College Archives - Page 21 of 64

Derek W. Austin, Ph.D Math and Science Scholarship awarded to Curtis Robertson

Posted at 11:23 am July 16, 2017
By Holly Cross Leave a Comment

Mr. and Mrs. Larry A. Austin announced that Curtis Robertson, a top STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) student from Oak Ridge High School is the second annual recipient of the Derek W. Austin, Ph.D Math and Science Scholarship. (Submitted photo)

Mr. and Mrs. Larry A. Austin have announced that Curtis Robertson, a top STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) student from Oak Ridge High School is the second annual recipient of the Derek W. Austin, Ph.D Math and Science Scholarship. This scholarship in the amount of $1,100.00 is designated to a senior who is working toward a math or science major and has received no other scholarship. The first recipient of this award in 2016 was Elisabeth Gallmeier.

This scholarship endowment is in memory of their son, Derek Austin, who was most recently the director of Telemedical Systems at Hubble Telemedical, Inc. in Knoxville, a press release said. He had also worked for Siemens Healthcare Im Tek Inc. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. His profile on LinkedIn included a statement from Derek Austin, “As a survivor of pancreatic cancer, I have both a personal interest and intimate relationship with medical imaging and cancer research.” His specialties included expertise in software development, data acquisition, imaging systems, microscopy, and nanotechnology.

After Derek’s struggle ended with cancer, his parents created this scholarship endowment to carry on his memory, possibly giving students like Derek the opportunity to pursue their ambitions in STEM careers, the press release said.

This press release and photo were submitted by Holly Cross.

ORAU announces recipients of 2017 Pollard Scholarships

Posted at 11:13 am July 16, 2017
By Pam Bonee Leave a Comment

Natalie Campbell

ORAU has awarded five William G. Pollard Scholarships of $2,500 each toward undergraduate studies for the 2017-2018 academic year. The recipients of this year’s scholarships are Natalie Campbell, Rachel Edmonds, Connor Holmberg, James Timothy Maze, and Caroline Thomas.

Each year, ORAU awards these scholarships to employees’ children who display exceptional achievements in their high school or undergraduate studies, a press release said. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended, three references (at least two of which must be from teachers), and a 500-word essay describing the student’s professional and personal interests.

Below are additional details on each of this year’s winners: [Read more…]

Roane State’s Wurth honored for distinguished career in GIS

Posted at 10:59 am July 16, 2017
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Pat Wurth

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

When it comes to her expertise, Roane State’s Pat Wurth occupies a unique niche in Tennessee, and she has won a first-ever award for it.

Wurth, an associate professor at the college for nearly 19 years, recently received the accolade of appreciation for her “distinguished career developing GIS professionals.”

That’s what it says on the plaque she received during an April conference of the 500-member Tennessee Geographic Information Council. “It was quite an honor,” Wurth said.

GIS is about using geographic data to understand patterns, trends, and relationships. It’s widely used in environmental research, city planning, crime analysis, and by utility systems. [Read more…]

Butterfly Festival at UT Arboretum on Saturday, July 29

Posted at 5:33 pm July 14, 2017
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Submitted photo

Monarch release, UT Insect Zoo, speakers, and children’s activities are highlights

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will present its Second Annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium and surrounding grounds, 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge. It is cosponsored by the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center. The gate will be open at 9:30 a.m., with coffee and donuts available. The event will take place rain or shine, a press release said.

The event, which drew hundreds of area participants in 2016, is designed for children and adults of all ages. There is ample parking in designated areas of the Arboretum adjacent to the event, the press release said.

The day’s highlight will be the release of 100 butterflies, some at noon and the remainder at 2 p.m.

“We invite children to help release the monarch butterflies, which will be offered at a cost of $10 per butterfly,” the press release said. Cash or credit cards will be accepted.

Nationally recognized author Rita Venable is the keynote speaker. An award-winning writer, photographer, and butterfly expert, Rita will speak about “Small-scale Butterfly Gardening” at 10 a.m. At 1 p.m., she will speak on “Butterflies of Tennessee,” the subject of her popular book. Her book will be available for purchase and signing, the press release said. [Read more…]

Roane State paramedic alumni earn honors

Posted at 11:11 am July 14, 2017
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Anderson County EMS Director Nathan Sweet, right, presents Lt. Steve Seals, a graduate of Roane State’s paramedic program, with an award naming him the EMS’s “Officer of the Year.” Sweet is also a Roane State paramedic program graduate. (Photo by Roane State)

Graduates of Roane State Community College’s paramedic program continue to distinguish themselves in their professions by earning honors bestowed by peers and supervisors, a press release said.

Two 2005 graduates of the paramedic program were recognized by Anderson County EMS during National EMS Week, held in late May each year.

Lieutenant Steve Seals was named “Officer of the Year,” while Millie Huddleston was recognized as “Paramedic of the Year.”

Co-workers and supervisors nominated them for the recognitions. In those nominations, Seals was described as exemplifying “our core values, including integrity first, service before self, as well as excellence in all we do,” the press release said. [Read more…]

Roane State adjunct instructor honored for saving infant last year

Posted at 3:50 pm July 4, 2017
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Roane State adjunct professor Jason Fox, right, is pictured with Capt. Joseph Cate, also with the Morristown-Hamblen EMS, as they receive the statewide “Star of Life” award for reviving an infant. (Photo by Roane State)

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

A Roane State Community College adjunct instructor at the college’s Knox County Center for Health Sciences put his extensive training to use to save the life of a just born, premature infant who had stopped breathing and had no pulse.

For his actions, which he said were a “combination of training, instinct and a miracle,” Jason Fox received a statewide award titled the “Star of Life.”

Fox, who has been with Roane State for a year, is also a lieutenant with the Morristown-Hamblen EMS. He is credited, along with Morristown-Hamblen County EMS’ Captain Joseph Cate, for reviving the infant—who was three months premature when he was born at home.

“We asked what the baby’s name was and told her (mother Kellie Henrikson) that we would do everything in our power to save his life,” Fox said. The EMS professionals used cardiopulmonary resuscitation to revive Tanner Enix after the infant hadn’t been breathing for 11 minutes. [Read more…]

Roane State graduate overcame challenges to finish degree at age 51

Posted at 3:30 pm July 4, 2017
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Thomas Chartrand, 51, returned to college late in life and obtained his associate’s degree from Roane State Community College in May. (Photo by Roane State)

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

At age 51 with his new Roane State Community College associate degree in hand, Thomas Chartrand said he has learned a valuable life lesson.

“When anything gets hard in life, you can’t give up,” the Oak Ridge resident said. “If you give up, you’ll never have a chance to reach your goals and dreams.”

Despite numerous challenges, starting with a rough-and-tumble childhood, he didn’t give up.

Chartrand took night classes at Roane State after work while helping wife Keri raise their two young children, Tristan and Kyla. He recalls often studying past midnight. Now, he says, “I feel much better about myself, knowing that I earned my degree. The last thing you want to do is look back and wished you’d done it,” he said. “It’s never too late.”

It took him five years to earn his degree in contemporary management. That’s because he was often working overtime at his day job, attending and coaching his son’s sports games, and balancing work commitments. That’s why he had to cut down on the number of credit hours he could take each semester.

One class, Probability and Statistics, proved a temporary setback. Even though he had to take it again, he finished his Roane State career with a 3.4 grade point average. He said he was on the President’s List once and the Dean’s List twice. “With the help of all the great instructors and my advisor, David Rath, I was given the support that I can do this, and I did!” Chartrand said. [Read more…]

‘When Good Trees Go Bad’: Lecture & walk at UT Arboretum on Thursday

Posted at 2:00 pm June 14, 2017
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Oak Ridge Forest is pictured above in the spring of 2016. (Photo by UT Arboretum)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will present a short talk and lead a walk on Thursday, June 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

Led by Forester Jeff Holt, the short talk and walk will focus on the impact of disease and damage as observed in trees on the walk, a press release said. Holt will discuss how these issues relate to tree hazard mortality risk as they may relate to management and safety of the trees. During the walk, Holt will lead the group around the Arboretum to discuss affected trees, the press release said.

Celebrating 52 years in 2017, this program is one of many activities that will be offered this year by the UT Arboretum Society. The program is co-sponsored by the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center.

The Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, is one of 10 outdoor laboratories located throughout the state as part of the UT AgResearch system. AgResearch is a division of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch, and UT Extension offices, with locations in every county in the state.

Front Page Follies presents musical news revue on Saturday

Posted at 12:56 pm June 14, 2017
By Kay Brookshire Leave a Comment

The Front Page Follies cast rehearses for the June 17, 2017, event at Knoxville Convention Center. (Submitted photo)

Social media tweets and WikiLeaks figure prominently in the national news and in the 39th annual Front Page Follies, but the show will focus on finding fun in state and local stories.

The cast of local media folks and friends is ready to present the Front Page Follies on Saturday, June 17, at the Knoxville Convention Center. The musical revue of the year’s news and newsmakers offers an evening of laughs as the Front Page Foundation, host of the show, raises funds for journalism and broadcast scholarships, a press release said.

The evening will begin with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner, live and silent auctions, and the stage show. Tickets to the event are $125 each. They are available on the Front Page Foundation website at www.frontpagefoundation.org, which also features a preview of auction items.

Among song highlights is “Don’t You Forget D-O-E,” on the confirmation hearing of new U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry, to the 1980s tune “Don’t You Forget About Me.” Other Follies parodies include “Suppositions” to the tune of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and a Wiki-Wacky tale of “The Leaks” from the Clinton and Trump campaigns set to Ray Stevens’ “The Streak.” [Read more…]

Einstein Simplified, an improv comedy group, at UT Arboretum on Sunday

Posted at 1:18 pm June 10, 2017
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Einstein Simplified

Einstein Simplified, an improvisational comedy group, will perform at the University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge on Sunday.

Organizers called it a great early Father’s Day gift for dad, spouse, or friends. But you must bring your sense of humor, they said.

“We live in a crazy up-and-down world, so the UT Arboretum Society is offering you a chance to forget all that on Sunday, June 11, at the UT Arboretum Auditorium, located at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge,” a press release said. “Join us as we all laugh non-stop as the renowned award-winning comedy group Einstein Simplified presents an hour of uninterrupted improv comedy. This 23-year-old well-established group performs funny, and often physical, unrehearsed comedy.”

The fun begins at 5 p.m. Sunday with a reception that includes wine and a wide variety of cheeses. “This is a chance to mingle with the comedy troupe and socialize with the crowd,” the press release said. The cost is $30 per person, and that includes one free glass of wine, cheese, crackers, and the comedy show.

All tickets will be sold before the event. There are no walk-up sales. Soft drinks will be provided free of charge. A cash bar for additional glasses of wine will be available. The preferred method of ticket sales is online at the UT Arboretum Society website at http://utas.brownpapertickets.com/. If online purchase is a problem, call (865) 776-8227. [Read more…]

Roane State to host information sessions for adults interesting in going back to school

Posted at 3:21 pm June 7, 2017
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Adults thinking about returning to college or enrolling for the first time can get any questions they may have answered during three upcoming meetings at Roane State Community College.

Adult learner information sessions will be Thursday, June 15, and Wednesday, July 19, in the City Room of Roane State’s Coffey-McNally Building on the college’s Oak Ridge campus.

Another session on Thursday, July 13, will be in the Raider Room in the Dunbar Building on main campus in Harriman.

All of the sessions will begin at 5:30 p.m., and they are free. [Read more…]

Roane State basketball players visit Roane Academy youth

Posted at 12:18 pm June 6, 2017
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

From left are Grant Holt, Roane Academy Activities Director Andre McCullum, Coach Alan Holt, Garrett Crandell, Blake Ervin, Tyler Thompson, and Ricky Shearman. (Photo by Roane State)

ROCKWOOD—Five members of the Roane State Raiders basketball team recently took time off from studying for finals to become role models for some Roane Academy youth.

Squad members spent the afternoon of April 26 at the Roane Academy, a residential facility for adolescent males who have experienced complex trauma. Currently in the state child welfare system, the children have been exposed to multiple traumatic events—such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, multiple losses—that can have substantial and lasting effects if left untreated.

Teresa Duncan, vice president of workforce development for the college, became familiar with Roane Academy through visits its residents have made to local athletic events as rewards for growth and change that shows in treatment progress and safe, healthy decisions. In response, she contacted Roane State Raiders Head Coach Randy Nesbit, requesting that the team spend some time with Roane Academy youth.

Raiders team members Grant Holt, Garrett Crandell, Blake Ervin, Tyler Thompson, and Ricky Shearman interacted with Roane Academy residents, from playing pickup basketball games to dunking exhibitions to simply talking with them. [Read more…]

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