Campus Report
News, Calendar & Events

Department of Philosophy Assistant Professor Andrew Cullison will present a talk entitled, “A Puzzle about Scientific Knowledge” as part of SUNY Fredonia’s Brown Bag Lecture Series on Wed., Oct. 1, at 12:00 p.m. in S-121 of the Williams Center. The series offers informal talks on the first Wednesday of each academic month.

Todd Proffitt (theatre arts and dance) was the lighting designer this summer for the Cortland Repertory Theatre Company.  He designed the lighting for “8 Track Sounds of the 70’s”, “Leading Ladies”, Mousetrap” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." While there, he worked alongside SUNY Fredonia alumni Jessica Mykins and Marcus Goldhaber, and current student Mark Andrew Reeve.

Ray Stewart (School of Music) is a member and co-founder of the group, Meridian Arts Ensemble, which was recently featured on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered." 

The Fredonia College Foundation is launching its 2008-09 All-Campus Appeal Monday, Sept. 15, encouraging faculty and staff members to make a gift to the current "Doors to Success" campaign. As a special incentive for payroll deduction gifts directed to specific endowments, the Fredonia College Foundation Board of Directors has authorized $60,000 in 1-for-2 matching funding.

SUNY Fredonia Professor Stephen Kershnar will present the 2008 Kasling Memorial Lecture, “Counterintuitive Morality,” at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall. The Kasling Lecture recognizes a member of the faculty whose scholarly excellence has enhanced the reputation of the university.

The SUNY Fredonia Retirement Recognition Dinner will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in the Horizon Room in the Williams Center. This dinner is a collaborative initiative among the SUNY Fredonia Office of the President, UUP, CSEA, Council 82, and PEF. The cost of the dinner is $16.50 per person.

The first Faculty Recital of the 2008-09 academic year features vocalist Lynne McMurtry, mezzo-soprano, on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m. in Rosch Recital Hall. Pianist Alison d'Amato will accompany her. The performance is free and open to the public.

SUNY Fredonia Assistant Professor of Biology Patricia Astry,’81, has been promoted to chairperson of the university’s biology department.  Since 1981, she has been director of the Medical Technology degree program at SUNY Fredonia.  She was honored with the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2001, and succeeds Dr. Ted Lee who had been chair of the department since 2005.  She is the first female chair the department has had since it was formed in the late 1960s.

Clifton Wheeler, an investigator and head of the shooter team for the University Police department at SUNY Fredonia, won four medals at the North American Indigenous Games, held Aug. 2 to 10 in British Columbia. The Gowanda, N.Y., resident won one gold and three silver medals in rifle shooting.

Dr. Rhea Simmons has been named director of the College Core Curriculum (CCC) Program at SUNY Fredonia, effective Aug. 20.

SUNY Fredonia’s Department of Communication has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of State to travel to Turkey and instruct high school and college students interested in video production and filmmaking.  Fredonia was the lone organization chosen among 15 applicants to travel to six Turkish cities during an 18-month, $800,000 youth filmmaking instructional project.

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has named SUNY Fredonia's Ann Carden to its College of Fellows. This is the highest distinction offered by PRSA, the world’s largest organization of public relations professionals. The College of Fellows honors veteran professionals for their years of exemplary work in the field, high ethical standards, dedication to their local PRSA Chapter, and steadfast commitment to advancing the present and future of the profession.

How city residents and leaders in Curitiba, Brazil, succeeded at very little cost in turning a potential disaster into a thriving metropolis that is friendly to the environment and has expanded city services to the shantytowns, has been the focus of Political Science Professor Ivani Vassoler’s research and teaching for almost 10 years. Her new book tells the story in detail.

Faculty and staff who can answer questions from the news media in their areas of expertise are urged to complete the online Experts Survey Form, Public Relations Director Michael Barone announced.

 The Professional Development Center will hold orientation for new faculty on Thursday, Aug. 21, featuring information, fun, and learning about the campus and the area.  The "Faces and Functions Resource Fair,"  which offers a chance to meet department heads and staff in student services, academic affairs, and university advancement, starts at 12:30 in the Natatorium.  Go to the web page.