HPU Students Give to United Way’s ‘CANpaign’

Representatives from High Point University’s Student Government Association and Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, in addition to staff from the Office of Student Life, present canned food items and a $1,000 donation to the United Way of Greater High Point’s “CANpaign” food drive today.

"HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 13, 2016 – Leaders from the United Way of Greater High Point were greeted with boxes of food and a $1,000 donation from High Point University students and staff on campus today.

As the UWGHP’s delivery truck arrived as part of the organization’s “CANpaign” Kick Off event, the Student Government Association presented the monetary gift. Nearly 1,400 canned food items and additional nonperishables collected by student clubs on campus were also donated.

Alpha Phi Omega, HPU’s co-ed service fraternity, was the largest contributor for canned food.

“Every time we see an opportunity to help with hunger in our community, we contribute because we know there are hardships,” says Amanda Vo, APO’s president. “Every member brought cans for the cause – some as many as 50 cans a piece.”

SGA President Rachel Callaway said the $1,000 donation and food items were important for students to contribute.

“In addition to our donation, we want our community to be at the forefront of our students’ minds,” says Callaway. “This event was a great way to get clubs on campus connected to community service as soon as the year begins.”

“This is a big surprise,” said Joe Barnes, campaign division director at UWGHP. “The students’ level of generosity is unbelievable, and we know that they are concerned about giving people in our community a better life.”

UWGHP volunteer Chase Taylor (left) and HPU
alumnus Cyril Jefferson load the items onto a
United Way collection van.

In total, the UWGHP expects to collect 100,000 pounds of food today. A celebration and distribution event will be held at the High Point University Community Center at Oak Hollow Mall today at 5:30 p.m. as donations from across the city are packed onto an Old Dominion Freight Line truck. HPU lacrosse players will assist in the final packing, and HPU cheerleaders, Prowler the Panther and the HPU ice cream truck will also be at the event.

The HPU family comes together to contribute to this event each year, as well as many other United Way initiatives. The university’s 2015 United Way Campaign totaled $230,000, a 505 percent increase since 2005 and the third largest campaign in the city. The university has also received the Spirit of North Carolina award from the United Way for four consecutive years.

 At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.® HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with more than 4,800 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report for Best Regional Colleges in the South and No. 1 for Most Innovative Regional Colleges in the South. HPU was named the No. 4 private school in N.C. for the best return on investment, and it is a 2016-2017 College of Distinction. The university offers 48 undergraduate majors, 51 undergraduate minors and 13 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

- A Press Release

HPU’s Piano Competition Awards $10,000 in Prizes

Yi-Yang Chen placed first in the piano
competition and received $5,000.

"HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 13, 2016 – Three talented pianists competed for the top prize at High Point University’s annual piano competition on Sept. 10. After being selected from a pool of applicants ages 15-25 from around the world, the finalists performed for a crowd of more than 200 HPU students, faculty and community members at Hayworth Fine Arts Center.

Taiwanese pianist Yi-Yang Chen won first place and a $5,000 prize. Angie Zhang was awarded second place and $3,000; Phuong Nguyen received third place and $2,000.

“It was a great treat to perform in this beautiful hall and to play one of Van Cliburn’s personal pianos,” said Chen. “I am definitely looking forward to returning to HPU for a recital in the spring.”

Chen has been training on piano since age 8. He was admitted as a graduate student to Robert McDonald and Jerome Lowenthal at The Juilliard School in 2012 and obtained his Master of Music in piano performance in 2014. He is currently a doctoral student in piano performance at Eastman School of Music, where he also received a Bachelor of Music while studying under Douglas Humpherys.

He has attended the Perlman Music Program, Taos School of Music Summer Chamber Music Program, Four Seasons Winter Workshop (N.C.) and was awarded a fellowship at Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara during summer 2012. In addition, he has studied chamber music with Itzhak Perlman, Thomas Sauer and with members of the Cleveland, Shanghai, Borromeo, Brentano and Guarneri String Quartets. Earlier this year, he won first prize in the Hartford Chopin International Piano competition.

Angie Zhang placed second in
the piano competition and received $3,000.

“The recitals heard at this year’s piano competition were truly world-class performances of the quality you’d hear in New York, Paris or any major metropolitan area,” said Marcia Dills, assistant professor of music, who organized the competition. “This is a wonderful gift to the community to be able to hear the best of the best, and it wouldn’t be possible without the generous gift from Randall Johnson. We look forward to the continued growth of this event in the years to come.”

The piano competition, which was held for the first time in 2015, is made possible by a $1.1 million gift from Randall T. Johnson, a native and resident of High Point and member of the HPU Board of Visitors. He is a retired executive in the food brokerage business in Florida and a patron of the arts across the Piedmont.

- A Press Release

HPU Welcomes Say Yes and First Generation Scholarship Recipients

"HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 30, 2016 – High Point University awarded five Say Yes Scholarships to Guilford County Schools students for the 2016-17 academic year, including two scholarships dedicated to students who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. The scholarships cover full tuition, fees and books for four years. While the national Say Yes Scholarship program is new to Guilford County, this is the seventh year HPU has awarded First Generation Scholarships, for a total of 14, four-year scholarships awarded so far. HPU’s Class of 2020 recipients are Douglas McCollum, Kayla Quick, Emily Yacuzzo, Mary Hannah Shinn and Natalie Lucas. Douglas McCollum is a Say Yes Scholar and First Generation Scholar who grew up in the city of High Point. He’s a graduate of High Point Central High School, where he participated in JV basketball, track, the International Baccalaureate Program and served as president of the Poetry Club. He’s also a skilled Ju-Jitsu athlete. “This scholarship allows for a great start to my future,” says McCollum, who plans to study communication at HPU. “It’s such an enormous blessing for my family and myself. I look forward to embracing all HPU has to offer, and also imparting strengths I possess to help with its already staggering and impressive growth. I’m just one student, but the opportunities are endless.” Kayla Quick is a Say Yes Scholar and First Generation Scholar and a graduate of Southwest Guilford High School. She was a varsity cheerleader during her time at Southwest, as well as a member of the Beta Club, the National Honor Society, Chorus, the Baking Club and a service learning ambassador. She has also volunteered her time for the Miracle League of High Point, the Ronald McDonald House and served as a reading buddy at Shadybrook Elementary School. She plans to study psychology and criminal justice at HPU. “I realized the amount of opportunity, greatness and beauty of this school,” Quick said about her choice to attend HPU. “I know I’ll graduate with skills for the real world and be prepared.” Emily Yacuzzo is a graduate of Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, where she played flute in the concert band, was a member of the theatre program, the Art Club, Beta Club and the National Honor Society. Through the concert band, she and her team members traveled to play music for students with special needs at schools throughout the Triad. At HPU, she’ll major in political science. “The scholarship allows me to be successful and go to a very prestigious school,” Yacuzzo says. “The opportunities at HPU will ensure I find a job in the field I want. I’m most excited about the interesting classes I’ll take.” Emily Lucas graduated from Penn-Griffin School for the Arts and served as the co-president of the Ukulele Club while focusing her studies on classical guitar. She played in the school’s guitar ensemble, which performed for a variety of groups, including people battling cancer at High Point Regional Hospital and residents at Adams Farm Living and Rehabilitation. She also volunteers at a number of local festivals. “This scholarship allows me to start my life fresh and focus on finding a good job,” Lucas says. “I’m excited about meeting new people and creating myself in such a great environment.” Mary Hannah Shinn graduated from Weaver Academy in Greensboro. She was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the National Art Honor Society. She served as a docent at the Greensboro Natural Science Center, was a volunteer soccer coach and cheer coach at Cheer Elite All Stars. “I will be a biology major, and I’m most excited about the experiences I will have and the learning opportunities I will have throughout my time here,” Shinn says." - A Press Release

HPU to Host Human Rights Photographer Todd Drake

TODD DRAKE

"HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 30, 2014 – High Point University will host a presentation by human rights artist Todd Drake in conjunction with its Faculty Cultural Enrichment Grant Series. The event will be held at 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 in the Francis Auditorium of Phillips Hall. It is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

Addressing human rights issues among marginalized communities, Drake will discuss his work as a human rights photographer and installation artist. Working in a wide variety of media, Drake has worked collaboratively with communities including Muslim Americans, undocumented immigrants and Palestinians. He has exhibited across the U.S. and internationally including exhibitions in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, in college venues including Rhode Island School of Design, New York University, in museums such as the Heart Mountain Interpretative Center, Mathers Museum, the Weatherspoon Art Museum and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art.

“Drake’s work is provocative and challenging,” says Scott Raynor, associate professor and chair of the art department at HPU. “We wanted to bring in an artist who used his work in the context of the larger question of basic human rights.”

“As part of the Year of the Arts, we connect all of our speakers to a broad question,” Raynor adds. “Todd Drake’s work addresses the question of ‘What are the roles of ‘dangerous’ art?’ He answers that question through his works with underrepresented communities through his photography.”

The grant series at HPU assists faculty in featuring nationally renowned academics, artists and performers for cultural enrichment events around campus. This year’s series is produced in conjunction with the HPU Year of the Arts.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report for Best Regional Colleges in the South and recognized for a Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching. HPU was named this year the No. 4 private school in NC for the best return on investment, and it is a 2014-2015 College of Distinction. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

- A Press Release

HPU Celebrates 90 Years and Kicks off Year of the Arts with Fall Festival

Halli Hogan has an abstract portrait of herself painted by Kate Guy. 

"HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 13, 2014 – High Point University kicked off the Year of the Arts and celebrated its 90^th Founders Day with a Fall Festival today.

The event welcomed the community and nearly 40 vendors and food trucks to campus. Artists from the across the Southeast displayed their talents and wares, while activities ranged from a LEGO creation area for kids to live music performances by HPU student groups. A live painting session where guests were instructed how to paint Roberts Hall, the first building to be constructed on campus in 1924, on a canvas was also held.

“I enjoyed bringing the grandchildren to this today,” said Kathy Moore, a resident of High Point who brought her three grandchildren, BJ, Brandon and Makabryn, to the event. “They enjoyed seeing all the different things in each tent, and they loved the jazz music.”

Kay Bevan, owner of Four Paws Pottery and exhibitor at the event, met many new faces while crafting new pottery at her table.

HPU campus was filled with visitors from the community

for the Fall Festival held Sat., Sept. 13, 2014.

“A lot of people have been stopping to talk and ask me about what I make, which has been good,” said Bevan. “The exhibitors were encouraged to practice their craft while we’re here, and I think that was a good idea.”

HPU was founded on Sept. 14, 1924. Today’s celebration of the university’s rich history concludes with a chapel service on campus at 5:30 p.m. delivered by Rev. Manuel Wortman, a 1963 graduate.

The Year of the Arts, funded by a Think Big! Grant from HPU, continues with a celebration throughout the 2014-15 academic year. It is a series of events and activities that will allow varying levels of engagement for everyone. In order to focus the conversation, the Year of the Arts will focus on four big questions that students and speakers will address over the course of the academic year: How is art related to identity? What are the roles of “dangerous” art? How is art a form of commerce? Is this art?

For more information, visit www.highpoint.edu/yearofthearts"

A Press Release

HPU Dedicates Witcher Athletic Center in Honor of Alumnus

The Witcher Athletic Center at Vert Stadium is

unveiled during a ceremony at High Point University today.

"High Point University opened a new $9 million, state-of-the-art athletic facility and dedicated it to successful alumnus Doug Witcher during a ceremony today.

The Witcher Athletic Center at Vert Stadium, one of the top-10 sport-specific facilities in the nation, is 36,000 square feet and houses the men’s and women’s lacrosse and soccer programs, while also providing impressive new spaces for athletic training, academic services, media and donor hospitality.

“High Point University has outstanding support from alumni,” said Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU president, at the ceremony. “When asked to stand tall and support the mission of this institution, Doug Witcher said ‘Count me in.’ We are able to do many of the things we’ve done on our campus because alumni are willing to give back.”

Doug Witcher, HPU alumnus and CEO of SmartChoice, thanks

the university for extending this honor to him.

Witcher is the CEO of Smart Choice, which was founded in 1994. The company has revolutionized the insurance industry and grown to become a major network which serves more than 3,700 agencies in 42 states. Witcher, who has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, continues to provide leadership and vision that has guided the company since its inception.

“It is an honor for me to stand before all of you in this beautiful, state-of-the-art Athletic Performance Center that will bear my family’s name,” said Witcher. “While I did not seek this honor, I am deeply grateful for the kindness in extending it to me. The name of this building will be a constant reminder to live worthy of the trust you’ve placed in me, as well as never losing sight of the significance this university has played in my life and the lives of thousands of students who walked these halls. I’ve been blessed to be able to make a gift to this great university for its role in helping me begin to understand who I am as a person, what gifts and talents God has blessed me with, and for providing me with the education that has allowed me to use my gifts and talents to serve God and his plan for my life.”

The Witcher Athletic Center includes:

·         A 105-seat academic center, including upgraded technology and space to support HPU’s student-athletes in the classroom.

·         A new athletic training center, which will aid in injury prevention, treatment and the rehabilitation process of HPU’s student-athletes.

·         A hydrotherapy area with a Hydroworx in-ground cold whirlpool and an underwater treadmill.

·         Impressive new locker rooms, lounges and office suites for the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams and the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Each locker room features a thumbprint ID system, state-of-the-art DaLite smart board technology, custom-built wood lockers, boot rooms and stick storage.

·         A first-class media and production area that allows the Panthers to be featured more prominently on television broadcasts and provide the ability to produce high definition streaming video via the Big South Network.

·         The President’s hospitality suite located on the third floor overlooks the adjacent Vert Stadium and features 32 stadium seats that provide a birds-eye view of the action.

·         The athletic director’s box on the second floor includes seating for up to 30 people.

“This may be an athletic building, but this is an academic institution,” added Qubein. “Academics come first at High Point University. Athletes and coaches get that. I am proud that our athletes hold a very high level of excellence in their academic achievement.”

The center is part of HPU’s major transformation in the last decade as enrollment has tripled, the size of faculty more than doubled and campus quadrupled in size from 92 to 380 acres. The numbers tell the story of HPU’s growth here: http://www.highpoint.edu/president/marching-onwards-with-faithful-courage/

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No.1 by U.S. News and World Report in three categories: No. 1 Best Regional College in the South; No. 1 Up and Coming School in Regional Colleges in the South; and No. 1 for A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching in Regional Colleges in the South. HPU was named this year the No. 4 private school in NC for the best return on investment, and it is a 2014-2015 College of Distinction. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

- A Press Release

Senator James T. Broyhill to speak at High Point University

SEN. JAMES T. BROYHILL

By Teresa Loflin

“An Insider’s Look at the U.S. Capitol” is the subject of a special presentation by Senator James T. Broyhill who was a member of Congress for 24 years serving in the House of Representatives and the Senate during the administrations of five presidents. This entertaining program of “stories you have seldom heard before” will be a patriotic event featuring the North Carolina Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard in their 18^th century uniforms and Susan Griffin Fisher, Miss North Carolina 1974, singing the National Anthem. The date is Constitution Day, Wednesday, September 17, at 7 pm and will be held in Phillips Hall at High Point University.

Senator Broyhill is a native of Lenoir, NC where he attended public schools. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Senator was employed in a number of executive positions with the Broyhill Furniture Factories. He also held community responsibilities with the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Recreation Commission of Lenoir.

At a fundraising dinner in Greensboro in 1986, President Reagan described Broyhill “as a man who is motivated by principle, but who also has a gift for the maneuvers whereby principle is translated into effective legislation… which is one way of saying Jim really knows how to work the Hill. He knows how to get things done and he gets things done for North Carolina.”

After his 24 years of service in the Congress, Senator Broyhill served the state of North Carolina as Chairman of the Board of Economic Development, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Co-chairman North Carolina Welfare to Work Business Council, and the Economic Development Committee of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Senator Broyhill served on the Board of Trustees and the Board of the Appalachian State University Foundation in Boone.  He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree in 2010 for a lifetime of public service, for contributions to the state, higher education, and to Appalachian. An Entrance Plaza is named for him at that University. He was inducted into the North Carolina Republican Party Hall of Fame, and the Lenoir Post Office bears his name. He currently resides in Winston-Salem with his wife Louise.

Everyone is invited to this free event jointly sponsored by the High Point Museum Guild, the Alexander Martin Chapter NSDAR, Bienenstock Furniture Library, and High Point University. Please enter the campus at Montlieu and North College Drive, proceed to the gate at University Ave, park behind the Commerce Building for shuttle service to Phillips Hall.

The Museum Guild welcomes new members to join and support the High Point Museum. Annual dues are $25 which helps to fund wonderful programs which are free except for the field trips as well as other Museum projects and exhibits.

HPU to Participate in ‘Piedmont Plein Air Paint Out’

"High Point University will take part in the first annual Piedmont Plein Air Paint Out, an event that will bring dozens of nationally known landscape painters and thousands of visitors to the city of High Point from Sept. 18 to Sept. 21. 

Sponsored by the J. Gallery in High Point, 30 participating artists will paint outdoors over the course of three days, rain or shine, at five designated areas around the city: the HPU campus, downtown High Point, the High Point Museum, City Lake Park and the Piedmont Environmental Center. The public is encouraged to watch and interact with the artists as they paint. Volunteers will be stationed at each location to show the public where artists are set up and working.

The Paint Out is one of dozens of community events that will take place during the 2014-15 “Year of the Arts” celebration at HPU. Scott Raynor, associate professor and chair of the art department at HPU, served as the event’s selection juror to determine which artists would participate. He anticipates assigning HPU students from his painting class to shadow artists throughout the weekend.

“It was a privilege to be the juror for this event,” Raynor says. “Based on the images I judged, we will see a spectacular display of painting and observation skills over the course of the three days. This is a great opportunity for the city of High Point to see nationally known artists working and painting the varied landscapes of our city and our university.”

The event will culminate with a grand public festival on Sept. 21 at the J. H. Adams Inn in High Point. The festival will feature an exhibit and sale of paintings created during the Paint Out, as well as a food truck rally. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater High Point.

Below is a schedule of events that are open to the public:

Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20         

All day: Artists paint in their choice of five designated locations in and around High Point.

Sunday, Sept. 21

Noon to 1 p.m.: Paintings preview and food truck rally at J. H. Adams Inn

1 to 3 p.m.: Presentation of awards and paintings sale at J. H. Adams Inn

The event is expected to bring up to 10,000 viewers and participants to High Point in its first year.

“This inaugural Piedmont Plein Air Paint Out will bring something exciting and new to High Point,” says Julie Delgaudio, owner of the J. Gallery and organizer of the event. “Artists from Maine to Florida – all up and down the East coast – will be painting our fair city.”

For more information, visit www.piedmontpaintout.com.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No.1 by U.S. News and World Report in three categories: No. 1 Best Regional College in the South; No. 1 Up and Coming School in Regional Colleges in the South; and No. 1 for A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching in Regional Colleges in the South. HPU was named this year the No. 4 private school in NC for the best return on investment, and it is a 2014-2015 College of Distinction. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

-A Press Release

HPU to Kick Off ‘Year of the Arts’ with Fall Festival

"High Point University will kick off its eight-month celebration of the arts with the outdoor Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 in the parking lot behind Norton Hall on campus. The event will feature artists, exhibitors, demonstrations, live music and food. The family-friendly Fall Festival is free and open to the public.

Rain or shine, more than 30 exhibitors of quilters, painters, photographers, jewelers, bookbinders, engineers with robots and more will engage the community to celebrate the spirit of art in all forms. Below are a few exhibitors that will be offering demonstrations – some interactive – for visitors: 

·      At the Shopbot demonstration, visitors will have an opportunity to watch their computer-created designs come to life with a ShopBot Desktop or Handibot CNC machine using Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided-Manufacturing (CAM) software.

·      Opobotics and First Appalachian Robotics will allow visitors to program, drive and control multiple robots.

·      Lazy Lizard Pottery will offer demonstrations on a pottery wheel.

·      Art from the Heart, which creates finely detailed animals out of locally grown gourds and clay, will demonstrate gourd sculpting and painting.

·      HPU student Mackenzie Allred, who runs Printology Letterpress, will demonstrate letterpress printing using a table top press, in addition to offering various printed items for sale.

·      HPU student David Friedman will demonstrate the art of origami folding.

·      Mamafrica Designs, a non-profit organization based out of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will offer for sale fair-trade clothing apparel, bags, accessories and home décor items created by female artisans in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Fall Festival is also presented in conjunction with HPU’s annual Founder’s Day celebrations. This year celebrates the 90th anniversary of the founding of the university.

“The Fall Festival is a celebration of the creative mind,” says Dr. John Turpin, dean of the school of art and design. “From expressions of fine art to technological advancements that move our society forward, creative thinking is the driving force of the 21st century. We want to expose both the local and HPU community to this important trait that we all possess, and when nurtured, the possibilities it can create.”

Entertainment will be provided by HPU’s a cappella groups (Petal Points, Toccatatones and The Offbeats) and a jazz ensemble. Food trucks will be on site to purchase lunch and snack items. A kid-friendly zone will offer children of all ages opportunities to engage in art projects and set their minds free with Legos.

Visitors are encouraged to enter campus through the main welcome center off of North College Drive. Public parking will be available behind Congdon Hall.

For more information about the Fall Festival and participating exhibitors, visit http://www.highpoint.edu/yearofthearts/fallfestival/. For more information about Founder’s Day celebrations, visit http://alumni.highpoint.edu/s/1578/GID2/index.aspx?sid=1578&gid=2&

pgid=678&cid=1554&ecid=1554&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=999.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No.1 by U.S. News and World Report in three categories: No. 1 Best Regional College in the South; No. 1 Up and Coming School in Regional Colleges in the South; and No. 1 for A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching in Regional Colleges in the South. HPU was named this year the No. 4 private school in NC for the best return on investment, and it is a 2014-2015 College of Distinction. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

- A Press Release

Bestselling Authors Visit HPU for Bookmarks Festival, Phoenix Reading Series

A SCOTT BERG

KAREN ABBOTT

"HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 21, 2014 – High Point University will host two prominent authors on Sept. 5 in cooperation with the Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors in Winston-Salem. A. Scott Berg and Karen Abbott, both bestselling authors, will visit campus on the day before the festival begins to give presentations about their books.

The HPU English Department’s Phoenix Reading Series & Festival will host Berg at 3 p.m. on Sept. 5 in the Wilson School of Commerce Ballroom. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of luminaries such as Charles Lindbergh, Max Perkins, Katherine Hepburn and Samuel Goldwyn. Berg's latest book, “Wilson: A Biography,” explores the life of Woodrow Wilson.

“Berg will lead a conversation about the movement between historical fact and crafted narrative,” says Dr. Jacob Paul, assistant professor of English, who helped organize Berg’s event.

The Department of History and Program in Women's and Gender Studies will host Abbott, a New York Times bestselling author, at 4:15 p.m. on Sept. 5 in Phillips Hall, Room 120. She will talk about her new book, “Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War.”

Both author talks are open to the public. The HPU Bookstore will offer their books for sale during the program.

The Bookmarks Festival, to be held Sept. 6 at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts in Winston-Salem, will bring 40 bestselling and award-winning authors to the Triad. As North Carolina’s largest annual festival of books and authors, the nonprofit hosts author talks from the most prominent writers publishing. The festival also supports the Authors in Schools initiative that brings authors to K-12 schools and universities, inspiring in youth a love of reading and writing.

“HPU departments have sponsored author visits in connection with Bookmarks for four years, helping to support one of the Triad’s premier literary events,” says Philip Mulder, professor of history at HPU and president of the Bookmarks Board of Directors. “HPU faculty and staff generously donate their time to volunteering and sharing author visits with students and audiences throughout the year, helping Bookmarks enhance our community by bringing in writers who inspire the most creative ideas of our time.”

At the Bookmarks festival on Sept. 6, the HPU Department of English is sponsoring Berg’s appearance at 2:30 p.m. Abbott’s Bookmarks appearance, sponsored in part by the HPU Department of History and the Women's and Gender Studies Program, will take place at 12:45 p.m. Both will take place at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts in Winston-Salem.

The Phoenix Reading Series & Festival brings a diverse array of writers and thinkers to the HPU campus each year. It is sponsored in part by an HPU Cultural Enrichment Grant. This year’s series is produced in conjunction with the HPU Year of the Arts.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No.1 by U.S. News and World Report in three categories: No. 1 Best Regional College in the South; No. 1 Up and Coming School in Regional Colleges in the South; and No. 1 for A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching in Regional Colleges in the South. HPU was named this year the No. 4 private school in NC for the best return on investment, and it is a 2014-2015 College of Distinction. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

- A Press Release

HPU Welcomes Record Number of New Students to Campus

"California. Texas. New York. Pennsylvania. North Carolina.

Vehicles that flocked to High Point this weekend carried license plates from across the country. What they shared in common was their destination – High Point University.

HPU welcomed a record-breaking number of 1,470 new students during its annual Welcome Week. Students and their families, which amounted to more than 5,000 visitors to the city, began moving into residence halls at 7:30 a.m. today.

Welcome Week activities began Friday and continue tonight with a men’s soccer game and fireworks at 7 p.m. at Vert Stadium, as well as Sunday with Convocation, to be held on the Roberts Hall lawn at 9 a.m.

More than 500 upperclassmen, staff and faculty volunteers helped new students move in by unloading all items from their vehicle and transporting them to residence halls. Their hard work made the transition to campus smooth and enjoyable for new families.

“Even with a 36-hour drive from California, moving in was so easy,” said Gina Paez, mother of incoming freshman Jonathan Paez from Orange County, California. “I’m sad to leave him, but I trust HPU wholeheartedly. I know he’s going to grow into a young man while he’s here.”

“I chose HPU because the small class sizes are great, and all the people here are ready to see me succeed,” said incoming freshman Rachel Reddick from Lansing, Michigan. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people while I’m here.”

HPU has undergone a stellar transformation in the last decade. In 2005, the total undergraduate enrollment was 1,450 – smaller than the size of this year’s new student enrollment. Today, HPU has 4,300 students.

Move In Day By the Numbers:

·         1,470 new students

·         More than 5,000 total visitors to the city (students and family members)

·         523 faculty, staff and upperclassman volunteers

·         101 hand trucks

About the Class of 2018:

·         Students from outside of North Carolina make up 79 percent of the class, while 21 percent are from North Carolina.

·         The average weighted GPA for the class is 3.73.

·         The incoming freshman class includes successful students who have already accomplished great things prior to the start of their college careers. These students hope to further their knowledge and continue their path to success during their time at HPU. Here are a few examples:

·         Nicholas “Stewart” Pritchard’s background in gymnastics and athletic training puts him well on his way to preparing for a career in the exercise science field. The Presidential Scholar has won dozens of national and international gymnastics competition medals, scholarships and awards. He plans to major in Exercise Science before attending medical school.

·         Melanie Maldonado comes to HPU with an impressive resume. She has already completed an internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory; worked for U.S. Rep. Robert “Bobby” Gonzalez; and was a member of numerous national and school organizations. She plans to study Biology and Psychology at HPU before going to medical school to become a neurologist.

·         Amanda Lambert brings an array of nonprofit service and leadership experience to HPU. She serves on the National Youth Advisory Board for the nonprofit Souper Bowl of Caring, completed a development internship at The Angeletti Group in New Jersey and has 12 years of volunteer and internship experience with America’s Grow A Row, a nonprofit organization that provides fresh, healthy produce to people in need. She plans to double major in Nonprofit Leadership and Management and Education.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,300 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No.1 by U.S. News and World Report in three categories: No. 1 Best Regional College in the South; No. 1 Up and Coming School in Regional Colleges in the South; and No. 1 for A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching in Regional Colleges in the South. HPU was named this year the No. 4 private school in NC for the best return on investment, and it is a 2014-2015 College of Distinction. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

A Press Release

Books Published by HPU Professor Help Teachers with Common Core

DR. SHIRLEY DISSELER

"Dr. Shirley Disseler, assistant professor of elementary, middle grades and STEM in the School of Education at High Point University, recently published two books on how to teach elementary Common Core math.

The two-book series, “Shirley Disseler’s Strategies and Activities for Common Core Math Grades 3-5,” provides creative approaches for teachers to use in their classrooms. The strategies and activities are aimed at helping students develop a solid understanding of math concepts and use them in their daily lives.

The books include easy-to-follow instructions for teachers, reproducible student materials, answer sheets and activities that align with the Common Core Standards. Disseler says the activities in the books offer a hands-on perspective to math in a game-like format that helps motivate and engage students.

“Elementary students are good at ‘doing’ math, but they do not ‘know’ mathematics. To be successful, they need to be able to adequately do and know math,” Disseler says. “The only way to make this happen is with relevancy – problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration – which are all 21^st century skills.”

The books also provide assistance to teachers in the form of strategies for teaching the Common Core Standards, which were first introduced in North Carolina classrooms in 2012 – 2013 school year. Disseler says teachers need more professional development to make the standards successful.

“The challenge is that the demands on teachers to teach to the test has taken away the creativity and engagement in the classrooms for students,” she says. “Common Core requires students to participate in active learning by doing and applying their knowledge. Teachers have not had the amount of professional development needed to make Common Core a success. No model of curriculum standards will be effective in raising achievement levels or bridging gaps without quality teacher training and materials.”

The books are published by Compass Publishing.

Disseler spent 17 years teaching and working on curriculum development in public schools before joining the HPU faculty. During that time she was named a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics and Science, The Hornets award for Excellence in Teaching, The Malibu Teaching Award, Time Magazine Teaching Excellence Top 18 Teachers Award and was honored as a Time Warner Cable Star Teacher. She is also the chairperson of the Global LEGO Education Advisory Panel’s (LEAP) Board, which is a select group of educators from around the world who discusses potential products for LEGO that can be used as educational tools in classrooms.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No.1 by U.S. News and World Report in three categories: No. 1 Best Regional College in the South; No. 1 Up and Coming School in Regional Colleges in the South; and No. 1 for A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching in Regional Colleges in the South. HPU was named this year the No. 4 private school in NC for the best return on investment, and it is a 2013-14 College of Distinction. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

A Press Release

Pecha Kucha Night allows presenters 6 min, 40 sec. to shine!

Pecha Kucha Night offered as part of the Design, Art, Technology Symposium is an exciting way to discover new ideas and information!
The two day DESIGN MATTERS: Design, Art, and Technology Symposium 2009 (March 5, 6) is in full swing at High Point University. Aimed at students, educators and professionals, The 5th Annual Symposium is centered around the concept that design, as a fundamental component of all creative endeavors, matters to us all.
Thursday evening’s offering, Pecha Kucha Night provided an informative and intriguing way for a highly diverse group of creative people to share their interests with one another. For those not familiar with the concept of Pecha Kucha, think of it as a sort of karaoke for power point presenters. The platform is the same for everyone, you submit 20 slides that are shown for 20 seconds each, giving you 6 minutes and 40 seconds to say what you’re going to say. When your slides are finished, so are you.
This being my first Pecha Kucha, (a phenomenon sweeping 173 cities worldwide, according to their website) I wasn’t sure what to expect, After settling into my seat for the first round however, the most fundamental Pecha Kucha truth was magically revealed to me. Given a finite amount of time and the opportunity for properly projected support materials, just about ANYONE can be interesting on a topic they are impassioned about, no matter WHAT their chosen subject might be!
While certainly the presenters here were all creative types, the choice of material and styles of presentation varied wildly between individuals. In this brief format, feeding you information in palatable little bites, variety was the key and kept the audience’s interest peaked. Some people read carefully prepared dialogue, timed perfectly to change with the slides. Others read but hadn’t worked out their timing, necessitating pauses while they waited for the images to catch up. Still more spoke their pieces directly to the audience with no written cues whatsoever.
Some people outlined the work they do in a general sense, others focused in on a project of specific importance to them. One artist offered a presentation on the work of another artist whose influence touched the lives of many. Several had a humanitarian slant. A few people’s power points centered on ideas, while plenty more held fast to the concrete and tangible.
Even a dry subject might still get extra oomph thanks to its presenter. Some wielded humor or slickly polished banter to get their point across, while others charmed with unvarnished but enthusiastic delivery. I was unfamiliar with 90% of the people presenting but my mind raced off to all the interesting people I do know and how they and their life’s work might captivate in this format. Is the concept short-attention-span theatre at its finest? Perhaps. But I think the compelling combination of multiple perspectives/personalities, mixed well with specified knowledge, makes Pecha Kucha some of the most truly enlightening entertainment I’ve witnessed in a long time.