April has been a jam-packed month of campus events. Despite how busy everyone has been, we have certainly had fun and have a lot to look forward to! We wish our students the best of luck as they finish out the year studying hard for finals and writing a number of final papers. Here’s a recap of the past month and a preview of what’s to come.

UC’s Got Talent

The annual event, UC’s Got Talent was on Thursday, April 2 from 9pm – 11pm in the Auditorium.  The event was sponsored by the Student Activities Board.  Eight students performed that evening including:

• Rebekah Martin – Singing
• Daniel Hosu – Drawing
• Timmyra Morrow – Singing a capella
• Krysta Greenleaf – Competition Jump Roping
• Conor Brandland – Singing a capella
• Kenya Jones & Sean Teepen – Singing & Playing Guitar
• Ian Weaver – Speed Painting
• Grant Foreman – Playing the Piano & Singing

In addition to our own performers, the event featured Comedian Jessica Kirson (http://jessicakirson.com/) as the emcee.  Jessica performed her jokes and material between sets.

Grant Foreman was the winner of the event and received $250, a trophy, and a large check.   2nd place went to Krysta Greenleaf and she received $100.  3rd place went to Conor Brandland and he received $50.

Researcher presents Statistical Findings

Guest speaker and researcher Jessica Hamar Martinez visited UC on April 9 to present statistical findings on the “Changing Shape of the U.S. Religious Landscape.” Martinez gave the audience an interesting overview of the current numbers within various religious denominations based on several demographics.  In addition, she went over statistics on attendance at religious services and discussed trends among the religiously unaffiliated.

Presidential Scholars helping out at the event.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Innovation is coming! The groundbreaking ceremony for the Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center was held on Wednesday, April 22 in the Eddie King Gym. Special guests included Todd Corey, Michael Wehrle, Fonda Elliott, Mayor Danny Jones and Dr. Henry Harmon. The new facility is set to be complete in Summer 2016. In case you missed it (or would like to relive the event), you can find the video here on our YouTube channel.

Live the Mission Week

This year’s “Live the Mission Week” was full of fun events for all, including UC’s Red Carpet, a block party, Adopt-A-Thon, Dorm Wars and more. Students had a great time participating throughout the week and lending a helping hand to local organizations such as the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association. Kudos to each student who played a part in planning these wonderful events! Your efforts never go unnoticed. Please enjoy the following photo highlights:

UC’s Red Carpet

Block Party

Kiss N’Tell Adopt-A-Thon

General Announcements

• Have you heard the news? Dr. Welch has joined the Twitterverse! Give him a follow @DrWelchUC.
• Middle Hall has been deemed the “best dorm on campus” this year due to winning Dorm Wars AND Recycle Mania.
• Be sure to swing by the Senior Art Exhibition at the WV State Bar located in Northgate Business Park. Hours are 9-5, M-F. The exhibit will be present through May 4.
• Dr. Mordecai Brownlee was selected by Lamar University’s College of Education and Human  Development as an Outstanding Graduate Student for the 2014-2015 year. Brownlee’s mother and sister accepted the award in his absence.

Athletic Updates

• Men’s Golf Selected to NCAA Regional
• Charleston Men’s Tennis Reaches NCAA’s for Fourth Consecutive Year
• Crew Team Ranked Third  in Regional Ranking
• Women’s Tennis Back in NCAA Tournament
• Golden Eagle Softball Set for MEC Tournament
• Baseball: Kinder Throws Complete Game Shutout in UC Win

#DonateNepal

The UC Community came together yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring the victims and all those affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Some of our very own students’ families have been affected by this. Please continue to keep these individual’s in your thoughts and prayers.

Clothing donations are being accepted throughout the end of the semester. Please donate if you can. Boxes can be found in GSU, the WV State Bar for our student art exhibit, and each dorm on the Charleston and Beckley campuses.

End of Year Wishes

As another academic year comes to a close, we wish each of our students and faculty members a wonderful summer! Best of luck to the upcoming graduates and congratulations on all you’ve accomplished during your time at UC. We’ll see you at commencement on May 3rd!

“The journey doesn’t start at the beginning. It begins at the end.”

This issue of The Talon was prepared by Lauren Townsend, Digital Media Specialist. For future inquiries, please email laurentownsend@ucwv.edu.