Waynesburg U and ‘Who’s Who’
…I want to personally thank the many folks who keeps the Messenger informed of their upcoming events, who takes the time out of their busy schedules to send us an email, drop us a line, call us or even stop in the office so they can give us their community news. Those who continuously do this trust us to help them get the word out about their event, and it helps us in our never-ending quest to be the best messenger of Greene County news and events.
For example, I want to give “Two Greene Thumbs Up” to Waynesburg University – and in particular, their Office of University Relations – for keeping us informed constantly about its many community events that are held on campus. I am even more impressed that they have so many events that offer such a wide array of information, education and entertainment.
From art exhibits and theater productions to special guest speakers and informative lectures, the university does a heck of a job providing events that people of all ages and all walks of life can attend. In fact, over the next month alone there will be a number of interesting events at the university, such as the following two events:
n Waynesburg University’s DeVito Lecture Series will host Dr. Jordan Kassalow Tuesday, February 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend Kassalow’s lecture, “Social Entrepreneurship: How to Change the World.” In his lecture, Kassalow will share the many challenges one encounters in finding purpose, and once found, translating that into action and impact. He will discuss how to overcome the many barriers that exist in the pursuit of creating a sustainable enterprise that serves the needs of the poor. Kassalow is the founder and CEO of VisionSpring, a social enterprise that allows people in developing countries access to affordable quality eyeglasses. VisionSpring has served more than one million customers through a network of 9,000 female vision entrepreneurs in more than 18 countries. In addition to VisionSpring, Kassalow is the founder of Scojo New York and the Global Health Policy Program at the Council on Foreign Relations. Prior to his position at the Council, he served as director of the River Blindness Division at Helen Keller International. Kassalow is a fellow of non-profit foundations including Draper Richards, Skoll, Ashoka, and is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. He also was recently named to Forbes Impact 30.
n The Department of English at Waynesburg University will host “Pass the Biscuits” at the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., to raise money for the Corner Cupboard Food Bank in Waynesburg. “Pass the Biscuits” is a response by Dr. Bob Randolph, writer in residence at Waynesburg University, and the Department of English at Waynesburg University to the Day of Service planned in honor of Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee and his upcoming inauguration. The event, held a few days before the Day of Service, will showcase the strengths of the Department of English as faculty members will read poetry and essays. Rev. Carolyn Poteet, director of faith and mission at Waynesburg University, will pray at the event and students will perform music. Attendance is encouraged for students, faculty, staff and members of the Waynesburg community. Admission is free and a collection will be taken to support the Corner Cupboard’s work. The Waynesburg Giant Eagle will match the amount raised at the benefit up to $500. For more information, contact Dr. Bob Randolph at rrandolp@waynesburg.edu, or by phone at 724-852-3473.
n Experience a variety of musical talents as the Waynesburg University Music Program hosts its first Chamber Works concert of the semester, Thursday, Feb. 27. The event will be held at noon in the Marsh Center in Roberts Chapel. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. The lunchtime concert includes performances by the Beauty and Barber Shop Ensembles, Brass Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, Vocal and Instrumental Combos, Percussion Ensemble, Pipe and Drum Band and Woodwind Ensemble. People attending are encouraged to bring a lunch. For more information, contact Ronda DePriest at rdepries@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3420.
These are just a few events that have been announced. Be sure to keep checking the Messenger for information and details about these and other events scheduled at the university.
Once again, hats off to the university relations office and to everyone else who lets us know about their events. Please keep the news coming…
…I am once again calling out to all Greene County residents to help out the Messenger with a very special upcoming issue. On March 28, we will be proudly unveiling one of our biggest editions of the year, our annual “Progress” issue (previously known as “Get To Know You”). And once again, as part of this special issue, we will be continuing another tradition that started in our “Progress/GTKY” issue in 2009, a much-talked about feature titled “Who’s Who in Greene County.”
The “Who’s Who” feature shines a spotlight on people from Greene County who we feel are influential and/or contributed positively in some way to their respective communities during the year. The people who make our list came from different backgrounds and vocations, from law enforcement to business, and from government to education.
This year’s official “Who’s Who” will once again feature 20 honorees, and we are in the process of compiling the list. And once again, I am asking for help. If you know a community resident who deserves the honor of being named to the 2014 list, then feel free to email us your suggestions. We are looking for 20 of our friends, family members and neighbors who deserve a spotlight. When you send a name, please provide the person’s full name, age, title, and detailed info as to why you feel that person should be on our list. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 724-852-2251 or send us an email. Our contact info can be found in the helpful information box below…