Wichita State News: Music

Assistant WSU music professor wins national composition award

Tue, 2 Jul 2013 14:31:00 CST

Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn

Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn, assistant professor of composition, music theory and technology at Wichita State University, has won the 2013 American Prize in composition for his saxophone concerto "Fireworks."

Victor Markovich, Wichita State's director of bands, and Robert Young, former WSU assistant professor of saxophone, commissioned and premiered the work.

Sternfeld-Dunn's music combines a frenetic rhythmic language, lean textures and lyrical sensitivity. It has been performed nationally and internationally by ensembles and organizations including the Kiev Philharmonic, Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, Yale Brass Trio, Conundrum Ensemble and the Interlochen Chamber Players.

The American Prize is a series of national performing arts competitions that provide evaluation, recognition and reward to artists, ensembles and composers in the United States.

For more information on Sternfeld-Dunn's award and the American Prize, go to www.theamericanprize.blogspot.com.

WSU Summer Choir to present 'A French Connection'

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:13:00 CST

The Wichita State University Summer Choir presents "A French Connection" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in Wiedemann Hall. The program includes a variety of music that is not sung in French, but has a connection to that country.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for students, with discounts available. Call 316-978-3233 or go to www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice.

The program includes the Requiem by composer Gabrielle Faure, which will be accompanied by professor Lynne Davis on the Marcusen organ.

Other pieces include a medley from Les Miserables based on the French revolution, selections from South Pacific, whose main character is a Frenchman, and "Give me Your Tired, Your Poor," a tribute to the Statue of Liberty which was donated to the United States by the French government.

Special musical guest for the performance is the Wichita Chorus of Sweet Adelines, who is coming off of a first-place finish in their chorus division last March.

Faculty/staff news update: March/April 2013

Wed, 8 May 2013 13:26:00 CST

Academe welcomes news from WSU faculty and staff about research, teaching and service activities. This column recognizes grants, honors, awards, presentations and publications, new appointments, new faculty, sabbaticals, retirements and deaths of our current and former colleagues.

William Proctor Artz, instructional technologist and designer, School of Community Affairs, presented a paper "Secure Testing in the Virtual Classroom: Is It Even Possible?" at the Innovative Technology to Recharge and Connect (ITRAC) instructional technology conference on March 8.

Dinorah Azpuru, associate professor of political science, was invited to present her research on U.S-Latin America relations at the Woodrow Wilson Center, in Washington, D.C., on March 27. In the framework of the seminar "China in Latin America: Public Impressions and Policy Implications" she compared public opinion in the Americas about the influence and role of China and the United States in the region. Watch the webcast here.

Michael Birzer

Michael Birzer, professor, School of Community Affairs, worked with the Wichita Police Department's Command Staff on organizational transformation and issues. He also recently received a $32,000 grant award from the Kansas Department of Transportation to continue his research on racial profiling across the state of Kansas.

Travis Bruce, assistant professor, history, has published a book about the trading community of Denia, a Muslim city state in al-Andalus in the Middle Ages, and the trade links and cultural ties between the Muslim and Christian worlds.

Amy Delamaide, director, community and organizational development, WSU Center for Community Support and Research, was recently named a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer and is now certified to deliver BoardSource's signature nonprofit governance trainings in the Midwest and Great Plains area. BoardSource supports and promotes excellence in nonprofit board service by providing cutting-edge thinking and resources on board effectiveness and by engaging and developing the next generation of board leaders.

Amy DeVault, assistant professor, Elliott School of Communication, earned four awards in the Kansas Professional Communicators 2012 contest: First and second in magazine page design; first in PR magazine (editing/creative direction); and second in magazine feature story. First-place winners move on to compete at the national level.

Ed Flentje

Ed Flentje, professor, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, was recognized at the December 2012 legislative policy summit for outstanding service in fostering regional cooperation for south-central Kansas. At the invitation of the Center for Information and Resources for Development, he also traveled to Asuncion, Paraguay to participate in the Public Policy and Presidential Elections Project. This trip was the seventh of an eight-part series to educate and engage political activists on democracy, elections and public policy prior to upcoming elections in April 2013.

Mark Glaser, professor, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, and Misty Bruckner and Corinne Bannon, both from the Center for Urban Studies, collaborated with the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County as part of a four-step process to guide a comprehensive plan update and to develop and implement a multiphase citizen engagement effort. Glaser was also recently appointed to the publication committee of the American Society for Public Administration. This is a prestigious appointment to the committee that oversees publication of the Public Administration Review, the top rated journal in the field.

Sabrina Perez Glatt, director of field practicum, School of Social Work, is the 2013recipient of the Wayne Carlisle Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented to an unclassified professional who models the standard of extraordinary service.

Brandy Jackson, undergraduate program director, was approved to receive funding from the College of Health Professions' IPE Fund to support participation in the Team STEPPS training program at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Phyllis Jacobs, assistant professor, nursing, and her husband, Lou, are receiving the 2013 Joel A. Gingras, Jr. Award from the American Brain Tumor Association. The award recognizes individuals, organizations or groups who through philanthropy, advocacy, discovery or patient care and support, have had a transformative impact on the advancement of the mission of the American Brain Tumor Association. Phyllis and Lou have facilitated a brain tumor support group called Headstrong at Victory in the Valley in Wichita for the past 14 years. The Award will be given at the American Brain Tumor Association national conference in Chicago in July.

Kim Johnson, DNP Candidate, whose submission titled "Does primary care provider advance directive education influence attitudes and practice?," was accepted as a poster presentation at the Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. She was also selected to participate by WSU in the Rising Stars of Scholarship and Research Poster Program at Sigma Theta Tau International's 42nd Biennial Convention.

Stuart Lasine, professor of religion, has been elected vice president of the Society of Biblical Literature's southwest region. In 2014 he'll become president-elect and then in 2015, president.

Jacquelyn McClendon, senior clinical educator, Kelly Anderson (Dental Hygiene) and Mary Koehn (CHP IPE coordinator) abstract, "Making IPE Discipline Relevant" was accepted for presentation at the Collaborating Across Borders IV Conference in Canada.

Cheryl Miller, assistant dean, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, earned several awards in the 2012 Kansas Professional Communicators contest: First in personality profile, first in editing; second in advertising; and third in editing. Miller also received honorable mentions in feature writing, personality profile, and specialty articles - travel. First-place winners move on to compete at the national level.

Pamela O'Neal, SON Academic Writing Specialist, and Michelle Dreiling, a graduate student at the Elliott School of Communication, were invited to Wiley College in Marshall TX to speak at the Ethical Student Leadership Conference about the WSU Hunger Awareness Initiative.

Susan Parsons, assistant professor; Carla A. Lee, Debbie Strickert and Margaret Trumpp are authors of an article entitled "Oral Care and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia-An Integrated Review of the Literature" accepted for publication in the forthcoming May/June 2013 issue of Dimensions in Critical Care Nursing.

Elaine Steinke, professor, nursing, Adult Health & Illness Clinical nurse specialist program coordinator, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program coordinator, had two book chapters published. Steinke, E. E. (2014). Ineffective sexuality patterns. In B. Ackley, G. Ladwig. Nursing Diagnosis Handbook,10th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; pp. 724-730. And Steinke, E. E. (2014). Sexual dysfunction. In B.Ackley, G. Ladwig. Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 10th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; pp. 717-724.

DISTINGUISHED AND PHENOMENAL AWARDS
The Wichita State University Women's Association named its Distinguished Gentlemen Award winners in March. They are: Wilson Baldridge, chair, Modern & Classical Languages; Michael L. Birzer, professor, criminal justice/director SCA; William Bischoff, professor, geology; Buma Fridman, chair and professor, mathematics; Terre Johnson, vice president for major gifts, WSU Foundation; Chuck Koeber, associate dean, liberal arts, professor, sociology; Ron Matson, interim dean, liberal arts and sciences; Rodney Miller, dean, College of Fine Arts; Rick Muma, associate provost and professor, public health; Ravi Pendse, vice president, Information Technology, and chief information officer; Wade Robinson, vice president for Campus Life and University Relations; Mel Whiteside, director, engineering technology program;

The Office of Multicultural Affairs announced its Phenomenal Women of the Year at the fifth annual Phenomenal Women Award Recognition on March 14. Jean Patterson, from the Educational Leadership Department was awarded Faculty Phenomenal Woman of the Year. Frankie Brown, from Human Resources was awarded the Unclassified Professional Staff Phenomenal Woman of the Year. Juanita Reed from the Alumni Association was awarded the Classified Staff Phenomenal Woman of the Year. These women were recognized along with five other nominees.

IN MEMORIAM

Ronald Christy, 63, business instructor at Wichita State University, died Monday, April 22. He is survived by a son, Cody; Cody's mother, Linda Pool; extended family members, Jamie Doss, Mary Giordenella Belden and Wanda Aikin, and their children Jordan Doss, Kaylee Doss, Brooklyn Aikin, Madison Aikin, Makenna Belden and Cade Belden, who referred to Mr. Christy as Grandpa. Mr. Christy was a pioneer in entrepreneurial education and was instrumental in helping Fran Jabara found WSU's Center for Entrepreneurship in 1977. Mr. Christy taught the widely acclaimed "Your Future in Business" class to thousands of Kansans in the 1970s and 1980s. He co-authored four books on entrepreneurship, was the recipient of the prestigious Sargent Americanism Award, as well as the Outstanding Teaching Award from the W. Frank Barton School of Business. As a businessman, he founded several businesses and was a sought after consultant for over 35 years. The Ron Christy Entrepreneurship Memorial has been established through the WSU Foundation. Donations can be sent to support this memorial, in lieu of flowers, to 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002. Services have been held.

Jeraldine Cobb, 77, retired, died April 15. Services have been held. Survivors: husband, James; sons, Terry (Diane) Evans, Larry Evans, Michael Cobb ; daughter, Jacqueline Cobb ; sister, Roberta (Lawrence) Crockett; brother, Claude (Linda) Dayton; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives, Strangers Rest family and friends.

Donald Leroy Foster, 77, retired Wichita State Physics professor, died Sunday, May 5. He taught at WSU for 39 years, where he served as department chair. He is preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Hilda Mae (McCrea) Foster. Mr. Foster is survived by his cherished wife, Deanna; sister, Susan A. Foster; children, Andrew (Amy) Foster, Matt (Lucinda) Foster, Brandie (Kevin Blount) French and Kelly French; 12 grandchildren, Josh, Nick, Jack, Ethan, Luke, Zach, Alex, Sebastian, Sofia, Evelyn, Levi and Lydia; and one great-grandchild. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9, followed by the funeral mass at 10:30 a.m., both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Memorials may be sent to National Parkinson Foundation, P.O. Box 51018, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741. Baker Funeral Home, Wichita.

Doris Kathleen "Kathy" Lewis, 73, former chair and associate professor, physical therapy, died March 11 in Peoria. Services have been held. She is survived by her daughter, Terri Lewis, and son-in-law, Daniel Angot, of Peoria; grandsons, Dustin and Jordan Angot; four brothers; two sisters; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery Program in Peoria.

Marguerite "Mickey" Miller, 92, professor emeritus and longtime former chair of keyboard, College of Fine Arts, died April 17. She was preceded in death by parents, Joe and Mary Smith; husband, Luther; and grandson, Brandon. Survivors include sons Joe of Wichita, Jay (Madeline) of Lake Forest, Ill., and Jon of Kechi; daughter, Jean Little (Kent) of Kechi; three grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, services will be private.

Gilbert "Gil" Perez, 61, WSU Environmental Scientist, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Perez; children, Paul (Annie) Perez, Angela Perez, Isaac (Crystal) Perez, all of Wichita; grandchildren, LaTaylah, Zayda, Adrian, Evan, Aiden, Brittany (Kade), Cidnie, Daphne, Emilie and Remi; mother, Beatrice Perez of Kinsley; brothers, John (Olga) Perez of Dodge City, Larry Perez of Kinsley, Tom (Diane) Perez of Dodge City; sisters, Rose Perez of Kinsley, Gloria (Joe) Lock of Lewis and Mary (Alvaro) Bencomo of Dodge City; many other family and friends. Services have been held. Memorials to Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67204. Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center.

Choral performance will bring international influence to campus

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:35:00 CST

The Wichita State University choral department will present "The Good Life: RITMO CALIENTE" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in Wiedemann Hall.

Tickets are $7, with discounts available. Call the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-978-3233, or for more information, call Tom Wine at 316-978-3103.

The Women's Glee Club, directed by Michael Hanawalt, will perform a program celebrating four stages of life. It includes Henry Purcell's "Sound the Trumpet;" Aaron Copland's "Laurie's Song;" Gyergy Orban's "Kyrie;" and Ysaye Barnwell's "Wanting Memories."

Directed by Tom Win, the Madrigals' performance of "RITMO CALIENTE (Hot Rhythms)" is a program featuring a variety of Spanish language songs from Spain, Mexico and several other Latin American countries.

The topics are universal: love, ("Te Quiero"), faith ("Esto les Digo") and music ("Yo le Canto Todo el Dia").

Faculty/staff news update: January/February 2013

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 11:34:00 CST

Kathy Coufal, professor and chair, communication sciences and disorders, recently joined the board of directors of the Kansas Society for Children with Challenges.

George Dehner

George Dehner, associate professor, history, had two books published recently. "Influenza: A Century of Science and Public Health Response" is aimed at the academic market, and "Global Flu and You: A History of Influenza" is a more general book on the subject.

Suzy Finn, engineering coordinator/job developer, Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning, has been accepted into the Young Professionals of Wichita 2013 Leadership Academy.

Ed Flentje, professor and longtime REAP consultant, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, was recognized at the December 2012 legislative policy summit for outstanding service in fostering regional cooperation for south-central Kansas.

Ed Flentje fielded calls on Kansas politics about the 2012 November elections from national reporters with the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters, in addition to Kansas newspaper reporters. He also made presentations on Kansas politics and elections, including the Docking Symposium on Kansas Politics at Southwestern College in Winfield; the Downtown Lions Club, Wichita; the Post-election Roundtable, with professors Joe Aistrup (Kansas State), Bob Beatty (Washburn), Burdette Loomis (University of Kansas), and Michael Smith (Emporia State) at Washburn University in Topeka; and the Lions Club in Clay Center.

Eric Freeman, assistant professor, Jean Patterson, associate professor, and Pat Terry, senior fellow, served as faculty advisers to students in the College of Education's educational leadership program who presented research papers at the USA|Kansas Annual Convention in January. "Growth and Sustainability in a Rural Kansas Town: The Role of Public Schools" was presented by Michael Argabright, superintendent, Southern Lyon County USD 252; Andi Williams, principal, Haysville Elementary, USD 261; and Royce Powelson, superintendent, Jayhawk USD 346 (Freeman). "Successes and Challenges of Implementing 21st Century Skills" was presented by Mary Liebl, literacy coordinator, Wichita USD 259; Janice Smith, executive director, The Opportunity Project Early Learning Center; Alicia Thompson, assistant superintendent, Wichita USD 259; Tiffinie Irving, executive director, Wichita USD 259; and Brad Pepper, executive director, The Service Center at Clearwater (Patterson/Terry).

Philip Gaunt, professor, Elliott School of Communication, director and founder, Interdisciplinary Communication Research Institute, had a book signing hosted by Watermark Books in Wichita on Feb. 9 for his recently published novel, "The Blane Game."

Lou Heldman, Distinguished Senior Fellow and interim director of the Elliott School of Communication, presented "Communicating with Citizens on Their Terms" at the 2013 Kansas Association of City and County Managers Winter Seminar, hosted by the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, on Feb. 8.

Sharon Iorio

Sharon Iorio, dean and professor, College of Education, presented "Partnerships with School Districts," along with other Kansas Board of Regents' college of education deans at the USA|Kansas Annual Convention conference in January.

Ashlie Jack, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, has been selected to serve on the Kansas Handwriting Standards Committee, which will design the new handwriting standards for schools in Kansas in response to the request of the Kansas State Board of Education.

Ashlie Jack and Mandy Lusk, assistant professors, special education, received funding for their study "Developing Word Consciousness of Academic Vocabulary in Adolescents with Challenging Behaviors through Co-Teaching" to be conducted during the spring 2013 semester.

Elizabeth King, president and CEO, WSU Foundation, was re-elected to a three-year term on the board of directors of the Kansas Society for Children with Challenges. The KSCC was established in 1925.

Kenneth Kriz, professor of Public Finance and Economics with the University of Nebraska-Omaha who will soon join the Hugo Wall School as Regents Professor of Public Finance, presented the keynote speech "Public Finance in the 2010s: an Environmental Scan" at the 2013 Midwest Regional Public Finance Conference on Feb. 14 and 15 in Wichita.

Sal Mazzullo, professor, geology, had a book signing hosted by Watermark Books in Wichita on Jan. 5 for his recently published novel, "Chac Balam."

Eunice Doman Myers, associate dean, Fairmount College, and associate professor, Spanish, had her book chapter "Resounding Silences: En las noches que desvisten otras noches" included in the Festschrift Nela Rio: Escritura en foco: La mirada profunda, edited by Qantati e-books (Ottawa, Canada).

Ravi Pendse

Ravi Pendse, chief information officer, presented "Creating Relevance through Innovation and Collaboration" at the 2013 Kansas Association of City and County Managers Winter Seminar, hosted by the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs on Feb. 8.

Michael Rogers, chair and professor, human performance, presented "International trends of study concerning exercise programs and health promotion for older adults" at the 2012 International Forum on Muscle Fitness Exercise as Chokin for Elderly People held at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Japan, in December.

Donna Sayman, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, recently had her article "Quinceaneras and Quadratics: Experiences of Latinas in state-supported residential schools of science and math" published in the Journal of Latinos and Education.

Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn, assistant professor, music theory and composition, had two new compositions premiered at Carnegie Hall on Feb. 9 by an East Coast new music group, the Case Ensemble. While in New York, Sternfeld-Dunn gave guest presentations with undergraduate and graduate composers at The Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Conn., and Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pa.

Clay Stoldt, chair and professor, and Mark Vermillion, associate professor, both of sport management, presented "Member Churning Among Conferences: A Contributing Factor to Economic Inequality at the NCAA Scholarly Colloquium," along with Martin Perline, professor and Bloomfield Foundation Faculty Fellow, Barton School of Business.

Anh Tran, associate professor, and Jim Granada, assistant professor, both of curriculum and instruction, presented "Social, Cultural and Economic Capitals for College Success" at the 2013 USA|Kansas Annual Convention.

NEW TO CAMPUS
Leah DiPietr, coordinator for College of Engineering, Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning

Kenneth Kriz, Regents Distinguished Professor of Public Finance, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs

Kelley Mattivi, coordinator for College of Business and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning

Arwiphawee Srithongrung, associate professor, Hugo Wall School

Matthew Cecil, director, Elliott School of Communication

Bob Workman, director, Ulrich Museum of Art

ON SABBATICAL
Dharma DeSilva, professor, management, fall 2013, five related projects including teaching, research and advisory service in Sri Lanka, as well as completion of international business and marketing resource textbooks

Jeffrey Hershfield, associate professor, philosophy, fall 2013, research on linguistic norms regarding truth/falsity and their underlying principles; development of a taxonomy and publication

Xiaomi Hu, associate professor, mathematics, fall 2013, conduct research to identify multivariate order relations and focus on models with their parameter vectors under multivariate order restrictions including testing and implementation

C. Nicholas Johnson, professor, dance, spring 2014, research on mime/physical theatre; further development of the SPA core curriculum mime course and a new Fine Arts exchange opportunity in Mexico

Xiufen Lu, associate professor, philosophy, spring 2014, research on Li Dazhao's adaption of Marxism to Chinese Confucianisnism; publication of two articles

Chungsheng Ma, professor, mathematics, academic year 2013-14, research on spatio-temporal stastics and vecor random fields in space and time leading to book and journal publications

Daowei Ma, professor, mathematics, spring 2014, research on complex analysis and linear transforms in applied mathematics leading to publication of several research papers

Robert Owens, associate professor, history, spring 2014, research and manuscript writing on early American frontier "Indian-hating" and attempts to settle Indian-white disputes

Atul Rai, associate professor, accountancy, spring 2014, study effects of the international financial reporting system and quality of earnings; preparation of papers for publication

Nick Solomey, professor, mathematics (physics), academic year 2013-14, participate in cosmic ray research to expand scientific expertise and enhance the ability of Kansas to qualify for joint hosting of the next large cosmic ray experiment in western Kansas and eastern Colorado

James E. Steck, professor, engineering (aerospace), fall 2013, (1) continue research on advanced aircraft flight control methods at NASA and (2) expand quantum computing research leading to publication in both areas

Craig Torbenson, associate professor, history, spring 2014, continue work on a manuscript examining Norwegian emigration and patterns of westward migration and settlement in the United States

Janet Twomey, professor, engineering/manufacturing, spring 2014, (1) investigate worker education in the emerging field of engineering-public policy and (2) develop a proposal to support a network of researchers in climate change, health care and energy

Chu-Ping Vijverberg, associate professor, economics, academic year 2013-14, compare current models for examining structural change or business cycles with an exploratory time deformation model to provide improved forecast ability and further model development

Robert Zettle, professor, psychology, spring 2014, complete writing and co-editing Handbook of Contextual Behavioral Science

IN EMERITUS
Roger D. Lowe, vice president emeritus, administration and finance

Salvatore J. Mazzullo, professor emeritus, geology

IN MEMORIAM
Peggy J. Anderson, 67, retired associate professor emeritus, College of Education, died Feb. 24 in Wichita. Services have been held. She is survived by her brothers, Denis (Bobbi) Anderson of Springfield, Mo., and Russell (Debra Dikeman) Vornold of Pilot Mountain, N.C. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 7404 Killarney, Wichita, KS 67206.

Lois Mae Bergerhouse, 94, former WSU cafeteria employee, died Jan. 28 in Andover. Services have been held. She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Winifred (Ferris) Troyer; her husband, Wayne; and sisters Delores Krueger and Naomi Daharsh. Survivors include children Cynthia Gillett and Phillip Bergerhouse ; grandchildren, Dwayne Wilson, Michael Wilson, Stephanie Murphy, Joshua Bergerhouse , Ian Bergerhouse and Cody Bergerhouse. Memorials may be made to Life Care Center of Andover, 621 W. 21st St., Andover, Kan.

Donald Morse Douglas, 88, associate professor emeritus, history, died Jan. 15 in Wichita. Services have been held. He is survived by his wife, Ada Glynn ("Lynn"); daughters, Sharon Lynn Douglas and Donna Christine Douglas; granddaughters Michelle Leigh Nielsen, Erika Lynn Douglas and Meredith Lynn Coughenour; great-grandchildren, Zak, Luke and Kate Nielsen; and brother Guy Barry Douglas and his wife, Pat. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or Holocaust Commemoratives, in care of Congregation Emanu-El.

Cecilia Sanchez Epperson, 83, retired assistant librarian, died Feb. 11, 2013. Services have been held. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gregorio and Maria Sanchez. She is survived by her husband, Gene; children Rene Epperson, Mark Epperson and Diane Cole all of Wichita, and Alan Epperson of Ft. Worth, Texas; sisters Trini Sanchez of Wellington and Alejandra De La Torre of Los Angeles; grandchildren Jennifer, Laura, Justin, Kyle and Janel; great-grandson Taylor. Memorials may be sent to Hardin Hospice, 2622 W. Central, Wichita, KS 67203.

John C. Gries, 72, professor, geology, died Jan. 18 following a short illness. A celebration of life has been held. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Virginia Gries, and his brother Don. He is survived by his wife, Toni Willis-Jackman; his daughter, Lynn Gries of Tucson; his first wife and friend, Robbie Gries; sister-in-law, Neella Gries; and two nephews, Nathan and Mark. Memorials have been established at the Great Plains Transportation Museum, 700 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202, and the Wichita State University Foundation, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67260.

Harry Miller, 86, former Shocker basketball coach, died Feb. 13 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Services have been held. He is survived by his wife, Lanora (Tillie), and sons Bob and Tom of Nacogdoches, and Gary of Tyler. He is also survived by his son's wives, Ardan, Patty and Dorota; granddaughters, Claire Miller, Isabella and Sophie Miller; step-grandchildren Ember Ashby, Will Ashby and his wife, Anna; and three great-grandchildren, Bryana and Nolan Ashby, and Emerson Carden.

James M. Murphy, 90, professor emeritis, economics, banking and finance, died Feb. 10. Survivors include his children Michael J. (Arlyn) Murphy of Lubbock, Texas, Dennis J. (Beth) Murphy of Tulsa, Okla., Susan E. (Steve) Pattison of Broken Arrow, Okla., John M. (Noreen) Murphy of Beaverton, Ore., and David K. Murphy of Austin, Texas. Private services will be held in Oklahoma at a later date. Donations may be made to the Dr. James M. Murphy Endowed Fellowship, c/o WSU Foundation, 1845 N. Fairmount, Box 2, Wichita, KS 67260-0002.

William M. Perel, 85, retired former chair, mathematics, died Jan. 20 in Stillwater, Okla. Services have been held. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ada Gaskill; and daughter Cathy Perel. He is survived by his wife, Tula Perel of Stillwater; daughters Elizabeth (Dwayne) Deckard and Shirley (Tod) King, all of Wichita; stepchildren Teresa (John) Petersen of Pawnee, Okla., Lenora (Larry) Rawdon of Wellston, Okla., Dan (Pam) Ripley of Pawnee, Okla., and Susan (Paul) Hartle of Plano, Texas; four grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and 14 step-great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation of Oklahoma, 720 W. Wilshire, Suite 101H, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 or the First Baptist Church, 720 6th St., Pawnee, OK 74058.

William H. "Bill" Smith, 73, retired 30-year administrator, Rhatigan Student Center, died Feb. 20 in Wichita. Services have been held. He was preceded in death by his parents, William A. and Mary Olive Smith; and brother Garel Smith. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Smith; sons Michael (Stephanie) of Maple Grove, Minn., Stephen (Michelle) of Derby and Jeffrey (Melissa) Smith of Derby; 11 grandchildren; sister Betty Jo McWhorter of Atlanta, Ga.; several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Shocker Bowling Fund in care of the WSU Foundation, 1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002.

Regis Lenora Welch, 82, former instructor, English/linguistics, died Jan. 13 in Sherman, Texas. Services have been held. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Francis and Cecilia Ellen Flynn Downey; her husband, John William; brother Paul; and sister Margaret Ernestine Archer. She is survived by son Matthew Welch of San Francisco, Calif.; brother-in-law Charles T. Welch of Huntsville, Ala.; nieces Sheila Archer Carter and Laura Welch Gilley; nephew Thomas Welch; and great friends and caretakers Kyle and Mary Payne. Donations can be made to St. Elizabeth Scholarship Fund, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 916 Maple St., Bonham, TX 75418.

Milan Zivanovic, 99, instructor, broadcasting and film, died Jan. 23, at home in Kansas City. He was preceded in death by his brother Dragan; mother, Olga, and father, Dusan. He is survived by his wife, Judith; brothers-in-law Tom (Vicki) Goergen and Lee Goergen; sister-in-law Pam Stucke; five nephews; and several grand-nieces and nephews.

WSU gave music education graduate opportunities, advantage

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 15:01:00 CST

Wichita State alumnus Troy Fischer knows from experience that making the most of opportunities as a college student can pay off with a career.

Fischer, who graduated in 2008 from WSU with an instrumental music education degree, has been band director at Wichita Collegiate School for almost five years.

"It's fun seeing kids develop their musicianship, and especially fun to be a part of their successes and triumphs," said Fischer.

While studying at WSU, Fischer gained experience through a part-time job at East Heights United Methodist Church in Wichita. He played bass guitar at a contemporary worship service and directed the middle and high school youth choirs.

At Collegiate, Fischer directs four concert bands, two jazz ensembles and the Marching Spartans, a band that performs at athletic events and area competitions. He also coordinates with an assistant director who leads two drumline groups, a beginning jazz ensemble and a middle school music technology class.

"I'm always amazed at how much excitement fifth-graders have for a new instrument and adventure each year," said Fischer. "At the same time, it's exciting to see juniors and seniors really own their passion and appreciation for instrumental music as they prepare for the next phases of their lives."

Making connections

Fischer said that as a WSU student, there were opportunities available for him to pursue any musical avenue he wanted.

"I had a wonderful experience at Wichita State," he said. "I love the school's connection to the city of Wichita, especially as that relates to the fine arts field."

Fischer, who is now working toward a master's degree in music education at WSU, was recently hired part time as director of music ministries at Andover United Methodist Church in Andover, Kan.

"The more connections you can make in your field before graduation, the more potential to open up a wide spectrum of opportunities after college," he said. "Maybe even an opportunity that wasn't expected."

Many of the relationships Fischer built with professors and area professionals turned into references when he was looking for a full-time music education job.

He encourages students to jump at volunteer and work experiences with confidence.

"Get your name out there and see what happens," said Fischer. "The Wichita State faculty is there to back you up and see you succeed."

Faculty/staff news update: November 2012

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:37:00 CST

Alla Aranovskaya, Leonid Shukaev, Boris Vaynor and Evgeny Zvonniko, members of the St. Petersburg String Quartet in residence at WSU; the student Suprima Chamber Orchestra; Andrea Banke, Erika Binsley, Sarunas Jankauskas, Scott Oakes and Frances Shelly, members of the Lieurance Woodwind Quintet, and Julie Bees, Lynne Davis and Mark Foley performed by invitation in November at the 100th anniversary celebration of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory in Russia.

Amy DeVault, assistant professor, Elliott School of Communication, led a daylong workshop on Team Storytelling for 56 high school students from around the country at the National High School Journalism Convention in San Antonio in November. The convention, put on by the National Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association, was attended by more than 5,000 high school journalism students and teachers.

Eric Freeman, assistant professor, counseling, educational leadership, and educational and school psychology, presented "Falsification, Annual Targets, and Errant Leadership: What Really Happened in Atlanta" at the American Educational Studies Association conference held Nov. 1-4 in Seattle.

Dan Krutka, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, presented "Student Civil Liberties: Is Your School Violating Student Constitutional Rights?" and co-presented "Bayard Rustin and the Social Studies Curriculum: Thoughts about Citizenship in a Complex World" at the Kansas Council for the Social Studies in Topeka.

Gayla Lohfink, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, was co-author of "Developing cultural competence through problem posing and multicultural literature" in Advocate.

Joseph Mau, professor, counseling, educational leadership, and educational and school psychology, and M.E. Yeager, postdoctoral fellow, were awarded the Kansas Educational Research Scholars Program award from the Kansas Board of Regents. The study is titled, "Factors influencing Kansas college students' choice of a STEM major and factors influencing their success in completing a STEM degree."

Jacquelyn McClendon, senior clinical educator, nursing, and Kelly Anderson, assistant professor and senior clinic coordinator, dental hygiene, received an Interprofessional National Oral Health Agenda Curricular Innovation Award, Oral Health Nursing Education Program and Practice Grant in August for $2,000.

Nancy McKeller, associate professor, counseling, educational leadership, and educational and school psychology, presented "Legal Issues that Impact School Psychological Practice" at the Kansas Association of School Psychologists annual conference in Lawrence this fall.

Rick Pappas, physical education educator, human performance studies, received the highest award made by the Kansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (KAHPERD). The Wayne Osness award, which recognizes leadership and significant contributions, was presented to Pappas in November at the annual KAHPERD conference held in Lawrence.

Susan Parsons, assistant professor, nursing, published Collaborative Oral Health Care for Caregivers in an Assisted-Living Facility in the Journal of Nursing Education & Practice, Vol. 3, No. 3.

Susan Parsons, C. Lee and M. Trumpp, nursing, presented "Evidence-Based Practice: Ventilator Bundle to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia" to the Kansas State Nurses Association, Exhibit Session.

Jean Patterson, professor and chair, counseling, educational leadership, and educational and school psychology, presented "High School 21st Century Learning Initiatives as a Manifestation of Neoliberalism" at the American Educational Studies Association conference.

Jennifer Rodgers, clinical educator, nursing, gave a one-hour presentation, "Pulmonary Care Continuum: Hospital to Community," to the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative 4th Annual Summit on Quality, with Bobbie Starks, Darla Wilson and Amanda Hullet.

Donna Sayman, assistant professor, and Dan Krutka, both curriculum and instruction, co-presented "A Freirean Analysis of Identity for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome," also at the Kansas Council for the Social Studies conference in Topeka.

Elaine Steinke, professor, nursing, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing for her significant contributions to the profession of nursing and health care in general. Steinke, who attended the induction ceremony in October in Washington, D.C., is internationally renowned for bringing the science of sexuality and sexual counseling of cardiac patients to the forefront of cardiac practice.

Elaine Steinke presented "Psychology and sexual function: What do we know?" to the European Society of Cardiology 2012 Congress, Munich, Germany, in August.

Elaine Steinke, Victoria Mosack, associate professor, nursing, and Twyla J. Hill, professor, sociology, gave a poster presentation, "Sexual concerns of cardiac patients: A psychometric analysis," to the European Society of Cardiology, in Munich, Germany, in August.

John Tomblin

John Tomblin, executive director of WSU's National Institute for Aviation Research, has been named a Newsmaker for 2012 by the Wichita Business Journal. He and other 2012 Newsmakers will be recognized at a Jan. 29 event at Newman University.

Susan Unruh, assistant professor, counseling, educational leadership, and educational and school psychology, was the WSU representative on a panel, "School Psychology Practice: Here I Come," at the Kansas Association of School Psychologists annual conference in Lawrence.

IN MEMORIAM

D. Ray Cook, 69, former team physician for Wichita State and longtime community doctor, died Nov. 7. Services have been held. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Marie Cook. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughter, Candi (Mark) Brown of Spring Hill, Kan.; son, Chad (Jill) Cook of Overland Park, Kan.; brother, Gene (Linda) Cook of Phoenix City, Ala.; grandchildren, Ben, Will, Graham and Betsy Brown, and Johnny Ray, Spencer, Freddie and Lucy Cook. The following memorial has been established: D. Ray Cook, M.D. Memorial Fund, c/o Christian Network Foundation, 17001 Prairie Star Pkwy, Suite 200, Lenexa, KS 66220.

Richard Allen Moellenberndt, 71, former professor of accounting, died Nov. 24 in Topeka. Services have been held. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughter, Sarah Moellenberndt; and sister, Eleanor Shaffer.

Linda Tedder, 60, senior research grants administrator in the Office of Research Administration, died Nov. 24 in Wichita. Services have been held. She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis D. and Evelyn J. (Voran) Bornowsky. She is survived her son, Mike Tedder; grandchild, Lexi Tedder; great-grandchild, Jenna St. Martin; sisters, Paula Sullivan, Gail Roland, Mary Daugherty, Jean Kemp and Rita Winfrey; brothers, Ralph and Larry Bornowsky; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Kaylyn Turner, 70, former reference librarian, died Nov. 8. Services have been held. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Briggs and Ara Cron. Survivors are husband, Stanley; son, Joshua David (Tracy) Turner, Shawnee Mission; and grandchildren, Emily, Molly and Jack Turner. Memorials to Midland Baptist Church, 4200 N. Church Circle, Wichita, KS 67205.

Faculty, staff news update: August/September 2012

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 14:33:00 CST

Ted Ayres, vice president and general counsel, was an invited participant in the symposium "Gathering at the School House Gate: 40 Years of Landmark School Speech Cases" relative to his involvement in the Widmar v. Vincent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court. The symposium, Sept. 20-21, was hosted by the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and the UMKC Law Review.

Amy Baker, assistant professor, musical theatre, won the Mary Jane Teall Theatre Award in September for Choreography for "Honk!" at Music Theatre of Wichita.

Ed Baker, associate professor, and Danette Baker, adjunct faculty, theatre, were awarded the Ruth McCormick Theatre Educator of the Year Award at the Mary Jane Teall Theatre Awards in September.

Daniel Bergman, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, was elected as Kansas Association of Teachers of Science KATS vice president for 2012-2013.

Catherine Bohn-Gettler, assistant professor, counseling, educational leadership, educational and school psychology, recently presented "Tracking causal information during reading comprehension" at the annual meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading. She also presented "The interplay between mood and working memory on inference generation" at the annual meeting of the Society for Text and Discourse, both in Montreal, Canada.

Jason Flanders, manager, scene shop, theatre, had his first gallery showing at the Aviary Gallery in Wichita during the Sept. 28 Final Friday gallery crawl.

Angela Gaughn has been hired by the Center for Community Support and Research as support group project specialist for the center to promote its support group database across Kansas.

Alicia Huckstadt, graduate program coordinator, and Amy McClintock, administrative specialist, nursing, applied to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and were accepted for a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The HRSA Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship Grant is for almost $350,000 this year and comes with a recommendation for the same amount next year. The program supports training students to become primary care nurse practitioners.

John Paul Johnson, professor, music education, has been chosen to represent North America as an adjudicator at the National Christian Universities Choir Competition held in Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia from Oct. 15-22. Choirs from private universities throughout Indonesia will travel throughout the country to perform for five adjudicators representing Asia, Europe, Africa, South and North America.

Bret Jones, director, theatre, will have his play "THEBES City" presented by Fly By Night Theatre Company as part of its 2012-2013 Season. For details, go to www.flybynighttheatre.com/season.html.

Charles L. Martin, professor, marketing and entrepreneurship, traveled to Lahore, Pakistan in July to participate as keynote speaker in the Second International Conference on Contemporary Issues in Business Management. More than 300 participants from around the world and from cross-business disciplines attended the event held at the Pearl Continental Hotel and the University of Central Punjab. The keynote address by Martin, "What Goes Around Comes Around: Business Thinking As Cyclical Phenomena," focused on the roles that cycles play in business planning, forecasting and human (buyer) behavior.

Katherine Mason, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, recently co-published "Locating queer community in award-winning LGBTQ-themed young adult literature (2005-2010)" in The ALAN Review.

Betty Monroe, professor, costume design and technical theatre, had her article "Stereotypes in Theatre Costumes: A Blessing or a Curse?" published in the 2012 International Fashion and Costume Conference's Publication.

Sara Muzzy has been promoted to associate director of the Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning.

David Neville, associate professor, design and technical theatre, won the Mary Jane Teall Theatre Award for Lighting Design for "Fiddler on the Roof" at Music Theatre of Wichita.

Fletcher Powell, producer, KMUW 89.1, has received a 2012 High Plains Media Award from the American Cancer Society for an October 2011 story about doctors beginning to focus on patients after their traditional treatments are complete, focusing on breast cancer survivorship. Winners were chosen from several categories, including magazine, newspaper, television, radio and online.

Priscilla Ridgway, community and organizational researcher, Center for Community Support and Research, published a piece in the National Recovery to Practice Initiative Newsletter discussing spirituality and recovery from prolonged psychiatric disorder. A longer report by Ridgway and peer specialist educator Lael Ewy on the topic was recently released. The document, Report of a Statewide Spirituality and Mental Health Recovery Summit, is available upon request from priscilla.ridgway@wichita.edu.

Michael Rogers, chair, professor and research director, Center for Physical Activity and Aging, presented "Effective exercise interventions for active aging" and "Falling Less in Kansas: Preventing falls in rural older adults" at a Sedgwick County conference in Wichita called Positive Aging: Protect your health, wealth and self.

Donna Sayman, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, recently published "My journey into qualitative research." In J.M. Meloy (Ed.). Twenty-first Century Learning by Doing (3rd. ed.)

Donna Sayman, curriculum and instruction; Mark Vermillion, sport management; and Catherine Bohn-Gettler and Craig Elliott, counseling, educational leadership, educational and school psychology, recently completed a two-year, on-line "bootcamp" workshop offered by the WSU Media Resource Center. These faculty members used their training to revise and develop online courses for their departments.

Nick Taylor, a 2007 graduate of the Sport Management master's program in the College of Education and a lecturer in the department of sport management, won a gold medal in tennis at the Paralympics in London on Sept. 5. Taylor and doubles partner David Wagner of Oregon, have won two previous gold medals in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008) in quad doubles wheelchair tennis.

Susan Unruh, assistant professor, and Nancy McKellar, associate professor, counseling, educational and school psychology, recently wrote "Evolution, Not Revolution: School Psychologists' Changing Practices in Determining Specific Learning Disabilities." It has been accepted for publication in the journal Psychology in the Schools.

Sabrina Vasquez, faculty, dance, is the recipient of the Dorothy Johansen Hauck Faculty Fellow in Dance and Musical Theatre.

Gayle Veltman, coordinator of testing, Counseling and Testing Center, was recently awarded the 2012 President's Award from the National College Testing Association. The award recognizes NCTA members who contributed to the organization in the preceding year through service on a standing committee, working on the Annual Conference Committee, or participating in a special NCTA project.

Eric Wilson, instructor and outreach coordinator, Elliott School of Communication, was interviewed by fellow ESC alum Marc LaVoie for KFDI News' "At Issue" program. Wilson talked about how the media has changed and about the Elliott School. To listen to the interview, go to http://www.kfdi.com/podcasts/news/atissue/170886071.html.

NEW FACULTY 2012
Please welcome new faculty to campus; for more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?1842.

SERVICE AWARDS 2012
Please congratulate faculty and staff who have been honored for their years of service or as Benders of Twigs; for more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?1860.

RETIREES 2012
Please offer good wishes to faculty and staff who have recently retired; for more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?1859.

IN MEMORIAM
Carol L. Johnson Harding, 74, retired, Physical Plant, died May 24. Services have been held. Survivors include brothers Walter L. Davis, Tracy A. Davis and Melvin E. Tipton; sisters Maxine J. Davis, Elaine Brashears and Joyce J. Henderson.

Summer camp listings available online

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:25:00 CST

A listing of 2012 summer camps hosted by Wichita State University can be seen at http://www.wichita.edu/camps.

Camps include offerings from children's choir, art and dental camps, to athletics, engineering and a camp for future Shockers.

WSU's Marcussen organ featured on TV show

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 11:05:00 CST

Wichita State University Associate Professor of Organ, Lynne Davis, and the Marcussen organ at Wiedemann Hall were featured on an episode of "It's All Good w/ Sierra Scott" on KPTS-TV.

WSU alum wins contest to appear with rock band Weezer

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 10:10:00 CST

A Salina music teacher is getting a chance to live out his rock 'n' roll fantasy.

Matt Gerry teaches a popular class at Salina South Middle School. Students learn to play the guitar by picking and strumming their way through classic rock songs.

Gerry is a big fan of the alternative rock group Weezer. "As a part of the class, we play a song by Weezer called 'Pork & Beans,' and the reason we play that song is it's an excellent song for teaching power chords," Gerry said. "One day I was on facebook and there was an ad that said Weezer was having a contest. I said 'hey, my kids are playing 'Pork & Beans' already, why don't I send it in and see what happens?"

Gerry learned this week his video won a contest. For his prize, Gerry is going to Chicago this weekend to see Weezer play live.

Read full story.

WSU students, alums to play prominently in Opera Kansas show

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 16:41:00 CST

Followers of Wichita State University's opera theater can follow their favorite student performers to "Christmas Rappings," an Opera Kansas production at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, through Saturday, Dec. 11, in different venues each night.

There is no admission charge, but free will offerings will be taken. The venues are:

Thursday, Dec. 9, Summit Church, 10225 E. Kellogg; Friday, Dec. 10, Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton; and Saturday, Dec. 11, University Congregational Church, 9209 E. 29th St. N.

"Christmas Rappings" is a charming Christmas oratorio, said WSU director of opera Marie Allyn King, and it's a family show.

Marie Allyn King

"I saw it in New York City in the '70s and still have vivid memories of it," said King. "It's a moving, funny, quirky and heartfelt telling of the Christmas story."

The cast features local professional singers as well as some of King's current and former voice and music theater students.

Composed by Al Carmines in 1969 for Judson Poets Theatre in Greenwich Village, New York City, "Christmas Rappings" is the Christmas story with a popular appeal. The text, with the only exception being "Holy Mary, Mother of God," is entirely from the New Testament, set to a lively and eclectic score written for the diverse group of performers Carmines had on hand at the time.

King said what audiences will find is a splendidly operatic tenor as The Angel Gabriel, three gospel voices as the wise men, a vaudeville rendition of the Annunciation, and so on. Each chapter unfolds in a different voice, a different style. It's always reverent, always entertaining.

It will be the premier showing of "Christmas Rappings" outside of New York City, said King. The delightful score has something for everyone. Styles range from classical to jazz, Broadway, gospel, blues and even a little country. Sixteen singers tell the story in song, text and dance.

Christmas carols will follow at a wine and cheese reception immediately after each performance.

Music direction is by Arri Simon. The cast consists of current WSU students Catherine Bartomeo, Matthan Black and Steven Cox; WSU alumnae David Feiertag, Trish Garnes and Stephanie Gilmore; Marilyn Heffner; WSU students Jacob January, Kylie Jo Jennings, Yung Jin Lai, Ross McCorkell and Emily Moore; Dustin Peterson; WSU alumna Virginia Revering; and WSU students Abigail Whittle and Brian Yeakley.

WSU Symphony Orchestra kicks off the year with Kansas

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:51:00 CST

Classic rock met classical symphonic strings for a memorable combination of sound Saturday night at the Hartman Arena. The Wichita State Symphony Orchestra teamed up with classic rock band Kansas for a crowd-pleasing performance for the fourth concert of the 2010 Collegiate Symphony Tour.

"Feeling the energy of the crowd once we started playing was just unbelievable," said Ben Balleau, junior string bass player. "I have never heard anyone cheer that loud for us before. It was a pretty cool feeling."

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WSU College of Fine Arts kicks off season with strong September

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

The College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University has a great season ahead with the St. Petersburg String Quartet, quartet-in-residence, and continuing renovations to Duerksen Fine Arts Center. The Fine Arts Box Office has moved temporarily to Wilner Auditorium.

It promises to be a good year at Wichita State University as the College of Fine Arts welcomes the St. Petersburg String Quartet as quartet-in-residence in the School of Music, and the WSU Symphony Orchestra preps for a September gig with classic rock band Kansas and an even bigger performance in the spring at Carnegie Hall.

The School of Performing Arts starts off a strong season with Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and the dance program working toward its annual dance festival later this fall.

Improvements continue at Duerksen Fine Arts Center, this year forcing a temporary move of the Fine Arts Box Office to Wilner Auditorium for the 2010-2011 season.

You can create your own subscription series for Wichita State's 2010-2011 performing arts and music events, or purchase individual tickets in person or by phone from noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the College of Fine Arts Box Office, temporarily housed in Wilner Auditorium, (316) 978-3233.

"Art on Speed," through Friday, Dec. 17, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus. Free admission. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. (316) 978-3664.

"Hindsight is always 20/20," Saturday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Nov. 28, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus. Free admission. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. (316) 978-3664.

Daniel Zaretsky, organist, Rie Bloomfield Organ Series, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, Wiedemann Recital Hall, WSU campus. Tickets $10 (discounts available), (316) 978-3233.

WSU Symphony with classic rock band Kansas, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Hartman Arena in Park City. Tickets are $40, $29 and, for students, $20 through stage1tickets.com, the Hartman Arena Box Office or by calling (316) 927-3999.

"Twelfth Night," Mainstage Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 23-25; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26; Wilner Auditorium, WSU campus. Tickets $10 (discounts available), (316) 978-3233.

Final Friday Gallery Crawl, 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus. Free admission. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. (316) 978-3664.

School of Art and Design, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 (Final Friday), WSU Shift Space gallery, 803 E. Third St. in Old Town; normal gallery hours 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free. Information, (316) 978-7705.

Julie Bees, pianist, WSU Faculty Artist Series, 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $7, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Wichita State has a good climate for Marcussen organ

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:00:00 CST

Halfdan Oussoren didn't so much learn how to tune an organ as he was born into the craft.

He is from a Danish family that founded the Marcussen & Son organ-building company, still located in the same small southern Denmark town of Aabenraa where it was founded in 1806.

"I've seen organs since I was this tall," Oussoren said earlier this week, leaning over to hold his hand a couple of feet off the floor.

Oussoren brought all that history and know-how to Wichita State University this week to tune a Marcussen organ at Wiedemann Hall.

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