Did You Know?

Michael Williams, professor of music, and six members of the Winthrop Percussion Ensemble performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 5. The group performed on conga drums and conch shell trumpets. Performers included front row, from left, Michael Scarboro, Chad Boyles and Kyle Merck; back row, Josh Wall, Patrick Gerasia, Casey Nelson and Williams.

• Men’s soccer team advances to NCAA. The Eagles made their third NCAA appearance on Nov. 21 after winning the Big South tournament against Coastal Carolina 4-3 in double overtime. Winthrop fell to William & Mary 3-1 in the NCAA tournament. The team, whose members’ grade point average was above a 3.0, also received recognition for its academic achievement by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

• Movie advisor. History professor Rory Cornish will work as a historical advisor and contributor on a two-part documentary series tentatively entitled "Blood and Shamrocks: the Story of the Irish Brigade." Produced by Tile Films in conjunction with the Smithsonian Networks (USA) and RTE (Ireland), filming will take place in Virginia next summer.

• The search to cure cancer. Laura Glasscock, associate professor of biology, has been awarded a $25,000 research grant from the Hemby Cancer Research Foundation to support her ongoing research on the molecular causes of prostate cancer metastasis. Learn more about Glasscock's research.

• Monster Ball poster winner. Senior Caitlin O’Neill designed the winning poster, right, for the Arts Ball. Taught by Jill O’Neill, music instructor, the first-time class gave students a chance to plan and put on an elaborate, Halloween-themed event.

• Rock Hill and kids go together. BusinessWeek magazine recently listed Rock Hill as one of the best cities to raise children. Winthrop is listed as an integral part in helping make South Carolina’s fourth largest city an excellent place to live. 

• Business minds look to help Catawbas. Steven Frankforter, associate professor of business, and a team of graduate students will work with the Catawba Indian Nation as consultants in their market analysis to develop sources of sustainable revenue for the tribe. Their work is considered part of a $25,000 grant to the Catawbas from the U.S. Department of the Interior.