The human rights crisis occurring in the North African nation of Sudan is the subject of a lecture by representatives from Amnesty International and the American Friends Service Committee at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8 in the Silver Strand room of the Sonoma State University Recreation Center.
Amnesty International's Erin Callahan and Jahahara Alkebuan-Ma'at of the American Friends Service Committee are working to spread the news of what is currently taking place in the Sudan where the government-backed militia has created chaos for those living and working in this country.
In addition to rape and torture, the militia also uses kidnapping and murder to gain power over those in the region. Many villages in the state of Darfur have been burned and looted by these roving militias. With little to no assistance from local police, the Sudanese people have been left in great need of food and medical assistance.
Amnesty International is a worldwide organization that pursues equality and justice for the human rights of the world's people and works to promote global awareness. The American Friends Service Community is a similar group, which includes people of many different religious backgrounds who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service.
This event is free and is sponsored by Associated Students Productions and the SSU Student Union. For more information visit http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp/ or call (707) 664-2382.
For more information: http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
The North Bay Technology Roundtable has chosen Saeid Rahimi, Dean of the School of Science and Technology at Sonoma State University, to honor at its "Spirit of Sonoma" luncheon on Dec. 2.
The "Spirit of Sonoma" honors outstanding people from different organizations throughout the county. The Roundtable found Rahimi's contributions to the NBTR and his efforts with his staff and faculty in establishing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science at SSU outstanding and worthy of recognition.
The event will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m .at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rohnert Park.
This year marks the fourth annual Spirit of Sonoma event. The honorees are chosen by the individual chambers and business organizations, which are partners in the Spirit award event.
Although each organization creates its own criteria for the businessperson to honor, in general, honorees are chosen for their contributions to the economic development and enhancement of the communities in which they live and work. This year, 19 organizations are participating in the Spirit of Sonoma including the NBTR.
Previous winners of the award have been Curt Wheeling with ATG (2001), Bob Smith of Microsource, Inc (2002) and Michael Hatfield of Calix (2003).
The NBTR is a technology industry interest group that seeks to make Sonoma County an attractive place for tech companies to do business. In addition to connecting members through social and networking events, the NBTR is involved in several county-wide education initiatives that seek to increase interest in math and science among K-12 students.
Among the supported programs are Lego Robotics and the Sonoma County Science Fair. For more information about the NBTR, visit their website at www.nbtr.org.
Gian Carlo-Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors is a jewel of the musical stage. It possesses all of the elements that have made it one of the most beloved family operas. In this enduring tale of hope, transformation and generosity, ordinary kindness leads to miracles. Under the stage direction of Tori Truss and the musical expertise of Lynne Morrow, Sonoma State University's Quantum Opera Theatre brings Amahl and the Night Visitors to life on the Evert B. Person stage at Sonoma State University in nine exciting performances.
Truss is known to North Bay audiences for her directing work on You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Thorton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth and Sam Shepard's Curse of the Starving Class. Lynne Morrow also has a full resume including Music Direction on Mozart's Magic Flute, performing and recording Bernstein's Mass in Berlin, and conducting Berkeley's Pacific Mozart Ensemble.
To see this Holiday classic call the Center For Performing Arts Box Office at 707-664-2353. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from Noon to 5 p.m.
Amahl and the Night Visitors is the story of a young crippled boy and the miracle that cures him. Amahl and his mother have been trying to get by without wood for fire, without oil for the lamp, and now, without enough food to make a meal. On this particular night he spies a beautiful star. Using his wonderful imagination, Amahl describes it to his mother as a chariot on fire. She has heard enough of his tall tales, and admonishes him for lying. They go to sleep with hunger rumbling in their stomachs.
Meanwhile the Kings have been following the star in search of a special, holy child. In exhaustion, they stop to rest at Amahl's home. Although Amahl's mother welcomes them, she doesn't understand why the child they are seeking is any more special than her own.
Shepherds and shepherdesses bring food and dance for the Kings. In a desperate effort to help her son, the mother tries to steal some of the treasures the Kings have brought for the holy child. The Kings forgive her and offer her the gold, as they say the holy child would have done. She is so overcome with gratitude that she tries to return the gold and laments that she does not have a gift of her own to offer. Amahl decides to offer his crutch to the holy child, and in so doing, a miracle occurs. He is able to walk. All are filled with joy, and Amahl leaves with the Kings to present his gift to the holy child in person.
The beauty of Amahl and the Night Visitors is that the interpretation is simple and direct, within the scope of a child's imagination. Adding to this is the pageantry of the production bringing together a chorus, soloists, dancers and musicians seamlessly inter-connecting.
In the Sonoma State University production, members of the community join with students to perform. The role of Amahl is being shared by Conor McCullough, a 13 year-old from Petaluma who raises parrots and cockatiels; and Jean Armanier, a 12 year-old from Santa Rosa who enjoys swimming as much as singing. Amahl's mothers are played by Elizabeth Henry from Windsor, who recently worked with Cinnabar Theater in Cabaret. Kate Willens, a music major at SSU and writer of poetry, also plays the role. Both performers are mothers in real life.
Two highly skilled directors bring to this production their own special talents making for a great evening of entertainment for children, and the child within all of us.
RUN SCHEDULE:
Friday, December 3 at 8:00pm
Saturday, December 4 at 8:00pm
Sunday, December 5 at 5:00pm
Tuesday, December 7 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, December 8 at 7:30pm
Thursday, December 9 at 7:30pm
Friday, December 10 at 8:00pm
Saturday, December 11 at 8:00pm
Sunday, December 12 at 2:00pm
Center For Performing Box Office: 707-664-2353
Hours of Operation: Noon to 5pm Monday through Friday
TICKET PRICE STRUCTURE:
$15 General
$12 FANS (Faculty, Alumni, Staff)
$8 Students/Seniors
The Evert B. Person Theatre is handicapped accessible. Parking at the University is $2.50 during the week, and FREE on the weekends.
GE FREE SONOMA COUNTY VIDEO - Educational video to inform the public about the "future of food" and genetically engineered products, and to bring attention to the "GE Free Sonoma County" petition and special election. Donations will be accepted, but are not required for admission. 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 6, The Cooperage, (707) 664-2561.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TEA HOUR - Noon, Tuesday Dec. 7, Multipurpose Room, Student Union. The students will bring international food and will play games for prizes. Everyone is invited. Jan Beaulyn, 4-2582.
MAKING PEACE IN A POST-9/11 WORLD - Lecture by Jason Mark, Publicity Director of The Global Exchange, San Francisco. War and Peace Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, Darwin 108, (707)664-2543.
LECTURE WITH JEANNE WOODFORD - The new head of the California Department of Corrections, and an SSU alumna, lectures on "The Importance of Community Involvement in Assisting Offenders Reintegrate into Society." Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Holiday Lecture Series. 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, Evert B. Person Theatre, Barbara Brooks, (707) 664-2619.
CRISIS IN THE SUDAN - Associated Students Productions presents a free program on the humanitarian crisis in the Sudan with guest speakers from Amnesty International and American Friends Service Committee. 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Silver Strand Room, Student Recreation. ASP, (707) 664-2382.
STARTING DOCUMENTATION EARLY IN THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CYCLE - Lecture presented by Linda Urban focuses on how starting technical documentation early can result in an improved product, as well as better documentation. Writers will learn techniques for planning and developing the documentation while the product is still in the development phase. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Dec. 9, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2667.
GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT LECTURE SERIES - Bob McLaughlin of USGS presents a lecture on Neogene volcanism, sedimentary basins, evolution of the right-stepped Rodgers Creek-Maacama fault system, and northward transition from transform to subduction of Northern California. Noon, Thursday, Dec. 9, Darwin 337, (707) 664-2334.
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM - James Castle of the Department of Biology at SSU presents "Burrowing Owls: Interaction with Wind Turbines and Implications for Management and Conservation." 4:15 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2189.
REMEMBER THE NIGHT - Barbara Stanwyck plays an accused jewel thief bailed out of jail by a sympathetic District Attorney (Fred MacMurray) who takes her home to meet his family for Christmas. General admission is $4.50; $4 for non-SSU students w/I.D., senior citizens, and SSU faculty and staff, $3 for SFI members and children under 12; free for SSU students with I.D. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
ROBOTIC TELESCOPES AT SSU - SSU astronomer Dr.Gordon Spear describes the nature of robotic telescope systems, how they are likely to change the way astronomy is done, and provide some preliminary results and experiences with such telescopes at SSU. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 29, Darwin 108,(707) 664-2119.
THE TIBETAN JEWELS OF EVEREST NUN'S PROJECT - Lecture presented by Maria Hess of the SSU Psychology Department. Social Science Brown Bag Lecture Series. Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 30, Stevenson 2011, (707) 664-2112.
LOOKING WAY AHEAD: PLANNING A NONVIOLENT FUTURE IN DARK TIMES - Dr. Michael Nagler, Professor Emeritus of Languages at the UC Berkeley, discusses the future of non-violence as an alternative to war in an event sponsored by the War and Peace Lecture Series. Founder and former chairperson of the Berkeley's Peace and Conflict Studies program, Nagler has become one of the world's most widely respected peace scholars and activists. No charge. 4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 30, Darwin 108. (707) 664-2543.
MATHEMATICS OF PROTEIN FOLDING - Lecture presented by Ben Ford on the "protein folding" problem, including statistical, algorithmic, and dynamical systems approaches. M*A*T*H Colloquium. 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2368.
CINEFORUM SPANISH FILM SERIES--Learn more about Spanish language and culture through the CineForum film series. This week's film is "La historia official (The Official Story.)" 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1, Stevenson 3030, (707) 664-2351.
ANTI-STRESS FAIR - Fair featuring stress-reducing food and tea, information tables, and chair massage. Thursday, 10 a.m. Dec. 2, Darwin Hall Lobby (707) 664-2535.
INSIDE GAME DEVELOPMENT--Lecture by Jason Shankel of Maxis/Electronic Arts in Walnut Creek. The computer game industry combines elements of both entertainment and technology. Do these elements mesh? Do they clash? How does a computer game develop from the initial design stage to its final release? Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Dec. 2, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2667.
ARTS AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH AND CREATIVE WORKS FORUM - Anne Goldman of the SSU English Department presents "The Soulful Art of Marc Chagall and Mark Rothko" and Jennifer Shaw of SSU's Art History Department presents "Claude Cahun/Marel Moore's Aveux non Avenus: Subversive Text and Subliminal Message." Noon, Thursday, Dec. 2 Schulz 1121,(707) 664-2364.
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM - Dr. Matt Braken of the Bodega Marine Laboratory at UC Davis presents his lecture, "Linking Seaweed Diversity and Marine Ecosystem Functioning." 4:15 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 2, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2189.
PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHT - Explore the night sky at the SSU Observatory. The focus of tonight's viewing will be on the Helix Nebula, and Andromeda Galaxy Companions. Call ahead, as weather conditions may cancel the viewing. 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, SSU Observatory, (707)664-2267.
THE CONVERSATION - During a routine adultery assignment, surveillance expert Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) detects a murder in the making. His guilt and paranoia are examined as he becomes involved in the case and tries to forestall a possible killing. General admission is $4.50; $4 for non-SSU students w/I.D., senior citizens, and SSU faculty and staff, $3 for SFI members and children under 12; free for SSU students with I.D. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
SINCE OTAR LEFT (DEPUIS QU'OTAR EST PARTI)--This feature provides a portrait of three women in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia who cope with the absence of family patriarch Otar. General admission is $4.50; $4 for non-SSU students w/I.D., senior citizens, and SSU faculty and staff, $3 for SFI members and children under 12; free for SSU students with I.D. 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSENSORS--Dr. Enrique Izaguirre of UC San Francisco will describe the work done in biomaterials and organic biosensors with several students from the SSU departments of Chemistry and Physics and Astronomy during the past three years. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2119.
FROM BAMBINI TO BARBIE: USING DOLLS FOR PROTECTION, HEALING, POWER AND PLAY--Lecture presented by Geri Olson of the Sonoma State Psychology department. Social Sciences Brown Bag Lecture Series. Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 23, Stevenson 2011, (707) 664-2112.
VOICES IN DISSENT: POETRY AND SONG IN RESPONSE TO CONFLICT--Lecture presented by Tim Wandling of the Department of English at SSU. War and Peace Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, Darwin 108. (707) 664-2543.
THE UNIVERSITY WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AND 26.
A sweeping, comprehensive study of the impact of Sonoma State University and the other 22 campuses of the California State University dramatically shows how the campus directly or indirectly affects the economic, social, intellectual and cultural life of California.
The study found that Sonoma State University generates $5 for every dollar the state invests in the 8,000-student campus. In 2002/03, the State invested $77 million in Sonoma State University which translates, via the multiplier effect, into $385 million in consumer spending.
The study, called Working for California: The Impact of the California State University, was conducted by ICF Consulting. The full report and brief overview are available online at www.calstate.edu. The report also breaks this impact into its regions (Sonoma State is listed under Bay Area), which shows how the various campuses clustered in a region generate revenue, jobs and graduates for area communities.
"More educated workers mean higher tax revenues, greater productivity, a stronger high-tech workforce, and decreased reliance on government financial support," said Ruben Arminana, President of Sonoma State University.
"The study highlights the integral role Sonoma and the other CSU campuses play on the economic future of California.
The positive effect that Sonoma State's students, staff and faculty have is not confined to the North Bay since people travel, live and work in other adjacent areas. San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano, Santa Cruz and Lake counties also benefit from the university's existence.
"This is exactly what a university is intended to do--bring value to the communities it serves," said Arminana. "The California State University is the largest system in the country, therefore, the return on investment is significant."
As a whole, the 23 campuses of the California State University create $13.6 billion annually in economic activity and supports 207,000 California jobs. In addition, some $760 million in taxes is generated for the state's coffers.
But the CSU does not just spend money; it spends money to educate, thus increasing the economic power of the state and of its citizens by building up a knowledge base.
CSU graduates obtain better jobs because of their degrees. The state benefits because the deep pool of trained and knowledgeable citizens produced by the CSU allows more high-end jobs to be created and performed in the state.
They tell the stories of the biggest explosions in the Universe. At least once a day, somewhere in the sky, something goes "bang" releasing huge floods of gamma rays,and signaling the birth of a black hole.
Explaining all this to students, teachers and the public is the mission of a small staff in the NASA building at Sonoma State University who will watch with rapt attention on Nov. 17 as the Swift Observatory goes into space, following its launch from Cape Canaveral.
Swift has been designed to scan the sky for powerful explosions called gamma-ray bursts. SSU Physics and astronomy professor Lynn Cominsky and her NASA Educational and Public Outreach Group have spent years developing many curricular materials that use Swift science to get kids excited by science and math.
"Kids just love explosions, and these are the biggest ones in the Universe. We can use gamma-ray bursts to teach students about matter that turns into energy, just like in Einstein's famous equation (E=mc^2). And each explosion is the birth announcement of a black hole - another mystery that really intrigues the public" says Cominsky.
The Swift mission is unlike any other that has been previously launched by NASA. After first detecting a burst of gamma rays using its largest telescope, the spacecraft "swiftly" turns to focus two smaller telescopes that view the cooling embers of the explosion in visible, ultraviolet and x-ray light.
Each explosion releases more energy in one second than the Sun emits in its entire lifetime.
Researchers hope the Swift mission will identify the trigger that sets off the bursts. The spacecraft is named for its ability to swiftly home in on these bursts, in less than about a minute, sending their locations down to the ground in another minute or two.
Once the bursts are located, a huge team of astronomers joins the hunt, studying each burst using ground based visible light and radio telescopes. One of these telescopes is the new robotic facility that the SSU group has built in partnership with the California Academy of Sciences at their Pepperwood Preserve, northeast of Santa Rosa.
This SSU-operated telescope is part of a network that spans the world. Swift will be sending signals to the SSU telescope and SSU astronomers and physicists will be able to zero in on some gamma-ray bursts after Swift tells them where to look.
Professor Cominsky's team has developed a wealth of information in order to educate schoolchildren and the public about what exactly the Swift Mission is set to accomplish.
Her staff includes: Dr. Phil Plait, Education Resource Director; Sarah Silva, Program Manager; Aurore Simonnet, Scientific Illustrator; and Tim Graves, Information Technology Consultant. Six SSU undergraduate physics majors also work in Cominsky's group.
The Swift spacecraft will be launched during a one-hour window that begins at 12:09 p.m. EST on Nov. 17 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, weather permitting. Launch attempts will occur on subsequent days at the same time if Swift does not get off the ground on its first try.
For more information on the work of SSU's NASA Educational and Public Outreach Group, visit http://epo.sonoma.edu. For information on the Swift education program, visit http://swift.sonoma.edu.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Digital artwork by scientific illustrator Aurore Simmonet is available for downloading from the Swift web site.
Professor Cominksy is deputy press officer for the American Astronomical Association and is available for interviews prior to the launch. Please contact Jean Wasp, Media Relations Coordinator, (707) 664-2057 for contact information.
CAPTIONS:
At top, is a scientific illustration by Aurore Simonnet of merging neutron stars, one of the theoretical progenitors of gamma-ray bursts.
Above right, SSU physics professor Lynn Cominsky and the model of the Swift observatory. (Photo by Dakota Decker).
Moira Gunn, labeled the "Grand Dame of Tech Talk" by Wired Magazine, comes to Sonoma State University at noon on Thursday, Nov. 11 to talk about global issues that have been either created or potentially solved by emerging technologies. Gunn will also review some of the topics discussed at the Tech Nation Summit 2004. The lecture will be held in Darwin 108.
Gunn is best known as the host of Public Radio's "Tech Nation." Through in-depth interviews, Gunn has been able to speak with the innovators who drive technology, as well as the everyday people who must cope in a high-tech world.
In over 2,000 interviews with space pioneers and cyber- novelists, venture capitalists and genetics researchers, teachers and technophobes, Gunn addresses every facet of American life through the lens of technology.
A former NASA scientist and engineer, Gunn is no stranger to technology. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Tech Museum of Innovation and the Tech Awards' Global Leadership Council, and has served as a member of the Awards Selection Committee for the Space Technology Hall of Fame.
The first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, she has been named both an "Old Master" and an "Outstanding Mechanical Engineer" by the university. She also holds advanced degrees in computer science and a software technical patent.
Gunn is regularly asked to speak on the impact of technology on society, on the current and projected state of global technology penetration, and on her experience as a woman in technology, science and engineering.
For information on her lecture, call George Ledin, Computer Science professor, (707) 664-2667.
Journalist Sylvia Mendoza writes stories of Latina women whose accomplishments in history, science, politics, art, and entertainment have impacted the world. She brings those tales to a Sonoma State University lecture at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11 in the Cooperage.
Her lecture and book signing involves her most recent work called " The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength, and Success."
Her new book highlights the contributions of 150 Latina women who range from political leaders like Eva Peron - who ruled Argentina with flamboyance and an iron fist - to pioneers like France Anne Cordova - the youngest person to ever hold the Chief Scientist position at NASA.
There are politicians, writers, educators, entertainers, scientists and business entrepreneurs. There are chapters on women who were pioneers in their fields and opened the doors for other women to pursue careers as everything from doctors to bull fighters.
This is the kind of book that gives a little bit about the life of both St. Teresa of Avila and actress Rita Hayworth. There is the story of Pam Fernandes, who loses her sight in her late teens as a results of diabetes, and still goes on to win a gold medal for tandem cycling in the 2000 Paralympic Games in Australia. There is Ynez Mexia, who at 57 started a second career as a botanist and collected more than 100,000 plant specimens as she traveled everywhere from Argentina to Alaska.
Mendoza earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Southern California where she was awarded "Outstanding Graduate of Journalism" by the Society of Professional Journalists. She promotes ethnic diversity, literacy, writing as a profession, and women's empowerment through education.
She has garnered first place awards for Journalistic Excellence in California from the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Federation of Press Women. Her novel, SERENADE, won the 2001 Latino Literary Hall of Fame Award for Best Romance.
The event is sponsored by MEChA de Sonoma, InterCultural Center Gallery, MANA de Sonoma County, and the National Women's History Project.
Tickets are SSU students $3, high school students $2, and general $5. For further information, contact Marianna Garcia, (707) 664-2523.
The University Art Gallery at Sonoma State University is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition "An Absolute Native Glory: Selections from the di Rosa Preserve," which opens with a public reception on Thursday, Nov. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. and continues through Sunday, Dec. 12.
The exhibition features more than 25 works in a variety of media--ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture - by some of Northern California's most significant artists - all drawn from the stellar collection of the di Rosa Preserve: Art & Nature in Napa.
A partial list of the artists in the exhibition includes James Barsness, Ray Beldner, Squeak Carnwath, Enrique Chagoya, Bruce Conner, David Gilhooly, Mike Henderson, Lynn Hershman, Robert Hudson, James Melchert, Bruce Nauman, Nathan Oliveira, Deborah Oropallo, Sono Osato, and Peter Saul.
Nestled among the rolling hills and vineyards of the Carneros region of Napa Valley, the di Rosa Preserve is a private nonprofit institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, and presentation of modern and contemporary art of the San Francisco Bay Area.
A truly unique institution, it includes over 2,200 works of art housed in and around four separate buildings on 217 acres. The collection--a true native glory--was formed by the Preserve's founder and visionary, Rene di Rosa, who continues to support both emerging and established artists in Northern California.
In addition to presenting these remarkable works of art, the exhibition also celebrates the close relationship between the Preserve and the Department of Art & Art History at Sonoma State University.
Over the last year, a growing number of students have undertaken internships at the Preserve, gaining valuable hands-on museum experience in a variety of areas. This semester, five SSU students are being trained in art conservation by two prominent Bay Area conservators - Elisabeth Cornu and Will Shank - in a program funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.
The student interns are supervised by Michael Schwager, Professor of Art History and Director of the University Art Gallery at Sonoma State University as well as Adjunct Curator at the di Rosa Preserve.
For more information, call the gallery at (707) 664-2295.
ABOVE: Sandow Birk's oil and acrylic on canvas called The Great Battle of San Francisco, 1996.
LIGHT BRINGS US NEWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Professor Emeritus Tony Siegman of Stanford University will describe how the striking phrase in the title--the opening words of a 1931 Christmas Lecture on astronomy by Sir William Bragg--might be extended today to include advances in science and technology made possible by lasers and fiber optics. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, Darwin 108, (707)664-2119.
BROWN BAG LECTURE SERIES - Nan Alamilla Boyd of SSU's Women's and Gender Studies will present her lecture "Sex and Tourism: The Economic Interests of Same-Sex Marriage in San Francisco." Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 16, Stevenson 2011, (707) 664-2112.
CITIZEN ACTIVISM AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION -Lecture by Georgia Kelly, founder and director of Praxis Peace Institute, and an SSU Alumna and social activist. War and Peace Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, Darwin 108,(707) 664-2543.
THE LAST WORD: OPEN FORUM - A group discussion for students, members of the community, and SSU staff and faculty about the 2004 presidential elections. Organized by Associated Students. It Matters! Lecture Series. Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 17 Schulz 3001, (707) 664-4240.
BUSH'S BRAIN - A film by Joseph Mealy and Michael Paradies Shoob about two psychiatrists whose book examined every public record, statement, press release and interview of President George W. Bush, and have come to some startling conclusions about the man and his psychological makeup. Filmmakers Respond to War film series. 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, Art 102, (707) 664-2364.
CINEFORUM SPANISH FILM SERIES - Film series exploring the Spanish-speaking world and Latino culture. This week's film will be "El Norte (The North)." 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, Stevenson 3030, (707) 664-2351.
COOL ROOFS AND LIVING ROOFS - Lecture about the different and environmentally friendly methods of roofing now available in today's housing market. Green Building Lecture and Film Series. 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, Community Room at Cotati Police Facility: 201 W. Sierra, Cotati, (707) 664-2577.
A DIFFERENT MIRROR - Lecture with Dr. Ronald Takaki, a professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, has developed a more inclusive history of American minorities such as Asians, Chicanos, Native Americans as well as certain European immigrant groups like the Irish and Jews. This pioneer in the field of ethnic studies discusses his book "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America." SSU students free; non-SSU students $5; general admission $10. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17, Cooperage, (707) 664-2815.
VOTING TECHNOLOGY - Lecture by Sonia Arrison of the Pacific Research Foundation, San Francisco. Touch-screen and other technological innovations are changing the way voters cast their ballots. Is Internet (online) voting just around the corner? Email and fax were instrumental in loosening the grip of repressive regimes during the cold war. How effective can voting technology be in the democratization of the world? Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Nov. 18, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2667.
GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT LECTURE SERIES - Cathy Busby of UC Santa Barbara discusses volcanism and recent tectonics in the northern Sierra Nevada. Noon, Thursday, Nov. 18, Darwin 337, (707) 664-2334.
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM - Dr. Enrique Izaquirre of the Department of Physics at SSU, present his discussion, "Modeling Vision in Invertebrates and Vertebrates." 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2189.
THE CHURCH OF 80% SINCERITY - David Roche has transformed the lessons of lifelong facial disfigurement into a compelling message that leaves audiences entertained and encouraged to face their own personal challenges. The story of his heroic journey from shame to strength opens hearts to courage, laughter and inspiration. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, Cooperage, (707) 664-4277.
PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHT - Come explore the night sky at the Sonoma State University Observatory. Tonight's viewing will be focusing on the moon, Uranus, and the Triangulum Galaxy. Please call ahead, as weather conditions may cancel the viewing. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, SSU Observatory, (707) 664-2267.
SINCE OTAR LEFT (DEPUIS QU'OTAR EST PARTI) - This feature provides a portrait of three women in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia who cope with the absence of family patriarch Otar. General admission is $4.50; $4 for non-SSU students w/I.D., senior citizens, and SSU faculty and staff, $3 for SFI members and children under 12; free for SSU students with I.D. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, Warren Auditorium, (707)664-2606.
KILLING IN CHOCTAW - "Killing in Choctaw" is a one-man, two-act play written and performed by Carl Ray. This event will expose our students to a new way of thinking and will expose them to a new style of theatrical performance. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, Ives Hall 119, (707) 664-4277.
Sonoma State University's School of Science and Technology has announced a new partnership with the North Bay Technology Roundtable to foster industry collaboration and educational outreach to encourage student interest in math and science.
SST Dean Saeid Rahimi says the new collaboration offers a foundation for program expansion and continued vitality in Sonoma County's tech sector.
NBTR AND SSU initiatives for this year include:
- The first annual Tech Awards to be held in March 2005. The event will honor the tech sector for its achievements as well as serve as a fundraiser for the NBTR/SSU endowment. The endowment will offer scholarships to outstanding local students pursuing degrees in math, science and engineering at SSU.
- Ongoing participation in coordinating and providing mentors for the annual Lego Robotics Challenge for elementary through junior college students.
- An Adopt-a-School program, through which companies partner with local middle and high schools to mentor students working on projects for the Sonoma County Science Fair.
- Quarterly social and lecture events, including CEO and HR forums.
"If we want this area to be a great place to locate a tech company, a partnership between industry and SSU can create an atmosphere in which the industry and SSU's educational offerings can thrive," said Rahimi.
"If you look at other areas with strong technology sectors, most are centered around a local university. The university becomes a breeding ground for innovation, a nucleus of collaboration across the industry and a source of employees for thriving companies."
Founded in 1999, the NBTR has sought to foster collaboration among Sonoma County tech companies, and through that association has been instrumental in establishing a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering at SSU.
"We are offering programming this year that reflects the NBTR's ongoing interest in turning kids on to math and science," stated Jerry Gladstone, NBTR chair.
"However, through our new collaboration with Sonoma State University, we expect to sponsor more events encouraging networking and cross-communication among industry employees and executives. The timing seems right for more expanded offerings as companies are beginning to recover and grow again."
For more information on the NBTR, visit www.nbtr.org or contact Lindsay Gore at lgore@sonoma- county.org.
To contact Dean Rahimi, call (707) 664-2129.
Sonoma State University is paving the way for high-school students who fall below the federal poverty line in a southwest Santa Rosa charter school who want to strengthen their chances for a college education.
A program for students in an underserved community known morefor liquor sales and gang influence than high literacy ratesis opening at the Roseland University Preparatory School at Roseland Charter School.
Dr. Ruben Arminana, president of SSU, will be the keynote speaker at 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8 at an opening ceremony of the school located at 100 Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa. This event marks the official opening of the school where the first group of 80 ninth graders have already been accepted for admission. Joyce Chong, director of the University's Equal Opportunity Program, will also be on hand.
On Friday, Nov. 12, these students will visit SSU beginning at 8:50 a.m. for a day-long experience of the campus that includes a reception with Dr. Arminana, a campus tour, a panel discussion with the Latino/a student group MEChA, presentations from Upward Bound PreCollege Programs, EOP and University Admissions. Dr. Arminana will also host them at lunch. Arminana has promised students from this school that if they meet all academic criteria they will have a place at SSU.
For further information, contact Howard Willis, Director, Upward Bound Programs Sonoma State University (707) 664-4073 or Gail Ahlas, Principal, Roseland University Preparatory, Roseland School District, (707) 545-0102.
There is nothing bleak or saddening about the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar exhibit at Sonoma State University's InterCultural Center. Though the altars and shrine honor those who have passed on, they are festively decorated with food, candles, flowers, and pictures.
The altars are bright and colorful, and express the time-honored reverence of the dead among those in the Latino community. This annual exhibit will be on display through Saturday, Nov. 6.
Mexican tradition holds that every Nov. 2, families visit loved ones' graves and tombs, bring their favorite foods, decorate the grave site with flowers, paper cutouts and candles, then hold a feast in the deceased's honor. In the instance that a family cannot visit a gravesite, an altar, or ofrenda, is erected in place of the grave itself.
Items such as pictures of the deceased, their favorite foods, skulls made of white sugar, candles, and Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead bread) are arranged on top of the ofrenda. Through this tradition, memories of ancestors and the recently deceased are kept alive.
The ofrendas at Sonoma State's InterCultural Center reflect both memories of individuals and the memories of groups of people. An ofrenda erected by the Lambda Theta Nu sorority pays homage to all women, and is adorned with pictures of the Virgen de Guadalupe, Frida Kahlo, and snapshots of aunts and grandmothers who have passed on. Another ofrenda is dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the conflict in Iraq, and include many images of Iraqis, U.S. troops, and foreign allies.
There are individual ofrendas dedicated to the memory of Mexican-American journalist Ruben Salazar, and former SSU student Ronnie Respress, who passed away in 2003. Both ofrendas include pictures and written stories about the person.
This exhibit is sponsored by the The InterCultural Center, MEChA de Sonoma, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc, and Sonoma State University. It will be on display in the InterCultural Center Gallery through Nov. 6.
For more information on this event, contact A. Darius Spearman at (707) 664-2710 or by email at spearman@sonoma.edu.
Digital photos of the altars are available upon request from Jean Wasp, (707) 664-2057.
PICCADILLY - A groundbreaking black and white spectacle of Jazz Age England. In this film, Anna May Wong portrays a dishwasher who becomes the toast of London, and the object of the nightclub owner's sexual obsession. Sonoma Film Institute. 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 7, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
RECOVERING HISTORICAL SOUND RECORDINGS USING OPTICAL METHODS - Dr. Carl Haber of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will describe new methods to recover old mechanical sound recordings based upon optical measurements and image processing techniques. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 8, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2119.
SOCIAL SCIENCE BROWN BAG LECTURE SERIES - Craig Winston of Criminal Justice Administration will present his lecture, "Evaluating Time In/Time Out: The Impact of an Inside Look at San Quentin on the Attitudes and Beliefs of At-Risk Youth." Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 9, Stevenson 2011, (707) 664-2112.
HUNGER BANQUET - Special dinner sponsored by the SOUP Program to raise awareness of the plight of homelessness and hunger around the world. Participants will be randomly selected to be members of the "First" "Second" or "Third" World and will receive a dinner proportional to the amount of food per person of that region. 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 9, The Commons, (707) 664- 4277.
WHAT ELSE BESIDES VOTING: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION - Don Dixon, Political Science, moderates a panel discussion with guests Perry Marker, Education; Francisco Vazquez, Hutchins; Carlos Benito, Economics; and Amra Stafford, Service Learning. Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 10, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-4240.
HUNTING OF THE PRESIDENT - Documentary about the 10-year campaign led by the radical right to destroy President Bill Clinton. Filmmakers Respond to War film series. 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, Art 102, (707) 664-2295.
PHASE LOCKING IN NATURE - Lecture by math professor Sunil Tiwari on the common phenomenon of phase locking of oscillators in nature. Examples of this include synchronously flashing fireflies, and crickets that chirp in unison. This talk is about developing a mathematical model to explain this physical phenomenon. M*A*T*H Colloquium. 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2368.
BLOOD DRIVE--Blood drive for the Redwood Empire Blood Bank. Look for the Bloodmobile in the parking lot adjacent to the Schulz Information Center. 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 11, Parking Lot C, (707) 664-4277.
TECH NATION --Moira Gunn of the NPR syndicated show TechNation, will describe the nature of challenging global issues, issues either created or potentially solved by emerging technology. Gunn will also review some of the topics discussed at the Tech Nation Summit 2004. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Nov. 11, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2667.
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM--Dr. Eric Berlow of the White Mountain Research Station and UC San Diego will present a lecture about integrating science with the management of wilderness meadows in the Sierra Nevada. 4:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 11, Darwin 108, (707) 664-2189.
SYLVIA MENDOZA--Journalist and novelist, Sylvia Mendoza, has a tremendous love of the written word and promotes ethnic diversity, literacy, writing, and women's empowerment through education. She will present her new book "Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success". 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 11, The Cooperage, (707) 664-2537.
THE ICEMAN COMETH--This simple soul-stirring tale of a birthday takes a devastating look at disillusionment and dashed hopes. Lee Marvin is Hickey, the salesman who arrives at a waterfront saloon and dismantles the pipe dreams of its lay-about regulars. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
The Stanford Men's Rowing Team, long hailed as one of the state's most prestigious crews and home to two Olympian rowers, will be meeting with the Sonoma State University Rowing Club at 7:30 a.m. on the Petaluma River on Sunday, November 7.
The two teams will convene for an inter-team practice, followed by a scrimmage. By meeting with the Stanford Men's Rowing Team, the SSU crew hopes to learn more about the sport as well as gain knowledge and experience from Stanford's Olympian rowers, Jamie Schroeder and Adam Kreek.
The Sonoma State Rowing Club is comprised of both men and women and is now in its second year. They practice on the Petaluma River and take part in competitions and regattas all over California. Though the team has met with success in their first full year of competition, they are still looking to spread the word about the young sports club are actively recruiting team members.
According to Head Coach Mark Niemann, there is a great deal of tradition based in rowing competition starting from the very first intercollegiate competition of any sport between Oxford and Cambridge. Harvard and Yale followed not too long after. "The ability to bring this to Sonoma State really enhances the University experience, he says.
For further information on the SSU Rowing Club and photos of their matches and practices, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/clubs/crew/. Coach Mark Niemann can be reached at (707) 664-2972.
