University awarded presidential leadership grant
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded a $150,000 Presidential Leadership grant to Furman in recognition of President David Shi's commitment to engaged learning.
Shi says he will allocate the funds to the Furman Advantage Program, which supports research and internship opportunities for students.
“This generous grant will enable the university to enrich the educational experiences of more than 50 Furman students during the next three years,” says Shi. “We know that internships and research experiences can be life-changing for young people, and it is important that every Furman student be able to pursue these opportunities.”
Furman has been widely recognized for its engaged learning emphasis, which encourages students to be active participants in the learning process.
In the most recent college rankings issue of U.S. News and World Report , the university was noted for excelling in the area of “Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects,” where students do “intensive and self-directed research or creative work that results in an original scholarly paper or other product that can be formally presented on or off campus.”
Caroling for the Cure Concert scheduled November 21
The fourth “Caroling for the Cure” concert, a yearly event to raise money for breast cancer research, will be held Friday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m. in McAlister Auditorium.
Admission is $15, and tickets can be purchased at Furman's Timmons Arena, Finer Things, India Palace, the Mast General Store, and all Publix stores in the Upstate.
Seventy-five percent of the proceeds from the concert will go to fund breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in the 11 counties of the Upstate. The remaining funds will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer.
This year's program will feature a wide variety of performers, including vocal soloists Diane Mitchell, Lucie Svatonova, Stephanie Elizondo and Scott Beam. The Berea First Baptist Church Choir and Brass Ensemble will also perform, as will the Celebration Singers, the Rouse Sisters, the Furman Children's Chorus, the Tree Tenors, and organist Charles Tompkins. Owen McFadden, Furman's talented Director of Recreational Sports, will perform on the bagpipes.
Guest speaker for the concert will be Steven R. Brandt, president and publisher of The Greenville News . Presenting sponsors are The Greenville News and radio station Magic 98.9.
Furman receives DHEC recycling grant
The State Department of Health and Environmental Control has awarded Furman a $5,875 grant that will be used to purchase several recycling bins and fund a compost center for North Village.
Phil Lewis, director of custodial services, says Furman was awarded the funds through a DHEC initiative that promotes recycling at colleges and universities in the state.
Since Furman began applying for the grants in 1998, the school has received more than $35,000 through the program. Furman has used the funds to purchase recycling containers, recycling promotional material and a wood and brush chipper.
Brewer honored by APA
The American Psychological Foundation Board of Trustees recently voted to rename the APF distinguished teaching award in honor of longtime faculty member Charles Brewer.
Brewer, who joined the faculty in 1967, has served as president of several divisions of the American Psychological Association. Brewer chaired the APA's Committee on Undergraduate Education and represents APA on the board of directors of the Consortium of Social Science Associations and the American Council of Learned Societies.
Brewer and his wife, Marjorie, recently contributed $100,000 to the
APF's “Campaign for a New Era.” The Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award recognizes outstanding psychology teachers and innovative teaching techniques. The prize includes a plaque and a $2,000 award.
Inside Furman is published monthly during the school year by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.
