Welcome to SWU Alumni News!

This is for you, alumni and friends.

As an alumnus of SWU, you’re part of a family. The Southern Wesleyan University Alumni Association is here to assist all alumni in a spirit of Christian service. Whether you’re looking for networking opportunities or looking up a long-lost classmate, we can help.

Thanks, Joan!

The SWU community got a chance to say thanks to Joan Crain, administrative assistant for Alumni, for her many years of service to the university during a special drop-in Nov. 14 at the Alumni House. Joan is pictured with Joy Bryant ('92), and Ethan Cashwell ('12).

Upcoming Events

Dec. 12 - Graduation (traditional), 3 p.m. Watch online*
Dec. 13 - Graduation (adult-evening), 3 p.m. Watch online*
March 20 - Grandparents Day - SWU Central campus
Memorial Day Weekend - SWU Alumni Golf Tournament, Jekyll Island, Ga.
September 21 - Southern Honors Golf Tournament, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

*The Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 graduation ceremonies can be viewed live on the SWU Chapel Youtube Page. After the ceremony, videos will continue to be available for viewing.

Career Corner

Dr. Yvonne Duckett

Director of Career Services
Email Yvonne
(864) 644-5150
907 Wesleyan Drive,
P.O. Box 1824
Central, SC 29630

Optimal Résumé is just one of many resources offered to alumni by SWU Career Services. Career Services can help you create an “optimal” résumé, write an effective cover letter, and attain success during the job interview – ultimately helping you land the job you deserve. Contact SWU Career Services at (864) 644-5150 or visit this link.

Click here for five résumé tips you can’t afford to miss.
Career Opportunities

Athletics

Regional Champs!

Southern Wesleyan volleyball traveled to Florida Dec. 4 after defeating North Greenville 3-0 for the NCCAA South Region Championship and earning a bid to the NCCAA National Tournament. Click here for tournament highlights>>

Tickets:

Basketball tickets are $5 and are good for both games. SWU staff, faculty and students with ID are admitted for free. Tickets for baseball games are $5 for adults and $2 for students (elementary-college). All SWU staff, faculty and students with ID will be admitted for free. Volleyball and softball have no entry fees.

Upcoming Events:

Dec 13- Women’s Basketball @Furman, 2 p.m.
Men’s Basketball @Newberry, 8 p.m.
Dec 15- Women’s Basketball @Presbyterian, 11:30 a.m.
Dec 31- Men’s Basketball @Lander, 1 p.m.
Complete Athletic Schedule

Congratulations!

Happy Birthday!

Bernice Carter, our oldest alum, recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Bernice and her late husband Clifford were adult students who attended the university (then known as Wesleyan Methodist College) while working to keep three churches going in the 1950s. She resides in Hemingway.

SWU wished Rev. Ken Bauer ('57) a happy 100th birthday during a celebration Oct. 4 in Asheboro, N.C. Dr. Lisa McWherter (left), vice president for advancement, and Judge Darl Fowler (right), represented the university. We are delighted to celebrate with special alums marking milestones!

Receptions held statewide

Left: Central reception Nov. 10. Right: Greenville reception Nov. 12.

Left: Columbia reception Nov. 18. Right: Charleston reception Nov. 19.

Left: N. Augusta reception Nov. 20.

The Alumni Association recognized December graduates from across the state with receptions on the Central campus and at each learning center. Graduation takes place Dec. 12 (traditional) and 13 (AGS).

Lindsey Torgerson, 2009 SWU business graduate and member of TEAM USA, finished third in the world Aug. 10 at the ITU World Championship in Ottawa, Canada. Read more>>

Joy Bryant ('92), executive director of alumni and constituent relations, made history in Pickens as the first woman to be voted into membership of the Pickens Lions Club. Also voted into the Lions were her husband, Robin Bryant and John Brewer, all of Pickens.

Southern Wesleyan University appointed Anthony “Tony” Payne ('12) as associate vice president for development in the office of Advancement. Read more>>

Members of the 2007 NCCAA championship baseball team pause for a photo at Connor Field during a recent visit to the SWU campus. Pictured from left are Kellen Kmiecik, Jeff Vitaris, Jeff England, Michael Land, Nathan Swords and Guy Howard. Read more>>

Find out more about the Homerun Legacy and exciting renovations in store for Dr. Keith Connor Field!

SWU Advancement welcomed two alumni to its staff this past fall. Amy Reese ('12) (left) is administrative assistant to the VP for advancement and Ethan Cashwell ('12) (right) is coordinator for alumni relations and special events.

Rev. George Robb French ('58) passed away Nov. 18. French is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Ann of Hobe Sound, Fla. French served in leadership and ministry roles at the church and district levels, including ministry to native American populations in Alaska. He became president of Florida Evangelistic Association (FEA Ministries) and Chairman of the Sea Breeze camp in 1979.

Stephanie Guerra (’10) was accepted to Christian Brothers University Physician Assistant program.

Erin King Johnson ('13) is now a doctor of pharmacy candidate at Wingate University School of Pharmacy.

Paula Lemons (’94), associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia, received the Regents' Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award.

Tyler McGrady (’12) participated in the White Coat ceremony at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Spartanburg. McGrady is SWU Pre Med graduate. The White Coat ceremony is held at more than 100 medical schools nationwide and emphasizes the importance of both scientific excellence and compassionate care for patients.

Steve Senf (’13), among the first MEDAS graduates at SWU, was hired Nov. 3 as an education associate over Career and Technology Licensure at the S.C. Department of Education.

Courtney Webster ('12), a forensic science alumna, married Josh Thompson Oct. 25.

More alumni news

Pastors-in-residence coming to SWU

The Division of Religion looks forward to welcoming Dr. Karl Westfall and Rev. Sharon Butcher Westfall to SWU as pastors-in-residence this January. Read more>>

Bryant addresses ladies retreat

Rev. Joy Bryant, (fourth from left) executive director for alumni and constituent relations, was the guest speaker for the Kannapolis First Wesleyan ladies retreat Sept. 25-28 in Myrtle Beach. Read more>>

From the School of Business

The Connector is a new publication of SWU's School of Business. Download the fall issue for business alumni highlights, plus features on living your faith in the workplace and exciting news about SWU's collaboration with Baptist Easley to offer an innovative new MBA concentration in health care management.

Memorial Scholarship established

The Rouse Family established a scholarship in memory of Susan Rouse, a beloved member of the science faculty who passed away Nov. 11. Read more>>

From the School of Education

Consider a gift to the Dr. Harold M. Waters Memorial Endowed Education Scholarship and The Dr. G. Fred Woodworth Scholarship Fund. Contact Roberta Sears for details at rasears@swu.edu or call (864) 644-5362.

From the Fine Arts Division

The SWU community has enjoyed another semester of quality music on the Central campus. Highlights include a successful Fall Fine Arts Series, concluded with a moving service of Lessons and Carols. The university also played host to three choral festivals. Read more>>

Flag Plaza dedication

Left: Anne Sheriff ('62) looks on as the United States flag starts its journey up the flagpole during a dedication ceremony for the Sheriff National Guard Memorial Flag Plaza on Veterans Day. The plaza honors Anne and her late husband, Col. Jimmy D. Sheriff ('64), along with soldiers and their spouses in the S.C. National Guard, Battery C, 2nd Battalion (AW) (SP) 263rd ADA, Clemson National Guard. Right: Rev. Tim Jones, Darl Fowler ('53), Coach Charles Wimphrie and Joy Bryant ('92), executive director of alumni and constituent relations, unfold the Christian flag before it is hoisted onto its flag pole. Read more>>

Class Ring Special

Order online with promo code swualumni and receive a $50 discount and Herff Jones will send a gift to SWU in your honor. Go to the Herff Jones website.

Alumni Walk bricks are $125. Proceeds support SWU's Promise Fund, which helps to increase fund scholarships and financial aid, invest in state-of-the-art classroom equipment, expand our campus ministries and enhance other student activities. Click here to order your brick!

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