When asked about his future goals in terms of his career, Kyle stated that he would eventually like to work his way up the professional ladder and become the Director of Tennis at a country club.  However, it seems as though he is very content with his current position and will stay where he is for a few years.

I was curious to know what Kyle thought about his experience at Catawba.  When I fired him a question about his overall experience, he commented on certain classes he took within his major and how they benefited him.  “My sport management classes, especially facility management and sports marketing, have definitely helped me in my current profession {since I am} managing a tennis facility and planning events.”

Off the court, Kyle enjoys playing a round of golf, camping, and tries to attend as many Panthers games as possible, claiming himself a “die hard fan.”  He is always up for watching Wedding Crashers and enjoys eating bacon cheeseburgers.  His advice to current seniors is to enjoy the college experience.  “Once you get in the working world, you can’t go back!” he exclaimed, saying all that one has of college once they have graduated are the memories they made as students.

Well seniors, it looks like we have about three months to live it up, according to Mr. Thortsen.  Let’s get it!

A 2010 Catawba graduate hailing from Seaford, New York, Jen came to Catawba to discover herself. She was looking for a college that would offer her the luxury of being far away from her home state to help achieve this goal, and felt that Catawba was the perfect fit. An opportunity to be a person, instead of just a number, and participate as a student-athlete solidified her decision to come to Salisbury.  “When I visited Catawba, I knew it was the perfect place for me. The people were so friendly and inviting, and I fell in love with all the activities to do on campus. Plus, I wanted to play field hockey, which I was so lucky to play at Catawba!”

Having known since the eighth grade that she wanted to be a reporter, Jen made the easy decision to become a communication major, while minoring in English.

Now, living in Farmington, Connecticut, Jen uses what she learned at Catawba and works as a graphics systems controller at ESPN. She expresses her gratitude towards the professors she encountered during her stay at Catawba. “Each [professor] has made a huge impact on me, and I really have to thank them for pushing me and helping me get to the place where I am now.”

A typical day for Jen begins around four o’clock in the afternoon and does not end until one or two in the morning. Working in the control room, she builds the graphics seen on ESPN shows ranging from SportsCenter to International Soccer. She then animates the graphics when cued by the director, creating the effects seen on televisions across America.

Next time you’re tuned in to ESPN, look for the handy work of one of Catawba’s own!

During his visit, Leonard talked to the class about how important maintenance is to the future economy. He used an example of a plumber, a job that can make up to $60,000 a year because there are not many people these days that are willing to do what plumbers do. He said the same could be said about air conditioner repairmen. He explained how other countries are hungry to develop new things, but as Americans, our focus is to entertain with television shows such as American Idol. He further stated that we do not need another American Idol, but rather someone who is willing to do the small things, because there are up to 3.5 million unfilled jobs within the American job market.

One of Leonard’s major points in showing people the good behind maintenance was music, which was to get in tune with the world today. Leonard has written many songs, but his most popular is “Find Me a Maintenance Woman,” in which he talks about how he wants a maintenance woman who can fix things. Also, the song was made to make people aware that there are women working in the fields that men are known to dominate. In addition, Leonard has also written a song about the crisis that the maintenance world is going through.

Leonard introduced to the class a new media that he was asked to work for the FA18, a cockpit training game. This helps Air Force pilots learn the control of the cockpit without blowing up, which Leonard stated, “would cost a lot more money to repair than to buy a whole new plane.” In addition, he told the class about how he plans to start a camp where children ages 14 and older can learn to design, make, and market jewelry.

Leonard ended his presentation by saying these words, “If you can build it, then they will come.”

To learn more about Joel Leonard, you can visit his Facebook page, his Youtube channel or his webpage, SkillTV.net .

Only recently, about two years ago, was a dean structure reinstated for the KSB.  This was done to facilitate growth in many ways.  Dr. Jamie Slate was the first dean and served as so for the next two years.  Following those two years, he decided that he wanted to get back into the classroom and stepped down as the KSB Dean.  Shortly after that, in December of last year, Dr. Thompson was asked to fill the position.  Dr. Thompson has been a department chairman before, so she was familiar with some of the duties of the position.

First, I wanted to find out how she felt as the new dean. “The Ketner School of Business and Communications is a team of outstanding faculty and we have had a number of initiatives that we have been working on together that have been advanced through Dr. Slate’s tenure; these include progress towards ACBSP accreditation, improvement in assessment measures, international travel initiatives, an increase in the number of majors offered, and focus on student retention.  I am really excited to be able to continue pursuing these goals with our faculty.  There were several new initiatives started by Dr. Slate that we will be working on as well, including development of a health-related major and addition of our graduate degree program. I’m really excited about possibilities for new programs presented by the addition of communications to our school.  It’s really nice to have Professor Wittum and Dr. Moreland on our team.  We love having The Pioneer in the Ketner building!”  Well said, Dr. Thompson.

Knowing very little about the KSB and a dean’s duties, my next inquiry was to find out what exactly the job entails. “My duties are to help carry out college-wide initiatives under the direction of our Provost, Dr. Rick Stevens, and continue working to reach the goals and objectives of the KSB strategic plan and continue working on ways to integrate the communications major and college initiatives,” Thompson said.

Having heard all of this, it seems to me that she has taken on an enormous responsibility and I wondered how stressful it was.  So, my final question was, “Do you sometimes find it difficult to juggle your career as both professor and dean?” Thompson answered, “Yes, I have a full class load this semester so juggling the dean’s duties with the responsibilities of a classroom professor can get challenging!  I’m also advisor to PBL and am helping out with YES (Young Entrepreneurs Society), but I love having the privilege of working with college students!  I am trying to find time to get off campus as well in order to visit profit and not-for-profit companies in the region.  We depend on businesses to support our experiential learning program and to provide careers for our students after graduation; our relationship is extremely important.  I also want to visit as many high schools and community colleges as possible in order to help attract new students.”

Well, Dr. Thompson, I think I speak for everyone when I say that we all wish you the very best of luck!

Music runs in Cory Kluttz’s blood. A senior music major from China Grove, North Carolina, Cory has been making music since his elementary school days when he first picked up the recorder. He began playing the trumpet in sixth grade and has been contributing his talents to musical ensembles ever since.

Cory feels so strongly about music that he has chosen a career in music education. Talking about the decision to become an educator, he says proudly, “It is one of the most fulfilling choices I could make as a musician. As a music teacher, I hope to be the role model to many students that my band teacher was to me. Overall, I just want to have an impact on my students. Especially those who have nothing and music is all they have.”

As a senior member of the marching band, Cory has seen the program grow and prosper during his time at Catawba. From drumline to hornline, and finally to a legitimate marching band, he recalls pushing Catawba to continue the expansion of the ensemble. The gratification Cory feels having played a part in a pivotal moment in Catawba history shines through as he talks about the journey. “All of the hard work paid off and it feels great to be able to say I was the foundation to the band. Years from now, when the band is 250 people strong, I can say ‘That is because of me!’”

Although musical ensembles take up a large portion of Cory’s time, he also serves as secretary of the Diversity Club, participates in Scholars of the Chapel, and cheers for the N.C. State athletic teams.

A passionate and inspired individual, Cory Kluttz is sure to make a difference in the lives he touches as an educator and musician.

Bully, a native of Hannut, Belgium, decided to attend Catawba College because of its many opportunities. By coming to Catawba, Bully not only received the chance to play basketball and gain a college education, but also the chance to experience America. She mentioned that her biggest surprise about living in the United States was how spacious the landscapes appeared. “It’s a big change,” she explained, “but I like it here!”

Bully’s interest in basketball originated from her family. Because her whole family enjoyed playing, she also developed a love for the game. She also recalled starting to play when she was only four years old. “It’s my favorite sport and I love to practice and play all the time,” said Bully. Her favorite part of Catawba is the basketball program. She expressed her passion for her team, her coaches, and her time spent playing.

Currently, Bully is undecided on her plans after Catawba. She is considering majoring in Spanish so she can play basketball in Spain and expand her education there.

“This season I hope to at least better myself in my tennis playing. I know that’s always a goal for me. I know the competition is quite high here and I am just striving towards becoming a better tennis player and [being] a good teammate to everybody else on the team,” she said.

Besides attending classes and spending time on the courts this spring, Kessler hopes to expand her involvement outside of her studies and tennis with other aspects that Catawba has to offer.

“I’d love to continue to volunteer as much as I can through Volunteer Catawba and hopefully get involved more with The Center For The Environment and all the programs that they run and the events that they put on,” Kessler tells The Pioneer.

The Harry Potter fanatic has a strong interest in business and the environment and is considering a sustainable business major. She credits her interest in preserving the Earth to her father’s influence while growing up.

“I have always been kinda interested [in the environment] the way I grew up. My dad was always encouraging us to go the extra mile…He was quite involved with solar energy for a while. He made a solar powered golf cart when he was young. It was just really something I have always been exposed to that has really interested me.”

When she has free time, Sloan likes to hang out with her friends, read, and travel as much as she can. However, when she was asked about her first semester experience, it didn’t seem as though she had much time for any of these three activities. She described her schedule as “busy, busy, busy, but super fun,” and included that she was never bored as there were many Wigwam and other campus events to attend. She mentioned that it was great to get to know all of her peers and teammates during her first few months as a college student and has really enjoyed living on her own.

The bubbly freshman also commented on the southern hospitality she has noticed while living in Salisbury. “There is a sense of compassion. People seem to be a little bit more kind here,” she said.

Keep an eye out for a blonde-headed girl around 5’3″ while walking around campus. You could be lucky enough to run into Ms. Kessler herself. If you can’t figure out who she is based on the description above, just listen for a strong Midwestern accent when she is conversing with others.

Until now. This past fall, Catawba debuted a full-fledged marching group for the first time since 1973. Performing at all the home football games this past fall, the Catawba Pride Marching Band brought spirit and excitement to the stadium. “The band has provided a chance to be involved in a new segment of the music department. It has helped me transition to college and I cannot wait to see how it progresses,” freshman mellophone player Ryn Crawford said while discussing her band experience.

This semester, the marching band will continue its duties as it transitions to a pep band for basketball games. The band plays music ranging from classics such as “Build Me Up Buttercup” and “You Can Call Me Al” to student arranged contemporary favorites like “Forget You” and a mash-up of “Dynamite” and “Firework.”

Sophomore music major Nick Luciano looks forward to the season with great anticipation. “I’m excited to get [the] band going again. It is one of the only things that can combine music, sports, and friends for me, so I’m always excited when it starts up.” Beginning on Wednesday, January 18th, the band will play at all the remaining women and men’s home basketball games. Come out and support your Catawba peers!

President- Olivia Myers
Vice President- Sean Fontaine
Treasurer- Richard Shuping
Senator- D.J. Colson
Senator at Large-James Everidge
Secretary- Anne Marby

The party opened up with officer introductions by Jay Laurens, Catawba coordinator for outreach programs at the Lily Center, and a wonderful dinner served by the excellent staff at Trinity Oaks. The party featured bingo that included numerous prizes for the residents to enjoy. A cake walk gave the residents a chance to stretch their legs and win more prizes while walking to “spooky” Halloween music.

The night came to a close with corn-hole and mingling among the residents and students. The most moving moment of the entire night came from a resident named Glen, who commented on the manners of the students and “how wonderful it is to see young adults reaching out to me and making me feel like a part of the community.”

The SGA sophomore class really wanted to plan an event that would not only be fun but meaningful to the residents who don’t get the daily interaction with their family members and friends. The student presence impacts each and every one of them. The smiles on their faces as they call out bingo or the friendly banter at dinner, even the simple gesture of “Hey, How you doin?” brightens their day in so many ways. Who knew giving back to the community could be this rewarding and fulfilling?

This year the music department of Catawba filled the weekend with music, intertwining the musical festivities with the planned events of Homecoming. With sound from choral composer such as Hrusovsky to the great of the 70s such as Kansas and Earth, Wind, and Fire, it was a can’t miss weekend.

Saturday afternoon featured a match up at Shufford Stadium between our Catawba Indians football team and the Wingate Bulldogs .

To kick off the game the Catawba Singers graced the crowd with a riveting rendition of the National Anthem and following the Singers came the Catawba Pride Marching Band, performing numbers such as Sway by Michael Buble. 

Then, immediately following the football game, the Vernacular All Stars rendered an unplugged performance for the alumni just moments before the basketball team delivered an energizing and fun game for spectators to see. Later in the night, the music continued on as the Vernacular All Stars made their full public debut and delivered a out of this world tribute to the 70s touching on classics such as Sweet Home Alabama, Horse with No Name, and I Want You Back. More music ensued as the Catawba Singers performed two moving compositions for the Sunday morning chapel service dedicated to the Catawba family. Wonderful music filled the air during the service centered around a a powerful sermon, led by Catawba’s Chaplin, Dr. Ken Clapp.

Lastly, the Board of Trustees along with President Oxendine held a dinner to honor the services of Linda Hamilton in her years spent at Catawba. The Vernacular All Stars were called on once again to deliver another unplugged performance, with Sophomore Olivia Albertson performing an original song of her own.

All together it was a weekend full of joy, remembrance, and love to which the Music Department of Catawba played the soundtrack.