When the University of Mobile’s (UM) new student residence, North Hall, opened its doors for the start of the 2006–2007 school year, Megan Ravenscroft was ready.
“As soon as I set foot on the campus, I knew it was exactly where God wanted me to be. Ever since that moment I have been counting down the days until I moved in,” she wrote in her online freshman journal on the university’s Web site, www.umobile.edu.
UM faculty and staff helped move students into residence halls Aug. 12, prior to classes beginning Aug. 16.
Ravenscroft, an elementary education major, joined other freshmen and sophomore women as the first residents of the 151-bed, $5.8 million facility.
Located north of Samford Hall, which houses freshmen and sophomore men, North Hall has a similar design with student lounge areas and meeting rooms, but with an added floor and a small convenience store.
During the first week of school, students enjoyed Ram Rush activities designed to help them make friends and get involved in campus life. Events included Dinner on the Run, a progressive dinner hosted by area churches; Project Serve, a freshman community service project; a watermelon social with faculty; and The Walk.
“One of the most exciting moments I am privileged to be a part of is the candle lighting ceremony at The Walk,” said UM President Mark Foley.
“Our freshmen gather in Weaver Auditorium for a symbolic passing of the torch from the senior class to the freshman class, and we talk about the importance of the next four years,” he said. “We also discuss the responsibility these young men and women carry to change the world for Jesus Christ, to make an impact in the lives of those around them through their own lives and their careers. It is a moment second only to graduation, when I shake each student’s hand and give them the charge to go change the world.”
During the summer a student fitness center with new cardiovascular exercise equipment joined Java City coffee bar, the snack shop and University Bookstore at The Commons in the Ben May Building. The Commons area is now one of UM’s Internet hot spots with wireless Internet access.
Also, the weight room in Pharr Gym was refurbished with new free weights.
The Weaver Hall lobby renovation project — initially delayed due to material shortages caused by Hurricane Katrina — is complete. The extended lobby provides a beautiful area for receptions in the university’s oldest building.
A portion of the second floor of the J.L. Bedsole Library was renovated into two classrooms, and the library now provides 24-hour, full-text access to thousands of books in electronic format.
Thanks to a grant from The Mosow Family Foundation, Room 201 in Weaver Hall was renovated into a “smart” classroom that integrates technology into the room itself.
The former Office Complex behind Weaver Hall was renovated and is the new home for information technology services and faculty offices.
Last year marked the first University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet, which drew an audience of more than 700 and netted $146,000 for scholarships.
The Second Annual UM Scholarship Banquet will be Sept. 28 at the Mobile Convention Center and will include entertainment by the Center for Performing Arts (CPA) and feature several UM professors. Former Georgia governor and U.S. Sen. Zell Miller will deliver the keynote address.
Individual tickets and sponsorships are available. To make reservations or learn more about sponsorships, call the Development Office at 251-442-2272 or visit www.umobile.edu.
The university calendar is filled with events (see sidebar), many presented by the CPA. This year about 300 students are involved in CPA programs, which emphasize both classical and contemporary music. Roger Breland, CPA director, said the program is attracting students across the nation as its reputation spreads.
Students have performed in Germany, on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, at the White House, in churches and schools throughout the Southeast and on stage with award-winning recording artists 4Him, Sandi Patty and Ricky Skaggs.
They have studied under Christian recording artists Mark Harris of 4Him, Alicia Williamson Garcia and award-winning composer and UM alumnus Steven V. Taylor.
Through the worship leadership major in the School of Christian Studies, students learn from internationally known worship leaders from Integrity Worship Institute, including Don Moen.
In addition to student and faculty recitals, theater productions and other events, upcoming CPA concerts include “Saviour: A Story of God’s Passion for His People,” a modern oratorio presented by the University Singers, soloists and orchestra Sept. 26.
The UM Opera Workshop will present “Amahl and the Night Visitors” Nov. 17–19. UM’s popular “Christmas Spectacular,” which has attracted audiences of more than 2,000, will expand to two nights, Nov. 28 and 29, at Dauphin Way.
The Sounds of Mobile will perform aboard a cruise ship in the Mediterranean on a “Footsteps of Paul” tour March 10–17. “StarLight at the University of Mobile,” an outdoor concert on campus, will be April 10.
The School of Christian Studies has planned missions trips to southeast Asia, Brazil, Australia, Greece, Norway, Niger, Wales and Siberia through its University Missions program.
Trips are led by School of Christian Studies faculty and are open to students — who may earn college credit — church groups and individuals.
Campus Ministries will again lead a month-long summer backpacking trip across Europe, spreading the gospel among students staying at youth hostels.
Small-group Bible studies and the campus-wide “True Spin” Bible study will be ongoing, as well as leadership classes with a Christian worldview focus.
UM Campus Ministries will present “The Awakening” Sept. 15–16, a conference for students that focuses on missions, evangelism and spiritual awakening. Wade Akins, author of “Be a 24/7 Christian,” will lead the conference. On Oct. 5–6, a group of students and faculty will attend the Christian leadership conference, Catalyst, in Atlanta.
Southern Baptist Evangelist Voddie Bauchum will speak Jan. 24 and best-selling Christian author Philip Yancey will speak March 28. (UM)
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