Spring 2005 SPARTANBURG METHODI ST COLLEGE Message from the President
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S P R I NG 2 0 0 5 Spartanburg Methodist College — Spring 2005 SPARTANBURG METHODIST COLLEGE SPARTANBURG METHODI ST COLLEGE Message from the President n graduate school, I took a course that helped me fully grasp the meaning of “professionals.” After weeks of class discussions, Ireadings, and research, I came to a simple but profound understanding: Professionals know who they are, what they are doing, and where they are going. In unique ways, this definition also applies to colleges and universities. To be effective in educating students, colleges must know who they are. Without such knowledge, the institution’s mission is unclear. And without a clear understanding of its mission, the institution’s ability to educate students and plan for its future is greatly impaired. Institutions must be intentional in doing what is best to promote student learning. Institutions that do not retain a sharp focus on their raison d’etre lose the ability to meaningfully engage in educational processes with students. Without an understanding of who they are and what they are doing, institutions will not know where they are going. An old Chinese proverb expresses it well: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” The institution’s vision must build upon the history of the institution and remain faithful to the values upon which it was founded. Armed with this knowledge and with a resolute commitment to students, the institution must then develop its vision for the future. In mid-February, our Board of Trustees, along with selected administrators and faculty, held a two- day Strategic Planning Retreat that refreshed our understanding of who we are and what we are doing to promote student learning in and outside the classroom. As the retreat progressed, visioning activities helped the Board gain insight into the future of the College. The participants came to understand the challenges we face and the future we must pursue. The Board approved the construction of Sparrow Residence Hall, a 119-bed facility made possible through a generous pledge from Mr. John Sparrow in Lake City, S.C. Plans are being drafted to expand the Buchheit Administration Building through the addition of the Vassey Information Technology Center, a Center made possible through a bequest from the late Herbert and Rebecca Vassey. The College will continue to beautify the grounds and upgrade facilities. As we build for the future, we will expand our academic curriculum and degree programs. New career-track academic programs, such as our emerging Paralegal Studies Program, will be developed to offer our graduates the option either to continue their education at baccalaureate level institutions or immediately enter the work force after completing the associate’s degree. Also, we will continue to enhance student learning both in and outside the classroom. As we approach our 100th year anniversary in 2011, we ask for your prayers and your continued support. Even more, we invite you to become our partners in education. Together we will strengthen our college and better prepare our students to become effective leaders in the 21st Century. Sincerely, Charles P. Teague President of the College FRONTIERS MAGAZINE — SPRING 2005 CONTENTS: Officers of Spartanburg Methodist College 4 — New Residence Hall Planned 5 — Donor Appreciation Dinner President 6 — Fundraising Totals Exceeded Charles P. Teague 7 — Roadways to the Future: Vice President for Institutional Advancement Streets Named for Former President C. Sterling Case and Major League Great 10 — From the Alumni Office Vice President for Enrollment Management 12 — Honor Roll of Donors Daniel L. Philbeck 36 — Scholarships Vice President for Business Affairs 38 — TII and Camp Wadsworth Bruce E. Whelchel 40 — Alumni News 46 — Service Challenge Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas A. Wilkerson 48 — Campus Safety Enters New Era 50 — CSI: Collegetown Service Initiative 51 — Golf Classic Spartanburg Methodist College 74Board of Trustees — 2004-2005 — Chairperson — Mr. Daniel Foster Vice Chairperson — Mr. Jerry Calvert Secretary — Ms. Mellnee Buchheit Mr. Dean Anderson Mr. Charles Atchison Mrs. Edie Bostic Mrs. Martha Chapman Mr. Arthur F. Cleveland, II Mrs. Phyllis DeLapp 50 Dr. Edgar H. Ellis PHOTO BY Reverend James O. Gilliam, Jr. DAN DONOVAN Mr. John Gramling Reverend Larry Hays Mr. Patrick Henry Reverend John W. Hipp 7 Mrs. Anne Irwin Mrs. Lucile A. Miller Mr. William S. Moore Ms. Jean Osborne Mrs. Liz Patterson Mrs. Patsy Simmons Mr. Howard Suitt Reverend Kenneth B. Timmerman Mr. Andy Westbrook Cover Art: Reggie Sanders, courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals; Dr. George Fields, painting by R. Wilson Frontiers magazine is a publication by Spartanburg Methodist College, printed for alumni and friends. Please Note: The address for Spartanburg Methodist College has changed. The new address is 1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301-5899. The phone number is (864)587-4000, and the fax number is (864)587-4355. Our website is www.smcsc.edu. — Ed Welch, Editor 3 SPARTANBURG METHODI ST COLLEGE Sparrow Pledge Initiates New Construction President Teague points to a portion of the floor plan for Sparrow Residence Hall, which is expected to open its doors to students in time for Sparrow the 2006-2007 academic year. r. John Sparrow of Lake City, S.C., has made a Mpledge to Spartanburg Methodist College which will help finance the construction of a residence hall that will be named in honor of his parents and family. According to Dr. Charles P. Teague, President of SMC, the Board of Trustees, acting upon a recommendation from the Buildings and Grounds Committee, formally accepted a pledge from Mr. Sparrow Hall site Sparrow and approved the construction of a new three-story, 119-bed residence hall to be built adjacent to the Barrett Learning Center and across Kingman Drive from Bridges Residence Hall. McMillan Smith and Partners Architects were selected to design the new facility. "We are most grateful for the very generous gift from Mr. Sparrow that makes it possible to construct Sparrow Residence Hall on our campus. His investment in our college reflects his strong commitment to The architecture of the 119-bed, three- helping others and his desire to be a partner story Sparrow Residence Hall will complement in the educational mission of Spartanburg adjacent Bridges Hall, which was completed in Methodist College," stated Teague. August, 2003. 4 FRONTIERS MAGAZINE — SPRING 2005 DONORS APPRECIATION DINNER SMC alumni, faculty, and Drs. Ed (right) and Charlotte Lindler Ellis (left) share conversation with Wally and staff joined with the Nancy Robertson (center) during College’s many supporters the reception. for the annual Donors Appreciation Dinner. This year’s event was held February 15 at Burgess Student Center. Owens Ryan Charles and Carol Ragin (left) with Terry Sophomores Jamie Owens and Kevin Ryan give a Stephenson, Mathematics and Computer student’s perspective on the benefits of support- Science Professor, and his wife, Raylene (right) ing SMC during the Donors Appreciation dinner. Expressing gratitude to supporters were The Reverend Dr. Edgar Ellis, retired United Methodist minister, alumnus, and member of the SMC Board of Trustees. Jamie Owens, and Kevin Ryan, shared a student perspective on the benefits of giving. "We are proud of the legacy of strong service that Spartanburg Methodist College has provided to bright, young men and women for 94 years," said Daniel Foster, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, adding, "The loyal support of alumni, friends, faculty, staff, the Church, and the busi- ness community serves to sustain this institution as it continues the mission of preparing students President for fulfilling lives." Foster reported that SMC had Teague its most successful year ever in gifts and (right) greets commitments in the 2004 campaign.nefits of sup- Hubert and porting SMC d Ann Dobson 5 SPARTANBURG METHODI ST COLLEGE SMC EXCEEDS FUNDRAISING TOTALS n 2004, Spartanburg Methodist College received the largest amount of fundraising commitments in Iits 94-year history. In the final year of SMC’s Vision 2005 $20 Million Campaign, the 2004 totals are at more than $16 million. Dan Foster, Chairman of the SMC Board, said that 2004 commitments totaled $4,383,213. Foster made the announcement, which topped the previous high of $3,991,524 by approximately 10 percent, at the local Donors Appreciation Dinner, held February 15. Foster said it was a difficult fundraising year and that it took a number of year-end contributions to attain success. While the increased fundraising has enabled the College to construct new buildings such as the Bridges Residence Hall, it has also helped increase enrollment by 10 percent and improve the quality of the Fall 2004 entering class. President Charles P. Teague said that the $2 million challenge grant from Drs. Edgar H. and Charlotte Ellis was very instrumental in helping realize the totals. THE COLLEGE VISION 20 0 5 AT A CROSSROADS stablished in 1911, Textile Industrial essential for success in their careers. The EInstitute, the forerunner of Spartanburg Criminal Justice Program is another expres- Methodist College, was founded to pro- sion of the intent of the College to provide vide an educational opportunity for the ambi- creative educational opportunities for all of tious, but financially disadvantaged. A pioneer those who have a thirst for knowledge, or in work-study and the first to be founded by a desire a more productive life in their chosen church organization (Methodist), this institu- vocation. Academic innovations have been tion has provided an educational opportunity many and varied over the years, and new ideas to thousands during the past 94 years. continue to evolve. In 1942 the Textile Industrial Institute was As the College’s programs have increased, renamed Spartanburg Junior College, thus the number of persons who call on the College reflecting the major emphasis of the educa- for educational services has increased drasti- tional program.