September 2012 E-Cat

Hellie delivers the state of our college

President Thomas L. Hellie presented the Linfield community with an evaluation of the college – past, present and future – during the State of the College address earlier this month. Watch video clips at youtube.com/linfieldcollege. In addition, the 2011-12 President's Annual Report is now available online. It records Linfield's recent successes, takes a look at how the strategic plan will be implemented, and offers a glimpse of faculty and students. Take a few moments to look back on the year and its highlights. View the online President's Report.

Homecoming 2012 is just a month away

This year's Homecoming has something for everyone. A number of reunions are planned, including the classes of 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1992 and 2002, alumni from the Japan study abroad program, SPURS, business and economics and math majors. A variety of other activities are also on the schedule. What would a visit to Linfield be without a stroll down Third Street? A tour of this historic centerpiece of Yamhill Country is planned, along with the annual Linfield's Finest celebration in McMinnville's Grand Ballroom. Check out all Homecoming 2012 events online or register now.

Meet our newest Wildcats

They are leaders and volunteers, musicians and athletes, Eagle Scouts and dancers. This year's freshman class, 443 strong, has arrived on campus and continues to settle into life at Linfield. The class brings together students from across the United States and around the world, and consists of 60 percent women and 40 percent men. Learn more about Linfield's newest additions.

Going gold in Day Hall

T.J. Day Hall at Linfield College recently received a LEED Gold certification for sustainable building, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The historic building on the school's McMinnville Campus underwent a $10 million green restoration, which was completed in the summer of 2011. In addition to ecological benefits, LEED-certified buildings are designed to improve the health and well-being of occupants. Read more at linfield.edu.

Nurse educators in demand

A Linfield College nursing professor offered recommendations for fixing the nurse educator shortage in a recent Huffington Post column. With the first wave of 79 million baby boomers entering the U.S. Medicare system last year, the current shortage of nurses is critical, according to Laura Rodgers, professor of nursing. Rodgers shared recommendations for addressing the shortage, including scholarships and loan forgiveness for nursing graduate students and greater use of technology in nursing schools. Read more at linfield.edu.

Join the 'Cats for a pre-game party

Linfield alumni and Wildcat football fans in the Puget Sound area are invited to a pre-game barbecue in Puyallup prior to the Linfield-PLU football game Saturday, Sept. 29. The pre-game barbecue will be held in the parking lot across from Sparks Stadium from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with kickoff at 12:30 p.m. Register online and get ready for a fun day of football.

Calling all Wildcats

A group of dedicated students is preparing to hit the phones to help make a difference for Linfield. The phonathon team updates alumni records and helps alumni and supporters stay connected to Linfield through college news and event information. The phonathon team also raises critical financial support for Linfield students and programs. Please take their call, stay connected to Linfield and consider supporting the Linfield Fund.

Hall of Fame – new and improved

Linfield's athletics hall of fame has entered the digital age, thanks to a recent renovation made possible by donations to the TopCat Club. Wooden plaques have been replaced by an interactive display featuring 55-inch touch-screen monitors, allowing viewers to access more information about each inductee. The Hall of Fame was rededicated in a ceremony Sept. 8. See photos and read the article or better yet, stop by campus and see it for yourself.

Linfield ranked high in 'best college' survey

Linfield College was ranked 112 in the recently-released U.S. News & World Report survey of the nation's best liberal arts colleges. The annual survey includes 1,600 schools in a variety of categories. "Best College" criteria includes the academic caliber of students, retention and graduation rates, class size and the number of full-time faculty. Read more at linfield.edu.

Calendar of events

Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 20-22 – Old Saybrook, 7:30 p.m., Marshall Theatre
Friday, Sept. 21 – Constitution Day, 11:45 a.m., 201 Riley
Saturday, Sept. 22 – Hispanic Heritage Day, 2-5:30 p.m., IM field
Tuesday, Sept. 25 – James Miller, "Examined Lives: From Socrates to Nietzsche," 7:30 p.m., Nicholson Library
Friday, Sept. 28 – Miracle Theatre's B'aktun 13, 7:30 p.m., Marshall Theatre
Saturday, Sept. 29 – PLU pre-game BBQ, 11 a.m., Sparks Stadium
Sunday, Sept. 30 – Natalie Gunn and Susan McDaniel faculty recital, 3 p.m., Ice Auditorium
Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Sports Illustrated writer Chris Ballard, 6 p.m., Nicholson Library
Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Victoria Bynum, "The Long Shadow of the Civil War," 7 p.m., Pioneer Hall
Thursday, Oct. 11 – History professor Gregg Andrews, Steine Jonasson lecture, "Thyra J. Edwards: Black Activists in the Global Freedom Struggle," 7 p.m., Jonasson Hall
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12-13 – Homecoming
Friday, Oct. 12 – Peter Ellefson recital, 8 p.m., Ice Auditorium
Tuesday, Oct. 16 – Amitava Kumar lecture, 7:30 p.m., Nicholson Library

Seen on campus

Science research, community service, moving in and a visit by the Wildcat – all part of orientation as a new year begins at Linfield. Watch a slideshow of photos.