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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
SSU
Board of Trustees Executive Committee
To Meet June 1
The executive committee of the
Shawnee State University (SSU) Board of Trustees will hold a special
meeting Wednesday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Emmitt House
Restaurant, Waverly, Ohio.
The next meeting will be a full Board meeting on Friday,
June 10 at 1:15 p.m. in the Selby Board Room in the Clark Memorial
Library on the SSU campus.
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Alissa Bloomfield, communications
specialist--Office of Communications)
SSU to host
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
As part of the Kricker Lecture Series, Shawnee State University
(SSU) will host the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music on Tuesday, May
31, at 6:30 p.m. in the Kahl Studio Theater, located in the Vern
Riffe Center for the Arts on the SSU campus. Professors Mara
Helmuth and Allen Otte will perform and discuss their recent
collaborative compositions.
“This is a chance to hear one of the finest performers
of solo percussion music with a fantastic electronic music
composer,” said Michael Barnhart, senior instructor of music at SSU.
Helmuth composes for computer and acoustic instruments
and creates software for music composition. She is an associate
professor of composition, as well as the director of the Center for
Computer Music at the College-Conservatory for Music. After
receiving degrees from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign (B.A., 1979; M.M., 1986) and Columbia University (D.M.A.,
1994), she taught at New York University and Texas A & M
University. Helmuth has had numerous performances in North America
and Asia, and has published writings in
Audible Traces,
Journal of New Music Research,
and Computers and Mathematics
with Applications and Perspectives of New Music. Her
software for UNIX Platforms includes StochGran (1991) for granular
synthesis and Patchmix (1989), an instrument builder. Her current
work includes collaborations for percussion and computer with Allen
Otte, heard on the Electronic Music Foundation compact disc,
Implements of Actuation (EMF 023), and an Internet2 improvisation
application.
“The
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music performance is an opportunity to
hear abstract music presented by some of the leading proponents of
this music in the field,” Barnhart said. “One of the finest
performers of this kind of music, Allen Otte, has had work written
for him by some of the most eminent composers working in the last 20
or 30 years.”
Otte came to
the University of Cincinnati in 1977 with The Blackearth Percussion
Group, which he co-founded in 1972. In 1979, he founded the
Percussion Group Cincinnati. The three members of the group are
faculty and ensemble-in-residence at the conservatory, with an
international touring schedule of concerts, concerto appearances,
masterclasses, and children’s programs. Otte teaches percussion
instruments, eurythmics, composition, various literature seminars,
and coaches and conducts traditional and contemporary chamber
music. With and without the group, he has concertized, recorded,
and taught throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, including
solo concerts and guest presentations in Shanghai, Saarbrucken,
Aukland, and Tanglewood. He has also worked in Lucca, Italy, with
opera director Malcolm Fraser, creating experimental music theater
pieces. A CD of five collaborative works with Helmuth is available
on the EMS label, while Percussion Group Cincinnati is recorded on
their own label, Ars Moderno.
Helmuth and Otte’s guest appearance is part of the 2005
Kricker Lecture Series, sponsored by the Edmund J. Kricker fund of
the Scioto Area Foundation through the SSU Development Foundation.
“Because this lecture series is in combination with a
musical performance, audience members have the unique opportunity to
ask questions,” Barnhart said. “This is a very special chance for
the musicians to talk about how the music was made. At a typical
concert, one would simply hear the music and then leave. However,
in this particular setting, audience members will have the
opportunity to ask the musicians questions such as how they chose
their career, how they made the music, and why they decided to
construct it in the way they did. So, this is a chance to get a
peek behind the curtain, as far as the process of making
collaborative music goes.”
This event is free and open to the public. For more
information, contact Barnhart at (740) 351-3212, or
mbarnhart@shawnee.edu .
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Mistie
Cook Spicer, communications coordinator--Office of Communications)
SSU Music
Students Perform Two Concerts Next Week
After months of practicing Shawnee
State University (SSU) music students will perform two concerts next
week in the Howland Recital Hall in the Vern Riffe Center for the
Arts (VRCFA).
The first event, according to Shirley Crothers-Marley,
adjunct professor of music at SSU, is the Studio Voice Recital on
Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m.
“We study several different pieces during the course of
the year and students decide what pieces they would like to do for
the recital,” said Crothers-Marley. “They’re singing different
pieces from different genres of music. Some of them are singing art
songs. There are one or two auras from operas and there are one or
two Broadway pieces.”
The Shawnee State University Ensemble, directed by Linda
Tieman, is also scheduled to perform. Crothers-Marley said Tieman,
who teaches piano at the university, will also have one or two of
her students perform during the Studio Voice Recital. A reception
will follow the recital.
The other event is the Shawnee State University Choir
Spring Pops Concert that will be on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m.
“We try to do it once a year,” said Crothers-Marley. “We
try to do the lighter stuff, Broadway, possibly some folk music.
Last year we even had a Bluegrass group who played with us. We try
to do some different things that we can’t do during the course of
the rest of the year.”
One of the highlights of this year’s concert, according to
Crothers-Marley, is a special performance by Bill Hannah, associate
director, instructional technology at SSU.
“Bill is a popular singer in this area. He’s just a
wonderful showman with a wonderful voice,” she said. “He’s a natural
comedian as well as a wonderful singer.”
Tickets for the Spring Pops Concert are $5 for adults and
$3 for students and are available at the McKinley Box Office.
Admission to the Studio Voice Recital is free.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Alissa Bloomfield, communications
specialist--Office of Communications)

Over 150 new members were
inducted into Shawnee State University’s chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, a
national honor society, on April 12, at the Vern Riffe Center for
the Arts at SSU. “This is a big night for Phi Eta Sigma,” said
Larry Mangus, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs and adviser
to the chapter at SSU. Honorary members from the university
community who were inducted were Mary Dillard, professor of English;
Patricia Spradlin, senior instructor of English and Humanities; and
Dale Taylor, director of the Student Success Center. Pictured (L to
R) are Dale Taylor, Mary Dillard, Patricia Spradlin, and Jessica
Thompson, president of Phi Eta Sigma.
The
following were inducted into Phi Eta Sigma at SSU:
OHIO
Bainbridge
Jessica Driapsa
Beaver
Meghan Lambert
Bethel
Kendra Cooper
Bidwell
Mariah Sauders
Brooklyn
Elizabeth Elsesser
Chesapeake
Robert Eldred, Nicola Karle, Brandy
Tomblin
Chillicothe
Aaron
Bennett, Kara Bobo Stephen Delmoe, Karis Dubois, Christopher Germann,
Channon Hess, Megan Skaggs, Brian Wilson
Circleville
Amanda Plotts
Columbus
Kevin Gish, Karmeil
Stepter
Enon
Caleb Arnold
Franklin Furnace
Brandon Bailey, Ashley Ramey, Brittany
Shearer
Grove City
Jeremiah Morrow
Haverhill
Carrie Blevins
Hillsboro
Lindsay Fauber, Joshua Singleton
Ironton
Barbara Baumgardner, Andrea Crank,
Natalie Mathis, Jay Wilder, Ashley Wilson
Jackson
Josh Evans, Jill Jenkins
Jeffersonville
Heidi Neff
Kitts
Hill
Amber Murnahan
Logan
Chelsey Heft
Londonderry
Shirley Maple
Lucasville
Angella Arthurs, John Campbell, Ann
Carter, Ashley Coriell, Jill Davis, Sonya Godfrey, Amy Hess, Debra
Lewis, Jeffrey Miller, Ramon O'Bryant, Mallory Pennington, Rhonda
Sturgill, Diettera Wiley
Manchester
Ann Poole
McDermott
Regina Clark, Tony Giamporcaro, Kyle
Martin
Minford
Tiffany Eshem, Rhonda Johnson, Kayla
Shonkwiler, Henry Waring
New Philadelphia
Evan Cihon
Otway
Anthony Johnson, Jill Puckett
Peebles
Shanna Mustard
Piketon
Joan Blankenship, Jennifer Buckler,
Brandy Conley, Jonathan Richards, Jennifer Williams
Plain City
James Bowling Jr.
Pomeroy
Suzanna Henderson
Portsmouth and West Portsmouth
Julia Allen, Jeanette Bauer, Jennifer
Belford, Velma Brehm, Barry Carver, Nicholas Clausing, Tammie
Coleman, Natasha DeHart, Absalom Hall, Bethany Jones, Jennifer June,
Terry Kidder, Kevin Macdonald, Tiffany Maple, Mary Maroudis, Vivian
McKenzie, Stacy Montavon, William Ruggles, Felicia Scott, Arrika
Shonkwiler, Beth Sines, Erica Singer, Jennifer Stiltner, Rhonda
Throckmorton, Heather Warnock, Pamela Webb, Tara White, Mary
Dillard, Patrica Spradlin
Proctorville
Jason Hoover, Amber Kasper
Rutland
Jarrod Farley
Sciotoville
Jennifer Cummings
Seaman
Jesseka Black, Jalynn McClellan
South Point
Shauna Freeman, Stella Hatfield,
Harrison Hunt, Bethany Hurst, Frank Peck Jr.
South Webster
Teresa Lawson, Taryn Malone, Teresa
Scott
Stout
Grace Morgan
Thurman
Melissa Ireland
Waverly
Michele Anderson, Paola Boggs, Jennifer
Hughes, Aaron Johnson, Brittany Leffler, Brooke Leffler, Joseph
Moss, Jessica Proehl, Shannon Rudd, John Snograss, Chelsie Tatman,
Dale Taylor
Wellston
Brittany Emmert, Nicole Joseph
West Union
Tucker Battrel, Tyler Cantrell, Kailai
Mathews
Wheelersburg
Robert Adkins, Erin Bussa, Trenda
Denney, Christina Deskins, Jessica Evans, Kyungah Lee, Micah Riffe,
Kati Schwamberger, Keri Schwamberger, Timothy Stepp
Xenia
Corey Fischer
KENTUCKY
Ashland
Alison Webb, Amy Fox
Garrison
Kimberly Erwin
Greenup
Stephanie Brown, Elizabeth Hannah, Toni
Miller
Maysville
Heather Hilterbrand
Quincy
Karen Carver, Levi Kamer
South Shore
Alison Biggs, Courtney Keen, Charles Uhl
Vanceburg
Monica Stafford
WEST
VIRGINIA
Milton
Tevin Boles
CANADA
Ontario
Rhonda Sacks
ILLINOIS
Plano
Amy Tweet
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Mistie
Cook Spicer, communications coordinator--Office of Communications)
Linda Nickel, left,
Sarah Tingler, center,
SSU Silver
Star Alumni
SSU Alumnus of Tomorrow
award
recipient
award recipient
Alumni Award
Recipients Announced at Awards Dinner
Dental
Hygiene Professor Linda Nickel, M.Ed., RDH of Portsmouth, and
business administration major Sarah Tingler of Minford are this
year’s recipients of the SSU Silver Star Alumni award and the
Alumnus of Tomorrow Award at Shawnee State University (SSU).
Nickel was nominated for the Silver Star Alumni Award by
her colleague Barbara Duncan, professor of dental hygiene at SSU.
“I think it’s quite an honor,” Nickel said. “It’s always
nice to be recognized for the contributions that you’ve made.”
Nickel has been with the dental hygiene program at SSU for
almost 27 years. She graduated from SSU in 1975 when the university
was known as Scioto Technical College. While working on her
bachelor’s degree, Nickel said she worked in a local dentist’s
office. She said she came back to Shawnee State after earning her
degree in 1978.
As a dental hygiene professor, Nickel works very closely
with her students.
“I think it’s very important to help them become good,
competent, professional hygienists,” she said.” “I’ve also been
involved with our students doing community service projects and
requiring them to complete community service hours for credit. Every
fall they go out into the elementary schools and they teach about
good dental health habits and nutrition and play games with the
students and get them involved in oral health and dental health.
It’s a great experience for the kids and for our students as well.”
Angela Henderson, SSU assistant director of
development/alumni affairs said the awards committee was impressed
with Nickel because she is a good role model for other alumni.
“She not only represents SSU very well on campus but also
out in the community,” Henderson said. That’s really what the Silver
Star Alumni Award is all about. Its people who represent SSU well
and Linda certainly does that.”
A 2001 graduate of Minford High School, Sarah Tingler
said she has no idea who nominated her for the SSU Alumnus of
Tomorrow Award but said she is very honored and surprised that she
won the award. Henderson said the awards committee was also very
impressed with Tingler.
“She’s got her career goals lined out in front of her,”
Henderson said. “She’s put together an impressive list of work and
extracurricular activities and the committee thinks Sarah will take
the bull by the horns when she gets out into the community and will
really make SSU proud.”
Tingler does seem to have her future planned. This fall
she will be attending Ohio State University.
“I have a graduate fellowship,” Tingler said. “I’ll be
going there to pursue a master of accountancy degree that will take
a year. After that I will hopefully, prepare for the CPA exam and
pursue a career.”
The fellowship covers her tuition and fees and also
provides her with a stipend.
Throughout her college career, Tingler has worked while
taking classes. She currently works part-time as an auditor for the
CPA firm of Bolestra, Harr, and Scharer, an organization that does
governmental and not-for-profit auditing. During school breaks,
however, she works full-time for the company. Tingler has also
worked part-time in the SSU Human Resources Payroll Department and
is a member of Phi Eta Sigma, the national honor society.
She is the daughter of Greg and Pam Tingler of Minford.
Henderson said it was very difficult for the awards
committee to make a decision this year because there were so many
excellent nominations.
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu

Appalachian Regional Commission Chief to
Address nearly 600 SSU Graduates June 11
The head of a national organization
established by an act of Congress in 1965 to initiate economic and
community development programs and serve as a key advocate for the
23 million people in the Appalachian region will address 584 college
graduates at the 19th annual commencement ceremony at
Shawnee State University (SSU) on June 11.
Anne B. Pope,
the 10th federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission
(ARC), an economic development partnership between the federal
government and the governors of 13 states, will serve as
commencement speaker at the ceremony scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
on the Alumni Green on the SSU campus in Portsmouth.
Rita Rice
Morris, Ph.D., president of SSU, said the university and local
communities are eager to hear the message of an individual who has
provided strong leadership throughout the Appalachian region of the
United States.
“Ms. Pope is
very supportive of Shawnee State University’s mission and has an
excellent understanding of how higher education can change lives,”
she said.
Morris said
ARC oversees work on the 3,090-mile Appalachian Development Highway
System, designed to connect the region to the nation’s
transportation grid.
“Ms. Pope
served in the cabinet of Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist as
commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance,
a state regulatory agency with broad responsibilities for licensing
and regulation of over 97 professions and commercial activities,”
Morris said. “She also served as the executive director of the
Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission, which supports
development of the state’s music recording and film industries.”
In the
private sector, Pope worked as president of Proffitt’s of the
Tri-Cities, Inc., a division of Saks, Inc., and prior to that as
president/chief executive officer for the Parks-Belk Company, a
department store group located in northeast Tennessee. A graduate
of Vanderbilt University and the Cumberland School of Law at Samford
University, Pope is admitted to practice law in Tennessee and the
District of Columbia. She grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Following law school, Pope clerked for U.S. District Judge James D.
Todd in Jackson, Tennessee, and was an associate attorney with
Webster, Chamberlain, and Bean in Washington, D.C. She served on
numerous public and private boards of directors, including the
boards of Bank of Tennessee; the Watkins School of Art and Design;
and the Johnson City, Tennessee, Chamber of Commerce. She is past
president of the Arts Council of Greater Kingsport, Tennessee.
Sundquist
appointed Pope to his Council on Excellence in Higher Education, and
his Commission on Practical Government. She was chair of the 1997
Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame for Tri-Cities
Tennessee/Virginia. She is a member of the National Academy of
Recording Arts and Sciences and the Country Music Association.
Shawnee State
University, the only public university in Ohio located on the banks
of the Ohio River, offers
more than 80
bachelor’s and associate degree programs in areas such as English
and humanities; fine, digital, and performing arts; mathematical
sciences; natural sciences; social sciences; teacher education;
business administration; industrial and engineering technologies;
and health sciences, at one of the lowest tuition rates among Ohio
public universities and in-state rates to eligible students in
Kentucky.
Enrollment at
Ohio’s newest four-year university is at its highest level ever this
year—3,798. The institution has a low student/teacher ratio, awards
more than $2 million in scholarships each year, and offers proven
programs that ensure success in the classroom and in finding future
employment, Morris said.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Carrie Matthews, Communications
Specialist—SSU Office of Communications)

CLC students,
instructors, parents, and friends sang songs and formed a circle of
friendship in the University Center.
Little People Are Doing
Big Things At SSU
The
conclusion of the academic year is upon everyone at Shawnee State
University (SSU), and that ending looks busier than usual and even
more promising for the children of the Dr. Miller and Genevieve
Toombs Children’s Learning Center (CLC) at SSU. The children are
participating in future improvements to their facility, and some are
preparing for the journey from the CLC to kindergarten.
Many events
are scheduled at the Center in the upcoming months, according to
Cindy Ferguson, director of the CLC. The first upcoming event, with
the help of SSU’s facilities department and an architect, is the
resurfacing of the center’s playground, currently in the planning
stages. Recently, many parents have suggested that the existing
mulch-covered playground should be resurfaced.
“Because the
request to resurface the playground appeared in the suggestion box
numerous times, at the request of parents, a Playground Opportunity
Committee was initiated and formed,” said Ferguson. “The committee
includes parents Wendy Bauer, Jodi Kallner, and Brenda Willis; SSU
staff members: Dave Todt, Butch Kotcamp, and Joe VanDeusen; and CLC
staff members Amanda Hedrick, Jamie Harwood, Hetty Phillips, and
Cindy Ferguson.”
When the
center was built five years ago, parents and friends of the CLC
purchased gift tiles through the SSU Development Foundation, she
said. The tiles are personalized with the family name or name of
the child/person/organization for whom it was purchased. Previously
purchased tiles created a mural that lines one of the walls of the
center lobby of the CLC. Newly-purchased tiles, with funds
designated for the playground, will create a tile border around the
ceiling soffit while contributing the needed funds to resurface the
playground.
“It’s a
two for one opportunity,” Ferguson said. “Changing the outside
beautifies the inside, too, and who doesn’t like a bargain!”
The
Children’s Learning Center’s “Hand-Shake-a-thon,” under the
direction of the CLC Advisory Council with co-chairs Amanda Hedrick
(CLC teacher) and Brenda Willis (CLC parent), will give the children
a chance to “join hands” with their family members and friends to
help raise money for their playground’s resurfacing. Children will
secure handshake pledges with each handshake converting into a
donation for the playground; however, straight donations are
welcome.
In addition
to the handshake pledges, the CLC set up a mini-playground inside
the lobby of the center, Ferguson said. A change jar has been added
to the small playground to allow the children to see their money
adding up as their pledges come in and their friendships grow.
“If we’re
going to be the training ground for future teachers, counselors, and
pediatric professionals, we should have a top-of-the-line
playground,” Ferguson said. “We’re helping people to advocate for
what is right,” said Ferguson, speaking about making improvements
for the children.
The CLC is
also gearing up for its May 24 “Superstar Celebration,” an event
that draws such a crowd only family members can be accommodated. It
is a graduation ceremony for students leaving for kindergarten. This
informal and fun evening for the children and their families
includes the singing children parading down a center aisle that has
been covered with stars.
“Each student
is recognized individually and given a CLC pencil with a star eraser
and a certificate that reads, ‘Shawnee State University Children’s
Learning Center Superstar,’” Ferguson said.
During the
ceremony, graduating SSU students who worked as teaching assistants
at the CLC during their tenure at SSU will also be honored. They
will each receive a certificate and a book for their home/classroom
library with a corresponding book donated in each graduate’s name to
the CLC library,” Ferguson said.
The final
event of this year will focus on summer reading. The campus
community kick off is a “Buy One Get One Free” (BOGO) Scholastic
book fair. The Children’s Learning Center hosts two formal
Scholastic book fairs a year, and book profits benefit the CLC
library. Since Ferguson became the director of the center, the
center’s library has grown from a small shelf of books to a room
full.
The books in
the CLC library have been labeled with colored-coded dots making the
library and literacy a “child and family friendly” experience.
The BOGO Sale
will be held in the Children’s Learning Center observation room from
May 23-June 3, and shoppers can stop by anytime between 7 a.m. and 5
p.m. during those two weeks. Jamie Harwood and Hetty Phillips, CLC
teachers, are BOGO chairpersons.
While the
BOGO Sale is to encourage summer reading for all children, it is a
great time for families seeking a high-quality preschool experience
to visit and enroll children in the CLC summer program. Enrollment
is open to current students and any other children ages 3-5 in the
community. The summer program begins on June 20 and coincides with
SSU’s summer schedule with two successive five-week sessions. For
information on enrollment or any CLC event, call (740) 351-3252.
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Mistie
Cook Spicer, communications coordinator--Office of Communications)
SSU
Office of Career Services Help College Students get Job after
Graduation
Graduating from Shawnee State
University (SSU) in a month and don’t have a clue as to where to
start to find your first “real job”? The SSU Office of Career
Services can help, according to Director Steve Gregory.
“I can actually do mock interviews with them and sit them
in a situation similar to the job situation and do a 15 or 30 minute
interview,” he said. We can process it and discuss things they said
and did that were good and things they need to work on before their
interview."
One thing Gregory encourages potential job seekers to do
is to be as prepared as possible for the interview. He said
applicants should know what their skills and abilities are and
should know about the company and the job itself.
“They should do research such as getting on the Web and
looking at the company’s profit margin: find out some things about
the company so that you can ask questions,” Gregory said. “They
always should ask questions about the company when the employer asks
them if they have any questions.”
Gregory said job searchers should also have a good résumé
to present to the employer.
“It needs to be practically flawless--, no spelling
errors, no grammatical errors; attention to detail is so important,”
he said.
Critiquing résumé is another thing Gregory’s office does.
He said they work with students and give them suggestions on how
they can improve their résumé and on writing cover letters.
“Anytime students send out a résumé they should have a
cover letter prepared, and they can’t assume that one cover letter
will be appropriate for every job they apply for,” Gregory added.
Students also need to dress professionally for their job
interview. Gregory said employers always look at the applicant’s
professional attire or lack of.
“What I tell students when I do workshops on campus is I
don’t care how liberal or laid back you think the company is, during
that interview session you need to be as conservative as possible,”
he said. “Get the job first, then you can find out how you can dress
and act on the job.”
Gregory said if students need help with résumé preparation
or interviewing skills and techniques they can call the Office of
Career Services at (740) 351-3213 and make an appointment or walk
in.
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Alissa Bloomfield, communications
specialist--Office of Communications)
State
Representative Todd Book to speak to SSU students
The rising costs of tuition and
other college expenses have many students and parents concerned
about the future prospects of higher education. The Shawnee State
University (SSU) Liberals Association has invited State
Representative Todd Book to the SSU campus to shed some light on the
issue of SSU’s state funding.
The event will take place Tuesday, May 24, at 3:30 p.m.
on the front lawn of Massie Hall. Marcia Tackett, adviser of the
Shawnee Liberals Association, said Book will speak to students about
SSU’s state subsidy, tuition hike caps, and funding for universities
in general.
“We are excited to have Representative Todd Book attend
our event,” said Tackett. “He has first-hand knowledge about higher
education funding in Ohio, SSU’s state subsidy and the plan to
reduce it, and possible caps on tuition increases in the coming
year.”
The event is
free and open to students, staff members, and anyone interested in
the future of SSU. All students are invited to attend the event,
regardless of political affiliation, Tackett said.
During the event, the SSU Liberals Association will also
be hosting a membership drive, according to Jennifer Phillips,
president of the Liberal Association. Tables will be set up in
front of Massie Hall where Shawnee Liberals members will distribute
informative brochures about the organization and fliers of past
events. Interested students may sign-up on the spot or receive
information on how to sign up via the Internet, she said.
“My hope is that students will come and listen to what
Mr. Book has to say,” said Phillips. “Hopefully, this event will
get students interested in our organization and they will consider
joining. The fact that such a high profile public figure has taken
time out of his busy schedule to talk to students is wonderful, and
his presence on campus shows that we are quickly growing as an
organization.”
For more information about the Shawnee Liberals
membership drive or other such events, contact Phillips at
phillipsj@shawnee.edu .
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2005
Contact:
Carl Daehler, 740.351.3622; Fax 740.351.3414; e-mail: cdaehler@shawnee.edu
Columbus
Symphony Concert to feature Guest Conductor and Piano Soloist

Junichi Hirokami
Horatio Gutiérrez
Final Concert of the 2004-2005 Performing Art
Series
Junichi Hirokami,
Principal Guest Conductor with the Japan Philharmonic, and world
renowned concert pianist, Horatio Gutiérrez, will be guest
performers with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, May 19,
2005, at 7:30 p.m. in the main theater of the Vern Riffe Center for
the Arts located on the campus of Shawnee State University in
Portsmouth.
Maestro
Hirokami, who is a candidate for the CSO’s permanent music director
position, will lead the orchestra in the monumental Symphony No. 2
in E minor, Op 27 by Russian-born American composer Sergei
Rachmaninoff. Known for its sumptuous romantic melodies (borrowed
freely by Barry Manilow) and exciting final movement, the Symphony
No. 2 is one of the great post-Romantic symphonic masterpieces of
the 20th century.
Cuban-born pianist
Horatio Gutiérrez will join the orchestra as soloist in the
magnificent Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat major, Op. 73 (“Emperor”)
by Ludwig van Beethoven. Considered the pinnacle of the classical
concerto, the “Emperor” concerto, composed in 1809 during the
bombardment of Vienna by Napoleon’s forces, contains some of
Beethoven’s finest thematic development and intensely beautiful
melodies providing a natural transition from the classical concertos
of Haydn to the romantic works of Mendelssohn, Brahms and other 19th
century composers.
Reserve seat
tickets are now on sale at the McKinley Box Office located in the
lobby of Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
Box Office hours are 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets range from $24 to $28
and may be purchased with Visa or Master Card by calling
740.351.3600. There are also special student discounts available and
one-half price “rush” tickets on the day of the concert.
The concert is sponsored by National City Bank, Howard and Mary Lee
Harcha, and by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency
that supports public programs in the arts. Additional funding is
provided by the Scioto Foundation, and by gifts made to the Southern
Ohio Performing Arts Association and SSU Development Foundation.
“We are
extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful orchestra, an
outstanding internationally known conductor and one of the finest
concert pianists in the world performing together in Portsmouth,”
says Carl Daehler, executive director of the Vern Riffe Center for
the Arts. “These same forces were scheduled to close out the CSO’s
concert season in the Ohio Theatre on the weekend. We managed to
convince the orchestra to perform the same program with their guest
conductor and soloist at the Vern Riffe Center before performing in
Columbus.”
“We know how
much the Symphony loves to play in the Vern Riffe Center and they
know that we have a wonderful Steinway 9-foot grand piano. It was an
added bonus for Mr. Gutiérrez to play the “Emperor” concerto of
Beethoven. This is one of the best of all the 19th
century piano concertos,” continued Daehler. “I never thought we
would have the opportunity to hear the beautiful and romantic
Symphony No. 2 by Rachmaninoff. So much of his music is recognizable
because of its use in movie scores and as the basis for popular
songs. People seldom associate these melodies with Rachmaninoff.”
Junichi
Hirokami launched his North American conducting career in 1996 with
appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cincinnati
Symphony, Detroit Symphony, and Dallas Symphony. He conducts all the
major orchestras in Europe including the Concertgebouw and Vienna
Symphony and London Philharmonic. He is a candidate for the CSO’s
musical director position.
Horatio
Gutiérrez is praised by critics and audiences alike for his
technical mastery and poetic insight of a highly diverse repertoire
covering music from four centuries. He is a regular soloist at New
York’s Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall and with the Mostly
Mozart Festival. He has made many award-winning recordings on the
Telarc label. He is a frequent guest soloist with the Cleveland
Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, the San
Francisco Symphony and numerous European orchestras. Cuban born, Mr.
Gutiérrez became an American Citizen in 1967. A graduate of he famed
Juilliard School, he resides in New York City.
The
Performing Arts Series is presented by the Southern Ohio Performing
Arts Association in conjunction with Shawnee State University. SOPAA
will soon announce the series schedule for the 2005-2006 season.
Subscription information is available from the Vern Riffe Center for
the Arts by calling 740.351.3622 or by visiting www.vrcfa.org.
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
Article by Jennifer Phillips,
communications specialist--Office of Communications)
Renowned
Historian to Lecture at SSU on 1993 Lucasville Prison Riot
Students hear many lectures during their time at
Shawnee State University (SSU), but now they have the opportunity to
hear a lecture about a recent historical event that happened just
over 10 miles from campus.
Renowned historian Staughton Lynd, author of
“Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising” will speak at
SSU on Wednesday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Flohr Lecture Hall, located
in Clark Memorial Library.
According to Andrew Feight, Ph.D., associate professor
of history at SSU, this lecture is open to the public and should be
of interest to students, faculty, staff, and citizens of Scioto
County because the lecture relates to events that occurred in this
area. In addition to giving this public lecture, Lynd will also
visit Feight’s “History of the Ohio River Valley” class.
Feight said Lynd has been both the center of controversy
and a source of inspiration because of his theories and opinions on
the 1993 Lucasville Prison Riot. Feight said the lecture will be
informative for anyone who attends. “The
public’s understanding of the events that led to the prison riot and
the tragic events that occurred during the 11-day siege, as well as
the various court proceedings afterward, have been clouded by much
misinformation in the local, regional, and national press.
Staughton Lynd’s lecture is a great opportunity for the people of
southern Ohio to learn more about this significant historical
event,” Feight said.
SSU senior and history major Michael Reed
said he is excited about the lecture.
“I think that it is good to bring someone of Mr. Lynd’s
caliber to SSU to talk about such an important historical event that
happened so close to Shawnee State University,“ Reed said.
For more information on Lynd’s lecture, call Feight
at (740) 351-3143.
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer,
communications coordinator--Office of Communications)
SSU Launches
Found Money Campaign
If you looked in your pocket or the bottom of your purse, chances
are you would find some pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters,
mingled in with your ink pens and chewing gum wrappers. What do you
do with that money? Toss it in a jar, buy a can of pop, or give it
to your kids? Well, now you can donate it to Shawnee State
University (SSU) as part of the SSU Development Foundation’s “Found
Money” campaign now underway. The idea was the brainchild of
University President, Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D.
“Found money is so easy and my expectation is if you get
into the habit of every time you pick up change and put it into a
little container for the found money campaign, when it comes time to
send it in and you have $2.37, you’re likely to send us $5 or $10,”
Morris said.
The “Found Money” campaign is so easy that while
university development officials and Morris were formulating the
fundraising effort, someone on campus had already implemented the
idea. In January in observance of his 10-year anniversary SSU
custodian Tom Piatt walked into the office of Susan Warsaw, SSU
development director and handed her a check for $500.
“Every gift warms my heart but I can tell you that this
one was extra special,” Warsaw said.
During his years on campus Piatt has cleaned carpets and
floors in the buildings and often when cleaning those floors he
would find change.
“I’ve probably found a dollar a week,” Piatt said. I
figure I took out two weeks vacation every year, that’s $50 a year.
I’ve got ten years in and I wanted to donate $500 to a scholarship
fund,” Piatt said. “It’s just a penny here, a quarter, nickel, and
dime, whatever.”
This is exactly the same philosophy behind the “Found
Money” campaign that is unlike anything the SSU Development Office
has ever done.
“People can take the money they find, combine it with the
money that other people have found, and then when you put it
together it can do something amazing,” said Angela Henderson, SSU
assistant director of development. “In this case the amazing thing
that will be done is that all that the money raised in the campaign
will go directly into the Friends of Shawnee State Scholarship
Fund.”
That fund, according to Henderson, is the university’s
general scholarship fund.
“Friends of Shawnee State doesn’t have any requirements like
major or GPA,” she said. It’s based on need and that’s very
important to a lot of our students at SSU. It’s important that we
build this fund because it’s going to so many students. The more
money in the fund, the more scholarships we can hand out and the
more students we can help.”
At his request, the $500 that Piatt donated also went to
the Friends of Shawnee State Scholarship Fund.
“I told Susan that if she wanted to she could make a
little challenge to the rest of the people on campus. I know other
custodians find a little change from time to time and maybe, if I
make them feel bad enough, they’ll donate a little bit too,” Piatt
said with a laugh.
The challenge has been issued. SSU alumni, faculty, and
staff members have all been invited to participate in the
university’s first-ever “Found Money” campaign.
“We’re not like old universities with well-developed
alumni-giving programs,” said Morris. “We’ll get there, but in the
interim I think this is a great program and we’ll continue to do
this forever I hope.”
Small blue boxes with silver bows have been mailed to
participants. The tag on the box reads: “A gift to the Annual Fund
of Shawnee State University.”
“In this case it’s not only a gift to the university, it’s
a gift to the students because they’ll be the ones who will benefit
from it,” Henderson added.
The “Found Money” campaign will end on Friday, June 3 with
a special counting day that will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on
the Alumni Green and Henderson said people will be encouraged to
bring their boxes at that time.
“For people who find it inconvenient to bring in their
box, we hope they will consider turning their found money into a
check and mail it to the SSU Development Foundation,” Henderson
said.
Although this year the “Found Money’ campaign is focusing
on alumni, faculty, and staff, Morris is one day hoping to get the
students involved in the fundraising effort as well.
“My hope is someday we’ll give every graduate one of these
containers.”
For more information on the “Found Money” campaign, call
(740) 351-3284.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Alissa Bloomfield, communications
specialist--Office of Communications)
SSU’s Clark
Planetarium presents, “Through the Eyes of Hubble”
Each month offers a new and exciting show at Shawnee
State University’s (SSU) Clark Planetarium, and May is no exception.
“With the recent news of the Hubble Space Telescope’s
engineering problems and the debates over whether to save it with a
manned shuttle mission or let it crash into the Pacific Ocean, area
residents maybe interested in seeing what has already been
accomplished with this famous orbiting space telescope,” said
Timothy Hamilton, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics at SSU and
director of the planetarium.
According to Hamilton, the show, “Through the Eyes of
the Hubble,” was filmed before the recent problems happened, and is
an introduction to the discoveries made with America’s premier
observatory. Making use of the Clark Planetarium’s slide and video
projection abilities, the show gives the audience a tour through the
breathtaking galleries of photos obtained with the telescope, he
said.
Each show will also present, “The Skies Tonight,” an
operator-narrated tour of the current night sky over Portsmouth.
These shows are open to the public, and are appropriate
for both children and adults. Although show titles will change from
month to month, the scheduled days and times will be fixed through
the end of SSU’s spring quarter, Saturday, June 3.
The cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children under 12;
tickets will be sold at the door. Planetarium seating is limited to
66 and is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the 7 p.m. show
sells out, there will be a second showing as soon as the first show
finishes, Hamilton said.
For further
information, directions, hours, and private group reservations, call
the Clark Planetarium’s main number at (740) 351-3125. Visitor
information is also available on the Planetarium web site, at
planetarium@shawnee.edu .
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer,
communications coordinator--Office of Communications)
TechSolve Lean
Enterprise Training Series
begins May 24 at SSU
Shawnee
State University (SSU) and the Ohio State University South Centers
have joined forces with TechSolve of Cincinnati to provide two Lean
Enterprise workshops at SSU. The “Lean Leadership” will be held on
May 24 with the “Principals of Lean Offices” workshop to be on June
21.
“What Lean does is teach organizations how to eliminate
waste, and continually improve by becoming a tighter organization in
the way of costs,” said Brenda Covert, manager of contract training
for the office of University Outreach Services at SSU.
TechSolve is a professional services organization that
partners with manufacturers to help them increase revenues, reduce
costs, and improve profitability. Covert said over the last five
years TechSolve has helped over 800 organizations increase their
sales and decrease their costs.
Covert said managers, supervisors, business owners, and
business executives would benefit by attending the “Lean Leadership”
seminar on May 24.
“They will be teaching principals on how to be a Lean
Leader that then leads to becoming successful leaders,” Covert said.
“They’ll be teaching employee development performance measures and
continuous improvement.”
The course will define leadership, differentiate between
leadership verses management, describe successful Lean Leadership
characteristics, describe key tenants of Lean Enterprise
implementation, and outline the eight elements of Lean Enterprise
transformation.
Covert said the “Principals of Lean Office” workshop on
June 21 is geared more towards office managers and secretaries, and
will focus on how to be more efficient in the office by reducing
paperwork and how to work more effectively and efficiently.
“This will be a simulation where there will be a hands-on
office atmosphere where participants will go through and actually do
a simulation in the environment,” Covert added.
The primary objectives of this workshop will be to teach
the principals of lean, teach the tools of lean and their
application to the office environment, start the cultural
transition, educate with real-world problem-solving techniques, and
have participants to carry the knowledge back to the office.
The cost for the “Lean Leadership” workshop is $175 for
non TechSolve members and $195 for members. The deadline to register
for the workshop is Friday, May 20. The cost for the “Principals of
Lean Office” workshop is $250 for TechSolve members, $275 for
non-members. The deadline to register for that workshop is Friday,
June 17.
To register or for more information call (740) 351-3304,
(513) 948-2076, or (800) 345-4482.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Alissa Bloomfield, communications
specialist--Office of Communications)

Vern Riffe speakes at the
dedication of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts in 1996
Vern
Riffe bust to be moved to
SSU
Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
A
remembrance of the man credited with officially creating Shawnee
State University (SSU) 19 years ago will find a new home next week.
On Thursday,
May 19, as part of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra concert, the
Vernal G. (Vern) Riffe, Jr., bust will be moved from its current
location in the Vern Riffe Room of the Clark Memorial Library at SSU
to the lobby of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA), also on
the SSU campus. A rededication ceremony will take place at 7:15
p.m. that evening in the VRCFA lobby.
History shows that Riffe’s dedication and commitment to
the people he represented was memorialized with his sponsorship of
House Bill 739 establishing SSU on July 2, 1986. Documents show the
speaker considered SSU one of the “crowning jewels” of his political
career because it brought “the hope of economic development and
independence” to his people in southern Ohio. Riffe passed away in
1997.
Clive Veri, Ph.D., president emeritus of SSU, said (on
March 21, 1996, the day the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts was
dedicated) Riffe “dedicated his life to public service.”
“It is such a
simple sentence, but every word of it is absolutely true,” Veri
said. “It is a sentence that describes a down-home but complex man
who . . . dedicated his long political and personal life to
people.”
Veri said
Riffe’s commitment to serving people resulted in the people of his
district sending him to Columbus term after term, 18 times. Riffe
also occupied the Ohio House of Representatives speaker’s chair for
20 of his 36 years in the House, setting not only an Ohio record but
a national record, Veri said.
“Shawnee
State University is—more than words can express—totally beholden to
Vern Riffe for his support for, and love of, SSU,” Veri said in a
1996 speech.
Riffe, in a
1996 letter to Veri, thanked the former president for helping make
the dedication of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts “one of the
most memorable occasions” of his life.
“It is
difficult to express what an honor it is to be the namesake of this
encompassing building dedicated to the study and advancement of the
arts,” Riffe said in 1996. “Shawnee State University is very
important to me and I am so proud to watch this fine institution
flourish.”
Riffe said,
in the same letter, that the addition of the Center for the Arts
added to the campus’ movement to becoming a source of endless
opportunities not only for the students of SSU, but also for all of
the people of southern Ohio.
“I am humbled
to have this outstanding building carry my name,” Riffe said in
1996. “It is truly one of the greatest honors of my lifetime.”
“It is
more than appropriate to house the bust of the House Speaker in the
building that bears his name,” said Rita Rice Morris, president of
SSU. “The new case is a particularly beautiful one and we hope
everyone agrees that it is a fitting tribute.”
The bust will be placed in a cabinet designed by Martin
Tobin and crafted by Phil Traxler, both of Vanceburg, Ky. Traxler,
originally from Columbus, Ohio, moved to Vanceburg nearly 25 years
ago. He is a self-described tree farmer and full-time cabinet maker
at his home business, Griffen Hollow Hardwood. Traxler also crafted
the showcases for the Miller fork and spoon display, located in the
VRCFA.
Tobin, a
relative and neighbor of Traxler, lives part of the year in Miami,
FL. He works as a specialty art director for TV commercials.
C.B.
Hermann, president of the Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association,
said the group is pleased to have the rededication of the Riffe bust
tied to its final concert of the season.
“As we
prepare to kick off our 10th year, the fact is that
without Speaker Riffe, we would not have the Vern Riffe Center for
the Arts,” he said.
Like all
concerts, this event is open to the public. However, as this
concert is considered by many to be the event of the season, tickets
may be limited. For more information, or to purchase tickets for
the concert, call the McKinley Box Office at (740) 351-3600.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
May
11, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
SSU/Bristol Village Lecture Series
Continues May 17
Shawnee State University (SSU) and Bristol Village have teamed up
for their second annual lecture series that continues on May 17.
Speakers from
the SSU Speakers Bureau who are scheduled in the series include Sam
Coppoletti, M.P.T., senior instructor in the physical therapist
assistant program, giving a presentation on “Prevention in health
and fitness” on May 17, and Larry Mangus, Ed.D., vice president for
student affairs at SSU, speaking on “Civil War stories and tales” on
June 21. James Day, Ph.D., SSU professor of business management,
started the series by speaking on “An American business professor’s
experiences in China” on April 12.
The
presentations begin at 3 p.m. on each date and will be held in the
Activities Center at Bristol Village, 660 E. 5th Street and Bristol
Boulevard in Waverly. The series is open to the public and free of
charge.
For more
information or to reserve a seat for the series, call Bristol
Village at (740) 947-2118 or (800) 223-9766.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer,
communications coordinator--Office of Communications)
Shantytown
Students to experience life as homeless
people
Imagine living in your car or worse yet a cardboard box. That’s
exactly what approximately 10 SSU students and one faculty member
will be doing on Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17.
The event is
being coordinated by the SSU Center for Community Service to kick
off Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week on campus the week of May
16 through May 20 according to E.B. Newberry, center director.
“It’s just the most visual, most impactful event. We hope
it will attract interest in the rest of the week’s activities,”
Newberry said.
The Shantytown will be set up in the middle of campus in
front of Massie Hall beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday until 4 p.m. on
Tuesday. Newberry said the students, as well as herself and John
Lorentz, Ph.D., professor of history and director of the Center for
International Programs and Activities will be staying in the boxes
for a total of 30 hours.
“They will have to submit keys, money, ID’s, meal plans,
cell phones, every belonging except for the things they need for
school, their calculators, books, things like that they can keep,”
Newberry said. “They will be without anything and will be forced to
beg from their fellow students for food and money.”
The only thing the Shantytown inhabitants will be able to
bring with them is a poncho and a blanket according to Tracey Leo, a
participant and resident adviser.
“It makes me a little nervous. I hope it doesn’t rain
that’s my main hope,” Leo said.
The students are also allowed to bring signs.
“I’m going to try to think of a really creative sign,
maybe something I’ve seen a homeless person actually have, something
that will catch people’s attention,” Leo added.
Newberry said the students participating in the Shantytown
project are representing the 10 largest organizations and clubs on
campus such as Student Government Association (SGA), the Student
Programming Board (SPB), the Shawnee Liberals Association, and the
International Forum among other groups. She said the students are
Jennifer Phillips, John Campbell, Carrie Baker, Eric Marit, Tracey
Leo, Joshua Ramsey, Joe Reist, Wayne Allen, Newberry, and of course
Lorentz.
“I’m excited; I think it’s for a really good cause. I
think it’s very innovative; it’s very new,” said Eric Marit,
president of SGA. “It will really draw a lot of attention to
something that needs to be done.”
With his experience in the Peace Corps and overseas
travel, Dr. Lorentz said he is acquainted with what it is like to be
in a homeless situation.
“I’ve had some acquaintance with this and therefore some
empathy and sympathy as well and like to do whatever I can to help,
not only in terms of what I can do as an individual but also in
terms of publicity as far as bringing an awareness or rise in public
consciousness concerning this particular situation,” Lorentz said.
He said the Shantytown is a creative way to call attention
to the homeless problem.
“It should be interesting being with the students. I
pointed this out to the students that maybe they didn’t want me but
it was in fact their insistence that not just one but a number of
students involved in this came and insisted that I would be an
important contribution to this in some ways and that they really
wanted me to be out there with them,” said Lorentz.
An important aspect of the Shantytown project is that
students and Lorentz, as well as Newberry, will have to go to class
and work and do their homework.
“They will be stinky, they will be ratty, and they’ll be
sitting next to students who have no idea what’s going on and
hopefully questions will start and there will be some dialogue about
this program,” Newberry said.
She said she is hoping that students will recognize the
homeless students from classes and meetings around campus and will
be more inclined to approach them in their shanties to ask them what
they are doing. Newberry said that will give the participants a
chance to distribute information regarding homeless statistics to
those who inquire and students will be asked to make a donation with
all donations going to the local homeless shelter.
For more information on Shantytown, contact Newberry at
(740) 351-3095.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Jennifer Phillips,
communications specialist--Office of Communications)
Undergraduate Research the Focus of SSU’s President’s Gala
Where can you see a local theater
troupe and Shawnee State University (SSU) faculty, staff, and
students perform in a talent competition, have an elegant meal and
dessert, possibly win a diamond ring, and help fund undergraduate
research initiatives all in the same evening? At the 2005 SSU
President’s Gala.
The 17th annual SSU President’s Gala,
Saturday, May 21 at 6 p.m. in the University Center and Vern Riffe
Center for the Arts on the SSU campus, is an event that not only
provides for an evening of entertainment with SSU President Rita
Rice Morris and her husband Jim, it also focuses on celebrating SSU
and raising funds to further the cause of undergraduate research at
the institution.
Susan Warsaw, executive director of development at SSU,
said the President’s Gala is the only SSU Development Foundation
fundraising event of the year.
“A different
recipient is chosen to receive the President’s Gala proceeds each
year,” she said. “Last year, SSU’s Clark Memorial Library received
the funds. This year’s proceeds will be donated to undergraduate
research.”
Undergraduate research plays a major role in SSU
undergraduates’ preparing themselves for graduate, professional, and
medical school, Warsaw said.
“We’re eager to expand opportunities for our students,”
she said.
The Talent Showcase was created after the huge success
of last year’s cabaret-style evening, according to Warsaw. As a
result of last year’s success, the talent show, rather than a
traditional dance, will follow dinner. The Talent Showcase will
feature acts by the Cirque d’Art Theater troupe, SSU faculty and
staff members, an SSU theater class, the SSU Cheerleaders, and an
SSU music class led by local resident Linda Tieman. Portsmouth
optometrist Michael Raies will serve as master of ceremonies.
“We’ll even be treated to a performance by the Golden
Bears and a skit featuring President Rita Morris,” Warsaw said.
Tickets are $100 for the evening. Donors may also opt
to become patrons by donating $200, and table sponsors by donating
$1,500. A gourmet dinner will be provided in the University Center,
and the Talent Showcase and dessert will be held in the Vern Riffe
Center for the Arts.
This year, a $15 ticket will be offered for the first
time; this ticket is for attending only the talent showcase and
dessert. According to Warsaw, the $15 ticket would be a great option
for SSU students who wish to attend.
A diamond cocktail ring, donated by Portsmouth residents
Barbara and David Lodwick, will be raffled off at $10 per ticket.
Warsaw said everyone is invited and encouraged to attend
and must R.S.V.P. as soon as possible.
For more information on the President’s Gala, call (740)
351-3284.
# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2005
Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail:
thapney@shawnee.edu
(Article by Alissa Bloomfield, communications
specialist--Office of Communications)

SSU students
excited about upcoming Springfest concert
You can hear the buzz and
feel the excitement on the Shawnee State University (SSU) campus and
in the surrounding community as SSU students prepare for the biggest
event of the year…Springfest 2005!
On Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. famous rapper, Twista,
will perform in the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center, located on the
SSU campus. The Wylde Bunch will also appear.
“Springfest
is one of the biggest events of the school year, and it is not to be
missed,” said Tracy Leo, vice president of SSU’s Student Government
Association (SGA). “Springfest provides great entertainment at an
awesome price to not only students but also to other young people in
our community. This event helps show the community of all the
positive things the university does.”
Each year,
the Student Programming Board (SPB) at SSU organizes a Springfest,
giving students a chance to celebrate the end of another academic
year, to enjoy the spring weather, and to get together with friends
before going home for the summer.
In 2001, SPB
brought Sister Hazel to campus; in 2002, it was the Comedy Fest,
featuring Mark Curry; 2003 brought Nappy Roots; and the MTV Campus
Invasion Tour, featuring Hoobastank, came to campus in 2004.
Eric Marit,
president of the SSU Student Government Association (SGA), said, SSU
is a growing campus and a growing institution, and there are very
diverse interests and tastes at the university.
“I really
think there’s a need to mix it up every once in a while, and we’ve
been doing that,” Marit said. “We’ve had rap, comedy, rock, and I
like the mix. Twista appeals to the diverse crowd that continues to
grow on campus.”
Tracy Leo
said, Twista is a recording artist who has been around for a long
time and has worked with many other famous people.
“There is a
mainstream appeal to his rap style,” she said.
Students on
campus seem to be awe-struck that such a famous artist has agreed to
come to small-town Portsmouth, Ohio.
“I am very
excited about going to the concert,” said Leo. “It is great that
Shawnee State University is able to get someone who is so famous.”
Twista’s 2004
album, “Kamikaze,” went to number one on the
US Billboard 200 in
early 2004, based on his number one single on the
Billboard Hot 100, “Slow
Jamz,” which featured Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.
&nb |