Spire Spring 2018

college news

Construction is underway on campus as the college begins a $2.7 million third-floor addition to the Science Center. The project is in response to BC’s growing number of academic offerings in health sciences. The two-story Science Center has housed the school’s traditional STEM-H programs since 1992. Six years ago, the college added a bachelor’s degree in nursing and not long after a master’s degree in nursing, both within the Science Center. Now the college is exploring yet another new degree in nutrition and health sciences. All of these new programs require additional space that can’t be provided without a third floor on the Science Center. Follow the progress at bluefield.edu/sciencecenter .

Graham High School student Jade Clyburn (seated center) signed a letter of intent to attend Bluefield College during a ceremony in May, but she didn’t ink a contract to play sports or be a part of a BC athletic team. Instead, the standout GHS student signed an official document declaring her intentions to study teacher education at BC. Planned much like formal signing ceremonies for athletes, the event was designed not only to recognize Clyburn’s commitment to attend Bluefield College, but also to draw attention to the need to recruit more students to address the growing shortage of qualified teachers in the region. Read more at bluefield.edu/teachers .

One hundred forty-six seniors accepted diplomas, May 5, during the school’s 96th Annual Spring Commencement, which featured a keynote address from Virginia state senator Ben Chafin, who also received an Honorary Doctorate degree, and two speeches from distinguished graduates Ellen Johnson and Shawn Howell. Johnson and BC alumna Connie Mayberry Saunders (pictured left) also received an Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for “exemplary character” and “humanitarian service.” For complete coverage of Spring Commencement, including dozens of photos and a list of graduates, visit bluefield.edu/spring18grads .

Bluefield College honored its employees with a faculty and staff awards ceremony in May, which included the presentation of the Distinguished Staff Award to Tabitha Price (pictured right), operations assistant for the Office of Enrollment Management, and the Distinguished Faculty Award to Dr. Emily Lambert, associate professor and chair of the Department of Biology. The college also recognized retiring professors Dr. Bob Boozer, Barbara Gillespie, and Mimi Merritt. Other employees were recognized for faithful service, including Clayton and Pon Wagner, celebrating 35 years with BC. Check out photos of all award winners at bluefield.edu/fsawards18 .

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