(Bluefield)— The Bluefield State College 2012 Spring Semester President's and Dean's Lists have been announced. One hundred forty-six students earned President's recognition, and an additional 268 students merited inclusion in the Dean's List.

President's List students achieved at least a 3.80 grade point average and successfully completed at least 12 Spring Semester 2012 hours. Dean's List students achieved at least a 3.25 grade point average and successfully completed at least 12 Spring Semester 2012 hours.

President's List (Spring 2012)

Dean's List (Spring 2012)

(Bluefield)—A collaborative effort involving Mercer County Schools and Bluefield State College has provided elementary and middle school students opportunities for academic competition within the larger context of a visit to a college campus.

As the school year draws to a close, many of the best and brightest students in the Mercer County School system traveled to BSC to compete for titles in Spelling Bee, Math Field Day, Reading Bee, and two Battle of the Books events.

Dr. Thomas Blevins, Bluefield State College Interim President, was grateful for opportunity provided to BSC to serve as a host site for these programs. "These teachers and students, along with their families, bring a lot of excitement to the campus," he noted. "Learning is a lifelong endeavor, and these young men and women are well on their way to success in their studies and in their careers."

Dr. Deborah Akers, Mercer County Schools Superintendent, added, "Bluefield State College provides us an excellent venue for programs and competitions, and also gives our students a glimpse of a college campus and campus life."

Most of the competitions begin and end in the auditorium of the Basic Science Building, with multiple classrooms utilized to host preliminary rounds of the events.

Joyce Brown	Paul Rutherford

During the ceremony, Classified Emeritus status was awarded to Mr. Ralph Patsel; Faculty Emeritus status was awarded to Dr. Betty Rader, Deborrah Pittman, Frank Hart, John Sage, and Dr. Jim Voelker, and; Administrator Emeritus status was awarded to Dr. Betty Rader, Dr. James O'Hara, Wanda Moore, and (posthumously) to Dr. William Brothers.

The College also recognized this year's retirees, including Dr. Frank Ball, Frank Hart, Jenay Leedy, Lydia Milam, Dr. Howard Wade, and Dr. Garrett Olmsted. The Endowed Greg Shrewsberry Staff Leadership Service Award was presented to Michele Noe and the Endowed William B. Goodman Faculty Service Leadership Award was presented to Julie Orr.

Additionally, employees were recognized upon the completion of five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years of service to BSC.

FIVE YEARS
Erik Baldwin
Julie Kalk
Jane Miller
Scott Pitt
Susan Plumley
Charles Shamro
Linda Trigg
Mary Younger

TEN YEARS
Rebecca Davis
Kerri Francis
Darlene Gilley
Ray Mull
Jeffrey Noe
Rodney Sigmon
Sherri Williams
Sandra Wynn

FIFTEEN YEARS
Martha Eborall
Tom Ilse
Michael Smith
Felica Williams

TWENTY YEARS
Kim Daniels
Tom Harrison
Jim Nelson

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS
Joyce Brown
Linda Dalton
Beth Pritchett
Allonia Thompson

THIRTY YEARS
Geoff Hunter
Shelia Johnson
Joanna Thompson

THIRY-FIVE YEARS
Tom Blevins
Terry Brown
Aleta Crockett
Roger Owensby

FORTY-FIVE YEARS
Tom LaFone

Bluefield State College employees Hilda Cochran (left) and Audrey Biggs (center) discuss recycling opportunities with Mel Saunders (right), from the City of Bluefield's Recycling Program during BSC's recent Earth Day program. The activity was coordinated by the BSC campus organization—The EnviroMentalists.	BSC student volunteers Heather Beckford (left) and Meyling Reyes distribute reusable bags during BSC's recent Earth Day program. The activity was coordinated by the BSC campus organization—The EnviroMentalists.

(Bluefield)—A wide variety of exhibits and a steady stream of visitors highlighted Bluefield State College's Earth Day observance, coordinated by the BSC campus organization—The EnviroMentalists.

Topics covered during the program included "House Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement," "Carbon Footprints," "Earth Day History," "Watershed and Stream Pollution," "Recycling," "Effects of Plastic Bags on the Environment," "Environmental Classic Books," and "Study Abroad" opportunities.

"There was an educational dynamic in a fun-based setting throughout the observance," noted Dr. Martha Eborall, BSC Professor of Biology and one of the faculty advisors for the EnviroMentalists. "Participants registered for eco-friendly door prizes, received free Earth Day t-shirts from the BSC Coalition Against Tobacco, took part in an Earth Day Jeopardy game, and had the option of assisting with a fund-raising initiative for Heifer International and more. BSC's Blue Wave Café offered a vegetarian menu for lunch.

Tractor Supply provided young chickens for a display, and educational materials were furnished by the National Committee for the New River and the New River Watershed Roundtable. Cole Chevrolet placed a Chevrolet Volt electric car on display. A watershed model exhibit was available through the Bluestone Conservatory, and the BSC School of Arts & Sciences and EnviroMentalists supplied free reusable bags. Jim Phillips, a naturalist at Pipestem Resort State Park, educated participants about eagle conservation. BSC's Phi Sigma Zeta sorority staffed an informational booth on air pollution and BSC's library displayed books on the environment. Mel Saunders from the City of Bluefield's Recycling Program was also on hand to detail recycling opportunities.

"We are grateful to everyone who took part in the day's activities," Dr. Eborall added, "and we are very appreciative of the work of Joan Buchanan (Director of Student Activities), the volunteer assistance from the students in my Environmental Science class and the financial support from community businesses."

Dr. Thomas Blevins, Bluefield State College's Interim President, spoke during the opening session of a three-day Regional Technology Conference at BSC, detailing changes in educational technology, along with the impact of emerging technologies throughout higher education.

Bluefield)--Several area educators attended the first Bluefield State College Regional Technology Conference, April 25-27 at BSC.  The conference, “Making the Virtual Connection” provided an opportunity to consider how the latest educational technology can be used in the classroom.

Dr. John Burton, Professor in Teaching and Learning at Virginia Tech, discussed his experiences in working with disadvantaged children and he detailed the future of technology and its application to help these students. 

“The conference was structured to balance information sharing, targeted learning activities and collaboration with colleagues,” observed Audrey Biggs, Interim Director/BSC’s Virtual College. 

Nancy Adam-Turner, BSC Staff Librarian, added, “Participants also explored examples of projects and best practices utilized at other institutions.”

Dr. Myron Anderson, Associate Professor/Education Technology at Metropolitan (CO) State University, focused on the use of technology to advance diversity during his presentation at the conference.  He observed, “The information received at the conference gave attendees theoretical and practical information to solve technological issues and apply technologies in their classrooms or at their institutions.  This conference took a macro look at technology and provided a platform for the larger discussion of how can we use technology to advance our higher education mission.”

(Bluefield)—More than 350 Bluefield State College students will graduate during the College's 115th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 12 at the Brushfork Armory. Brigadier General Robert L. Stephens, Jr. (US Army Retired) will deliver the keynote address.

General Stephens retired from the Army after more than 30 years, during which he was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, the Department of Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Award, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Upon his retirement from the Army in 1993, he was appointed to the post of Director of Personnel for the State of West Virginia. He currently serves as Vice President for External Relations and Executive Assistant to the President at Clayton State University. He is a two-time recipient of the "Distinguished West Virginian Award," and he is a member and past chair of the Board of Directors of the West Virginia State University Foundation. General Stephens was born in Welch, WV and is a graduate of West Virginia State University.

The valedictorian of the Class of 2012 is Jason Farmer (4.0 grade point average/Baccalaureate—Radiologic Technology) and co-salutatorians (3.91 GPA) are Pamela Hanna (Baccalaureate—Education) and Gerald James (Baccalaureate--Regents Bachelor of Arts).

Members of the Bluefield State College Class of 1962 will also be recognized at the Commencement Exercises upon the 50th anniversary of their graduation from Bluefield State College. The Brian Delp Service Leadership Award and the BSC Foundation Outstanding Faculty Award will also be presented during the program.

(Bluefield)— The Bluefield State College chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, the national honor society for freshmen, inducted ­­19 students and two BSC employees into the Society during a recent ceremony at the College. This achievement places these students in the top two percent of all freshmen at Bluefield State. 

Student inductees, by hometown, included: Ansted, WV (Thomas McVey); Ballard, WV (Kayla Bragg); Beckley, WV (Jon Wray); Bluefield, VA (Jonathan Kinder); Bluefield, WV (Melissa Blevins, Matthew Davidson, Kayla Hazelwood); Fairdale, WV (Brooklyn Paige Pettry); Fayetteville, WV (Ashley Evanne Lively); Maybeury, WV (Katie Perdue); Mount Lookout, WV (Tricia Dawn Backus; Princeton, WV (Jordan Adkins, Jessica Dawn Davis, Shawn Settles, Brianna Michelle Sims, Sarah Webber, Johanna Yongque); Tazewell, VA (James Dawson, Ashley Hancock).

Honorary Phi Eta Sigma inductees, Class of 2012, included Dr. Jan Czarnecki (Associate Professor of English) and Mr. Tom Cook (Associate Dean/Information Technology Center and Interim Chief Technology/Information Officer).

Phi Eta Sigma member Cory Evans (Fincastle, VA) was awarded the annual Phi Eta Sigma Academic Achievement Scholarship Award, which carries a $1,000 scholarship.   Cory is a rising senior majoring in Computer Science. 

The induction ceremony was conducted by Chapter Advisor John Cardwell, Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment, as well as Chapter co-advisors Ralph Patsel and Carolyn Kirby.  Kirby also presented crystal plaques to both Cardwell and Kirby, who are retiring later this year after a combined 75 years of service within higher education.

	Nineteen students and two employees were inducted recently into the Bluefield State College chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, the national freshman honor society. Those present during the ceremony included (seated, left-to-right,) Carolyn Kirby (Advisor), Melissa Blevins, Johanna Yongque, Jessica Davis, Kayla Hazelwood, Kayla Bragg, Ashley Hancock, (standing, l-to-r) Ralph Patsel (Advisor), Tom Cook (Honorary member), Tyler Kinder, Shawn Settles, Jon Wray, Matthew Davidson, Dr. Jan Czarnecki (Honorary member), and John Cardwell (Adviser).
	Cory Evans (second from left) received the Bluefield State College chapter Phi Eta Sigma Academic Achievement Scholarship Award. He is joined by (left-to-right) chapter advisors Ralph Patsel, John Cardwell, and Carolyn Kirby.
	Tom Cook (left), Associate Dean/Information Technology Center and Interim Chief Technology/Information Officer, and Dr. Jan Czarnecki, Associate Professor of English) received honorary membership into the Bluefield State College chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, the national honor society for freshman at the chapter's recent awards ceremony.

(Bluefield)—A four-student team from Bluefield State College earned a "Global Top 100" ranking in GLO-BUS, an international business strategy competition earlier this month. BSC students Lidia Larkin, Larry Lowry, Hassan Alromaih and Garcia Hanna posted a score that tied them for the best overall performance of the week, worldwide, for the second consecutive week.

GLO-BUS is a completely online exercise where teams of students run a digital camera company in head-to-head competition students. Company operations parallel those of actual digital camera companies. Just as in the "real world," companies compete in a global market arena, selling cameras in four geographic regions—Europe-Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

"Our students were co-managers, making decisions related to research & development, component usage, camera performance, product line breadth, work force compensation, outsourcing, pricing, corporate citizenship, social responsibility, and more," noted Darrel Malamisura, BSC Associate Professor of Business and Economics. "The challenge is to craft and execute a competitive strategy that results in solid brand image, maintain a viable presence in the global marketplace, and produce good financial performance."

GLO-BUS ranks teams based on four measures—overall score, earnings per share, return on equity, and stock price. The experience is designed to strengthen students' preparation for a career in business and management.

The 26^th Annual Klingensmith Cup Invitational Golf Tournament will be played on Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Wolf Creek Golf Course in Bastian, Virginia. This tournament is sponsored by Bluefield State College’s School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science. All BSC constituents are invited to join in the fun with BSC Engineering Technology and Computer Science graduates and employers. This tournament allows participants to demonstrate their golf skills and provides a unique setting to renew old acquaintances and network with others who share common interests.

The tournament format is set-up as a 4-person “captain’s choice” event and play begins with a shotgun start at 8AM. After your round, enjoy an excellent picnic lunch and the awarding of prizes and trophies.   Entry fee is $50/golfer or $200/team. The entry fee is used to purchase prizes, pay for lunch and drinks, and golfing privileges. You are also invited to purchase a K Cup sponsorship for $100. This entitles you to a sponsor sign at one of the holes on the course and provides support to School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science.

Make checks payable to Bluefield State College Foundation. Receipts are provided. Please mail your check with your teaming preferences to:

Bluefield State College Foundation
Bluefield State College
219 Rock Street
Bluefield, WV 24701

The deadline for entry is May 7, 2012

We encourage participants to enter this tourna­ment as four-person teams, if possible. Individual golfer will be grouped into teams of four as required to fit the tournament format. If you are a single entrant and have playing partner preferences, please identify them when sending in your entry fee. 

Please respond as soon as possible to Elizabeth Pruett (epruett@bluefieldstate.edu) if you plan to participate. Guests are also welcome.

Lance Morgan (lmorgan@alphanr.com) is the tournament chair. Feel free to contact Lance about tournament questions. We look forward to another great tournament.

KLINGENSMITH CUP COMMITTEE
LANCE MORGAN, CHAIR

MEMBERS: Elizabeth Pruett, Joe Kowaleski, David Jones Stevie Steele, Don Shillingburg, Patrick Dove

List team members

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