Hessinger to Speak at Hiram Historical Society Program

Associate Professor of History and Associate Dean of the College Rodney Hessinger will explore the mob assault on Joseph Smith at the Johnson farm in March of 1832 at the Hiram Historical Society’s next program:

“Tarring and Feathering a Prophet: The Reception of Joseph Smith in Hiram, 1832.”

When: Thursday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Historical Society’s Century House (across from the Hiram Fire Station).

In this year, Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was residing with the Johnsons, receiving revelations and preaching to the Mormon faithful. Put in context, this was a very surprising attack. By the early nineteenth century, Americans had fully embraced religious pluralism as an ideal, counting it as a mark of distinction to their young nation. This should have been especially true in Hiram: the Disciples of Christ, one of the predominant faith groups in the village, were renowned for their latitudinarian approach to religion. Examining past accounts, as well as looking anew at sources from the 1830s, Hessinger will analyze the causes of this violent episode.

Ryan Participating in Two Summer Exhibitions

Associate Professor of Art Christopher Ryan will participate in two exhibitions this summer. A selection of his paintings, prints and drawings will be included in a group show at Chentini Gallery in Chagrin Falls. The show will open with a reception on May 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Ryan will also participate in a curated show titled “Point of Departure: Five Contemporary Realists” at the McAlear Gallery, located in Schedel Gardens, Elmore, Ohio. The show will open with a reception on June 6 from 2 to 5 p.m., and will run through July 29. A catalog of the exhibition will be available at the gallery.

Softball’s Whitney Dropsey Named All-American

STARKVILLE, MISS.  –  Hiram College senior softball pitcher/outfielder Whitney Dropsey (Ashland/Hillsdale) earned yet another postseason award and becomes the first Terrier to earn Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III All-American accolades.  She is also the only player from the North Coast Athletic Conference to be tabbed All-American this season.  [AFCA All-American Teams]

Dropsey was a third-team All-American selection as a utility player after leading Hiram to a 20-17 overall record and made a third straight appearance in the NCAC postseason.  The Terriers also recorded their third 20-win season in the past four years.

This marks the fourth post-season award for Dropsey after earning first-team All-Region accolades for the second time in her career in addition to being named first-team All-NCAC for the third straight season and back-to-back NCAC Player of the Year honors.  In addition, she has been recognized for her efforts in the classroom as a first-team CoSIDA (College Sports Information Driectors of America) ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District for the second consecutive season and third Academic All-District award in her career. 

In 2010, she finished second on the team in batting average at .403 (58-of-144) and led the team in runs scored (26) and stolen bases (11).  She was also third in RBI at 20 to go along with two triples and five doubles.  In addition, Dropsey was the team’s top pitcher with a 1.99 earned run average and a 14-12 record.  She led the team in every statistical category having made 30 appearances, including 24 starts, with 14 complete games, four shutouts and a save.  In 158 innings, Dropsey struck out 127 batters (10 strikeouts shy of her school record 137 she set in 2009).  Against conference opponents, she led the league in hits (29) and was second in total bases (33).  On the mound, Dropsey led the NCAC in innings pitched (80.1), strikeouts (62) and appearances (13) while posting a 7-5 record.

For her career, Whitney is the most decorated and one of the best players in program history.  She owns or shares 12 single-season and career records.  As a pitcher, she owns single-season records for appearances (34), wins (18), innings pitched (182.1), strikeouts (137) and is tied for the single-season save record (one) and fewest walks (13).  Whitney currently owns the career record for wins (40), lowest ERA (2.48), appearances (89), winning percentage (.611) and strikeouts (322).   In addition, she also owns the career record for stolen bases (43).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Attend An Information Session About Hiram’s Innovative Weekend Degree Programs June 9

Hiram College is hosting an open house for students considering weekend degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The open house gives non-traditional students the opportunity to see the campus and meet students, faculty and staff members.

Prospective students are invited to visit Hiram College at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. Visitors will attend an informal presentation about Hiram’s convenient weekend format, degree requirements and majors and student services. Light snacks will be provided.

Advance registrations are preferred at one of the numbers below.

Interested students who cannot attend the open house are invited to set up an appointment with an academic advisor to talk about their educational plans. Advisors can also complete an evaluation of transfer credit for prior college coursework.

For more information about undergraduate programs offered through the Weekend College, call 330.569.5161.

For more information about the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program, call 330.569.6111.

Celebrating Hiram’s 160th Commencement

It’s hard to believe, as summer school classes are already under way on campus, that just two days ago on Saturday, May 15, the Hiram community celebrated the 160th commencement exercises of the College.

The day’s events started with the baccalaureate service, followed by a wonderful brunch served in the College’s new dining hall. In the early afternoon, hundreds gathered on the campus green to revel in the accomplishments of those being honored. Three Hiram faculty members – Professor of Psychology Andy Konick, Professor of Religious Studies Dixon Slingerland, and Professor of Sociology Mario Renzi – each received Distinguished Service Awards. These extraordinary professors have provided over a century’s worth of combined service.

After the commencement address by Former Ambassador to Honduras James F. Creagan, the seven master’s candidates and 277 bachelor’s candidates received their degrees. Following the commencement, students, families, friends, faculty and staff continued the celebration with a reception under the Hinsdale arch and in the Kennedy Center.

Congratulations to our new graduates and to our honored faculty.

To see extensive photos and video clips of the day’s events, visit Hiram’s Flickr site.

Three Softball Players Tabbed All-Central Region

HIRAM, OHIO  –  Three members of the Hiram College softball team continue to earn postseason accolades and were named Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III All-Central Region.  Senior pitcher/outfielder Whitney Dropsey (Ashland/Hillsdale) and frehman designated hitter/first baseman Alee Singer (Akron/Dayton) were named first-team, while junior first baseman Kelly Langland (Batavia/McNicholas) earned third-team honors.  [All-Region Teams]

Hiram ended the 2010 season with a 20-17 overall record and made a third straight appearance in the NCAC postseason.  The Terriers also recorded their third 20-win season in the past four years.

Dropsey earns All-Region accolades for the second time in her career in addition to being named first-team All-NCAC for the third straight season last week.  In 2010, she finished second on the team in batting average at .403 (58-of-144) and led the team in runs scored (26) and stolen bases (11).  She was also third in RBI at 20 to go along with two triples and five doubles.  In addition, Dropsey was the team’s top pitcher with a 1.99 earned run average and a 14-12 record.  She led the team in every statistical category having made 30 appearances, including 24 starts, with 14 complete games, four shutouts and a save.  In 158 innings, Dropsey struck out 127 batters (10 strikeouts shy of her school record 137 she set in 2009).  Against conference opponents, she led the league in hits (29) and was second in total bases (33).  On the mound, Dropsey led the NCAC in innings pitched (80.1), strikeouts (62) and appearances (13) while posting a 7-5 record.

For her career, Whitney is the most decorated and one of the best players in program history.  She owns or shares 12 single-season and career records.  As a pitcher, she owns single-season records for appearances (34), wins (18), innings pitched (182.1), strikeouts (137) and is tied for the single-season save record (one) and fewest walks (13).  Whitney currently owns the career record for wins (40), lowest ERA (2.48), appearances (89), winning percentage (.611) and strikeouts (322).   In addition, she also owns the career record for stolen bases (43). 

Singer adds to her first All-Conference Award with her first All-Region honor.   This spring, she played in all 37 games and started 34.  Singer finished third on the team in batting average at .379 (39-of-103) and was tied for second in doubles with nine.  She also recorded one triple, knocked in 19 runs and scored 11 runs. 

Langland also earns her first All-Region award this season.  She led the team in batting average at .414 (46-of-111), triples (six) and RBI (28).  She was also second on the team in homeruns (three) and runs scored (25).  In addition, Langland ended the year second in stolen bases with 10 (10-of-11 overall).  Defensively, Langland posted a .967 fielding percentage as the team’s starting first baseman recording 223 putouts and 13 assists. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Softball Has Five Selected All-NCAC; Dropsey Repeats as NCAC Player of the Year

CLEVELAND, OHIO  –  Five members of the Hiram College softball team have been selected to the 2010 All-North Coast Athletic Conference Teams that were released today (Friday, May 14) for their efforts this season.  In addition, senior pitcher/outfielder Whitney Dropsey (Ashland/Hillsdale) has been tabbed the NCAC Player of the Year for the second straight year.  [2010 All-NCAC Teams]

Dropsey and freshman designated hitter/first baseman Alee Singer (Akron/Dayton) were both first-team picks.  Junior first baseman Kelly Langland (Batavia/McNicholas) and sophomore outfielder Marlene Smith (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Trinity) were tabbed second-team selections, while junior catcher Jena Ervin (Canfield) earned honorable mention accolades.

Hiram ended the 2010 season with a 20-17 overall record and made a third straight appearance in the NCAC postseason.  The Terriers also recorded their third 20-win season in the past four years.

Dropsey earns All-NCAC honors for the third straight season, including her third consecutive first-team selection.  This season, she finished second on the team in batting average at .403 (58-of-144) and led the team in runs scored (26) and stolen bases (11).  She was also third in RBI at 20 to go along with two triples and five doubles.  In addition, Dropsey was the team’s top pitcher with a 1.99 earned run average and a 14-12 record.  She led the team in every statistical category having made 30 appearances, including 24 starts, with 14 complete games, four shutouts and a save.  In 158 innings, Dropsey struck out 127 batters (10 strikeouts shy of her school record 137 she set in 2009).  Against conference opponents, she led the league in hits (29) and was second in total bases (33).  On the mound, Dropsey led the NCAC in innings pitched (80.1), strikeouts (62) and appearances (13) while posting a 7-5 record.

For her career, Whitney is the most decorated and one of the best players in program history.  She owns or shares 12 single-season and career records.  As a pitcher, she owns single-season records for appearances (34), wins (18), innings pitched (182.1), strikeouts (137) and is tied for the single-season save record (one) and fewest walks (13).  Whitney currently owns the career record for wins (40), lowest ERA (2.48), appearances (89), winning percentage (.611) and strikeouts (322).   In addition, she also owns the career record for stolen bases (43). 

Singer earned her first All-Conference Award and becomes the second Terrier in program history to garner first-team All-NCAC accolades as a freshman.   This spring, she played in all 37 games and started 34.  Singer finished third on the team in batting average at .379 (39-of-103) and was tied for second in doubles with nine.  She also recorded one triple, knocked in 19 runs and scored 11 runs. 

Langland returned to the team this season after a year off and capped her comeback season with her first All-NCAC honor.  She led the team in batting average at .414 (46-of-111), triples (six) and RBI (28).  She was also second on the team in homeruns (three) and runs scored (25).  In addition, Langland ended the year second in stolen bases with 10 (10-of-11 overall).  Defensively, Langland posted a .967 fielding percentage as the team’s starting first baseman recording 223 putouts and 13 assists.

Smith earns All-Conference accolades for the first time in her career.  She batted .260 at the plate (26-of-100) with a homerun, three triples, three doubles, 16 runs scored and eight RBI.  Her three triples ranked second most on the team.  Smith had a strong season defensively as the team’s starting center fielder with a .968 fielding percentage and tallying 56 putouts, five assists and comitting just two errors.

Ervin was tabbed honorable mention for the first time and it is also her first All-NCAC selection.  She started all 37 games and ended the 2010 season fourth on the team in batting average at .286 (30-of-105), including leading the team in doubles with 12.  She also hit a homerun, scored 15 runs and had 18 RBI.  As a catcher, Ervin had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with 169 putouts and 22 assists. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Garfield Meeting House to Receive Award from Cleveland Restoration Society

Hiram College’s Garfield Meeting House has been selected to receive a 2010 Preservation Award from the Cleveland Restoration Society and the American Institute of Architects, Cleveland and Akron. Restoration projects that are given these awards are recognized for making a significant, positive impact on Northeast Ohio through the preservation of our historic architectural resources.

Awards are given out in multiple categories including: storefront renovation, technical achievement in preservation, adaptive use, community revitalization and excellence in preservation.

This year the awards committee considered almost 20 nominations in many categories. The awards will be presented at the “Celebration of Preservation” at the Hanna Theatre on Thursday, May 20. Various members of the Meeting House’s restoration team plan to attend the event in order to be recognized.

The Meeting House’s nomination was sponsored by Gay Cull Addicott.

Commencement to be Held on Campus Green

Hiram College’s 160th commencement exercises will be held on the Campus Green, between State Route 700 and Dean Street, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. The ceremony will be outdoors rain or shine. Please plan accordingly in the event of inclement weather.

Baseball Players Street and Adkins Selected to All-NCAC Teams

CLEVELAND, OHIO  –  The Hiram College baseball team had two players selected to the 2010 All-North Coast Athletic Conference Teams that were released today (Tuesday, May 11).  Senior catcher Justin Street (Warren/Howland) and junior outfielder Doug Adkins (Frazeysburg/Riverview) were both tabbed honorable mention.  [2010 All-NCAC Teams]

Street earned his second All-NCAC Award this season after earning honorable mention accolades in 2008.  This spring, he finished second on the team in batting average at .330 (37-of-112).  Street was third in RBI (21) and triples (two) and was tied for third in both homeruns (two) and doubles (eight).  In addition, he scored 18 runs.  Defensively, Street had a .963 fielding percentage as the team’s starting catcher with 139 putouts and 42 assists.

Street ends his career with a .296 lifetime batting average (95-of-321) with six homeruns, two triples, 21 doubles, 42 runs scored and 43 RBI.  Behind the plate, he had an impressive .963 fielding percentage with 478 putouts and 92 assists. 

Adkins earns his first All-Conference honor this season after finishing fifth on the team in batting average at .303 (36-of-119).  He led the team in triples (four), doubles (12) and runs scored (26).  Adkins was also tied for third on the team in homeruns (two) and drove in 14 runs.  Defensively, he posted a .971 fielding percentage with 61 putouts, seven assists and committed just two errors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

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