In an effort to make a college education affordable and accessible, attract more students into math and science professions and enhance retention and graduation rates, President Joanne Glasser unveiled today a bold, new financial assistance program.

Glasser believes that BEACON, an acronym for “Bringing Educational Access to the Commonwealth and Our Nation,” reinforces Eastern’s “historic reputation as a ‘School of Opportunity’ and a partner in the dreams of generations of students and families.”

Numerous events are scheduled at Eastern throughout February in observance of Black History Month, including a read-in celebrating the works of African-American writers and lectures examining diversity and African-American art.

The next lecture in EKU’s Chautauqua Series will look at compassion and communication.

Dr. Aaron Thompson, associate vice president for University programs, will present “Restoring Justice: A Fine Line Between Compassion and Communication” on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in O’Donnell Hall in the Student Services Building. The program is free and open to the public.

After a successful first year, EKU’s “Try Teaching” program is again accepting applications from mid- and second-career professionals who are intrigued about their potential in front of a classroom.

A gift of approximately $600,000 from the estate of the late Kathryn (Katie) McBrayer has enhanced the Paul S. McBrayer Endowed Scholars Fund at EKU.

EKU’s Mock Trial Team finished second in the recent Desert Classic Mock Trial Tournament in Tucson, Ariz.

Dr. Lonnie Davis, chair and professor of exercise and sport science at Eastern Kentucky University, has been selected to receive the Honor Award from the Southern District of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

Twenty-five EKU students will present “The Vagina Monologues,” a series of monologues dealing with women’s sexuality, Feb. 15-17.

EKU Foundation Professor Emeritus Harry Brown has received a Kentucky Arts Council Professional Assistance Award.

The $1,000 award is intended to recognize the outstanding work of Kentucky writers, composers and choreographers and to encourage continued success by offering assistance for professional development.

The EKU Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band have been invited to perform at the state conference of the Kentucky Music Educators Association on Feb. 9 in Louisville.

EKU will host a one-day workshop discussing how individuals from poverty think and act differently from people in the middle and upper economic classes.

Virginia Falkenberg, professor of psychology, is featured in this ongoing series designed to allow EKU leaders to discuss their roles as well as campus issues. Falkenberg, who began working at EKU in August 1973, holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology and a master's degree in psychology, with minors in sociology and counseling, from East Texas State University and a doctor of philosophy degree from Baylor University in general experimental psychology.

Falkenberg was recently honored with a James T. Rogers Meritorious Service Award from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

“Dr. Falkenberg was recognized for her valuable service to the Commission on Colleges, and her commitment and dedication to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,” said Belle S. Wheelan, Ph.D., president for the Commission on Colleges, the required accrediting body for more than 780 colleges and universities in the 11 Southeastern states.

“Dr. Falkenberg truly exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that is so crucial to the success of the commission’s work. We are indebted to Dr. Falkenberg for her dedication, commitment and unqualified support,” Dr. Wheelan added. She received the award based on the length and quality of her service to SACS. In addition to serving as a member of the Commission’s Executive Council for three years, she has served as a member of the Committee on Compliance and Reports for three years. Also, she is a member of the Commission on Colleges Chair Corps.