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The Forge Report
Volume 173: May 2015

2015 Summer Welcome Message from Dr. Meyer
President Don Meyer, Ph.D., video message

President Don Meyer, Ph.D., recaps the events of the end of the spring semester and events to look forward to over the summer, including the Alumni and Friends evening reception on August 5, 2015, during the 56th General Council at the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando, Florida. View the video.

76th Commencement Presents First Graduates of UVF 
  76th Commencement
The University of Valley (UVF) Class of 2015 became the first class to graduate from the university on May 8, 2015, since the name change last September. The 76th annual Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Ceremony honored the 132 undergraduate and graduate students who earned their degrees and marked the beginning of a new journey. Watch the 76th Commencement video.


 

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It's Not Too Late to Register for the Patriot Classic
Patriot Classic

UVF is pleased to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Patriot Classic Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 4, at the Kimberton Golf Club. For the past 13 years, golfers, churches, organizations and businesses have come together to raise over $90,000 in scholarships for deserving UVF students. As the Patriot Classic tradition continues, so does the eternal impact of your gift. Each registration and sponsorship does not just pay for a round of golf or an awards dinner; it is a significant investment into the lives of students who will, in a few short years, make a lasting difference in our communities and in the world. Shotgun start at noon; individual golfers are welcome. Non-golfers are welcome to attend the Awards Dinner for $25 per person. Learn more and register now.

Register for Summer Music Camp Now!
Summer Music Camp for High School Students

The Department of Music at UVF is excited to announce its first Summer Music Camp for high school students! The camp is a six-day music experience designed to develop students' musicianship, regardless of their level of experience, and prepare them for music study in college. Students will audition for placement based on knowledge and skill set. They will attend daily music theory classes, ensemble rehearsals and optional private lessons - all led by UVF faculty. Each evening will offer a recreational activity to enhance the social aspect of the camp. Make July 6-11 the best week of your teenager's summer! The deadline to register is June 29. Learn More.

A Man Lifted Up by God
  Werkheiser Presented Gift
Bill Werkheiser served as UVF's head of maintenance and general manager with Sodexo for 24 years. On April 30, the university community honored and recognized his ministry during a special chapel service. As he prepares to retire, Werkheiser's presence and ministry will be missed but never forgotten.


 

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A Journey to Trust in God
  Garrin Teed '15
Recent graduate, Garrin Teed '15, was at one of the lowest points in his life when he sought help for his drug and alcohol addiction. Through God's grace, and the ministry of Teen Challenge, Teed was liberated from his addiction and later enrolled at UVF to begin a new future.


 

Garrin Teed '15  


 

   
 
 
11th Annual ESPY Awards
  ESPY Awards
The UVF Department of Athletics hosted the 11th Annual ESPY Awards Show on Saturday, May 2nd. This was a special time for the coaches and administration to honor UVF student-athletes for their talents, achievements and dedication to their respective sports.


 

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Social Work Students Speak With Legislators
  Students with Senator Dinniman
Three social work students from UVF met exclusively with Pennsylvania State Senator Andy Dinniman and State Representative Warren Kampf to discuss proposed legislation that will affect social workers and clients in Pennsylvania.


 

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Class of 2015 Honors Graduates
  Honors Graduates
View the complete list of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude honors graduates from the Class of 2015 named by degree earned. View the list.


 

 
A Chance to Support UVF Athletics 
  Patriots 5 Club

The Patriots 5 Club provides an opportunity to sponsor the UVF Athletic Department. As a member, you will pledge your commitment to the development of the athletics program at UVF while receiving valuable benefits. The mission of the club is to enhance the athletic program and student-athlete experience by providing growing resources, quality equipment, expanded facilities and other strategic opportunities in order to prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in the church and in the world.

Learn more at uvfpatriots.com.

 
Online Giving Tool
Give Now We sincerely thank you for considering UVF as a recipient of your generosity. Your gift truly matters and inspires others to give. Your contribution will help UVF equip students to be leaders in the church and in the world through education and spiritual formation. You can read about giving opportunities at UVF by going to valleyforge.edu/give where you can make your donation online. Thank you for faithfully lifting up UVF in prayer. Your support, both spiritual and financial, will ensure that UVF's light will shine brightly for years to come.

Shop Amazon & Raise $$$ 
  Amazon Smile Program

Shop for your Amazon purchases at www.smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to UVF. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know ... same products, same prices and same service.

 

Use your existing Amazon account at www.smile.amazon.com, enter University of Valley Forge as your charity, and start shopping. It's as easy as that! Prime members will still receive the same benefits. Shop while you donate at no cost to you. When you shop, Amazon gives!

 
The Conference Center at Valley Forge
Conference Center at Valley Forge
The Conference Center at Valley Forge is an integral part of UVF, providing conference and overnight accommodations to individuals, organizations and churches in a beautiful setting. Priced at reasonable rates, this property is also available to visitors, students, faculty, staff and friends coming to the area for personal or college-related events such as open house, homecoming and commencement. Located four miles from the UVF campus, The Conference Center at Valley Forge offers exceptional customer service and amenities. All guest rooms include a private bath and can accommodate multiple people. 

The grounds and facilities provide the perfect setting to meet, learn and collaborate in one of our nine meeting rooms. The property and its ballroom also serve as a scenic backdrop for weddings and other social functions. Team-building opportunities and group activities include a ropes course, zip line, pool, campfire hearth and game room. All catering and AV resources are available onsite.

Make A Lasting Impact On UVF
Annuity Giving Transform lives, reach your financial goals and make a lasting impact on UVF. Planned giving can make it happen. A variety of charitable options allow you to make a significant gift to UVF and reach future financial goals for you and your family.

Options include: charitable remainder trust, endowment, charitable gift annuity and donor advised fund. For information on how your gift can benefit UVF, contact:

Dr. Dan Mortensen
Executive Vice President and Vice President of Development
610.917.1412 | dwmortensen@valleyforge.edu

Leadership Tools by Dr. Don Meyer
Photo of Dr. Meyer
Chaleff, Ira. "The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To & For Our Leaders." Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., 2009.

I always want to keep learning, especially about leadership, one of my favorite subjects. Another dimension to leadership is followership. Cooperation and communication are essential tools when it comes to team dynamics within the work environment. Whether the organization is a school, church, or business, it is important for the leaders and their followers to have a strong, genuine working relationship. Ira Chaleff discusses in his book "The Courageous Follower" the importance of communication and how to establish paths of communication within the ranks of an organization between leaders and followers. This book is a great resource when trying to establish a positive working atmosphere that supports open communication and offers insightful ways to respond effectively and efficiently. No system is perfect, but this is a great tool to consider whether you are a new leader of a team or if you are looking for innovative ways to create a better teamwork environment.

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