SHSU Update For Week Of April 11, 2010

 

 

 

Colloquium To Feature Rigaku Physicist


Jianhua Li, a senior applications scientist at Rigaku Americas Corporation in The Woodlands, will discuss examples of his recent work using the small-angle x-ray scattering method on Tuesday (April 13)


“Applications of small-angle x-ray scattering in protein structure analysis,” a physics colloquium lecture, will be held from 3-4 p.m. in Farrington Building Room 107.


“Small-angle x-ray scattering is changing the way researchers perceive biological structures, because it reveals dynamic molecular conformations and assembles in solutions,” Li said. “SAXS captures thermodynamic ensembles, enhances static structures detailed by high-resolution crystallographic methods, uncover commonalities among diverse macromolecules, and help define biological mechanism.”


Li has worked with Rigaku Americas Corporation since 2006.


He previously worked as a research associate professor and research assistant in the University of Houston’s physics department.


He has also travelled extensively with his work, spending three years with the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Physics in Beijing, China; a year and a half as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Johannes Kepler Universität Linz in Linz, Austria; and five months as a visiting scientist at The University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, U.K.


Li earned his doctorate from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Xi’an Jiaotong University in China.


For more information, call the physics department at 936.294.1601.

 

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Halmari To Discuss Language, Identity For English Seminar


Helena Halmari, professor and interim chair of the English department, will discuss her research on the phenomenon of “bilingual codeswitching “ in communication on Friday (April 16).


"Attitudes, Identity, and Heritage Language Maintenance," an English department Friday Faculty Forum 2010 Coffee and Colloquium Series lecture, will be held at 2 p.m. in Evans Building Room 417.


Bilingual codeswitching, the interplay of two or more languages in the bilingual speaker’s speech repertoire, can be analyzed to detect underlying issues of bilingual identity, language competence, and attitudes toward the languages in question, according to Halmari.


“Codeswitching is a natural phenomenon when bilinguals communicate with each other and is not an indication of lack of command in the languages in question; however, the patterns of language mixing may, in certain cases, also be reflections of potential erosion of one of the languages involved,” she said. “Often the endangered language is the speaker’s original (or, heritage) language.”


In her presentation, Halmari said she will discuss examples from her longitudinal study on the maintenance of Finnish in the population of Finnish immigrants in the United States. She will also refer to her earlier sociolinguistic research on Alabama and Koasati on the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation in Polk County, Texas.


Halmari has taught at SHSU since 1995, being promoted to full professor in 2007, and has served as interim chair of the English department since last year.


She earned her doctorate from the University of Southern California in linguistics and has four master’s degrees, from USC, in linguistics; California State University, San Bernardino in English composition; and two from the University of Tampere, in Finland, in library science and English philology.


All talks are open to students and faculty members. Refreshments will be served.


For more information, contact Drew Lopenzina, assistant professor of English, at 936.294.1434.

 

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International Week Lecturer To Give Insight On Japan


Carl Rosa, executive director of the Japan-America Society of Houston, will present some “Fascinating Facts of Japan” on Monday (April 12).


The International Week keynote speaker, co-sponsored by the departments of foreign languages and economics and international business, will be held at 2 p.m. in Lowman Student Center Room 315.


“Fascinating Facts of Japan” is a 45-minute lecture about the country’s continual struggle with overpopulation, while offering a glimpse into that population’s daily life.


Rosa has offered more than 150 lectures within a two-year time span on the Japanese culture.


A Houston resident, he is a teacher at Leisure Learning Ltd. in Houston.


Rosa is also the founder and president of the Sushi Club of Houston, a 1,000-plus member organization dedicated to encouraging an interest in Japanese cuisine.


“Mr. Rosa is a sought after speaker who provides a unique glimpse into the world of Japan,” said Reiko Clark, director of the Office of International Programs. “He has lectured at numerous schools, organizations, and universities including NASA, Texas A & M, and the University of New Orleans.


For more information, contact Clark at 936.294.4611 or reiko@shsu.edu.

 

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Author To Discuss Life, Works For Grassroots Series


R. Merial Martin, author of Welford Street Miracles and Deterrent, will discuss his life and career path, as well as field questions, on Wednesday (April 14).


The Grassroots speaker series lecture will be held at 5 p.m. in College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building Room C090.


Martin, who was the first African American new car salesman in Dallas, is now retired from ExxonMobil.


A native Texan, he attended Lamar Tech and Mary-Hardin Baylor and based his novel Welford Street Miracles on Port Arthur, the town in which he was born.


He has two books that are soon-to-be published, including German POW, Odyssey of Life and The Writ, Guilty or Innocent, You Decide.


Following the discussion, a meet-and-greet with refreshments will be held in the Student Advising and Mentoring Center, located in CHSSB Suite 170.


“Grassroots: A Series of Conversations on Leadership in a Diverse Community” was created with the aim of promoting career aspirations and academic achievements of SHSU’s minority students.


The lecture is sponsored by the academic support programs of the Student Advising and Mentoring Center; the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College; the International Hispanic Association; Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.; the NAACP; the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program; Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and Women United.


For more information, contact Bernice Strauss, SAM Center director for academic support programs, at 936.294.4455 or sam_bss@shsu.edu.

 

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‘Outstanding’ To Be Honored At Wednesday’s Sammys


SHSU and the Student Activities department will recognize more than 21 organizations and students for their contributions to the community and for their leadership abilities during the 16th Annual Sammy Awards on Wednesday (April 14).


The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.


Emceed by SHSU senior Daniel Pawlowski, junior Monica Eaton, and sophomore Meagan Lee, the event will include performances by SHSU’s theatre and dance department, the SHSU Opera Workshop, and another group from the School of Music. The announcer is SHSU sophomore Corey Lazar.


"The Sammys is Sam Houston State University's official student award ceremony,” said Brandon Cooper, Student Activities assistant director. “It's truly a way for the university to recognize the outstanding students and organizations that we have.


“For 16 years the Sammys’ focus has been honoring the amazing contributions that students and faculty/staff make at SHSU,” he said. “It's the university's way of saying thank you to those individuals and groups."


Among the awards that will be presented are outstanding first-year, sophomore and junior student leaders, the McDermett Memorial Award for a female senior, the Creager Memorial Award for a male senior, the Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Leader award and the Sammy Award, as well as outstanding organization awards and excellence in service awards from each of the five colleges, which will be presented by the deans.


The event is open for anyone who wants to attend.


For more information, visit the 16th Annual Sammy Awards Web site at http://www.shsu.edu/~slo_sad/sammys/ or call 936.294.3861.

 

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Week To Showcase ‘Reel Diversity’


Brian Johnson will speak on Friday as the keynote lecturer for UniDiversity Week.

Multicultural and International Student Services will focus on the roles the media play in shaping societal norms during the Spring 2010 UniDiversity Week.


“It’s All on the Tube: Media and Society” will kick off on Monday (April 12),


with “Is the Revolution being televised,” a program that will explore the relevance of the 1970 poem and song, “The Revolution will be not be televised,” at noon in the Lowman Student Center Mall Area.


On Tuesday (April 13), MISS coordinator Donielle Miller will explore pop culture influences on society during “MISSconceptions: Stereotypes & Media” at 11 a.m. in LSC Room 315.


Students can vent their frustrations on the racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination on Wednesday (April 14) during the Program Council’s “Beat the car for ‘isms’” at 11 a.m. in the LSC Mall Area.


Finally, UniDiversity week will culminate on Friday (April 16), with the Campus Diversity Enhancement Project’s “Reel Diversity” presentation featuring speaker Brian C. Johnson, at 11 a.m. in LSC Room 320.


“Brian’s creative keynote, ‘Reel Diversity,’ frames the diversity conversation through modern film,” Miller said. “By sharing clips of well-known films and discussing the messages they consciously or unconsciously give, Brian allows every student and faculty member to see him or herself as diverse.


“Students and audience members laugh and remember some of their favorite movies, and from there, an interactive discussion about multiculturalism can begin,” she said.


Johnson, who is the most requested diversity speaker for CAMPUSPEAK, is a faculty member in Bloomsburg University’s department of developmental instruction and is the director of the Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence.


He is a founder of the Pennsylvania Association of Liaisons and Officers of Multicultural Affairs, a consortium that promotes best practices in higher education.


He is represented by CAMPUSPEAK and is their most requested diversity speaker.


SHSU’s Campus Diversity Enhancement Project will be introduced during UniDiversity Week.


The new initiative is designed to bring a series of dynamic diversity speakers and educators to the campus community, according to Miller.


For more information, contact Miller at 936.294.3588 or diversity@shsu.edu.

 

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Open House To Unveil CHSS’s Newly Acquired Artwork


The College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building will unveil the works of Bruce Marion and other artists who were commissioned to create pieces for the building during an open house on Friday (April 16).


The festivities will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the CHSS Building Atrium on the first floor, followed by open houses and art unveilings throughout the building.


“The College of Humanities and Social Sciences has commissioned major artwork for the front atrium and the rear stairwells of the new Humanities and Social Sciences Building,” said CHSS dean John de Castro. “These will be impressive additions to the building and will make a pronounced artistic statement about the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.”


Bruce Marion, whose work will be on display throughout the building, including the fourth floor conference room, will speak during the open house, as well as discuss the works or answer questions.


Other pieces that will be housed throughout the building include local artists Lee Jamison, from Huntsville; former SHSU art professor Kenneth Zonker; Diane Whiteley, from Montgomery; and Sam Sartorius, from Houston; as well as Chicago artist Paula Henderson, St. Petersburg, Fla., artist Cecilia Lueza and New Paltz, N.Y. artists Amy Cheng.


“There will be open houses for each of these offices and the works will be on display,” de Castro said. “In many cases the artists themselves will be present and will talk about and answer questions about their work.”


“In addition, many of these artists will be displaying a number of their other works in the third floor conference room and be available for questions or discussion,” he said.


For more information, or to RSVP, contact Brittany Johnson, CHSS secretary, at 936.294.2201 or bljohnson@shsu.edu.

 

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Dinner To Teach Job-Seekers Dining Etiquette


Margaret Houston, from the Potocol School of Texas, will teach students the importance of dinner etiquette in job interviewing and provide insight on “which fork to use” during such events with a dinner on April 21.


The third annual Etiquette Dinner, for juniors, seniors and alumni, will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.


“Learning etiquette is not just about proper manners or which fork to use,” said Paige Loft, Career Services, career fair and special events coordinator. “It is a helpful tool that will help you stand out among other applicants in your job search.


“Last year’s speaker, Diane Gottsman, said, ‘If you think that business and manners don't mix, try talking with your mouth full,’” Loft said. “The dinner will cover table manners, but throughout the presentation she will be giving job search, interviewing, networking and general etiquette tips that are essential for our students to learn with the current job market. These skills will make them stand out among the rest.”


Attendees are required to dress professionally, in order to make the event realistic.


Tickets are $10, which includes a four-course meal and a gift from Career Services.


Seating is limited, and students can register online at Jobs 4 Kats, at https://www.myinterfase.com/shsu/student/, by selecting “Career Events” and then “Etiquette Dinner.”


Payments of cash or check will be accepted at the Career Services Office, in Academic Building IV Suite 210. Credit card payments can be made online through Jobs 4 Kats after registration.


The signup deadline is Friday (April 16).


For more information, contact Loft at 936.294.1713 or pla001@shsu.edu.

 

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Museum To Sponsor Photo Contest


Avid amateur photographers can get exposure for their work and compete for cash prizes during the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s 2010 Amateur Photo Contest.


The contest will recognize photographers in nine different categories, including “Huntsville,” “Sam Houston Museum and Grounds,” “SHSU,” “Floral,” “People,” “Architecture,” “Animals,” “Landscape,” and an “Open” category for photos that don’t fall into any of the other categories.


Prizes will include $200 for “Best in Show,” $100 for “Reserve Best in Show,” and $25 for first, $15 for second, and $10 for third place in each of nine different categories.


Submissions will be accepted until April 23.


There are no residency requirements to enter the contest.


Photographs will be judged by a private, independent panel of judges the week of April 26. Winners will be contacted by phone.


All entries and the winners will be featured in an exhibit May 3 through June 1 in the Walker Education Center’s Exhibition Gallery. A public opening reception for the exhibit will be on May 4, when winners and participants will be presented awards and ribbons.


Those interested can pick up a copy of the contest’s information and rules, along with application forms, either at the museum or by downloading them online at the museum’s Web site, at www.samhouston.memorial.museum.


For more information, contact Sam Houston Memorial Museum exhibits curator Casey Roon at 936.294.3292 or cmr022@shsu.edu.

 

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Art Students Present Work For Juried Show


Houston artist Sharon Kopriva will help select from a number of pieces created by art students as they compete for cash awards during the 11th annual juried student exhibition beginning Monday (April 12) in the Gaddis Geeslin Gallery.


The exhibit will be held through April 29, on which day an award and scholarship recognition ceremony will be held and the juried exhibit winners will be announced at 6 p.m. in the gallery.


Guests at the reception and award ceremony can also visit the different areas of the art complex during the art department's “Open Studios,” which takes place from 5-7 p.m. that same day, according to art audio/visual librarian Debra Harper.


In addition, Kopriva will give an artist talk on April 20, at 3:30 p.m. in the Art Auditorium, in Art Building E Room 108.


Kopriva, a Houston native, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston.


She has exhibited her works, including sculpture, paintings and installations, extensively throughout Texas, as well as at the Smithsonian and the Museum of Women in the Arts, both in Washington, D.C., and in Utah and Oklahoma.


The Gaddis Geeslin Gallery is located in Art Building F.


For more information, contact Harper at 936.294.1317 or ddavenport@shsu.edu.

 

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Concerts To Feature Clarinets, Contemporary Music


Students in the Clarinet Studio will kick off a series of performances for the week with a recital on Tuesday (April 13).


The concert, featuring the works of classical, romantic and contemporary composers performed in duos, trios and quartets, will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall.


Student performers include B-flat and bass clarinetists Kerianne Roggow, Robert Arriaga, Vivian Gibson, Jennie Malone, Katie Lorton, Hannah Colvin, Amanda Kayser, Brooke Stevens, Lise Jorgensen, Stephanie Krass, Chelsea Cooper, Stefan Murat, Briana Gomez, Ashley Lauderdale, Marcus Hughes, Samantha Allardyce, Kristine Roberts, Steven Lampton, Allyson Naylor, Matthew Kaye, Adrianna Barron and Jackie Hamberg.


Guest performers will include a woodwind quintet, comprised of Andreea Mut, piano; Krissy Sillyman, flute; Amber Gates, oboe; Rachel Denson, bassoon; and John Wes Stuart, horn.


The recital is free and open to the public.


SHSU student composers and a faculty artist will kick off three days of performances for the 48th Annual Contemporary Music Festival on Thursday (April 15).


The opening student composer concert will be held at 4:30 p.m., and faculty cellist Daniel Saenz’s faculty artist spotlight will be held at 7:30 p.m. that day. Both concerts will be held in the Recital Hall.


On Friday (April 16), festival guest composer Kyle Gann will lecture at 11 a.m. in Music Building Room 202, followed by two concerts featuring the chamber music of Gann and two groups of SHSU composers at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall.


Finally, the festival will culminate on Saturday with the student ensembles Intersection and the SHSU Percussion group, directed by Brian Herrington and John Lane, respectively, performing more of Gann’s music at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall. A pre-concert talk will be held at 7:30 p.m.


Born in Dallas, Gann is a professor of music theory, history and composition at Bard College.


The composer and former new-music critic for the Village Voice is also the author of The Music of Conlon Nancarrow, American Music in the 20th Century, Music Downtown: Writings from the Village Voice, No Such Thing as Silence: John Cage's 4'33”, and the forthcoming Robert Ashley.


Admission is free for SHSU music majors and music faculty, $5 for SHSU students and $10 for the general public.


For more information, call the School of Music at 936.294.1360.

 

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SHSU To Auction Property April 17


SHSU will host a public auction on Saturday (April 17) beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the property warehouse in the Sam South Complex, at 2424 Sam Houston Ave.


Items will be sold, “as is, where is,” piece by piece or in lots to the highest bidder.


Some auction items include office furniture, a shrink-wrap machine, dumpsters, televisions, VCRs, couches, an ice machine, tables, a pressure washer and scientific equipment, among many others.


In addition, a 1987 Nissan half-ton pickup, a 1988 Toyota half-ton pickup and a 1991 Chevrolet S10 half-ton pickup will be auctioned off.


Vehicles can be removed the day of the sale if paid by cash, or check with original current bank letter of credit guaranteeing payment. Otherwise, vehicles will be held for 10 working days to allow check clearance.


Cash or checks will be accepted with proper identification.


All items, except vehicles, must be removed after the sale until 2 p.m. or 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. the following week.


For more information, call Wayne Frosch at 936.294.1903 or 936.294.1908.

 

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Information for the SHSU Update can be sent to the Office of Communications electronically at Today@Sam.edu or to any of the media contacts listed below.

Please include the date, location and time of the event, as well as a brief description and a contact person.

All information for news stories should be sent to the office at least a week in advance to give the staff ample time to make necessary contacts and write the story.

For electronic access to SHSU news see the Communications Web page Today@Sam.

 

 

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SHSU Media Contacts: Bruce Erickson, Julia May, Jennifer Gauntt
April 9, 2010
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu

 

 

 

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office
Director: Bruce Erickson
Assistant Director: Julia May
Writer: Jennifer Gauntt
Located in the 115 Administration Building
Telephone: 936.294.1836; Fax: 936.294.1834

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu.

 

 

SHSU 'In the News'

 

Brian Domitrovic, assistant professor of history, appeared on Book TV (C-SPAN) May 1-2, speaking about his recent book "Econoclasts: The Rebels Sparked the Supply Side Revolution and Restored American Prosperity" (www.econoclasts.net).

 

Houston Chronicle education writer Jeannie Kever recently turned to Regents Professor of English Paul Ruffin for his views on university presses moving toward "digital books" as opposed to traditional ink-on-paper."We're fulfilling the ancient role of the university press, and that is to produce books," said Paul Ruffin, the Texas poet laureate for 2009 and director of the Texas Review Press at Sam Houston State University. "I don't want to give up the book because it is an art."

 

Faculty/Staff Birthdays

 

Monday, May 3

Debbie Birdwell

 

Tuesday, May 4

Rhonda Callaway

David Gaines

James Walker

 

Staff Council Spotlights

 

Jennifer Davis

Sonya Ramirez

Molly Doughtie

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