On the morning of August 27, new and returning students filled the sidewalks and buildings of Samford University’s campus. Education candidates were welcomed with big smiles, hugs and treats from Orlean Beeson School of Education’s Dean’s Executive Council. Council members gave candidates a pen and pad of paper to help them kick off their first day. They also offered maps and assistance with directions to new students who had trouble finding their buildings.
The Dean’s Executive Council (DEC) is a select group made up of 36 men and women who meet quarterly to discuss school of education current affairs and support the school with encouragement, counsel and financial contributions. Members have a vested interest and passion for investing in the future of education.
“The first day of class is a new beginning,” said DEC chair, Sonia Carrington. “Whether you are brand new to Samford or returning for your senior year, the first day can be both exciting and intimidating. We want our education candidates to know we are here to support them, we believe in them and we are praying for them.”
The entire first week of school was filled with fun activities for education candidates. August 27, following the DEC welcome, teacher education candidates heard from Thompson Sixth Grade Center Principal and alumnus, Danny Steele. Steele reminded them to be the difference, face every day with enthusiasm and excitement, and that they are someone’s hero.
The day concluded with an induction of 29 candidates into the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and the official induction of 52 candidates into their respective teacher education major at the Lamp of Learning Ceremony.
August 29, education candidates celebrated Orlean Beeson School of Education’s namesake Orlean Bullard Beeson’s birthday. Undergraduate students celebrated throughout the morning with doughnuts from the dean and graduate students celebrated with pops on the plaza – soda pops and skinny pop popcorn – before evening classes.
The school also announced the establishment of a legacy scholarship in Mrs. Beeson’s name. Gifts to this scholarship provide important financial assistance to incoming freshman with demonstrated financial need.
“Mrs. Orlean Bullard Beeson’s legacy lives on through the tremendous work done by our candidates and alumni each day,” said education interim dean Bonnie Rabe. “Her birthday is a special opportunity for us to honor the transformational legacy she continues to provide for our candidates, faculty, staff and alumni. We are excited to witness what this upcoming academic year has in-store.”
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About Samford University – Samford University is a premier nationally ranked private university deeply rooted in its Christian mission. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th oldest institution of higher education in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks Samford 4th among regional universities in the South. Samford enrolls 5,619 students from 44 states, the District of Columbia and 29 other countries in its 10 academic units: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. Samford also fields 17 NCAA Division I teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference.