SPIRE Summer 2019

college news

Bluefield College Holds Inaugural Master of Arts in Biomedical Science Commencement Saturday, May 18, 2019, one hundred fifteen Bluefield College seniors accepted diplomas during Bluefield College’s Inaugural Master of Arts in Biomedical Science Commencement. The event was held outside on the campus quad with the majestic East River Mountain as a backdrop. Bluefield College President, Dr. David W. Olive, welcomed family and friends to the celebratory event which featured two speeches from distinguished graduates, greetings on behalf of the Bluefield College Board of Trustees from Michael P. Harris, Pharm. D., and a keynote address from Dr. Phillip A. Peterson, M.D. Ms. Patricia Pittman and Mr. Emmanuel Ayompe brought the student addresses for the event. Keynote speaker, Dr. Phillip Peterson, M.D. spoke to the graduates offering career advice. Read more on our News & Events website here: http://www.bluefield. edu/article/bluefield-college-holds-inaugural-master-of-arts- in-biomedical-science-commencement/

BC Thanks Shott for Nearly 20 Years of Service On April 12, 2019, Dr. David W. Olive, president of Bluefield College, announced to the campus community Diane Shott would be leaving Bluefield College. Shott decided to take on a new position with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in Hilton Head, South Carolina, as Smokey and she begin transitioning to a “southern” home. Diane has faithfully served the College for nearly 20 years, many of those spent in the president’s office. Bluefield College certainly will miss Shott and her contributions to the campus community. The campus was able to wish her farewell on April 26 at a reception held in her honor.

BMPA Sponsors Concert at Bluefield College Bluefield College held a concert on Friday, April 5, 2019, at 7:30 pm in Harman Chapel. “This concert was put on by Blue Mountain Performing Arts, which is a local concert organization,” said Dr. Charles Priest, associate professor & chair of the BC Music Department. “They have been going about 70 years at this point. They have season memberships and they sell tickets,” Priest added. Those performing in the concert were the BC Concert Band, BMPA, and also members of the community and surrounding high schools. These high schools included Tazewell, Galax, Bland, and Pikeview. “It was a fairly good turnout,” said Dr. Priest Special guest and performer, Rob Verdi, was also a part of this ensemble. This is the third time Rob Verdi has been to Bluefield. For 22 years, Verdi has performed in the Side Street Strutters in Disneyland. Verdi also conducts jazz workshops and works with many music projects in California.

Bluefield College Cheer Team Attends UCA College Nationals Bluefield College attended the UCA Cheerleading Camp in August 2018 and qualified to compete at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) College Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Prior to being a competitive sport, the team was considered a club sport. Head Coach of the Rams cheer team, Sara Goodson, said she was excited to see her team perform at the collegiate level. Goodson said the squad was ranked “Superior” and everyone felt great about their performance. “We are thankful for the opportunity to attend and compete at UCA College Nationals. Having the support of the College and community has allowed our program to grow and make history for Bluefield College,” said Goodson. Twenty-one schools competed along with the Rams in the UCA College Game Day Coed Open Division.

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