Samford University students arriving on campus in late August for fall semester will be thinking “green” along with the school’s traditional red and blue colors.
A campus-wide Go Green initiative that was introduced last year has resulted in new ways of thinking and operating at the Baptist school.
Freshmen who arrive for “move in” Aug. 21 will have read Elizabeth Kolbert’s “Field Notes from a Catastrophe” in preparation for the faculty-led discussions and lectures held during final orientation.
The book, recommended by the Samford biology faculty as this year’s summer reading for entering freshmen, addresses human contributions to global warming.
“Stewardship of our resources is one of Samford’s core values, and we take this very seriously,” said director of freshman life Dana Basinger. “We have a real opportunity to think about how our campus culture can promote stewardship and be conscious of our impact on the environment.”
Freshmen, who will use the text in core curriculum classes this fall, will pick up on Samford’s green commitment as soon as they arrive. Special receptacles will be available for them to recycle cardboard and other items as they unpack their belongings on move-in day.
As example-setters, Samford administrators are doing their part to underscore the emphasis on environmental stewardship.
During the summer, the Go Green initiative resulted in expanded recycling across campus and retrofitted lights in many buildings. The new lighting components, plus new chilled water lines on parts of campus, mean better energy efficiency and improved heating and cooling.
“There is no time on a college campus that holds more promise than the beginning of an academic year, so those of us at Samford are eager to see the things that lie ahead for us in the weeks to come,” said Samford President Andrew Westmoreland.
“As usual, the members of our staff have been stretched thin to complete multiple projects in advance of the arrival of our students, but it appears that we’ll be ready for another great year.”
Summer projects also included interior face lifts in the form of fresh paint and flooring for several residence halls. And, following last year’s opening of the spacious Pete Hanna Center for athletics, Seibert Hall is available for expanded student use.
The older building now sports a game room with new ping pong and pool tables, and a television room and lounge area with space for student relaxation. Four courts are now available for open recreation, intramurals, and rental by students and off-campus groups. Churches and community groups are welcome to inquire through the office of campus recreation about rental reservations.
Returning students arrive Aug. 24 in anticipation of a series of Welcome Back events and start of classes on Aug. 25. Classes for students in Samford’s Cumberland School of Law begin Aug. 18.
The annual faculty workshop will welcome several new faces, including Brock School of Business appointments Lowell S. Broom, chair of accounting and management information systems; and John C. Knapp, university professor and director of the Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership.
Other new administrators include Kimmetha H. Herndon, librarian and director of University Library; and Gregory K. Laughlin, law professor and director of Cumberland School of Law’s Lucille Stewart Beeson Law Library.
This fall, graduate students in Brock School of Business’ evening Master of Administration program will find a new schedule in place. Five nine-week terms will be replaced by two 15-week semesters and one 10-week summer term. This academic year also marks the first time that undergraduate business students can pursue a major in entrepreneurship and/or a minor in social entrepreneurship.
Samford’s School of the Arts begins its first full academic year using its new name, which reflects the bringing together of programs in music, theatre, dance, visual art and graphic design.
In July, Samford officially became the 12th member of the Division I Southern Conference, which sponsors championships in 19 sports and has a reputation for strong academics. Samford’s first SoCon competition will be Sept. 26, when the soccer team plays host to Elon University. The first home SoCon football game is Oct. 11 against defending national champion Appalachian State.
The football season opener is Thursday, Aug. 28, at home against West Georgia.
Construction will begin this fall on a new 39,000-square-foot football field house to be located near the south end of F. Page Seibert Stadium. The $7.5 million building, to be completely funded with private financial support, will include locker rooms, training rooms, weight room, equipment storage, offices and meeting rooms for the football program.
Throughout the year, the university offers a variety of concerts, plays, lectures, convocations and worship opportunities that are available to students and the community. In addition to student and faculty performances, this year the School of the Arts presents the inaugural season of the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series with an array of nationally known musicians. The visiting artists will also lead special master classes with students.
Beeson Divinity School’s community worship will focus on the theme “Table Grace: A Biblical Call to Hospitality.” Speakers will reflect on key biblical passages that highlight various aspects of the call to hospitality.
The programs, held in A. Gerow Hodges Chapel at 11 a.m. on most Tuesdays, are open to the public.
As the Samford community readies for another year of teaching, learning and nurturing, Westmoreland notes appreciation for long-standing ties that bind.
“We continue to cherish our relationships with Alabama Baptists, and we seek the prayers of all our friends for Samford, Judson and the University of Mobile,” said Westmoreland. (SU)
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