'Southern 2021

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Campus Life Panther Partnerships Learning New Skills Professor of Biology Dr. Pete VanZandt celebrated 15 years at the College by becoming a BSC student himself. Returning to the other side of the classroom – and making time to formally study outside of his research expertise – is something VanZandt has been wanting to do for a long time, and BSC’s Accelerated Data Science Program presented the perfect opportunity to do so. “As faculty, we all love the process of learning more,” VanZandt says. “If we have the time, I know that lots of us would like to take more classes. This was one of the most humbling, difficult experiences I’ve ever had, but, if it wasn’t that difficult, I would not have valued it as I do.” Last summer, VanZandt was part of the very first data science cohort through the College’s collaborative program with Flatiron School. He adds his time in the program to the list of strenuous, and at times grueling, challenges that have become some of his proudest achievements, like earning his doctorate degree, finishing several ultramarathons, and biking for 24 hours straight. “I’ve always believed that computing should be a part of every major,” he says. “There’s not a discipline, department, or aspect of our lives that’s not touched by data. I saw this program as an opportunity to increase my skills and better understand the possible connections between computing and what our students can do and what I can teach.” After completing pre-work assignments, and bringing his 25 years in statistics and some experience in programming languages, VanZandt joined undergraduate students, recent graduates, and professionals to learn a completely new skillset at a rapid pace. He consistently found ways to apply the knowledge to his work as a faculty member and administrator. VanZandt’s two final projects focused on moths, his research expertise, and on BSC graduation predictors. “I never would have known how to apply these different and novel data science approaches if I hadn’t taken this class,” Van Zandt says. “As chair of the biology department, I’m interested in how students progress through their first-year sequence. I have the tools now to do an analysis on what factors are leading students to be successful through those first four courses.” Though many students in the data science program are looking to change their career or break into Birmingham’s growing data science companies, VanZandt brought a different but nonetheless important goal – to gain a new expertise on data science that he will find numerous ways to bring into his current position. “And having a student’s perspective again is something that’s going to make my teaching better.” SGA LEADERSHIP Elections for 2021-2022 Student Government Association positions concluded on Thursday, Sept 16. The executive board, led by SGA President Laura Alice Hillhouse, is another all-female team – last year’s SGA executive board was the first allfemale team since 2012. Laura Alice Hillhouse is a senior business administration major from Florence, Ala. She was the 2020-2021 SGA Treasurer, is involved in Greek Life, and is a ’Southern Ambassador. She is also Vice President of We the Neighbors, an organization dedicated to breaking down stigma surrounding homelessness through education and service-learning opportunities. The other elected executives are: Vice President Anna Withers Wellingham, a sophomore political science major from Mountain Brook, Ala. She is involved in Greek Life, Quest II, Orientation Team, Active Minds, Concert Choir, Cheerleading, and is a volunteer for Religious Life. She also works as the supervisor for the BSC Bookstore. 64 // ’southern
BRINGING THE WORLD TO BSC Birmingham-Southern College will serve as one of the more than 25 competition sites around Birmingham for The World Games 2022. The multi-sport event will be held from July 7- 17, 2022. An anticipated 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries will participate in 34 unique, multidisciplinary sports throughout The Games. Goldfarb Field at Berylson Soccer Park, the home of Birmingham-Southern Soccer, will play host to Fistball. Bill Battle Coliseum, the home of Birmingham-Southern Basketball and Volleyball, will host a variety of competitions including Orienteering, Karate, Wushu, and Ju-Jitsu. Birmingham-Southern residence halls will also be the accommodation for several athletes competing at The Games in their dormitories. The World Games 2022 Birmingham marks the 40th anniversary of the event and will generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact. The World Games was established by the International World Games Association, an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Wondering what Fistball is? Learn about The World Games sports at twg2022.com/sports/. David Benck ’90, senior vice president and general counsel at Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc., is secretary of the World Games 2022 board of directors. ALL-FEMALE AGAIN FOR 2021-2022 Secretary Madison Blair, a junior English major from Hoover, Ala. She was also the 2020-2021 secretary. She is involved in Greek Life, the Orientation Team, and ‘Southern Ambassadors, and is a writing center tutor. Treasurer Lauren Barnett, a junior double majoring in history and economics with a Distinction in Poverty Studies. She is involved in the Orientation Team, the Bonner Leader program, the Harrison Honors program, ‘Southern Ambassadors, Quest II, Religious Life, Greek Life, and ARC tutoring. ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES ARE: Senior Representatives Mayci Hartley Paige Williamson Junior Representatives Paige Washington Martha Louise Waters Sophomore Representatives Jamie Archer Honey Green Freshmen Representatives Xuan Huynh Daniel Johnson Lauren Overton Commuter Representatives Lilia Lopez Magali Valdez Lakeview Residence Hall Representative Malcolm Hogan Pierce Residence Hall Representative Constance Hodges Bruno Residence Hall Representative Sara Beth Hill Bill & Lyndra Daniel Residence Hall Representative Kenyé Underwood Hilltop Village Apartment Representatives Jannah Moede | Wheeler Coleman Fraternity Row Representative Jake Ogle Sorority Row Representative Greta Kyburz FALL/WINTER 2021 / 7
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Since the 2020 event canceled due t
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Dr. Michael Callahan ‘67 Pamela P
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Help students recharge at the Fount
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Remembering Clay Long A Hilltop Tri
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Stay in TOUCH! Rowdy’s Playlist K
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'Southern 2021

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