News

By: Zach Bennett ~ Guest Writer

The University of Lynchburg will implement an new undergraduate course, Introduction to Applied and Public Humanities for the upcoming 2022 fall semester. 

The implementation of this course is in efforts to better develop a well rounded humanities graduate from the University.

APH100W: Introduction to Applied and Public Humanities will be the first course within the new Applied and Public Humanities minor, with APH200: Digital Humanities to be offered in the spring semester.

This minor will contribute to the already existing list of 51 undergraduate majors and 62 minors offered by the University. 

William Masselli ~ Editor-in-Chief

On May 17, Dr. Howard Francis  Bush, Chair of the Accounting Department, will retire from the University of Lynchburg. 

He earned his Master of Accountancy degree from Ohio State University, and he earned his Doctor of Philosophy-Business Administration degree from the University of Florida. 

“From the start, I was asked about Lynchburg relative to my experience at other schools.  I would always respond with a question about which was better – steak or an ice cream sundae.  Lynchburg would be and has been the finale to my career, bringing forth more challenges to be faced.” Bush said,  “Lynchburg provided an opportunity to teach upper-level courses again, MBA courses, online courses, and yes even hybrid courses in a mask.  I have had minor administrative duties and have gained many insights in University life.  But dessert is still part of the meal.  So as in every one of my teaching experiences it always comes back to the student.  They bring energy to the classroom and other learning environments and I must return it in kind.” 

Besides being an accounting professor, Bush is also an avid supporter of  campus clubs and organizations.

Kelsey Spicker ~ Guest Writer

On Sunday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m., the University of Lynchburg opera workshop students will perform a spring concert in Sydnor Performance Hall , located in Schewel Hall.

In their final concert of the semester, the students will present an operetta titled “Remove Shoes Before Entering,” which tells the perspectives of many college students that are faced with different social issues. 

This performance is expected to last for about an hour, and it will include a mixture of opera and musical theater pieces.

Sophomore opera student, Naomi Watkins, explains the theme behind the performance’s title. 

William Masselli ~ Editor-in-Chief

On April 22, the University of Lynchburg’s Commuter Student Association (CSA) hosted an end of semester game night at the Commuter Student Center. 

The event had an electric atmosphere due to the wide variety of video games, snacks, the ability to win prizes, and the large number of people at the event.

Commuter Student Association President Lillian Smith co-hosted this event with Hannah Belyachi, the president of the eSports Club. 

\\Willaim Masselli ~ Editor-In-Chief

On April 27, 2022, Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Ursula Bryant hosted a Design-a-thon, where many graphic design majors completed projects for local companies. 

Bryant said, “This event was a really great outreach opportunity for students to work for real life clients. It is very satisfying for our students to complete work for nonprofits, the University community organizations, and small local businesses.”

Caroline Gerke, a senior graphic designer, said, “I am working for Dive into the Hive. I am working on logos and brochures for this organization. The details of this organization include that the University of Lynchburg Student Development is launching a summer program, Dive into the Hive, which are early engagement opportunities for the incoming first year students. There are six types of programs in this organization. It would be great to get a brand or logo for the overall program and then a brochure that can be distributed in Enrollment or mailed out with orientation materials.” 

By Jyoti Aggarwal and Dr. Steve Dawson

On Thursday, April 26, a group of students, faculty, and staff celebrated the Hindu religious ceremony known as a hawan at the Pavillion. 

Often  referred to as a fire ceremony, a hawan is a ritual in which offerings are sacrificed by casting them into a consecrated fire. 

While individual hawan can take different forms, most hawan begin with ritual purification (washing of hands), kindling and consecrating the fire, invoking one or more gods, and making offerings. 

Prayers and mantras are chanted throughout. At the end, prasad (food that has been blessed by the gods) is shared together.

Jyoti Aggarwal ~ Guest Writer

The Hindu club hosted Krishna Bhajans at the Daura Museum on April 13 at 2 p.m. The event was organized by Hindu club of the University of Lynchburg, Garam Masala.

Bhajans typically refer to any devotional song with a religious theme or spiritual ideas, specifically among Indian religions. 

Ameliah Knopp ~ Social Media Manager

The University of Lynchburg Concert Choir is hosting its final concert of the semester on April 29th at 7:30 p.m. in Snidow Chapel.

This concert will be the last time for the many seniors in the program to sing in the ensemble ahead of commencement in May.

According to the Choir’s website, “the choir prepares and performs various choral literature from the medieval to 20th century,” and during this finale, they will sing selections from Ola Gjeilo and Andrea Ramsey.

Senior, Savannah Turner said, “My favorite part about being in the choir is being able to share my love for music with the campus community and building relationships with those who share an interest in the performing arts!”

William Masselli ~ Editor-in-Chief

The University of Lynchburg’s Dean of Students Office has been hosting Dell Beach Days once per week this month to enhance festivities for Lynchburg students around campus. 

Vice President for Student Development Eric T. Baldwin initiated the program. 

Baldwin said, “I love looking out on the Dell and seeing folks walking by. What inspired me to suggest Dell Beach was an experience at another campus where I worked for a number of years. On that campus, there was a residence hall on the lawn and the corner room on the third floor was always the residence of ‘DJ DeSmet’ (the name of the residence hall was DeSmet). Every day the DJ would play music from 12:00 pm -4:00 pm and students, faculty, and staff would gather on the lawn and hangout — eat lunch and sometimes have meetings. I wanted  to see if we could begin a tradition like that. Ideally, I would love to have students serve as the DJ for Dell Beach and maybe have guest DJs with requested playlists. There is a lot of potential, I just want students to make it what they want.”