KSC Welcomes Parents, Families This Weekend

Keene State College will host its annual festivities for students’ parents and other family members Friday-Sunday, Oct. 18-20. Highlights of Parent-Family Weekend 2002 include the annual Fall Honors Convocation, a performance by the KSC Concert Band, and various athletic and cultural events.

For more information, call the Student Center Activities Office at 2663. Events open to the public include:

Friday, October 16
• 8 p.m. The Importance of Being Earnest. A student theatrical production. Main Theatre, Redfern Arts Center. Tickets $5/$7. Call the box office at 2168.

Saturday, October 19
• 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Parents Brunch at the Dining Commons. Reservations are required.
• 1 p.m. Men’s soccer vs. Rhode Island College, Owl Athletic Complex, Krif Road, off Winchester Street. Tickets available at the gate.
• 1:30 p.m. Women’s field hockey vs. Worcester State, Owl Athletic Complex.
• 8 p.m. The Importance of Being Earnest.

Sunday, October 20
• 1 p.m. Fall Honors Convocation, Spaulding Gym. Honored are Dean’s List students, the 2002 Distinguished Teacher, Parent of the Year, the 2002 Community Service Award recipient, and Granite State Award recipients.
The KSC Concert Band begins playing at 12:20 p.m. Free.

Children’s Literature Festival Back for 26th Year

A Caldecott Medal-winner and a storyteller of Abenaki descent are two of the featured speakers at the 26th annual Children’s Literature Festival, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, in the Mabel Brown Room. This year’s festival again features some of the top authors and illustrators in the field of children’s literature as well as a book sale, the sale of original art, a gallery of illustrations, and a reception.

Begun in 1978, the day-long festival has grown from a small, regional conference to an annual gathering of more than 700 authors, illustrators, teachers, librarians, and other children’s literature enthusiasts from the United States and Canada. The festival is organized by David White, professor of education.

Festival speakers include Joseph Bruchac, an Abenaki author and storyteller of several books including the Keepers of the Earth series and A Boy Called Slow: The True Story of Sitting Bull; David Diaz, Caldecott Medal-illustrator of such books as Smoky Night and The Inner City Mother Goose; Jack Gantos, who created the Newbery Honor-winning Joey Pigza series of books about a boy labeled ADHD; James Ransome, the award-winning illustrator of Uncle Jed’s Barbershop and The Creation; and Chris Soentpiet, the illustrator of Molly Bannaky, Collies, and The Last Dragon.

In addition to the presentations, festival participants will be able to see many new additions to the Festival Gallery Collection displayed in Rhodes Hall. Again this year, a variety of festival-related items such as posters and T-shirts will be offered for sale. Proceeds will be used to obtain other work for the collection.

The registration deadline for the festival is Friday, Oct. 18. After that date, people interested in attending should call 2302 to see if seats remain. The cost is $56, or $28 for full-time college students who submit copies of their college IDs with registration materials. An optional lunch is available for $7.50.

For more information, visit the festival web site at www.keene.edu/clf.

Campus Community Invited to Honor Ann Britt Waling

From Julie Dickson, President’s Office: Dr. Y cordially invites all members of the campus community to a ceremony honoring the former dean of professional and graduate studies, Dr. Ann Britt Waling. The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. in the Rhodes Hall atrium on Friday, October 18. A reception will follow.

In addition to recognizing Ann, Dr. Y will acknowledge two gifts, both given to the College by Ann’s family, friends, and colleagues in honor of her contributions to Keene State and the community. The first is a special collection of art in the Children’s Literature Festival Gallery Collection, with pieces selected to honor Dr. Waling’s love of children, the beach, and the Plymouth, Mass., area. The second is an award for outstanding achievement in the field of women’s studies. If you would like to attend, contact Patty Massey at 2610.

Center for Writing to Host Open House

From Phyllis Benay, Center for Writing: The new and improved Center for Writing will host an open house for faculty and staff members tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This is not only an opportunity to see the renovations to 81 Blake Street, but also to:

• meet the Center’s talented tutoring staff, who work with 1,300 students each academic year;
• discuss how faculty might make further use of our services;
• review our handouts and resources;
• talk with members of the Task Force on Writing;
• pick up your faculty copy of the revised Guide to Writing.

Light, traditional fall refreshments will be offered.

Be sure to put this date on your calendar and find your way to the Center for Writing, which is located behind the Student Center, next to the Math Department. For more information, call Phyllis at 2398.

Sidore Lecture Set for October 17

Learning from teachers who continue to teach with enthusiasm and heart can be enlightening for teachers, school administrators, teacher educators, policymakers, and the public at large, says Sonia Nieto, professor of language, literacy and culture in the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Nieto, this semester’s Sidore lecturer, will address “What Keeps Teachers Going in Spite of Everything?” on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mabel Brown Room.

Alumnus to Present on U.S. Foreign Policy

Donald Johnson ’53, professor emeritus at New York University, will address “Background to September 11 and Our Present Options” on Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Mountain View Room of the Student Center.

At NYU, Dr. Johnson taught courses on Asian Studies, World History, and Comparative Culture, chaired the Asian Studies department, and, for 20 years, conducted an on-site graduate program featuring summer study in India, China, and Japan. He has written several books including Multi-Culturalism: In the Curriculum, in the Disciplines and in the Society and numerous articles about Asian issues.

His visit is sponsored by journalism faculty members at KSC and the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Library Windows to Be Replaced

Contractors will be replacing windows in Mason Library over the next three weeks, as part of Phase II of the library construction project. According to Irene Herold, library director, visitors to the library may experience construction noise and cooler temperatures during this time. Installation of the windows begins tomorrow and continues through November 8.

Volunteers Needed for Basket Drive

Since 1986, Keene State employees and students have made the holidays happier for hundreds of families by donating time, money, and food items to the Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive. Because of our commitment and success, we have been earmarked for the last eight years to provide baskets to local families with young children. Organizers are hoping to help more families than ever before! Certainly, the need is greater than ever.

If you are interested in being part of the team, please contact Kerry Atherton at katherton@keene.edu or Kim Harkness at kharknes@keene.edu.

Talks Will Address U.S. Since 9/11

Keene State community members are invited to attend the first of two panel discussions about “America Since 9/11,” tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 17. The discussion, which will be held 8-10 p.m. in the Night Owl Café in the Student Center, addresses “International Issues: Globalization, the Oil Factor, and West vs. East.”

On Thursday, Nov. 21, a panel will talk about “America as Seen from the Outside: The European View, the View from the Islamic Countries and the Developing World.”

The discussions are sponsored by the KSC Ministry and the Honors Council.

What's in that Stuff?

Josh Schroeder (left), a safety studies major, and Tim Allen, professor of geology/environmental studies, prepare a sample of diesel emissions for analysis in the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in the Science Center. This sample and others were collected from the World Trade Center construction site by Josh, two fellow safety studies students, and Melinda Treadwell, assistant professor of technology, design and safety. The samples were being tested for elements which may be harmful to construction workers, as part of a research project Melinda and her students are working on for the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management.

Beware of Ghouls (etc.) Along Appian Way

From Gwen Mitchell, Wheelock School: The children and staff of Wheelock School invite Keene State campus community members to support their annual Halloween costume parade on Thursday, Oct. 31. The parade, which begins at 12:45 p.m., will move along Appian Way to the Student Center and then to the Dining Commons.

Author Addresses Learning Differences

Jonathan Mooney, an author and founder of a program that matches college students as role models for elementary children with learning differences, will address “Learning Outside the Lines: Survival Strategies for Students with Learning Differences/ADHD” on Tuesday, Oct. 22. He will make two presentations for campus community members at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Alumni Recital Hall and a public presentation at 7 p.m. in the Mabel Brown Room of the Student Center.

Mooney’s presentation is part of the Diverse Voices from the Field lecture series, which brings speakers who represent diversity to the classroom to KSC.

KSC Online: Site of the Week

• Counseling Center
Do you ever feel concerned for a student’s mental well- being? Find out what you can do to help by visiting the Counseling Center’s Guide for Faculty and Staff at www.keene.edu/counseling/refer.cfm.

President's Column: Parent and Family Weekend

The activities surrounding Parent and Family weekend celebrate and affirm our core institutional values. The Honors Convocation is one of my favorite academic ceremonies because it speaks so directly to the ideas and activities shaping our identity as an academic community. During Sunday’s convocation ceremony, we will honor:

• Students who have achieved academically; • Parents and family members who play such an important role in guiding and supporting students;
• Faculty who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to teaching and learning; and
• Members of the campus and greater Monadnock Region, whose community service remind us that with the privilege of education comes a responsibility to give back to our communities.

I am grateful that we take time out of our busy academic calendar to make these acknowledgments and to remember why we do the work we do.

There was another kind of opportunity for reflection last week at the memorial for Eric Michael. There is nothing more difficult for educators than the loss of a student. We are thrilled when we observe students transformed by their experiences on campus and devastated when, for whatever reason, we are unable to help a student to reach his or her potential. We share a sense of loss, not only for Eric, but for the loss of his future. The service for Eric reminded me of the important role that we each play in supporting our students and one another. While it was painful to speak with Eric’s parents, that experience was also a reminder – of the importance of parents and families in the lives of our students.

I look forward to welcoming parents to campus this weekend. Meeting them keeps me grounded in my work and clear about my priorities – supporting KSC students and their families in accessing the tremendous resources offered by public higher education.

Honors Bestowed at Sunday Convocation

Keene State’s distinguished teacher for the year 2002, the parent of the year, two Granite State award winners, and the new community service award winner all will be honored at KSC’s Fall Honors Convocation, on Sunday, Oct. 20. The annual event, a highlight of Parent and Family Weekend, also honors dean’s list students and features a concert by the KSC Concert Band. The concert begins at 12:20 p.m. in Spaulding Gymnasium, with the honors ceremony beginning at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The winner of the Distinguished Teacher Award is Dr. Ockle Johnson, professor of mathematics at KSC. Granite State Awards will be presented to Wendy Dwyer of Dublin and the Friends of the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery at Keene State. Receiving the Parent of the Year citation will be Monetta Shea of Chichester, N.H. The new KSC Community Service Award will be presented to Dr. Thomas Duston, associate professor of economics.

Multicultural Lunch Series Continues

The Multicultural Luncheon Seminar series continues tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 17, with an address by Abdu Diallo of Mali about “Development in Africa.” The talk will be held 12:30-1:30 p.m. in room 309 of the Student Center. Dr. Diallo is an associate professor at the School of International Training in the Program in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management. His recent projects include researching civil society capacity in Benin, training program officers at the Trace Foundation, and co-authoring a manual for CARE. He will draw from his experience managing projects in education, in rural development, and in cooperative and NGO capacities to discuss issues surrounding development in Africa.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Margaret Langford, professor of modern languages, will speak about “Invisibility/Visibility: Franco-Americans and Rèmi Tremblay’s One Came Back,” noon-1 p.m., in room 309 of the Student Center.

First published in French in 1884 and recently translated in English by Margaret, Tremblay’s Civil War novel reveals the “invisible” Franco-Americans’ trials, tribulations, and vital contributions to the fabric of U.S. history. Tremblay lived a life of two cultures and languages. He was a soldier in the 14th U.S. Regular Infantry at age 16 and later became an author, journalist, and poet, working on both sides of the U.S./Canadian border.

Ice Cream Says Thanks (and It’s Not Too Late)

From the KSC United Way committee: Thank you to all who have contributed to this year’s campaign to make life a little better - and sometimes a lot better - for our neighbors in Keene and the greater Monadnock area. Even though this year’s theme is “There’s no place like home,” we decided that instead of having us tour campus in our Scarecrow and Tin Man costumes to encourage giving, you’d rather join us for ice cream sundaes as a way to thank those who gave and those who haven’t yet turned in their pledge cards. So please, one and all, come for free ice cream - and door prizes! - tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2-3 p.m., in the Elliot Hall atrium.

Last week the campaign collected $3,124, bringing us about halfway to the goal of $25,000 but leaving us at less than 20 percent participation. The latest raffle winners include Pauline Dionne (coffee and a bagel from the Bean and Bagel), Jayne Washer (two tickets to the Putnam Theatre), Dorothy Cleveland (a cheesecake from Sodexho), and Kim Harkness (a fitness evaluation at the new Rec Center). If you make a pledge or contribution this week (remember that even a small donation brings up our participation rate) you’ll be eligible for the last round of prizes, including a free one-month BodyWorks membership. The campaign ends Oct. 21.

Arts Center Presents Dickens’s David Copperfield

From Bill Menezes, Redfern Arts Center: The award-winning Weston Playhouse Theatre Company will bring a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield to Keene State’s Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond, Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., with a special school performance on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 9:30 a.m.

This critically acclaimed stage version by Giles Havergal brings to life many of Dickens’s most unforgettable characters, the jovial Mr. Micawber, the loyal Peggotty, the innocent Dora, and the unctuous Uriah Heep, while capturing the wonder and terror of the world as seen through the eyes of the young orphan, David. David Copperfield is a shining example of Dickens’s skill as a storyteller and an entertainment event for the entire family.

The production is being co-presented by the Redfern Arts Center and Keene’s Colonial Theater. Tickets are $24 and $20 for the general public, $22 and $18 for seniors and KSC faculty and staff, $12 and $7 for youth 17 and younger, and $5 for KSC students with ID. Please note that the October 31 school performance is sold out. Call the box office at 2168.

David Copperfield is a theatrical tour de force in the style of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s legendary production of Dickens’s Nicholas Nickleby. Six actors play multiple roles, transforming the stage from a remote seaside village to a busy London street through the power of storytelling and the collective imagination.

Music Dept. Organizes Harvest Moon Swing

Don Baldini, artist-in-residence, will conduct a 17-piece jazz orchestra of some of New England’s finest musicians on November 1 in support of the KSC music scholarship fund.

The event, which will be held at 8 p.m. in the Mabel Brown Room of the Student Center, is being organized by the music department. To reserve tickets, contact Pat Hitchner at 2177 or phitchne@keene.edu.

Campus Calendar

Wednesday, October 16
(to 12/8). Exhibition: “Biennial Regional Juror’s Choice” competition. Thorne Gallery.
1-3:30 p.m. KSC Surplus Store open every Wed. 322 Winchester Street.
7 p.m. (to 10/17). Film: Road to Perdition. Putnam, Redfern Arts Center.
(to 10/19). 8 p.m. KSC Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest. Main Theatre, Redfern Arts Center.

Thursday, October 17
11 a.m-2 p.m. Writing Center open house. 81 Blake Street.
12:30-1:30 p.m. Multicultural Luncheon Seminar with Abdu Diallo. Room 309, Student Center.
7:30 p.m. Sidore lecture with Dr. Sonia Nieto. Mabel Brown Room, Student Center.
8 p.m. “America Since 9/11.” Night Owl Café, Student Center.

Friday, October 18
(to 10/20). Parent/Family Weekend. See page 1 for details.
4 p.m. Ceremony to honor Dr. Ann Britt Waling. Rhodes Hall.
7 p.m. (to 10/24; also 9:20 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun.). Film: Pumpkin. Putnam.

Send in Your News

Campus News is published every Wednesday during the academic year and every other Wednesday during the summer. Send news or items for Professional Activities by e-mail to campusnews@keene.edu or by mail to Campus News, College Relations Office, Mailstop 1502. No phone submissions, please. The editor is Dave Orsman. The deadline is at noon on the Friday prior to publication. We reserve the right to edit. Due to space limitations, not all items can be published in Campus News.