Tag Archive: thomas university

1. Thomas University’s Cairo Scholarship Soirée Delivers a Night of Fun and Fundraising for Grady County Scholarships

   October 8, 2025 12:48 pm

   Thomas University (TU) hosted its annual Cairo Scholarship Soirée on Thursday, October 2 at Collins Place Venue in Cairo, Georgia, marking another successful evening in support of the Grady County Scholarship Fund.

   Guests enjoyed a lively performance of “Pirates Without a Ship” by the Syrup City Players, a comedic whodunit that kept the audience guessing. The event also featured a silent auction, with a wide variety of items generously donated by businesses and individuals from Grady County and surrounding communities.

   The funds raised will directly support Grady County students attending Thomas University, helping to reduce financial barriers and promote academic success.

   “We are appreciative of the support from our sponsors in helping Thomas University carry out its mission,” said TU’s Interim Vice President of Advancement. “This year twenty-four Grady County students received scholarship funds. Their generosity is truly life-changing in helping our students secure a brighter future and improved quality of life.”

   Another highlight of the evening was heartfelt comments by Gage Schafer, a scholarship recipient and TU baseball team member, who shared how the Grady County Scholarship has positively impacted his educational journey.

   “I am grateful to have received the Grady County Scholarship because of the extra support it provided me in working towards my future career goals,” Schafer said. “With the support of my community through this scholarship, I look forward to returning the favor and investing back into my community and other young athletes as a coach right here in Cairo.”

   The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including premiere sponsor Big Bend Agri Services, and the dedication of the planning committee, chaired by Chelsea Cosby. Other committee members included Hansell Bearden, Taylor Gilliard, Jennifer Jarvis, Linda Drew Johnson, Brande Strickland, and Katie Williams.

   Thomas University extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, planning committee, the Syrup City Players, Collins Place Venue, and Performance Foodservices-Powell for making the event possible. TU remains committed to supporting students and strengthening its partnership with the Grady County community.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

2. Thomas University’s Social and Behavioral Sciences Division Awarded Nearly $1.9 Million in Federal Grants

   October 5, 2025 5:12 pm

   

   Thomas University is proud to announce that its Division of Social and Behavioral
   Sciences has been awarded two competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), totaling nearly $1.9 million over five years.

   
   The grants officially went into effect on October 1, 2025, and TU is currently recruiting students who will begin receiving tuition stipends starting in January 2026.

   
   The first grant, 84.129L – Undergraduate Education in Rehabilitation Services, provides $874,940 to support TU’s Rehabilitation Studies undergraduate program. This funding will offer tuition stipends for 11 students per year over five years, helping to expand access to education and training in rehabilitation services. The grant was written by Dr. Pauline Patrick, and the Principal Investigator (PI) is Dr. Matthew Michals-Voigt.

   
   The second grant, 84.129B – Long-Term Training in Rehabilitation Services, awards $999,990 to support TU’s Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) program. This grant will provide tuition stipends for 13 graduate students annually for five years, strengthening TU’s capacity to prepare professionals in counseling and rehabilitation. Like the undergraduate grant, it was authored by Dr. Pauline Patrick, with Dr. Matthew Michals-Voigt serving as PI.

   
   “These federal grants mark a transformative investment in Thomas University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of rehabilitation and counseling professionals,” said Dr. Pauline Patrick, grant author and Chair of the Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences. “By supporting both undergraduate and graduate students with tuition stipends and program enhancements, we are directly addressing workforce shortages and expanding access to quality care for individuals with disabilities across the country.”

   
   Prospective students interested in applying for stipend-supported positions in either program are encouraged to contact TU’s Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences for more information.

3. Thomas University Named CRCC Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Counseling

   October 3, 2025 7:38 am

   

   Thomas University’s Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) program has earned national recognition for excellence in the field of rehabilitation counseling. TU has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), recognizing the university’s outstanding graduate program in rehabilitation counseling. 

   This prestigious recognition is awarded to programs that demonstrate excellence in curriculum alignment, faculty expertise, student outcomes, and commitment to professional credentialing. Thomas University earned the designation following a comprehensive curriculum review conducted by CRCC.

   “The MSC program faculty have maintained a longstanding partnership with the CRCC, working collaboratively to expand the number of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors in the field,” said Dr. Pauline Patrick, Chair of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences at TU. “We are honored to receive this recognition from the CRCC and look forward to continuing—and deepening—our shared commitment to developing outstanding CRC professionals.”

   To qualify as a Center of Excellence, programs must meet several criteria, including:

   • A curriculum reviewed and approved by CRCCInstruction led by faculty with backgrounds in rehabilitation counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling

   • Encouragement of the CRC Exam as a comprehensive assessment

   • Demonstrated student success, with an average pass rate of 65% or higher over two years

   • Ongoing engagement between CRCC and students, faculty, and program leadership

   Thomas University’s graduate program has exceeded these benchmarks, with a combined CRC Exam pass rate of 86% over the past three years. CRCC will continue to collaborate with TU through regular meetings with students and faculty to support continued success and professional development.

   “This is a very exciting opportunity for our counseling program! This is something we have strived for, and I am so glad we were able to secure this recognition through our tireless work in the CRC program,” said Dr. Angie Anderson, Master of Science in Counseling Program Director. “Our students will greatly benefit from this honor!” 

   Thomas University offers a fully online MSC degree with four specialization tracks for students to choose from: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Addictions Counseling, and Professional School Counseling. For more information about Thomas University’s graduate program in rehabilitation counseling, visit www.thomasu.edu.

4. Thomas University’s Educators Rising Collegiate Chapter Holds School Supply Drive to Support Local Students and Teachers

   5:52 am

   

   Charter members of Thomas University’s chapter of the national membership program of Educators Rising Collegiate (ERC) held a school supply drive as a service project during the months of August and September. ERC provides university students with opportunities to develop as teachers through chapters on campus, national conferences, and competitions. It serves as a pipeline for cultivating a diverse and skilled future teaching workforce, extending the high school experience into college and the teaching profession. 

   Donations from the supply drive were delivered to Thomas County Schools’ Project LIFE student members. Project LIFE aims to empower students with specific learning needs to make informed choices about their futures and provides a bridge between school and work life, fostering self-confidence and independence. Members of Project LIFE were tasked with dispersing the classroom and student supplies to new teachers and student members of Backpack Buddies, a local program that provides students in need with non-perishable food items in discreet backpacks, providing food for the weekend when school meals are not available, which improves overall student health and learning abilities.

   Chief among the major donors for the project were Thomas University’s men’s soccer team and TU’s Spirit Shop.

   TU’s chapter of ERC plans to continue service endeavors throughout the school year, with multiple projects, including a fundraiser to benefit a local preschool’s efforts to obtain new playground equipment, and construction of a community “blessing box” in partnership with TU’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, a national honor society for educators. A blessing box is an outdoor cabinet filled with non-perishable food, operating on a “take what you need, leave what you can” philosophy to provide a dignified, anonymous support system for the community. 

   Thomas University has always and will continue to be thankful for the support of its community and is grateful for the opportunity to be able to give back to its greatest supporters. 

5. Thomas University Appoints Warren Ballard as Vice President of Finance

   October 2, 2025 11:23 am

   

   Thomas University is pleased to announce the appointment of Warren Ballard as Vice President of Finance. In this strategic leadership role, Ballard will oversee the University’s financial operations, budget development, and long-term fiscal planning. His work will be central to ensuring that TU grows on a strong, sustainable financial foundation.

   “We are proud to welcome Warren Ballard to Thomas University,” said Kurt Stringfellow, Interim President. “His extensive experience in financial strategy and operational leadership will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our financial infrastructure and position the University for continued success. Warren’s insight and expertise will help ensure that our resources are aligned with our mission and our future.”

   Ballard brings nearly two decades of financial leadership and experience in public accounting and the private sector. Most recently he has served as the Chief Financial Officer of a regional commercial development company in addition to providing fractional CFO and advisory services to businesses throughout South Georgia and North Florida.

   “I am honored to join Thomas University,” said Ballard. “I look forward to ensuring that our resources are managed in ways that strengthen the student experience, support our faculty and staff, and expand the University’s impact in the community we serve.”

   A Certified Public Accountant, Ballard holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. He is a member of the Georgia Society of CPAs and has held leadership roles in community organizations including Rotary International and the Thomasville Community Resource Center.

6. Thomas University Ranked in Top Tier of Institutions Nationwide According to 2025 Carnegie Classifications

   September 17, 2025 12:49 pm

   Thomas University has been recognized in the newly redesigned 2025 Carnegie Classifications as an Opportunity College and University, a designation that highlights institutions providing both high access to underserved student populations and strong post-graduation earnings for their alumni. TU is one of only 479 institutions that have been identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

   This prestigious classification reflects Thomas University’s deep commitment to serving the educational and economic needs of its region. The university stands out for enrolling students who mirror the demographics of the communities it serves, including high percentages of Pell Grant recipients and students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. In addition, TU graduates are earning competitive wages compared to peers in their local job markets, demonstrating the university’s success in preparing students for meaningful careers.

   “This recognition affirms what we’ve long known at Thomas University,” said Kurt Stringfellow, Interim President. “We are not only expanding access to higher education, but we are also equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive professionally and contribute to the vitality of our region.”

   The Opportunity College and University designation is part of the Carnegie Foundation’s newly launched Student Access and Earnings Classification, which evaluates institutions based on how well they reflect the communities they serve and the economic outcomes of their graduates. Thomas University’s classification places it among a select group of institutions nationwide that are models for fostering student success through inclusive access and career readiness.

   Thomas University’s approach is rooted in meeting the needs of Southwest Georgia and North Florida. With a focus on career-aligned academic programs, personalized support services, and community partnerships, TU continues to be a catalyst for transformation, empowering students and fueling regional development.

7. Thomas University Appoints Jessica Barfield as Vice President of Enrollment Management

   September 16, 2025 11:15 am

   

   Thomas University is proud to announce the appointment of Jessica Barfield as the new Vice President of Enrollment Management. In this role, Barfield will lead strategic initiatives in student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and academic advisement.

   “TU is excited and grateful to have someone with Jessica’s experience and passion,” Kurt Stringfellow, Interim President said. “There is no doubt she will make an immediate impact in the lives of our students.” 

   Barfield brings extensive experience in higher education leadership. Most recently, she served as Professor, Lead Faculty, and Quality Enhancement Champion at Tallahassee State College. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing Quality Enhancement Plans, an essential component of SACSCOC accreditation, for Southwest Georgia Technical College, Southern Regional Technical College, and Tallahassee State College. She also held the position of Executive Director of Advisement and Professional Development at Southern Regional Technical College.

   “I am truly honored to join Thomas University as Vice President of Enrollment Management,” said Barfield. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working alongside dedicated colleagues to expand opportunities for students to grow and thrive at TU. Together, we will not only boost enrollment, but also strengthen our community through the power of education—transforming lives and creating a lasting impact for generations to come.”

   Barfield holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Georgia and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Valdosta State University.

   Her professional recognitions include being named Professor of the Year by the Technical College System of Georgia and Thomasville Times Enterprise Teacher of the Year. She is also an active member of several professional organizations and has led numerous educational workshops and conference presentations.

   “Thomasville has always been home for me, and I deeply love this community.” said Barfield. “I am grateful for the chance to give back to the community that has given me so much, as we work together to change lives through education and mentorship at Thomas University.”

8. Kurt Stringfellow Appointed Interim President of Thomas University

   August 21, 2025 2:32 pm

   The Thomas University Board of Trustees, led by Board Chairman Clint Kadel have announced the appointment of Kurt Stringfellow as the interim President of Thomas University.

   “Kurt brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to Thomas University and its students,” said Board Chairman Clint Kadel. “His passion for our mission and proven record of success make him the right leader at this important time.”

   “This appointment is the culmination of countless hours from dedicated friends and colleagues,” Stringfellow said. “I am deeply grateful to each of them.”

   Located in the beautiful historic city of Thomasville, Ga. Thomas University is a regionally accredited, non-profit university whose mission is to provide an educational experience that explores and develops each student’s full potential. Situated on 75 acres, about 30 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida, TU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degrees at our main campus and online. In 2025 TU celebrates its landmark 75th anniversary while it also graduated nearly 425 students in its 70th commencement ceremony.

   Stringfellow brings decades of business acumen and almost a decade of leadership experience in higher education to Thomas University. He joined the university in August of 2017 as Director of Development before being promoted to Vice President of Institutional Advancement in May of 2018, he later added the role of Director of Athletics in the fall of 2023.

   Prior to his role at Thomas University, Stringfellow was a CEO at several YMCAs across the southeast from 2001 to 2017, where he helped each YMCA fundraise millions of dollars, build partnerships with communities and oversaw renovations of several YMCA facilities.
   “I am truly honored by the Board of Trustees to have considered and have offered me this opportunity,” Stringfellow said. “I look forward to leading the university especially as we celebrate this 75th anniversary. My motivation is based in the belief that non-profit organizations don’t have needs people do, the organization’s role is to serve the people.”
   “We are confident that Kurt will continue to guide Thomas University with vision and heart as we enter this historic milestone year,” Kadel added.

   Stringfellow served in the US Marine Corps. He is a University of Georgia graduate.

9. Military Transition Football Program Takes the Field!

   September 5, 2023 8:38 am

   At approximately 12:03 PM on Saturday, September 2nd, the Night Hawks made history when toe was put to leather, as Thomas kicked off the Nations’s only military transition football program.

   (more…)

10. TU’s Trip to Israel

    May 17, 2023 6:58 am

    +Travel to Israel

    
    Here’s a picture of our group prior to boarding.

    
    After a 4 hour layover in Istanbul and 18 hours from take off, we arrived in Israel.

    +Jaffa and Caesarea

    After spending an easy day in Jaffa recovering from jet lag, our group set out for Caesarea.
    Caesarea was the capital of Roman rule in the Judea. King Herod the great built it in honor of Caesar in Rome. The temple and complex are massive with an amphitheater, palace, hippodrome, pool, harbor and more.

    The religious significance includes an artifact called the Pilate Stone. The Pilate Stone has an inscription referring to Pontius Pilate who was the governor of Judah during the time of Christ.

    View from hotel in Jaffa

    

    Shopping in Jaffa

    Entrance to Caesarea

    Caesarea complex

    

    

    +Akko (Acre)

    Traveling north, we visited Akko, also known as Acre. Here we saw a massive fortress built by the crusaders, including Knights Hall and Templar’s tunnel. The Templars used this tunnel to escape the castle during the crusades.

    
    

    +Magdala and Sea of Galilee

    We have stopped in Magdala for three days, next to the Sea of Galilee. This is where they believe Mary Magdalene got her name as she may have been from this city.

    

    On Saturday, we sailed the Sea of Galilee. We saw an ancient boat that was from the time of Jesus, perhaps similar to one that He used to fish.

    

    

    View video with more details!

    +Zippori and Nazareth

    Zippori has a 5th century synagogue. We also saw a 1st century Jewish village that was close to Nazareth. It is more than likely that Jesus would have visited this village.

    

    

    

    In Nazareth we visited the Church of Annunciation where the Angel appeared to Mary.

    
    

    +Capernaum

    On the north side of the Sea of Galilee is Capernaum. The house of the apostle Peter is here. Jesus and the other apostles where from there as well.

    
    
    The dark stones are part of the foundation from the synagogue during the time of Jesus. Prayers are placed into crevices in the walls much like the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

    

    This is the synagogue built on top of the one Jesus would have visited.

    +Caesarea of Philippi

    Caesarea Philippi has been associated with a variety of religions and was known for the worship of Pan, the half man, half goat image of Greek and Roman mythology. There was also a shrine for both Zeus and Caesar. 

    Here in Caesarea Philippi is where Jesus said to Peter ‘On this rock I will build my church”. This has important symbolism because the Gates of Hell were believed to be here (pictured below). Therefore, Jesus was indicating that through Him death is overcome.

    

    +Palace of Agrippa, II, Tiberius, Caesarea Maritima

    Visiting the ruins of the Palace of Agrippa, II were very interesting.  The information plaques with sketches helped to visualize what it must have looked like.

    

    
    
    In Tiberius, we found the ruins of a theatre built during the time of Jesus. A theatre like this could have been where Jesus gave his beatitudes sermon.

    

    Dr. Beth Sheppard stands in the inner harbor of Caesarea Maritima (grassy area). This is the city where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned before being tried by Governors Felix and Festus. The arched rooms in the background were used as storage warehouses when the harbor was in use.

    
    And when you travel with TU, you eat well!

    +Masada and Qumran

    Masada…what an amazing place! This is a site of a battle at the end of the First Jewish-Roman War from 73 to 74 CE. Forty years earlier, Herod the Great had built two palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified the plateau.

    Then, we are off to Qumran, the discovery site of the Dead Sea scrolls. We saw how Essenes, a Jewish sect, lived and visited Cave #4 where the first scrolls where found.

    

    

    Finally, we stopped by the Dead Sea and took a dip. Well, kind of! It was fun to see everyone float!

    

    View video with more details!

    +Jerusalem

    Our tour of Jerusalem began at the Mount of Olives. Some of the olive trees are said to be 2,000 years old.  You can see the dome of the Dome of the  Rock in the background of the picture below.We then walked down to the Garden of Gethsemane. There was truly a Holy and spiritual feeling here!

    

    At the Israel Museum, they had a scale replica of the old Jerusalem. The big square in the forefront is the second temple.

    

    The Church of the Nativity was amazing!  The small doorway in the first picture below is the entrance.

    

    

    

    You can descend down a stairway to see the place of Christ’s birth which is under the Church. The silver star supposedly marks the place of His birth.

    

    

    View video with more details!

    +Jerusalem Day 2

    We started out today by visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Church stands over two holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Great Basilica or Martyrium encloses the traditional site of Calvary in one corner. Across the way, the Anastasis (Resurrection) encloses the cave tomb of Jesus’ burial. The church was consecrated in 335 CE. The wooden doors of the church’s main entrance are still the original doors from 326 CE.
    Three denominations share ownership of the Church: Greek Orthodox, Catholics and Armenian Orthodox. You can see in the picture below a small ladder near the top, left-hand window. This ladder is said to be 100 years old. It is still there because the three denominations cannot agree on whether or not to remove it.
    
    It is difficult to see, but there is a man under the alter in the picture below.  He is touching the possible place where Jesus was crucified.
    
    This picture is to the entrance of the cave tomb said to be where Jesus was laid and resurrected.
    
    We then walked part of the Via Dolorosa (the last 4 stations of the cross are located in the Church or the Sepulcher.) This is a processional route in the Old City that represents the path Jesus would have taken on the way to His crucifixion.
    
    We also visited the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall).  This is a section of the old temple wall and is a holy place for the Jewish faith as it is the closest they can get to the Temple Mount.  Men and women pray at opposite ends of the wall ( not together ).
    
    Below is a picture of a vendor stand selling spices.  Included is Frankincense and Myrrh.  I’ve always heard of them but had no idea what they looked like!
    
    We walked down to the City of David.  This is considered to be the original settlement of Jerusalem.
    

    
    Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, so many streets are actually built above the old city streets.  However, in a few places excavation allows us to actually walk on the where Jesus may have trod.  This part has been excavated down to the streets of 2000 years ago.
    
    Here’s a picture of our group sitting on the southern steps going into Jerusalem.  At one time, there were gates in the wall, but they have been filled in.  These steps date back 2000 years.  Jesus may well have walked here!
    
    Very thankful for Drs Beth and Riedel for helping us find true places where Jesus may have walked.  At both locations, we were the only ones there as everyone was putting so much attention on the celebrated sites.

    +Jerusalem Day 3

    What an exciting day! We started out by visiting the Dome of the Rock. It is not actually a mosque. There is a mosque on the Temple Mount, but the Dome of the Rock is more of a historical place. It was built in the late 7th century CE. According to the Muslim faith, this marks the spot where the Prophet Muhammad was taken up into heaven for an encounter with God.
    
    
    Below is the view of Old Jerusalem from the Temple Mount.  The two gray domes in the background are the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
    
    We had to go through a couple security checkpoints to reach Temple Mount.  If you are  not in the correct attire (if you are wearing shorts), they gave you a skirt to wear like the person wearing the green skirt with yellow stipe below.
    
    The Bethesda pool–below is just a portion as most are now covered by other buildings.  It was interesting to learn how accurate the Biblical description of the Bethesda pools are to the real thing!  Clearly, whomever was writing that had personal knowledge.

    
    
    We also visited the Antonio Fortress.  This was built by Herod the Great and named for Mark Antony.  It’s chief function was to protect the Second Temple.  This may have been were Pontius Pilot’s tried Jesus for high treason.
    
    The Garden Tomb.  They make a compelling case that Jesus ‘could have been’ buried here, but were also clear that no one really knows for sure where he was entombed.

    
    Taking a trip like this one with TU has been amazing!  We are learning not only about our Christianity, but other faiths as well.  We are understanding why we believe the way we do.  As I mentioned yesterday, having New Testament scholars as our guides adds so much, providing a rich history with compelling narratives.

    +Jericho, Hisham’s Palace

    Today is our last day in Israel. It has been a wonderful trip!
    In Jericho, there is a sycamore tree. It is meant to symbolize the story of Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus.
    
    Hisham’s Palace ruins are close to Jericho.  These ruins were built in the 8th century CE.  Spreading over 150 acres, the site consists of three parts:  the Palace, a bath complex and an agricultural estate.
    
    
    This Palace has the largest display of Mosaic floors than any other ancient site.  The camera here does not do it justice!
    
    
    This beautiful mosaic is meant to represent the Tree of Life
    
    On to Jericho!    Jericho is one of the earliest and continuous settlements in the world, dating perhaps from 9000 BCE.   Below are pictures of the ruins.
    From Jericho, we travelled in to the Judean wilderness.  The first picture below is one of a monastery that was built in the mountains where a river runs through the valley.    The river runs from Jerusalem to Jericho and is more than likely the route used during Biblical times.
    
    This was our last day in Israel.  Off to Turkey!
    

    +Istanbul

    After a very early morning flight from Israel to Turkey, (no, we didn’t arrive by camel!), we arrived at the Istanbul airport. Our first stop was the bizarre and spice market. It is an unbelievable market to say the least!
    

    

    We also took a boat ride that allowed us to see the architectural differences between where Europe and Asia meet. The two differences can be seen on the opposite cost from each other. Istanbul has a population of more than 18 million people. Istanbul is important to Christianity because Constantine, the Roman Emperor, moved the capital of the Roman empire to Istanbul.    With his conversion to Christianity,  he helped spread the message world-wide.

    On Sunday we visited an area that was once a Hippodrome. Roman horse and chariot racing took place here (think movie Ben Hur). The Hippodrome is a long oval using a little imagination you can see how the tree line on each side would be the outside with the obelisk in the center of the track. Many activities happened at hippodromes from races to community events, including public humiliation for conquered foes.

    

    

    

    We visited a mosque that for many years was a church, then a museum. It is called the Hagia Sophia.  It has recently been converted to a mosque and some of the important Christian mosaics on the upper level are no longer on display. This was quite disappointing to our group especially recognizing the important of the Byzantine Empire and it’s relation to Christianity.

    

    

    

    

    We also visited a market for Turkish rugs and of course saw a demonstration of how they are made. It takes 6 months for a medium sized wool rug and 1-3 years, depending on the size, for those made of silk. The artist pictured has a true gift!

    

    

    The Basilica Cistern is ‘off the chart’ amazing. It has been in James Bond movies and Dan Brown’s book movies. It has 336 columns, unbelievable square footage and incredible height and beauty. And it is just a cistern! The Basilica Cistern is the largest, ancient underground cistern in Istanbul. It was built by order from Emperor Justanian in 535 CE as a project of rebuilding the cistern after riots. Cisterns in general were spread everywhere around Istanbul during Byzantinian times and provided water for use of residents.

    

    

    

    The ‘column of tears’ (above) is part of the cistern to recognize those that died during it’s construction.

    So, with my final entry in this blog, I would like to share a quote from Dr. Griggs, one of our team members. “Meaningful memories are never about the places, but they are about relationships.” So yes, I visited incredible sites and history that was educational but I do agree with Dr. Griggs. The relationships formed through this experience will last a lifetime. We are taking about our next expedition. Join us and have your life changed!

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