Alumni & Friends Newsletter *June 2024

Go Pioneers!

Scott Hummel, Ph.D.

"Called for a Purpose"

-Isaiah 42:6

Since I became a full-time professor more than 25 years ago, I have written many letters of recommendation. The letters gave me the opportunity to describe the character, experiences, and potential of my students. As president, I continue to write many letters. Fortunately, our Tusculum students make it easy for me because of their hard work and the skills and knowledge they gained through a Tusculum education. By the time they graduate, they are career-ready.

While writing to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul commended them for being his letter of recommendation (2 Cor 3:2). In a similar way, as a Tusculum alum or friend, “you are our letter of recommendation.” Our alumni are the best evidence of a quality Tusculum education. You have experienced our outstanding faculty and know how well Tusculum prepared you. Continue to serve as our letter of recommendation and send us more students.

Eric Gschwind '23

Since graduating from Tusculum University with magna cum laude honors, he has gained experience in multiple roles in the banking system. He understands that every person has a unique situation and is committed to making sure each customer receives exactly what they need. As a veteran and active member of his community, Gschwind is driven to serve, and that is reflected in how hard he works to make sure customers’ needs are met, the press release said.

Gschwind earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in management with a minor in economics. Prior to enrolling at Tusculum, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years.

He is a member of the Tusculum community, a member of the vestry at St. James Episcopal Church and has provided two years of service with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.

Gschwind has worked in the banking industry for two years, but when he isn’t at work, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and working out, the press release added. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Gschwind at 423-636-5012 or egschwind@hcbonline.us .

Heritage Community Bank has announced the launch of Heritage Community Investments.

Heritage Community Investments is the new insurance and wealth management division of Heritage Community Bank, offering a variety of commercial and personal insurance products and wealth management services, a press release from the bank said.

“We understand the financial needs of our community and strive to provide excellent service and tailor-made solutions to all of our customers,” the press release said.

Leading the charge forward is Insurance Specialist Eric Gschwind.

“Eric is a great addition to Heritage Community Bank, allowing us to expand our services to the community,” said Tommy Burns, president and CEO of Heritage Community Bank.

Gschwind brings invaluable experience and an unparalleled drive to Heritage Community Investments, the press release said.

Skylar Lane works on the anti-cancer drug research project in a lab at the Meen Center on campus.

Left to right, Konrad Sehler, Dr. Dennis Ashford, Keylon Reynolds and Skylar Lane present a poster on the anti-cancer drug research project at the American Chemical Society conference in New Orleans earlier this year.

Dr. Dennis Ashford, left, and alumna Faith Robinette work on the anti-cancer drug project when she was a student.

Left to right, Konrad Sehler, Andrew Medeck and Averie Price work on the anti-cancer drug research project.

To access the “Inorganic Chemistry” article, please visit bit.ly/3y1M5Dq. The “Dalton Transactions” article is available at bit.ly/3JK7a7X.

TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY’S CHEMISTRY PROGRAM PUBLISHES ITS RESEARCH

ON DEVELOPING ANTI-CANCER DRUGS IN PRESTIGIOUS JOURNAL

Research by undergraduate chemistry and biology students at Tusculum University continues to impact the global fight against cancer with an article published in a prestigious professional journal.

The article for “Inorganic Chemistry” details the group’s ongoing research into potential new medications to treat cancer, a subject science students have examined now for five years. Already posted online, the article will be published in the next print edition. Four students and four alumni, along with Dr. Dennis Ashford, the professor overseeing the project, are the authors.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students and exemplifies how Tusculum prepares them to be career-ready professionals through active and experiential learning,” said Dr. Ashford, associate professor of chemistry. “It obviously benefits us by showing the quality of the research we conduct at Tusculum, but it also helps the broader scientific community by sharing our discoveries in this paper. It advances the field of these anti-cancer medications by contributing to the knowledge base among scientists as all of us seek enhanced methods to support patients.”

Students Ireland Cavanaugh, Skylar Lane, Keylon Reynolds and Konrad Sehler as well as alumni Andrew Medeck, Averie Price, Faith Robinette and Nathaniel Valentine are the student authors in the “Inorganic Chemistry” article. The alumni worked on the cancer project when they were Tusculum students.

Since 2018, about 30 students have participated in the cancer medication research project, and they have created 20 compounds for testing and analysis. They are looking at possible medications that can be activated by light to kill cancerous cells. This method produces much less severe side effects by distributing the medication solely to the part of the body that has cancer.

A few years ago, students and Dr. Ashford discovered an interplay between light absorption in the therapeutic window and anti-cancer activity based on very minor structural changes in the compounds. This was a major finding in the research of the type of medication Tusculum is examining and was the subject of another paper, which was published in “Dalton Transactions” in 2022.

The article in “Inorganic Chemistry” is an extension of the “Dalton Transactions” paper by incorporating additional findings from the students and Dr. Ashford.

“We’re essentially working on the third generation of these complexes,” Dr. Ashford said. “The paper in ‘Dalton Transactions’ discussed the first generation of compounds. We took what we learned and applied them to the second generation, which is the subject matter of the article in ‘Inorganic Chemistry.’ Now, we’re taking what we learned from the second generation and incorporating them into the development of the third generation, which we started this semester.”

“Inorganic Chemistry” is a journal of the American Chemical Society, the largest scientific organization in the world. “Dalton Transactions” is a publication of the Royal Society of Chemistry, which is based in London.

Dr. Ashford said people should recognize the caliber of research taking place at Tusculum.

“It’s important to emphasize to the community and the students that the work that is happening at Tusculum is world-class research,” Dr. Ashford. “We’re publishing in the same journals as people from the best research universities in the world, and we are doing it with undergraduate students.”

DIVERSE GRADUATING CLASS OF ABOUT 200 STUDENTS LEAVES ITS MARK

AT TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY AS IT ADVANCES TO THE NEXT STAGE IN LIFE

Descending the stage as Tusculum University’s newest alumni, graduates left their imprint on the higher education institution in the classroom and through extracurricular activities and emerged from their studies as career-ready, civically engaged professionals.

Nearly 200 students from 25 states and territories and 10 countries moved their tassels from one side of the cap to the other during graduation Saturday, May 4, in Pioneer Arena. They earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in multiple disciplines, but most importantly, many were just as active in other endeavors during their days as Pioneers.

“A Tusculum degree is rooted in active and experiential learning, which strongly prepares students for the workforce or the next step in their careers,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Our pioneering spirit also enables students to impact the campus and the community in other ways through the mentorship of our expert faculty and dedicated staff. We have been pleased to watch our graduates embrace this opportunity and make the most of their years at Tusculum.”

Some graduates served as founding members of the Tusculum Band and added greatly to school spirit on campus playing music at football and basketball games. They also enriched personal lives with their performances at concerts. Others contributed to the university’s caring Christian environment and spiritual growth by participating in ministries on and off campus.

Many graduates, such as Andrae Robinson, supplemented their educational experiences by playing on one of Tusculum’s 23 athletic teams. Robinson, who earned a bachelor’s in sport management and a minor in business administration, was a defensive back on the football team and served as the undergraduate speaker at Saturday’s graduation ceremony.

“With sports occupying such a big part of our lives, it is easy to be consumed with the individual growth and progression we’ve made as athletes in our respective sports,” Robinson told fellow graduates. “However, we should not forget the many transferable life skills we’ve acquired because of our time as student-athletes. As you reflect on your time here as a student-athlete, celebrate your individual and team accomplishments, but remember that you have more skills and abilities than just the ones demonstrated on the field or court. I believe they will serve us well on our journeys ahead.”

Speaking of the university, he noted that Tusculum’s smaller size was a key factor in his academic success. He shared how professors make themselves accessible to students’ needs. He also emphasized the knowledge he gained outside his major and minor – in literature, sociology and public policy – during his Tusculum studies. He thanked the faculty and staff for making Tusculum a home for him.

“As we prepare to enter this next chapter in our lives, I want each and every one of you to understand that you are not confined to the major listed on your degree,” Robinson told the graduates. “Tusculum’s liberal arts program allows students to challenge themselves by exploring different points of view and requiring them to learn skills outside of their major field of study. I challenge you all to consider all the experiences and skills you have acquired throughout your career at Tusculum and use them to inspire future generations.”

Robinson thanked God for having the opportunity to deliver his remarks and his parents for their unconditional love and support.

For many students who crossed the stage, continuing their studies at Tusculum enabled them to build on earlier coursework, enhance their careers or head in a new direction with a master’s degree. They, too, expanded their knowledge through hands-on learning.

One of those was Katie Love-Pride, who earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. She participated in Tusculum’s job-embedded teaching program as a fifth grade instructor at Farragut Intermediate School. Love-Pride served in the social services field before reflecting and concluding she wanted to change professions.

She said curiosity has always been one of her characteristics, and that trait led her on the path to her master’s degree. She commended her professors in the College of Education, who supported her in her journey and, she joked, “patiently responded to all my emails that began, ‘I have a few questions.’” She encouraged graduates to embrace curiosity and foster it in others.

“As a team member or leader, be curious about other points of view,” she said. “As a teacher, model curiosity for your students. As a medical professional, listen to your patients with curiosity. In whatever profession you choose, don’t stop asking questions. And when you don’t have answers, embrace the unknown.

“Curiosity is essential for forward progress. It leads to innovative solutions, acceptance of other perspectives and an appreciation of our similarities and differences. Curiosity can lead you down unexpected paths in your life journey, as it did for me.”

Andrae Robinson speaks during the commencement ceremony.

Katie Love-Pride delivers remarks as the graduate student speaker.

Left to right, Sydney May, Samantha Nelson and Hughston Burnheimer celebrate before graduation.

Master’s degree recipient Zackary Nelson celebrates after his name is called during graduation.

Emerald Jones, right, celebrates her graduation with Dr. Scott Hummel.

Abby Lockwood, center, celebrates her degree with Angelo Botta, left, and Dr. Suzanne Byrd.

Dr. Hummel’s contract renewed for four more years

Tusculum’s Board of Trustees unanimously renewed Dr. Hummel’s contract for another four years. With the renewal, Dr. Hummel is now under contract with the university through June 2028. He has served as Tusculum’s president since 2020.

Dr. Hummel’s leadership has been rooted in a commitment to the university’s mission, and he incorporates elements of that mission into virtually every speech or other remarks he makes. But his four years have also been marked by his successful handling of the global coronavirus pandemic, the addition of academic programs, the reinstatement of the Tusculum Band, additional emphasis on the spiritual side of the university, community relations and his interest in engaging with faculty, staff and students.

We congratulate Dr. Hummel on this achievement and thank him for choosing to serve at Tusculum. You can read more about the renewal of his contract in this news release.

We congratulate Dr. Josh Martin, assistant professor of English, who recently won the poetry category in the 2024 Pinch Literary Awards, a national contest held by the University of Memphis.

Dr. Martin emerged on top for his poem “Two Truths and a Meatball.” The poem discusses excuses he has received from students to avoid working on an essay but then delves into the need to be more compassionate toward them. He earned $2,000 and will be published in Pinch in the fall.

“This result builds confidence,” Dr. Martin said. “It shows that my work means something to somebody. It also helps me to network as well. It’s another place for me to vocalize all of the good things we’re doing at Tusculum.”

Dr. Josh Martin

Students and community members who participated in an 11-day trip to Austria and Germany in March will present at an upcoming show the art they created based on their experiences in these countries.

The 10 participants who visited places such as Salzburg, Austria; Munich, Germany; and the Dachau concentration camp will display their works in the Clem Allison Art Gallery at Tusculum University Thursday, June 6, from 4-7 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free exhibit and speak with the students and community members about their art work.

EXHIBIT OF INSIGHTFUL WORKS CREATED BY STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY

MEMBERS DURING EUROPEAN TRIP COMING TO TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY.

Tusculum working to create two new endowments to support students

Ron Conley

Marion Edens

Seeking to provide additional financial support for our students, individuals at Tusculum are working to create two endowed scholarships.

The Office of Institutional Advancement is collaborating with the College of Science, Technology and Mathematics and family members of Ron Conley to establish one scholarship in his name. Conley was a faculty member for 30 years and former chair of the Mathematics Department.

In addition, Institutional Advancement is coordinating with an anonymous donor to start a scholarship in the name of Marion Edens, a 1932 Tusculum graduate, who was heavily involved in our Athletic Department and student recruitment.

Everyone involved is raising the $25,000 necessary to create these endowed scholarships, and your donation is welcome.

To donate to the Conley scholarship, please visit https://giving.tusculum.edu/the-ronald-conley-memorial-scholarship-fund. To support the Edens scholarship, please visit https://giving.tusculum.edu/the-marion-edens-scholarship-challenge. If you would like more information, please email Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement, at eroberts@tusculum.edu or Cheryl Fehl, senior director of grants and development, at cfehl@tusculum.edu or call 423-636-7303.

You can read more about these endowed scholarships in this news release.

Join Us in Sustaining a Legacy – Support Tusculum University Today!

Amidst the current challenges faced by colleges nationwide, a Tusculum education is more crucial than ever. Your contributions create lasting benefits for individuals, families, and communities. At Tusculum, earning a degree not only sets the path for achieving personal goals but also fosters lifelong learning and application of knowledge.

Tusculum University, the oldest higher education institution in Tennessee, offers a 230-year-old tradition where students are recognized by their names, not just as numbers. Our students delve deep into their academic pursuits and engage in civic and community service, making a meaningful impact locally and globally.

This remarkable journey is possible because of your continued support. You help keep Tusculum affordable and accessible, especially for the 58% of our students who are the first in their families to attend college.

As we approach June 30, we need your support for the Tusculum Fund. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a critical role in enhancing student experiences, supporting inspired teaching, and providing essential scholarships and financial aid.

Thank you for your dedication. Together, we can ensure Tusculum University continues to thrive and make a difference.

Donate today to be a part of this enduring legacy!

You can help children attend our summer camps!

Children benefit from the active and experiential learning available at our summer camps, but some might not have the financial resources to be part of the fun! You and others can assist!

Our camps program enables people to make donations. This is a great way for people to help their grandchild, other family member or perhaps someone you know in the community enjoy the week at Tusculum. Greg Fay, our director of continuing education and camps, views the donations as scholarships that will pave the way for a child and potential multiple children to participate.

The summer 2024 semester is underway for the College of Education faculty and students. We welcome our new students and celebrate our continuing students in their ongoing efforts toward completion of their degrees. We are so proud of our students’ commitment and diligence.

We had a wonderful and eventful spring 2024 semester in the College of Education. We were joyous in our celebrations of students’ accomplishments during our College of Education Honor Award Ceremony on April 17^th, our Kappa Delta Pi Initiation Ceremony on April 10^th, and TU’s Spring 2024 Graduation Ceremony on May 4^th. During TU’s Spring 2024 Graduation Ceremony on May 4^th, the College of Education celebrated the accomplishments of all graduates from the Sport Science, Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies programs, Special Education Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Organizational Training and Performance Management, and Master of Arts in Teaching.

It is with extreme pride that the College of Education faculty congratulate all of our spring 2024 graduates, KDP initiates, and honor award recipients! We are Pioneer Proud!

Sophomore Isaiah Olson won two gold medals and a bronze on the final day of the South Atlantic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship. He was named SAC men’s track athlete of the meet. Photo by the Office of Athletic Communications

Freshman Caley Sosnowski continued her dominance in the javelin at the SAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship. She broke the SAC Championship record with her first throw of the competition, and would better her Division II-leading mark with her third throw of 49.05 meters (160 feet, 11 inches). Photo from the Office of Athletic Communications

Senior Isak Holter shoots during the South Atlantic Conference championship. Photo from the Office of Athletic Communications

Senior Nemanja Subanovic has been named the 2024 South Atlantic Conference Men's Tennis Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Freshman Caley Sosnowski and sophomore Theresa Green-White each earned All-America honors on the final day of the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championship.

Five Tusculum University student-athletes have been named to the 2024 NCAA Division II Softball Academic All-District® 3 first team as selected by the College Sports Communicators.

Earning CSC Academic All-District® honors for the TU softball program are: Ellie Alvarez, Danielle Jason, Sammy Jimenez, Emily Sappington and Claire Smeltzer.

The 2024 Academic All-District® Softball Team recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.

Rebecca Josephine (Becky Jo) Moles

1956-2024

Bethaney Pettit Reagan

Stephen Schmid

1951-2024

Homecoming is the perfect time to plan a class reunion. If you graduated 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or more years ago make plans to return "home" for your reunion. Call your classmates and make those plans now! October will be here before you know it!

Question: This picture shows some of the eight prefabricated manufactured houses that sat along the present day curving road behind Kathrine Hall. What was the name given to this complex?

Special thanks to Steve Geaghan for this month's question!

Last Month's question: What was the name of this building? What was it used for?

Answer: Student Union Building also known as the SUB. The building was a student gathering place where one could eat and listen to music. "The social scene on campus."

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Dear Alumni and Friends!

First off, I want to thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback that I received regarding the new newsletter format. Secondly, thank you so much for sharing the newsletter with fellow alumni as I have gotten and continue to get numerous updated contact information. This is imperative so we can all stay connected and support one another. Please continue to share with fellow alumni and friends of the university. They can easily subscribe to be placed on the emailing list for next month.

As always, please fell free to email me at jhawk@tusculum.edu or call at 423.636.7407.

Kind Regards,

Jolin Hawk '05 '11

Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Before I began working here, I had not heard of a golden graduation. Let me tell you, we had the BEST time. I want to personally thank David Harris, Susan Hartman, Barb McGavock, Cheryl Tate, and Debbie Tench for coming back "home" to celebrate their 50 year graduation reunion. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Hummel, looked through class records, shared college and life stories, and they even participated in the May commencement ceremony wearing golden caps and gowns. During the ceremony Dr. Hummel presented each with a class of 1974 Golden Pioneer medallion. Then, we ended our fun weekend with a lunch together. It was all very special! I have to tell you that I feel honored to have been a part of this weekend helping to make wonderful memories. I was #PioneerProud!

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