eInside Events

Follow President Lefton in the Community From the President's Page

Did you know that there is a webpage that you can visit to learn more about Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton?

Did you know that there is a page on www.kent.edu that you can visit to learn more about Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton?

The president’s page resides at http://www.kent.edu/president/index.cfm. There, you can review information about the president, including past speeches and more information about his strategic initiatives.

The page also features a photo essay, which is updated each month, with a few of the president’s favorite images that capture some of the events he attends or hosts on behalf of Kent State.

To view the photo essay, go to this link:http://www.kent.edu/president/photoessays/index.cfm.

Golden Flashes to Give Back on Third Annual National Day of Service

The Kent State University Alumni Association is gearing up for its third annual National Day of Service. Faculty and staff who are also Kent State alumni are encouraged to make a difference in their local communities by volunteering on Saturday, April 16.

"The National Alumni Day of Service is a great way for Kent State alumni of all ages to give back to their communities," says Lisa Mascellino, assistant director of outreach for Alumni Relations. "It's a great opportunity to represent Kent State University, work collectively towards a good cause and meet other Kent State alumni."

Last year, more than 150 volunteers registered, donating a total of 423 service hours.

Sylvia Dillard Johnson, campaign/talent acquisition manager for the Division of Institutional Advancement, has participated by volunteering at the Haven of Rest for the past two years.

"I've enjoyed volunteering with fellow alumni in making a difference for this organization," Johnson says. "I feel that I get so much more out of the experience than the time I give."

Those alumni who are able to volunteer at a site near a Kent State campus are able to give back to their college and career communities.

"It's important for the community to see that we value and support them as much as they value and support us," Johnson says.

Volunteer opportunities for former Golden Flashes are scheduled for various sites in Northeast Ohio, including Kent (Habitat for Humanity or Loaves and Fishes), Akron (Haven of Rest or Hospice of the Visiting Nurse Services and Affiliates), Cleveland (City Mission) and Salem and East Liverpool (City Sweep).

Alumni chapter sites will also give back to their homes away from Kent State at these events:

• Stark County Chapter: Stark Country Hunger Task Force
• Lake County Chapter: Lake County Historical Society
• Central Ohio Chapter: River Cleanup
• Southern California Chapter: Our Beach Clean Up
• Tampa Bay Chapter: Paint Your Heart Out Tampa

To participate at any of the sites listed, register online at http://www.ksualumni.org/s/401/index.aspx?sid=401&gid=1&pgid=1053&cid=2332&ecid=2332&crid=0&calpgid=13&calcid=729. Space is limited, and registration closes on Friday, April 1.

The Alumni Association also asks that Kent State volunteers send in pictures of National Day of Service experiences so that the images can be posted to the online community. Images can be emailed to alumni@kent.edu.

The National Day of Service is sponsored by Liberty Mutual.

Kent State Partners with Cleveland International Film Festival for LGBTQ Benefit Event

On April 2, Kent State University will host a film screening and reception in conjunction with the 35th Cleveland International Film Festival to benefit the university's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Student Emergency Scholarship Fund.

The two-hour reception begins at 7 p.m. in the Cleveland Ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Cleveland, followed by the 9:20 p.m. screening of "A Marine Story" at the adjacent Tower City Cinemas. The film tells the story of Alex, a servicewoman who is discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy but finds a new direction in civilian life.

Kent State's LGBTQ Student Emergency Scholarship Fund provides support to LGBTQ students whose families have cut them off financially. Students can use this support for tuition, books, housing, food or other essential needs to help ensure their academic success.

The fund was established with a donation from an anonymous faculty member, according to Molly Merryman, associate professor of sociology and co-coordinator of the LGBT Studies program. "We started to have students contacting us and telling us stories of how they were being cut off by their families because of either their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that they were in considerable financial distress," Merryman says. "This event is an effort to increase our resources so that we can help more students."

The $75 cost includes appetizers, two tickets for wine or beer and a ticket to "A Marine Story." There is also a $100 option, which sponsors a LGBT Studies or PRIDE! Kent student to attend the reception and film.Pride! Kent is the university's student organization and is the second oldest LGBT college organization in the country.

At the reception, Assistant Professor Walter Gershon from Kent State's School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies will present an audio montage of stories collected from LGBTQ students. In addition, one of the students helped by the scholarship fund will speak.

"Our real hope is that by collaborating with the Cleveland International Film Festival and raising awareness of the emergency fund that we will attract more individuals who are interested in helping our efforts," Merryman says. "Based on what it costs to assist a student for one semester, we think we need about $1,500 to $2,500 for each student we help. The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland generously offered to support us by donating the use of its ballroom for the event, which is very exciting."

The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland also has donated a free hotel stay, which will be raffled at the reception to raise additional money for the fund.

"It's a great opportunity to mingle with film fans, meet some of our students, enjoy the ambiance of the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, and help a worthy cause," Merryman adds.

To purchase tickets for the April 2 reception and screening or to obtain more information, visit www.kent.edu/lgbt/index.cfm or contact Merryman at mmerryma@kent.edu or 330-672-0315

"A Marine Story" also will be shown on March 31 at 2:15 p.m. and April 3 at 2:05 p.m. at the festival, with support from Kent State's LGBT Studies program. For more information on the Cleveland International Film Festival, visit www.clevelandfilm.org.

Kent State’s Public Health Speaker Series Presents Dr. Duane McBride to Discuss Drug Policy

Duane McBride

Kent State University's College of Public Health presents the second guest of its Public Health Speaker Series this semester. Dr. Duane McBride will speak Thursday, March 31, at noon in Kent State's Moulton Hall Ballroom . His talk is titled "The Evolution of Drug Policy: The Role of States and Communities." The event is free and open to the public.

McBride is the research professor and chair of the Behavior Sciences Department at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. He also serves as director of the Institute for Prevention of Addictions. His interests include drug policy, health services and the drugs-crime relationship. His work in the social behavioral area focuses mainly on the prevention of risky health behaviors. McBride will visit Kent State to talk about the role of the people in the changes occurring in drug policies.

The talk will be streamed live at https://ksutube.kent.edu/live/watchstream.php?playthis=3770 and available on the college's website at www.kent.edu/publichealth/speakerseries.

The speaker series is sponsored by Kent State's College of Public Health and the Public Health Student Alliance.

Pulitzer Prize Winner to Show Film on Conquering Cancer at Kent State

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer John Kaplan will show his new 54-minute feature length film chronicling his cancer journey at 7 p.m. Monday, April 4, in the FirstEnergy Auditorium in Franklin Hall, home of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The screening is free and open to the public.

Now more than one year into remission and back to health, Kaplan's goal for the "Not As I Pictured" film is to get thousands of free copies in the hands of any patients, survivors and caregivers who would desire one, says Kaplan.

John Kaplan in action at a speaking engagement

Diagnosed at age 48 with a potentially deadly form of lymphoma, Kaplan "turned the lens on himself" and chronicled his experience in this moving visual journal. An educational kit produced in collaboration with the American Society of Clinical Oncology accompanies the DVD, addressing the emotional side of cancer with coping and lifestyle tips for patients, caregivers and survivors.

Kaplan, a University of Florida professor of journalism, husband and father of two young children, says, "The film uses anything but the typical melancholy, clichéd approach toward cancer stories. "Not As IPictured" is upbeat and life affirming."

With help from his family, doctors, and even Mother Teresa and a rock star, Kaplan shares the same boundless determination and powerful storytelling ability that helped him become one of America's best-known photojournalists. Although the topic is serious, the film is positive and ends with the news of "complete remission" and Kaplan's return to good health.

"During my treatment, we received so much unexpected help along the way, often from strangers," he says. "By giving away the film, I'm determined to give some of that back."

One in three Americans will get cancer, touching nearly every family in the nation. Many cancers today are beginning to be looked at as chronic illnesses, rather than death sentences as in years gone by. Kaplan's cancer diagnosis forever changed his outlook. "Your priorities become crystal-clear, immediately. The veneer is stripped away. I just want to be alive to see my kids grow up."

"Not As I Pictured" has won national acclaim, with more than 20 film honors, including two prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Awards and several Best Documentary film festival accolades.

Many well-known musicians donated musical rights for the film soundtrack, including Michael Stipe and R.E.M., Chris Martin of Coldplay, David Bowie, will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake, Pantera and the Cowboy Junkies. Their contributions helped the film win Best Soundtrack at the 2010 Maverick Movie Awards, and the ADDY Best of Show for Public Service.

The impact of Kaplan's film among patients, caregivers, and the medical community is evidenced by posts at the "Not As I Pictured" Facebook page. Kathy, whose husband is in treatment, shares, and "I was greatly moved. It would have touched me before, but now that we are dealing with a diagnosis of aggressive illness in my husband, it means far more. I am in awe of your film."

Kaplan's leading honors include the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 1992. He is also a winner of the Overseas Press Club Award and national Photographer of the Year (POY) honors.

For additional information, contact Jennifer Kramer at jlkramer@kent.edu.

Grant-Writing Workshop Planned for April 28

The Division of Research and Sponsored Programs presents a workshop designed to help researchers maximize grant opportunities. The National Science Foundation CAREER Proposal Writing Workshop will be held on April 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 141 of Cartwright Hall.

This one-day workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn about the extramural funding process, proposal development, submission and peer reviews. Although the workshop's focus will be on the CAREER solicitation of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the information and discussions will be very pertinent to grant applications regarding other NSF initiatives and other federal agencies.

Presenters for the workshop have extensive experience in proposal writing, review and performance of research funded by extramural grants. Satyen Kumar, one of the instructors, has served as an NSF program director for three years and will offer insight into the aspects that make a proposal strong.

Highlights of the workshop include:

• Information about NSF programs
• How to Communicate with Program Directors
• Specific requirements for CAREER proposal
• Techniques to write winning proposals
• What are "Intellectual Merit" and "Broader Impact"?
• Developing strategies for success
• Avoiding common and fatal mistakes
• Understanding reviewers' critiques and how to benefit from them

Extended discussions will follow presentations and the participants will:

• Have an opportunity to discuss specific questions/situations
• Receive two sample proposals to review and submit reports
• Participate in a simulated review panel to understand the process, what is important to the reviewers, program directors, and the grant agency

To obtain the most benefits from this workshop, we encourage you to share your previous proposals for the simulated panel review.

Registration for this event is online at:

http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0055-0003-66c9d2d19eb141d590dfecae49e84a6f

Registration is limited to 20 participants and ends April 5.

For additional information, contact Jim Maxwell at 330-672-0731 or jmaxwel2@kent.edu .

Spring 2011 Bowman Breakfast Features Medical Speaker

This spring's Bowman Breakfast topic is "Medical Research and Education: Good for the Health of Ohioans…Good for the Health of Ohio's Economy." Jay A Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, will speak at the event, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 7.

Doors open at 7 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., and the program will start at 8 a.m. in the Kent Student Center ballroom. The cost is $9 per person at the door.

Reservations can be made online until Monday, April 4. To cancel a reservation, contact Mary Mandalari at 330-672-8664 or mmandala@kent.edu. No-shows will be billed.

The Bowman Breakfast, a tradition since 1963, is sponsored by Kent State University and the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

Special Accommodation Request: We will endeavor to comply with any special Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation request, or to accommodate specific needs. Please direct requests to the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion via Brenda Duncan at bduncan8@kent.edu or 330-672-8130.

Kent State University at Stark Presents Concert by the Ryan Humbert Band

Kent State University at Stark Department of Music presents a concert of local original roots rock by The Ryan Humbert Band on Friday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Main Hall auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

Ryan Humbert

Ryan Humbert is an indie singer-songwriter from Akron/Canton. He has played with Train, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, Elvis Costello, Chris Isaak, Third Eye Blind, Matt Nathanson, Michelle Branch, Pete Yorn, Foreigner, The Zac Brown Band, Josh Ritter, Glass Harp, The Gin Blossoms and more.

In 2009, Humbert released "Old Souls, New Shoes," an independent, fan-funded pop/rock album recorded in Nashville, featuring members of Third Eye Blind, Counting Crows and Black Crowes.

Locally, Humbert has performed at numerous venues, including The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Canton Cabaret and Chrissie Hynde's Akron restaurant, VegiTerrenean. He also organizes acoustic fundraising shows that have donated more than $15,000 to local charities since 2009.

He is slated to begin recording his next album in April 2011 with musicians who have played with Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Robert Plant, John Mellencamp, Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne and more. To fund the album, Ryan hosted a private concert at singer Chrissie Hynde's home and raised more than $10,000 through fan support.

For the concert at Kent State Stark, Humbert will perform on guitar and lead vocals with the following band members: Ben Evans on keys; Emily Bates on guitar and backup vocals; Erin Vaughn on lead guitar; Jared Lees on bass; Matt Middleton on drums; and Michael Houff on violin.

For more information on Kent State Stark's music programs, call 330-499-9600.

Graduate Student Senate Announces 26th Annual Graduate Research Symposium

The Graduate Student Senate welcomes all members of the university and Kent community to join us in our celebration of academic achievement at the 26th Annual Graduate Research Symposium.

On Thursday, March 31, Kent State graduate and former president of the American College of Sports Medicine, Dr. Barry Franklin, will offer an inspirational keynote address titled "Good Luck is Something YOU Create: Ten Behavioral Skills of Highly Successful People". This event will begin at 4:30 PM in the Kent Student Center Governance Chambers.

Franklin is currently the director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Laboratories at William Beaumont Hospital and was recently appointed to the board of directors of the American Heart Association. In addition to his 21 books, he has also written or edited more than 500 publications. Recognized nationally, Franklin has provided inspiring and challenging words at university commencements as well as research institutes such as the Cleveland Clinic. His presentation at Kent State will highlight the importance of academic research and the other attributes required to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Performing Arts Library Director Speaks Series Discusses Production of Handel’s Semele

Fenlon Lamb

On Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 2 - 3 p.m., Kerry Glann, Fenlon Lamb and guest tenor Scott Mello will discuss their upcoming production of Handel's opera, Semele, as part of the Director Speaks series. The opera will be presented on April 9; tickets are available at the door or in advance beginning March 28.

The Director Speaks series features directors discussing their approach and interpretation of their work in an open forum, usually the week of the production's opening. The series is held in Kent State University's Performing Arts Library, located in Room D 003 of the Music and Speech Building and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

Lamb is the artistic and stage director of Kent State Opera and teaches a series of classes focusing on skills and styles for the opera stage. Glann is the general director of opera at Kent State University, where he also directs the Women's Chorus. Guest artist Mello is an active performer and educator who has performed with Apollo's Fire.

For more information about the speaking engagement, contact Joe Clark, head of the Performing Arts Library, at jclark88@kent.edu .

Kent State University at Stark to Host Environmental Entrepreneur Jerome Ringo April 14

Jerome Ringo

Kent State University at Stark will proudly host Jerome Ringo, an entrepreneur and prominent advocate for the creation of environmentally friendly jobs, as the season's final event in the popular Featured Speakers Series. Ringo's speech, titled "The Green Economy and a Clean Energy Future" will be presented on Thursday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Timken Great Hall at Kent State Stark.

Tickets are required for this free Featured Speakers Series lecture.Tickets may be obtained by visiting the Kent State Stark information desk in Main Hall, beginning Monday, March 28, at 8 a.m., and are offered only while supplies last. A limit of four tickets will be distributed per person. Phone reservations will not be accepted.

Ringo's 20 years of experience working in Louisiana's petrochemical industry, including drilling and offshore production in the Gulf of Mexico, compelled him to educate communities on how to stop chemical discharge in their neighborhoods through environmental activism. A member of Green Group and Newsweek's Environment and Leadership Council, he is a passionate advocate for alternative clean-energy sources and energy-efficient technology and jobs, in addition to expanding minority participation in green businesses. Ringo became the first African-American to head a major conservation organization when he was elected to chair the National Wildlife Federation board of directors. He also served as president of the Apollo Alliance, an organization dedicated to freeing America of foreign oil dependency.

For more information on Kent State Stark's Featured Speakers Series, contact Cynthia Williams at 330-244-3262 or cdwillia@kent.edu or visit www.stark.kent.edu/about/events/featuredspeakers.

Spring Seminar Visual Stories of Deafhood Presented by Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion cordially invites you to attend a spring seminar on Wednesday, April 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. titled Visual Stories of Deafhood. The seminar will be conducted in Room 317 of the Kent Student Center.

Presenters Patti Durr and Karen Christie will provide an introduction to the culture of deaf people via an innovative visual textbook showcasing artistic and literary expressions of the deaf experience. These cultural artifacts serve to celebrate and maintain the values, norms and traditions of deaf people, and thus are the heart of deaf culture. Highlights of this interactive DVD feature an historical overview and samples of works from five different genres (American sign language literature, English literature, visual art, deaf theatre, and deaf cinema). Excerpts from in-depth video interviews of deaf playwrights, visual artists, poets and filmmakers will also be shown and discussed.

Durr and Christie are associate professors in the Department of Cultural and Creative Studies at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) in Rochester, N.Y. Christie also teaches in the Masters of Science in Secondary Education program at NTID. Durr is a filmmaker who has created films and developed educational websites on deaf art and deaf artists (www.rit.edu/deafartists) as well as deaf individuals and World War II (www.rit.edu/deafww2).

To register, please follow the link below to the ABC Signup system:
https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0055-0003-5297541669654B9C92421AAC8C304EF9

For additional information, contact Diane Matasek at dmatasek@kent.edu or 330-672-8540.

Country Music Comes to Downtown Kent as Part of Student Project

The country music scene comes to downtown Kent on March 31 and April 1 with the Rockin’ Country Festival, a two-day live music event created by a Kent State University public relations graduate student. The festival is your chance to beat your cabin fever while supporting the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank.

The festival kicks off with the return of Akron natives the Carter Twins at The Kent Stage on March 31. The twins will perform an acoustic set from 9 to 10 p.m., and then special guest Tony Rio will take the stage from 10:30 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets for the show are general admission and are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets are on sale now at www.kentstage.org, Woodsy’s Music and Spin-More Records.

On April 1, music lovers can venture around downtown Kent to enjoy local country music at all their favorite establishments – for free! Attendees of both nights are encouraged to bring a canned-food item to benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s Harvest for Hunger campaign.

Here’s the lineup:

• Katie O. at Pufferbelly Restaurant – 5:30 p.m.
• Rob Duskey and The Rounders at Mugs Brewhouse – 7 p.m.
• Courtney Bergman at 157 Lounge – 7:30 p.m.
• Derrick McKee at Venice – 7:30 p.m.
• Laura Fedor at The Loft – 10 p.m.
• The Flaughers/Curtis Band at Water Street Tavern – 10:30 p.m.
• The Ryan Humbert Band at Ray’s Place – 11 p.m.

University Libraries Presents Lecture on Role of Books in the History of Science

The University Libraries presents Science as a Bookish Enterprise? Text and Imagein the History of Science 1500-1900, on April 4 at 4 p.m. The lecture takes place in the Read Special Collections Classroom, Room 1018 of the Library.

The event's presenter, Matthew Crawford, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of History. He received his Ph.D. in history and science studies from the University of California, San Diego. He specializes in the history of the sciences in the early modern period (1500-1800) and is currently writing a book on the role of the sciences in the Spanish Empire during the 18th century.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information, contact Cara Gilgenbach at 330-672-2270 or cgilgenb@kent.edu .