Hiram College’s Center for Literature, Medicine and Biomedical Humanities Celebrates Nursing Through the Arts

In three distinct and interdisciplinary events, Hiram College’s Center for Literature, Medicine and Biomedical Humanities presents “Honoring Nursing,” a program that celebrates and honors nurses and the nursing profession. Nursing is an art that transcends the clinical setting – it also comes to life through words in literature, in poetry, in song – and it springs to life in dance and art.

For three evenings, in three cities, “Honoring Nursing” celebrates the work of nurses and the nursing profession through dance and literary readings. The programs feature Verb Ballets’ “Lift. Breathe. Carry.” dance performances – based on the writings of Jeanne Bryner – and readings by Cortney Davis. Connect through the arts – with the art of nursing.

The Center for Literature, Medicine and Biomedical Humanities at Hiram College provides interdisciplinary programs, courses and seminars integrating humanities and healthcare. For two decades, the Center has examined, through literary works, questions of human values in health care contexts – and to do so within clinical settings, medical and other health professional schools, and the liberal arts environment.

“Honoring Nursing,” one such event, celebrates the interdisciplinary potential and beauty of nursing with the dance and literature. The programs are funded in part by the Ohio Arts Council, and are free and open to the public, as are many of the events that the Center produces.

Akron, Ohio
7 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2009
Akron Art Museum, Charles and Jane Lehner Auditorium, with the generous support of the Summa Health System

For tickets to the Akron performance, please call 330.376.9186 extension 229.

Cleveland, Ohio
8 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2009
Trinity Cathedral, Cathedral Hall, with the generous support of the Nursing Institute, Cleveland Clinic

For tickets to the Cleveland performance, please call Brittany Jackson at 330.569.5380.

Pittsburgh, Penn.
8 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2009
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center Black Box Theatre, with the generous support of the University of Pittsburgh’s Consortium Ethics Program

For tickets to the Pittsburgh performance please call 412.647.5832.

For more information on “Honoring Nursing” and other interdisciplinary events, contact the Center for Literature, Medicine and Biomedical Humanities at Hiram College at 330.569.5380 or by visiting their Web site.

Hiram Board of Trustees Grants Five Faculty Members Emeritus Status

Hiram College’s Board of Trustees recognized the lifetime achievement of five members of the Hiram community. Professors David Moss, John Andrews, Jonathan Moody, Linda Rea and Oberta Slotterbeck were acknowledged by being given the College’s Distinguished Service Award and being granted the permanent status of Faculty Emeritus.

Moss has served Hiram College’s chemistry department for 43 years. He occupied with distinction all the academic ranks of the College, from Teaching Assistant to Professor, has twice lead his department with care and wisdom. He was instrumental in bringing Clinical Chemistry to Hiram as one of the College’s first cross-disciplinary programs and contributed greatly to the success of the infant Weekend College by being amongst the very first to offer science courses in that setting. He counseled the College during his service over many years on the Pre-Medical Studies Board and on the College Executive Steering Committee.

Andrews has served the Hiram College chemistry department for 35 years. His new courses in computational chemistry and x-ray crystallography have greatly enhanced the science curriculum at Hiram. He has also worked tirelessly to recruit new students to Hiram, taking a special interest in Hiram’s international student community, often hosting these students in his home to help them adjust to life at Hiram.

Moody has served Hiram College in various roles including faculty member in the religious studies department and College Chaplain for 18 years. His enthusiastic leadership skills have been admired as he led the Hiram College Lectures in Religion series and the Habitat for Humanity auction, helping to raise money for students to travel on community service trips. He has also provided insightful and energized leadership as the Foote Professor of Ethics and director of the Center for the Study of Ethics and Values.

Rea has served Hiram College for 39 years. She established the communication department and oversaw its growth from its beginnings more than 30 years ago to its current status as one of the largest major programs at the College. She has led 10 study abroad trips to Central America, Mexico and Cuba and has served as Chairperson of the Faculty and on every major committee and board in the College’s governance system.

Slotterbeck has served Hiram College for 35 years. She established the computer science major as part of the mathematical sciences department and oversaw its expansion to a stand-alone department offering one of the most popular major programs at the College. She was instrumental in creating the computer science department’s Integrated Research Component, an innovative capstone model that has garnered interest among similar institutions.

Hiram College is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented expansion. Along with a fifty percent growth in enrollment in the past five years and the construction of multiple new buildings on campus including a new residence hall, a new dining facility and new student townhouses, Hiram has also welcomed 24 new faculty members in the past two academic years.

Heads Roll (as it Were) on Campus. An Editorial Opinion

By Karen Donley-Hayes ’86, ’06
College Editor

It’s been quite a week here at Hiram College. We’ve been in the news all over the country. There are good reasons we should be. Last Saturday, the College held its 159th commencement. The weekend’s events included baccalaureate, excellent food, company, distinguished visitors and speakers. Over 230 bachelor’s and master’s candidates received their degrees. Five faculty members were honored with distinguished service awards. Commencement speaker Congressman Tim Ryan was inducted into the Garfield Society.

Unfortunately, those noteworthy activities weren’t what attracted so much attention to Hiram. Rather, it was an event that was most definitely not on the College’s agenda for the weekend. Sometime during all of the commencement revelry, President James A. Garfield lost his head. Literally.

On Thursday night before graduation, the sandstone head of the nearly 100-year-old statue of Garfield parted company with its sandstone body, apparently grew new legs, and disappeared into the night. Friday dawned to find Hiram’s Garfield figurehead… well, without his head.

As a Hiram native (and College employee and life-long area resident), my first reaction was to be mad – mad at whomever would intentionally (presumably) destroy College property. I was offended, too – it felt like a snub at the College and the extraordinary hard work of so many people that had brought the Garfield Institute for Public Leadership to its new home on the campus – the Mecca Community Church, which had been disassembled, moved to Hiram’s campus, and reassembled with painstaking historical detail. The Garfield statue had been donated by Paul Martin, a Hiram board of trustees member, and had stood over the dedication of the newly restored meeting house just hours before someone knocked his head off.

At some level, however, I couldn’t help seeing elements of humor in the whole situation, as inappropriate as that may be. I mean, this was a criminal activity – that statue is worth a whole lot of money. Be that as it may, I kept thinking, “Come on – they took his head? Surely you jest!” Nope, no jest, and the statue stands just as he had at the dedication, his head conspicuously MIA. Nowhere to be found. Hiram police investigated. Campus security searched all dorm rooms and buildings. Faculty and staff sniffed around in bushes and gardens. “If you were a missing head on the lam, where would you go?” Speculation about when, where or if the head would reappear abounded. In the Office of College Relations, we wondered what kind of spin we could put on this if anyone asked. What with our new graduates getting ready to head off to new lives and careers, “Head hunters gather at Hiram” seemed apropos.

Oh, and yeah, people did ask. A lot.

Maybe it’s just been a slow news week around the country, because Garfield’s 21st century misfortune has garnered a whole lot of media attention. Shawn Brown, director of college relations at Hiram, spent the better part of commencement weekend and the days after commencement fielding media inquiries, meeting camera crews, giving interviews, accessing the Hiram archives to recount Garfield’s history with the College prior to this latest notoriety. Word spread. All over. The AP picked up the story. So did UPI. My cousin in Arizona called to ask me about it.

Comments and commentary have been mixed – some focused on James A. Garfield’s history (as Hiram’s president as well as president of the U.S.). Some have focused on society’s criminal element and how reputably peaceful places like Hiram College can fall victim. And some – these are my favorites – have focused on it because it’s just plain odd. It takes on a murder mystery element, a who-done-it meets Where’s Waldo. If Hiram has to be home of a decapitated Garfield statue, I much prefer the latter attitude over the doom and gloom attitude. I mean, I live here and all, I feel safe here, and let’s face it – it takes less energy and is more rewarding (at least, I think it is) to be intrigued than incensed.

I’m not sure what the future holds for our truncated figurehead. I hope that Garfield’s head reappears (someone suggested if we found the head we’d probably find Jimmy Hoffa); those in the know have already determined that the original head – if recovered – can be reattached. Almost as good as new. But if the Hiram headhunters come up empty-handed, I think it’s safe to say that the statue won’t remain permanently sans cranium. This is Hiram, where art and American history and political science and anthropology will surely come together and devise an interdisciplinary solution. That’s what we do here.

And James A. Garfield will once again have a solid head on his shoulders.

Pittman’s Spring 3-week Class Helps Chicago Organization

LaShawnDa Pittman, minority dissertation fellow in sociology, wanted to develop a new course using a social entrepreneur framework.

“I felt that it would allow me to bring ideas and practices needed to inspire students in sociology courses to understand social change and perhaps become inspired to be change agents,” she said.

She felt the best way to do this would be to have students work directly with a social entrepreneur affecting a social problem, specifically one related to work involving care. She chose to have her students work with the Metropolitan Area African American Senior Resource Network (MAAASRN).

“In my Carework and Gender course I taught students about social entrepreneurship, had them research and critique domestic social entrepreneurial programs, and applied what they learned to a Southside Chicago based program,” she said. “Based on what we learned, we identified gaps between what the organization was currently doing and what they could be doing.”

Pittman worked directly with the organization to plan things.

“I worked with the community partner before the course started and behind the scenes to ensure that they would both be open to and utilize our hard work and feedback,” she said.

The students also got to work with different members of the organization.

“To this end, students interfaced with the president, executive director and community members served by the organization,” Pittman said. “So, in addition to learning about social entrepreneurship, carework and gender, they acquired new skills that we actually incorporated into their resumes.”

Not only did MAAASRN gain from the students’ work, presenting their final project helped the students gain direction in their future careers.

“We presented our final class project via Skype video conference,” Pittman said. “It was empowering for all involved, especially students, who shared that they felt more certain about what to do with their sociology degrees and interest and less afraid to leave college for the world of work or graduate school.”

Christopher Ryan Promoted to Associate Professor of Art

Christopher T. Ryan was recently approved by Hiram’s board of trustees for promotion to associate professor of art and granted tenure.

He completed his B.A. at John Carroll University with a major in history and a minor in art history, his M.A. in modern European history from the University of Virginia, a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in painting/drawing/printmaking from the Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy and his M.F.A. from Bowling Green State University in painting/drawing. He came to Hiram College in 2003 and has been an active member of the academic community since that time.

Ryan’s students appreciate his passion for art and teaching and believe that he takes a personal interest in their work while demonstrating respect and caring as mentor. He is described as demanding, yet fair and inspirational. He recently helped to lead a successful study abroad trip to Italy and team-taught an interdisciplinary course on comics as art and literature. His contributions to all areas of teaching are exceptional.

Ryan is an active and accomplished artist and his impact on Hiram’s art gallery has been outstanding. His exhibition at the Olin Art Gallery and solo exhibit at the Dayton Visual Arts Center are evidence of the continuing recognition of his work within the art world. He brings fresh insights, energy and balance.

Hiram Awarded LEED Base Certification for East Hall

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded LEED base Certification to Hiram College for East Hall, Hiram’s suite-style residence hall completed in the fall of 2008.

LEED is the USGBC’s leading rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings.

The East Hall project had many “green features,” but one of the most significant is the building’s efficiency – which has turned out to be 25.7% more efficient than the baseline design for the building. East Hall will also provide 25.8% in annual energy savings with respect to a baseline design for this building, according to Chris Montgomery, LEED AP Project Manager for Panzica Construction Company. Montgomery said Panzica “accomplished this through an interactive and collaborative design with all of the parties working together (Van Auken Aikens Architects, Karpinski Engineering, subcontractors, etc.) to ensure that everything from the building envelope to the HVAC system to the light fixtures provided us with an efficient building.

“We also worked with Van Auken Akins Architects to ensure the use of materials that contained recycled products and were manufactured regionally,” Montgomery explained. Thus, East Hall provides suite living – in more ways than one.

Spring Issue of “Hiram Magazine” Goes Green

In a collaborative effort with Alumni Relations, we are pleased to provide you with the link to the new digital edition of “Hiram Magazine.” Simply click here or on the picture above to go to the online edition.

Jennifer Schuller, director of alumni relations, explains. “With Hiram’s commitment to becoming climate neutral, we wanted to try an online version of this publication and get your reaction. We are also being fiscally responsible in this tough economic climate and diverting every dollar we can to student programs and services. So, please read the Spring 2009 edition and give us your honest feedback.

“Rest assured, this is not a permanent change. In fact, we are already working on the next edition of the magazine which we plan to print (on Forest Stewardship Council-certified Paper, by the way) and send to your mailboxes this Summer. We have a cover story in the works that I think will excite you about Hiram’s future. I can’t wait to share it with you.”

Read on – online for right now, and welcome the print edition in your mailbox with the Summer 2009 edition.

Hiram Congratulates 2009 Alumni Award Winners

Alumni Weekend is fast approaching and boasts a schedule to interest everyone – and one of the premier events is the celebration of this year’s alumni award winners. All of the award winners plan to be present on Hiram’s campus, where they will accept their awards during Saturday’s reception. The Alumni Executive Board awards these honors. We welcome you to join us in recognizing and celebrating these deserving alumni.

Mandy Mehlman ’02 is the winner of the Recent Graduate Service to Humanity Award. Menlman, who was nominated by Amber Pasternak ’01, is a Homework Help Coordinator at the Worthington Public Libraries, and is also a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Franklin County.

Pasternak tells us of Mehlman’s accomplishments. Mehlman participated in Teach for America and spent two years teaching fifth grade in an underserved school in New York City while earning her master’s degree. Her commitment to humanitarian service continued, says Paternak, noting that Mehlman “joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to a site in Guatemala. There she worked with local schools to help solve hygiene issues. She stayed several months beyond her two year commitment so she could see a project through to completion.” Mehlman’s background in education, fluency in Spanish and familiarity with Latin American culture have served her well in her missions.
For her extraordinary service to humanity, Mehlman had earned this award.

Alumni Achievement Award is presented to Thomas Reuschling ’64. Reuschling, who was nominated by David Majick ’65, is professor of business and president emeritus, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Fla. In fact, for the better part of the last 40 years, Reuschling has been successfully serving higher education as a professor, director and dean of several colleges and universities. He has received numerous awards, fellowships and honoraria for teaching and leadership.

Majick noted in his nomination of Reuschling that, “As Tom’s teammate [at Hiram], I came to realize that Tom would live a life that, at its core, would center on the leadership of people.” As professor, president or president emeritus of Florida Southern College, Reucheling has, since the mid ’90s, indeed been a leader. “I came to notice an interplay,” explained Majick, “between Tom and the people of Florida Southern College. He sincerely enjoyed all segments of the college, especially the students. … Students always felt free to approach Tom with a smile and say ‘hello.’ As we moved about the campus maintenance people would acknowledge Tom; and faculty would greet him warmly. People just seemed to gravitate to him and he to them.”

Hiram College therefore awards the Alumni Achievement Award to Tom Reuschling, and congratulates on this well-deserved recognition.

Jonathan Estrin ’69 is also receiving the Alumni Achievement Award, as well as the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Considering Estrin’s varied career path, it is not surprising that his roots stem from a college once called the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute. Estrin’s journey included positions as a television producer, writer, director and college dean. He has won awards and nominations for work on projects as disparate as “Cagney & Lacey” and Danielle Steele’s “Jewels.” He has been an active volunteer, writing material for political campaigns (including Clinton/ Gore) and chairing the board of the international relief agency Operation U.S.A. His notable career included a 2006 visit to Hiram for the world premiere screening of “The Water is Wide” for which he wrote the teleplay.

Today, Estrin is the president of the Constitutional Rights Foundation, an organization devoted to our nation’s youth, instilling in them a deeper understanding of citizenship and the importance of their active participation as responsible members of society (not unlike Hiram’s Garfield Institute for Public Leadership).

Congratulations on these well-deserved awards.

Kathy Coleman ’87 is the 2009 recipient of the Alumni Volunteer Award. In addition to Coleman’s generous philanthropy, she contributes a tremendous amount of service to College. As a graduate of the Weekend College, Coleman lends a hand to them whenever they need it—whether to endorse a letter or be listed in a publication. Coleman is a member of the board of trustees and co-chairs the institutional advancement committee. She has also taken on multiple fundraising efforts on the College’s behalf, traveling both locally as well as to New England and the Southeast. When alumni make gifts, Coleman will often come into the development office and make calls of thanks or to write notes to alumni, writing personal notes of thanks when she knew the person.

Coleman makes it her job to re-introduce alumni back to the College; she researches what may interest individuals, and then follows up. She participated in Hiram’s alumni trip to Greece. She made sure that she was meeting with each person individually, sharing information on the latest happenings at Hiram, and making sure they were forming a relationship with the College while they were in Greece.

Coleman noted that she – and her late husband Les – love places that built a sense of community – and that is what Hiram is all about.

Thank you to Coleman for her volunteerism, and congratulations on this deserved recognition.

Put this Alumni Weekend on your calendar, and see people from you class year – maybe one of this year’s award winners is from your class! All of them have been notified, accepted and will be in attendance, so plan on joining us!

Commencement 2009

The 159th commencement of Hiram College was on Saturday, May 16, 2009, and the weather held – just barely – for the ceremony and conferring of degrees to over 230 bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates.

Timothy J. Ryan, B.A., J.D., U.S. House of Representatives, delivered the commencement address, “New Horizons.” In a lively and engaging speech, Ryan told the audience that they should use the enormous energy of their lives and the education they received at Hiram to excel in what makes them happy. The ability to do that would be the true measure of success.

In addition to the graduating students, five faculty members were honored. Professor of Communication Linda Rea, Professor of Computer Science Oberta Slotterbeck, Professor of Chemistry John Andrews, Professor or Religion Jon Moody and Professor of Chemistry David Moss each received Distinguished Service Awards, for their combined service to the College of over 150 years.

Congratulations to Hiram’s class of 2009!

See photos of Commencement here and here.

See photos of the Baccalaureate Service.

Steele Columbia University’s Next Provost

Claude M. Steele ’67 has been named as Columbia University’s 21st provost, beginning September 1, 2009.

The Columbia Web notes that Steele comes to Columbia from Stanford University, where he has served as a professor of psychology since 1991, leading the department as chair from 1997 to 2000. He is currently the Lucie Stern Professor in the Social Sciences and director of Stanford’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences.

After graduating Hiram, Steele earned his master’s and doctorate from The Ohio State University, as well as honorary degrees from the University of Chicago, Yale and Princeton. He holds memberships in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society and the National Academy of Education. He is the winner of numerous awards, including the Senior Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest and the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award, each from the American Psychological Association.

To read the entire story, go here.

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