Freed-Hardeman University

More than 80 Freed-Hardeman students took center stage at the Link Centre in Tupelo, Mississippi, Saturday, Feb. 17, displaying a wide array of talents in visual art, photography, music and theatre. President David R. Shannon welcomed approximately 165 alumni and friends who had gathered to celebrate the talents of the university's fine and performing arts students. The evening began with an art and photography showcase highlighting the work of six students: Leilani Baker's debut oil painting she calls "Motionless," Tori Robison's painting "Madonna and The Frogs," Anniston McCall's photograph in a light and shadows series, Angelina Barr's photo series "I Am Not My Hair," Gabrielle Smith's 4 ft by 3 ft painting called "Pieces" and Morgan Milliken's photo series called "The Difference a Wig Can Make."

Freed-Hardeman University students produced impressive results in their debut appearance at the Hub City Innovation Cup, a regional business pitch competition, winning third place and a cash prize of $500. The two-day event was held Feb. 9-10 at the Jackson Energy Authority Training Center in Jackson and challenged participating college students to create ideas using technology to improve the quality of life for disabled individuals. Students received the topic Friday afternoon and had just under 24 hours to prepare their five-minute pitches to judges. Eleven FHU students competed against other students representing other area higher education institutions. Of the 18 participating teams, FHU sent three, with two advancing to the final round of six.

Two FHU students, Dan Chang and Danny Ngabonziza, won first place for their research poster presentation and third place for their oral presentation during the Tennessee Academy of Science's annual meeting in November. The research is a culmination of the work done by the FHU Summer Research Team under the direction of Dr. Joe Deweese. The 2023 research team consisted of Chang, Ngabonziza, Allison Jones, Addie O'Brian, Matte Hardin, Brooke Latham and Clark Endsley. This was the second year for the Biochemical and Biomedical Sciences Summer Research Program at FHU.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the Fall 2023 semester. To be on the President's List, a student must be full-time and have a 4.0 grade point average. Students on the Dean's List have earned a minimum 3.4 grade point average for the semester. FHU congratulates all of the students on their academic success.

Freed-Hardeman University held its fall commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, in Loyd Auditorium where more than 100 students received certificates, associates, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

Freed-Hardeman University spent time learning about and praying for international communities in mid-November as part of the university's International Student Days (Nov. 13-14). Dr. Richard England Jr., executive director of FACE (French African Christian Education), gave a presentation about his work and travels in Africa. "Be a bridge - reinforce God's love for all and embrace diversity," England said. "Understand peace and joy, and begin to embrace what God has promised us - hope and life." England challenged the students - "Are you prepared to do the things that are hard?" He said when someone asks him why he makes trips to Africa, England has a three-point response. "I work in Africa - there's great food, wonderful friends and beautiful music," he said. England encouraged students to "go above everything you see and hear - the conflict, the number of the dead and the terrorists - the reality is when we see people coming together to say, 'Thank you, Lord, for the promises and blessings that we have,' we can then begin to embrace the reality of diversity and come full circle." On the second day of prayer, BRIDGES offered prayer for international communities at work, in need of economical and environmental support. The prayer was led by Dr. Justin Rogers, Dr. Jeremy Northrop and Maurice Williams. BRIDGES aims to foster diversity and inclusion on FHU's campus. BRIDGES is an acronym for Belonging to the FHU community, Reinforcing God's love for all, Integrating an inclusive learning environment, Developing a kingdom culture, Growing together, Embracing diversity and Strengthening our communities.

More than 30 people participated in a unique feast where the goal was to "try edible foods popular in foreign parts of the world." Epulor XII, which was hosted by the Biology Club, celebrated its 12th year with first-time and repeat guests willing to step outside of their culinary comfort zones in late November. "Everyone really loves this event," Allison Jones, a senior biology major, said. Jones is president of the Biology Club. "It's fun, exciting and there are 17 dishes on the menu game. The winner will receive a $20 gift card to Besso's." The menu game isn't as easy as it sounds. The multiple choice questions identify the menu items by their scientific names - for example elk is called "Cervus canadensis" while turkey is called "Meleagris gallopavo." Long time friends, seniors and biology majors Mary Katherine Walker and Madlyn Maples challenged each other to taste many of the items on the unique buffet as they sat across from each other. "I feel like we should taste these in order," Maples said. "We're kind of scared," Walker added. On the opposite side of fear sat biology and Bible major Luke Sullivan who embraced trying new things. "Last year's alligator tasted better than turkey," he said. "This year my favorite was the eel on rice." Sullivan is also the treasurer of the Biology Club.

Freed-Hardeman University's Honors Council recently traveled to Chicago in early November, where they explored, learned and gathered new ideas. The 58th annual National Collegiate Honors Council held its conference from Nov. 8-12, with the theme "Liberty, Equality, and Humanity." Session topics included student moderator training, research and honors, student socials, as well as networking opportunities. FHU's honors program promotes the free exchange of ideas, and students are regularly invited to make honors presentations at the conference meetings of the Tennessee Honors Council, the Southern Regional Honors Council and the National Collegiate Honors Council. "It was helpful in planning the honors competition for high school seniors looking to attend Freed-Hardeman," said Matthan Smith, a senior double major in accounting and financial planning. "I think our advisor, Dr. Jenny Johnson, gathered fun ideas for the competition." Johnson is the dean of the honors college and director of FHU study abroad.

Freed-Hardeman University junior Tucker Brown is proving that pursuing multiple passions is not only possible but can also lead to remarkable achievements. Brown, both a computer science major and an aspiring actor, recently made his full-length film debut in "Camp Hideout," a faith-based comedy about a troubled teen caught between juvenile detention and a youth camp. In the film, he steals an important item from two big-city tough guys and hides in a church summer camp. He enlists the help of his newfound friends when he's tracked down. Brown plays Paulie, one of the campers who aids the main character. Prior to filming "Camp Hideout," Brown's first acting job was in a short film called "Wildness," and another acting opportunity came along in a short film called "Pieces." And to think, all of this started when Brown was bitten by the acting bug at 12 years old, while he was more into running the bases than memorizing lines. "I told my parents that I wanted to quit baseball and that I wanted to sing and act for the rest of my life," Brown said. He made the decision after attending vocal lessons with a friend in 2014 and acquired a mentor who ignited his passion for acting. "I took study trips to both New York and Los Angeles and signed with agents. Then I auditioned and auditioned," he explained. In 2017, he spent a year in LA auditioning for jobs. "I love acting; it is my true calling. I love portraying characters because I get to walk a mile in their shoes. And so far, I've made friends on sets and some great memories." "Camp Hideout" was filmed in Thompson's Station, Tennessee, for six weeks in the fall of 2021 and is his first full-length feature film.

Freed-Hardeman University students in Dr. John McLaughlin's Games in Literature course have spent the fall semester reading classics like Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" and Amy Tan's "The Joy Luck Club," leading discussions and having fun playing challenging games, some familiar and others new to them. The idea for the class was something McLaughlin longed to do, so when Dr. Margaret Payne asked him if wanted to teach a special course, he knew the topic right away. "There are so many great things to read, so I selected a few repeats and some I would not normally do," he said. "I know the students have enjoyed the readings, and, as someone who loves games and has played them all of my life, I want to show them how much fun that is." The weekly class, spanning nearly three hours, features occasional guest speakers, quizzes, student presentations and, most importantly, game sessions. These games are thematically linked to the weekly readings. For example, after discussing "The Joy Luck Club," a novel in which the characters play Mahjong, a four-player game originating from China, students tried their hand at the game in November. In Mahjong, players shuffle tiles and take turns searching for matching pairs to complete a hand of 14 tiles, with the winner being the first to achieve this. The class also delved into "The Girl Who Played Go," a 2001 French novel by Shan Sa. Go is a game of strategy that requires players to acquire as much territory as possible.

A scientist, a journalist, a law enforcement officer, a minister and a financial planner were among approximately 40 Freed-Hardeman University alumni to return to campus to share their professional journeys with current students during homecoming week in early November. Now in its sixth year, ALUMination Day has grown from a single day to several days of alumni visits in classes as well as guest speakers in daily chapel. This year's chapel speakers were Chuck Morris, class of 1995; Drew Kizer, class of 1997; and Elizabeth Gentle, class of 1996.

At the end of a week-long celebration of homecoming festivities, the Freed-Hardeman University study body announced their choices for the 2023 homecoming king and queen in a special coronation ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11. This year, Elijah Brewer, a senior communication and public relations major from Lexington, Tennessee, was crowned king, and Julie Gann, a kinesiology major from Huntsville, Alabama, was crowned queen.

The Freed-Hardeman University community made "Time to Remember" Nov. 4-12 for its highly anticipated 2023 homecoming week. More than 2,000 alumni, parents, guests and students participated in events throughout the week. Students took part in social club spirit events, athletic competitions, charity fundraising, artistic performances and more during the week-long celebration, publically showcasing the tremendous talents of the FHU student body.

This fall 41 ladies attended the second annual Ladies' Day hosted by Zeteo, a women's Bible study group dedicated to immersive study on Freed-Hardeman University's campus. "This ladies' day would not have been possible without each girl being willing to participate," said Molly King, Zeteo President. "It is only because of their desire to study the Bible that we are able to do this work. I am so proud of each and every girl that participated. This is the second year we have done it and it just seems to get better." The group also participated in FHU's Day of Giving and raised $690 to purchase scripture journals to help in their studies. "FHU Dean of Students Lacy Crowell said, 'Zeteo continues to offer the young women on campus a way to nurture their faith in a supportive environment. As we gather in fellowship and faith, we are humbled by God's grace and guidance. Women's Bible study has been a cornerstone of our spiritual journey, deepening our understanding of His word. Our prayer group has been a source of strength and connection. With gratitude in our hearts, we look ahead, knowing that God's plan for us is to grow, learn, and support one another as we continue to seek His wisdom and share His love through our study and prayers.'"

Two Freed-Hardeman University courses, Death and Dying and Latin American Literature, met to discuss how the Hispanic culture mourns, celebrates and remembers an individual who passes away. Their discussion coincided with Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is celebrated Nov. 2. In addition to the discussion, organizers offered a colorful celebratory table and Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead Bread), a sweet bread baked with a ball on top, representing the skull of the deceased, with remaining pieces shaped into a cross to signify their bones and tears. As part of the combined course activities, students took a survey about their comfort level with death and discussed whether traditions such as sleeping in a bed where a person has died, holding a funeral in a residence, kissing a deceased person goodbye, or dressing and applying makeup to a deceased person would disturb them. The group also shared their memories of loved ones using virtual ofrendas. An ofrenda is a display that celebrates the life of a deceased person with a collection of their favorite things.

Six Freed-Hardeman University students put their pens to paper for the annual Inktober challenge in late October. Inktober artists were Callie French, a sophomore graphic design major; Leilani Baker, a junior fine arts major; Kathryn Johannessen, a junior biology major; Madison Parker, a freshman undeclared major; Gavin Parker, a freshman undeclared major; and Nate Cass, a senior theatre design production major. "Participating artists were asked to turn in original work made with ink without a particular subject or theme. We did, however, ask that they frame their own art before turning it in," said Marla Record, technology librarian at the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center. Artists could use pens or markers, paint with watercolor ink, make stamps and use an ink pad. Ink could also be combined with another medium and could be in black-and-white or color.

Freed-Hardeman University's Eighth Annual Scholars' Day, an annual campus-wide celebration of academic excellence, included oral presentations, poster presentations, a STEM display and musical performances. More than 80 individuals shared research findings and other scholarly accomplishments with fellow faculty, staff and students in a variety of locations across the Henderson campus. As is tradition, academic classes were canceled Nov. 3 to provide the student body the opportunity to attend the presentations of their choosing. FHU Department of Fine Arts Professor Emerita Laquita Thomson, a regional artist with a career spanning more than 50 years, was the keynote speaker at the opening session. Her presentation was moderated by Jud Davis, associate professor of art. Students also discussed social and life issues in presentations that included "Gender, Attachment Style and Rejection Sensitivity as Predictors of the Fear of Being Single in Unmarried Emerging Adults" and "Loneliness and Attachment Styles as Predictors of FOMO in Young Adults." "The presentations made by our faculty and students were outstanding; congratulations to all!" said Dr. C.J. Vires, vice president for academics and provost. "As provost, I have three favorite days of the year: Tolling of the Bell, graduation and University Scholars' Day."

In continuing Freed-Hardeman's annual tradition, the student body has selected 18 of their peers to represent both their classes and their school by serving on the 2023 homecoming court. Chosen representatives will be introduced to the student body during a special chapel presentation Monday, Nov. 6, at 10:30 a.m. This presentation will also be streamed live at fhu.edu/chapel. Homecoming king and queen will later be crowned in a coronation ceremony on the Smith-Kirk Court in the Brewer Sports Center at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11.

FHU students Lexi Hearn, Re'Elle Crowell, Elizabeth McKeeby, and Noah Stuart, who were awarded one of this year's TSCPA scholarships. Lexi is receiving the highest award for West TN. Elizabeth was one of the first sophomores ever to receive the award. TSCPA scholarships are funded primarily through an endowment program known as the Life Associates Program, established in 1978 to recognize CPAs who made significant contributions to the scholarship fund for accounting students in Tennessee.

The Freed-Hardeman University College of Business is celebrating senior Re'Elle Crowell, of Henderson, Tennessee, who recently became the school's first B.B.A./M.S. in accounting and fraud examination major to pass the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam. Crowell will be among the first students to graduate with this joint degree. She will study abroad in the spring semester before graduating in May 2024 with her degrees, a B.B.A. in accounting and an M.S. in accounting and fraud examination.

Twenty-five Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted into the Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society in Old Main on Freed-Hardeman University's campus in October. The following students were inducted: Rylee Baker, Emma Barker, Edison Boggess IV, Hannah Brown, Ashlyn Chandler, Gracie Doyle, LeighAnne Dugger, Lacy Dunn, Tabitha Edwards, Sarah Fondren, Cassie Gardner, Reece Hopgood, Asa Jopson, Thaddaeus Lankford, Jayda McClain, Dominique Michaud, Carly Price, Molly Reasons, Kendall Remy, Elizabeth Roberts, Emma Robison, Noah Stuart, Jonathan Timmer, Taylor Triplett and Thomas Yukich. All of this semester's inductees had at least a 3.9 GPA. Alpha Chi membership is by invitation only to juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on at least 80 earned credit hours and candidates must be in the top 10% of the junior and senior class to qualify for membership. New inductees were encouraged to wear their membership pins during the week of induction, to apply for Alpha Chi's national scholarships and to create research projects to present during the national convention. Members of Alpha Chi uphold its principles of Truth and Character and its motto - "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32.

Freed-Hardeman University welcomed a new class of freshmen and transferring students into the FHU family this semester with another successful week of "Interface." While many university campuses around the country offer new student orientation, FHU goes the extra mile to build relationships and a strong sense of community on campus by providing incoming freshmen additional opportunities to bond and make their first of many college memories.

Dear Freed-Hardeman University Parents, We hope this email finds you well. We are delighted to introduce you to a wonderful platform named Merit, which is designed to celebrate and share the fantastic achievements of our students at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU). What is Merit? Merit is an innovative web-based platform that helps in documenting and promoting the achievements of students. It is an effortless way to keep track of honors such as making it to the President's and Dean's lists, graduation lists, and much more. Additionally, Merit is not just about accolades; it is also a space where you can find inspiring stories about our students' engagements in international studies, service projects, and academic triumphs. Why Merit is Important for Students For students, Merit is an essential tool to create a positive online presence. It acts as a personalized page that showcases your academic and extracurricular achievements, which can be shared with future employers or graduate schools. Why Parents Should Engage with Merit As parents, Merit allows you to be part of your child's journey in the university. It's a source of pride to see your child's hard work and dedication being recognized. Sharing their achievements through your social networks is a great way to spread the joy with friends and family. How to Get Started To begin using Merit, students should visit Merit's FHU Page and sign up with their university email address. Parents can connect to their child's Merit page via a unique link that the student can share with them. Share and Celebrate! We encourage both parents and students to actively engage with Merit. Share the stories and achievements with your friends, family, and network. Let's work together in celebrating the incredible talents and accomplishments of our Freed-Hardeman University community. Should you have any queries or need assistance getting started with Merit, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@fhu.edu. Let's celebrate success together! Warm regards,

Twenty-one students, alumni, teachers and friends of Freed-Hardeman University returned from Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a world-renowned theatre festival in Scotland, with a healthier dose of self confidence, stronger problem solving skills and adaptability. Following countless hours of planning, rehearsals and fundraising, the group traveled to Scotland from August 1-13, 2023, to make their mark on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. With lodgings on a local university campus, students were within walking distance of the sights and sounds of beautiful historic Edinburgh. Their time was split between preparing for their own show and attending the shows of others.

Thirty-two Freed-Hardeman University students completed their studies in August. The graduates received baccalaureate, graduate and licensures. The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

Twenty-one individuals representing Freed-Hardeman University's Theatre program will travel to Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 to present "The Feed," an original show co-created by FHU Director of Theatre Cliff Thompson and Theatre Design Professor Brandyn Graves. FHU will present four performances of "The Feed" during the Fringe from Sunday, Aug. 6 - Monday, Aug. 9, 2023. In "The Feed" characters explore social media and obsession. Based on a story by Graves, "The Feed" was inspired by a series of social media posts he made during COVID-19 about a mysterious crock pot near a parking space. The posts generated attention and inspired Thompson to ask Graves to collaborate to turn the story into a play.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the Spring 2023 semester. To be on the President's List, a student must be full-time and have a 4.0 grade point average. Students on the Dean's List have earned a minimum 3.4 grade point average for the semester. FHU congratulates all of the students honored during the Spring 2023 semester.

Freed-Hardeman University held its spring commencement exercises in mid-May where approximately 286 students received degrees. Graduates received baccalaureate, graduate and certificates, licensures and associate's degrees. FHU alumna Sheerah Davis was the commencement speaker. With 25 years of human resources experience, Davis is the Global HR Lead and Chief People Officer for Dentsu Sports International, Incorporated, a global sports business network.

It was a final project full of fun, experimentation and laughter. Seven students in Dr. Ben Clark's AI for Robotics class put weeks worth of research into determining if three robots could "play" a game of hide and seek effectively on May 4. The students organized in three teams - Bryce Greene, Allison Walker and Brigitte Turner worked together to program the robot they named Kenan Jr (after another Computer Science faculty member Dr. Kenan Casey). Their robot's objective was to "seek" the other two robots that were "hiding." Decked out with two heart shaped stickers at its back, Kenan Jr. and the other robots, Baymacs and R0B, are Create 3 robots, educational versions of the popular household vacuum appliance, the Roomba. Dallas Yarnell and Sean Janiec worked on R0B and were part of the mapping team, which determined the area where the robots could hide. "We used a technique called SLAM (Simultaneous, Localization and Mapping). It basically helps the robots play hide and seek," Yarnell said. Students Lou Joseph and Addison Adcock were on the path planning team and were responsible for Baymacs.

Freed-Hardeman University student-athletes traded their cleats and uniforms for dresses and suits to celebrate their accomplishments on and off the field during the inaugural Roar Awards Saturday, April 22, 2023. "The Roar Awards are about celebrating the student-athletes that practice and sweat and grind to be the best they can be on the field of competition," FHU's athletic director Jonathan Estes, who spearheaded the event, said. "The student-athletes who aren't motivated by personal glory, but strive to be a part of something bigger: team, relationship, family. The Roar Awards are about celebrating them."