MCowan Accepts a Job Offer

Michael Cowan, senior majoring in Computer Science has accepted a job offer at Alliance Data Card Services, Columbus. He will be working in software development. He has had internships with this same company over the past two summers. He will start his new job on July 7, following his May 2019 graduation.

COM Studies Prof & Students Receive Leadership Training

Dr. Gwen Hullman, Camille Pollutro, and Samantha Stutzman completed their training in Leadership In Deliberative Democracy, taught by Professor Louise Fleming- Dufala, and sponsored by the Center for Civic Life at Ashland University.

Pi Mu Epsilon Cording Ceremony

The mathematics honorary, Pi Mu Epsilon, held its cording ceremony for members graduating in December. The PME members also enjoyed dinner at the home of PME advisor, Dr. Gordon Swain. The December 2018 PME member graduates were Kyle Puhl and Ashlyn Smith.

10-Minute Play Festival, Dec. 10

The Ashland University Department of Theatre announces the 10-Minute Play Festival which will be held Monday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.

The Festival will include performances of eight 10-minute plays directed by students enrolled in the theatre directing class taught be Robert Sean Parker, Assistant Professor of Theatre. The performances are free and open to the public. Audiences are advised that some plays contain strong language and adult situations. Also, due to the venue's layout, patrons are asked to remain seated for the entire run of the eight plays. More info at autheatredepartment.blogspot.com

Study Break on Dec. 10

The Math and Computer Science Department is hosting a Study Break on Monday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop in or stay the whole time for food, drink and fellowship in Patterson 204/211.

Festival of Lights, Dec. 9

Ashland University will officially begin its observance of the holiday season with the 28th annual Festival of Lights on Dec. 9 in Ashland University’s Jack and Deb Miller Chapel, located at the intersection of King Road and College Avenue.

The 7 p.m. candlelight service, which is free and open to the public, symbolizes Christ coming into the world. The story is communicated in verse and song. It will include Scripture readings by Mark and Cathy Britton, traditional carols, and seasonal choral music by the Ashland University Choir and Women’s Chorus, and the Ashland Area Chorus. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Winter Festival Band Concert, Dec. 8

The Department of Music at Ashland University presents its annual Winter Festival Band Concert on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre. The concert will feature the Ashland University Symphonic Band directed by Joseph Lewis, Jr., Ashland University Director of Bands, and the Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) under the direction of Leonard Salvo. The concert will offer a program of classic compositions for concert band along with some holiday favorites. The concert is free and open to the public. More at ashlanduniversitymusic.blogspot.com

ILA Major Accepts Job in South Carolina

Senior Integrated Language Arts major Corinne Spisz had accepted a job at Hilton Head Island High School in Hilton Head, SC. She will be teaching 11th-grade American literature. Spisz, who graduates later this month, has spent her final semester student teaching in South Carolina. In addition to her teaching excellence as evidenced by her upcoming job, Spisz has been an active and integral part of the department as a member of the English honorary society Sigma Tau Delta and as a dedicated Writing Assistant at the campus writing center. Spisz has also demonstrated her mastery of high-quality literary analysis through her presentation earlier this year, titled "'To His Coy Mistress': The Irony of Time and Love," at Ashland University's Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium (URCA).

The department is holding a graduation reception to celebrate Spisz's accomplishments on Wednesday, December 12 from 2-3 PM in the Bixler Lounge.

Holiday Jazz Concert, Dec. 6

The Ashland University Department of Music will present an Ashland University Jazz Concert on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 pm in Hugo Young Theatre. The concert is free and open to the public.

Under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock, the concert will offer pre-concert music from the Mellow Work Chicken jazz combo with Bridgid McDonald and Jared Metz on saxophone; Molly Winnard, drums; Torin Dunn, guitar; Emily Ebert, bass and Alex Kwan, piano.

The 3rd annual AUJO Alumni Big Band will perform selections beginning at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra's (AUJO) program of jazz standards and holiday favorites including Auld Lang Syne, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas and Let It Snow.

Religion Class Prepared Student for Summer Mission

When God opened the door for me to work as a Cross-Cultural Intern with Experience Mission (EM), I had no idea what I would be stepping into. One of the fun parts of being on EM’s summer staff is that you accept your position without knowing where you will be serving. I found out that I would be serving in Atlanta, Georgia, and Harlem in New York City. When I received the email I was excited, but at the same time absolutely terrified. I am from a small town in Ohio and have attended college at AU, so big cities were not really my cup of tea. I sent a text to a friend and mentor, “I have no idea how to live in a big city, but I guess I will figure it out.” 

--Abigail McMaster, an International Business and Hospitality Management major, Spanish minor, and Honors Program student