Panel of Community Organizers will Discuss Urban Social Conflict at Christian Brothers University March 14

Posted on March 1, 2013

The Eighth Annual Vanderhaar Symposium will focus on peacemaking at home, as a distinguished panel of community organizers explores a variety of ways to confront issues that threaten to divide us and create injustice. Four local panelists will address issues regarding immigration, gang violence, racism, labor rights and other challenges at the Gerard A. Vanderhaar Symposium, held Thursday, March 14, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Spain Auditorium at Christian Brothers University. The program, entitled “Communities Engaged in Resolving Urban Social Conflict,” will discuss steps to bring positive change to our neighborhoods, city, county, nation and the world.

The format this year features local leaders whose daily work impacts the community.

Panelist include Delvin Lane, leader of Memphis Mayor A C Wharton’s Gang Violence Prevention Team; Gabriela Benitez, coordinator of the West Tennessee’s Immigration and Refugee Coalition; Malik Shaw, Vice Principal of Pleasant View Islamic School and co-founder of the American Muslim Intercultural Network; and Kyle Kordsmeier, Organizing Director of the Workers Interfaith Network.

“These are individuals who are doing creative, nonviolent work in our community in the areas of peace and justice,” said Janice Vanderhaar, who chairs the symposium committee. “We decided to focus in on labor rights, immigration, Muslim work with youth and gang violence, as these affect our community directly.”

Each year, a Mid-South university student is recognized with the Dr. Gerard A. Vanderhaar Student Peace Award, given to a student who best exemplifies the spirit and practice of nonviolence consistent with Dr. Vanderhaar’s life and work. Franklin Dakin, a junior at Rhodes College, will be presented with this year’s award.

Dakin, a participant in the Bonner Scholarship program at Rhodes, helped develop the pilot program BRIDGES change, and served as one of its first intern coordinators. Last year he successfully campaigned to become the youngest alderman ever elected in the city of Millington, Tenn., and is currently the state’s youngest elected official.

A reception in the Montesi Room following the program will honor Dakin along with previous Vanderhaar Peace Laureates.

The Vanderhaar Symposium was founded in honor of Dr. Gerard A. Vanderhaar, a professor of religion for 28 years at Christian Brothers University, who spent his lifetime promoting peace and active nonviolence.

The Symposium is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.gvanderhaar.org.

Posted in Academics, Events

CBU Accounting Students among Top in the State Awarded TSCPA Scholarships

Posted on February 27, 2013

Christian Brothers University students, Mandy Wang, Jonathan Holliday and Catherine DelBove were recognized among the outstanding accounting students in the state and awarded scholarships by the Educational & Memorial Foundation of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA), Memphis chapter at a recent luncheon.

In order to qualify for a TSCPA scholarship, students must complete introductory courses in accounting and/or be majoring in accounting. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, professor recommendation, leadership skills and financial need.

In addition, Catherine DelBove was one of four students who received special acknowledgement. DelBove received the TSCPA Paul L. Royston Scholarship, which recognizes the top accounting student in the state of Tennessee. DelBove plans to work in auditing at a public accounting firm, specifically in forensic accounting. She plans to sit for the CPA exam soon, would like to pursue a master’s degree and after retirement, become an accounting professor.

“We are so proud of our outstanding accounting students and the recognition that they received from TSCPA. They are second to none.” notes Dr. Jennifer Weske, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Finance. “I am confident that they will be successful in whatever career path that they choose.”

This year TSCPA awarded a total of $128,625 in scholarships to students attending colleges or universities throughout Tennessee. The 121 recipients were chosen from 198 applicants. The TSCPA Memphis chapter annually gives over $20,000 in scholarships.

For more information on CBU’s accounting programs, including the new Masters of Accountancy, visit www.cbu.edu. To learn more about TSCPA’s annual scholarship program, visit www.tscpa.com

Posted in Academics, Press Releases, School of Business

CBU Names Ross Dean of Adult Professional Studies

Posted on February 22, 2013

Toni M. Ross returns to Christian Brothers University (CBU) as Dean of Adult Professional Studies. Ross will lead the recruitment, retention and marketing for adult undergraduate programs at the University. She will also have responsibility for the financial planning and administrative operations.

Ross brings to CBU a decade of higher education experience in admissions recruitment, enrollment management, student services and marketing with a major portion in the adult, nontraditional market. Specializing in information technology management, Ross has extensive experience with technology-based curriculum and implementation of computer systems. She is proficient in strategic planning, financial aid, budgeting and fiscal management and grant administration

Previously, Ross worked as a Student Services Coordinator for Comcourse Inc., served as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Dean of the Accelerated Evening Program at Crichton College, and was President/Manager of Odyssey, a computer graphics design company serving Memphis businesses. While at CBU, Ross served as Director of Admissions and Marketing of the Evening Program and Admissions and Academic Advisor. She also has experience in the classroom as an elementary and middle-school teacher in Science/Technology.

Returning to CBU, Ross expresses her enthusiasm about leading the University to the next level in the adult education market. “The competitive landscape in Adult Education has changed dramatically throughout my career in higher education. As an alum and former employee, I am excited to be back at CBU,” notes Ross. “I am dedicated to making the Adult Professional Studies program at CBU even stronger in the nontraditional education market.”

Ross earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a MBA with a concentration in Information Technology Management from Christian Brothers University.

For more information about CBU’s Adult Professional Studies program, visit www.cbu.edu/adult.

Posted in Adult Professional Studies, Faculty & Staff, Press Releases

Alum Dennis Foley to Read at CBU

Posted on February 20, 2013

Excerpts from The Drunkard’s Son

Christian Brothers University (CBU) Readers Series will host alumnus and author Dennis Foley Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Spain Auditorium to share selected readings from his second book, The Drunkard’s Son.

A lifelong Chicagoan, Foley’s short stories, memoir pieces and freelance work have appeared in a number of literary venues including HairTrigger, Poetry Motel, The2ndHand, The Chicago Red Streak, The Beverly Review, Gravity, The Use of Personal Narratives in the Helping Profession and centerstagechicago.com.

Foley’s first book, The Street’s and San Man’s Guide To Chicago Eats, won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association Book Awards-1st Place for Humor. This guidebook sold its first print run in one month and became one of Lake Claremont Press’ best-selling titles.

His second book, The Drunkard’s Son (Side Street Press, 2012), which he will be sharing selected readings from at CBU, details Foley’s days growing up on Chicago’s South side in the 1960s and ‘70s. Writing from the perspective of a young boy during a time of strife, Foley intertwines humorous stories about his misadventures with his drunken father alongside a number of journal entries describing his 10-day hospital stay after he was nearly stabbed to death in a fight as a high school sophomore. The Drunkard’s Son sold its first print run in three months and is about to conclude its second print run.

Join CBU in the continuation of its Readers Series with Foley’s selected reading from The Drunkard’s Son and personal commentary. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Karen Golightly at kgolight@cbu.edu or (901) 321-4483.

Posted in Alumni, Events, Press Releases

CBU Students Flock to the Kroc

Posted on February 15, 2013

Christian Brothers University and The Salvation Army share more than frontage on East Parkway and zip code 38104. With a common commitment to strengthening mind, body and spirit, both have more than hundred-year histories of growing positive leaders and productive citizens.

On February 19, they celebrate a new tie as CBU students become members of the Kroc Center Memphis. With the ringing of the CBU bell tower at 12:30 p.m., CBU students, faculty and staff will race through the balloon arch on Signagio Field to begin a 1k run/walk. Leading the race down East Parkway and across Central Avenue will be mascots, CBU Bucky and R.J. Kroc. Ending at the new facility, winners will be announced and students will be met by Kroc Center staff to register, tour and join. Competition will be fierce as CBU sororities and fraternities are vying to see who can recruit the most participants and win the free class being offered by the Kroc Center.

In this unique partnership of purpose and proximity, full time undergraduate students will be provided membership at the Kroc Center and a discount for all other registered undergraduate/graduate students and full-time faculty and staff will be available for individual membership. With a goal of providing outstanding fitness facilities for their students, CBU leadership implemented the benefits of a shared facility. Rather than duplicating efforts, they teamed up with the Kroc Center and created a win-win situation; CBU students gain access to cutting edge facilities, equipment and staff; the Kroc Center gains the regular attendance of outstanding role models for younger kids, an ongoing university presence, and ready relationships for camp counselors, internships and curriculum advisors.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with CBU with the opening of the Kroc Center,” says Captain Jonathan Rich, Salvation Army Area Commander. “Dr. Smarrelli and his team do so much for the community and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces in this way. The possibilities are endless!”

“Over the years, both CBU and the Salvation Army have been instrumental in improving the quality of life for Memphians through education and service,” noted CBU President Dr. John Smarrelli, Jr. “With the construction of the Kroc Center within walking distance from the CBU campus, I am confident that our new geographic proximity will help to create wonderful partnerships that will ultimately provide new opportunities to benefit the Memphis community.”

With a shared commitment to arts, education, recreation and worship, the two institutions have many additional ties. CBU graduates direct critical programs at The Salvation Army: Denardo Crawford, School of Engineering, is Interactive Systems Engineer for the Kroc’s unique AutoZone Challenge Center, and Sharon Cash, B.S. Applied Psychology, is Director of The Salvation Army Renewal Place. CBU students are bell ringers for Red Kettles at Christmas and President Dr. John Smarrelli is a valued member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board.

This new partnership between The Salvation Army and CBU promises more positive results for the City of Memphis.

Posted in Events, Lasallian, Press Releases, Student Life

New Master’s Degree in Accountancy Now at CBU

Posted on February 8, 2013

Christian Brothers University (CBU) is offering a NEW Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree beginning August 2013. The new degree builds on the expertise gained during the bachelor’s degree program and prepares graduates for positions in public accounting, government, non-profits, or private industry. With this degree, graduates could assume various roles such as auditors, management positions in corporate accounting, or as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) for individuals or businesses.

The new degree consists of specialized accounting coursework with two different tracks: Forensic Accounting, which is one of a select few on-campus programs in the nation, and Financial Management, which emphasizes recognition and understanding of business environments and challenges faced by corporate entities including the healthcare and logistics industries. Courses are designed to provide valuable knowledge required to pass exams such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the Certified Fraud Examiner, and the Certified Management Accountant.

The program focuses primarily on learning fundamental concepts of accounting, effective accounting methods, and gaining knowledge required to pass the CPA exam, requires 150 credit hours of coursework and is necessary for advanced accounting positions. The program also includes a CPA Review course to prepare students for the CPA exam prior to graduation. This program offers the opportunity to sit for the exam while pursuing a master’s degree specifically designed with an exam preparation emphasis.

When asked how the new degree will affect accounting at CBU and in the field, Dr. John M. (Jack) Hargett, Dean of the School of Business, responded, “With more than 1,000 accounting alums working for more than 375 different companies in 39 states, the new program at CBU will further enhance our reputation for providing outstanding practitioners in the field.” Additionally, he noted, “The School of Business at CBU is proud of the more than 500 accounting alums in the state of Tennessee alone.”

Full-time students can complete the program in two semesters (10 months). All classes will be offered in the evening to accommodate those individuals who are working and pursuing an advanced degree.

For more information about the new Master of Accountancy degree, visit www.cbu.edu/business

Posted in Academics, Admissions, Faculty & Staff, Press Releases, School of Business

CBU’s 2013 Spring Play: Private Eyes

Posted on February 8, 2013

The Visual and Performing Arts department of Christian Brothers University (CBU) announces the opening of the 2013 Spring Play Private Eyes. Performances for the Private Eyes are scheduled for March 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and March 24 at 2:00 p.m. in the University Theater.

Steven Dietz’ Private Eyes is a comedy that is a roller coaster ride between truths and lies, filled with surprises and misdirection. Matthew and Lisa are rehearsing a play. Lisa may or may not be having an affair with their British director, Adrian.  In any case, Matthew tries to cope with his troubled marriage by seeing his therapist, Frank. Then, there is Cory, a mysterious woman, who seems to be shadowing their every move. She helps bring the story to its surprising conclusion. Or does she?  The audience itself plays the role of detective in this hilarious relationship thriller about love and the power of deception.

“The audience is on the stage and close to the actors—a black box environment.  I really enjoy intimate theatre—theatre that is more like film—a more naturalistic style of acting,” states Matthew Hamner, Director and Assistant Professor, Visual & Performing Arts. “When I first read the play, I thought of Christopher Nolan’s films such as Inception or The Prestige.  In those films, Mr. Nolan is asking us what is real and what is not.  Our playwright Steven Dietz does the same.  I hope the audience gets a kick out of the play.”

The cast includes CBU students Nic Picou (Adrian), Catherine Montesi (Cory), Meghan Hawkins (Lisa), Kierra Turner (Frank), and Cale Baskin (Matthew).

In reflecting on the essence of Private Eyes, Kierra Turner notes, “This play is unlike any play that I’ve ever been a part of. It’s humorous, confusing, and stimulating at the same time. I think all audiences will really enjoy it.”

Seating is limited and reservations must be made in order to guarantee seating. General admission is $5 and for CBU staff/faculty/students is $1.00 with a valid ID. To make reservations, email Matthew Hamner at mhamner@cbu.edu.

Posted in Uncategorized

2013 Star Artists Juried Exhibition Opening at CBU Gallery

Posted on February 7, 2013

The Beverly & Sam Ross Gallery at Christian Brothers University (CBU) announces the opening of the 2013 Star Artists Juried Exhibition presented by the Memphis/Germantown Art League (MGAL). The collection will be available for viewing beginning Friday, February 22 with an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the gallery on the lower level of the Plough Memorial Library. The exhibit runs through April 12.

The Star Artist Exhibition will feature the work of active MGAL members with Star Artist Status whose pieces were submitted, judged and chosen specifically for this exhibition. The juror for the exhibit is Pamela Hassler who has spent most of her career as an abstract artist with an extensive list of exhibits and is a CBU adjunct faculty member. Of the selected works, awards will be given for Best of Show, second place, third place and honorable mentions which will be available for viewing during the exhibition.

Memphis/Germantown Art League was organized on August 16, 1976 as the Germantown Art League. The group was chartered on June 22, 1977 as a nonprofit Tennessee corporation and in May 1988 its name was changed to MGAL in recognition of the wider geographical distribution of its members. Today, MGAL’s membership encompasses the mid-south area including nearby communities in Mississippi, Arkansas and western Tennessee.

Join CBU in celebrating this nonprofit organization of visual artists and associates supporting the work of its member artists in their professional growth and artistic development.

This exhibit is free and open to the public. Hours for the Beverly & Sam Ross Gallery are as follows: Monday-Thursday, 7:45 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, CLOSED; and Sunday, 1:00-11:00 p.m. For additional information call (901) 321-3243 to verify, or visit the website at www.cbu.edu/gallery. For information on the Memphis/Germantown Art League, visit www.mgal.org.

Posted in Exhibits, Press Releases

CBU Celebrates Black History Month Brother Terence to share memoirs from Silent Acceptance

Posted on February 4, 2013

Brother Terence to share memoirs from Silent Acceptance

Christian Brothers University (CBU) will host the following events on campus for the community to celebrate Black History Month during February.

Thursday, February 14, 1:00 p.m. in Spain Auditorium
Brother Terence McLaughlin, FSC, Christian Brothers College President from 1962-64, will share accounts of his newly released book, Silent Acceptance. This book describes the story of a young black man who seeks to enroll as a student in Christian Brothers High School, an all-white Catholic school in 1963 in the two-culture city of Memphis, and the school’s willingness to break ranks with the city’s cultural code to welcome him. Join Brother Terence as he reflects on 50 years ago as Jesse Turner, Jr. entered CBHS – “education by association.”

Tuesday, February 19, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Alfonso Dining Hall
Soul Food Day & Art Exhibit will celebrate heritage and art as members of the CBU community and the Memphis area display some of their artistic pieces celebrating the past, living in the present, and embracing the future. After the art exhibit, Aramark Food Service will provide a spread of soul food to enjoy.

Wednesday, February 20, 1:00 p.m. in Spain Auditorium
History of Negro Spirituals- An examination of Negro spirituals will be presented by Elaine L. Turner, owner of Heritage Tours. Special musical selection will be performed by Karen Conway-Barnett, Dean of Students, and Dr. Mary Ogilvie, Biology Professor.

CBU invites the community to participate in these celebrations. All events are free and open to the public. For more information about these Black History Month events, contact Karen Conway-Barnett at kconway@cbu.edu or (901) 321-3536.

Posted in Events, Exhibits, Press Releases, Student Life

CBU Names Ware Director of Career Services

Posted on February 1, 2013

Amy Ware has been appointed as the new Director of Career Services at Christian Brothers University (CBU). Ware will lead the University’s commitment to assist all CBU students and alumni at every stage of their personal career development journey with successful job/internship and graduate school placement opportunities, and will be working in collaboration with the Alumni Office.

Ware comes to CBU from Rhodes College where she last served as Associate Director of Career Services and brings more than a decade of experience in career services, employer relations and academic advising. Ware has also worked as Assistant Director of the Career Center at the University of Georgia, a Graduate Assistant at the University of Memphis, and is an Adjunct Instructor of Psychology and College Survival & Study Skills at Mid-South Community College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from the University of Memphis.

“As the new Director of Career Services at CBU, I am excited about the opportunity to develop new programs and initiatives, new connections, and new internship and employment opportunities for CBU students,” says Ware. “As Career Services begins a new chapter at CBU, I look forward to collaborating with the entire CBU community in preparing CBU students for success.”

At the top of Ware’s immediate agenda for 2013 is the establishment of a Career Services Alumni Advisory Board, a “Careers In” Panel Series that will allow students to hear from professionals in a variety of career fields in order to explore various career paths, Career Networking Socials to provide a more informal way to connect CBU alumni with students, and the Winter/Spring Break Externship Program designed to provide students with a realistic view of a career field while helping them clarify their career interests during the academic winter and spring breaks.

Stephen Crisman, Vice President for Advancement notes, “With Amy onboard leading the integration of Career Services with the Alumni Office, CBU will be better equipped to support our students as they transition into their careers. CBU has a wide network of alumni and friends in the professional community who are already hiring our graduates, and with Amy’s energy and dynamic approach, we will enhance our ability to help our outstanding students transition into successful – and dedicated – alumni.”

To learn more about CBU’s Career Center Services, visit www.cbu.edu/career or call (901) 321-3331.

Posted in Advancement, Alumni, Faculty & Staff, Press Releases