National Theatre of the Deaf to Present 'Rollicking' Comedy Jan. 28 As Part of SIUE's 'Arts & Issues' Series
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) — Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the National Theatre of the Deaf will present its new comedy, "Oh, Figaro!" as part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Arts & Issues series on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dunham Hall Theater.
"The National Theatre of the Deaf is one of the most remarkable theater companies that audiences will ever experience," said John Peecher, assistant director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences and coordinator of the Arts & Issues series. "It is accessible – and enjoyable – theater for everyone."
The National Theatre of the Deaf's (NTD) professional acting company is made up of both deaf and hearing artists working together as an ensemble. The audience sees and hears every word through the NTD's signature performance style, combining American Sign Language and the spoken word. This unique double-sensory experience has expanded the boundaries of theatrical expression.
Founded in Connecticut in 1967, NTD is the oldest continually producing and touring theater company in the United States. It was the first theater company to perform in all 50 states, and has toured to all seven continents and to 32 countries.
In addition to being the recipient of the prestigious Tony Award for theatrical excellence, NTD has long served as an artistic ambassador for the United States. The National Theatre of the Deaf has staged more than 8,000 live performances as part of 95 national and international tours. These performances have reached over 3.5 million people, along with millions more through award-winning television specials.
Among the artists who have lent their talents to NTD are John Lithgow, Marcel Marceau, Colleen Dewhurst, Jason Robards, Sir Michael Redgrave, Chita Rivera, Jessica Tandy, Hume Cronyn, and Mary Martin. The company has adapted classic and contemporary works from Shakespeare and Voltaire to Ogden Nash, Dylan Thomas and Shel Silverstein. Additionally, NTD has adapted and produced numerous original works by new deaf and hearing playwrights.
Their latest production – which will be performed at SIUE – is the rollicking comedy, "Oh, Figaro," based on the Pierre de Beaumarchais classic French farces "The Barber of Seville" and "The Marriage of Figaro." These ageless tales have been immortalized in operas by Mozart and Rossini, and now enter the 21st century in this newly commissioned work adapted by veteran stage writers John Augustine and Willy Conley.
Following the National Theatre of the Deaf's appearance on the 2002-2003 Arts & Issues series is public health advocate and former surgeon general under the Clinton Administration, David Satcher, who will speak on "Politics, Opinions and Public Health," on Feb. 11. Gloria Steinem – feminist, writer, and co-founder of Ms. magazine – addresses "What You've Always Wanted to Know About Feminism and Been Afraid to Ask" on March 19. The world-renowned Takacs Quartet come to SIUE on March 27, for an evening of Hayden and Beethoven, and Helen Thomas – a fixture of the White House pressroom for more than 40 years – concludes the season on April 8, offering her "Wit and Wisdom From the Front Row at the White House."
Tickets for the National Theatre of the Deaf's presentation of "Oh, Figaro!" are $16; SIUE students, $8. For ticket information, call 618/650-2626, or, from St. Louis toll-free, 888/328-5168, ext. 2626; visit the series' Web site at www.siue.edu/ARTS_ISSUES; write: Arts & Issues, SIUE, Campus Box 1608, Edwardsville, IL 62026; or e-mail jpeeche@siue.edu. Admission includes free parking in the lots behind the Morris University Center or Katherine Dunham Hall.
January 6, 2003
Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs to Offer Students Free Tickets to 'Arts & Issues' Events
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) — The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs has announced a program offering SIUE students free tickets to Arts & Issues events.
"The University believes that the offerings of Arts & Issues are an integral part of a liberal arts education," said Narbeth Emmanuel, vice chancellor for student affairs. "My office is pleased to be working with the series to provide students an opportunity to see these events at no cost."
The tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis – one per student – at the Morris University Center information center. Students must present their SIUE student I.D. to receive the tickets. There is a limit of 50 available tickets.
"This is an exciting opportunity for students to have greater access to what the Arts & Issues series has to offer," said John Peecher, assistant director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences and coordinator of the series.
Among the upcoming events on the 2002-2003 Arts & Issues series is the appearance of the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) performing their new production of "Oh, Figaro!" The NTD performs at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the Dunham Hall theater.
Following the National Theatre of the Deaf's appearance on the Arts & Issues series is public health advocate and former surgeon general under the Clinton Administration, David Satcher, who will speak on "Politics, Opinions and Public Health," on Feb. 11. Gloria Steinem – feminist, writer, and co-founder of Ms. magazine – addresses "What You've Always Wanted to Know About Feminism and Been Afraid to Ask" on March 19. The world-renowned Takacs Quartet come to SIUE on March 27, for an evening of Hayden and Beethoven, and Helen Thomas – a fixture of the White House pressroom for more than 40 years – concludes the season on April 8, offering her "Wit and Wisdom From the Front Row at the White House."
January 9, 2003
SIUE Kicks Off A Book In Every Home Campaign
Hundreds of children and families that might not have otherwise had access to books have benefited from the annual "A Book In Every Home" campaign. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will again sponsor the book drive, from Jan. 15 to March 31.
Literacy is one of the most critical issues facing our educational system. Studies show that children who cannot read are not likely to succeed in the classroom or in life. Recognizing that access to books is a key component to literacy, Book in Every Home not only has placed more than 20,000 books in homes in St. Clair and Madison County, it also encourages parents to read to their children.
"Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is advancing literacy at a grass-roots level through the 'A Book in Every Home' program," said Kay Werner, chair of the campaign. "Our goal is to place an age-appropriate book in the home of every Head Start child in Madison and St. Clair counties."
There are drop-off points for book donations in the St. Clair County and Madison County Head Start programs, SIUE campus sites, all public libraries in Madison and St. Clair Counties, the Piece of Mind Book Store in Edwardsville, and B. Dalton Book Store and Borders Book Store in Fairview Heights. For specific addresses and locations of these drop off points, go to the "A Book In Every Home" website – http//www.siue.edu/BOOKS or call (618) 650-2020 for more information.
Age-appropriate books are requested for children ages six weeks to five years old.
Cash donations cash also will be accepted. Checks for a Book in Every Home should be written to the SIUE Foundation, and mailed to:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
A Book in Every Home
Box 1058
Edwardsville, Illinois 62026
(In the memo part of the check insert "A Book in Every Home.")
January 9, 2003
Pianist Ian Hobson Continues Recital Series At SIUE–Performing Chopin
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Renowned concert pianist Ian Hobson will continue his series of recitals at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville—performing the complete solo piano works of Frédéric Chopin—at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 22-23, in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
The fourth and fifth edition of the nine-recital series is titled 1834-1836: "Chopin's Proposal of Marriage, Illness, and Premature Reports of His Death" and 1836-1839: "Acquaintanceship With George Sand, and Winter in Mallorca." The Chopin series—which continues March 19-20 and April 1-2—is being performed chronologically, following stages in the Polish composer's life and career.
The Jan. 22 recital includes: Mazurka in A-flat Major; Mazurkas, Op. 24, Nos. 1-4; Polonaises, Op. 26, Nos. 1 and 2; Nocturnes, Op. 27, Nos. 1 and 2; Mazurka in G Major, Op. 67, No. 1; Mazurka in C Major, Op. 67, No. 3; Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 69, No. 1; Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 34, No. 1; the Fantaisie-impromptu in C-sharp Minor, Op. 66; and Etudes, Op. 25, Nos. 1-12.
The Jan. 23 recital includes: Mazurkas, Op. 30, Nos. 1-4; Scherzo in B-flat Minor, Op. 31; Nocturnes, Op. 32, Nos. 1 and 2; Polonaises, Op. 40, Nos. 1 and 2; Mazurkas, Op. 33, Nos. 1-4; the Andante spianato et Grande polonaise, Op. 22; and Preludes, Op. 28, Nos. 1-24.
Musicologist Allan Ho, a professor of Music, said complete works are rarely performed anywhere. "It's an honor for us to have Ian Hobson perform the cycle here," Ho said. The title of the nine-recital series is Frédéric Chopin: Evolution of a Genius.
"Chopin remains one of the most popular composers of all time," Ho said. "Many of his works are famous, yet others seldom heard. The series, which includes more than 200 compositions, traces Chopin's development as a composer. "It includes all of his familiar works, as well as many new discoveries for our listeners," Ho said. "It is a fascinating musical journey."
Called one of the greatest pianists of our time, Hobson's programs consistently demonstrate a repertoire that spans centuries and demands a command of styles and scholarly vision. His recordings and recitals encompass a cross section of works from miniature to mammoth.
A professor of Music at the University of Illinois, Hobson maintains an active performance, conducting, and recording schedule. In recent seasons, Hobson has performed at Wigmore Hall, London, Alice Tully Hall, the "Mostly Mozart Festival" in New York, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Hobson also has performed the Chopin and Moscheles concertos at the Bard Music Festival, and has presented recitals in the United States, England, and Europe, featuring diverse works such as Beethoven's complete sonatas, excerpts from Gershwin's Song Book, Schumann's major piano works, Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit, and Prokofiev's Sonata No. 7, to name a few.
He also has been on the juries of international piano competitions, such as the Van Cliburn, and is known worldwide as a pianist, conductor, and teacher. Hobson has recorded more than 35 compact discs of works, including piano concertos by Mendelssohn, Mozart, Poulenc, and Saint-Saëns, as well as Liszt transcriptions and the complete Beethoven sonatas, Brahms variations, Chopin etudes, Hummel sonatas, and Rachmaninoff preludes, etudes-tableaux, and transcriptions.
Tickets are $7; students and senior citizens, $6. For ticket information, call the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.
January 27, 2003
Black Heritage Month Activities Set For February At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will present its Sixth Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with its theme of "Building CommUNITY." Below is a calendar of events.
• Cultural Bazaar and Marketplace, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Feb. 3-4, first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
• SIUE's Concert Jazz Band performs, Noon-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• The SIUE Gospel Choir performs, 1:30-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• Black Greek Step Exhibition, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• Literacy-Cultural Workshop, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, SIUE East St. Louis Center, 411 E. Broadway, East St. Louis.National Society of Black Engineers presents Keeper of the Dream, featuring 13-year-old motivational speaker Taylor Moore, 7-10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, in John C. Abbott Auditorium, on the lower level of SIUE's Lovejoy Library.
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Morris Center; admission, $12; students, $8.
• Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General, speaking about "Politics, Opinions, and Public Health: Parting Words from a Surgeon General," 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Morris Center; as part of SIUE's Arts & Issues series; admission is $8; students, $4.
• Black Heritage Month Quiz Bowl, 11:30-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in Goshen Lounge, Morris Center; co-sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers.
• Book Signing and Reading, 11-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, with Associate Professor Venessa Brown.
• Student Poetry Reading, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, in Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• Poetry Reading featuring Professor Eugene B. Redmond, East St. Louis Poet Laureate, 12:30-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• Black History Program and Reading, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, SIUE East St. Louis Center, 411 E. Broadway, East St. Louis.
• Storytelling: The African American Experience, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• Rudy Wilson, assistant provost for Cultural and Social Diversity, 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• Barbara Jean Cheeseboro, noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• Fifth Annual Black Heritage Month Talent Show, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, Meridian Ballroom, Morris Center.
• Morris Center Activities Board Lecture Series presents Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, featuring Barry Scott, in Abbott Auditorium, on the lower level of Lovejoy Library.
• Panel Discussion: Reparations: Another Handout or Hypocrisy at its Worst, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Goshen Lounge, Morris Center.
• Black Theater Workshop, 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 27-28, March 1, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, all at the James F. Metcalf Theater; admission is free.
For more information, call the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686.
January 30, 2003
Retention Drives SIUE Spring Enrollment Increase
(EDWARDSVILLE) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's spring 2003 enrollment is up by more than 500 students over last year's spring enrollment, reflecting the university's increased emphasis on retention.
Spring '03 enrollment stands at 12,161; spring '02 enrollment was 11,623. "Continuing undergraduate" students were up about 400 over last year. Continuing graduate students were up about 100.
"There is a stronger emphasis on retention campuswide," said Boyd Bradshaw, acting assistant vice chancellor for enrollment. "From student life activities to additional emphasis on academic programs outside the classroom, we have instituted a range of activities designed to keep students engaged in their studies and the community."
SIUE's fall (2002) enrollment was 12,708, continuing an eight-year trend of enrollment growth. Fall enrollment was up about 2 percent over fall 2001.
Bradshaw said early projections for fall '03 are "looking good" for an increase roughly equal to or slightly better than fall '02. He said the admission application deadline for freshmen entering Fall '03 is May 31; for all other undergraduate students, the deadline is Aug. 4 . Graduate students should submit applications no later than July 25. Additional information about applying for admission to SIUE is available online at www.admis.siue.edu.
January 30, 2003
Winners Announced In SIUE Graduate Exhibit
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Winners of the Annual Graduate Exhibition, containing works by master of fine arts degree candidates at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, have been announced. Ten winners were chosen by the exhibition juror, Mel Watkin, who is curator of the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis.
The winners, titles of their works, medium used, and their awards are listed here by hometown; Illinois and Missouri students are first, followed by other states:
ILLINOIS
Edwardsville: Kate Morgan, John and Kay Kendall Purchase Award ($100), Sao; mid-fire stoneware.
Maryville: Hyunah Lee, Kendall Excellence in Metalsmithing Award ($50), Morning Fragrance, copper, nickel, sterling silver.
MISSOURI
Florissant: Michelle Buehler, Art Service Club Award ($170), Labor's Legacy: Scar, charcoal and shellac on board.
Kirkwood: Eric Nichols, Martha Holden Award ($75), Breaking the Machine, porcelain.
St. Louis: Eric Hoefer, Wagner Potters Association Award ($100), faceted jar, wood-fired white stoneware.
Lisa Forsythe, Barbara Dyck Award ($75), Reflection I, silk.
Sheri Jaudes, Wagner Association of Metalsmiths Award ($50), Fly Swatter Lasagna Server, sterling silver.
INDIANA
Evansville: Amy Harmon, Friends of Art Award ($150), Drying Rack, steel, ceramic, hawthorns. Harmon also won the Carey Orness Award ($75) for another piece, Suspended, created with steel, ceramic, and hawthorns.
January 31, 2003
Applications Available For Carol Kimmel Community Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The deadline for filing nomination applications for the Carol Kimmel Community Service Awards, sponsored by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is Friday, Feb.28.
Nomination-applications for the awards are now available in the Kimmel Leadership Center, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. The award is co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat.
There are six award categories: education, social service-social welfare, environmental and civic betterment, regional leadership, agency/organizational concerns, and special populations. Winners will be recognized Thursday, April 3, at the Kimmel Leadership Awards Banquet at SIUE.
The awards were established to recognize outstanding community leaders for dedication and contributions to community volunteer service as exemplified by Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who has been very active in dedicating her time and talent to volunteerism.
Organizations, agencies, businesses, or individuals may nominate those who have been citizens of Illinois or Missouri for at least two years and who are at least 16 years of age, and who have been a volunteer with at least one agency, organization, or business for at least two or more continuous years.
In addition, nominees must have demonstrated a variety of community service contributions for an extended period of time; demonstrated outstanding voluntary community service (outside of the applicant's regular job duties), as well as a commitment to the citizens of Illinois or Missouri; and must document leadership roles and responsibilities. Joint applications will not be accepted; prior recipients also are not eligible. Posthumous applications will be considered if the nominee has died in the past 12 months.
For more information about complete nomination guidelines, or for a nomination application form, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
January 31, 2003
Applications Available For Kimmel Scholarship
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nomination-applications for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Carol Kimmel Scholarship are now available in the Kimmel Leadership Center on campus. Deadline for the nomination is Friday, Feb. 28.
The annual scholarship was established to recognize students for their outstanding leadership and community volunteer service contributions, as well as academic excellence. The scholarship was named for Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who has dedicated her time and talent over the years to volunteerism. The scholarship is co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat
Individuals may nominate a student, or students may nominate themselves, according to the following criteria: currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at SIUE, with sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate standing; an accumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); demonstrated volunteer contributions within the last two years in leadership, service, and/or citizenship, including leadership in a student organization or at least one elected office; and more than 30 hours of nonpaid service to a community agency or community organization.
In addition, a nominee must provide two letters of documented University service and leadership, as well as two letters documenting community service and leadership. In order for a student to be considered for a second Kimmel Scholarship, documentation submitted for previous Kimmel Scholarships will not be reconsidered.
The scholarship provides one full year of tuition at the SIUE in-state rate.
Winners will be recognized Thursday, April 3, at the Kimmel Leadership Awards Banquet. For more information about nomination procedures or for a nomination-application form, call the Kimmel Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
