Periscope

Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: News

As the first day of April dawned upon Shorter College, students were not in their usual 8 a.m. classes, but instead were preparing for a day where Shorter College students and teacher's were recognized for academic and personal accomplishments.

"It is a time to reflect on what Shorter College is," said Dean of the Liberal Arts, Sabrena Parton. "This time also gives us the chance to reflect on what the Rome community has brought to Shorter College as well."

This tradition was started three years ago, when Shorter's Provost, Craig Shull, had an idea to honor the people who had once created and established this great institution of learning.

The day's events included a series of symposiums given by students from different departments as well as an Honors organization meeting and departmental awards.

For senior Josh Jarvis, Celebrate Shorter is important to the college.

"This is a great time for all of us to think about what we have done throughout the school year," said Jarvis.

The 9:30 a.m. foreign language poetry reading, featuring a German poem read by sophomore Vandi Enzor and a Spanish poem read by senior Beth Morris, was the first stop for some students.

Students also witnessed the rockets launching symposium, wherein local middle school students accompanied the science education majors.

Senior Jessica Hall presented on the synthesis of sigma II receptor lingands or in other words, "I basically made a bunch of chemical compounds that will hopefully one day stop the stimulate use of cocaine," said Hall.

Junior Elizabeth Telford and senior John Mark Jernigan from the theatre department performed selected scenes from play "Thoroughly Modern Millie" in Franklin Hall of Minor Fine Arts.

"The theatre department's presentation of highlights from 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' was definitely neat," said freshman Nicole Escutia. "It was funny and entertaining."

As the day drew to a close, students gathered for an overview of the days events and Shorter's future. Shorter alumna and author Phyllis Tickle spoke to the Shorter audience about the changes at Shorter and her anticipation of the transition to university status.


The 2008-2009 Argo was dedicated to associate professor George Thomason of the English department.

The Provost Award for the best presentation was given to Elizabeth Booman for her poem read at Celebrate Shorter. The award accompanied by a $100 prize.

In hindsight, Shull was pleased with the events.

"This has been the best year yet for Celebrate Shorter," said Shull.

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