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(Article by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

               SSU Phi Eta Sigma members attend national leadership conference
            It may be getting cold outside, but that didn’t stop Phi Eta Sigma members from taking part in an ice cream social and gift exchange at the 38th annual Phi Eta Sigma National Convention and Leadership Workshop in Austin, Texas in October. Members came together to share their ideas about what leadership means to them and the many ways to hone their own leadership skills.
            SSU students John Campbell, of Lucasville, Ohio, Melissa Laugle, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Meredyth Eagon, Struthers, Ohio, and adviser Dr. Larry Mangus attended the national convention Oct. 27-29.
            “Of 350 chapters, there were over 100 chapters represented at the convention,” said Mangus, vice-president of student affairs. “Shawnee State University’s Phi Eta Sigma chapter won a performance award at the awards luncheon, due to the great efforts of my secretary, Peggy Dillow.”
            At the ice cream social, Phi Eta Sigma members from across the United States exchanged university shirts, cups, and other memorabilia, while socializing with other college students.
            During the convention, students worked in subcommittees to share their ideas about the honor society organization and possible activities. Campbell said he took part as a scribe for the publications and promotions committee.
             “We created a written document that will be given to the national office that included our ideas for the future of this organization,” said Campbell.
             “At the convention, there was an emphasis on teamwork and a commitment to excellence. We shared strategies for management and fellowship,” said Laugle. “I think one of the best things about Phi Eta Sigma is that it inspires you to do your best; upon induction you see all of these other people with similar GPAs and it inspires you to work your very hardest in order to specialize your attributes.”
             Phi Eta Sigma members did not stay cooped up indoors the entire time. They toured a variety of sites, said Mangus.
            “We toured the LBJ Library Museum, where we saw the oval office and the presidential library,” said Mangus. “We went to the Shady Springs Party Barn on school buses to pose for pictures on a stuffed bull. The big hit of the night was the armadillo races.”
            SSU Phi Eta Sigma members brought home many ideas for projects and recruitment, and made many friends they hope to keep in the future.

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Article and photos by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

Erin Jordan, a high school student from Gallia Academy High School, explains to area teachers why she’s interested in energy education during Ohio Energy Project’s Portsmouth Energy Fair 2006 at Shawnee State University on Nov. 30.

Kelly Tackett rides the Energy Bike while helpers, Allison Price and Candace Allen, demonstrate how much energy is needed to power a hair dryer, a fan, and a portable television during Ohio Energy Project’s Portsmouth Energy Fair 2006 at Shawnee State University on Nov. 30.

                                   SSU hosts OEP’s Portsmouth Energy Fair 2006

            Nearly 340 lights came on at Shawnee State University on Nov. 30. They were not light bulbs, but area students being enlightened about energy in all its forms.
            Area students in grades 4-7 and 25 teachers became energized while taking part in various sessions focused on energy sources, energy forms, energy transformations, energy efficiency, and global climate change at SSU. Approximately 60 students in grades 8-12 from Minford Middle School, Minford High School, Gallia Academy, Wheelersburg High School, and Jackson High School represented their schools by leading several activities at the Energy Fair, while 13 SSU students served as hosts for the event.
            “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 the Ohio Energy Project’s (OEP) Kids Teaching Kids approach,” said Debby Yerkes, executive director of OEP.
            Participating in hands-on experiments, students learned about the transformation of energy and how one’s actions may affect the global climate.
            “We are studying natural resources and renewable and non-renewable resources in class,” said Cara Remington, a fifth-grade teacher at East Elementary. “This event corresponds well with what we are talking about in class. We thought it would be a good experience for the students to come and interact with some of the technology we don’t have in school.”
            Teachers attended a special session with speakers Angie Duduit, Public Affairs Manager of USEC, and Gallia Academy High School student Erin Jordan. Duduit discussed the aspect of nuclear energy as a power source and USEC’s role in the production of nuclear energy. Jordan discussed her interests in energy and her goal to major in physical therapy with a minor in either biology or chemistry. Jordan also led one of the demonstrations.
            “This event really is an enhancement to classroom teaching and learning,” said Judy Meeker, project manager of SSU’s Tech Prep and Outreach Services. “Students at all levels have an opportunity to gain knowledge, confidence and leadership skills throughout the day.”
            OEP coordinates energy fairs throughout the state.
           “The Shawnee State University campus is arranged well for this event,” said Michael Lee, OEP education coordinator. “The buildings are close together and the classrooms are just the right size.”
            Lorie Rolfe, the talented and gifted coordinator at Minford Middle School, suggested the energy fair. Rolfe was interested in getting local students involved and explained that most students in the area never participated in the OEP energy fairs in Cincinnati due to the time, distance and cost involved. With SSU hosting the event, area students are able to participate and enjoy the same learning experience as those in the other areas of the state.
            This was the second year SSU hosted the fair. Along with OEP, it was sponsored by USEC, American Electric Power, Columbia Gas and SSU. For more information, contact the Ohio Energy Project at (513) 688-1717 or swenergy@infinet.com.
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(Article and photos by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

US Army members, SFC Watrows and CPL Slaughter, present a question and answer session during the 2006 Bear Cubs Career Fair on Dec. 1 at Shawnee State University.

Over 600 area high school juniors attended the Bear Cubs Career Fair on Dec. 1 at Shawnee State University. The career fair included more than 30 organizations from the tri-state area.
 

Shawnee State hosts Bear Cubs Career Fair

            What is your dream job?
            High school students combined their dreams with reality at a career fair on Dec. 1 at Shawnee State University.
            More than 600 area high school juniors explored career options during the Bear Cubs Career Fair, which took place at various locations throughout the campus.
            “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,” said Lois Rase, SSU Bear Cubs coordinator.
            Rase said students first visit the campus when they are in the sixth grade, returning when they are in the eighth grade and then visit again when they are juniors in high school.
            Meagan Medina, a junior at East High School, plans to major in education.
            “I want to go to a college with a good education program,” said Medina. “I am unsure as to which college I want to go to, though.”
            The organizations that participated in the career fair gave students ideas about the different career options.
             Whether a student is interested in an entry-level position or interested in climbing the corporate ladder, there are opportunities for everyone at American Savings Bank, said Leigh Ann Kimbler, marketing director at American Savings Bank.
            “We have five different branches and we are growing everyday. We have a need for tellers, loan officers, processors, and accountants. We need people who have great social skills and can quickly learn how the business works.”
            Teresa Carter, a recruiter with SOMC’s human resources department offered pamphlets to the students describing opportunities at the medical center.
            “We get many of our employees from Shawnee State, especially nurses. We are always in need of lab workers, x-ray technicians and respiratory therapists.”
            The career fair included more than 30 organizations in various rooms throughout the campus. Presenters answered questions and offered information regarding their careers.
            Organizations included:                           

                              United States Air Force
                              SSU’s Engineering Technology program
                              Ohio State Highway Patrol
                              Harcha & Book LLC
                              United States Marines
                              United States Army
                              Shawnee Animal Clinic

            Students were also invited to meet various organizations on the gym floor of the SSU James A. Rhodes Athletic Center, where they gathered information and freebies.
            Organizations included:

                              Southern Ohio Medical Center
                              American Savings Bank
                              Mary Kay
                              Industrial Engineering Technology program at SSU
                              John’s Photos
                              WNXT

            “We hope 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.

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(Article by Samantha Willis, communications specialist)

SSU professors attend state-wide conference for developmental education
(Gene Beckett and Michael Powell attend the Ohio Association for
Developmental Education conference to hone teaching skills)

            Everyone learns differently. Some students learn by listening. Some learn better in a hands-on environment. Still others learn by writing notes. Shawnee State University educators, Gene Beckett and Michael Powell, Ph.D., paid close attention to this concept when they attended the annual Ohio Association for Developmental Education conference held in Columbus in October.
            OADE encourages educators of all types to empower their students by incorporating new and innovative teaching techniques into their class time. The conference is aimed at engaging the students so they will feel motivated to grow beyond the classroom.
            “I think most instructors who teach developmental writing, reading and mathematics realize that in addition to teaching academic skills to developmental students, it is also part of the instructor's job to work with students to help them develop as individuals,” Powell, said.
            Beckett has been attending the OADE conferences since 1983, when the meetings were at the Ohio State University campus. He has served two years on the OADE board; one of those was spent as president. After attending over 20 conferences, Beckett says the experience is always invigorating and insightful.
            “I always learn something new at the conferences and I couldn’t have stayed in teaching as long as I have if I didn’t learn new things,” Beckett said. “The OADE and the NADE, the national conference, have been practical and useful for me. I always bring back ideas I can use.”
            Encouraging the perseverance of students in developmental courses is just one of the goals OADE strives to achieve. Also important during the conference, is the fellowship among developmental educators, Beckett said.
            “I think that OADE is important because the conference is a time in which developmental teachers and coordinators across the state can meet to discuss teaching strategies and methods of problem solving, “Powell said.
            Beckett said all types of educators are encouraged to join an association for developmental education. The Ohio chapter includes about 300 members and is still growing. Anyone interested and willing to become involved is strongly suggested to do so, said Beckett.
            “I guarantee that anybody teaching at this institution, or any institution, would find something they would judge to be worthy of having attended the conference,” Beckett said.
            Those who are interested or who have questions, can email OADE information specialist, Kathy Buttermore at kbuttermore@walsh.edum for more information.
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(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

            Area high school juniors and seniors look at a cadaver in the cadaver lab at Shawnee State University during SSU's second annual Pre-Med Day on Friday, Dec. 1. The day is all about educating students about the university's pre-med program.
 

Area high school students attend Pre-Med Day at SSU

(Students interested in a career in medicine learn about the Pre-Med curriculum at SSU)

            What kinds of classes do you have to take to become a doctor? How many years of school do you have to attend to become a dentist? Those were the kinds of questions area high school juniors and seniors got the opportunity to ask when they attended the second annual Pre-Med Day on Friday, Dec. 1.

            “It’s a good environment to find out what it means to be a doctor and to find out what kind of training a student will receive in medical school,” said Andrew Little, president of the SSU Pre-Med club. “That’s why we put this day together so local students could hear about it.”

            Little said those who participated got to meet with current students and faculty and got to tour the facilities on campus including the cadaver lab.

            “We have an advanced cadaver lab on campus where students can do dissections of cadavers,” Little said. “We’re the only public school in the state of Ohio that has a dissecting cadaver class.”

            Students who participated in Pre-Med Day attended six different group sessions.

            “The students got to meet with SSU graduates who are in medical school and current SSU graduates who are practicing physicians in the area,” said Little. “They also met with faculty about the Pre-Med curriculum and current SSU students about the different organizations on campus they can get involved in.”

Brandy Hagen, a senior at South Webster High School attended the event. She is planning on going into nursing.

            “The day really helped me realize what goes on, on a college campus and what I will need to study to become a nurse,” Hagen said.

            Brian Eichenlaub, a senior at Northwest High School is hoping to become a doctor and practice emergency medicine.

            “I’m looking at Ohio University but am really interested in Shawnee State for my undergraduate degree,” Eichenlaub.

            Fifty-two students participated in Pre-Med Day.
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(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

                     

SSU Community Choir is now seeking new members
(Community members interested in music are urged to attend Jan, 9)

 

            Interested in music? If so, the Shawnee State University Community Choir is interested in you. Under the direction of Shirley Crothers-Marley, the chorus will meet on Tuesday’s beginning on January 9 from 7 to 10 p.m. in room 130 of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            The SSU Community Chorus is being offered through the Office of University Outreach Services and can be taken as either a credit or non-credit option.
            “Whatever your age or musical background, we are sure you will find much joy as you prepare for the musical events the chorus performs throughout each season,” said Ginnie Moore, University Outreach Services director.
            The SSU Community Chorus presents four concerts each year including a sacred concert at area churches in the spring, the Spring Pop concert, the SSU commencement and the annual Dickens of a Christmas concert.
            Those interested in becoming a member of the SSU Community Chorus can take the class for credit by contacting the Office of the Registrar or take it as a non-credit continuing education option for only $25 per quarter or $60 per year.
            For more information about the SSU Community Chorus or to schedule an audition, call Shirley Crothers-Marley at (740) 351-3577 or the Office of University Outreach Services at (740) 351-3274.

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(Article by Rebecca Cox, communications specialist)

SSU honors students attend Rembrandt exhibit
(SSU Honor Students traveled to enjoy a day packed with artwork)

            Students in the Shawnee State University honors program traveled to the Dayton Institute of Art on Nov. 3 to view the Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art, Treasures from Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Joining the students were Shannon Lawson, M.A., an SSU English instructor, and SSU librarian Connie Salyers, M.L.S.
            The SSU honors program brings students together in a challenging but supportive environment which nourishes their intellectual, social, and creative growth.
            Honor students are expected to participate at least once every year in a program such as the Rembrandt trip.
            Lawson said the exhibit included an extensive collection from Rembrandt’s Dutch contemporaries, enabling students to compare and contrast trends and styles,
            “We wished we had more time,” Lawson said.
            Chris Dunham, an honors student on the trip, said, “We had a mixture of students on the trip, we had art majors and business majors. The art students really got into the exhibits, but everyone took something away and found something different they liked in the museum”
            Melissa Laugle, another honors student on the trip said the event fostered campus involvement, and emphasized camaraderie. She also said the exhibit would be featured in just three U.S. cities.
            Lawson the future coordinator for the Honors Program, is planning on more trips that bring students together by focusing on events that cover the numerous majors found among the honor students. Such activities include a possible hike in the winter quarter for Biology majors and nature enthusiasts. In an attempt to appeal to different interests, Lawson also mentioned local events, and group trips to shows at the Verne Riffe Center for the arts.

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(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)                   

 

 

 

Oak Ridge Boys coming to Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
(The Oaks return to area for the fourth annual Christmas Cookies Concert)

 

            The winner of multiple Grammy awards, the legendary Oak Ridge Boys bring their annual “Christmas Cookies” tour to the Shawnee State Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on Thursday, December 14.
            “It’s the spectacular audience and fans in Portsmouth that make us want to come back for the fourth season,” said Oaks singer Joe Bonsall. “It is a wonderful place to perform.”
            Known for their unique harmony of upbeat, gospel-inspired music, The Oak Ridge Boys have become one of America’s most treasured and appreciated musical groups. They have won virtually every music award in country, gospel and popular categories including multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and Dove Awards for such hits as “Elvira” and “Write Your Name Across My Heart” dedicated to American service men and women. The Oaks recently received the coveted Living Legend Award from the International Entertainment Buyers Association and have appeared on TV specials throughout the year.
            “They perform one of the best concerts we have at the Vern Riffe Center,” says Carl Daehler, Director of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. “Because of their new album and many TV appearances this year, we anticipate selling out the theater for this show. It is the Oaks only appearance in the tri-state this holiday season. This is definitely one holiday event that you will want to attend.”
            The Oak Ridge Boys were founded in 1943 in Knoxville, Tennessee and have had their current roster of Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, and William Lee Golden together since 1975. Golden, with his distinctive white beard left the group for an eight-year stretch, but rejoined the group in January of 1996.
            “We can’t wait to have The Oaks back for a fourth consecutive appearance,” said Daehler. “The Oak Ridge Boys have become a musical tradition during the holiday season. Their music and stage performance are just the thing to put everyone in a great mood.”
           The Oak Ridge Boys concert is presented by Shawnee State University with funds from the SSU Development Foundation and event sponsor, Hometown Broadcasting.
           Tickets are now on sale at the McKinley Box Office and are $37 with special pricing for seniors and students. There are also discounts for medical and educational employees and for families. For more information call the box office at 740-351-3600 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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(Article by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

SSU prepares non-traditional students for their first quarter of college
(Non-traditional students get head-start on their college experience at SSU)

            Non-traditional students can leap into the college experience at Shawnee State University when they take part in the free non-traditional workshop “Bridging the Gap” on Friday Dec. 15th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
            The workshop will be held in the Student Success Center with sessions presented by Lisa Goodan-Ashcraft, secretary of Career Services & Counseling & Psychological Services and Teresa Redoutey, coordinator of academic support in the Student Success Center at SSU.
            “Students should attend so they will gain a measure of preparation and self-confidence to begin college,” Redoutey said.
            She will focus on how to use the academic support services provided through the Student Success Center as well as degree audits,majors, and campus resources. Ashcraft will teach sessions on time management, priorities, and assertiveness training.
           “Teresa and I will try to prepare them for what they will encounter in the classrooms, what resources are available to them and how to enroll for classes,” Ashcraft said. “We’ll also talk to them about finding their classrooms, establishing computer accounts, how to maneuver the bookstore and financial aid, and give them a campus tour,” Ashcraft said.
            She said she believes the non-traditional workshop is beneficial to students who are not accustomed to the college setting and classrooms.
            “Since I was a non-traditional student in undergrad and presently in graduate school, I certainly can understand their anxious feelings,” Ashcraft said. “Students who participated in the program fall quarter appreciated the fact that on their first day they knew exactly where their classes were and they had everything in place.”
           For more information about this event, please call Teresa Redoutey, coordinator of academic support in the Student Success Center at SSU at (740) 351-3106.

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Oak Ridge Boys coming to Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
(The Oaks return to area for the fourth annual Christmas Cookies Concert)

            The winner of multiple Grammy awards, the legendary Oak Ridge Boys bring their annual “Christmas Cookies” tour to the Shawnee State Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on Thursday, December 14.
            “It’s the spectacular audience and fans in Portsmouth that make us want to come back for the fourth season,” said Oaks singer Joe Bonsall. “It is a wonderful place to perform.”
            Known for their unique harmony of upbeat, gospel-inspired music, The Oak Ridge Boys have become one of America’s most treasured and appreciated musical groups. They have won virtually every music award in country, gospel and popular categories including multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and Dove Awards for such hits as “Elvira” and “Write Your Name Across My Heart” dedicated to American service men and women. The Oaks recently received the coveted Living Legend Award from the International Entertainment Buyers Association and have appeared on TV specials throughout the year.
            “They perform one of the best concerts we have at the Vern Riffe Center,” says Carl Daehler, Director of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. “Because of their new album and many TV appearances this year, we anticipate selling out the theater for this show. It is the Oaks only appearance in the tri-state this holiday season. This is definitely one holiday event that you will want to attend.”
            The Oak Ridge Boys were founded in 1943 in Knoxville, Tennessee and have had their current roster of Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, and William Lee Golden together since 1975. Golden, with his distinctive white beard left the group for an eight-year stretch, but rejoined the group in January of 1996.
            “We can’t wait to have The Oaks back for a fourth consecutive appearance,” said Daehler. “The Oak Ridge Boys have become a musical tradition during the holiday season. Their music and stage performance are just the thing to put everyone in a great mood.”
            The Oak Ridge Boys concert is presented by Shawnee State University with funds from the SSU Development Foundation and event sponsor, Hometown Broadcasting.
            Tickets are now on sale at the McKinley Box Office and are $37 with special pricing for seniors and students. There are also discounts for medical and educational employees and for families. For more information call the box office at 740-351-3600 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 

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(Article by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

SSU prepares non-traditional students for their first quarter of college
(Non-traditional students get a head-start on their college experience at SSU)

            Non-traditional students can leap into the college experience at Shawnee State University when they take part in the free non-traditional workshop “Bridging the Gap” on Friday Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
            The workshop will be held in the Student Success Center with sessions presented by Lisa Goodan-Ashcraft, secretary of Career Services & Counseling & Psychological Services and Teresa Redoutey, coordinator of academic support in the Student Success Center at SSU.
            “Students should attend so they will gain a measure of preparation and self-confidence to begin college,” Redoutey said.
            She will focus on how to use the academic support services provided through the Student Success Center as well as degree audits and majors and campus resources. Ashcraft will teach sessions on time management, priorities and assertiveness training.
            “Teresa and I will try to prepare them for what they will encounter on-campus in the classrooms, what resources are available to them and how to enroll for classes,” Ashcraft said. “We’ll also talk to them about finding their classrooms, establishing computer accounts, how to maneuver the bookstore and financial aid, and give them a campus tour,” Ashcraft said.
            She said she believes the non-traditional workshop is beneficial to students who are not accustomed to the college setting and classrooms.
            “Since, I was a non-traditional student in undergrad and presently in graduate school, I certainly can understand their anxious feelings,” Ashcraft said. “Students who participated in the program fall quarter appreciated the fact that on their first day they knew exactly where their classes were and they had everything in place.”
            For more information about this event, please call Redoutey at (740) 351-3106.
 

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(Article and photo by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

Incoming SSU students prepare for winter quarter 2007

                          
Nearly 65 new Shawnee State University students and 14 parents completed orientation on Dec. 7 for winter quarter 2007. Orientation included placement testing, an informational session and registration.
        

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(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

American Society for Quality meet at SSU
(David Todt of SSU presents “Continuous Improvement in Higher Education” speech at meeting of quality professionals.)

             Shawnee State University’s Business and Industry Training Center hosted the December meeting of the American Society for Quality, Scioto Valley Section on December 5 in the president’s conference room.
David Todt, Ph.D., associate provost and director of institutional planning at SSU was the featured speaker. Todt is also the Academic Quality Improvement Program liaison for the university and presented an overview on “Continuous Improvement in Higher Education.”
            Todt spoke on AQIP’s goal of improving the level of institutional performance in all systems and processes.” His presentation focused on the AQIP process that was formally accepted in 2002 as an alternative route for institutions to maintain accreditation. SSU was accepted for membership in AQIP in 2004. The university completed a self assessment in early 2005 and is currently working on four action projects.
“With Shawnee State University’s new accreditation process, we were anxious to have Dr. Todt speak to the group regarding how SSU has instituted this new academic quality improvement process,” said Brenda Covert, manager of business and industry training at SSU.
            The American Society for Quality is the world’s leading authority on quality and offers technologies, concepts, tools and training to quality professionals, quality practitioners and everyday consumers.
 

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(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)
                  

Special practice called for SSU Community Choir
(Choir director calls high-priority practice for January 4, 2007)

            SSU Community Choir director Shirley Crothers-Marley has called a high-priority special rehearsal for current choir members for Thursday, January 4 at 7 p.m. in room 130 of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            Crothers-Marley said the rehearsal is for current choir members only. She said new members will be welcome on Tuesday, January 9 at 7 p.m. in the same location.

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(Article by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

                                                Tour of Civil War sites for only $300
(Take advantage of the last Civil War Tour with Dr. Larry Mangus, SSU’s retiring Civil War historian)

            This is your last chance to experience the Civil War with Shawnee State’s own expert, Dr. Larry Mangus.
           The week-long tour, scheduled for Mar. 24-30 includes stops at Stonewall Jackson’s home and grave, Lee Chapel at Washington and Lee University, the Virginia Military Institute Museum, VMI Hall of Valor, Belle Grove Plantation, Elwood Plantation, Guinea Station, Chatham House, Monument Avenue, Hollywood Cemetery, Virginia State House, Museum of the Confederacy, White House of the Confederacy, Tredegar Iron Works, Chimborazo hospital, City Point Blanford Church, Siege Museum and Appomattox Court House.
            Participants will also visit New Market, Cedar Creek, Harper’s Ferry, Antietam, Gettysburg, Petersburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness and Fredericksburg battlefields.
            “This is a great experience. When you are on the battlefields, you walk the same ground the soldiers walked. When you get to New Market and walk through the field of lost shoes, where 257 cadets—teenagers 15 to 21 years of age—charged across the field and covered the soaked wheat field,” said Larry Mangus, vice president of student affairs at SSU and civil war tour guide. “As they ran, their shoes came off because the mud sucked them off their feet. Would teenagers today be that brave?”
            Participants will also tour the capital of the Confederacy in Richmond, Va., including the white house and the museum of the Confederacy. “The state capitol re-opens in January, after three years of renovation,” said Mangus. “The capitol showcases some incredible Civil War statues, including one of Robert E. Lee as he took the oath to lead the Confederate Army.”
            The tour is limited to 17 people. Registration for the tour includes a non-refundable deposit of $100, accepted beginning Jan. 3. The tour costs $300 for those taking it for class credit and $350 for non-credit participants, which covers motels, travel and admission fees. Students can receive four credit hours for spring quarter for “History 399.”
            “The last day, we see Petersburg and the site of the famous Battle of the Crater and Blanford Church, where there are fifteen Tiffany stained glass windows and a huge confederate cemetery,” said Mangus.
            The Battle of the Crater also is portrayed in the motion picture, “Cold Mountain.”
            “It’s a totally different experience hearing about a battle as you’re actually standing on the site,” said Chris Knox, a past participant of the tour. “To be able to soak up the sights and realize only time separates you from what happened there is awesome.”
            For more information, contact Mangus at (740) 351-3280.

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Shawnee State to hold public meeting on its Master Plan update

            Shawnee State University invites members of the community to a public meeting on the university’s efforts to update its Master Plan. The meeting will be held on January 3 in Flohr Hall in the Clark Memorial Library at 7 p.m.
            The Shawnee State University Master Plan is a model for physical growth over 20 years that will help guide the campus’ development of academic programs and other services for students and give direction to the university’s efforts to serve as a resource for the community and region.
           After a presentation by Jim Butz, the university’s master planning consultant, there will be a public discussion of the plan to be moderated by Associate Provost and Director of Institutional Planning Dr. David Todt.
            “We think it is very important to encourage a discussion with our neighbors and the community regarding Shawnee State’s plans for growth,” said Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris. “During the meeting we will explain how the university updates and uses the Master Plan, which has been around since the early years of Shawnee State. The Master Plan is not a blueprint with a timetable, but a vision for growth that changes as circumstances dictate.”
 

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(Article by Rebecca Cox, communications specialist)

Professor O Goes for the Gold!
(Michael Olugbile, SSU ceramic instructor, wins a gold medal in table tennis)

            Aspiring tennis players beware! Professor Michael Olugbile, Shawnee State University ceramic instructor in the department of Fine, Digital and Performing Arts, competed and won a Gold Medal in table tennis doubles at the Huntsman World Senior Games, located in St. George, Utah in October.
The Huntsman World Senior Games began in 1987 and was founded by Daisy and John H. Morgan, Jr. The event was created for men and women ages fifty and over, in order to promote physical fitness and increase involvement in team sports.
            Olugbile has played table tennis since his childhood days in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria, West Africa, using his elementary school lunch money to pay for the games. He jokingly said his father would come and “pinch him by the ear” because his school would report his absence.
             Before he moved to Ohio, Olugbile played table tennis in New York where he participated in the Empire State Games. Based upon the excellence he demonstrated during the Empire State Games, the Huntsman World Senior Games sent Olugbile a letter asking him to participate.
            Olugbile has won hundreds of awards in this sport, invoking the curiosity of his children, who see all of the trophies and medals around the house, and aspire to be like their father.
            When asked why he participates in table tennis, Olugbile said, “It’s the only sport I do. It keeps me healthy. I’m doing it for myself. I am also doing it to encourage my children.”
            Unfortunately, Olugbile is unable to play as much as he would like to; he needs more people to enroll locally. Those interested should contact Olugbile at his SSU office number, (740) 351- 3327, or by e-mail at molugbile@shawnee.edu.
            Olugbile wore a SSU shirt at the event to support the university. He claimed that people would come up and ask, “Are you still working?” in which the professor responded, ”Ay I’m still young!”

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(Article by Jennifer Moorhead, communications specialist)

Shawnee State University selling books about Portsmouth’s baseball history
(Dale Taylor’s two books are perfect for the baseball fan on your Christmas list!)

            Shawnee State University has the perfect gift idea that can be given twice.
            The books "Baseball Through Small-Town Eyes," and "Simpler Times: Baseball Stories from a Small Town," not only make the perfect present for a variety of people, the purchase of one or both of these books allows the buyer to give a monetary gift to SSU's Development Foundation.
Written by Dale Taylor, coordinator of assessment services at SSU, all proceeds from the books go directly to the Development Foundation.
            "This is a collective history and it's something we all share," said Taylor. "No one person should benefit from these books. By allowing the proceeds to go to the Development Foundation, my thoughts were that many people benefit."
            Both books are packed with genuine baseball photographs, historical accounts, and first-hand stories surrounding Portsmouth's rich history of America's favorite pastime.
            One need not be a baseball fanatic to enjoy the books, however.
            "These books are more a piece of local history told through the context of baseball," said Taylor. "It's more about the history of southern Ohio and northern Kentucky than about baseball."
            "Baseball Through Small-Town Eyes," is $9.95 plus tax and "Simpler Times: Baseball Stories from a Small Town," can be purchased for $12.95 plus tax. Both books can be purchased for $20 plus tax. The books are available at the SSU Bookstore and the SSU Office of Development
            Tracing the stories and events of teams like the Portsmouth Red Birds, A's, and Navies along with players like Al Oliver, Estel Crabtree, and Al Bridwell, both books allow the reader to experience the world of baseball through events that happened here in Scioto County and the surrounding area.
            Taylor not only showcases obvious baseball legends like Branch Rickey, Gene Tenace, and Rocky Nelson, he also prominently features some more obscure baseball greats who deserve recognition and a place in history as well, such as Chet Spencer, Earl Smith, and Austin McHenry, allowing the reader to have a truly well-rounded picture of the area's baseball scene.
            For more information, call the SSU Office of Development at (740) 351-3284.

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