| November 2005
In
this Issue:
- A Word from Sean
- APAN Member of the Month: Tammy Shearer, Class of '92
- Faculty Host Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
- Crusader Campus Corner: Dierks Bentley Performs Fall Concert; Masters of Caribbean Music Headline the Latino Symposium; Seussical the Musical a Hit at SU; In Case You Missed It...
- Crusader Athletics: SU Football to Move to Liberty League in 2007; SU Fall Student Athletes Honored
- News & Notes
***A College Fair Thank You***
Thank you to everyone who volunteered at a college fair this fall. We had a very successful college fair season, and your time and efforts are greatly appreciated. Please be on the lookout for the Adopt-A-Student program within the next few months, and remember that if you did not get to cover a college fair in the fall, don't worry, we will have a complete college fair schedule ready for the spring as well!
A
Word from Sean
Do you know what separates us, the human race, from every other animal species on Earth, besides our uncanny ability to talk on the cell phone in one hand, eat a sandwich in the other hand, and drive a potentially deadly vehicle with our knee? Rational thought and the opposable thumb. Rational thought is the big one that most people are able to name; it allows us to reason through problems and invent a cell phone to connect us at all times, a sandwich with products not cultivated in our backyards, and an automobile to transport us far distances, and to irrationally combine all three of those activities at once. But the opposable thumb is the one that people often ignore, even though it provides us the motor skills necessary to complete almost every single task we encounter in our daily lives. Comfortably holding that cell phone and sandwich? The thumb is a must. Taking the ole' Chevy for a joy ride? To drive safely, the thumb is needed. Chewing gum? Eh, maybe not so necessary, but good luck getting it unwrapped without your thumb.
Do you know why I'm ranting about about rational thought and the opposable thumb? My guess is probably not yet...but you'll see. Moving on...
Do you know who was possibly the greatest patron of art in the history of humankind and who was responsible for making Florence, Italy the mecca of Renaissance art? Lorenzo di Medici, of the famous Medici family, who ruled Florence during the 15th Century, brought Michelangelo there, and made it the most powerful state in Italy. He became so influential at one point during his reign that the Pope, Pope Sixtus IV, feared his power and backed a rival family's unsuccessful attempt to assassinate him. Fascinating stuff, I know. The only reason I remember this information myself is that my professor probably talked about the assassination attempt for seven class periods in a row, detailing every excruciating, minute detail. At the time I probably could have told you what Medici ate for breakfast that morning, although it escapes me now.
Still not sure where I'm going with this? Getting warmer but not certain...here's a little more help...
Have a question about the limit definition of a derivative or any logarithmic functions? Chances are I could probably help you there. Curious about who actually wrote the books of the New Testament or how historically accurate they are? I know a few things about that too. Ever read Ulysses or been interested in the life of James Joyce? Yes, that too I learned about...although reading Joyce in english is more difficult than reading my favorite latin american writers in Spanish.
Okay, enough, I think you get the point. What I am talking about here is not Lorenzo di Medici's opposable thumb, or whether James Joyce wrote the Book of Revelation. I am talking about the value of a strong liberal arts education, the type a student can receive here at SU. I am an Elementary Education and Spanish double major. It is quite possible that I could have gone to college for four years, taken a boatload of education and spanish courses, and escaped college knowing very little about the great big world, and certainly not any of the (interesting?) information I discussed above. However, after classes in natural science, human biology, art history, calculus, the New Testament, and James Joyce, I know quite a bit about all of those subjects.
I think most students agree that if it were left up to them, they wouldn't take an art history course, a science course, a faith and values course--whatever their least favorite elective might be. After completing these class though, students do not have a narrow, focused base of knowledge, but a broad, interconnected view of knowledge, learning, and education. I cannot tell you how many times I have been able to reference or cite information from one course and apply it in a completely different course, often that I am taking at the same time. It makes you realize how important a broad knowledge base really is, and can ignite an interest in areas that you never even explored before, which should be the true goal of any educational and university experience. SU provides a strong, core course program that allows students to take a wide array of classes, and really learn for themselves what it is to learn. Remind students of this when they are weighing the benefits of a liberal arts education, and remind them that SU is indeed the best in the business.
APAN
Member of the Month
(The
APAN Member of the Month section highlights individual APAN
members who have contributed significantly to the expansion
and success of APAN over the past few years.)
The November APAN Member of the Month is Tammy Shearer, Class of '92. Tammy was drawn to SU by a faculty member and the campus--two of the aspects of the SU experience that are highlighted time and again. "I met Cy Stretansky at my high school while
we were hosting Regional Choir. SU had sent our school, Pocono Mt.,
several information packets that caught my attention...[and] I was impressed with the beauty of the
campus and the personal attention from the faculty, staff and students.
The size of the school was perfect."
Despite the course load needed to fulfill her Communications major with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in French, Tammy was very active during her time at SU. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, the professional music
fraternity on campus, and was involved with The Crusader as news
editor and writer. She worked as a clerical assistant
to the secretary of the English Department as well, and especially enjoyed working in the English Cottage, which had "... such an intimate feeling especially
around the holidays." She also feels particularly grateful to two SU professors, Dr. Sodt and Professor Gory. "Dr. Sodt inspired me to read for personal
enjoyment. As a student, I read only assigned materials. Dr. Sodt's
class focused on reading current authors which sparked my love of
reading. Marcia Gory, my journalism professor, changed and improved my
writing skills, which have helped me tremendously in my career."
Tammy recognized as an SU alumni not too far from the University, she had an excellent opportunity to let others know of the SU experience. "SU gave me the opportunity
for an excellent education while helping me with financial aid. I want
to help inform prospective students and their parents about options and
opportunities. As a photographer I work with local high school seniors,
and I try to answer any questions and offer any suggestions regarding
their college/career search." Her favorite aspect of APAN is meeting students at college fairs, as she already knows many students from her local high schools and this helps her "open the door" for productive, valuable dialogue.
Tammy is married to another SU alum, Geoff Shearer '91, who she met while at SU with whom she will celebrate her 13th
wedding anniversary in April. Geoff and Tammy remain active with SU in many areas outside of APAN as well. Both were honored as the "Young Alumni
of the Year" for 2004 for their contribution to SU and their community, and Tammy currently serves as a member of the SU Alumni Board of Directors.
Thank you, Tammy, for all that you have done and continue to do for the SU Community, and congratulations on being named the November APAN Member of the Month!
Faculty Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
There are a number of unique traditions here at SU that without fail bring together the campus community and make being a student or faculty member at SU special, and the annual Thanksgiving dinner is probably the most anticipated of all. This past Thursday was the 25th consecutive Thanksgiving feast hosted by the faculty and the first held in the new Evert Dining Hall. The dinner was so overwhelmingly popular that there are two separate seatings--one at 4:30 PM and a second at 6:00 PM. Over seventy tables were set up, each one sitting eight or nine students. Students sign up in groups with their friends, and then enjoyed table service as a faculty member waited on their table and carved and served their turkey. The amount of food consumed at the dinner is incredible; for instance, in 2001
students and staff ate 148 turkeys, 70 pounds of gravy, 540 pounds of mashed potatoes,
30 pounds of stuffing, 205 pounds of corn, 138 pounds of green beans
and 138 pumpkin pies. It is a community event that faculty and students truly enjoy and that unites the campus for one special night.
Calendars,
Schedules and Events
(Click
the link to see all of the latest happenings on campus!)
Dierks Bentley Performs Fall Concert
This year's Fall Concert featured country sensation Dierks Bentley as well as special guest Cross Canadian Ragweed. Bentley, performed at SU on November 17th, is an up-and-coming star in the country music scene who is following in the footsteps of fellow singer-songwriters Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. Originally from Phoenix, Ariz., Bentley grew up listening to George Strait and Hank Williams with his dad. He moved from listener to player when he picked up an electric guitar at 13. He moved to Nashville, Tenn., at 19 and immersed himself in the local music scene, falling in love with the bluegrass music played at many of the clubs. As he wrote more songs he took any gig he could get around town, including backyard cookouts and frat parties. In 2003 he released his self-titled debut album, which featured his successful first single, "What Was I Thinkin'?" He was named the Top Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 2003 having only released one album, and in 2004 received Country Music Television's Breakthrough Video of the Year Award. Bentley spent the day in Selinsgrove touring the campus and working out in the Garrett Sports Complex, and SU students loved the nearly three-hour concert later that night.
Masters of Caribbean Music Headline the Latino Symposium
SU hosted its 11th annual Latino Symposium Thursday November 10th and Friday, November 11th, and there was no better way to kick-off the symposium on Thursday night than with the sold-out performance by the "Masters of Caribbean Music." Produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts, in partnership with the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, “Masters of Caribbean Music” is a national tour representing the rich cultures of the Caribbean Basin through the region's three most distinct musical traditions. The performance starred Trinidadian calypso musician Slinger Francisco, better know as “The Mighty Sparrow, King of the Calypso World,” the Puerto Rican jíbaro ensemble “Ecos de Borinquen,” and from Port-au-Prince , Haiti , the premier twoubadou group Ti-Coca et Wanga-Négés, making their U.S. touring debut.
Developed in Trinidad in the 19th century with lyrics in English, calypso is a highly danceable music offering humorous social and political commentary, along with its trademark sexual innuendo. Jíbaro, which means “mountain farmer,” originated in the highlands of Puerto Rico with roots in southern Spain . The music is played by small ensembles consisting of cuatros, or small 10-stringed guitars, gourd rasps called guiro, maracas and voice. From the word “troubadour,” Haitian twoubadou music is performed by singers accompanying themselves or backed up by small string-based ensembles consisting of guitars; a tanbou, or barrel drum; a graj, or scraper; and a large box-like thumb piano called a manumba.
On Friday, Nov. 11, the Latino Symposium continued with a full day of events. High lights of the day included: a keynote address, titled “Caribbean Realities: A Window into the Future of a Globalized World,” delivered by Dave Ramsaran, associate professor of sociology; internationally acclaimed Cuban pianist, Sergio González, accompanied by soprano soloist and 2002 Susquehanna University graduate, Alma DeRojas, performed a concert titled “Classically Cuban: A Musical Journey to the Pearl of the Antilles"; and that evening a gala dance was held which featured a shot salsa workshop in Evert Dining Hall.
Seussical the Musical a Hit at SU
The SU fall play this year was Seussical the Musical, which ran during parents weekend November 4th, 5th, and 6th.
The play combined the many beloved children's works of Dr.
Seuss. The show pulled from bits and pieces of at least 14 Seuss
classics including "Horton Hears a Who," "Horton Hatches the Egg," "Gertrude McFuzz," "The Butter Battle Book," "If I Ran the Circus," "McElligott's Pool," "I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew" and "The Cat in the Hat."
The colorful, eclectically shaped set, the animated characters, and the show tunes all came together to create a marvelous success on stage.
Of course, for the students involved with the musical, "Seussical" became more than just weekend entertainment, but instead, technical training for future careers. Senior Rebecca Bux, who starred as Gertrude McFuzz, noted that, as an actress, there was a lot to learn from being involved as a member of a much larger cast. She said that her favorite part of being involved was that "you can learn so much from watching others in the process."
Bux was also a fan of the unique choice of Seussical. "What is special about this show is that it's so creative, and it speaks to all age groups. It combines so many of [Dr. Seuss's] stories. People should see it because it's fun and exciting. We've all grown up with it, and it doesn't lose its value as you grow older."
In Case You Missed it...
Plans Set for New Social Space
Beginning with this spring semester, you never again hear an SU student mutter the words, “There’s nothing to do around here.” A new social space is being added adjacent to the freshman parking lot and is coming in response to requests of the student body to add a little more spice to the social life on campus. The space, which is scheduled to be open in late February or early March, has a $1 million budget and is comparable to “The Attic” at Gettysburg University or “Uptown” at Bucknell University. While the space will serve drinks to students of age, it will be an event-driven location for all students, with a capacity of 300-400 people. It will have a performance stage to host concerts of smaller-bands who might not fill Weber Chapel, as well as a dance floor, booth and bar seating, and outdoor patio seating in warmer weather. Additionally all activities, entertainment, music, food, and drinks will be free of charge—a true draw for any college student.
Crusader
Athletics
Click the Image Below for
all Your Crusader Sports News
SU Football to Move to Liberty League in 2007
Starting with the 2007 season, the Crusader football team has a new home: the Liberty League. Susquehanna will make its Liberty League debut on Sept. 8, 2007, when the Crusaders travel to Schenectady, N.Y., to play Union College. While the Crusaders will continue to compete in the Middle Atlantic Conference in 2006 , the new move has many on campus excited.
“Susquehanna is delighted to receive this invitation and is pleased to be aligning itself with the distinguished members of the Liberty League. We believe that the academic characteristics and athletics values of the Liberty League institutions are a superb match for those ideals we hold dear here at Susquehanna,” said President Lemons. “We also welcome this opportunity to strengthen our presence in New York and New England , where we have significant numbers of alumni and, as a result, have begun to draw more students.”
“Today's announcement is great for both our program and Susquehanna as a whole,” said head coach Steve Briggs. “I look forward to leading the program into this exciting new era of Crusader football.” Briggs noted that the Liberty League has historically been a strong football conference. As of October 24, the Division III national rankings have Hobart (#23) in the top 25, with Union and RPI among other schools receiving votes.
The Liberty League was formed in 1995 as the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association, and sponsors championships in 24 sports including football. In a 2004 press release announcing the name change from the UCAA to the Liberty League, the conference stressed that “(t)he member institutions seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete's athletic activities are conducted as an integral part of the educational experience.” The Liberty League football membership includes Hobart College, St. Lawrence University, the University of Rochester, Union College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and he United States Merchant Marine Academy. Non-football-playing members of the Liberty League are Clarkson University, Hamilton College, Skidmore College, Vassar College, and William Smith College.
A decision has not yet been made regarding the conference affiliation of Susquehanna's other 22 varsity sports. The Crusaders have the option of remaining in the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation through the 2007-2008 academic year.
SU Fall Student Athletes Honored
As the fall sports season has come to a close, a number of SU student-athletes have been honored for their hard work and tremendous play in their respective sports. Cheryl Smith, a senior on the women's volleyball team, was named third team Academic All-District by COSIDA, the College Sports Information Directors of America. Smith, who attended Central Dauphin High School, played in all 36 matches for the Crusaders during the 2005 season and finished with 367 kills (2.84 per game) and 63 service aces (0.49 per game) while setting a new school single-season record with 542 digs (4.20 per game). She finished her career as the school leader in digs (1,334) and service aces (236) while becoming just the third player in school history to reach 1,000 kills as she surpassed the milestone en route to finishing with 1,018 kills in 127 matches. Off the court, Smith is a business administration and economics major with a 3.78 cumulative grade-point average. She is a member of a number of honor societies, and has been a member of the two-time defending regional championship team in the Students Interested in Free Enterprise (SIFE) competition, where she was named 2004 Regional and National Rookie of the Year.
Trish Noel, a senior on the women's soccer team, was named third team Academic All-District by COSIDA as well. Noel, a graduate of Gettysburg High School, was named second-team All-Conference for the second straight season after scoring three goals and adding two assists for eight points in 18 games. For her career, Noel scored 11 goals and dished out 15 assists for 37 points in 76 games, a school-record 73 of which were starts. Off the field, she is a public relations major with a 3.45 cumulative grade-point average. She is a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and is a manager of the information desk at the Garrett Sports Complex.
Ben Gibboney, a senior on the football team, was named second team Academic All-District by COSDIA. Gibboney, from Huntingdon Area High School, was a first-team All-Conference selection as a defensive back and a second-team All-Conference selection as a return specialist. A four-year starter at safety, he led the Crusaders with 79 tackles (49 solo) along with three interceptions,
nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
For his career, Gibboney made 259 tackles (190 solo) along with 13
interceptions, 38 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles and six fumble
recoveries in 40 games.
He also led the MAC in kickoff returns with an average of 21.6 yards per kickoff return and punt returns with an average of 14.2 yards per runback, ranking him 18th in all of Division III. Gibboney is a history major with a 3.27 cumulative grade-point average.
For a complete listing of all fall SU student-athletes named first team All-Conference, click here.
News
& Notes APAN WEB SITE UPDATE
We would like to remind you
that all of the materials you receive via mail will also be available
through links on our Web site, http://www.susqu.edu/apan/.
A PDF version of the APAN manual is available to view and print
on the APAN Web site. Please continue
to check the APAN Web site as we are continually making updates
and improvements. Many key aspects of the program are now run
on the Web site. Members can update their personal information,
refer a prospective student, submit their College Night Evaluation
form, order an APAN Polo Shirt, and read their favorite monthly
newsletter, The Pipeline!
REFER A PROSPECTIVE
STUDENT
Please be sure to send us
the names of any rising high school sophomores, juniors or seniors
who you think would make a good Susquehanna student. You can submit
the student's name on-line at http://www.susqu.edu/APAN/studentreferral.htm
and we will send the student information about Susquehanna.
REPLYING TO E-MAILS
We here at APAN are
continually sending out mass e-mails as it is the fastest and
most efficient way to contact all members. If you are going to
contact us in response to a specific e-mail, it is fine to leave
the same subject line. However, if you are responding to us with
an urgent or important request, PLEASE CHANGE THE SUBJECT LINE
to reflect your request. E-mails with the changed subject line
will be read and replied to as soon as possible. If you need to
reach us right away, please contact Pam at 1-800-326-9672. Thank
you!
APAN POLO SHIRTS
If you have not already ordered
an APAN polo shirt, we still have a limited number available.
The shirts cost $20 and are available in M, L, XL and XXL (add
$2 for XXL). To order your APAN polo shirt, please click here.
ADDRESS/CONTACT INFORMATION
CHANGES
Please be sure to keep us
informed of any changes to your contact information (address,
phone numbers, e-mail). IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE
YOUR CURRENT E-MAIL ADDRESS. You can update your information on-line
at http://www.susqu.edu/apan/UpdateInformation.htm
and we will be sure to pass your updated information along to
the Office of Alumni Relations.
Questions,
Comments, Concerns, or Feedback are always welcome! We want to
know what you think! Please e-mail APAN at apan@susqu.edu,
or call us at 1-800-326-9672.
Contact Information:
Alumni-Parent Admissions Network
Susquehanna University Office of Admissions
514 University Avenue
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
APAN/Office of Admissions: 800-326-9672 or 570-372-4260
Office of Alumni Relations: 570-372-4115
Office of Development: 570-372-4106
APAN Fax: 570-372-2722
www.susqu.edu/apan
E-mail: apan@susqu.edu
Angela Motto '03, APAN Coordinator
Chris Markle '84, Director of Admissions
Sean Capkin '06, APAN Assistantship Student
Pam Aungst, Administrative Assistant
|
What is APAN?
