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The 2015 Stephen F. Austin State University Bright Ideas Conference, highlighting faculty research, scholarship and artistry, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center on SFA’s campus.

More than 100 research posters and scholarly exhibits, including seven individual spotlight exhibits, will be on display from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom. An Authors and Artists Reception at 1:30 p.m. and a High-Impact Practices and Certified Online Instructor recognition ceremony at 2:30 p.m. will culminate the conference in the Twilight Ballroom.

The annual Bright Ideas Conference is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the Office of High-Impact Practices.

“This conference not only showcases discipline-specific research but also research on the scholarship of teaching and learning,” said Dr. Richard Berry, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“For many of our faculty, the dedication to the pursuit of research and creative work has resulted in publication, exhibitions or performances. One new aspect of this year’s conference is the Authors and Artists Reception, which provides the university with the opportunity to offer our thanks and support for these efforts.”

This addition will honor faculty members who have published scholarly works or performed or exhibited creative works during the 2014 calendar year.

A spotlight exhibit was chosen to represent each of the six SFA colleges, as well as the Ralph W. Steen Library. This year’s presenters include:

Dr. Justin Blount, Nelson Rusche College of Business, “Social Enterprise and Corporate Governance;”

Drs. Christina Sinclair and Jay Thornton, James I. Perkins College of Education, “This is a Picture of…Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences Living in a Hybrid Curriculum;”

Dr. Jamie Weaver, College of Fine Arts, “Blind Woman’s Bluff;”

Drs. Daniel Unger, David Kulhavy, I-Kuai Hung and Yanli Zhang, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, “Using Field-Based Instruction and Hands-On Applications to Quantify Natural Resources;”

Jonathon Quam, College of Liberal and Applied Arts, “Forward: Racial Disparities and the Changing Power Structure of Madison, Wisconsin;”

Drs. Della Conner and Janice Hensarling, College of Sciences and Mathematics, “A Shot in the Dark: Innovation Community Outreach to Save Lives;” and

Kyle Ainsworth and Shaun Roberts, Ralph W. Steen Library, “Portraits of Freedom.”

The public is invited, and admission is free. For additional information about the Bright Ideas Conference, contact the SFA Center for Teaching and Learning at (936) 468-1735, or email Megan Weatherly at msweatherly@sfasu.edu, or visit ctl.sfasu.edu

Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the final performance of the 2014-2015 University Series featuring the Choral Masterworks Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

Under the direction of Dr. Tim King, director of choral studies at SFA, the A Cappella Choir, Choral Union, Women’s Chorus and the Orchestra of the Pines will perform “Ein deutsches Requiem” (A German Requiem) by Johannes Brahms. Guest soloists will be School of Music faculty members Debbie Berry, soprano, and Chris Turner, baritone.

According to King, The Brahms’ Requiem, as it is affectionately called, stands firmly as one of the true masterworks in music’s entire repertoire.

“Unlike previous Requiems (mass for the dead), this work is not a liturgical work, but rather a statement of encouragement for the living,” King said. “With a complete absence of over-romanticizing, Brahms succeeds in expressing comfort, suggesting the joys of paradise, showing his faith in the righteousness of God, and filling the whole work with a tone of contentment.”

Although the work will be sung in German, surtitles will be provided.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $7.50 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

The Wind Ensemble at Stephen F. Austin State University will present “Chiaroscuro” at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3, in the Grand Ballroom of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

The concert title, “Chiaroscuro,” is a term used in drawing and painting, according to Fred J. Allen, director of bands at SFA and conductor of the ensemble.

“It refers to the contrast between light and shadow,” he said.

The major work of the concert is “Wine-Dark Sea” by American composer John Mackey.

“This is Mackey’s first symphony for band,” Allen said. “It draws inspiration from Homer’s ancient tale ‘The Odyssey.’”

David Campo, associate director of bands, will conduct “From a Dark Millennium” by another American composer, Joseph Schwantner.

Allen went on to say, “Both of these pieces deal with the juxtaposition of light and darkness. They even have references to it in their titles.”

The concert is a presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Admission is free. For more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Beta Phi cast of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society will host Spring in the Park, a community-wide afternoon of family fun, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3, in Pioneer Park.

The annual fundraiser will feature face painting, carnival games, a kickball tournament, field day events and a pie in the face booth. Individual event tickets are $1, or a $15 unlimited games wristband will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the event will go to help fund scholarships for incoming freshmen in SFA’s School of Theatre.

Pioneer Park is located at 501 Lenwood St. For more information, email questions to apobetaphi@gmail.com.