Volume II: Issue 13
Provost Search
I am pleased to announce that our search for a provost has come to a successful conclusion.
Dr. James Klein has accepted our offer to serve as provost and vice president for academic affairs. He comes to us from Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he serves as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Klein has been leading the college of 3,266 students and 126 full-time faculty members since 2005.
Dr. Klein was especially impressed by what he describes as the “wonderful spirit and energy” of our campus. I want to thank you for making him and candidates for other positions feel so welcome here.
Finally, I would like to recognize the tireless efforts of our search committee, chaired by Jonathan Eldridge, who persevered and led us to this satisfying appointment. Committee members included Ron Kramer, Teresa Montgomery, Craig Morris, Teri O’Rourke, Michael Parker, Lesley Pohl, Vicki Purslow, Susan Walsh, and Dan Rubenson.
Commencement
Congratulation to the class of 2008! We are proud of all 834 graduates: 671 are receiving bachelor’s degrees; 139 students have earned master’s degrees; and 23 students will be awarded certificates. One student is also receiving a doctorate (in conjunction with Oregon Health & Science University).
Our theatre alumnus Ty Burrell gave a memorable commencement speech. He was funny and poignant—and he spoke directly to students. I am grateful that he took time from his busy schedule to connect with students and faculty from his alma mater. He is a great example of a graduate who has gone on to a fine career with the foundations he gained at SOU.
I would also like to applaud class of 2008 student speaker, Aspen Gerten, and our Oregon State Board of Higher Education member—and ASSOU Senate President—Brian Fox. Both did an outstanding job of speaking to our graduates.
Among the graduating students, three garnered special recognition. Karen Amarotico received the 2008 Universidad de Guanajuato Award for Outstanding Graduate Student. Karen and her husband, Emile Amarotico, both earned bachelor’s degrees from SOU in 1990. Emile spoke at commencement on behalf of the SOU Alumni Association. Their daughter Alexandra is also currently a student at SOU.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication, Harrison Alexander Baker received the Dankook Award for Outstanding Male Undergraduate Student. Baker’s wife, Sharon Abercrombie, has been accepted into SOU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. We look forward to celebrating her as an alumna in the future.
Psychology major and track-and-field star Ixel Sañchez y Sañchez was named the Outstanding Female Undergraduate recipient of the Dankook Award this year. Ixel transferred to SOU after coming here as an exchange student from Guanajuato, Mexico.
I was pleased that Chairman Choong-Sik Chang from Dankook University was able to join us for the presentation of the Dankook Award. Dr. Chang was president of Dankook University when he and former SOU President James K. Sours established the scholarship award in 1967.
Commencement is the culmination of the academic year. It’s a great event honoring the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff. I am delighted to have celebrated my second commencement ceremony with you, and I look forward to many more!
Raider Days
We had an eventful spring term. The week of Raider Days from May 27 to May 30 was particularly exciting, starting off with the longboard race on Tuesday followed by the one-ton ice-cream sundae event. On Wednesday, we celebrated the arts with student performances, a student art show opening, and a lawn showing of The Vantage Point.
May 29 showcased a topic close to all of us: environmental sustainability and awareness. The Green Fair in the SU Courtyard and the Spruce Up were excellent events. Thanks to the many students, staff, and faculty who participated in making our lovely campus even more beautiful.
Above is a slideshow highlighting the longboard and ice-cream social events. Music was provided by the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra (a.k.a. Siskiyou Saxofone Orkestra), directed by Professor of Music Rhett Bender. The ensemble—which includes Associate Dean Vicki Purslow, two alumni, and twelve students—frequently travels to China, where they have a longstanding relationship with the Sichuan Conservatory of Classical Music in Chengdu. Rhett recently returned from Chendgu and Beijing, and the Saxophone Orchestra performed in Yantai and Shanghai at the China Music Trade Show in October. You can read more about the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra and view a list of the members at their website.
For a high-resolution version of this slideshow, please visit the Student Activities and Leadership website.
Block Party
Raider Days ended with the first annual BBQ Bash Block Party on Friday, May 30. The party included inflated bounces, dunk tanks, live music, and BBQ staples such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and watermelons. Special thanks go to the faculty and staff members who were willingly dunked in the dunk tanks! Thanks also to Big Air Productions for the bounces and the musicians who performed despite the possibility of rain.
Multicultural Family Reunion Barbeque
On June 5, the Multicultural Resource Center, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Admissions, and the Department of Communication cosponsored the Family Reunion Barbeque.
Chair of Communication D.L. Richardson’s famous pork ribs dry rub was spectacular. Other chefs included David West, Brent Florendo, Chava Florendo, Susan Walsh, James Brown, and Marvin Woodard.
Thanks also to Music Department Chair Terry Longshore and collaborator Brett Reed for making their music available for the slideshow above. A high-resolution version is also available at the Multicultural Resource Center website.
We have so much to celebrate! It was a year to be proud of.
Now, I hope you will have a delightful and productive summer. I look forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks.
