ommunity onnections

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Fall 20122014

Dear friends, Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series Change is essential to growing stronger and ensuring we continue Mary L. Seifert, whose rich family history with Clarion to live our university mission of University can be traced to 1907, loved music and the arts. providing transformative, lifelong As an investment in young people, she endowed a culture and learning opportunities through lecture series at Clarion University to ignite the passion for innovative, nationally recognized learning that she encouraged. Through that endowment, the programs delivered in inclusive, Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series Endowment of the Clarion student-centered environments. University Foundation, Inc., was established to provide our On the next few pages, you’ll read community with cultural experiences that inspire learning about many exciting changes through thoughtful discussions. happening at Clarion University Past series explored the themes “Realities of Race” and and in the Clarion area. “In God We Trust?” and brought to Clarion the late Dr. Maya One of the most promising partnerships is with the Clarion Angelou, Spike Lee and a week-long visit by Tibetan monks. Borough in the “Blueprint Communities” initiative, the goal of which During the 2014-15 academic year, the Mary L. Seifert Cultural is to commercially revitalize Clarion’s Main Street. A strong and Series will explore “Beauty Matters,” a theme that encourages vibrant Main Street is important to our community and to the us to explore beauty and the ways in which it matters. The university. As I have said many times, “We are in this together – theme is expansive, with the potential to include topics as university and community.” diverse as the environment, the body, the arts or the social Most visibly, you will see in many ways that Clarion University is context. It opens up questions of values, of choices, of under construction. We are changing physically by renovating the perceptions and of critiques. historic Becht Hall and the beloved Tippin Gymnasium, and by Visitors will include a troupe of Chinese acrobats; Syracuse replacing our deteriorating student residences with modern, suite- University professor, author and poet Stephen Kuusisto, who style housing. As we pursue these projects, Clarion area residents speaks widely on topics of diversity, disability, education and are at the forefront of our minds. We are striving for maximum public policy; and Stacy Nadeau, one of six women who, in benefit with minimum disruption as construction proceeds. the summer of 2005, made national news Main Street will be completed by the summer 2016, and there will when they appeared on a Times be services, programs and experiences that all will be able to enjoy Square billboard, dressed only in and will help build a stronger Main Street. their underwear. While other I look forward to seeing you on campus; enjoy the Eagletastic work nearby billboards featured of our students, faculty, staff and alumni who will be offering a wide actresses and supermodels, variety of engaging cultural, entertaining, inspiring and informative this one, promoting Dove events throughout the year. brand products, promoted “real women with real Go Eagles! curves.” For the full schedule of “Beauty Matters” programs, visit www.clarion.edu/ Karen M. Whitney seifertseries. President Mary L. Seifert ArtsArts and Culture 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 showcasing the couple’s life together and the fallout from Bridegroom’s death, while exploring Wheeler 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 the ramifications of marriage bans. The documen- tary has won audience awards at every film festival Robert W. Rhoades Center at which it has been screened, including Tribeca Venango Campus, Film Festival and Los Angeles’ Outfest Film Festival. Oil City David Cole Wheeler’s son, Benjamin Andrew Wheeler, was one of 20 first- graders murdered Working Artists Dec. 14, 2012, at Sept. 24 to Dec. 12 Sandy Hook Elemen- University Gallery, Carlson Library, Level A tary School. Wheeler’s gift is his willingness to Faculty and alumni exhibition. For gallery hours, call share his journey of grief and his effort to make 814-393-2291. sense of a tragedy that seems senseless. His talk offers a sharp and thoughtful analysis, helping his Charlie Chaplin Lecture Series audience to pull back the frame and see how 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 cultural and societal change must be the driving Dawn of Astronomy Robert W. Rhoades Center force to protect future generations of children 7 p.m. Sept. 19 and 20 Venango Campus, Oil City from the threat of gun violence. Wheeler was Peirce Planetarium recently included in articles published in The New Dr. Patrick Adam Trimble, Penn State professor Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology York Times and New York Magazine, and in June of acting, theatre history and media studies, 2014 he addressed the United Nations’ Fifth Clarion University Department of Physics will discusses “Chaplin as the Humanist and Artist” – Biennial Meeting of States on behalf of the present “Dawn of Astronomy,” a fascinating, the humanity and warmth of his films, the pathos International Action Network on Small Arms 50-minute show tracing the origins of modern he generated for the plight of the common man, in support of their Programme of Action. astronomy in ancient Egypt, ancient Babylon and and the irony he brought to comedy as an ancient Britain. Free admission. instrument of social change. This will be a summary Shane Bitney Crone of his best work, with clips from films such as 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 English Department Spoken Arts “The Circus,” “City Lights” and “Limelight.” We will Robert W. Rhoades Center Series: Jane McCaferty discuss his legacy, who has followed in his footsteps Venango Campus, Oil City Sept. 24, Time and location TBA and what this icon means today. Shane Bitney Crone is an activist, speaker, writer Jane McCaferty, creative writing teacher at *This event is part of Venango College and Oil and filmmaker. He grew up in small, conservative Carnegie-Mellon University, is the author of four City Arts Council’s “A Year of Chaplin” celebration. Kalispell, Mont., where he struggled to fit in but fell books: “Director of the World and other stories,” victim to years of homophobic bullying and severe which won the Drue Heinz prize; “One Heart,” a Pasofino Social Club depression. After high school, he packed up his novel; “Thank You for the Music,” a second book 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 belongings and trekked to Los Angeles to pursue of stories; and “First You Try Everything,” another Robert W. Rhoades Center his dream of working in the entertainment novel. Her fiction and non-fiction have been Venango Campus, Oil City industry. In 2005 Crone met Tom Bridegroom, who awarded Pushcarts and an NEA. Her work The Pasofino Social Club performs Caribbean/ changed his life and heart. Together they dreamed explores the relationship between the verbal tropical, Boleros, Musica del Ayer, merengue, Latin of starting a business, buying a home and getting and visual, taking on topics such as mental illness jazz, Puerto Rican roots, Puerto Rican folk and married. Bridegroom died in 2011. Linda Blood- and the transformation of the old steel town, original compositions. Wanting to explore more worth Thomason, creator of “Designing Women” Homestead. traditional styles of Latin music, Rick Reyes put and director/producer of “Man from Hope, “ together some of the most renowned and together with Crone, produced “Bridegroom: experienced Latin players in the New England and A Love Story, Unequaled,” a documentary New York areas, each bringing a different expertise in Latin rhythm. Listen to the beat and let your feet alcoholics and recovery. Handron, described as Senior Recital: Daniel Conrad, guide you on the dance floor as Reyes narrates “dynamic and damn near fearless” and “skilled at euphonium a trip back in time when boleros mended hearts packing humor and theatricality into sociological 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Cuban song uplifted your soul. observations,” performs the play in 60 minutes or Marwick-Boyd Auditorium less, followed by a question and answer portion to Stars Over Clarion address why she developed the play, her research, 7 p.m. Oct. 2, Peirce Planetarium alcoholism, recovery, recovery resources and more. Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Clarion University Department of Physics leads an English Department Spoken Arts exploration of the stars in the October sky. Free Series: Tom Noyes admission. 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 Stars Over Clarion books, “Spooky Action at a Distance and Other 7 p.m. Nov. 6 Stories” (2008) and “Behold Faith and Other Peirce Planetarium Stories” (2003), both appeared with Dufour Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Editions. Noyes’ work has been named a finalist for the Breadloaf Prize, the Flannery O’Connor Clarion University Department of Physics leads Award, the Grace Paley Prize and the Richard an exploration of the stars in the November sky. Sullivan Prize, and Saroyan Prize. Free admission.

Dawn of Astronomy English 7 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 Peirce Planetarium Department Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Spoken Arts eries Clarion University Department of Physics will S : present “Dawn of Astronomy,” a fascinating, Christine 50-minute show tracing the origins of modern Stroud astronomy in ancient Egypt, ancient Babylon Nov. 13, Time and location TBA Charlie Chaplin Film Fest and ancient Britain. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 Christine Stroud is Noon to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5 Second Series the author of “The Buried Return,” a collection of Robert W. Rhoades Center Oct. 24 and 25 poems. She received an MFA in creative writing at Venango Campus, Oil City Hart Chapel Chatham University and is an associate editor for Autumn House press. Experience the cinematic wonder! The film fest English Her poems have appeared in many journals, event will highlight many of Chaplin’s most noted Department including Sixfold Poetry, Stone Highway Review, films, including “City Lights,” “Limelight,” “Modern poken rts The Queen South: Essays and Poems, Weave Times,” “The Great Dictator,” “Pawn Shop,” “One S A Magazine and Clover. AM,” “The Rink” and many more. Series: Stephen *This event is part of Venango College and Oil Taming of the Shrew City Arts Council’s “A Year of Chaplin” celebration. Kuusisto 8 p.m. Nov. 19-22; 2 p.m. Nov. 23 Oct. 28 Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre Time and Story Theatre The classic comedy of the war between the sexes 8 p.m. Oct. 1-4; 2 p.m. Oct. 5 location TBA is, perhaps, Shakespeare’s most boisterous comedy. Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre Professor Stephen Bold and blustery, Petruchio is lured to woo the The sky falls, animals sing, a young maiden is Kuusisto, blind shrewish and rambunctious Katharina so that his poisoned, a master thief thieves masterfully, the since birth, is friends can court her beautiful sister, Bianca, and goddess of love works her magic as mysterious author of “Eavesdropping: A Memoir of Blindness thereby hangs the tale. gray men and enchanted fish cast their spells. and Listening” and the acclaimed memoir “Planet Tricksters, vagabonds and simpletons abound. of the Blind,” A New York Times Notable Book Stars Over Clarion Oh, and yes, a woman becomes the pope … all of the Year. He has also published “Only Bread, 7 p.m. Dec. 4 in this Paul Sills adaptation of Aesop’s fables and Only Light,” a collection of poems. Recognized by Peirce Planetarium Grimm’s. (May be too intense for very young the New York Times as a “powerful writer with a Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology musical ear for language and a gift for emotional children.) Clarion University Department of Physics leads an candor,” Kuusisto has made numerous appearances exploration of the stars in the December sky. on programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Tara Handron: Drunk With Hope Free admission. Dateline NBC, National Public Radio and the BBC. in Chicago He is director of the Renee Crown University 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 Concert Choir and Chamber Robert W. Rhoades Center Honors Program at Syracuse University, where he holds a university professorship in the Center on Singers concert Venango Campus, Oil City 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 Human Policy. He speaks widely on diversity, dis- Marwick-Boyd Auditorium Developed from her Georgetown University ability, education and public policy. master’s thesis, Tara Handron tells the stories of 15 women, some in active alcoholism and some in *This reading is sponsored by the Mary L. Seifert recovery. Forget what you think you know about Cultural Series. Season of Light Second Series Cherine Badawi: Remembering 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 5; 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 12 March 27 and 28 Our Power Peirce Planetarium Hart Chapel 7:30 p.m. April 9 Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Robert W. Rhoades Center Taikoza Venango Campus, Oil City Clarion University Department of Physics will host 7:30 p.m. April 3 “Season of Light,” a festive, 40-minute planetarium Robert W. Rhoades Center Cherine Badawi is an accomplished experiential program that traces the development of many of Venango Campus, Oil City educator and instructional designer who has the world’s most enduring holiday customs, from worked globally to bring people together and the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights Taikoza uses the powerful rhythms of the Taiko empower them to create a more socially just, and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminaries drums to create an electrifying energy that carries thriving and peaceful world. She has designed and in the American Southwest and the tradition of audiences in a new dimension of excitement. The facilitated hundreds of transformational workshops the Hanukkah Menorah. Free admission. Taiko is a large, barrel-like drum that can fill the to young people in more than a dozen countries, air with the sound of rolling thunder. This excit- focusing on leadership development, intercultural Symphony Orchestra concert ing group draws from Japan’s rich tradition of communication, gender issues, community building 3 p.m. Dec. 7 music and performance to create a highly visual and social change. Badawi was an integral member Marwick-Boyd auditorium performance. In addition to drums of assorted of the inaugural voyage of The Scholar Ship, a sizes, Taikoza incorporates the shakuhachi, the fue transnational, floating university that brought High School Art Exhibition (both bamboo flutes) and the Koto (a 13-string Feb. 21 to April 4 together students and staff from 50 countries. instrument). Takoza’s new CD has been nominated She served as a senior trainer for Challenge Day, University Gallery, Carlson Library, Level A as best Asian Ethnic Album for the Just Plain Folks a social change program featured on the Oprah High school art exhibition (Clarion area, Pittsburgh Music Award. The group has appeared in Macy’s Winfrey Show. She takes students on a journey to and surrounding areas). For gallery hours, call Thanksgiving parade, on the History Channel’s understand the social conditioning of gender and 814-393-2291. “History vs. Hollywood” and ESPN’s S.U.M.O: the power of women to rise beyond the constric- The Battle of the Giants. Taikoza is featured in the tions of their times. Nunsense movie, “The Commute.” 8 p.m. Feb. 25-28; 2 p.m. March 1 Graduating BFA and BA Student Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre Exhibitions In this, the second longest running musical in April 18 to May 15 off-Broadway history, Sister Julia, child of God, has University Gallery, Carlson Library, Level A inadvertently poisoned much of the convent with For gallery hours, call 814-393-2291. her cooking of some bad vichyssoise, and until the remaining five Little Sisters of Hoboken can raise Dear Harvey the funds to bury the other 52, there they sit in 8 p.m. April 22-25; 2 p.m. April 26 the convent’s freezer. And so, this is the fundraiser Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre to come up with the cash, presented by the nuns This documentary-style ensemble play recounts at the Mount Saint Helen’s school. the life and lasting impact of groundbreaking The Conduit: Gong to the World LGBT activist and politician Harvey Milk, as told 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 by the people who knew him best. Spoken word Robert W. Rhoades Center Elizabeth Smart combines with multimedia and music as an 7:30 p.m. April 7 Venango Campus, Oil City ensemble cast moves in and out of the identities Robert W. Rhoades Center of real-world figures whose lives were forever Formed in 2008, this group of sound-meditation Venango Campus, Oil City altered by Milk’s too-short career. performance artists have honed their craft using The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the large, planetary gongs, Himalayan and crystal singing rass nsemble concert most followed child abduction cases of our time. B E bowls and a variety of other instruments. Traveling 7 p.m. April 29 Smart was abducted June 5, 2002, and her captors extensively all over the northeastern United States, Marwick-Boyd auditorium controlled her by threatening to kill her and her The Conduit promotes the benefits of gong medi- family if she tried to escape. Fortunately, the police tation, empowering individuals to have a greater safely returned Smart to her family March 12, Concert Choir concert understanding of self, stress management and the 2003. Through this traumatic experience, Smart 7 p.m. May 1 ability to find the benefits of automatic meditation. has become an advocate for change related to Marwick-Boyd auditorium When we expand our attention to include personal child abduction, recovery programs and national balance and a holistic world view, our world has legislation. Smart triumphantly testified before Symphony Orchestra concert the chance to become a better place. her captor about the very private nightmare she 3 p.m. May 3 Marwick-Boyd auditorium Week of Lasermania suffered during her abduction, leading to convic- Shows daily, Feb. 26 to March 4 tion of her captors. Founder of the Elizabeth Peirce Planetarium Smart Foundation, she has also helped promote Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology The National AMBER Alert, the Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act and other safety legislation Would you like to Clarion University Department of Physics will to help prevent abductions. Smart’s abduction and present multiple laser-based programs on topics recovery motivates parents, law enforcement and make a gift to, or in support of, such as black history, space and American pride, leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety. Clarion University? and celebrating the music of the Beatles, U2 and She emphasizes vigilance by everyday people and Pink Floyd. Call 814-393-2085 for schedule and the belief that hope always exists to find every Give online at ticket information. missing child. www.clarion.edu/givenow Wind Orchestra Concert or call 814-393-2637. 7 p.m. April 9 Marwick-Boyd auditorium Clarion selected as Blueprint Community

Clarion Borough and Clarion University have joined Positive attributes of Clarion include: together through the Blueprint Communities initiative to • Being convenient to major highways revitalize Main Street and make the community an even (95 percent agreed/strongly agreed) better place to live. • Being safe Clarion Borough was one of only six communities to be (87 percent agreed/strongly agreed) selected for this year’s Blueprint Communities initiative, • Having safe places to cross the street which is in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Downtown (83 percent agreed/strongly agreed) Center and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. • Having a rich heritage The goal is to engage local residents and businesses, (81 percent agreed/strongly agreed) over the next several years, in developing a clear vision • Being clean and strategic plan for change in Clarion; developing (75 percent agreed/strongly agreed) stronger local leadership; and attracting investments to build a healthier, sustainable community. The following items were identified as challenges: In May and June, the perceptions of 445 individuals who work, sleep, eat, shop, study, worship and/or own businesses • Has places where people can work or properties in Clarion Borough were recorded as part (73 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) of the Blueprint Communities Perception Survey. The • Has the right mix of businesses questions focused on: comfort and appearance, economic (63 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) uses/characteristics, sociability/community attitude, activities and access/linkages. This information will help • Is progressive and future-oriented guide the revitalization strategy. (62 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) • Is well-promoted “The survey was the first step in the team’s commitment (61 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) to gain community input,” said Carol Lapinto, a Blueprint Communities core team member and president of Clarion • Has available goods and services Borough Council. “The results give us a clear idea of what (54 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed) community members believe are our strengths and our • Is well connected to other attractions challenges.” (52 percent disagreed/strongly disagreed)

Clarion Borough was one of only six communities to be selected for this year’s Blueprint Communities initiative, which is in Community Connections is a biannual publication of Clarion collaboration with the University Office of the President. We value your feedback. Pennsylvania Downtown To respond to topics in this newsletter or to share thoughts about any matter concerning Clarion University, email Center and the Federal [email protected] or send mail to: Office of the President, Home Loan Bank of Clarion University, 840 Wood St., Clarion, PA 16214. Pittsburgh. Clarion University is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer. Digging Clarion’s Future

The suite life with a steel frame, and Clarion’s first geothermal heat pumps, Construction has begun on two new, suite-style student which take advantage of underground geothermal conditions housing units, which will replace the 43-year-old Wilkinson for heating in winter and cooling in summer, are being and Nair traditional residence halls, which will be demolished. installed. Construction is being completed in accordance The same 728-bed capacity is being maintained. The $66 with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) million project, being built along both sides of Main Street, certification guidelines. east of Still Hall and west of Wilkinson, will include university- related services such as the university book store, Starbucks, On tap for Tippin a university theater and food service on the ground floors. Starting in spring 2015, Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium and The buildings are intentionally designed to complement Natatorium will be transformed into a new, multi-use space and support Clarion Borough. Clarion University Foundation, that will better serve intercollegiate athletics, fitness, nutrition Inc., in partnership with Clarion University, will develop and and academics. The project will include the construction of build the project, funded entirely by student housing fees. 49,000 square feet, and the existing 112,000 square feet will The first unit will open in fall 2015, and the second unit will be extensively renovated. Inside, the structure will include open a year later. a new natatorium. The existing gym will be transformed into an arena. Outside, plans call for removing much of Tippin’s A better Becht brick exterior and replacing it with glass to open it up to In its 100-year life span, Becht Hall has been a residence the community. hall, dining hall and home to various programs and offices. The project is funded entirely through $41.9 million in state Currently under extensive renovation, Becht will reopen capital appropriations. The budget also includes an additional in fall 2015 as a Center for Student Success, housing: $3 million for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Pennsylvania Admissions, Student Financial Services, Registrar, Residence Department of General Services will manage the project, Life, Health and Counseling Center, Learning Technology which will be done in six sequences, so use of the building Center, Career Development Center, Judicial Affairs and can continue during renovation. The university is hoping for International Programs. a fall 2017 completion. The exterior will maintain the original Spanish/French-style A new recreational pool, being paid for by Clarion Students’ architecture with a pantile roof, Spanish gables and light Association, will be attached to the Student Recreation colored brick. The building’s wood frame is being replaced Center and will be available for community use.