The PSSA exists to enhance the overall work environment of the Brookhaven College professional support staff, assist the student body through scholarships and other endeavors and work to uphold the image of Brookhaven College in general.
Congratulations To Our Members
Laurey Lynch in the Advising and Counseling Center, has been promoted from orientation specialist to orientation coordinator.
Congratulations And Recognition To Our Members’ Families
As reported in the previous Chatter, on Oct. 19, aspiring country and western singer Dawn McCoy daughter of Clarice McCoy, FOTP, performed at the Episcopal School of Dallas’ homecoming, her high school alma mater. Individuals who attended the performance were “wowed” by Dawn’s original songs, her voice and “sassy” style. Clarice, proud mother that she is, was on cloud nine.
Bridget Lynch, daughter of Laurey Lynch has received the designation of AP Scholar with Honor. This title is granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams. Bridget earned an average of 4.75 on four exams which is a nice achievement.
In December, Jenny Beesley, daughter of Mary Beesley will graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies. She also has a double minor in philosophy and French; all this while maintaining a grade point average just shy of a 4.0. Jenny spent the 2007 spring semester studying in Bordeaux, France, and is now fluent in the language. Jenny’s near term objective is to land a teaching job here in Dallas, perhaps at her alma mater, Ursuline Academy. Regardless of which institution she winds up at, Mary is just thrilled at the prospect of having her daughter in the area.
Casey Smith, daughter of Bob Smith and Lee will intern at the Preston Hollow People newspaper this December and January. Casey is a journalism major at Missouri University and reports that, at this writing, Mizzou’s football team is undefeated for the season, not counting Oklahoma, and they are ranked number seven nationally.
Do you know the name of a Brookhaven College employee that composed, performed and recorded religious music? The first person to submit the correct answer to Bob Smith will win a prize.
Our new membership drive for the upcoming year is in its last couple of weeks; therefore we will continue to dispense with listing new PSSA members and Friends of the PSSA; a complete roster will be made available at the end of the membership drive.
Our membership goal for this year is 90 percent and our membership committee believes this objective can be reached.
The PSSA‘s “Friends of the PSSA” membership continues to grow and the PSSA is very grateful for the support shown by the faculty and administrators. Currently there are approximately 40 FOTP members.
If you are not a PSSA member or a Friend of the PSSA, you are encouraged to join. Interested individuals should stop by Room S072 and, after paying the $5 dues, Mildred Kelley will add you to the membership roll.
By popular demand, this month’s writing brings back the member profile section in the PSSA submission.
Kellie Hickman
Most readers know Brookhaven College’s long-time employee, Kellie Hickman. Kellie works as a rehabilitation specialist and has been employed in that position since 2001. In this position she serves the college’s student population that requires advisement or class accommodation based on a documented disability. Recognizing the college’s mission, we know that Kellie fills an extremely important roll.
Kellie was born in Tyler, Texas, and has fond memories of the town where she was always involved in activities such as choir, sports and church activities. She also spent part of her formative years in Houston and Austin. Kellie earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas where she also earned a master’s degree in counseling. She is considering pursuing a doctorate but has yet to commit. She also earned an associate degree from Brookhaven College as have many other employees. Our campus community is particularly fond of students that graduate from the DCCCD and return as employees and we are glad to know that this includes Kellie.
Kellie and her husband Jack have a 14-year-old son named Justin. Justin is a freshman at Hebron High where he plays basketball and Kellie’s goal is not to miss a game.
She loves to sing and participates in her church choir; perhaps, we can get her to sing at our PSSA holiday party. She likes many different kinds of music including folk, country and western and religious.
While Kellie is not reluctant to respond to questions, she can be somewhat evasive; for example when asked which of all PSSA presidents she considers to be the best she answers only “…who do you think?”
If you have not met Kellie, look her up and say hello. If you miss her in her office, she will occasionally surface at Sprouts Market.
Planned special events include the PSSA annual bake sale and the December holiday celebration.
The PSSA annual bake sale is currently underway and employees can place their pre-orders until Nov. 19. Deliveries of pre-orders will be on Nov. 20, and additional items will be on sale in the Student Services Center, Building S, that day. Items will include pies, cakes, breads, quiche and other kinds of baked items. Please do not miss out on this fun and tasty event. For additional details contact Julie Stearman, Jamie Jenkins, Vicki DeFord or DeBorah Whaley-Stephenson.
In addition to getting some tasty food, you also will be helping the PSSA fulfill part of its mission; e.g. providing for student scholarships, contributing to the student book fund and supporting the employee assistance fund which is open to all campus employees that need help.
In the near future, the professional support staff will be encouraged to apply for the annual PSSEC scholarship award. Any PSSA member who is taking college-level courses is eligible to apply. The application forms will be available on Nov. 16.
On Dec. 4, the PSSA will hold its annual holiday lunch. This year, 21 Korean students who are attending Brookhaven College will join us for lunch. These students came to our campus as a group and consequently do not have many outside sponsors on which to rely for support; hopefully this gesture will create some fond memories for them as well as us. All indications are that this will be a fun event with good food, fellowship and door prizes. If you are able to assist in making this a major success, please contact Evonne Clark and she will put you to work. If you have any outside contacts willing to contribute items to use as door prizes, please ask them to do so.
The next monthly PSSA meeting is scheduled for noon on Nov. 28 in Room H125. If possible, please attend the monthly meetings because your support and participation is crucial to the success of the PSSA.
Librarian Lois Wagensil’s name was drawn at the all-campus meeting held last month and she now has an assured parking spot, at least through May of next year. Congratulations, Lois!
If you are unable to attend a meeting, please read the minutes that are distributed by Hannah Love. Minutes are archived on the PSSA's intranet pages.
Our membership continues to grow and we encourage the membership and active involvement of all professional support staff.
