The Post and Courier Greenville

Being in the right place at the right time often means the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. Witness to History: Selma Photography of Stephen Somerstein is a perfect example of that kind of timing and is the newest exhibition opening on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the Upcountry History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate.

When Stephen Somerstein, a 24-year-old student and college newspaper editor, got off the bus in Montgomery, Alabama, after an all-night ride from New York City on March 25, 1965, he found himself surrounded by thousands of marchers in the civil rights movement who were heeding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s call to make their way to the steps of the State Capitol to raise their voices for the right to vote.

With five cameras around his neck and only 15 rolls of film in his bag, Somerstein immediately began taking pictures of those who had finally been able to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge after two previous attempts of trying to peacefully march from Selma to Montgomery. Though only a student, his black and white photos of prominent participants such as Dr. King, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, James Baldwin, Joan Baez and Bayard Rustin, as well as of anonymous demonstrators and bystanders captured the spirit of this critical moment in history like a seasoned professional.

In what are now some of the most iconic images of that historic entrance into Alabama’s capital and the gathering for speeches, visitors can not only see the faces of these impassioned marchers, but also feel the essence of their struggle, the strength of their resiliency, and, as Somerstein noted in an interview, the “seriousness of people bearing their own witness of being on the cusp of something great.”

On view through Sunday, May 15, 2022, the 55 black and white images featured in Witness to History: Selma Photography of Stephen Somerstein bring together a visual narrative of one of the most pivotal moments in America’s civil rights movement.

The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., in Greenville, S.C. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 864-467-3100 or visit www.upcountryhistory.org.

Lander University and Self Regional Healthcare today announced the creation of a new nursing scholarship program at the University, established through a transformational endowed gift from the health care provider that will energize Lander’s nursing program and help address the nation’s growing need for highly trained nurses.

The Self Regional Scholars Program will provide substantial scholarships annually to 15 of Lander’s highest performing junior-level nursing students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, community involvement and career potential, among other characteristics. As part of the gift, Self Regional Healthcare’s name will also be proudly displayed alongside Lander on the University’s future, state-of-the-art nursing facility and the recently opened nursing simulation center.

“This is monumental for our institution, our students and our community,” said Lander University President Richard Cosentino. “Lander University and Self Regional Healthcare have an enduring partnership through health care and nursing education, and this gift reaffirms our shared commitment to providing our region with quality health care and health care professionals.”

Dr. Matt Logan, SRH president and CEO, said, “We are very excited about this opportunity to partner with Lander University to support the nursing program there. This funding from Self Regional will make an already strong nursing program even stronger. It’s vital to the health and wellbeing of our community that in the decades ahead we have a reliable source of well-trained and high-quality nursing talent right here in the Lakelands, and we are so grateful for partners like Lander University working hard to see that this need is met.”

Fulfilling a Critical Health Care Need:
The gift comes at a time when the health care industry is facing an unprecedented shortfall of qualified, baccalaureate-prepared nurses. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), a number of factors – including nurses nearing retirement age, changing patient demographics, and increasing stresses leading to burnout – are contributing to this national shortage, which is expected to hit the U.S. South and West regions hardest through 2030.

Closer to home, a 2017 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration ranked South Carolina fourth in the nation for states predicted to have a nursing shortage in the next decade. This trend has only been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Self Regional Scholars Program aims to curb this shortfall by building a strong pipeline of qualified nursing graduates for community and regional hospitals and health care facilities. Using a holistic application process, the Self Regional Scholars grant selection committee will each year choose 15 upper-level junior nursing majors to receive the $10,000 award, with preference given to students from Greenwood, Laurens, Edgefield, Abbeville, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties (GLEAMNS).

The one-year scholarship award is for juniors; and as seniors, Self Regional Scholars would be automatically accepted into Self’s already established and highly successful extern program.

“The Self Regional Scholars Program further expands Lander’s academic-practice partnership with Self Regional Healthcare, and provides Self with an additional year of contact with our best and brightest nursing students,” said Dr. Holisa Wharton, dean of Lander’s William Preston Turner School of Nursing. “The program will also help Lander expand its efforts to recruit and support diverse students from the GLEAMNS region, in the hopes that they will begin their career as baccalaureate-trained nurses in our local communities.”

This new scholarship program also comes on the heels of a revamped vision and mission for the School of Nursing, which includes “several bold and transformative innovations designed to enhance nursing education, promote synergy between public health and hospital nurses, and increase the public health workforce,” Wharton added. “Our graduates will use clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills as competent, flexible, transformative professionals to meet the complex healthcare needs of the 21st century.”

Bringing Greater Visibility to a Longstanding Partnership:
Self Regional Healthcare’s gift also secures exclusive naming rights for Lander’s recently announced future nursing building, as well as the University’s new Nursing Skills Simulation Center (NSSC), formerly known as the American Legion Building.

The NSSC opened earlier this semester and contains four teaching-learning labs that can accommodate 80 students per session. In addition, the NSSC has three practice labs that students can use for group practice sessions or clinical skill remediation. Bedside computers will allow for video-based instruction, simulated virtual patient encounters and electronic health record simulations, and Wharton said the goal is to bring additional technologies online soon – such as augmented reality and virtual reality training.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new simulation lab is being planned, as well as a groundbreaking ceremony for the future nursing building, which will be constructed with funding provided by the South Carolina General Assembly. Those dates will be shared with the community soon.

“Our state legislators believe in the importance of quality education and quality health care. Lander University and Self Regional Healthcare are well-respected, trusted leaders in these fields,” said Lander University Board of Trustees Chair Don Scott. “Having Self Regional’s name on our state-of-the-art nursing education facilities is a very visible symbol of our longstanding alliance, and our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our local communities.”

As Lander University gears up to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding, “we also celebrate the partnerships we’ve made along the way with organizations such as Self Regional,” said Lander Vice President for University Advancement Mike Worley. “This partnership further strengthens Lander’s signature nursing program, allowing Lander to train, and Self Regional to recruit, more quality nurses for our region.”

Gray Ellenberg, CFP®, recently joined Raymond James & Associates (RJA) to open the firm’s first office in Greenwood. Ellenberg will also serve clients from RJA’s downtown Greenville office.

“I am pleased to welcome Gray to the Raymond James team,” said Greenville Complex Manager Brian Flemmer. “His high quality insight and commitment to his clients perfectly reflect our financial management approach.”

With 20 years of experience in the financial services and accounting industries, Ellenberg joins Raymond James as Senior Vice President, Investments for Ellenberg Wealth Management. His Greenwood office is located at 1319 Montague Avenue Extension. He will also maintain an office in RJA’s downtown Greenville branch at 101 Falls Park Ave., Suite 600.

Ellenberg says he was attracted to RJA’s Client First approach. “I’m honored to partner with a firm founded on conservatism, independence, and integrity. I wanted to be part of a firm which believes that doing what’s right for clients is the most important thing.”

Ellenberg can be reached by calling his office at 864.321.6400, or via his website, ellenbergwealth.com.

About Raymond James & Associates
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC, which has built a national reputation for more than 58 years as a leader in financial planning for individuals, corporations and municipalities, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF), a leading diversified financial services company with approximately 8,400 financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are $1.18 trillion. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, CFP Logo Flame Design and CFP Logo Plaque Design in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Upstate Warrior Solution is a non-profit serving veterans, active military, National Guard, and Reservists in the Upstate of South Carolina. Their mission is to provide comprehensive services and opportunities to help warriors and their families thrive in their communities. Since 2013, they’ve helped over 8,000 individuals with housing, employment, healthcare, education, and more. DP3 Architects is proud to partner with Upstate Warrior Solution to design their new Rupert Huse Veteran Resource Center which will serve as a hub for veteran services. The project was named in honor of U.S. Army veteran, Rupert Huse, whose family contributed a $500,000 gift with a match challenge that was recently achieved.

The new space will include a common lobby, coffee/break area, training room, fitness room, and common conference room. In addition to housing the UWS staff, the Upstate Veteran Alliance Network will also have a presence in the new resource center. Overall, the UWS plans to use the new center to broaden their reach, increase the number of veterans served, and expand their services.

The design inspiration is centered on the theme of honor. Intricate details like uniform colors and accents are woven throughout the space. Including the feature, wall made up of military service ribbons. Soldier portraits, an oversized American flag, and a star-studded donor wall are just a few of the unique elements that make up the space. The materials and finishes are a mix of industrial and soft textures to convey a military-style that’s approachable and feels comforting.
DP3 Architects looks forward to working with Upstate Warrior Solution to create a facility that will serve the warriors throughout the upstate and make a significant impact.

PEOPLE PLACES PURPOSE
www.dp3architects.com

Fifth-generation farmer J.E.B. Wilson has been named a 2022 McNulty Foundation Catalyst Fund recipient for his Liberty Fellowship impact project, SC AgriWellness. Wilson partnered with stakeholders to create the program, which promotes awareness of mental health issues in farming communities and provides access to treatment and support.

“Liberty Fellowship challenges you to think about something you can do to improve the lives of your fellow South Carolinians. I knew farmers in South Carolina who had committed suicide, and I just started thinking about what I could have done to reach out. Farmers are pretty proud and independent, so we sometimes have difficulty asking for help,” said Wilson.

The mental health crisis facing American farmers has been building for years as the industry consolidated. According to a survey conducted by American Farm Bureau in 2019, 87% of farmers cited fear of losing their farm as a significant stressor on mental health, and 46% of farmers indicated it is difficult to access a therapist or counselor in their local community.

“SC AgriWellness is a lifeline for farmers, so when they get in a really bad situation, I hope they will take the time to call the hotline and realize there is someone there to lend a hand in their time of need,” said Wilson.

The McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund recognizes ventures from Fellows in the Aspen Global Leadership Network at critical junctures on their path to creating meaningful impact. Catalyst Fund recipients exhibit high potential to deepen or widen their impact, with significant early momentum and critical need. This year, $100,000 was awarded to five recipients hailing from Nigeria, India, and across the United States.

“The problems we face as an interconnected globe are overwhelming and complex, but the truth is that each person and community experiences them locally. Each of these individuals are taking challenges into their own hands, bringing local solutions to their communities and building resiliency for the long-term,” said Anne Welsh McNulty, President of the McNulty Foundation and Trustee of the Aspen Institute.

Wilson, who is a member of Liberty Fellowship’s Class of 2020, was eligible for the Catalyst Fund through the Fellowship’s affiliation with The Aspen Institute. Once Liberty Fellows complete the initial 18-month Liberty Fellowship seminar experience and impact project, they become members of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

“SC AgriWellness is a powerful example of how individual leadership can bring stakeholders together to address an issue in their community,” said Ann Marie Stieritz, president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship. “Because J.E.B. was willing to confront the status quo, farm families now have access to support that can continue to have an impact for generations to come.”

RESOURCES
• Learn more about SC AgriWellness: www.scfb.org/farmstress
• Watch the Liberty Fellowship impact story about SC AgriWellness: https://vimeo.com/478918700
• Learn more about each of the 2022 McNulty Catalyst Fund recipients: https://mcnultyfound.org/ideas/catalyst-fund-2022

ABOUT LIBERTY FELLOWSHIP
Liberty Fellowship is the only state-based Fellowship program of its kind in the United States. The Fellowship activates individual leaders through a deeper understanding of a just, free and equitable society; serves as a convener for bringing together diverse perspectives to advance civil discourse; and provides infrastructure for taking action. Through the Fellowship’s affiliation with the Aspen Institute, Liberty Fellows become members of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. There are more than 300 Liberty Fellows working collectively across South Carolina. See stories of their impact at www.libertyfellowshipsc.org/impact.

ABOUT THE JOHN P. & ANNE WELSH MCNULTY FOUNDATION
The McNulty Foundation inspires, develops, and drives leaders to solve the most critical challenges of our time. The McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund was launched in 2017 to recognize ventures with significant momentum and at a critical juncture on their path to creating meaningful change. The Fund builds on more than a decade of impact with the John P. McNulty Prize, a $450,000 annual award that recognizes three Winners with moral courage, a vision for change, and a track record of bold and lasting impact. McNulty Prize Winners are chosen by an international jury that has included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, international statesman Olara Otunnu, international development expert Brizio Biondi-Morra, and Ford Foundation President Darren Walker. The McNulty Prize and Catalyst Fund are given in partnership with the Aspen Institute, to recognize exceptional leadership ventures undertaken by Fellows of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. For more information, visit www.mcnultyfound.org. Follow @McNultyPrize on Twitter and @McNultyFoundation on Instagram.

ABOUT THE ASPEN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP NETWORK
The Aspen Global Leadership Network’s (AGLN) is a growing, worldwide community of more than 3,000 high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders from over 60 countries who share a commitment to values-based leadership and to using their creativity, energy and resources to tackle the foremost societal challenges of our times. Because of their demonstrated accomplishment and abilities, they have been selected to join one of 13 geographic or sector-specific AGLN Fellowships around the world. Fellows convene annually at the AGLN’s flagship event, the Resnick Aspen Action Forum. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org/agln.

Karee White, a higher education executive and native of South Carolina, has been named Liberty Fellowship’s first Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). In her new role, White leads the comprehensive philanthropic strategy for the Fellowship and ensures its long-term financial sustainability.

“Karee shares our Fellows’ passion for South Carolina and their dedication to make South Carolina better for future generations,” said Ann Marie Stieritz, president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship. “We are so fortunate to have her experience and entrepreneurial spirit to support the dynamic growth of the Fellowship.”

White joins the Fellowship with more than a decade of progressive experience in development for higher education institutions in South Carolina including Furman University, Clemson University and The Citadel. During her time in higher education, White successfully managed multi-million-dollar fundraising goals and developed a record of securing major gifts. She also led innovative initiatives to increase stakeholder engagement and donor retention, with year-over-year growth in financial support.

“Liberty Fellowship is something that is completely unique to South Carolina. This vibrant community of leaders has made a lifetime commitment to creating a better future for all of us,” said White. “I am honored to help support and amplify the impact of the Fellows and to ensure the Fellowship experience is available for the generations of leaders to come.”

White is a first-generation college student who was first inspired by the power and impact of philanthropy after receiving a scholarship to attend Presbyterian College for her undergraduate degree. She went on to earn master’s degrees in business administration and education from Clemson University.

Currently residing in Greenville, White is a native of Seneca. She serves on the Hispanic Alliance Board of Directors and External Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Young Adult Council Board at Christ Church Episcopal.

About Liberty Fellowship
Liberty Fellowship is the only state-based Fellowship program of its kind in the United States. The Fellowship activates individual leaders through a deeper understanding of a just, free and equitable society; serves as a convener for bringing together diverse perspectives to advance civil discourse; and provides infrastructure for taking action. There are more than 300 Liberty Fellows working collectively across South Carolina. See stories of their impact at www.libertyfellowshipsc.org/impact.

The Cliffs is excited to announce its new clubhouse manager at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, Adam Shirajee. With a long history in hospitality, Adam spent 14 years with the Country Club of Florida in Boynton Beach, where he served as the Food and Beverage manager. Previously, Adam proudly worked with the membership at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton for 16 years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Adam to The Cliffs family. Adam was a natural fit for this role given his long history working in private clubs. He believes, as do we, that the overall experience at a private club needs to be exceptional and with his passion for the food and beverage industry, I believe he will make a great addition to our outstanding team,” said Brian Fox, General Manager, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards.

When Adam is not working, he loves to travel and is thrilled about his move to the mountains. He also enjoys playing golf, cooking, gardening, and spending time with his wife, Kimi, and college age son. Adam looks forward to joining The Cliffs’ team and working to implement a fantastic experience for the residents and guests of this famed community.

A graduate of Dhaka University with a bachelor’s in commerce, Adam brings his extensive background working at private clubs to The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards to enhance an already exceptional member experience. Named for the vineyards of native muscadine grapes that wind through the community, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards blends beautiful mountain vistas with exhilarating lakeside living and is home to an 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course, a full-service marina, a wellness center, endless hiking trails, an equestrian center with 200 miles of scenic horseback riding trails, a lakeside restaurant, a stunning clubhouse, and an al fresco pizza kitchen.

Happy 2022! DP3 Architects is looking forward to another year of assisting our clients on projects that will enhance our communities. Fostering opportunities for growth for our team is essential to our core values and helps drive our company culture. DP3 Architects is happy to announce that Rhonda White, Kunal Patel, and Mike Zibert have been named associates of the firm. In addition, Patel and Zibert will be taking on new leadership roles as studio leaders.

Brian Thomas, Principal at DP3 Architects, says, “Rhonda, Mike, and Kunal are perfect examples of defining your own path within the firm. They earn the respect of their fellow team members each day by how they mentor young professionals, respond to our clients, and embody our core values of people, places, and purpose. They could not be more deserving of their new roles in the firm, and we are very lucky that they are part of our family.”

DP3 Architects looks forward to seeing Rhonda, Mike, and Kunal continue to grow in the profession and is confident that they will excel in their new roles.

Rhonda L.H. White has been an integral part of DP3 Architects for over 25 years and has worked on significant higher education, community, and hospitality projects including the Music Building addition at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and the Legacy Square Office Building. As an associate for the firm, Rhonda will help shape the company culture and work to mentor young professionals.

Michael D. Zibert, AIA will lead one of the firms Hospitality Studios. Mike has been with DP3 Architects for over 5 years and has served as a Design Team Leader for many of our hospitality projects. During this time, Mike has built strong relationships with DP3 Architect’s national and regional clients. Mike’s projects include Mastro’s Steakhouse locations throughout the country and assisting local developers deliver shell buildings for Starbucks. Mike has played a key role in the success of the hospitality studio, and we look forward to his contribution to this leadership position.

Kunal T. Patel, AIA will lead the firm’s higher education studio. Kunal has been with the firm for nearly 5 years and has extensive experience in higher education and community projects. As the Higher Education Studio Leader, he and his team will be creating educational environments that promote learning and inspire creativity. Kunal has consistently shown leadership qualities and treats every client, project, and team member with care.

DP3 Architects is proud of Rhonda, Mike, and Kunal and will continue the long-standing tradition of celebrating and encouraging team members to rise to their full potential.
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DP3 Architects, established in 1984 and headquartered in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, is an architectural and interior design firm specializing in hospitality, higher education, and community projects. DP3 Architects designs projects that invite, inspire, and invigorate the people that work, live, and play in the spaces we create.

PEOPLE PLACES PURPOSE
www.dp3architects.com