The Motlow Buzz - April Issue 2026 (Printed Issue)

 

Students, Faculty and Staff to Take Stage on April 23 for Eighth Annual Motlow Talent Show

  SMYRNA — Students, faculty and staff will take the stage in the Big Room (HSC 138-141) on April 23 (Thursday) for the eighth annual Motlow Talent Show.

The event will kick off with recorded music, food and beverages from 11 a.m.-noon, followed by live performances from noon-1 p.m. Attendees also will enjoy prize giveaways. The show, which is sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, is free and open to all members of the Motlow family. 

Performing artists will include Ashley Powell (Singer/Poet); Abigail Sorrell (Singer); Kyle Regan (Singer/Interpreter); Robert Davenport (Singer); Charles Whiting (Composer/Pianist); and Bob Fitzgerald and Arlo Hall (Musicians). Others artists will be announced the week before the show. 

Are you interested in performing? Send an email inquiry to cwhiting@mscc.edu by April 10. Include your name, talent and a description of your presentation (with web link if applicable). 

“We developed the Motlow Talent Show to give students hands-on experience in a variety of roles including show planning, promotion, staging, sound and performance,” said Charles Whiting, an associate professor of Mass Communications who serves as a co-faculty adviser for SEAM Club. “High Impact Practices are important ingredients for college success in Mass Communications.”

Helping with the show are Mark Landrum (Sound), the Student Government Association, and the Dean of Students Office. Student Volunteers include SEAM Club President Amber Powell, Vice-President Mustafa Akram, Secretary Daniel Gomez-Ramirez, and Treasurer Elsie Mendoza-Ingram.  

The event also is a creative way to celebrate the end of the spring semester. Classes will wrap up with final exams the week of May 4-8. Graduation ceremonies will occur on May 11.

Seven Students to Compete in Speech Contest on April 14, 2026

  SMYRNA – Seven Motlow students will receive career-changing recognition, prizes and awards on April 14 (Tuesday) when they take the podium for the third annual Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest.

The event will occur at 7 p.m. in HSC 138-141 on the Motlow Smyrna campus. A reception with food and beverages will follow.      

      According to Professor Robert Davenport, participants will deliver original persuasive/argumentative speeches ranging from 5 to 10 minutes long. 

      “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop better speaking skills and more experience,” said Davenport, who serves as the event’s oratorical contest coordinator and an associate professor of speech on the Smyrna campus.

      The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club and Motlow Humanities Department began sponsoring a college-wide public speaking competition called the Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest in 2023. Professor Emeritus Zimmerman was a longtime speech and theatre professor at Motlow and instrumental in helping create and grow both disciplines.

Restaurant Spotlight: Deir Café

 By Elizabeth Rocha

Motlow Buzz Restaurant Critic

 

   Deir Café is a Palestinian-owned coffee shop in Nashville that is known for its authentic drinks and food, as if you were stepping right into Palestine. The popular gathering place brings Mediterranean culture to Music City, offering flavors ranging from Pistachio Latte and the signature Deir Latte to my personal favorite, the Strawberry Matcha Latte. 

However, Deir Café goes beyond offering drinks and edibles – sharing its special purpose as a business.

“Deir Café is more than just a coffee shop,” Dr. Yusuf, owner of Deir Café, states on the café’s website. “It’s a symbol of resilience and hope. Blending the soul of Palestine with the creativity of Nashville, every cup tells a story of home, healing and heritage.”

The creative eatery is personally one of my favorites to visit. As someone who craves authenticity, this coffee shop offers that and more. There are now two current locations, one in the heart of Nashville at 711 Hagan St., and one in the outskirts of at 105 Haywood Lane.

 

            To learn more, visit www.deircafe.com. 

Motlow Students Bring Creativity to Life on Disney Writing Trip

By Ashley Torres

Motlow Buzz Student Editor

SMYRNA -- While many students were returning to campus after spring break, a group of Motlow State Community College students set out on a different kind of journey -- one centered on storytelling, creativity, and immersive learning.

Students from Motlow’s creative writing classes traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in March for a five-day creative writing experience designed to bring storytelling beyond the classroom. Led by faculty, the trip allowed students to engage with narrative in a setting built entirely on it.

From the immersive lands of Magic Kingdom to the cinematic atmosphere of Hollywood Studios, each park became a living example of how stories can be constructed, experienced and shared. Throughout the trip, students were given the opportunity to explore the Disney parks, with some experiencing them for the first time. 

Activities included a hands-on learning session led by a Disney cast member, who discussed the role of storytelling within Disney and how narrative is used to shape guest experiences.

For many, the experience went beyond academics. In addition to strengthening their writing, students built connections with peers who share similar creative interests. Long days in the parks often turned into conversations about ideas, goals, and future ambitions, fostering a sense of community that extended beyond the classroom. Theseshared experiences created an atmosphere where students felt encouraged to express themselves and grow alongside one another.

Experiences like this reflect Motlow’s emphasis on hands-on learning, giving students opportunities to explore in real-world environments. As the group returned to campus after the trip, they brought back more than memories; they returned with new perspectives and stronger creative voices.

SEAM Club Invites Students to Perform at Upcoming Talent Show

 

Students to Compete in Third Annual Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest

  SMYRNA – Motlow students can receive career-changing recognition, prizes and awards by participating in the third annual Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest in HSC 138-141 at 7 p.m. on April 14.   

      According to Professor Robert Davenport, the contest is open to Motlow students from any of the MSCC campus locations, regardless of major or prior speaking experience. The deadline to enroll is April 1. Students can register by accessing the QR code on the event flyer or sending an email with their name, email address, phone number, and MSCC campus location to rdavenport@mscc.edu.

      Students will deliver original persuasive/argumentative speeches. The contest rules and requirements can be found in the Dean of Students shell on D2L.    

      “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop better speaking skills and more experience,” said Davenport, who serves as the event’s oratorical contest coordinator and an associate professor of speech on the Smyrna campus. “Effective communication skills are the number one characteristic employers look for in potential employees. Give this a shot to grow your communication skills.”

      If more than 10 students enter the contest, there will be a “semifinal” round in which students will submit a video recording of their speech. These speeches will be evaluated by a group of communication professors. The top 10 speakers from that round will qualify for an in-person final round on the Smyrna campus. If there are 10 or fewer entrants, all will advance to the final round to be eligible for prizes and awards.     

      The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club and Motlow Humanities Department began sponsoring a college-wide public speaking competition called the Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest in 2023. Professor Emeritus Zimmerman was a longtime speech and theatre professor at Motlow and instrumental in helping create and grow both disciplines.

      “Ideally, participants should have already completed the COMM 2025 – Fundamentals of Communication course or be currently enrolled in the class, but that is not an absolute requirement,” Davenport added.

Professor Robert Davenport and Smyrna Center Director
Gary Winton present a plaque to the 2024 first-place winner.

      Students who are taking/have taken English 1010/1020 can potentially turn a persuasive/argumentative essay they have done in the past into a persuasive speech for this event.

      As a former intercollegiate speech and debate coach/instructor, Davenport has always seen the benefits of students being able to effectively prepare and present presentations to help prepare them for their chosen careers.       

      “This event is an important extra-curricular activity for our students,” he said. "It can help them become better communicators in every aspect of their lives."

What's The Buzz Podcast - Gary Winton Interview 2025

 

Call for Talent: Holiday Traditions Show 2025

 

The Motlow Buzz - October 2025 Issue

 

Motlow Student Journalists Publish March Issue of The Motlow Buzz

 

SEAM Club Invites Students and Others to Perform at Motlow Talent Show

    SMYRNA, Tenn. – The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club (SEAM) is looking for artists of all kinds to perform at its Motlow Talent Show on April 15.

   Performance opportunities are open to everyone, including students, faculty, administrators and staff. To sign up, send your name and talent description to Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu . The deadline for consideration is April 1.

   The types of talent that the club would like to feature include singing, songwriting, dance, poetry reading, storytelling, public speaking, acting, comedy, and visual art. The event is part of Motlow’s effort to bring High Impact Practices into higher education, giving students hands-on experience in the creation of a major show.

Italian Actor, Motivational Speaker, and Life Coach Walter Nudo to Give Talk in Smyrna on March 20

  SMYRNA -- The "Famous Communicator Speakers Series" is going global with a special talk on March 20 by highly acclaimed Italian actor, motivational speaker, and life coach Walter Nudo.

The multi-talented performer will speak to students, faculty and others from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in AJW 124 (with overflow seating in AJW 122). Admission is free and open to all members of the Motlow family. 

Individuals may join Nudo's presentation on Zoom at https://mscc.zoom.us/j/82120631732?pwd=MgVqfVNGUMZ166aakWf9wYUhSq2zWA.1 (Passcode: 004064). His talk also will be recorded. 

Nudo's career spans more than 25 years. Known primarily in Italy, he has achieved success as an award-winning actor, singer and television personality. He is also the only person in the world to have won both "Survivor VIP" ("The Island of the Famous") and "Big Brother VIP," showcasing his resilience, adaptability and charisma. Other TV appearances include the "Maurizio Costanzo Show," the Italian soap opera "A Place in the Sun," the series "The Enchantment," and the series "Carabinieri" (seasons 6 and 7). 

In 2013, he took on a lead acting role in"Hopeful Notes," a film about a young violinist with leukemia who brings hope and life into a desolate Russian hospital for children. The film aimed to raise awareness and funds to end childhood cancer, and is part of the project "Let's Make a Difference." Watch a clip from the movie at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1508669/ .

Beyond entertainment, Nudo is a former professional athlete, excelling as a boxer, karate, and race car driver. He has embodied discipline and determination in every field he has  pursued. His life took a transformative turn after surviving a near-death experience, which deepened his mission to inspire others to awaken their inner hero. 

Drawing from decades of personal growth, spiritual exploration, and training with global leaders like Tony Robbins, Nudo has developed a unique approach to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and live with purpose. Through his seminars, coaching programs, and now this book, “Awaken the Hero Within,” he empowers readers to transform their struggles into strength and live a life of purpose, passion and fulfillment. 

His story is proof that no matter how deep the challenges, the power to rise stronger lies within us all.

"Never give up," the actor, speaker and life coach says. "Listen, remember, learn, speak, practice, and then teach."

The "Famous Communicator Speakers Series" serves as a mentoring program for students, introducing them to successful communicators and providing hands-on experiences through High Impact Practices in Technology Enhanced Learning, Global Awareness, and other certified areas of instruction. To learn more, contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

Students Publish February Issue of The Motlow Buzz

 

Student Creates New Art for Motlow Buzz Masthead

 

The Buzz Print Issue for November 2024

 

Q&A: The Buzz Interviews SEAM Club President Jakoby Kimmell

      Jakoby Kimmell, president of the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, shared insight on the organization's many activities on the Motlow Smyrna campus. Jakoby is a first-year freshman who is currently going for general studies, but plans to switch to history to pursue a doctorate in order to achieve his goal of becoming a history professor.

Question: Tell me about SEAM club.

Answer: The SEAM Club stands for the Smyrna entertainment, arts and media club. We just recently did a field trip to the Frist Art Museum, and the next thing that we're planning is a holiday event. We also have a speech contest on the Moore County campus. This isn't something that we're hosting directly, but it is something that we helped organize and, of course, we do what we can to assist the paper. Our primary focus is right now doing events, and we're always looking to expand into other stuff as well new types of events. We are looking to expand into other things. Specifically, right now, we're interested in expanding into podcasting, with the help of Professor Whitting and a few other of our members who have experience in that area. So, we look forward to setting up a school podcast that we can put out for you guys. We're always looking to expand into other stuff as well, new types of events, other types of media. We're always just trying to entertain people, inform them, and just kind of have fun and give people opportunities to express themselves and be themselves. It really is a member ran organization, and what we do really comes from who we have that means what they know, what they're comfortable with, the kind of passion they bring to the table and their experience.

 

Question: What made you decide to become SEAM club president?

Answer: When the SEAM club just started out this semester, we only had a handful of members, and we weren't sure who was going to stay and who was going to go, so some members didn't feel like they could take on the responsibilities of being president. So, it ended up just kind of falling to me, and so far, it seems like that's been a good choice. I've been doing everything I can as the president to make sure everything goes smoothly here, and people don't seem to hate me. So that's good. The role just kind of fell to me, and it seems like it was a good choice. We’re growing in members every day, usually, and I do want to emphasize how it is a member ran organization. People bring their own passions and experience to the table. Even though I may have the title of club president, I'm not here to tell people how to do things. I'm just here to try and get everything organized so we can do things. If a member has an idea, I want to be able to fulfill that. I don't want to be the person trying to tell them that we shouldn't be doing anything.

 

Question: What's your favorite part of the SEAM club?

Answer: It's probably the thing that draws in most people, just the opportunity to have self-expression, to put myself out there, and to really have fun with it. And I think that that should be the driving force of anyone joining the SEAM club, because that really is what we want to cultivate. We want to have people bring their passions and be able to have that supported and grown, and have that turn into something, yeah.

 

Question: Who do you think should join the SEAM club?

Answer: People with passion, is what I'll say. People who are interested in all the stuff our acronym stands for or want to get involved with any of that sort of stuff, but the most fundamental thing is a passion for self-expression.

     To learn more about the SEAM Club, contact co-faculty advisor Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu.