Everything Nac

The Stone Fort Wind Quintet at Stephen F. Austin State University will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, in Cole Concert Hall. The faculty recital is a feature of the SFA School of Music’s Calliope Concert Series. The quintet includes music faculty members Charles Gavin, horn; Christopher Ayer, clarinet; Kerry Hughes, oboe; Christina Guenther, flute; and Lee Goodhew, bassoon.

Works to be performed include Quintet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Horn, op. 71 by Ludwig van Beethoven; “Quinteto de Sopro” by Osvaldo Lacerda; Six Riotous Rhymes for Woodwind Quintet With Narration by Trevor Cramer and words by Carole Scutt; and “La Milonga” by Christopher Caliendo.

Beethoven’s classic work for woodwind quintet in four movements was originally composed as a sextet for two clarinets, two bassoons and two horns, according to Guenther. The first movement opens with a brief stately Adagio before the clarinet leads into the Allegro.

“This movement features dramatic melodic lines with varied dynamics and high energy,” Guenther said. “The second movement begins with a horn solo that is featured throughout the movement. The Menuetto is a light dance that opens with horn and bassoon answered by the flute, oboe and clarinet. The final movement is a high-energy rondo that has lovely melodic lines and stately pronouncements between the ever-repeating A theme.”

Lacerda’s “Quintet for Winds” is another four-movement, high-energy piece, Guenther explains. The first movement is energetic with many rhythmic and tempo shifts. The second movement is an animated 6/8 with driving eighth notes and insistent accents. The third movement opens with a recitativo bassoon solo, and then continues with singing lines throughout the ensemble.

“The final movement, vivo, is spritely and dance-like, recalling some thematic material from the first movement,” she said.

Six Riotous Rhymes for Woodwind Quintet is based on the books “Riotous Rhymes for Children of all Ages” and “Rhyme Time.” The six movements feature comical narration presented by the ensemble players throughout each movement: “Two Rabbits (or more hare to spare),” “Catered Affair,” “Unique Antique,” “Clearly I’m a Jellyfish,” “Peep in Touch” and “Bear With Me.” Of the work, the composer writes: “The music is not meant to be profound – just good fun!”

Milonga is a musical genre that originated in the Río de la Plata areas of Argentina and Uruguay. Popular in the 1870s, it was derived from an earlier style of singing known as the payada de contrapunto and was set to a lively 2/4 tempo, as are most milongas, Guenther explained.

“Caliendo’s ‘La Milonga’ is a highly energetic work based on this genre that is sure to have you dancing in your seat,” she said.

The concert is a presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Drive.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

Dr. Jennifer Arnold, medical director for the Simulation Center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, and television personality on The Learning Channel’s docu-drama “The Little Couple” will headline the 2018 installment of the Archie McDonald Speaker Series at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Arnold, who is board certified in neonatal medicine, earned her medical degree in 2000 from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and later attended a Pediatric Residency Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

She has been involved in simulation education, patient safety and research endeavors for the past 10 years. Her simulation areas of interest include use of simulation for evaluating new clinical spaces, team training, improving quality and patient safety, advancing home care and skills for primary caregivers of medically complex children, and developing educational curricula for various departments throughout the hospital.

The speaker series event is free and scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 23, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom on the SFA campus. A private reception for 100 guests will be held prior to the main event. Private reception tickets can be purchased by contacting April Smith, SFA associate director of development, at (936) 468-5406.

“Dr. Arnold has spoken nationally and internationally on healthcare simulation and has been a speaker on topics about overcoming obstacles,” said Dr. Steve Bullard, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs. “She is a dedicated physician who has trained and worked in prominent and highly ranked U.S. healthcare institutions. We are pleased to welcome her to campus and join us for our 2018 Archie McDonald Speaker Series.”

Arnold serves on the executive boards for the Center for Medical Simulation in Boston, the International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education, and OpHeart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving care of children with complex congenital heart disease. She is a national ambassador for Speak Now for Kids through the Children’s Hospital Association. In addition, she is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and the International Pediatric Simulation Society.

Arnold has a rare type of dwarfism, Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Strudwick type, which has resulted in more than 30 surgeries. She is a four-year cancer survivor.

Along with her husband Bill, and their children, Will and Zoey, Arnold is featured on The Learning Channel’s docu-drama, “The Little Couple,” which follows the family’s personal and professional lives.

The Archie McDonald Speaker Series was created in 2010 by SFA’s College of Liberal and Applied Arts. Dr. Brian Murphy, dean of the college, designed the event to honor and preserve the legacy of Dr. Archie McDonald as a distinguished scholar, educator and community commentator. In the tradition of McDonald’s writings and oral presentations, a prominent national figure is hosted annually at SFA to discuss contemporary cultural issues.

McDonald taught history at SFA for 48 years and served as director of the East Texas Historical Association and editor of the association’s journal for 37 years. He was a past president of the Texas State Historical Association, past vice chair of the Texas Historical Commission and author/editor of more than 20 books on historical topics. Along with teaching, he was a commentator on Red River Radio in Shreveport and wrote a weekly column for area newspapers. He passed away Aug. 16, 2012.

McDonald participated in the first three events in the speaker series, interviewing former heavyweight champion boxer and iconic businessman George Foreman, Apollo 12 astronaut and professional artist Alan Bean, and 61st U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III. Additional guests have included former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Grammy award-winning singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett, Olympic All-Around Gold Medal winner in gymnastics Mary Lou Retton, legendary head football coach Gene Stallings, and noted presidential historian Douglas Brinkley.

SFA’s Student Government Association sponsors the speaker series, which is open to the public. Passes may be obtained at the Involvement Center on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center on the SFA campus or at the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 200 East Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-5406.

Submitted by Donna Parish, assistant director for creative services at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Future college students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of campus life during a free, action-packed open-house Saturday, March 24, at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

Prospective students can visit with university faculty and staff members, tour the campus and residence halls, and preview academic programs during the SFA Showcase Saturday event.

“There is no better time than Showcase Saturday to visit the beautiful SFA campus and witness firsthand what it’s like to be a Lumberjack,” said Jessica Maynard, assistant director of SFA’s Office of Admissions.

“Guests are encouraged to visit one-on-one with our faculty members to learn more about our quality, personalized academic programs, and our staff members will be available to answer questions about everything from admission requirements to financial aid to residence life,” Maynard added.

SFA is a comprehensive, residential university located in the heart of Texas Forest Country. Approximately 13,000 students attend SFA, which is within a few hours drive of Texas’ major metropolitan areas.

Showcase Saturday event registration will begin at 11 a.m. on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center. Each person who registers will receive an information packet. The opening program begins at 1 p.m. and will provide an overview of the day’s events.

Guests will then be able to visit with representatives from academic departments until 4 p.m. during the Academic Fair in the Student Recreation Center. A Student Services Fair will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the first floor of the student center.

Campus and residence hall tours will begin at 1:30 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m. Campus tours will take students on a guided walk of the SFA campus while the self-guided residence hall tours will showcase several halls on both the north and south ends of campus.

Admissions counselors will be available to discuss admission procedures and requirements from 1:30 to 5 p.m. in the Rusk Building, Room 206, and during several freshman and transfer admissions sessions held throughout the day.

Several informational breakout sessions will take place simultaneously at 2, 3, and 4 p.m., including Residence Life sessions in the student center theater on the second floor; financial aid sessions in the student center Twilight Ballroom; and freshman admissions sessions in the student center Tiered Meeting Room on the second floor.

Transfer admissions sessions will be held at 3 and 4 p.m. in the student center Multimedia Room; orientation sessions at 3 and 4 p.m. in the student center Regents’ Suite A on the second floor; and a VA/Hazlewood Act session at 3 p.m. in the student center Regents’ Suite B also on the second floor.

Participating prospective students will receive a free SFA T-shirt after completing an evaluation form in the tent located in the courtyard area of the Rusk Building.

For more information about SFA’s Showcase Saturday, contact the SFA Office of Admissions at (936) 468-2504, or email admissions@sfasu.edu.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs will launch its annual Diversity Week beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, April 2. The week will feature social and educational programs that celebrate various aspects of diversity and multiculturalism through meaningful dialogue within the SFA community.

The Diversity Week kickoff event will feature activities that promote cultural awareness. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 2 at the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza.

Veronica Beavers, director of OMA, hopes Diversity Week encourages students to celebrate diversity, multiculturalism and social justice throughout the year.

“The reason we celebrate diversity week is to educate students on the different aspects of diversity at SFA. We host a variety of programs to help make students aware of the different resources and events that the Office of Multicultural Affairs offers and to give students a specific week to celebrate their own personal culture.”

OMA has several other events planned.

Lumberjack Cultural Association Festival

The Lumberjack Cultural Association Festival will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, April 2, at the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza. The festival will feature food, games and prizes. In addition, representatives from organizations endorsed by OMA will be present to discuss their offerings.

OMA Peace Meal

OMA’s annual Peace Meal will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, at the Yellow House Christian Student Center, located at 201 E. College St. Individuals will have the opportunity to dine together while discussing issues that pertain to their diverse communities.

During the meal, Olmeca, a prolific writer and producer who has been featured on BBC London, Huffington Post, CNN Latino and more, will speak. Olmeca has toured Canada, Latin America and Europe, and he has helped spawn a new trend of bilingual hip-hop music. His work focuses on social commentary and community efforts that intersect various identities and demographics.

Pieces of SFA

Students will have the opportunity to paint their own canvas in order to demonstrate how each person’s diversity helps create the larger Lumberjack story.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Spirit Lounge.

Diversity Poetry Slam

Sha’condria “iCON” Sibley, a nationally acclaimed championship poet and spoken word artist, will perform a piece during OMA’s Diversity Poetry Slam, which begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center theater. Along with Sibley, students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to perform poetry, music and spoken word. This competition includes a cash prize for the winner.

Cultural Scavenger Hunt

OMA’s Cultural Scavenger Hunt will conclude Diversity Week at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Teams will compete against one another to discover various cultures through an Amazing Race-Esque Scavenger Hunt for cash prizes and more. To compete, register at https://sfasu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_78mb9jwd8TBqS6V by March 30.

“Diversity week helps to support and enhance SFA’s mission to engage our students in a learner-centered environment and offer opportunities to prepare for the challenges of living in the global community,” Griselda Flores, assistant director of OMA, said. “By offering a week of events for students to interact and share their diverse perspectives, they can appreciate and celebrate each other’s cultures and values as a campus.”

For more information about Diversity Week, visit sfasu.edu/oma, or email OMA@sfasu.edu.

By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Stephen F. Austin State University ranks as one of the top 50 universities in the nation for its Bachelor of Business Administration in economics, according to Best College Reviews.

An organization dedicated to helping students discover the best college for them, Best College Reviews utilizes college rankings, reviews, blogs and informational graphics to educate potential students.

Best College Reviews considered more than 250 accredited schools to discover the best bachelor’s degree programs in business economics. SFA was in the top five Texas institutions listed and 29 in the nation. Best College Reviews considered tuition, data from the U.S. News & World Report, and program information in determining the rankings.

SFA students can receive either a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics, which is a business degree and shares foundational courses with other business majors in the Rusche College of Business, or a Bachelor of Arts in economics, which is a liberal arts degree better suited for those not pursuing business.

“Our business economics program provides students with a solid foundation of a business curriculum and challenging coursework in economics,” said Dr. Mikhail Kouliavtsev, chair of the Rusche College of Business’ Department of Economics and Finance. “Students graduating with this major are equally well prepared for careers in industry or the public sector, as well as advanced study in economics, business, data analytics or law.”

Recent SFA economics graduates have been successful in the workplace, securing employment at companies such as Alliantgroup, Fidelity Investments, TD Ameritrade and Lockheed Martin, and many have been accepted into prestigious graduate programs across the nation.

Kouliavtsev credits much of the program’s success to the faculty members in the Department of Economics and Finance.

“Our economics majors benefit from having faculty members who are involved in their students’ education beyond the classroom,” Kouliavtsev said. “Faculty members work on undergraduate research projects, supervise internship experiences, organize field trips to conferences and actively participate in student-run organizations.”

To learn more about this program, visit sfasu.edu/ecofin.

By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.