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Barton encourages NGU graduates to dream
- Friday, 10 May 2013
TIGERVILLE, S.C. – North Greenville University’s 300 graduates witnessed something on Thursday that no one has in the school’s 121-year history – an outdoor commencement ceremony. Over 4,000 spectators filled Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium, and the only thing missing was rain.
"It is a beautiful day," NGU President Jimmy Epting said. "After all the rain we’ve had, the Lord has truly blessed us today with gorgeous weather."
Dr. Thomas E. Barton, president emeritus of Greenville Technical College, delivered the keynote address, giving the graduates his advice on how to succeed as they embark on the next chapter in their lives.
"Appreciate the people in this audience," he said. "They have loved you and helped you to be where you are today."
Barton encouraged the graduates to set goals, develop a purpose for their life and dream.
"Whatever it is you want to do in life, work hard," he said. "Have a positive attitude. Have integrity and character and don’t give up. You will achieve success."
At the conclusion of his address, Barton was presented with an honorary doctor of educational leadership by Dr. Epting and Ron Edwards, chairman of the NGU board of trustees.
"Thank you, Dr. Barton, for all you have done for many people and the influence you have had in higher education," Epting said.
Before the diplomas were awarded, Epting told the graduates that along with their diploma, they would receive a towel with the words “be a difference maker” printed on it. He referenced John 13 and the sculpture located at the front entrance to campus of Jesus washing the feet of Peter.
"This is a reminder for you to be a difference maker in life and serve others as Jesus did," said Epting.
(Photo courtesy of NGU: Dr. Thomas E. Barton accepts honorary doctor of educational leadership from NGU President Dr. Jimmy Epting.)
'Short Sports' registration underway at YMCA
- Thursday, 09 May 2013
TRAVELERS REST, S.C. – Registration is now open for Short Sports at the George I. Theisen YMCA in Travelers Rest.
Short Sports is a four-week program designed to introduce children between the ages of three and five to the world of sports. The young athletes will learn skills in T-ball, soccer, football, track, kickball and basketball.
The program runs June 3-27 on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Cost is $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Registration is open through May 31.
For more information, please contact Brandon Gilmore at (864) 834-2400 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Related on the Tribune:
YMCA announces summer soccer program
Travelers Rest High School teachers, staff participate in Swamp Rabbit 5K
- Thursday, 09 May 2013
TRAVELERS REST, S.C. – Over 30 Travelers Rest High School faculty and staff members participated in the 5th annual Swamp Rabbit 5K, held last Friday in Travelers Rest. The race attracted more than 5,200 runners and walkers, making it the largest of its kind in South Carolina.
With an increased attention on personal health, new Travelers Rest High School Assistant Principal Charles Winney told faculty and staff at TRHS that he wanted a high turnout at the race.
"Originally, I thought five to 10 teachers would sign up for the race, but to have over 30 teachers along with their family members sign up was a pleasant surprise," he said.
Winney, who is an avid runner, felt that getting a large amount of the Travelers Rest High School faculty together for the race would be a good experience for the school.
"I feel that this level of comradery benefits the health and spirit of Travelers Rest High School and reflects positively on the Travelers Rest community,” Winney said.
Teachers felt that participating in the race was a good opportunity for them to spend time with friends, colleagues and family.
"I wanted to walk with my fellow comrades, and I wanted to stay fit," said science teacher Bianca Jamison. "I wanted to interact with my colleagues outside of school and exhibit a healthy lifestyle for my students and my school."
Winney said he hopes to expand the amount of faculty and staff that participates in next year’s race.
Related on the Tribune:
Photos: 5th annual GHS Swamp Rabbit 5K
Travelers Rest to host SC's largest 5K Friday
(Article photo courtesy of Rick Veazey.)
NGU art student named runner-up in national video contest
- Thursday, 09 May 2013
By Celeste Hawkins, Contributing Writer:
TIGERVILLE, S.C. – Will Donovan, a junior at North Greenville University, recently won second place in a national video contest sponsored by the Cengage Learning management system MindTap.
The MindTap Slice of Your Life Contest called for entrants to submit a one to two minute video that blended together their response to the question, “What makes you a unique learner?” and their interpretation of the adage, “There’s more than one way to peel an orange.”
Donovan, a studio art major, teamed up with Andrew Bradford, a junior studying broadcast media, to make their video, “How to Peel an Orange.” In the video, Donovan goes through the process of creating a clay circle that he colors orange and “peels” like the citrus fruit, demonstrating his hands-on, artistic learning style.
"Will asked me to shoot a simple video for him, and I told him, ‘Let’s just go all out,’" Bradford said. "Will came up with the idea of peeling the clay, but I directed him in creating the story of him working on it."
More than 300 college students entered the video contest to win the grand prize of a $2500 scholarship. Five finalists were announced on Monday, April 29. After the voting period, winners were announced on Tuesday, May 7. As the runner-up, Donovan will be awarded a $500 scholarship for the Fall 2013 semester.
"It really was a great collaboration," Donovan said. "I think it got both of our names out there in the fields that we are passionate about."
Although still in school, both artists are active in their fields. Donovan sells ceramic pieces and hopes to open his own studio in the future, while Bradford makes films and shares them through his YouTube channel ImpactFilms12.
(Editor's note: This article originally appeared on the Upstate art scene website DYMHub.com.)
Hagood Mill to host wilderness self-reliance skills classes
- Wednesday, 08 May 2013
PICKENS, S.C. – The Pickens County Museum will offer wilderness self-reliance skills classes beginning at the end of May.
The hands-on classes, designed for adults, will be taught by Alex Garcia and held at the Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center in Pickens.
An avid outdoorsman, Garcia has spent several years studying and practicing diverse survival philosophies and techniques specifically relevant to the topography and botany of North and South Carolina.
Garcia currently works at Clemson University and is a 21-year Army veteran. His career includes occupation specialties in the infantry, Special Forces and military intelligence, where he applied his skills as an assistant team commander and staff intelligence officer. He attended the US Army Jungle Operations Training Center in Panama as well as received instruction in civilian wilderness survival schools.
The series includes “Part 1: Introduction to Making Fire and Shelter" and “Part 2: Introduction to Finding Water and Food".
The cost for each class is $55 ($45 for museum members). Pre-registration is required.
For complete details, click a link below.
May 25: Part 1- Introduction to Making Fire and Shelter
June 8: Part 2 - Introduction to Finding Water and Food
