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7.30.08
Dot Wise and Woody O'Cain
Alumni Board hears from new enrollment VP
Erskine College and Seminary President Dr. Randall T. Ruble and newly appointed Vice President for Enrollment David R. "Woody" O'Cain were among speakers addressing Erskine Alumni Board members Saturday at a meeting led by President Steve Southwell '80.
Ruble's remarks included highlights of renovations on several campus buildings, including the Erskine Building, Galloway Physical Activities Center and Bowie Chapel. He also spoke about restoration plans for Moffatt Dining Hall, damaged by a fire July 10, and gave an update on the college and seminary.
The president remains optimistic about Erskine. "Enrollment is looking up," he said. "We've balanced the budget for the last two years. We've brought support back. I'm thankful to God for your support."
A major cleanup to prepare Moffatt for restoration began July 28. "We think it will take about three weeks," Ruble said. Work on the facility will continue through the fall.
Asked about dining service during the coming semester, when students will eat in the mezzanine area of Galloway, Ruble said, "We are looking at portable kitchens," and added, "The food will be what it has always been."
O'Cain, a member of the Class of 1987 and former director of admissions at Furman University, said that when he heard Ruble's inauguration speech, which touched on plans to create a vice president for enrollment, he felt Ruble was speaking directly to him. But he had doubts about working at his alma mater.
"Erskine made a difference in my life. I was a naïve, immature kid and Erskine shaped me," he said. "I've always had a strong faith, but when God opened this door, I said, 'Are you sure?'"
Now, O'Cain says, his response to his new job is, "Wow! I truly have a chance to make a difference here."
Successful admissions efforts center not merely on finding students, but on finding the right students who will stay to graduate, O'Cain explained. "It's all about match."
O'Cain's plans include "going paperless" in the admissions office; using social networking sites such as "Facebook" in recruitment efforts; and evaluating prospective students in a holistic way, taking into account more than grades and test scores.
A strong believer in the interrelatedness of work done for the institution, O'Cain said grounds crew members ought to "stop the lawnmower and say hello" to visitors and staff members should "stop and pick up that piece of paper" on the grounds.
"Everything we do and say is to make Erskine College a better place," he said.
Vice President for Advancement Ralph Patterson reported on the 2007-08 Annual Fund, which met its $2 million overall goal under the leadership of co-chairs Sarah Richie Dagenhart '82 and William W. Lesesne '61.
"It's a testimony to the strength of the institution and the dedication of our alumni and friends that we have been able to maintain such high levels of support," Southwell said.
Incoming Annual Fund co-chairs Sarah Wightman Brice '71 and Dr. John McGill '43 have provided "exceptional support and leadership at Erskine," Southwell said.
Increasing the percentage of alumni who donate to the Annual Fund -- along with a balanced budget -- will help make Erskine eligible for assistance from foundations, Patterson said.
Southwell noted that alumni giving is a factor in such national rankings as those published in U.S. News & World Report. "Every gift, regardless of size, is essential to Erskine's progress," he said.
Praising the faithful giving of many older alumni, Patterson cited the necessity of engaging young alumni. "Are our young people ready to carry on?" he asked.
A "Pacesetters" program for young alumni is now in place to help meet this challenge.
"This year we are focusing on the Classes of 2007 and 2008," Director of Alumni Affairs Buddy Ferguson said. "These young graduates are recognized as 'pacesetters' for their class by making a donation of $25 or more. They receive a t-shirt and are asked to encourage their classmates to participate in the Annual Fund."
Flying Fleet Club President Phil Phillips reported that this year, 936 members gave a total of $302,679, a considerable increase over last year's 637 members and $217,886 total. He said the Erskine Open Golf Tournament raised some $5,100 to support the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame.
The next meeting of the Alumni Board is set for Nov. 22, in conjunction with Erskine's homecoming celebration.
Sarah Wightman Brice
Dr. John McGill
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