Did You Know?

• Teacher cadet program expands. Teacher Cadets, the flagship program of the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement housed at Winthrop, continues to grow nationally. The program was piloted in four South Carolina high schools in 1986-87 as a senior-level course targeted to attract and recruit talented students into the teaching profession. By 2006-07, nearly 150 instructors were trained in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Learn more about the expansion.

• Economic trends. Mark Vitner, senior economist for Wachovia Corp., told business leaders at the Sept. 12 economic forecast breakfast to improve relations with their bankers if they want loans because credit has tightened significantly. Take a look at Vitner’s other observations (PowerPoint format).

• Southern poll results. The Winthrop/ETV Poll has expanded from South Carolina and now covers 11 states. One poll came out before the political conventions in August, and another is expected before the November presidential election.

• Paths to Bishopville. Gerry Derksen, associate professor of design, and Tom Stanley, chair of the Department of Fine Arts, recently were awarded a cultural visions grant from the S.C. Arts Commission for Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden in Bishopville, S.C. The garden, started in 1984 in Fryar’s yard, receives about 5,000 visitors annually. The grant also is supported by the Friends of Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden and will be administered by Winthrop. The idea is to design a graphic identity, organize destination signs and paths for the garden and plan a guided tour using Fryar’s stories.

• Free Admission to Winthrop Soccer Games. Donate your old winter coats during the Lady Eagles vs. Presbyterian game on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. or the Eagles vs. VMI on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. and receive free admission to the game.

• Men's Basketball Alumni Updates. Former Winthrop men's basketball player Taj McCullough '08 has been signed as a free agent forward for the Washington Wizards. After playing with the team in summer league, McCullough earned a spot on the training camp roster.

In addition, Michael Jenkins `08 was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in this week's Continental Basketball Association draft. The former Eagles standout guard was selected by the Albany Patroons. He is the first Winthrop ever selected in the association's draft.

Pierre Wooten `02 and `05, who has played basketball on several continents, returns to Winthrop to help out with summer camps. Click the video icon to hear him talk about his Winthrop experience.