Dance recalls the high school prom

For today’s college students, those hot tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s are now “golden oldies.” It will be no surprise, therefore, that some Pittsburg State University students will be a little nostalgic as they dance to some of their favorite “old songs” at Prom ‘98 on Friday, March 30. The event, sponsored by the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed service fraternity, will run from 8-11 p.m. in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom of the Overman Student Center.

Organizers say the event is an opportunity for students to dress up a little, have some fun, and recall days gone by – all for a good cause, because proceeds from the $5 ticket fee will go to Angels Among Us. Angels Among Us is a local organization formed to benefit cancer patients and their families.

An added incentive will be door prizes and “prom-style” photos available for purchase.

For more information, call the PSU Campus Activities Center at 620-235-4795.

---Pitt State---

Conference focuses on lifelike human simulators

Registration for the Pittsburg State University Department of Nursing’s spring 2007 conference, “Simulation: A New Road Map for Health Care Education,” is due by April 6. The conference, which runs from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on April 20, will be held in the McPherson Nurse Education Building on the PSU campus.

At the heart of this year’s conference will be the department’s new Regional Simulation Center/Learning Resources Center. The center is equipped with high-tech human simulators that, educators say, is changing health care education.

The keynote speaker for the conference will be Kathy Ann Carver, a professor of nursing at Johnson County Community College and a nationally recognized expert in simulation for health care education.

In addition to learning about using the new human simulators in health care education, conference participants will be able to participate in at least two patient simulations. The conference fee is $60. For more information, call the PSU Department of Nursing at 620-235-4431 or visit the department’s Web site at http://www.pittstate.edu/nurs/.

---Pitt State---

Comedian brings 'End of Racism' tour to PSU

Comedian Bryan “Preacher” Moss will bring his “Ending Racism” comedy and lecture tour to Pittsburg State University on Thursday, April 5. The free event, sponsored by the Student Activities Council and the Student Diversity Office, will take place at 7 p.m. in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom.

Moss, has appeared on “Comedy Central” and “Politically Incorrect,” and has written for “Saturday Night Live,” “The Damon Wayans Show” and the “George Lopez Show.”

Moss uses humor to focus on the status of civil rights in the U.S.

“If you think about it,” Moss told one interviewer, “to hate somebody takes very little creativity. It's one of the few things that can be self-sustaining and completely redundant. I have a soft spot for racists; it requires you to be dumb for a long time.

"Poverty and racism persist because there's a status quo," he said. "I talk about racism as a limitation. It affects everybody from the big things to the small things. Racism is the reason you never see any black people in Grey Poupon commercials. Somebody's driving by with a rolled-down window, the implication is it's a drive-by (shooting)."

For more information, contact Anthony Moreno at 620-235-4077.
Also, visit the Preacher Moss Web site at http://www.preachermoss.com/

---Pitt State---

Friends of Axe to hold Children's Book Festival March 31

The Friends of the Leonard H. Axe Library will hold its second annual Children’s Book Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 in the east lobby of the Weede Physical Education Building. Proceeds from the event are used to support a wide variety of projects for library improvement.

The Children’s Book Festival is held in conjunction with the annual Young Authors’ Conference. Authors from the United States, Australia and England have donated samples of their work for the festival. Most of them are signed and many are decorated with a small drawing or a note.

For example, Jeff Weigel, the author of the “Atomic Ace” comic book series not only gave two of his books for the festival, but also two very precisely drawn samples of his art work on the lining papers.

Other works in the festival include a number of picture books that appeal to youngsters such as “The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle,” about a greedy old lady who gets a very nice wish from a fairy, but exasperates her benefactor by continually “trading up.” “A Sea of Words” is an ABC book about the deep blue sea with beautiful illustrations of clownfish, anglerfish, barracudas and other colorful denizens of the ocean.

There are also many wonderful books for middle school and high school readers, such as “Lorenzo and the Turncoat,” involving exciting adventure in colonial New Orleans at the time of the American Revolution, or “Bridging Beyond,” in which a troubled teenager dreams of a near-death experience. Comedies in the festival include works such as “Amelia Bedelia’s Family Album,” in which the world’s most literal maid introduces a gaggle of equally literal relatives. “Time Bomb,” tells the story of four misfit youngsters in 1949 London who find an unexploded bomb and keep it a secret, with disastrous results. Among the non fiction books is “Colonial America,” part of the “Making a New Nation” series, has beautiful period illustrations.

Since the organization’s creation in 1988, the Friends of Axe Library has planned and supported many projects for library improvement, including purchases of furniture, films and books, organization of numerous lectures and an art exhibition and publication of a guidebook about the history of the campus, which is now in its second edition.

Organizers of the Children’s Book Festival say that as an added incentive, the books for sale are not only signed, but discounted 25 percent.

For information about 2007 projects of the Friends of Axe Library, check the latest edition of their newsletter, “A Chat Between Friends,” at http://library/friends/newsletter/2007_spr_chat.pdf.

---Pitt State---

Dickinson Poetry Festival features readings by contemporary poets

Three poets, Amy Fleury, Jeanne E. Clark, and Alice Fulton, will read from their works as part of the Emily Dickinson Poetry Festival, March 27-29, at Pittsburg State University. Sponsored by the Distinguished Visiting Writers Series, Women’s Studies, and the Student Fee Council, the series will feature lectures each day, and every night, one of the poets will read from her own work. On March 29, a panel discussion on Emily Dickinson will be presented from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Balkans Room.

Fleury will read from her work at 8 p.m. on March 27 in the Governor’s Room. A reception will follow in the Heritage Room. Fleury, a native of rural northeast Kansas, is an associate professor of English at Washburn University in Topeka. Her collection of poems, “Beautiful Trouble,” won the 2003 Crab Orchard First Book Award and was named a top-10 notable book of 2004 by the Kansas City Star. Her poetry and fiction have appeared in “Prairie Schooner,” “North American Review,” “Midwest Quarterly,” “21st,” and “Southeast Review,” among other journals. She has been a recipient of fellowships from the MacDowell Colony and the Kansas Arts Commission.

Clark will read from her work at 8 p.m. on March 28. A reception will follow in the Heritage Room. Clark is the author of “Ohio Blue Tips,” which won the 1997 Akron Poetry Prize. Clark was born and raised in Northwest Ohio. She teaches Creative Writing at California State University, Chico. She was the winner of the 1995 Loft Prize in Poetry.

Fulton will read her poetry at 8 p.m. on March 29 in the Governor’s Room. Fulton's most recent book of poems is “Cascade Experiment.” Her book, “Felt,” was awarded the 2002 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry from the Library of Congress. “Felt” also was selected by the Los Angeles Times as one of the Best Books of 2001 and as a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award. Her honors include fellowships from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Ingram Merrill Foundation, The Guggenheim Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, and The Michigan Society of Fellows. Her work has been included in six editions of The Best American Poetry series and the Pushcart Prize series. She is currently the Ann S. Bowers Professor of English at Cornell University.

In addition to reading from their works, the visiting poets will also deliver a series of lectures to English classes during the week. Those lectures are also open to the public. Amy Fleury will speak in Paul McCallum’s “General Literature: Poetry” class at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, in 302 Grubbs Hall. Jeanne E. Clark will speak in Laura Lee Washburn’s “Poetry Writing” class at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, in 303 Grubbs Hall. Alice Fulton will speak in Lizanne Minerva’s “Introduction to Creative Writing” class at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 29 in 312 Grubbs Hall.

---Pitt State---

Greve named PSU registrar

Dr. Steve Scott, Pittsburg State University vice president for Academic Affairs, announced today the appointment of Debbie Greve as University Registrar. Dr. Lee Christensen, registrar and associate vice president for academic programs, announced his retirement earlier this year. Greve’s appointment takes effect at the beginning of the academic year.

Greve, a Chanute, Kan., native, earned both a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and a master’s degree in human resource development from PSU. She worked in the PSU Admission Office from 1984 through 1998 when she was named coordinator of the One-Stop Career Center at Labette Community College. In 2001, she served as registrar and dean of students at Neosho County Community College and she returned to PSU as assistant registrar for student records in 2002.

“I have always considered PSU part of an extension to my own family,” Greve said. “My children grew up on this campus. Just as I welcomed the opportunity to return to PSU in 2002, I am excited to further commit my passion for higher education and my devotion to PSU in the role of registrar.”

---Pitt State--

Western Wind sextet performs at PSU

The internationally acclaimed vocal sextet, The Western Wind, will present the fifth concert of the 2006-2007 Pittsburg State University Solo and Chamber Music Series at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 30, in the McCray Recital Hall at PSU. The concert will be an all-American evening titled “O Beautiful,” and the repertoire will include everything from Colonial American fare to the music of 20th-century composers such as William Bolcolm, Meredith Monk, Duke Ellington, and Billy Joel.

Since 1969, The Western Wind, has devoted itself to the special beauty and variety of a cappella music. The ensemble's repertoire reveals its diverse background - from Renaissance motets to ‘50s rock 'n' roll, from medieval carols to Duke Ellington, from complex works by avant-garde composers to the simplest folk melodies.

Since 1989, The Western Wind has produced a series of radio programs distributed throughout the United States by National Public Radio and Public Radio International. The programs address topics ranging from settings of love songs throughout the centuries to a musical narrative of the Jewish High Holy Days.

The Western Wind has also produced 19 recordings, 11 of which have been released on Western Wind Records, the group's own record label, distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Albany Music Distributors.

Tickets for the concert are $10 for the general public and $7 for persons over 65 or under 18. Full-time PSU students are entitled to a free ticket. Tickets are available in advance through the University Ticket Office in the Overman Student Center (620-235-4796) or at the door prior to the performance.

The Solo and Chamber Music Series is supported by major funding from the PSU Student Government Association.

On the Web:
• For more information about The Western Wind, visit their Web site at http://www.westernwind.org/
• For more information about the PSU Solo & Chamber Music Series, go to http://www.pittstate.edu/music/S&CMSConcerts.html

---Pitt State---

Dearth picked as interim dean for College of Business

Dr. Steve Scott, Pittsburg State University vice president for Academic Affairs, announced today the appointment of Dr. Richard Dearth as interim dean of the Kelce College of Business at PSU. Dearth follows Dr. Russ Hardin, who is leaving PSU at the end of the academic year to become chairman of the Accounting Department at the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

Dearth is currently chairman of the Department of Management and Marketing. He has taught Introduction to Business, Business Law, The Legal and Social Environment of Business and Business, Government and Society at Pittsburg State University since 1992.

“Dr. Dearth has demonstrated strong and insightful leadership in his tenure as the chairperson of the Department of Management and Marketing,” Scott said. “He is skilled at finding common ground and honoring the processes of higher education, and he applies those skills to encourage and achieve continuous improvement.

“Dr. Dearth quickly earned the respect of his colleagues in Kelce as a person who is professional, knowledgeable of current business practices, and committed to Pittsburg State University,” Scott added. “He has worked closely with our current dean, Dr. Russ Hardin, in matters related to the accreditation of the business college programs. His knowledge in this area and the leadership he has already provided will serve him and the college well in the coming months. Under Dr. Dearth's leadership, we are looking forward to a successful accreditation visit in the fall of 2008.”

Dearth earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kansas and a juris doctor from Washburn University of Topeka.

Dearth practiced law for 35 years and although he closed his practice and devotes his full time to teaching and administration at Pittsburg State University, he is currently admitted to practice by the Kansas Supreme Court, United States District Court, the United States Circuit Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit. He continues to be a fellow of the Kansas Bar Foundation and a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. For a period of time, Dearth acted as the director of law and the assistant city manager for Parsons. He advised a number of governmental organizations during his practice. While in Parsons, Dearth was active in a community service projects.

Dearth was the Sam Walton Fellow for PSU Students in Free Enterprise for 2003-2004 and continues to be actively involved as a member of the Board Business advisors for PSU SIFE. He was instrumental in chartering Beta Gamma Sigma, a business honor society and acted as the faculty adviser for three years. Dearth is the AACSB international coordinator for the College of Business. He served on many college and university committees during his time at PSU.

---Pitt State---

PSU Veterans Memorial to add engraved pavers

Plans are underway to install additional engraved pavers, which honor veterans or veterans’ organizations, at the Pittsburg State University Veterans Memorial, 1909 S. Rouse, in Pittsburg. The new pavers will be unveiled during a Memorial Day Ceremony on May 28. The deadline for purchasing a paver for this installation is April 9.

With the 140 pavers dedicated on Veterans Day 2006, the PSU Veterans Memorial now includes 2,750 engraved pavers. The granite stones pay tribute to anyone who has served this country through one of the five branches of the military. The pavers are $150 for an 8"x8" and $300 for a 12"x12" paver.

To purchase a paver or for additional information, call the PSU Office of University Development at 620-235-4768, or e-mail lmetro@pittstate.edu. For more information about the memorial, visit the PSU Veterans Memorial Web site at http://www.psuvetmemorial.org/.

---Pitt State---

PSU names director of University Development

Dr. Brad Hodson, Pittsburg State University vice president for Advancement, today announced the appointment of Scott Roberts as director of University Development. Roberts is currently director of major gifts for the Colleges of Business and Technology at PSU. His new appointment is effective May 1.

As director of University Development, Roberts will be responsible for managing the university’s private giving programs.

“We’re very excited to have Scott build on his experience as a major gift officer and lead the staff in University Development through the final years of Pittsburg State’s $120 million capital campaign,” Hodson said. “This is an exciting time at PSU and private giving plays a major role in the future success of this institution. We are confident that Scott has the skills needed to ensure the success of the university’s fundraising programs.”

Roberts earned a Bachelor of Arts in physical education from the College of the Ozarks. Before joining the PSU staff, Roberts served as district executive for the Boy Scouts of America’s Ozark Trails Council, Springfield, Mo.

Roberts and his wife, Barbara, live in Pittsburg with their daughter, Marley.

---Pitt State---

Tompkins to head PSU College of Education

Dr. Andy Tompkins, former Kansas Commissioner of Education, has been chosen dean of the Pittsburg State University College of Education. Dr. Steve Scott, PSU vice president for Academic Affairs, announced Tompkins’ appointment.

Currently an associate professor in the University of Kansas Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Tompkins is well known across the state through his service as Kansas Commissioner of Education from 1996 until 2005. Tompkins is no stranger to PSU, however, having served as chairman of the PSU Department of Special Services and Leadership Studies from 1994 until 1995 and as interim dean of the PSU College of Education from 1995 until 1996.

Tompkins received a bachelor of arts degree in English from East Central State University in Ada, Okla.; a master of science degree in educational administration from Emporia State University and an Ed.D. in educational administration from the University of Kansas. He began his career in education as a high school English teacher and later served as a high school principal, and superintendent of three Kansas school districts

Tompkins is a frequent presenter on leadership and education topics and has been published in a wide variety of publications. Among his many awards and honors, Tompkins has received the Kansas Master Teacher Award, the Kansas National Education Association’s Friend of Education Award, the Kansas School Public Relations Association’s Key Communicator of the Year Award and the United School Administrators’ Kansas Administrator of the Year Award. In 1991, Tompkins was named Kansas Superintendent of the Year and in 2001, he was inducted into the Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame.

Scott praised Tompkins’ experience and his leadership experience.

“Through a variety of leadership roles across the state of Kansas, Dr. Tompkins has earned the respect of K-12, higher education, and the state's political leadership,” Scott said. “He is known as a tireless advocate for Kansas kids and the improvement of learning. This passion will serve us well, as our teacher preparation program focuses more and more on producing teachers who better understand how kids learn.”

Scott described Tompkins as an energetic leader with a clear understanding of how complex organizations work.

“His enthusiasm for learning and continuous improvement is contagious,” Scott said. “Our College of Education, its programs, faculty and staff, are sure to be in good and capable hands with Dr. Tompkins as our new dean.”

Scott said Tompkins’ selection sends a message beyond the campus.

“The hiring of an individual of Dr. Tompkins' stature should communicate to the region and the state that Pittsburg State University is committed to having a College of Education that is known for excellence, engagement, and leadership,” Scott said.

Gary Price, superintendent for USD 250 in Pittsburg, described Tompkins as one of the finest school leaders he has known.

“He understands education systems, has a nationwide network with some of America's best educators, and has the welfare of our children foremost in his heart,” Price said of Tompkins. “He brings exceptional skill and instant credibility to this leadership role.”

Tompkins will assume his duties at PSU on July 2.

---Pitt State---

Dean announces leadership appointments in Kelce College of Business

Dr. Russ Hardin, dean of the Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State University, announced today the appointment of Dr. Bienvenido S. Cortes as chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Banking and Rebecca Casey as interim chairman of the Department of Accounting. The appointments take effect in June.

Cortes is a University Professor of economics in the Department of Economics, Finance and Banking. He will replace Dr. Chuck Fischer, who has led the department since 1980. Fischer is leaving the department chairmanship to return to the classroom full time.

Cortes received a Bachelor of Science in business economics from the University of the Philippines, a Master of Arts in economics from Wichita State University, and Ph.D. in economics from Oklahoma State University.

Cortes joined the PSU Economics Department in 1986. In 2001-2, he was a Fulbright scholar at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, where he taught regional economics, macroeconomics, and U.S. economic policies. He was also a visiting professor at Japan’s Hiroshima University of Economics in 1993-94. He has participated in overseas faculty seminars focusing on economic growth and international business practices in the European Union, Hong Kong, and southern China.

In 2005, Cortes conducted and co-wrote an economic impact study for a proposed destination casino in southeast Kansas. He teaches international economics, introductory economics, and the economics capstone course as well as MBA courses. He is also co-director of the Business and International Education grant project of the Kelce College of Business.

Cortes is active in university and community service and represents PSU as a member of the Strategic Academic Resource and Policy Team Committee for Kansas, Inc. He is a member and former president of the Sunflower Kiwanis of Pittsburg. His wife, Paige, is an instructor in the Intensive English Program at PSU. They have two children, Ben, 12 years old, and Annie, 8.

Rebecca Casey has been a member of the Accounting Department faculty since 2002. She received both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from PSU. At Pittsburg State, Casey teaches accounting classes and supervises the Kelce Academic Advising Center. She is also the adviser for Students in Free Enterprise.

Before coming to PSU, Casey, a Certified Public Accountant, held accounting and finance positions with First Federal Savings and Loan of Pittsburg; Pitsco, Inc.; Ozark Salad Company; and NPC International.

---Pitt State---

Carter named major gifts officer at PSU

Dr. Brad Hodson, Pittsburg State University vice president for advancement, announced today the appointment of Ellen Carter as the major gifts officer serving the colleges of Education and Arts and Sciences. Carter’s appointment will become effective at the end of the current academic year.

Hodson said the comments submitted by members of the campus community during the search process were overwhelmingly positive about the candidate.

“As we listened to the comments during the campus interviews,” Hodson said, “it was clear that Ellen has been and continues to be a very valuable asset to Pittsburg State University. Her ability to form and nurture strong relationships with constituents will serve the university well as she focuses her energies on a whole new set of challenges related to increasing private support for the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences.”

Carter has worked in the PSU Office of Public Relations for the past 23 years and has served as director of the office since 1986. Carter holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University. Before joining the PSU staff, she worked as an information specialist for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, as the education writer for the Pittsburg Morning Sun and then as the promotions and marketing director for Northpark Mall in Joplin.

Carter and her husband, Greg, live in Joplin, Mo.

---Pitt State---

Wood Technology students benefit from high-tech gift

The Pittsburg State University Wood Technology Program announced this week that the Michael Weinig Group of Mooresville, N.C., has installed a major piece of new equipment at PSU that will allow students to train on equipment that is both literally and figurative “cutting-edge.”

David Miles, an associate professor in wood technology, said the company recently loaned the program a new Raimann ProfiRip KM 310 M Optimizing Rip Saw valued at more than $116,000. This is the third gift the company has made through the “Partners in Education” program.

Miles praised Jeff Davidson, president of Michael Weinig, for his strong support.

“He recognizes the importance of providing students the opportunity to use the state-of-the-art equipment and processes,” Miles said. “We are grateful to have dedicated supporters of our program and appreciate the excellent quality of Weinig Group machinery.”

Miles said the new saw will give students hands-on experience with equipment that is the future of the woodworking industry.

The new saw, Miles explained, is a German-made machine designed to optimize the ripping operation in flooring, moulding, and solid wood manufacturing plants. The machine is designed not only to save 7-10 percent in materials, but also to significantly reduce labor.

---Pitt State---

18th Young Authors Conference set for March 31

An estimated 400 young authors and many of their parents are expected to attend the 18th annual Young Authors Conference on March 31 at Pittsburg State University. The conference will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the John Lance Arena in the Weede Physical Education Building.

Conference Coordinator Susan Knell, a member of the faculty in the PSU Department of Curriculum and Instruction, said the young authors, who are in grades 1-6, represent 32 elementary schools in the four-state area.

The students, who have all written and illustrated their own books, will have the opportunity to meet a nationally known children’s book author, Kimberly Willis Holt, and a prolific young children’s book illustrator, Chris Soentpiet. Their parents, meanwhile, will hear from Janie Weber, a literacy specialist from Fort Smith, Ark.

Kimberly Willis Holt’s first novel, “My Louisiana Sky,” was an ALA Notable Book and an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults. It also received a Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award. Her second novel, “When Zachary Beaver Came to Town,” won the National Book Award.

Chris Soentpiet is a masterful illustrator whose work has already earned him distinctions such as the Society of Illustrators’ highest honor, the Gold Medal, the International Reading Association Book of the Year Award and the American Library Association Notable Award.

Books by the Holt and Soentpiet will be on sale in the West Lobby throughout the conference.

The conference will conclude with closing ceremonies beginning at 3:15 p.m. in the arena. For more information, contact Susan Knell at 620-235-4506.

---Pitt State---

PSU, Fort Scott Community College sign agreement

Fort Scott Community College President James Miesner, left, and PSU President Tom Bryant sign a shared campus agreement today. Looking on are Judy Collins, FSCC associate dean for the Pittsburg campus, and Steve Scott, PSU vice president for academic affairs.


FSCC, PSU extol benefits of cooperation
Fort Scott Community College President James Miesner and Pittsburg State University President Tom Bryant signed a document on Wednesday, March 7, that set out the details of a shared campus agreement that is allowing more students to get a college education.

Under the shared campus agreement, a number of students enrolled at FSCC are actually living and attending class at Pittsburg State. Some of them are in the PSU/FSCC Qualified Admission Program, which helps students who have not met the criteria for university admission set forth in Kansas Board of Regents Qualified Admissions standards. The PSU/FSCC Qualified Admission Program allows FSCC to offer their classes in PSU classrooms. Those FSCC credits are then transferable to PSU when the students have progressed far enough to be admitted to Pittsburg State.

Other programs included in the shared campus agreement are the FSCC Dental Hygiene, Harley Davidson and John Deere programs. Students in those areas may earn AA or AS degrees and many then choose to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree through PSU.

Today, a total of 23 students who are part of the shared campus agreement live on campus.

Pittsburg State officials say the shared campus agreement is cost effective for both PSU and FSCC because it allows a better use of both facilities and faculty. While students in the shared campus programs pay FSCC tuition and not PSU tuition, they do pay Pitt State campus privilege fees and carry PSU IDs.

---Pitt State---

Women of the Kansas Balkans

Anna Marcet Haldeman-Julius (1887-1941) before her marriage to Emanuel Julius. Anna Marcet was the niece of Jane Addams from Hull House in Chicago. Marcet is just one of the women who will be profiled in a free presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, as part of Pittsburg State University's observance of Women's History Month.









Southeast Kansas women who made a difference
Randy Roberts, curator of special collections at Pittsburg State University, will recall the "Women of the Kansas Balkans" in a presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, in the Special Collections and Archives area in the lower level of Axe Library. Robert's presentation is part of Women's History Month activities sponsored by the PSU Women’s Studies Club.

Roberts will talk about some famous and some not-so-famous Southeast Kansas women who made their mark on history at times when it was not so easy for them to do so.

The women Roberts will discuss include Girard’s Anna Marcet Haldeman-Julius, who is associated with the Little Blue Books. He will also talk about ZaSu Pitts, the actress from Parsons; PSU's own Margaret Haughawout, English professor and author; Jane Grant, from Girard, who co-founded the New Yorker Magazine. Other women on the list are many who were community leaders, socialites, authors, strike leaders, and artists.

"The women of the Kansas Balkans are a part of our regional heritage that has often been ignored," Roberts said. "Women have been spirited participants, contributors, and leaders in every area of that heritage. The significant historical contributions of these women are just waiting to be discovered or remembered."

In celebration of Women's History Month, the PSU Women's Studies Club will sponsor the Emily Dickinson Festival at 8 p.m. March 27-29 in the Governor’s Room of the Overman Student Center. The festival will bring three contemporary writers to campus who have written about or have been influenced by Dickinson.

Amy Fleury, a professor at Washburn University and a native Kansan, whose book "Beautiful Trouble" won a book award, will read from her own work on March 27. Jeanne E. Clark, author of "Ohio Blue Tips," will read from her work on the March 28. Clark's dissertation was on the "prison poetics" of Emily Dickinson. She teaches at Chico State in California. Alice Fulton will read from her work on March 29. Fulton is also a Dickinson scholar who teaches at Cornell. All of the readings will take place at 8 p.m. in the Governor's Room of the student center. Additionally, all three authors will appear with PSU's Kathy Nichols on a panel about Dickinson from 2-3:15 p.m. on March 29 in the Balkans Room of the student center. All the events are free and open to the public.

For more:
PSU Special Collections

PSU Women's Studies: e-mail psuwomen@yahoo.com

---Pitt State---

Groups plan 'Safe Spring Break' message

With Spring Break just around the corner, the Pittsburg State University Substance Abuse Focus Group has lined up several activities to remind students to play it safe while they're having fun.

On Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Gorillas in Your Midst and Peer Health Education organizations will be distributing Safe Spring Break kits (including sunscreen, candy, lip balm, condoms, and safety information) on the Oval and in the student center.

Other events planned for the week are as follows:

Monday, March 12
2:45-4 p.m. – Sidewalk chalk contest on the oval. Winners will receive up to $100 in gift certificates.

7 p.m. – Erin Weede will present "Stayin' Alive on Spring Break," a safety presentation, on the Oval. Sponsored by Campus Activities and Student Prevention and Wellness. For more information go to http://www.safespringbreak.org/.

Tuesday, March 13
5-7:30 p.m. – Miniature golf at Four Oaks Golf Course (free with PSU ID). Sponsored by the Substance Abuse Focus Group and Gorillas In Your Midst.

Wednesday, March 14
5 p.m. – Free Safe Spring Break BBQ at the University Lake. Sponsored by GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol).

7 p.m. – "The Price Is Right" game at Dellinger Underground (below Gibson Dining Hall). Winners will receive a chance at door prizes, gift certificates to area restaurants and stores, and a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. Sponsored by the Residence Hall Assembly.

Thursday, March 15
7 p.m. – "Bernie McGrenhan’s Happy Hour: Comedy With a Twist," a comedy lecture with a serious message about high-risk drinking, at the U-Club. Sponsored by the Student Activities Council.

For more information, contact Substance Abuse Focus Group Chairman J.T. Knoll at 620-235-4062.

---Pitt State---

WMU Trombone Quartet to perform

The Western Michigan University Trombone Quartet will present a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, in the McCray Recital Hall on the Pittsburg State University campus. The quartet is comprised of students from the Western Michigan University School of Music.

In Pittsburg, the quartet will perform a variety of works including Bach's Fugue in D Minor, Jacob Arcadelt's "Ava Maria," Saskia Apon's First Trombone Quartet, Jean-Michel Defaye's "Movement Perpetuel," Eric Ewazen's "Myths and Legends," and Lew Pollack's "That's a Plenty."

The quartet's Pittsburg performance is part of a schedule that includes performances at the University of Arkansas and the University of Central Arkansas.

For more information, contact the PSU Department of Music at 620-235-4466.

---Pitt State---

Community Campaign begins

The chairpersons of this year's 'Partners in Progress' Community Campaign are Steve and Becky Sloan. The annual campaign, which is designed to solicit gifts for student scholarships and academic needs on campus, began on Tuesday with a breakfast in the Overman Student Center.

The annual Community Campaign is part of an overall private fund-raising program that last year allowed the PSU Foundation to award nearly $2 million in student scholarship aid.

At the kickoff breakfast, the university honored Judy Westhoff with the Rex Crowley Outstanding Partner in Progress Award. That award is presented to a member of the Pittsburg community who has been an outstanding partner with the university. The recipient selected is a civic leader who has rendered outstanding volunteer services. The award is named in honor of Rex Crowley, whose career as both a local banker and as a fund-raising volunteer for PSU is well known in the community.

Westhoff is a dedicated volunteer in the community. She is a recipient of the Spirit of Pittsburg Award, the YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award, and is a 2007 Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Woman of Distinction.

During the Partners in Progress Campaign, university development officers make personal visits to businesses and professionals. Businesses that make gifts to the campaign are identified by campaign emblems in their windows. Donors also receive public recognition through campaign materials and the media.

For more information, contact Holly Kent, director of Annual Giving, Ext. 6096, hkent@pittstate.edu.

---Pitt State---

Lucky students strike scholarship gold

Thursday was a lucky day for two Pittsburg State University students. By the luck of the draw, Jessica Moore, a freshman from Girard, Kan., and Timothy McVey, a senior mathematics education major from Paola, got part of their tuition paid. Moore won a $1,000 scholarship and McVey won a $500 scholarship when their names were drawn at the annual PSU Apple Day convocation.

The Centennial Scholarships are funded by the PSU Foundation from money collected during the university’s centennial celebration in 2003. The funds will be applied to the students’ fall tuition bills next fall.

---Pitt State---

Weather stalls jazz ensemble

Organizers of Pittsburg State University's Jazz Festival concert, scheduled for tonight, learned today that Jon Faddis and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble were stranded by bad weather to the north and would not be able to perform for tonight's concert. Bob Kehle, festival director, said the PSU Jazz Ensemble I and the Crowder College Jazz Ensemble will perform a free, public concert at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Memorial Auditorium.

Refunds will be issued to anyone holding tickets for the originally scheduled Chicago Jazz Ensemble performance. Those seeking refunds may present their tickets tonight at the auditorium or next week at the PSU Ticket Office in the Overman Student Center. For information on refunds, call the PSU Ticket Office at 620-235-4796.

---Pitt State---

Kansas-Paraguay Partners to meet at PSU

From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, PSU will host the Kansas-Paraguay Partners state conference in the Rotunda and Room S-102 of the Kansas Technology Center. This will be the first time that this long-standing organization has met at PSU.

Alice Sagehorn, a member of the faculty in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and director of the PSU in Paraguay Program, said a special guest at the event will be Victor Bernal, the assistant to the Paraguay Ambassador to the U.S. Sagehorn said she expects about 75 representatives from across the state to attend. That includes representatives from all of the Kansas Regents universities and Washburn University.

The Kansas-Paraguay Partners program, established in 1968, encourages educational, medical, business and cultural exchanges between Kansas and Paraguay.

For more information, contact Sagehorn at 620-235-4499.

For more on Kansas-Paraguay Partners: http://www.partners.net/partners/Kansas-Paraguay_EN.asp?SnID=272468385

---Pitt State---

PSU honors students for service & academic excellence

Pittsburg State University honored 23 students on March 1 with its Golden Gorilla Award. The award recognizes students for their contributions in the areas of community service, academic excellence, and involvement both on and off campus.

Students nominated were evaluated on the following criteria:

SERVICE: The desire and actions to aid the less fortunate and improve the quality of life for individuals at PSU or in the Pittsburg community.

ACADEMICS: Not only the student's GPA, but progressive improvements, and any independent research efforts or other intellectual endeavors related to their field of study, relevant honors included.

INVOLVEMENT: Participation in on-campus activities with an emphasis on any leadership roles, including intercollegiate athletics. Organizations not affiliated with the university should also be included if the applicant is actively involved, i.e. church clubs, PTA, etc.

This year's Golden Gorilla Award winners are:

Rye Addis, Oswego, Sr., Communication
Amy Bartlow, Pittsburg, Sr., Education
Kayla Carter, St. Paul, Sr., Accounting/Marketing
Aril Commons, Baxter Springs, Sr., Recreation
Nick Dellasega, Pittsburg, Sr., Finance
Rebekah Grieb, Olathe, Sr., Communication
Danielle Herman, Fort Scott, Sr., Nursing
Shauna Hillman, Cheney, Sr., Nursing
Jeremy Johnson, Haysville, Jr., Marketing
Cherrelle Jones, Wichita, Sr., Biology
Meghan Kranz, Leawood, Sr., Education
Casey Kuhn, Olathe, Sr., Mathematics Education
Joy Leek, Pittsburg, Jr., Communication
Ashley Lopez, Pittsburg, Sr., Communication
Anthony Moreno, Lee’s Summit, Mo., Sr., Communication
Elizabeth Perrey, Joplin, Mo., Sr., Accounting
Samantha Pinkal, Imperial, Neb., Sr., Construction Management
Jodi Smardo, Frontenac, Sr., Education
Audra Tope, Arkansas City, Sr., Psychology
Michelle Vosters, Olathe, Sr., Communication
Christa Weber, Columbus, Sr., Music Education
Ashley Weis, Derby, Sr., Biology
Erin Wells, Pittsburg, Sr., Mathematics

---Pitt State---