Everything Nac

Structural steel beams are being placed and foundational concrete poured as construction of the Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building remains on schedule to be completed by fall 2018 on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

“The project began with the demolition of Todd and Gibbs Halls. The site then had selective tree clearing and grading to prepare for foundation construction,” said Ron Watson, associate director of SFA’s physical plant department. “First-floor concrete placement and the related under-slab plumbing and electrical rough-in continue.”

In response to a national call for reform in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, SFA began years ago to implement activities, courses and public outreach initiatives that would enrich STEM-related interests. That same push for STEM reform was later incorporated into the SFA 2020 campus master plan.

Enrollment for STEM-related degrees increased at SFA following the push, creating the need for more classroom and equipment space. In 2015, the 84th Texas Legislature granted SFA approximately $46.4 million in tuition revenue bonds helping fund construction of the building.

As part of the university’s 2020 master plan, the SFA Board of Regents approved the demolition of Gibbs Hall, Todd Hall and University Woods in preparation for construction of the new building and relocation of the Residence Life Operations headquarters.

“We are still using the plan outlined during the building-programming phase,” said Dr. Dan Bruton, associate dean of SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics. “The Department of Computer Science and the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy will be moving into the building, but there will be multipurpose spaces that will be used by other departments as well.”

Officials in the College of Sciences and Mathematics said they have already experienced a spike in interest from potential students.

“I’ve also had a student tell me that he is coming to SFA specifically because of the STEM building,” Bruton said. “Students are most excited to utilize makerspaces, the maker lab, the digital media lab, huddle spaces and the planetarium.”

The construction area was recently extended temporarily to install hot and chilled water lines. A small portion of sidewalk between the McGee Business Building and Norton H.P.E. Complex will remain closed to pedestrian traffic for approximately six weeks.

Videos and updates on construction can be found on the College of Sciences and Mathematics Facebook page: facebook.com/CollegeOfSciencesAndMathematics.

Learning one’s lines for a play can be hard enough for any actor, but when you’re a student actor at Stephen F. Austin State University and involved in the SummerStage Festival, you will often find yourself learning lines for two different characters in two different plays … all at the same time.

Such is the case for several SFA School of Theatre actors who are appearing in both of this year’s SummerStage productions, including William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker” and the children’s show, “Ivy + Bean the Musical,” with book, music and lyrics by Scott Elmegreen and based on books by Annie Barrows.

Connor Morrison, Princeton, Texas, junior; Logan Jennings, Longview sophomore; and Zaria Harp, Mesquite junior, perform in both plays. They agree that finding the time to get everything done is as great a challenge as developing two different characters and learning lines for different plays simultaneously.

“The hardest part of repertory theatre is definitely the time management and the constant switch from show to show,” Jennings said. “Keeping ideas and characters apart from each other for each show is extremely difficult.”

“Basically after 2 p.m., I’m busy until 10 p.m.,” Morrison said. “Getting up in the morning is hard after two long rehearsals back to back. That’s really the only time I have to do laundry, clean and do other things.”

The schedule of SummerStage is meant to replicate the experience students would have in a summer repertory season “in the real world,” according to Dr. Inga Meier, assistant professor of theatre at SFA and director of “The Miracle Worker.”

“One of the key takeaways is that we want them to develop the work habits and time-management skills that will help them succeed,” Meier said. “In other words, it’s demanding, but it’s meant to be – to better prepare them for what might come after graduation.”

Harp’s approach to juggling a hectic SummerStage schedule is to “take it one day at a time,” she said.

“I try my best to not get too ahead of myself and stress myself out,” she said. “I also do my best to stay as organized as possible. I don’t trust myself to just remember things. I have to make sure that I write things down and set alarms so that I don’t forget anything.

“We don’t get any days off, and any extra time we have before rehearsals or in between rehearsals is spent sleeping, eating or working on another show,” she added. “It can become difficult to keep your energy up through the weeks.”

These dual roles spill over into the production demands of the plays, with students taking on multiple jobs in sound and lighting, costuming, props and set construction, among other responsibilities.

But the lessons learned and the relationships forged through such a grueling schedule have their rewards, the students agreed.

“The most enjoyable aspect of this process is the people,” Jennings said. “Everyone is so loving, and it feels just like a (not-so-typical) family. Everyone here is in it together!”

Harp said she is enjoying seeing her own personal growth as an individual and an actor.

“There have been a few times where I have felt really stressed out or really doubtful of my abilities,” she said, “but this experience has taught me that I am capable. I have also loved working with my friends and creating memories outside of rehearsals.”

“I’m incredibly stressed and always tired,” Morrison said, “but this has been one of the best summers I’ve ever had. These experiences are definitely going to stick with me in the future.”

The festival is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford Lincoln.

“The Miracle Worker” will be presented in the Downstage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. June 27 and 29 and July 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13; and at 2 p.m. July 15. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7.50 for students/youth.

“Ivy + Bean the Musical” will be presented in Turner Auditorium at 10 a.m. July 1 and 6; at 2 p.m. July 5, 8 and 13; and at 6:30 p.m. July 1, 8 and 14. General admission tickets are $7.50.

Both venues are in Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus.

For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Rusche College of Business offers students the opportunity to study abroad in France and Austria through partnerships with two business schools.

Since 2013, SFA business students have had the opportunity to study at either Groupe Sup De Co La Rochelle in France or MCI Management Center Innsbruck in Austria, which are both business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Lone Wittliff, lecturer in SFA’s Department of Management, Marketing and International Business, was instrumental in bringing these partnerships to fruition and continues to work as a liaison in helping SFA students enroll in this exchange program.

“Our students meet others from all over the world and gain cultural understanding and experiences,” Wittliff said. “For many of them, this is the highlight of their college experience with memories to last a lifetime.”

Since its inception, 21 SFA students have studied abroad with 18 studying in France and three in Austria. SFA also has hosted nine French students.

During this semester long program, SFA students enroll in various courses abroad that count toward their SFA degree plan.

“Students not only learn the essential business skills that will help them advance in their careers, but they also gain cultural experiences that will help them stand out to employers,” Wittliff said. “Much of the student body at both schools in Europe is international. This gives our students incredible insights to cultural differences and understandings and provides them with the opportunity to make lasting friendships.”

All College of Business students, except accounting majors, are eligible for the program. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and have completed various introduction business foundation courses. Students meeting the criteria may be eligible for a $1,200 scholarship from SFA’s Office of International Programs.

Those with a 3.0 GPA may receive an additional $1,000 scholarship from the College of Business. Participation in the college’s Student Success Passport Program also may provide additional scholarship opportunities. For this program, students pay SFA tuition, and room and board fees are approximately the same or less in France and Austria than in Nacogdoches.

For more information, contact Wittliff at lwittliff@sfasu.edu.