Everything Nac

An upcoming project at Stephen F. Austin State University will not be visible to most campus visitors, but will be heard far and wide. With funding provided by the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation, the university will restore and enhance the bell tower located atop the Griffith Fine Arts Building on campus.

Approved during a recent specially called meeting of the SFA Board of Regents, the project serves a dual purpose—historic preservation and university enhancement.

“This is a win-win situation,” said Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes, dean of SFA’s College of Fine Arts. “The Bright Foundation is an avid supporter of preservation and restoration of properties that support the recording of Nacogdoches history. The SFA campus and community will certainly benefit from the Bright Foundation’s assistance with funding this project, which will preserve the region’s only authentic bell tower.”

Built in 1959 as part of the Griffith Fine Arts Building’s original blueprints, the bell tower currently houses 15 bells. The restoration project will add 10 bells to create a carillon, a two-octave musical instrument that consists of 25 cast-bronze, cup-shaped bells, which are played serially to produce a melody, or sounded together to play a chord. The carillon will enable the university to play songs and commemorate special on-campus occasions and holidays.

A new computer system also will be installed to operate the bells allowing for chimes and programming of melodies. The system will include a wireless musical keyboard that can be played remotely.

“The bell tower is gaining new life through this project,” said Dr. Trey Turner, SFA executive director of development. “It will be utilized much more than in the past because of its two-octave capabilities. There’s something very collegiate and special about real bells chiming. It definitely adds to the on-campus atmosphere and also will benefit the Nacogdoches community.”

The installation is expected to take place in two phases. In August 2016, the frame that holds the original 15 bells will be dismantled. Then, a new frame will be built. The original 15 and 10 new bells should be installed in the new frame in December 2016.

Fifty Texas high school students attended the third annual Pre-Law Academy hosted by the Stephen F. Austin State University Division of Multidisciplinary Programs on the SFA campus this month.

“The purpose of the academy is for students to familiarize themselves with law and how to prepare for a law career, what courses they might consider and how a liberal arts-focused education can help prepare them for law school,” said Dr. Joyce Johnston, SFA professor of modern languages and director of the academy and multidisciplinary degrees. “The program started with 31 students three years ago and this year we hit our maximum at 50 participants.”

The “jewel” of the academy is the mock trial competition, Johnston said, run by Dr. Don Gooch, SFA assistant professor of political science.

“During the week, the students prepare a mock case—this year, the case was a question of self-defense or murder—and serve as attorneys and witnesses as they compete with each other acting out the trial according to given facts,” she added. “In addition, students have sessions with SFA professors, including a simulated crime scene investigation, sessions on mental health, literature and languages, history, etc.”

More than 30 area attorneys and judges attended the academy to help teach students important aspects of the law. Deans and admissions officers from five different law schools also visited with students, answering myriad questions on how to best prepare for law school and a career in the field.

“One thing that really impresses me with the mock trial is that these students do not know whether they are going to be the prosecution or defense attorney until they are in the courtroom,” said Assistant Nacogdoches County Attorney Keith Bradford, who has been participating in the SFA Pre-Law Academy since its inception. “It’s a flip of the coin. Every day of my legal career, I have known which side of the fence I’m on and prepare my case based on that. They have about 30 seconds to rearrange their thoughts and move the other direction if need be. That, to me, is really impressive.”

Bradford said he believes the academy not only brings recognition to both SFA and Nacogdoches but is developing necessary skills in some of our nation’s future leaders.

“Most of these students have aspirations to go to law school and as you well know many lawyers don’t practice law,” he added. “Some are top 200 CEOs. So not everyone who has a law degree practices law, but going through law school gives you a certain insight. The academy brings name recognition to Nacogdoches and SFA and I hope that continues to grow.”

To be eligible for next year’s academy, students must have finished their sophomore year of high school prior to the start of the program. Applicants must supply a short essay explaining why he/she wants to attend along with two letters of recommendation.

Crowds filled the south side of the Nacogdoches downtown square Monday night for an event organized by members of the Stephen F. Austin State University chapter of Psi Chi, an international psychology honor society, and Pride Nac, the LGBT organization at SFA, in remembrance of the 49 people killed in the recent shooting at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub.

“The mood was somber and reflective with a focus on coming together as a community in solidarity with Orlando,” said Dr. Lauren Brewer, SFA assistant professor of psychology. “The event was a huge success in that the community of Nacogdoches rallied around the Orlando community from almost 1,000 miles away.”

Kris Nichols, Psi Chi president, served as the event’s emcee and was co-organizer of the vigil along with Libby Peavy, co-president of Pride Nac.

“I think the vigil definitely accomplished the goal we had in mind to” stand in support of Orlando victims and their families, said Logan Watson, Pride Nac member and SFA mass communication senior. “I was a little worried I would be very somber and sad standing there, but it felt more positive, feeling a sense of community and letting people know people care about the LGBTQ+ community, the victims and their families. There are people here that care about the tragedy and want to come together in support.”

Several Nacogdoches community members and SFA students and employees contributed to the event. The School of Theatre provided sound equipment and Dr. Adam Peck, dean of Student Affairs, provided tables and chairs.

“Grant Howarth, a local music therapist and musician, played several songs, including one he wrote,” Brewer said. “The Rev. Kyle Childress, pastor of Austin Heights Baptist Church, offered a few words followed by an opening prayer. Carolyne Moore from the Nacogdoches Quilters Guild presented a quilt her team made. Each attendee was asked to tie a knot, finishing the quilt. While tying a knot, each attendee was asked to say a prayer or blessing.

“Stephen Wright, a teacher at McMichael Middle School, spoke about the importance of taking action to promote love, and Holli Harrison, Pride Nac co-president, offered a message of love and support to those in the LGBT community.”

Though a windy night, attendees lit candles toward the end of the event as members of the SFA Greek Multicultural Club read each of the 49 victims’ names aloud. Both the quilt and donations collected throughout the evening will be donated to families of the victims.