Not many people know as much about snakes as Doug Wynn.

            Wynn, who has been studying reptiles for over forty years, has received over 60 grants and contracts for the study of reptiles, and has simultaneously taught high school biology and ecology for over 30 years. Now Shawnee State University (SSU) students and the community will be able to share some of Wynn’s knowledge, as he will present a lecture at SSU entitled “Timber Rattlesnakes”, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 11.

           “I became interested in snakes while in elementary school,” said Wynn. “A teacher let us take our shoes and socks off and wade in wetlands behind our school. I was raised to kill snakes, but that teacher taught me that killing snakes was not necessary, and I have been interested in them ever since.”

            There are 24 different species of snakes in the state of Ohio, with some of the rarest being found in the Shawnee State Forest area. One particular species, the Timber Rattlesnake, will be the subject of Wynn’s lecture. Endangered in the state of Ohio, the snake is found only in the northeastern United States and is considered rare to imperiled in 15 states. It has also extirpated (disappeared) from three states, a fact that concerns Wynn.

            “Snakes are one of the last remaining wilderness species, and just because some are venomous doesn’t mean we should fear them,” said Wynn. “How many people would want to visit Africa if all of its lions and leopards were killed? We do not need to fear our wildlife if we are careful and practice common sense.”

            As well as having value simply for being, Wynn also believes that reptiles serve an important function in the ecological chain.

            “Snakes are important because they are part of the food web in our environment,” said Wynn. “Many species eat rodents and insects that harm us, while venomous snakes are valuable for medical research and for the development of pharmaceuticals. I want our grandchildren to be able to experience rattlesnakes, too.”

            Doug Wynn’s presentation will coincide with a course offered at SSU in mammology. While mammals and reptiles are vastly different, it was the opportunity to host somebody actively involved in field biology that has Julia Basham, SSU biology professor and the driving force behind Wynn’s lecture, excited.

            “Although the subject matter is a little different, there are a lot of connections between his studies and ours,” said Basham. “We have a lot of students interested in field work, so this will be an invaluable experience for them. Also, it is good for students to be in contact with the people that are actually doing the work they are studying.”

            “Timber Rattlesnakes” will be held in Kricker Hall, Room 250, and is free to the public.

            For more information, call (740) 351-3456.

Lane Raiser, associate professor of art at Shawnee State University (SSU), views one of the works by artist Sabina Haque’s exhibition “American Muslim Woman” in the Appleton Gallery, located on the second floor of the SSU Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Pakistan, Haque has a Master of Fine Arts degree from Boston University. A strong, personal visual language using traditional motifs, patterns, and symbols from eclectic family and cultural heritage holds her body of work together. The exhibition, free and open to the public, will conclude on March 9. The gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (740) 351-3118.

            A Shawnee State University (SSU) senior instructor of English who lived in Johannesburg, South Africa, for six years, graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand, will present “A Queen, a Witchdoctor, and a Freedom Fighter: South African Women Making History” as part of the SSU Women’s Forum’s celebration of Women’s History Month.

            The focus of the presentation, which is at noon in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall in the SSU University Center on Tuesday, March 9, will be on women who have made considerable political and scientific contributions to the history of South Africa.

            “I have chosen stories to tell from the 1800s, 1900s, and the current century to illustrate the idea that women have been involved in making history for hundreds of years,” said Lawson, who teaches “History of Southern Africa” at SSU. “For many years, traditional history texts focused upon telling about primarily the advancements of men, while leaving out the contributions made by women.”

            Lawson also hopes to widen the views on African history.

            “African history, as told in the U.S., has often focused upon the difficulties, such as famine, warfare, and currently the AIDS epidemic,” said Lawson. “While in no way attempting to diminish the seriousness of such issues, I would like to broaden the picture to include the vast array of accomplishments that my research about South Africa has revealed to me.”

            The event is free and open to the public. Those who attend are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch.

            Other free Women's Forum events planned for Women's History Month are "Open Mic Night" at Ye Old Lantern, 601 Second St., Portsmouth, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 10, and the viewing of the award-winning New Zealand film "Whale Rider" at 6:30 p.m. on March 11 in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall in the University Center at SSU.

            For more information, call (740) 351-3450.

Shawnee State University (SSU) Children’s Learning Center (CLC) preschool students participate in the CLC’s first after school enrichment program “Funstrums with Steph,” a course created by Stephanie Schaefer, an SSU graduate and adjunct professor who works as an occupational therapist for South Central Ohio Educational Service Center. The program combines music and movement. Other enrichment programs are also planned for the CLC, according to Cindy Ferguson, CLC director. For more information or to enroll a child for two to five days per week, call (740) 351-3252. Children who are 3, 4, or 5 years old and potty trained are accepted.

            The Women’s Forum of Shawnee State University (SSU) and the Office of Multicultural Affairs are hosting the last two in a series of events focused on celebrating Women’s History Month.

            These events are designed to promote, advocate, educate, and support the women of SSU and the community at large, according to Shannon Lawson, senior instructor of English at SSU.

            “When I was in school, my textbooks taught me extensively about all the amazing things that men have done throughout history,” said Lawson. “But I had to go outside of high school to learn about all of the things that women have done. I think it began with the discovery as a freshman in college that a young woman of 18, Mary Shelley, had written Frankenstein. At this point, I began to read beyond the syllabi and discovered such amazing individuals as Mary Wollstencraft, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Bessie Head, and Virginia Apgar who made contributions to politics, literature, and medicine.”

            To further celebrate women’s contributions through enlightenment, the following events will be open to the public:

            “Open Mic Night” will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Ye Old Lantern, 601 Second St., Portsmouth, on Wednesday, March 10. This evening of entertainment will pay tribute to women of the past, present and future by featuring poems, short fictional and creative non-fictional works, excerpts from biographies, letters, and other creative pieces. Original work or favorites written by another are welcome.

            On Thursday, March 11, the award-winning New Zealand film “Whale Rider” that combines the Maori tribal tradition with the story of a 12-year-old girl who must convince her grandfather that she is fated to become a tribal leader will be shown free to the public at 6:30 p.m. in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall in the SSU University Center. A discussion will follow the viewing of the film.

            It is through education that society becomes enlightened about the incredible achievements women have made throughout time, said Lawson, and since becoming aware of these accomplishments, she has witnessed an improvement in teaching young students about women’s feats.

            “I have noticed in the history books that my sons bring home that more pages are devoted to telling about women’s history,” said Lawson. “That is encouraging.”

            For more information, call (740) 351-3450.

            Registration for spring quarter classes at Shawnee State University (SSU) for current and prospective students is now through April 2.

            “Students come to SSU because of the low student/teacher ratio, $1.5 million in scholarships, and proven programs that ensure success in the classroom and in finding jobs,” said Bob Trusz, director of admission at SSU.

            Students who have never taken classes at the university should contact the office of admission, located in the administration building, at (740) 351-4778 or (800) 959-2SSU. Those who are already enrolled should contact the Student Success Center, located in Massie Hall, at (740) 351-3594. The Student Success Center will direct previously enrolled students to the department of their major for advising.

            Approximately 720 courses are being offered during spring quarter, said Stephen J. Midkiff, Ph.D., registrar at SSU.

            Classes offered at SSU set students on a path toward attaining one or more of the more than 80 bachelor’s and associate degrees offered by the institution. Degree areas include fine, digital, and performing arts; English and humanities; mathematical sciences; natural sciences; social sciences; teacher education; business administration; industrial and engineering technologies; and health sciences. SSU has one of the lowest tuition rates among Ohio public universities.

DISTINGUISHED OSU SCIENTIST SPEAKS AT SSU: Lonnie Thompson, Ph.D., a professor in the department of geological sciences at the Ohio State University (OSU), spoke at Shawnee State University (SSU) recently about “Rapid Climate Change in the Earth System: Past, Present, and Future.” During his presentation, Thompson, named “America’s Best in Science and Medicine” by Time Magazine and CNN in 2001 and awarded the Dr. A.H. Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences in 2002, detailed the significance of global climate change and its effect on the earth and, subsequently, human beings. His research appears regularly in the journals, “Nature” and “Science,” and he leads one or more research expeditions each year. Thompson’s presentation was funded by the Jane M.G. Foster Distinguished Lecture Series of the SSU Development Foundation.

            In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Shawnee State University (SSU) is hosting the “2004 Volunteer Expo: Connecting People with Organizations” in an effort to encourage volunteerism among SSU students and the community.

            “We want to reach not only Shawnee State students, but the public as well, in order to make everyone aware of volunteer needs in our area,” said Barbara Pratt, coordinator of volunteer services at SSU. “In addition, this gives the agencies that are participating a chance to utilize SSU students and gives students an opportunity to support the needs of the community.”

            In addition to regional agencies, this year’s event will feature booths set up by SSU clubs and organizations that perform community service projects throughout the year.

            “By having student groups at the event, it will allow for ideal networking opportunities for all involved,” said Pratt. “We also encourage all community members and other SSU students to join us to discover opportunities for volunteerism as well.”

            The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, in the gymnasium of the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center at SSU.

            Organizations throughout the region in need of volunteers that would like to participate in this year’s event should contact Pratt at (740) 464-0556. The deadline to register is April 7.

            “Students come to SSU because of the low student/teacher ratio, $1.5 million in scholarships, and proven programs that ensure success in the classroom and in finding jobs,” said Bob Trusz, director of admission at SSU.

            Students who have never taken classes at the university should contact the office of admission, located in the administration building, at (740) 351-4778 or (800) 959-2SSU. Those who are already enrolled should contact the Student Success Center, located in Massie Hall, at (740) 351-3594. The Student Success Center will direct previously enrolled students to the department of their major for advising.

            Approximately 720 courses are being offered during spring quarter, said Stephen J. Midkiff, Ph.D., registrar at SSU.

            Classes offered at SSU set students on a path toward attaining one or more of the more than 80 bachelor’s and associate degrees offered by the institution. Degree areas include fine, digital, and performing arts; English and humanities; mathematical sciences; natural sciences; social sciences; teacher education; business administration; industrial and engineering technologies; and health sciences. SSU has one of the lowest tuition rates among Ohio public universities.

            While Shawnee State University (SSU) does not have a graduate school in place just yet, students who want to continue their education above and beyond their bachelor’s degrees do not have to go elsewhere.

            SSU currently offers six master’s degree programs from three different higher education institutions. However, the university is currently poised to add three more as the University of Rio Grande, an institution already offering master’s degrees in fine arts and intervention specialist mild/moderate at SSU, is holding an informational meeting in the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) at SSU on March 30 at 6 p.m. to discuss pending master’s degree concentrations in mathematics, athletic coaching leadership, and educational technology.

            “This is a great way for residents of the area to further their education without having to travel extensively,” said David Todt, Ph.D., chairperson of the department of teacher education and the interim director of the Graduate Center at SSU. “We understand that people in this area want access to graduate programs and, while we are not offering them ourselves, if we can bring students and other institutions together, it is all the better for the community.”

            One of the reasons why SSU has been active in forming relationships with other universities to offer master’s degree programs at SSU is precipitated by its strong teacher education department. While teachers formerly had some flexibility in pursuing graduate level work after completion of an undergraduate degree, they are now required to complete a master’s degree by their second licensure renewal. With so many teachers graduating from SSU, it is more convenient to do their degrees at the same institution, according to Todt.

             “Teachers are required to have a master’s degree soon after getting their bachelor’s degree, and we recognize that,” said Todt. “But they came here because it was the most convenient place to study. With the master’s degrees that we are bringing here, some of which feature online portions allowing students to complete their work from home, students are able to attain master’s degrees a little closer to home.”

            The informational meeting will be used to gauge the interest in the community for the three new concentrations.

            “Whenever we plan on offering master’s degree programs, we have an informational meeting for the school and community,” said Todt. “It will give us an idea of the support for each of the concentrations. That will also allow cohorts--groups of students interesting in pursuing the same degree--to form. The fact that Rio Grande is looking at bringing more master’s programs to SSU says a lot about the success of our previous collaborations.”

            For more information about the Graduate Center at SSU, call (740) 351-3177 or visit www.shawnee.edu <http://www.shawnee.edu> on the Web.

            Rory Kennedy, distinguished documentary filmmaker and Brown University graduate, will  speak at Shawnee State University (SSU) about her 1999 film, “American Hollow,” which chronicles one year with an eastern Kentucky family caught between century-old tradition and the demands of the modern world, on Thursday, April 22, at 7 p.m. in the Flohr Lecture Hall of the SSU Clark Memorial Library.

            The film follows the exploits of the Bowling family as they battle their way through life, collecting public assistance and prescription medicine as well as hunting through the woods for moss, blood root, and ginseng in order to sell it.

            “American Hollow” premiered at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim and was broadcast as part of HBO’s “America Undercover” series. It has won enthusiastic critical praise, including Best Documentary prizes at both the Newport and Northampton film festivals and the Best Documentary Award at the American Film Institute and the 1999 Chicago Film Festival. In addition, the film has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy and an Independent Spirit Award.

            Like her father, the late Sen. Robert Kennedy, Kennedy is a committed social activist and human rights advocate. She became interested in pursuing the film “American Hollow,” in part, because her father had also made a humanitarian trip to West Virginia in the late 1960s.

            “When my father went down to Appalachia, it had a very resonating impact on him,” said Kennedy. “He saw children who were malnourished, and families of 10 living in one-room shacks. My mother and brothers and sisters often talked about how important it was to him. So it was an area that I had always heard about and been interested in.”

            Kennedy is the co-founder and president of Moxie Firecracker Films, Inc., and is one of the nation’s most prolific independent documentary filmmakers. Her body of work includes, “Epidemic Africa,” “Fire in Our House,” “Juvies,” “The Changing Face of Beauty,” “Travelers,” “Different Moms,” and “Healthy Start.” Most recently, she has produced and directed a film entitled “A Boy’s Life” that tells the stunning story of a 7-year-old child’s battle with mental illness.

            Roberta Milliken, Ph.D., associate professor of English and chair of the Women’s Forum at SSU, is pleased to have someone of Kennedy’s stature coming to SSU.

            “We wanted to have someone who people would recognize,” said Milliken. “Kennedy’s films have been so well-received and she’s accomplished so much in her career we knew she would draw a large number from the school and the community. We’re very happy to have her.”

            For those interested in seeing the award-winning film, “American Hollow,” there will be three special showings the week preceding Kennedy’s presentation. The showings will be April 12, at noon, April 14, at 4 p.m. and April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Flohr Lecture Hall of the SSU Clark Memorial Library and will be open to the campus and community.

            The film showings and the presentation are open to the public free of charge thanks to sponsorship by the Leslie Williams Symposium for the Advancement of Women, the SSU Women’s Forum, and the Jane M.G. Foster Distinguished Lecture Series.

For more information call (740) 351-3300.