News

By Lisa Boykin Batts (Class of 1984) The Wilson Times

(August 19,2010)

Lauren Kennedy returns to the theater that bears her name, this time as performer.

The Broadway actress will be featured in the one-woman show, "Tell Me On A Sunday," running Sept. 2-5 at the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre at Barton College.

Kennedy said the Andrew Lloyd Webber show has a great score and that she's excited about the music and working with director Matthew-Jason Willis. Some of the music has been altered to be more accessible to the audience, she said.

"We're putting a little of our own spin and take on it," she said.

The show has changed in general with each production since it opened in 1979, she said. There are a number of materials and lyrics to choose from. Three of her favorite songs from the show are "Tell Me On a Sunday," "Unexpected Song" and "Come Back with the Same Look in Your Eyes."

She will play the role of Emma, an outsider to New York (not England as in the original show) who's looking for success in her career.

The show isn't performed often, she said. It's only 80 minutes, features one-person on stage plus a decent size band, and doesn't make sense for a lot of theaters. But it works well for these two stages.

Although she has directed at the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre, this show marks the first time Kennedy, whose credits include "Spamalot," "Les Miserables" and "Sunset Boulevard," has performed for the public in the theater.

"It is such an honor to even have my name on a building, let alone a theater where I can continue to hone my craft and entertain," Kennedy said.

It's no coincidence that the show opened Wednesday night as the season's final show of this year's Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy in Raleigh. That's been part of a master plan for several years now.

The Kennedy family, including Lauren's father, K.D. Kennedy, and brother Michael Kennedy started Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy. It was the Kennedy family who gave the major gift to fund the Barton theater. Once that happened, the wheels started turning, and plans were made to share performances at the Kennedy with productions at Barton's black box theater.

"We're hoping to form a real sisterhood with the two theaters," Lauren Kennedy said.

Barton's year-old theater needs to bring in programming other than what's produced at the schools and to build an audience, she said.

"It's just a great way to start and a great way to put it on the map."

The plan involves including Barton students working in the production of the summer shows, particularly the one that travels to the campus.

This summer, three Barton students, Wesley Pridgen, Jess Jones and James Duncan, and recent graduates Jenson Davis and Chris Wallen worked with the Hot Summer Nights productions.

Wallen is assistant stage manager for "Tell Me On A Sunday," Jones is running crew, Davis is spot light operator and Duncan is sound board operator. Pridgen worked on three other Hot Summer Night shows but not this one.

Kennedy described the Barton group as "hard-working kids."

"They have worked so hard and have been so joyful and sweet and patient," she said.

Jones said she transferred to Barton last year because she wanted to have this kind of internship experience. She's worked on sets for all the shows this summer and as a stagehand. "The contacts I've made have been priceless," she said.

Jones, who called Lauren Kennedy "a fantastic performer," said anyone who comes to Barton to see the show will love it.

"We're bringing it back to our community, which is a great thing to be able to do," she said. Lauren Kennedy is also happy to have the show in Wilson.

"I am so grateful to Barton and to my parents, K.D. and Sara Lynn Kennedy, for their generosity and support!"

lisa@wilsontimes.com | 265-7810

Photos courtesy of Keith Barnes, The Wilson Times.

"Tell Me On A Sunday"  Featuring Lauren Kennedy in the one-woman Andrew Lloyd Webber show Sept. 1-5 at The Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre at Barton College.  (The Sept. 1 show is by invitation only.)

Shows are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older and military, $10 for non-Barton students, and $2 for Barton students and employees if purchasing online or free at the door with a Barton ID. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at 866-811-4111 or by visiting http://www.barton.edu/theatre/.

WILSON, N.C. - Barton College is pleased to announce Phyllis R. Parish Howard, as the featured speaker for the 109^th Opening Convocation.  The annual campus event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31, at 11 a.m. in Howard Chapel.

Parish Howard is Director of Local Production for WRAL-TV, a CBS affiliate and division of Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. in Raleigh. Chosen as Employee of the Year by her colleagues, she was honored with WRAL's prestigious 5-Star Award in 1987.  Recognized for her outstanding broadcasting achievements with six Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Parish Howard's award-winning programs include her environmental documentary, "Troubled Rivers," WRAL's 'For the Children' campaign, WRAL's teen pregnancy prevention campaign "Sex, Lies & Education," two Emmy awards for "Smart Start Kids" and an Advanced Media/Community Affairs Emmy for WRAL's Komen for the Cure project.  In 2003, Parish Howard was presented the NC Prevention Performance Award for Excellence in Media by the NC Prevention Partners for her documentary, "Super-sizing Our Kids: NC's Epidemic of Overweight Children." She also is the recipient of a 2005 Gracie Allen Award for the same locally produced documentary.

A native of Wendell, Parish Howard graduated magna cum laude from Barton College (then Atlantic Christian College) in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.  She served on the Barton College Board of Trustees as an alumni representative from 1999 until 2003, and later returned to the Board as a trustee in 2004.  She currently serves as chair of the Board of Trustees' Enrollment Committee.  Parish Howard is a past member of the Barton College Alumni Board and was honored in 2004 with the Barton College Alumni Achievement Award.

In 2008, the Phyllis Parish Howard Television Control Room in the Department of Communications and Performing Arts at Barton College was dedicated in Parish Howard's honor.  This addition to the television studio on campus was made possible by a gift from the WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting Company Fund, and presented by Jim Goodmon, president and CEO of Capitol Broadcasting Company in honor of Phyllis Parish Howard.

Parish Howard also serves as an active member of Hillyer Memorial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Raleigh, where she has served as a deacon, an elder, and chair of the board. She also volunteers with Wake County's Meals on Wheels and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

The daughter of Aileen and Bill Parish of Wendell, Parish Howard is married to Seab Howard III, and they have one daughter, Gabrielle.  The Howard family makes their home in Raleigh.

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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - Barton College is pleased to announce Susan Maxwell Bane, M.D., Ph.D., as the featured speaker for the 108th Opening Convocation.  The annual campus event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. in Howard Chapel.

Dr. Bane practices Obstetrics and Gynecology at Greenville Obstetrics and Gynecology, a Division of Physicians East, in Greenville, North Carolina.

In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Bane serves as a clinical professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, where she teaches medical students and undergraduate students.  She also serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science at ECU.

A native of Currituck County, Dr. Bane graduated in 1987 from Barton College (then Atlantic Christian College) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.  Continuing her academic studies, she completed a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois in1989 and 1995, respectively.  Dr. Bane earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois in 1997, and she completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 2001.

Dr. Bane is the daughter of Mary Ellen and Bob Maxwell of Currituck County.  She and her husband Art, also a 1987 Barton alumnus, make their home in Greenville with their two sons: Archer (17), and Maxwell (6), and their daughter Riley (13).

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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - Despite a brief rain shower near the beginning of the program, the Barton College community celebrated commencement on center campus in grand fashion on Sunday, May 24.

Some 228 seniors participated in the 107th annual commencement exercises.  Dr. Norval C. Kneten presided over his sixth commencement program as president of Barton College. Dr. Terrence L. Grimes, vice president for academic affairs, presented the graduating class.

Barbara Lyons Goodmon of Raleigh, president and executive director of the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, delivered the commencement address.  Dr. Goodmon was presented with the Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, by Barton College during the commencement exercises.

In her address to the Class of 2009, Dr. Goodmon told the graduating seniors that this was "a great time to be a young adult just beginning your journey. You have the opportunity to help determine change. In fact, opportunity is not a strong enough word - you have a responsibility to help bring about change. You have spent four or more years at Barton College developing the tools and competence to help make the world a better place. Your education has given you the skills to be flexible and creative about your future in this fast changing world. You have many challenges ahead of you, but remember sustainable change is driven by young people, not by the people who like it just the way it is.  In fact, the ranks of the satisfied folks are shrinking daily. Things will never be the same again; they will be better."

She also encouraged them to remember the importance of taking chances along their journey in life, to live and work with passion and compassion, to be involved in their neighborhoods, churches, schools, and communities, to reach out to help others, to always vote, to commit to lifelong learning, to take care of their physical, mental, and spiritual health and to never do anything without integrity.

Participating in this year's commencement ceremony were students who completed their baccalaureate degree requirements in December 2008 and May 2009, as well as candidates who expect to fulfill requirements over the summer.

The three highest honors presented to Barton students: the Coggins Cup, the Hilley Cup, and the Hemby Leadership Cup, were awarded during the program. The Coggins Cup, presented annually to the student voted best all-around by the Barton faculty and staff, was awarded to Paola Marte from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.  The Hilley Cup, presented annually to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade point average, was awarded to Chelsea Katherina Hsieh of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.  The Hemby Leadership Cup, presented to the graduating senior, who in the estimation of the college community (including students, faculty and staff) has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout a career at Barton College, was awarded to Jeremy Joseph Lowe of St. Petersburg, Fla., who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

The Jefferson-Pilot Faculty Member of the Year awards, presented annually to two faculty members, were awarded to Dr. Alan Lane, associate professor of history in the Department of History and Social Sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences and the director of general education and the quality enhancement plan, and Dr. Bettie J. Willingham, associate professor of education in the School of Education.  The awards include a cash stipend for international study in conjunction with Barton's international emphasis.

Jared Parker Morgan of Winterville, senior class president, addressed the graduating class and also offered appreciation for the support and guidance from professors, staff, families, and friends on behalf of his fellow classmates.  Phillip H. Warren of Dunn, class of 1971, president of the Barton College Alumni Association and its Alumni Board, brought greetings to graduating seniors on behalf of the Alumni Association.

The Reverend Hollie Woodruff, chaplain of the college, delivered the baccalaureate sermon earlier Sunday morning.

Other commencement festivities during the weekend included a luncheon for seniors and their parents on Saturday afternoon, hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Norval C. Kneten, at the Barton-Graves House.  The pinning ceremony for the graduates of the School of Nursing followed on Saturday evening at First United Methodist Church.

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Questions?  Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - Traveling back in time on May 1, Barton College honored the faculty, staff, and students of the 1940s with "Founders' Day 2009: Celebrating the Era of World War II."

A memorabilia tent on center campus greeted guests as they arrived, and newspaper clippings and yearbooks from the World War II period brought back memories of bygone days. Junior Deese, a World War II collector and parent of Barton senior Ben Deese, displayed his collection of German and American ordnance, including a flamethrower and a Willy jeep.

At noon, "Reveille," played by Jim Bradshaw of the Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra, called attendees to assemble in the large pavilion tent for lunch. Beginning the program, Billy Leegins and Vann Raper of American Legion Post 13 presented our national and state colors; and Barton College President Norval Kneten led the assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dr. Jeff Broadwater, professor and chair of the department of history and social studies, shared interesting facts about the wartime period: "It was a simpler, if not necessarily an easier, time. Cokes sold for $.05. You could rent a house for $35 a month; you could buy a house for less than $4,000. The average new car sold for a fraction of that."

Broadwater recalled the launchings of M&M's and McDonald's and the death of actor Tom Mix against the backdrop of war and unrest on the other side of the world. This political turmoil led to the cancellation of the 1940 Olympic games and in America the beginning of a peacetime draft. Despite the protests of a campus pacifist movement, the draft sent many of the College's males off to war.

In a conversation after the program, alumnus Dr. John Goff, Jr. ('47) described the College's wartime campus as matriarchal: "There weren't any guys here, so the women ran the show," he said.

"There were about 300 girls and 25 boys," recalled alumna Aileen Reel ('47) Parish.

In spite of the dark backdrop of war, Miriam "Mickey" Moore ('47) Dunn had pleasant memories of the time: "It was wonderful, except for the war. We didn't have a lot of boys. We had a lot of girls, and we had a lot of fun. We didn't think about having to do without. We rationed sugar, shoes - you name it.

"I can remember trying to go home on the weekends; and if there were service men in line, I had to stand back and wait for them to board first. Never thought a thing about it," said Dunn.

Following Broadwater's "fast facts," senior Lizzie Stafford read an article from the May 15, 1943, issue of "The Collegiate," describing wartime mail in the campus post office.

"Of the 231 letters going out that same day, around two-thirds of them were addressed to men in the Army, Navy, or Marines."

Freshman Alex Minton sang "America the Beautiful"; then, senior David King shared draft and conscientious objector information from "Barton College: Our Century" by Dr. Jerry MacLean.

"Ironically," King read, "Marvin Jackson, class of 1937, who initially requested conscientious objector status, changed his mind, enlisted, and became ACC's first student, or former student, killed in the war."

Next, junior Nathanael Shelton read an article written by Georgia Brewer ('36) Campion for the Atlantic Christian College column in the North Carolina Christian," which told of then-senior Howard Blake's ('43) efforts to enter the Naval Reserve.

"He spent the whole summer trying to get his weight up to the minimum required by the Naval Reserve of 132 pounds, but all he could get was 128. However, four pounds of bananas eaten on the morning of his physical examination got him by," quipped the author.

A slideshow prepared by Keith Tew, Barton's director of publications, followed the readings and presented images of the College from the war era, accompanied by swing music from the same period. The nostalgic tunes, to the delight of the rest of the audience, led alumna Etta Rae Tyndall ('47) Oliver and husband James to give an impromptu display of their dancing skills.

Barton College junior Jensen Davis' reading from a Sept. 30, 1942, article in "The Collegiate," spoke of students picking cotton to help local farmers harvest their crops. Senior Emily Jamieson shared the dedication of 1943's "The Pine Knot," written in honor of the boys who had gone to war.

"During the past several months, those of our boys who had not previously registered did so, and they will be in the various branches of the service - on the land, in the air, on the seas - doing their bit to preserve for our country all the principles of democracy about which they have learned at Atlantic Christian College.

"Our hearts are with the boys who have gone out from Atlantic Christian College. It is to them that we would dedicate this book," read Jamieson.

Calling the event "a wonderful way to commemorate a time that so many of us will never forget," Barton College President Norval Kneten closed the program and invited the Rev. Hollie Woodruff, chaplain of the College, to lead the singing of the alma mater.

More than 60 years after the horrors and victories of World War II, Barton College remembers those who fought, rationed, and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. Acknowledging a debt we can never fully repay, we humbly say, "Thank you."

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Questions? Contact Ken Dozier, web services manager, at 252-399-6596 or email kdozier@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - "Oculus," the 2009 Barton College Senior Art Exhibition,  opens on Saturday evening, April 4, with a reception from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the Barton Art Galleries. This event is open to the public at no charge, and the community is invited to attend.  The exhibition will run until Friday, May 8.

Art works by seniors Sarah Stoia St. Martin and Cameron Basil Gooch will be on view in the Virginia Thompson Graves Gallery. Gallery talks by the artists will be held during the reception with St. Martin and Gooch, at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. respectively.

St. Martin is the daughter of Navy Chaplain Commander Peter St. Martin and Judy St. Martin, stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. She plans to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design.

Ceramics by Sarah St. Martin

She has combined her love of photography with her creativity in graphic design to develop several unique pieces for the senior show.  Influenced by a period of residency in Japan, St. Martin has incorporated Eastern aspects throughout her works in the exhibit, including an Asian-inspired dressing screen that depicts a self-portrait as well as friends' portraits.  Another intriguing piece is a miniature book of poetry she has created to showcase various forms of typography.

St. Martin also has created a proto-type application of a letterform design project that included research in merchandising and product display.  "The letterforms have been hand painted on china as a successful proto-type for china that one might see in a store like Pier 1 or The Pottery Barn," shared J. Chris Wilson, professor of art and senior advisor.  "The design is intended to appeal to a young audience and plays with the number '8′ as a major design motif on the dinning china, making a pun of 'ate' as an implied design motif."  In addition, St. Martin has designed banners with related letterform designs that would function as merchandising elements in the commercial arena for the line and could also function as table runners for a comprehensive design statement in the home.

St. Martin eventually hopes to earn a teaching certificate, but looks forward to working in the field of art and design upon graduation.

Cameron Basil Gooch is the son of Deborah and Basil Gooch of Elon.  He also is scheduled to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design and Photography.  His works in the exhibition will feature designs for recreational equipment including skateboards, snowboards, snow skis, and a skim board that are intended to appeal to a young, grunge-style consumer. Gooch's clothing designs also showcase his comprehensive approach to a product design campaign.  His inspiration, fueled by travels to New York City and other metropolitan areas, provides a strong urban theme for his art.

Designs by Cameron Gooch

"Cameron's work has greatly matured, and his urban theme with a young target audience is focused and successful from both a design perspective and an understanding of the need in today's economy to seek a market niche," said Wilson.  "The work is exciting and dynamic and should successfully hit its intended mark."  Photographs and design letter projects by Gooch are also included in the exhibition.

Following graduation, Gooch anticipates a career in commercial design and looks forward to developing his own signature product line.

For additional information about the exhibition, please contact the Barton Art Galleries at 252-39-6477 or J. Chris Wilson at 252-399-6476.  The Barton Art Galleries are located in Case Art Building on the Barton College campus. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - The Barton College Creative Writing Symposium presents the fourth annual Emerging Writers Series on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, in The Sam and Marjorie Ragan Writing Center on campus.  The event is open to the public free of charge, and the community is invited to attend.

Dr. and Mrs. William M. Batchelor of Wilson have provided a four-year sponsorship for the Emerging Writers Series in the Department of English and Modern Languages that began in spring 2006.  This annual gift brings new writers to campus to speak to students and members of the community and to encourage aspiring writers.

This year's featured writers include Catherine Carter and Dan Albergotti.  "That's My Story" workshop, scheduled from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Monday, will provide an opportunity for these emerging writers to discuss their lives, inspirations, influences and craft.  An evening reading, featuring the writers' work, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.  On Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. is "Nuts and Bolts," a workshop where the writers will talk about the practical, business, and technical aspects of writing and publishing.

Born on the eastern shore of Maryland in 1967, Carter now lives in Cullowhee with her husband near Western Carolina University, where she teaches in and coordinates the English education program. Her first book, "The Memory of Gills" (LSU, 2006) received the 2007 Roanoke-Chowan Award from the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association.  Her work also has appeared or is forthcoming in "Poetry," "North Carolina Literary Review," "Tar River Poetry Review," "Cider Press Review," and "Best American Poetry 2009," among others, and has been twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize.  North Carolina Poet Laureate Kathryn Stripling Byer said, "The Memory of Gills is altogether an astonishing, seductive, and finally irresistible book of poems.  Carter is a skillful, imaginative, and witty visionary . . . and her poems say what she knows with a zest and inventiveness that no reader will soon forget."

Albergotti is the author of "The Boatloads" (BOA Editions, 2008), selected by Edward Hirsch as the winner of the 2007 A. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize.  His poems have appeared in "The Cincinnati Review," "Shenandoah," "The Southern Review," "The Virginia Quarterly Review," and other journals.  In 2008, his poem "What They're Doing" was selected for Pushcart Prize "XXXIII: Best of the Small Presses."  A graduate of the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and former poetry editor of "The Greensboro Review," Albergotti currently teaches creative writing and literature courses and edits the online journal "Waccamaw" at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C.  Noted poet and critic Edward Hirsch, in his Foreword, writes, "Dan Albergotti's first book, 'The Boatloads,' is filled with the spirit of mystery.  It begins in wonder and ends in awe.  Albergotti is a poet of deep conviction, a rare quality in our cynical times.  He is a genuine seeker, a man on a spiritual quest, a stubborn questioner, and his poems are infused with the sense that the earth itself is sacred."

This program has been planned in cooperation with the Department of English and Modern Languages and The Sam and Marjorie Ragan Writing Center.  For additional information about this event, please contact Dr. Jim Clark, Elizabeth H. Jordan Endowed Chair for Southern Literature and the director of the Creative Writing Symposium, at 252-399-6450 or email: jclark@barton.edu.

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Questions?  Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - The 2009 E.G. Purcell, Jr., Bible Conference and the Thedford G. and Woodrow W. Sprinkle Lectures are scheduled for March 1-3 at Barton College.

Dr. Warren Carter. Professor of New Testament at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, will be the guest lecturer for the Purcell Bible Conference on Sunday, March 1 in Hardy Alumni Hall.  Dr. Kay Lynn Northcutt, Fred B. Craddock Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship at Phillips Theological Seminary, will be the featured speaker for the Sprinkle Lectures scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, March 2-3, also in Hardy Alumni Hall.

All lecture sessions are open to the public free of charge, and the community is invited to attend. A buffet luncheon and discussion with Dr. Northcutt will follow at Noon on Tuesday.  Those planning to attend the luncheon may pay at the door. The programs are sponsored by the Department of Religion and Philosophy.

The Purcell Bible Conference

The Purcell Bible Conference was established in 1984 with an endowment given by family, colleagues, friends, students and parishioners to honor the life and ministry of Eugene G. Purcell Jr. The purpose of these lectures has been to provide the public with the finest in recent biblical scholarship each year.  From its inception, these lectures have been planned with the laity of the church in mind.

Registration for the Purcell Bible Conference will begin at 3 p.m. in Hardy Alumni Hall.  At 3:30 p.m., Dr. Carter will present the lecture, "Cross Purposes: Jesus' Crucifixion and the Roman Empire." Following the lecture, there will be a brief reception, and he will speak again at the 5 p.m. vesper service.  Dr. Carter's sermon is titled "The Pit."

Prior to joining the Brite Divinity School faculty in 2007, Dr. Carter was Pherigo Professor of New Testament at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo., where he taught from 1990-2007.

A native of New Zealand, Dr. Carter earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Victoria University of Wellington, a Bachelor of Divinity degree and a Master of Theology degree from the Melbourne College of Divinity, and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary.

He has published 11 books, most recent of which are "John and Empire: Initial Explorations" (T&T Clark/Continuum, 2008) and "John: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist" (Hendrickson, 2006). Also among his most important contributions to New Testament studies is a commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, titled "Matthew and the Margins: A Religious and Socio-Political Reading" (Orbis, 2000).  In addition, he has authored numerous articles that have appeared in various scholarly journals such as "Journal of Biblical Literature," "Journal for the Study of the New Testament," and "Catholic Biblical Quarterly."

An ordained minister, Dr. Carter is a frequent speaker/preacher in churches, adult Sunday school classes, and retreats. He also writes regularly for various church publications and Christian education resources.

The Sprinkle Lectures

The Thedford G. and Woodrow W. Sprinkle Lectures were established in 1981 by Dr. Stephen V. Sprinkle in honor of his father, Thedford G. Sprinkle, and his uncle, Woodrow W. Sprinkle.

The Sprinkle Lectures will begin with Lecture I: "Nobody Ever Left Worship Humming The Sermon," on Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Hardy Alumni Hall.  "Preaching in a New Key: For God's Sake" will be the topic of Lecture II and will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.

Dr. Northcutt earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University, a Master of Music degree in Piano from University of Oklahoma, a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Chicago, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Mo.  In addition to these degrees, she also holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Sojourn Training Center.

An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she has served in local church ministries, and is a popular speaker at churches and retreats.  Dr. Northcutt has been recognized as one of the "favorite living preachers" among Disciples.

Dr. Northcutt has taught at Phillips Theological Seminary since 1995 where her focus in on courses in preaching and worship. Her writing has earned her three Associated Church Press writing awards. And, her most recent work, "Kindling Desire for God: Preaching as Spiritual Direction," is available from Fortress Press this spring. Also an accomplished pianist, Dr. Northcutt served as Visiting Artist in Residence at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, from 1983-1985.

For additional information about these events, please contact Dr. Rodney Werline, Department of Religion and Philosophy, at 399-6447 or email: rawerline@barton.edu.

2010 Lecture Dates

Mark your calendars now for next year. The 2010 E.G. Purcell Jr., Bible Conference and the Thedford G. and Woodrow W. Sprinkle Lectures are scheduled for March 7-9.  This will mark the 30th anniversary for the Sprinkle Lectures.  The Purcell Conference lecturer will be Dr. Samuel E. Balentine, Professor of Old Testament, at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va., and the speaker for the Sprinkle Lectures will be Dr. Stephanie A. Paulsell, Houghton Professor of the Practice of Ministry Studies at Harvard Divinity School.

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Questions?  Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - Bound by ties of friendship and a profound love for their alma mater, Bulldogs from near and far returned to the campus of Barton College for Homecoming Weekend 2008 on October 24-26. (For photo slideshows of Homecoming 2008 and the Alumni Golf Tournament, click here.)

Overcast skies and wet, autumn weather did not dampen the spirits of alumni and their guests as they enjoyed a weekend packed with events and activities. From class and affinity reunions to sporting events to brunches, lunches, and dinners, a bounty of activities greeted this year's participants.

Following the luncheon and tour at the Barton-Graves House, the first major event of the weekend was the Bulldog Club Superball Golf Tournament at the Wilson Country Club. Comprising 21 teams, over 80 alumni and guests battled for the best team score.

Jeremy and Jerry Tucker, Steven Brame, and Craig Brame, forming The Good Ole Boys team, secured the victory with an outstanding score of 53.

As the golfers contended on the course, tennis enthusiasts enjoyed the inaugural Homecoming Doubles Tennis Tournament, also at the Wilson Country Club. Meanwhile, those not playing golf or tennis had the opportunity to take a tour of Barton's campus and view a pottery demonstration by associate professor of art Mark Gordon.

After the golf tournament, Alumni Happy Hour welcomed those at the country club while the men of Alpha Sigma Phi kicked off their 50th anniversary celebration with a pig pickin' at the Alpha House.

Five new members joined the Barton College Hall of Fame Friday night at the Bulldog Club and Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner. The inductees were Rufus Outland '59, basketball; Alton Hill '67, basketball and track and field; Gary Farmer '70, baseball; Mark Raynor '96, baseball; and Tanisha Adams Dixon '98, basketball and volleyball.

"It was such a pleasure to have 250 people with us to help celebrate the history of our athletic program and the successes of those we recognized," said Gary Hall, director of athletics. "The personal stories shared at this banquet help us to see how Barton College has inspired the futures of its student-athletes by providing to them an exceptional educational experience."

On Saturday morning, Barton's English bulldog mascot, Bully, welcomed guests to the Alumni Reunions and Awards Brunch. Following the meal, Barton College president Dr. Norval Kneten unveiled the newest addition to the campus: a 6′x4′ statue of Bully. Inspiring school spirit, the large fiberglass bulldog will be placed at the entrance of Wilson Gymnasium so athletes and fans can rub its head for good luck.

The 2008 Alumni Awards were presented next: Miriam "Mickey" Moore Dunn '47, Alumna of the Year; Morgan P. Dickerman '79, Alumni Achievement Award; Gareth Hosford, Alumni Achievement Award; and Dr. Harold Ladwig, Honorary Alumnus.

Former student and Atlantic Christian/Barton College alumnus Russell Rawlings described Dunn as a "career educator who has remained fiercely faithful to her alma mater." In her acceptance speech, Dunn attributed lessons on "the power of love, the power of humility, patience, respect, compassion" to the College and her parents.

"I shall forever cherish your choosing me for the outstanding honor," said Dunn. "My love for the College has never wavered."

Alumni Achievement Award recipient Morgan Dickerman recalled special memories of his time at Atlantic Christian College and thanked his professors. Dickerman's gratitude for one particular professor led him to honor this educator in a special way.

"Dr. Amrut Nakhre got me through school as my political science professor, and we have established a scholarship in Dr. Nakhre's name to thank him," said Dickerman, who led the effort to create the scholarship.

Gareth Hosford, who also received the Alumni Achievement Award, shared his memories as a student. Thanking those who made an impact on his life while at Atlantic Christian/Barton College, Hosford recognized friends Bob and Kim Watson, Barton College president emeritus James Hemby, trustee and former vice president of student life Bobby White, professor Dr. Anand Jaggi, professor Rob Edmondson, and campus icon Tony Tilley.

"What can I say about Tony [Tilley, food services director]?" said Hosford. "Tony actually knew everything about me in college and chose to coach me in the background in a way that no professor could coach me. But, the coaching was there, and I truly appreciate it."

Dr. Harold Ladwig received Honorary Alumnus status for his support of Barton College.

"Dr. Harold Ladwig is a man of great tact and acumen and compassion, understanding, and insight; and he's a good friend of mine," said Barton's Director of Music Mark Peterson as he introduced Ladwig. "He's one of the first people I met when I came to Wilson. His appreciation and love for art and music and theatre has resulted in a strengthening of fine arts here at Barton College. Through his solid financial management, the Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra has flourished; and he has been a wonderful guardian of that endowment."

Ladwig, originally from Iowa, thanked his family for their support over the years and thanked the College for the honor he received. Expressing his gratitude to the Wilson community for the hospitality shown to his family, Ladwig said, "We arrived here 20 years ago as strangers; but you took us in, even though we were from the North. You took us in, and we've been very grateful since that time. Thank you."

Alumni Greek games followed the brunch, as well as numerous class gatherings interspersed throughout the day. Barbeque aficionados sated their pork cravings with an Eastern North Carolina barbeque dinner catered by Wilson landmark, Parker's Barbeque. Returning by popular demand, "Spare Change" played a variety of tunes from beach to boogie during the meal. The evening concluded with the annual Homecoming Dance and the crowning of Corey Winner and Susanna Benson as Homecoming king and queen.

Sunday morning, Dr. and Mrs. Kneten welcomed alumni to the Barton-Graves House for breakfast. Afterward, First Christian Church held a service of celebration honoring Atlantic Christian and Barton College alumni that was followed by a covered-dish luncheon. Homecoming concluded that afternoon with the Alumni Baseball Game and a pig pickin' for friends and family.

In spite of the rainy weather, Homecoming Weekend 2008 was a tremendous success. Ties were renewed, and memories were shared. And, this year's guests know that next year's Homecoming will be just as spectacular.

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Questions? Contact Ken Dozier, web services manager, at 252-399-6596 or email kdozier@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - Blue skies and a warm breeze welcomed families of 220 graduating seniors at Barton College’s 106th annual commencement exercises on Sunday, May 18. Dr. Norval C. Kneten presided over his fifth commencement program as president of Barton College. Dr. Terrence L. Grimes, vice president for academic affairs, presented the graduating class.

Participating in this year’s commencement ceremony were students who completed their baccalaureate degree requirements in December 2007 and May 2008, as well as candidates who expect to fulfill requirements over the summer.

Dr. Richard Ekman, president of the Council of Independent Colleges, delivered the commencement address. In his remarks, he reminded Barton’s graduating seniors of the benefits they had gained attending a small, private liberal arts college. "Barton College has, through its intense and caring atmosphere, helped you discover who you are, what your abilities are, and what is most important to you," said Dr. Ekman. "I hope that connecting the skills and values that you discovered you have with something that you want to do in the wider world has been a very satisfying experience, and will continue to be as you make other decisions in life."

He also emphasized to the graduating seniors that while they were now preparing to enter a "world dominated by large organizations in almost every aspect of our lives — as workers, consumers, users of health services, and as citizens," they also had one significant advantage, thanks to their Barton experience. "You have the advantage of seeing how well at least one small, flexible, and responsive institution can function. The question you face today is whether you will be able to bring this understanding to the other institutions in which you will be involved after graduation so as to make them as effective as Barton College."

He reminded them that they had learned the value of hard work, of diligence, and of collegiality, as well as the importance of honesty, integrity, and candor through their Barton experience — an experience that included class group projects, team sports, and daily interaction with fellow students and faculty members. Through examples in a series of predictions, Dr. Ekman further illustrated how these "life lessons" will help shape the graduating seniors’ personal and professional decisions. He concluded by telling them that personal integrity will "still be the best basis for decisive, well-informed judgment in the conduct of our lives."

The commencement exercises included the presentation of the Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa, to K.D. Kennedy, Jr., of Raleigh. The citation, read by Dr. Kneten, described Kennedy as "a driving force over the last two decades, [whose] dedication and commitment to higher education have significantly enhanced the life of Barton College. [Kennedy] has distinguished himself as a leader and benefactor with vision."

The three highest honors presented to Barton students during Sunday’s program included: the Coggins Cup, the Hilley Cup, and the Hemby Leadership Cup. The Coggins Cup, presented annually to the student voted best all-around by the Barton faculty and staff, was awarded to Hayley Elyse Stafford of Claremont, who graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Hilley Cup, presented annually to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade point average, was awarded to Joseph Thomas Hamer of Clayton, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. The Hemby Leadership Cup, presented to the graduating senior, who in the estimation of the college community (including students, faculty and staff) has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout a career at Barton College, was awarded to Alexandra Renee Denton of Lucama, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

The Jefferson-Pilot Faculty Member of the Year awards, presented annually to two faculty members, were awarded to Patricia Burrus, assistant professor of business in the School of Business, and Dr. Kevin N. Pennington, assistant professor of biology in the Science and Mathematics Department in the School of Arts and Sciences. The awards include a cash stipend for international study in conjunction with Barton's Global Focus international emphasis.

Lauren Prevatte, senior class president, shared memories of their Barton experience and encouraged her fellow classmates to excel in their future careers. Dr. Phillip H. Warren of Dunn, class of 1971, president of the Barton College Alumni Association and its Alumni Board, brought greetings to graduating seniors on behalf of the Alumni Association and emphasized the importance of staying connected to their alma mater through myriad opportunities available.

The Reverend Hollie Woodruff, chaplain of the college, delivered the baccalaureate sermon earlier Sunday morning. Other commencement festivities during the weekend included a luncheon for seniors and their parents on Saturday afternoon, hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Norval C. Kneten, at the Barton-Graves House. The pinning ceremony for the graduates of the School of Nursing followed on Saturday evening at First United Methodist Church.

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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.