FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 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

            Eustace “Matt” Matthews, Shawnee State University’s coordinator of Multicultural Student Affairs, has been appointed as a regional representative of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, Ohio Chapter. On Friday, Oct. 10, the association will have its Founders Day meeting and installation of officers, committee chairs and regional representatives from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Ohio State University in Columbus.
            Matthews will be representing the South region made up of Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties.
            NADOHE is the professional organization of senior and chief diversity officers in higher education. It is an affiliate of the American Council on Education. The association was established in Washington, D.C. in February, 2007 and is the principal organization for diversity officers in higher education.
            Matthews began his career at Shawnee State University in 1990 as director of Educational Needs Services and retired in 1997. He returned to SSU in 2000 in his current position.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 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 will have an opening ceremony for the new Dr. William E. Daehler Tennis Center at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 on the corner of Union and Second streets in Portsmouth and the public is invited to attend.
            Daehler and his wife, Anita, pledged $250,000 to Poised for Tomorrow, Shawnee State’s capital campaign, for the purpose of constructing the new state-of-the-art outdoor tennis facility with six courts.
            At the ceremony, President Rita Rice Morris and Daehler will give the opening remarks. Morris and Daehler will cut the ribbon and Daehler will be serving the first ball on the court to his son, Jim Daehler.
            “This new tennis facility is a wonderful resource for students, staff and the community, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Daehler and his wife,” said SSU President Rita Rice Morris. “This is a tremendous asset for our community and the location and the size of the courts is a big boost for our tennis team that can now have tournaments at home.”
The women’s intercollegiate team will play eight to 10 home matches every year on the new courts.
            Daehler, author of the book “100 Years of Tennis in Scioto County,” plays tennis three times a week and he encourages others to take up the sport.
            “Tennis is a fantastic sport to keep in shape,” Daehler said. “All around it is one of the best physical exercises a person can do to burn calories, lower blood pressure and reduce stress.”
            Following the opening ceremony, the SSU Women’s Tennis Team is offering free tennis clinics from 2:30 to 4 p.m. led by SSU Tennis Head Coach Billy Levi.
            SSU invites area schools to participate in the clinics, but people of all ages and any skill level are welcome. Tennis players and coaches from around the region are encouraged to attend. Although the tennis clinics will use some of the courts, several courts will be open to the public after the ceremony.
            For more information on the Dr. William E. Daehler Tennis Court opening day, contact Mandy Hart at (740) 351-3364 or for questions about the tennis clinics, call Jonna Cook at (740) 351-3285.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 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
 

            Ruth Adams, photographic artist and associate professor at the University of Kentucky, will be opening an exhibit “unremarkable … a journey through cancer, chemotherapy, radiation and healing” with a reception at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16 followed by a lecture at Shawnee State University’s Appleton Gallery in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and Adams has been featured in the New York Times, Art Papers and Shutterbug. She has received a number of awards including research grants from the University of Kentucky.
            Adams is a cancer survivor and decided to document her treatment program when she first started chemotherapy and radiation.
            “I was motivated by a desire to document my declining health,” Adams said.
            She was diagnosed in 2002 with Hodgkin Lymphoma and to document her illness, she made an image of herself every day for a year starting the first day of her treatment.
            Adams wanted to document her journey although she imagined she would see a deterioration of her physical and visual health, such as cancer pallor.
            “In the early Polaroids, I look dead inside,” Adams said. “My eyes seem empty, my body already ill from the growing cancer. What is amazing is that over the months, instead of depicting a devastating decline in health, the images reveal a rebirth.”
            As the months progressed, with the cancer pallor and hair falling out, Adams said her spirit got stronger and stronger and the photos show the transformation. She is finished with her treatments and she is now cancer free.
            “I am excited to share my experience and show the world that a cancer diagnosis does not always mean a death sentence,” Adams said. “The treatments, although horrible, are survivable. In the end, I found I had created a body of work that reveals how beautiful and strong the soul is even when fighting for its life.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 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
 

            John Lorentz, director of the Center for International Programs and Activities at Shawnee State University, traveled with an Ohio delegation of colleges and universities to several countries in September talking to prospective students at education fairs.
            The delegation traveled to Sri Lanka, India and Nepal. Seven colleges and universities were from Ohio including SSU, University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, Case Western, University of Toledo, Wittenberg University and Lorain Community College.
            Lorentz received five applications from Nepal and India within a week of returning from the trip and 60 inquiries from the three countries.
            “I was there primarily for student recruitment and to establish some relationships with schools and agencies,” Lorentz said.
            In Sri Lanka, an educational fair was held in Colombo with university representatives from throughout the United States. Most of the Sri Lankans who wanted higher education in the past have gone to Australia, England or India.
            “Sri Lanka is fairly prosperous economically,” Lorentz said. “But, the education system is under-developed and they don’t have the institutions to meet their needs for higher education. The universities in Sri Lanka are usually at capacity and people are going to other countries to study.”
            Lorentz met with American Ambassador Robert Blake in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ambassador wanted to promote American education and he put together the first ever United States Embassy supported American University Exhibition and Road Show with 22 universities from the United States attending. It was the largest, free exhibition for parents and students ever in Sri Lanka to learn about higher education in the United States.
            “The response was amazing,” Lorentz said. “We had 1,700 students come through in two days. This event was very well organized.”
            Lorentz and the Ohio delegation also spent time at the University of Colombo talking about the possibility of having exchange students coming to Ohio.
            “We were promoting Ohio as an educational destination,” Lorentz said. “We represented ourselves as an Ohio delegation and at the same time promoted our individual institutions. On both fronts, we were very successful. There is a lot more awareness now and specific interest in Ohio.”
            According to reports from the ambassador’s office, each year tens of thousands of qualified Sri Lankan graduates do not find university places in Sri Lanka and many look overseas. In 2007, more than 2,000 students attended universities in the U.S. and that number is increasing each year.
            “U.S. universities are showing unprecedented interest in students from Sri Lanka,” said Ambassador Robert Blake. “I encourage all students to consider the diverse higher education opportunities available at American universities, to develop their future and the future of Sri Lanka.”
            The Ohio group then traveled to Chennai, India, formerly Madras, then to Katmandu, Nepal. In India, Lorentz followed up on a previous trip last May setting up key contacts to work with to bring students to SSU.
            The Ohio delegation had focused mini-fairs with students who had been pre-screened in India and Nepal.
            “There was a real cooperative effort among the schools and it works so well with the chancellor’s strategic plan,” Lorentz said. “We each had something to offer and different programs, so we networked with each other.”
            Ohio’s Chancellor Eric Fingerhut unveiled a 10-year strategic plan for higher education in March that includes promoting Ohio colleges and universities internationally and bringing talent to Ohio, increasing the total of international students in the state and increasing the number of Ohio students studying abroad.
            Lorentz is very optimistic about the future of bringing more international students to Shawnee State University. The university has 37 international students attending fall semester this year.
            “In multiple dimensions, it was a very successful trip and one that will pay big dividends for Ohio and for Shawnee State University,” Lorentz said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 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

            The Women’s Center at Shawnee State University raised $900 for National Denim Day, a charity for cancer research, and SSU’s breast cancer awareness programs. In the photo, faculty and staff at SSU participate by wearing denim for the day.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 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

 

            As part of continuous emergency preparedness efforts, Shawnee State University has installed an emergency siren alert system on campus, announced Bane Sylvia, director of Human Resources and Security.
            “Campus safety is our number one priority,” Sylvia said. “This new siren/PA system will enhance our ability to quickly alert students, faculty, staff, visitors and our neighbors of an emergency situation. The system is one more layer in our overall emergency response plan.”
            Sylvia explained that two sirens have been installed at Shawnee State, one on the west side of campus on the roof of the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center and one on the east side of campus mounted near the parking area. These sirens will sound an alarm that can be heard potentially within a one-mile radius.
            The sirens are activated automatically by the national weather service during tornado warnings. The siren system also includes an intercom that can be activated by Shawnee State Security to alert the campus of other emergencies.
            “The system’s alarms can be heard throughout the neighboring downtown community,” said Bob Pratt, chief of Security and Emergency Response coordinator at Shawnee State University. “This system will not only serve as an alarm for the campus, but for our community. We want our neighbors to recognize the alarm so they know what it means, and we plan to alert neighbors when we will be testing the system or conducting drills.”
            Pratt explained that the system will be tested on a weekly basis by the National Weather Service, to insure that it is receiving a signal. These tests will be conducted each Wednesday at noon. During the test, the system will send out a short alarm followed by a voice announcement, “This is a test.”
            In an actual emergency, the emergency siren alarm will ring for a longer period of time followed by a voice announcement stating the nature of the emergency. For example, in the event of a tornado warning, the system would send an alarm followed by the voice announcement: “Warning. A tornado warning has been issued for our location. Please take shelter.”
            Kim Carver, director of the Scioto County Emergency Management Agency, said the alert system implemented by SSU will benefit the entire downtown area.
            “Communication is a critical component of emergency response,” she said. “Alerting the campus community as well as the neighboring community of an emergency situation increases safety and our ability to manage a potential situation. Shawnee State has been a good neighbor and this is an example of that.”
            The new siren system will go into use Monday, Oct. 13. Technicians will be testing the system during that week and will then begin weekly testing immediately. For more information about the system, please call the SSU Office of Communications at (740) 351-3810.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 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

 

            Resa Nelson, author of The Dragonslayer’s Sword, based on a short story first published in the premiere issue of Science Fiction Age magazine, ranking second in the First Readers Top Ten Poll, will be at Shawnee State University at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the Flohr Lecture Hall at Clark Memorial Library.
            Nelson also sells short stories to magazines and she is the TV/movie columnist for Realms of Fantasy magazine, a contributor to SCI FI magazine, and has sold more than 200 articles to magazines in the United States and the United Kingdom.
            “Nelson is a newer writer who has been building a reputation with her short stories in fantasy magazines,” said Darren Harris-Fain, professor and chair of the Department of English and Humanities.
            Her main character in the book is a female blacksmith, Astrid, who makes swords for dragon slayers and who reluctantly is drawn to dangerous situations herself when one of them, her best friend, disappears.
            In order to write about blacksmithing, Nelson took a course with John Stevens at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.
            “Even though I hated weapons, I made myself read about them,” Nelson said. “While slogging through a pile of books and often nodding off, I was unexpectedly captivated by Ewart Oakeshott's ‘The Archaeology of Weapons.’ His enthusiasm and love of swords jumped off the page. It was as if he'd knocked on my front door, taken my hand, and invited me to come outside and get into a swordfight.”
            In her research, Nelson discovered the Higgins Armory Museum, one of two museums in the United States dedicated to arms and armory, where she decided to take a basic course in sword fighting and later took more courses. After she finished her novel, she joined the Higgins Armory Sword Guild and now gives demonstrations at the museum in the German longsword.
            The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, call Donna Thompson at (740) 351-3323 or e-mail dthompson@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 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

 

            The Shawnee State University Dental Hygiene Alumni Continuing Education Day, “Communication Tips for Success: They Didn’t Teach Us This in School” and “Desperately Seeking Balance” each a three-hour course is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18 and will be presented by Tom Tursich, D.D.S. and Tammy Filipiak, R.D.H., B.S.
            After selling his practice of 31 years, Tursich began teaching and speaking and recently published his first book. He is an expert in the fields of business growth, conflict management and communication in the workplace.
            Filipiak is a practicing dental hygienist with more than 21 years experience in clinical and educational settings and a passion for comprehensive patient care. She is the director of Dental Hygiene for Midwest Dental, and she was the 2003 winner of the Butler/RDH Healthy Gums Healthy Life Award of Distinction and recipient of the Wisconsin Dental Hygienists Association Outstanding Service Award.
            “This year the guest lecturers are very engaging and knowledgeable,” said Barbara Duncan, professor, Dental Hygiene. “They have presented at many conferences including national dental hygiene conferences.”
            Registration and a light breakfast begin at 7:15 a.m. with the morning session beginning at 8:30 a.m. For the first session, the presenters will explore the skills, concepts and beliefs needed to eliminate frustrations common to dental team members, the best ways to communicate and to whom, the need for a positive attitude and a cooperative spirit, respect for the entire team and knowledge of your state practice act.
            After lunch, the second session begins at 12:45 p.m. and will address the issues of balancing personal and professional lives.
            Door prizes will be presented after lunch. The cost is $25 for SSU dental hygiene students, $80 for SSU dental hygiene alumni, $85 for non-SSU dental hygienists and other dental personnel and $95 for dentists.
            The Dental Hygiene Continuing Education Day will be at the Flohr Lecture Hall in the Shawnee State University Clark Memorial Library.
            “This event is a wonderful opportunity for Shawnee State University dental hygiene alumni and dental professionals throughout the region to come together to learn, to renew friendships and to network with colleagues and fellow professionals,” Duncan said.
            For more information, contact Judy Morrow at (740) 351-3236, e-mail jmorrow@shawnee.edu or contact Barbara Duncan at (740) 351-3387, e-mail bduncan@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 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

 

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee awarded the 2008-09 Achievement Scholarship of $600 to Ashley Delaney.
            Recipient of the scholarship must be a member or a child of a member of the Temple Baptist Church, exhibit financial need and successfully complete a semester at SSU or another higher education institution.
            Delaney, daughter of Terry and Lynn Delaney, is a 2008 graduate of Portsmouth High School where she was a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, cheerleading squad, Prom Committee and Astronomy Club. She is a nursing major at SSU and plans to work in pediatrics after graduating.
            The funds of the scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 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
 

            The Association for Greek Life at Shawnee State University sponsored a blood drive and collected more than 30 pints of blood on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the University Center. In the photo are SSU students donating blood.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 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

 

            The offices of the president and the provost at Shawnee State University are launching the 2008 Forum project, a unique way to foster the free exchange of ideas about the upcoming presidential election.
            Any university employee, student or student group can set up an information table. No non-SSU individual or group will be registered to participate.
            The Forum 2008 site will be located in the space outside of Massie Hall between the two first floor entrances and will be set up from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
            Spaces, tables and chairs must be reserved through the reservation system and can be filled out on-line at SSU On-Line.
            All the costs related to the Forum 2008 are funded by the offices of the president and the provost.
            For more information, contact Mistie Spicer at (740) 351-3635 or e-mail mspicer@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 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
 

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has announced 17 recipients for the 2008-09 Home for Aged Women Scholarship of $833 each.
            Recipients of the scholarship must be a female student pursuing an associate degree in health sciences, be studious and demonstrate financial need.
            The Home for Aged Women Scholarship recipients are:
            Staci Armbrust, daughter of Sherri Armbrust, is a 2007 graduate of Philo High School in Muskingum County. She was involved in 4-H, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Students, Upward Bound and the volleyball team. Armbrust is currently involved in Campus Crusade for Christ and the Intermission Campus Ministry. She is a respiratory therapy major and plans to continue with her education after graduating from SSU.
            Megan Burchett, daughter of William and Gina Burchett, is a 2008 graduate of Clay High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, prom committee, Bible Club, yearbook staff and the basketball, volleyball and tennis teams. Burchett is pursuing a degree in radiologic technology and plans to work at Southern Ohio Medical Center after graduating.
            Erika Farmer, daughter of Rick and Carolyn Farmer, is a 2007 graduate of Russell Independent High School in Greenup County and a returning SSU student. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Farmer is currently a member of the SSU Honors program. She is a nursing major and plans to continue her education after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Jessica Ferrell, daughter of Carolee Evans and Rocky Ferrell, is a 2005 graduate of Lynchburg-Clay High School in Highland County where she was involved in Student Council, newspaper staff, yearbook staff and Spanish Club. Ferrell is currently a member of SSU’s Blue Crew. She is a dental hygiene major and plans to work in a dental office after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Angel Gifford, daughter or Keith and Debra Gifford, is a 2001 graduate of Adena High School in Ross County and a returning SSU student. She was involved in FHA and the yearbook staff while in high school. Gifford is a biology major and plans to go to medical school to become a radiologist after graduating from SSU.
            Maria Harmon is a 2002 graduate of Lewis County High School and a returning SSU student. She is a nursing major and plans to obtain her master’s degree after graduating from SSU.
            Christine Highland, granddaughter of Flora and Jerry Detillion, is a 2008 graduate of Piketon High School. She was involved in marching band, Web design, Bible Club, National Honor Society and the cheerleading and track teams. Highland plans to obtain a degree in occupational therapy from SSU and obtain a job in that field after graduation.
            Andrea Jackson, daughter of Rod and Debbie Jackson, is a 2007 graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Summit County. She was a member of the National Honor Society, peer ministry, Future Medics and the cross country and track teams. Jackson is pursuing a degree in radiologic technology and plans to work in a children’s hospital after graduating.
            Vanessa Mann, daughter of Donald and Valerie Mann, is a 2006 graduate of Waverly High School in Pike County and a returning SSU student. She was a member of the newspaper staff, choir, show choir and Rotary Interact. Mann is a nursing major and plans to work in a hospital after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Allison McCullough, daughter of Chuck and Carla McCullough, is a 2008 graduate of Hillsboro High School in Highland County. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Talented and Gifted Program, Prom Committee and the volleyball and softball teams. McCullough is a radiologic technology major and plans to pursue a career in her field after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Whitney Mullins, daughter of James and Rita Mullins, is a 2008 graduate of Jackson High School in Jackson County. She was a member of the National Honor Society, 4-H and the concert and marching bands. Mullins is a nursing major and plans to become an RN and work in a hospital after graduating from SSU.
            Veronica Osborn, daughter of Connie Boyles, is a 1970 graduate of Russell High School in Greenup County. She is a member of the SSU Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Osborn is a radiologic technology major and plans to continue her education after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Melissa Pearson, daughter of Ron Wymes, is a 1985 graduate of Ironton High School in Lawrence County. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the SSU Women’s Forum. Pearson is an occupational therapy assistant major and plans to obtain her master’s degree in occupation therapy after obtaining her degree from SSU.
           Jena Sharb, daughter of Lisa and Gideon Sharb, is a 2006 graduate of Logan High School in Hocking County and a returning SSU student. She is currently a member of SSU’s Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Sharb is a dental hygiene major and plans to continue her education after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Teresa Soria, daughter of Maria Soria, is a 2008 graduate of Jackson High School in Jackson County. She was a member of concert and marching bands, Quiz Bowl and Science Energy Club. Soria is a radiologic technology major at SSU.
            Leah Sprague, daughter of Chris and Lori Sprague, is a 2008 graduate of Hillsboro High School in Highland County where she was in the National Honor Society, Hi-Y and Renaissance Club. She is a nursing major and plans work at the hospital after graduating from SSU.
            Annie Thompson, daughter of Carl and Sheila Cornett, is a 2001 graduate of Raceland-Worthington High School and a returning SSU student. She was involved in Key Club, Spanish Honor Society, Beta Club, band, choir and newspaper staff. Thompson is pursuing a degree in occupational therapy and plans to have a career in that field after graduating from SSU.
            The funds of this scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 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
 

            The Ohio Learning Network Southeast Regional Center at Shawnee State University is having “An Appalachian Homecoming” kick-off celebration for 2008-09 OLN Professional Learning Communities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall at SSU.
            “If you've ever been in a learning community, you know what a wonderful, exciting experience it is,” said Dr. Eugene Burns, biology professor and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences. “We welcome all our new OLN PLC Innovations Grant recipients and hope that all of our former PLC members will come out to wish them well, offer words of wisdom, and share the excitement that new learning brings.”
            Check-in and light breakfast will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the kickoff event to start at 9:30 a.m. in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall of Shawnee State University. Each community will give one short presentation of about 15 minutes on their plans for the year.
            The new learning communities will share their ideas and discuss how to accomplish the goals of the Learning Communities initiative while still building a sense of community that will last well past the year of OLN funded activities.
All members of Professional Learning Communities funded by OLN for the 2008-09 academic year are expected to attend. All former OLN funded learning community members are also invited. There is no charge for this event.
Keynote speaker Louis Mays from Southern State Community College will be presenting in a virtual environment.
            Shawnee State University joined the learning community program in 2001 at Miami University. OLN was established by the Board of Regents in 1999 to help Ohioans find educational programs and to assist colleges and universities as they use technology to improve teaching and learning. Today, the OLN is a consortium of 83 colleges and universities.
            “That first year we were one of about a dozen schools in Ohio who started learning communities,” said Dr. Barbara Kunkle, director of the Teaching and Learning Center, professor of American literature and culture at SSU and co-coordinator of the OLN Southeast Regional Center. “Through the learning communities we have established wonderful relationships across the colleges that have developed over the years. We all support and help each other.”
            Seven professional learning communities are active at SSU including Women’s Studies, CyberTrek, Newbies, Research from the College of Professional Studies, Scholarly Publication from the College of Arts and Sciences, Appalachia, a Reading Circle and Course Redesign for Semesters.
           CyberTrek is one of the oldest communities at SSU established in 2002 as a teaching and learning technology learning community. In the beginning organization of the community at SSU, a Star Trek theme was used and the community learned how to use Blackboard. This year, the goal is to learn how to use Web 2.0 technologies including blogs, podcasts, newsfeeds and wikis. Some of the faculty are already using these in the classroom. Another change this year is opening the community to staff and administrators.
            “We want to do something different every year and talk about how we can use it in the classroom,” Burns said. “As the Southeast Regional Center, we administer grants to schools in the region so they can start their learning communities.”
            The Southeast Region consists of 25 counties and 17 colleges and universities, including SSU. Each year, a call for proposals will go out to the members. Several Web seminars are planned in the future on different subjects.
            For more information, e-mail Burns at eburns@shawnee.edu or Kunkel at bkunkle@shawnee.edu or visit the Web site at http://olnrc.shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 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
 

            “Trafford Tanzi” is an original action-packed play about a female wrestler who is fighting and literally wrestles her way through life. Along the way she must confront the people in her life in her efforts to overcome her position at the bottom of the pile and gain an independent identity.
            “Claire Luckman, the playwright, has used the wrestling ring as a metaphor where she fights to be someone and always gets knocked down,” said John Huston, director and coordinator of Theater. “The characters will actually be wrestling and each one has a song.”
            The music will be live and a wrestling ring will be set up in the theatre with students playing all the parts.
            “There’s a message in that this gal struggles all through life and later becomes a world champion,” Huston said. “It is a very energetic play and people can come and cheer and jeer for the players.”
            In the end, she and her wrestler husband get in the ring together and if she wins, he will have to stay home and be the housewife. It is the ultimate battle of the sexes.
            “Never before has such an entertaining and unique production been presented for the SSU stage,” Huston said.
Tanzi will be played by Meredith Francis. Ben Ott is the Referee; Amy Willett, the Mum; Evan Musin, the Dad; and Christopher Rinehart plays Tanzi’s husband, Dean Rebel. Andrea Gerlach is Tanzi’s understudy. Stan Workman is musical director, Leo Schlosser is technical director and Kit Kongos is stage manager.
            “Trafford Tanzi” will be presented six evenings at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14 and 15 in the Kahl Studio Theatre at SSU’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            General admission is $6 and tickets may be purchased at the McKinley Box Office at (740) 351-3600.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 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 students stand in line on Wednesday, Oct. 8 for tickets for the Obama Rally that was held on the Alumni Green on Thursday, Oct. 9. About 300 tickets were given out for the student section at the rally. In the picture are students lining up inside the University Center to get a ticket.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 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 students participated in Murder Mystery Weekend on Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4, at the University Center. Students were given different characters to act out and tried to guess who the murderer is for each game. The event was sponsored by the Student Programming Board. In the photo are students reading their character’s lines in the game.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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
 

            For the sixth year, Shawnee State University is site of the Shawnee 6.0 Gaming Conference scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. “Expeditions Beyond Imagination” is the theme of this year’s conference.
            “A virtual groundbreaking will occur at this conference with economic and workforce development professionals along with educators,” said Gary Little, president, Information Technology Alliance of Appalachian Ohio. “They will be provided with virtual world acreage for economic development in their regions for people to see in the cyber world. Virtual land will be made available to each of the economic development regions in southeast Ohio – Regions 7, 10 and 11.”
            Jason Conaway, technical director, Electronic Arts, is the keynote speaker. He joined the gaming industry in 1996 as a software engineer at PyroTechnix, a small game studio located in Cincinnati. In 1999, Conaway moved to California to make video games at DreamWorks Interactive, which was later acquired by Electronic Arts.
            “Electronic Arts is the largest game company in the world, so we are very excited,” said Tom Stead, past chairman of the School of Fine and Digital Arts at Shawnee State University and associate director of Education and Workforce Development for the Ohio Valley Interactive Technology Alliance – Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development.
            Breakout sessions include guest speaker Howard Dortch, CEO HyperKat Games. Dortch was a developer for Sony’s MMOG game EverQuest. He has since started his own game company and he had three successful releases with excellent reviews in national game magazines. Dortch will demonstrate his new Planetary Rover educational game and explore Gliese 3, one of three virtual planets in the game.
            Roger Nelson, CEO, Kerner MotinWerx Inc. will discuss the historical trends and technologies in motion capture and he will demonstrate a motion capture suit. These suits can record the relative motions of the person wearing them while they perform. The data is then transferred using 3-D software to characters in a game or movie.
            Other sessions include “Second Life Tutorial” with Stead, who is prolific on second life as avatar Kostal K. and Ohio University Without Boundaries Technical Specialist, Christopher Keesey, administrator for Ohio University’s extensive Second Life islands; “Business Support for the IDT Entrepreneur” with Mark Butterworth and staff of Ohio University Voinovich School of Leader and Public Affairs; “Computer Game and Simulation Research Project” presentation by University of Rio Grande students and Professor Michael Beaver; IVIN Immersive video camera demonstration with John Bowditch, director of Ohio University Game Research and Immersive Design Lab in the Scripps College of Communication; and many more presentations. Students also will be exhibiting this year with creative projects.
            “Student exhibits this year will show the quality and creativity of our young people early in their career development,” Little said.
            Admission is $39 for students and includes lunch. General admission is $89. For more information, contact University Outreach Services at (740) 351-3274 or e-mail Ginnie Moore, director, at gmoore@shawnee.edu. For updated information, visit the Web site at www.ovita.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 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 Board of Trustees will meet for a workshop from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23 in the Selby Board Room at SSU’s Clark Memorial Library.
            The workshop will provide information related to the University System of Ohio Strategic Plan Key Strategies that will set institutional targets at the November meeting.
            Topics to be covered in the workshop are:
            • Emerging Financial and Budget Status;
            • Next Steps and Upcoming Budget Issues;
            • USO Key Strategy on Affordability; and
            • USO Key Strategy on Accountability.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 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 will host the “Never Too Young … Never Too Old” luncheon from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall in the University Center.
            The goal of the luncheon is to raise awareness about breast and cervical cancer. The luncheon is free for all SSU students, staff, faculty, community members and guests.
            This year’s guest speaker is SSU’s Sharon Messer, academic secretary of the Department of Natural Sciences. She will be sharing her story at the luncheon.
            “I thought she would be a good speaker because I wanted someone who the students could relate to and get them thinking that that could be them five years down the road,” said Crystal Sherman, special projects coordinator.
SSU is also involved in collecting Yoplait yogurt lids, setting up informational tables in the University Center and participating in Denim Day to help raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
            The “Never Too Young … Never Too Old” luncheon is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, SSU “Never Too Young … Never Too Old” program, SSU’s special project office of the Nursing Department and the SSU Women’s Center.
            For more information or to register for the luncheon, contact Debbie Howell at (740) 351-3210 or email at dhowell@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 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

            More than 300 Shawnee State University students rallied for Obama on Thursday, Oct. 9, on the Alumni Green. Students gathered at the University Center at 6:15 p.m. and walked to the Alumni Green with Dr. Jim Settle, vice president of Student Affairs. In the photo Settle walks with the students to the Obama Rally.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 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 participated in the National Depression Screening Day by having free depression screenings for SSU students, staff and faculty and the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, in the University Center. In the photo are a couple of participants talking to SSU counselors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 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 students warmed up by the fire at the Burgers and Bonfire event sponsored by the resident advisors on Friday, Oct. 10, at the Townhouse Green. Free food, beverages and games were set up at the event. In the photo are students at the event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 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 is participating in Smarthinking Online Tutoring to provide students with 24-hour access to tutoring.
            The goal of the program is to provide students with unlimited access to tutoring at any given time of the day and night.
            “We want to be able to help a student who is studying for a test at 12 a.m. and is stuck on a problem and needs help,” said Teresa Redoutey, coordinator of academic support.
            With Smarthinking Online Tutoring, students can connect with an e-structor of their choice and interact with a live tutor, schedule a personal session and a live session, submit their writing to the Online Writing Lab for any classes and submit questions and receive replies from a tutor.
            To get started, students can go to http://www.smarthinking.com, log in with the username shawneestu05 and the password tutornow and complete the self-registration form to create their own username and password.
            Smarthinking Online Tutoring offers help in subjects, such as accounting, bilingual math, biology, chemistry, economics, finance, introductory anatomy and physiology, math, organic chemistry, physics, Spanish, statistics and writing.
            For more information, contact Redoutey at (740) 351-3106 or e-mail at tredoutey@shawnee.edu or contact April Bales at (740) 351-3496 or e-mail at abales@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 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

            More than 55 million voters turned out for the primaries this year, setting an all time record. In many states, the primary election turnout rivaled the turnout in the 2004 general election.
           In Ohio, all 88 counties in the state had more people voting in the 2008 primaries than in the 2004 general elections and 17 of these counties had a higher turnout in the 2008 primaries than in the 2004 general elections.
            The upcoming election has motivated voters and at one small university campus, students, staff and faculty registered more than 600 students in four days in September.
            Shawnee State University in Portsmouth with about 4,000 students is encouraging participation in the political process and voting.
            “We were aiming for 600 students when we started this project and we managed to exceed our numbers at our first attempt,” said Tiffany Weaver, coordinator of Student Activities at SSU.
            Since SSU is just across the river from Kentucky, 27 of the students who registered were from the Kentucky area and the remainder of the students were Ohio voters. The first 600 students to register received free Shawnee Votes T-shirts.
            “Judging by the number of the students who did register, I think it shows that SSU students do care about what is going on with our world and did not just want a free T-shirt,” Weaver said. “Some students even turned down a shirt to give to another student.”
            Professors handed out registration forms in class, and staff members kept registration forms in their offices for students to register. Students also volunteered to help work the registration tables.
            “From my research last year, larger colleges, such as Marshall and Ohio universities were registering a little less than 1,000 students in their campaign,” Weaver said. “With a small campus of nearly 4,000 students here at Shawnee State, we did pretty well.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 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

            A closing reception on Thursday, Oct. 16 with Ruth Adams, photographic artist and associate professor at the University of Kentucky, was held at the Appleton Gallery in Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Adams was sponsored by the Jane M.G. Foster Distinguished Lecturer Series.
            Adams show was “unremarkable … a journey through cancer, chemotherapy, radiation and healing” where she also lectured. On Friday, she worked with SSU students in the Photography Department, reviewing their photos.
            In the photo, students Lacy Davis, left, and Melissa McQuown, center, watch as Ruth Adams reviews their photography.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 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
 

            Three years ago, Andrew Feight, associate professor of history in the Department of Social Sciences at Shawnee State University, began teaching an oral history class where students began interviewing people in Portsmouth to record local history.
            This year’s project concerns the 1978 railroad strike that impacted people in the area and throughout the United States. The railroad clerks’ union went on strike, halting most rail service in the country. In Portsmouth, the railroad depot was located where the new Scioto County Jail sits. Many people in Portsmouth were impacted by the strike.
            “The other railroad unions refused to cross the picket line so they also went on strike,” Feight said. “Originally, it was the Norfolk and Western Railroad strike but eventually it went nationwide.”
            In September of 1978, the Supreme Court ruled that secondary strikes from other railroads that were helping N&W unions were legal. After that, all the clerks’ unions from all the railroads went on strike.
            “President (Jimmy) Carter then evoked part of the National Railway Act that enabled him to order a 60-day cooling off period,” he said.
            The workers had to go back to their jobs while the union leaders and railroad officials had to sit down with federal mediators. If they could not settle within 60 days, the workers could go out on strike again. They settled and the strike ended 30 years ago on Sept. 30, 1978.
            “There were many people in this area that worked for the railroad,” Feight said. “Those stories will disappear if we don’t record them.”
            The railroad strike project is only a part of the larger volume of oral histories in the area, “Stories of Life and Labor: Oral Histories of Portsmouth, Ohio.” All the oral histories collected will be included.
            Other interviews include stories from people who worked in the steel industry, the Atomic Plant and stories from some lifelong residents.
            Feight received grants from the Ohio Humanities Council and the Ohio Board of Regents to help him with the project and equipment needed to produce the work.
            Visit the new Web site,    http://omicron.shawnee.edu/Lower_Scioto_Valley_History/Welcome.html to read the history of Portsmouth and the lower Scioto Valley.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 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 Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society will host a Sidewalk Sam project as part of National Make a Difference Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, on the main sidewalk of campus between Clark Memorial Library and Massie Hall.
            The goal of the event is to help raise money by having participants donate $10 for a square of the sidewalk and they can either decorate it with artwork or draw advertisements with chalks. Sidewalk chalk will be provided at the event.
            “The money that we raise will be given to the 14th Street Community Center here in Portsmouth,” said Sarah Quinlan, president of Beta Beta Beta.
            Bob Guillemin, a popular New England artist known as Sidewalk Sam, came up with the idea of having children draw on a block of sidewalk to express themselves. It then turned into an annual event known as Chalk One Up for the Arts in Boston. Hundreds of corporations would send their employees on their lunch break to draw on the sidewalk.
            For the last several years, Sidewalk Sam has been working on his biggest project ever, The Big Dig, decorating a new highway in Boston, Mass. It is a $16 billion construction project and the largest and most complicated highway project of the world.
            “I think this is a great event for the school and Beta Beta Beta to participate in because our efforts do stay local,” Quinlan said.
            For more information, contact Quinlan at magicflute2105@yahoo.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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
 

            The Clark Planetarium at Shawnee State University has added a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. to its schedule. The Saturday shows will be the same shown on the previous Monday and Friday each week beginning Saturday, Nov. 1. Every Monday and Friday through Dec. 12, a free public show is presented at 7 p.m.
            The first week of every month will be “Kid Week” beginning on Monday, Nov. 3. Each month will have a different theme that will be announced on the Web site calendar. Shows will focus on pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The shows for “Kid Week” will be described on the planetarium Web site at http://cet.ssu.portsmouth.oh.us/~planetarium/index.html.
            A new calendar link to the Web site has been added and provides an interactive list for each public show with information on who is going to be the operator and what will be shown. Information for teachers including lesson plans and teacher activities have been updated to go along with certain shows.
            The planetarium and all the new equipment is funded from donor funds through the Development Foundation at SSU.
            For more information or to schedule a show for your group, contact the planetarium at (740) 351-3222.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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

            A garden emerged behind Massie Hall at Shawnee State University in mid-October with a tree, plants and a bench for people to enjoy the outdoors. The garden was planted with the help of contributors through the Department of Development at SSU. Small rocks and stepping stones make the garden easy to maintain.
            “What’s really nice about it is that if a donor asks us to do something, we do it if we can,” said Susan Warsaw, director of the Department of Development. “There are lots of opportunities around campus and it shows that a donor can make a huge difference with not a whole lot of money. We have a flower fund and a tree fund and anybody can donate to those funds.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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
 

            The Ohio Learning Network Southeast Regional Center at Shawnee State University had “An Appalachian Homecoming” kick-off celebration for 2008-09 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall at SSU. Groups from several universities came to SSU for the event. Each community gave a short presentation on plans for the year.
            In the photo Barbara Kunkle, director of the Teaching and Learning Center at SSU, professor of American Literature and Culture, and co-coordinator of the OLN Southeast Regional Center, introduces Appalachian musicians during lunch at the meeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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 will host the “We Are IT Day” from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            Gov. Ted Strickland signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 16 “We are IT Day” at Shawnee State University, one of 13 campuses across the state that was selected by the Ohio Department of Education to host the event for sixth through 12th grade girls.
            The program is designed for girls in the eighth grade and is an interactive, broad-based introduction to the application of math, science and information technology to the world of work.
            “Research suggests that young girls lose their interest in science, technology, engineering and math around these ages,” said Angela Walker, project director of College Tech Prep in the Office of Business and Industry Training, who organized and facilitated the event.
            Girls from Pike, Adams, Lawrence and Scioto counties are invited to participate in the event.
            “We Are IT Day” is sponsored by the SSU Department of Industrial Engineering Technologies, University Outreach Services and Ohio South College Tech Prep.
            For more information, contact Angela Walker, project coordinator, at (740) 351-3591 or (740) 351-3171, or visit the Web site: www.WeAreITshawnee.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 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
 

            Several workshops are scheduled at Shawnee State University for students and staff. Both Mike Hughes and Linda Brown are facilitating the workshops. The next workshop, Managing Stress, is Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the Howard/Ketter Room located on the second floor in the University Center.
            “Sometimes faculty members will send a class over because it’s a topic they may be addressing,” said Dr. Michael Hughes, director of Counseling and Psychological Services. “Other times it’s a way for individual students to learn about different symptoms and learn new skills.”
            Hughes has the following workshops scheduled at 4 p.m. in the Howard/Ketter Room at the University Center:
            • Oct. 29 Managing Stress
            • Nov. 12 Learning to Manage Time
            • Nov. 26 Coping with Test Anxiety
            • Dec. 9 Improving Study and Test-taking skills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 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
 

            The Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Group had a Meet and Greet session on Friday, Oct. 10 at Shawnee State University’s ATC building. Staff from the Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Group at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, TechGrowth Ohio of the Entrepreneurial Signature Program and The Ohio State University South Centers was available to talk about services that support technology-based business development and growth.                         
            TechGrowth serves technology companies in 19 counties of southeast Ohio focusing on interactive media, bio-sciences, bio-agriculture, innovative technology and sustainable energy.
            In the photo, Phyllis Bohning of Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs talks to attendees.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 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
 

            The Shawnee State University Dental Hygiene Alumni Continuing Education Day was held on Saturday, Oct. 18 with 178 people in attendance and 14 students from the Class of 2005 at SSU attending.
            In the photo, some of the 2005 SSU graduates in attendance are, from left, Chelsey Heft Bell, Kendra Skidmore, Angie Schauseil, Vanessa Redoutey, Renee Higbee, Tracie Sturgill, Andrea Schooley Polley, Chelsea Walls Baker and Ali Tordiff Alston.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 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
 

            Dr. John Lorentz, executive director of Shawnee State University’s Center for International Programs and Activities, is collaborating with a university in Sri Lanka as a result of his recent trip to the country.
            “In some ways this is the wave of the future with international students,” Lorentz said. “They are expanding, there are very significant growth possibilities here and they are looking for collaborative partners.”
Lorentz is exploring ways to work with other universities to bring international students to SSU.
            Dr. Punarjeeva “Jeeva” Karunanayake, M.D. is the CEO and executive director of the American National College Education Holdings Ltd. in Sri Lanka. It is the only program in the region that offers accredited United States university coursework and degrees in Asia.
            “We’re looking at collaborating with Shawnee, most likely with the health science programs,” he said. “Students will have the ability to take part of the coursework in country and then transfer their junior and senior years into various programs or into graduate programs.”
            Jeeva lived in the United States for 15 years, graduated from New York University and from Cornell Medical School.
            “The Asian region is growing drastically, and I think that like here, there are many students and parents who are eager to get a high quality U.S. education,” he said.
            Daniel Keltch, director of admissions for Northwood University, has been working in the international area and has a program with ANC in Sri Lanka.
            “We are working together to see what we can do to develop additional programs that will benefit students in that part of the world,” Keltch said.
            Northwood has programs worldwide and alliances with universities in many countries. Keltch works with programs in Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
            Students can do part of their degree in Sri Lanka or Malaysia and then finish in the United States or they can do their entire bachelor’s degree in Sri Lanka or Malaysia.
            This type of program allows students to take two or three years in Asia and then finish with a baccalaureate degree in the United States. Because the students are in a United States university program, they can transfer to any U.S. university to complete their program.
            American National College is growing between 700 to 800 students each year, Jeeva said.
            “Shawnee could attract some very talented students and improve the cultural and the diversity aspects of the university,” he said.




PHOTO:
Dr. John Lorentz, executive director of SSU’s Center for International Programs and Activities met with representatives of the American National College to talk about collaborating with the university to bring students to SSU. In the photo are, from left, Lorentz, Dr. Punarjeeva “Jeeva” Karunanayake, M.D. is the CEO and executive director of ANC Education Holdings Ltd. in Sri Lanka, Dr. Eugene Burns, professor and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences, Mary K. Linde, professor, Medical Laboratory Science, and Daniel Keltch, director of admissions for Northwood University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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

 

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has awarded Tara Welch the 2008-09 Dr. John Walker Allied Health Scholarship of $1,100.
            Recipients of the scholarship must be a graduate of Portsmouth West High School, major in health sciences, been accepted into the allied health program and complete the FAFSA.
            Welch, daughter of Jim and Jane Welch, is a 2008 graduate of Portsmouth West High School. She was a member of the Honors Club, Beta Club, choir and the volleyball, basketball and softball teams. Welch is a nursing major and plans to work at SOMC after graduating from SSU.
             The funds of this scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship may contact the Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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

 

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has announced Nathan Teufel as the 2008-09 recipient of the Edward O. and Edward R. McCowen Scholarship of $550.
            The scholarship requires applicants to be a graduate of a Scioto County rural high school demonstrating financial need. The scholarship gives preferences to students majoring in American history or government.
            Teufel, son of Tony and Sharon Teufel, is a 2008 graduate of Northwest High School where he was a member of the marching and concert bands, Honors Club and the golf, track and swim teams. Teufel is a social science major at SSU.
            The SSU Development Foundation administers the Edward O. and Edward R. McCowen Endowed Scholarship funds. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship can contact SSU Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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
 

           The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee awarded the 2008-09 Glenwood Scholarship of $3,000 to Patrick Spears.
            Applicants of the scholarship must be a graduate of Glenwood High School and complete the FAFSA.
            Spears, son of Tom and Suzi Spears, is a 2006 graduate of Glenwood High School and a returning SSU student. He was a member of Quiz Bowl, choir and the soccer, basketball and baseball teams. Spears is a physical therapy assistant major and plans to further his education after graduating from SSU.
            The funds of this scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals and organizations interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the SSU Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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
 

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has announced Wesley Lyon as a 2008-09 Glockner Community Service Scholarship recipient of $500.
            Applicants of the scholarship must be a graduating senior of Portsmouth West, Northwest, Valley, Minford, South Webster, Wheelersburg, Green, Clay, New Boston, East, Notre Dame or Portsmouth high schools in Ohio or Greenup or Lewis County high schools in Kentucky, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate involvement in community service.
            Lyon, son of Robert and Cheryl Lyon, is a 2008 graduate of Wheelersburg High School. He participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, Quiz Bowl and soccer and baseball teams. Lyon is an undecided major but plans to graduate from SSU.
            The funds of this scholarship are administered by 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
October 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
 

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee awarded the 2008-09 McElhaney Honors Scholarship of $1,000 to Ashley Woodworth.
            The McElhaney Honors Scholarship is a non-renewable scholarship that requires the applicant to be a high school senior enrolling for the fall term following his or her graduation. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA and ACT score of 25 or higher is required. Applicants must also be degree-seeking and complete a minimum of 15 hours each semester.
            Woodworth, daughter of Ed and Sue Woodworth, is a 2008 graduate of North Olmstead High School in Cuyahoga County. She was a member of Mock Trial and Tea Club. Woodworth is an undecided major at SSU.
            The scholarship fund is 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
October 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 students learn some self-defense moves at “How to Kick Butt 101” on Thursday, Oct. 16, in the University Center. The event was sponsored by the Student Programming Board. In the photo is the instructor, Mike Price, demonstrates a self-defense move on an SSU student.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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 students show off their Halloween spirit at the “Pimp Your Pumpkin” event from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the University Center. Students decorated pumpkins and the top three received prizes for their creation. In the photo are students picking out pumpkins and paint.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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 is teaming up with Sodexho to participate in “Cans Across America,” a national stop hunger campaign. Sodexho, dining service provider at SSU, partners with colleges and universities to collect canned foods. This year’s drive will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the University Center.
            SSU has been able to raise more than 3,000 pounds of food since its first participation in 2006 and hopes to do more this year.
            “We hope to be able to surpass the amount of cans we collected last year but it is a big number to beat,” said Rachel Steele, general manager, Sodexho. So, we hope the campus community and the public will donate a lot of canned foods again this year and help us reach our goal.”
            All the cans of food collected will stay in Scioto County and be distributed to local food pantries. SSU has arranged for members of the food pantries to collect each of their food donations, and if members are unable to pick up their share, it will be delivered to them.
            For more information, contact Steele at (740) 351-3617 or e-mail at rsteele@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 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

            For many years Susan Warsaw looked at herself as the Shawnee State University’s cheerleader and she has been a key figure in helping the university grow over the past 25 years. Her mission was to create funds and support for the university and she has done that very well.
            Warsaw has gone beyond expectations and proven that private financial support has a direct impact on the quality of education and services Shawnee State University has to offer. She has reached out to the community and received an abundance of that support.
            From scholarships to endowments, from named bricks to named buildings, the Development Foundation has received donations for all of them with Warsaw’s help.
            “When the Development Foundation began in 1987, $187,000 was in the bank,” Dr. Rita Rice Morris, SSU president, said. “Today, about $13 million is in the bank. Since its inception, the Development Foundation has raised more than $35 million — and that’s thanks to Susan’s leadership, passion and drive.”
            Warsaw’s role as executive director of the Development Foundation will end this month and over the years, she has seen all of the changes and along the way she has made many new friends. She has reached out to the community and made a big difference at SSU.
            “There are some donors I have worked with for 25 years and they’ve become my friends,” Warsaw said. “But I’ll still be here in the community supporting Shawnee State. I’m not going anywhere.”
            In the past 25 years, she has attended more than 500 Development Foundation Board and Committee meetings.
She started her career at SSU in communications, then public relations and development, community relations and then as executive director of the Development Foundation.
            Eventually, Warsaw hired a person for community relations and devoted all her time to Development. Although, in the beginning there was a Development Fund, they weren’t going out seriously to raise money, she said.
            “I had no idea how to raise money,” Warsaw said. “If something was needed, we would raise enough money to cover the cost.”
            In 1985, SSU had less than 300 donors and to date, the university has more than 4,000 donors; scholarships were awarded from a total of nine funds and today, scholarships are awarded from 87 scholarship funds; and since 1986, the total of gifts raised by the Development Foundation is more than $35 million. Warsaw was the catalyst in making this growth possible. Each campaign was a challenge and each one surpassed goals.
            “In our first campaign, everyone said, ‘You’ll never do it’ and the second one everyone said the same thing,” Warsaw said. “In the third campaign, we were told we should have a goal of $10 million but we set the goal at $12 million and surpassed it reaching more than $16 million. Each one was more and more amazing.”
            At times, a donation is made in memory of someone and when the donor cries talking about the loved one, Warsaw cries with them.
            “It is very moving and I feel like it is an opportunity to leave a legacy when you leave a donation to the university,” Warsaw said. “It is so positive, you truly are changing lives. Education is the way out of the problems you may have.”
Her first fundraising campaign came about because of a government challenge grant of $500,000. The university had to match the $500,000 in order to get the money. The money then had to go into the bank for 20 years before using it.
Instead of having a $1 million goal, Warsaw and the Development Foundation decided to make the goal $2 million.
“We raised about $2.6 million. It was pretty incredible.” Warsaw said.
            One of the biggest changes she saw was when Shawnee State Community College became a university.
“The university just grew and evolved tremendously,” Warsaw said. “People are proud to say they have their degree from Shawnee State and they should be.”
            She and her husband, Mickey, have four grandchildren and they hope to spend more time with them in the future. Warsaw is also interested in taking several classes at SSU, including women’s studies, pop culture, art appreciation and several other classes.
            “It’s just been a wild ride and I’ve enjoyed it tremendously,” Warsaw said.


Photos:

Photo 1

Susan Warsaw, director of the Development Foundation at Shawnee State University, greets guests at her retirement party on Sunday, Oct. 26 in the Selby Grand Lobby at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.

Photo 2

Susan Warsaw, director of the Development Foundation at Shawnee State University, thanks her guests at her retirement party on Sunday, Oct. 26 in the Selby Grand Lobby at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.

Photo 3

Susan Warsaw, director of the Development Foundation at Shawnee State University and her husband, Mickey, pause for a photo at her retirement party on Sunday, Oct. 26 in the Selby Grand Lobby at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 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 is holding its annual Open House for high school juniors and seniors from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 in the University Center.
            The Open House allows high school juniors and seniors and their parents to tour the SSU campus, meet the chairpersons of departments, get answers from the Financial Aid Office and also tour student housing.
            “Not only do these students get a tour of the campus, but they are able to get any questions, from financial aid to academic programs, answered,” said James Farmer, admission officer.
            Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the University Center followed by campus tours at 10:15 a.m. and lunch at 11:45 a.m. Following lunch will be the academic presentations at 12:30 p.m. The day will end with housing tours starting at 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
            For more information, contact James Farmer at (740) 351-3664 or e-mail.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 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 hosted the 2008 Bear Care Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, in the Selby Grand Lobby of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. The event is a joint effort by SSU, Southern Ohio Medical Center and Dr. George Pettit’s office to promote wellness among SSU students and staff. In the photo are student, faculty and staff at the 2008 Bear Care Health Fair.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 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 students participate in a game of Root Beer Pong during Ok-Soberfest on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the University Center. The event was sponsored by resident advisors to promote awareness of alcohol violations and consequences. In the photo are students playing Root Beer Pong.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 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
 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 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
 

 

            The Shawnee State University (SSU) Board of Trustees will meet Friday, November 14 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.