December 2014 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 2 Art Around Campus by Lori Leahy I agreed to write this article a mock-up or draft of artwork to about the art around the the committee, which will then campus, and I thought, “No review the art before deciding problem, there are just a few which pieces will be purchased paintings here and there.” But for the new center. An initiative then I got to talking to some by the State of Alaska, called, folks and found out that there “The Percent for Art in Public The Glenn Massay Theater Opening and Events: Inquiring Minds Want to Know By Lori Leahy Since we’ve all been been set optimistically for for all who wish to attend. area at Vagabond Blues in Mat-Su art student hard at work. waiting with baited breath February. At this point Palmer, and these shows Continued on page16 One of the main factors to hear the official FYI the construction crew is causing the delay of the are usually sold out due on the opening of the new working feverishly on what to space constraints. is actually a lot more art here opening is the water tower theater and what the line-up appear to be the cosmetics that will provide water for Whistling Swan has than meets the eye. So what of events will be, I spoke of the building; walls are a whole list of great I’m going to share with you here the fire sprinkler system. with Dr. Coleberg, College up and chairs are installed Until that is operational performances scheduled is just a glimmering of all the Director. And not only was in the auditorium, complete for this coming spring at myriad artwork on display, and and has passed code he very forthcoming with with fold-out desks for certification, the doors the college (these can be art in creation, and art potential all that he could reasonably lectures as well as lighting will remain shut. But seen on their web-site). tell me, he gave me a sneak apparatuses hanging from that I discovered on my brief they are getting close! Sale is really enthusiastic peak of the new grand the majestic ceiling in the campus tour. about the great line-up so venue. (Shhh, I may even auditorium. The cat-walks Upon conferring far, some of which include My first stop was to talk with show you some pictures.) are ready to walk, the with Matt Sale, Theater the return of Luna Fest, managing theater director, orchestra pit has been sunk; Coordinator, I was So the official word on a women’s conference Matt Sale. As well as being the stage has been set--a informed that the schedule the opening date is: no word featuring films by, for, and the director of the theater splendid hall ‘tis to be! through the end of May is yet. But I can tell you that by now almost completely about women. This is being department, Sale has also been it is getting really close. It The grand opening expanded to a two day given the honor of heading up booked. The theater is would not be fair to give an celebration is intended as working with Whistling event this year. The first day the committee that will pick the exact opening date because the earliest event of the of this will be a benefit to artwork for the new addition to Swan Productions--who as we all know, events do year, but what exactly that books a lot of concerts support the Breast Cancer the college, The Glenn Massey occur, especially when one is remains in the planning in Anchorage-- and they Association and is being Valley Center for Arts and is trying to plan an event. stage, all hinging on the are thrilled about the new put on by My House of Learning. Sale says that Alaskan So no performances have official opening date. venue, as they have been Wasilla. Day two will artists will be allowed to submit Harkening Spirit with artist and been scheduled for January, Once it is known, this placing most of their creator Gene Stotts but a few things have gala will be publicized Continued on page 14 concerts for the Mat-Su 02 MEMORIES Commemorating Dr. Vandever (1944 - 2014) by Jacob Mann Rogers, of Manchester, University in 1973, as well as a Ph.D. New Jersey; her in Measurement and Statistics nephew, James Dean, from the University of North from Newtown, Dakota in 1976. Pennsylvania; and her Jan taught from 1981-2003 for niece, Donna Holt, from South Dakota State University. Hollsville, Texas. Upon retiring, she received Raised in New Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Jersey, Jan graduated status. After retiring from SDSU, from Lakewood she taught for 10 years at the High School then Matanuska-Susitna College in attended Monmouth Palmer, Alaska. “I took Jan Vandever for College Algebra, and didn’t stop until I ran out of classes I could take with her (Calc II). She is absolutely amazing. One of the best teachers I’ve ever had in my life.” College in West Long Jan won many awards for Branch. While still teaching: her Professor Emeritus of a college student, Mathematics at SDSU, the Larson she landed her first Foundation Award for Teaching mathematics teaching Excellence, the F. 0. Butler job at St. Mary’s School, Award for Outstanding Service Middletown, New to Students, and the Cushman- Jersey. Breitwieser Award for Outstanding After graduating Research, Teaching, and Service. from Monmouth College Most recently, Jan was inducted Dr. Jan Vandever spent 10 years their homework in a classroom near in 1967, with a BS in Elementary into the Lakewood High School Hall as a full time mathematics teacher Jan’s office so that they could ask Education, Jan taught mathematics of Fame for her achievements and here at the Mat-Su College. After for her patient help and guidance,” in grades 9-12, in addition to dedication to teaching mathematics. nearly 50 years of teaching, she said Julie Larson, a close friend of serving as the Mathematics Jan enjoyed fishing and hunting had just recently retired before Jan. Coordinator/Supervisor for during her South Dakota residency her death. Jan was known well for Dr. Jan J. Vandever was born Burlington, NJ Township Schools and she had often bow hunted with her deep knowledge and dedication on October 28, 1944 in Newark, until 1974. Jan went on to her father. After a trip to Alaska, to her craft. Students readily New Jersey and died on October 1, earn a Master of Education in she decided that she wanted to live relied on her knowledge and 2014, under hospice care inside the Mathematics Education from there. After returning to home to support for Math throughout her Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Rutgers University in 1971, a South Dakota, she put all of her career. “...there was always a core after a long fight against cancer. Master of Arts in Teaching in group of students who would do She is survived by her sister, Nancy Mathematics from Colorado State Continued on page 16 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU 03 yourself do homework, promise pays off big time. • Utilize the resources the college yourself a treat once you finish as • Sit in the first few rows. Statistics provides such as tutoring in the Each fall, the Mat-Su College Student Ambassadors an incentive (i.e. watch a favorite TV Learning Center (tLC). staff tables where students exchange advice on episode). Visit your professors during their • Study slowly throughout the Campus Resources succeeding in college for candy. These tips are later semester and manage the time you have for studying that portion. Personal Health printed on sticker-paper and placed on yet more candy, It really lessens the burden when show better performance. finals and exams roll around. Go to the library! which is distributed during Tips & Treats week. For the Same with stress. • Get involved with Student office hours. benefit of students who missed these tips the first Record your lectures (with Government. instructor’s permission) and take time, we have reprinted them here, in a completely notes. Having trouble with your budget? Make it a priority once a month to Go see the financial advisors; they’re • Just do it! soak in a tub and let yourself relax. non-edible (or at least non-tasty) format. free and willing to help you figure You need time for yourself, too. Color code information as a memory out how to leave college with little • Get enough sleep! (6-8 hours) day as well. Do your homework right when trick. debt. Good health = increased ability to • Don’t procrastinate - get things you get it, don’t wait until the last • Spend 1-3 hours a week outside of • Have your Wolf Card with you Time Management learn. done ahead of time! minute. class for each hour spent in class. every day. You need it to print, check out items at the library and Always take one hour before bed to • Wash your hands, please. Pace yourself while studying. use it to purchase food at the café. study! Water and rest is better than energy You will procrastinate. Just be smart • Make a daily chart of assignments Study Skills The librarians are your best friends drinks. about it. to manage your study time and • Use erasable pens on a test. for research. • Walk 40 minutes every day! • Friends can wait if you have an get assignments done before they Every night sit down and open your • Go see an advisor at least once a exam coming your way.