Freed-Hardeman University

Commissioner Greg Gonzales of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions encouraged FHU students to use their unique Christian education to do something positive in their communities. "Tennessee needs you as leaders," said Gonzales, who quoted Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena," during his chapel address Tuesday, March 8. "I urge you to enter the arena and give yourself to a great cause." Gonzales began his day on FHU's campus as a guest lecturer in Instructor Michael Prentice's Financial Markets and Institutions class where he discussed the importance of community banks, the difference between state-monitored and federally monitored institutions, and the growth of digital assets and Cryptocurrency in the state. During his chapel lecture, Gonzales shared with the student body the scripture that inspired him to enter into public service. He spent his lunchtime with local leaders of financial institutions and finished the day meeting members of the Freed-Hardeman Investment Team, a $1 million student-managed investment fund. With mostly junior and senior business majors, the student-led, student-managed investment opportunity provides them with real-world experience. Since 2007, it has generated more than $154,000 for the FHU finance program. The finance program uses these funds to strengthen the program. He watched as the students debated the pros and cons of an investment. "This is a standard day for us," Associate VP of Finance Jay Satterfield explained to Gonzales. "It's rapid fire. They know to come prepared for a discussion, be dressed for work, and ready to share their knowledge." Gonzales praised the students' efforts. "What an impressive group, you all are doing a magnificent job," he said.

Freed-Hardeman University's Social Work Students in Action professional club organized a campus-wide canned food drive donating more than 700 cans to benefit the Henderson Soup Kitchen in late February.

In January Freed-Hardeman University students returned to New York City for the annual theatre trip, which in 2021 was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While in New York students' itineraries include visits to multiple Broadway shows and independent sightseeing. As a January short course, students have the opportunity to receive college credit for the trip. FHU Theatre Professor Dr. Cliff Thompson has been taking students to New York since the late 1990s. "I think the first trip was in 1998 and we've gone every year, sometimes twice a year, since then. It's really refreshing to see the city through the eyes of students who've never been before," he said. "Spending nearly a week in NYC teaches students a lot about themselves. They learn self-reliance as they navigate the subway system. Budgeting and planning as they decide how to spend their precious days in New York." Thompson said the trip helps theatre majors see more career possibilities. "Some years I invite a working theatre professional to have lunch with my majors. That really opens their eyes and 'demystifies' the industry a bit," he said.

And You Clothed Me, a Freed-Hardeman University student-led nonprofit, held its first event in late January offering free clothing to individuals in need. The idea for the organization began when Casey Jackson was taking an honors course in Leadership Service and Philanthropy during the Spring 2020 semester. Jackson wrote a business plan for the organization after changing her major from nursing to education.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the fall 2021 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 fall 2021 semester.

Freed-Hardeman University held its fall graduation ceremony Dec. 10, 2021, in Loyd Auditorium. Approximately 96 students received baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

The fall semester was pretty busy for Freed-Hardeman University's Student Government Association. Members met with the university's administration on behalf of the student body and logged several hours of community service since the fall semester began. The student leaders plan to continue their efforts in Spring 2022. With a new group of freshman leaders serving as officers, SGA President Cameron Miller is excited about the work ahead. "Our vice president, Kayley Wadlington, and I met with the cabinet and discussed how we can be more effective," Miller said. "We also talked about plans for campus buildings, facilities and renovations in the residence halls."

For the second consecutive year, Freed-Hardeman University Professor Matt Barker and his Small Group Communication class organized a 5K Run/Walk in mid-November raising $6,400 to benefit the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Chester County. Student organizers applied for a Leaders Credit Union LEADS Grant, which provided them with $1,000 to help purchase event T-shirts and support their efforts leading up to the fundraiser. The event was sponsored by 25 businesses and individuals, and more than 120 people registered to participate. Following the run/walk, Barker and his students presented the donation to the local Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Freed-Hardeman University alumni offered wisdom and career insights to current students during the Fourth Annual ALUMination Day. Held annually during FHU's Homecoming week, ALUMination Day is hosted by the Division of Academics, the President's Office and the Division of Community Engagement. Since its inception in 2017, more than 100 alumni have returned to campus to participate. This fall FHU alumnus Tony Miller, class of 1992, gave the chapel address. Miller is the senior director of financial planning and analysis for CoreCivic, the nation's largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities. In addition to Miller, more than 20 professional alumni spoke to various classes, majors and fields of study including web design, preaching, criminal justice and consumer behavior this year. According to Vice President of Academics C.J. Vires, the event provides an opportunity for current students to interact with successful alumni and learn from their experiences.

Freed-Hardeman University's 57th Annual Benefit Dinner raised more than $1.3 million this year. The evening's total marks the 21st consecutive year that the dinner has grossed more than a million dollars. The event featured comedian and best-selling author Jeff Foxworthy, whose books have sold more than a million copies. Foxworthy shared with the audience that he hoped that laughter would release some of the pressure and stress everyone has felt during the nearly two-year Covid-19 pandemic. Foxworthy's jokes about helping his mother learn to text on an iPhone after getting rid of her flip phone and his wife's packing routine for family trips filled the auditorium with laughter. During a sit-down conversation with FHU President David Shannon, Foxworthy shared how discovering his gift helped shape his life. FHU's annual benefit dinner is typically the state's largest single-night fundraiser. Since its inception, the benefit dinner has provided students with scholarships to help bridge the gap between tuition costs and financial aid. Forever Communications was the premier media sponsor. For the second year in a row, benefit dinner guests enjoyed Christmas in the Commons which featured horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and a hot drink station. The Merry Market, also a part of the event, offered 11 vendors for Christmas shopping. 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, Memphis and Dickson, FHU offers bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

Freed-Hardeman University's Sixth Annual University Scholars' Day celebrates students' scholarship and academic achievement during the fall semester. FHU alumnus Darren Heintzman served as the keynote speaker for University Scholars' Day. He graduated from FHU in 2017 with a bachelor's in science, and he is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Molecular Pathology and Immunology in the lab of Dr. Jeffrey Rathmell. More than 40 students participated in the morning-long event held in Loyd Auditorium. Students gave presentations on various subjects including The Perils & Persecutions of Paul's Life, Fathers and Sons: Songs from The Burnt Part Boys and Who Am I? The Effects of Growing Up as a Third Culture Kid. Being accepted as a presenter for Scholars' Day was exciting for Sarah Johnson. Johnson's presentation was about her experience as a "Third Culture Kid," a term used to define a person who has spent a significant amount of his or her developmental years outside of the parents' culture. Johnson, a sophomore, is a Bible and Interactive Digital Design major. For Grant Hunter, a junior math major, making his presentation, The Perils & Persecutions of Paul's Life, interactive and comprehensive was an interesting challenge. "I was nervous about the transfer of my seven-page paper into a few minutes of discussion," he said. FHU President David Shannon said that everyone looks forward to students and faculty presenting their research and findings. "Here at FHU, we embrace our mission that empowers students with an education that integrates three pillars: Christian Faith, Scholarship, and Service!"

Groups of students completed more than 40 community service projects during FHU's inaugural Servant's Day held in late September. Some of the service projects included assisting with a special needs talent show, serving several schools, praying for medical personnel, swabbing to save lives, helping out with construction and making improvements at the local animal shelter and many others. "University Servant's Day was magnificent and hopefully God received the Glory as we set out with our hearts and hands saying, 'Make me a servant; Lord, make me like you,'" FHU President David Shannon said.

The Inaugural Lucas Russo Benefit Tournament raised more than $4,300 to launch improvement projects for Russo Field. During the two-day tournament, three women's teams and eight men's teams played. The women's teams were made up of social club teams. The winning teams were Linda's Ladies and Phi Kappa Alpha's team The Bees. The team from Sigma Rho finished in second place. The winning men's team was from Tacos for Life and Doug's Dawgs, Chi Beta Chi's team, finished in second place. Other participating men's teams were Phi Kappa Alpha's alumni team and #LoveLikeLucas, a team organized by Richard Russo, Lucas' father. In a great act of sportsmanship, Tacos for Life gave Doug's Dawgs the championship trophy so that it would stay on FHU's campus. Tournament coordinators were Adam Cross, FHU's regional development director, and students Alexis Bradford and Chase Rowe. The Lucas Russo field was named in his honor following his death Nov. 9, 2020.

Eighteen Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted into the Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society this fall. All inductees this semester had a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Alpha Chi membership is by invitation only to juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on at least 80 credit hours. The top 10% of this year's inductees all earned a GPA of 3.92 or higher.

FHU senior theatre major Jessica Hixson will make history as the first student in more than two decades to direct this year's Homecoming Musical, "The Burnt Part Boys," which opens Nov. 4, 2021, at 7 p.m. in Loyd Auditorium. "The Burnt Part Boys" is set in a 1960s West Virginia mining town and brings together the fathers who died in a mining accident a decade earlier and their children who never knew them. "The story centers a lot on family," Hixson explained. "There are some light-hearted parts, but there are parts that are really moving and emotional as well. We want the story to be moving for the audience."

Freed-Hardeman University students have chosen 18 of their peers for the Homecoming Court. These individuals will be honored, and the queen and king crowned at FHU's 2021 Homecoming Celebration Saturday, Nov. 6, at halftime of the women's basketball game.

Freed-Hardeman University's annual ALUMination Day, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, will feature a chapel address by Tony Miller, senior director of financial planning and analysis for CoreCivic, the nation's largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities.

FHU's undergraduate enrollment for fall 2021 jumped 4% for a record 1,797, including the greatest number of first-time freshmen in 11 years. The full-time equivalent of 1,630 is also a record.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the 2021 spring 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 2021 semester.

Freed-Hardeman University recognized more than 40 students for their academic excellence during its annual awards day held this spring. Students from several fields of study received awards including nursing, history, journalism, math, Spanish, computer science, English, theatre, Biblical studies, sciences, business, and art.

Freed-Hardeman University held its spring graduation ceremony in mid-May where approximately 300 students received baccalaureate and graduate degrees. FHU alumnus and Board of Trustees member, John DeBerry served as the guest speaker and encouraged graduates to have goals and live their faith. DeBerry is also an FHU alumnus and a member of the university's Board of Trustees.

FHU students Caleb Johnson and Jonathan Helton were awarded scholarships for their research and writing while John Parigger and Jewell July received cash prizes for giving the best scholarly, creative, or artistic presentations in their fields.

Seventeen Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted into Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society in March. Alpha Chi membership is by invitation only to juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on at least 80 credit hours. The top 10% of this year's inductees all earned a GPA of 3.92 or higher.

Freed-Hardeman University has announced finalists for the title of Mr. and Miss FHU. All nominees will be celebrated, and Mr. and Miss FHU will be announced in chapel Friday, April 23, at 10:30 a.m. Finalists were chosen from the senior class by a vote of students, faculty and staff. A time-honored tradition at FHU, the naming of two students who best represent the ideals of the university has been a part of student life for 80 years.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the 2020 fall 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 fall 2020 semester.

Freed-Hardeman University held its fall 2020 graduation ceremony Nov. 21, 2020, in Loyd Auditorium. Approximately 50 students received baccalaureate degrees, 21 students completed graduate degrees and six students received doctoral degrees.

Freed-Hardeman University students in Matt Barker's communication class raised $1,500 for Henderson's Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse by selling face masks that resembled the lower mustached-half of FHU President David Shannon's face. Funding for the project came from a $1,000 LEADS grant from Leaders Credit Union. Barker divided his 22 students into four groups. One group originated the mask idea. It was their responsibility to design the mask and get them manufactured. Oliver's Screen Printing and Embroidery in Henderson produced the masks. A second group produced the winning video to secure the grant. According to Leaders, their video had the most likes and shares of any entry. This group also recorded videos promoting the fundraiser. The public relations/marketing group promoted the grant application through social media and in chapel announcements. The final group organized the sale of the masks, including choosing a location and scheduling workers. They also served as a liaison between the class and the Perkins Center. In total, the students sold 125 masks. "This fundraiser would not have been possible without the hard work of all the students in my class," Barker said. "I cannot say enough about how proud I am of what they were able to accomplish through this project. I think this project provided students with a glimpse of the impact they have not only at Freed-Hardeman University but in the local community as well."

Freed-Hardeman University Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors beginning Nov 5. "We're producing theatre safely and we can't wait for everyone to see to it," Dr. R. Cliff Thompson said, director of theatre. "The cast is terrific and has the best attitude, even with the restrictions of Covid. We can't wait for you to come and see this fun show November 5-7."

Alpha Chi inducted 27 new members during two ceremonies held in October. FHU President David Shannon celebrated the new inductees on social media writing, "Congratulations to the students, who by the way, have a 3.9 GPA or higher! Alpha Chi was founded in 1922 to promote academic excellence and character. The Tennessee Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi was introduced to Freed-Hardeman in 1976. Membership is through invitation only to juniors and seniors. Inductees must have a minimum GPA of 3.9 or higher. Members have the opportunity to participate in academic and service projects, as well as attend the Alpha Chi convention. The convention gives students networking opportunities and a chance to present their research.

The Student Government Association has resumed its work with returning members and several new additions to its team. SGA President Cameron Miller and Vice President John Mark Page and the leadership team share in their excitement to work on behalf of FHU's entire student body. With Covid-19 health guidelines in place, this fall semester is unlike any other, but student leaders are encouraging everyone to continue to have a positive attitude.