Celebrating International Women's Day
On Saturday, March 8, 2008, the first community-wide celebration of International Women's Day in the Rogue Valley took place in Ashland. Southern Oregon University, Rogue Community College, and the communities of Medford and Ashland joined hands to organize the event, honoring women who work for equality, freedom, and social justice. Thanks to all for such a wonderful display of support.
SOU Theatre Productions
Saturday, March 9, marked the final showing of Urinetown, one of the Theatre Department's two productions this season. Public response has been exceptionally positive, including a glowing review in the Medford Mail Tribune by Richard Moeschl.
Congratulations to the talented cast of Urinetown, some of whom are featured above. From top: Libby Barnard, Samuel Dinkowitz, Tim Homsley, Monique Barbee, and Danielle Chaves strike a pose in the Tony Award-winning musical in SOU's Center Stage Theatre.
The Theatre Department's second production this season was Many Moons, which ended on March 2. This children's theatre play is adapted from a 1943 book by James Thurber and has charmed audiences in SOU's Center Square Theatre.
Pictured above are Nick Ferrucci, Jorge Paniagua, and Tara Watkins playing the Jester, King, and Princess. (Theatre production photos courtesy of Brian Prechtel and Ezra Severin.)
I hope you got a chance to catch these plays showcasing the wide-ranging talents of our theatre students.
Wine and Cheese Reception
On Friday, February 29, we gathered to celebrate our successful re-accreditation, the signing of our faculty contract, and the pending arrival of spring. I am grateful to Weisinger's for donating the wine. Thanks for coming, everyone!
Women's Basketball Wins Conference Tournament
Congratulations, once again, to our victorious Women's Basketball Team! With nearly 1,000 spectators in attendance at McNeal Pavilion, the Women's Basketball Team won its fifth Cascade Conference Tournament Championship on March 3. The game concluded with an exciting 82-72 overtime win over the College of Idaho.
The team ended the regular season 29-4, the best record in Southern's history. With the win, SOU received an automatic berth in the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.
The first round of the tournament is this Wednesday, March 12, at 7:45 pm. SOU will be playing against St. Ambrose College of Iowa at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City. Check the Athletics website for the latest news, and go Raiders!
Barney Riggs: In Memoriam
Please join me in honoring Southern's legendary football coach, Barney Riggs, who died on Sunday, February 24. In 1946, Riggs led the football team to its only undefeated full season in SOU history. Coach Riggs later became known for his work as a teacher and coach at Hedrick Junior High School in Medford. Riggs was inducted into the SOU Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Medford Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life ceremony was held at the Elks Lodge in Medford at 2 pm on Friday, February 29.
