The Harbinger
April 28, 2008
Celebration of Excellence continues, Honors Convocation Monday, April 28, 2008
The week surrounding the April 28th Honors Convocation is an ongoing festival, recognizing outstanding achievement in Hiram’s students. The Celebration of Excellence incorporates numerous departmental awards and recognitions, and is crowned by the Honors Convocation Monday evening, April 28th.
Here’s what is on the Celebration of Excellence agenda, at a glance.
Wednesday April 23
4 p.m. Phi Alpha Theta induction ceremony, National History Honor Society
Pendleton House
4:15 p.m. Chemistry Department, presentation of award certificates
Coleman Room
Thursday, April 24
5 p.m. Education Department picnic
Jessie Smith House
Sunday, April 27
6 p.m. Senior Athletic banquet
Dix Dining
Monday, April 28
12 p.m. Biology awards and picnic
Martin Common
4 p.m. Psi Chi Award
Alumni Heritage Room
Political Science
Pritchard Room
4:15 p.m. Economics, Management, Accounting & Financial Management honors awards
Hinsdale first floor South Tower
Environmental Studies
Coleman Room
5:30 p.m. Alpha Society dinner (by reservation only)
Dix Dining Hall
6:30 p.m. Alpha Society awards convocation
Hayden Auditorium
7:30 p.m. Campus dessert and reception
Martin Common (Kennedy Center Student Lounge rain location)
8 p.m. Music Department Spring Honors Recital
Hayden Auditorium
Excellence in Leadership & Involvement awards
Martin Common (Pritchard Room rain location)
Wednesday, April 30
12 p.m. Department of Religious Studies pizza luncheon
Elmer Jagow Room, Kennedy Center
4 p.m. English Department awards
Bonney Castle
5 p.m. Economics, Management, Accounting, and Financial Management annual picnic for all majors
Earl Kissel Farm
Thursday, May 1
5 p.m. Computer Science BBQ and awards
Colton lawn
Monday, May 5
4 p.m. Biomedical Humanities senior sendoff
Mahan House
Tuesday, May 6
5 p.m. Mathematics Department awards and picnic
Hiram Inn
Also, look to the Web for updates on award recipients after the Honors Convocation (most recipients are being kept in confidence until the program) at http://www.hiram.edu/noteworthy/08honorsconvo.html.
MAIS 2008 candidates present their Capstones
In a powerful, exciting, and rewarding day, the 2008 MAIS candidates, slated to graduate on May 10, presented their Capstone Projects – the culmination of their years of graduate work in Hiram’s Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies program - to a packed house in Gelbke Fine Arts Center on Saturday, April 26. Family, friends, students, professors, and prospective MAIS students listened to five fascinating presentations, were treated to lunch, then listened to the remaining two presentations before everyone celebrated at a reception in the Art Gallery.
Jane Preston Rose, Dean of the Weekend College and Office of Graduate Studies, welcomed the crowd, and Janet Pope, Ph.D., Director of Graduate Studies and associate professor of history, introduced each student and his or her Capstone. One of the hallmarks of the MAIS program is the amazing variability students have in what they choose to study, and Saturday’s presentations illustrated this beautifully.
Scott Eastep, B.S., Miami University
Advisor: Jonathan Moody, Ph.D., professor of religious studies
“The Machinery of the Gods: Mechanisms of Religious Propagation”
Summary: Eastep examined religions and how they are born, grow, and survive, from a psychological/sociological and religious perspective. Eastep’s Capstone examined “memes” – small, self-replicating pieces of information, thoughts, concepts, and philosophies – related to religion. He noted that memes let humans make the jump from genetic relatedness (genetic relatives) to cultural relatedness, critical to religion. In the development, maintenance, and growth of religion, this use of memes to maintain and incorporate members into the faiths is very powerful, ensuring that the religions as entities survive and expand.
Howard Fencl, B.A., Denison University
Advisor: Mary Quade, M.F.A., assistant professor of English
“Vanishing Act: The Mobile Phone and the Sudden Disappearance of Space, Time and Decorum”
Summary: Fencl examined, from a sociological and literary journalism perspective, how the use of mobile phones has had positive and negative impacts on society. Fencl examined how the growing use and integration of mobile phones into our culture affects our interactions with others – and how we view ourselves. He discussed the phenomenon of “absent presence” when one is physically present, but due to use of the mobile phone, has nonetheless effectively removed him or herself, creating a relationship imbalance. He pointed out that while this is a challenge, it’s not all bad, and cites profound “citizen journalism” occurring now because of cameras and video capabilities in mobile phones. Regardless, there is no clear social protocol, and this results in what sociologists call “social lag,” Fencl explained.
Wilhelmena Holmes, B.S., Savannah State University
Advisor: Vivien Sandlund, Ph.D., associate professor of history
“Profile of an Imagemaker: Ezra Jack Keats – Exploring the Power of Images in Picture Books”
Summary: Holmes examined the illustrated children’s book, The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats, from a historical and children’s literature perspective. The book is aimed at children younger than five or six, and depicts with bright colors a black child’s experience on a snowy day. Holmes explained that The Snowy Day was written in 1961 – a historical period of flux in social racial views of the 1950s and those vastly different ones of the 1960s – and many adults have historically viewed the book as racist. However, young children of all races have been consistently enamored by the book, because they can relate to and enjoy the story. They don’t see it as a story about a black child, but just a story about a child. Period. Holmes’ credits this with Keats' having written the book to portray any “all-American” child, reflecting the vision of the 1950s civil rights movements – one of hope.
Andrea Karcic, B.F.A., Kent State University
Advisors: Jennifer Miller, Ph.D., assistant professor of education
Chris Ryan, M.F.A., assistant professor of art
“Children as Witness to Bullying: Can Art-Making Raise Empathy in the Classroom in Students and the Artist?”
Summary: Karcic examined, through artistic and sociological perspectives, how children’s awareness and artistic expression of bullying influenced not only their own empathy and behavior, but also how the adult teacher responded to the children. In her research with 6th grade students, she found that students grouped “bullying” into three categories: witnesses, bullies, and victims. Children were asked to write about and also artistically express these groupings. Karcic noted that over the course of the study, the children appeared to develop more awareness of bullying and empathy, and also that her own role in modeling empathetic behavior evolved, as well.
Gloria Lane, B.A., California State University, Fullerton
Advisor: Kim King, Ph.D., professor of sociology and anthropology
“The SMART Program: A Fuel Stop on the Road to Self-Sufficiency”
Summary: Using sociological and psychological perspectives, Lane examined how the Single Mothers Achieving Real Triumph (SMART) program, was a strong positive influence in building confidence and self-sufficiency. The program was developed to support single mothers who want to attend college, leave the welfare system, and become self-sufficient. Members take classes as a cohort, and have a strong social identity with their compatriots. Three main themes came out of Lane’s research. These were that the SMART women, once the enrolled in the program, felt a new sense of community, found themselves on equal footing with their peers, and discovered and embraced the power of their minds. These elements combine to lead the SMART women new discovery of themselves, what they are capable of accomplishing, and how they perceive themselves.
Hilda Pettit, B.A., Malone College
Advisor: Natalie Sydorenko, M.A., instructor of communication
“The Communication of Social Identity through Media Images: A Survey of Appalachian Students and Perceptions of Mediated Images of Appalachian Culture”
Summary: Using a social psychology and communication perspective, Pettit examined how college students in Appalachia were – or were not – effected by media portrayal of Appalachian culture. Her research found that for the most part, although they qualified from a geographical standpoint, many students did not identify themselves as Appalachian, and stated that they were proud of their heritage. They viewed media images, especially derogatory ones, as “not them” – they did not identify with them, and were not offended by them.
Virginia Taylor, B.S., Alderson-Broaddus College
Advisors: Janet Pope, Ph.D., associate professor of history
“Requiem for a Castrato”
Mary Quade, M.F.A., assistant professor of English
Summary: Examining the issue from a historical and literary journalism perspective, Taylor delved into the lives of castratos (men castrated before puberty), who for millennia were part of human culture. They were highly sought after for many reasons, not the least that the physical changes of castration often resulted in a high soprano voice in the castrati. While there are currently no known castrati (the last known one died about a century ago), their disappearance is a very new facet of recorded human society. Through her research, Taylor found that there is a long history of eunuchs throughout various cultures, and also a long history associated with religion. During the extended time where eunuchs were part of society, there was consistent gender stereotyping (eunuchs were treated much as women).
Roger Cram kicks off World Peace Summit in Windsor, Ontario
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Roger Cram and Rotary International World President Wilf Wilkison |
The last in a series of four Rotary World Peace Summits began on Friday, April 25, 2008, in Windsor Ontario. The conference was opened by Roger Cram speaking in front of 1,000 delegates from around the world about his research at Hiram College regarding the values and problem-solving skills of world heroes of peace. Starting with the conflict-resolutions methods of the Tuskegee Airmen, Cram researched similar techniques used by Desmond Tutu, Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, and fifty other peace keepers. Cram researched their problem-solving methods looking for similarities when "magnificent people were performing at their best." On Saturday Cram then presented a workshop demonstrating the use of his Heroes' Problem-Solving Matrix, also developed at Hiram College.
Allan Rock, Canada's former Ambassador to the United Nations, was the honorary chair of the presentations, accompanied by Prince Zeid Ra'ad, Jordan's Ambassador to the United Nations, and Lloyd Axworthy, president of the University of Winnipeg and chairman of the Human Security Center for United Nations University for Peace.
Janet West Schrock, Senior Advisor for Heifer International and daughter of its
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Robert Kennedy Jr. |
founder Dan West, made an inspiring presentation on how Heifer International is involved in servicing the world's humanitarian needs. Her speech was followed on Sunday morning by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressing how closely environmental issues are tied to economic success around the world. From the mountain-top removal in our Application Mountains to the mercury in our foods, Kennedy covered a host of environmental violations that are endangering us and burdening our future generations for solutions.
Alumni Weekend Reunion Dinners.... Mmmmm....
Alumni Weekend 2008 boasts no shortage of food, fun, and frivolity, and the reunion dinners on Saturday evening will be a highlight of all that and more! Gather with all alumni who return for the weekend - from one year out to those celebrating their 60th reunions! Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before heading off to your reunion dinner. At 5:30 p.m. President Chema will present this year’s alumni awards as well as provide you a brief update on happenings at the College.
Here’s the skinny on what's going to be going on Saturday evening.
Reunion Dinners
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Come share your stories about your days at Hiram, as well as what you have been doing since, with fellow classmates during your reunion dinner. Reunion class photos will be taken at the dinner location.
60th Reunion, Class of 1948
This event includes a served dinner and an open bar.
55th Reunion, Class of 1953
This event includes a served meal and an open bar.
50th Reunion Dinner; Class of 1958
This event includes a served dinner and an open bar. Throughout the weekend, Bowler Lounge will serve as a gathering spot for the Class of 1958. The committee will be in touch soon with more information on additional class specific activities.
45th Reunion Dinner, Class of 1963
This event includes a served dinner and a cash bar.
40th Reunion Dinner, Class of 1968
This event includes a served dinner and a cash bar.
35th Reunion Dinner, Class of 1973
This event includes a served dinner and a cash bar.
30th Reunion Dinner, Class of 1978
This event includes a served dinner and a cash bar.
25th Reunion Dinner, Class of 1983
To mark this milestone, this event includes a served dinner and an open bar.
20th Reunion Dinner, Class of 1988
This event includes a served dinner and a cash bar.
15th Reunion Dinner, Class of 1993
This event includes a served dinner and a cash bar.
10th Reunion Dinner, Class of 1998
This event includes a buffet dinner and a cash bar. If you register for this reunion dinner, you can stay the night for free!
5th Reunion Dinner, Class of 2003
This event includes a buffet dinner and a cash bar. If you register for this reunion dinner, you can stay the night for free!
All-Class Dinner
Even if you aren’t celebrating a reunion, join other alumni from various decades! This event includes a served dinner and a cash bar.
This is just a taste of what Alumni Weekend on Saturday evening will be serving up, so don’t “go hungry” before, or after! Look at the full listing of events in the spring 2008 issue of the Hiram Magazine, or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 800.705.5050. Better yet, look at events and register online on Hiram’s new and improved Alumni web site. Go to alumni.hiram.edu, check out the events, and sign up to your heart’s content. While you’re online, why not update your profile, and send a class note?
Start planning now, and prepare to reconnect with tradition at Hiram… and get some great food, with great company, while you’re at it.
Hiram College to Make Repeat Appearance in North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament
The Hiram College softball team won its last four North Coast Athletic Conference games to improve to 8-6 overall in conference play and will make its second straight appearance in postseason play.
The Terriers posted a pair of two-game sweeps against Oberlin College and Kenyon College this past week to qualify for the fourth and final spot in this year’s NCAC Tournament. Hiram will travel to Meadville, Pa. on Friday-Saturday, May 2-3 and will play against Allegheny College in the first game on Friday in the double elimination tournament format. The Gators will be the top seed after winning the conference regular-season title with an 11-3 record. Ohio Wesleyan University will be the second-seed and will play against third-seeded Denison University.
Last year, Hiram made its first-ever trip to the NCAC Tournament after posting an identical 8-6 record in conference play and recording a school-record 22 wins for the season (22-14 overall). The Terriers lost their first game against top-seeded Denison, but defeated Wittenberg University later in the afternoon to face Denison for the second time. Hiram eventually lost to the Big Red and were eliminated from the Tournament.
The Terriers will look to build upon last year’s experience at this season’s tournament and contend for a possible NCAC Tournament Championship. The winner of the tournament will receive an automatic birth in the 2008 NCAA Division III National Tournament.
Other news at Hiram
Hiram College Choir to Perform with West Shore Chorale
NPR commentator and NYTimes columnist to deliver lecture about homelessness
Hiram Happenings
Monday, April 28, 2008
Senior Art Exhibition – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Gelbke Fine Arts Center
Celebrating Excellence – all day – campus-wide
Excellence in Leadership Awards – 8 p.m. – Martin Commons (rain location: Pritchard Room)
Music Honors Recital – 8 p.m. – Hayden Auditorium
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Senior Art Exhibition – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Gelbke Fine Arts Center
Baseball vs. Westminster – 2 p.m.
Softball vs. Westminster – 4 p.m.
CESC – 4:15 p.m. – 3rd Hinsdale
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Senior Art Exhibition – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Gelbke Fine Arts Center
Newspapers in the Curriculum Luncheon – 12 p.m. – Pritchard Room
Baseball vs. Baldwin Wallace – 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Senior Art Exhibition – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Gelbke Fine Arts Center
College Assembly – 4:15 p.m. – Kennedy Center Ballroom
Track and Field @ Ohio Wesleyan – 10 a.m.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Senior Art Exhibition – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Gelbke Fine Arts Center
Weekend College Senior Dinner – 5 p.m. – Kennedy Center Ballroom
Track and Field @ Ohio Wesleyan – 10 a.m.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Men’s Golf @ Denison – TBA
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Men’s Golf @ Denison – TBA
Monday, May 5, 2008
Senior Art Exhibition – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Gelbke Fine Arts Center
Cinco de Mayo, Fiesta for your Future – 3 p.m. – Booth/Centennial Lawn (rain location: Fenton Lounge)
Submit corrections and articles for the next Harbinger to Roger Cram at CramRF@hiram.edu.