Spring 2010 Newsletter

Niswonger News
VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 2
SPRING 2010
Creating Opportunities for Individual and Community Growth Through Education
Wellness and Learning
Finding the Link in Southern Appalachia
Ferguson and Snyder
T
he link between health status and educational
achievement in Northeast Tennessee was the
topic for a symposium sponsored by the Tusculum
Institute for Public Leadership and Policy and the
Niswonger Foundation, on February 16. Held
on the Tusculum College campus, the symposium
presented a panel of regional experts from the fields
of health and education. The panel included the
following:
• Dr. Kimberly Ferguson, Director of the
Hancock County School Based Health
Clinics - Previous to this position, Dr.
Ferguson worked with Dr. John Short, M.D.
who is the only full-time physician in Hancock
County; and she worked independently as a
family nurse practitioner in a rural primary care
setting.
• Dr. Janie H. Snyder, Director for Secondary
and Student Services for the Johnson City
School System - Her responsibilities include
secondary curriculum, adult education,
supervision of school counselors, school health
services and the Coordinated School Health
Program.
• Oliver “Buzz” Thomas, President, Knoxville
Public Education Foundation – For the past
eight years, Mr. Thomas was the Executive
Director of the Niswonger Foundation, having
only recently resigned from this role. He has
served as a minister, attorney, author, teacher
and community leader.
in this issue
Improving Education, Health and
Economy: “The Secret is not a Secret”
on’t miss our cover
story. I hope
that
the
information
Scott M. Niswonger
provided at our recent
symposium “Wellness and Learning: Finding the
Link in Southern Appalachia” would be heard and
understood across the State of Tennessee. The
message was clear – health, education and economic
development are inseparably linked.
At our symposium, we heard the statistics
regarding the relationship between health and
educational attainment. Pay particular attention
to Dr. Randy Wykoff ’s statement that there is a five
to seven year difference in life expectancy in the
United States between a high school dropout and a
college graduate. There’s a statistic that should get
our attention.
Thomas and Wykoff
See Wellness (page 2)
(Photos courtesy of The Greenville Sun)
letter from the president
D
• Dr. Randy Wykoff, Dean of the College
of Public Health at East Tennessee State
University - Prior to coming to ETSU, Dr.
Wykoff was the Senior Vice President for
International Operations at Project HOPE.
He also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Health in the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services.
Wellness and Learning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Letter from the President. . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Distance Learning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Meet the Class of 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
We also learned education has a direct impact
on future generations. In addition to increased
life expectancy, consider that there is a seven-fold
greater chance a child will graduate from college
if their parents are college graduates compared to
the child of parents who are high school dropouts.
Here are Dr. Wykoff ’s statistics: nearly 50% of
children of college graduates will receive a college
degree, compared to only 5.9% of children whose
parents did not complete high school. If the parent
has a professional or doctoral degree, that number
increases to 73.3%. Who says that education
doesn’t set the right example?
Many are quick to state that the problem is the
lack of sufficient financial support for our schools.
Certainly it’s true that our State’s support has always
been among the lowest in our nation. But, the
See Improving (page 2)
2010 School Symposium. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Grassy Fork Elementary. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
On a Mission to Serve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Purdue University Dedication . . . . . . . . 6
A Semester in China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Recent Scholar Alumni News . . . . . . . . 7
Upcoming Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Niswonger Scholars Shine!. . . . . . . . . 10
Purdue Varsity Glee Club. . . . . . . . . . . 11
Winter Leadership Training . . . . . . . . . 11
2
Wellness ( from cover)
In opening comments for the symposium,
Scott M. Niswonger, President, Niswonger
Foundation “set the stage” for the evening’s
discussion by addressing the close relationship
between personal wellness and a student’s ability
to achieve academically. Through the years, the
Niswonger Foundation has been actively engaged in
projects to advocate for the important role of health
and physical education instruction in our region’s
schools. Support of the Niswonger Children’s
Hospital in Johnson City is a major focus of the
effort to improve the health status of youth in our
region.
Dr. Randy Wykoff presented an overview
entitled “What We Know About the Health Status
of Our Region.” He informed the audience that the
United States ranks 34th in life expectancy among
the nations of the world. Of the 50 states, Tennessee
ranks 45th in life expectancy. Wykoff shared the
individual factors that contribute to poor health
status. Among these, tobacco and diet/activity
patterns rank as the top two factors effecting life
expectancy. The leading cause of death in the United
States is tobacco (18.1%). Tennessee’s percentage of
deaths caused by tobacco (23.1%) ranks among the
highest in the nation. Tennessee, with an average of
31.2%, reflects far worse than the national average
(15.2%) for deaths caused from being overweight
and/or inactive.
Dr. Wykoff pointed out that there is a five
to seven year difference in life expectancy in the
United States between a high school dropout and a
college graduate. Parents with less than a high school
education are more than six times as likely to report
that their children have only fair or poor health
compared to parents with a college education. The
child of an adult woman with less than a high school
education is almost twice as likely to die in the first
“We have to understand
that every statistic discussed
this evening can be
changed, and believe that
we have an obligation to
change them. When we
do that, we will hand our
children a region that is as
healthy as it is beautiful.”
year of life, as compared to the child of a woman
with a college education. Educational achievement
is associated with better health outcomes and
healthier students are better able to learn.
Oliver “Buzz” Thomas emphasized the positive
correlation between being better educated and
enjoying a more positive health outcome. Thomas
spoke of the need for our region to make a stronger
investment in education, citing that Tennessee
ranks as one of the lowest in the nation in per capita
spending for education. Among the major areas
of concern for the future progress of our region he
listed: 1) low high school graduation rates; 2) lack of
preparedness for college-level instruction; and 3) the
low percentage of Tennesseans (a statewide average
of 21%) who hold a college degree. Tennessee ranks
as 44th among the states in the percentage of adults
holding a college diploma.
Both Dr. Kimberly Ferguson and Dr. Janie
Snyder pointed to the need to focus attention on the
growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Tennessee
ranks 3rd highest in the nation for childhood
obesity, with 39% of our State’s children considered
overweight. Dr. Snyder addressed the importance of
increasing the focus on physical activity in schools.
Dr. Ferguson pointed to the need for improvements
in preventative medical care. Both Dr. Snyder
and Dr. Ferguson emphasized the importance of
educating and involving parents in improving the
health outcomes of our region’s children.
As a summary statement during the
panel’s question and answer session, Dr. Wykoff
commented: “We have to understand that every
statistic discussed this evening can be changed, and
believe that we have an obligation to change them.
When we do that, we will hand our children a region
that is as healthy as it is beautiful.”
Improving ( from cover)
Education
secret to success is really not a secret. New business
is attracted to areas with a healthy and educated
workforce. The quality of our educational system is
directly linked to a strong and supportive tax base,
which, of course, ties to economic development.
The health status of a region is directly
linked to personal income and educational
attainment.
Consider the simple, but
interesting dynamic this produces: the
more education, the better the job;
the better the job, the healthier the worker;
the healthier the worker, the stronger the
business; the stronger the business, the better
the support for our educational system.
Our region’s economy, health status and
educational achievement – if we want to improve in
any of these areas, we must improve in all of them.
Health
Economy
We don’t have a choice.
Scott M. Niswonger
President
3
Distance Learning In Northeast Tennessee
Northeast Tennessee High Schools have taken
a unique approach to meet the new graduation
standards required under the Tennessee Diploma
Project. These standards demand a more rigorous
and diverse high school curriculum. Systems were
faced with the dilemma of not only expanding the
curriculum while suffering unprecedented budget
cuts but also in finding highly qualified instructors
to teach these courses.
One solution has been the introduction of
distance learning courses. With help from the
Niswonger Foundation, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Rural Initiative and Perkins Grant
dollars, nine school systems have installed stateof-the-art distance learning labs. These labs allow
students to enroll in classes offered in other school
systems, in real time. Nineteen high schools in
Northeast Tennessee are now linked and are sharing
courses that were not previously available to their
students. In order to facilitate this sharing of
assets, the Northeast Tennessee Distance Learning
Consortium was formed. This group meets regularly
to help systems share assets and curriculum areas of
need. Their primary focus is to facilitate a program
where courses offered could accomplish the goals of:
1. providing a course that the receiving high
school did not offer and
2. providing a course that would add
flexibility to their master schedule and
utilize their existing staff.
The first Distance Learning Classes were offered
during the 2009 fall semester, and included AP
Calculus, German I, French I, World Geography,
Geometry, and ACT Preparation.
by: LINDA IRWIN,
According to Jason Patrick, Distance Learning
Coordinator for Greene County, “The French
courses that the Greene County high schools
have received this year have done just what we
anticipated. The alternative was to not offer the
courses or hire a teacher to teach at all four high
schools and meet all of the demand for the course.
With travel time and costs between the high schools
and the cost to hire one teacher to provide French
1 and 2 to all four schools the expense to do this
would have come out to approximately $37,900
per year. This is a conservative estimate as the cost
is based on a new teacher with a four year degree
and no years of experience. The district expense for
providing facilitators has been assumed with existing
positions this year and is minimal. The French classes
DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS
alone are saving Greene County $37,900 this year as
opposed to offering it via traditional means.”
During the 2009 fall semester, 77 students
received credits that were not available in their home
school. Perhaps, the most impressive statistic is the
fact that 98.5% of the students enrolled in distance
learning classes completed the course with passing
grades. This semester, more than 100 students are
enrolled in nine courses. Projected enrollment
for 2010 fall semester is 175-200 students in 15
different classes.
This unique approach to enhance the quality
of education in Northeast Tennessee makes sense
and allows students opportunities that would not
otherwise be available.
What are the Scholars Reading?
T
he text for the Niswonger Scholars’ Summer Leadership Training
will be The Tipping Point – How Little Things Can Make a
Big Difference, by Malcolm Gladwell. The Scholars will explore the
concepts of “Social Epidemics,” “The Law of the Few,” “Stickiness Factor,”
and “The Power of Context” as important themes to consider as they
prepare themselves for successful careers.
4
Meet the Class of 2014
The newest Niswonger Scholars and their families were introduced at the Annual Welcome
Dinner on April 13 at the General Morgan Inn in Greeneville. These Scholars represent a bright
promise for the future of Northeast Tennessee.
N
iswonger Scholars are chosen primarily for
their leadership potential and commitment
to the betterment of themselves and their home
communities. Niswonger Scholars are not limited
to a particular college or area of study. They are
required to participate in leadership development
activities and encouraged to pursue internships and
study abroad. Most importantly, they commit to
return to Northeast Tennessee for at least one year
of service in the career of their choice for each year
they receive scholarship support. The hope is that
by enabling these students to pursue their academic
passions and by cultivating their leadership abilities,
they will return to Northeast Tennessee to become
leaders in their professions and communities.
These Scholars represent the ninth year of this
scholarship and leadership program. There are 29
Scholars and 21 Alumni Scholars. These five new
Scholars bring the grand total of those currently
bearing the distinction of Niswonger Scholar to 55.
New Scholars Welcomed By Nikki Niswonger
GRACE WILLIAMS is a
student at Tennessee High
School where she ranks 1st
in her class. She has served
three years as president of
the Student Council, vice
president of the Anchor
Club, youth leader for
the Principal’s Student Advisory Board, and is a
National Presidential Youth Scholar. Grace is the
daughter of Doug and Amy Williams of Bristol. She
plans to attend the University of Georgia – Athens
and to pursue a career in law.
SCOTT WHITE is a
student at Science Hill
High School where he
is a member of the Beta
Club, and Chairman of the
Boys to Men community
service group. He served
as treasurer of the Future
Business Leaders of America and participated in the
Regional Business Competition where he placed 3rd
in Business Law. Scott is the grandson of Wesley
Sayers of Johnson City. His current plans are to
major in business at the University of Tennessee –
Knoxville and to attend law school.
MARION MICHIEKA
is a student at Science Hill
High School where she is
a member of the Chamber
Chorus, Science Club and
Mu Alpha Theta honor
society. She also serves as
the Beta Club community
service committee chairperson, editor of the school
newspaper, vice president of the Spanish Club, and
Student Government Association representative.
She has received the Science Hill High School
Outstanding Leadership Award for the last three
years. Marion is the daughter of Drs. Edward and
Martha Michieka of Johnson City. Her future plan
is to attend medical school.
YAYING WANG attends
Greeneville High School
where she serves as a Cadet
Captain in ROTC and
president of Kitty Hawk
National Air Society. She
is also a member of the
ROTC color guard, the
Key Club and the National Honor Society. Yaying is
the daughter of Yuyan Liu of Greeneville. She plans
to attend Emory University. Her goal is to become a
physiatrist.
ALEX CROGHAN is a
student at David Crockett
High School where he
has distinguished himself
by serving as president
of the Spanish Club, vice
president of the Drama
Club and editor of the
school newspaper. Alex is also a member of the
cross country team, Beta Club, and attended the
Tennessee Governor’s School for Chemistry. He is
the son of Jerry and Laura Croghan of Limestone.
Alex plans to pursue a career in medicine.
5
2010 School Success Symposium
by: Linda Irwin, Director, School Partnerships
T
he 2010 School Success Symposium will be
held at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center
and Greeneville High School on June 15, 2010.
The opening session, beginning at 8:30 am,
will be led by Dave Weber. Dave’s fun, high energy,
and entertaining style have made him one of the
country’s most sought after speakers. Described as
a “Chihuahua on caffeine,” Dave is always a crowd
favorite. As a captivating presenter and phenomenal
story teller, Dave has discovered that laughter opens
the head and the heart to consider internalizing
new principles…and humor is a big part of all of his
presentations.
People like to laugh and have fun. Talk to
anyone who has just returned from a meeting,
conference, or retreat and the first thing they’ll tell
you is whether or not it was fun – then they’ll discuss
content. Dave’s style might get him invited to present,
but it is his great content and timeless principles that
get him invited back time and time again.
Dave strongly identifies with the challenges
other professionals face. His goal with every
presentation is to motivate, challenge, and inspire
everyone who hears him...and have a lot of fun along
the way. Dave stakes his reputation on change.
Following the opening session, more than 20
teams of educators from Northeast Tennessee will
present sessions designed to showcase some of the
most successful educational accomplishments in
East Tennessee. During these sessions, talented
educators will share best practices, learn from
each other, and create a network of teachers and
administrators with a common vision and common
commitment to excellence. Among those scheduled
to present are teams from Bristol City Schools,
Greeneville City Schools, Hamblen County
Schools, Johnson County Schools, Greene County
Schools, Jefferson County Schools, Hancock
County Schools, Hawkins County Schools, Unicoi
County Schools and Washington County Schools.
This year, we are changing the format to
include a unique closing session. This session will
feature
a panel discussion on Tennessee’s “First to the Top”
Initiative. Each panel member will play a key role in
the implementation of this initiative and will discuss
their organization’s responsibilities. Ample time
will be allotted for questions from the audience.
Panel members will include: Moderator, Oliver
“Buzz” Thomas; State Representative David Hawk,
a member of the House Education Committee; Dr.
Tim Webb, Tennessee Commissioner of Education;
Dr. Gary Nixon, State Board of Education Executive
Director; and Brad Smith Executive Director of the
SCORE Commission.
Additional information and registration
materials are available on-line at
www.niswongerfoundation.org
Grassy Fork Elementary School Receives Recognition
by: Linda Irwin, Director, School Partnerships
T
he Educational Consumers Foundation has
recognized Dr. Shannon Grooms as the
principal of one of the most effective schools in
Tennessee. As a winner of the 2010 ValueAdded Achievement Award, Grassy
Fork will be honored in a ceremony at the
state capitol on April 26, 2010.
According to Dr. J.E. Stone, President of
the Educational Consumers Foundation, “The
Education Consumers Foundation is a consumer
organization for parents, taxpayers, and their
elected representatives. We independently gather
and disseminate education information of use to
consumers. Our reason for conferring these awards
is to draw attention to the schools that are doing the
best job and to encourage others to imitate them.
Within each of Tennessee’s 3 Grand Divisions, the
top 3 elementary schools and the top three middle
schools (including K-8) were selected on the basis of
their most recent 3-year achievement gains. Grassy
Fork has proven to be among the most effective of
Tennessee’s 1300 elementary and middle schools in
teaching reading/language arts and mathematics. If
every school in Tennessee were similarly effective,
Tennessee would rise to the top of national
education rankings.”
Congratulations, Dr. Grooms and the entire
Grassy Fork Elementary School Community.
6
On a Mission to Serve
by: Jordan Kim, Sophomore, Pre-Medical Student, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
RAM.
This single acronym has totally
changed my life. What does it
mean? Most people are not aware. I did not know
the answer until I was blessed with the opportunity
to volunteer with this truly amazing organization.
RAM stands for Remote Area Medical. I have
volunteered with RAM for two years and have
grown in countless ways due to this experience.
Remote Area Medical is a non-profit volunteer
organization dedicated to offering free health
care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and
technical and educational assistance to people in
remote areas of the United States and the world.
Stan Brock founded the organization in 1985.
Many of you may remember Mr. Brock from his days
on the 60’s television classic “Wild Kingdom.”
Volunteers are joined by RAM founder Stan Brock
Remote Area Medical is able to provide their
services due to volunteer labor and donated supplies.
At my first RAM event, I was amazed at how
many volunteers were present. The group included
physicians, nurses, students, senior citizens, and
others volunteering to provide medical services to
people who had no other care.
My experience at RAM has been nothing short
of life altering. My typical RAM experience begins
at 5 A.M. where I encounter a high school parking
lot packed full of people in a line so long I cannot
see the end. Most patients camp out the night
before for a place in line. If the high school is not in
session in the days before the RAM project, many
people will camp out for days in advance. It was this
line that demonstrated to me how desperately these
people need health services.
As an amazing way to gain experience for the
future while serving others, I have worked with a
dentist or dental student while volunteering with
RAM. My job has been to assist the dentist while he
operates on patients. The care has included fillings,
extractions, and dental surgeries. It was a great
experience to actually take part in the treatment.
However, the real blessing came in the interaction I
had with the patients. I heard countless stories that
broke my heart. There is one patient I will never
forget. She was a retired, registered nurse and could
not afford healthcare. She had worked over thirty
years treating others and had to come to a free clinic
for care. I was struck by how wrong that seemed, but
was also grateful there was a place for her to receive
the care she needed. The experience has humbled
me. I have come to the realization of how blessed I
really am. RAM has given me an entirely new reason
to become a doctor. It is easy to say, “I want to
become a doctor to treat and help people,” but not
until RAM did I truly find the real meaning behind
that statement.
There is one of our doctors who inspired me
more than all others. He became a role model to
Niswonger Scholar, Jordan Kim,
assists dental student, Hamed Rezakhan
which I will aspire for the rest of my life. He was a
dentist from New York who traveled to Tennessee,
at his own expense. It was not until the last day,
when all the other physicians had left, that he really
caught my eye. I was cleaning up the supplies and
other volunteers were packing up the equipment,
but he was still working on patients. The RAM
clinic was supposed to be closed, but he refused to
leave until every last patient was treated. I waited
around because I wanted to meet this amazing man.
I introduced myself with the statement, “Thank you,
sir. You have inspired me.” I ended up having a long
conversation with him and learning a great deal.
I hope I will be able to represent the same
kindness and generosity I saw from this man to
my own patients. The Niswonger Foundation has
given me a blessing in disguise by requiring Scholar
Service Learning every semester. I look forward to
continuing my Service Learning with RAM. The
experiences from Service Learning have touched and
changed my life. For that I am forever grateful.
Purdue University Dedicates Niswonger Aviation Technology Building
P
urdue University dedicated the
Niswonger Aviation Technology
Building in honor of Scott M. Niswonger.
Mr. Niswonger is the founder and
president of the Niswonger Foundation.
He is also the founder of Landair
Transport and Forward Air Corporation,
headquartered in Greeneville, Tennessee.
Niswonger graduated from Purdue
University with a degree in Aviation
Technology in 1968 and was awarded a
Doctorate in Technology from Purdue
in 2004. He is also a recipient of Purdue’s
Distinguished Technology Alumni Award.
He is especially proud that two of
the Niswonger Scholars are attending
his alma mater. Patrick Brown, a senior,
majoring in landscape architecture and
Rachel Mixon, a junior, majoring in
mechanical engineering. Patrick and
Rachel were joined by other Niswonger
Scholars – Tom Cully (Indiana Wesleyan
University), Sean McCullough (Notre
Dame University), and James Durham
(Notre Dame University) - in surprising
Scott and Nikki Niswonger by attending
the Purdue University President’s Council
Dinner where he was being honored as the
evening’s distinguished guest of honor.
Outstanding entertainment was
provided by our very own Patrick Brown
as a member of the dynamic Purdue
Varsity Glee Club. Patrick was also given
the honor of introducing Mr. Niswonger
as Purdue’s distinguished guest for the
evening.
(L-R) Scholars Sean McCullough, Patrick Brown, Rachel Mixon,
James Durham and Tom Cully join Scott and Nikki Niswonger
7
A Semester in China: “Its Majesty, History and Enormity.”
by: Rachel Mixon (Junior, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University)
T
raveling and studying in China for a semester
provides a person with many opportunities
to view some breath-taking sites and
to undergo some eye-opening
experiences. Over the Spring Festival
break, a two-week celebration of the
Chinese New Year, a small group of us
visited Beijing. There was history and
beauty to be taken in everywhere: The
Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese
gardening and architecture; Tian’anmen
Square, the plaza where the famous protests
of 1989 occurred; and The Forbidden City,
a gated palace where, other than the Emperor
himself, previously only eunuchs were allowed
admittance. Of course, we also went to the
Great Wall. I am sure no amount or choice of
words can give this wonder enough justice. There
is only one word I can think of – awe. There is
awe for the majesty, for the history, and for the
incomprehensible enormity.
I’ve also had the opportunity to study under
Chinese professors, with Chinese students, in
addition to some courses with our American
coordinator. For the first 8 weeks, I studied a Global
Communications in Business course under one
of our American coordinators, a very intensive
Chinese Language 101 class under “Susan,” and a
very enlightening Chinese Culture course under Sa
Laoshi (Teacher Sa). Differences in the language
course arise from the intensive and immersive
nature. Susan made sure we learned and understood
phrases that were going to help us during our stay;
and I can’t think of a lesson that I didn’t use as soon
as I walked out the door. Thanks to her, we
can all effectively communicate
with taxi drivers, waitresses,
shopkeepers, and many
others. By her request, we
came to call her Weiqi,
her first name, an act
that would be extremely
disrespectful for
Chinese students,
but was interpreted
as intimate and
friendly coming
from a group of
Americans.
From Weiqi,
we experienced firsthand the
collectiveness and harmonious nature of a
Chinese citizen, as well as the history and reasons
behind it.
I’ve just begun the second session of classes
at a new campus in Shanghai. These include
Thermodynamics II, System Dynamics, and Science
of Materials. Our Materials class is shared with
other Chinese students. What I have found very
interesting about the Chinese students is that they
will hold all of their questions for the professor until
after the class is over. My culture studies have taught
me that this behavior is most likely resulting from
the different relationships between a teacher and
student in China versus the U.S. In China, students
hold instructors in the highest esteem, and thus, the
things that are taught are knowledge imparted to
them. This makes for a situation in which questions
can easily result in the “loss of face” for either party
-- the instructor’s teaching or on the student’s ability
to understand. Conversely, in the U.S., students have
a different focus of understanding the concepts as a
whole, no matter the instructor, and questions are
greatly encouraged.
Being immersed in the Chinese culture has
taught me things that I couldn’t have possibly
understood or appreciated without this opportunity.
For example, China has a hierarchy that must and
will be observed by everyone, and major offense will
be taken toward those who don’t observe it, even by
accident. There aren’t lines, only crowds, and it is
your own personal duty to make sure you have the
attention when it is your turn. Oftentimes, more is
said in your pauses and silence than by the words
that have left your lips. In short, Chinese culture is
vastly different. When one looks deeper, however, it
is obvious that there is more than one way to achieve
the same end – a functioning society where people
can find happiness. I would definitely encourage
everyone to think twice before assuming that
something can only be done “the American way,” as
proven to me by people of a culture thousands of
years older than my own.
Recent News from Our Alumni Scholars
Katie Baker (Doctoral Student in Public
Health, East Tennessee State University)
Received the Quillen Graduate Scholarship for
2010-11
Cole Seaton (Vanderbilt University Alumnus)
Admitted to the East Tennessee State University,
Quillen College of Medicine
Jessica Epley (Doctoral Student in Pharmacy,
East Tennessee State University)
Selected for Post Graduate Year I (PGYI)
Pharmacy Residency Practice, University of
Tennessee - Knoxville
Brandon Reeser (Furman University Alumnus)
Received the Woodruff Fellowship Award,
Emory University College of Law
8
Congratulations to Our Upcoming Graduates!
So, What is Their Next Step?
Patrick Brown
Purdue University
I will be pursuing an internship in a landscape design
firm, as a year-long internship is required for my
graduation. I am hoping to find one in the Chicago
area, but I am also looking across the U.S. I am
very thankful to the Niswonger Foundation for the
leadership training they provide, as it has allowed
me to “raise the bar” of my Purdue experience with
confidence. Every time I interact with the Scholars
from my class I am reminded that I never “arrive,”
and that I must always strive for excellence because
that is exactly what each of them is doing. I cannot
wait to return to the region and give my time and
talents to this special place where we live.
Thomas “Tom” Cully
Indiana Wesleyan University
My time at Indiana Wesleyan University has wound
to a close, but my education is far from over. I will be
attending veterinary medical school this fall, which
will consume most of the next four years of my life.
Afterwards, I plan to serve my home community
in northwest Ohio as a large animal veterinarian.
The Niswonger Foundation has helped prepare me
for my career as a veterinarian and for my role as a
community leader. The most valuable preparation I
have received has been the regular encouragement
and continual inspiration. The Foundation
has taught me to reach for the heavens and has
empowered me to begin the climb.
Lucas DeLoach
Vanderbilt University
I will be attending the University of Virginia School
of Law. I was proud and pleased to be the recipient
of a Merit Scholarship. As a Niswonger Scholar, I
have been inspired by and assured of the possibility
of meaningful, lasting change and progress. My
fellow Scholars continually reveal to me the promise
of our region’s future.
Chelsea Goodson
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
I have accepted a position as a District Manager
with ALDI, a leading company in the international
grocery retailing industry. I am charged with the
responsibility of overseeing three to six ALDI
stores located in the Southeast. ALDI represents
a phenomenal opportunity to develop myself as a
professional and career woman. I owe tremendous
thanks to the Niswonger Foundation for equipping
me with the tools I needed to get me where I am
today, encouraging me to always shoot for higher
stars, inspiring me to give unto others what has so
graciously been given to me, loving who I am, and
finally, believing in what I can be.
Adriana Penalba
Georgetown University
I finished my degree at Georgetown this December
and returned to East Tennessee to take courses to
fulfill the requirements for the CPA exam. The first
thing that I plan to do upon reaching 150 credits
in May is to sit for the exam this summer. My
immediate career plans include securing a position
in Knoxville as an accountant. In the future my
dream is to find a way to incorporate my interest
in business and my connections to Latin America
into an amazing career. I am extremely thankful
for my time as a Niswonger Scholar and know that
it will guide me to exciting new opportunities and
experiences in the future.
Rian Rainey
Ohio State University
I have accepted a position as an engineering
consultant for Accenture, one of the largest
consulting firms in the world. The nature of the
position consists of helping Fortune 500 companies
understand and integrate new technologies. It was
a tough decision but I feel that this opportunity
will lead to my goal of developing my own
entrepreneurial endeavors in the future. The
knowledge and experiences I have gained as a
Niswonger Scholar have provided me the confidence
to know I have the skill set to create change in the
world around me. Also, I have developed a desire
to contribute to the communities that fostered my
growth.
9
Graduates ( from page 8)
Mozianio “Trey” Reliford III
Sewanee: the University of the South
I have accepted an internship with the Mayor of
Nashville, Karl Dean, and am currently a finalist
for the Japanese Exchange Teaching Program. I will
work for Mayor Dean and, if accepted, move to
Japan to teach English and learn Japanese in the fall
of 2010. The next step will be to attend law school
with an eye toward International Business and
Criminal Law. The Niswonger Foundation has been
a “heaven sent” blessing, without which I would
not be who I am today. The interaction with such
successful and driven people has motivated me to
never stop striving for the top, as well as given me a
host of friendships that are indispensable. I hope to
one day use my blessings to give back to Tennessee
and our country as a whole by pursuing a career in
politics.
Todd Skelton
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
I will be attending law school in the fall of 2010. I have several acceptances but am awaiting a few
other decisions before committing in April. I will be
pursuing a JD/MBA and have an interest in business
law and corporate governance. The Niswonger
Scholars Program has been a unique and invaluable
support system for me. The support provided me
with numerous outstanding opportunities, and I
enjoyed developing alongside a fantastic group of
students. Promoting excellence and giving back
are common goals of everyone in the Niswonger
organization.
Jessica Verran-Lingard
Vanderbilt University
Before I attend law school, I will be taking a year
to work, do some growing up, and just generally
live! I plan on finding an internship in Nashville,
living there for a portion of the year, and spending
time with my family. The Niswonger Foundation
has taught me that anything is possible if you only
set your mind to it. They have brought together a
fantastic network of young people that will enhance
our community. Many of them have become my
close friends, and that fact, alone, is something for
which I thank the Foundation.
REGISTER
NOW!
Meredith Wachs
College of William and Mary
I will be teaching secondary math, after earning a
master’s degree in math education, with the Math
for America program in Washington, D.C. This will
allow me to earn my teaching license and will be an
exciting change of pace from both Mountain City
and Williamsburg! I look forward to learning to
reach students with backgrounds different from my
own. I hope my experience will prepare me to be a
better educator when I return to East Tennessee. The
Niswonger Foundation has given me a world-class
education, both at William and Mary and through
internships, service trips, leadership training, and
mentoring. I will always be indebted to everyone at
the Foundation for their incredible support during
my college career and the amazing opportunities
they have given me.
Fourth Annual Niswonger Foundation School Success Symposium
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Greeneville High School
Fax, Mail or Email the Registration Form
Located under the “News and Events” section at
www.niswongerfoundation.org
Registration must be returned by Tuesday, June 1, 2010.
No on-site registration will be accepted.
(Symposium Highlights in Article on Page 5)
10
Niswonger Scholars Shine!
Recent Awards, Honors and Leadership Roles
NISWONGER SCHOLARS
Tyler Boyd ( Junior, Vanderbilt University)
Member, All-American Jersey Sale Committee, the committee’s youngest member
Our Mission:
To create opportunities for
individual and community
growth through education
Will Brummett (Freshman, Elon University)
Sigma Phi Epsilon “Balanced Man Scholarship”
Tom Cully (Senior, Indiana Wesleyan University)
Sonshine Arabian Farm Scholarship for Veterinary Medicine
Lucas DeLoach (Senior, Vanderbilt University)
Merit Scholarship, University of Virginia College of Law
For more information regarding
our Foundation, contact:
The Niswonger Foundation
Tusculum College
P.O. Box 5112
Greeneville, TN 37743
423.798.7837
www.niswongerfoundation.org
Jason Light (Freshman, University of Tennessee-Knoxville)
Summer Internship in Electrical Engineering, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES)
Law Loving (Freshman, Tulane University)
Summer Internship with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory, Richland, Washington
Adriana Penalba (December Graduate, Gerogetown University)
Internship with the Accounting Firm of Coulter and Justus P.C., Knoxville
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Scott M. Niswonger
President
Nikki L. Niswonger
Secretary
Thomas J. Garland
Treasurer
Ian Sams ( Junior, University of Alabama)
Summer Internship with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee,
Washington, D.C.
Trey Reliford (Senior, University of the South, Sewanee)
Phi Sigma Alpha Honor Society for Political Science
Internship with Nashville, Tennessee Mayor, Karl Dean
Todd Skelton (Senior, University of Tennessee-Knoxville)
Editor-in-Chief of University of Tennessee’s undergraduate research journal, PURSUIT;
Participant in “Posters at the Capitol” in Nashville, Tennessee
Linda Irwin
Director of School Partnerships
Nancy Dishner
Director of Scholarship and
Leadership Training
Lauren Williams ( Junior, East Tennessee State University)
Internship in the Strategic Planning Department,
Mountain States Health Alliance, Johnson City.
11
Purdue Varsity Glee Club Performs
T
he Purdue Varsity Glee Club, under the
direction of Bill Griffel, delighted the audience
at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Friday
evening, March 12. Niswonger Scholar Patrick
Brown (Senior, Purdue University) entertained his
hometown crowd as a member of this distinguished
group, performing as a group singer, soloist, and
drummer/percussionist. Patrick is a Greeneville
High School graduate and the son of Greeneville
residents Bill and Jane Brown. During the concert,
Mr. and Mrs. Brown were recognized for their
distinguished service to the Glee Club.
Founded in 1893, the Varsity Glee Club
has entertained on behalf of Purdue University
throughout the United States and the world. With
over 50 annual performances, the men of the Varsity
Glee Club focus on personal excellence and “service
above self.” They consistently maintain a high level
of academic excellence in various fields of study.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Niswonger were recognized
for their outstanding contributions to the Purdue
Varsity Glee Club. Mr. Niswonger is an alumnus of
Purdue University.
The Purdue Varsity Glee Club
Niswonger Scholar, Patrick Brown serenades his
mother, Jane.
Scholars Participate in Winter Leadership Training
T
he Niswonger Foundation conducted its
annual Winter Leadership Training for the
Niswonger Scholars on December 28-29, 2009 at
the General Morgan Inn in Greeneville. The theme
for this year’s training was “Becoming a First-Time
Manager.” Among those making presentations
at this year’s training were Scott M. Niswonger,
President, founder and benefactor of the Niswonger
Foundation, Oliver “Buzz” Thomas, the Foundation’s
former Executive Director, and Bradley Brown, an
alumnus of the Niswonger Scholars program, who is
an investment banking analyst with Goldman Sachs
Buzz Thomas recognized for service as Executive Director
in New York City. Several Scholars and Alumni
Scholars participated as session presenters.
The Scholars, Alumni Scholars, and the
Niswonger Foundation Board of Directors joined
on Monday evening for a dinner to honor Oliver
“Buzz” Thomas. Mr. Thomas resigned, in December,
as Executive Director of the Niswonger Foundation.
He served in this role since the Foundation’s
inception in 2001.
During their leadership training as Niswonger
Scholars, the students focus on the themes of
leadership, management, ethics and service. In
preparation for Winter Training, the Scholars
studied the book The First-Time Manager, by Belker
and Topchik. Niswonger Scholars participate in two
formal leadership training experiences each year.
Niswonger Scholars are joined by Scott and
Nikki Niswonger
The Niswonger Foundation
Tusculum College
P.O. Box 5112
Greeneville, TN 37743
The Niswonger Foundation
2010 Spring Newsletter
“Commitment is what transforms a
promise into reality. It is the words
that speak boldly of your intentions.
And the actions that speak louder
than words.”
–Abraham Lincoln