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Campus News
Front: Corbin Bentley and Danielle Reid; Middle: Claudette Enriquez, Tori Breeding, Mackenzie Fraley and Larissa Jones; Back: Adam Hotelling and Alexandria Alexis; Not pictured: William Wheeler, Zakary Bray and Amari Matthews
The Growlers Dominate
The past year has been a successful one for UPIKE’s Speech and Debate Team, “The Growlers.” With a strong and confident voice, the team swept several national and state competitions.
After placing first in their division at the Kentucky Forensics Association Championship Tournament in Louisville in February, the team placed fourth in their division at the Public Communication Speech and Debate League’s National Championship. In addition to the overall success of the team, student Adam Hotelling placed first in radio broadcasting for Kentucky.
The team also attended the West Virginia State Championship Tournament where several members placed in the top six. One member, Corbin Bentley, received first place in dramatic interpretation for the state of West Virginia.
In culmination of a competitive and successful year, six students traveled to Santa Ana, Calif., for the National Forensics Association National Championship Tournament. Students competed against thousands from 97 colleges and universities across the nation. UPIKE’s own Alexandria Alexis finished fourth in the nation in poetry (novice division) at the competition.
Celebrating Lunar New Year at the Capitol
UPIKE’s Diann Whittier and Zixuan “Marshall” Liu were invited to a reception at the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort honoring international college students.
UPIKE Director of International Student and Scholar Services Diann Whittier and UPIKE exchange student Zixuan “Marshall” Liu celebrated the Lunar New Year at Kentucky’s Capitol. Liu, a freshman business management major, came to the mountains of Appalachia from Xinyu in the Jiangxi Province of China to study at UPIKE.
The celebration held in February for The Year of the Pig was hosted by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and First Lady Glenna Bevin at the Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort. UPIKE and only 11 other institutions were invited to attend the reception.
The event was inspired by a visit the governor made to China to discuss economic development. During the visit, both countries shared their mutual appreciation for education exchange programs that allow students to experience their respective countries.
Complete with traditional authentic music from China from the Zhou Family Band, the event was an unforgettable cultural experience for those in attendance.
“It was really special to see our international student from China as a guest of honor in the governor’s home,” said Whittier. “The students were interested in remarks from Governor Bevin about his experiences in China, both as an exchange student in the late 80’s and as governor of Kentucky in 2019.”
Student wins statewide award
Congratulations to UPIKE Student Employee Zachary Tackett who was recently named 2019 Kentucky Student Employee of the Year from the National Student Employment Association. Zachary works in UPIKE’s Conference and Event Services. His supervisor, Charity Deel, nominated him based on his work ethic and exceptional leadership skills.
Students serve in Texas for spring break
After hearing of the devastation and damage that remained after natural disasters in Texas, the UPIKE Office of Spiritual Life felt compelled to help. UPIKE Chaplain Rob Musick organized a group of nine students to serve those impacted in Beaumont, Texas. During UPIKE’s spring break the group traveled more than 1,000 miles to the Lone Star State to partner with St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in their relief efforts.
During their trip, the team was able to help two families complete much-needed home and yard clean-up projects and repair work due to extensive water damage.
In addition to serving others, UPIKE students were able to form new relationships with the youth group at St. Andrews Church. In the evenings, the group bonded over cooking, playing games and sharing personal devotional reflections.
During service trips, UPIKE students learn invaluable lessons that often cannot be taught in the classroom. Witnessing the impact that can be made in someone’s life through simple acts of service are experiences and memories that students carry with them long after graduation.
“The team learned of the joys of serving in light of any obstacle,” said Musick. “Throughout the week the team heard from many hurricane survivors who continue to press on in life even in light of major loss.”
BEARS AROUND THE WORLD
UPIKE students have not only served in the United States, but around the globe. Study abroad, experiential learning and service trips influence academic perspective, personal development and career enhancement.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC >> HAITI >> PUERTO RICO >> PERU >> CHINA >> BELIZE >> GERMANY >> IRELAND >> MEXICO
UPIKE Director of Bands receives Teacher of the Year award
Michael Phillips, Ph.D., director of bands at the University of Pikeville, received the Kentucky Music Educator Association (KMEA) College/University “Teacher of the Year” award for District 9. Music educators nominate and vote on recipients of the award, which recognizes significant contributions to music education.
Some of Phillips’ accomplishments at UPIKE since his arrival in 2018 include establishing the Wind Band, UPIKE Rocks/ BB Jam Band, Mighty Five Drum Vibe & Drum Line and UPIKE Jazz. Each includes UPIKE students, faculty and staff, community members, and interested high school students. Additionally, Phillips has created multiple outreach programs to grow the music community in Central Appalachia including Hype Day Pep Band Experience during football season, Master Artist Workshop Series (MAWS), Tuba Christmas and AMP Lab. He also established UPIKE as the home of the Appalachian Institute for Music (AIM) high school summer music camp.
Phillips is working to assemble the university’s first-ever marching band, which is planned to make its historic first step in the fall of 2019.
“As years progress, it’s anticipated that the marching program will grow and not only enhance the experience of athletic events on campus but also promote a new vibe in the community culture,” said Phillips.
Film and Media Arts Festival Celebrates 5th Anniversary
In April, the UPIKE Film and Media Arts program celebrated its fifth year hosting the UPIKE Film and Media Arts Festival. Filmmakers from across the country submitted their work to the festival which continues to grow.
Associate Film and Media Arts Professor Andrew Reed knows the hard work that happens behind the scenes to make the festival an annual success. “Many festivals don’t make it past one year,” said Reed. “And here we are celebrating our fifth anniversary. It’s not easy. It involves a lot of hard work from UPIKE faculty and students. We continue to run this festival year after year because we are passionate about the art of filmmaking.”
With several award categories, the honoree for Best UPIKE Film said the festival and recognition only inspired her to continue creating and raising the bar for herself for future projects.
“I wasn’t expecting to win,” said UPIKE senior Megan Stepp. “I was just focused on helping with the festival. It was exciting to be recognized for UPIKE’s Best Film. I took a chance and made a portrait documentary on someone I had never met and the experience was invigorating. I loved being able to be a part of the festival and the recognition really encouraged me to do better work. If it wasn’t for my peers and professors it wouldn’t have happened. I learned so much from film classes and it clearly shows.”
