The Harbinger

May 16, 2005

 

Hiram announces partnership with Akron Zoo

Officials from Hiram College and the Akron Zoological Park will hold a joint press conference on Tuesday, May 17 to announce a partnership between the two organizations that will lead to the creation of an Endangered Waterfowl Conservation and Propagation Center at Hiram's James H. Barrow Field Station. The press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the zoo and will be hosted by Hiram College President Thomas V. Chema and L. Patricia Simmons, President & CEO of the Akron Zoological Park.
   
The collaborative effort seeks to breed endangered species of waterfowl at Hiram's field station as part of a Species Survival Plan through the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Hiram faculty and students will construct and maintain the facility, oversee the husbandry of the birds, and provide for the security and welfare of the bird collection on site. Officials from the Akron Zoological Park will be responsible for the acquisition of the waterfowl and provide all veterinary care for the collection.
   
"This is an extraordinary opportunity for our students to become involved in a global conservation effort to save endangered species at a local level," said Chema. "It also provides additional hands-on research experiences, the kind of experiences which separate Hiram students from other students applying to the top veterinary programs."
   
The partnership is consistent with the zoo's focus on education and outreach, according to zoo officials. "The Akron Zoo is excited about the opportunity to partner with Hiram College to further the zoo's mission of education, conservation and community partnership," said Simmons.
   
Construction of the facility will take place this summer. It is anticipated that the first waterfowl will be acquired and moved to the new facility in late September.

New giving site on the web

Hiram College has developed a new web site designed to allow alumni and friends to donate to Hiram online.  The site was built through a collaboration between the computer center, the college relations office, and the staff in the development office.

The site, which went live last Thursday, is designed to make it easier for donors to identify and respond to funding priorities.  Student profiles and news items are also displayed on the front page.  In the future, the technology behind the site will be used by other departments such as Alumni Relations and the Business Office.

The new giving site can be found at http://giveto.hiram.edu.

Hiram College Commencement

The 155th Hiram College Commencement took place on Saturday afternoon, May 14, 2005.  Despite the threat of rain (that never materialized), President Tom Chema made the decision to keep the event outdoors on the Campus Green for the first time.  Family, friends, the faculty and staff, and especially the graduates enjoyed the afternoon's ceremonies.

Commencement speaker Malcolm Butler spoke of the importance of public service in society and was inducted into the Garfield Society.  Several people also received awards at the ceremony.  Five faculty received  the Hiram College Distinguished Service Award for 2005:  David Anderson, Mary Ann Brockett, Gwen Fischer,  Prudy Hall, and Ed Smerek.  The Vencl Carr Award for Excellence in Teaching went to Carol Donley, while Roxanne Sorrick won the Michael Starr Award.


Slattery joins staff

Rebecca Slattery has been appointed to the position of graphic designer at Hiram College. She comes to Hiram from Universal Screen Arts in Hudson, Ohio where she worked as a graphic designer and art director.

“We’re thrilled to be able to add someone of Rebecca’s talent and experience to our team,” said Timothy A. Bryan, director of college relations & assistant to the president. “She is a highly creative designer with solid experience in several different working environments.”

Prior to her appointment at Universal Screen Arts, Slattery worked as a designer for City Visitor Publications and as a freelance graphic artist. She is a graduate of the University of Akron.


Hiram Community Trust grants application extension

The Hiram Community Trust will accept applications for grants until May 27. Applications for grants can be picked up in the bookstore or in Mike Corr's office in Bates Hall.

The purpose of the Hiram Community Trust is to enrich life in the Hiram community by funding creative proposals for projects to make Hiram a distinctive and special place. It is desirable that these projects promote a spirit of cooperation among Hiram Village, Township, Hiram College, and the public schools.

The fund was established through the generosity of Reign Scoville Hadsell, a graduate of the Hiram College class of 1926, and former principal of Hiram High School and resident of Hiram.

Social Security Town Hall Meeting

A Social Security Town Hall meeting will take place on Thursday, May 19 at 7 PM in the Kennedy Center Ballroom. The meeting, sponsored by Hiram College Democrats and Northeast Portage County Democrats, will have local leaders on hand to answer questions about Social Security. Capri Cafao, former congressional candidate for the 14th district (pictured), will be a featured speaker. The meeting is free and open to the public.

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