President's Report 2007 - Benedict College

BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Our most recent Fulbright scholar was Dr. Ronald High, associate professor
of fine arts and music. He spent Spring 2005 in Germany, lecturing on and
performing African American vocal music.
Meanwhile, Benedict President Dr. David Swinton, Dr. Warren Robinson and
Professor Sybil Rosado all were recognized by the National Association of
African American Honors Program (NAAHP). President Swinton received the
2006 NAAHP President’s Award, and Dr. Robinson was named vice president
for the organization. Finally, Professor Rosado was named NAAHP Faculty
Member of the Year for 2006. Additionally, President Swinton was the
recipient of the National Economic Association’s Samuel Z. Westerfield and
was recently inducted into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame.
Of course, our greatest pride is in our students, including the winners of the 2006 NAAHP
debate competition and recipients of its Best Delegation Award. The same student body
also provided the members of the 2005-2006 South Carolina Collegiate Honor Concert
Band, who presented their musical handiwork at Clemson University’s Brooks Center for
the Performing Arts.
Several individual Benedict faculty nabbed
awards of their own. Gary Callahan, assistant
dean for the School of Education, was appointed
chairman for the Tripartite Council by the
National Network for Education Renewal’s Arts
and Sciences.
Benedict Ensemble Excels at
Festival of Choirs
Concert Included Four Local Choirs
By COURTNEY S. DANFORTH, Free Times
Four choirs participated in the 2007 Festival of Choirs at First Baptist
Church, representing Columbia’s secular choral community from
high school to college to “professional volunteer.” The delightful
surprise of the evening was Benedict College’s Concert Choir.
Conducted by Linda Kershaw, this group had the finest blend,
balance, color and dynamic range of the ensembles represented
– remarkable especially since more than half of the choir’s soprano
section was absent. Perhaps because of the small size of the
ensemble, the emotional connection between conductor and
musicians was obvious and appreciated. “O For a Faith” (arranged
by Nathan Carter) introduced the audience to the precision of
this group. Their performance of “In Bright Mansions” (arranged
by Roland M. Carter) was emotionally moving and demonstrated
impressive dynamic control. They ended with an upbeat “Non Nobis
Domine” (adapted from Rosephanye Powell) that was delivered
enthusiastically and ably.
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