For the second year in a row area high school students will get the chance to attend summer classes at Shawnee State University (SSU) through the Summer College for High School Students program offered through the office of University Outreach Services at SSU.
            “This program allows high school students, primarily juniors, to take college classes during the first five weeks of SSU’s summer schedule,” said Megan Horne, program manager, University Outreach Services. “We focus on juniors but there might be some flexibility for sophomores or seniors to attend if there was some interest.”
            Horne said students are permitted to take up to two classes during the summer, giving them a total of eight credit hours.
            “Basically, it’s an opportunity for them to get to know college in general, get to know SSU, and get a crash course in going to college before they actually commit themselves to a higher education,” Horne explained.
            In order to get the total campus experience, Horne said students enrolled in the program will live in the university’s townhouse apartments for five weeks while attending classes.
            “We have organized activities for them in the evenings, and on the weekends we’ll do some group activities,” Horne said.
            Horne said the classes the students sign up for would be transferable to other colleges and universities should the student decide not to attend SSU. She said the classes would be entry level classes that university freshmen would take.
            “They would do placement testing in order to get into the university to make sure we get them into the right kinds of classes for them,” Horne said. “They would be able to choose from a diverse offering of courses that would be manageable for high school students.”
            Tuition for the Summer College Program is $695, but Horne said the exact amount would depend on the student and what courses they take because there may be some lab fees.
             “The average cost would be $695 that would be for their tuition, housing and meals, and some activities during the five week period. It certainly would be more than that if they took classes on their own,” Horne said.
            April 8 is the deadline to apply for the program but Horne said she will take applications after that date if there is still space available. To register for the program or for more information call (740) 351-3535 or 866-672-8778.

            Summer job opportunities and fun activities can be checked out Wednesday, March 30 at the third annual Summer Opportunities Fair at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA). Hosted by Shawnee State University’s (SSU) office of university Outreach Services, the fair will be held from 6-7:30 p.m.
            Megan Horne, program manager of University Outreach Services, said community organizations such as the Girl Scouts, the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center, and the Portsmouth Little Theatre, as well as representatives from Shawnee State Park, will be there with information on their summer activities.
            “There will be some organizations promoting employment opportunities during the summer. Some of the state parks are looking for volunteers or adults to work in some of their summer activities such as lifeguards,” Horne said. “Even though the focus is on youth and families, there would be information there that pertains strictly to adults.”
            Other organizations that will be participating include: AAA Travel, Adventure Kingdom, American Red Cross, Ben’s Happy Trails, Boys Scouts of America, Camden Park, Castle Comics, Chasteen Aviation, Christ’s Community Church, City Limits, Community Action Organization, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Dorothy Knost Children’s Summer Music Workshop, Portsmouth Racquet Club, Shawnee Trails Charter Service, Southern Ohio Medical Center, and various departments from SSU.
            Horne said the Opportunities Fair also offers early bird registration for the “Explore Your Future” summer enrichment program for youth from Pre-K through 8^th grade. She said in addition to course favorites such as the forensics, gymnastic, golf, and football classes, there are some new classes being offered this summer.
            “We have digital photography, a beginning French class, a Japanese class, and several new sports classes that we did not offer before,” Horne said. “We have a softball class and we have another basketball class that we did not offer last year, as well as some different art classes for kids.”
            The Explore Your Future classes will be offered on campus June 13-17.
            “The classes will be offered for grades kindergarten through second grade in the mornings and in the afternoons they might be offered for grades three through five so that we can make sure there is a nice balance for the topics that we offer, as well as for the grade levels that we offer them to,” Horne said.
            The morning classes will be held from 9 to noon and the afternoon classes will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 on the campus of SSU and Earl Thomas Conley Park. Lunch is available from noon to 12:30.
            The classes being offered this year include: Art for the Senses I, Art for the Senses II, Black and White Photography, Candyland Construction, Cartooning, Digital Photography, Kids in the Kitchen, Sewing 101, The Art of Sport, The Land of Seuss, Around the World in Five Days, Becoming a Writer, Beginning French, Beginning Japanese, Beginning Spanish, Book Club, SURVIVOR-Africa, Caving, Forensics Fun, Make Your Own Artifact, Oceanography, Under the Sea, Silly Science Olympics, Archery for Beginners, Basketball-Advanced, Basketball-Basics, Cheerleading-Advanced, Cheerleading-Basics, Football Fun-Advanced, Football Fun-Basic, Golf for Kids-Advanced, Golf for Kids-Basic, Rockin and Rollin’, Shawnee Olympics, Softball Fun, Tae Kwon Doe for Kids, Tennis Time, and Yoga Basics.
            Horne said the deadline to register for the Explore Your Future program is the end of May. The cost for a full week registration for both morning and afternoon classes is $109 without the early bird discount, which is only offered at the Summer Opportunities Fair.
            “You need to come to the fair to get that discount. We can’t take it over the phone during the day of the fair so we certainly would encourage everyone to stop by,” Horne said.
            With the early bird discount the cost for registration is $84 per child for a full week. Lunch is optional and is an additional $12 per child. SSU employees receive 20 percent off most non-credit offerings that include the Explore Your Future courses.
            To find out more about the Summer Opportunities Fair and the Explore Your Future program call (740) 351-3535 or 866-672-8778.

            Shawnee State University (SSU) students and alumni will get the chance to showcase their research, creative, scholarly and public service activities at the first ever “A Celebration of Scholarship” undergraduate conference on May 26 on the SSU campus.
             “The conference is a celebration of the scholarly work by our students,” said Gary Gemmer, Physical Science Professor at SSU and conference organizer. “It is SSU’s chance to demonstrate to students that we think their hard work should be showcased and celebrated. Participation in the conference allows students to share their scholarly activity, to improve their communication skills, and to add to their résumés when they are looking for a job.”
            Gemmer said students from other institutions have also been invited to participate.
            Students interested in participating in the conference will need to have a faculty mentor who will advise them on their presentation. Gemmer said students will need to fill out registration forms that are available from SSU faculty. Applications are due by April 29.
            With this being the first year for the undergraduate conference, Gemmer is hoping it will become an annual event.
            “We have a number of scholarly activities in which students participate. There are a number of students who do undergraduate research in the sciences and generally these students go elsewhere to present their results,” Gemmer said. “Seniors write a scholarly paper for Senior Seminar, but their presentations are only heard by their classmates. The conference format would allow many others to become aware of the work performed by our students.”
            In addition to the student presentations, the conference will feature William Galston, Ph.D. as the keynote speaker. Galston is the interim dean of the Maryland School of Public Policy, Saul l Stern Professor of Civic Engagement, and director of the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy.
            Galston is a political theorist who studies and participates in American politics and domestic policy. He was deputy assistant to the president for Domestic Policy during the first Clinton Administration and executive director of the National Commission on Civic Renewal, which was chaired by Sam Nunn and William Bennett.
            Galston’s teaching and research interests include social policy, family policy, normative analysis, education policy, and civic renewal, and since 1995 he has served as the founding member of the Board of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and as chair of the Campaign’s Task Force on Religion and Public Values.
            Students and alumni wanting more information on “A Celebration of Scholarship” undergraduate conference can call Gemmer at (740) 351-3341.

             The Shawnee State University (SSU) Student Programming Board (SPB) is sponsoring an evening of music by artist J.P. Williams on Monday, April 18 at 7 p.m. in the University Center (UC) on the SSU campus.
            Williams was born in Clarksville, IN, and spent his childhood in Dallas, Texas.  He was born blind in his right eye, and at age 10 lost sight in his left eye.  This challenge did not stop him, however, from discovering his musical talent.  He taught himself to play the guitar and he sang in the children’s choir at his church.  When he was a teenager, his family moved to Chattanooga, TN, where he began to write and perform songs for his friends.  His talent became well-known in the area and he was even invited to perform the national anthem at the Special Olympics.  This performance encouraged Williams to turn his music hobby into a career. 
            Williams graduated from the Tennessee School for the Blind and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he earned a B.A. in music.  He has opened for many popular artists, including Bruce Hornsby, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Edwin McCain, Charlie Daniels, and Ricky Skaggs.  
            Williams is known for his unique sound, which Wayne Allen, vice president of the SPB, said is sure to be enjoyed by everyone who attends.
            “He is an active part of the music landscape in Atlanta and Nashville, and is considered by many critics as one of the best emerging artists in the South,” Allen said.
            For more information on, contact the SPB at (740) 351-3467.

            The Emile Leroy Jividen Memorial Scholarship was established recently at Shawnee State University (SSU) by his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Elaine Jividen of Wheelersburg, Ohio, to honor the memory of his dad.  Emile Jividen passed away at the age of 76 in July 1999. 
            Jim Jividen has worked as regional president of Charter One Bank for 10 years, and has played a major role in the Development Foundation of Shawnee State University (SSU), serving as secretary, as well as chairman of the SSU finance committee for three years.
            Emile Leroy Jividen taught welding at SSU for nearly nine years.  Jim Jividen and other family members created the scholarship to not only honor his father, but to also thank SSU for giving him the opportunity to touch the lives of his students.
            “My father was a person who was willing to help others,” said Jividen.  “He was well-respected by his peers, friends, and students.  He not only taught welding at SSU, he also taught apprentice classes for Union Local 577.  He enjoyed working with and helping people interested in his trade.”
            Susan Warsaw, executive director of development at SSU said, “the reason this scholarship is so meaningful, is because it is a family affair.  The Jividen family created the scholarship in order to commemorate their relationship.”
            “SSU holds the future for so many young people and families in this area,” said Jividen.  “It is the institution that the Portsmouth area should build its future around.”
            Jividen said his sister, Sue O’Leary, was employed by Shawnee State Community College for eight years.  He is grateful that SSU gave his father the opportunity to extend his career as an instructor as well.
            “SSU and higher education in the Portsmouth area has been very good to my family,” he said.  “We appreciate the opportunity to give something back.”
            To be eligible for the Emile Leroy Jividen Memorial Scholarship award, applicants must be an incoming freshman with a G.P.A. of 2.8 or higher.  Applicants must also be an engineering major, exhibiting financial need.  Preference will be given to a middle income family.
            Students who are interested in applying for the scholarship can obtain an application in the Financial Aid office located on the second floor of the University Center at SSU.  The recipient will be selected by the University Financial Aid/Scholarship Committee.  For more information about the scholarship, call (740) 351-4243.
            For more information about how to establish memorial scholarships and other development opportunities, or to make donations to SSU, call (740) 351-3284.
            Offering more than 80 bachelor’s and associate degree programs in areas such as fine, digital, and performing arts; English and humanities; mathematical sciences; natural sciences; social sciences; teacher education; business administration; industrial and engineering technologies; and health sciences, SSU offers over $2 million each year to students in both need- and academic-based scholarships.

             The Gina Smalley Memorial Scholarship was established at Shawnee State University (SSU) to honor Smalley’s memory and to celebrate her love of her chosen profession--dental hygiene.
            First envisioned independently by her parents, Toby and Joyce Smalley, and her employer, Lucas and Clark Family Dentistry, the scholarship is the creation of both groups along with other friends and family.
            “The award will eventually be given over a two year period, $500 in the first to go toward the purchase of dental hygiene instruments, and $500 in the second to go toward payment of fees to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and Northeast Regional board Exam,” said Susan Warsaw, executive director of development at SSU.
            Warsaw said this is not a typical scholarship.
            “This is a very personal award that it benefits the donor as well as the student,” she said. “It allows Gina’s parents, co-workers, and friends to donate to a cause that was very important to Gina.  The money from the scholarship does not simply cover the student’s tuition; it goes toward the expenses of equipment and board exams.  It really has a huge impact on the recipient, who may not otherwise be able to afford these things.”
            “Gina loved being a dental hygienist,” said Lynne Lucas, office manager of Lucas and Clark Family Dentistry, where Gina worked for 2.5 years.
            Lucas, along with her co-workers, wanted to find a way to honor Gina’s memory, while at the same time helping others to pursue a career in dental hygiene.  So, in a collaborative effort with Gina’s family, the Gina Smalley Memorial Scholarship Fund was established.
            “Gina was a special young lady, loved by her family, friends, and co-workers,” said Lucas.  “While nothing can ever replace her in our hearts, we are committed to helping others in her name.  Gina would have wanted it that way.”
            Toby Smalley, Gina’s father said, everyone wanted to do something that honors her love of the profession, which represents her, what she wanted to do in life, how good she was at it, and her dedication to the job.
            “Gina was good; she was a smart girl, who really didn’t have to put a lot of time into studying,” said Smalley.  “I have never received any complaints from people who I know she worked on their teeth.  All I heard was praise from her employers and her parents.  She really liked doing it.”
            Toby Smalley said this scholarship means a lot to him, his wife, and son, and that it is a representation of Gina. 
            “We want it to be given to help other people. My family is not financially well-off.  We are an average American, working family with one income.  I know how hard it was, when our daughter went to college, to make ends meet.  We wanted to be able to, in Gina’s name, help other people who wanted to go into the same profession as our daughter.”
            Toby Smalley said his family appreciates Lucas and Clark Family Dentistry and SSU for remembering Gina in this manner.
            “SSU makes sure that their graduates are well-prepared,” he said.  “I get so many compliments on my daughter from others who graduated from the program.  SSU is a wonderful university; southern Ohio is lucky to have it.  We were thrilled and honored that our daughter chose SSU, and they have been so good to Gina.  We really appreciate everyone involved.”
            To be eligible for the Gina Smalley Memorial Scholarship award, applicants must be accepted into the dental hygiene program at SSU, be a resident of Adams or Highland County, and exhibit financial need.  Preference will go to a graduate of Peebles High School.
            Students who are interested in applying for the scholarship can obtain an application in the Financial Aid office located on the second floor of the University Center at SSU.  The recipient will be selected by the University Financial Aid/Scholarship Committee following a recommendation of the program leader of dental hygiene.  For more information about the scholarship, call (740) 351-4243.
            For more information about how to establish memorial scholarships and other development opportunities, or to make donations to SSU, call (740) 351-3284.
            Offering more than 80 bachelor’s and associate degree programs in areas such as fine, digital, and performing arts; English and humanities; mathematical sciences; natural sciences; social sciences; teacher education; business administration; industrial and engineering technologies; and health sciences, SSU offers over $2 million annually to students in both need- and academic-based scholarships.

            The Covert family is a well-recognized name in the Portsmouth and surrounding community. They have decided to continue that legacy by creating a scholarship at Shawnee State University (SSU).
            The Covert Family Scholarship was created during “Crossing the Threshold,” SSU’s first capital campaign, and is now being set in place, according to Susan Warsaw, executive director of development at SSU.
            “The award honors three generations of the Covert family and serves to give back to the community that supported their business and made it a success,” she said. “The award is meant to help others achieve their potential, particularly in performing arts.”
            To be eligible for the Covert Family Scholarship award, applicants must be entering their sophomore year with a G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher. They must also be a resident of Scioto County in Ohio, or Greenup or Lewis counties in Kentucky, major in fine, digital & performing arts, and must exhibit financial need. 
            Students who are interested in applying for the scholarship can obtain an application in the Financial Aid office located on the second floor of the University Center at SSU, or visit the SSU Web site and apply online at www.shawnee.edu/off/fa/scholarships.html . The recipient will be selected by the University Financial Aid/Scholarship Committee.  For more information about the scholarship, call the SSU financial aid office at (740) 351-4243.
            For more information about how to establish scholarships and other development opportunities, or to make donations to SSU, call (740) 351-3284.
            Offering more than 80 bachelor’s and associate degree programs in areas such as fine, digital, and performing arts; English and humanities; mathematical sciences; natural sciences; social sciences; teacher education; business administration; industrial and engineering technologies; and health sciences, SSU offers over $2 million annually to students in both need- and academic-based scholarships.

            Have you switched cell phones and cell phone plans lately and you don’t have a clue what to do with your old cell phone? How about donating it to Shawnee State University’s (SSU) Women’s Forum March of Dimes Cell phone drive?
            “The March of Dimes, like a number of charities, accepts donated phones that they ship to ReCellular, a company that re-conditions and sells old cell phones,” said Debra Knutson, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and director of composition at SSU and a member of the Women’s Forum.
            Knutson said the March of Dimes estimates it receives $3 to $5 for each donated phone with the money raised through the cell phone drive going towards preemie research.
            “Last year we collected approximately 30 phones. If the March of Dimes receives $3 for each donated phone that would be an equivalent of a $90 donation for items most of us probably would have just thrown in the garbage if it weren’t for programs such as this one,” Knutson said.
          The cell drive was started earlier this month as one of the Women’s Forum Women’s History Month activities as a way to raise money and to honor Dr. Virginia Apgar, who was the physician who developed the clinical system for evaluating a newborn’s physical condition. The Apgar score was developed in 1952 and is still used today. Apgar worked for The March of Dimes from 1959 to 1974, the year she died.
            Knutson says those wanting to recycle their old cell phones can drop them off in the collection box in the Department of English and Humanities on the fourth floor of Massie Hall or people can send them through SSU’s campus mail.
            “So, anyone who is in the process of changing cell phone plans and is just learning about this opportunity still has time to help us recycle that old cell phone,” she said.
            For more information call (740) 351-3264.

            It’s not often you will find Shawnee State University (SSU) Provost, Michael Field, Ph.D., in the classroom these days, but this spring Field will be teaching an English 302 course on Shakespeare’s Comedies, filling in for Roberta Milliken, Ph.D., who is on sabbatical.
            Field said the Department of English and Humanities at SSU asked him to teach because that they knew that during most of his teaching career as a college professor he taught English Renaissance and Shakespeare--his specialty.
            “I’ve had a lot of experience teaching Shakespeare and I’m looking forward to this,” he said.
            According to the syllabus, the course is designed to introduce one to Shakespeare’s comedies and problem plays.
            “Shakespeare is so much fun to read and to talk about that I think these are courses that are very accessible to people who are not necessarily specializing in English literature. There are people in the community who might like to enroll in a class and get a feel for it; there’s no pre-requisite for the Shakespeare class,” Field said.
            The class is scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. beginning Tuesday, March 29.
             “We will have many interesting plays to read,” Field said. “We will be reading ‘As You Like It,’ for example and ‘The 12^th Night,’ which are two of his funniest and most enjoyable comedies that are at the height of Shakespeare’s powers as a dramatic artist” Field said.
          Shakespeare, according to Field, is one of a very few artists who succeeded in writing literature that is treated as high culture but is also tremendously popular with ordinary people.
          “He had that knack. In every one of Shakespeare’s plays there are plenty of meaty ideas to really grapple with if you want to talk about them in an intellectual way, but there is a lot of comedy even in Shakespeare’s tragedies like ‘Hamlet.’ There’s plenty of comedy and wit everywhere,” Field said.
            Other plays that will be read during the course include “Comedy of Errors,” “Measure for Measure,” and “The Tempest,” Field said there will be some writing in the class but mainly it focuses on reading and class discussion.
            “The idea is not to produce Shakespeare scholars; that’s for people to do if they’re going to graduate school in English,” Field said. “The idea for me is to help students to become familiar with Shakespeare’s drama and to feel more comfortable with the language, which I think is quite accessible. It just takes a little getting used to.”
            In addition to reading Shakespeare’s plays, students in the class will also learn about Shakespeare’s life and discuss the controversial issue of whether Shakespeare actually wrote all of the plays for which he is known.
            “You may think of Shakespeare as high culture and super-educated, but Shakespeare himself had never attended a university,” Field said. “From what little we know about him, he was a regular guy, and while his plays were very well-appreciated by educated people when he was alive, they were tremendously popular among ordinary folks in London and England at the end of the 16^th and the beginning of the 17^th century.”
            The course is open to all SSU students and to the community as well. Area residents will need to enroll as a non-degree student with the SSU office of Admission before they can sign up for the class. For more information on the Shakespeare Comedies course call (740) 351-3472 or the SSU Registrar’s Office at (740) 351-3262.

             The Shawnee State University (SSU) Student Programming Board (SPB) has announced that rapper Twista, known for recent hit songs “Overnight Celebrity” and “Hope,” will headline SSU’s annual Springfest this year.
            The concert will be held on Thursday, May 12 in the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center at SSU. Tickets will go one sale Monday, April 11 in the University Center, according to student activities coordinator Tiffany Weaver. Tickets will be $15 for SSU students and $20 for the general public. All tickets will be $20 the day of the concert.
            Cori Wells-Strickland, president of the SPB, said Twista is the man Ludacris, P. Diddy, Timbaland, and Three 6 Mafia call when they need someone to take their records over the top, and the MC whose style has been imitated by scores of rappers. “He’s the underground legend ready to return to the game he helped revolutionize,” Wells-Strickland said.
            Twista is back, and after years of making hits for other artists, the Chicago pioneer is about to release his most important album — the highly-anticipated “KAMIKAZE, according to Wells-Strickland.
            “Long-time Twista fans, who have been following him since he was named the world’s fastest rapper by the Guinness Book Of World Records more than a decade ago, will be thrilled that several “KAMIKAZE” cuts build directly off his classic material,” he said. “Twista is one of the most important figures in rap history. Before others went to the top of the charts, Twista employed his style on his debut album, 1991’s “Runnin’ Off At Da Mouth” (released as Tung Twista).”
            “I want to show the streets that I’m back and that I’m true to the game,” Twista proclaimed. “Musically, I want to show that I’m still out here doing my thing. After all the people that were out when I was out years ago fell off, I’m still out here competing with the shorties. I also want to gain platinum success. It’s something that I haven’t done.”
            Weaver said Springfest planning is moving along very well.
            “SPB has been working very hard to make this year’s Springfest bigger and better than ever before,” she said. “I am very proud of all the work they have done to get this year’s concert going.”
            In addition to the concert, the SPB is offering other activities during Springfest Week, including “Make Your Own Music Video,” “Make Your Own CD,” and a cookout.
            For more information on Springfest, contact the SPB office at (740) 351-3467.

            Shawnee State University’s Department of Social Sciences is sponsoring “Ohio Sunshine Laws Training Session 2005” on Friday, March 18 at 1:30 p.m. in the Flohr Lecture Hall of the Clark Memorial Library. The session is being conducted by representatives of Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro’s office.
            “It’s my hope that local government officials, in particular, will come as well as concerned citizens and students at SSU who have an interest in politics and government,” said Andrew Feight, history professor at SSU who organized the training session in cooperation with Portsmouth resident Teresa Mollette.
            “Closed door meetings that are held off the record without any sort of minutes or scanty minutes being taken really deprives the public of right to know how decisions were made, so that they can have input in the decision-making process,” Feight said.
            The Sunshine Laws in Ohio center on The Public Records Act and The Open Meetings Act.
             “It is my strong belief that a democratic society is built upon the ability of its citizens to have open access to the workings of their government,” Petro said. Open access is vital for the public to evaluate the effectiveness of their government and their officials.” said Petro.
            Since August 2004, the Attorney General’s office has conducted more than 11 public forums around the state on Ohio’s Sunshine Laws to educate public officials and citizens on their rights and responsibilities under the laws.
          Pre-registration for the training session is advised. For more information call (740) 351-3143.

            Shawnee State University’s (SSU) Office of Development has announced the appointment of two new board members to the SSU Development Foundation Board.
            Jay Prosch, of Portsmouth, will complete the second half of a six-year term, filling in for Dan Mooney, president of Oak Hill Bank, who is serving on the SSU Board of Trustees. Prosch, will serve a one year term, and has the opportunity to serve an additional three years.
          Cynthia Jenkins, of Portsmouth, will complete the remainder of Matthew McFarland’s term. McFarland was elected Fourth District Court of Appeals judge in November 2004. Jenkins’ term on the board will end in December, and she too has the opportunity to serve an additional three years.
          “I’m thrilled to have them,” said Susan Warsaw, executive director of development at SSU. “They come from different backgrounds. Cynthia has been connected with the university in many ways through the years. Her husband actually was president of the development foundation years ago, and although she’s never been on the board, she’s been a good friend to the university for a long time.”
            “Jay is a young member of our community and we’re thrilled to be able to have people like him take an interest in SSU,” Warsaw said. Hopefully, it will help to breed many more young people who are interested in helping us out.”
          A graduate of Clay High School, Prosch is the son of Dee and Gayle Prosch, and grandson of Don and Bea Prosch. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in business from Muskingham College. With more than 11 years of banking experience, Prosch is familiar with many facets of the business, including retail, mortgage, commercial, operations, etc. He is the commercial relationship manager of Fifth Third Bank in Portsmouth, dealing with business customers in the community.
            “Being an active member of the community, I serve on several boards,” said Prosch. “I understand the importance of SSU and how vital a role the university plays in the way our community is perceived. I thought this would be a great opportunity to get involved with the university.”
            Prosch also serves on the Southern Ohio Growth Partnership (SOGP) board, which promotes economic development in the area, in addition to The Counseling Center, Inc. board.
            The second new member, Cynthia Jenkins, is a retired teacher who taught second and third grade in the Portsmouth City School system for 32 years. Her husband, Gerald, was the former president of American Savings Bank. The couple has a daughter and two grandchildren who live in Hurricane, W. VA. Their son Nathan was killed in a car accident 18 years ago.
            “The university has always had a big place in our life and we have a scholarship here in Nathan’s name,” she said. My husband was on the Development Board, so we’ve always been pleased to be a part of the University.”
            A member of Christ United Methodist Church and a graduate of Ohio University, Jenkins volunteers on the Friends of SOMC Hollyday Committee and has just become a docent at the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center. She also participated six or seven years ago in the University’s Reach for the Stars Fundraising campaign which raised almost $2 million for SSU.
            Cheryl Albrecht, president of the Development Foundation Board, said she is very pleased with the Board’s new appointments.
            I look forward to working with Jay and Cynthia and the energy and enthusiasm they will bring to the Board,” she said.
            The SSU Office of Development is the major fundraising arm of the University, overseeing the monies donated to SSU, which support departmental programs, faculty development in the form of research and writing subsidies, academic and need-based scholarships for students, cultural and social events, visiting scholars and lecturers, and funds for capital expenditures like rooms, buildings, landscaping, art work, and equipment.
            For more information about development opportunities, call (740) 351-3284.

            There is less than a month remaining to submit nominations for this year’s Shawnee State University (SSU) Alumni Awards.
            Angela Henderson, assistant director of development/Alumni Affairs said the Silver Star Alumni award is presented to a graduate of SSU who has contributed much to their community.
            “It goes to an alumnus who graduated at least five years ago who has made some contributions to their community, some community service,” she said. “The other award is for someone who has the potential to do those things; that award is called the Alumnus of Tomorrow and that goes to a student who is graduating in June, who we think will do great things when they get out in the world.”
            The awards will be presented at the Alumni Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Micklewaite Banquet Hall in the University Center on the SSU campus. Cost for the dinner is $10 for individuals and $15 per couple.
            “We’re accepting nominations from people here on campus, people out in the community, and people in other states,” Henderson said. “Wherever they are, we’re accepting nominations from them.”
            The deadline for nominations is Apr. 8. Those wanting to nominate someone for either the Silver Star Alumni award or the Alumnus of Tomorrow award can contact Henderson at alumni@shawnee.edu or call (740) 351-3284.

             The Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center (CLC) at Shawnee State University (SSU) recently received a second place award in Scholastic Book Fair’s National Scrapbook Contest for their fall book fair.  The award will place another $100 worth of books in the CLC library.
            According to Cindy Ferguson, CLC director, the Center was one of eight winning entries from the state of Ohio. This is exceptional, considering the statistics of Scholastic partners in Ohio alone—more than 670 public school districts, plus private and charter schools, early childhood centers, etc, she said.
            “The contest includes all 50 states.” said Ferguson. “So, the win is pretty significant.”
            Those who completed and submitted the scrapbook for the competition were Jaime Harwood, CLC teacher and co-chair of the “Hurray for the Read, White, and Blue” Book Fair, and Amanda Hedrick, CLC teacher, who authored an accompanying poem about the success of the fair.
            The CLC November Book Fair brought in $2,800, and their Box Fair in December brought $900.  A total of $3,700 was used to increase the CLC library by 250 books.  The spring book fair is scheduled during this year’s Week of the Young Child celebration, April 4-8, 2005.
            For more information about upcoming book fairs or other events sponsored by the CLC, call (740) 351-3188.

             Shawnee State University (SSU) is hosting Paul D. Hogan (www.hoganmusic.com), composer, songwriter, keyboardist, and
electronic musician, who will perform and discuss his recent compositions in the Kahl Studio Theater on Thursday, March 17, at 6 p.m. in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on the SSU campus.
            Michael Barnhart, senior instructor of music at SSU, said Hogan, working in New York City, composes acoustic and electronic music for chamber ensembles, dancers, sound installations, jazz groups, gamelan (Indonesian percussion orchestra), children, computers, and himself.
            “His most recent project is a set of solo songs that he performs on a variety of instruments and laptop,” Barnhart said. “This work culminated in an album called ‘Frances’ that was released in the fall of 2004. He plays with the electro-acoustic ensemble, Current Quartet, who has performed around the country in clubs, museums, churches, and universities.”

Hogan has collaborated with visual artist Tony Luensman on recent exhibitions at the Weston Art Gallery and the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati. He has composed for and collaborated with the Percussion Group Cincinnati, eighth blackbird, Gamelan Son of Lion, and SO Percussion Group. His chamber music has been performed at the International Computer Music Conference (Singapore), the MATA festival (NYC), Engine 27 (NYC), Williamsburg Art NeXus (NYC), the Indonesian Consulate (NYC), Aronoff Center for the Arts (Cincinnati), and the Headlands Center for the Arts (San Francisco). His sound installation, The Thickening Place, explores the acoustic topography of New York City parks and was premiered at Le Petit Versailles, NYC, in the summer of 2003.
            “Paul completed a residency at STEIM (Studio for Electro-Instrumental Music) in Amsterdam where he began work on a Current Orchestra: The Well-Tempered Joystick,” Barnhart said. “It was completed and presented in May 2004 at the Tank in New York City.”
            Hogan’s guest appearance is part of the 2005 Kricker Lecture Series sponsored by the Edmund J. Kricker fund of the Scioto County Area Foundation through the SSU Development Foundation (SSUDF).
            For more information call (740) 351-3118.

Grammy award winner and legendary mountain music band Dr. Ralph Stanley and His Clinch Mountain Boys are returning to Portsmouth to perform at Shawnee State University’s (SSU) Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA).
            The concert will take place on Thursday, March 31, at 7 p.m. Carl Daehler, executive director of the VRCFA, said area residents won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see this celebrated tenor and banjo picker, who has been in business for over 55 years.
            “Dr. Stanley is one of the last remaining authentic mountain voices in commercial music,” said Carl Daehler, executive director of the VRCFA.  “We enjoyed Dr. Stanley’s performance last April so much that we immediately scheduled him for a return visit.”
            This will be Stanley’s third appearance at the VRCFA, according to Daehler. The first two concerts were sold-out successes.
            Known as the patriarch of traditional and mountain music, the winner of two Grammy awards in 2002 for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Album of the Year has recorded more than 170 albums, and written and recorded many songs that have become bluegrass standards.  His contribution to the success of the musical score for the movie, “O Brother Where Art Thou,” has made Stanley a mountain music icon throughout the world.
            Joining Stanley on stage will be the Isaacs, a seven-member southern/bluegrass gospel family group that has been performing for more than 30 years with such stars as gospel music artist Bill Gaither and Dr. Ralph Stanley.
            Reserved-seat tickets are on sale at the McKinley Box Office located in the Selby Lobby of the VRCFA at SSU. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for SSU students and seniors, and $18 for groups of 20 or more.  Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information or to make a credit card purchase, call (740) 351-3600.

            Shawnee State University’s (SSU) Robert Forrey, Ph.D., professor of English, has created a video essay, entitled “RECALL,” regarding last June’s recall of Portsmouth Mayor Greg Bauer. A showing of the 60-minute documentary will take place on Wednesday, March 16, at 7 p.m. in the Flohr Lecture Hall, located on the first floor of the Clark Memorial Library on the SSU campus.
            According to Forrey, the recall movement apparently began when Bauer summarily rejected Lee Scott’s attempt to get city assistance for the restoration of the old Columbia Theater, located on Gallia Street in downtown Portsmouth. 
            “Scott began an intensive investigation of city government and concluded it was rife with favoritism and corruption,” said Forrey.  “However, the seismic event of the recall movement was the controversial sale of the Marting’s department store building to the city, for which Mayor Bauer was responsible.”
            Forrey said he had audited a course on videography taught by Michael Barnhart, senior instructor of music at SSU, in order to learn the basics of making videos.
            “Though I still have much to learn about the technology, and remain a novice about the art, I proceeded on my own, contacting those involved in the recall movement and members of the city government,” he said.
            Incidentally, the key figure, Bauer, declined to be interviewed, in addition to his assistant, Jamie Tuggle, who is an SSU graduate, according to Forrey.
             “I am embarrassed at how little I knew about local politics after living in Portsmouth for 15 years,” he said.  “I suspect that many at the university know very little about the problems and politics of Portsmouth.  One senior professor in business told me that until I learned about Portsmouth, its history, and its politics, I could not really understand the university.  I now appreciate the wisdom of his observation.”
            Forrey has spoken to representatives of Adelphia cable about showing the video essay on cable access, but no date has been set.
            “I have been reluctant to call what I created a documentary, he said. Most of what are called documentaries are not, if by documentary is meant an objective record of something.  What I have created and what most so-called documentary makers create is a video essay.  Essays have a thesis, a point. I didn’t start out with a thesis; I thought I was just going to record on videotape what others said and felt and what the facts were about the recall.  I was being naïve.  There is no overall truthful objective record about anything, especially about something as heated and contentious as politics.  There are just various people, parties, and points of view, competing with each other for a share of the truth.”
            The showing will be followed by an open forum on the issues that led to the recall.
             “Dr. Forrey’s video essay is an interesting look into the politics of Portsmouth,” said Jennifer Phillips, president of the Shawnee Liberals Association, the student group that is sponsoring the event. “People who live and work in the area should be interested in seeing it, and SSU students wishing to learn more about the city they live in will find it worth watching.  The discussion that is to take place after the video is shown should be interesting and informative as well.”
            This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (740) 351-3478.

            The “One Book, One Community” activities that have been going on for almost a year will be coming to an end within the next two months with the arrival of Appalachian mystery and suspense novelist Sharyn McCrumb on April 13 and 14 to Shawnee State University (SSU) and the Portsmouth Public Library.
            McCrumb’s visit for the most part wraps up the “One Book, One Community” program that sought to have community members in Scioto County and surrounding areas read McCrumb’s “She Walks These Hills” and then come together to discuss the book in various readers groups and activities.
            “SSU President Rita Rice Morris’ idea for this program was to build enthuasiasm in our community about reading, “said Tess Midkiff, director of SSU’s Clark Memorial Library. It’s not this book, it’s any book. It’s reading books and talking about books and celebrating reading as children or adults. If you can not read, you can not function in the world; you have to be able to read. So, what we’re trying to do is to encourage everyone to read and let everyone know its fun.
            McCrumb will be at the Portsmouth Public Library at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13 to discuss her ballad novels and her writing techniques. On Thursday, the April 14, McCrumb is scheduled to meet with area high school students in Flohr Lecture Hall in the Clark Memorial Library at SSU to talk about writing. She will speak again at 7 p.m. in the Flohr Lecture Hall, and with the help of bluegrass musician Jack Hinshelwood, McCrumb will present “An Evening with Words and Song.”
            “She’s a wonderful Appalachian author,” Midkiff said. “I’ve read many of her books personally. They have a nice combination of mystery and character development.”
            A resident of North Carolina, McCrumb’s novels celebrate the history and folklore of Appalachia and have repeatedly earned her a spot on the New York Times Best Seller List. Her work includes her latest release “St. Dale” as well as “Ghost Riders,” “The Songcatcher,” “The Ballad of Frankie Silver,” “The Rosewood Casket,” “The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter,” and “If Ever I Return Pretty Peggy.”
            McCrumb has received numerous awards for her writing including the Wilma Dykeman award from the East Tennessee Historical Society in 2003, the Appalachian Writer of the Year award from Shepherd College in 1999, Morehead State University’s Chaffin Award and the Plattner award from Berea College, among many other awards and honors. She received the AWA’s Best Appalachian Novel award twice. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and holds an M.A. in English from Virginia Tech.
            Prior to McCrumb’s visit there are still a number of “One Book, One Community” activities. On Wednesday, March 16, the Phoenix Writers Guild will present Open Mic night at the Portsmouth Public Library. The Guild is having a poetic competition and contestants are invited to submit a folk ballad that must include one line from “She Walks These Hills.” For more information on the ballad competition, contact Jenny Cowling at the library at (740) 354-5688.
            In the spirit of competition the Department of English and Humanities at SSU, in cooperation with the “One Book, One Community” committee, is sponsoring an essay contest for SSU students. Students are asked to write an essay on the subject of Sharyn McCrumb’s “She Walks These Hills,” or any aspect of her fiction. The essays can be any length but must be submitted to Elsie Shabazz in the Department of English and Humanities by May 15. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four submissions. The top four finalists may also be asked to present their papers at a national or regional professional meeting. For contest rules or more information call (740) 351-3300.
            During the month of March and April the Down by The River Quilt Guild will present the art of “She Walks These Hills” at the Portsmouth Public Library with a quilt exhibit. Later in April The Unicorn Players will present an Appalachian Family comedy, William Shakespeare’s lost bluegrass musical “As You like It.” Performances will be at the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 577 at 1236 Gallia Street on April 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 3 p.m. call (740) 354-5688 for ticket information.
            The “One Book, One Community” effort is being spearheaded by the Portsmouth Public Library and The SSU Clark Memorial Library. For more information on McCrumb’s visit or any of the upcoming activities, visit www.onebookscioto.net or call (740) 351-3267.

            A special edition of the Silhouette, Shawnee State University’s (SSU) literary and arts publication, was officially released on, March 8 during a release, party in honor of Women’s History Month. The edition, entitled “A Woman’s Journey,” contains work by and featuring women.
            During the release party, which was attended by members of the general public and the SSU community, artists and writers gathered to share their work and speak about their inspirations.  Original art works that are featured in the edition are on display in the Clark Memorial Library and will remain there throughout the month of March.
            The edition was dedicated to Roberta Milliken, Ph.D., associate professor of English, for her efforts in making SSU a more positive place for women, according to Women’s Forum member Elsie Shabazz.
            “She has worked tirelessly to make the Women’s Studies minor a reality,” Shabazz said.
            The Women’s Studies Minor, designed to broaden awareness of the contributions of women, is currently available as an option to students. It includes courses such as Women in Literature, Gender Socialization, and Women in Medieval Europe. The minor requires completion of at least 24 hours of approved courses relating to women’s studies.
            Copies of “A Woman’s Journey” can be picked up at various locations around campus. For more information on SSU Women’s Forum events, visit http://www.shawnee.edu/com/wf/index.html or call (740) 351-3295.

             Shawnee State University (SSU) and Lawrence Economic Development Corporation Procurement Outreach Center, South Point, Ohio (LEDC POC) have joined forces to conduct a half-day workshop for small business owners interested in learning how to do business with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
            The purpose of the workshop is to explain why federal agencies prefer doing business with GSA Schedule holders. Buyers are requesting small business vendors get their GSA Schedule if they want to be considered for future contracts. Getting a GSA Schedule can be an expensive and tedious process, but with the outcome being a substantial increase in your federal sales, it's a process worthwhile. This seminar will help you understand all aspects of the GSA Schedules and topics that will be covered include:
            ·What is a GSA Schedule?
            ·Steps to becoming a GSA Schedule Holder

            ·Advantages and disadvantages of being a GSA Schedule holder

            ·Why schedules are important

            ·Rules and regulations

            ·Why buyers prefer doing business with a schedule holder

            ·Managing your schedule

            ·Preparing a proposal for GSA

            ·GSA Pricing

            ·Relationship-based sales and the advantages and
             disadvantages of winning government business will also be
             covered.
            The workshop will be conducted Thursday, March 24, in Room 030 of the Administration Building located on the SSU campus in Portsmouth. The workshop is offered free of charge and will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
            For more information about the workshop or to register contact Kelly Lawhorn at (740) 377- 4550 or via e-mail at klawhorn@zoominternet.net.

             As part of a continuing effort to foster awareness of  Women’s History Month, Shawnee State University (SSU) has invited Sarah McGrew to present “Managing Chronic Illness:  Steps for Taking Back Your Life” on Friday, March 11, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall, located in the University Center on the SSU campus.
            This event is co-sponsored by the SSU Women’s Forum and the Arthritis Foundation, Ohio River Valley Chapter.
             “Sarah McGrew has 15-plus years of experience in arthritis education and self-help management courses,” said Diane Boster, of the Arthritis Foundation, Ohio River Valley Chapter.  “She is a trained national leader with the Arthritis Foundation, and gives a very formative and lively presentation.”
            McGrew is a registered nurse who works at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-COM) in Athens, Ohio.  She received her diploma in nursing from Miami Valley Hospital School of Nursing in 1978 and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from OU in 1983. 
            She is a member of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals and the Ohio Rheumatic Diseases Coalition.  She first began leading self-management programs in 1986 as coordinator of the Arthritis Program at OU-COM.  When the state funding for that program expired in 2001, she continued to stay active with the Arthritis Foundation as a leader and trainer for several of their programs, including the Arthritis-Self Help Course.
            “I was interested in doing a program like this because chronic disease is common in our society, particularly as people age, yet we are not often encouraged by our health professionals to become experts in our own care,” said McGrew.  “Ultimately, becoming an expert involved in managing your disease will improve your health and reduce your medical bills.”
            The presentation will include an overview of an outcome-driven and cost effective group education program called the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program.  McGrew attended training to become a leader and trainer of this program at Stanford University in 2003.
            “Living with a chronic illness can seem daunting, particularly when the course of the disease is unpredictable,” she said.  “There are steps one can take to make disease management simpler and coping more effective.  In this program you will learn a problem-solving process applicable to any situation, tools for more effective communication with health care providers, co-workers, friends and family, and strategies for regaining and remaining in control.”
            According to McGrew, this event is significant for women’s history month because several chronic diseases—asthma, arthritis, and diabetes—affect more women than men. Thirty-40 percent of women will develop some form of cancer in their lifetimes; and obesity, implicated in arthritis, diabetes, and cancer, affects 20-24 percent of women in Ohio, she said.  The leading cause of death in women—heart disease, cancer, and stroke—may be preventable with lifestyle changes or treated successfully if detected in early stages of the disease.  Women typically live longer than men, so these chronic diseases are more likely to affect quality of life as we age.
            The event is free and open to the public.  For more information about this or other events taking place during the Women’s History Month Celebration at SSU, contact Shannon Lawson at (740) 351-3295, or slawson@shawnee.edu .