Valdosta State University News Now

VSU holds summer commencement July 28

Valdosta State University will conduct its 2000 summer term commencement exercises at 10 a.m. Friday, July 28, in the VSU P.E. Complex on Baytree Road. There will be one graduation session for all students.

Approximately 433 students have applied to graduate. Two Air Force ROTC cadets are set to be commissioned as officers.

Community members are invited to attend the ceremonies.

University police keep children safe

Valdosta State University Public Safety is working to keep children safe through Project Kid Care. According to Cpl. Dennis Nealon, VSU crime prevention officer, the program photographs and fingerprints the children of university faculty, staff and students. The photographs and fingerprints can then be used by police to find missing or abducted children. The program is held several times a year and is free of charge to university faculty, staff and students.

he university police adopted the program in 1992. The Department of Justice estimates that more than one million children are reported missing every year.

or more information about the program, including a schedule of events, contact Nealon at 245-6493.

Lab combines music, technology

Valdosta State University students can now refine their musical skills in a state-of-the art music technology laboratory. The lab, located in Room 264 of VSU's Fine Arts Building, has a variety of electronic equipment, including electric pianos, recording equipment and digital effects equipment. The lab opened in fall 1999 and equipment continues to be added. According to Dr. Douglas Farwell, assistant professor of Music, the $75,000 worth of equipment was obtained through a loan agreement with Yamaha and M&M Music Co., and matching grants from the state.

Farwell said the lab allows music students to explore the use of computers and technology in music.

"Music does not exist anymore without the aid of computers and technology," Farwell said. "Students have a place to study and learn about all the latest advances in music technology and how it can apply to their teaching. The lab also allows our students to create new compositions and think about different music career options such as sound design and recording."

Professor studies tortoises at Moody Air Force Base

Dr. J. Mitchell Lockhart, professor of biology at Valdosta State University, recently received an $11,888 grant to study gopher tortoises at Moody Air Force Base. According to Lockhart, there are about 100-120 gopher tortoises at Moody. Lockhart and about 15 students are examining the tortoises for upper respiratory tract disease, a condition caused by Mycoplasma bacteria.

The study began July 1 and should last about four months, but could be extended. The study is sponsored through a cooperative agreement between VSU and the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity at Fort Derrick, Md.

Whittington attends leadership conference

Amber Whittington of Jesup, traveled to Bowling Green, Ohio, last month to attend Alpha Gamma Delta's The Leadership Conference (TLC). Amber serves as president for the Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta at Valdosta State University. The Leadership Conference began June 29 on the campus of Bowling Green State University where more than 400 Alpha Gamma Delta members from across North America participated in the three-day event.

he Leadership Conference was geared for the members of Alpha Gamma Delta to develop skills for campus and community leadership. As a part of the curriculum, attendees participated in a community service project to benefit an area charity.

Devoted to leadership, scholarship, and community service, Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity for women was founded in 1904 at Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y. Alpha Gamma Delta has installed 178 chapters on campuses throughout the United States and Canada with total membership of over 123,000.

One of the first national women's groups to establish a philanthropy, Alpha Gamma Delta supports Diabetes research and education.