News from Transy

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Eric Klein, whose group tackles some of the world’s most critical problems, will give the William R. Kenan Jr. Lecture on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Transylvania University’s Haggin Auditorium. Klein founded the Compassion into Action Network—Direct Outcome Organization, a non-profit organization that steps up when people face a variety of threats: from natural disasters and environmental degradation to humanitarian crises and educational inequity. Klein started CAN-DO in 2004 after frustration mounted seeing organizations collect millions of dollars in donations without showing results. CAN-DO has since completed hundreds of large-scale disaster and revitalization projects in the United States and around the world with 100 percent accountability and zero red tape. The organization hires local citizens and employs veterans, while giving donors real-time video updates from the field. “Klein and his organization have conducted relief projects both overseas and in the United States, so we saw an opportunity for our students to become involved in his work if they wish,” said psychology professor Meg Upchurch, who coordinates the Kenan Lecture Series. “He was also an intriguing choice because he raises questions about the effectiveness of large philanthropic organizations. Whether the audience members agree or disagree with his stance, he will leave them with something to think about.” In 2008, Klein was awarded a Global Compassion Award at the United Nations for his achievements in international disaster relief efforts and humanitarian aid. He received a Heroes of Haiti award in 2010.

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—If you considered the Lexington Tattoo Project sort of a mom and pop endeavor, think of it now as World Wide Inc. (Make that Ink.) Transylvania University professors Kremena Todorova and Kurt Gohde have launched Love Letter to the World, a variation on their local project that was recognized as one of the nation’s top public artworks and featured on CNN. Participants across the globe will get tattoos based on phrases from Kentucky Poet Laureate Frank X Walker’s “Love Letta to the Worl’” poem adorned with designs that will make up a secret image when combined with the other tattoos. Kenny Moorman, a Transylvania computer science professor, built a website that will display uploaded pictures of the tattoos in a variety of ways as Walker reads his poem. Bianca Spriggs, a local poet and Transylvania graduate, wrote the poem for the Lexington Tattoo Project, which is spawning similar artworks in cities such as Boulder and Detroit and has helped foster not only a pride of place but also camaraderie between participants. “Tattoos historically have connected people in a tribal way,” Gohde said. Could the new project enable this on a worldwide scale? These artists think it can. “A number of people called the poem very healing and talked about how it’s wonderful to have something so connecting at a time that is so divisive,” Todorova said. While participants can connect with the poem’s global themes, such as sustainability, they also find personal meaning

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University’s innovative August term not only helps recent high school grads transition to college, but it’s also a valuable experience for the upper-class students who mentor them. These juniors and seniors—called August term scholars—advise students during their first few weeks on campus about life both inside and outside the classroom and work with faculty to develop First Engagements seminars, which hone new students’ critical, interpretative, and analytical abilities. “August term scholars serve as role models and peer mentors for new students and help guide them on what it means to be a scholar and a member of the Transylvania community,” said Michael Covert, associate vice president for retention and associate dean of students.  “They’re responsible for helping plan and facilitate all out-of-classroom events and activities, including campus speakers, social events and outings around town.” As this year’s term winds down, it’s a good time to reflect on what the program means to the upper-class students. “In my role as an August term scholar, I’ve found great joy in advising, instructing and mentoring first-year students—helping establish the foundation of their liberal arts education,” senior Skyler Slone said. These past three weeks have been a time of discovery for Slone as well, because he came to Transylvania before the program began in 2012. “I wish I had something like that in my first year,” he said. “Now I’ve experienced it from a different perspective—one that is just as rewarding. I’m

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