BU Hosts Connection Fair
Bluefield University hosted a Connection Fair on Wednesday, August 25 for student organizations and community groups to promote upcoming events and opportunities for student involvement.
Abel Pregnancy Resource Center
“Abel Pregnancy Resource Center is a medical clinic focused on meeting the needs of women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy,” as stated on its website. Licensed medical personnel and patient advocates provide free and confidential pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy, counseling, educational classes, infant necessities, and post-abortion support.
Appalachian Outdoor Club
The Outdoor Club plans activities such as hiking, overnight backpacking, kayaking, ax throwing, and mountain biking. For more information, contact Walter Shroyer, chair of the Art Department; David Hite, chair of the Business Department; or Catherine Vollmer, assistant professor of Exercise and Sports Science.
Art Club
The Art Club creates an environment in which students can express their feelings creatively, according to its vice president, April Kish. It is committed to creating memorable and inspiring art. The club meets weekly and plans to host a paint night and a tie-dyeing session. To join, contact Walter Shroyer.
Black Student Alliance
“The Black Student Alliance of Bluefield University was established to engage the campus and local community to promote cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence among multicultural groups,” said Sherelle Morgan, coordinator for belonging and BSA sponsor. The group is also sponsored by Dr. Darrin Martin, education professor and Moving the Needle campus project manager, and Tonia Walker, vice president for intercollegiate athletics.
“Throughout the year, BSA hosts educational, cultural, and social events to raise awareness and understanding of the African American culture and experience. BSA strives to exemplify an organized body of Christian student leaders that address issues pertinent to the African American community, our nation, and the world,” Morgan added.
Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation
The Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation believes art is essential to society, transforming for individuals, and defining to communities. The organization aims to connect artists, communities, and resources. At the Connection Fair, BARC promoted upcoming shows at the Bluefield Arts Center with artists that represent a variety of genres, including gospel, jazz, bluegrass, and rock. It also promoted movies at the historic, newly reopened Granada Theater.
Bluefield Campus Ministry and Missions Club
BCM hosts the Elevate worship service on Sundays at 7 p.m. in Harman Chapel. If you are interested in serving on the Greeter, Tech, or Set Up/Tear Down team, contact Mason West, president of student ministry, about becoming an Elevate volunteer. BCM is also launching the Roots discipleship initiative. If you are interested in joining a weekly small group, contact discipleship leader John Balthaser. For updates about events and initiatives, follow BCM on Instagram.
The Missions Club educates students about the calling to Christian missions with a focus on international missions. The club is planning a mission trip to Ecuador and Spain during Spring Break. For more information, contact Dr. Henry Clary, assistant professor of Christian studies.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
As stated on its website, “Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.”
Tonia Walker talked about collaborating with Bluefield State College and Concord University for community service projects. She hoped to bring visibility and interest to the sorority at the Connection Fair.
Department of Music
Students are invited to share their passion for music, even if they are not pursuing a music degree. BU is home to two mixed choral ensembles, Masterworks and Variations/Chamber Singers. Masterworks meets on Monday nights, and it is comprised of faculty, staff, students, and community members. Students can audition for Variations, which rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays. BU is also home to a marching band, a concert band, and a jazz band. For more information, contact Dr. John Moir, co-chair of the Music Department.
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church is located about a mile away from the university and has several faculty, student, and alumni connections with BU. The church, according to Pastor Shawn White, desires “to show that we acknowledge and appreciate the students at Bluefield University” and wants students to know “we are interested in them.”
To demonstrate how much the church values BU students, they hope to participate in other events on and around campus. For information about upcoming events hosted by FBC College Ministries, follow them on Instagram.
Global Education
The Global Education program partners with CAPA and the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities to offer study abroad experiences. Spanish professor Dr. Maria Zalduondo spoke of students studying in London and Jordan, even if they were not fluent in Middle Eastern languages. Dr. Zalduondo also mentioned music studies in Nashville and film studies in Los Angeles.
If weather permits, an International Day of Peace celebration will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21 in front of Shott Hall. It will consist of approximately 20 minutes of readings and performance pieces.
Highlands Fellowship
Highlands Fellowship hosts Sunday morning worship services at 11 a.m. in Harman Chapel. The ministry is looking for volunteers to sing, play instruments, and assist with children’s programs. If you are interested, complete this form or email auditions@hf.church.
International Students Association
Gabe Blakman, advancement services coordinator, and Dr. Henry Clary are working “to organize a work amongst not only the international students but the wider campus to help ‘bring the world to Bluefield,'” Dr. Clary said. He added that “the club will be a place for international students to connect with each other and share their cultures with other students through discussions, a food fair, and possibly even a language chat group.”
Intramurals
The intramurals program organizes recreational sports and competitions for BU students, like basketball games and ping pong tournaments. It is planning dodgeball and bowling games for students, faculty, and staff. The campus community is invited to meet in the quad for wiffle ball games on September 13, September 20, and September 27. Contact Coach Maurice Sumter for more information or to sign up.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is a Christian, service-based fraternity for men. The local chapter is committed to helping the community, and it is not concerned with praise or recognition. Contact Devon Jackson, assistant football coach, for more information.
Parkview Baptist Church
Parkview welcomed students to campus with snow cones and gift bags filled with snacks and essentials, like laundry detergent. Pastor Jim Drake said, “Our desire is for this small gift to open the door to students involving themselves in a local church. Of course, we’d love for everyone to plant themselves at Parkview, but the important thing is for them to get plugged into a church family.”
Parkview is located approximately four miles from the university. They will be launching a weekly Bible study in Shott Hall on September 14 and Thursday Night Together worship services at the church beginning September 16.
The Rampage
The Rampage is Bluefield University’s student newspaper. If you are interested in journalism, photography, or graphic design, contact editors Kassidy Brown and Daniel Mullins or our adviser, Chris Shoemaker, about getting involved. You can also create an account on our website to like and comment on articles, submit poems and creative works, and vote in polls.
You can follow The Rampage on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Student Government Association and Student Activity Leadership Team
“The Student Government Association strives to be the link between students and faculty while creating relationships with everyone that we come in contact with,” said President Isaiah Rife. The association works with students and partners with SALT to ensure a fun and memorable college experience. “SGA is all about leadership, making connections, and making Bluefield University better in every way possible,” Rife said.
SALT organizes campus events, such as bonfires, tailgates, and movie nights. For information about these events, follow the team on Instagram. “If you’re interested in joining SALT, suggesting an event, or dropping by to say hi, be sure to stop by the Student Engagement Office in the Student Center to talk to Zoe Laney,” said President Alysia Townsley.
Student Today Alumni Tomorrow
STAT enables BU students to network with alumni, establish connections with those working in their field of study, and explore jobs. Networking events include Giving Day, Homecoming, and Mud Pig Day. For more information, contact Gabe Blakman.