1780 – The Official Blog of Transylvania University

1780 | The Official Blog of Transylvania University

Events

Time for Three to perform at Transylvania on Oct. 11

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—The world-class string trio Time for Three will perform a free, public concert at Transylvania University on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Known for their genre-bending concerts, the ensemble’s eclectic variety of styles include classical, jazz, Appalachian, rock and hip-hop. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Haggin Auditorium. It is part of the Smith Concert Series. Go here for free tickets. “Time for Three was an absolute sensation when they performed with the Lexington Philharmonic a few years ago, and since then their international reputation has grown,” Transylvania music professor Greg Partain said. “We’re thrilled we were able to entice them to Transy for a full-length concert.” Time for Three is known as a “classically trained garage band” with astonishing virtuosity and a relaxed style. “In person, the members of Time for Three come off as just three dudes in a band,” according to National Public Radio. “But with their staggering technique and freewheeling genre-crossing, it’s hard not to be swept up in the force of their contagious energy.” The ensemble features violinists Nicolas Kendall and Charles Yang and double-bassist Ranaan Meyer.  Time for Three has performed in venues that range from Carnegie Hall to NFL games and the Indy 500. They hold a successful residency with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The Smith Concert Series at Transylvania was created in 2007 by the late Dorothy J. Smith, a 1942 graduate, to bring high-quality musical performances to campus. The series is

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Transylvania PumpkinMania lighting Oct. 25

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—PumpkinMania, a Lexington Halloween tradition, will continue on Oct. 25 when Transylvania University lights hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns on the steps of historic Old Morrison off West Third Street. The community is encouraged to attend this event, which will feature: •6-7 p.m. trick-or-treating, a food vendor (cash only) and other refreshments •7 p.m. jack-o’-lantern lighting Free, nearby parking will be available for the event. “Transylvania University is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween in downtown Lexington,” said Ashley Coons, who is the assistant registrar and a PumpkinMania organizer. “It’s a great opportunity for the university and the community to come together for a celebration with music, trick-or-treating, games, food and, of course, the jack-o’-lantern lighting.”  In addition to the locally grown pumpkins carved by the Transy community, there will be a carving contest among local schoolchildren, and the public is encouraged to drop off their own creations on the Old Morrison steps by 3 p.m. Oct. 24. Everyone is welcome to join us for pumpkin carving from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 in Haupt Circle. Bring your own pumpkins—and Transylvania will clean out the insides for you. The jack-o’-lanterns will remain on display through Halloween night. (Here’s a map to help find your way around campus.)  

Silas House to deliver Transylvania convocation keynote, receive honorary degree

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—Renowned Kentucky author Silas House will give the keynote address and receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Transylvania University’s Academic Convocation on Friday. House, who wrote the national best-selling novel, “A Parchment of Leaves,” will help the campus kick off the academic year at the 3:30 p.m. ceremony in Haggin Auditorium. A book signing and reception will follow. “The Academic Convocation is a very special occasion at Transylvania,” said Laura Bryan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university. “This ceremony marks the celebration of a new academic year and gives us an opportunity to focus and reflect on the journey before us. We come together as a community to invigorate our mission and values of a liberal education. Silas House exemplifies our values as an writer, teacher and activist.” House is a champion of the Appalachian region he calls home. In addition to writing five novels, with a sixth to be released this year, he is an environmental activist, columnist and music journalist. His fiction highlights the natural world, working class characters and the plight of rural living. A National Book Award Finalist, House also has written three plays and a collection of oral histories he co-authored with Jason Howard. His many recognitions include the Award for Special Achievement from the Fellowship of Southern Writers, E.B. White Award, Nautilus Award, Appalachian Writer of the Year, Chaffin Prize for Literature, Appalachian Book of the

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Transylvania graduates 270 students May 28

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—On Saturday, May 28, Transylvania University sent 270 students into the world—Pioneers who are specially prepared to start their careers or continue their studies at graduate and professional schools. Lexington Mayor Jim Gray gave the commencement address to the students. Gray’s late mother, Lois Howard Gray, is a 1940 Transylvania graduate and was a member of the Board of Trustees for 22 years. “We welcome Mayor Jim Gray to campus as an obvious choice for our commencement speaker,” President Seamus Carey said. “Transylvania is an integral part of Lexington, and the city—with its plentiful internships and other opportunities—complements our mission as a top-100 national liberal arts university.” The class of 2016 received their degrees during the 9 a.m. ceremony in front of the historic Old Morrison administration building. Fellow classmate Mary Katharine Stewart, who passed away March 19 in a hiking accident, was awarded her Spanish degree posthumously. Senior Kevin Moore—a religion major from Lexington—gave the student address. Class of 2016 honors Thirty-four percent of the graduating seniors are receiving program honors, and 32 percent are receiving Latin honors for a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Forty-seven percent of the graduates studied abroad during their careers—either for a full term, a summer or during Transylvania’s four-week May term. Two seniors received Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships, one to teach in Macedonia and one in the Slovak Republic. Three of the 24 national Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society graduate fellowships were awarded to Transylvania seniors. Senior Reza Haider

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Transylvania to host U.S. Naturalization Ceremony on Friday

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University will welcome about 150 immigrants from more than 50 countries for a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony at noon Friday, March 11. During the ceremony in Haggin Auditorium, they will take the Oath of Allegiance, completing their path to American citizenship. The public is welcome to attend. “We are proud and honored to host this event, as it aligns specifically with our Project One initiative,” said Serenity Wright, associate dean of diversity and international student experiences. “We support and encourage these new citizens for what they will add to the beautiful fabric of diversity that is the United States, and we embrace them as they take this step.” Chief U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell will preside over the ceremony. She is a 1977 Transylvania graduate and a member of the university’s Board of Trustees. The ceremony will include a Call of Countries, a patriotic music melody by Transylvania organist Richard Dwyer and a rendition of “America the Beautiful” by a university a cappella group, Grace Notes. Speakers will include Transylvania senior Vivian Tsai, who is a naturalized citizen from Taiwan, and university President Seamus Carey. “Transylvania’s mission is to create global citizens through a liberal arts education and to empower our students with perseverance, integrity and opportunities for diversity and community outreach,” Wright said. “This ceremony represents our core mission, values and institutional initiatives.” Haggin Auditorium is in the Mitchell Fine Arts Center. Free,

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