Social Work Students Host Annual Ethnic Potluck

In April, social work seniors hosted an ethnic potluck for their fellow students. The seniors presented their internship experiences to their classmates over a potluck meal. Eight graduating students shared the lessons they learned over the past four months while in the field.

Also, new inductees to the Epsilon Tau Chapter of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements in their general and social work coursework. New members are Bailey Fullwiler, Ashley Hoffman, Stephanie Julian, Rena Parma and Jessie Ryder.

JDM Internship Spotlight with Allison Glass

Senior digital media production major Allison Glass recently interned for the Raw Travel Television Show.

I loved interning with Robert Rose and the Raw Travel team. They are an exceptional group of wanderers, whose only goal is to share the beauty of the world with others. It was a remarkable experience to watch their work unfold and I cherished my time with them. READ MORE

Jazz at the Nest Tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The Ashland University Jazz Orchestra conducted by Dr. Scott Garlock will perform its final concert of 2015/2016 tonight, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Eagles Nest. At the free/public concert, audience members are welcome to grab a snack, enjoy a beverage and relax to the live music of AUJO at the Nest. The program will include jazz standards such as Duke Ellington's In a Sentimental Mood, Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely and George and Ira Gershwin's Summertime along with more contemporary pieces from Justin Haynes, Rich Shanklin and Paul Ferguson. READ MORE

A College Set on a Hill: The Early History and Vision of Ashland College/University

Was Ashland founded as a Christian college? What does Ashland's founding ethos mean for us today? How can we contribute to a rediscovery of the Brethren way?

As the inaugural lecture in the Heritage Lecture Series on Thursday, April 28 at 4 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the Convocation Center, Dale Stoffer, Professor of Historical Theology at Ashland Seminary, will be sharing an overview of the history of the college during its challenging early years and its significant progress by the 1930s.  He will then focus on the college's original vision and sense of mission that continue to be lived out in many ways even into the present. Following the lecture, there will be opportunity for dialogue and a time for refreshments and various archives displays of Ashland's history.

Dr. John Moser Honored with Taylor Teaching Award

“One of the things I love about using games in the classroom is how much fun it is for me. As higher education becomes more corporatized, it is easy to be sucked into a depressing morass of paperwork, student learning outcomes, committee meetings and boring textbooks. We can lose sight of what it was that drew us faculty to academia in the first place—the joy that comes from playing with ideas,” he said. “Invigorating debates, the excitement of seeing the world in a different way, the thrill of challenging accepted beliefs and practices. If we cannot give our students a glimpse into this world—a world that is exciting, alluring, subversive and sometimes even a little silly—in other words, a world that is fun, then we really will have a crisis in higher education. And we will have no one to blame for that but ourselves.” FULL STORY

Delaney Jones Receives Phi Sigma Iota Scholarship

Spanish and Political Science major and French minor Delaney Jones was recently awarded a national scholarship from Phi Sigma Iota Foreign Language Honor Society. She is the first Ashland University student to apply for the scholarship.

Psychology Student Presents at Conference

Dan Whitacre, a junior psychology major, presented at the 30^th Annual Ohio Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference at Lorain Community College.  The research, co-authored by Derek Baker with Drs. Ickes and Chartier serving as faculty sponsors, was titled “The Effect of Color on Athletic Performance.” The study explored whether or not the color of a golf putter impacted performance on a putting task.  Subjective ratings of emotional calmness were also analyzed.

AUTV 20 Celebrates Earth Day with Students' Original Documentaries

AUTV 20 featured local and original programming for Earth Day 2016. The centerpiece of the programming debuted the long-form documentary "Invasion of Lake Erie." Produced and directed by Journalism and Digital Media senior Aaron Lazar, this program examines the negative effect of pesticide runoff into Lake Erie.

End of the Year Recitals Marathon Continues

The end of the academic year rush on recitals continues tonight, Monday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. with another student ensembles recital. Tonight's concert will feature a brass ensemble under the direction of Michael Metcalf, a saxophone quartet led by Dr. Thomas Reed, a percussion ensemble led by Mr. Neitzke and a string ensemble directed by Jane Reed. Free & Open to the Public

Musical Theatre Revue Troupe Presents Showcase Performance

Ashland University Theatre’s Drop of a Hat Players, a musical theatre revue troupe, presents its 2016 Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 23, at 2 p.m.  in the Studio Theatre in the Center for the Arts. From “The Sound of Music” and “Show Boat” to “Pippin,” "Spamalot" and “Spring Awakening,” the performance promises to cover more than 60 years of musical theatre gems. Although the performance is free and open to the public, audience members are encouraged to reserve a free ticket through the Ashland University box office to guarantee a seat.

“I AM, I Will, I’m Afraid – Ashland" Unveiling & Forum

The unveiling and forum of I Am, I Will, I’m Afraid (Ashland) was led by guest artist Traci Molloy and supported the 20 female survivors of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment that attend Ashland University including:

Anamarie Coors, Emma Daugherty, Andrea Dennison, Devereaux Diaz, Mary Jean Ferretti, Kaylin Henry, Alicia Jones, Ellyn Kilpatrick, Keeleigh Myers, Abigail Nye, Caitlin Ann Rayburn, Samantha Rhonemus, Janice R. Richards, Rachael Santee, Randi Schimmoeller, Danielle Smith, Hannah Thome, Helen Weber, Emily M. Wirtz, and Kiana Ziegler

The digital print utilizes photographic and digital processes constructing a composite portrait of the survivors. Individual photographs were taken of all the survivors and then layered together to form one collective likeness. The female co-collaborators determined the pose. The surface text depicts personal, anonymous handwriting generated by the women in response to the three prompts: I Am, I Will,and I’m Afraid. MORE

Michael Bird Presents "Inside My Head"

Assistant Professor of Art Michael Bird will present a lecture titled "Inside My Head" on Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. in Room 339 of the Center for the Arts. Bird will address making his art, his influences, his art and his advice for young artists.

Swanson Named Ohio MAA President

Dr. Christopher Swanson, professor of mathematics and director of the Honors Program at Ashland University, has been named president of the Ohio Section of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) for the next two years. READ MORE

Jazz Combos & Low Brass Ensemble Perform Thursday

On Thursday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall, various jazz combos under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock and Jeff Neitzke will perform a joint student ensembles recital along with a low brass ensemble also directed by Dr. Garlock. Free & Open to the Public

Religion Department to Host Musician/Activist

The Religion Department is hosting musician and activist Michelle Higgins on April 20 and 21 for a full schedule of preaching, teaching and conducting workshops. Higgins will be conducting four events on campus that will be free and open to the public.

• Wednesday, April 20, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Eagles' Landing in Hawkins-Conard Student Center: Higgins will conduct a workshop titled “Nonviolent de-escalation in the midst of crisis.” 
• Wednesday, April 20, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Ridenour Room in Dauch College of Business & Economics: Higgins will present a public lecture titled “‘Last’ Lecture: Your Faith for Justice.”
• Thursday, April 21, 10:50 a.m. - 12:05 p.m., Ronk Lecture Hall in Schar College of Education: Higgins will provide a public lecture titled “Conversation: The New Civil Rights Movement After Ferguson.”
• Thurday, April 21, 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Jack and Deb Miller Chapel: Higgins will provide a sermon titled “Praying with your Feet” at The Well worship service. READ MORE

"I AM-Ashland" Unveiling Tuesday

The unveiling of the Traci Molloy collaborative art project, titled “I AM, I Will, I’m Afraid – Ashland,” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 19 in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center. The unveiling will be followed by a community forum in the HCSC Auditorium at 6 p.m. The Art Department’s visiting artist Traci Molloy will be leading the forum and the event is free and open to the public. READ MORE

Annual Psychology Spring Colloquium Set

Dr. John Paul Wilson from the University of Toronto will present the address for the Spring Psychology Colloquium on Tuesday, April 19 at 10:50 a.m. in the Founders Hall Seminar Room. His address titled "Race and Trait Inferences in Person Judgment: From Perception to Punishment" will be followed by the 2016 Psi Chi induction ceremony.

Helen Benedict Presents Reading of Her Novel Today

Today at 5 p.m. in the Ridenour Room (115 Dauch), Helen Benedict, professor of journalism at Columbia University and author of multiple novels and non-fiction books, will be reading from her acclaimed 2012 novel, “Sand Queen,” as part of Ashland University’s English Department Spring 2016 Reading Series. Free and open to the public. READ MORE

Abundance of Music Performances This Weekend

The Department of Music offers many free performances this weekend on and off-campus. Be sure to catch one or more of them.

• 2016 Opera Scenes: A Journey of Gilbert & Sullivan: Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre
• Junior Recital: Emily Minns, flute: Sunday at 1 p.m., Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall
• Bach Vesper Service with Dr. Rowland Blackley conducting: Sunday at 4 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church
• Surround Sound A Cappella Concert: Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall

A Spanish Narration of Geology Club's Pittsburgh Trip

By Emily Nicholls, Spanish Minor

Una visita al Museo de Carnegie

Hace dos semanas fui al Museo de Carnegie en Pittsburgh con el club de geología. De todas las visitas que hemos salido, esa es la mejor. A principios de semestre nos reunimos para decidir dónde visitar y aceptamos unánimemente viajar al Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Carnegie en la ciudad de Pittsburgh. Queríamos visitar el museo para la colección de minerales y cristales. Ocho o nueve de los del club nos encontramos cerca de Kettering temprano en la mañana para salir. Necesitábamos salir temprano para tener tiempo para mirar las exposiciones. READ MORE

AUTV 20 News Break Debuts New Anchor

Journalism and Digital Media freshman Ingrid Schmidt debuts as an anchor for AUTV 20 News Break. Ingrid will take over as the full time producer and anchor in Fall 2016. This News Break reports on Rene Rawraway's honor at the American Academy of Chefs, Natalyn Baisden's original one-woman show, "Voice," Kristen Herrick's Kathryn Phillips Graduate National Fellowship and MORE.

New "Forum Book Review" Published

The new edition of "The Forum Book Review," a book review composed and edited entirely by students, has just been published.  Volume 4 was edited by Joey Barretta and Meagan Kemmerer, both History and Political Science double majors.  If you'd like a copy, ask Joey or Meagan.

AU Alumnus Returns to Discuss Green Chemistry

On Thursday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 112 of the Kettering Science Center, alumnus Dr. Marc Klingshirn will give a brief introduction to green chemistry with selected examples to illustrate how this mode of thinking has shaped his teaching, research and career. He explains that green chemistry can most easily be thought of as "sustainable chemistry." It is a tool box that allows one to think about chemical processes from an environmental perspective. READ MORE

Human Health and Common Wealth

On Wednesday, April 13 at 7 p.m. in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium, Dr. Scott Russell Sanders will present the next Symposium Against Indifference program. He will address how our culture is obsessed with private financial wealth while less attention and less protection is offered to the forms of wealth that we share especially the goods of nature such as the atmosphere and oceans, and the goods of culture such as the arts, public parks and legal institutions. READ MORE

Mathematics Major Grace McCourt Defeats Graph Pebbling

mathoverflow.net

At her 3:15 p.m. URCA presentation in the Faculty Room, Mathematics & Integrated Mathematics Education major Grace McCourt (sponsored by Dr. Christopher Swanson, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science) will explain the game of graph pebbling. As explained in her abstract, she "will derive the pebbling numbers and cover pebbling numbers for “special graphs” such as path graphs, cyclic graphs, and complete graphs on n vertices."

Professor Moser Wins 2016 Taylor Teaching Award

Dr. John Moser, Professor of History, is the recipient of this year's Taylor Teaching Award, the highest award given at Ashland University for excellence in teaching.  Congratulations to Dr. Moser on this well deserved honor. He will receive his medallion and give an address on the subject of teaching at the Honors Convocation at 2pm on April 24.

Students Inducted into Criminal Justice Honor Society

The Alpha Upsilon Chapter of the national Criminal Justice Honor Society inducted 7 new members including Laura Stanley, Michael Talbert, Aimee Linville, Morgan Scarberry, Kimberly Vidika, Burton Roberts and Tarin Cook.

Senior Art Exhibition Awards Announced

The 2016 Senior Art Exhibition awards were presented by Daniel McDonald, chair of the art department, on Thursday, April 7 at the Coburn Art Gallery opening reception. Hannah Thome (Art Education major concentrating in printmaking/mixed media and Art History minor from Amherst, Ohio) was selected as the senior art award recipient by the AU art department faculty. Kaylin Henry (Commercial Art/Graphic Design major and Art History minor from Circleville, Ohio) was awarded honorable mention for her senior art exhibition. READ MORE

Ivan Larson Compares Justice Scalia to the Founders

Political Science/History major Ivan Larson (sponsored by Dr. Christopher Burkett, Associate Professor of Political Science) will compare Justice Scalia’s judicial theory to that of James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution” at the 2 p.m. URCA session in the Faculty Room of the Convocation Center. In his abstract, Ivan states, "While the Founders did not all agree on how to interpret the Constitution, Scalia at least shares similar views on the matter with Madison."

Computer Science Majors Develop Software for Campus

Nine computer science majors (Rupesh Maharjan, Raymond Acevedo, Abdullah Aldhfyan, Abdulmohsen Alsalman, Zachary Brown, Omar Busheel, Joseph Hemperly, Ashley Herman, & Dylan Moats) will report at URCA at the 2 p.m. session in the Trustees Room on the challenges that they have faced and the lessons that they have learned in their real-world project for the University's IT department. From programming sensors to developing software components and using different technologies, this team-project (sponsored by Dr. Iyad A. Ajwa, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science) is titled Monitoring Environmental Data Using Software Applications (MEDUSA).

Toxicology's Megan Kracker Tests Protein Drinks

Toxicology major Megan Kracker (sponsored by Dr. Jeffrey Weidenhamer, Professor of Chemistry) will present her research on cadmium in protein drinks at the 2 p.m. URCA session on April 12 in the Trustees Room. As stated in her abstract: "The objective of our research was to determine the cadmium concentrations in select protein drinks and nutritional protein powders...According to Consumer Reports, an average athlete consumes roughly three servings of protein powder a day. If so, potential cadmium exposure from this product would be more than four times greater than the PDE, suggesting a serious health hazard.

The Possibility of Peace

By Emily Wirtz

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting with Miki, who was a guest in my American Literature IV class with Dr. Jayne Waterman, for what I thought would be a brief, perhaps 30-minute discussion over dinner. What happened was a two-hour discussion (getting us scolded out of Convo) about our own experiences of culture. We talked about television and the perception of anime and movies, politics and the voting process—in the light of the upcoming election—the perceptions of violence and control, history, and the perception of foreigners, among a plethora of other topics. FULL STORY

Kristen Herrick Wins National Graduate Fellowship

Kristen Herrick, a senior who is majoring in English and minoring in business administration and psychology from Mansfield, Ohio, has been awarded the Kathryn Phillips Graduate Fellowship for the 2016-2017 academic year by the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Herrick was recognized as one of 24 students who received a graduate fellowship. READ MORE

Biology Major Finds and Studies Wetland Fowl

Biology major Olivia Widenmeyer (sponsored by Merrill Tawse, Professional Instructor of Biology) presents her investigative findings on the Virginia and Sora Rails within the Ashland University Black Fork Wetlands at the 1 MC2:45 p.m. poster/exhibition session in the Alumni Room. In her research, she located 2-3 territorial males at one pond and 2 at the other pond. The fact that these birds are listed as a species of concern by ODNR, makes this a significant find by Olivia.

APO's Benefit Performances Are a Success

Congratulations to Alpha Psi Omega on their two sold out performance of The Vagina Monologues last Friday. Not only were the performances a success, but donations from the audience brought in almost 200 units of beauty products, home and cleaning supplies and $348 which have been delivered to the Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Safe Haven in Ashland. Bravo!!

82% of AU Social Work Grads Pass Licensure Exam on First Try

Last year the social work department at Ashland University graduated 14 students from its program. The Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Board that oversees the examination and licensing of social workers reported that 12 of the students are now licensed in Ohio to practice social work. One student has applied to take the exam but has not taken it yet, and one other student has not applied for licensure. The university’s social work program continues to boast an 82% passing rate for those taking the exam for the first time with the remaining students passing it the second time. This is in contrast with the state-wide passing rate of 81.9%. for first time test takers, and only a 45% passing rate for those taking the exam a second time.

Communication Students Compare 'Play 60' to 'Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act'

Communication Studies majors Kylie Shober and Allison Vredenburgh (sponsored by Dr. Dariela Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies) compare the NFL's 'Play60' campaign with Michelle Obama's 'Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act' at the 12:45 p.m. poster/exhibition URCA session in the Alumni Room on April 12.

As stated in their abstract: "Obesity in the United States is an increasing problem. According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 127 million people in the country are overweight, while 60 million are obese (O'Connell, Price, Roberts, Jurs, & McKinley, 1985)."

AU Senior Art Exhibition Opens April 7

Each spring, the Coburn Gallery hosts the Senior Art Exhibition that features the capstone experience for graduating art majors. Bringing together artwork made by graduating seniors in the Department of Art, the 2016 Senior Art Exhibition will open on Thursday, April 7, with an opening reception at 4:30 p.m. Exhibiting seniors are: Emma Daugherty, Kaylin Henry, Ashley Herman, Dylan Moats, Angela Pollick,Janice Richards, Hannah Thome and Rachel Yaeger. READ MORE

Commercial Art Major Makes Her Designs Personal

At her 11:45 a.m. poster/exhibition session on April 12 in the Convocation Center's Alumni Room, Kaylin Henry (sponsored by Michael Bird, Assistant Professor of Art) displays and explains her commercial art designs. As described in her URCA abstract, "In my designs I use a polished, modern and mechanical aesthetic to communicate an idea or brand creatively in a professional setting that will resonate with my clients and viewers...I then integrate an essence of eccentricity from my own personality and hand drawn elements to add a sense of uniqueness."

Clinician Scientist to Address Biomedical Technology

Clinician scientist Dr. Bruce Lanphear will present a lecture titled “Victories in Public Health: Progress or Adaptation?” on Tuesday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Trustees' Room of the Myers Convocation Center. The event is free and open to the public. READ MORE

Psychology's Bryce McClish Reveals Study Results

Photo credit: blog.cappex.com

Psychology major Bryce McClish (sponsored by Dr. Curt Ickes, Associate Professor of Psychology and Dr. Christopher R. Chartier (Assistant Professor of Psychology) conducted a study titled Factors Influencing the College Choice of First-Year College Students. At the 11:45 a.m. URCA poster/exhibition session in the Alumni Room of the Convocation Center on April 12, he will reveal his results which include the factors availability of major, scholarship opportunities, cost of tuition, number of faculty publications, skill of athletic teams, and the institution’s core curriculum.

Dr. Schaller Leads Tour of AU Art Collection

Ashland University Catering presents a progressive evening of oil paintings, wine pairings,  heavy hors d'oeuvres and a chef-inspired plated dinner this Friday, April 8th at 6 p.m. Dr. Wendy Schaller, Associate Professor of Art History, will guide you through a collection of oil paintings exhibited within the walls of Ashland University while you observe a myriad of pieces of varying eras while learning about the artists behind the brush. Make your reservation at 419-289-5249 or online at bit.ly/1RUaU4T.

Social Work's Stephanie Julian Studies Sexual Orientation Disclosure

At the 10:30 a.m. URCA session in the Faculty Room of the Convocation Center on April 12, Social Work major Stephanie Julian (sponsored by Dr. Michael Vimont, Director of Social Work) will share her findings of her exploratory study on the decision making process initiated by lesbian and gay older adults in disclosing their sexual orientation to external systems. As explained in her abstract:

Ten older adults identified as lesbian or gay were interviewed in one-on-one sessions ... The study is not meant to generalize the populations, but rather to obtain rich stories from members of this population.