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NEWBERRY — “There’s no place I’d rather be than here in Newberry, South Carolina,” said Newberry College President Maurice Scherrens to the Newberry Rotary crowd Friday afternoon.

Scherrens was the guest speaker at the Rotary meeting and provided a brief update about the college.

Prior to providing the update, Scherrens relayed a story that was a testimony to the values and ethics of the college and how they played out at a recent football game against Tusculum.

Scherrens was in his office when he received three different emails from people he’s never met who testified to what generous and Christian-like actions they had witnessed that Saturday.

“All of the (football) players helped and the coach said a prayer for the (injured) Tusculum player,” said Scherrens, who added, “In 20 years of play officiating, I’ve never seen anything like that happen.”

“It is what distinguishes us from many other places,” said Scherrens.

As for the updates, Scherrens says that a summit for college leaders was held in which leaders talked about what their dreams were/are and how to implement those dreams and goals.

Scherrens commended the “outstanding faculty at Newberry College.”

In fact, when the leaders were being chosen, eight to 10 were originally sought, but there were at least 20 which they had to narrow down.

Scherrens also praised the coordination between the city and the college.

“The beautification makes it more attractive,” said Scherrens about the college campus and the city areas surrounding it.

Scherrens also said that in the fall semester for 2013, they will have new programs to unveil.

“We want to bring a B.S. (Bachelor in Science) in accounting and social media,” said Scherrens.

He also wants to introduce forensics and believes the marching band and the dance team should be provided more resources and aid.

“We will also add another sport, for women in fall of 2013,” said Scherrens, who adds that “we will have a better balance between men and women’s sports.”

While Scherrens notes that there is much change involved and change is not a bad thing; however, he adds, “Too much change and too little continuity brings a lot of doubt. We must re instill that belief and have hope and faith and remember the past but not be bogged down by it.”

The 2012-13 school year is Scherrens first year as president of the college. He was named at the end of the 2011-12 school year after former college president Scott Koerwer resigned in November 2011.