Community Involvement

SAU ceramics class gives art and history lesson to Magnolia Kindergarten

Aaron Street — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:39:19 +0000

Southern Arkansas University Professor of Art Steven Ochs and his ceramics students recently gave hands-on art history lessons to Magnolia kindergarten students.

Ochs and his SAU students headed up the all-day workshop on April 24, 2013. Approximately 230 children at the Magnolia Kindergarten got their hands dirty and worked on clay projects that also gave insight into items created by American Indian tribes that inhabited Arkansas

“We focused on teaching the pottery traditions and techniques of the Caddo and Quapaw Indians of Arkansas,” said Ochs. “The children created pinch pots with incised and appliqued lines, Caddo huts, head pots, effigy figures (animals), and Quapaw houses.”

Ochs said that he was assisted by nine of his ceramic students, plus Lisa VanDonsel, the ceramic lab tech for SAU and ceramic teacher for Magnolia Specialized Services. Liaisons for this project were Pat Leslie of the Magnolia School District and Dr. Jamie Brandon of the Arkansas Archeological Survey.

Projects such as this one have earned SAU a spot on the President’s Community Service Honor Roll for five years in a roll. In 2012, SAU was proud to be the only university in Arkansas to go a step further and be named to the President’s Honor Roll with Distinction. Find out more about how community involvement is at the heart of SAU’s Complete College Experience.

Muleriders in Magnolia – Athletes help the “Caring Place”

Chantal Brice — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:28:45 +0000

On April 11, 2013, four SAU student athletes lent a helping hand to a local church as a part of Muleriders in Magnolia. John Mark Abbey, Demario Thomas, Quan Warren, and Tylker Sykora sanded iron railing to be repainted at the Caring Place, which is associated with the First United Methodist Church in Magnolia. The Caring Place is a unique local establishment for Alzeimer’s and dementia patients.

Student Athletes volunteer in elementary school classroom

Bobbie Smith — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:18:05 +0000

SAU athletes have been visiting Central Elementary school to bring positive male influences to a fifth grade class. The class is preparing for big tests. Tyler Sykora, Chris Terry and Chris Davis spoke to the class about the importance of working hard in the classroom and then went out to shoot some hoops with the students. More elementary school involvement is planned this school year.

Phi Beta Lamda helps the March of Dimes

Chantal Brice — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:01:01 +0000

SAU PBL annually holds a fundraiser and/or toy drive. In previous years, members have coordinated text-to-donate projects and toy drives. In 2011, members sold paper light bulbs for $1 each and raised $45 for ACH.

Phi Beta Lamda Diaper Drive

Chantal Brice — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:55:05 +0000

In 2011 the Phi Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Lamda, in collaboration with the Arkansas Rice Depot, collected and donated 6,000 diapers to hand out to mothers in Columbia county in need.

National Night Out

Bobbie Smith — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:17:08 +0000

On Tuesday August 7, 2012, neighborhoods throughout Magnolia were invited to come together with thousands of communities nationwide for the 29th Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event

University beautification day

Bobbie Smith — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:30:09 +0000

Pick up, pull up, fix up day.

Relay for Life

Bobbie Smith — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:27:24 +0000

Every day 1,500 people die from cancer according to the American Cancer Society. Much research is being done to try to eradicate cancer, but as of now, the cure is still in the works. Everyone has been affected by cancer, if not directly, then indirectly. The Relay for Life organization is dedicated to raising money to further cancer research. Every year a Relay for Life event is held in communities all across the nation. In a Relay for Life event, survivors, caregivers and other interested community members get together usually at a high school track and walk the track to raise awareness and money for the cause. Generally the first lap is reserved for survivors, the second for caregivers, the third for teams and then people continue walking for the duration of the Relay. Often these relays can go on for 24 hours since “cancer never sleeps.” During the relay is there also a ceremony where luminaries are lighted in honor or in remembrance of those who are fighting cancer or those who have lost the battle to cancer.

SAU frequently has teams participate in the Columbia County Relay for Life. One dedicated team is Peace of Mind headed by team captain, Dr. Deborah Wilson. In 2012 they raised more than $6,500 for cancer research through various fundraisers. This team works hard every year to assist in battling cancer. All the participants truly live out the Relay for Life motto, “Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back.”

Muleriders for Movement

Bobbie Smith — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:00:23 +0000

It’s not just competition that fuels Southern Arkansas University’s Mulerider football team. Muleriders are motivated to give back to the community they call home.

Behavioral and Social Sciences are doing their part

Bobbie Smith — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:52:30 +0000

The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) of SAU reach out to the community in many ways each year. Food drives, collections and projects add to the educational experience for students of the department. Students bring a different type of food each month to support local food pantries. Some of the food is donated to charities in Magnolia and some of it is given to SIFE’s single parent food pantry. Students also have guest speakers from CASA, the Women’s Crisis Center and other organizations and whenever they mention a need, students are quick to respond to that need. Individual students have become CASA volunteers, they have brought necessary items for battered women’s shelters, CASA coloring kits for children who must endure a court experience, and items someone may need at a hospital in a rape kit. A Relay for Life team forms each year within the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department. Members of various organizations also volunteer at local charities like Magnolia’s Stewpot. Students and faculty think it’s important to give back to the community through their volunteer efforts and will continue to do so in the future.