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Week of September 11 - 17, 2009 Welcome to the Tower Topics E-newsletter for faculty, staff and students at Western. |
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Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507, 816-271- 4200 |
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Click any link for these stories: Western Launches Suicide Prevention Web Site 'Klan-Destine Author Part of Fate of Hate Week Outdoor Sculpture to be Unveiled Lost & Found: If you have lost any items, please come to SU 228 to claim them. You may be required to describe the item. Click on
Guidelines for Tower Topics: Tower Topics submissions should state time, date, place, sponsor, title of event, name of speaker's and admission fees. Send complete information to the Public Relations and Marketing office (Leah Spratt Hall, Room 106). The deadline for all entries is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, for the next week's issue. Tower Topics will be online weekly during the fall and spring semester. For more information call 271-5651. Student Editor:
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With the 2009 H1N1 virus spreading across college campuses nationwide, Western officials are urging students, faculty and staff to help prevent the spread of the flu. In an e-mail message to campus Sept. 9, President Vartabedian encouraged the campus community to take a number of steps, including frequent hand-washing, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing, and staying home when sick with the flu or flu-like illnesses. Symptoms of infection by H1N1, sometimes called the swine flu, are similar to symptoms of other flu strains: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. Students, faculty and staff are urged to stay home until they have been fever-free without fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours. Students are asked to notify their instructor and their advisor prior to missing a class due to illness, preferably by e-mail. All missed class work must be made up as soon as possible after a student returns from illness. Faculty and staff who are ill but don’t have enough accrued sick leave time will be required to use accrued vacation leave, earned compensatory time or leave without pay for work hours missed. The campus community is also encouraged to talk with their health-care providers about whether they should be vaccinated for the seasonal flu. Those who are at high-risk from H1N1, including pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions, should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. Western is working closely with the City of St. Joseph Health Department to monitor the flu situation and make decisions about the best steps to take, Dr. Vartabedian wrote. The latest information will be posted on the web site of the Esry Student Health Center, http://www.missouriwestern.edu/healthserv/. |
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Western Part of Statewide Suicide Prevention Web Site Launch Western and 16 other campuses around the state have launched “Ask Listen Refer,” an online suicide prevention training program. Available at asklistenrefer.org/mwsu, the training program is designed to help faculty, staff and students prevent suicide by teaching them to identify people at risk for suicide; recognize the risk factors, protective factors and warning signs of suicide; and respond to and get help for people at risk. The training includes suggestions for how to talk to people at risk and local mental health resources to which they can be referred. The site was created by Partners in Prevention. Funding for the project was provided by the Missouri Foundation for Health. For more information about the Ask Listen Refer program statewide, contact Joan Masters, Partners in Prevention senior coordinator at MastersJ@missouri.edu or 573-884-7551 or Kelly Sheline, graduate research assistant, at kelly.sheline@mizzou.edu. For questions about the local site, contact Dave Brown, counseling center director, at <browndav> or 4327. |
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'Klan-Destine' Author Part of Fate of Hate Week The Center for Multicultural Education is sponsoring “Fate of Hate Week,” beginning Sept. 14, including a presentation by a black man who has journeyed into the heart of the Ku Klux Klan. All events are free and open to the public. Daryl Davis, author of the book “Klan-Destine Relationships,” will speak at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Kemper Recital Hall, inside Spratt Hall. Davis, a Grammy Award-winning pianist, set out to seek the roots of racism by meeting and eventually forming a friendship with the Imperial Wizard of the Invincible Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. He has been spat upon, kicked and threatened during meetings with Klan members; he has also been given a standing ovation at a Klan rally and deeded robes and hoods by those who decided to leave the organization. Other “Fate of Hate Week” activities include:
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Outdoor Sculpture to be Unveiled Western will unveil a new sculpture by Jim Estes, professor of art, at 4 p.m. Sept. 16 on Downs Drive near Potter Hall. The sculpture will be on permanent display at the site of the unveiling. A reception will follow in the Potter Hall lobby. The stainless steel sculpture will stand over 11 feet tall and weigh nearly 1,000 pounds. It is the fourth sculpture Estes has created for display at Western. The first two, “Beyond 2010” and “Passages,” are works of welded steel on the lawn east of Potter Hall. The third, a stainless steel piece that will be displayed in Agenstein Hall once renovations there are complete, will be on display during the reception after the unveiling. The unveiling is part of an outdoor campus effort initiated by Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Western’s president. The benefits of a more attractive campus are numerous, Dr. Vartabedian said. “Enrollment management experts tell us that the look of the campus is one of the three leading factors influencing a student’s decision to go to a given university,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “Also, I believe that our students, faculty and staff deserve an attractive educational and working environment. I think Jim’s new work is a welcome addition.” Estes has worked primarily in wood and clay throughout his career and has exhibited work in more than 150 juried shows and exhibitions. But he decided a few years ago to try something different, and began creating larger metal pieces. The MWSU Foundation paid for supplies for his latest sculpture at the request of Dr. James Scanlon, who was then Western’s president, but Estes donated his labor. He thinks sculptures such as his add “curb appeal” to the campus and reflect a forward-looking university. “Public art provides visual clues that, while we respect tradition, we’re also pushing the envelope,” Estes said. In addition, after teaching at Western for 38 years, Estes said he enjoys giving back. “I’ve appreciated my time here. It’s a good place to work, a good university, and I’m proud to be able to make this contribution.” |
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Football The Griffons improved to 2-0 with a 35-14 road win over Mesa State in Grand Junction, Colo., Sept. 5. Wide receiver Cedric Houston snagged six catches for 229 yards and a school record-tying three touchdowns, including a 98-yard bomb from quarterback Drew Newhart in the first quarter that broke the school record for longest play from scrimmage. Western opens MIAA play on the road Sept. 12, traveling to Hays, Kan., to take on Ft. Hays State. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The next home game for the Griffon football squad is at 6 p.m. Sept. 19, when Washburn visits on Family Day for Blackout Saturday and the Wendy's Hall of Fame Game. Soccer Western soccer opened MIAA play with a 4-2 road loss to Nebraska-Omaha on Sept. 10. Western got goals from freshman Abby Widrig and sophomore Heather Schmiemeier. The Griffons are now 2-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Their next contest is at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo., at noon on Sept. 12. Western's first home match of 2009 is scheduled for Sept. 17, as Emporia State visits Spratt Stadium at 7 p.m. Volleyball The Griffons went 4-0 at the Eastern New Mexico Invitation in Portales, N.M. Sept. 4-5. Western improved to 5-3 on the season with wins over Panhandle State, Eastern New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands and Colorado State-Pueblo. Outside hitter Kelli Sicner, middle hitter Allison Smith and right side hitter Hannah Zimmerman were named to the all-tournament team. Western plays in the Rockhurst Classic in Kansas City, Mo., this weekend, with matches against University of Illinois-Springfield at 11 a.m. and Midwestern State at 3 p.m. Sept. 11, and against Wayne State (Neb.) at 1 p.m. and Upper Iowa at 5 p.m. on Sept. 12. The Griffons will open MIAA play at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 with a home match against Ft. Hays State. Men's Golf The Western golf team finished 9th at the Missouri Intercollegiate Championships in Lake Ozark, Mo. The Griffons shot a total of 931 in the three-round, 54-hole event. Central Missouri won the event, with a three-round total of 880. Individually, Corey Youngclaus shot a 225 (nine over par) to finish in 15th place. Western travels to Kirksville, Mo. on Sept. 14-15 for the Truman State Classic. Women's Golf The Griffons begin their fall season Sept. 14-15 at the Drury Invitational Fall Shootout in Springfield, Mo. Hall of Fame Missouri Western State University will induct seven individuals and one team into its Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Sept. 19. Click here for the complete list of inductees. There will be a reception open to the public in the Fulkerson Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Fulkerson Center. The Induction Ceremony brunch will be held at 11 a.m. in the Fulkerson Center. There is a $20 cost to the brunch, and reservations are required. Call 816-271-4481.
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9/11 Memorial The Residence Council will hold a memorial walk for the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. Participants will walk from the Commons to the Glenn E. Marion Clock Tower. Pigskin Picks Pick the winners in the Pigskin Picks contest sponsored by recreation services. Picks must be submitted by midnight Sept. 11. This is a weekly event for 10 weeks. To participate, go to http://www.missouriwestern.edu/recreation/PigskinPicks/. Western on Parade! Watch for Western representatives at some upcoming events in St. Joseph. The university will have a booth at the Josephine Expo, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sept. 12 in the St. Joseph Civic Arena. Western will be in booth 118, on the main floor. The following weekend, Western will participate in the South Side Fall Festival Parade at 10 a.m. Sept. 19 on King Hill Avenue and Illinois. Western will have a float, with President Vartabedian and Laurel riding on it. The Western cheerleaders will walk in the parade, and the marching band will perform. 1964: The Tribute Once again this year, Western is a series sponsor of the Performing Arts Association, allowing Western students, faculty and staff to purchase tickets at a discount. Kicking off the PAA’s 30th season is “1964: The Tribute,” described by Rolling Stone as “the best Beatles tribute on Earth,” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Anyone interested in purchasing discount tickets can go online at www.saintjosephperformingarts.org/ and enter the word “promo.” Also, congratulations to Rebecca Foley, art faculty member, for being selected to receive a pair of tickets to “1964” courtesy of the public relations and marketing office. Foley was chosen in a random drawing among all new Western faculty members. Watch for future opportunities to win tickets to PAA performances. Float-a-thon The Zeta Mu chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority is holding its second annual Float-a-Thon from 8 a.m. Sept. 17 to 8 p.m. in the reflecting pool in front of Eder Hall. Lunch will be served at 12 p.m. The cost is $5 for a hamburger or hotdog, chips, drink and dessert. The sorority will float in the pool to raise money for Special Olympics, the organization’s national philanthropy. Constitution Day The Department of Political Science, Social Work and Sociology will hold an interactive class lecture on the U.S. Constitution Day in recognition of Constitution Day 2009, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Sept. 17 in Kemper Recital Hall, inside Leah Spratt Hall. Dr. Jonathan Euchner, assistant professor of government, will lead the discussion. The event is free and open to the public. MWSU Ambassadors All female employees or spouses of male employees are invited to join the MWSU Ambassadors. The Ambassadors are women from the campus and the community who provide a bridge between the campus and community. Our main focus is raising funds for nontraditional student scholarships. We hold three luncheon meetings throughout the school year and we host an annual fundraiser, Night at the Ritz, in the spring. Membership is $20 for the year. If you'd like to check us out before you decide to join, please join us for our first luncheon of the academic year at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 18 in the Enright Community Room (Spratt 214). Cost is $8 per person. The guest speaker will be Mignon DeShon who will talk about Coco Chanel, the pioneering French fashion designer. If you would like to attend, please make a reservation to Ellen Kisker (4280) or <kisker> by Sept. 16. POW/MIA Recognition Day September 18 is set aside as a day to remember all prisoners of war and those missing in action from all conflicts. The Joint Veteran's Committee will host a remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m. September 18 at Civic Center Park (grounds at City Hall). Everyone is invited to attend. Red Friday Rally Hy-Vee is holding a Red Friday Rally from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 18 next to the store, in the parking lot of the Heartland Business Plaza, 137 N. Belt Highway, ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs first home game of the 2009 season. The pep rally will feature mascot KC Wolf, Chiefs Cheerleaders, food and drink, live music and many giveaways. Foreign Film Series The department of English, foreign languages, and journalism will be hosting a foreign film series beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in Hearnes 102. The Germany film "Goodbye Lenin" will be presented by Leslie Gustafson, instructor of German. Furture films will be shown on Sept. 25, Oct. 1, Oct. 9, Oct. 21, Oct. 29, Nov. 4 and Nov. 20. Family Day Families of Western students are invited to participate in Family Weekend activities Sept. 18-20. The weekend begins with the WAC Talent Show at 8 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Looney Arena. On Saturday, Sept. 19, many of Western’s student organizations will have games and booths at the Student Organization Carnival, from 1 to 4 p.m. near the Glenn E. Marion Memorial Clock Tower. Families can also enjoy a Western soccer game, as the Griffons will take on Washburn at 1 p.m. in Spratt Stadium. From 4 to 5:30, Western Dining will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet with fried chicken, BBQ beef and more at a cost of $7 for adults, $3.50 for children 12 and under, and free for Western students with meal plans. The Griffon football team will cap off the day as they take on Washburn at 6 p.m. in Spratt Stadium. On Sunday, Sept. 20, the Kansas City Alumni Chapter of the Missouri Western Alumni Association is holding a tailgate party at the Kansas City Chiefs home opener against the Oakland Raiders. Tickets are $69 for both the tailgate and game. For more information on the Chiefs game go to www.griffonalumni.org. 2009 Homecoming Judges The Homecoming Committee is seeking judges for this year’s events. There will be a meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 in Blum 223. Events include: For more information, contact Megan Glenn at <lmg7453> or 816-294-2170. Film Showing - "Home" The Alliance Francaise de Saint Joseph will be showing the film "Home" at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23. A plant exchange will take place before the film at 6 p.m. in front of the Library. Gardeners are invited to bring perennials to exchange. This event is free and open to the public. Get Involved Interested in getting involved in a growing group of intelligent people trying to make a difference by improving themselves and serving others? Multicultural Institute is a multicultural leadership program designed to engage students in diversity activities, teambuilding, personal dialogue, service and cultural exploration. If you are interested in being part of this experience stop by the Center for Multicultural Education in Blum 210 for more information. |
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Saturday, September 12
Monday, September 14
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Thursday, September 17
Friday, September 18
Saturday, September 19
Sunday, September 20
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