FEATURES

Trible Library Opens to Fanfare
With the newly opened Paul and Rosemary Trible Library, Christopher Newport University will take learning and research to exciting heights. Combining the finest features of a traditional library with state-of-the-art technology and resources, the dynamic facility represents the intellectual center of campus, doubling the size of the previous Smith Library.

The building is named in honor of CNU's president and his wife for their 10-plus years of leadership and contributions to the institution's success. The University unveiled the cutting-edge facility at a recent opening ceremony / reception attended by students, faculty, staff and alumni. Fireworks and musical performances capped the event.

Business College Established
The Joseph W. Luter III School of Business has undergone a structural reorganization that unites related disciplines. Last December CNU announced that the departments of Accounting, Economics and Finance (AEF) and Management and Marketing (M&M) had partnered with Leadership and American Studies (LAMS) to form The Joseph W. Luter III College of Business and Leadership.

This new entity represents the second CNU division named as a college, following the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "Our vision of this new college at Christopher Newport University is to develop into an ideal example of excellence in the application of liberal learning to leadership, business, interdisciplinary studies and American studies within a community of honor and rigorous intellectual challenge," said Provost Mark Padilla. "We have always been very proud of the business school, and this is the next evolution of the school and its programs."

University Chapel Planned
A future chapel at CNU will welcome people of all faiths, providing space to host religious activities, student groups and weddings, in addition to showcasing musical performances and lectures.

While construction won't begin for several years as private funds are raised, the University has already sought input from various groups: students active in campus religious groups, the chair of United Campus Ministries, and local ministers, priests and rabbis. To date several donors have made contributions for the construction phase of the chapel.

You can help to make CNU's chapel a reality. For details, please contact Elizabeth Taraski at elizabeth.taraski@cnu.edu or (757) 594-8759.

Repertory Theatre Launched
Hampton Roads will enjoy a front-row view to the best American plays and musicals, thanks to the newly created Tidewater Regional Repertory Theatre (TRR). Officially launched March 13, TRR kicks off its inaugural season this summer with three productions representing distinct theatrical styles:

• June 18-29:
  "Quilters," a musical celebration of the American spirit
• July 2-13:
  John Steinbeck's classic "Of Mice and Men"
• July 16-27:
  "The Foreigner," a laugh-out-loud comedy by John Shue

TRR operates in partnership with CNU and the Ferguson Center for the Arts and will stage productions that "illuminate all that is passionate, profound, diverse and daring in the great American spirit." Performances will take place at the historic Yoder Barn Theatre in Newport News. William Biddle serves as executive producer of TRR, and Steven Breese serves as artistic director.

Applications Soar
The number of students applying to CNU continues to climb substantially, growing by more than 600 percent over the last decade. This year alone the University has received more than 8,000 applications for a class of 1,200 students. The Office of Admissions also reports that the quality of students choosing CNU has improved greatly. Average SAT scores (verbal and math) have soared by more than 250 points to 1200, and the average high school GPA of our freshman class is 3.7.

People in the News

Surveys Say …
CNU's Center for Public Policy, under the direction of Quentin Kidd, has a finger on the pulse of Virginia voters. How should the state fix a budget shortfall? How do Richmond voters feel about their mayor's performance or the city's direction? Polls conducted by the CNU center continue to highlight the views of Virginians.

Dean of Students Named
CNU has a new dean of students, Kevin Hughes. He initially served CNU as the coordinator of Judicial Affairs and most recently directed the Center for Honor Enrichment and Community Standards. "I look forward to working closely with our students, my academic colleagues and other university administrators as we move to the next level in providing an elite residential liberal arts education that is the hallmark of Christopher Newport University," Hughes said of his post.

Gold Award for Student Team
A student team comprised of Marc Aldridge, Chris Gregoire, Catherine Smagala and Andrew Vannatta recently captured a top direct marketing award in national competition - the Leonard J. Raymond Collegiate Gold ECHO. Professor Lisa Spiller served as team advisor.

Brout Professorship Named
The Joseph W. Luter III College of Business and Leadership has awarded the Brout Professorship to Niazur Rahim, associate professor of finance. This distinction represents the honorary title of an endowed professorship selected by competition, and Rahim will write and publish a series of articles to be known as the "Brout Papers."

Sophomore Reigns
Shannon Oliver has captured the crown as Miss Virginia Beach 2008. The sophomore is pursing a psychology major with a communications minor at CNU. In June she competes for the title of Miss Virginia 2008, part of the Miss America program.

CNU Alumni Society News

Regional Chapters
Do you live outside the Hampton Roads area and still want to be involved at CNU? Looking to connect with old friends, make new ones, increase your community involvement or expand your networking opportunities? We are forming alumni regional chapters, targeting metro Richmond as our pilot chapter followed by northern Virginia / metro D.C. A metro Richmond chapter organizational meeting led by President Trible will take place at the Commonwealth Club on April 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Share Your News
Do you have recent news - a promotion, marriage or new birth, perhaps - to share with your fellow CNU alumni? If so, we invite you to e-mail your recent milestones and achievements to diane.hagemann@cnu.edu. We regularly seek news to include in our alumni magazine as well as on the Web. By sharing your class notes, you help to keep us connected.

Interested in serving on a committee, the Board of Directors or volunteer opportunities? Please let us know! We would love to hear from you!

If you have questions about events, or would like to have a brochure mailed to your home, please contact Diane Hagemann, director of Alumni Development, at diane.hagemann@cnu.edu.

ATHLETICS

Hockey Champs
The University's hockey team completed a stellar 2007-08 season, reigning as Blue Ridge Hockey Conference regular season champions with a 12-0 record.

Top Cheer Squad
CNU's cheerleading squad took top honors at the 2008 USA South Cheerleading Championship. The competition was reinstated this year after a decade's absence.

2008 Football Schedule
Mark your calendars now for fall football action by checking out CNU's 2008 football schedule. Come join the campus community as we cheer the Captains on to victory.