Georgia Southern University to Host Exclusive Evening of the Arts
Georgia Southern University’s College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences will host Evening of the Arts, a unique event that will showcase art, theatre and music on Saturday, April 16 at 7 p.m. The inaugural event will be held at the University’s Center for Art & Theatre.
“This is the first time that Georgia Southern University has hosted such a unique event that features so many different elements,” said Michael Smith, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Georgia Southern. “When we began planning the event, we wanted to provide guests with the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of art in one evening. Our goal is to make this one of the premier ‘must-attend events’ of the year in our region.”
The Evening of the Arts event will feature a variety of exhibits and performances including:
- String Trio Performance
- Georgia Southern Chorale Performance
- Black Box Theatre Performance
- Georgia Artist Collection
- University Gallery and Contemporary Gallery Tours
During the event, the University will also present a Patron of the Arts Award to former Georgia First Lady, Betty Foy Sanders.
The Evening of the Arts is designed to provide an elegant evening for individuals or couples interested in the arts. The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and also provide guests with the opportunity to tour galleries and experience first-class musical and theatrical performances.
“This is an opportunity to spend a nice evening in Statesboro while supporting the arts at Georgia Southern University,” said Smith.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the exclusive event are $75 per person and may be purchased by contacting Amber Blair at the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at: 912-478-1957, ablair@georgiasouthern.edu.
Limited seating is available and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. All proceeds from the event will benefit the arts at Georgia Southern University.
Last updated: 2/2/2018
Georgia Southern University to Hold Final Open House of the Spring
Georgia Southern University will welcome thousands of visitors to campus Saturday, April 2, as it hosts an Open House for prospective students and their families. Those attending the Open House will see firsthand the unique connection between the University and the community as Georgia Southern hosts ArtsFest 2011 and the Eagle baseball team takes the field at J.I. Clements Stadium that same day.
Georgia Southern University Open House:
College-bound students and their families are invited to attend the University’s Open House which will be held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the University’s Russell Student Union.
This last Open House of the spring is the perfect time for students to tour the campus’ academic buildings, residence halls and recreation facilities. Visitors will have a chance to meet and talk with current students and faculty members as they make their decision on where to attend college. Information about the University’s degree programs, including the new engineering degree programs that will begin in the fall, will also be available.
Open House reservations may be made by calling 912-478-5851 or online atwww.georgiasouthern.edu. Those who are not able to attend Saturday’s Open House may contact the University’s Office of Admissions to schedule a campus tour.
ArtsFest 2011:
Thousands of visitors are expected to attend ArtsFest 2011 on the University’s Sweetheart Circle from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. This festival is free and open to the public and provides families with a fun day of hands-on art activities. ArtsFest has grown into one of the University’s largest community outreach programs.
Children can make their own crafts at more than 20 booths lining the circle. Performances and demonstrations by magician and television host Magic Marc, along with various community musicians and dancers, will take place on two stages throughout the day.
Artists from around the region will have art on display and available for purchase in the artist’s market. Watch artists, including members of the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art’s Jewelry Guild and the Statesboro Regional Art Association, demonstrate their talents in jewelry, folk art, painting, ceramics, sculpture and photography. A variety of festival food will also be available for purchase.
Eagle Baseball at J.I. Clements Stadium:
Coach Rodney Hennon, who just celebrated his 500th win, will lead the Georgia Southern University baseball team as they take on the Citadel. The game begins at J.I. Clements Stadium at 2:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or by calling the athletic ticket office at 912-478-9467.
Last updated: 2/2/2018
Georgia Southern University Students Team Up With Head Football Coach Jeff Monken to Fight Diabetes
Georgia Southern University’s nearly 20,000 students are teaming up to assist Eagle head football coach Jeff Monken in his efforts to raise awareness and funds for the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 2011 Kiss-a-Pig Campaign.
Several planned campus events will provide students and the campus community the opportunity to show their support for this important cause. Events will include a Campus Carnival, Dance for Diabetes and the Blue & White Eagle Rally where students will present the proceeds from their efforts to Coach Monken at 6 p.m., Friday April 15. The rally and the game, both located at Allen E. Paulson Stadium, will be free and open to the public.
“Georgia Southern is known for championships. During the next few weeks, I hope everyone will help me win a championship against other local leaders in our fight against this terrible disease,” said Monken. “This disease impacts us all. I challenge every member of the Eagle Nation to step up, get involved and help us reach our $20,000 goal.”
The Kiss-a-Pig Campaign is a contest between community leaders to raise awareness and funds for the ADA. Monken has partnered with local businessman, entrepreneur, and Georgia Southern supporter Bubba Hunt. At the end of the campaign on May 7, the team that raises the most funds will kiss Armani, the official pig mascot of the ADA. Each year, the ADA honors the pig as the original source of insulin, and the pig is kissed to represent for its role in saving lives.
“I am excited to work with the student body to support Coach Monken and the community in the fight against diabetes,” said Georgia Southern senior and Traditions Council member Taylor Jones. “It’s our way of giving back and we can make a difference.”
Teresa Thompson, Ph.D., vice president of student affairs and enrollment management agreed. “This unique campaign creates excitement for our more than 200 student organizations and gives students the opportunity to get involved. It is important that students understand their role as citizens before leaving campus, and this is one fun way to get them involved and reinforce the importance of becoming engaged in their communities. I am looking forward to seeing what they will accomplish.”
EVENTS INCLUDE:
Monday, April 4
ADA Campus Carnival: The Office of Student Activities and the Traditions Council will host a carnival at the Russell Union on campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with inflatables, food, fun, games and music. Students will compete to win four football tickets to the Georgia Southern vs. Alabama game, waived Homecoming fees, a recognition banner, and a special tailgate spot sponsored by Eagle Sports Marketing for the September 10 game vs. TUSCULUM at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 5
Dance for Diabetes: The University Wellness Program, Campus Recreation and Intramurals, and Health Services will host Dance for Diabetes in an effort to raise money for the ADA while encouraging participants to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Dance sessions will be held at the Recreation Activity Center on campus, one from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Donations of $1 are encouraged. During the event, Health Services Health Education’s Peer Educators as well as the Wellness Ambassadors will offer free blood glucose screenings and health education. Non-RAC members are welcome. The guest fee collected for entrance into the RAC on the day of the event will also be donated to the ADA.
Friday, April 15
Blue & White Eagle Rally: The University’s Traditions Council will host a pep rally at 6 p.m. in the Eagle Fun Zone to the left of Bishop Field House at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. The Rally will feature Coach Monken and appearances by the Southern Pride Marching Band, GUS and Georgia Southern’s cheerleaders. The Blue & White Eagle Rally is free and open to the public. At the rally the Traditions Council will present Coach Monken with the proceeds that have been raised by the Georgia Southern student body.
Little Eagles Football Skills Clinic: Georgia Southern Athletics will host their annual youth clinic from 5 to 6 p.m. at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Each participant will go through many different football drills including running the 40-yard dash, a throwing station, a punting station, a field goal station, and a shuttle drill. The Little Eagles Football Skills Clinic is free of charge. The first 50 kids to register will receive a free t-shirt courtesy of The University Store (www.gsustore.com). Registration will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. at Paulson Stadium the day of the event. Participants will have the opportunity to donate to the ADA.
Annual Blue & White Spring Game: The traditional spring game starts at 7 p.m. at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. The game is free and open to the public.
Last updated: 2/2/2018
Georgia Southern University to Hold ArtsFest 2011
Georgia Southern University’s Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art will host ArtsFest 2011 on Saturday, April 2 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the campus’ Sweetheart Circle. The day of art, music and dance draws hundreds of visitors to the University every year.
“ArtsFest unites the community and University to celebrate the importance of the Arts. Especially in this economic climate, we’re delighted to be able to offer a day of creative activities and performances that are fun and free for all ages,” said ArtsFest 2011 Director Stephanie Neal.
Children can explore a variety of art activities at more than 20 different “Studio Stops” where they will create giant bubbles, print Gyotaku fish, make paper, sculpt with clay, paint a masterpiece, craft jewelry or pose in a photo booth.
Artists from around the region will have art on display and available for purchase in the artist’s market. Watch artists, including members of the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art’s Jewelry Guild and the Statesboro Regional Art Association, demonstrate their talents in jewelry, folk art, painting, ceramics, sculpture and photography.
Live entertainment will take place on two stages throughout the day. Magician Magic Marc will perform from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the main stage, where he will entertain the crowd with humor, education and breathtaking illusions. Accompanied by his pets, Goose, Bingo, Showbiz, Wizard, Bubba and Fluffy, he focuses on “magication,” Magic Marc’s own word for combining magic and education for kids. Magic Marc’s performance will be followed by demonstrations of magic tricks for all to learn, and a chance to interact with his menagerie of unique pets.
Magic Marc will be followed by The Chucks and Sonic Boom of Pladd Dot Music’s School of Rock, who will perform from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. A variety of local performers will showcase their talents throughout the day on the community stage, and an assortment of food will be available for purchase.
“For the past 29 years, the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art has hosted the spring arts festival, providing ‘a day for the arts’ to Bulloch County and the surrounding region. Generations of families hold fond memories of this event that was once a part of their childhood, and is now part of their own children’s experience,” said Patricia Carter, chair, Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art. “Our goal is to provide such a quality and quantity of arts events that attendees end their day at the festival with pure exhaustion and unlimited inspiration from the exhilarating fun they had.”
For more information about the day’s events and activities, please visit http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/art/arts_fest.html.
Last updated: 2/2/2018
Research Published by Georgia Southern University Biology Professor and Student to Be Published in International Journal
To view a video explaining Harvey’s discovery, please visithttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXWcP7Sb_zo.
Research conducted by Georgia Southern University associate professor of biology Alan Harvey, Ph.D. along with former Georgia Southern University biology graduate student Sarah Zukoff will be published in PLoS ONE, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication. PLoS ONE features reports of original research from all disciplines within science and medicine.
Harvey and Zukoff recently documented the first case of wind-powered wheel locomotion in larvae of “one of the best-studied insects in North America,” the Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle Cicindela dorsalis (subspecies media). The discovery is unique as wheel locomotion, in which an animal distorts the shape of its body to form a rolling wheel, has only been reported for a few species worldwide, all of which use either gravity or their own exertions to power the wheel.
“That we could find such an astounding suite of behaviors in such a well-studied animal is very rare,” said Harvey. “These discoveries might help explain how human impacts are causing populations of this species, and perhaps others, to decline. This project also demonstrates the value of continued basic research on organisms if we want to conserve biodiversity.”
The Georgia Southern research team found that the Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle’s wheeling is initiated through spectacular leaping somersaults. At the team’s research site along the coast of Georgia, all larvae wheeled uphill due to the consistent sea breeze. Stronger winds and untrampled sands increased the proportion of larvae that wheeled, as well as both wheeling distance and speed. In some cases, larvae wheeled more than 60 meters at an estimated speed of three meters per second, the fastest ever recorded for an insect on the ground.
Harvey also notes that jumping is challenging for elongate, soft-bodied animals with short or no legs like beetle larvae. “Leaping is known for only a few animals with this ‘worm-like’ morphology. At first we thought our larvae were just wildly thrashing around until they happened to catch the breeze. But our slow-motion videos showed that they were actually making carefully timed leaps that became these beautiful aerial somersaults, which seemed to let them orient to the breeze and then ‘hit the ground rolling.’ We almost couldn’t believe our eyes.”
The two researchers suspect that the wheeling behaviors are escape responses to a type of parasitoid wasp that specializes in tiger beetle larvae around the world, which will be the focus of their next phase of research. In recent years, many species of coastal tiger beetles have suffered precipitous declines that are clearly correlated with increased human impacts such as pedestrian or vehicular traffic, although the exact reasons have been unclear. The team’s current research suggests that the negative effects of foot traffic may be indirect, preventing larvae from escaping from predators by disrupting the flat, hard surface necessary for efficient wheeling.
The University’s Master of Science degree in Biology is designed to provide innovative training in biology that will prepare students for challenging professional careers or entry into competitive Ph.D. programs. More than 92 percent of the department’s alumni are working in the biological, environmental, or health sciences; one out of every three graduates goes on to receive a terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D.). Today, graduates of the program work in 32 states and 10 countries.
Georgia Southern’s location provides easy access to the amazing biodiversity of the southeastern United States. Students in the program have a variety of research opportunities and are able to take advantage of the department’s numerous affiliations. In the recent past, graduate students have worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Army (Fort Stewart), Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Sapelo Island Estuarine Research Reserve, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, and many more agencies abroad.
Last updated: 2/2/2018
Longtime Friend of Georgia Southern University, Eugene M. Bishop Passes Away
Georgia Southern University lost longtime friend and dedicated supporter Eugene M. Bishop on Wednesday March 23, 2011. Bishop, who lived in Dawsonville, Ga., played a pivotal role over the years during the University’s growth to nearly 20,000 students.
“Georgia Southern has lost a great friend, leader, and role model with the passing of Gene Bishop,” said Brooks Keel, President of Georgia Southern University. “Gene’s love and support of Georgia Southern were unmatched and he will be greatly missed.”
Georgia Southern will dedicate the first home football game of the 2011 season on Sept. 10, 2011 to Bishop. The University will recognize the longtime benefactor and thank his family for his contributions and service during a special ceremony. “I want to encourage the entire Eagle Nation to attend the game and show their appreciation for Gene’s support of Georgia Southern,” said Keel.
Bishop’s many contributions can be seen on some of the most visible buildings on campus. The campus facilities bearing his name include the Bishop Field House at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Constructed in 2006, the facility houses home and visitor locker rooms, meeting and hospitality space and has become the gathering spot for Georgia Southern supporters on game day. Because of his generosity and support of Eagle Athletics, Bishop was the single largest contributor to the Georgia Southern Athletics Department.
In addition to his support of Eagle Athletics, Bishop made numerous donations to Georgia Southern’s College of Business Administration and Office of Alumni Relations.
In 2009, he provided the lead gift to construct the Eugene M. Bishop Alumni Center. The impressive 12,000-square-foot Center, which was formally opened on August 27, 2009, houses the University’s Office of Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, Annual Giving, Governmental Relations and the Office of Development.
Equally impressive was Bishop’s leadership on numerous boards and committees within the University. He served two years as Chairman of the Southern Boosters (now Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation, Inc). In 2003, he was named Georgia Southern’s recipient of the Southern Conference Distinguished Service Award, recognizing individuals who have made a great impact on their respective institution. In 2000, he was awarded the Georgia Southern University Honorary Doctor of Letters to honor his service, support and contributions. He is a past recipient of the prestigious President’s Medal recognizing extraordinary contributions to Georgia Southern and the Friend of the University Award presented by the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on March 25th at Dahlonega Funeral Home. Funeral and memorial services will be held on March 26th at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Dawsonville.
The Bishop family has requested that honorariums and memorial contributions be made to a Georgia Southern University Foundation scholarship in memory of Gene Bishop. Contributions may be sent to the Georgia Southern University Foundation, P.O. Box 8053, Statesboro, GA 30460.
Last updated: 2/2/2018
Georgia Southern University Presents Eat, Play, Learn Workshops in Savannah
Georgia Southern University will begin a series of entertaining, life-enriching workshops for women titled “Eat, Play, Learn” at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah on April 16, 2011.
The workshops, sponsored by the University’s Department of Continuing Education and Public Services, will focus on ways women can re-charge, revitalize, and renew their spirit. Each session will feature a presentation by a dynamic speaker, lunch, and a chance to browse and purchase unique items from a select group of specialty vendors.
The series kicks off Saturday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m. with actress, singer, storyteller and educator Marlena Smalls. Smalls is the founder of both The Hallelujah Singers and The Gullah Festival, which attracts 20,000 visitors annually to Beaufort, South Carolina. Also, she is a singer of sacred music, gospel, jazz and blues, as well as an educator, historian, storyteller and actress. Smalls, who played the part of Bubba Gump’s mother in the film Forest Gump, will entertain and inspire with her stories and songs.
On Saturday, May 21 New York Times best-selling author Karen White will bring her brand of Southern charm and spirit to the series. White is the author of 11 books including Folly Beach, The House at Tradd Street, and Falling Home.
Savannah dermatologist and author Rebecca Campen, M.D. will share the secrets women need to know about taking care of themselves and their skin at any age when the series concludes on Friday, September 16.
Early registration for the series is going on now through April 4th. Tickets for each event are $25 per person when purchased by April 4th. After that date, the ticket price will be $35 in advance and at the door.
All events will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be held at the Coastal Georgia Center on Fahm Street in Savannah. For more information about the series or to register online, please visit http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/eatplaylearn.html or call toll-free 1-855-478-5551.
Last updated: 2/2/2018
Nationally Known Author to Serve as Georgia Southern University Visiting Writer in 2011
Georgia Southern University’s Department of Writing and Linguistics in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences will welcome Southern author and St. Simons Island, Ga., resident Tina McElroy Ansa as the department’s Visiting Writer for 2011.
Ansa is a novelist, publisher, filmmaker, teacher and journalist. But above all, she is a storyteller. She calls herself “part of a long and honored writing tradition, one of those little Southern girls who always knew she wanted to be a writer.” Ansa grew up in middle Georgia in the 1950s hearing her grandfather’s stories on the porch of her family home and strangers’ stories downtown in her father’s juke joint. These experiences became the inspiration for Mulberry, Georgia, the mythical world of her five novels, Baby of the Family, Ugly Ways,The Hand I Fan With, You Know Better and Taking After Mudear.
While at Georgia Southern, Ansa will teach the creative writing workshop course, “Writing the Novel,” in Summer 2011. Public readings are also planned, and more information about additional events will be made available once finalized. Ansa commented on the appointment, “I am still a middle Georgia girl at heart, so I am especially thrilled at the opportunity to share my stories, viewpoint, experiences and skills with the students at Georgia Southern. In addition, because Georgia Southern — through the Georgia Authors Series Award for Baby of the Family — was the first to acknowledge my novels, I am pleased to reciprocate by working with the University’s emerging writers of fiction.”
Ansa has been a regular contributor to the award-winning television seriesCBS Sunday Morning with her essays, “Postcards from Georgia.” She also writes magazine and newspaper articles, op-ed pieces and book reviews for the Los Angeles Times, (New York) Newsday, The Atlanta Constitution, and theFlorida Times-Union. Her non-fiction work has appeared in Essence Magazine, The Crisis Magazine, Ms. Magazine, America Magazine, and Atlanta Magazine. She is the founder of the Good Lil’ School Girl Foundation to promote and honor women of color of all ages for their contributions to the arts, community, health and spiritual growth.
This is the second year of the Visiting Writer series at Georgia Southern University. In 2010, the University hosted Janisse Ray, author of the award-winning memoir Ecology of a Cracker Childhood.
“This will be a terrific opportunity for the students of Georgia Southern University,” said Randall McClure, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Writing and Linguistics. “Tina is not only an outstanding author, but an outstanding teacher and we are excited to have her join Georgia Southern as a visiting writer next summer.”
RECEPTION & READING SCHEDULED
On Tuesday, March 29, Georgia Southern and the Friends of the Statesboro Regional Library will host a reception and public reading to welcome Ansa to the University. The reception will be held at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at the Statesboro Regional Library, followed by a public reading at 7 p.m. Both events are free of charge and open to the public.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT AT LANGSTON CHAPEL MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULED
On Wednesday, March 30, Ansa will speak to eighth graders at Bulloch County’s Langston Chapel Middle School. The state’s curriculum requires all eighth graders to read works by a Georgia author. Ansa will speak to all 150 8th grade students at the school. This event has been organized by the Friends of the Statesboro Regional Library.
For more information about the author, visit:http://www.tinamcelroyansa.com. For more information on the Department of Writing and Linguistics at Georgia Southern, visithttp://class.georgiasouthern.edu/writling. For more information about the Statesboro Friends of the Library, visit http://www.statesborofriends.org/.
Last updated: 2/2/2018
