PA Program at CBU Makes History

Posted on May 6, 2013


First White Coat Ceremony in Memphis

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program at Christian Brothers University (CBU) made history on May 4 in the University Theater when it coated its first cohort, marking a rite of passage for the students from didactic classroom and lab instruction to practical clinical training. Not only was this the inaugural PA White Coat Ceremony at CBU but it marks the first ever in Memphis.

In all 31 members of the Class of 2014 were proudly given the traditional student consultative White Coat made possible through the generous support of dedicated, anonymous donors.  “This was a monumental event for CBU and the Memphis community which was evidenced by the number of individuals who joined us for the event,” stated Dr. Mark Scott, Director of the Physician Assistant Studies Program. “The support of the program by physicians and individuals has been overwhelming and is reflective of the University’s impact on this community.  We embrace the phrase, ‘Enter to Learn.  Leave to Serve’, and are committed to the tenets of the PA profession and needs of our community.”

The White Coat Ceremony itself was started by Dr. Arnold P. Gold at Columbia University’s College of Physicians And Surgeons in 1993 and has since been adopted at many Health Professional Schools across the Nation. By having a ceremony where entering students are “cloaked” with their very first white lab coat, particular attention is called to the individual’s choice to become a Health Sciences Educator, Physician Assistant, or Physical Therapist, and of equal importance, bringing to focus the true meaning of that choice – that one must cure, but also care.

Physician Assistants are licensed to practice medicine, issue prescriptions, and practice in all medical fields including primary care, internal medicine and subspecialties, as well as surgical and emergency care. The PA’s scope of practice may also include education, research, and administrative services. To learn more about the Physician Assistant Studies program at CBU, visit www.cbu.edu/pas or call (901) 321-3388.

Posted in Academics, Events, Press Releases, School of Sciences, Student Life

CBU Gallery Celebrates Carroll Cloar With “Crossing Place”

Posted on May 3, 2013

The Beverly and Sam Ross Gallery at Christian Brothers University (CBU) is proud to be one of four local galleries and museums featuring the area-wide exhibit “Celebrating Carroll Cloar.” The exhibition of 26 drawings, “Crossing Place,” at the CBU Gallery begins May 31 and runs through July 26.

Much of Cloar’s art is inspired by his childhood memories of growing up in Arkansas. Often described as “magic realism,” the work of Cloar features images of churches, open fields, old schoolhouses and individuals that portray haunting motifs of American life. This exhibit will showcase Cloar’s use of flat color forms and ornate patterns that were instrumental in developing his signature style and gaining him national recognition. Through the use of various art forms and ominous patterning, Cloar’s work demonstrates magnificent range that tackles the strongest themes of human emotion timelessly.

Born in Earle, Arkansas, Cloar was raised on a farm before coming to Memphis to attend Southwestern University. He also studied at the Memphis Academy of Art and the Art Students League in New York. During this time, Cloar produced a series of lithographs based upon the landscape and community earning him the McDowell Traveling Fellowship. While on Fellowship, Cloar explored the west coast and Mexico. At the start of World War II, he joined the Army Air Corps. Post World War II, Cloar’s unique work depicting landscapes of Arkansas earned him the Guggenheim Fellowship, which he used to travel around Central and South America before permanently settling in Memphis. A renowned artist, Cloar’s work was chosen to be among six paintings by American artists commemorating President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. Although Cloar died in 1993, his work remains revered for the authenticity of its style and subject.

This exhibit is free and open to the public. Hours at the Beverly & Sam Ross Gallery are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Hours may vary due to university schedules. For more information, visit the website at www.cbu.edu/gallery or call (901) 321-3243.

Posted in Events, Exhibits, Press Releases

Methodist Hospice and Christian Brothers University Honor Our Veterans

Posted on May 1, 2013

WHO: Methodist Hospice and Christian Brothers University honor veterans

WHAT: Free community event
Reception and viewing of the documentary film Honor Flight

WHERE: Christian Brothers University
University Auditorium

WHEN: Thursday, May 16
Reception at 5:30 p.m.
Viewing at 6:30 p.m.

As Memorial Day approaches, join Methodist Hospice and Christian Brothers University for a free community event honoring our veterans Thursday, May 16 with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by a viewing at 6:30 p.m. of Honor Flight, a documentary about four living World War II veterans and a Midwest community coming together to give them the trip of a lifetime. Volunteers race against the clock to fly thousands of WWII veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorial constructed for them in 2004, nearly 60 years after their epic struggle.

Donations will be accepted to benefit the Methodist Hospice We Honor Vets program. As part of the We Honor Vets program, veterans at the Methodist Hospice are honored with special recognition consisting of a certificate thanking them for their service and a flag lapel pin.

Christian Brothers University (CBU) is a VA-Designated Yellow Ribbon University. This designation allows eligible veterans of the United States Armed Forces who qualifies for educational benefits under the Yellow Ribbon Program to apply for generous grants thereby, receiving an education from prestigious CBU without paying tuition or mandatory fees.
In addition, CBU is ranked among “Best for Vets: Business Schools 2013” by the Military Times. Out of the 100 schools responding to the first-ever national survey, CBU ranked 19 out of 62 selected by the Military Times for its master’s business programs that help veterans bridge their military skills to corporate America.

For additional information about this free community event, contact Dee Flood, community development manager for Methodist Hospice at 901.818.2105 or dee.flood@mlh.org. For more information on the programs and opportunities for Veterans at CBU, contact Anthony McClyde at 901.321.4455 or amcclyde@cbu.edu.

Posted in Adult Professional Studies, Events, Press Releases, Student Life

CBU Engineering Honor Society Inducts 7 New Members

Posted on April 30, 2013

Christian Brothers University’s (CBU) Alpha Delta Chapter of Epsilon Mu Eta, the Engineering Management Honor Society, recently inducted seven new members. Graduate Engineering students inducted were Robert L. Bell II, Manuel De Tuya, Rizgar A. Jan, and Robbie Webb. Also inducted were faculty members, Dr. Rita Engler (adjunct professor), Charles McCain (adjunct professor), and Gene McGinnis (Civil & Environmental Engineering, Chair).

Epsilon Mu Eta is a national honor society for engineering management. The Alpha Delta Chapter is open to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program at CBU and those members of Epsilon Mu Eta affiliated with CBU. To be elected to membership, students must show superior character which is defined by a student’s leadership, professionalism, integrity and other demonstrated principles that define the core values of the program and CBU. Faculty members are nominated for membership based on the length and evaluation of their engineering management teaching. These nominations are then reviewed and selected by the American Society of Engineering Management (ASEM).

The CBU Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) bridges the gap between technology and business. It empowers practicing engineers, scientists and technicians with knowledge, skills and tools needed to lead their organization to success. In addition to regular classroom instruction, all courses for the MSEM degree are available online via the Distance Education Network (DEN) for students beyond the commuting distance to the CBU campus. Also offered at CBU is the Master of Engineering Management program and a number of industry recognized Certificates of Completion.

For more information about CBU’s Graduate Engineering programs, visit www.cbu.edu/gradengineering or call (901) 321-3283.

Photo Caption: (Above from left-right) Dr. Eric Welch (Dean of Engineering) with Rizgar A. Jan, Robert L. Bell II, Robbie Webb, Charles McCain, and Dr. Rita Engler at the Alpha Delta Chapter of Epsilon Mu Eta Induction Ceremony (not pictured: Gene McGinnis, Civil & Environmental Engineering Chair).

Posted in Academics, Events, Press Releases, School of Engineering

CBU to Host Open House for PA Program

Posted on April 29, 2013

Christian Brothers University (CBU) will host an Open House for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program Thursday, May 23, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in the Sabbatini Lounge. Join the Physician Assistant Studies faculty for light refreshments, tours of the facilities and information on the first and only PA program in Memphis. This event is free and open to public, and program faculty and staff will be available to answer
any questions.

The CBU Physician Assistant program is cohort-based and consists of a seven semester curriculum. With one new cohort accepted each year in January, CBU’s PA program allows students to prepare for one of the Top Seven Growth Professions.

The Physician Assistant program curriculum is delivered through traditional campus-based methods at the University, with clinical rotations located at sites throughout the Memphis metropolitan area, one of the nation’s leading medical centers. Using newly renovated facilities for both the didactic and laboratory components of the program, the curriculum focuses on six major competencies: medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, patient care, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practiced.

This program has been granted provisional accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Upon completion of the program, the Physician Assistants are licensed to practice medicine, issues prescriptions, and practice in all medical fields including primary care, internal medicine and subspecialties, as well as surgical and emergency care. The PA’s scope of practice may also include education, research, and administrative status.

Applications are currently being accepted for the January 2014 term through July 1. Space is limited. To learn more about CBU’s PA program and this Open House, visit www.cbu.edu/PAS, email pas@cbu.edu or call (901) 321-3388.

Posted in Academics, Events, Press Releases, School of Sciences

CBU 2013 Commencement

Posted on April 25, 2013

Mayors Luttrell and Wharton to Receive Honorary Doctorates

Marking its 142nd graduation with more than 430 undergraduate and graduate students set to receive diplomas, Christian Brothers University (CBU) continues its tradition of an on-campus outdoor Commencement Ceremony at Signaigo Field on Saturday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m.

During the ceremony, the University will award The Honorable Mayors Mark H. Luttrell and A C Wharton Jr. with an Honorary Doctor of Public Service for their lifelong commitment to the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County. Their progressive leadership and ongoing initiatives have promoted a safe, healthy and economically thriving community for all, and contributed to the city and county being one of the nation’s most effective and efficient governments.

Mayor Luttrell, born in Jackson, Tennessee, moved to Memphis as a teenager and graduated from Bartlett High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Union University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Memphis. Beginning his career as a history teacher, followed by two years in the Army, Luttrell entered the corrections field where he held several positions in the county and federal prisons systems including Shelby County Sherriff for eight years. In 2010, he was elected Shelby County Mayor.

Mayor Wharton, a native of Lebanon, Tennessee earned a political science degree from Tennessee State University, Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi Law School and became the University’s first African-American professor of law, where he taught for 25 years. Wharton began his career as a public defender, served as executive director of the nonprofit Memphis Area Legal Services, was twice elected as Shelby County Mayor and has been the Mayor of the City of Memphis since 2009.

Also being honored are CBU Golden Jubilarians, members of the Class of 1963, some of whom will be present for this commencement celebration.

Prior to Commencement, the CBU Baccalaureate Prayer Service will be held on Friday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1695 Central Avenue. Ruby R. Wharton, attorney and First Lady of the City of Memphis, is the keynote speaker and the 2013 recipient of the Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice.

Wharton graduated from Boston College Law School, served as an advocate for indigent clients in housing matters at the Neighborhood Legal Services Program in Washington D.C., and then became an assistant public defender in Memphis. She subsequently joined the firm of Adams and Wharton as a partner. She has practiced extensively in the Circuit, Chancery and Probate Courts of Shelby County and in the Federal Court system.

The award is named for Bishop Carroll T. Dozier, the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and a leader in race relations, peace and justice. Bishop Dozier served as Bishop of Memphis from 1971-1982.

The University grants the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Business,Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Science and Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Master of Arts in Catholic Studies, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Educational Leadership, Master of Business Administration, Master of Engineering Management and Master of Science in Engineering Management.

In the event of rain or other bad weather, the Commencement ceremony will take place at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (70 N. Bellevue Blvd.).

For more information on CBU’s commencement activities, visit www.cbu.edu/commencement2013 or contact the Office of Student Life at (901) 321-3531.

Posted in Academics, Events, Press Releases

Alpha Chi Awards Clark National Scholarship

Posted on April 17, 2013

CBU Named Star Chapter

Christian Brothers University (CBU) senior Krystyna Clark (Biology ’13) was honored as a recipient of the $2,500 H. Y. Benedict Fellowship, one of 10 nationally awarded graduate scholarships. The University’s TN Theta chapter of Alpha Chi also received the Star Chapter Award for the fifth time at during the interdisciplinary honor society’s national convention. The convention, held in Nashville on April 4-6, had more than 500 delegates in attendance and over 200 presentations.

During this year’s convention, Clark presented “Cloning and Expression of cDNA Encoding the Ryanodine Receptor Isoform 2 (RyR2) from Rat Cerebral Artery Smooth Muscle.” The first CBU student to win this highly competitive award, Clark will be using her scholarship to attend pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center this fall. Jessica Ferrell (Biology ’13) also presented “Motor dysfunction accompanies corticospinal tract damage in a mouse model of closed-head traumatic brain injury.”

Krystyna Clark (left) and Jessica Farrell (right) with Alpha Chi advisors Dr. Randel Price and Dr. Malinda Fitzgerald

Also at this year’s convention, CBU biology professor Dr. Malinda Fitzgerald was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Region III. Dr. Fitzgerald, currently Vice President of Region III (SE USA) will begin her term as president in 2014. As an Alpha Chi Advisor, Dr. Fitzgerald helped the CBU chapter meet a number of criteria to achieve the Star Chapter Award, including attendance and presentations at regional or national conventions and an annual scholarly program sponsored on campus during the academic year.

The TN Theta chapter’s 2013 scholarly program focused on collecting children’s books as part of the national service project, Reading is Fundamental. The CBU chapter collected hundreds of used and new books and will distribute them to the Hadley Head Start Program, the Snowden Clue Program and Caritas Village. The Chapter also worked with CBU’s Sigma Tau Delta chapter to organize Toys for Tots drive, participated in Bowling for Uganda, and assisted in the collection of over 400 pounds of food for the Mid South Food Bank. Additionally, the chapter raised $120 in quarters to give the gift of a goat through Heifer International.

Alpha Chi is a general honor society, admitting students from all academic disciplines that are among the top 10% of that institution’s juniors, seniors and graduate students. There are approximately 300 chapters nationwide, each inducting a varied number of members annually.

For more information about CBU, visit www.cbu.edu and to learn more about Alpha Chi, visit www.harding.edu/alphachi.

Posted in Academics, Press Releases, School of Sciences

Rev. Fletcher Harper Earth Day Speaker at CBU

Posted on April 15, 2013

Reverend Fletcher Harper will be the guest speaker for this year’s Earth Day at Christian Brothers University (CBU) on Thursday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. in Spain Auditorium.

Fletcher is an Episcopal priest and executive director of GreenFaith whose mission is to inspire, educate and mobilize people of diverse religious backgrounds for environmental leadership. GreenFaith’s work is based on beliefs shared by the world’s great religions and advocates that protecting the earth is a religious value, and that environmental stewardship is a moral responsibility.

The city of Memphis has a history of environmentally religious leader who have worked to make the link between faith and the environment. Among these include Reverend Vincent Ciaramitaro, Reverend Jim Boyd, former executive director of Bridges, and Martha Lyle Ford, a founder of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors University.

“I’m thrilled to be coming back to Memphis and to add to a growing history of religiously-based environmental work,” says Harper. “I hope that my visit can continue to build momentum for this work, and create another opportunity for religious leaders to come together for the Earth.”

Harper is an award-winning spiritual writer and nationally-recognized preacher on the environment. He teaches and speaks at houses of worship from a range of denominations in New Jersey and nationwide about the moral and spiritual basis for environmental stewardship and justice. Harper served as a parish priest for 10 years and in leadership positions in the Episcopal Church before becoming GreenFaith’s executive director. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Union Theological Seminary.

This Earth Day event is being sponsored by CBU’s Sustainability Committee, The Student Sustainability Coalition, Honors Program, Religion and Philosophy department and the Living Learning Communities. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, email Sean MacInnes, CBU School of Arts Administrative Assistant, at smacinne@cbu.edu or call (901) 321-3335.

Posted in Academics, Events, Press Releases, Student Life

Christian Brothers Presents Panel Discussion On Nobel Prize Winner

Posted on April 15, 2013

Christian Brothers University (CBU) will host a panel discussion examining Unbowed: A Memoir by Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai on April 16 in CBU’s Living Learning Center at 2:30 p.m. The panelists will include Dr. Dennis Laumann (Associate Professor of History at the University of Memphis), Mark Behr (Associate Professor of English at Rhodes College), Dr. Shadrack Nasong’o (Associate Professor of International Studies at Rhodes College) and Dr. Benjamin Jordan (Associate Professor of History at CBU).  The panel will be moderated by Dr. Neal Palmer, Chair of the Department of History and Political Science at CBU.

Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 “for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace”. She was the first African woman and first environmentalist to win the prize.  The panel will discuss the meaning and importance of Maathai’s work as it relates to African history, women’s rights and sustainability. Unbowed is her autobiography, published in 2006, which chronicles her life from childhood until being awarded the Nobel Prize, with emphasis on her life as an environmentalist and political activist.

This panel discussion will explore sustainability and Westernization in a post-colonial African country through the lens of a woman who has witnessed the forces frustrating Kenyan democratization. Maathai’s story acutely highlights how the international hand of colonialism and Westernization has affected the advancement of Kenya, offering the panel a personal account to learn from. The panel will also discuss how Maathai’s work as an environmentalist has influenced her opinions on traditional African values versus Western values.

The event is sponsored by the CBU History and Political Science Department, the CBU Sustainability Committee, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society at CBU, and the Director of the Living Learning Communities at CBU. It is free of charge and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Dr. Neal Palmer at (901) 321-3249 or npalmer@cbu.edu

Posted in Academics, Events, Faculty & Staff, Press Releases, School of Arts

CBU and Follett Celebrate 30 Year Partnership With Open House in Newly Renovated Bookstore

Posted on April 15, 2013

To commemorate and celebrate their 30 year partnership, Christian Brothers University and Follett Higher Education Group are hosting an Open House on Tuesday, April 23 from 3:00 – 6:30 p.m. in their newly renovated bookstore. The celebration will begin with a Blessing by Campus Ministry followed by an official Ribbon Cutting ceremony. A reception will immediately follow the Blessing.

Investing in the education of all students is at the heart of this long-time partnership. Both Follett and CBU are committed to constantly improving the products, services and facilities  available to the CBU community.

“Over this span of 30 years, we’ve seen Christian Brothers University continue to emerge as a leading private university – and we’re extremely proud to be a member of your campus community,” said Thomas Christopher, President, Follett Higher Education Group. “To help drive the success of CBU and its students, we have implemented a variety of cost-saving course materials programs and recently completed an extensive renovation to provide the community with a modern bookstore that is capable of meeting the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

Both partners recognize that each student has unique study needs and priorities and strive to meet these needs so that every student can be successful. The newly renovated CBU Bookstore is just the partnership’s latest expansion in serving students.

“I am proud of this long-standing partnership. While Follett is committed to providing direct resources to our student with convenience and flexibility, even more importantly, Follett has embraced the CBU Lasallian values of faith, service and community,” states Dr. John Smarrelli, Jr, CBU President. “This renovation definitely compliments the overall facility enhancements that are underway on our campus.”

The event is free and open to the public. For persons attending the ribbon cutting and blessing, parking for the event is available off Central Avenue in the University’s main lot.

The CBU Bookstore is the official on-campus bookstore for Christian Brothers University – offering products and services to students, faculty and the surrounding community both in-store and online. CBU Bookstore is located in the Thomas Center and is open 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit cbu.edu/bookstore or call (901) 321-3545.

Posted in Press Releases