The Pellissippi Press

by Kodie Underwood

Political analyst Kevin Phillips will discuss his concerns about the increasing role of oil, radical religion and debt in America at Pellissippi on Nov. 26.

Phillips’ discussion will cover the points in his latest book, “American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century.” He identifies the combination of these three trends as a force that may drive the U.S. to the brink of disaster akin to that of the Roman and British Empires.

Phillips’ speech will be the fourth and final seminar in Phi Theta Kappa’s satellite series, “Gold, Gods, and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power.” PTK advisor Carol O’Farrell says that Phillips is the most influential speaker in the series.

“He promises to raise disturbing questions and his historical knowledge and deep concern promise thoughtful answers.” O’Farrell said.

For more than three decades, Phillips has been widely recognized as an influential political figure. He was the senior strategist for President Nixon’s 1968 campaign and has worked closely with Republican officials over the years.

Phillips is now an outspoken critic of the party’s current objectives. He has written over 10 best-selling books on American political and economic dynamics, and is a regular contributor to National Public Radio.

Phillips’ speech will take place in the Goins Auditorium at 6:15 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

by Kristin Grizzell

Pellessippi officials were concerned about traffic problems that may have occured from the constuction of a new school in the Hardin Valley area. The Learning Council, in a meeting earlier this month, confirmed that the schedule will not change for the new school year.

Wanda Scarbro, president of Faculty at PSTCC, commented that many of the staff were against the time changes in the schedule.

Pellissippi’s Hardin Valley campus will continue to follow the regular school schedule for fall of 2008.

by Todd Snodgrass

Money raised for through the Tennessee Lottery and allocated for educational grants has surpassed the $1 billion milestone.

Introduced in January 2004, it only took the lottery until the end of last month to pass the $1 billion landmark according to the state lottery’s official website.

“More than one billion dollars for education in the state is something all Tennesseans can celebrate,” said the predident of Tennessee Lottery and CEO Rebecca Hargrove.

“With this billion-dollar milestone, our goal to continue growth year-after-year continues to be met,” said Hargrove.

The scholastic proceeds generated from a portion of the millions of dollars the Tennessee Lottery brings in on a monthly basis encompasses all age groups and education levels.
Funds are distributed on everything from the collegiate HOPE scholarships to pre-kindergarten and after-school programs for younger children.

The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC), the oversight body that divvies out scholarship money raised by the lottery, estimates that more than 68,000 students will receive aid this year alone.

Pellissippi State students interested in learning more about the scholarships available via the Tennessee Lottery can visit a website PSTCC has set up at http://www.pstcc.edu/departments/financial_aid/lottery.htm.

by Russ Warth

Representatives from Pellissippi State,and colleges around the world, are coming together in New York for the 2008 World Congress.

The convention’s purpose is to develop global partnerships in the areas of economics, technical training and the development of faculty and students, said Pellissippi State president Allen Edwards.

Colleges and universities are beginning to recognize the importance of world learning. “The problem has been that many think we are isolated from the world but in reality we are not,” said Edwards. Students need to prepare for a lifetime of learning in the world, not just a job, so international studies are a must, Edwards said.

Edwards said that the congress will consist of notable speakers and presentations from attendees who have had success initiating world learning.

“We were hoping to have 30 participants sign up to present their education ideas,” said Edwards, “but we have received nearly 90 proposals.”

Edwards said that two proposals from Pellissippi State representatives were approved for presentation at the congress.

Associate Professor Cathy Clay will talk about her ongoing student exchange program with France. Milton Grimes, the director of the Tennessee consortium for international studies, will explain how he develops consortiums.

Over 400 people are expected to attend the three-day convention starting on Feb. 18, 2008, said Edwards. The International Association of Colleges,which Edwards is the president,and several other college organizations are sponsoring the event.

Bronx Community College will host the congress at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. To register or get more information go to the congress Web site,http://www.worldcongress2008.com.

Among the guest speakers is Naomi Tutu, the daughter of South African civil rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

by Laura Russell

On Dec. 4, Pellissippi will be hosting the Holiday Spectacular show in the Performing Arts Center.

For the first time in nine years, there will be two shows in the same night because of such large crowds that attended in the past. The first show will begin at 6 p.m. and the second show will be at 8 p.m.

The concert will consist of 135 people, including students and faculty members. The cast will be composed of the brass ensemble, guitar ensemble, harp ensemble, jazz band, two student choral ensembles, a dance class and a faculty-staff choir.

The choral director, Bill Brewer, said the students enjoy preparing for this show more than the other shows because it is more fun and not as serious.

Like all of the other musical concerts, the Holiday Spectacular is free to attend and donations will be accepted to go toward music scholarships. Brewer said every year, 20-25 music scholarships are awarded to students within all of the performing ensembles.

“We really hope the community will support us by filling up the PAC twice in one night,” said Brewer.

by Kristin Grizzell

Hardin Valley Academy, a new school that will open in fall 2008, is causing concern about the traffic at the Hardin Valley campus.

The new school may cause a traffic problem for the regularly scheduled 8:35 morning classes because the school begins at 8:30.

“This issue was brought up in Learning Council recently and the faculty senate was asked for input,” Wanda Scarbro, president of the faculty at Pellissippi, said.

At the Learning Council meeting three basic alternatives were offered to resolve the problem. The first would be to do nothing and deal with the traffic as it comes. The second possibility is to start the Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes a half an hour early. This plan would only affect the Hardin Valley campus. The third alternative is to change the entire schedule for all campuses.

“Most of the opinions I have heard so far seem to be hovering around the basic idea that the college should not take any action for the moment and wait to see what the repercussions will be from the new school opening,” Scarbro said.

Scarbro also commented that as the Hardin Valley area continues to grow traffic will continue to be a problem.

The Learning Council will meet again on Nov. 6 to further discuss the matter.

by Laura Russell

On November 20th, Pellissippi’s Small Instrumental Ensemble will be performing a concert in the Performing Arts Center.

“There will be a variety of music from folk tunes, classical, traditional and contemporary songs,”Bill Brewer,the choral director said.

The ensemble has 35 students and consists of brass, harp, guitar and chamber ensembles. “The performance will be a show case for our students’ talent,” said Brewer.

The concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. and is free to attend. Brewer said donations will be accepted for music scholarships.

by Travis Cabage

If you’re tired of the same bologna sandwich and Capri Sun for lunch, put down the lunch pail and treat yourself to fine international flavor.

The Council of Student Advocates will be hosting the Taste of Cultures on Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Goins Student Lounge.  All students are welcome to taste foods ranging from Italian, Greek, Mexican, Asian and German.

The Taste of Cultures, also called International Week is only one of the many events going on around the Pellssippi Campus. International Week will last from Nov. 5-14.

Entertainment will be provided in the form of salsa and belly dancing. There will also be a silhouette artist on hand to make silhouettes of anyone. A video presentation of different cultures represented by students and faculty will be shown. Teachers from different countries will showcase their heritage and illustrate life in their native lands.

“This is an opportunity to bring awareness and celebrate different cultures of students and faculty at Pellissippi State,” said Mary Bledsoe, the coordinator of the event. 

An event entitled “Focus on China: Sharing our Experiences” hosted by Allen Edwards, president of Pellissippi State. Events will also be held at Magnolia and Blount Campuses.

Other events will be hosted by Pellissippi professors Tyra Barrett and Betty Dahl.

by Kodie Underwood

Confucius says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Step into Pellissippi’s Performing Arts Center on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. when Dr. Hsiang-te Kung, a direct descendant of Confucius, will take students on a journey of Chinese awareness.

As part of Pellissippi State’s International Days activities, Kung will speak to students on the importance of the relationship between China and the U.S. for education and business matters.

Kung wants students to understand the necessity of global awareness. ” We are living in this global village, and we interact a lot with people in other cultures. We cannot be very isolated,” Kung said.

Kung has been a visiting lecturer in both China and the U.S. He has co-written three books and more than 70 articles in professional journals. He recieved both his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in geography and geology.

Kung is now a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Memphis. Kung also directs the university’s Asian Studies and International Trade program. Kung will be the director of the Confucius Institute, headquartered in Beijing, when it opens at the University of Memphis in 2008.

The Confucius Institute is a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote the Chinese language and culture through affiliated Confucius institutes around the world. “[The institute] will be there seven days a week to disseminate information and establish projects and programs to promote China,” said Milton Grimes, director of the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies.

Kung’s visit will be sponsored by the TnCis, headquartered at the Pellissippi Campus.

Confucius was an ancient Chinese philosopher and political figure.