1780 – The Official Blog of Transylvania University

1780 | The Official Blog of Transylvania University

Former CSX president to deliver Transylvania commencement address May 26

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Alvin R. “Pete” Carpenter, former CSX Transportation president and CEO, will deliver Transylvania University’s commencement address on Saturday, May 26, as the university celebrates its 2018 graduates. Carpenter is a 1964 Transylvania alumnus and served on the school’s Board of Trustees from 1993-2000. The Kentucky native now lives in Jacksonville, Fla. Carpenter and his wife, Marilyn, were the lead donors for a major interior upgrade of Transylvania’s Carpenter Academic Center, which wrapped up this spring. He also is a recipient of the university’s Morrison Medallion, which is given to alumni for outstanding service to the school and its programs. “Our graduating seniors can learn valuable life lessons from Pete Carpenter,” President Seamus Carey said. “Not only has he excelled in the business world, but he has exemplified living generously, which is the theme of this academic year. Mr. Carpenter’s efforts to transform the university’s main academic building into a cutting-edge learning environment will help sustain our liberal arts mission well into the 21st century.” Transylvania’s commencement will begin at 9 a.m. in front of historic Old Morrison. The rain location will be the Clive M. Beck Center. Students in this year’s graduating class have distinguished themselves academically, with numerous accolades. Class of 2018 highlights • Forty-six percent of the 218 graduating seniors are receiving Latin honors for a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, and 45 percent are receiving program honors. • Thirty-five percent of this year’s graduates studied

Transylvania wins Battle of the Bumpers for 10th straight year

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University once again put more license plates on the road than any other independent college in Kentucky, winning the Battle of the Bumpers for the 10th straight year.The university received $10,110 to put toward scholarships for selling 1,011 plates in 2017, according to the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities. Transylvania beat out the other 19 campuses in the AIKCU, which sponsors the annual competition. “Every year I’m impressed by the generosity and dedication of the university’s supporters,” said Natasa Pajic Mongiardo ‘96, director of alumni relations. “Our winning streak doesn’t surprise me, though, because of how many Transy plates I see on the road. It’s great way to not only show school pride, but also to assist current and future students. Let’s keep it up in 2018 to make it 11 in a row.”The 2018 Battle of the Bumpers began on Jan. 1.For more information, including contact information for your county clerk, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.

Taran McZee begins as AVP for Diversity and Inclusion

Taran McZee joined Transylvania University May 1 as associate vice president for diversity and inclusion, serving on President Seamus Carey’s cabinet. He has spent nearly 15 years leading diversity, inclusion and equity efforts in higher education, and Transylvania is thrilled to bring his experience to campus. What drew you to Transylvania? I was chosen to participate in the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education’s (NADOHE) first Standards of Professional Practice Institute. It was a four-day curriculum developed by the top vice presidents and chief diversity officers across the nation. I was learning from some of the top inclusion and equity people in the nation, and after my four days, I was told by three of them that I’m ready to be a chief diversity officer. I told my mentor that if I got the opportunity to go to a private liberal arts institution, I was going to look into it. Two things stuck out to me about Transy: Project One, and the fact that this was an inaugural position. I have the opportunity to shape diversity, inclusion and equity for the institution with the help of faculty, staff, administration and students. I have the opportunity to shape it from what I’ve learned the last 15 years in higher education doing diversity, multiculturalism, LGBTQA and equity work. What have been your first impressions? It’s a beautiful campus. There’s genuine southern hospitality. And overall, people want to see student success,

Transylvania Juried Student Art Exhibition to open May 4

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University’s annual Juried Student Art Exhibition will showcase standout student artworks in a variety of media—from fiber to digital—in Morlan Gallery from May 4-18. An unprecedented number of students submitted works for the first round of jurying by the art faculty and gallery director. Prizes will be awarded in “best of” categories during the second stage of jurying in the first week of May. Specific honors include the Dean’s Purchase Award, which recognizes superior student artists by creating a permanent collection of works for the university. Laura Bryan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university, will continue this tradition. Another recognition, the Nana Lampton Prize, is given to a senior for creative vision, strong work ethic and natural leadership. The award was named in honor of Nana Lampton, who is a visual artist, poet, philanthropist and business leader. For first time, an Abbott Scholarship will be presented during the Juried Student Art Exhibition. This annual award will be given to a rising junior or senior who demonstrates studio and scholarly excellence. The scholarship was established in memory of Mildred and Harold Abbott, both patrons and practitioners in the visual and performing arts. The student exhibition will open Friday, May 4, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. and an awards presentation at 6. The final evening for the exhibition will be Friday, May 18, during the LexArts Gallery HOP. Morlan Gallery, located on the main level of Transylvania’s

Memorial Fund for Rachel Millard

As Chief of Staff, Rachel Millard played an integral role at Transylvania University. President Seamus Carey offered this moving tribute about her life and work at Transylvania. As a way to honor Rachel’s legacy, Transylvania has established a memorial fund for her children, Emily and Jackson. You may give via PayPal, using the button below, or make out a donation to Transylvania University and send to: Office of the President Transylvania University 300 N. Broadway Lexington, KY 40508