Students

More than 75 Union College students, employees and guests attended the first annual Sports Awards Dinner on Sunday, April 20, 2008. Emceed by Brendan Nieto, senior business administration major, and Ross Eichele, senior business administration and computer information systems major, the evening included a catered dinner, an inspirational talk by former Warrior Aaron Purkeypile and a presentation of awards.

"This is the first year we've had an end-of-year event that recognized achievements by all those who participate in sports at Union," said Greg Steiner, intramurals director and women's basketball head coach. "In the past, the varsity athletes have celebrated with a dinner, but we felt it was important to hold a more inclusive event. Next year we hope to widen the circle more to include athletic achievements in sports offered for academic credit, such as gymnastics."

The event was sponsored by the Warriors Booster Club and planned by Heather Perry, senior business administration major. To learn more about the Warriors, join the booster club and see results from this year, visit www.ucollege.edu/athletics.

Joann Herrington, associate professor of education, strives to spread literacy and happiness to disadvantaged children in the local area.

"Reading has always been a part of my life," she said, "and I want that for the kids."

In 2003, Herrington organized the Lincoln chapter of First Book, an international nonprofit organization that gives new books to low-income families. Since then over 7,000 books have been placed into the hands of kids in Lincoln thanks to efforts of First Book-Union College, whose staff fluctuates each year as interested students come and go. This year, Chris Webb, senior communication major, is helping the cause by incorporating First Book needs into his Grant Writing and Proposal class. It's efforts such as these that allow First Book-Union College to flourish.

First Book deals only in new books that are given to children to keep, so that their love for literature can grow. Over the holiday season, the chain-bookstore Borders teamed up with First-Book to raise over $1.1 million. That money was then allotted to the various chapters and advisory boards around the nation who submitted grant applications. Recently, First Book-Union College was able to provide $4,000 in Borders gift cards to three recipients in Lincoln: St. Mary's Elementary, Lincoln Public Schools' Excite Head Start and Brownell Community Learning Center. Another 176 books were given to the Foster Grandparent and RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) reading programs in Chardon, Neb. The Union College chapter, the only First Book program in Lincoln, Neb., has also been making its own partnerships with Meadowlark Press and with Union College's Associate Student Body. The proceeds from the last Bachelor Action held by ASB went towards First Book-Union College's goal.

"I'm very thrilled about how many books are in children's hands," Herrington said. "What I would really like to see, as far as First Book-Union College, is more people getting involved. If we can raise more funds that means more books can go out into the community."

To get involved, contact Joann Herrington at 402.486.2600 x2173 or send an e-mail to joherrin@ucollege.edu.

Do you ever wonder who makes the hanging works of art, which masquerade as posters? With the creations of Claudia Pech, senior communication and graphic design major, wonder no more. Her quirky signature "Brought to you by the letter C" line clears up any confusion in a fun way and is now the title for her senior graphic design exhibit in the McClelland Art Gallery.

Running until April 26, the display of 25 pieces showcases Pech's talent at mixing creativity and information into true works of art. One of her favorite items is a poster advertising for Union College's annual film festival.

"It was a rather complex idea that actually turned out the way I wanted it. People still ask me, 'how did you do that?'" said Pech. Although to some her work may seem boring, Pech explained how intricate a process it can be and as well as the room for artistry.

"It's a different type of art," she said. "It's non-traditional. You find that you can use your imagination in a way that you hadn't thought of before."

The McClelland Art Gallery is in the Ortner Center on the Union College campus, 3800 S. 48th Street. Enter the campus from Prescott Avenue. The art gallery is free to the public and open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Ortner Center at 402.486.2545.