Presentation given by Kim Mckee and Kimberly Klotz at the Teaching with Technology Conference at UAMS in July 2013.
What does the word ‘veteran’ call to mind?
Veterans Day is about commemorating the service of all U.S. Veterans. It differs from Memorial Day, which honors the sacrifice of those who died in service, but rather celebrates the dedication and honor of all service men and women.
So what is a veteran?
There is no common definition to be found between offices of the government, organizations, and especially the individuals who often answer to this name.
It’s most commonly used for those who served in the military and have since left, or retired, but Veterans Day is about those who are STILL sacrificing too.
Veterans themselves do not take the word lightly. Some will not call themselves a veteran until they have served in an actual combat zone. The private regulations on what constitutes that status are many and varied.
Not serving in a combat zone, however, does not mean a veteran has not served their country. Take, for example, the doctors at Brooks Army Burn Center, who treat some of the worst burn cases in the country for both military and civilians. There are many service members, and their families, who sacrifice every day without leaving the country.
It’s really something we must each define in our hearts, but whatever your standing definition of a veteran is, one fact is very clear. The service men and women, past and present, of this nation sacrifice personal safety, time with their families, and many of their own freedoms in order to protect our country. This dedication is to be celebrated and honored, but never forgotten, on Veterans Day or any other. It is only through constant vigilance that our nation can remain a great one.
In the words of Ronald Reagan:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.”
Zoe Kahn
Zoe is a Marketing Student Worker at UCA’s Office of Outreach & Community Engagement. Zoe studies Public Relations at UCA. She is also a military spouse and is on the UCA Veterans Day Planning Committee. For information on the Veterans Day Celebration you can go to uca.edu/outreach/veteransday/.
By Jeannine Hamilton
While there are many of us who use social media to connect with our friends and family, social media is becoming a powerhouse for professionals to network or even find a job. Would you like to know the surprising statistics and information you can’t afford to miss when it comes to your job? Visit Outreach techie Jeannine Hamilton’s Geek for the Practical blog for more information and her first post!
Jeannine Hamilton
Jeannine Hamilton is a full-time Coordinator of Technology Projects at UCA’s Outreach & Community Engagement. Her major duties include database administration, technology planning and acquisition for the Division, and assisting and training staff with the Division’s software. Before working at Outreach, she has worked on four different college campuses over the years as a paraprofessional and professional in various positions in student affairs. She holds a bachelor degree in Sociology from UCA and a master degree in Educational Technology from Azusa Pacific University in addition to her master in College Student Personnel and Administration from UCA.
UCA’s Divison of Outreach and Community Engagement and CDI have been awarded the Governor’s Quality Challenge Award! Left to right: Diane Tatum, CDI Advisory Board Member; Shannon Cantrell, CDI Graduate Assistant, Kelly Hunt Lyon, CDI Director, Kristy Carter, Outreach Executive Director, Kimberly Klotz, Marketing Department Graphic Designer
Outreach and CDI Central Receive Governor Quality Awards
Two departments within the University of Central Arkansas have been recognized by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence and awarded the Governor Quality Challenge Award. The Division of Outreach and Community Engagement and the Community Development Institute-Central, were presented the award by Governor Beebe at the 2012 Governor’s Quality Awards Celebration on Monday, September. 24.
This award, which honors groups in the state striving for performance excellence, are two of only 17 presented statewide the year. “Excellence is one of Outreach’s core values and we are committed to being the best we can be, and we’re happy to be recognized at this level,” said Kristy Carter, Director of Outreach and Community Engagement.
The Governor Quality Challenge Award is the starting point for any organization interested I adopting and applying quality principles to attain performance excellence. “Even though we’re just at the beginning of the process, we’ve benefitted greatly from the experience. UCA is a steward of a valuable state and regional resource and this will help us safeguard its future.” Said Ms. Lyon of the award, “Bill Craddock, a leader in the state and national quality process as well as an instructor for CDI, suggested this is a way to help CDI grow to the next level.”
The Governor’s Quality Award program is operated by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence, Inc. Developed by a team of volunteers, the program is designed to provide opportunities for all organizations in the state to measure their progress in the journey of performance excellence.
UCA is committed to the intellectual, social, and personal development of its students; the advancement of knowledge through excellence in teaching and research; and service to the community. UCA ranks 23rd in the category of “Top Public Schools” among regional universities in the South in the 2012 U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings of universities and colleges. For more information on UCA please visit www.uca.edu/.
by Courtney Schurtz
You have an event you want to have, chosen a date, now what about a venue? There are so many options these days, from conference centers, hotels, to outdoor venues. It really all depends on what type of event you will have, but below are some major factors to think about when picking a location.
Size
The number one factor is the size of the location and the number of people you expect to have at your event. If you have 15 attendees, then you will not want a huge banquet hall. If you are expecting 500 people, then you will definitely need a large facility.
Catering
If you plan on having catering at an event, you should find out whether a venue has an on-site caterer or if all catering must be done through an outside vendor. Before choosing a venue, consider which option is more convenient for you.
Budget
Before looking at venues, set up a budget of what you can afford. There are different price ranges depending on the location. If you have a price point set up ahead of time, you will automatically narrow down your selection. When compiling a budget, consider fees such as rental, service, audio/visual, catering, decorations as well as the cost of additional vendors, entertainment or presenters.
Venue Location
Location of a venue is a big factor. It needs to be easy for attendees to find and be sure that there is enough parking for your guests. If you are not providing catering for your event, then consider the proximity to restaurants.
Atmosphere
Are you looking for a professional environment? A casual environment? Or perhaps a party environment? Each event venue has its own atmosphere, so be sure to pick the right one for your event. Also, pick a location where the staff is friendly and readily available to assist you.
Special Needs
If you need any audio/visual equipment, be sure that the venue has any of these available, and if that is an additional cost. If you will have attendees register, be sure that the location has a registration area large enough to accommodate your needs.
Ultimately, choose a venue that fits all of your needs. Every event is different, as is every location. Good luck on your event planning experience!
Courtney Schurtz
Courtney is a full time event planning professional at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at the University of Central Arkansas. Courtney also has a degree in Public Relations. Courtney assists clients plan their entire events and provides on-site event management. For more information, and to contact Courtney, visit www.uca.edu/bhcc or email cschurtz@uca.edu
Call for Outreach Community Education Instructors!
Community Education is always looking for individuals with a desire to share their skills and knowledge with the community.
Maybe you’re an expert in wedding planning, buying a car, or cutting grocery bills. Perhaps you could give a presentation on the latest in social media, 101 ways to use Google Apps, or anything else you feel the world needs to know!
If you feel you have something of interest to share, consider becoming a community education instructor.
You don’t need a teaching degree, just a passion to share knowledge with others!
Sound interesting? Learn More!
Community education courses are rewarding experiences for the instructors and students.
To get started, visit the Community Education site and submit the course proposal form.
Our staff will help walk you through the process of creating your course. For questions, call Lawana Hawkins at 501.450.5811 or email lhawkins@uca.edu
Community education is education for life!
Deadline for course proposals is September 28!
The University of Central Arkansas and the City of Conway are presenting the 15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on November 9, 2012. The event will be held at the UCA Practice Field next to Estes Stadium.
The event promises to be spectacular complete with entertainment, vendors and free food! The Red Cross and Be the Match Marrow Donor Program will be on site to for those community members wishing to honor our veterans by participating.
The Guest Speaker will be Major General William D. Wofford, the Adjunct General, Arkansas National Guard and member of the Governor’s Cabinet. Major General Wofford is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal. Miss Arkansas 2010, Alyse Eady, will be performing the National Anthem. Eady is an anchor on Today’s THV This Morning.
Mayor Tab Townsell will provide a proclamation during the ceremony.
The Veterans Day is working to make the ceremony and event an success. Currently, the committee is accepting sponsorship applications for those individuals and businesses wishing to become a part of this event honoring our men and women in the armed services should contact Shaneil Ealy at sealy@uca.edu or 501.450.5376.
For more information on the Veterans Day celebration as it comes available, please visit uca.edu/veteransday