TROY News Center

March 23, 2012

TROY Symphony Band to perform at Dothan Opera House

TROY – The Troy University Symphony Band will present a special performance at the Dothan Opera House on Friday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m.

Led by Director of Bands Mark Walker, the concert will feature TROY trumpet professor Michael Huff in a performance of James Curnow's "Concertpiece for Trumpet and Band," Leonard Bernstein's "Overture to Candide," George Gershwin's "An American in Paris" and John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Also performed will be a setting of the music from "The Wizard of Oz" and other popular wind band compositions.

"As part of our outreach program, the Troy University bands travel to sister institutions like Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City to deliver performances to them that would otherwise be unavailable, " said Larry Blocher, director of the TROY music department. "With bands existing only on the Troy Campus, this reaching out allows the other campuses to feel connected to the University."

The Symphony Band is comprised of the top 55 wind and percussion majors in the Troy University John M. Long School of Music and enjoys an international reputation for excellence and innovative programming.

For ticket information, visit the Music South website at www.musicsouth.org.

March 22, 2012

"Mark Twain 100 Years Later" coming to TROY campuses

TROY—Audiences will enjoy the wit and wisdom of literary icon Mark Twain during a one-man show coming to Troy University's campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Troy in April.

"Mark Twain 100 Years Later" features Branson, Mo., actor Dave Ehlert as the famous humorist and author of classic novels including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." The show includes Twain's life story and features many of his famous quotes with an emphasis on the importance of literacy.

Ehlert will perform at the Montgomery Campus on Monday, April 9, at 6 p.m. inside the Rosa Parks Museum. Performances will continue on Tuesday, April 10, starting at 10 a.m. at the Troy Campus inside the Trojan Center Theater, followed by a 7 p.m. performance at the Dothan Campus inside the Sony Hall Auditorium in the Library/Technology Building.

Admission to all of the shows is free and open to the public.

"Mark Twain 100 Years Later" is sponsored by the TROY Libraries, the College of Communication and Fine Arts and the Office of Sponsored Programs.

For more information, contact Christopher Shaffer at (334) 983-6556, ext. 1320 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

March 22, 2012

TROY to host open houses at Phenix City Campus, Columbus/Ft. Benning Site

PHENIX CITY—Residents of the Chattahoochee Valley region can learn more about Troy University during open house events at the Phenix City Campus and the Columbus/Ft. Benning Site in April.

The Phenix City Campus Open House will be Thursday, April 5, from 1-6 p.m. EST inside Pitts Hall room 128. To RSVP or for more information call (334) 448-5106.

The Columbus/Ft. Benning Site Open House will be Thursday, April 12, from 1-6 p.m. EST inside Suite B16, Classroom 3. The site is located at 506 Manchester Expressway in Columbus. Call (706) 660-2300 to RSVP or for more information.

Admission to both events is free and open to the public. Participants will learn more about degree programs and how to enroll.

March 22, 2012

Troy native crowned Ms. Venus at Troy University

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Caitlin Sexton, a sophomore elementary education major from Troy, is crowned Ms. Venus 2012 by Ms. Venus 2011 Lauren Guy, a senior health and physical education major from Jemison. Sexton, the daughter of Raymond and Lydia Sexton of Troy, will represent the University in Spring Alumni Reunion on the Troy Campus on March 31. (TROY photo/Ronnie Colvin)

TROY – Caitlin Sexton, a sophomore elementary education major from Troy, has been crowned as the winner of the 2012 Ms. Venus Pageant at Troy University.

Sexton, the daughter of Raymond and Lydia Sexton, received a crown, a $150 book scholarship and a sash, and represent the University at its Spring Alumni Reunion activities on March 31.

Open to all females who are attending a Troy University campus in Alabama, the pageant took place Wednesday with 28 contestants.

Melanie Newman, a senior broadcast journalism major from Woodstock, Ga., was first runner-up and received a $100 book scholarship. Allison Reynolds, a junior human resource management major from Auburn, was second runner-up and received a $50 book scholarship. All scholarships are sponsored by the Troy University Alumni Association.

March 22, 2012

Dothan's Mary McCruter wins Troy University's McKinley Award

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Mary McCruter, circulation supervisor at the library on Troy University's Dothan Campus, receives the University's quarterly Vergil Parks McKinley Award on March 22, from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, and Christopher Shaffer, director of library services. Shaffer nominated McCruter for the award, which includes a $1,000 stipend and an engraved clock.

TROY, Ala.—Mary McCruter, circulation supervisor at Troy University's Dothan Campus library, has received the University's Vergil Parks McKinley Award.

McCruter, who has been a member of the University's staff since 1993, received the award March 22 during a ceremony in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, presented the award to McCruter, who was nominated by Christopher Shaffer, director of library services.

The McKinley Award is the highest honor that Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. It is presented quarterly to an employee who has demonstrated outstanding attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by former Texaco CEO John McKinley in honor of his father, Vergil Parks McKinley, who was a Troy University professor during the early 20th century and was key to the development of the University's athletic program. Winners of this award receive an engraved clock and a $1,000 stipend.

In a letter of nomination, Shaffer described McCruter as a dedicated and loyal employee, who always goes the extra mile to help others.

"After 20 years of service, Mary is an exemplar of what a staff member at TROY should be and also a classic example of what is meant when we refer to the 'Trojan Family'," Shaffer said. "She takes pride and pleasure in the successes we have as an institution, exemplified by her service with the Alumni Association. She also works actively with the Faculty/Staff Annual Fund campaign and serves as the staff liaison to the Dothan Campus' Executive Council. Her longtime service, dedication to her job and love of the institution for which she works are all examples of how she has spent the past two decades making a difference for Troy University."

McCrtuer, who was surprised by the award, said Shaffer and others brought her to the Troy Campus under the pretense of attending a meeting.

"I love TROY," she said, "and I love working for TROY. Thank you for this recognition."