(Article by Rebecca Cox, communications specialist)

American Legion Post 363 members display the U.S. flag during the 2006 Veterans Recognition Day on Nov. 9 at Shawnee State University.

CW4 Jim Daniels, Colonel Terry Johnson, and CW4 John Haas pose in front of a 1980’s helicopter used by the U. S. Army that was flown to Shawnee State University on Nov. 9 for the 2006 Veterans Recognition Day.  

Skydivers Andy Ferguson, Larry LeMaster, and Phil Henry.

Children from the Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs’ Children’s Learning Center at Shawnee State University receive streamers from the skydivers.

Exhibits of weaponry, pamphlets, and historic war memorabilia at SSU on Veterans Recognition Day. 

           In observance of Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11^th, Shawnee State University held its 14^th annual Veterans Recognition Day on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Center Lobby and on the campus lawn. The festivities included notable speakers, displays and exhibits, music and other activities, providing an excellent occasion for students and community members to gather and honor the men and women who have served our country.
          “Shawnee State is honored to provide a venue for acknowledging the many achievements and sacrifices made by our Veterans,” said Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris.
          Terry Dean, Ohio National Guard Family Program Officer and Purple Heart Recipient in Iraq was initially the guest speaker, but was unable to attend the event due to illness.
          Brian Saul of SSU’s office of admissions was the master of ceremonies, and opened the event with a welcome.      
          “For the freedom we have enjoyed yesterday, that we also enjoy today and again tomorrow we also rededicate ourselves to the cause of peace. We thank those veterans who have served faithfully and honorably when called to active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America,” Saul said.
          Matt Matthews, coordinator of multicultural student affairs also spoke at the ceremony.
           “Having served as a defendant of the country for twenty-six years, I’m very partial to veterans and the work that they have done now, and also before me. For me, it’s an honor to have served this country in the military,” Matthews said.  
          Dr. Terry Johnson, Scioto County coroner, was unable to arrive in the Ohio National Guard Helicopter because of mechanical issues. However, Johnson did not allow this to detract from the event, instead discussing many features of another helicopter that was part of the military display.
         The highlight of the ceremony was the aerial demonstration by members of the Tri-State Skydivers Parachute Team.
           “The staple has always been the parachute jump, when the U.S. flag is parachuted in from several thousand feet and landed on campus, which is an exciting way to honor our flag,” said Saul.
          Exhibits and displays included: U.S. historical flags, Civil War memorabilia, a SSU Veterans Wall, recruiter displays, organization displays, the 216^th Engineer Battalion equipment, antique military jeeps, a rock climbing wall, and the Ohio National Guard F-350 ‘Buckeye Lightning.’
          The Civil War display highlighted medical instruments, including surgical and dental tools, and featured a Stonewall Jackson autograph, a US Grant autograph, and an election ballot for Abraham Lincoln. A new display of World War II and the Korean War weapons included a USMC Mule, a deuce and a half 1919a4, and a BAR, M1 Garand.
            Informative pamphlets were also available, including the Ohio National Guard scholarship program, troop and family counseling services for the National Guard and Reserves, the VET Center, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Pledge of Allegiance for the deaf in American Sign Language.
          Local students attended the event, including the Eastern High School band and those from the Dr. Miller & Genevieve Toombs’ Children’s Learning Center at Shawnee State University.
            The idea for a Veterans Recognition Day originated with Faye Logan, a former veterans representative for the financial aid office at SSU. She worked with veterans when they returned to campus and she wanted to commemorate their deeds.

(Article by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist) 

SSU hosts variety show for the holidays
(Shawnee State Theatre promotes the talents of its very own)

          Shawnee State University’s got talent, even without Regis Philbin.
          To showcase the many talents of students, staff and community, SSU is hosting “A Happy Holiday Review” on Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in SSU’s Kahl Studio Theatre in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            “I think we’re going to have a good time,” said Jim Hayes, interim director and senior instructor of the university’s theater program “After all, that’s what the holidays are for, right?”
           A sample of performers include:

• Lois Rase and her dance students will perform three numbers.

• Carl Yost, Ph.D., will be singing “The Cherry Tree Carol.”

• Students Nathan Wheeler, Amy Taylor, Mary Baughman and Melanie Manchester will perform.

• Community members Bill Sanders, a country/western performer and Paul Wetzig, an Elvis impersonator. 

          This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, call Jim Hayes at (740) 351-3335.

(Article & Photo by Samantha Willis, communications specialist)


Students fill their plates at Shawnee State University’s
annual Thanksgiving luncheon on Tuesday, November 14, 2006.

            Today marked the annual Thanksgiving luncheon at Shawnee State University. Campus Ministry has been organizing the free Thanksgiving feasts since 1993. The luncheon captures the true essence of Thanksgiving tradition by uniting the entire campus community in order to give thanks.
            The event took place on the second floor of the University Center. Along with traditional Thanksgiving delicacies, faculty members contributed a variety of covered dishes to be enjoyed. Somewhere between 600 and 700 enjoyed a great thanksgiving meal.
            The event was sponsored by Campus Ministry, Shawnee State University, Sodexho Dining Services, Communications Workers of America, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home, Rebekah Circle of Christ United Methodist Church, Scioto County Ministerial Association, Second Presbyterian Church, Shawnee Education Association, University Administrative Assembly, University Faculty Senate, University Staff Assembly, and Valley United Methodist Church.

“BREAKFAST” AT NINE O’CLOCK AT NIGHT
(Shawnee State Offers Students a Last Meal before Final Exams)

            “Pulling an all-nighter” during exams is something college students have been doing for generations. With students starting their “day” in the evening, what better time to serve a free breakfast than 9 p.m.?
            For 11 years Shawnee State University (SSU) has been giving students a free meal on the evening before exams. This Monday, November 20th, all students are invited to the cafeteria in the University Center for the 9 p.m. “breakfast” which will be served by campus faculty and staff.
            “The tradition of serving breakfast the evening before final exams is our way of acknowledging the hard work of our students,” said Shawnee State University Rita Rice Morris.

                                     SSU ADJUNCT FRANK BRYSON RETIRES

                                      

Frank Bryson, of Russell, Ky. poses one last time with the Student Support staff at Shawnee State University. For 11 years Frank has been a Math adjunct and a tutor for the participants in Student Support Services at SSU and Thursday, Nov. 16 marked Bryson’s last day.
 

                                       


                       Frank Bryson, of Russell, Ky. gives Jed Bailey one last tutoring session
                       before his retirement at Shawnee State University on Nov.16.

(Article and photos by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

                                       
                       Photo: L-R: Ethan Crawford, Kris Jones, Eric Draudt, and Brennan Conley.

                 Brothers of Delta Sigma Phi raise money during spaghetti dinner
            Shawnee State University’s Delta Sigma Phi brothers raised $303 during their Spaghetti Dinner Thursday, Nov. 16.
            “The profits will be used for community service projects, back dues and pledge events,” said Kris Jones, president of the fraternity.
            The dinners, purchased by SSU faculty, staff and students, included spaghetti, breadsticks and Pepsi products. Delta Sigma Phi would like to thank Sodexho for the spaghetti and Cathy Schiltz, mother of Delta Sigma Phi member Justin Schiltz, for the sauce.
            “Many of the campus organizations have fundraisers to offset their costs,” said Tiffany Weaver, coordinator of student activities. “I would like to thank those who support our student clubs and organizations.”

(Article by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)
                    
                          SSU professors speak at annual geological conference
            Two Shawnee State University professors were among approximately 6,200 geoscientists, students, and guests attending the 118th annual meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA) in Philadelphia, Pa., in October 2006.
            Representing SSU were geology professors Kurt Shoemaker, Ph.D., and Jeff Bauer, Ph.D., both of whom were invited to discuss their research.
            Shoemaker presented “Decline, Restoration, and Demise of the Geology Program at St. Joseph’s College, Indiana—a Perspective on Program Visibility from a Small School.” Bauer presented “Developing a new Geology Program at a Small, State Supported University.”
            “I feel the decline and termination of geology programs provide important lessons on program viability for existing weak and fledgling geology programs,” said Shoemaker.
            He discussed the history of the geology department at St. Joseph’s College, where he formerly taught.
            Bauer’s presentation reviewed the four stages of planning and development that took place over seven years of the geology program at SSU, including planning, assessment, proposal and implementation.
            “The program’s flexibility, low cost and modest growth potential should help to secure its survival and future success,” Bauer said. “Shawnee State’s geology program, currently in the implementation stage, completed its first year during which eight students declared concentrations in either geology or earth science education.”
            Shawnee State’s geology program is offered through the Bachelor of Science in natural science, rather than alone, so the financial risk could be reduced and likelihood for approval would increase, Bauer said. The proposal was tentatively approved in 2002, the necessary funding for the program came in 2005.
            Both sessions were sponsored by GSA’s Education Division and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.              

(Article and photo by Rebecca Cox, communications specialist)

                                           

Students participated in a chalkwalk last month, hosted by the Shawnee State University Occupational Therapy Association, in honor of Leslye Hess, a single mother and first generation college student who died in a car accident in 1995. All proceeds were donated to the Christopher Hess Scholarship program.
 

                                                    THE LESLYE HESS CHALKWALK

           A rainbow of vivid colors brightened the Health Science building sidewalk last month. Students from Shawnee State University’s (SSU) Occupational Therapy Association on Oct. 30 honored the memory of Leslye Hess, a single mother and first generation college student who died in a car accident in 1995 on her way to class. Proceeds from the chalkwalk, totaling $140, were donated to the Christopher Hess Scholarship program, created for Hess’ son. The program has raised more than $1000.
            Mendy Sissel, B.S., B.I.S., COTA/L, and Christine Raber, M.S., OTR/L, co-advisors for the SOTA club, said the scholarship has helped Hess family members with college expenses.
            Decorating a sidewalk square cost five dollars, with chalk included. Prizes were awarded for first, second, third, and fourth place squares. The first place prize was awarded to the Hempstead Rehab Department and included a $25 gift certificate to the Scioto Ribber.
            “People usually get pretty creative and have fun with it,” Raber said. “It has been a very nice legacy to Leslye.”
            There is also a Leslye Hess award, granted to students that demonstrate honorable and noteworthy traits.

                                                       Stone Soup Day
                                        

Students from Shawnee State University’s ROCI 485 class gather to sell some delicious stone soup to the campus. All money will be used to purchase food for the needy.

                                                        Healthcare Expo

                                           

The 2006 Shawnee State University Healthcare Expo was held on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center at SSU. Over 100 students attended the event, with 19 employers representing health care facilities throughout the region.

(Article by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

            With the help of SSU students, faculty and staff and community members, the SSU Women’s Center collected 170 cleaning items and raised $71 to donate to the Scioto County Domestic Violence Shelter during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
            Lou Ann Hoffer, co-director of the Scioto County Domestic Violence Shelter, said she was overwhelmed by the generosity displayed by SSU.
            “We were thrilled to accept the donations,” said Hoffer. “The Women’s Center has been wonderful to support us every year. We look forward to the drive and have come to depend on it. I want to thank Shawnee State University for its support.”
            Roberta Milliken, Ph.D., director of the Women’s Center, felt the collection was a worthwhile and successful event.
            “The cleaning supply drive was our way of supporting the domestic shelter in our area that is always in need of attention,” said Milliken. “This year we focused on cleaning supplies. Anything you use in your house, they need in their house. It was amazing and we were overwhelmed with the support.”
            Milliken wanted to especially thank Janna Gallaher, Ph.D., and Vandervort Ace Hardware for their support.
            “I saw cleaning kits at the local Vandervort Ace Hardware store I thought would be perfect for the women to take with them as they left the shelter,” said Gallaher, associate professor of computer engineering technology. “I solicited their help, collected these items from Vandervort’s and brought them to the university.”
            Vandervort’s donated 48 buckets with various cleaning supplies.
            “For 99 years, our family-owned business has enjoyed serving this community,” said Chip Horr, owner of Vandervort’s. “Since the community has supported us, we feel it is only fitting to give back the community. We want to help the women at the shelter get their lives back on track and we are proud to take part in this cause.”                      

            Shawnee State University knows it is better to give than to receive. In the spirit of giving, the university’s students, staff and faculty collected over 342 gift-filled shoeboxes on Nov. 14 for Operation Christmas Child during the national collection week Nov. 13-19.
            Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, which according to its Website, is a nationwide, “nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.”
            “I’m a huge Christmas fanatic and I was really stoked when I found that I was going to start Operation Christmas Child here on campus,” said Amy Richardson, coordinator of community service at SSU. “I’m hoping it will become an annual event for Shawnee State. I’m thrilled with the number of boxes we’ve gotten. Three-fourths of the shoeboxes we have collected were from students and there are a few offices on campus that have taken a big part in this.”
            Pastor Brian Evans of Bigelow Church in Portsmouth, Oh., the area relay center for Operation Christmas Child, gave a blessing to those who made contributions and prayed for those who would be receiving the generosity of the Shawnee State community.
            “I think Operation Christmas Child is a great tool to show Christ’s love in just a small way to many children and families across the world who have never experienced anything like this,” Evan said. “I think many of the local pastors in the foreign lands use this as a sort of tool to bring the gospel to local villages and faraway places that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear.”
            Virginia Cook, a year-round volunteer area coordinator with Samaritan’s Purse was pleased Shawnee State spear-headed this effort.
            “There are about 1600 centers across the country collecting boxes just like Shawnee State,” Cook said. “This year we are hoping to collect 7.6 million boxes for the children of the world.”
            Since 1995, 46 million boxes have gone to 20 countries on six continents.
            “The students have blown me away,” said Richardson. “I couldn’t be happier. I want to thank everyone for taking part in this successful event.”

           Three hundred area students and teachers will be energized on November 30 at Shawnee State University. They are attending an Ohio Energy Project “Energy Fair” to learn about energy. High school student leaders trained by OEP will lead activities all day for younger students in attendance. Students from Jackson High School, Gallia Academy, Minford Middle and High School and Wheelersburg Middle School will represent the schools leading activities at the Energy Fair.
            The Energy Fair will focus on energy sources, energy forms, energy transformations, energy efficiency, and global climate change. The goal of the day is to educate students about energy and have them share and teach others in their school and community about energy through OEP’s “Kids Teaching Kids Approach.”
            Teachers attending the Energy Fair will bring 30 students to spend a day focused on science and energy. Activities include: understanding the transformation of energy by riding the Energy Bike, participating in hands-on experiments, and learning how our actions may affect the global climate. The day will end with a fun Energy Carnival full of reinforcing information learned throughout the day.
            Shawnee State University, USEC, American Electric Power and Columbia Gas sponsor the Energy Fair locally. For more information, contact the Ohio Energy Project at (513) 688-1717 or swenergy@infinet.com.

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

            Six hundred area high school juniors will explore career options during the Bear Cubs Career Fair on Friday, Dec.1 on the campus of Shawnee State University. Lois Rase, SSU Bear Cubs coordinator said the students will attend four different sessions on careers they are interested in.
            “The Ohio Bear Cubs program is funded by the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education and encourages kids to start thinking about attending college at an early age,” Rase said.
            As part of the program, Rase said students first visit the campus when they are in the sixth grade, returning when they are in the eighth grade and then again when they are juniors in high school.
            “We hope that when they graduate, SSU may be one of the universities they consider attending, however we don’t just encourage Shawnee State we encourage college in general,” Rase said.
            The Bear Cubs Career Fair will take place from 9:45 until 1:25. Rase said students will be attending sessions with professionals such as a doctor, veterinarian, an optometrist and a massage therapist among others. Several university departments such as nursing, dental hygiene and the engineering technology departments will also be giving sessions. Rase said students will get the opportunity to look at displays following the morning sessions from such businesses as Western-Southern Life Insurance, American Savings Bank, Mary Kay Cosmetics and WNXT, among others.

(Photo and Cut line by Samantha Willis, communications specialist)

            The Scioto County Special Olympics basketball team visits Shawnee State University on Nov. 28, 2006 in order to improve their skills on the court. Their game season is scheduled to begin in January.

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

The SSU Community Choir to performs this weekend
(The SSU Community Choir to give two holiday performances this weekend at area churches)

            The Shawnee State Community Choir will spread the joy of the holiday season through music with two free holiday concerts on Sunday, Dec. 3 as part of the annual “Dickens of a Christmas Celebration” in downtown Portsmouth.
            The first concert will be at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 524 Sixth Street, followed by another concert at 7 p.m. at the Evangelical United Church of Christ, 701 Fifth Street.
            “The concert will consist of sacred Christmas music,” said Shirley Crothers-Marley, community choir director. “We have several soloists performing. It’s going to be a very well-rounded concert and I think people will enjoy it.”
            Soloists include Paul Wetzig, Diana Whittaker, Lindsay Cunningham, Maria Minter, Michelle Lindsay and Jeff Nowlin. Ensembles and duets will include Teresa Fields, Ann Smith, Jeff Nowlin, and Linda Day. Kara Penley will play the flute. The choir will be accompanied by Linda Day who will be assisted by Marsha Walker.