Cultural Credit Spring 2015 EVENTS Overview (All events open to the public unless *noted) Fischer Film Festival (FFF)—American Culture through Film Most simply stated, beliefs, thoughts, actions, words, institutions, and possessions comprise the culture of a people. From praiseworthy to tragic, the Fischer Institute invites students to reflect on aspects of American Culture as seen through award winning films. These films reflect some of the best music, art, design, acting, and storytelling of the last few decades. A group of Nichols College students developed an award-winning list, put the options to a vote of the student body. We now present this opportunity to contemplate the good, bad and ugly of American Culture through the artistry, creativity and innovation of the influential film industry. Faculty Collaborations One of Nichols greatest assets is its talented faculty. When those faculty members collaborate to bring outside-the-classroom experiences to students and the community, everyone wins. The Fischer institute has teamed up with faculty for another semester of inspired programming. Bicentennial Celebration In honor of the Nichols Bicentennial, the Fischer Institute and the Class of 2015 work together on a never-to-be-forgotten program! Calendar of Events th th Dr. McCoy and Dr. Moore PSY 470 Retreat* Sun. Jan. 18 -19 Framingham, MA To meet the challenges of the dynamic, global, diverse workplace of the future, students of the class, Sex Matters: Gender Awareness and the Future of Work, will be taking a critical look at how understanding gender opens up exciting possibilities for a more creative, innovative, and productive work environment. This course will kick-off with a retreat at Edwards House in Framingham. Professors Moore and McCoy will facilitate. The retreat will serve both as an opportunity for student-to-student/instructor-to-student interaction and trust-building, and as a foundation for an assessment of the course objectives. Sponsor: This retreat is, in large part, funded through the Stansky Distinguished Professorship fund. The Fischer institute is happy to be a co-sponsor. Fischer Film Festival (Racism) Remember the Titans Wed. Jan. 21st 7:00 pm Davis 205 207 Did you know? “The film is based on the true story of African American coach Herman Boone… as he tries to introduce a racially divided team at the T. C. Williams High School in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Alexandria, Virginia in 1971” (Wikipedia) Review: “Washington and the others score in this predictable but rousing film where the big victory is over attitudes” –Jay Carr (Boston Globe) Awards and nominations: “Won Black Reel Awards for Best Actor and best Screenplay in 2001” (imdb.com) th Fischer Institute and Class of 2015 Bicentennial Event Coach Boone Thurs. Jan. 29 7:00 pm Athletic Center In 1971, racial tensions ran high at TC Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, as three schools merged to form a newly integrated one. After beating out local favorite and successful coach Bill Yoast of the formerly all-white Hammond High to become head coach of TC Williams Titans, Boone faced the challenge of a lifetime. He endured racial intolerance and the disapproval of Yoast’s supporters. However, after putting their prejudices aside, the two coaches worked together to unify the team. Through hard work and inspiring his coaching staff and players, Coach Boone led his team to the state championship that season. Today, Boone is retired but continues to motivate and inspire audiences with his presentations on respect, teamwork, and community involvement. 300 specially-designed commemorative Remember the Bison T-Shirts will be given away in honor of this event. First come, first served, at the event. 1 rd Mathematics and Economics The Crypto-currency Revolution Tues. Feb. 3 7:00 pm Davis 205 207 Ever heard of Bitcoin? What is Crypto-currency? Why should people care? Mathematics and Economics faculty team up with student, Russell Katz, to discuss this important topic. Is it for real? Is it just a fad, as some say? Come find out! th Fischer Film Festival (Heroism) Captain Phillips Wed. Feb. 4 7:00 pm Davis 205 207 Did you know? “The film is inspired by the true story of the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking, an incident during which merchant mariner Captain Richard Phillips was taken hostage by pirates in the Indian Ocean led by Abduwali Muse” (Wikipedia) “In an interview … published on October 13, 2013, Phillip's first mate, Shane Murphy, stated that he was satisfied with how the movie portrayed both Phillips and himself” (Wikipedia) Review: “It's a breathlessly told movie; both meticulous and frenetic, sweat-soaked and methodical. It will take hold and won't let you go, and it's one of the most engaging movies of the year” –Rodrigo Perez (The Playlist) Awards and nominations: In 2014, nominated for six Academy Awards and four Golden Globes, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director (imdb.com) LEAD 101 Young Leaders Series Social Entrepreneur, Ellie Zeitlin Tues. Feb. 10th 7:00 pm Daniels Auditorium Please join Spring 2015 LEAD 101 students and faculty as they host Ellie Zeitlin for an inspiring evening of discussion on Leadership. For the past 4 years, Ellie has worked with social entrepreneurs to help them build important, strategic, and impactful ventures. Ellie has awarded over $1.4 million to the country’s best change-makers previously at DoSomething.org, Spark MicroGrants, TMI agency, and now as the co-founder of Change Better. Ellie graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Economics. She now lives in Los Angeles, CA. For information on possible post-event breakout sessions, please contact [email protected]. For more information or to schedule class visits, contact [email protected]. th Professor Michael Neagle presents Civil War Lecture Series: Catherine Thompson, Ph.D. Wed. Feb. 11 7:00 pm Davis 205 207 In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the conclusion of the U.S. Civil War, the Fischer Institute, History Department, and students of HIST 355 will host a Civil War Lecture Series this semester. The first talk, “The Anaconda Plan: Public Opinion and Union Victory in the U.S. Civil War,” will be given by Catherine L. Thompson, Ph.D., a lecturer in history at the University of Connecticut. Professor Thompson, who is writing a book on the subject, will address the North’s military strategy during the early stages of the conflict. The session will feature a presentation, followed by Q&A and discussion. Refreshments will be served. Please contact Professor Mike Neagle [email protected] if you have any questions. 2 The Return of Shaolin Jazz! Can I Kick It? Wed. Feb. 18th 7:00 pm Fels Main Lounge The creators of SHAOLIN JAZZ proudly present a unique event for lovers of Martial Arts flicks, the music inspired by them, and everything in between: CAN I KICK IT? CAN I KICK IT? is a unique experience where a classic martial arts film is screened while DJ 2-Tone Jones (co-creator of SHAOLIN JAZZ) creates a live sound track by playing a well-curated mix of select classic Hip-Hop, Funk, and Soul music. If you liked Shaolin Jazz’s visit last year, you will love them again this year! Refreshments will be served. If you would like to host Shaolin Jazz at a complimentary lunch or dinner, please contact Susan [email protected] or Jen [email protected]. Nichols Bicentennial Committee presents Captain Richard Phillips Sun. Feb 22nd 7:00 pm Athletic Center We are pleased to bring another inspirational leader to the Nichols College community. Though Captain Phillips describes himself as a "regular guy," the world knows that his actions were anything but ordinary after a pirate attack. His harrowing and heroic efforts to survive an ordeal that riveted the world were only matched in valor by his decisive actions to save his crew and the ship they sailed. President Obama said, "I share the country's admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew. His courage is a model for all Americans." Earlier this month, The Fischer Film Festival featured the Academy Award-nominated film, Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks . th Fischer Film Festival (Racism) Django Unchained Wed. Feb. 25 7:00 pm Davis 205 207 Did you know? “Django Unchained is a 2012 American western film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino” (Wikipedia) “It is a highly stylized variation of the spaghetti Western, which takes place in the Old West and Antebellum South” (Wikipedia) Review: “What Tarantino has is an appreciation for gut-level exploitation film appeal, combined with an artist's desire to transform that gut element with something higher, better, more daring” –Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) Awards and nominations: Nominated for a total of ten Academy Awards and Golden Globes; won for best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay in both (imdb.com) Dr. Marcus Goncalves presents Jesko von den Steinen Sun. Mar. 1st 7:00 pm Davis 205 207 Join us in welcoming internationally known creative leader, Jesko von den Steinen, professional actor, film maker, director, producer and speaker. Jesko is the creative force behind The House of Living Waters extravaganza now showing in Macau, China. He brings an understanding of how important creative energy is in all business management efforts. If you would like to be part of the welcoming committee and share a pre-event dinner with Mr. Von den Steinen, please contact [email protected]. 3 nd Professor Michael Neagle presents Bob Ducharme Mon. March 2 8:00 am Black Tavern In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the conclusion of the U.S.