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August 5, 2008

Contact:
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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University adds an assistant professor to the Department of English and Humanities

            Shawnee State University has hired Neil Carpathios of Canton, Ohio, as the new assistant professor in the Department of English and Humanities.
            Carpathios received his bachelor’s degree in English from The Ohio State University and his master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Iowa.
            He previously taught English as an assistant professor at Walsh University and the College of Wooster.
            “I hope to bring a creative energy and presence at Shawnee State University and offer quality instruction to the students,” Carpathios said.
            He is working on introducing ideas that will foster the development of creative writing at SSU.
            “We are very pleased with the addition of professor Carpathios to the English and Humanities Department,” said Dr. Darren Harris-Fain, chair of the Department of English and Humanities. “He has many exciting ideas about encouraging creative writing and the appreciation of new work on campus and in the community.”

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August 5, 2008

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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2008

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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2008

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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2008

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Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Poised for Tomorrow campaign surpasses expectations at Shawnee State University

            Barbara Lodwick, president of the Shawnee State University Development Foundation, announced this week that more than $16 million was raised in the “Poised for Tomorrow” capital campaign at Shawnee State University – more than any campaign has raised in the history of the university. The goal for the campaign was $12 million.
            “This was an incredible campaign,” said SSU President Rita Rice Morris. “We are very excited about the opportunities this campaign has given Shawnee State.”
            An anonymous donation of $4 million, the largest individual gift in the university’s history, put the campaign total over the top. A deferred gift, it will be used for scholarships and various outreach programs. The campaign began in April 2005 with a quiet phase and was officially announced in January of last year.
            “This is our third campaign,” said Susan Warsaw, executive director of Development at SSU. “Each one has gotten progressively bigger in both the amount we looked for and in the amount we raised.”
           More than 800 people donated 1,277 gifts in both cash and deferred gifts with 90 percent of the employees at SSU donating and more than 100 volunteers helping in the “Poised for Tomorrow” campaign.
            “We were ecstatic with the final total of the campaign,” said Frank Waller, who co-chaired the campaign with his wife, Janis. “It was unbelievable the support we had from the community and it couldn’t have been done without all the volunteers, the SSU community and all the donors. Dr. Morris was a big help in making this all possible with her enthusiasm and leadership. Janis and I are so proud to have been a part of such an important step in our university’s future growth.”
            Several initiatives are targeted for the donations including agenda for technology, enhanced clinical experience, enhanced quality of life, faculty development, scholarships, specialized studies and undergraduate research.
            For more information about the campaign, visit the SSU Web site at www.shawnee.edu/campaign.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Shawnee State University student writes from China

Last Saturday, ten Chinese philosophy students at Shawnee State University along with two faculty members, Dr. John Valentine, philosophy professor, and Isabel Graziani, associate professor of Art History, left Ohio to tour China and visit the Olympics. The following blog is from one of the students, Rebecca Cox.


Blog from China



By Rebecca Cox

SSU student in China

            As I begin this particular blog, it is 10:42 p.m. China. For those of you at SSU, that means that you are currently occupied with work, or perhaps munching on a muffin for brunch. I am sipping on a hot mug of green tea, while admiring the Chinese fan that I purchased in a store today. But let’s start at the beginning …
            Few could imagine a 14-hour plane ride to be a particularly exhilarating experience. Luckily, I was situated between Kailai and Ryan, two other students attending this trip. You might hear from them later. Aside from sharing little facts to initiate friendships, we each continuously proclaimed, “I can’t believe I’m going to China!”
            Our first day was a delirious blur, full of the disorientating effects of jet lag and sleepless nights. Due to this, I feel that I will neglect many amazing details. It is, after all, the details that make China so fascinating. On our way to our first temple, the City Temple of Shanghai, we walked through a Chinese marketplace. Smells seeped from every corner, ranging from exotic fruits that I am unable to name, to various roasting meats and fresh teas. My senses were completely overwhelmed, leading to moments of surrealism.
            On a tour of the Huangpu River later in the evening, we noted the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity that defines China. Temples and ancient Chinese architecture stood behind a New York-esque setting, a wonderful example of the new merging with the old, the west merging with the east. This is also present in the transportation — some people travel on makeshift bikes, with wooden carts attached to the rear. Some travel in flashy BMWs and Hummers.
            While on a particular boat ride, I noticed a Chinese child staring at me. She was wearing a pale green frock, with dainty white shoes. Whenever I would look at her, she quickly turned away, burying her head into her mother’s chest. This happened for some time, until I smiled a large, toothy grin. She smiled back; the moment was beautiful. Apart from my communication with the child, we received a lot of “Hellos,” followed with peace signs.
            Onto food … that is what you really want to know … At this point, I have enjoyed a Chinese breakfast, a lunch and a dinner. Some students are a little hesitant about unfamiliar dishes. Not I or Garet and Mallory. We have made it our goal to try every dish placed in front of us. A rotating glass circle, or a lazy susan, sits in the center of the table, while endless dishes are brought out — at least 20 or 30. To eat, one simply takes a bite off of the dish as it passes. The food is fresh and incredibly flavorful. And yes, we have all pretty much mastered the use of chopsticks.
            Today, we all watched monks perform rituals within a Ch’an Buddhist temple. They stayed after to answer many questions, including a discussion of the similarities between Buddhism and Taoism. The entire process was incredibly relaxing; I felt, as cliché as this may sound, at peace. Keep in mind that we were all virtually swimming in sweat, and still a bit tired. None of these particulars mattered; the experience was pure bliss.
            Oh, and at dinner today, a few of us talked about The Simpsons with one of our Chinese hosts, while eating frog and wine soup.
            Talk to you soon!
 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Howard Dortch brings 35 years of experience in gaming industry to Shawnee State University for the fall semester

            Shawnee State University has hired Howard Dortch, of Sciotoville, as an instructor for the graphic design part of the gaming program. Dortch brings 35 years experience in computer and electronics to SSU students.
            “I’m very excited and honored because I am looking forward to teach these students what to truly expect from the business industry when they graduate,” Dortch said.
            Dortch has moved back and forth from Ohio to California and Florida starting in 1966 to work with several companies, but settled back in Sciotoville in 2001.
            He was employed by International Laser Systems in Florida and helped design a game called Infantry Direct Fire Simulator for the military, which is now known as Laser Tag. He also worked for Sony to help develop video games, such as Everquest and Tanarus.
            Dortch taught a computer programming class at Systems Technology Institute in Florida. In 2003, he started his own gaming company called Hyperkat (www.hyperkat.com) and he is working on a Mars colony project for NASA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Shawnee State University’s library promotes reading with photos of campus faculty, staff and students

            The Clark Memorial Library at Shawnee State University gets ready for the Big Read program that begins in February 2009 by making posters of some of the students, faculty and staff on campus.
            Big Read is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts that recently announced 208 libraries, municipalities, arts, culture and science organizations will receive grants totaling $2,810,500 to host the Big Read program, to promote American and world literature in the community.
            The selected organizations will receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 and high-quality, free-of-charge educational materials.
            In the photo, from left, are Tyler Ferguson, Janet Stewart, Catherine Fitch and Connie Salyers Stoner, library director, showing posters similar to the ones that will be on display at the library for the Big Read program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Renowned educator to lecture on poverty at Shawnee State University

            A professional educator since 1972, Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D., is described as humorous, dynamic and unforgettable when she lectures. She is an expert on poverty and mindsets of economic classes.
            A featured speaker in the 2008 Leslie Williams Symposium, Payne will be presenting “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” from her book of the same name at Shawnee State University on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Flohr Lecture Hall at Clark Memorial Library.
            She will discuss strategies for raising student achievement and negotiating economic class barriers. Business leaders, educators, community and social service workers will find the message Payne brings helping them with practical and creative solutions to the challenges of working across socioeconomic lines.
            “We’re really fortunate this year because we are partnering with the Literacy Council of Scioto County to bring Dr. Payne and one of her colleagues Terie Dreussi Smith who will do a free day-long workshop in October,” said Roberta Milliken, director of the Women’s Center at SSU. “The workshop will be ‘Bridges out of Poverty’ with strategies that professionals and communities can use to help empower students transitioning out of poverty. I think it will interest a wide variety of folks.”
            Payne has sold more than one million copies of her book “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” since 1995. She teaches the hidden rules of economic class and specific strategies for overcoming poverty’s obstacles.
            Payne is the first lecturer at SSU presented by the Women’s Center this fall as part of the Jane M.G. Foster Distinguished Lecture Series. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, call (740) 351-3738 or e-mail rmilliken@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Construction begins on Shawnee State University’s addition to the University Center

            The construction fence is up around the University Center at Shawnee State University as expansion and renovation begins on the $15 million addition, making it the largest facility investment in the university’s history.
            The new addition will double the size of the dining facility, provide meeting spaces and a host of activities and services that students need on campus.
            “This is a very exciting time of growth for us at Shawnee State,” said SSU President Rita Rice Morris. “When complete in 2010, the University Center will provide our students with much needed and vastly improved facilities and services.”
            The University Center project is the largest at Shawnee State since construction of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts more than 10 years ago. When finished, the center will be more than double in size, from the current 39,000 sq. ft. to 89,000 sq. ft.
            During construction, access to the University Center is limited to the southwest entrance that faces the Advanced Technology Center. All other entrances to the building will be closed during construction.
                        Additional parking spaces are being added as the tennis courts beside the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center are being converted to parking and plans are also underway to add even more parking spaces during construction.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University’s soccer team and two fundraising supporters receive Red Cross Hero awards

            On Wednesday, Aug. 13 at the Tenth Annual Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross Local Heroes breakfast, two fundraisers for Shawnee State University’s Poised for Tomorrow capital campaign and the soccer team were named local hometown heroes.
            Frank and Janis Waller, co-chairs of the Poised for Tomorrow campaign, received the Community Fundraising Hero award for helping raise more than $16 million in the campaign. The SSU soccer team received the First Aid Hero award for their heroism for their quick actions on Sunday, Oct. 28, when they pulled a family from an overturned vehicle on their way back from their last game of the season.
            In Photo 1, Angie Duduit, public affairs manager, American Centrifuge, presents the Community Fundraising Hero award for Frank and Janis Waller, who could not attend, to SSU President Rita Rice Morris.
            In Photo 2, Randy Arnett, president and CEO at Southern Ohio Medical Center, presents the First Aid Hero Award to Head Soccer Coach Ron Goodson. In the back row left to right, are Ryan Appell, Jordan Buck, Assistant Coach Mark Trapp and Ross Franz.

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August 18, 2008

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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University students tour China

            Ten Chinese philosophy students at Shawnee State University along with two faculty members, Dr. John Valentine, philosophy professor, and Isabel Graziani, associate professor of Art History, left Ohio to tour China and visit the Olympics. The following is the second blog from one of the students.

Blog from China

By Leah Blevins

            What an adventure today has been. We parted ways with our incredible guides in Hang Zhou at five o’clock this morning and set out on a new leg of our journey. I was a bit apprehensive about flying inside China but the flight went very smoothly. They fed us a meal although the flight was only an hour long. Upon our arrival to Xian, our tour guide met us and took us straight to a factory where they make replicas of the terracotta soldiers. They showed us each step of the intricate process and provided us with an opportunity to purchase them. From there we went to the Terracotta Museum where we had lunch. A few of us were overjoyed at the site of French fries.
            The Terracotta warriors were absolutely unbelievable. It was hard for me to phathom that there are over 1,087 soldiers in one pit alone with individually carved faces. Their bodies were all made of the same mold but each face was uniquely designed. I have seen many pictures on the Internet and in books but actually seeing them in real life was incredible. I am not sure that this experience can be topped.
           We also visited natural springs where a former emperor had taken his favorite concubine during the winter months to enjoy the warmth of the hot springs. Both the museum and the springs were located at the base of the most beautiful mountains. The Chinese people farm along the sides of the mountains so they appear to be terraced. This was unlike any mountains I have ever seen and was breathtaking to view. Along the side of the mountains was a Taoist temple. We did not get to visit it, but from where we were you could tell that it nestles snuggly in the mountain away from all the hustle and bustle of the city life.
            I imagine that it provides a beautiful view of the city below and the country beyond while also providing a natural environment where becoming one with nature can take place. Today was amazing and I am excited to see what’s in store for tomorrow.
            Photo from China:
            In the photo from left, Samantha Emler, Mallory Goldie and Kea Glenn tour with Chinese students from Zheijang University, Shawnee State’s sister university in China.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2008

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Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University closes portions of Third and Fourth Street to move in more than 800 student residents

            Shawnee State University will close portions of Third and Fourth Street from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, to move in more than 800 student residents.
            Third Street will be closed starting from the corner of Third and Gay Street to Third and Waller Street. Fourth Street will be closed starting from the corner of Fourth and Sinton Street to Fourth and Waller.
            SSU security officers and the Portsmouth Police Department will be assisting with traffic.
            For more information, contact Bill Rockwell, assistant director of Student Housing, at (740) 351-3555.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University to hold orientation for international students

            Shawnee State University will hold an orientation for its international students on Monday, Aug. 25, at the Success Center.
            The International Student Orientation is similar to a regular student orientation that includes campus and facilities tour, advising and registration, lunch and a presentation of campus information with additional information useful to international students.
            SSU will be welcoming new international students from Georgia, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Russia and South Korea.
            David Todt, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, John Lorentz, director of the Center for International Programs and Activities, and Matt Matthews, coordinator of Multicultural Services, will welcome the students.
            The students will tour the campus and facilities and have lunch provided by the Bear’s Den.
            The orientation will end at the Center for International Programs and Activities building where Rita Haider, project coordinator of CIPA, will give information beneficial to international students, such as how to get a social security number, how to open a bank account and how to watch for prank bank e-mails among other helpful information.
            “Starting college can be frightening, and to begin college in a foreign country can be even more worrisome,” Haider said “The International Student Orientation will be a success if we can welcome our new students from all over the world, ease them through the transition and make them feel comfortable, welcomed, and knowledgeable on where they can go for assistance.”
            For more information, contact Haider at (740) 351-3127 or e-mail at rhaider@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2008

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Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University partners with Portsmouth Police Department to promote In Case of Emergency program

            Shawnee State University is working with the Portsmouth Police Department to promote the In Case of Emergency program to the campus community.
            ICE was first started in 2005 in London, England, by a paramedic and spread its way to the United States and the rest of the world.
            The plan is to have ICE listings in a participant’s cell phone directory to help emergency personnel know who to contact in the case of an emergency. An example of an ICE directory entry would be “ICE John Doe” and the phone number of the contact person.
            Participants would also place an ICE sticker on the corner of their car windshield and the back of their cell phones to indicate they participate in the ICE program.
            “I think this is a great program that would benefit the campus community in case an emergency does occur,” said Bob Pratt, chief of security at SSU. “It’s important to be able to contact a loved one during times of emergency.”
            SSU has been promoting the ICE program at orientations, on the university Web site and at student activities.
            “The resident advisors will also be informed of the ICE program during a breakfast meeting to help promote the program to the campus community,” Pratt said.
            For more information or to request ICE brochures and stickers, contact Pratt at (740) 351-3888 or e-mail at rpratt@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
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E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Brianna Dillon named as the 2008-09 George Heller Memorial Basketball Scholarship recipient

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has announced Brianna Dillon as the 2008-09 recipient of the George Heller Memorial Basketball Scholarship recipient of $1,000.
            Recipients of the scholarship must be an eligible basketball player, male or female, according to the NAIA rules.
            Dillon, daughter of Luann and Jack Dillon, is a 2008 graduate of Madison Plains High School in Madison County, Ohio. She was a member of the basketball team all four years of high school. Dillon is an education major at SSU and plans to work as a special education teacher and basketball coach after graduation.
            The funds of the George Heller Memorial Basketball Scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the SSU Development Foundation at (740)351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Shawnee State students visit the Confucian Temple in China

            Shawnee State University students and professors visit the Confucian Temple in Qingdao, China, during their tour of China. This was the last stop before going to Bejing where they will visit the White Cloud Temple, one of China’s oldest Taoist Temples, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and attend one or two sessions of track and field events at the Olympic games.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University community choir to hold rehearsal

            The Shawnee State University community choir will hold an organizational rehearsal at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26 in Room 130 of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            All new members are welcomed and should report a few minutes early for an interview.
            For more information, contact Shirley Crothers-Marley, at (740) 351-3577 or e-mail at smarley@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 
  Sri Lanka recruiters visit Shawnee State University

            This summer, Priyanthi and Dissa Dissanayake, college recruiters to the United States from Sri Lanka, visited Shawnee State University for the first time to look at possibly sending students for their education.
            More than 100 students have come to the United States from Sri Lanka for higher education since 2001 with the help of Priyanthi Dissanayake, who is recognized as Sri Lanka’s foremost individual recruiter to colleges and universities in the U.S.
            Her daughter, Sashi, wanted her higher education in the United States when she first started researching and after many rejections, she found a private college in Minnesota that worked with her. After that, her friends wanted help in sending their students to the United States.
            “There had been very few Sri Lanka students coming to the United States for higher education before that,” said John Lorentz, executive director of SSU’s Center for International Programs and Activities. “They usually would go to Australia.”
            Lorentz has been involved with strategic planning in the state of Ohio with the Ohio International Council. One of the discussions of the group was determining how to promote education in Ohio, including promoting education abroad.
            Shawnee State is also a founding member of the American International Recruitment Council, a new accrediting association for recruiters. The purpose of the organization is to develop standards of ethical practice to recruit international students to American educational institutions. Through his involvement in these organizations, Lorentz was introduced to the Dissanayakes.
            “Last summer, we were introduced to Ohio,” Dissa Dissanayake said. “We are visiting 16 schools in 10 days. What we have found is that Ohio offers so much diversity in schools for our students.”
Until they came to Ohio, the Dissanayakes were working with about a dozen schools and now they have about 28 schools for their students.
            “Having worked with so many schools in so many states, I see Ohio as one of the most forward-looking states where the international students are concerned,” Dissa Dissanayake said. “From what we have seen, Shawnee State University has a lot to offer our students. We feel that students coming here would have a quality education.”
In the next month, Lorentz will be traveling to Sri Lanka and Nepal for education exhibitions to introduce students to SSU.
            “When you invite international students and you teach them a liberal arts education and the values of democracy, you pass on certain values to the future generations, the future leaders,” Dissa Dissanayake said. “America has a lot to offer through its education to make the world a much safer place, a much better place. What I see here is that it goes far beyond educating individuals. This is the ultimate goal.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University student writes from China

            August 16th, ten Chinese philosophy students at Shawnee State University along with two faculty members, Dr. John Valentine, philosophy professor, and Isabel Graziani, associate professor of Art History, left Ohio to tour China and visit the Olympics. The following blog is from one of the students, Rebecca Cox.

Blog from China

By Rebecca Cox
SSU student in China

            “If I only knew how to read Chinese!!!” These are the cries of despair that are leaving my roommate’s mouth as I attempt to type this blog. Kea is unsuccessfully trying to turn on the television for a bit of rest and relaxation, after a lengthy day at numerous temples. Numerous temples with never-ending corridors, abrupt twists, and slippery descents. Kea will spend the evening watching the Olympics, even though every statement is uttered in Mandarin Chinese. After the last few days, we all deserve some lazy hours of television, regardless of the language barrier. And trust me, you really need to see Chinese commercials.
            Let’s start with Luoyang. We visited the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist Temple in China. Garet described the experience with, “As I started to make my way through the White Horse Temple, it all suddenly became clear—I was standing, exploring one of the most important Buddhist sites in all the world!” While adherents to the Buddhist faith come to the location to explore their own belief system, it also holds meaning for those of us located outside of the Buddhist tradition. For Garet, it required him to question his own motives, and even the very nature of his existence. The never-ending “Why?” that every race, religion, or nationality must ascertain at one point or another.
            I must now proclaim loud and clear: We are officially travelers, not tourists. To begin with, a few days ago marked a particularly vexing point in our journey. We were required to ride a train for two hours, sit in a station for six layover hours, and then ride another train overnight, for six additional hours. After fourteen hours, the destination was Qufu, which houses the famous cemetery of Confucius. The train can best be described as an industrial relic straight from railway antiquity. For central air, eight fans dangled haphazardly from the ceiling of the car. By fans, I mean the kind that your grandparents may have had, made entirely of dense metal, with gaps large enough to slice off any curious finger, or hand. We had to sit three to a seat, basically on top of one another. For SIX HOURS!! I overheard a Chinese man asking one of the students what we were even doing on the trains, stating that they were the cheapest mode of transportation in China. I needn’t describe our demeanor after the ride reached its conclusion.
            To elaborate on Chinese trains a bit more, I must state that I am not the only student who was permanently affected by the train ride. Ryan discussed two men located behind him who had bought standing tickets, after having worked all day. Imagine standing on a six-hour train ride after a grueling day at work! For Ryan, the entire ordeal was an “eye-opening adventure.” Furthermore, Leah stated, “The thing that made the situation the most uncomfortable was realizing that this is every day for some people. We are so blessed here in America.”
            I suppose that I could talk a bit about food again. Mallory, Garet, and I have stuck with our oath…we have basically tried everything. In fact, Garet and I were the last two students to cave and eat Western food. You must know that it was strictly for means of comparison, though. Last night marked an interesting turning point for the group. At a large dinner, welcoming the group to Quingdao, a particular delicacy was served. A delicacy revered as an excellent source of protein, and greatly enjoyed by our Chinese hosts. What might this tasty morsel be? Fried cicadas, well over an inch in length, with legs and eyes intact. Naturally, the three of us with stomachs of steel popped the crunchy insects without a second thought. I have pictures to prove it. But not just us! By the end of the dinner, at least half of the students had tried the treat, much to the delight of our host.
            We also visited a Taoist Temple at Laoshan. Samantha described the experience, elaborating on the beautiful scenery engulfing the temple, which was located at the top of a mountain. She exclaimed, “The mountains were humungous. The sea was so blue. The roads were all smooth, and the sky was as beautiful as it could have been.” The group traveled halfway up the mountain in cable cars, and then finished the hike by foot, on stone steps. Most of us had to take several breathers, but our adrenaline was pumping us along. By the time we reached the top, we were all able to submerge in the natural flora and fauna surrounding the temple. We finally understood the importance of nature within the Taoist belief system.
            Another fascinating point that I must share with you was brought to my attention by Brittany, another student on our trip. She discussed her shopping experiences in China, placing emphasis on the importance of bargaining. Have you ever considered challenging the stated price of an item? This is possible throughout most of China, particularly in the markets. Brittany stated, “The best thing about bargaining is that something can be ninety-eight dollars and you can get it down to twenty dollars.” She is certainly right. I must admit, Brittany is the queen of bargainers in our group; I could never compare with her sleek tactics.
            The night has come to an official end, after dinner at Pizza Hut and a brief stroll through a Chinese mall. Tomorrow we are set to land in Beijing! We miss all of you and hope life is swell in Portsmouth.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University offers Personal Fitness Trainer National Certification Course

            Shawnee State University is offering an intensive six-week Personal Fitness Trainer National Certification Course from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 9 to Oct. 16 or from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays from Oct. 18 to Nov. 22.
            The U.S. Labor Department predicts a 40 percent shortage of personal trainers by 2012.
            “This program attracts students of all ages and backgrounds to complete it and become certified personal fitness trainers,” said Cathy Mullins, program coordinator.
            The program is an intensive learning and training program providing in-class theory, hands-on practical training and preparation for the National Exam students will take during the last week. The course will be taught by Dr. Shane Kamer and Melinda Melendez.
            The program is divided into 15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of practical applications. Certification is awarded upon the student’s completion of the course, a 20-hour internship, passing exams and proof of current CPR certification.
The course fee is $519 and includes the written and practical exam fee but not the required textbook.
            For more information or to register, contact the SSU Outreach Services at (866) 672-8778 or (740) 351-3274. For course details, contact World Instructor Training Schools at (888) 330-9487 or visit www.witseducation.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Another recipient named for the 2008-09 Orbis Corporation Scholarship

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has named Adam Miller as the fourth scholarship recipient of the 2008-09 Orbis Corporation Scholarship of $1,000.
            Recipients of the scholarship must be full-time SSU students of at least sophomore standing, be pursuing a plastics engineering technology degree and remain in good academic standing.
            Miller, son of Oscar and Pam Miller, is a returning SSU student and a 2002 graduate of Jackson City High School. He has placed on the President and Dean’s Lists at SSU and is a member of the SSU Chapter of the Society of Plastic Engineers. Miller plans to graduate from SSU with a bachelor’s degree in plastics engineering.
            The funds for this scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship may contact the SSU Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University throws late night breakfast to welcome new incoming freshmen

            Shawnee State University threw a late night breakfast event to welcome the new incoming freshmen on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 p.m. to midnight at the University Center. In the photo are SSU students at the Late Night Breakfast at the UC.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 Shawnee State University welcomes students for the start of the 2008 fall semester

            Shawnee State University welcomes new and returning students for the start of the 2008 fall semester on Tuesday, Aug. 26. In the picture are students on the first day of class outside of Massie Hall.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

New Shawnee State University students attend Bears Beginnings

            New Shawnee State University students attended Bears Beginnings where they were welcomed by President Rita Rice Morris, Dr. Jim Settle, vice president of Student Affairs, Dr. Jeff Bauer, associate provost, and Halea Hatten, president of the Student Government Association. After opening remarks, students were invited to a cookout outside of Massie Hall.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO MEET SEPTEMBER 12, 2008

            The Shawnee State University (SSU) Board of Trustees will meet Friday, September 12 at 1:15 p.m. in the Selby Board Room located in the Clark Memorial Library on the SSU campus.
            The committees of the Board will meet in the University Center at SSU as follows:
            • Finance and Facilities – 9 a.m. in the Founder’s Room;
            • Academic and Student Affairs –10:15 a.m. in the Howard/Ketter Room.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University offers MRDD Professionals Training Program

            Several seminars are offered for MRDD Professionals at Shawnee State University beginning in September including Principles of Behavioral Supports, Principles of Self-Determination and Infant/Toddler Growth and Development.
            Each seminar offers undergraduate and graduate credit hours and continuing professional development units and is on Friday evenings and weekends in Massie Hall at SSU.
            Roger Kemper, instructor, is adjunct instructor in Special Education at Shawnee State University and he is the superintendent of Record at the Pike County Ohio Board of Developmental Disabilities.
            “The classes qualify for continuing education hours for staff employed in county boards of mental retardation and developmental disabilities,” Kemper said. “They provide an excellent introduction to students and professionals alike who desire to become more knowledgeable in the field of educational and habilitation supports for individuals with moderate to intensive levels of disabilities. Issues and concerns relating to transitions across the life span of individuals with developmental disabilities will be explored using research-based curricula materials.”
            The Principles of Behavioral Supports seminar examines the relationship of behaviors exhibited by an individual with developmental disabilities with the development of independent living skills as well as academic and vocational skills attainment. The course is Sept. 5, 12, and 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 6, 13 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Principles of Self-Determination seminar examines the rights and responsibilities of individuals with developmental disabilities among other topics. It is on Friday, Oct. 3, 10 and 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
            A seminar on Infant/Toddler Growth and Development examines the factors related to both prenatal and perinatal development, as well as the sequences and variability of typical development, focusing on the relationship among the various developmental domains. It is on Friday, Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 1, 8 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
            University Outreach Services at SSU is offering several ways to register. By phone, call (740) 351-3274 or toll free at (866) 672-8778; in person, go to Massie Hall, Room B-52; by Fax, send registration to (740) 351-3598; or by mail, send completed registration form to University Outreach Services, Shawnee State University, 940 Second Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662. To download a registration form, go to www.shawnee.edu to Directory/University Outreach.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Seminar offers business managers solutions to employee problems

            Author, speaker and management consultant Glenn Shepard is offering a seminar at Shawnee State University to teach management strategies from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, Sept. 9 in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall at the University Center.
            “In this seminar you will learn to hire with confidence, fire without fear, tame toxic employees and put your team on the fast track to record-shattering success,” Shepard said. “If you’ve been a manager for more than five minutes, you know that people problems are the biggest problems.”
            This intensive seminar offers the tools, strategies and tactics managers need to motivate and manage people effectively.
            Shepard is a 1985 graduate of Georgia Tech's College of Management. In 1988, he purchased the commercial division of Datamarketing Network, a Nashville-based publishing company. Over the next five years, he expanded its operations into Memphis, Birmingham, Cincinnati, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
            Today he is full-time speaker and management consultant. He has also authored six books and is best known for “How to Manage Problem Employees.”
            His most recent book, “How to Be the Employee Your Company Can't Live Without,” became a national No. 1 best seller in March of 2006, beating out every other book in print to claim the highly coveted spot.
            “Glenn is a dynamic personality who brings a no-nonsense approach to managing people,” said Ginnie Moore, director of University Outreach. “Anyone who deals with people will benefit from his seminar.”
            The seminar cost is $149 but if registering before Sept. 5, the cost is $129. To register by phone, call SSU Business and Industry Training at (740) 351-3171 or toll free at (866) 672-8778.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 Shawnee State University partners with area organizations to offer a free seminar at the Friends Center

            Shawnee State University is co-sponsoring a free seminar, “Bridges out of Poverty” with strategies for professionals and communities, at SOMC’s Friends Center in Portsmouth from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 22.
            Based in part on Dr. Ruby Payne’s myth-sharing “A Framework for Understanding Poverty,” Bridges reaches out to service providers and businesses whose daily work connects them with the lives of people in poverty.
            The training has specific solutions such as, redesigning programs to better serve people in poverty; building skill sets for management to help guide employees; upgrading training for front-line staff like receptionists, case workers and managers; improve treatment outcomes in health care and behavioral health care; and increase the likelihood of moving from welfare to work.
            Terie Dreussi Smith, co-author of “Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities” with Dr. Ruby Payne and Phil DeVol, will facilitate the workshop. She is a former public school teacher and has served as supervisor of prevention services at a community alcohol, drug treatment and prevention organization and was responsible for redesign of programs and services.
            Registration is free and seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call SSU at (740) 351-3171 or (800) 672-8778. The deadline for registration is Oct. 10.