Lenoir-Rhyne Awarded Grant in Excess of $200,000 For Science Equipment

Fri May 24 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — The Arthur Vining Davis foundation has notified Lenoir-Rhyne University that it has been selected to receive a $248,100 grant.  The grant application was submitted one year ago and was awarded after an on-site visit by an Arthur Vining Davis representative.   The money for the grant is specified for science equipment.

The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations are based in Jacksonville, Florida and are a national philanthropic organization established through the generosity of the late American Industrialist, Arthur Vining Davis.

From their founding, the Foundations have been strongly committed to the support of private higher education in America. Trustees of the Foundations have concentrated on privately governed and supported four-year, residential, liberal arts institutions, which place strong emphasis on teaching and whose students choose majors primarily in the arts and sciences rather than career or vocational studies. (more…)

View Stars, Planets and the Moon at LRU

Mon May 13 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — Lenoir-Rhyne University in conjunction with the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club is sponsoring a “Public Observing Night.” This event will be held on Friday, May 17^th, weather permitting, at the Minges Science Building Observatory on the L-R campus. This free event will begin at 8:00 pm and conclude at approximately 11:00 pm.

The public is invited to come to the top of the Minges Science Building where several telescopes will be set up in addition to the 12.5 inch Cassegrain telescope in the observatory dome.  To access the rooftop observatory, enter the building then take the elevator to the 4^th floor and come up the steps.

Sights to be seen include a beautiful first quarter moon, a last look at Jupiter and its moons for the summer, a good look at Saturn and its moons, plus sparkling Venus as an evening star. Should weather not permit observing, an alternate program will be offered in room Minges 118 for those interested.

Capital Campaign Rising Up to a $65 Million Goal

Tue May 7 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — At its public announcement on February 1, the University Rising Campaign Committee unveiled thermometer signs that will visually track the progress of the University’s goal to raise $65 million by January 1, 2015.  Located on three high traffic routes around the campus, these signs are updated after each meeting of the Campaign Committee. After its April 20^th meeting, the Campaign Committee proudly announced that the University had secured $1 million in cash and pledges since its February announcement.

New gifts to the Chapel, the Science wing and the University’s endowment made up the increase. The Co-Chairs of the Campaign Committee, trustee Jerome Bolick and alumnae Madeleine Dassow ‘75, were encouraged with the progress made since the committee’s last meeting. “Make no mistake about it,” said Dassow, “the remaining challenge is greater than any one person or any one group.” When asked about the excitement and commitment needed to reach the goal she said, “We, the alumni, community, and friends of L-R will have to join hands to accomplish our fundraising objective, and today’s progress report reflects that we are seeing a joint effort coming to fruition.”

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University to Hold Graduation Ceremony and Bestow Honorary Degrees

Tue Apr 30 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — Lenoir-Rhyne University will hold spring graduation on Friday, May 10^th at 8:00 p.m. in Moretz Stadium on campus. The university will present two honorary doctorates and a Trustee Award at the commencement exercises.

Master’s Degree Hooding and Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 9^th at 7:00 p.m. in the P.E. Monroe Auditorium.

At these ceremonies, 230 students will receive their undergraduate degrees and 70 students will receive a master’s degree.

Those being honored on Friday are Michael K. Dugan, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; the Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Miller, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity; and George A. Moretz, who will be awarded the Trustee Award.   (more…)

Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus Presents Spring Concert

Mon Apr 22 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — The Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus will present its spring concert on Sunday, April 28^th, 4:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Hickory.  This concert will mark the 17^th spring concert of the group, founded in 1997 by Florence Jowers as part of the Sacred Music Program of Lenoir-Rhyne University.  Over 1,000 area youth have sung in this choir, which presently has about 100 members in three ensembles.  The concert is free and open to the public.

The week prior to the spring concert, the Meistersingers of the L-R Youth Chorus will tour in North Carolina and Virginia from April 19^th – 22^nd.  They will sing at First Baptist Church, Henderson, NC; historic Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, VA; First Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA; and at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, VA during their weekend tour.  (more…)

Lenoir-Rhyne University Presents Fifth Annual SOURCE Event

Mon Apr 22 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — Lenoir-Rhyne University will hold the fifth annual Symposium on University Research and Creative Expression on April 23, 2013. The Symposium on University Research and Creative Expression, better known as SOURCE, is an event that celebrates the academic achievements of both undergraduate and graduate students. This event is open to the community.

Undergraduate student presentations begin at 1:00pm, followed by keynote speaker, Loreen N. Olson, Ph.D. at 4:45pm. Graduate level students will present their presentations beginning at 6:00pm.

Dr. Olson will speak on, Ethical Dilemmas of Student-Faculty Research: Confessions of a Dark Side Researcher. While discussing her student research collaborations, Dr. Olson will discuss numerous ethical dilemmas she has encountered as a researcher of the dark side of personal relationships.  Stories of successful negotiations and the lessons learned will be highlighted. (more…)

Microbiologist to Address Sustainability During Earth Day Event

Mon Apr 22 2013

Earth Day 2013 will be celebrated around the world on Monday, April 22 and Lenoir-Rhyne University will feature a speaker from Cornell University to speak on the topic of sustainability. Dr. Eugene Madsen, professor of microbiology at Cornell, will discuss “It’s a Microbial World: How Diversity and Professionalism Lead to Ecological Resilience.” This event is free and open to the public. It will begin at 10:00am in the Belk Centrum on campus.

Dr. Madsen will attempt to address the questions, “What is sustainability? Is this a new concept?” Drawing on the history of Planet Earth, this presentation will use microbial diversity and ecology to demonstrate that sustainability has forever been essential for the biosphere to function. The metabolic versatility of microorganisms (especially Bacteria and Archaea) is nothing short of astounding.  New, ongoing discoveries emerge frequently, even in 2013. He will review how resourcefulness in microorganisms allows them to “make a living” and show how the results of intermingled microbial processes lead to ecological resilience- an important aspect of sustainability. There may be lessons here for human behavior. (more…)

Jazz Ensemble Concert to Feature Range of Standard and Contemporary Works

Tue Apr 16 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — The Lenoir-Rhyne University Jazz Ensemble, consisting of students and community members, will present their spring concert on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:30pm in the P.E. Monroe Auditorium.  The program will include standard and contemporary works for big band.

Directed by Patrick Brown, the LR Jazz Ensemble is at once both a lab band dedicated to furthering students’ abilities to play jazz and other popular styles, and an active performing ensemble.  The Jazz Ensemble is a reorganization of the “stage band” tradition, performing diverse styles of music including swing, bebop, blues, funk, Latin, and popular song. Membership in the Jazz Ensemble is open to all Lenoir-Rhyne University students and community members by audition.

LRU Student Recognized for Civic Engagement and Dedication

Mon Apr 15 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — For the second year in a row Lenoir-Rhyne has a student leader listed among the distinguished group of Newman Civic Fellows.  Campus Compact recently presented this honor to Lenoir-Rhyne University senior Joshua Mackey of Shelby, NC. This prestigious title is given to students who are deemed civic leaders on campus and within their communities; a title that was only given to six North Carolina students this year.  Last year Clifton Garmin was the recipient of the award.

The Newman Civic Fellows award is given to students who demonstrate inspiration and dedication to civic engagement within their community. Newman Civic Fellows are students who have shown a drive throughout their college career to finding solutions to challenges facing surrounding communities. Through their service and understanding Newman Civic Fellows demonstrate lasting change. (more…)

Cynthia Lord’s Book Rules Comes to Life on LRU Stage

Fri Apr 5 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — Lenoir-Rhyne University Playmakers will present Rules by Cynthia Lord April 17-20. This story was adapted for the stage by several students at the university. Ms. Lord is the 2013 Little Read author and will appear on campus on Saturday, April 13.

Rules is the story of Catherine, an artist and writer of rules, as she learns the difference between fitting in and real acceptance over her summer vacation. She navigates friendship with the new neighbor girl, struggles with parents and her brother, bullying from the kid down the street, and a transformative relationship with Jason who uses a wheelchair and a communication board. (more…)