E-Lumine

March 16, 2007

Articles in this issue:

Concert at Amish school a Chorale tour highlight - [ Article Below ]

Phonathon seeks alumni support - [ Article Below ]

Bryan celebrates heritage, honors F.E. Robinson - [ Article Below ]

Book offers new look at the Bryan story - [ Article Below ]

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Concert at Amish school a Chorale tour highlight

     An unscheduled stop for an impromptu concert provided one of the most memorable moments for the Bryan Chorale during their spring break tour.
     Traveling through Lancaster, Pa., director Dr. David Luther asked the Rev. John S. Gross Sr., father of Chorale member John Gross, to arrange a tour of Amish country.
     A guide took the group to a school near the site of the Nickel Mines School, where five Amish girls were killed this past October. When she asked the teacher if she would like to have the Chorale sing, she found the teacher and students to be extremely fearful of strangers. Despite her fears, and with the assurance that the Chorale “loved Jesus," the group was invited inside, with the provision that there be no cell phones and no cameras.
     “Our guide told us that these children had friends and relatives in the nearby Nickel Mines schoolhouse.” Mr. Goss said. “As ‘Holy Lord of Hosts’ began, everyone in the schoolroom got silent and a palpable peace hushed the room. The children looked at each other with smiles and relief that these visitors had brought them the very thing that was written on the wall of the schoolroom: ‘Visitors bring songs of joy.’”
     Tentative applause followed the first number, but “Witness,” a song about many biblical witnesses, brought smiles and giggles throughout the performance, and an enthusiastic burst of applause at the end. Although they were supposed to sing only two numbers, the teacher invited them to sing a third.
     Their guide told them as they reboarded the bus, “You have brought hope to children who were very scared and afraid. I believe you have helped the healing of these young children!”
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Phonathon seeks alumni support

     Bryan College launched a spring Phonathon this week, seeking to grow the number of alumni who support the college financially as well as attempting to boost the scholarship fund.
     Vice President for Advancement Robert F. Davis pointed out that the college awards more than $2.5 million in scholarship assistance each year, with that total growing as enrollment increases. This year, support from alumni and friends totaling $700,000 is needed to underwrite scholarship assistance.
     “Alumni support is critical if we are to continue attracting the high-quality students who seek a Bryan education,” Mr. Davis said. “But alumni support has a second benefit to the college because it encourages other gifts from foundations and similar groups.”
     When college officials request funding from foundations or individuals with particular interests, “one of the first questions we are asked is ‘How is your alumni participation?’” Mr. Davis explained. “The answer to that question, in many cases, can mean the difference between our request being funded or rejected.”
     This past year, 7 percent of the 8,767 living alumni contributed to the college. “The Phonathon this spring is designed to increase that number significantly,” Mr. Davis said. “We were encouraged with the number of alumni, from all eras, who responded to our calls this week, and we trust this will be the case as we make calls during the next two weeks.”
     Senior R.J. Smith, one of the callers this week, said, “It was neat to hear the enthusiasm alumni have about Bryan College and to hear that they care about the current students.”
     Calls will continue March 20 and March 27.
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Bryan celebrates heritage, honors F.E. Robinson

     Bryan College will celebrate its heritage this coming week as it recognizes a man intimately involved in the formation of the college, reenacts a Chautauqua program and revives a banquet tradition.
     Festivities begin March 19, William Jennings Bryan’s birthday, with a celebration of the life and contribution of Frank Earle Robinson. Robinson Hall, the college’s newest residence hall, will be formally dedicated in ceremonies that will include remarks by three of Mr. Robinson’s grandchildren.
     Mr. Robinson helped plan the Scopes Trial, which provided the impetus in 1925 for creation of Bryan College which opened in 1930, served as chairman of the committee that raised money to establish the college, was the first chairman of the board of trustees of the college and a generous benefactor until his death in 1957.
     On Wednesday, students will reenact a Chautauqua program, commemorating the fact that Mr. Bryan was a fixture on the Chautauqua circuit for some 30 years. The program will include music and poetry about Mr. Bryan, recitation of excerpts from several of his famous speeches and a birthday cake served during lunch.
     Friday night, the Student Government Association will sponsor a Bryan Birthday Banquet, reviving a college tradition that has lapsed in recent years. SGA President Bonnie-Marie Yager said student leaders “felt that it was important for students to understand why it is significant that our college is named in honor of William Jennings Bryan. We hope to have a program that will celebrate old and recent history and memories.”
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Book offers new look at the Bryan story

     Celebrate the unique story of Bryan College with a stunning, limited-edition illustrated coffee table book that will detail the stories, spaces, traditions and faces that have made Bryan College a cherished institution of higher education.
     By purchasing the book, you’ll have a beautiful piece of Bryan’s history to share with family and friends—and you’ll be helping to support scholarships and other programs that benefit the future of Bryan. Publication is scheduled for fall of 2007, but we are taking orders now. Log on to the booksmith web site and reserve your copy at http://bryan.thebooksmithgroup.com.
     At the same time, think about an interesting story or amusing anecdote to share about your time at Bryan. We want to hear it! Please email it to alumni@bryan.eduno later than April 30. You never know; your words may make their way into the colorful pages of Bryan’s history!