Students arriving on the University of Mobile (UM) campus for the start of the 2000-2001 academic year will be greeted by an impressive sight — the stately columns, new pitched roof and graceful cupola which complete the renovation of Weaver Hall.
“Weaver Hall is the first classroom and administration building constructed on campus. When the original flat roof needed replacing, we decided to use the opportunity to update the 1960s-style exterior,” said UM President Mark Foley.
In an impromptu gesture symbolic of the proud heritage and bright future of the university, founding president and current chancellor William K. Weaver Jr. joined Foley as they placed their signatures on the cupola before it was raised atop the new roof.
“This is an exciting and visible enhancement which complements the enthusiasm and energy of our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” Foley said.
That energy will be evident when Off-to-College (OTC) Week activities kick off the new school year. Residence halls open Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. Registration and orientation will be held Aug. 28 and 29. Classes begin Aug. 30 at 8 a.m. For detailed information about registration, contact the office of admissions at 1-800-946-7267 or e-mail through the newly
redesigned Web site at www.umobile.edu.
During OTC week, students will be treated to cookouts, free movies, an Upper Room Dinner Theatre production, Rams soccer games and late-night bowling. On Aug. 30, a prayer meeting will be held at 7 a.m. prior to the start of classes, with Prime-Time Praise at 9 p.m.
The campus activities board will extend the back-to-school celebration to the community with a musical concert Aug. 31 by Christian recording artist Ginny Owens.
OTC week activities are just the start of what promises to be a busy and productive year for UM students, faculty and staff who are focusing on “Changing Lives to Change the World.”
“We are preparing our graduates to be ethical, moral leaders with the academic and technical skills they must have to succeed,” Foley explained. “We intend for our graduates to be known as individuals who demonstrate value-centered leadership characteristics; excellent academic and technical preparation; a spiritual dynamic in life; and personal responsibility to family, community and country,” Foley added.
As part of that emphasis, theUniversity of Mobile has added a Biblical Ethics course to the core curriculum. Beginning this fall, all undergraduate students will take this course as part of their basic study program. The School of Leadership Development is focusing on adult studies in organizational manage-
ment, an undergraduate minor in leadership and professional development seminars in value-centered leadership. In addition, Foley will teach a course titled “Issues and Leaders” featuring case studies of ethical leadership and decision-making in today’s society. Distinguished guest lecturers will provide a perspective on the challenges UM graduates may face in their careers, communities, families and churches.
“As a part of the Alabama Baptist family, the University of Mobile is working to fulfill the Great Commission by graduating young men and women who are persons of character,” Foley said. “We want these individuals to be persons who know how to think, who know what is right, who have the courage to live and work according to their beliefs and who have the willingness and skills to use their influence in appropriate and effective ways to change the world around them.”
(UM)
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