Transylvania Univer-sity in Lexington, KY. Kinder will head anathletics program with 16 intercollegiatesports and about 250 student athletes.

’80sWalter Crawford ’80 was a candidate formayor of Tybee Island in the November2003 elections.

Michael Barker ’84 was appointedChatham County Magistrate beginningDecember 1, 2003. He fills the unexpiredterm of his father Robert E. Barker whoretired November 30, 2003.

Patty Haselden ’84, a nursing graduate,has achieved Certified Diabetes Educatorstatus.

’90sTimothy A. Humphries, M.D. ’92 hasjoined the professional staff ofCardiothoracic Surgery.

Sharon Butler ’94 runs a mobile x-raycompany in the Atlanta area.

Tony Thomas ’94 was reelected asSavannah alderman for District 6 in theNovember 2003 election.

Nathaniel Roper ’95 is pursuing hismaster’s in music at the University ofNebraska in Omaha.

Lawrence Kelly Waters ’95 was awardeda master of science in mathematicalsciences from Clemson University inAugust 2003. His dissertation was AParallel Implementation of the Glowinski-Pironneau Algorithm for the Modified StokesProblem.

Terri Ann Scott McCoy ’96 is humanresources manager for EMD Chemical, aspecialty chemistry company in Poolerwith about 170 employees. The companyis a division of Merck. In addition to localresponsibilities, McCoy is the compensa-tion manager for the national operation ofher division.

Reese Browher ’98 was a candidate for aseat on the Rincon City Council in theNovember 2003 elections.

Brendan J. Buttimer ’99 has been nameda co-winner of the Center for GeorgiaStudies’ James C. Bonner Master’s ThesisAward for his work New South, NewChurch: The Catholic Public Schools ofGeorgia, 1870-1917.

Jonathan Hendrix ’99 is currentlyworking as a Spanish teacher at MountParan Christian School in Kennesaw, GA.

’00sNathaniel Ball ’00 is currently working ona master’s in library and informationscience at the University of SouthCarolina.

c l a s s n o t e s

9

Virginia Sellers ’00 was recentlyappointed Waycross College’s part-time medical laboratory technologyclinical coordinator.

Stacy Caldwell ’01 is a first grade teacherat Pinehurst Elementary in Pinehurst, NC.

Sarah Dressel ’02 is a nurse practitionerwith the Hilton Head Heart CardiologyGroup.

Luciana Spracher ’02 has released hernew book, A History of Thunderbolt. Thebook, an adaptation of her master’s thesis,was completed at the urging of theThunderbolt Museum Society as a fund-raiser and a means to raise awareness ofthe town’s history.

Lester Drawdy ’03 has joined the GlynnCounty Public Schools Police Departmentas an officer. He is currently pursuing aM.Ed. with a concentration in criminaljustice through Troy State University.

Scott C. Scheidt ’03 is attending the U.S.Army Chemical School in Missouri.

engagementsMeredith Clair Schuster ’98 to wedAnthony Lee Harden on July 3, 2004.Candice Segall ’93 to wed Fredd Miller onMarch 28, 2004.Felicia Douglas ’01 to wed Derek Milleron June 22, 2004.

marriagesShelley Segall ’95 to Gary Davis III,January 17, 2004Elise Michelle Palefsky ’96 to Brian ScottBowen, September 27, 2003Sarah Ray ’99 to Todd Holdsclaw,October 11, 2003Jillian Spates ’00 to Greg Favors ’03,December 29, 2002

birthsAlan Sheppard ’83 and wife Beverly:Phillip Alan, November 25, 2003

anniversariesWilliam C. Boswell ’52 and his wife,Sarah, recently celebrated their fiftiethwedding anniversary.

in memoriamJohn Robert “Bobby” Hester ’41,January 23, 2004Alice Zerman Oppenheim ’42,March 10, 2003Mary Louise Key Howkins ’44,December 13, 2003Jean D. Artega ’48,October 23, 2003David Eugene Brewton ’50,January 21, 2004Helen Aline Heitmann Cafiero ’59,November 6, 2003Lillian Tullis Parrott ’60,January 28, 2004Elaine Constantine Coleman ’63,December 29, 2003Luther Powell Gahagan ’69,November 3, 2003Laura Candice Jackson ’70,December 10, 2003Preston Royd Parrish, Sr. ’70,October 24, 2003Gwendolyn Henley Strickland ’72,December 28, 2003Barbara Ann Dowdy Montford ’73,November 29, 2003Frances B. Gresham ’74,October 13, 2003Steven Lewis McNeill ’75,December 10, 2003Victor O. Story ’75,November 3, 2003Homer L. Brown ’76,December 26, 2003Emily Louise Palmer Scott ’82,October 22, 2003James Bruce Vaughn ’87,December 8, 2003Dolores Dunbar Washington ’96, ’02,November 04, 2003Ralph W. Snedeker ’98,October 20, 2003

A+Top teachersSeven graduates of the College of

Education have recently earned

national certification from the

National Board for Professional

Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Those completing the board’s

rigorous certification process are

Patricia Sullivan ’73, Deborah

K. Haile ’77, Deborah Allmond

’79, Nancy Cope ’83, Catherine

Long ’87, Karen Nelson ’93,

and Lesley S. Taylor ’97.

NBPTS is an independent,

nonprofit, nonpartisan organiza-

tion governed by a 63-member

board of directors comprised

primarily of classroom teachers.

Its purpose is to improve student

learning in America’s schools by

developing a system of advanced,

voluntary certification for

elementary, middle, and high

school teachers.

National board certification is

acknowledgment that a teacher is

highly accomplished, having met

challenging professional teaching

standards as evidenced by

performance-based assessments.

Completion of the process is

recognized as a valuable profes-

sional development experience.

10

All in the familyHusband and wife Cheryl and David Brownwere members of the fall graduating class astheir son, Jose ’07 (center) cheered them on.Cheryl is a nursing educator at MemorialHealth University Medical Center. Davidworks in the cardiac care unit at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Cheryl returned to AASU in Januaryto begin work on her master’s degree. Theyboth plan to become nurse practitioners.

There are many ways for alumni and friends of AASU to support theuniversity. One of these is through matching gifts. Many employers willmatch the charitable contributions of their employees. If you contribute toArmstrong Atlantic, you may want to inquire about matching gifts at yourplace of business.

Beginning April 1, 2004 the Coffee Club donor level has beenreplaced by the Paver Club donor level. If you contribute at least$120 to the AASU Foundation you will be given the opportunity toplace an engraved paver in the new International Garden betweenHawes and Solms halls. These pavers are an excellent way to leaveyour permanent mark on the AASU campus. Pavers also makegreat memorials and gifts. For more information, go to

www.external-affairs.armstrong.edu/paver.htm or callGail Rountree at 912.927.5208.

Many ways

to support

AASU

Curtain up on the Masquers ArmstrongClub. Last fall, alumni of the Masquers theatergroup met for a reunion dinner at Taylor’sRestaurant. Some of those attending included(left to right) Jack Porter, Masquers director(1952-1956); Patricia Lott Downing ’56;Patty Parker, coordinator of alumni clubs; JoyceMincey Evans ’56; and Elizabeth Morekis ’54.Affiliation with the Masquers Armstrong Clubis open to all interested alumni.

11

When it comes to Armstrong Atlantic, Carol

Mitchell Russell ’71,’81,’85 has done it all. As a

student she earned an associate’s degree in dental

hygiene, a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene education,

and a master’s degree in health science. She joined the

dental hygiene department faculty in 1978 and taught until

1986. In the late ’90s, Russell joined the Alumni Associa-

tion Governing Board and this year is

president of the Alumni Association.

Armstrong Atlantic State University

and Carol Russell have spent a lot of

time together.

In 1986 Carol left AASU to begin a

new chapter in her life and career. She

joined the staff at Riverview Health

and Rehabilitation Center, Savannah’s

only non-profit long-term care facility.

In 1996 she took the reigns of CEO and

administrator at Riverview. Since then,

there has been no looking back. Carol’s

leadership has kept Riverview Health at the top of its game.

Recently she guided the facility to one of its best scores ever

during the annual inspection by the Office of Regulatory

Services. “Things are going great for us here, and while I

cannot go public with any details yet, I am very excited to

be overseeing many new and exciting projects that will

make Riverview Health better than ever,” Russell said.

When asked where she picked up her leadership skills,

Russell responded, “While I was a student and faculty

member, Armstrong really challenged me to think outside

the box when implementing change and being creative.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTCarol Mitchell Russell

Those experiences have made a big impact on me in my

professional career.”

As her one-year term as president of the Alumni Associa-

tion comes to a close, Russell reflects on her experiences

with the organization. “I have gotten a lot of satisfaction in

watching the AASU Alumni Association grow,” she said.

“We have a great time and I frequently see

people from my past.”

She is very excited about the Armstrong

Clubs being formed around the Southeast.

Under her watch, the Office of Alumni

Relations and the AASU Alumni Association

have formed the Armstrong Club Network. In

less than a year of existence, Armstrong Clubs

have been formed in Columbia, SC, Savan-

nah, and Atlanta. A Masquers Armstrong

Club has also been formed. “We have so much

fun when we come together with these alumni

groups. I am looking forward to going into

new areas in the future,” she commented.

When asked if she had any advice for current and future

AASU students, Russell replied, “Always question what you

don’t understand, and make the most of your academic

years both personally and professionally.”

Russell resides in Savannah with her husband Joseph ’70

whom she met while they were students at AASU. They

have two sons, Russ and Brent, and two grandchildren,

Rhett, four and Chambliss, two. You can contact Russell by

e-mailing her at riverviewhealth@aol.com.

Office of External AffairsArmstrong Atlantic State University11935 Abercorn StreetSavannah, Georgia 31419-1997www.armstrong.edu

A D D R E S S S E RV I C E R E Q U E S T E D

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSAVANNAH, GAPERMIT NO. 380

Compass is written and designed in the Office of University Relationswith assistance from the Office of External Affairs.

CLIFTON L. KENNEDY is president and CEO of EMCEngineering Services, Inc. He is a professional engineerand holds a bachelor of science degree in engineeringtechnology from Georgia Southern University. He serveson the board of directors for the Savannah Area USOand the foundation board for Savannah Technical College.Kennedy was appointed to the Savannah-ChathamMetropolitan Planning Commission in 1997 and servedfor six years, three of those as vice-chairman.

J. CLIFF McCURRY, CPCU, is chairman of Hilb Rogal &Hobbs Company of Savannah. Among his extensive commu-nity service credits, he is a past chairman of the SavannahArea Chamber of Commerce, past chair of the CandlerFoundation, past president of the Armstrong Atlantic StateUniversity Foundation, past chairman of the SavannahEconomic Development Authority, and a founding directorof Bank of the South. He is currently a board member of theGeorgia Chamber of Commerce and the St. Joseph’s/CandlerBoard of Directors. McCurry attended Armstrong StateCollege and graduated from the University of Georgia.

Four named tofoundation boardFour new board members have been named to theAASU Foundation. Each will serve a three-year term.

Clifton Kennedy J. Cliff McCurry Ann Purcell O. C. Welch

THE HONORABLE ANN R. PURCELL is the Georgiastate representative for district 122, an office she has heldsince 1990. She is an appropriations committee memberand chairman of appropriations for the higher educationcommittee. Purcell is listed in Who’s Who of AmericanWomen for 2002, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who inthe South and Southwest. She was voted “One of the Top 10Women of Effingham” by The Herald. She is a member ofRotary International, Exchange Club, and is the Effinghamboard member of the American Cancer Society.

O. C. WELCH III is owner of O. C. Welch Ford LincolnMercury in Beaufort, SC. He also is the owner of the O. C.Welch auto collection and O. C. Welch Motor Company.Born and raised in Savannah, he is a 1973 graduate ofBenedictine Military School. Welch currently serves on theLincoln Mercury Dealer Council and the Ford MotorCompany Future Product Committee, an appointment hehas held for over 10 years.