Fort Valley State University

July 2, 2009—Unbeknownst to many Americans, milk for human consumption comes from more than just cows. Across the world, goats, buffalo, sheep, camels, horses and other species are commonly used to make dairy products.

Dr. Young W. Park, a Fort Valley State University professor, has spent the last three years making sure information about the bioactive compounds in various types of milk, and how they can positively affect the human health, nutrition and body metabolism, have been brought to light.

July 2, 2009—Fort Valley State University’s FAME Summer Camp wrapped up its sixth season on June 19, with a gala performance and exhibition in the C.W. Pettigrew Center. FVSU supporters, friends and family packed the center in impressive numbers to watch this year’s talent showcase which featured performances by instrumentalists, singers, actors and visual artists.

The celebrity chef from Savannah known for her heavy southern accent and rich recipes laden in butter stole the show at a fundraiser attended by Dr. Larry E. Rivers and first lady Betty Rivers in Americus recently. Food Network television host Paula Deen headlined the 11th Annual Steak and Stake Fundraiser. The event held Tuesday, June 23 in the Georgia Southwestern University’s Student Success Center assists the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sumter County in Americus. More than 600 attendees helped raise $40,000 for the cause.

June 24, 2009 - Two-thirds of the state’s residents do not have college degrees according to a University System of Georgia study. But soon, the number of graduates may increase. A new initiative will help turn on-the-job training of residents into college credit. This month, Fort Valley State University – along with Atlanta Metropolitan College, Bainbridge College, Georgia Southwestern State University and Valdosta State University – was named to the University System of Georgia’s Adult Learning Consortium (ALC).

High school memories are fading fast for some incoming freshmen at Fort Valley State University. “We’re here to move you from where you are now to greatness,” Dr. Said Sewell told 270 students in the presence of a standing room only crowd of parents, guardians and siblings during the first in a series of 4 orientation sessions held at the C. W. Pettigrew Center Friday, June 19.

June 19, 2009—Fort Valley State University’s “Tea at Noon in June” scholarship fundraiser is the talk of the town this week. Dressed in their Sunday best, guests arrived in impressive numbers Saturday, June 13 to experience an afternoon of southern elegance and hospitality. Event host, First Lady Betty Rivers gave the crowd what they came for - a beautiful setting for socializing, an assortment of pretty edibles and show stopping entertainment. And in two hours, the crowd reciprocated by helping her exceed the goal of $10,000 for student scholarships.

June 19, 2009—Camp leaders who visited Fort Valley State University Wednesday believe their students are destined for greatness, and it’s hard to hide their sentiments because the acronym for their program is a dead giveaway.

The FVSU is G.R.E.A.T. – Gang Resistance Education and Training - Twiggs County Day Camp is for the little boy whose father recently left the home, the child who doesn’t play outside for fear of being harmed or the little girl with low self-esteem.

June 19, 2009—Ten high school juniors and seniors, and one high school graduate, are gaining a head start on their careers by interning with Fort Valley State University’s Team Success Mentoring Program. On Tuesday they participated in orientation at the C.W. Pettigrew Farm and Community Life Center on campus.

Brand new Wildcats will prowl onto Fort Valley State University’s campus this Friday for a behind-the-scenes, sneak preview of the best that the university offers. During the visit, they’ll get some important tasks out of the way before fall classes begin August 17. At 8:30 a.m. June 19, the first of four summer orientation sessions begin to make the transition for freshmen and transfer students a smooth one. The workshops are expected to draw record crowds. More than 250 participants will attend the first session. Nearly 300 registrants have signed up for subsequent orientations.

June 16, 2009—“A tireless health educator who, for the past 50 years as an administrator, has been a catalyst for health education innovation….”

This description by Dr. Mike Perko, director of Graduate Studies, University of North Carolina Greensboro, begins one of many letters of nomination for Fort Valley State University professor William Zimmerli.

In April, the American Association for Health Education agreed with those letters and awarded Zimmerli the 2009 Health Education Professional of the Year Administration Award.

June 16, 2009—Three years of data-keeping and relationship-nurturing has paid off for Fort Valley State University’s Master of Education in School Counselor Education program. This summer, twenty-four new students attended the program’s dynamic orientation.

June 12, 2009—FVSU family members accustomed to a caffeine fix will soon savor a steamy cup of cappuccino at Jazzman’s Coffee Stand in the Hunt Memorial Library; chomp on spicy pepperoni, sausage and cheese pizzas for lunch at Papa John’s in the Wildcat Commons Clubhouse; and munch on a made-to-order burger at the nation’s first Original Burger Company in the Lottie B. Lyons Student Center. Major changes in the dining experience are upcoming in Wildcat Country August 1.

June 11, 2009—Children in the Marion County area are invited to a free day of fun on Tuesday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Activity stations will be set up at the Josh Gibson Family Resource Center, located at 116 Rogers St. in Buena Vista, to teach children about budgeting, healthy eating and computer applications. Youth ages five to 17 are invited.

James Hill has made it a priority to provide administrative insight for grant approvals at 1890 land-grant institutions.

June 9, 2009—Are you trying to get in shape for the summer? If so, join residents in Marion County who are participating in a nutricise program that focuses on effective weight loss by combining healthy eating habits and exercise.

Participants are learning how to prepare 30-minute healthy recipes and are engaging in low impact exercise during the last 30 minutes of their hour-long sessions. The classes are held Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Josh Gibson Youth and Family Resource Center located at 116 Roger Street in Buena Vista.