[159]NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS CELEBRATE AT MTSU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 15, 2008EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS CELEBRATE AT MTSU
Gala Week to Include Election Night Party, Turkey Dinner, Pinnacle Inductions

(MURFREESBORO) — A celebration of Nontraditional Student Week is slated for Monday, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 7 in the Keathley University Center (KUC) at MTSU with festivities, encouragement and election-year enlightenment on the agenda.
The activities kick off with an open house from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 3 in Room 320 of the KUC, where the organization for nontraditional students, Older Wiser Learners (OWLs), will offer pastries and cider.
On Nov. 4, Election Day, OWLs will co-sponsor Unity Election Party 2008 with Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. and other groups from 7-11 p.m. in the KUC Grill to unite MTSU students of all political backgrounds in a nonpartisan location and to celebrate democracy. A microphone will be available for participants to express their opinions. Speakers from both major parties will be on hand, and attendees will be able to watch live television election coverage. There will be food, gift giveaways, and a silent auction with proceeds to benefit a local domestic violence shelter. This event is free and open to the public. A care package item for soldiers serving overseas or a small donation at the front door is requested.
OWLs will staff an information table in front of the KUC Grill from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 5. Members will receive free gifts as staffers inform potential new members about the organization.
The Nontraditional Week Dinner is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Nov.6 in Room 322 of the KUC. Students may bring their families, a side dish (salad, vegetables or dessert) that feeds eight to 10 people and a liter of their favorite beverage. OWLs will provide the turkey. New members will be inducted into the Pinnacle Honor Society, the official honor society for nontraditional students. The dinner speaker, Sharon Mitchell-Pierre, will provide uplifting words about overcoming the daily struggles of a nontraditional student. Mitchell-Pierre, who retired from USAA Life Insurance Company in 2007, is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Tex., with a bachelor’s degree in



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business administration. While juggling marriage, motherhood, a career and night school, Mitchell-Pierre also dealt with the deaths of her parents, a home invasion robbery, serious illness and many other challenges. Currently, she is enrolled in the sign language interpreter certification program at San Antonio College.
For more information about Nontraditional Student Week activities, contact Dr. Carol Ann Baily at cabaily@mtsu.edu or 615-898-5989 or OWLs President Monique Denney at mdd3f@mtsu.edu.