The IHSA is comprised of 300 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. VI went to the national competition as the Zone 5, Region 4 champion, marking the college’s 13th straight trip to the finals and the longest streak in the nation. VI competed against 16 colleges from all over the U.S. including Purdue University, Stanford University and Penn State University.

Individual finishes at IHSA Nationals include sophomore Danielle Clark – fifth in Intermediate Flat and senior Abby Parke – third in Novice Flat. Senior Lauren Fay also competed in Open Flat and Open Over Fences.

Not only were Virginia Intermont riders recognized for their performances, but VI’s equitation horse, Samson, was named the “Hunter Seat Horse of the IHSA National Horse Show.” VI’s Monty received the honor in 2010 in Lexington, Ky.

“This is an honor given to the horse that the Hunter Seat Horse Selection Committee feels was the most valuable to this year’s finals,” said Eddie Federwisch, director of equine studies and coach of the IHSA team. 

Samson is a 16-year-old German warmblood equitation horse donated to VI by Dunwalke LLC Horses in 2010.

Click here for more information about the Virginia Intermont College equine program.

The group of ten students will enhance their theatre training with a special study tour during May term.  Organized by Associate Professor of Theatre Bonny Gable, the program will include workshops at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, as well as tours of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London’s Theatre History Walk and the Victoria & Albert Museum theatre collections. Students will also attend theatre performances at the West End and London Pub Theatres’ Fringe Festival.

“Exposure to these outstanding productions plus instruction from some of the world’s finest practicing professionals will provide VI’s young theatre artists with a most valuable experience to add to their educational repertoire,” said Gable.

VI Theatre a Success at Kennedy Center Festival

Virginia Intermont College Theatre Department’s most recent production took honors as an entry in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). The department presented the premiere of a new farce, “Lysistrata Wears Prada,” written by VI Associate Professor of Theatre Bonny Gable with original music written by VI student Adam Kuykendall.

The KCACTF, founded in 1969 by chairman Roger L. Stevens, is a national theatre program that involves 18,000 students from more than 600 colleges and universities nationwide. KCACTF serves as a catalyst in improving the quality of college theatre programs by providing departments, students and faculty with outside assessments of their work.

An adaptation of the ancient Greek comedy “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes, the play is set in the modern high fashion world, with Lysistrata as owner/editor of an haute couture magazine. She leads her exquisitely attired female cohorts in a sex strike to entice their men to end the war. Farcical results unfold in this tale as old as time with a contemporary-futuristic flair.

Participation in the adjudication process of the KCACTF resulted in several award nominations for members of the Theatre Department. These include:  theatre majors Audrey Kuykendall, Jenna Nease and Sarah Jones for the Irene Ryan Acting Award; theatre professor Bonny Gable for the Faculty Directing Award; English major Adam Kuykendall for the Sound Design Award;  theatre majors Paul Pratt for the National Stage Management Award and Audrey Kuykendall for the Barbizon Costume Design Award.

The entire production has been recommended for presentation at the Regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival held in Daytona, Fla. in Feb. 2013. If presented there, it will be under consideration for selection to perform at the National KCACTF in Washington, D.C. in April.

help needy communities.

“I have wanted to go to Haiti for the past six years but never had a chance,” said Sullivan. “I am looking forward to immersing myself in their culture and seeing how the Haitians live day to day.”

The group will partner with World Wide Village (WWV), a non-profit organization that seeks to change lives and revitalize communities through Christian education, nutrition and healthcare, sustainable agriculture, housing construction, local churches, clean water and economic development. The VI team will assist WWV in various projects to spur communities like Luly and Port-au-Prince towards self-dependency and sustainment.

Their big task for the week includes a photojournalism project for the organization that will tell the story of the Haitians. In addition to the photography project, Wheeler is looking forward to seeing the positive changes in the town of Luly, where she participated in VI’s service-learning trip last year.

The service trip is tied to the College’s May term class, Cross-Cultural Studies of the Third World, which touches on various aspects of Haitian culture before the team departs.

“I hope the students come back with a broader understanding of Haitian culture and world problems,” said Cole. “This trip will put in perspective the notion that world problems aren’t as easy to solve as one may think.”

Students showing their work include Greta Lindler, Margie Fishback, Rachel Eppard and Evan McGurrin (two images). Margie Fishback received second place for her image entitled, “The Scars We Choose: Chelsy,” and Megan Pinch and her husband, Dan Robinson, received honorable mention for their collaborative piece entitled, “80 Days: March 7, 2011.”

"Untitled" by Greta Lindler

Juror Christina Shank was drawn to the suggestive qualities in many of the photographs, noting that McGurrin’s works suggest a dramatic notion of play. She also stated that the photographs by Pinch/Robinson and Fishback thoughtfully engage with the medium of photography and push the edge of what can be referenced, described and suggested within a single image. 

Greta Lindler submitted an image that she describes as a “very passionate expression of the natural form.” 

”I am very pleased to be a part of this competition and juried collection,” said Lindler. “This is the first time I have been in such a large juried show!”

The exhibition is open to the public and will be on display at RU Gallery 205 until May 31.

A posthumous degree in equine studies was awarded to Claire Mawdsley, a 21-year-old senior who passed away last fall. Close friends and graduates Helen Williams and Sarah Duffell and 2011 alumna Becky Kaczmerek accepted the degree in her memory. This is believed to be the first posthumous degree awarded in the history of the College.

Friends accept posthumous degree.

The keynote speakers for the commencement ceremony were alumni Jeffrey W. Allison and Kathleen W. O’Brien. Allison and O’Brien both currently serve on the VI Board of Trustees, have successful professional careers and are active in their respective communities. O’Brien and Allison shared memories and life lessons learned while attending Virginia Intermont as students. O’Brien encouraged the graduates to be open to new and interesting experiences, while Allison emphasized the importance of finding a routine that one can work out every day.

“Analyze your life and repeat the things that work and edit out the items that don’t [work],” said O’Brien.

Those unable to attend Sunday’s event can watch the ceremony here.

From May 14 through Aug. 8, Linder will intern with the Iona Community, a Christian, ecumenical group that values social justice and peace as they work to restore worship and Christian community. Iona Community is comprised of people from all different walks of life and church traditions that are committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Members take part in daily prayer and Bible readings, sharing and accountability, and reflection and action for the preservation of the environment. The island community welcomes visitors from all over the world to take part in their daily worship, work and reflection times.

For this Columbia, S.C. native who has traveled out of the U.S. only once – to Canada – an internship on a remote island will surely be an experience to savor. Lindler will assist island guests by cleaning their rooms and tackling other various projects. Although she will receive free housing, food and a stipend for her services, Linder notes with a big smile that the true payment and benefit will be the experience itself.

“I’m excited to embark on a journey of self-exploration as I make friends from all over the world and participate in the various activities of the Iona Community,” said Lindler.

Not only is she looking forward to the atmosphere that fosters spiritual and religious exploration, Lindler is excited about the island’s green lifestyle. Lindler, who is the founder and president of the College’s environmental sustainability club, Intermont Green, plans to look for new green initiatives that she can bring back to campus.

She noted, “This will be the first time I’ll be truly independent and have an opportunity to not only better myself, but also to share the benefits of my experience abroad with friends at Virginia Intermont.”

Lindler plans on documenting her time on Iona through her blog, complete with anecdotes and photo updates.

“SGA plays an important role in representing the voice of the student body,” said Mulkey. “We saw a need, however, to improve upon the structure and efforts of the committee this year.”

Under Mulkey’s leadership, SGA became more active on campus and in the community during the 2011-12 academic year. The staff moved all campus clubs and organizations under SGA jurisdiction and successfully fostered more club collaboration; SGA partnered with the Social Work Club to sponsor Kimberlin, a child from Honduras, and the event, “A Day in the Park.”  The staff also worked to establish better relationships with VI administration and city government officials in an effort to create more change on campus. The team spearheaded a proposal to change the Physical Education (PE) credit requirement for varsity athletes, and their idea for a cobra mascot is in the final stages of approval.

Mulkey stated that next year SGA will work towards a budget to support other clubs and organizations. They also want to become more involved in planning campus renovations and designating smoking areas for a transition into a smoke-free college.

“I think the changes were implemented successfully and laid a firm groundwork for years to come,” said Mulkey.

In addition to Mulkey, this year’s SGA representatives included: junior Tiffany Vu, senior Tascha Carlucci, sophomore Leah Bear, senior Nikki Sandifur, junior Jenna Nease, sophomore Joey Blevins, freshman Radvile Audukaite, junior Tihlee Anderson, sophomore Kayla Hanks, sophomore Katelyn Mitchell and sophomore Justin Lytle.

The Smith-Canter Gymnasium, affectionately known as the “Cobra Den,” is notorious in the Appalachian Athletic Conference for its lively, loud atmosphere that improves the VI basketball teams’ home court advantage. The “Raise the Roof” fundraising campaign was launched to support the following gym improvements:

• Replace the aging roof and repair damage to ceiling
• Install new guttering
• Replace windows
• Install new exhaust fans
• Install ramp for handicap access

VI and Intermont Green, the College’s environmental sustainability club, are collecting aluminum can donations from the VI and Bristol communities. VI students, faculty and staff are encouraged to drop cans off at the various recycling receptacles around campus. Large can donations (rinsed out and bagged) can be dropped off at the old red barn behind the boiler house.

In partnership with Believe in Bristol, aluminum cans will also be collected during Border Bash concerts in Downtown Bristol, held the first and third Fridays from May 4 through Aug. 17.

For more information on the “Raise the Roof” campaign, contact Lisa Mitchell at LisaMitchell@vic.edu or visit www.vic.edu/give.

Monday, April 30, 1:30
Abigail Parke - “Thoroughbred Breeding Theories and Methodologies”

Tuesday, May 1, 5:30-9:00
Michelle Grenier - “The Devils of Haiti”

Andrea Bullen - “Climate Change and Survival of the Green Sea Turtle”

Averi Fredericksen - “Should the Use of Lasix Be Banned from the Racing Industry in the United States?”

Erin Hoyt - “Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy on Soft Tissue Injuries”

Thursday, May 3, 1:30
Nathan Kraatz - “Free Will: A Humble Perspective”

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Jessica Turner, Honors Thesis Coordinator,
at 466-7191 or JessicaTurner@vic.edu.

What is the Dogwood Arts Festival?
The Dogwood Arts festival is an annual, citywide celebration of the arts that lasts an entire month. There will be musical concerts, live performances, arts fair, historic tours and a big parade at the end. The festival will also feature new sculptures as part of the Art in Public Places competition.

Describe the Art in Public Places competition and your entry, “Got Oil?”
Art in Public Places is a national sculpture competition, juried this year by Allan Peterson (Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta), that displays artwork all over downtown Knoxville and at the McGhee Tyson Airport. My sculpture, “Got oil?” is 13.5 feet tall, by 5 feet long, 4.5 feet wide, and weighs around 500 pounds. It abstractly depicts an offshore oilrig, mounted on wheels with a handle for pulling.

What does this piece represent?
“Got Oil?” comments on man’s appetite for oil. I believe that the Oceans are a gift from the Creator, a pristine and living environment that sustains us humans and provides us free food and recreation. To disregard the great forces of wind, storm, earthquake and human error and drill for a toxic chemical, crude oil, in waters miles deep, is, at best, a reckless act born out of greed. The handle on “Got Oil?” is inviting each of us to grab a hold – as we are all consumers!

Intermont riders included four seniors, one sophomore and one freshman representing VI in team and individual competitions at different skill levels. VI’s novice level team finished as Reserve Champion, and the National team took third place in overall team results behind Champion Savannah College of Art and Design and Reserve Champion Centenary College. VI has consistently been in the top five since it began competing at ANRC Nationals in 1999.

“The competition at ANRC is so tough that many times the difference between placings is fractions of a point,” explained Team Coach Sue Glover.

VI team and individual standings for all phases of competition are as follows:

VI National Team:

-4th in Derby phase

-4th in Written Test phase

-3rd in Medal phase

-2nd in Program Rides

-3rd place Overall Team

VI Novice Team:

-4th in Derby phase

-2nd in Written phase

-2nd in Medal phase

-2nd in Program Rides

-Reserve Champion Overall Team

National level Individuals:

Ariel Black – 8^th in Written test

Lauren Fay  - 9^th in Written test

Danielle Clark – 6^th in Program Ride

Lauren Fay – 9^th in Program Ride

Audrey Hanlon – 10^th in Program Ride

Audrey Hanlon – 8^th in Derby

Lauren Fay – 2^nd in Medals

Danielle Clark  - 4^th in Medals

Audrey Hanlon – 10th in Medals

Danielle Clark – 5^th Overall

Audrey Hanlon – 8^th Overall

Lauren Fay – 9^th Overall

Novice Division Individuals:

Abbey Parke – 2^nd in Written test

Helen Williams – 7th in Written test

Abbey Parke – 1^st in Program ride

Helen Williams – 9^th in Program Ride

Helen Williams – 5^th in Derby

Abbey Parke – 1^st in Medals

Helen Williams – 8^th in Medals

Abbey Parke – 5^th Overall

Helen Williams – 7^th Overall

VI equestrians will compete again on the national level at the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) national finals and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) finals. IDA National Championships take place at Centenary College in New Jersey, April 28-29, and IHSA will be held in Raleigh, N.C., May 3-6.

Ms. Alschuler worked in clinical social work for 22 years in both New York and Florida. Her clinical background is in psychiatric and substance abuse treatment, administration, and supervision in a broad range of settings. Prior to earning an M.S.W. at Fordham University, she completed a double master’s in psychology (organizational and counseling) at Teachers College/Columbia University. A published poet and writer, Alschuler holds an M.F.A. in Poetry from Columbia University and a B.A. in Semiotics from Brown University. Her work has appeared in numerous national literary journals and in anthologies. She is a Registered Poetry Therapist and trains professionals in poetry and journal therapy nationally and abroad.

Alschuler is an avid quilter and enjoys the arts and international travel. In recent years she has traveled to Japan, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Holland, the U.K., Italy, and France, mostly as an intrepid, solo traveler.

Participants must sign up at the Bristol Train Station, 101 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in order to verify the number of people in attendance.

May Term:

Summer Term:

VI students can enroll for May and Summer Term classes through MyVIC and those who are not students can simply call the Office of Admissions at (800) 451-1842 to enroll.

Apartments Are Available

Need a place to stay while you take classes or pursue an internship? Parater Apartments will be available for summer rental, May 8 – Aug. 8. Rent and utilities (water, trash and electricity) are just $1,500 for the entire summer. Students who pay their rent in full by April 27 will receive a $50 gift certificate to VIBES. Download the flyer here and share it with your friends!Apartment Details:

• 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Full kitchen and living room
• Washer/dryer in each unit
• Furnished
• Close to Downtown Bristol, I-81, Walmart and mall

Space is limited, so email RobertMinton@vic.edu to reserve a spot today.