Dragon Boat team takes first place
The University of North Georgia (¶¶Òõ̽̽App) earned gold in the collegiate division of the 200-meter race in the Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Georgia, on Sept. 9.
This is the team's 10th win and appearance in the collegiate event. ¶¶Òõ̽̽App had a winning time of 1:02.223.
"This was another great team win for ¶¶Òõ̽̽App. We won all three races with competitive times. ¶¶Òõ̽̽App came from behind in two of the three races, which exemplified the hard work and persistence of each paddler on the boat and the ability of each paddler to participate as a team," Dr. Neal Lin, team captain and lecturer of biology, said. "We also greatly appreciated friends and family members coming out to the event and supporting us."
The team consists of Dr. Michael Bender, Dr. Ran Chen, Brandon Clark, Jaden Davidson, Dr. Adam Davis, Allison Grundel, Dr. Victoria Hightower, Lin, Dr. Jeanelle Morgan (lead paddler), Ella Reid, Sheila Schulte, Anita Turlington, Kelly West, and Grace Witkowski. New team members included Dr. Nancy Dalman, Diana Davenport, Cameron Gay, Maili Hornbuckle, Caleb Holtzclaw, and Lillie Holtzclaw.
Walker Peck steered for each of the three races, and Finn Davis was drummer.
"We all have to work together to be successful since being in sync is key to propelling the boat to victory," Morgan, professor and associate department head of biology, said. "Our strategy this year was to start out slow and strong, making sure we were paddling together. We ramped up the pace as the race went on, which allowed us to sail past our competition to victory."
Dr. Christopher Jespersen, dean of the College of Arts and Letters, sponsors the Dragon Boat team.
"The ¶¶Òõ̽̽App Dragon Boat Team has become an institutional tradition that reflects the university's mission: It includes students, staff and faculty. It's very much reflective of the community, and it's successful — year after year," Jespersen said.
Mullins excited to give back in return to ¶¶Òõ̽̽App
Alumnus Shawn Mullins will return to ¶¶Òõ̽̽App in October to raise funds for the Golden Eagle Band, a cadet specialty unit that helped shape his own journey.
Two students attend national forensic program
A PSA student spent time at UT Martin gaining work experience and earning college credit toward a criminal justice degree. A second ¶¶Òõ̽̽App student also attended.
Mund takes lead of alumni relations
Jordan Mund, a 2021 ¶¶Òõ̽̽App graduate, started her new role as executive director of alumni relations Sept. 1.
Rowing team finishes strong on national stage
The ¶¶Òõ̽̽App rowing team closed out the spring semester with strong finishes at the American Collegiate Rowing Association national championship in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.