FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
(740) 351-3810; FAX (740) 351-3179 E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

            The 6-piece Brooklyn-based indie pop group, Frances, will perform and talk about selections from their most recent albums at 7 p.m., Friday, March 13 in the Kahl Studio Theater at Shawnee State University Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            L Magazine named Frances one of the “Eight New York Bands You Need to Hear.” This appearance is part of a tour that will take them to this year’s prestigious South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas.
            Listen to several selections online at www.francestheband.com which also contains links to their music on iTunes, Amazon and MySpace.
The musicians use a lot of different instruments, such as the glockenspiel, kalimba, pakistani banjo and toy piano among the more traditional instruments.
            “I think you will enjoy this talented group of entertainers,” said Michael Barnhart, assistant professor of SSU’s Fine, Digital and Performing Arts.
            This concert is free and open to the public, but because of limited seating capacity, tickets are required. To obtain tickets, stop by the McKinley Box Office or call (740) 351-3600, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. This concert is provided through the generous support of the Scioto Foundation.
            For more information, contact Barnhart at mbarnhart@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2009

            Shawnee State University students help make blankets for poor children at the “Hands to Heart” event sponsored by the Office of Community Service on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the University Center. In the photo, SSU students are making blankets.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2009

            A free Life Planning Seminar is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 12, 19 and 26 at Shawnee State University in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall.
The seminar is designed to educate and better prepare you regarding issues of estate planning, Medicaid, Medicare, aging, funeral arrangements, community involvement after retirement and encore careers.
            The first seminar on March 12 is “Estate Planning for the Young and Old” with Wills, Power of Attorney, Living Wills and Health Care Power of Attorney explained by Todd Book and David Beck. Judge James Kirsch will present “The Probate Process” and Beck will present “Ways to Avoid Probate.”
            “Trusts” will be presented by Paul David Fowler, trust officer, U.S. Bank, Wealth Management. SOMC Hospice and Southern Ohio Social Work Association will provide Living Wills and Health Care Power of Attorneys at no charge.
            On Thursday, March 19, the Area Agency on Aging District 7 Inc presents “Long Term Care.” Thursday March 26, “Live Life to the Fullest” will be presented with several people including Dawn Scott Little, Bill Nelson, Fr. Jeff Queen, Barb Pratt, Vicki Daily, Gary Coovert, Vicky Abdella, Brenda Thacker, Jimmy Farmer and Ameriprise Financial Services talking about everything from funerals to having fun and keeping healthy.
            The seminar is sponsored by the law firm of Harcha, Book & Beck LLC. Door prizes will be given out the third session to eligible participants who have attended all three sessions. For more information, call Ginnie Moore at (740) 351-3281.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2009

Shawnee State University students gather to watch “Slim Hopes,” a movie by Jean Kilbourne, as part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week in the Alcove in the Clark Memorial Library.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2009

            The annual Appalachian music festival “Scioto Saturday Night” is scheduled at Shawnee State University beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 28 in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            “This concert will feature the talents of some of your favorite Appalachian musicians from right here in Scioto County,” said Michael Barnhart, assistant professor of music media.
            The concert features a string band, bluegrass, ballads and country music from local and regional musicians. Bands include the Dr. John Simon Band, Poverty String Band, Home Remedy, and an invitation to the audience to participate in a square dance. The music fest is in conjunction with the Appalachian Studies Association Conference that is convening at SSU that weekend.
            Although admission is free and open to the public, tickets must be picked up in advance at the McKinley Box Office at the VRCFA or call (740) 351-3600, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Appalachian Music Festival is funded by a gift from the Anna Margaret Daehler Stillwell Music Fund through SSU’s Development Foundation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2009

            The Women’s Center at Shawnee State University participated in the annual Go Red for Women Campaign to raise awareness that heart disease is America’s No. 1 killer of women and to raise money for the American Heart Association. This year $1,049 was donated during the campaign. In the photo on Go Red Friday, Feb. 27 people showed support by wearing red.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2009

            Shawnee State University is hosting the “Biggest Loser Contest” that began Monday, March 1, and will run until the end of the semester. Winners will be announced on Friday, May 1. Students have been divided into six equal teams.
            Participants must fill out a journal of all of their weekly accomplishments in order to be eligible for prizes. A sample of the journal is included in the sign-up packet.
            “We are really excited to start this contest and push ourselves in it,” said SSU student Angel Noland.
            Participants will also receive information about new workouts or healthy recipes each week. The information can either be e-mailed to the participants or they can pick up a hard copy.
            The event is sponsored by the SSU Student Programming Board. For more information, contact Kelly Cottingim at cottingimk@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2009

            David Cook performed at Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on Friday, Feb. 27 with more than 1,000 fans filling the main theater. Tickets were sold out within the first four hours after they went on sale earlier in the month.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009

            Known as “The Royal Family of Guitar,” three generations of the Romero family have amazed audiences around the world with their classical guitar music. The award-winning guitar quartet will perform on stage at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24 at Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            The patriarch, Celedonio Romero, was a celebrated guitarist in Spain and taught his sons Pepe, Celin and Angel to play when they were only three years old. All of his sons made their debuts in Spain by the time they were seven years old. In 1957, the family immigrated to the United States as the world’s first guitar quartet.
            Although Celedonio died in 1996, his sons and grandsons continue to perform throughout the world. All of their performances pay homage to him. The family has played with every major symphony orchestra in the United States and they have performed at the Vatican and in the White House.
            “The Romeros are truly grand masters of the guitar,” said Carl Daehler, executive director of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. “We are really privileged to have these world-renowned musicians here on our stage during their 50th anniversary year.”
            The Fine Arts Series is sponsored by The Scioto Foundation. Time Warner is media sponsor for this event. This concert is made possible by donations made to the SSU Development Foundation and Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association.
            Tickets are from $28 to $32 with discounts for seniors and students and can be purchased at the McKinley Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling (740) 351-3600 or online at www.sopaa.org or www.ticketmaster.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009

            Shawnee State University students presented “Media Exposé” as part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The presentation focused on different eating disorders that exist, what causes them and how to treat the disorders. In the photo, students watch a presentation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
(740) 351-3810; FAX (740) 351-3179 E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

            A free business-strategy course is being offered at Shawnee State University in partnership with Ohio State University on Thursday, March 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. in Room 153 Kricker Hall.
            The “Hospitality Basics: Customer-Friendly Business Strategies” includes how to create a friendly, welcoming business spirit; how to grow your return-customer rate; how to help your employees practice courteous behavior; and how to build stronger relationships in the business community.
            The course is free of charge but reservations are needed by Tuesday, March 17 as seating is limited. To make reservations, call Ginnie Moore, director, University Outreach Services at (740) 351-3274 or e-mail gmoore@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009

            On behalf of the Kingdom Builders Evangelistic Ministries Inc, David Malone donated $200 to the Michael Hairston Art Scholarship fund that will be administered through Shawnee State University’s Development Foundation.
            Gary and Marilyn Hairston established the endowed scholarship fund in honor and memory of their son. It is awarded annually to a student from Portsmouth High School that is majoring in art. David Malone presented the check on behalf of the Kingdom Builders.
            “Our congregation wanted to do something to honor the Hairston family,” Malone said. “Education is important to us. This was a way for us to help support education while also honoring the Hairstons and their commitment to our community.”

Cutline:
David Malone, right, presents a check from the Kingdom Builders Evangelistic Ministries Inc. to the Michael Hairston Art Scholarship fund established at Shawnee State University. In the photo are, from left, Mandy Hart, associate director of SSU’s Development Foundation, Gary and Marilyn Hairston, and David Malone.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
(740) 351-3810; FAX (740) 351-3179 E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

            Shawnee State University and Southern Ohio Medical Center have joined to offer a one-day course for physical therapists, PT assistants, occupational therapists and OT assistants. The course “Rehab Toolkit” is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at SOMC’s Friends Community Center in Portsmouth.
            The keynote address speaker is Dr. James G. Beegan. Physiatrist, Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders in Centerville.
Four breakout sessions are offered. If the participant registers for the full day of two courses, six continuing education units are available. Contact hours for both Ohio and Kentucky are three for physical therapy and three for occupation therapy.
            Julie A. Neal, COTA, OTR/L will be teaching “The Balance System: Assessment and Treatment.” She has treated vestibular disorders for ten years and has a certificate of competence in Vestibular Disorder Assessment and Treatment.
            Jeff Wills, with 17 years experience in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation, will be teaching “Directional Preference in Treatment of Spinal Disorders.”
            Brenda M. George Brodbeck, MS, OTR/L, is pediatric MSG coordinator for OOTA. She will be teaching “Ethics in Pediatric Practice” with the Ohio OT Code of Ethics and the PT Code of Conduct as a guide.
            Neil A. Evans, DPT, CSCS, will teach several techniques in “Joint Mobilization” and the current evidence that is shown to be effective and in which patients the techniques are appropriate.
            Participants can attend for a half day or the full day. SOMC employees cost for a half day is $39 and SSU students cost is $20. For a full day, SOMC employees cost is $49 and SSU students cost is $20. Lunch is provided for both half-day and full-day courses.
            The registration deadline is March 14. To register, call Ginnie Moore, director of University Outreach, at (740) 351-3274 or e-mail gmoore@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009

            Employees at Shawnee State University donated $12,700 to United Way collected from their annual campaign in February. In the photo, Mary Ann Miars-Peercy, executive director of United Way, accepts the donation from Mistie Spicer, assistant to the president at SSU.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009

            The Shawnee State University Theatre Department is producing “The Good Doctor” by Neil Simon at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday, April 15 through Saturday, April 18 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts Kahl Studio Theatre.
            Under the direction of John Huston, theatre professor, the Broadway hit is a composite of vignettes that Simon adapted from Anton Chekhov’s four short stories.
            In one sketch, “The Seduction,” a crafty seducer goes to work on a wedded woman, only to realize that the woman has been in command from the first overture.
            “The Drowned Man” is the classic tale of a man who offers to drown himself for three rubles. “The Governess” shows a mistress trying to trick her governess out of wages. In “The Audition” a terribly ill girl walks miles in the snow just to audition for a famous playwright. The stories are wry, the portraits affectionate, the humor infectious and the fun unending.
            The all SSU student cast will be portraying a number of characters. The cast includes Meredith Francis, Andrea Gerlach, Jean Lyons, Evan Musin, Ben Ott, Jacob Packer, Christopher Rinehart and Amy Willett,
            Tickets are available for $6 and may be purchased at the McKinley Box Office at the VRCFA, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling (740) 351-3600.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
(740) 351-3810; FAX (740) 351-3179 E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

            Allyson Klutenkamper, assistant professor of photography at Shawnee State University, has been awarded an Individual Excellence grant of $5,000 from the Ohio Arts Council.
            According to the OAC guidelines, the Individual Excellence award is “peer recognition for exceptional merit of a body of work that advances or exemplifies the discipline and the larger artistic community.”
            Not only do these awards of excellence recognize artist’s work in Ohio, it encourages artists to grow and develop in their art.
            Klutenkamper had to submit a portfolio with nine to 12 photos created in the past three years and proof of residency. An Individual Excellence Award panel then submits recommendations to the Ohio Arts Council Board and the Board makes all the final decisions.
            The panelists narrow down the applicants using a combination of criteria including creative and inventive use of the medium; innovative style; technical proficiency; and consistency of the body of work, among other considerations.
            Each year, only an average of 8 percent of the applicants are awarded grants of $5,000 or $10,000.
            “I wouldn’t have known about it if Sarah Johnson at the (Southern Ohio) Museum hadn’t recommended that I apply for it,” Klutenkamper said. “I was really excited when I got it.”
            Her plans for the money include getting a new digital camera to replace her five-year-old camera.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2009

            More than 100 interviews were conducted at Shawnee State University’s Annual Job Fair on Tuesday, March 10. A total of 52 employers and graduate schools were in attendance with 47 booths displayed and 15 employers interviewing job seekers. In the photo, students check out the different opportunities at the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center in the Frank and Janis Waller Gymnasium.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
(740) 351-3810; FAX (740) 351-3179 E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

            Jane M.G. Foster is a well-known name at Shawnee State University as her generous donations sponsor the Distinguished Lecture Series and an International Initiative Fund. But, who was she really?
            She was born Jennie Martha Guthrie Foster, Sept. 3, 1893, in Manchester, Adams County, Ohio and both her parents’ families were early settlers.
            The family traveled and lived for a time in Houston, Texas, before going to Europe where Foster attended school in London, England. When the family returned to the United States, they settled in Portsmouth. She graduated from Portsmouth High School.
            Foster was a pioneer and she left her mark not only at SSU but also at Cornell University where she was one of the first two women to graduate from Cornell Law School in 1918 near the top of her class. She was the first woman to serve as editor-in-chief of any American Law review when she was selected for the Cornell Law Quarterly. She faced discrimination and wasn’t able to practice law after finishing law school, but she was very savvy and learned to invest wisely.
            Foster worked as a legal assistant with Davies, Auerbach and Cornell in New York City until 1929 and developed an expertise in restructuring companies.
            She held stock in companies such as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording company, later called IBM. Foster lived in Brooklyn Heights, New York, and opened a private practice until the 1950s when she returned to Portsmouth to help her mother who was ill. After she returned, Foster lived in Portsmouth until she died in 1993 only one week away from her 100th birthday.
            Foster was named Cornell Law School’s first Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1977. Her name is on an addition to Myron Taylor Hall at Cornell and designates an endowed professorship as well. Her name is on a law school scholarship fund and other scholarships and philanthropic endeavors. She also established gifts in her father’s name and as a tribute to a couple she lived with when she was in undergraduate school.
            When the Jane Foster Law School Addition was dedicated at Cornell in 1988, Dean Russell Osgood said: “This is not a house built by a captain of industry or by a lion of the bar. This is a house built with the generosity of a careful, humble woman, to whom many opportunities were closed because of her sex. …”
            Besides SSU, Foster donated to numerous local institutions including churches, schools, hospitals, boy scouts, girl scouts, Portsmouth Public Library, the Southern Ohio Museum and the Scioto County Historical Society.
            Since its inception, the Jane M.G. Foster Distinguished Lecture Series has brought 46 lecturers to SSU at this time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2009

            The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program will begin summer semester at Shawnee State University. The new loan program is directly through the U.S. Department of Education.
            “We will no longer be using banks or other lending institutions,” said Charlotte Hardy, assistant director, Compliance and Student Loans, Office of Financial Aid. “All loans will go through the Department of Education.”
            Under the current program, students could have multiple lenders. Under the new program, the loan is directly from the federal government and students will have a single contact. The account information is available online anytime.
            There are several benefits from the new loan program. The interest rates for students are the same but the interest rates for parents will be lower. Fees will be less and there is an interest rebate.
            Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available. For students with financial need, no interest is charged on subsidized loans while in school at least half-time. Direct unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need and interest is charged during all periods.
            “The service will be much better,” Hardy said. “Students can choose from several repayment plans and they can switch plans if they need to anytime.”
            For more information on the direct loan program, brochures are available in the Financial Aid Office at SSU or call (740) 351-4AID (4243) or toll free (800) 959-2SSU (2778) or e-mail fin_aid@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2009

            Susan Floyd, ceramic artist and adjunct faculty at Shawnee State University, stands in front of her original art pieces at the Faculty Art Show in the Appleton Gallery at SSU’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Several faculty members have pieces exhibited in ceramics, oils, watercolors, graphite and photography. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2009

            It was a sad day for SSU fans Friday, March 13, when Shawnee State University Women’s Basketball Team lost to Hastings (Nebraska) team 69 to 77. In the photo, a room at the library was filled with fans to watch the final game.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
(740) 351-3810; FAX (740) 351-3179 E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

            A 30-foot tall, animated Shawnee State logo sits in front of a huge black building on an island surrounded by water. Above the building is the Starship SSU. One floor of the starship houses a complete interactive color lab, an art gallery with actual paintings by SSU faculty and all this is on Second Life, an interactive Internet community.
            Tom Stead, associate director of education for the Appalachian Ohio Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative, built the island along with three other islands in the same vicinity.
            In the color lab, visitors can walk through color and actually experience color changes, shading, light values, and all aspects of color theory.
“It makes learning much easier, especially for visual learners,” Stead said. “It’s a virtual classroom.”
            Every Monday, Stead and the WIRED initiative staff meet on their island in Second Life, built next to the SSU island. Members of the staff are in Athens, Columbus and Cincinnati, but with Second life, each one created an avatar and actually meet at the WIRED island.
            People from around the world can gather on Second Life to have meetings, go to school, teach or participate in numerous activities.
            Stead created four different islands, a meeting room that will seat 200 avatars (people) for conferences, an actual model of a wind turbine scaled to size with moveable parts, an aquarium, plant life, a ski slope, snowmobiles and many other objects of interest.
            To visit the island, go to Second Life and choose an avatar, then go to http://slurl.com/secondlife/wired%204/109/192/22.
            “This is Internet 2.0, a highly interactive version of the Internet,” Stead said. “This is the future.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
(740) 351-3810; FAX (740) 351-3179 E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

            The Big Read Scioto County named the winners of the Mockingbird Art Contest at Shawnee State University. Tess Midkiff, interim director of the Literacy Council of Scioto County, and DeLynn Coppoletti, executive director of the Portsmouth Area Arts Council, presented checks and ribbons to the winners on Friday, March 13. In the photo, from left, are Midkiff, first place winner of $100, Margaret Allard, of South Webster, second place winner of $50, Shaina Rieske, of Waverly, tied second place winner of $50, Krista Putnam, of Portsmouth, third place winner of $25, Jill Hamblin, of Jackson, and Coppoletti.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2009

            The Montana Repertory Theatre will be coming to Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. on April 7 to perform Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation of Lee’s class story continues to compel audiences throughout the world.
            The Montana Repertory Theatre with 15 actors brings a compelling performance to the stage as Lee’s tale unfolds in a sleepy southern town of the 1930s. A question and answer session with the cast will follow the performance.
            Established as the theatre in residence at the School of Fine Arts at The University of Montana, the Repertory Theatre has been providing play productions to audiences across the country since 1968. Past seasons have included works by Tennessee Williams, Wendy Wasserstein, Neil Simon, Arthur Miller, Eugene O'Neill, Horton Foote, Ken Ludwig and William Gibson.
            Celebrating its 50th year, “To Kill a Mockingbird” was chosen as the book to promote literacy for The Big Read Scioto County, a community-wide literacy project. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.
            The Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association authored the grant in partnership with the Literacy Council and is one of 208 organizations in the United States to receive a grant to host The Big Read project from the National Endowment for the Arts.
            Tickets for the play are from $20 to $22 with special discounts for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the McKinley Box Office, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (740) 351-3600, purchase at any Ticketmaster location or online at www.sopaa.org or www.ticketmaster.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2009

            The Shawnee State University Board of Trustees approved a proposal for a Master of Education degree during its meeting on Friday, March 13, in the Homer & Janet Selby Board Room in the Clark Memorial Library.
            The approved proposal has now been sent to the Ohio Board of Regents for its review and approval. If approved, Shawnee State University will offer its first Master of Education degree in the fall of 2010.
            “The faculty has done an outstanding job of putting together a program designed to meet the needs of teachers seeking to advance their education,” SSU President, Dr. Rita Rice Morris, said. “Teachers surveyed in the fall of 2007 indicated that they are seeking quality advanced education closer to home, so they can take advantage of classroom and peer dynamics. We will be using a hybrid model with on campus and online courses to make the program convenient for working educators.”
            During the meeting, the Board of Trustees also approved the reorganization of the SSU Athletics Department to maximize personnel. The new organization combines the positions of athletic director and head men’s basketball coach, creates one full-time position to support academic success of student athletes, and combines several part-time coaching and administrative functions into one full-time position.
            “We believe this results in a stronger athletic department with a focus on academic and competitive success of our student athletes,” Morris said.
During the meeting, the board also passed a 3 percent increase in room rates and a 4.5 percent increase in board fees for the 2009-2010 academic year to keep up with inflation and increases in food costs.
            The board also discussed SSU’s plans to participate in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Education beginning this fall. Through this program, SSU will serve as a single point of processing, contact, and service for current and future SSU students applying for loans.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2009

            Shawnee State University students cheer on the women’s basketball team in their first round of the National Tournament in Iowa at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, in the Flohr Lecture Hall in the Clark Memorial Library. The SSU women’s team won 74-58. In the photo are SSU students, left to right, Ian Nixson, Justin Patrick, Matt Skaggs, Andrew Sowkulech and Sean Jordan, cheering on the women’s basketball team.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
(740) 351-3810; FAX (740) 351-3179 E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

            Shawnee State University’s Clyde W. Clark Planetarium in conjunction with the Ohio Valley Astronomical Society, is celebrating the International Year of Astronomy commemorating the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s use of a telescope and Johannes Kepler’s publication of Astronomia Nova. To celebrate this monumental occasion, SSU is offering space science activities free for the community.
            Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. on April 4 on the campus of Shawnee State University. OVAS will bring astronomers from the surrounding counties together with telescopes to view both the sun and deep sky objects as weather permits. Activities for both adults and children include but are not limited to interactive computer simulations, solar viewing, deep-sky and planetary viewing, planetarium shows, lectures on a variety of topics, and hands-on construction projects including take-home star maps and planispheres.
            Pizza and pop will be served at 6 p.m. during indoor activities and refreshments will be served throughout the event. Take-home materials will be provided throughout the day from the various activity centers. Activities will last until 9 p.m. or later depending on viewing conditions and telescope operator availability.
            Planetarium shows for the festivities include “Amazing Astronomers of Antiquity,” a look at ancient astronomers and their impacts on the development of space science, “Black Holes,” an examination of current understandings of these mysterious dark masses, and “Hubble Vision II,” a view of the amazing science that our most prized orbiting observatory has put out over the past two decades. Shorter shows will also augment the evening for lively entertainment purposes.
            Shawnee State University’s Clark Planetarium is the first in the United States equipped with the digital MediaGlobe II system. Far more sophisticated than the “white dots on the ceiling” presentations of old, the Clark Planetarium provides interactive tours through the cosmos with the latest three-dimensional planetary and star textures. Along with programming enjoyed by individuals of all ages, the planetarium offers special shows and activities for elementary school students that illustrate the majesty and beauty of science and inspire young people to pursue higher education, particularly in the STEM fields. For more information, visit http://ssucet.org/planetarium/.
            For more information, contact Arthur Bogard, event coordinator and senior operator, at (740) 351-3147 or e-mail arthur.bogard@gmail.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2009

           Nearly 200 fifth- to 12th-grade students from Adams, Lawrence, Pike and Scioto counties will converge on the SSU campus for Shawnee District 14 Science Day, one of 16 district science competitions sponsored by the Ohio Academy of Science.
            Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at Shawnee State University, Science Day is the qualifying competition for students wanting to compete at the state level. Fifth- and sixth-grade students are limited to the best five or six projects from each participating district.
            “Science Day gives students an opportunity to learn about science in a hands-on approach by researching hypothesis, experimenting, collecting data and presenting the results of their work,” said Dr. Jeff Bauer, professor of geology, interim assistant provost at SSU, and judging chair for Science Day. “Today’s sweeping changes in education will require students to complete a rigorous curriculum in math and science, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and carry out project-based assignments. Academic competitions like District and State Science Day can help students achieve these skills.”
            Team research projects are allowed for the projects but they are limited to three students. All team members must belong to the same school and same grade brackets, fifth to sixth, seventh to eighth and ninth to 12th.
            To qualify, projects must have been judged at least one time previously at a local or county science fair or other forum, and received a superior or equivalent rating for Shawnee District 14 Science Day.
            “Last year, 32 students from District 14 competed at State Science Day earning 15 special awards of cash prizes and college scholarships totaling more than $94,000,” said Judy Meeker, project director of STEM Academy, University Outreach at SSU and co-director of Science Day.
The science projects will be judged until noon and an awards ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. at the Flohr Lecture Hall in Clark Memorial Library. Public viewing of the projects is from noon to 2:30 p.m. Registration for State Science Day will immediately follow the awards ceremony.
            “District 14 Science Day would not be possible without the help of about 80 volunteers who annually give their time to judge projects or help in other capacities,” Meeker said.
            Area industries such as the United States Enrichment Corporation and Dow Chemical Company assist with financial contributions to help with student awards and pay the State Science Day registration fee for qualifying students.
            For more information, contact Judy Meeker at (740) 351-3411 or e-mail jmeeker@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2009

            Student projects on such topics as health, business, information technologies, engineering technologies, teacher education and criminal science will be on display at the annual 2009 Ohio South College Tech Prep Showcase competition from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 3 at the Friends Center of Southern Ohio Medical Center.
            Tech Prep is a combined secondary and post-secondary program that provides students with an easy transition from high school to college.
Students work in teams or individually to develop projects related to their Tech Prep high school programs.
            “We have business and industry professionals from the community judging as well as our university partners,” said Angela Walker, SSU project director for the Ohio Tech Prep Consortium in University Outreach Services. “It’s going to be really big this year.”
            This year’s showcase will include a networking fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The aim of the networking fair is to connect students and teachers with those in business and industry so they may dialogue concerning the employment needs of our region.
            “We also want to make students aware of programs, opportunities for scholarships, internships, employment and more,” Walker said.
            SSU will have engineering technologies, nursing, education, business and information systems, and the WIRED initiative. Ohio University Southern will have equine studies, human services and a general information table. SOMC Health Careers, Portsmouth Inner City Development Corporation and the Portsmouth Police Department will be set up.
            The judges will rate the student projects as superior, excellent or good and medals and certificates will be given out to participants at an awards ceremony closing the showcase.
            Tech Prep prepares students for high demand technical careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, educators and medical professions that are key to Ohio’s economic development.
            Tech Prep provides a hands-on, real world approach to teaching and learning that includes team work, worksite experiences, critical thinking and problem solving.
            The Tech Prep Showcase competition provides a place where students can show their knowledge and skills with the projects they build.
            For more information, call Angela Walker at (740) 351-3370 or e-mail awalker@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2009

            Shawnee State University’s Clyde W. Clark Planetarium in conjunction with the Ohio Valley Astronomical Society, is celebrating the International Year of Astronomy commemorating the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s use of a telescope and Johannes Kepler’s publication of Astronomia Nova. To celebrate this monumental occasion, SSU is offering space science activities free for the community.
            Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. on April 4 on the campus of Shawnee State University. OVAS will bring astronomers from the surrounding counties together with telescopes to view both the sun and deep sky objects as weather permits. Activities for both adults and children include but are not limited to interactive computer simulations, solar viewing, deep-sky and planetary viewing, planetarium shows, lectures on a variety of topics, and hands-on construction projects including take-home star maps and planispheres.
            Pizza and pop will be served at 6 p.m. during indoor activities and refreshments will be served throughout the event. Take-home materials will be provided throughout the day from the various activity centers. Activities will last until 9 p.m. or later depending on viewing conditions and telescope operator availability.
            Planetarium shows for the festivities include “Amazing Astronomers of Antiquity,” a look at ancient astronomers and their impacts on the development of space science, “Black Holes,” an examination of current understandings of these mysterious dark masses, and “Hubble Vision II,” a view of the amazing science that our most prized orbiting observatory has put out over the past two decades. Shorter shows will also augment the evening for lively entertainment purposes.
            Shawnee State University’s Clark Planetarium is the first in the United States equipped with the digital MediaGlobe II system. Far more sophisticated than the “white dots on the ceiling” presentations of old, the Clark Planetarium provides interactive tours through the cosmos with the latest three-dimensional planetary and star textures. Along with programming enjoyed by individuals of all ages, the planetarium offers special shows and activities for elementary school students that illustrate the majesty and beauty of science and inspire young people to pursue higher education, particularly in the STEM fields. For more information, visit http://ssucet.org/planetarium/.
            The Ohio Valley Astronomical Society is seeking energetic individuals to become new members. The only requirement is a love for the wonders of creation. No expensive equipment or extensive astronomical background is needed to become a member. Check out membership pages for more information and to join at http://www.ovas.org/
            For more information on Astronomy Day, contact Arthur Bogard, event coordinator and senior operator, at (740) 351-3147 or e-mail arthur.bogard@gmail.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2009

            Shawnee State University’s Plastic Engineering Technology program has scheduled Plastics Day beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 10 in the Advanced Technology Center on campus.
            The day includes a campus tour, parent and student interactive workshops, academic and scientific presentations and lunch. The day is geared to introduce SSU’s Plastic Engineering Technology program with hands-on experience for participants.
            Sessions include plastics part design technology using computers to make the design work easier. Students will be able to operate an Instron tensile testing machine, run melt flow tests and operate injection molding, rotational molding and extrusion machines.
            Recent graduates will be on hand to talk about their experiences. The employment opportunities are working as a process engineer, project engineer, research engineer, technical sales engineer, design engineer, manufacturing engineer and quality engineer.
            “Plastics Day is a good opportunity for a prospective college student to see what the entire four years of Shawnee’s plastics program is like and get to hear from and ask questions of prior students of the program,” said Dr. Larry Miller, associate professor.
            Classes include basic processing, advanced processing, material science, statistics, part and mold design, undergraduate research, and foundation courses in math, chemistry and physics, plus broad diversification through SSU’s general education program.
            Reservations are due by March 27 but may be made up to April 8 as space permits. To reserve a space, call (740) 351-4778 or (800) 959-2778 or e-mail To_SSU@shawnee.edu. To register online, go to www.shawnee.edu/off/adms/plasticsday.html.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

Shawnee State’s Office of Career Services offers several workshops and from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 in the Baxter Lounge at the University Center, students have an opportunity to learn several techniques to help prepare for the business world.

First, a reception and mingling session in conjunction with registration will teach students the appropriate way to network. Following the reception, a dinner program, “Dine for Success,” will teach students proper etiquette while dining. It is part of the Wednesday Workshop Series.

Learn rules for proper dining etiquette, whether it is American or European style dining and the proper etiquette while dining with prospective employers, business associates and customers. Students are required to be dressed in professional business attire.

Learn these skills while dining on a full seven-course meal. R.S.V.P. is required by contacting the Office of Career Services at (740) 351-3213 by Monday, March 23. Registration is free, but space is limited.  
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

Shawnee State University students are joining Scioto County Habitat for Humanity Youth in “Act! Speak! Build!” week on Monday, March 30 and Wednesday, April 1 and Friday, April 3. This year’s theme is “Make Housing a Matter of Action.”

“Act! Speak! Build!” week is Habitat’s international, student-initiated week of advocacy. It empowers young people to educate themselves and their communities and move people to social action. People will be signing a petition asking President Obama to make affordable housing a priority at each event.

“The week was initiated in 2002 by the Campus Chapters Advisory Board, a group of student leaders from across the country involved with Habitat,” said Kelly Hatas, service leader for AmeriCorps VISTA/Ohio Campus Compact. “About one-third of the U.S. population, that is 95 million Americans, face housing problems and we want to make safe, decent and affordable housing possible for everyone.”

On Monday, March 30, volunteers will be plastering the campus with poverty housing statistics. On Wednesday, April 1, a Poverty Housing Candlelight Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. in the Scioto County Courthouse lobby at 602 Seventh St.

On Friday, April 3, a photo exhibit, “Remains and Ruins” by SSU student Amy Smith, will be on display from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Phantom Art Gallery on the corner of Second and Court streets across from Ye Olde Lantern and Ghosts in the Attic. A silent auction will follow the art show.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

Shawnee State University students get a head start on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the “A Little Touch of Irish” event on Monday, March 16, in the University Center. Free food and beverages were provided. The SSU Student Programming Board sponsored the event. In the photo, SSU students are making necklaces and bracelets at the “A Little Touch of Irish” event.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

Shawnee State University students signed a pledge to make a difference at “Pledge to Make a Change” on Wednesday, March 11, in the University Center. More than 30 students pledged to make a difference by performing small community services, such as making someone smile, being a listening ear and much more. Students were given handouts about community service opportunities. In the photo, SSU students are signing up to make a difference.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

Shawnee State University students, faculty, staff, Golden Bears and the women’s basketball team celebrated the end of the women’s basketball season on Monday, March 16, in the Waller Gymnasium. In the photo, the women’s basketball team, coaches, supporters, the Golden Bears and Shawn E. Bear gather for a picture.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

Harlequin Super Romance novelist and Shawnee State University alumnae Kay Stockham was signing her latest novel “Her Best Friend’s Brother” at the Shawnee State Bookstore on Thursday, March 19. Stockham is the author of eight books in the Harlequin Super Romance line. It is the third book in her “Tulanes of Tennessee” series. In the photo, Stockham signs a book for Teresa Bare.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

American Electric Power Company Community Affairs Manager, Jon P. Buck, left, presented Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris with a donation on Friday, March 20.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2009

The three-session Life Planning Seminar at Shawnee State University has been well attended with about nearly 100 participants the first seminar on Thursday March 12 and about 75 on Thursday, March 19. The second session topic was “Long Term Care” with presentations from Suzanne Shelpman, Kaye Inoshita, Debbie Danner-Gulley, Margaret Selby, Kathy Miller, Nina Keller and Kevin Murphy. The MC for the evening was David Beck of Harcha, Book and Beck LLC, co-sponsors of the seminars with Shawnee State University. Genworth Financial was also a sponsor for the second session. The third session will be “Live Life to the Fullest” on Thursday, March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall at SSU’s University Center. In the photo, Megan Felts, right, of Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, talks to Mary Martha and Bill Questel, of Portsmouth.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2009

Shawnee State University student nurses offered free health screenings in the new Mobile Health Unit on Monday, March 23 at the Nile Township Community Center. In the photo, from left front, are Raeanne Bays, Raynella Bailey, Jill Jenkins, Jessica Lenegar, Lilah Higginbotham and Tabitha Smith. In back, from left, are Jordan Wesney, Shanna Sparks and Michael Fuller.