Senior Research Project Presentation

I just got out of my Senior Research Project Presentation. What a relief. I was not nervous until I realized the people who were coming to watch. The provost, Dr. Kloba, and the Vice-President of Student Development, Mr. Flemming along with a few of the science professors. Although I was a little freaked out that they were there, looking back I am thankful. Thankful, that I go to a University where the provost and vice-president would take time out of their busy schedule and attend my presentation. This would not occur at a large university.

Sunfest

Tonight begins one of the biggest weekends in the Palm Beaches. Downtown West Palm Beach will be full of people from all over South Florida for a five day concert festival, all weekend, called Sunfest. This event was founded in 1982, and is now Florida's largest waterfront music and art festival. Sunfest is held annually in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida the first week in May. SunFest attracts more than 280,000 visitors from all over the world.

Many PBA students are especially excited about the headlining act tonight, Weezer. Even though many students have papers and projects to turn in this week, they are budgeting their time so that they can have a little fun. Also performing tonight are a bunch of new musical artists who are just getting into the business.

The weekend continues with musical artists like Sister Hazel, Sean Kingston, Smash Mouth, ZZ Top, REO Speedwagon & Shinedown just to name a few.  The event prides itself with offering a huge variety of musical artists so that everyone will have someone they like.  This is a family frendly event with a variety of activities during the day for people of all ages, along with the concerts on three different stages.

 

The best part about the event, especially for all PBA students, is the Fireworks show that closes out the festival on Sunday night. Typically PBA students are unable to attend the event on Sunday for a variety of reasons, two of which being lack of sufficient funds, and the fact that final exams begin the next morning. This does not matter though because the firework show can be seen from all over the city, and looks especially great from across the Intracoastal Waterway on Palm Beach Island.

Spring Formal 2010

By Michelle Kappas

Contributing Writer

Ties, tuxedos, dresses, stilettos, surprise vendors and the Harriet Himmel all have one thing in common: Spring Dance 2010.
Spring Formal has struggled with success in the past, but this year it was no problem.

“It is my understanding that the event will be free and attract 200 to 300 students as opposed to the 160 that attended last year,” PBA president Lu Hardin said.

Hardin was teaching a Law and Society class on Tuesday nights and lecturing on the concept of promissory estoppel when the issue of Spring Formal was brought to his attention. He was informed by PBA student Kelly Stoltzfus that there wasn’t going to be one this year due to lack of funds.

Hardin was able to pull money from his discretionary fund to make the dance possible. Stoltzfus and Nu Delta Nu partnered together to research reasonable pricing for venues and other preparations.

The team chose the Harriet Himmel Theater in City Place because it is within a walking distance from campus, and set the date for April 16 from 8 p.m. to midnight.The theme of the night will be “A Night in Hollywood.” The night was full of dancing, free red bulls, free Chick-fil-A nuggets, free water bottles, and delicious chocolates on every table.

“We wanted to get our name out there by bringing the school together,” Nu Delta Nu President Jared Stresen-Reuter said. “It has been really great working with Kelly because she has worked with Spring Formal before. Her experience really helps us, and right now each of our members has a job to do so we can all contribute to make this event a success for the school and for our fraternity,” Stresen-Reuter said.

Hardin has stepped back and is allowing Nu Delta Nu and Stoltzfus to take the reigns, but they say his planning and determination cannot be ignored. For the first time in the history of PBA’s Spring Formal, Ballroom Dance Club, the Swing Dance Club and the Bombsquad will perform every hour throughout the night. However, the students were not the only ones dancing a jig. President Lu Hardin and Mrs. Hardin showed off their moves, and they had the crowd going wild.

“The Spring Formal at PBA is an important event and I believe it should be a yearly tradition rather than every other year,” Hardin said.

Saturdays

Operation Hope

What comes to mind when I say Saturday? Perhaps the phrase sleeping in comes to mind. I had signed up for a Saturday Workship opportunity to serve those in need.

What is Workship?

Workship is a distinctive community service program that has been at the heart of PBA since its founding in 1968. Workship combines "work" with "worship," serving God through serving our community.

Through Workship, our students are encouraged to make a Christian response to human needs by volunteering in nonprofit agencies, churches and schools.

All full-time undergraduate students are required to serve 45 hours per year. Students may choose from PBA-sponsored group service events, or may serve individually at a non profit organization, church or school of their choice. For students, Workship is a great way to serve in the community and to show "Love in Action!"

I contemplated my upcoming commitment to Workship. My motives for not going were selfish. I wanted to sleep in and attend the annual Beach Fest event. Thankfully, I was surrounded by friends that convinced me to go. They knew we would all benefit from going.

The Workship opportunity was with Operation Hope. http://www.operationhope.org/smdev/index.php
We visited a local home and provided our very limited landscaping skills. The final product was great! I met some really great people and am looking forward to my next Workship expedition.

When we got back from Workship, the annual Beach Fest was just beginning. We grabbed our swim suits and headed for the beach!

The afternoon consisted of free sodas and chips, Italian ice, beach balls, a glorious sun, and fantastic waves. We even played limbo two different ways.

It was a great Saturday full of serving and sun!

Newsflash: I do not know everything

College has been a very rewarding experience.  I have gained vast amounts of factual and theoretical knowledge from the great professors, staff and students at PBA.  I have studied countless hours and taken around 200 exams and written nearly the same amount of papers, some of them up to 20 pages long.  This is incredible just to think about all of the hard work I have put into my education.  It is most definitely worth it.  I know for a fact I am much smarter than when I entered PBA as a freshman in the fall of 2006.

I have also had my worldview shaped by the experiences in college.  Professors challenged my beliefs and values so that I could own and develop my own faith which is a combination of the faith of my family and the personal relationship I have with the Creator.  This was also developed by long conversations, sometimes well into the night, with roommates and friends.  I have become the real me and it is great.

One of the main ideas I have figured out during college is that I do not know everything.  There is so much related to God and life in general that are still completely a mystery.  In the past that might have been a problem, but you know what?  I am perfectly good with it.  It is good that I do not know everything, so that there is still more to learn after I graduate in 16 days.  Even though I will be graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Biology, I am excited that I can continue my education beyond college and learn even more about this amazing world we live in.  

I also thought that I would have my entire life figured out at this point.  It is quite humorous that I am not completely sure what I will be doing when August comes around, Spain is the plan – but plans change, much less the rest of life.  It is stressful, but more exciting than anything else.  There are so many opportunities afforded to me because of my education here at PBA.  Bring them on!

The Countdown Begins

I can't believe that this semester is almost over. Time really does just fly on by. With only 7 actual school days left, students are beginning to move into the library and forget the definition of sleep. Even though it is a stressful time, the summer air is a huge distraction. Students are praying for focus here on the PBA campus and I certainly fall into that category.

Next week is our last week of classes. This time of essays and reports is just the opening act. The following week, May 3rd-May 7th is Finals Week.

Continue to pray for the PBA family because this really is a hectic time.

President Hardin: PBA's Theatre Program Is Outstanding

Saturday Morning in the City

Typically on a Saturday most PBA students remain asleep, some well into the afternoon. I usually awake late morning because I have to get up so early during the week for 8am classes. There are a few reasons why I will get up early on a Saturday. The first of which is breakfast at my favorite downtown restaurant, Bonjour de Paris Bakery and Cafe. They have delicious French baked goods and mouth-watering breakfast sandwiches. I am partial to the sausage, egg and cheese croissant. Plus the lovely French couple, whom own the place, are always fun to be around.

Another reason, most often in conjunction with the previous reason, is the downtown WPB Green Market. The Green Market is very similar to farmers markets found throughout the world. You can buy produce and other items grown locally and usually organically. The best part is the free samples of things like apple cider doughnuts, guacamole, kettle corn and fruits. The Green Market is a place to see and be seen, and most people come with their dogs to spend some time in the morning sun.

The only other reason as to why I would choose to wake up on a Saturday morning is the beach. If I do make it to the beach before lunchtime it is only because I have already been to Paris Café and the Green Market because the beach, although awesome, can wait until the afternoon.

Huge changes coming to PBA dining

Even though I am graduating (I feel I may write about that fact everyday) I was privileged to be on the Student Government this year and was chosen to participate in a student committee concerning PBA on-campus dining. The contract with the previous dining company expired and PBA has decided to go with a new company, Aramark. This means HUGE changes to the on campus dining experience, which I am frankly jealous of. PBA has four places in which a student can get food on campus.

Two of these places, Common Ground Café and Jazzman’s Café, are being completely altered. CG, which is located in the Green Complex for Sports and Recreation, will be replaced with the favorite fast-food restaurant for the PBA student body, Chick-fil-a. Yes, you will be able to ‘Eat Mor Chiken’ on campus next fall! Jazzman’s, which is located in the Warren Library, will be renovated into an Einstein’s Bro’s Bagels. Both of these options will allow for more delicious freedom in the meal plan and for commuter students who eat on campus.

The Cafeteria will also be undergoing a much needed renovation and $1.3 million face lift. The Caf will feature the Fresh Food Company and will offer uninterrupted dining all day from 7am until 10pm during the week. The meal plan, which will remain the same cost as now, will be altered to allow unlimited access for either 5 days a week or 7 days a week. This way if a student only wants to grab a cup of coffee and a banana, they do not have to waste a meal swipe. The main part of the Caf will be the FFC. This will be located in the center of the Caf and will offer food created with the ingredients you request right in front of your eyes. This will allow for more healthy options than the regular cafeteria food.

España por un Año

I am usually not a person who worries. I can typically go with the flow and make decisions at the last minute without much stress. This semester I have experienced stress. Not only am I graduating in 24 days, but I am uncertain of what comes next in my life. I know that God will provide, but I still have to take action in the direction He is calling. Just a few weeks ago, I felt like I needed to forego my plans since the beginning of freshman year – go right away to Medical School – for a new plan. I decided that I am going to teach English in Spain for a year.

This is not completely ridiculous; when I graduate on May 8 I will have a Spanish Minor as a part of my bachelor’s degree. Being fluent in Spanish is one of my life goals, and this is the best possible way I can see to accomplish that goal. Plus I get to live in Europe for a year. What more could a person ask?

Anyways, part of the application process involves a whole lot of paperwork. I have been waiting, and waiting for all of it to get to my mailbox here in West Palm. Needless to say, I have been freaking out a bit. The deadline, tomorrow April 15, has been quickly approaching. My background check, which I had to order from my hometown Maitland (Metro Orlando), STILL had not come as this morning. Luckily I was able to get the police department to e-mail me a copy of the report. Everything is coming together, and I could not be happier. It seems like this might actually happen. Life is GOOD.  Now I just have to wait until the last week of April or the first week of May to see if I am accepted and find out the exact school I will be teaching in.  Maybe I can occupy my mind with the plethora of homework I need to do before then.  Probably not.

Everyday is a Birthday at PBA

There must have been something in the air in July back in 1987, and ’88 too for that matter. I am pretty sure that I have never experienced a week like this before. I literally have a PBA friend who has a birthday on each day this week. It is not just my run of the mill, acquaintances either. I am talking about real, down to earth, good friends. All of them. It is very exciting that there will be something to celebrate each day this week (seriously, Monday-Friday), even though most of them are turning old – and by that I mean 22 or 23.

I just do not know how I am going to be able to afford the celebrations, both in my time and in finances. Typically a birthday celebration involves going out to dinner at a nicer place, which means more expensive, usually somewhere in the vicinity of City Place or Downtown. My goal is to persuade at least some of these important individuals to combine their respective celebrations, and hopefully postpone them to Saturday night instead of during the week.

With only 3 class weeks of school left, the projects, papers and exams are approaching their due date – which means I am beginning to start them. Procrastination does not pay off, now that I have wasted much of the semester, and will be forced to prioritize homework. Looks like I will be spending a whole lot of time at my favorite place, the Lassiter Reading Rotunda in the Warren Library, at every moment I am free this week and all weekend. It will be worth it in the end even if I complain along the way.

Founding Chairman Reflects on University’s Past, Future

In what he called his last public speech, Palm Beach Atlantic University's founding board chairman Dr. Donald Warren on Tuesday called on his successors to continue leading students on a path of morality.

Dr. Warren, a retired cardiologist, said that he and Dr. Jess Moody, former pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, founded PBA more than 40 years ago out of concerns about the moral decline of America. They also were dismayed by the increasing number of colleges and universities that had left their Christian roots.

"It dawned on me American needed a trail to follow back to the morality of the past," Dr. Warren said during the University's annual Founders Day chapel in the Rubin Arena.

Dr. Warren said that while the campus has seen significant improvements over the years, those changes aren't the most important thing. "The only product we have are the students, and they are America's future," he said.

Speaking directly to the students, Dr. Warren said that God calls everyone. Young people might not realize the talents they have, but as they use them, they will grow, he said.

He advised students to "turn off your gadgets" on a regular basis in order to have quiet time to hear God speak.

"You will be stronger, America will be stronger and God will be pleased," he said.

The Founders Day event was sponsored by the University's Alumni Association. Among those in attendance were Dr. Moody and several trustees, alumni and invited guests. The program included a performance of "The Impossible Dream" by Dr. Moody, his son Patrick and Dr. Lloyd Mims, dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts. The song was the University's original alma mater.

Also, Dr. Warren's grandson, current PBA student Kyle Singerman, read the opening scripture from the book of Proverbs.

Dr. Warren and his wife, Bebe, have lived in Palm Beach County since 1956. Dr. Warren built a cardiology practice that included some of the wealthiest and most influential men and women in the country.

He is the founding president of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. He also has served on the executive committees and board of governors for both St. Mary's and Good Samaritan medical centers, as well as on the board of governors for the former Intracoastal Health Systems.

Dr. Warren was PBA's board chairman from 1968 until he became a life trustee upon his retirement in 2006. The campus library is named for the Warrens.

He also is the author of the recently published book "Miracles and Wonders: A Chronicle of Palm Beach Atlantic University."

Sterotypical Easter

HE is RISEN!

I have always known that PBA had a family atmosphere, but I never really realized it until this Easter. I had two friends from my dorm (Weyenberg) that were not going home for the Easter break. They had their reasons: distance, cost, no form of transportation, and so on. I invited them to my home to celebrate this beautiful day with my family. They had never celebrated Easter without their families, so I knew I had to make it fantastic.

Easter 2010 started off with us going to bed at 6:30AM after talking for a little over 8 hours. We attended service at 11 and by 2 we were at my house. As the day continued, we played volleyball and threw around a frisbee. After having my parents hide the Easter eggs, the competitive hunt began. A friend and I tied with 12 eggs. This could only mean one thing, a friendly competition of wii tennis. We then ate the delicious food my mother had prepared and after that we dyed the eggs. This completed our Easter.

The sense of community at PBA is great. I am so grateful for the friends I have made here. I am even more grateful for having had the opportunity to share such a wonderful day with such wonderful people.

Exit the King - PBA Theater Production

The Palm Beach Atlantic University Theatre Department will present the absurdist drama "Exit the King" by Eugene Ionesco April 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Performances will be held in the University's W.G. Lassiter Student Center, located at 900 South Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. Tickets are $15 general admission or 2 for $25; $10 seniors; $5 students with I.D. For tickets, contact Ticket Central at 561-803-2970 or ticketcentral@pba.edu.

Premiering in 1962, Ionesco's absurdist drama "Exit the King" examines life and death through the unusual ways that ancient King Berenger deals with his own mortality. Palm Beach Atlantic University theatre student Trent Stephens plays the lead role of King Berenger and is pictured above.

This production is directed by Rob Homer-Drummond, professor of theatre at Palm Beach Atlantic. Homer-Drummond earned his bachelor of communications from Wheaton College and his master of fine arts in acting from the University of Louisville. He has studied Lecoq movement technique, Linklater voice technique, and participated in workshop studies with Actors Theatre of Louisville.