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Columbia State Professor Dies, Students Safe After Wave Incident in Brazil Study-Abroad Program

Issue #094

21 May

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 88

📰 Columbia State Professor Dies, Students Safe After Wave Incident in Brazil Study-Abroad Program

🏃‍♀️ Registration is Open For The Well Outreach July 4th Run For Hunger

🍺 This Week at the Asgard Brewing Company

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📌 Columbia’s Best Kept Secret: Is Your Business One of Them?

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, May 21st

  • Hampshire Farmer’s Market - 3:00 - 6:00 PM

  • May Meeting of Marine Corps League LCPL Andrew P. Carpenter Detachment 1286 - All Marine, Navy veterans & spouses welcome. (Memorial Bldg, 308 West 7th) Email w/ any questions. - 6:00 PM

Wednesday, May 22nd

Thursday, May 23rd

Friday, May 24th

Saturday, May 25th

Tuesday, May 28th

Thursday, May 30th

Columbia State Professor Dies, Students Safe After Wave Incident in Brazil Study-Abroad Program

Credit: @columbiastate Instagram

A Columbia State Community College professor, accompanying 12 students from across Tennessee on a study-abroad trip to Brazil, died after being hit by a large wave along with three students.

Brazilian authorities and search and rescue crews had been searching for Clifford Gordon since Thursday when he was swept into the water. Columbia State Community College confirmed Monday morning that his body was found and recovered.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, president of Columbia State Community College, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident, emphasizing the college's gratitude that no students were seriously injured. Gordon, a talented artist beloved by his students, will be greatly missed. The college's thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and students.

Gordon and 12 students from Pellissippi State, Columbia State, Walters State, and Southwest Tennessee Community College embarked on a three-week art study tour in Brazil on May 6. The incident occurred near Paraty, Brazil, when Gordon and three students, two from Pellissippi State and one from Walters State, were taking a picture along an oceanside road and were struck by a wave.

Two of the students were treated at a medical center and released, while the third was treated on-site. All three students are now safe.

The group left Paraty on Sunday and will return to Tennessee from Rio de Janeiro, with their arrival scheduled for Tuesday. Counseling services have been offered to the students and will continue upon their return to Tennessee.

Gordon held an Associate Degree in art from Chattanooga State Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in art from Tennessee State University, and a Master's Degree in studio art from the Memphis College of Art. He began his career at Columbia State Community College in 2008 as an adjunct professor and became a full-time faculty member in 2013, teaching courses such as Intro to Visual Arts, Art History, Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, and Foundation Studio. He was also known for his impressive works of collage and painting, and had numerous exhibitions throughout the state. Gordon frequently traveled to Brazil and had taught himself Portuguese.

Registration is Open For The Well Outreach July 4th Run For Hunger

Registration is NOW OPEN for The Well Outreach’s 3rd annual "July 4th Run For Hunger", sponsored by Benton Nissan of Columbia! Join us on July 4th at Summit High School in Spring Hill, Tennessee for an action-packed day of fun and support of your local food pantry! 

Lace up your shoes and choose from our Timed 5K or Color Fun Run (complete with a FOAM pit!). There is a 1 mile turnaround option for those young ones who still want to get in on the fun! 

Not a runner but still want to support the Well? Opt for our “Sleep In Option” and still grab some awesome event merchandise! Plus, don’t miss our Bicycle/Stroller Parade (hosted by Spring Hill, TN  Parks & Recreation), perfect for the whole family! 

Come and be part of this unforgettable event as we Run For Hunger in Middle Tennessee! 

Sign up today as spots will fill up fast! With code EARLYBIRD24 you can get 10% off your registration through May 25th!

Your participation can make a difference to help feed families in need in Middle Tennessee!

This Week at the Asgard Brewing Company

There’s always something going on at Asgard!

Run Club is every Tuesday / Drunk Bingo at 6PM

Vet2Vet is every Wednesday

Karaoke is every Thursday from 6-11PM

The Wentzel Bros Band plays on Friday, plus Gia’s Kitchen food truck!

104 East 5th St., Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Columbia’s Best Kept Secret: Is Your Business One of Them? 

We ❤️ love local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "What’s Up Columbia!" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Columbia together!

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