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NEWS:

Worcester District Attorney Community
and School Outreach Program to Present
on Bullying and CyberBullying
at WSU Next Week

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NOTEWORTHY:


Brad Bryan (Biology) attended the combined 15th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 13th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine in Loutraki, Greece, where speakers from all over the world attended and presented their research findings. Professor Bryan presented a 30 minute lecture titled "Targeting the Cytoskeleton in Tumors" where he discussed findings from his students" research here at WSU. The abstract from his talk was published in a special addition of the International Journal of Molecular Medicine. Moreover, Professor Bryan served as chair of the Molecular Biology & Immunology session of the conference. This was a great opportunity for WSU to gain international recognition for its excellence in undergraduate research. Additionally, Professor Bryan's laboratory has been very busy this past summer, publishing two peer reviewed scientific articles in the International Journal of Oncology and the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry.



Stephanie Chalupka (Nursing) and Andrew N. Chalupka (Harvard Medical School) are the authors of "The Impact of Environmental and Occupational Exposures on Reproductive Health" which was published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing. Most chemicals in commercial use in the United States have not been tested for possible developmental toxicity to fetuses, infants, and children. The article addresses environmental and occupational exposures during critical periods of susceptibility in utero which may result in lifelong or intergenerational adverse health effects. Funding for this research was provided by a grant awarded to Professor Chalupka by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Children's Health.



Catherine Wilcox-Titus (Visual & Performing Arts) will give a talk on Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty in the Contemporary Gallery on Nov. 16th at the Worcester Art Museum's Professors' Night. Spiral Jetty was one of the outstanding artistic achievements in the last half of the 20th century. Four other professors from Consortium Colleges will also give short talks about a favorite work in the collection and speak about how they use the Worcester Art Museum collection in their teaching. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Debby Aframe if you plan to attend debbyaframe@worcesterart.org.



Kristin Waters (Philosophy) presented a paper, "Crying Out for Liberty: Five Arguments about Oppression," at the California Roundtable on Philosophy and Race held at Northwestern University on October 8 and 9. The roundtable was initiated several years ago at the University of California at Berkeley to provide a venue to discuss a small number of papers in depth among a group of philosophers devoted to the topic. For the last few years the conference as gone "on the road" and next year will be held at the University of Massachusetts at Boston.



Adam Zahler (Visual & Performing Arts) has been appointed Chair of Directing for Region 1 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. As Chair he is overseeing and coordinating the directing program at the KCACTF Region 1 conference in January, and visiting other colleges and universities in the region to respond to productions. Region 1 of KCACTF includes New England, eastern New York State (Including New York City), and at least one school in Canada.

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AROUND CAMPUS:

Panelists Discuss Opportunities and Challenges for a Stronger Creative Economy

Panelists (L to R) WSU Professors Dr. Carol Donnelly, Dr. Steven Corey,
Artist Antonio Fonseca and Worcester Mayor Joseph O'Brien

Panelists at the "Art Works: A Public Forum on Creative Economies in Central Massachusetts" discussion last week at WSU agreed that the region has a host of opportunities and challenges in developing a stronger creative economy. The discussion, co-sponsored by the Worcester State University Urban Studies and Visual and Performing Arts Departments, was hosted by Hank Stolz, host of "Wake Up Worcester" on WCRN/Charter Channel 3. Panelists included Worcester Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien; artist, painter, printmaker, advocate and organizer Antonio Fonseca; WSU Department of Urban Studies Chair Dr. Steven Corey and Interim Director of the Worcester Center for Crafts Dr. Carol B. Donnelly.

"We are at a remarkable time in our city," said O'Brien. He praised the Worcester Cultural Coalition for its work in supporting and communicating with the creative economy community, but said there is more work to be done. One of the challenges the panel addressed was geographic. "Our arts are spread throughout the city," said O'Brien, "not centrally located." Corey agreed and raised Providence, Rhode Island, as an example of a city that used the creative economy to reinvent itself. He noted that Providence has a geographic center of artistic and cultural offerings. But, panelists all stressed that Worcester and the greater region have to find their own way. "The point is not to imitate others," said Corey, "but to ask ourselves, what do we want this city to become?" One idea came from audience member Maureen Power, of the WSU Urban Studies department and the Intergenerational Institute. She suggested creating public art throughout the city and creating a transportation opportunity to move people through the city to view and engage with the arts. Fonseca embraced the idea. "If art become of the people, it will work itself out." He recognized the diffuse nature of the arts throughout the city, but also recognized that as the arts have become more spread out and decentralized - so has the power structure, which he sees as a positive." "The playing field has been leveled."

Panelists suggested that a key role the city could play would be to help artists, businesses and the greater community connect better. "Having a web and a connection is important," said Donnelly. "Worcester State University and the Worcester Center for Crafts are working hard to continue to forge a relationship." O'Brien said that is a key part of the city's approach. "Erin Williams and the Worcester Cultural Coalition are working hard to knit the various groups together." He said supporting the creative economy is key to the future of the city. "Entrepreneurs want to know if this is a dynamic community and a place where they want to work and live." Panelists agreed that a positive sign would be communication networks tightening so that diverse groups start talking to each other about the arts and the creative economy. "At the core of this is the goal that artists will be talking to scientists and engineers about this," said Corey.




SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming, Sat., Oct. 30
Student Center, Coughlin Stadium, Gym Parking Lot

Join us as we celebrate Homecoming with returning alumni and the WSU community on Saturday, October 30. This day-long celebration includes something for everyone. A few of the day's highlights include: a 5K walk/run, President's Brunch, football game against Fitchburg State at 1:30 p.m., tailgating, family fun area and a Hell's Kitchen Murder Mystery show. There will also be a vintage sale; WSC picnic blankets, travel mugs and much more will be for sale, with all proceeds going towards student scholarships. For all the details, visit www.worcester.edu/homecoming.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Funding Available for Projects that Involve
and Benefit WSU Students
Each year the Worcester State University Alumni Association's Advisory Board (AAAB) awards funding to university and community endeavors to help further the Board's work as a liaison between alumni and the University community. There are limited amount of funds available therefore the AAAB's funding process is competitive. Applications are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, November 12. To request the 2010-2011 AAAB Application for Funding or for more information, please contact Tara Hancock in the Alumni Office at thancock@worcester.edu.

Chorale Trip to Germany
The WSU Chorale will once again be going on concert tour on May 16 to 24, 2011, this time to Germany. The Chorale is excited about this location because of the rich musical tradition of Germany, the home of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, Mendelssohn, and so many others. As always, the Chorale loves to have non-singers along to share in the wonderful experiences. All WSU faculty, staff, students, administration and friends are welcome.

On this trip you will visit several cities formerly behind the Iron Curtain, such as Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden and Leipzig and also the western city of Munich in Bavaria. The cost of the trip is $2399 per person plus airline taxes and includes meals, airfare, hotel, sight-seeing, tour guide and luxury motor coach. The only costs not covered are lunches and a few dinners and tips. There is a payment plan available. The deadline for registration is November 1, 2010. If you would like to see an itinerary, please contact: Christie Nigro at cnigro@worcester.edu or call 508-929-8824. Those who have traveled with the Chorale in the past have had a marvelous time, and many have participated over and over with this fun-loving and talented group.

Clean Out Your Closets and Help Daybreak
As part of the Month Without Violence, the Women's Studies Program is sponsoring a "Swap for Good" (www.swapforgood.org) clothing and accessory swap to benefit the Daybreak Domestic Violence program next Wednesday, October 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the North/South Auditorium. Please stop by, browse through the selection, and donate what you think your items are worth as you are able. In addition to cash donations at the swap, you can also help by donating fashionable, gently used, men's, women's or children's clothing (on hangers if possible), accessories (belts, scarves, etc.) and jewelry. Donated items may be dropped off at the North/South Auditorium on Wednesday, October 20 from 8:30-10 a.m., or in advance at the Women's Studies office in ST-110 any time before the event.
 If you'd like to volunteer to help staff the swap, or would like more information, please contact Lori Dawson.

Conference on International Education, November 19
The Massachusetts Council for International Education Conference will be on the Worcester State University campus on Friday, November 19 from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.. The conference is open to faculty, staff, and students - anyone interested in international education. The conference cost is $40 ($12 for students). This is the best $40 you will spend - in addition to two workshops and a wonderful keynote speaker - Bill Clifford from WorldBoston, you will get a full breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea! For more information or to register call Susan Seibel at ext.8120 or go to http://www.fsc.edu/intled/upcomingevents.cfm.

Call for Nominations: Alden Excellence in Teaching Award
Due November 1, 2010
Worcester State University began as a teachers' college and recognizes that teaching is still at the heart of what we do. Through the George I. Alden Excellence in Teaching Award, the University has a public way of acknowledging the role of good teachers in students' lives by honoring those who have most inspired them and contributed the most to their success through teaching excellence. For more information and a nomination form, visit www.worcester.edu/alden.

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TRANSITIONS:

Welcome to:

Ryan Knihtila, Technical Assistant II, Chemistry

Monique LaBelle, Staff Assistant, Academic Affairs

In addition, Katey Palumbo (International Programs) will be serving as the interim director of International Programs.

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WSU IN THE NEWS:

Inquiry: ADAM ZAHLER: Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR at Worcester State University
Radio Interview with Mark Lynch: WICN
Professor of Theatre and professional Stage Director ADAM ZAHLER returns to Inquiry to talk about the upcoming production of JULIUS CAESAR at Worcester State University. What are the challenges of staging Shakespeare? Does an Elizabethan play about Ancient Rome have any relevance for today's audiences?


Worcester State Earns Soccer Win
Telegram & Gazette
Worcester State 3, Johnson & Wales 1: Megan O'Leary, Sarah Connors and Kara Rogato scored to lift the host Lancers (6-4-3)

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