The Yellow Sheet 2003February 20, 2003 | Volume 35, Number 19

News & Announcements

Campus Conversation Follow-up... President Dennis Johnson says: "Together, we have embarked upon a process that will involve us in comprehensive conversations leading to the vision and priorities that we must establish during the next several fiscal years. It has been my commitment and the commitment of the administrative team that all decisions will be made with as much information as possible, and will be made available to all persons who are interested in obtaining that information. To that end, Director of Institutional Research David Menk has gathered a great deal of data comparing Gustavus with institutions that may be regarded as our peers (in terms of reputation, size, etc.). Some will want to carefully examine the graphs and charts provided; others will appreciate summaries that interpret the meaning of the data. I have asked each of the vice presidents to provide his or her "interpretation" of the data (according to areas of expertise) in a single sentence at the bottom of each category. Where we stand in relation to others does not provide the answer to "where do we want to be?" That is something this community will speak to, which will inform the decisions made in and through our shared governance process. Undoubtedly not everything we want to know is contained in this study. It may be that there are other areas to be examined that are necessary to our self-understanding as an institution. As such areas are identified we will attempt to pull together the relevant data. Knowledge informs, enlightens, and empowers. Let us use this information for the betterment of our college and for the sake of our students."

Return Surveys... Anyone who has not yet turned in the internal communication survey is reminded to do so as soon as possible. The internal communication survey box will be located at the Information Center in the Campus Center through Feb. 24. Surveys may also be dropped off at the Office of Public Relations or put in campus mail. The surveys will be analyzed and used to inform future internal communication decisions. Everyone's input is appreciated. Questions may be directed to Stacia Senne (x7510 or ssenne@gustavus.edu).

Alumni Award Recipients Named... On Feb. 8, the Gustavus Alumni Board announced the winners of this year's Distinguished Alumni Citations, First Decade Awards, and Greater Gustavus Awards. Recipients and criteria for these awards are as follows:

• Greater Gustavus Award -- Phil Lindau ('58) of Minneapolis, who was an Alumni Association Board Member (1975-80), Gustavus Board of Trustees (chair 1992-95), and chair of the Building a Greater Gustavus Campaign. This is the highest award given by the Gustavus Alumni Association. It is awarded to those who, by deed, have notably advanced and aided the College.
• Distinguished Alumni Citations -- John Biewen ('83) of Durham, NC, who is a correspondent/producer for American Radio Works; Allison Rosati Dennis ('85) of Burr Ridge, IL., who is anchor for NBC 5 in Chicago; D. Vaughn (Chip) Weseloh ('67) of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who is head of Wildlife Toxicology, Ontario Region in Toronto. The Distinguished Alumni Citation recognizes outstanding and exceptional professional achievement such as to bring unusual honor to the individual in his or her field of endeavor.
• The First Decade Award -- Deanna Koepp ('93) of Pearland, TX, who is a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Steve Elledge at Baylor College of Medicine; and Jacinto Rocha ('93) of Pretoria, South Africa, who is chief director of Mineral Resources Management, Department of Minerals and Energy in South Africa. This award is given to 1 male and 1 female who show early professional achievement.

GRANT NEWS:

Gustavus Receives Award... The College is one of 15 colleges and universities to receive a $60,000 award from the Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program, which seeks to emphasize the relationship between biology and chemistry. This 3-year grant will support 4 summer research projects under the leadership of the following faculty in the biology and chemistry departments: Jeff Dahlseid, Michael Ferragamo, Colleen Jacks, Jeff Jeremiason, John Lammert, Brian O'Brien, and Jonathan Smith.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Physics Seminar Tonight... Jochen Mueller of the University of Minnesota will present a physics seminar, titled "The Physics and Biology of Signal Fluctuations at the Single Molecule Level," at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in Olin Hall 220. All are invited to attend.

"Big Love" Feb. 20-23... Charles Mee's Obie Award winning play "Big Love" will be presented at 8 p.m. Feb. 20-23 in Anderson Theatre. As an historian who has published books on both American and European history, Charles Mee sees life as more complex than the plays he grew up watching. His own life, scarred by polio, was not what he saw on the stage and his play writing developed from that base. What he saw in life was mania, confusion, anguish, hatred, disability, and lack of control. His plays, oftentimes gritty and tragic, reflect the emotions he saw around him in the day to day life of the community and the world. "Big Love" is based on the ancient Greek play by Aeschylus titled "The Suppliant Women." It is the first in a series of plays in what Charles Mee calls his "Love Trilogy." Following Aeschylus' lead, Mee addresses the situation of a group of women who, against their will, are being forced to marry their cousins. Within this framework, "Big Love" develops into a theatrical meditation on modern day gender wars which, although contemporary, have their roots in ancient history. Because of the nature of the situations in the play, this production contains strong language and scenes and is intended for adult audiences. Director Rob Gardner is assisted by Maria Gomez Tierney, set and costume design is by Cindy Freet, lighting and technical direction by Terena Wilkens, and sound design by Dan Roeder. Tickets are on sale at the Ticket Center (x7590) and will be available at the door 1 hour prior to showtime.

Chapel Schedule... All are invited to the worship services at 10 a.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m. Sundays in Christ Chapel. The upcoming schedule is as follows:

• Feb. 21 -- Tom Christenson;
• Feb. 23 -- 7th Sunday after the Epiphany, Chaplain Rachel Larson;
• Feb. 24 -- Paula Sviggum, Exodus 32:1-6;
• Feb. 25 -- Mary Solberg, James 2:1-9;
• Feb. 26 -- Morning Praise;
• Feb. 27 -- Transfiguration Series, Rev. Cheryl Mathison; and
• Feb. 28 -- Transfiguration Series, Pastor Cheryl Mathison.

Concerts This Weekend... Two chamber ensemble events featuring local musicians are scheduled this weekend in Bjorling. Violinists Armaiti Winberg and Lara MacLean will present a joint faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, with David Fienen, harpsichord, and Corey Hamm, piano, as accompanists. MacLean recently begun teaching violin at Gustavus. Their program includes solo works by Handel, Debussy, Wieniawski, and Bloch. Together they will perform Darius Milhaud's Duo Pour Deux Violons and Monti's fast-paced Csardas. The Minnesota Valley Sommarfest Trio will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in Bjorling. Members include violinist Mary Horozaniecki, 'cellist Harry Dunscombe, and pianist John McKay. The program opens with Schubert's Nocturne, op. 14, followed by the Brahms' Trio No. 2 and Antonin Dvorak's Trio No. 3 "Dumky." Both events will be followed by a reception for the performers in the recital hall lobby, and are free and open to the public.

Pow Wow Feb. 27... The public is invited to a traditional Native American Pow Wow at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in Johnson Hall at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 W. Union, St. Peter. This cultural and educational experience of the history and ceremonial symbolism of the Native American people will also include vendors selling Native American crafts and products. Dave Larsen, a respected and well-known Dakota from the Morton area, will emcee the event. Larsen will also speak at a presentation and discussion about the Pow Wow and Native American issues at 2:30 p.m. that day in the International Center lounge. These events are free and are sponsored by the Diversity Center. If questions, contact Morgan Barkus (x8228 or mbarkus@gustavus.edu).

March Continuing Education Events... The public is invited to the following "continuing education" lectures during March in the Interpretive Center:

• Hayden Duncan (modern foreign languages and literatures/Spanish) will present "Cruising on the Yangtze River" at 7 p.m. March 4. Duncan cruised down the Yangtze, the longest river in China, third longest in the world, and will share her experiences.
• Dave Koppenhaver (education) will present "Beyond Sally, Dick, and Jane: Universal Literacy in the 21st Century" at 7 p.m. March 11. Koppenhaver will share his expertise on literacy while teaching how and why universal literacy is distinctly possible in any community with a will to achieve it. The audience will be able to participate in sample lessons incorporating the best of what is known about literacy instruction today, see demonstrations on the variety of technologies available to support literacy learning, and meet (on video) children with significant disabilities who have successfully learned to read and write.

St. David's Day March 7... Gustavus will host its 30th annual St. David's Day observance with a mini-Gymanfa Ganu (hymn sing), a reception, a presentation, and a luncheon on March 7. The public is invited to this annual celebration honoring the patron saint of Wales, which is one of the largest such events in North America on or around March 1 (St. David's Day). The mini-Gymanfa Ganu will be held at 10 a.m. in Christ Chapel. A massed choir of 200 students will assist the congregation in singing 4 traditional Welsh hymns. The 20-minute hymn sing will be directed by Karen Jones Wojahn ('79). Wojahn is the daughter of longtime St. David's Day coordinator Ellis Jones. In addition, Wojahn's daughter will be singing with the choir. A Welsh reception will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Alumni Hall. At 11 a.m. in Alumni Hall, Ron Green, a staff member of the Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association (WNGGA) headquarters, will give a talk, titled "The WNGGA Archives -- A Peek at the Past." The St. David's Day celebration will conclude with a Welsh foods luncheon at noon in the Banquet Room in the Campus Center. The cost for the luncheon is $12 per person. Reservations may be made by contacting Jones (x7540 or ellis@gustavus.edu). The reservation deadline is March 3.

OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS OF INTEREST:

Yellow Ribbon Community Event... To learn more about depression, suicide, risk factors, how to ask for help, and what to do if someone asks you for help, join the Yellow Ribbon Youth Board of St. Peter High School, along with representatives from the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, for an evening of education on at 7 p.m. March 3 at the high school theatre. This event is free and is open to the entire community. Sponsors for this event include the Kiwanis Club of St. Peter, the St. Peter Healthy Community Alliance, and St. Peter School District #508. For more information, contact Kelly Jensen (934-4210, x409).

KUDOS:

Forensics Tournament Results... Gustavus placed second overall in sweepstakes at last weekend's state forensics tournament held at Gustavus. The following students also placed: Megan Simonson and Kate Johansen, the Gustavus debate team, won the state championship and finished with a perfect 16-0 record; Jay Reding placed 2nd overall in the "Quadrathon" that measures a speaker's success in 4 categories, won the state championship in extemporaneous speaking and in communication analysis, and placed 3rd in informative speaking and impromptu speaking; Becky Kuehl placed 5th in informative speaking; Greg Gorham placed 4th in extemporaneous speaking; Lyz Baranowski placed 3rd in program oral interpretation, 4th in prose interpretation, and 3rd in poetry interpretation; Kari DenOtter placed 5th in program oral interpretation; Kristen Gupta placed 2nd in communication analysis; and Megan Simonson placed 5th in communication analysis.

Laura Behling, English, presented a paper, titled "The Lore of Geiners, American Narratives of the Body in Pieces," at the Modern Language Association Annual Convention in December. Behling is teaching at Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, this semester as a Fulbright Scholar.

Kevin Birr, dining service, won the Minnesota State Mixed Curling Championship this past weekend and will represent Minnesota at the 2003 Mixed National Championship March 15-22 at the Medford Curling Club in Wisconsin. This will be Kevin's 2nd mixed nationals and 4th overall national appearance.

Michael Ferragamo, biology, had an invited paper, titled "Phase Sensitivity of Auditory Brain-Stem Responses in Echolocating Big Brown Bats," at the First Pan-American/Iberian Meeting on Acoustics in Cancun, Mexico. Ferragamo was not able to attend; co-author James Simmons of Brown University presented on his behalf.

Abigail Lamberton, history, had an article, titled "The Kongs of Qufu: Power and Privilege in Late Imperial China," published in "On Sacred Grounds: Culture, Society, Politics, and the Formation of the Cult of Confucius," edited by Thomas Wilson. The book was published by Harvard University Asia Center, 2002.

John McKay and Harry Dunscombe, both music, and Mary Horozaniecki, who comprise the Minnesota Valley Sommarfest Trio, performed a concert Feb. 16 at Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan.

Bob Neuman, '80 and admission, was named co-chair of the National College Fair committee for the Minneapolis-St. Paul National College Fair. The Minneapolis National College Fair is the largest in the country and regularly attracts 15,000-20,000 prospective students. As co-chair, Neuman will also be a member of the executive board of the Minnesota Association of College Admission Counselors.

Don Scheese, English, was recently informed that his second book, "Mountains of Memory: A Fire Lookout's Life in the River of No Return Wilderness" (University of Iowa Press, 2001), was honored by Choice magazine as "One of the Outstanding Academic Books for 2002."

Steve Wright, music, was a guest soloist and clinician for the 11th annual Sun Prairie, WI, Jazz Festival. Wright, a C.G. Conn-Sellmer artist/clinician, and 7 other professional musicians worked with area high school jazz ensembles during the day and soloed with the groups at the evening concert.

CONGREGATIONAL OUTREACH:

Check out the new "Faith and Learning" website at http://gustavus.edu/faith/.

FUNDING OPPS:

• Professional Artistic Development Grants Available... The Jerome Foundation's Travel and Study Grant Program supports periods of travel for the purpose of professional artistic development. Eligible disciplines for 2003 include Literature, Media Arts and Music. Grants are available for short-term travel of 3-6 days (up to $1,200) or for trips of 1 week or longer (up to $5,000). Travel may be national or international and must occur between June 1, 2003 and Dec. 31, 2005. The deadline is March 3, 2003. For more information, see the foundation's website at http://www.jeromefdn.org. Note: Though the guidelines state that applicants should be from arts organizations, college faculty are eligible to apply.

IN THE MEDIA:

• On Feb. 16, KEYC-TV (Ch. 12, Mankato) aired a story on the 6 and 10 p.m. news on the Gustavus-sponsored state debate/speech tournament held on campus Feb. 15.
• On Feb. 14, KEYC-TV (Ch. 12, Mankato) ran a story on the community conversation held that day on campus.
• On Feb. 13, the St. Peter Herald published a story on Karin Miller ('91), who has been nominated for the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Miller is a kindergarten teacher in Cleveland, MN.

PLUGS:

Join Master's Swimming: Anyone who enjoys swimming is invited to join the newly founded Gustavus Master's Swim Club. All ages and ability levels are welcome and there is no cost or obligation involved. Practices will be scheduled during the noon hour, but workout times will be e-mailed daily so one may choose to practice on one's own schedule. For more information, contact Brian Beckstrom (bbeckstr@gustavus.edu).

For Sale: Set of hand thrown pottery dishes: 5 bowls, dinner plates, and small plates plus 4 cups without handles; white with some black stripes on the plates; asking $25. Contact Gretchen Koehler (934-5441, x7613, or gkoehler@gustavus.edu).

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

To add or change items on the calendar, please fill out and submit a College Calendar event form. View the entire College Calendar online.