TANNENBAUM-STERNBERGER FOUNDATION: A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

THIS FALL, THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Brian Coleman joined with Don Smith, Associate Professor of Physics, to offer a course titled “Lights at Full: The Science of Theatre Stagecraft.” Covering circuitry, optics and color, the course taught how to make light plots and implement designs to evoke psychological reactions from an audience.

For educators like Brian, The Guilford Edge has provided not only opportunities like this, but also a more enjoyable teaching process. “My class is project-based, and meeting students on consecutive days for longer class periods tightens the feedback loop, which helps us reach our goals quicker,” said Brian. And thanks to a significant gift by The Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation of Greensboro, the impact is sure to continue. Launched this fall, The Guilford Edge was designed to ensure that students can thrive through uncommon engagement in real-world learning. More than 400 first years started at Guilford this fall and will be the first class to have a four-year Edge experience.

The Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation made a $175,000 gift to Guilford College to support this innovative Guilford Edge program. This type of giving falls in line with the Foundation’s commitments to improve the quality of life in Guilford County. Potential areas to be impacted by the Foundation’s grant include curricular redesign, facilities, scholarships, faculty development, internships and fellowships. “The investment in Guilford College by the TannenbaumSternberger Foundation will have a significant impact on our ability to provide an education that is truly transformative for our students,” said President Jane Fernandes.

Jeanne Tannenbaum had similar sentiments. “The Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation board is pleased to be able to support the bright future of Guilford College and its students. Contributing to an excellent experience for students and faculty aligns with our values and mission,” said the Board Chair.

As part of the Edge initiative, the College updated its curriculum for the first time in more than two decades and instituted a unique calendar that includes 3- and 12-week terms each semester. The 3-week term features an intensive, single-course, team-based opportunity for every student every semester.

The Edge has four focus areas: learning collaboratively, teaming for student success with integrated advising and post-college planning, developing ethical leadership and rallying campus spirit. Additionally, the College has restored Binford and Milner residence halls, remodeled its dining center and added gathering spaces.

“The Guilford Edge is a bold, comprehensive plan based upon the results of extensive research. We are excited to help fund such a worthy project, ” said Bob Klepfer, Executive Director of the Foundation.

The 3-week semester’s immersive nature let me focus on the subject better than I ever could have with a 15-week one.

-- Elizabeth Dizon '22

Brian Coleman instructs Elizabeth Dizon '22 and Joenn Lanza '21 on the principles of stage lighting during the joint Theatre/Physics 3-week course "Lights at Full: The Science of Theatre Stagecraft."

Photo by Jenna Schad