Summer - Lee University

Campus NewsApril Races Attract AlumniFor the third consecutive year, twoApril events have raised interest fromalumni who are either runners or havebecome runners.Over the last eight years, alumniand friends that support Lee University’sefforts to raise support for CysticFibrosis has netted over $300,000toward research of the disease. Localbanks, a funeral home,contractors and productioncompanies as well asnumerous local companieswere corporate, kilometeror communitysponsors. These organizationsand the participantshave made the so-called65 Roses Run an annualpart of their sponsorshippackage. The 5K eventsaw nearly 400 runnerscompete on an officiallysanctioned course whichbegins and ends on theLee campus. There wasalso a ‘Fun Run’ and a 3-Pride and Prejudice Plays to Packed HousesBy SUSIE BATTLEThe MRS degree was finallyoffered here at Lee University thisspring when Jane Austen’s novel,Pride & Prejudice, came to life on theDixon Center auditorium stage. Director,Dr. Mark Burnette; costumer, Dr.Christine Williams; technical director,Catherine Bradley; and the 25 studentcast delivered seven exciting performancesto capacity crowds.The story begins and ends withthe mother, Mrs. Bennet (Julie Gibson)trying to marry off all five of herdaughters since they have no sons toinherit their home and belongings.“Dr. Burnette, well done! Thecomedic timing was exceptional and16 TORCH • Summer 2008mile walk, along with inflatable slides,entertainment and lots of ‘carb-loading’snacks and drinks.Two weeks later in Nashville, Tenn.,46 Lee alumni participated in theCountry Music Marathon and HalfMarathon, a group which included LeeUniversity president Dr. Paul Conn.The rigorous 13.1 and 26.2 mile coursethe set was exquisite. My wife, who is arabid Jane Austen fan, really enjoyedherself that evening,” said Dr. Michael J.Laney, chair, Communication & the Arts.wound through downtown Nashville inan event which attracted more than31,000 runners. The night before therace, Lee University hosted the participantsat a “Pasta Pig-Out” at Buca DiBeppo in Cool Springs. The dinner, aswell as bright green running shirts, weresponsored by People for Care & Learning,an organization whose executivedirector is Lee alum and half marathonfinisher, Fred Garmon ’80.A portion of the group who participated in the Nashville marathon and half marathon.Audrey Milum (as Elizabeth Bennet)and John D. Moore (Mr. Darcy).The cast brought the story linealive with great acting intermingledwith humor and much energy.Audrey Milum narrated as well asplayed the role of headstrong ElizabethBennet. Mr. Darcy (John D.Moore) the proud and wealthy Englishmanwho pursued and eventuallywon her heart.Dr. J. Matthew Melton, dean forthe College of Arts & Sciences said,“Dr. Burnette and his cast and crewdid a very fine job with a challengingadaptation. I’m glad they chose tohave fun with it. The production waslight-hearted and enjoyable. Sets andcostumes looked terrific, too. EveryoneI know who saw the play cameaway having had a good time.”