ommunity onnections Clarion University of Pennsylvania Dear friends, Change is essential to growing stronger and ensuring we continue to live our university mission of providing transformative, lifelong learning opportunities through innovative, nationally recognized programs delivered in inclusive, student-centered environments. On the next few pages, you’ll read about many exciting changes happening at Clarion University and in the Clarion area. One of the most promising partnerships is with the Clarion Borough in the “Blueprint Communities” initiative, the goal of which is to commercially revitalize Clarion’s Main Street. A strong and vibrant Main Street is important to our community and to the university. As I have said many times, “We are in this together – university and community.” Most visibly, you will see in many ways that Clarion University is under construction. We are changing physically by renovating the historic Becht Hall and the beloved Tippin Gymnasium, and by replacing our deteriorating student residences with modern, suitestyle housing. As we pursue these projects, Clarion area residents are at the forefront of our minds. We are striving for maximum benefit with minimum disruption as construction proceeds. Main Street will be completed by the summer 2016, and there will be services, programs and experiences that all will be able to enjoy and will help build a stronger Main Street. I look forward to seeing you on campus; enjoy the Eagletastic work of our students, faculty, staff and alumni who will be offering a wide variety of engaging cultural, entertaining, inspiring and informative events throughout the year. Go Eagles! Karen M. Whitney President Fall 2012 2014 Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series Mary L. Seifert, whose rich family history with Clarion University can be traced to 1907, loved music and the arts. As an investment in young people, she endowed a culture and lecture series at Clarion University to ignite the passion for learning that she encouraged. Through that endowment, the Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series Endowment of the Clarion University Foundation, Inc., was established to provide our community with cultural experiences that inspire learning through thoughtful discussions. Past series explored the themes “Realities of Race” and “In God We Trust?” and brought to Clarion the late Dr. Maya Angelou, Spike Lee and a week-long visit by Tibetan monks. During the 2014-15 academic year, the Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series will explore “Beauty Matters,” a theme that encourages us to explore beauty and the ways in which it matters. The theme is expansive, with the potential to include topics as diverse as the environment, the body, the arts or the social context. It opens up questions of values, of choices, of perceptions and of critiques. Visitors will include a troupe of Chinese acrobats; Syracuse University professor, author and poet Stephen Kuusisto, who speaks widely on topics of diversity, disability, education and public policy; and Stacy Nadeau, one of six women who, in the summer of 2005, made national news when they appeared on a Times Square billboard, dressed only in their underwear. While other nearby billboards featured actresses and supermodels, this one, promoting Dove brand products, promoted “real women with real curves.” For the full schedule of “Beauty Matters” programs, visit www.clarion.edu/ seifertseries. Mary L. Seifert Arts and Culture Arts and Culture Clarion University offers an array of artistic, cultural and musical events each semester. From plays and visiting poets to musicians and variety acts, the university provides events that are entertaining or thought provoking. The following events are scheduled for fall 2014 and spring 2015 at the Clarion campus and at Venango campus in Oil City. David Cole Wheeler 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City David Cole Wheeler’s son, Benjamin Andrew Wheeler, was one of 20 firstgraders murdered Dec. 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Wheeler’s gift is his willingness to share his journey of grief and his effort to make sense of a tragedy that seems senseless. His talk offers a sharp and thoughtful analysis, helping his audience to pull back the frame and see how cultural and societal change must be the driving force to protect future generations of children from the threat of gun violence. Wheeler was recently included in articles published in The New York Times and New York Magazine, and in June 2014 he addressed the United Nations’ Fifth Biennial Meeting of States on behalf of the International Action Network on Small Arms in support of their Programme of Action. Shane Bitney Crone 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City Shane Bitney Crone is an activist, speaker, writer and filmmaker. He grew up in small, conservative Kalispell, Mont., where he struggled to fit in but fell victim to years of homophobic bullying and severe depression. After high school, he packed up his belongings and trekked to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of working in the entertainment industry. In 2005 Crone met Tom Bridegroom, who changed his life and heart. Together they dreamed of starting a business, buying a home and getting married. Bridegroom died in 2011. Linda Bloodworth Thomason, creator of “Designing Women” and director/producer of “Man from Hope, “ together with Crone, produced “Bridegroom: A Love Story, Unequaled,” a documentary showcasing the couple’s life together and the fallout from Bridegroom’s death, while exploring the ramifications of marriage bans. The documentary has won audience awards at every film festival at which it has been screened, including Tribeca Film Festival and Los Angeles’ Outfest Film Festival. Working Artists Sept. 24 to Dec. 12 University Gallery, Carlson Library, Level A Faculty and alumni exhibition. For gallery hours, call 814-393-2291. Charlie Chaplin Lecture Series Dawn of Astronomy 7 p.m. Sept. 19 and 20 Peirce Planetarium Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Clarion University Department of Physics will present “Dawn of Astronomy,” a fascinating, 50-minute show tracing the origins of modern astronomy in ancient Egypt, ancient Babylon and ancient Britain. Free admission. English Department Spoken Arts Series: Jane McCaferty Sept. 24,Time and location TBA Jane McCaferty, creative writing teacher at Carnegie-Mellon University, is the author of four books: “Director of the World and other stories,” which won the Drue Heinz prize; “One Heart,” a novel; “Thank You for the Music,” a second book of stories; and “First You Try Everything,” another novel. Her fiction and non-fiction have been awarded Pushcarts and an NEA. Her work explores the relationship between the verbal and visual, taking on topics such as mental illness and the transformation of the old steel town, Homestead. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City Dr. Patrick Adam Trimble, Penn State professor of acting, theatre history and media studies, discusses “Chaplin as the Humanist and Artist” – the humanity and warmth of his films, the pathos he generated for the plight of the common man, and the irony he brought to comedy as an instrument of social change. This will be a summary of his best work, with clips from films such as “The Circus,” “City Lights” and “Limelight.” We will discuss his legacy, who has followed in his footsteps and what this icon means today. *This event is part of Venango College and Oil City Arts Council’s “A Year of Chaplin” celebration. Pasofino Social Club 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City The Pasofino Social Club performs Caribbean/ tropical, Boleros, Musica del Ayer, merengue, Latin jazz, Puerto Rican roots, Puerto Rican folk and original compositions. Wanting to explore more traditional styles of Latin music, Rick Reyes put together some of the most renowned and experienced Latin players in the New England and New York areas, each bringing a different expertise in Latin rhythm. Listen to the beat and let your feet guide you on the dance floor as Reyes narrates a trip back in time when boleros mended hearts and Cuban song uplifted your soul. Stars Over Clarion 7 p.m. Oct. 2, Peirce Planetarium Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Clarion University Department of Physics leads an exploration of the stars in the October sky. Free admission. alcoholics and recovery. Handron, described as “dynamic and damn near fearless” and “skilled at packing humor and theatricality into sociological observations,” performs the play in 60 minutes or less, followed by a question and answer portion to address why she developed the play, her research, alcoholism, recovery, recovery resources and more. Senior Recital: Daniel Conrad, euphonium 7 p.m. Nov. 1 Marwick-Boyd Auditorium English Department Spoken Arts Series: Tom Noyes Oct. 16 Time and location TBA Tom Noyes’ third fiction collection, “Come by Here: A Novella and Stories,” won the 2013 Autumn House Prize in Fiction. His previous books, “Spooky Action at a Distance and Other Stories” (2008) and “Behold Faith and Other Stories” (2003), both appeared with Dufour Editions. Noyes’ work has been named a finalist for the Breadloaf Prize, the Flannery O’Connor Award, the Grace Paley Prize and the Richard Sullivan Prize, and Saroyan Prize. Stars Over Clarion 7 p.m. Nov. 6 Peirce Planetarium Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Clarion University Department of Physics leads an exploration of the stars in the November sky. Free admission. Dawn of Astronomy English Department Spoken Arts Series: Christine Stroud 7 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 Peirce Planetarium Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Charlie Chaplin Film Fest 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 Noon to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City Experience the cinematic wonder! The film fest event will highlight many of Chaplin’s most noted films, including “City Lights,” “Limelight,” “Modern Times,” “The Great Dictator,” “Pawn Shop,” “One AM,” “The Rink” and many more. *This event is part of Venango College and Oil City Arts Council’s “A Year of Chaplin” celebration. Story Theatre 8 p.m. Oct. 1-4; 2 p.m. Oct. 5 Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre The sky falls, animals sing, a young maiden is poisoned, a master thief thieves masterfully, the goddess of love works her magic as mysterious gray men and enchanted fish cast their spells. Tricksters, vagabonds and simpletons abound. Oh, and yes, a woman becomes the pope … all in this Paul Sills adaptation of Aesop’s fables and Grimm’s. (May be too intense for very young children.) Tara Handron: Drunk With Hope in Chicago 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City Developed from her Georgetown University master’s thesis, Tara Handron tells the stories of 15 women, some in active alcoholism and some in recovery. Forget what you think you know about Clarion University Department of Physics will present “Dawn of Astronomy,” a fascinating, 50-minute show tracing the origins of modern astronomy in ancient Egypt, ancient Babylon and ancient Britain. Free admission. Second Series Oct. 24 and 25 Hart Chapel English Department Spoken Arts Series: Stephen Kuusisto Oct. 28 Time and location TBA Professor Stephen Kuusisto, blind since birth, is author of “Eavesdropping: A Memoir of Blindness and Listening” and the acclaimed memoir “Planet of the Blind,” A New York Times Notable Book of the Year. He has also published “Only Bread, Only Light,” a collection of poems. Recognized by the New York Times as a “powerful writer with a musical ear for language and a gift for emotional candor,” Kuusisto has made numerous appearances on programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dateline NBC, National Public Radio and the BBC. He is director of the Renee Crown University Honors Program at Syracuse University, where he holds a university professorship in the Center on Human Policy. He speaks widely on diversity, disability, education and public policy. *This reading is sponsored by the Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series. Nov. 13,Time and location TBA Christine Stroud is the author of “The Buried Return,” a collection of poems. She received an MFA in creative writing at Chatham University and is an associate editor for Autumn House press. Her poems have appeared in many journals, including Sixfold Poetry, Stone Highway Review, The Queen South: Essays and Poems, Weave Magazine and Clover. Taming of the Shrew 8 p.m. Nov. 19-22; 2 p.m. Nov. 23 Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre The classic comedy of the war between the sexes is, perhaps, Shakespeare’s most boisterous comedy. Bold and blustery, Petruchio is lured to woo the shrewish and rambunctious Katharina so that his friends can court her beautiful sister, Bianca, and thereby hangs the tale. Stars Over Clarion 7 p.m. Dec. 4 Peirce Planetarium Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Clarion University Department of Physics leads an exploration of the stars in the December sky. Free admission. Concert Choir and Chamber Singers concert 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 Marwick-Boyd Auditorium Season of Light 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 5; 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 12 Peirce Planetarium Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Clarion University Department of Physics will host “Season of Light,” a festive, 40-minute planetarium program that traces the development of many of the world’s most enduring holiday customs, from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminaries in the American Southwest and the tradition of the Hanukkah Menorah. Free admission. Symphony Orchestra concert 3 p.m. Dec. 7 Marwick-Boyd auditorium High School Art Exhibition Feb. 21 to April 4 University Gallery, Carlson Library, Level A High school art exhibition (Clarion area, Pittsburgh and surrounding areas). For gallery hours, call 814-393-2291. Nunsense 8 p.m. Feb. 25-28; 2 p.m. March 1 Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre Second Series March 27 and 28 Hart Chapel Taikoza 7:30 p.m. April 3 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City Taikoza uses the powerful rhythms of the Taiko drums to create an electrifying energy that carries audiences in a new dimension of excitement. The Taiko is a large, barrel-like drum that can fill the air with the sound of rolling thunder. This exciting group draws from Japan’s rich tradition of music and performance to create a highly visual performance. In addition to drums of assorted sizes, Taikoza incorporates the shakuhachi, the fue (both bamboo flutes) and the Koto (a 13-string instrument). Takoza’s new CD has been nominated as best Asian Ethnic Album for the Just Plain Folks Music Award. The group has appeared in Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, on the History Channel’s “History vs. Hollywood” and ESPN’s S.U.M.O: The Battle of the Giants. Taikoza is featured in the movie, “The Commute.” Week of Lasermania Shows daily, Feb. 26 to March 4 Peirce Planetarium Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Clarion University Department of Physics will present multiple laser-based programs on topics such as black history, space and American pride, and celebrating the music of the Beatles, U2 and Pink Floyd. Call 814-393-2085 for schedule and ticket information. Cherine Badawi is an accomplished experiential educator and instructional designer who has worked globally to bring people together and empower them to create a more socially just, thriving and peaceful world. She has designed and facilitated hundreds of transformational workshops to young people in more than a dozen countries, focusing on leadership development, intercultural communication, gender issues, community building and social change. Badawi was an integral member of the inaugural voyage of The Scholar Ship, a transnational, floating university that brought together students and staff from 50 countries. She served as a senior trainer for Challenge Day, a social change program featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. She takes students on a journey to understand the social conditioning of gender and the power of women to rise beyond the constrictions of their times. Graduating BFA and BA Student Exhibitions For gallery hours, call 814-393-2291. Dear Harvey 8 p.m. April 22-25; 2 p.m. April 26 Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre The Conduit: Gong to the World Formed in 2008, this group of sound-meditation performance artists have honed their craft using large, planetary gongs, Himalayan and crystal singing bowls and a variety of other instruments. Traveling extensively all over the northeastern United States, The Conduit promotes the benefits of gong meditation, empowering individuals to have a greater understanding of self, stress management and the ability to find the benefits of automatic meditation. When we expand our attention to include personal balance and a holistic world view, our world has the chance to become a better place. 7:30 p.m. April 9 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City April 18 to May 15 University Gallery, Carlson Library, Level A In this, the second longest running musical in off-Broadway history, Sister Julia, child of God, has inadvertently poisoned much of the convent with her cooking of some bad vichyssoise, and until the remaining five Little Sisters of Hoboken can raise the funds to bury the other 52, there they sit in the convent’s freezer. And so, this is the fundraiser to come up with the cash, presented by the nuns at the Mount Saint Helen’s school. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City Cherine Badawi: Remembering Our Power Elizabeth Smart 7:30 p.m. April 7 Robert W. Rhoades Center Venango Campus, Oil City The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Smart was abducted June 5, 2002, and her captors controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape. Fortunately, the police safely returned Smart to her family March 12, 2003. Through this traumatic experience, Smart has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and national legislation. Smart triumphantly testified before her captor about the very private nightmare she suffered during her abduction, leading to conviction of her captors. Founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, she has also helped promote The National AMBER Alert, the Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions. Smart’s abduction and recovery motivates parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety. She emphasizes vigilance by everyday people and the belief that hope always exists to find every missing child. Wind Orchestra Concert 7 p.m. April 9 Marwick-Boyd auditorium This documentary-style ensemble play recounts the life and lasting impact of groundbreaking LGBT activist and politician Harvey Milk, as told by the people who knew him best. Spoken word combines with multimedia and music as an ensemble cast moves in and out of the identities of real-world figures whose lives were forever altered by Milk’s too-short career. Brass Ensemble concert 7 p.m. April 29 Marwick-Boyd auditorium Concert Choir concert 7 p.m. May 1 Marwick-Boyd auditorium Symphony Orchestra concert 3 p.m. May 3 Marwick-Boyd auditorium Would you like to make a gift to, or in support of, Clarion University? Give online at www.clarion.edu/givenow or call 814-393-2637. Clarion selected as Blueprint C o m m u nity Clarion Borough and Clarion University have joined together through the Blueprint Communities initiative to revitalize Main Street and make the community an even better place to live. Clarion Borough was one of only six communities to be selected for this year’s Blueprint Communities initiative, which is in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. The goal is to engage local residents and businesses, over the next several years, in developing a clear vision and strategic plan for change in Clarion; developing stronger local leadership; and attracting investments to build a healthier, sustainable community. In May and June, the perceptions of 445 individuals who work, sleep, eat, shop, study, worship and/or own businesses or properties in Clarion Borough were recorded as part of the Blueprint Communities Perception Survey. The questions focused on: comfort and appearance, economic uses/characteristics, sociability/community attitude, activities and access/linkages. This information will help guide the revitalization strategy. “The survey was the first step in the team’s commitment to gain community input,” said Carol Lapinto, a Blueprint Communities core team member and president of Clarion Borough Council. “The results give us a clear idea of what community members believe are our strengths and our challenges.” Clarion Borough was one of only six communities to be selected for this year’s Blueprint Communities initiative, which is in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Positive attributes of Clarion include: • Being convenient to major highways (95 percent agreed/strongly agreed) • Being safe (87 percent agreed/strongly agreed) • Having safe places to cross the street (83 percent agreed/strongly agreed) • Having a rich heritage (81 percent agreed/strongly agreed) • Being clean (75 percent agreed/strongly agreed) The following items were identified as challenges: • Has places where people can work (73 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) • Has the right mix of businesses (63 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) • Is progressive and future-oriented (62 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) • Is well-promoted (61 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) • Has available goods and services (54 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) • Is well connected to other attractions (52 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) Community Connections is a biannual publication of Clarion University Office of the President. We value your feedback. To respond to topics in this newsletter or to share thoughts about any matter concerning Clarion University, email president@clarion.edu or send mail to: Office of the President, Clarion University, 840 Wood St., Clarion, PA 16214. Clarion University is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer. Digging Clarion’s Future The suite life Construction has begun on two new, suite-style student housing units, which will replace the 43-year-old Wilkinson and Nair traditional residence halls, which will be demolished. The same 728-bed capacity is being maintained. The $66 million project, being built along both sides of Main Street, east of Still Hall and west of Wilkinson, will include universityrelated services such as the university book store, Starbucks, a university theater and food service on the ground floors. The buildings are intentionally designed to complement and support Clarion Borough. Clarion University Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Clarion University, will develop and build the project, funded entirely by student housing fees. The first unit will open in fall 2015, and the second unit will open a year later. A better Becht In its 100-year life span, Becht Hall has been a residence hall, dining hall and home to various programs and offices. Currently under extensive renovation, Becht will reopen in fall 2015 as a Center for Student Success, housing: Admissions, Student Financial Services, Registrar, Residence Life, Health and Counseling Center, Learning Technology Center, Career Development Center, Judicial Affairs and International Programs. The exterior will maintain the original Spanish/French-style architecture with a pantile roof, Spanish gables and light colored brick. The building’s wood frame is being replaced with a steel frame, and Clarion’s first geothermal heat pumps, which take advantage of underground geothermal conditions for heating in winter and cooling in summer, are being installed. Construction is being completed in accordance with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification guidelines. On tap for Tippin Starting in spring 2015, Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium and Natatorium will be transformed into a new, multi-use space that will better serve intercollegiate athletics, fitness, nutrition and academics. The project will include the construction of 49,000 square feet, and the existing 112,000 square feet will be extensively renovated. Inside, the structure will include a new natatorium. The existing gym will be transformed into an arena. Outside, plans call for removing much of Tippin’s brick exterior and replacing it with glass to open it up to the community. The project is funded entirely through $41.9 million in state capital appropriations. The budget also includes an additional $3 million for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Pennsylvania Department of General Services will manage the project, which will be done in six sequences, so use of the building can continue during renovation. The university is hoping for a fall 2017 completion. A new recreational pool, being paid for by Clarion Students’ Association, will be attached to the Student Recreation Center and will be available for community use.