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Read MoreGibson to be Fit. Green. Happy.®
This coming academic year, Gibson Hall will be designated as a Fit. Green. Happy.® place of living. Mirroring Lloyd Hall, Gibson, named after former Maryville College president Gerald Gibson, has been home to almost 150 residents each year since 2008. Standing four floors high, Gibson does currently employ a wellness component, which requires its residents to withhold from consuming tobacco products along with alcohol. Created by Bruce Guillaume, founder and Director of Mountain Challenge, the Fit. Green. Happy.® initiative generally aims to promote physical, mental and environmental wellness all around. It’s an idea which encourages a higher sense of awareness and attention paid to our environment in addition to sustainability practices. Because it has already been maintaining its preexisting wellness mandate, Gibson has been collectively decided upon by Guillaume and Student Services as the best candidate out of all the other residence halls as a starting point of expansion for these ideas. Generally, the concept behind implementing Fit. Green. Happy.® at Gibson revolves around increasing awareness of the initiative as whole. “We want to keep the language of wellness but tweak it, so that it becomes multi-faceted,” explained Jessica Boor, who has been Maryville College’s Director of Student Services since August 2017. Within that role, Boor oversees Resident Life and wellness among other things. These upcoming tweaks to the wellness ideas aim to promote more than just abstaining from alcohol or tobacco use. As of now, this initial introduction of Fit. Green. Happy.® to Gibson hall will not be changing any of the typical processes involved in application of residency or for any resident assistant (RA) positions, and there will still be the same number of programs. “The hope is that RA’s would possibly hold programs directed at happiness and wellness,” said Boor. Ideally, a stronger presence of wellness and environmentally friendly related ideas within Gibson would naturally spark more conversations and create additional opportunities to get active. “I would hope students would become or feel self-driven,” said Guillaume in reference to engaging in activities such as weekly workouts. It’s clear that one of the main goals around implementing Fit. Green. Happy.® is to create that sense of motivation to help ourselves and our environment within a communal space. Physically speaking, the building or pieces within it won’t be changing anytime soon either. Although according to Boor, Gibson might and hopefully will acquire a number of water fountains that include the sensor activated water bottle refill mechanism...
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Read MoreMeet the Editors: Nadia Marrero-Silva
Dear beloved readers, it is my pleasure to introduce a very special young lady for this week’s “Meet the Editor:” Nadia Marrero-Silva, a Design major, and Senior here at Maryville College. Nadia Marrero-Silva was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and moved to the United States when she was very young. Though she has spent most of her childhood and adult life in the United States, per her request, let the record show that she is still a proud Puerto Rican. If you’ve spent any time on campus at all, you probably have met Nadia a few times, as she seems to be everywhere. She works as the marketing assistant at our Career Center, a web editor for the Echo, and as an on-campus gallery intern. Apart from all her jobs and classes on campus, Nadia is currently gearing up for her senior show called “The Fall of Raguel.” “It’s about an angel of vengeance who’s sent to Hell to save one of God’s most beloved humans,” Nadia said regarding the idea behind her show. “That’s a really simple way of putting it.” Dr. Adrienne Schwarte, Chair of the Fine Arts Division and Associate Professor of Art and Design, worked closely with Nadia to develop her senior show. “Nadia has a really interesting thesis topic,” Schwarte said. “She is focusing on some religious symbology in art, and is doing some construction building for her space. She is thinking holistically with her show and exhibition and is transforming the space into an experience. I think Nadia is one of those students who is very intentional with everything she does, and puts a lot of thought and work into everything she’s involved in. I think that is a distinctive feature of Nadia” Nadia has a unique style that sets her apart from the crowd in the art world and also in the fashion world. With her sharp black eyeliner, all black clothes, and combat-style leather boots, she has defined her look. However, appearances can be deceiving. “People are usually intimidated by me, and I find that funny,” Nadia said regarding her style and public perception. “I’m all rock and roll and heavy, black-soul on the outside, but I’ve got to be one of the softest people I know. My favorite pastime is listening to people talk about their feelings. What’s so hardcore about that?” When I asked Nadia to tell me about her time in college, she gave the most truthful answer...
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Read MoreBest season yet: softball winning streak continued. . .
A great season for the Scots Softball team ended in an award winning week for sophomore player Morgan Brewer. Already the USA South Player of the Year, Brewer was also awarded Player of the Week the week of April 7. This season has been one of the best for the Scots. Through winning game after game, the Scots have shown their passion for the field and for playing as a team this season. On April 6, the Scots advanced on past Wesleyan Ga. to the quarterfinals of the USA South Athletic Conference tournament. The Scots only need two more wins to tie the school record for wins. The last record was set in 2003 as 28-10. Their current 26-11 record ranks tied as the third-most victories in school history, as they surpassed 2015-16’s 25-win mark. MC then looked on to the USA South quarter finals on Friday, April 13. The Scots played against Salem with a 2 p.m. first pitch in LaGrange, Ga. Senior Rachel Taylor’s two- runs batted in (RBI) double in the bottom of the sixth inning earned the Scots’ first-ever trip to the USA South Championship game. “No one deserves this moment – not me, not this team – more than Rachel Taylor,” softball Coach Leah Kelley said in a press release for MC Athletics. “She has been there through Maryville College’s worst of the worst, and now, the best of the best. That’s something that you dream of – for her to be in that situation and to really save our season. To come in and get that opportunity to get that hit, and then to pull through for us, that just shows that she’s been there since day one for this program. It’s such a big moment for her to pull through like that.” This win will allow the Scots to go on postseason playing time to go for a USA South Athletic Conference Tournament Championship. MC now sits tied with the school record for the most wins in a season. This win marks the 28th of the season, and the Scots need only one more win to break the 15-year old record previously set in 2003....
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Read MoreLegacy of learning: saying goodbye to Terry Simpson
Maryville College recently celebrated the retirement of one of its most valued staff members. Dr. Terry Simpson, Director of Teacher Education and Professor of Secondary Education, is leaving the College after 27 years of learnedly inspiring students and faculty alike. While surely looking forward to a relaxing retirement of well-deserved rest, the shrewd professor refused to leave his post without giving one last lecture. ———— This lecture, taking place during his very own farewell ceremony on Thursday, April 12, covered topics ranging from how to deal with an angry bull to gun control in the United States. It addressed the significance of childhood, the importance of professionalism, the joys of gardening, the achievement of religious freedom, but most importantly, it addressed the values of learning and education. To Simpson, an education is not something you do just to get a job or climb the professional ladder, it’s a lifelong striving towards true knowledge and a call to help others. According to his lecture, “every child has potential” and sometimes “you have to believe in the child before they can believe in you.” A teacher’s job is not merely to teach course material but to inspire and believe in their students which in turn builds self-esteem and establishes self-worth. Simpson has performed this job to the fullest and is loved deeply by his students and colleagues for possessing a truly caring heart. According to Sierra Russell, current senior in the Early Childhood Education with Teacher Licensure division, Simpson is, “the heart and soul of the education program.” “It would not be what it is today without his leadership, wisdom and love of children,” she said. Simpson is led not only by his love of children and education but also his love of God. He is a strong Christian and a man of faith even though he constantly referred to himself as a “sinner” during the lecture. Furthermore, while the man is strongly a follower of Christ, he still believes in religious freedom, calling it “undeniably important.” The professor even went to the Middle-East and lectured there while becoming close friends with Islamic community and government leaders. Apparently, faith differences were cast aside as they worked toward the common goal of accessible education. Maryville College will undeniably miss this wise man of nuance, joy, charm and educated brilliance. Though his last lecture already took place, retirement will not stop Simpson’s unwavering devotion to education and learning. To him, it’s just too...
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Read MoreMeet the Editors: Destiny Ditmore
The “Highland Echo” only takes the finest in terms of quality for its staff, and our Photography Editor, Destiny Ditmore, is no exception. Ditmore hails from a small and picturesque town of Knoxville. “I’ve pretty much always grown up in this area,” she said. “I chose to come to Maryville College because my family moved out towards Lenoir City. I wanted to be closer to the mountains too.” Her job as the Photography Editor is one that requires skills in both the fields of photography and teaching the craft to writers who may not have experience with advanced cameras. “My job consists of editing pictures, distributing cameras to writers, making sure they know how to use the camera and making sure they post their photos and captions online.” As a fellow editor, I’ll confess that editing photos is beyond my level of skill, but Ditmore makes it seem easy. “Normally for my personal pictures, I use Adobe Lightroom,” she said. “ I didn’t know going into the job that we have to use Adobe Photoshop, so there was a bit of a learning curve for me.” One piece of advice she would give to potential Photography Editors is to consistently practice. “When I got into the job, I didn’t really know what the terms CMYK and RGB meant,” she said. “I was just figuring out how to edit photos specifically for online and specifically for the paper. Make sure you have practice with both Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom as well as different softwares.” One of her favorite parts of the job is that she gets to see other’s work instead of just her own. “I guess I’m used to editing my own photos, so it’s nice to see events happening around the campus and town as well as the way that other photographers capture them,” she said. Though there are many joys to be found as the Photography Editor, there are a few challenges. “Keeping up with all the content and deadlines we need are some of my least favorite parts,” she said. “Sometimes I have to contribute my own photos. Besides that, I really like doing the job.” As a fellow editor, I can attest that deadlines are one of the few pitfalls of this job. Besides editing the photography section, Ditmore has other hobbies as well. Of course, photography is one of them, but she combines her love of photography with a love of nature. “I combine...
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Read MoreScots in Washington trip brought professional development and eye-opening opportunities
Professional development, hearing the passionate and angry voices of our nation’s youth, and getting both lost and found on the Metro all encompassed a busy and enlightening trip in Washington, D.C. this weekend. For the four students in the Scots in Washington program, the quick weekend trip to D.C. was busy and showed the realities of living in the nation’s capital. Scots in Washington is a brand new sector of the already existing MC in D.C. group. MC in D.C. is a group of alumni from Maryville College who have stayed connected through a Facebook page. Hailing from many different graduating classes, the alumni range from those who have graduated over a decade ago and those who are just finishing their first year of graduate school. Of the many members of MC in D.C., the three who helped make Scots in Washington happen are Marissa McInnis ’04, Robbie Champion ’09 and Chelsea Barker ’10. Working with Christy McDonald and Sarah Yeaple Taylor in the Career Center, MC in D.C. brought Scots in Washington into existence, and we traveled to D.C. on March 22 and left March 25. The program’s mission is to give current Maryville College students the chance to see D.C. through the mentorship of an MC alum living in the city. The two chaperones who accompanied us on our trip were Christy McDonald, Director of the Career Center and Mark O’Gorman, Associate Professor of Social Sciences. Because D.C. has so much to offer from both the graduate school programs, career world and politics, each student on the trip was paired with either McInnis, Champion or Barker based on their post-graduation interests. I am interested in event management, public relations and marketing, and I am mentored by Champion because she currently works on event building through volunteering for Junior Council at Children’s National Health System. Through her network, she was able to schedule three informational interviews for me: one with the Director of Development at Imagination Stage, another with the Connectivity Fellow at Woolly Mammoth Theatre and the third was with the Vice President for Conference Development at the American Association for Life Insurers. Through mine and the other students interviews, we all learned about the different work and graduate opportunities in D.C. The most important factor I think we all learned from the trip was networking. In D.C., it is so common to meet with fellow professionals in your field for a cup of coffee...
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Read MoreUpcoming artist in residence: Chris Barnard
Coming soon, creator Chris Barnard will be joining us as our annual artist in residence for a week. From April 23 to 26, there will be opportunities abounding to interact with Barnard as he works with a number of our students to create collaborative pieces ranging from portraits to collages. After speaking with Carl Gombert, Professor of Art at MC, it seems that Barnard hopes to focus on complicated race relations from the past, present and future that exist in east Tennessee Barnard himself is an artist and professor at Connecticut College who creates paintings that deal with political constructs or many of the complicated relationships that exist within society. Whether it’s idealist depictions of landscape encompassed with underlying, contradictory American ideas, or spaces that also represent current social issues, Barnard’s works are truly thought-provoking while remaining visually captivating. “In this body of work I am focusing on white supremacy’s relationship to the privilege spaces of my experiences, such as private art and educational institutions,” wrote Barnard on his website in reference to his latest collection of works titled “Root Rot.” With a true awareness of many current, public discussions about race and representation among other topics, Barnard has formed pieces that allude to the erosion of such spaces by manipulating ordinary surfaces and changing colors to feel unexpected. For instance, one of Barnard’s acrylic paintings from the “Root Rot” collection titled “Blue Blood” seemingly depicts a statue that would likely sit in a museum, but the walls in the background are dripping a royal blue liquid all around. In his work titled “. . . and so life be enriched,” the setting appears to be a rather grandiose library, yet lengthy drips of various, bold colors form what one would expect to be the floor. “These new paintings share their precedents’ roots in contemplating Whiteness,” Barnard wrote on his website. “These, too emerge from wrestling with the politics of painting – the connections and gaps between painting and lived experience. These, too, reflect: a love of paint, the act of painting, and the power of the painted image,” reasons Barnard. With a clear ability to manifest ideas over multiple levels and a passionate interest in his own relationship to the act of painting, Barnard’s pieces will likely make you think just as he intends. “In the end, I strive to make engaging paintings that suggest dissonance and ambivalence, and that entice and challenge viewers, just as painting them...
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Read MoreCelebrating Black History month with X-Night
waited to hear some amazing poetry. On the evening of February 21 the X-night — formerly known as poetry night — took place as part of the celebration of Black History Month. This was only one of many events in February for Black History Month, each celebrating the diversity and inclusivity at our school. X-Night, formerly known as poetry night, was given a name change in honor of Xavier Sales, a Maryville College student who passed away suddenly on May 8, 2017. Xavier was a senior in the year of his passing, and the loss was a large blow to many fellow students and faculty members. He was a bright presence on campus, and all who knew him were pulled in by his warm spirit and energetic personality. The re-naming of this event, along with other tributes around campus, helps to keep his memory alive in the wake of his death. During the event, many Maryville College students took the stage either to read their own works or poems by their favorite writers. No matter the origin of the works, each piece held significant meaning to those reading them, and it showed in their performance. Each speaker demonstrated passion in their recitals, spurred on by personal motives and events that are happening in the world. From issues regarding race and gender, to mourning the loss of a loved one, these students poured their hearts out in front of their peers in a place where their voices could be heard, appreciated and understood. The Black Student Alliance (BSA) spread the word about this event, and many students signed up in order to read some poetry. A few of the students wrote their own poems about past experiences or the struggles of others, including one student who wrote in honor of their cousin who had been killed earlier in the summer. Others read poems from authors such as E.E Cummings, Dead Eye Dick, and William Shakespeare. There were even two students who read poems in honor of Xavier Sales, commemorating his memory even further in this event. Since this was an event held to celebrate Black History Month, many of the poems read dealt with the oppression that African Americans face in this society and called for change in this treatment. Going along with this theme of awareness for injustice, some students took a different route by going further into the issue, talking about women’s rights for women of color...
Most Recent Articles
Professors Astor and Locklin-Sofer write new books
As every Maryville College student knows, our college is home to a wide array of excellent and competent scholars. For many, the fine educators here at MC help to define and give value to the college experience, teaching students to fall in love with learning as well as helping them plan a future for themselves. In the Humanities Division, two such professors are putting their considerable academic talents to use by contributing books in their specific areas of expertise....
Read MoreMaryville College Planting New Trees
Over the past few months, Maryville College has seen new trees being planted and old trees being cut down. There have been new trees planted in front of Pearsons and Thaw Halls and in the campus woods. The reasoning behind it all is obvious, as Maryville has seen dangerous wind storms over the last two years that have caused some trees to not only fall but break in important places. Some trees also have been cracking at the limbs,...
Read MoreGet fit and healthy this spring with Exercise is Medicine on campus
As the warm spring weather begins to bring college students out of their dorms and into their Chacos, it comes time to celebrate Maryville College’s registration as an Exercise is Medicine on Campus, EIM-OC. Starting this past fall semester, Maryville College became one of the only three colleges in Tennessee to be registered as an EIM-OC school. The Exercise is Medicine initiative is managed by the American College of Sports Medicine, and encourages primary care physicians to include exercise...
Read MoreKlingensmith named Interim VP and Dean of Students
Dan Klingensmith, professor of history and humanities division chair began the 2017-2018 school year thinking it would be similar to the 20 previous years he has been teaching here at Maryville College. As it turned out, this year has been anything but normal for Klingensmith. In October of last year, former Vice President and Dean of Students, Barbara Wells, announced her decision to retire following the 2018 spring semester. The news of Wells’s retirement was a surprise to many,...
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Switzerland in perspective
It feels like it has been a year since I last sat in this cafeteria clanking away at my keyboard. How could I have possibly processed enough to describe all the things I’ve learned and seen in the past 10 days? When I close my eyes, and think about the trip, I see the Swiss Alps. I hear the traffic of Geneva at night coming from an open hotel window. I taste the cheese, breads and chocolates. I smell...
Read MoreMaryville College play to bring awareness to autism
Autism is extremely prevalent in the modern world. Recent studies show that as many as one out of every 68 Americans is on the autism spectrum. Despite the fact that there are so many individuals with autism, many people still do not fully understand autism. While neurotypical people may never understand what an individual diagnosed with autism deals with, Jennings Kelley’s senior project hopes to shine some light on just that. For her senior thesis project, Kelley is directing...
Read MoreSpring cleaning tips and tricks
With March 21 marking the first day of spring, and mandatory health and safeties forcing students to do their monthly deep clean, the time for re-organization and new beginnings is here. Maybe you have been maintaining Martha Stewart levels of mess-free living, maybe your space looks like Residence Life has you rooming with the Tasmanian Devil or maybe you are the Tasmanian Devil. Regardless of your room’s current state, spring cleaning can be a fun and refreshing way to...
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Meet the Editors: Destiny Ditmore
The “Highland Echo” only takes the finest in terms of quality for its staff, and our Photography Editor, Destiny Ditmore, is no exception. Ditmore hails from a small and picturesque town of Knoxville. “I’ve pretty much always grown up in this area,” she said. “I chose to come to Maryville College because my family moved out towards Lenoir City. I wanted to be closer to the mountains too.” Her job as the Photography Editor is one that requires skills...
Read MoreApple’s “Spaceship” Campus Building
Apple Park has been the headquarters for the Apple company since 1993 in Cupertino, California, recently making additions to an “Apple Campus.” This new campus was opened to the employees of the company in April of 2017 and boasted many new buildings. The project, which was delayed until 2013, cost the company around $5 billion dollars for all the buildings and materials used in the construction. The buildings were made with the intent of keeping employees inspired and to...
Read MoreThe Road Home
Every spring the Maryville College Concert Choir embarks on a special adventure to share the gift of music with all different kinds of people. One year the concert choir went to Washington D.C., and other years we found our way to both North and South Carolina. Each year the choir goes somewhere different, and every four years we travel abroad to the beautiful country of Scotland. This year we decided to travel a little closer to home. We decided...
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