tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24109423612757574742024-03-05T21:59:48.539-08:00Bluffton University AlumniSara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-83299130077123889822015-03-13T12:37:00.001-07:002015-03-13T12:37:57.647-07:00Five, Six, Seven, Eight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TTQwVFU0c-9TL_KkGJr82IsCYKPX5NKg6Fn8BmW8mpLMj_e2LRxlxNMxwmhpn1LRwtvUKj1T3VAcJnNFqYbY9mqzZsobCFtKw-CeurmgCN8jeMokYp9OdY9h6-juDUwJIl3Zje8PW-o/s1600/faultlines-group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TTQwVFU0c-9TL_KkGJr82IsCYKPX5NKg6Fn8BmW8mpLMj_e2LRxlxNMxwmhpn1LRwtvUKj1T3VAcJnNFqYbY9mqzZsobCFtKw-CeurmgCN8jeMokYp9OdY9h6-juDUwJIl3Zje8PW-o/s1600/faultlines-group.jpg" height="182" width="400" /></a></div>
Guest blog by Alex Parker '16<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Public relations communications assistant </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Co-leader of Improv</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Track and Field throws captain</span><br />
<br />
Since the beginning of the year I have been going once or twice a week to Fault Lines, the line dance club here on campus led by my good friend Bluffton senior Jesse Roth. Several of us gathered to learn dances - some which Jesse had choreographed - rehearse, enjoy a study break, laughter and a little exercise. There was a lot of work to be done so we could take a trip, and oh it was worth it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2YfYh-fG4X4Wiev8JGXEM1ZojTTTTfziyOxjoDjE2iODOSnksHBO46JarY6BhHHAQwgL0L9rLIifQgFfsP3qzWdT9B3dvYjuzojsCTuGwKr3xYJXtjC5UvoK2e9dhvhlOQkDRtEvbOQ/s1600/faultlines-perform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2YfYh-fG4X4Wiev8JGXEM1ZojTTTTfziyOxjoDjE2iODOSnksHBO46JarY6BhHHAQwgL0L9rLIifQgFfsP3qzWdT9B3dvYjuzojsCTuGwKr3xYJXtjC5UvoK2e9dhvhlOQkDRtEvbOQ/s1600/faultlines-perform.jpg" height="86" width="200" /></a>We competed in the Fort Wayne Dance for All Choreography exhibition, a line dance competition, during spring break. Jesse had entered four dances she created in three different categories. Each category had 17 dances entered but only the top three placed. <br />
<br />
Our team of five performed Fifth Avenue Diamond in the newcomer/novice division dance. The dance was choreographed to the song “Classic” by MKTO. It isn't a hard dance and despite our jitters everyone did well. We watched the judges scribble what I assumed were words of praise as we took our seats.<br />
<br />
Next was Fazizzle, in the intermediate division, to the song “Tonight, Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae. I always look like an awkward dolphin when I do this dance so I decided to sit it out. I watched from my seat as Jesse and two others hit the dance floor. The upbeat and bouncy dance received grins of approval from the judges.<br />
<br />
Then we got to the final category, the phrased division. Jesse choreographed Stay True to the Andy Grammer song “Honey, I’m Good.” I was super confident her dances were doing well and that this dance was going to win because it was definitely the most adorable dance ever. In the same category was Keeps Me Awake to the song “Ghost” by Ella Henderson.<br />
<br />
We left to go get dinner while the scores were all tallied up. After a good meal at Champions sports bar we returned to see what became of Jesse’s dances. All of the choreographers were lined up and they started with the newcomer/novice division. Jesse told me all she wanted was one third place finish, after all this is the biggest line dance competition in the nation. She got her wish! Fifth Avenue Diamond took third.<br />
<br />
She looked pretty excited to have the third place finish, but I admit that I thought she deserved more. Where she saw opponents I saw unintended victims of dance. Low and behold I was right and Fazizzle took first in the intermediate division. To make the day even sweeter, Jesse accepted a third award as Stay True took first in the phrased division. <br />
<br />
The emcee announced that there was one more prize to be awarded. The best overall choreographer. It had to be Jesse… and it was!<br />
<br />
From there we spent the rest of the weekend learning new dances and enjoying ourselves. And I worked on inflating Jesse’s ego, because she’s kind of a big deal despite what she says.Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-84902609253652232482015-02-19T11:13:00.000-08:002015-02-19T11:13:54.993-08:00Something about February<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcBze5yaGUX4sE0PxF8g812dKb1MuL3i-gwWvWnM5QutqIGvj_u7Ci8VDhGjOGdP2trlFmqCpl_nBSyJBmHi18DP10TmvWGnK5-ftR2-CXn1s3SglJvWtGUBcny_VRg8XDr0cgECTGEs/s1600/Millennium_Force.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcBze5yaGUX4sE0PxF8g812dKb1MuL3i-gwWvWnM5QutqIGvj_u7Ci8VDhGjOGdP2trlFmqCpl_nBSyJBmHi18DP10TmvWGnK5-ftR2-CXn1s3SglJvWtGUBcny_VRg8XDr0cgECTGEs/s1600/Millennium_Force.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">By Coasterman1234 at en.wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia) <br />[CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If the academic year was described as a roller coaster, February would be the ascent to the largest hill.<br />
<br />
That time when the cars jerk as the chain catches and struggles to pull thrill-seekers to the apex. It’s been a while since I've ridden a coaster, but I’m imaging the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkHDRgFavHM" target="_blank">Millennium Force at Cedar Point</a>. <br />
<br />
This morning as I worked through the emails that accumulated in the inbox since last night, there were many – MANY – tweets, retweets and favorited tweets hoping – begging – for snow day.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“It's not too late to cancel classes tomorrow, @BlufftonU. #wishfullthinking @BlufftonDean”</i></blockquote>
<br />
For only having 28 days, February always seems to be the longest month. While this may be universally true, it is even more so on a college campus where cabin fever and a lack of sunshine is compounded with projects, mid-terms, etc.<br />
<br />
Hang in there. As sure as a coaster will reach the top and gravity will take over. Spring will come. As of today, there are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>8 days until Spring Break</li>
<li>17 days until Daylight Savings Time begins</li>
<li>21 days until the Beavers’ home opening softball game</li>
<li>23 days until the Beavers’ home opening baseball game</li>
<li>29 days until the first day of spring</li>
<li>51 days until the <a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/studentlife/involvement/events/rcf.html">Riley Creek Festival</a></li>
<li>73 days until graduation</li>
</ul>
<br />
Yes, February is a struggle. But just like a coaster after that split second where those in the front car feel suspended in mid-air when the cars finally make it to the top, the chain lets loose and gravity takes over. Then it’s up, down, spin right, through the tunnel, spin left and pull into the station. The ride is over.<br />
<br />
Then we jump out of the car, a little breathless, definitely exhilarated, and run to get back in line to do it all over again.</div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-26717819425136064022015-02-10T10:53:00.000-08:002015-02-10T10:53:07.362-08:00Go Beavers!<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat-0ljsA0-yf3IByO5YDKYs0HZPiSmxPGbho-s3RvhPLC2yQhKCQwCnQ1yPVXp9go06xwo4HyoT6vMHeZJ6mu3z-dEngXS_2TVDyE3OaUht3H6aj1bT38l_hd3uiKHGeXTU89YK2Dl7Y/s1600/stu-research.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat-0ljsA0-yf3IByO5YDKYs0HZPiSmxPGbho-s3RvhPLC2yQhKCQwCnQ1yPVXp9go06xwo4HyoT6vMHeZJ6mu3z-dEngXS_2TVDyE3OaUht3H6aj1bT38l_hd3uiKHGeXTU89YK2Dl7Y/s1600/stu-research.jpg" height="137" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Nutrition and Fitness Fair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It’s easy to cheer student success on the athletic field of
play, the stage or the exhibit hall. Unfortunately, ongoing student achievement
in the lab, the library or the classroom often goes under-recognized.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That changes this week as student research is highlighted
during the second annual <a href="http://libguides.bluffton.edu/celebrate2015">Celebrate the Library week</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This afternoon Matt McCoy, Daniel
Piero, Carly Unruh and Amanda Bartel will present “Student Research and
Scholarly Experiences.” This event will be much
like a faculty author events but with students instead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday’s recognition will include a poster-session-style
research fair showcasing work by 35 students and “Five Minutes of Fame” where
eight students nominated by faculty will give five minute presentations on
their research or creative work. Students in Nutrition Education and
Communication and in Personal Training and Exercise courses will join forces to
present a Wellness Wednesday Nutrition and Fitness Fair complete with cooking
demos and fitness tests.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Personally, I’m most intrigued by Thursday’s events due to
the wide variety of research, projects and creative work scheduled to be
presented.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For instance, just check out this list for Thursday
afternoon’s “Five Minutes of Fame”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Mathematics of crochet art – Jennifer Brumbaugh</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Adoption through the eyes of children, with her original children’s book
“After All” – Lauren Dickerson</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1 in every 68: a study related to autism – Shae Golden</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Examples of work in graphic design – Abby Graber</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">From Dracula to World War Z: The transition from individual to societal
fear – Taylor Humphreys</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Original jazz composition “Matt’s Nightmare” – Kyle Johnson-Evers</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Original compositions for voice “Speak to me, Lord” and brass quintet “A
Journey to the Unknown” – Ashley Musgrave</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Taking a closer look at English-only in education – Julia Thomas</span></li>
</ul>
The same variety can be found in the research fair
presentations, for instance a selection of the topics include:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The History of the Uklulele - Kenny Beeker</span></li>
<li>Connection between different parenting styles and the risk of childhood
obesity – Calista Dowdy</li>
<li>The Vagina Monologues – Rebecca Juliana</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Depression and the dark night of the soul – Sara Klenke</span></li>
<li>Lunchtime Politics: US schools and the national school lunch program
2004-2014 – Aimee Lugibihl</li>
<li>Living in a database: the impact of corporate data-mining on personal
liberty – Greg Seymour</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Approaching the achievement gap: a transformation of mathematics
teachers – Nathaniel Haas<br /><a href="http://libguides.bluffton.edu/celebrate2015researchfair">>>> full list of research fair presentations</a></span></li>
</ul>
Guess where I’m going to be Thursday afternoon?<br /><br /><a href="http://libguides.bluffton.edu/celebrate2015">>>> complete Celebrate the Library schedule</a>Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-59224032974387332842015-01-28T12:23:00.000-08:002015-01-28T12:23:05.257-08:00Debts, connections and crabgrassGuest blog by Peter Terry, associate professor of IT and music<br />Originally presented as a Faculty Meeting opening meditation<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWBXi96HiHjQwEittwMO6yIqLYF7e7Yd-DWj9r_C9dgo0xVYLMkfpT4Oi7SD-CCTOs-2shLho-uJE5Pi9K2IM-XRaduHzENUe4ZhDlF2OswpAqDn_z1311GScqFnNOq6gmNdFNtFTl2E/s1600/terry-longfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWBXi96HiHjQwEittwMO6yIqLYF7e7Yd-DWj9r_C9dgo0xVYLMkfpT4Oi7SD-CCTOs-2shLho-uJE5Pi9K2IM-XRaduHzENUe4ZhDlF2OswpAqDn_z1311GScqFnNOq6gmNdFNtFTl2E/s1600/terry-longfield.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Terry and mentor Robert Longfield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been thinking a lot about debts. I lost a great mentor this summer: my guitar teacher of 16 years.<br />
<br />
Charlie Tomlin was an incredible musician and teacher, and became a great friend. Like many things of importance in my life, we met through chance. His unexpected death left me well aware of how easy it is to leave important things unsaid.<br />
<br />
This summer I also read a biography of the great German composer, Joseph Haydn, who was the father of both the string quartet and the symphony. Both of these events have led me to meditate on the nature of debts, the interconnectedness of all of us, and of the holy calling of teaching.<br />
<br />
Haydn's father was a poor wheelwright in a village on the Hungarian border in the early 1700s. At the age of 6 a distant cousin, Matthias Franck, heard Joseph singing and persuaded his parents to allow Joseph to be apprenticed to him as a singer and to train as a musician. Two years later Joseph was heard singing by Georg von Reutter, the music director at St. Stephen's Cathedral who took him to Vienna to become a choirboy. When Haydn died at the age of 77, he was the most famous composer in the world. On his wall was a portrait of Franck and Haydn told a biographer, "I shall owe a debt to this man even in my grave."<br />
<br />
As teachers we rarely see debts acknowledged, indeed we rarely see whether we have made any impression on students at all. When I was a custodian at the University of Michigan I knew what I had accomplished at the end of the day, but after almost 30 years as a college teacher it is rare to see the results of what I do daily, and even rarer to have those efforts acknowledged. So I have become a bit obsessed about acknowledging my debts to my own teachers.<br />
<br />
In my case I have been indebted to many teachers, but none more so than my high school band director, Robert Longfield. My freshman year in high school I asked him a simple question about notation and within a few days I was working with him on a piece for the jazz band, which lead to three years working through a series of books on music theory and composition, festival performances, arrangements for the marching band, and my first paid arranging job, at the age of 16. Of course, it never occurred to me that this was unusual, because it didn't seem unusual to him.<br />
<br />
My senior year Mr. Longfield took a leave of absence to pursue a degree in music theory at the University of Michigan. I lost track of him when he resigned his position and moved out of state a few years later.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 25 years. 2009. I was attending a band concert at the Bluffton middle school, looked down at the program and saw two pieces for string orchestra by Robert Longfield. It turns out that over the 30 years that we had been out of touch Robert Longfield had become one of the most sought after composers of educational string music in the country.<br />
<br />
Every December for the past five years I have gone to the Midwest clinic in Chicago which is a conference for music educators. 16,000 band and orchestra directors, and about 5 composers congregate for professional development seminars, concerts of new publications and to network.<br />
<br />
This year I was working at the Carl Fischer booth and my editor, Larry Clark and I were recounting our early influences. I mentioned Bob Longfield and that he and I had lost touch. Larry looked at me and said, "Well, he's still in Miami isn't he?" I was taken aback, mumbled something about trying to contact him again. Larry said, "Well, why don't you just go talk to him? I saw him at the Hal Leonard booth this morning (about 20 feet away). So I did. If you've never told a teacher of yours how they changed your life I recommend it quite highly.<br />
<br />
In the arts we work closely with teachers for long periods of time, one-on-one, as apprentices more than as students in the classroom. These relationships become very intense. Composers can trace their lineage from one composer to the next, student to teacher, back two or three hundred years. It's a fun game to play, and one I've done with most of my composition teachers. <br />
<br />
I sat down the other day and traced my lineage as a composer through Robert Longfield: Terry studied with Longfield, who studied with Bilik, etc…at the fifth generation I hit Bela Bartok one of the most famous composers of the 20th century…very cool. But going on, this trail, instead of disappearing as usually happens, started cascading through famous names…the great pianist and composer Franz Liszt, Carl Czerny, Ludwig van Beethoven, and finally to Beethoven's most famous teacher…Joseph Haydn, who was plucked from obscurity and poverty by a chance meeting with a minor teacher in a small village on the Hungarian border.<br />
<br />
Flattering isn't it? Of course, this isn't the whole truth. We are not our teachers—their accomplishments are not ours to claim. We are also not the only students of these teachers, a teacher teaches hundreds and the influence doesn't just go forward linearly, but sideways, and not only in the subjects we teach, but in the processes and in the approaches we use to discipline our minds. Our influence spreads like crabgrass and forms networks, pops up in a hundred places, so ideas ascend through the generations and those influences create a web of thought, and writings, works, legends. <br />
<br />
This is culture…this is education… Teaching connects us all, either directly or indirectly and in ways that we cannot see or predict. <br />
<br />
I had a picture taken of Mr. Longfield and myself and posted it in Facebook thinking that some of my friends who had him in class would be interested. To my surprise one of the first posts was by Lori Scheer Planchon, a Bluffton alumnus who worked in the Bluffton University admissions office after graduation for a few years. She wrote, "Robert Longfield was the band director at MY high school in Miami.....I marched in the color guard for him!!!!! SMALL WORLD!!" Small world indeed.<br />
<br />
Let us pray. Creator God, remind us that although the light we pass on may sometimes feel very dim, it is often enough to illuminate a path that lasts a lifetime. By the side of this path we only scatter seed; some on fertile ground and some on sand. Nothing is lost, for rain will come, and a harvest will be reaped, and other seed will land, all in its time. Remind us that not only are students influenced by teachers, but that it is students who make us as well. Amen.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-3572156286019946872015-01-22T09:40:00.001-08:002015-01-22T09:40:30.838-08:00For the sake of the children…<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT1okkkwBkN6PRbgAANFanfHJDPaLvYwIc9PqryQgBdFF-tkwmhGcqKS2yqhkpPn2VS_ff0H2Ln4iQjQmJyv9cTwxR4rUpAW-I65tzhEUKdLoxn56Kg3yc566mW7U6PV1x2J1S_gjRjg/s1600/SouthPacific1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT1okkkwBkN6PRbgAANFanfHJDPaLvYwIc9PqryQgBdFF-tkwmhGcqKS2yqhkpPn2VS_ff0H2Ln4iQjQmJyv9cTwxR4rUpAW-I65tzhEUKdLoxn56Kg3yc566mW7U6PV1x2J1S_gjRjg/s1600/SouthPacific1987.jpg" height="232" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1987 May Day musical, <i>South Pacific</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i>You’ve got to be taught to be afraid<br />
of people whose eyes are oddly made,<br />
And people whose skin is a diff’rent shade,<br />
You’ve got to be carefully taught.<br />
You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late,<br />
Before you are six or seven or eight…</i><br />
from the Rodgers and Hammerstein 1949 musical <i>South Pacific </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday afternoon, in observation of MLK day, roughly 100
students, faculty and staff gathered to watch the movie “Selma.” Afterwards we
were invited to get into small groups to discuss what we had just seen, to
identify the poignant moments of the movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I was unable to identify it then, the pivotal
scene, for me, was the very first scene. Little girls, ages six or seven or
eight, were walking down steps discussing their baptism and what the water was
going to do to their hair, when a bomb blew up the church and killed them. Why?
Just why… how…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Earlier that morning, I was struck by the number of early
elementary students attending the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast
in Lima with their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. At first it seemed
odd, then as the speaker explained it’s important that those who have
first-person knowledge of the civil rights struggle, of Dr. King’s call for
non-violence, to pass that knowledge on to future generations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As if that wasn’t enough, the MLK Jr. Day Forum presenter
Sr. Paulette Schroeder spoke about “The ‘Moral Courage’ Needed to Live
Nonviolently” and about her time with CPT in Hebron, Palestine. She described
how Palestinian children came to believe that every Israeli was evil because of
the actions of the Israeli soldiers they encountered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve also thought about a story shared by Dale Dickey
(emeritus professor of speech.) One of his students, I believe it was ’84 grad
John (DC) Roger’s dad, was a regular visitor to the Dickey household. Dale’s
young daughter loved spending time with this student. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day, as she sat on
his lap, she noticed a difference in their skin color. She rubbed his hand,
rubbed her hand, and then ran off to play. As if to say “yes there is a
difference, but it doesn’t make a difference.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Let it be so.Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-17608032760552496252015-01-14T05:48:00.000-08:002015-01-14T05:48:52.761-08:00Bitter Rivals?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB909QjxAtDDaVddnKBqcA-ryV8X-5OiB2XCfdrzPDqnjnwwTmkGq7Baw_fWEF9rVNkMi1PD5jr_Qne2Xh6ZarYawdNrWUKVG6yOhH01nRrXL05HZBz3_yK6fOpAO3_PyPToFEusNQQ8/s1600/fans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB909QjxAtDDaVddnKBqcA-ryV8X-5OiB2XCfdrzPDqnjnwwTmkGq7Baw_fWEF9rVNkMi1PD5jr_Qne2Xh6ZarYawdNrWUKVG6yOhH01nRrXL05HZBz3_yK6fOpAO3_PyPToFEusNQQ8/s1600/fans.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So tonight is the big night. It’s always a big night when that other team from up north – that other purple team which shall remain un-named - comes to campus.<br />
<br />
I was in the midst of gleefully sharing memes from @BlufftonUmbk and brainstorming Facebook posts and tweets to stoke the school spirit flame of the Bluffton faithful in preparation for the “big game” when I opened a story posted by the Defiance Crescent News.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm4jKgUU9p6Z0jvz5W2F6n-hyiN9TkZpXQQ9Cq1Lhv2Y-zfQyP4PB-swsZ22-NqYPaDw395RbPRarA33S30trYsRcjaJokh3H5I6TUqBvIyPgYPZM5eKCgkFpW3J_dJN9HKUAg9ucp3M/s1600/crescentNews-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm4jKgUU9p6Z0jvz5W2F6n-hyiN9TkZpXQQ9Cq1Lhv2Y-zfQyP4PB-swsZ22-NqYPaDw395RbPRarA33S30trYsRcjaJokh3H5I6TUqBvIyPgYPZM5eKCgkFpW3J_dJN9HKUAg9ucp3M/s1600/crescentNews-crop.jpg" height="81" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Whoa. Let’s take a break here. Rivals, yes. Backyard rivals, yes. But “Bitter northwest Ohio rivals?” Has it really come to that?<br />
<br />
Sure our football guys proudly sport t-shirts simply stating “Beat DC” in huge block letters. Noticed this year that the Defiance student body has nice shirts with a bee (yes, it’s probably really a yellow jacket) over the words “Beat Bluffton.” OK, that’s only fair.<br />
<br />
I know that stuff has happened over the years to create hard feelings between Bluffton and Defiance. I’m sure with any rivalry, ‘stuff’ happens to start the rivalry. Maybe it starts with good-natured ribbing which goes too far, then gets retaliated and the next thing you know the paper is calling it a “bitter” feud – like the Hatfields and the McCoys.<br />
<br />
Tonight as you dress in your finest Bluffton purple (not that cheesy Defiance purple), don your face paint, prepare the big heads. Keep it classy Beavers. Let’s enjoy the rivalry. Let’s cheer our teams. But let’s not give next year’s writers a reason to call this a “bitter” rivalry.<br />
<br />
Go Beavers!Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-91367542749366861922015-01-07T11:37:00.000-08:002015-01-07T11:37:33.818-08:00Went to Forum and a game show broke out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlbsm8U8g_aByVD1kSEWW6L0KOhW8ZUzDOBvv0nB_4vDOFCF-vXgfkRR9u6BDpTceHCrSBTiY_M1Gt8iJBinnN3RZUaNNbij01ndsEl6P8DcccqrV9YKyy-zJYBAnUDel_GgATY02m_o/s1600/gameshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlbsm8U8g_aByVD1kSEWW6L0KOhW8ZUzDOBvv0nB_4vDOFCF-vXgfkRR9u6BDpTceHCrSBTiY_M1Gt8iJBinnN3RZUaNNbij01ndsEl6P8DcccqrV9YKyy-zJYBAnUDel_GgATY02m_o/s1600/gameshow.jpg" height="165" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just walking into Founders, it was obvious that this wasn't
going to be your typical Forum presentation. First there was a definite buzz as
students gathered around the speaker, then there were the brightly-colored,
numbered “building blocks” and contestant chairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all seemed a bit odd, after all the topic was the somber
“Ebola and Fear: A Public Health Perspective.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bluffton’s own assistant professor of public health, Dr.
Ross Kauffman, whose specialty is epidemiology (or the study of how diseases
spread) was the guest speaker. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ebola is scary stuff. During the current outbreak – 20,206
people have been effected world-wide with 7,905 dying from the virus (as of
1/31/2014). We were told that it could not be spread by casual contact,
meanwhile health workers were donning full hazmat suits. And the media – both mainline
and social – ate it up. For several weeks/months one could not watch the news
or check in on social media without stoking the fear of this strange new
sickness (which actually was first identified in 1974.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if I told you that more people died last year from
diseases/choices that are totally preventable than have died from Ebola? That
was the message as Dr. Kauffman the professor, became Ross, the host of “The
Risk is Right” game show. Students competed for movie passes, gift certificate,
etc., while answering questions about public health issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What was soon apparent was that many diseases/ways to die
that we take lightly, actually cause more deaths than the one we were freaking
out about. For instance, 435,000 deaths per year in the U.S. can be attributed
to tobacco use. (In case you are wondering – that is 55 times more funerals in
the U.S. alone than can be traced to Ebola world-wide.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is your chance to play along. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In the decade of 2001-10, rank the following in order of least deaths to
most deaths in the U.S.: Heart disease, Terrorism, Car accidents.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In the 20</span><sup style="text-indent: -0.25in;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> century which caused more deaths, all wars and
armed conflicts or smallpox?</span></li>
</ul>
Answers:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Terrorism (3,032), Car accidents (402,703), Heart disease (6,448,388)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Smallpox killed three times as many people as all military conflict in
the 20<span style="font-size: 13px;">th</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> century (including WWI and WWII.) And smallpox was
eradicated in the 1970s thanks to vaccinations.</span></li>
</ul>
Be healthy.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-52902470052761149662014-12-11T13:02:00.000-08:002014-12-11T13:02:18.264-08:00Finals Week through Twitter<div class="MsoNormal">
Must be the end of fall semester. The parking lots on campus are starting to empty and Bluffton’s Twitter feed is filling up with students celebrating (or stressing about) the end of fall semester finals and the beginning of Christmas break. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiDn13WcrvdxJvz8GQxAo0rIIyiV40ASEvrInn-gJTNRH6WjODB5OSmODAGwsa115BvP5yxSjtiRkPCYXW-AlDVvg9Uxsh1fIq1apTfhLUaihnPHBubqprWaPBF7gX48ym6MKj1f2PS4/s1600/finals-breathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiDn13WcrvdxJvz8GQxAo0rIIyiV40ASEvrInn-gJTNRH6WjODB5OSmODAGwsa115BvP5yxSjtiRkPCYXW-AlDVvg9Uxsh1fIq1apTfhLUaihnPHBubqprWaPBF7gX48ym6MKj1f2PS4/s1600/finals-breathe.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
@BlufftonU: So finals week is upon us. Remember to breathe!<br />
#beavermode<br />
<br />
@BKurilec5: Finals week...when cleaning my room sounds fun. #needtofocus<br />
<br />
@ScoutWeber: I just want it to be Christmas break already so I can chill and stop worrying about school<br />
<br />
@BlufftonBound: Good luck on those finals, Beavers!! Study hard, but don't forget to take a break tonight for the Finals Breakfast :) #BlufftonU #tradition<br />
<br />
@RebeccaMarieHan: @BlufftonU thank you for the Christmas breakfast tonight, it was amazing! #thankful<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAMFb6MXFV-qbipOVTZSihtTf7Z29WcBKyagTO_RBMpe0TG-gS82ZD0dA3zOPbOxABiRAl5Mor4BzoSmgDvAzWeUEMo8vZpc68hb2BBByAvZYuYCUNeAZWyAANgkARNggTvwaDfrWzNA/s1600/finals-breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAMFb6MXFV-qbipOVTZSihtTf7Z29WcBKyagTO_RBMpe0TG-gS82ZD0dA3zOPbOxABiRAl5Mor4BzoSmgDvAzWeUEMo8vZpc68hb2BBByAvZYuYCUNeAZWyAANgkARNggTvwaDfrWzNA/s1600/finals-breakfast.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">President Harder, faculty and staff members serve breakfast.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
@EAlpeter: I'm getting so anxious to go home<br />
<br />
@MIGUEL_GILLIE25: Hoop session and lift to ease the pain #Active #Focused<br />
<br />
@j_fayee: Couldn't stay awake when I was writing my paper and now I can't go back to sleep now that I'm in bed...<br />
<br />
@JonesWt13: Anyone wanna come keep me company while I study<br />
<br />
@j_fayee: Honors party at Rudi's!! <br />
<br />
@MIGUEL_GILLIE25: Exams have been in my favor so far this week let's hope it stays that way.<br />
<br />
@JonesWt13: Got up a little early to study before my final, and I haven't looked at my notes or anything... #imscrewed<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW5LtHDytgwf5C-QtBFvGp8_J12HlnkDQd7KV3EMkjoWyb2N09-4YD32x5wnq3_At3ARsIctwQC1Kr33viaIWuZpW1HRMQrV8CN1qZs2ndxX2DgNfHwWggpjyaTEtfa9JZ9Kdm31HLCk/s1600/finals-over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW5LtHDytgwf5C-QtBFvGp8_J12HlnkDQd7KV3EMkjoWyb2N09-4YD32x5wnq3_At3ARsIctwQC1Kr33viaIWuZpW1HRMQrV8CN1qZs2ndxX2DgNfHwWggpjyaTEtfa9JZ9Kdm31HLCk/s1600/finals-over.jpg" height="200" width="190" /></a></div>
@AmyBlankenship6: Another semester in the books! #finalsweek<br />
<br />
@BKurilec5: DONE with Capstone.<br />
<br />
@kroushia6: I get to go home tomorrow<br />
<br />
@j_fayee: Just finished my last final at Bluffton ever!<br />
<br />
@blufftonU: You made it! Now go home and get some sleep<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-31100425991714285562014-11-18T12:59:00.000-08:002014-11-18T12:59:43.574-08:00Serendipity<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lxUJk6R7qzjfgdjqFLm-5q0vjbm2V1-W0LLiHMaAraxkj2zl9M1cI5eJG-IBj4BMykyPC8MoaZvzRlYZ3Sezbc8-rXqqaPAkdlWrMJzqTjTxCbrEcH7GM4dKPrnXxyzk6m-PRDbodTo/s1600/stlouis-arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lxUJk6R7qzjfgdjqFLm-5q0vjbm2V1-W0LLiHMaAraxkj2zl9M1cI5eJG-IBj4BMykyPC8MoaZvzRlYZ3Sezbc8-rXqqaPAkdlWrMJzqTjTxCbrEcH7GM4dKPrnXxyzk6m-PRDbodTo/s1600/stlouis-arch.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both the volleyball and women's basketball <br />teams made time for site seeing while in St. Louis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are the chances? Sometimes things just happen like they are meant to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like when a season-opening tip-off women’s basketball tourney is scheduled for the same weekend in the same city as the volleyball team is playing in the first round of NCAA post season tournament AND when volleyball plays Friday and basketball plays on Saturday/ Sunday AND when the basketball team is planning to be in town Friday night anyways for team bonding. One could not have planned this any better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I had heard the word serendipity before, I remember being encouraged to embrace the concept of serendipity in my first ever collegiate class taught by Dr. Ray Hamman. He talked a lot about serendipity, of “fortunate happenstance” or “pleasant surprises,” of “making discoveries, by accident, of things which they were not in quest of.” (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serendipity">Wikipedia</a>) And to being open to make the most of these “pleasant surprises.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like rearranging basketball team bonding activities to include cheering on fellow student-athletes in the national tournament. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had the opportunity to drive one of the vans for the women’s basketball team. We were very close to a mutiny in my van as we drove all over the Washington University at St. Louis campus trying to find the gym, especially as the time ticked closer and closer to game time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we finally arrived. I have to admit that I was pretty focused on the volleyball game and didn't pay much attention to the team sitting at the end of the court. That is until the game was over. After the announcement that fans needed to stay off the court following the game, that storming the court could be grounds for legal action.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Win or lose, the volleyball team always huddles after the game to do the Beaver Call.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was it planned? Was it one of those moments of embraced serendipity? But the basketball team joined the volleyball team on the court. Classmates. Fellow student-athletes. Friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a Beaver, You’re a Beaver,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are Beavers All</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when we get together</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We do the Beaver Call</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B-E-A-V-E-R Beavers! Beavers!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GO BEAVERS!</div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-25493178578367771672014-11-13T07:12:00.000-08:002014-11-13T07:15:24.390-08:00Different decades... Same spirit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifK0Zv6IqzNCq2gWwr1TUZeL92Wxy71ftm9dZvfnnDotugrvzWkzxPeozEZaLQFu6fJTNuofcJusNKuY87z3kVkp_jfELoX1WNGBL4w3jFZ2NUJEcunWdWEZE2b2QAmOlYnb2GQh7TZzI/s1600/May_Day_procession_1942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifK0Zv6IqzNCq2gWwr1TUZeL92Wxy71ftm9dZvfnnDotugrvzWkzxPeozEZaLQFu6fJTNuofcJusNKuY87z3kVkp_jfELoX1WNGBL4w3jFZ2NUJEcunWdWEZE2b2QAmOlYnb2GQh7TZzI/s400/May_Day_procession_1942.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1942 May Day processional</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Guest post by Carrie (Holcomb '99) Phillips<br />Archives and special collections librarian</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As I've been working
with students in the Introduction to the Study of History class with their assignment work in the archives, I've been wondering
how many other college and university archivists out there are alumni of the
institutions they serve. So while my unofficial facebook straw poll of my own
librarian and archivist colleagues populates, I'm going to talk about why
that's working out REALLY WELL for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A9eXcl4XHHUmOvELSbY8beBI_BdXbjEo51rtk-aDzcPCUki4RaiwBKJHlS3EY0karVXpO1CtdxniKQtDJuNy-8cM64FWD-_GL_yq5Zx59W34yixuoKMk7_0Vubli05wkr4pJfXjjyoM/s1600/archives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A9eXcl4XHHUmOvELSbY8beBI_BdXbjEo51rtk-aDzcPCUki4RaiwBKJHlS3EY0karVXpO1CtdxniKQtDJuNy-8cM64FWD-_GL_yq5Zx59W34yixuoKMk7_0Vubli05wkr4pJfXjjyoM/s200/archives.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrie Phillips with <br />
student assistant Dana Otto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As a 1999 graduate of
Bluffton, I've got four years of my own Bluffton memories to think of fondly.
Singing in the nun chorus of <i>The Sound of Music</i>. Living in the same Ropp
Addition room during two different years. Studying for Humanities II with the
guy I'd eventually marry. And lots more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Because I have these
memories to support the study that I've undertaken to be in this vocation, I
think I'm especially well-suited to care for the traces of Bluffton from times
past - all of the memories and stories which are tangled and embedded in the
materials for which I care on a daily basis. The decades may be different, the
technology is different, and the names are different, but the experiences and
spirit surrounding them are often remarkably similar - something I know because
of the context I have as a fellow Beaver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And speaking of
technology, I'm particularly excited about a project we've been working on in
the archives to make some of those stories and experiences a little easier to
revisit. Using equipment purchased by the Ohio Private Academic Libraries
consortium (of which Bluffton is a member) and some that we have here at
Musselman Library, we've begun digitizing some of those traces of Bluffton from
times past, and we're posting them online at a site we're calling <a href="http://bluffton.contentdm.oclc.org/">Bluffton University Memory</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">To date, my assistants
and I have scanned and posted more than 500 photographs from the University
Archives photograph collection, as well as about 20 years' worth of issues from
<i>The Witmarsum</i>, the student newspaper. The collections are searchable, so you
can look for photos of your residence hall, or writeups from early football
games or accounts of what life was like at Bluffton in the time surrounding
World War II.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As a legacy alumna, it's
been really fun to find traces of my grandparents here - something that happens
more often than I ever expected in my daily work. Using Bluffton University
Memory, I can read about their selection as May Queen and Most Popular Man in
the <a href="http://bluffton.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15994coll6/id/1362">May 23, 1942 issue of <i>The Witmarsum</i></a> and I can see photographs of the </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://bluffton.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15994coll5/id/138">1942 May Day processional</a>, as they crossed the field of onlookers prior to the Maypole
dance</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">With this post, I invite
you to browse the site and see what memories you find. As we continue to add
more issues of <i>The Witmarsum</i>, more recent photographs and even more content, I
expect to connect more and more alumni to more of these stories and
experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Spend some time
reminiscing with <a href="http://bluffton.contentdm.oclc.org/">Bluffton University Memory</a>, and send your comments to <a href="mailto:archives@bluffton.edu"><span style="color: #0066cc;">archives@bluffton.edu</span></a>!</span></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-74829276222365447992014-11-05T13:07:00.000-08:002014-11-05T13:07:36.330-08:00Finding Your Purple Profession?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfX3oK5r3RM-jb6gx-phld5xVwo09Ss_ehsUPzhtLtar6FvSBymsaR96a6NTcXiGiKLDysDgDcQ8THNcTXXy59nyzQYf34Q2gV7yhhsZowh6OZN1l0eHl3zqTDVwxoSj2ZQOHvpr07KI/s1600/2014ccv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfX3oK5r3RM-jb6gx-phld5xVwo09Ss_ehsUPzhtLtar6FvSBymsaR96a6NTcXiGiKLDysDgDcQ8THNcTXXy59nyzQYf34Q2gV7yhhsZowh6OZN1l0eHl3zqTDVwxoSj2ZQOHvpr07KI/s1600/2014ccv.jpg" height="180" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Guest post by Shari Ayers, Director of the Center for Career and Vocation</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I humbly submit to you that I am a “Lost Item Whisperer” – finder of lost papers, pursuer of wayward keys, the first person you should call when your passport has seemingly evaporated on the night before that trip-of-a-lifetime. I’m not sure that “lost item whisperer” is an actual profession, but if it is, I’m your gal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have noticed that what often prevents people from finding the things they have misplaced is the tendency to concentrate their search in the expected places. The key to finding lost things is to look in the places that are unexpected, inconvenient and sometimes downright mystifying. (How did my cell phone get in the cereal box?!) The key, in other words, to finding things is to be open to surprise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
November is National Career Development Month. Bluffton’s Center for Career & Vocation is working with wonderful partners around campus to provide workshops, employer visits, networking events, lunch discussions and much more. All of these opportunities are clustered around the theme: “Finding Your #PurpleProfession … through Curiosity, Hope and Gratitude.” It’s a mouthful, I’ll grant you! You may find yourself wondering: what’s a Purple Profession and why does it need finding? Who lost it in the first place?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here in the Center for Career & Vocation, we use the term Purple Profession to describe those creative, vocational moments when two seemingly unrelated things are held together in a new way: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>It could be an undecided student who is leaning toward a double major in business administration and youth ministry because she wants to be a thoughtful, effective leader for faith-based organizations.<br /></li>
<li>It could be a public health major who opts for a semester in Guatemala because he wants to use his bilingual skills and his global experience to help change the world.<br /></li>
<li>It could be a graduate who always knew she wanted to be a math teacher, but who is now surprised to find that she can also put her Bluffton theatre experience to use to produce the first play her inner city district has seen in almost a decade.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know if a Purple Profession is ever truly lost, but I do know that in my own life this kind of innovative, exciting, emerging work has usually been found in surprising places, and quite often at unexpected (perhaps even inconvenient) times. What has helped me to be open to such creative callings has been cultivating a spirit of curiosity, a sense of hope and a deep well of gratitude for the opportunities before me. These are the same things we are trying to generate throughout this month long series of events and conversations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kendra Nickel and I like to say that the Center for Career & Vocation exists to help students emerge from their Bluffton experience feeling both “career ready” and “purpose led.” Sometimes that can seem like an unexpected, inconvenient and even downright mystifying goal. Always, though, it feels like helping someone to find that true #PurpleProfession.<br /> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/studentlife/career/eventcal.html">>>> events scheduled for National Career Development Month</a><br /><a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/studentlife/career/">>>> more about the Center for Career and Vocation</a></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-8431686377283709762014-10-30T12:50:00.001-07:002014-10-30T13:30:16.780-07:00Break a leg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkProsqMN7RUQjX3_76pEyCDMu1xtl-1LnR8MAkR-pnopPKKTKi9Pq9FgrQugpKr9t7N6HfOnI0sibx8B1qZ8d-q4n1nTbu97PewNGaGD3E6teE6rC5Hf8TwZniho1Kk14XDOgdGrMOos/s1600/skin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkProsqMN7RUQjX3_76pEyCDMu1xtl-1LnR8MAkR-pnopPKKTKi9Pq9FgrQugpKr9t7N6HfOnI0sibx8B1qZ8d-q4n1nTbu97PewNGaGD3E6teE6rC5Hf8TwZniho1Kk14XDOgdGrMOos/s1600/skin.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ramseyer Theatre is the best. I have great memories of
building sets, setting the stage, helping with costumes, box office duties,
ushering… and once in a very great while serving as an extra on stage. However,
I don’t recall ever having an actual line in a Bluffton production. Probably
for good reason. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last time I was on stage, in front of an audience, was
the fall performance in 1984. I have no idea what the play was. I’ve looked
through old Istas, contacted Carrie Phillips on #AskAnArchivist day, but no luck. *<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever the show was, I was playing the part of a peasant
townswoman. Hair kerchief, apron, brown shirt, dingy skirt… and a diamond
ring.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See, my guy and I had gotten engaged just a few weeks prior
to opening night. I vividly remember director Gene Caskey catching the light
bouncing off the diamond during dress rehearsal, and one of the stage hands
offering to hang on to the ring for me, and me just twisting it around so that
the diamond was “hidden” in the palm of my hand. Yea – that ring was not coming
off my finger without a fight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow night is opening night for the 2014 rendition of
the Bluffton University fall production in Ramseyer Theatre, a Pulitzer
Prize-winning play by Thornton Wilder which I have never heard of. But it does
sound intriguing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
The play is set in 1942—or maybe
the dawn of human history, or maybe the present. Mr. Antrobus comes home from a
busy day inventing the wheel and the alphabet to be greeted by his wife of
5,000 years, slingshot-obsessed son, precocious daughter and ever-present maid
(not to mention the dinosaur and mammoth). The family faces repeated
catastrophes, both natural and human-made, in this genre-bending, comic
allegory of the human condition, struggling to survive war, floods, ice and
themselves—by the skin of their teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember Ramseyer, a cozy theatre, comfortable seats,
budding thespians, simple sets where the acting takes center stage? There’s
time to get your tickets and support Bluffton’s students on this historical
stage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if you happen to catch a flash of light from the maid’s finger.** Don’t think a thing about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
**<i>I have no knowledge whether the maid is or is not engaged and if she is, whether she will or will not defy authority and keep the ring on.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://bluffton.universitytickets.com/">>>> order tickets online</a> or tickets will be available at the door.<br />
<a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/news/2014-15/102014skinofourteeth.html">>>> The story behind Bluffton’s production of “The Skin of Our Teeth”</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
* Carrie came through. The fall 1984 production was "Squaring the Circle."<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-26225773168219909292014-10-24T09:57:00.000-07:002014-10-24T09:57:34.473-07:00Balance/Tension/Growth<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsd8yALYPDoIpx_ugoONtiikHsxeuLloUNgfbfPK7Zyp-hBjANQzVfdqnlE0_6Fzo7CQmvhR5sRNJ2B1CvOGoKJ9QjQS8ORCBMZWFeaQnM9TN4UrBHBhH1-luVZTUs0dDuk3rgcMLt1A/s1600/playground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsd8yALYPDoIpx_ugoONtiikHsxeuLloUNgfbfPK7Zyp-hBjANQzVfdqnlE0_6Fzo7CQmvhR5sRNJ2B1CvOGoKJ9QjQS8ORCBMZWFeaQnM9TN4UrBHBhH1-luVZTUs0dDuk3rgcMLt1A/s1600/playground.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a friend who takes great pleasure in keeping the
world informed as to how many weeks it is until Christmas (nine – in case you
were wondering.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which when viewed with a Bluffton student focus translates
to just 27 more class days (plus finals) until Christmas break. No wonder
people are starting to get a little stressed. Mid-terms, papers, presentations
and projects are all coming due – or at least looming. Then you add the
concerts and theatre productions to perform, athletic contests to compete in,
special projects to complete for work or extracurricular organizations… it’s
enough to make one want to hide until it all goes away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step in the student life professionals who work hard to
provide ways for our students to stay balanced, serving their emotional,
social, physical and spiritual needs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Balance is the key word here. One must be hitting the books
first in order for stepping away from the books to be helpful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There must be tension in order for there to be balance.
Think of a teeter totter. It’s pretty much pointless without someone on both
ends. In the same way too much tension without balance is a bad thing – think
of a spring that’s too tightly wound. Once it lets loose, look out, as it can
cause some major damage.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether you are a new student experiencing a semester-end
for the first time, a parent of a student struggling with balance or
non-student dealing with the tension between work, home and community – it’s
all the same. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Embrace the tension. Seek the balance. And Grow through the
process.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-6753723446693301512014-10-15T11:11:00.000-07:002014-10-15T11:31:14.910-07:00The Honor Code a Disservice? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHm0s0OWOvj0T0_06fDKj5t-yb8L43fkLvYkSiEaxAQbnN8X1OxFScaU9xzB0wRlMNIhzFLbOs5Jeszw3w-rnAM-Cwt2xwb0qr2r2sEfh12y3LO0bXn_hfU-fBU_NRqPBqxodkiocuwA/s1600/path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHm0s0OWOvj0T0_06fDKj5t-yb8L43fkLvYkSiEaxAQbnN8X1OxFScaU9xzB0wRlMNIhzFLbOs5Jeszw3w-rnAM-Cwt2xwb0qr2r2sEfh12y3LO0bXn_hfU-fBU_NRqPBqxodkiocuwA/s1600/path.jpg" height="148" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Let me be very upfront here. I love Bluffton’s Honor Code.<br />
<br />
As a student, the idea that profs would leave the room during tests – in effect saying, you are adults, you know right from wrong, we are going to trust you to make good decisions – was very powerful. And the way that the honor system – this expectation that we will make good decisions – enveloped campus life in general, helped create the person I am today.<br />
<br />
Now did we always make good decisions – well… no. But we learned from those not-so-good decisions.<br />
<br />
To be faced with a real, flesh and bone example of where the Honor Code was a <i>disservice</i>, where the honor system <i>failed </i>one of our students, completely caught me off-guard.<br />
<br />
A few years back, there was a campus-wide discussion about the validity of the Honor Code in today’s world. Students and members of Student Senate actually initiated this discussion. Students and faculty were concerned about the ease of cheating with cell phones in everyone’s pocket, about standard processes being followed in all classes, and about graduating unprepared students into the world and how that reflects on a Bluffton University degree.<br />
<br />
Now I understand their concern.<br />
<br />
The honor system is what you make of it. It can be an extremely effective tool to teach ethics and personal responsibility. Or it can be just another system to be worked, as this graduate admitted to me last night. “You know the honor system. I worked the system. I did whatever I had to [in order] to graduate.”<br />
<br />
So sad. Yes, he has that piece of paper and he can say “I am a college graduate.” Unfortunately that only gets him in the door. It’s going to be his drive, his knowledge, his initiative, his trustworthiness that gets him the job and helps him keep that job. He also shared with me that he lost a job earlier in the week for sliding by, for doing just enough to get by, for working the system. So sad.<br />
<br />
In recent years, faculty have strengthened the Honor Code. Policies have been clarified to make sure it is presented the same in every classroom, in every discipline; a revised version of The Pledge to be signed on essays and research papers has been added. The goal remains for all students to embrace the spirit of the code which was established by chemistry professor H.W. Berky in the early days of Bluffton University.<br />
<br />
It is my belief that the vast majority of students today do embrace the honor system. They learn from it, grow because of it. Unfortunately though, as the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.”<br />
<br />Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-4797310837985651412014-10-08T07:16:00.000-07:002014-10-08T07:25:25.878-07:00Watering the seed<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7M3g06NtHDxEpJg9FDXZRGwToLNY3vFPN-UORfBGhoLAz_83LtKIcgSxLU7kGHqMQVz0g0PZhGrJBZfB1HzC13LfGdxF9IiaWtZ48Bx2f0P_i0sxkZSwzagl1qS2j7MbR5GYynQM_Mk/s1600/pres-reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7M3g06NtHDxEpJg9FDXZRGwToLNY3vFPN-UORfBGhoLAz_83LtKIcgSxLU7kGHqMQVz0g0PZhGrJBZfB1HzC13LfGdxF9IiaWtZ48Bx2f0P_i0sxkZSwzagl1qS2j7MbR5GYynQM_Mk/s1600/pres-reception.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alumni chat at the reception prior to the President's Banquet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Servant leader. That is how Bethny (Ricks ’06) Brown sees herself. She said Bluffton “definitely watered the seed” of servant leadership which her parents had planted. Bethny strives to promote ethical work environments in her role as executive human resources director at Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.<br />
<br />
She accepted the 2014 Outstanding Young Alumni Award Saturday evening at the first President’s Banquet. Bill Herr ’61 received the Lifetime Service Award which is presented to an alumni who has “made a difference in the lives of others.”<br />
<br />
After retiring as a high school math teacher, Bill began to volunteer, and was then hired, as chaplain at Bluffton’s Mennonite Memorial Home. In his remarks, Bill also spoke of the importance of service and focused on the motto “The Truth Makes Free” to illustrate how Bluffton encourages students and alumni to serve. “Seeking truth means following in Jesus’ footsteps, which requires service.”<br />
<br />
In recent years the tradition has been to celebrate alumni and donors in two separate Homecoming banquets - the alumni award banquet on Friday night and the President’s Dinner for donors on Saturday. Inevitably come Monday morning, the conversation on campus would lead to how nice it would have been for the donors to hear the touching alumni stories, and for the alumni to hear the inspiring donor stories.<br />
<br />
So this year, the two banquets were merged into one Saturday night extravaganza. Have to admit I was a little concerned. Taking two full banquets and merging their content into one? But to be honest, the program moved along quite nicely and the program was over at 8:20 p.m.<br />
<br />
President Harder outlined projects which were possible thanks to donor support, such as the new Collaborative MBA program which began last summer; the “Swords to Plowshares” children’s book recently published by The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center, and initial concept planning for a new science building to support growing enrollment.<br />
<br />
Still in process is fundraising for the <a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/giving/alumni-field.html">Alumni Field project</a>. The hope is to reach the $1 million goal by spring so the planned FieldTurf and track resurfacing can be in place for the fall 2015 sports season.<br />
<br />
I’d be interested in how others feel about the combined banquets. I left the banquet energized by the exciting things my alma mater (and current employer) is doing and the way it – and by extension we – touch student’s lives for the good.<br />
<br />
>>> more about <a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/news/2014-15/100614presbanquet.html">the President's Banquet</a></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-65784616632401181112014-10-01T10:06:00.002-07:002014-10-01T10:19:30.856-07:00Blowing bubbles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJMFcIs_1Q2th_Tq4uJ6_vbOX1c32i3otsuYV_PN7mUPPJUWOwIzwBUbpaYx3Q_0YBRb020Kp_7dn_erCw9aW6r6wfAfNE12_WjokjX4cE2C6D3zogcRlKptgCnmKIjSplA6KWEOqv48/s1600/shetler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJMFcIs_1Q2th_Tq4uJ6_vbOX1c32i3otsuYV_PN7mUPPJUWOwIzwBUbpaYx3Q_0YBRb020Kp_7dn_erCw9aW6r6wfAfNE12_WjokjX4cE2C6D3zogcRlKptgCnmKIjSplA6KWEOqv48/s1600/shetler.jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of the Sidney Daily News </span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bubbles and more bubbles. Bubbles inside of bubbles. People
inside of a bubble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’ve ever seen one of Dr. Luther Shetler’s bubble
presentations, you know what I’m talking about. Luther taught math at Bluffton
from 1950 to 1984. Although I never had him for class, he left a definite
impression on me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the day I picked up extra jobs as a banquet server
in Marbeck. The benefits, beside the extra pay, were the leftover desserts and
sometimes being able to catch snippets of the banquet programming. One night
Luther gave his bubble presentation. I was mesmerized. It was so cool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luther’s legacy is living on through one of his students.
Just received an email that Darryl Nester ’88 will present Bubble Math, tomorrow afternoon as part
of the Mathematics Seminar series. In the description Darryl
writes, “We’ll discuss topics like minimal surfaces, hyperbolic paraboloids,
the isoperimetric inequality, Maraldi’s angle, catenoids, Moebius strips, … but
mostly, we’ll just blow lots of bubbles.” Just like the presentation I enjoyed
so many years ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does Darryl consider Luther as a mentor? I cannot answer
that question. But it is good to see that the ‘Bubble Math’ fun lives on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This Mathematics Seminar is set for 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, in Centennial Hall 109.</i></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-30174218795157453062014-09-17T11:01:00.001-07:002014-09-17T11:01:59.636-07:00Klassen's story continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK2pEQWbWLYxcXqP12FOojlIADI93KzJjLwu97gR7IPettDiNhyphenhyphenKnBWF9EQFoZzMiV0ejYnXX2n7K5KoswhSl4U1THRx-50hwrum8mY1uCpnE4dpdCvtWfU5G8wsMN5BrvGVkaH7vCUo/s1600/plowshares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK2pEQWbWLYxcXqP12FOojlIADI93KzJjLwu97gR7IPettDiNhyphenhyphenKnBWF9EQFoZzMiV0ejYnXX2n7K5KoswhSl4U1THRx-50hwrum8mY1uCpnE4dpdCvtWfU5G8wsMN5BrvGVkaH7vCUo/s1600/plowshares.jpg" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>by Louise Matthews, guest blogger</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I remember one of my assignments given by Dr. Libby Hostetler during Jr. Block as an education major at Bluffton: write a story, create illustrations and bind it together to make a picture book. <br />
<br />
Last week, I rediscovered my book, “Look, It’s Snowing!” among our children’s library collection at home, “copyright 1976” according to its information page. Perhaps this is evidence that my Bluffton liberal arts education prepared me for my recent endeavor… <br />
<br />
In my current role as director of The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center, I was thrilled to be included in the early conversations with author Lisa Weaver to explore possibilities for publishing her third picture book.<br />
<br />
The story is based on an actual account of John P. Klassen creating a medallion from lead bullets to give to volunteers with Mennonite Central Committee who brought food and relief aid to his Russian village in the early 1920s. (Klassen later came to the USA and taught art at Bluffton from 1924-1959.) <br />
<br />
I encouraged Lisa to pursue publishing her story, <i>Swords to Plowshares</i>, and even offered to host a book launch at the center when it was eventually published. That seemed the least I could do to support Lisa’s story with connections to Bluffton University.<br />
<br />
Little did I know that I would eventually be accepting the challenge of publishing the book through my role at The Lion and Lamb. I asked several colleagues to serve as consultants for this project and with their input, we selected an illustrator and a creative designer. Amanda Huston, art major and recent Bluffton grad, was willing to take on the challenge of illustrating her first picture book and Alison King, with her own design business and previous experience, accepted the role as creative designer. <br />
<br />
Amanda, Alison and I met together for the first time one year ago, Sept. 12, 2013, to create a plan and work toward publishing Lisa’s picture book. Coincidentally, on Sept. 12, 2014, exactly one year later, 55 cases of printed copies of our book were to be loaded onto the truck at Friesens Printing and headed toward Bluffton, Ohio, for delivery! (At this point, delivery is expected the week of Sept. 21.)<br />
<br />
True to my word, I am pleased to announce a book launch for <i>Swords to Plowshares: The creation of John P. Klassen’s Mennonite Central Committee medallion</i>. And YOU are invited! <br />
<br />
<b>Consider coming to campus on Homecoming, Oct. 4, 2014, and stop by The Lion and Lamb between 9 - 10:30 a.m. for an informal reception with author Lisa Weaver and illustrator Amanda Huston. </b>Books will be available for purchase for $21.35 and for signing.<br />
<br />
Books can also be ordered at <a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/lionlamb">www.bluffton.edu/lionlamb</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-54973828053669701402014-09-11T10:41:00.000-07:002014-09-11T10:41:07.845-07:00Deeper learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAyd3fZJgO0RlTJj4Nec6dAiLxBgFSBeewD9b8dmZBrygXSPTDVFnbUmpcgJB2Dfw7DpIsJuddESYmEw4U8QbxfPyLbRJ2u1N7EoEdb7XNFK2JFtxUbE88U8w1Iq-4hF5uhm8QcwyZ3E/s1600/collegehall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAyd3fZJgO0RlTJj4Nec6dAiLxBgFSBeewD9b8dmZBrygXSPTDVFnbUmpcgJB2Dfw7DpIsJuddESYmEw4U8QbxfPyLbRJ2u1N7EoEdb7XNFK2JFtxUbE88U8w1Iq-4hF5uhm8QcwyZ3E/s1600/collegehall.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Put a bunch of faculty from various areas around a table and
it won’t be long until the question is asked, “How are your classes going?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Tuesday’s faculty/staff lunch, I joined members of the
business, communication and sociology faculty at a table. The consensus was
that classes are going very well. The professors expressed excitement that
their students are engaged and eager to learn, making it a joy for them to be
in front of the class.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What initiated this change? What is different about this
fall?” Nobody at the table had an answer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In talking with a colleague later, it occurred to us that
this year’s incoming students read Ken Bain’s book “What the Best College
Students Do” as their summer reading assignment. Bain, as the guest speaker for
the Opening Convocation Forum in the first week of school, then
stressed the need for a commitment to “deep learning” which leads to a higher
purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are new students more engaged this year because they had
more of an idea what to expect from the college experience?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did not ask my dining companions if there was some
different education technique being employed in their classrooms. Last academic
year, the faculty took a year off of the typical faculty governance work for a
“retooling” effort, which included the study of Bain’s book, “What the Best
College Teachers Do.” Teaching faculty were encouraged to take a critical look
at their courses and perhaps add new teaching methodology to their classroom
presentations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One prof shared last year that he had successfully implemented
a “Jeopardy” contest in his classroom. The first portion of class the students
played Jeopardy with questions stemming from the previous day’s homework
reading. The students reportedly loved the competition, and learning increased.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A cheap ploy to get students to do their homework?
Obviously. But it worked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Could it be that the combination of these two studies, with
students considering “What the Best College Students Do” while the faculty
consider “What the Best College Teachers Do” have created a synergy on campus
where deep learning does indeed happen?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or as President Harder said during the President’s Forum,
“Education is not something that is done <i>to</i> you, or <i>for</i> you, but <i>with</i>
you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let it be so.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-68409372652153097062014-09-05T07:51:00.000-07:002014-09-05T07:51:22.841-07:00Prepared for Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxjWPjmw3hVkos2LU-2rgMlgaeDKQXG1Dlg1T3iNWHYkoDVFrX4JLLn0LQdeVs-RMubJGE2h-h7W7v2ZVL-iFT8C-mJOqhHzrEvqIOdejT5YNj00-U0gyRZsohbpfhhIS1MrBIxtTJ-s/s1600/gradient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxjWPjmw3hVkos2LU-2rgMlgaeDKQXG1Dlg1T3iNWHYkoDVFrX4JLLn0LQdeVs-RMubJGE2h-h7W7v2ZVL-iFT8C-mJOqhHzrEvqIOdejT5YNj00-U0gyRZsohbpfhhIS1MrBIxtTJ-s/s1600/gradient.jpg" height="133" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Shaped by the historic peace church tradition and nourished by a desire for excellence in all phases of its programs, Bluffton University seeks to prepare students of all backgrounds for life as well as vocation, for responsible citizenship, for service to all peoples and , ultimately, for the purposes of God’s universal kingdom.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><i>Bluffton University mission statement</i></i></div>
<br />
Last week I had the opportunity to chat with Bluffton alumni in Lima during a video shoot for new television commercials. (Set to air in 2014-15.) I usually feel at a loss during these shoots. Our able videographer and his assistant do not need my help. Sometimes I’ll step in as the “talent” while he adjusts the lighting, but most of the time I just hang out with the person to be videotaped. We chat until it’s time to film.<br />
<br />
What great stories these alumni have to share.<br />
<br />
Tyson Goings ’01 was telling me about his work at Lima Senior High School as one of several school counselors. His role is to connect students in need with agencies providing assistance. I believe he now has a social work license. (I could be wrong about this as I wasn't taking notes.) He meets with nearly 10 percent of the school body at some point during the school year, many of them on a weekly basis.<br />
<br />
As we chatted it hit me, "Weren't you a recreation management major? How did you get from rec management to social work?”<br />
<br />
Jennifer (Liechty ‘82) Zickafoose, an HPER (now known as Health, Fitness and Sport Science) major, found her calling teaching as a middle school intervention specialist. In her brightly-colored, inviting classroom at Lima West Middle School, she passionately shares the dramatic results of a reading system she uses to reach her students.<br />
<br />
I’m sure there are many other examples of how Bluffton prepared students for not only vocation, but for all the twists and turns that life may present; to be open to new opportunities and callings; to have the courage to step out in faith.<br />
<br />
You’ll be seeing a lot about the Power of Purple in Bluffton University circles in the coming months. We define the Power of Purple as the work of two or more to produce an effect greater than their separate efforts, or the combination of multiple experiences producing a greater learning than either offers alone, much like the way red and blue combine to create purple.<br />
<br />
Much like preparing “for life as well as vocation.”<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-18192703435501682082014-08-29T07:51:00.000-07:002014-08-29T08:12:51.723-07:00Facebook official<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AUXVQXluvHqA9jNqPCHkUa3VMkyqxo_kcTuJ9YD5glPj49nGQp4cB0mlDHd_gC8_n695xAKOexQ5X6j0UIsxl7G0V_K71-c3_aW5-ImHkiJnrzmR0opdiMoFXhtlXu50tQYD41lAtLg/s1600/beavers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AUXVQXluvHqA9jNqPCHkUa3VMkyqxo_kcTuJ9YD5glPj49nGQp4cB0mlDHd_gC8_n695xAKOexQ5X6j0UIsxl7G0V_K71-c3_aW5-ImHkiJnrzmR0opdiMoFXhtlXu50tQYD41lAtLg/s1600/beavers.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Guest blog by Chay Reigle '15</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bluffton’s campus has seen its fair share of
relationships; its acres have served as the spot for a first date that leads to
many more. It’s been the location for numerous weddings during the summer
months, most recently in late June for 2014 alumna Megan (Moreo ‘14) Etzkorn,
who married the love of her life while standing atop a rock in the prayer
labyrinth. And, building on the 100+ year legacy, I’m happy to say that Bluffton’s
newest couple are two happy beavers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
J. Denny and Jenny Beaver, that is. Our newest mascot, Jenny,
was officially welcomed to campus in a <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvPpr3Or-k&list=UU12kXWC25HxURGUwYDPTlQg" target="_blank">video reveal</a></b> the day before classes began. I’m Chay Reigle, senior public
relations major at Bluffton and creator of the video, and boy, what a wonderful
time it was making Jenny a reality this summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To clear up any confusion: J. Denny and Jenny are not married, nor are they related. They’re both beavers, and so they go by the
surname “Beaver.” They spent the summer enjoying campus. Whether J. Denny was
driving Jenny around in a golf cart, Jenny was besting J. Denny at carpet ball
in Bob’s Place, or the pair was reading a classic book on beavers in the
Musselman Library, the two seemed all but inseparable these past few months.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the summer student worker in the public relations office,
it was my task to create the video from start to finish. That means writing the
script, scheduling the time of shooting with two very busy performers, finding
and scheduling the extras, filming every scene multiple times to get it right
and then editing the video. It was filmed in one day over a six-hour period,
stopping only for lunch and the occasional water break. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both performers
maintained their roles throughout the entire day, and if I had the slightest
clue of who were under the costumes, I’m sure they would tell me that walking
around in a beaver suit on a hot, humid day is not fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s right: to this day I have no idea who any of the J.
Denny or Jenny performers are. They communicated with me through thumbs-ups and
pointing at their wrists to ask how long our break would be. Students not
knowing the identities of the performers is part of the mascot mythos, and my
performers were real troopers to take orders all day without a peep out of
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the image of J. Denny—and now Jenny—appears on the
surface to be a product of the university, their livelihood absolutely depends
on the students. Students are the ones who volunteer their time donning the
beaver costumes. We are the ones who tag J. Denny and Jenny in Facebook
posts, take selfies with them and high-five them at basketball games. In fact,
every Bluffton University video featuring J. Denny has been produced by a student.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Creating this video was my favorite part of my summer job. I
think Jenny is a great addition to the Bluffton identity, and I’m happy to see that
J. Denny finally <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caAdjN6zBc0&index=14&list=UU12kXWC25HxURGUwYDPTlQg" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">found someone</a>.<b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next time you see them, take a moment
to appreciate all the hard work that goes into creating the personas that
staff, students and alumni alike have become so fond of when we reflect on our
times at Bluffton.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
>>> <a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/news/2014-15/082514jenny.html" target="_blank">news release introducing Jenny</a></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-58482898670672582132014-08-20T12:53:00.001-07:002014-08-20T12:53:17.237-07:00The heading-to-college caravan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5ZWZtyzovM1PPgZAcpUSd51WfbH7grIYZga2yjLh-wq3cEmKLQASMMJb4ybivL-X-zdj6HQJnonmI1_OslPVbvnBGQONIkCOR18Ao5RCXOx0uFK3v4rMAOPv98DF_wRWU_TAascmnvg/s1600/yellowBirdSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5ZWZtyzovM1PPgZAcpUSd51WfbH7grIYZga2yjLh-wq3cEmKLQASMMJb4ybivL-X-zdj6HQJnonmI1_OslPVbvnBGQONIkCOR18Ao5RCXOx0uFK3v4rMAOPv98DF_wRWU_TAascmnvg/s1600/yellowBirdSmall.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Driving on SR 15 Saturday afternoon, I couldn't help notice
several caravans heading to move-in day for some college – or at least that’s
the conclusion I reached.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One in particular caught my imagination. “Dad” was driving a
pickup loaded with what appeared to be either a sofa or a futon covered with a
tarp. Right on his tail was this cute little yellow car. Its driver, a young
lady with straight blond hair, chewing her fingernails.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was so close to the pickup that I assumed as soon as he
moved back into the right lane that she would zip on by him. Instead as soon as
there was (barely) enough room between the pickup and the vehicle being passed
she too moved to the right lane, never leaving more than three feet between the
two vehicles. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At that point I noticed a third vehicle in the caravan, a
mini-van, drove by “mom.” She was leaving a reasonable amount of space between
her and the little yellow car, but definitely not enough to invite anybody to
get between them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caravans much like this one will be heading to Bluffton on
Friday. Parents will be bringing their first, their last, their only child to
college. Students will be relying on one parent, two parents, siblings or
extended family to help settle in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I might be so bold to give a bit of advice from the realm
of “been there, done that.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dad, look in the rearview. See that little girl/beautiful
young lady afraid to lose you? I know you want to hold her tight and never let
her go. But for her sake, she has to know that you know she can do this – on
her own. Of course you can do nothing to keep her from tailgating right now,
but encourage her to be courageous, to set her own destination and find her own
way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom, why is it that we are always in the rear, counting
heads, making sure nobody gets off track? Your daughter may not make the same
choices you would. She may change majors, she may decide to take a semester
abroad, she may dye her golden locks purple. It’s OK. It’s her journey. Give
her advice. But do not insist that she follow your advice. You've given her a
firm foundation. She may stumble as she finds her way, but she will find her
way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daughter, in the cute little yellow car, I know you are
nervous. It’s a big step moving away from home. They may not say it, they may
have trouble showing it, but your parents are so very proud of you and want the
very best for you. And as hard as it is for you to leave, it’s just that hard
for them to let you go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So once the final box is unpacked. When it’s time for
goodbye hugs, time for orientation activities to begin. Stand tall, take a deep
breath, leave that nest…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But do try to call home at least once a week.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-86190517694627103182014-08-12T08:56:00.000-07:002014-08-12T10:10:37.411-07:00Burned out?<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RT @teewy5 Focus on your purpose. Remember why you do what
you do. We don't get burned out from what we do, we get burned out when we
forget why we do it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsoA7X541wAPcUtDGtGq2U1CRB4G8lX_HOmPSDbOM0B91eas63QhU-GT8AuwtvYJwO-uct1p7DiM1wGE3LA6uqy9yydO1avy_wgg1_d0cpZS-kfN2Xi02iTeIK1y-vW6Z0qtYMy0OLoE/s1600/notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsoA7X541wAPcUtDGtGq2U1CRB4G8lX_HOmPSDbOM0B91eas63QhU-GT8AuwtvYJwO-uct1p7DiM1wGE3LA6uqy9yydO1avy_wgg1_d0cpZS-kfN2Xi02iTeIK1y-vW6Z0qtYMy0OLoE/s1600/notebook.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a>With the new school year comes new beginnings, full of excitement,
expectation and opportunity, much like a brand new doodle-free notebook just
waiting to be filled with notes of knowledge to expand our minds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what’s this about being burned out?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The academic year has cycles. It’s not unusual for students
to struggle in late November, February and in April with stress, with feeling burnt
out. Those are the times when academic projects are typically due and finals or
mid-terms are looming. Throw on top of that preparations for Christmas, spring
break and graduation. Too much to do and too little time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which leads to burn out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those of us in the working world, burn out doesn’t come
in such a predictable timetable. Sometimes it feels as if we’re Bill Murray in “Groundhog
Day”; the alarm goes off, we go through the same morning routine, drive to the
same place, talk to the same people, do the same things, eat the same foods, go
to bed at the same time only for the alarm to ring so you can do it all over
again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s where @teewy5’s (aka Tyler Neal ‘13) tweet comes in.
Why do we do the things we do? Why is it important to finish that chem lab/history
research/business report/English paper? I propose that its importance lies not in
the grade, but because it’s a step toward the ultimate goal of becoming a chemist,
historian, entrepreneur, published author…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, students, as you make your way to that first class of
2014-15 with your brand new doodle-free notebook, keep your eye on the prize
and remember why you are doing this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And add a few doodles along the way – Carpe Diem.</div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-61665480989932229652014-08-06T13:11:00.000-07:002014-08-06T13:11:03.994-07:00Ah, the memoriesNothing like a stroll through your old stomping grounds to make memories flow. Seeing that I work at Bluffton, campus typically doesn’t feel much like my “old stomping grounds.” Once in a while though…<br />
<br />
Like earlier this week as I walked into Bren-Dell to see how renovations of the lobby were proceeding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYUS__SYHj7E-k3SO9y-8LLLp5-r4R8bgnLF45KV0ofLnDTtYkuXG5nxH32UGK2A6TyVMBSUvWnXJN6hBIb7Nmhsf7w3txIjPi8izN0PstGIqpwR0Gk_nQ5zpb02rJkaEptQMIZm3GtQ/s1600/brendell073014sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYUS__SYHj7E-k3SO9y-8LLLp5-r4R8bgnLF45KV0ofLnDTtYkuXG5nxH32UGK2A6TyVMBSUvWnXJN6hBIb7Nmhsf7w3txIjPi8izN0PstGIqpwR0Gk_nQ5zpb02rJkaEptQMIZm3GtQ/s400/brendell073014sm.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: start;">From alumni and student feedback received following announcement of the class of 1964 class gift toward Bren-Dell lobby renovations, I think it’s safe to say I’m not the only one with fond memories of this space.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0L_g4cIhqVX_zKVOkMxQiJNJepR4UbdoOlrJGXUxk3IV4RtFDRBpaBnSLyfeN3Vuwt1R4Og5lD0k3Ft0UKS-8ltnYQX3bSoxCAzPYJfQaZAFDLdc4X3tjvipluveDg4pSPTI8YBl1Fw/s1600/brendell073014-hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0L_g4cIhqVX_zKVOkMxQiJNJepR4UbdoOlrJGXUxk3IV4RtFDRBpaBnSLyfeN3Vuwt1R4Og5lD0k3Ft0UKS-8ltnYQX3bSoxCAzPYJfQaZAFDLdc4X3tjvipluveDg4pSPTI8YBl1Fw/s400/brendell073014-hall.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Bren-Dell (named after long-time professors M’della Moon and Naomi Brenneman) opened in 1962 as a residence hall for women. At some point, it became a men’s hall and in recent years has become a ‘split’ hall, housing men and women on separate floors.<br />
<br />
The constant? The lobby. It has always been a place to gather, to hang out, to watch TV; a short-cut from Ropp to Marbeck.<br />
<br />
I could tell my stories of cutting through the lobby… flirting with the guys watching M*A*S*H (one in particular)… eventually joining the guys to watch M*A*S*H (one in particular)…<br />
<br />
But what are your memories of this space? Please do share!
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-86610089686457350142014-05-14T05:30:00.000-07:002014-05-14T05:50:21.834-07:00It's Summer Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkLB8m-OtpN5zEQfzZ0a_bXtBTx0TfHM9PEwPFv6KPTsoeIelL-qcmOCIQab08icUD4MGFq4hKhvFzdzh9OiCOGgZZ45jbrHgU9t031PMdjh-hGSvLZTufVuLWoUY1VxmJCOr-xdgDBo/s1600/icecream2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkLB8m-OtpN5zEQfzZ0a_bXtBTx0TfHM9PEwPFv6KPTsoeIelL-qcmOCIQab08icUD4MGFq4hKhvFzdzh9OiCOGgZZ45jbrHgU9t031PMdjh-hGSvLZTufVuLWoUY1VxmJCOr-xdgDBo/s1600/icecream2014.jpg" height="182" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faculty and staff enjoy ice cream served by the President's Cabinet to celebrate summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May is such an odd month for those of us working at Bluffton University.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to our academic calendar, summer officially began on May 5, the day after graduation. It is so crazy quiet on campus. Student parking lots are empty. When you do see faculty strolling through campus, they are often wearing shorts, t-shirts and sandals. I ate lunch at Marbeck earlier this week - thinking there might have been a
dozen of us in The Commons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Outside of the Bluffton bubble, it’s not yet summer, which begins for some on Memorial Day, for others in early June when local schools are out for the summer. (Thanks Polar Vortex.) People are wrapping up the school year, competing in end-of-the-season sports tournaments, planning graduation parties. Life has definitely not slowed down off of Bluffton’s campus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Which leaves us in a type of limbo straddling these two worlds. Not that I’m complaining. Especially because this “slow” time doesn't last long – or at all for some of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While lunching at Marbeck, I learned that roughly 8,000 visitors are expected on campus through various conference and events this summer – beginning with soccer tournaments and the Special Olympics which together brought an estimated 2,000 people to campus just last
weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And that does not count three
<a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/admission/orientation/index.html" target="_blank">orientations </a>for new students, a <a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/admission/visit/discovery/index.html" target="_blank">Discovery Day</a> for prospective students and the
<a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/blufftonalumni/events/frisbee.html" target="_blank">Ultimate Frisbee Alumni Reunion</a>, which are all happening on campus in June
alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then there are multiple off-campus
<a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/blufftonalumni/events/index.html" target="_blank">alumni events</a> to host, publications to design and print, student life activities to plan, summer research to conduct, etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It is true, there is a different vibe on campus in the summer, it’s more relaxed and much quieter (well at least until the band camps start in July.) But don’t let our casual clothing fool you… a lot happens on campus while the students are away.</span></div>
Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410942361275757474.post-30110138773765510102014-04-02T09:38:00.000-07:002014-04-02T09:38:59.344-07:00Celebrating Diversity Through Cultural Competency<i>by guest blogger Robin Bowlus, public relations director</i><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Q3nrKbbuD-s011M4dU46AUxvm8r1ms8vICOMUhOSi8q2QF0VkjmjE9k_-giHG26s9z6mat4Jj-GbxVZJdAro6B6UWJotwfOsGXqsSQzJsu4dGS4P34CS15HcNAmalKi0fRs3dSTceoY/s1600/MissAmericaonly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Q3nrKbbuD-s011M4dU46AUxvm8r1ms8vICOMUhOSi8q2QF0VkjmjE9k_-giHG26s9z6mat4Jj-GbxVZJdAro6B6UWJotwfOsGXqsSQzJsu4dGS4P34CS15HcNAmalKi0fRs3dSTceoY/s1600/MissAmericaonly.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>
Next Wednesday is a big day on Bluffton’s campus. It is Civic Engagement Day. The day when the yearlong campus-wide study of our Civic Engagement theme is celebrated with presentations by students, faculty and staff.<br />
<br />
This year’s theme, Race and Ethnicity in America: Celebration, Struggle, Opportunity has focused on celebrating the particular contributions and experiences of people from varied races and ethnicities. At the same time, we explored the ongoing struggle in the United States, including our region and our campus, toward equally welcoming people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.<br />
<br />
Each year, a planning committee works to ensure that the Civic Engagement theme is well incorporated into the academic and student life events on campus. And, as part of <a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/academiclife/civictheme/day/schedule.html" target="_blank">Civic Engagement Day</a>, the committee works to have a keynote event to cap off the day.<br />
<br />
Last September, I prepared for my annual watching of the Miss America pageant. Something I have done since, well, forever. In fact, my mom tells a story of me as a four-year old “cutting my hair” after we watched the pageant. I wanted to “have pretty hair” not realizing that their hair was styled in up-does, and not cut off.<br />
<br />
I soon got over my fascination with the pretty hair, dresses and princess crowns, and what I saw was educated girls being recognized for their talents in music, dancing, etc., their physical well being and their poised public speaking skills on issues of the time. As a young person, I didn't really see women being recognized in this way. Anywhere.<br />
<br />
That night in September, I watched as Miss New York, Nina Davuluri, was crowned Miss America. She was my “pick” too, so all in all it was a good night. It wasn't until the next morning on the morning talk shows and social media sites that I saw her being questioned by the media and others for “not looking American enough to be Miss America”. WHAT!?<br />
<br />
You see, while she was born in America, her parents are from India. So she is the first Miss America of Indian-descent. The media firestorm that erupted the following weeks was unbelievable even for me as a communication professional who watches the media with great interest.<br />
<br />
Ms. Davuluri is a graduate from the University of Michigan and plans to go onto medical school after her reign this year. Her talent was an ethnic “Bollywood” style dance routine. And her platform, cultural competency, is what I feel helped her manage the media firestorm that she found herself in. Watching and following the story, I knew we had to invite her to Bluffton to be our Civic Engagement Day keynote speaker. <br />
<br />
Her personal story and last seven months of her life are exactly what we have been talking about all year. So I shared my idea with the Civic Engagement committee and they said yes. Then, Miss America said yes! She will speak this Wednesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sommer Center. The event is free and open to the public. She will speak on her social media campaign #CircleOfUnity – Celebrating Diversity Through Cultural Competency.<br />
<br />
Since 1921, the Miss America organization has been celebrating the successes of young women. Each contestant has a platform, to advocate for organizations and causes that they are passionate about; most often, causes they each have personal connections to. Since September, Nina has been traveling all across the U.S. to companies, national events, and colleges and universities like Duke, Tulane, The Ohio State University, Loyola, Bluffton and many more.<br />
<br />
I invite you to come to campus Wednesday night and engage in this civic conversation.<br /><br />>>> more about the <a href="http://www.bluffton.edu/news/2013-14/032714missamerica.html" target="_blank">Civic Engagement Day keynote address</a><br />
<br />
<i>Learn more about the many philanthropic efforts of the Miss American organization at <a href="http://www.missamerica.org/">www.missamerica.org</a> </i><br />
<br />Sara (Mayes '86) Kisseberthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06029815853785298419noreply@blogger.com0