FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2007

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)
 

Shawnee State University Community Choir to perform Dickens Festival Holiday Concert

(Free concerts will be held at several churches in December) 

            The Shawnee State University Community Choir conducted by Shirley Crothers-Marley will perform a Dickens of a Christmas Festival Holiday Concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Fifth and Market streets.
            A Sunday evening concert will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Evangelical United Church of Christ on the corner of Fifth and Washington streets. As in the past, the concerts are free of charge as a gift to the community. The Community Choir also will be in concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Church of God in New Boston.
            The program contains a variety of music from the Renaissance to contemporary, both sacred and secular. Soloists include Paul Wetzig, Mariah Minter, Harry Alcorn, Brandon Stringer and Valerie Webb.
            This season will mark the debut of accompanist Janice Cooley Suverkrop who comes to Portsmouth from a national and European career as pianist and vocal coach.
            The public is invited to attend any or all of the concerts presented by the choir.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2007

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)
 

Ballroom dancing comes to Shawnee State University

(Shawnee State offers ballroom dance lessons)  

            Ballroom dancing has become very popular since the reality show “Dancing with the Stars” began on television and now it is offered as a credit or non-credit course at Shawnee State University for spring semester.
            When Steve Doster, professor of accounting and management, began ballroom dancing, he had to travel to Lexington, Cincinnati or Columbus to dance. So he came up with the idea to form a local group.
            “I found a lot of really good people who formed a dance group where I work here in Portsmouth, and where I live in Maysville, Ky.,” he said. “So, now we have two USA Dance chapters up and running.”
            Each month, the group gets together for a dance preceded by one hour of instruction. Four of the most common American ballroom dances taught are the waltz, the swing, the fox trot and American tango and in Latin dances the rumba, cha-cha and the mambo are commonly taught.
            Not only fun, ballroom dancing can lead to a long rewarding life.
            Between 1980 and 2001, researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, N.Y., found that people who took part in intellectually stimulating hobbies demonstrated a reduced risk of dementia.
            Researchers found no significant association between physical activities and reduced risk of dementia – except for ballroom dancing. An amazing 76 percent risk reduction from frequent participation in ballroom dancing by 130 avid dancers was the highest score of all hobbies and physical activities measured in the study. The research team concluded that ballroom dancing, offers both physical and mental stimulation – remembering the steps, moving in precise time to the music and adapting to the movements of one’s partner.
            Dianne Coriell, president of the dance club and instructor, is teaching the SSU classes spring semester and also teaches evening classes throughout the month. This is the first class she has offered at SSU. She has danced in the Chicago for Dance Sport championships and for cancer fundraisers.
            She said one of her most exciting experiences was getting to dance with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ performer Tony Dovolani in Huntington, W. Va., at the Ohio Star Ball.
            “Dianne is one of the best dancers I’ve seen,” Doster said. “She’s charismatic and just a wonderful teacher and a real natural leader.”
            Coriell and Steve Prowse, dance instructor from Charleston, W.Va., will be teaching classes before spring semester at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at the American Legion Post 471 dance hall, 950 Gallia St. For more information, call (740) 778-2850 or e-mail diannecoriell24@yahoo.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State University hires Cheryl Clevenger as its first assistant professor in family nurse practitioner

(Clevenger brings experience of mental heath care to SSU) 

            Cheryl Clevenger is a new faculty member of Shawnee State University’s Department of Nursing.
Clevenger received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Morehead State University. She obtained her master’s degree in nursing and her Post Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate from the University of Kentucky.
            Clevenger has 25 years of experience as a nurse and hopes to share her experiences in nursing at Shawnee State.
            “My goal is to provide quality educational experiences for SSU nursing students,” Clevenger said.
            Clevenger is originally from Elliot County, Ky.
            “We are extremely excited to have Cheryl as part of our faculty,” said Mattie Burton, chair of nursing department. “She is our first family nurse practitioner and is also experienced in mental health nursing.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007

(Photo and cutline by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

 Time Warner presents checks to BASICS and ABLE at Shawnee State University

(Time Warner has literacy campaign to help organizations)

            Tom Smith, SE marketing manager for Time Warner Cable, center, presents checks from Time Warner Cable to Marcia Tolliver, BASICS director at Shawnee State University, left, and Barbara Nourse, director of Even Start and Scioto County ABLE, right, to support their literacy programs in the area. Smith presented the donations from Time Warner Cable’s literacy campaign this year.
            “Time Warner takes all the installation fees collected during the campaign from 66 counties they serve in Ohio and uses it to contribute to literacy groups throughout the state,” Smith said.
            The donation for this year netted a $400 check for BASICS at Shawnee State University and $950 for ABLE of Scioto County.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007

(Article and Photo by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

Children from the Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center stand in one of the new buildings on the playground during the dedication ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 4.



 Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center at Shawnee State University holds a dedication ceremony for new playground


(Phase II of playground at Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center is now open for children to enjoy)

            Phase II of the playground expansion project at Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center at Shawnee State University is completed and a dedication ceremony was held at CLC with children presenting “A Musical Celebration of Thanks.”
            “What better way to celebrate today’s playground dedication than with some songs from our children,” said SSU President Dr. Rita Rice Morris who gave the opening remarks.
            This phase increased the size of the playground and reconfigured the trike trail to include the addition of pedestrian walkways, parking spaces for trikes and scooters, a “gas pump,” a large drive-through playhouse and a chute/tunnel/gravel travel center. Outdoor musical instruments are now also available.
            “What a fun and unique place for our children to play and to cultivate and nurture their creativity,” Morris said.
            This expansion was made possible through a $31,000 supportive grant partnership with the Ohio Children’s Foundation of Columbus, members of the CLC Advisory Committee, parents, friends and employee contributions through the SSU Development Foundation.
            Colorful paper musical notes surrounded the playground with names of donors.
            “Our thanks go out to Dr. Sonja Lichtenstein, chairperson for last year’s campaign and the joint efforts of those whose names are displayed on the musical notes all around this playground,” said Cindy Ferguson, CLC director and adjunct faculty in the Department of Teacher Education at SSU.
            CLC organized numerous fundraisers for the playground including book fairs, bake sales, Pizza Hut Family nights, Christmas raffles, carnivals and many other events.
            Dr. Timothy Scheurer, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, gave a few remarks at the dedication.
            After the opening remarks, the children marched out of the building singing “Jingle Bells” and began singing Christmas songs with the audience participating in a sing-a-long.
            Genevieve Toombs, who has been teaching the children French, led the children, along with her little hand puppet Louis, in “Frère Jacques.”
            “A Musical Celebration of Thanks” had a much broader meaning than just the music, Ferguson explained.
            “The accomplishment of a project of this magnitude required a large orchestrated effort of university, community, staff and volunteers,” she said. “The addition of outdoor musical instruments extends effective learning outdoors and allows the children to showcase their musical talents.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007

(Cutline and Photo by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

 The Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children's Learning Center Raffles Baskets for Playground Expansion

            Children and their families along with staff of the Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center at Shawnee State University put together 26 baskets to be raffled off on Tuesday, Dec. 11 to benefit the CLC playground expansion.
            Each basket has a different theme with everything from Spider-Man toys to scrapbooking to dog and cat baskets valued at $50 to $100 each. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.
            Standing in front of the baskets on display at the CLC are from left, Macee Eaton, Anthony Zayneh and Cooper McKenzie. Seated are Matthew Koverman, Griffin Queen, Addison Copley, Martinson Ansah, Mackenzie Koverman and Amanda Hedrick, pre-school teacher.
            For more information, call (740) 351-3252. Winners do not need to be present.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007

 

(Article and photo by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)


 

 
Omega Pi Mu Sorority sisters gather around the big box at Shawnee State University Center to collect coats for kids. Seated are left, Kelly Cottingham and right, Heather Devoe. Standing from left are Gina Cistone, Jessica Smith, Jessica Gray, Tabitha Reveal and Lea Crosby. Not pictured are Krystina Preece, Heather Selanders and Chelsee Gloyd.


 Omega Pi Mu Sorority at Shawnee State University collects ‘Coats for Kids’ for local children

(Shawnee State sorority is providing a warmer Christmas for local children in need of coats)

            The Omega Pi Mu Sorority at Shawnee State University is having a “Coats for Kids” drive for local children, collecting coats of all sizes.
            Jessica Smith came up with the idea and presented it to her sorority sisters. Smith along with Gina Cistone and Tabitha Reveal decided to make a collection box to set up in the University Center at SSU.
            Although they would like to have new coats, they will accept clean used coats in good condition.
            “We’ll leave a box at UC in front of the Student Activities office until Dec. 19,” Smith said. “We’ll give them out to local children who need coats.”
            The sorority will be going to local businesses handing out flyers asking for donations that they will use to buy coats.
            Smith is a senior who along with her studies has worked at a job. This year she has more time and is volunteering as much as possible for numerous projects.
            “This is my first year to really get involved and do as much as I can on campus,” she said. “I have a soft spot in my heart for kids. I love children and I want to do whatever I can for them. We’re also doing a care package party putting together gifts for the homeless shelter.”
            The sorority works on several projects every year including Operation Christmas Child, Adopt a Child, SSU Children’s Halloween Carnival, Habitat for Humanity and many other campus activities. Breast Cancer awareness is one of their big projects in the month of October with tables set up in the UC and participating in the Breast Cancer Seminar on Campus and the Breast Cancer Walk in Columbus.
            For more information about “Coats for Kids,” call Smith at (740) 464-8140 or e-mail at smithj16@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State welcomes Henry Bailey into the Department of Mathematics

(SSU hires Henry Bailey as senior instructor of the Department of Mathematics)  

            Henry Bailey is a new senior instructor in Shawnee State University’s Department of Mathematics.
            Bailey earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Pennsylvania State University.
            He has taught since 1993 at several universities across the United States including Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburg, Pa., Daytona Beach Community College and Valencia Community College in Florida and Cuyahoga Community College and Muskingum College in Ohio.
            “I expect from teaching at Shawnee State University the opportunity to inspire a love for mathematics,” Bailey said.
            Bailey is from North Ridgeville, Ohio, but was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)


Holly Nelson, left, follows Darryl Baynes’ instructions during an experiment with liquid nitrogen during Interactive Science Day on Monday, Dec. 3 at Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.


 

OACHE brings 700 students to Shawnee State University for Interactive Science Day


(Middle school students were excited by science during a special program for them at Shawnee State University)

            Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts was the site of Interactive Science Day on Monday, Dec. 3 with 700 students from Scioto and Pike counties learning about cryogenics and how liquid nitrogen reacts in different situations.
            Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education along with the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia and SSU sponsored a presentation by Darryl Baynes, scientist, founder and president of Minority Aviation Education Association Inc.
            MAEA has more than 70 programs, most of them classroom laboratory programs. All of the programs are centered around hands-on, inquiry-based learning and are aligned with the 2,061 bench marks and National Science Standards.
            “The main focus of all of my programs is to get as many students as I can interested and excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Baynes said.
            Baynes has an undergraduate degree in chemistry and math from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree in science and math education from Wheeling Jesuit University and will complete his doctorate in 2008 from Curtin University in Australia.
            “We’re trying to get the students interested in STEM – science, technology, electronics and math,” said Brenda Haas, executive director of OACHE. “Science is fun. Science is in everyday life. Hopefully, what they saw here today will help them think about a career in one of the STEM disciplines.”
            Baynes provided several vivid demonstrations of industrial uses of liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic techniques, calling students on stage to assist.
            In one experiment, he had eighth-grade student Holly Nelson, of Piketon Middle School, blow up a balloon and put it into liquid nitrogen. The balloon began to shrink as the nitrogen cooled the air in the balloon. When she took the balloon out of the liquid nitrogen, it reinflated.
            “What I enjoy most is the excitement in the face of the students when the light of understanding comes on as they comprehend what I am saying,” Baynes said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2007

(Photo of Lane Raiser by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)
(Photo of art is submitted photo)

 

 Shawnee State University associate art professor wins prestigious award for watercolor painting

            Lane Raiser, Shawnee State University associate professor of arts, relaxes in his office after winning the prestigious John Young-Hunter Memorial Award for works of exceptional merit at the Allied Artists of America 94th annual juried exhibition for his painting “Axis Mundi” that is on display at the National Arts Club Gallery in New York City.


(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State University’s Professor Lane Raiser receives prestigious award for his watercolor painting

(Raiser receives the John Young-Hunter Memorial Award) 

            Lane Raiser, Shawnee State University associate professor of arts, was awarded the prestigious John Young-Hunter Memorial Award for works of exceptional merit at the Allied Artists of America 94th annual juried exhibition at the historical landmark National Arts Club Gallery in New York City.
            “AXIS MUNDI,” Raiser’s watercolor painting, is on display at the gallery in New York City.
            “This is one of my paintings I started several years ago and put off until last summer when I finished it to enter several competitions,” Raiser said.
            All of Raiser’s paintings have been sold. Another of his watercolor paintings was accepted among the approximately 200 works recognized in last year’s Allied Artists open competition. Several of his other watercolor paintings also have won awards over the years.
            Raiser has taught at Shawnee State for approximately 19 years, and he hopes to instill in his students his methods and perception of art. He views art as his way of meditating and escaping the real world into a foreign one. Raiser described a blank canvas as a foreign country in which he learns to communicate with his new surroundings by detailing his paintings until he is familiar with it.
            “The way I work on my paintings is more process oriented, rather than having to hurry up and finish it because I have to find gratification in every one-inch square of it,” Raiser said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007

(Photo and Cutline by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)



 

Children decorate Christmas tree at Shawnee State University

            Micah Thacker, a student at Shawnee State University’s Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center, decides along with other CLC students where to put her ornament on the Christmas tree in the Elliot Lobby of the university’s administration building.
            Each holiday season, SSU President Rita Rice Morris invites children from the CLC to decorate the Christmas tree, for which the theme this year is “A Musical Christmas.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2007

(Cutline by Astra NG, communications specialist)

(Photo by Phyllis Noah)

Shawnee State Professor Robbie Ann Burke retires

            Professor Robbie Ann Burke retired after teaching business management and economics for 33 years at Shawnee State University. On Dec. 12, SSU faculty and friends had a retirement party as a way to thank Burke for all of her years of service at SSU.
            “I’m excited to close one chapter of my life to begin a new one,” said Burke.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2007

(Photo and Cutline by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)
 

Shawnee State University Healthcare Career Expo gives students opportunities to talk to potential employers

            Students talk to a representative from King’s Daughters Hospital about a career in the health care industry at Shawnee State University Healthcare Career Expo on Thursday, Dec. 6. Representatives from 22 different healthcare facilities were on hand to discuss future job opportunities with students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2007

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State University holds successful Healthcare Career Expo
 (SSU students met with prospective employers from throughout the region during the second annual SSU Healthcare Career Expo) 

            Shawnee State University held its second annual Healthcare Career Expo on Dec. 6 in the University Center, with a total of 22 employers from hospitals, medical centers, skilled care facilities, nursing and rehab centers and the armed forces to discuss employment plans with students.
           “By the end of the day some of these students may very well have a job with one of the employers present,” said Steve Gregory, director of Career Services.
            Employers also benefit from meeting and interviewing students during the Expo.
            “SOMC profits greatly from this Expo because the majority of nurses, radiologist and respiratory therapist who come to work at SOMC are SSU students,” said Jill Preston, nurse recruiter of SOMC.
            Students had a chance to win prizes such as an iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, food certificates, two 90-day Life Center membership and a SSU sweatshirt for returning a completed evaluation packet of the Expo.
            “The Expo has been helpful to me. The people seem very nice and interested in helping me to find a job,” said Ryan Hickman, a SSU senior majoring in physical therapy assistant.
            For more information about or upcoming Expos, contact Steve Gregory of Career Services at (740) 351-3259 or e-mail him at sgregory@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2007

 

Marc Cardinalli to provide Shawnee State with legal expertise

(Shawnee State University has hired an experienced university counsel to oversee legal affairs.)
            Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris has announced the appointment of Marc P. Cardinalli to serve as special assistant to the president for legal affairs.
            Cardinalli, who begins his new duties on January 2, comes to Shawnee State from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he served as Assistant General Counsel and Administrative Code Officer.
            “We are very fortunate to have someone of Marc’s impressive background joining my team,” said Morris. “Marc is eminently qualified to address the legal matters that arise on a university campus.”
            Along with serving UNLV, Cardinalli was assistant general counsel for the University and Community College System in Nevada where he provided legal counsel for UCCSN’s Board of Regents as well as for constituent institutions of higher education in Nevada. He also served as Deputy Attorney General in the Nevada Office of Attorney General.
            “My family and I are looking forward to becoming a part of the community in southern Ohio,” said Cardinalli. “And I’m eager to take up my duties at Shawnee State.”
            Cardinalli received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and graduated from the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific. He is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys for which he co-chaired the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution section, and is Vice Chair of the Journal of College and University Law. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2007

 

Bane Sylvia appointed director of human resources at Shawnee State

(A local executive has been hired to manage human resources at Shawnee State)
  

            Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris has announced the appointment of H. Bane Sylvia as director of human resources.
            “Bane has significant experience in human resources and is very familiar with the region,” said Morris. “He will be a tremendous asset to Shawnee State.”
            For 17 years Sylvia served as Southern Ohio Medical Center’s vice president of human resources. Among his responsibilities were employment, staff and leadership development, performance management, payroll issues, and benefits practices. Sylvia also oversaw compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and other laws related to human resources.
            As part of SOMC’s executive leadership, Sylvia helped the medical center realize a 40 percent improvement in patient satisfaction scores and reduce the employee turnover rate from 16 percent to only 3.2 percent.
            “I look forward to leading the human resources office at Shawnee State, and I’m enthusiastic about continuing to work and live in the southern Ohio,” said Sylvia.
            Previous to his work at SOMC Sylvia was director of human resources at WIL-CAR Enterprises in Portsmouth.
            Sylvia holds a BBA in management from Ohio University.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2007

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)


 

Student orientation scheduled for spring semester at Shawnee State University

(Shawnee State University plans orientation for new and transfer students) 

            Dale Taylor, director of the Student Success Center at Shawnee State University is busy planning the spring semester orientation for new and transfer students’ orientation beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall.
            “The orientation is not only for the students but also for the students’ families and significant others as well,” Taylor said. “We know it’s a family process to get a person a university degree.”
            After splitting into two groups, one for transfer students and one for new students, they all will come together in the afternoon.
            Students and their families will tour the campus with emphasis on their major courses of study. Trained student orientation leaders and staff from throughout the university will be on hand to help students adjust to different aspects of college life.
            “When students new to the university come in, that’s the most exciting time,” Taylor said. “It’s really a challenging day because students are coming to us with different skill levels and a variety of needs.”
           Before orientation begins that morning, incoming students will have the opportunity at 9:30 a.m. to take the COMPASS placement test. Students may also submit ACT or SAT scores instead of taking the COMPASS placement test.
            To register for the spring semester orientation and to take the COMPASS test, call Kim Gleim, Student Success Center representative, at (740) 351-3594 or online at www.shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2007

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State’s Department of Teacher Education hires Kevin LeMaster

(LeMaster is the new pre-professional services representative of the teacher education department at SSU) 

            Shawnee State University has hired Kevin LeMaster as the pre-professional services representative in the teacher education department.
            “The Department of Teacher Education is pleased to welcome Kevin LeMaster,” said Paul Madden, chairman of the department. “Kevin’s ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals, along with his technical skills, will enable him to effectively support our students and faculty.”
            LeMaster obtained his associate degree in micro computer technology from Southeastern Business College.
            He previously worked at Sterling Commerce as a customer service specialist, at Desco Federal Credit Union as a junior programmer, computer operator and customer service representative, and at Cingular Wireless as a customer service representative.
            “I look forward to a meaningful career and to grow professionally at SSU,” LeMaster said. “I will give back 110 percent of my effort and my technical experience that I have obtained through the years.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 26, 2007

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

Shawnee State University presents one-woman show depicting history of the ‘freedom fighter’ to honor Martin Luther King Jr. legacy
(Legendary civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer depicted in one-woman show at Shawnee State University)
 

             In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Shawnee State University will present a one-woman show “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” about the legendary “freedom fighter” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            “Hamer was a civil rights and voting rights activist during the 1960s,” said Dr. Matt Matthews, coordinator of Multicultural Student Affairs at SSU. “In 1964, during the Democratic convention, she gave her famous ‘I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired’ speech to get a delegation from the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party seated at the convention, because African Americans were not represented at the time.”
             According to reports, in 1962 Hamer was surprised to learn that African-Americans actually had a constitutional right to vote. Born the youngest of 19 children into a poor Mississippi sharecropping family in 1917, she struggled to gain the right to vote and become involved in the political process for African Americans.
             Hammer co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and her eloquence as a spokeswoman for the party brought her national attention that eventually succeeded in electing many blacks to national office in Mississippi.
             Singer-actress mZuri, who played the role of “Lucy” in the 1993 independent movie “Sankofa” and sang on cabaret stages in New York and Paris for about 10 years, will be portraying Hamer.
            She said that when she first saw an interview with Hamer on television, she embarked on a mission to spread a message and make people aware of an icon whose name many have heard but know little about.
            “Hamer sought to overcome the prejudices. One time when she went to the courthouse to vote, she ended up in jail where she was beaten by guards,” Matthews said.
            One of Hamer’s passions was to get more African Americans to vote and she was committed to grass-roots anti-poverty projects making her a central figure in the civil rights movement.
            mZuri will also have voter’s registration booth available after the play to encourage everyone to vote.
            “This is what Fannie was about, enfranchisement for all,” mZuri said. “I want as many people as possible to experience the truth and the beauty that was in this woman’s heart and soul, and make it easily possible to participate in what she fought for.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2007

 

SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO MEET, JANUARY 11, 2008

            The Shawnee State University (SSU) Board of Trustees will meet Friday, November 16th 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