eInside Events

Reception Set for Kent State Vice President Gregg Floyd

A reception to recognize the service
and accomplishments of Gregg S. Floyd,
Kent State’s senior vice president for
finance and administration, will take place
on Nov. 4.

The Kent State University community is invited to attend a reception to recognize the service and accomplishments of Gregg S. Floyd, Kent State’s senior vice president for finance and administration. The reception will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 3-5 p.m. in the Ballroom Balcony of the Kent Student Center. Remarks will begin at 3:45 p.m.

For more information, contact Carla Wyckoff at 330-672-5857 or cwyckof1@kent.edu.

Sherwin-Williams Sponsors “Innov8athon IV: Innov8 Paint!”

Blackstone LaunchPad collaborative event to be held on Nov. 14 at Kent State University

Sherwin-Williams, in partnership with the
Blackstone LaunchPad program at Kent
State, is sponsoring “Innov8athon IV:
Innov8 Paint!” to promote entrepreneurial
thinking, creative prototyping and
interdisciplinary collaboration among
students in Northeast Ohio.

Sherwin-Williams, in partnership with the Blackstone LaunchPad program at Kent State University, is sponsoring “Innov8athon IV: Innov8 Paint!” in order to “hack the painting process” and promote entrepreneurial thinking, creative prototyping and interdisciplinary collaboration among students in Northeast Ohio.

“For centuries, we have painted with what some refer to as ‘pig hair on a stick,’” says Victoria Scarborough, program director for external technology at Sherwin-Williams. “Painting is a messy and time-consuming process from preparation to clean up. We are looking for creativity and collaboration to discover new processes and ideas for the painting industry.”

This year’s Innov8athon will focus on specific problems and “paint points” in the painting industry, such as user fatigue, coverage rate and shortcomings of current tools. Student participants will have the opportunity to try current tools and methods firsthand at the event. After a brief “Painting 101 workshop,” there will be workstations and various types of equipment ranging from painting supplies and drywall to microprocessors, such as Raspberry Pi, available for use.

The “Innov8 Paint!” event will take place on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kent State. Students from all universities, majors and backgrounds are invited to participate, and will have the opportunity to learn from Sherwin-Williams.

“We are excited to have Sherwin-Williams’ support in sponsoring this creative, cross-campus event that will provide our students with the opportunity to ‘hack’ and find solutions to recurring painting industry issues,” says Julie Messing, executive director of Kent State’s Blackstone LaunchPad program.

Teams have the opportunity to win $2,000 and the opportunity to have their ideas translated into Sherwin-Williams’ products. Additionally, all students in attendance will receive a $25 Visa gift card for participating. For more information about “Innov8athon IV: Innov8 Paint!” visit www.innov8athon.com.

For more information about Sherwin-Williams, visit www.sherwin-williams.com.

For more information about the Blackstone LaunchPad program at Kent State, visit www.kent.edu/blackstonelaunchpad.

Kent State to Celebrate International Education Week

Kent State University will celebrate the 16th annual
International Education Week from Nov. 15-20. The
weeklong celebration will feature numerous internationally
oriented events, including films, dances, cultural festivals,
academic lectures, presentations and exhibits presented
by student groups, faculty and distinguished guests.

Kent State University will celebrate the 16th annual International Education Week from Sunday, Nov. 15, to Friday, Nov. 20. The weeklong celebration will feature numerous internationally oriented events, including films, dances, cultural festivals, academic lectures, presentations and exhibits presented by student groups, faculty and distinguished guests. From the serious to the sublime, everyone should find an activity of interest. For a complete list of the scheduled activities, view the online Calendar of Events.

“To foster diversity and present a shared global learning experience, all members of the Kent State community are encouraged to attend and participate in the numerous events scheduled during the week,” suggests Desnee Stevens, assistant director of International Student and Scholar Services in Kent State’s Office of Global Education. “Various student organizations, colleges and individual students and faculty have planned to stage a multitude of events – ranging from a drum and dance workshop to a country spotlight on China, as well as several presentations on the current refugee crisis.”

The highlight of the week is the always popular International Cook-Off, a cooking competition that features food from around the world prepared by student teams. Hosted by the Office of Global Education and Kent State’s Dining Services, the cook-off takes place on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom. This year, the judges include Douglas Steidl, dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design; Cathy Dubois, associate dean for the College of Business Administration; and Stephen Thomas, head of the doctoral program in the Higher Education Administration program. The returning master of ceremonies for the event will be Bob Hall, director of learning and organizational development for Kent State’s Division of Human Resources. Each year, the competition has grown, with about 500 people attending last year’s event. Countries being represented in this year’s competition include Vietnam, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Oman, China and India.

One of the objectives of International Education Week is to encourage domestic students to study abroad and learn about globalization. As a global perspective has become increasingly important to multinational corporations seeking to hire recent college graduates, International Education Week enables domestic students to learn the advantages of and opportunities for education abroad and to open themselves up to new cultural experiences.

International Education Week also presents the opportunity for Kent State to celebrate its international community. As the university continues to grow, so does its international population with a record enrollment of 3,002 international students this fall.

“The university takes great pride in its international students and its overall international presence,” says Sarah Malcolm, director of international partnerships, marketing and communications at the Office of Global Education. “As Kent State celebrates its more than 3,000 international students and almost 1,000 students who studied abroad last year, International Education Week is a time for the campus community to come together to embrace and appreciate global diversity.”

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education. The week was created in 2000 and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. The objective is to promote educational programs that prepare Americans, as well as foreign students, to succeed in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs describes International Education Week as “an opportunity to celebrate diversity and the many opportunities and benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.” It also encourages the active participation of all individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange programs.

To learn more about International Education Week, visit http://eca.state.gov/programs-initiatives/international-education-week.

For more information about Kent State’s Office of Global Education, visit www.kent.edu/globaleducation.

Respect for Sacred vs. Freedom of Speech Panel Discussion

You are invited to attend a panel discussion on “Respect for Sacred vs. Freedom of Speech Panel Discussion” on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 6-8 p.m. on the first floor, Quiet Study Room in the University Library on the Kent Campus. The invited panel members of different faiths and backgrounds will discuss sacred figures from the perspective of their own faith. They will reflect on places, values and implications of these sacred figures on people and community. The discussion will promote peace and nonviolence. It will be an interfaith and intercultural engagement about change through nonviolence in a respectful and relaxed atmosphere between panel members and the audience as participants.

Click here to register for the event.

For more information about the event, visit www.library.kent.edu/events/respect-sacred-vs-freedom-speech-panel-discussion.

School of Theatre and Dance Brings Side Show to Kent State

Tony-nominated musical based on true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton

Conjoined twins Daisy (Rebecca Rand) and Violet (Lindsay
Simon) Hilton seek love, acceptance, fame and fortune on
the dark road from a side show to vaudeville to Hollywood.

(Photo credit: Joni Koneval)

Kent State University’s School of Theatre and Dance continues its 2015-2016 season with the Tony Award-nominated musical Side Show. The production runs Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 15, in E. Turner Stump Theatre, located in the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive on the Kent Campus.

Directed by Kent State Assistant Professor Amy Fritsche, Side Show follows the journey of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton as they seek love and acceptance on the dark road from a side show to vaudeville and eventually to Hollywood. With book and lyrics by Bill Russell, music by Henry Krieger, vocal and dance arrangements by David Chase and orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, Side Show is a moving portrait of fame at the height of the Great Depression.

The production and design team includes music direction by Associate Professor Jonathan Swoboda, choreography by Assistant Professor Courtney Brown, scenic design by Terry Martin, technical direction by Associate Professor Steve Pauna, lighting design by Yu (Leo) Lei, costume design by Kerry McCarthy and sound design by Assistant Professor Nicholas Drashner. Hannah Graham serves as production stage manager.

Side Show premiered on Broadway in 1997 featuring Kent State alumna Alice Ripley (BFA ’85) in the role of Violet Hilton. Ripley was nominated for 1998 Tony and Drama Desk awards for her portrayal.

For tickets, call 330-672-ARTS (2787), purchase online at www.kent.edu/theatredance or in person at the Performing Arts Box Office located in the Roe Green Center lobby of the Center for the Performing Arts. The box office is open Monday – Friday, noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for Kent State alumni, faculty and staff, $14 for seniors (60+), and tickets are $10 for non-Kent State students age 18 and under. Tickets are free for full-time, Kent Campus undergraduate students. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for $12 per person. Flex pass subscriptions also are available. The box office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, check and cash.

Kent State’s Uumbaji Art Gallery Presents “The Color and Rhythm of Breath” Exhibit by Theresa Antonellis

"The Color and Rhythm of Breath" exhibit
by Theresa Antonellis will run through
Nov. 6 at the Uumbaji Art Gallery located
in Kent State University’s Ritchie Hall.

The Uumbaji Art Gallery located in Kent State University’s Ritchie Hall presents "The Color and Rhythm of Breath" by Theresa Antonellis. The exhibit runs through Nov. 6. A closing reception will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 4:30 p.m. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Antonellis holds a M.F.A. from the University of Massachusetts, and a B.A. degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Her artwork has been exhibited at universities and colleges in New England and New York.

The works in this exhibit are the result of Antonellis’ residency at the Vermont Studio Center during 2014-15. Antonellis' drawing and painting practice of breath-generating marks using body-centered meditations culminates in organic abstractions that mark the time experienced in meditation and locate the space between the body and the mind, between the natural and the fabricated.

Larry Terkel, a yoga teacher and Kent State faculty member, will present a breathing and yoga demonstration during the closing reception on Nov. 5.

The Uumbaji Art Gallery is committed to exhibiting works that speak to a wide audience, thereby exposing students, faculty, staff and the community to global issues that are of interest to all. The gallery breaks barriers and encourages new dialogues.

For more information, contact Moema Furtado, curator for the Uumbaji Gallery, at mfurtado@kent.edu.

Acirema Workshop Simulates Life as an International Student

Kent State faculty and staff invited to participate in workshop

A group of international students get together in the Kent
Student Center.

Have you ever wondered what living and studying in the U.S. is like for international students? What obstacles and challenges do these students face in their efforts to gain an education in the United States? And why do they sometimes behave “differently” from domestic students?

If your answer to the questions above is "yes," then you should consider participating in this year's Acirema workshop. The faculty and staff workshop will take place on Friday, Nov. 20, from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Governance Chambers at the Kent Student Center.

The Acirema Workshop is a simulation exercise designed to sensitize participants to the difficulties that international students encounter in their quest for a U.S. education. It acquaints the participants with the procedures and obstacles students must follow from the initial contact with a U.S. educational institution to their arrival on campus and even issues that students face after arriving. A facilitated discussion takes place after the simulation to address the specific issues at stake.

During this workshop, participants would become citizens of Acirema trying to pursue an education at Kent State University in the United States of America. There would be tables set up to represent the offices that you would need to contact during your immigration process to attain all the necessary documents needed before their arrival at Kent State.

This workshop is a fun way to gain some knowledge about what international students experience, in addition to being able to identify emotionally with international students.

If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please click here to sign up.

To learn more about Kent State's Office of Global Education, visit www.kent.edu/globaleducation.

Kent Keyboard Series Continues with Jerry Wong Performing a Program Inspired by Dance and Poetry

Jerry Wong, Steinway artist and Kent
State University associate professor of
piano, will perform at a concert on Nov. 8
as part of the Kent Keyboard Series.

The Kent Keyboard Series continues its 2015-2016 season with a concert featuring Jerry Wong, Steinway artist and Kent State University associate professor of piano, on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall. Ludwig Recital Hall is located in the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive on the Kent Campus. Free parking is available.

Highlights of the performance include selections by Claude Debussy referencing a variety of dance forms from the Baroque era to the cakewalk of the early 1900s. Audience members also will be treated to pieces from Franz Liszt’s Years of Pilgrimage. These pieces are based upon poetry of Lord Byron and Etienne Pivert de Senancour, and illustrate some of the composer’s most thoughtful and nostalgic writing.

Described by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Martin Bernheimer as "eloquent and elegant…(with) passion and introspection…sensitivity and a finely honed sense of style" and praised by the Orange County Register for "clean technique, forthright sound and a straight forward approach to classical textures," pianist Wong has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia in such prestigious settings as the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, National Concert Hall of Taipei, National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., Opera City Hall in Tokyo, PianoForte in Chicago, Severance Hall in Cleveland, Shriver Hall in Baltimore and Weill Recital Hall in New York City.

During summer, Wong is co-director of the Piano Institute at Kent State and a member of the Kent/Blossom Music Festival faculty. Frequently sought after as adjudicator, clinician and lecturer, his master classes have brought him to such noted institutions as Cleveland Institute of Music, Indiana University, Northwestern University, St. Petersburg Conservatory (Russia), Tainan National University of Arts (Taiwan), University of Michigan and Yong Sieh Tow Conservatory (Singapore).

Tickets for the performance are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and Kent State faculty and staff, $10 for groups of 10 or more patrons, $8 for non-Kent State students, $5 for children and free for full-time, Kent Campus undergraduate students. Also, thanks to a generous donation from a long-time supporter and patron of the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, anyone 18 and under can attend the concert for free, although a ticket must be reserved.

Tickets are available weekdays, noon to 5 p.m. at the Performing Arts Box Office, located in the lobby of the Roe Green Center in the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive on the Kent Campus. The Performing Arts Box Office accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover, in addition to cash and check.

The Ludwig Recital Hall Box Office will open one hour prior to the performance for walk-up sales; however, patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Tickets and more information are available by calling 330-672-ARTS (2787). You may purchase adult and senior citizen tickets online by visiting www.kent.edu/music/buy-tickets.

Kent State University at Stark Theatre Presents Almost, Maine

Kent State University at Stark will kick
off its first theatrical event of the
2015-16 season with Almost, Maine by
John Cariani.

Kent State University at Stark will kick off its first theatrical event of the 2015-16 season with Almost, Maine by John Cariani on Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and on Nov. 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the Kent State Stark Theatre at 6000 Frank Avenue NW in Jackson Township. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for the performance on Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m. Opening night is Scholarship Night, with proceeds benefiting students in Kent State Stark theatre and music programs.

On a cold winter’s evening, under the magnetic magic of the northern lights, several couples in the sleepy, mythical town of Almost, Maine experience love’s joys and perils through a series of romantic, whimsical, unpredictable and often hilarious vignettes. Hearts are embraced, bruised, broken and mended – almost – leaving the people of this remote town forever changed.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, and $7 for non-Kent State students, children under 17 and senior citizens. All Kent State students are admitted free of charge with current student ID. Tickets may be obtained beginning today, Nov. 2. Reserve tickets online at www.kent.edu/stark/theatre or call the Kent State Stark Theatre Box Office at 330-244-3348, Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Directing Almost, Maine is Brian Newberg, Kent State Stark assistant professor of theatre and theatre director. Louis Williams is the scenic and lighting designer, Stephen Ostertag is the costume designer and Ron Jarvis is the sound designer.

Kent State’s College of Business Administration Announces Keynote Speaker for Michael D. Solomon Speaker Series

Keith Levy, Kent State University alumnus and president
of Royal Canin USA, a leading global manufacturer of
premium dog and cat nutrition, will be the keynote speaker
at the Michael D. Solomon Speaker Series on Nov. 5.

Keith Levy, Kent State University alumnus and president of Royal Canin USA, a leading global manufacturer of premium dog and cat nutrition, will be the keynote speaker at the Michael D. Solomon Speaker Series on Nov. 5. His presentation titled “Laws of Growth, Redefined” is being hosted by the Kent State College of Business Administration’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.

“Kent State University equipped and positioned me to enjoy an incredibly successful career in business, and I met and made lifelong friends, including the girl of my dreams who later became my wife,” says Levy. “Coming back to Kent State after 30 years to share my story and what I’ve learned since graduation is both exciting and humbling.”

Royal Canin, based in St. Charles, Missouri, is a division of Mars Inc., one of the world's largest private companies. The business manufactures, markets and distributes more than 200 different specialty diets and 450 SKUs (stockkeeping units)to approximately 30,000 clients nationwide. Levy’s team operates a network of four factories in North America and leads nearly 1,000 associates across the country. Since being appointed president of the company in 2012, he has led several key initiatives including the creation of an e-commerce strategy and organization, the installation of brand management and marketing discipline, broad-based consolidation in logistics and distribution producing significant cost savings and other margin-enhancing results driving productivity, efficiency and cost containment.

Prior to Mars and Royal Canin, Levy enjoyed a successful 24-year career at Anheuser-Busch Inc. During his tenure at Anheuser-Busch, he held numerous executive roles including vice president of sales and vice president of brand management. Prior to leaving Anheuser-Busch in 2011, he was the company’s vice president and chief marketing officer responsible for leading some of the world's most valuable brands, including Budweiser and Bud Light.

Levy helped drive the company's revenue to a record $13 billion and was instrumental in shaping modern brand management at Anheuser-Busch. He also led the development and launch of many innovative new products, including Bud Light Lime, one of the most successful line extensions across all consumer packaged goods in 2008/2009.

Some of Levy’s awards for marketing excellence include winning USA Today’s Super Bowl Ad Meter in 2008 and 2011, as well as capturing three out of the top 10 Ad Meter selections in 2010, Cannes Gold and Silver Lions in 2008 and 2010, several POPIA Gold and Silver medals for outstanding merchandising achievement, and three Emmy nominations for advertising excellence in 2009/2010. Additionally, he was a key member of the senior integration team during the $53 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch by Inbev in 2008.

Levy is a past board member of the Association of National Advertisers, a current board member of Banfield Charitable Trust in Portland, Oregon, and an advisory board member to the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, he has been a past contributor on Forbes.com where he is a member of the Forbes CMO Network. He earned his BBA in marketing in 1985 from Kent State, and has attended executive education at both Kellogg School of Management and Harvard Business School.

To learn more about the Michael D. Solomon Speaker Series or to register, visit http://business.kent.edu/events/michael-d-solomon-speaker-series-0.

To learn more about Kent State’s College of Business Administration, visit http://business.kent.edu/.

Main Street Kent Presents “Putt Around Downtown” Progressive Event

On Saturday, Nov. 7, downtown Kent will be transformed into a miniature golf course for the “Putt Around Downtown” event. Main Street Kent is hosting this unique, family-friendly progressive event where each participating business will create a custom miniature golf hole to challenge participants. The event will run from 1-4 p.m., with an awards presentation and drinks to follow at the “Nineteenth Hole” – the Venice Café.

The fun will begin at the Destination Kent Visitor Centre (located at 201 E. Erie St.) where participants will receive a commemorative golf ball, score card and course map – then the tournament will start. Each group will be sent off to their starting hole (like a shotgun tournament), then after completing all 18 holes, meet back up with all of the other golfers at the “Nineteenth Hole” for a celebratory drink and awards celebration with lots of prizes. Putters will be provided at each participating “hole”/business. Prizes will be awarded for the most creatively dressed group, lowest score, highest score and more. All participants will be entered in a raffle to win rounds of golf, club head covers, golf balls, umbrellas and other great prizes.

The 18 “holes” include Belleria Pizza & Italian Restaurant, blue / A Goodwill Boutique, Carnaby Street Style, Destination Kent Visitor Centre, FJKluth Art Gallery, Hall-Green Agency, Kent Central Gateway Footwear, Kent Cheesemonger, Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, McKay Bricker Framing & Gifts, One Love Yoga & Boutique, Popped!, Rise & Shine Café, Scribbles Coffee, Secret Cellar, the Local Public House, UniversiTees, Wild Earth Outfitters – and the Venice Café will be the “Nineteenth Hole.” It is sure to be a fun adventure all around downtown Kent. So grab the kids or a group of friends and hit the links in downtown Kent! Stick around afterwards for dinner at Taco Tonto’s inside the Venice Café, too.

Tickets are $15 per golfer or $50 per foursome. All golfers will receive one raffle ticket to enter in the prize drawings, and additional raffle tickets will be awarded for hole-in-one shots earned along the way. It is sure to be a great time for all! Prize sponsors include Windmill Lakes Golf Course, Kent State University Golf Course, Stow-Kent Family Entertainment, and Oak Knolls Golf Club. Event sponsors include Hall-Green Agency, Terry Ginn Advertising and PC Surgeons.

One hundred tickets are available, and can be purchased on the Main Street Kent website at www.mainstreetkent.org/putt-around-downtown. Tickets are nonrefundable and this is an all-weather event. If you have any questions or would like more information, call 330-677-8000 or email info@mainstreetkent.org.