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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.
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.
Media of