President Pro Tem Russell Duke spoke to students Aug. 19 in the opening chapel of the school year. Before Dr. Duke's message on grace, Gerald Bieritz, associate professor of music, sang "Amazing Grace."
Ross Jutsum, chair of the Music Department, introduced the Tuesday chapel format at chapel services Aug. 22. Dr. Jutsum emphasized the power of worship through music.
C.W. Davis, newly appointed AU chaplain, introduced himself at chapel services Aug. 29. As chaplain, Mr. Davis will serve as pastor to the students. After relating anecdotes from his youth, Mr. Davis spoke about the strength Jesus Christ lends to everyone who seeks a closer relationship with him.
The main message was preceded and followed by music and hymns sung to the accompaniment of a worship team made up of Dr. Jutsum, other musicians and singers.
Neil Matkin, chair of the Computer Information Systems department, is now also director of Information Systems and Services (ISS). As the director of ISS, Mr. Matkin is responsible for all data systems and personnel.
In addition, new faculty include: C.W. Davis, university chaplain and instructor in theology; James L. Newsom, lecturer in history; JoAnn Rogers, assistant director of institutional research and instructor in speech communication; Tommy L. Seymour, lecturer in biological sciences; Thomas S. Upton, instructor in computer information systems; and Wesley L. Weatherman, lecturer in computer information systems.
Construction of the transmission tower for KBAU-FM, Ambassador's new public radio station, was completed in August, according to Dennis Robertson, chair of the Communication Department and general manager of the station.
After equipment testing is completed, the station is scheduled to sign on the air later this fall. KBAU, which will broadcast at 90.7 on the FM dial, will broadcast news and public affairs, AU sports and a mix of light jazz, acoustic and classical music.
Two professional chamber music ensembles--the Quantum Brass quintet, from Madison, Wisconsin, and Duo Renard from Bruehl, Germany--gave a free concert Aug. 26 at the Ambassador University field house auditorium. The program included Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story Suite" as well as works by Fuchs, Hoffmeister and Mozart.
The two groups will live, teach and perform in East Texas for the next nine months as part of the Chamber Music Rural Residencies Program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to enhance musical life in rural communities.
Ambassador University, Jarvis Christian College and the Hawkins and Gladewater Independent School Districts, will serve as host organizations for the groups, working closely with the musicians to develop and implement educational programs in the schools.
Live performances and community updates about the program and activities of the ensembles will be aired on Ambassador's new public radio station, KBAU.
A news team from the Dallas bureau of Cable News Network (CNN) was in Big Sandy Sept. 1 to gather video footage and interviews about the involvement of Ambassador and other East Texas colleges and schools in the Rural Residencies Program.
Sarah Bilowus, KBAU promotion director, is a director of the Upshur County Arts Council, the funding agent for the residencies program. CNN interviewed Sarah about Ambassador's involvement in the program, which has brought two chamber music groups to East Texas to perform and teach.
Also, television station KETK of Tyler did a story on the new radio station Aug. 30, interviewing Dennis Robertson, general manager, and students Steve Redlinger and Deborah Browning.
AU's newspaper, The Portfolio, is offering subscriptions to anyone who would like to keep up with week-to-week happenings at the university. Those interested should send $20 (checks only, please), and their name and address to Portfolio Subscriptions, Ambassador University, Big Sandy, Texas, 75755. Those with overseas addresses should add $5.
Two-year subscriptions are $35, and three-year subscriptions are $50. Alumni who are members of the AU Alumni Association are eligible for discounts on subscriptions and may obtain additional information by calling 1-903-636-2023.
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