THE REINHARDT EAGLE

Volume 135, March 29, 2024

Going Beyond the Spectrum: Michael Goodroe to Speak at Reinhardt

Reinhardt University alumnus Michael Goodroe (RU – 2016) tells his inspiring story of the challenges of autism and his path to success on Monday, April 1 at 2 p.m. in the Hoke O’Kelley Auditorium.

As a child, Goodroe’s parents did not accept limitations or the outlook of Michael never becoming independent. He now holds a master’s degree, a full-time job in Woodstock, GA, gives motivational talks, and wrote the book What Autism Gave Me, a Devastating Diagnosis to a Triumphant Life (Outskirts Press, 2018).

With World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, this guest speaker’s message conveys its importance. “I am excited for the Reinhardt community to hear Michael’s story. Michael overcame many obstacles in his pursuit to reach his goals. That lesson of perseverance is an important lesson for all of us,” explained Joshua Garner, Reinhardt’s Director of Spiritual Life, Leadership, and Service. “I hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to support Michael and learn from his incredible journey.”

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Learning by Performing Leads to Success

A vocal performance major’s enjoyment for learning led to qualifying to compete nationally. Gilliane Conklin (RU – 2024) traveled to Alabama earlier this month where her voice soared at the Southeast regional level of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing). Chosen as a finalist, she will participate in the national rounds via video submission, with the goal of being chosen for the live national semifinal in Knoxville this summer.

NATS auditions provide students with feedback on their performances to improve their craft. Conklin persevered through a long day of singing and advancing in the classical category, “I knew I gave everything I got, and that’s what counted. I was exhausted because I had been singing since 7:30 in the morning, but I kept telling myself it was worth it because I was doing something I loved no matter what the results. Which is what NATS is all about. NATS teaches us that no matter what, as artists, we are always learning, and it should be a joy to learn.”

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Students Benefit from Career Networking Opportunities

Reinhardt University’s Office of Vocation and Career Services provides students opportunities to discover career paths, prepare for job seeking, and network with representatives from various industries. Dozens of students attended the annual Career Connection Expo Wednesday evening to connect with potential employers and learn about current hiring needs.

Other opportunities this semester included a Workforce Wednesday Series featuring panels of employer representatives who enlightened attendees about their career journeys, provided organizational insight and fielded questions about employment opportunities and occupations. Students relayed that learning insider information, networking, and the knowledge gained will assist in charting the direction of their future careers.

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Alumni Spotlight: Joshua Robinson

What started as a fun hobby became a successful business for Reinhardt University alumnus Joshua Lee Robinson (RU – 2015). Today, he combines his bachelor’s degree in theatre with a knack for entrepreneurism to create Lights Up! Entertainment. Employing eighteen entertainers at his company, Robinson provides a unique twist to trivia, music bingo, and karaoke around metro Atlanta.

Following graduation, Robinson performed in regional theatre and taught at an elementary school. In 2017, he began hosting trivia at the original Reformation Brewery in Woodstock, entertaining the patrons once a month. The crowds and the bookings grew, primarily through word of mouth. He said to himself, “I think I’m onto something here,” and obtained a business license in 2020. Currently, Lights Up! Entertainment hosts about thirty-five events every week at public establishments and private parties.

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Tennis Teams Boast Winning Seasons

Reinhardt’s tennis teams continue to have a great season. Last weekend, the men's and women’s teams defeated Truett McConnell University on Saturday and the University of Pikeville on Sunday.

Both teams are currently ranked in the NAIA with the men ranked ninth and the women as 23rd. The men’s current season record is 13-1 and 6-0 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). The women stand at 11-4 and 6-1 in the conference. The league announced Luciano Fisicaro (RU – 2024) as the AAC Men’s Tennis Player of the Week.

The Eagles travel to Tennessee Wesleyan on April 4th and will return to Bridgemill Athletic Club in Canton on April 5 to finish out the regular season.

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Click Here for the Sports Calendar

Upcoming Events

Waleska Community

Easter Sunrise Service

Sunday, March 31, 7:00 a.m.

near the Bratton Memorial Bell Tower

All are welcome to an outdoor worship service on Easter Sunday. Hosted by Hillside Community Church, Shoal Creek Baptist Church, Waleska United Methodist Church, and Reinhardt University

The University Choir

Sunday, April 7, 3:00 p.m.

Falany Performing Arts Center

Free admission!

A select ensemble under the direction of Dr. Martha Shaw. This spectacular group performs as part of the University performing arts series.

Kurt Thomas

Friday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.

Falany Performing Arts Center

Free outdoor concert!

Kurt Thomas has opened for some of the biggest names in country music. He won Kenny Chesney's Next Big Star contest and CMT's Music City Madness season 3. Come enjoy his ability to captivate an audience with old favorites and originals.

Ride the Cyclone

Fridays, April 12 & 19, 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays, April 13 & 20, 7:30 p.m.

Sundays, April 14 & 21, 3:00 p.m.

at the University Theater

* Content Advisory * Recommended for audiences 16 and up. Contains adult language and sexual content.

A dark and quirky contemporary musical that tells the story of members of a high school chamber choir in Uranium City, Saskatchewan, who perished on a faulty roller coaster called the Cyclone. Each member tells their story via autotune hip hop, rock, pop, jazz, musical theatre, and/or choral styles for the chance to win the "return to life" reward from a mechanical fortune teller.

Remembrance Service

Thursday, April 18, 12:00 p.m.

near the Bratton Memorial Bell Tower

This annual heartfelt commemoration honors the lives of those who have passed away in the past year and is open to anyone in the Reinhardt community.

If you would like a loved one to be included in the reading of names, please email Whitney.Spear@reinhardt.edu

The University Jazz & Percussion Ensemble

Thursday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.

Falany Performing Arts Center

Free admission!

This exciting evening of music showcases students performing at a professional level. Be amazed by their complex rhythms, stamina, and focus.

Cup O'Joe

Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.

Falany Performing Arts Center

This close family group performs outstanding sibling harmonies and has a growing presence on the music scene in Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe. They blend the intricate tones of bluegrass, folk, and jazz to create their progressive acoustic sound. Their mix of original and re-imagined traditional songs provides an energetic and enthusiastic performance.