Top 10 for fund-raising
SPSU has been ranked in the top ten of Georgia state-funded universities for total gifts during the 2006-2007 academic year. The total amount of gifts received were approximately $2.6 million. In regards to SPSU’s ranking, Dr. Ron Dempsey, vice president for University Advancement, said “I think for an Advancement program of our size compared to other institutions, this is a great accomplishment.”

Construction Management Award
Congratulations Dr. Javier Irizarry! The Assistant Professor of the SPSU Construction Management Program was awarded the National Teaching Award from the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC). Two of his colleagues, Gouranga Banik and David Pierce, nominated him because he “goes the extra mile with the students outside of his regularly scheduled hours” and “has already made some very significant contributions to construction education by virtue of his efforts in developing new delivery methods.” The award is given annually to a faculty member of a four-year ASC member school. This award recognizes a faculty member’s contribution to construction education, excellence in teaching and dedication to the construction profession.

SPSU hosts SSAC
On May 20 - 21, SPSU will be hosting the annual Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Athletic Director's and Coaches meeting. During the meeting, ADs and coaches from members of the SSAC will be discussing conference by-laws, budgets, schedules and other business of the conference. An awards luncheon will be included in the meeting to honor: Athletic Director of the Year; Male Coach of the Year; Female Coach of the Year; Male Athlete of the Year; Female Athlete of the Year; and an award that recognizes one school for having the best overall performance in athletics for the year.

T-COM success
The English, Technical Communication & Media Arts capstone class allows students to showcase their best work from the program in an electronic and paper portfolio. The portfolios are designed for professional audiences and serve as showpieces for students. The capstone class is taught by Profs. Kim Haimes-Korn and Herb Smith.

This semester marked the largest English, Technical Communication & Media Arts graduating class to date with 21 students, 11 of which are from China. This is the first year the department has had Chinese student graduates. At the end of every capstone class there is an Open House, in which family, friends, fellow SPSU students and industry professionals are invited to review all the portfolios. This year one parent flew in from China! Examples of the student T-COM portfolios can be seen at http://www.spsu.edu/htc/home/Undergrad/ug_portfolios.htm.

Construction Management graduate dinner
On Apr.16, the Construction Management department held a Capstone and Graduate Student Dinner to celebrate the accomplishments of its graduating students. The event is considered to be a part of the graduate students’ professional development. Doug Davidson, president of New South Construction Company, Inc., served as the guest speaker and addressed the audience about how to be successful in the field.

Mr. Davidson is the president-elect for the Georgia Branch of the Association of General Contractor and also serves on the Advisory Board and is past president for CEFGA (Construction Education Foundation of Georgia).

Assessment promotion
Dr. Jo Galle was recently promoted from Coordinator of Assessment to Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning. In her new role, she will be ensuring that all the administrative and academic departments on campus are fulfilling the mission of the university and are integrated with the President’s Strategic Plan. Her six main duties include: the assessment and evaluation of the Strategic Plan of the President and the academic and administrative departments of the university; the assessment of all degree and certificate programs and the core curriculum; the Georgia mandated comprehensive program review assessments of academic programs; and the external professional accreditation assessments by agencies like ABET.

Annual employee picnic
Thanks to the Social and Community Building Committee, Carlyle’s and the SPSU Foundation for a great annual employee picnic. The committee members who worked so hard on this event include: Alberta Cook and Sharon Hodge--Co-Chairs, Melissa Akins, Dorianne Ayala, Cressia Callahan, Quint Hill, Bill Ketchum, Ron Koger, Ann Lay, Scott Larisch, Darlene Martin (sick leave), Julie Newell, Mary Phillips, Leigh-Ann Soublis and Amanda Traylor. Special thanks to "Fridays at Five" band members Barry Birckhead, Alan Gabrielli, Lance Crimm, Dave Cline, Steve Hamrick and David Stone for keeping the crowd entertained.


SPSU Foundation and Alumni Golf Outing '08
On May 2, the SPSU Foundation and Alumni Association  held its 5th annual Golf Tournament at Cobblestone Golf Course in Acworth. A group of 27  foursomes composed of SPSU alumni, faculty, staff and sponsors began teeing off at 9 a.m. A continental breakfast, sponsored by Hendessi and Associates, was served during registration at 8 a.m. and a buffet-style lunch was provided  by Estes Shields Engineering and Ambling Management. Georgia Power took home first place.

Staff Council nominations due May 16
It’s time to nominate and elect new Staff Council representatives.  The Staff Council represents all staff on campus.  To be eligible for nomination a staff member must have been a permanent full-time employee of SPSU by the first working day of the current fiscal year.  Nominators and nominees must be from the same IPED category and an individual may nominate more than one staff member for election.  A nominee must agree to accept the nomination and to serve a two-year term.  Staff Council Nomination Forms are due by 12 p.m. on Fri., May 16.  If you would like more information on the Staff Council Election process, send an email to staffcouncil@spsu.edu.  To find out more about the SPSU Staff Council, visit our website at www.spsu.edu/staffcouncil.

Volume 1, Issue 8
May 14 , 2008