Stetson Cupola 1997-25-4

Summer 1997 Volume XXII No. Middleton Alumna helps provide low-cost counseling for those in need Community service is a way of life for Merrilee Middleton, '53, cofounder of the Center for Group Counseling, a Boca Raton organization with the mission of "helping people help themselves." Founded in 1973 with the goal of providing professional counseling to those who could not afford private treatment, the Center for Group Counseling has helped to meet the mental health needs of over 30,000 men, women and children in South Florida. "The idea of professionals volunteering their services was very avant garde," said Middleton, who earned her Psy.D. degree from Nova University in 1988. Over 50 of the Center's 350 volunteers have a master's degree or higher in psychology, social work or counseling. "Stetson has really launched me in many ways," said Middleton, who offers pre- doctoral internships to Stetson students through the Center. A leader in student government, Pi Beta Phi, and the Women's Council during her years as a student, she later returned to help George Hood establish Stetson's Counseling Center. Middleton, who was a state delegate to the President's Summit for America's Future last April, now serves as a special advisor to the Center. Recognized as one of President Bush's thousand Points of Light, the Center offers programs ranging from children's play therapy to senior adult group counseling, from family communications services to counselor training. U.S. News: Stetson third in Southern regional universities Stetson's oldest alumna, EUa Reardon Kelley, '48, center, celebrated her 109th birthday March at the DeLand Convalescent Center, with, from left, Pope Duncan, Amory Cnderhul, '36, Linda Davis, '73, Mary Hood, Qeorge Hood, Freda Lane Ebert, '80, and Fred Lane, '52. Kelley, who was 60 when she graduated, received a key to the city from DeLand Mayor David Rigsby. (Photo/Cheryl Downs) Stetson Weekend '98 looks both ways: Into the future as well as the past... Alumni attending Stetson Weekend 1998, Feb. 6-8, will have two special opportunities — one a glimpse into the future, and one a look back into the past. The first is a series of events marking the dedication of the Hollis Center, a new fitness and wellness facility built around the swimming pool. Designed as a new center for student life, it will also create new campus traditions, such as the ringing of its Victory Bell on special occasions. The second opportunity includes a concert, reception and dinner honoring the late Harold "Prof Giffin on Saturday, Feb. 7. Alumni who sang with "Prof may sing in the celebration choir led by Bing Vick, '66, a "Prof protege now teaching at FurmanUniversity. Combining the best featutes of Homecoming and Reunion, Stetson Weekend will be a time fot all alumni to meet on campus, and for the classes of 1943, '48, '53, '58, *63, '68, '73, '78, Stetson University tanks third among the South's top regional universities in U.S. News & World Report's 1998 special edition, "America's Best Colleges." Fot the 1 l'h yeat, Stetson is recognized as one of the best comprehensive regional universities in the nation. Ranked fourth in 1997, Stetson shares the third place spot this year with James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va. The U.S. News rankings are based on a study of fout-yeat acctedited colleges and universities, combining the results of an "academic reputation" survey of college presidents, provosts and deans of admission with statistical data on retention, faculty tesoutces, student selectivity, financial resources, and the alumni giving rate during the 1995-96 academic year. '83, and '88 to come together for special Reunion events. "It will be a fun event," said Gary Meadows, executive ditectot of the alumni association. "We ate planning the Second Annual Fraternity Row Barbeque, bigger and bettet class banquets, a new 55th year class reunion, a home basketball game, receptions, tours, and more." Call the Alumni Association Office at 904- 822-7480 fot more information. Alumni choir to honor 'Prof The School of Music will celebrate the life of the late Harold "Prof Giffin, longtime music professor, during Stetson Weekend. Alumni who sang with "Prof are invited to perform his favorite music during a 2 p.m. concert on Saturday, Feb. 7, in Elizabeth Hall. Rehearsals are set for Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 7, at 12:30 p.m. A detailed letter has been mailed to music majois, asking singers to register by Nov. 1. Others who would like to sing may call the Music School for more information at 904-822-8950. Also, a book of "Prof stories is being compiled to raise funds for the Giffin Scholarship. Please send your stories to the Alumni Office, 421 N. Woodland Blvd. Unit 8257, DeLand, FL 32720 or e-mail them to [email protected].