THE VIEW FROM THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE - Dr. Joel Primack of the University of California, Santa Cruz will describe the scientific revolution that is creating humanity's first picture of the universe that might actually be true. Part of the "What Physicists Do" lecture series. 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 13, Darwin 103. (707) 664-2119.
BIOMEDICAL INVESTIGATION INTO AUTISM - James Carlson Seeba, a researcher in nutritional biochemistry, explores the chemistries of autism. Collaborative Autism Training and Support Program. 10-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, Student Union Multipurpose Room, (707) 664-2402.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN CALIFORNIA - Dr. Amanda Noble discusses the Task Force that has been designed to discuss the problems of human trafficking; report on survey data; and emphasize the physical and mental health consequences of the victims. Women and Gender Studies lecture series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, Darwin 29. (707) 664-2306.
EXPLORING ANTI-PREDATOR BEHAVIOR IN OLD WORLD MONKEYS - Karin Enstam, Professor in the Anthropology department, discusses "Effects of Habitat Structure on Perceived Risk of Predation and anti-Predator Behavior in Old World Monkeys: How Vervet and Patas Monkeys Use their Environment to Outsmart Predators." Social Science Brown Bag Lecture Series. Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 14, Stevenson 2011, (707) 664-2112.
LISA NIGRO - A multi-media artist working in sculpture, interactive installation art, and drawing. Nigro is inspired by mythology, gender politics, and pop culture. Visiting Artists Lecture Series. Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, Art 108. (707) 664-2364.
MATHEMATICAL ECOLOGY AND LANGUAGE COMPETITION - Ben Ford, Mathematics Professor, examines tools from mathematical ecology that have been adapted to help explore languages and other questions from the social sciences. Math Colloquium. 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, Darwin 103, (707) 664-3324.
EXAMINING DIFFERENT CULTURES - LeiLani Nishime, Assistant Professor in the Education department discusses "Selling Tiger: Multiracial Celebrities and American Visual Culture" and Jorge Porras Associate Professor in the department of Modern Languages and Literature discusses "What are Afro-Hispanic Creole Languages and Why We Should Know about Them." Arts and Humanities Forum. Noon, Thursday, Nov. 16, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-2146.
FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS OF THE FILAMENTOUS CYANOBACTERIUM NOSTOC PUNCTIFORME - Dr. Jack Meeks, UC Davis Section of Microbiology provides one approach to understanding its developmental and symbiotic physiology. Biology Colloquium. Noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2189.
ELEMENTS OF GAME DESIGN - Jason Shankel of Maxis/Electronic Arts will present the key elements of a computer game design and discuss how these elements are combined to make fun, compelling computer games. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Nov. 16, Darwin 102. (707) 664-2667.
LA CITÉ DES ENFANTS PERDUS - A scientist in a surrealist society kidnaps children to steal their dreams, hoping that they slow his aging process. French Film lecture series. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, Nichols 173. (707) 664-3159.
ON LINE: CONTEMPORARY DRAWING - Features the work of nineteen artists from throughout the United States and beyond who have made drawing a primary means of expression. Most of the artists in On Line are just beginning to build solid reputations in the art world and may be unfamiliar to Bay Area audiences. The exhibit runs from Nov. 2-Dec. 10. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, Noon-4 p.m., University Art Gallery, (707) 664-2295.
The Residential Students Association is hosting its annual "Safe Trick-o-Treat" event on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1-3 p.m. on the Sauvignon Green, located next to the Cooperage on the Sonoma State University campus. The community is invited to participate.
Children will be able to take part in carnival games, arts and crafts, costume contests, bouncing slides, and more. There will be plenty of candy for all and there will be a child-friendly Haunted House.
The Residential Students Association and Residential Life sponsor this event; the program provides children with a safe and secure environment to celebrate Halloween.
Admission is free and there is no cost for parking. To obtain a map of the campus, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/university/maps.shtml.
For more information contact Mo Phillips, associate director of student development at (707) 664-2804 or mo.phillips@sonoma.edu.
The School of Education recognized outstanding teachers at local K-12 institutions across the Bay area recently.
The 2006 Circle of Excellence Awards Ceremony took place on Oct. 11 at the University Art Gallery. The keynote speakers were Mary Gendernalik-Cooper, Dean of the School of Education, and Eduardo Ochoa, Provost Vice President for Academic Affairs.
School of Education Alumni
Charles Elster, Chair, Department of Literacy Studies and Elementary Education
Multiple Subject/Reading Program - Alma Adkins, Sheppard Accelerated School, Roseland School District, Santa Rosa
Multiple Subject Program - David Parker, Grace Patterson Elementary School, Vallejo City Unified School District, Vallejo
Perry Marker, Chair, Department of Curriculum Studies and Secondary Education
Single Subject Program - Kirsten Searby, Elsie Allen High School, Santa Rosa City High School District, Santa Rosa
Mary Dingle, Chair, Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education
Special Education Program - Kathy LaMar, Sonoma County Office of Education
Educational Leadership Program - Sally Bimrose - Director of Program Improvement, Santa Rosa City School District, Santa Rosa
Multiple Subject Credential Program - Waldo Rohnert School, Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, Rohnert Park
Single Subject Credential Program - Bill Stirnus, Montgomery High School, Santa Rosa City High School District
Special Education Credential Programs - Mark Kohls, Department of Educational Leadership and
Special Education, School of Education, Sonoma State University - Dr. Betty Durso, North Coast Beginning Teacher Program, Sonoma County Office of Education
Educational Leadership Program - April Leiferman, Pomo Elementary School, Konocti Unified School District, Clearlake Educator in Residence
Susan Hirsch, Instructor, Department of Curriculum Studies and Secondary Education, School of Education, Sonoma State University, and formerly a teacher at Sonoma Country Day School, Santa Rosa
Local writers who have a major writing project they've been trying to get to but can't seem to put on top of the "to do" list are being invited to join the SSU campus community in a month-long writing project.
In the spirit of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), writers are invited to crank out 25,000 words in the month of November. Novel writers, academic project writers, poets, dramatists, memoirists are invited to participate.
Those interested should sign up in the SSU Writing Center in Schulz 1103 and plan to attend inspirational kickoff party from noon-1 p.m. on Nov. 1 in Schulz 1121.
A whole month will be devoted to producing 25,000 words and/or completing any project of choice. The goal is quantity, not quality. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, research, logic, or formal footnotes, says organizer Scott Miller, director of the SSU Writing Center. "The motto is: Don't get it right; get it written!"
Writing starts at midnight on Nov. 1 and participants should keep writing until midnight on Nov. 30. Deadline to sign up is Nov. 24.
For information on the national level project visit and tips for writers on how the handle the ebb and flow of the month long program, visit http://www.nanowrimo.org/.
For further information, contact Scott Miller of the SSU Writing Center, (707) 664-4402, or e-mail scott.miller@sonoma.edu.
Steven E. Jones, co-founder of Scholars for 9-11 Truth, is the keynote speaker for the Media Accountability Conference set for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4, at Sonoma State University.
His discussion covers the current data concerning the fall of the Twin Towers and building #7 in New York City. He will also discuss what he sees as the filtering of information about the events on Sept. 11 - which stories receive some mainstream coverage and which do not.
The conference marks the 30th release of Project Censored's annual review of the most under-reported news stories of the last year.
Jones is a physicist from Brigham Young University and has received criticism for his controversial talks, but he says he hopes to bring forward information and raise difficult questions about the tragedy. Scholars for 9-11 Truth is an organization that advocates for a more critical and thorough analysis of the events that took place on September 11.
The conference brings investigative journalists and researchers from around the country to present important, well-documented stories that the mainstream media failed to cover. The conference also explores the current system of media coverage - what is covered, what isn't covered, and why.
Throughout the event there will be lectures and panels. Speakers include FAIR co-founders Jeff Cohen and Martin Lee, and investigative journalist Greg Palast.
Panelists will cover a wide variety of under-reported stories - from the global water crisis to the government contractor that illegally sold nuclear materials to Iran. Other topics include the Internet control and the control of information, growing domestic militarization, the impact of the global economy on daily lives, conflicts of interest at all levels of the government, and more.
Will Durst, "America's Top Political Satirist," closes the conference at the Real News Awards, which takes place on Saturday night.
THe keynote lecture will be held in the Cooperage and begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for students, and $15 for general.
For further information phone (770) 664-2500 or visit www.projectcensored.org.
The authors of two recent books on the universe will speak in the "What Physicists Do" public lecture series at Sonoma State University.
UC Santa Cruz cosmologist Joel Primack and his co-author, Nancy Abrams, will speak in Darwin 103 at 4:00 on Nov. 13. Coffee, cookies, and conversation are available in the Darwin Lobby at 3:30.
Their book, The View from the Center of the Universe: Discovering our Extraordinary Place in the Cosmos, will be available before the talk. The book uses recent advances in astronomy, physics, and cosmology to frame a compelling new theory for understanding the universe and our role in it.
On Nov. 27 noted Stanford theoretical physicist Leonard Susskind will speak on the topic of his book, The Cosmic Landscape: String Theory and the Illusion of Intelligent Design.
Sometimes called the "father of string theory," Susskind now argues that our narrow 20th-century view of a unique universe will have to give way to the much broader concept of a gigantic cosmic landscape - a megaverse, pregnant with new possibilities. His book will also be available at his lecture.
For more information, visit http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/ or send e-mail to phys.astro@sonoma.edu or phone (707) 664-2119.
NEW VIEWS OF HIDDEN WORLDS - Dr. Kevin Baines of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will present new images of Venus and Saturn obtained by the Venus Express and Cassini orbiters. "What Physicists Do" lecture series. 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 6, Darwin 103. (707) 664-2119.
OVERVIEW OF AUTISM THEORIES & INTERVENTIONS: FACT-SHEETS ON CURRENT RESEARCH & APPLICATIONS - Lecture by Sonoma State University students in PSY 490.5, Autism: Theory & Interventions. Collaborative Autism Training and Support Program. 9-11:40 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, Student Union Multipurpose Room, (707) 664-2402.
ONE THOUSAND YEARS BEFORE CLOVIS: PEOPLE AND PALEOENVIRONMENT AT WINTER LAKE, OREGON - Lecture by Dorothy Freidel of the Geology department. Social Science Brown Bag Lecture Series. Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 7, Stevenson 2011, (707) 664-2112.
POSITIVE AGING FOR WOMEN - Shirlee Zane, M.A. discusses some of the latest research in the field of gerontology that addresses who ages well and why. Women and Gender Studies lecture series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, Darwin 29. (707) 664-2306.
GERMÁN HERRERA - Herrera uses digital technology to merge elements, textures, and symbols, creating images that are ambiguous and dreamlike. Born in Mexico City, Herrera has had a long career as a photographer. Visiting Artists Lecture Series. Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, Art 108. (707) 664-2364.
"JACK LONDON, RUSSIAN, AND AMERICA" - Panel discussion moderated by Jonah Raskin, Communications Dept. features four Russian opera and theater directors: Denis Severinov, Artistic Director, Chelyabinsk Opera and Ballet Theater; Lyudmila Namsarayeva, Director, Buryatia State Opera and Ballet Theater; Ara Karapetyan, Managing Director, Moscow Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Musical Theater; and Mikhail Astanin, Director, Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theater. 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, Jack London Room, third floor south, University Library. Karen Brodsky, (707) 664-4240.
LAWS OF SINES AND COSINES AS TAUGHT BY BARTHOLEMAUS PITICUS - Lecture and discussion by Clement Falbo, Professor Emeritus at Sonoma State University. Math Colloquium. 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, Darwin 103, (707) 664-3324.
"WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE" DISCUSSION PANEL AND TOY DRIVE KICK-OFF - The American Multicultural Studies Club hosts this event with clips of the film, discussion panel, art from the Gulf Coast and a toy drive to send to the Gulf Coast. 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, Cooperage.
ROOT HERBIVORY IN TEXAN SABANNAS: THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF JUNE BEETLE LARVAE IN PLANT COMMUNITY SERVICE - Lecture by Dr. Shawn Brumbaugh of the Santa Rosa Junior College. Biology Colloquium. Noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2189.
AUTOMATA EXTRACTION AND VERIFICATION FOR HYBRID SYSTEMS - Aaron Diaz of Santa Clara University discusses hybrid systems and the various components involved. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Nov. 9, Darwin 102. (707) 664-2667.
EXPLORING INDIA AND ASIA - Laxmi Tewari of the Music Department presents "Open Your Heart and So Will Everyone Else" and Rashmi Singh of the Philosophy Department discusses "India Past and Present" Noon-1:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9. Schulz 3001. University Library lecture series. Karen Brodsky, (707) 664-4240.
THE HARMONISTS - This film tells the true story of a famous German sextet, five vocals and piano, the "Comedian Harmonists", from the day they met first in 1927 to the day in 1934, when they become banned by the upcoming Nazis. German Film Series. Admission free. Films shown with English subtitles. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, Erin Fisher Room second floor of Student Union. Michaela Grobbel, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, (707) 664-2637.
NOVEMBER NOIR NIGHTS - A deported gangster's plan to re-enter the USA involves skulduggery at a Mexican resort, and gambler Dan Milner is caught in the middle. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10. Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
ON LINE: CONTEMPORARY DRAWING - Features the work of nineteen artists from throughout the United States and beyond who have made drawing a primary means of expression. Most of the artists in On Line are just beginning to build solid reputations in the art world and may be unfamiliar to Bay Area audiences. The exhibit runs from Nov. 2-Dec. 10. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, Noon-4 p.m., University Art Gallery, (707) 664-2295.
Looking to change your hair style? Buy a wig. What about your wardrobe...looking to go pre-1910?
Racks of frilly dresses, exotic hats, stylish suits and sassy shoes and many, many wigs will be for sale at Sonoma State University's Center for Performing Arts' Costume Shop annual sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 26 , 27 and 28 in the Evert B. Person Theatre.
Hundreds of pieces to make a party outfit or expressive Halloween costume is being offered to the general public. All proceeds from the sale will help pay the costume warehouse rental lease.
The costume collection is currently in three locations and the long term plan is to house the collection on campus in one space and provide room for classroom demonstrations and exhibits.
Cash is preferred but checks will be accepted with proper identification.
For further information, phone (707) 664-2791.
IS HYDROGEN THE FUEL OF THE FUTURE? - Dr. Joan Ogden of the University of California, Davis presents new studies of the prospects for using hydrogen energy in vehicles, buildings and power plant. Part of the "What Physicists Do" lecture series. 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30, Darwin 103. (707) 664-2119.
WHEN KIDS GROW UP - Carol Fremault discusses supporting adults with autism in the community through person-centered planning, essential lifestyle plans, plus career, recreation & self-esteem opportunities. Collaborative Autism Training and Support Program. 10-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, Student Union Multipurpose Room, (707) 664-2402.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS - Nichole Cushman from Planned Parenthood of Sonoma County discusses sexually transmitted infections and the controversial new vaccination for HPV. Women and Gender Studies lecture series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, Darwin 29. (707) 664-2306.
THE CASE FOR THE UNITED NATIONS - Presented by Urs Cipolat, a U C Berkeley Lecturer in Inter-disciplinary Studies as well as Board member of the United Nations Association East Bay Chapter. War and Peace lecture series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2146.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM IN JAMAICA AND SEEING NATURE - Lecture by Elizabeth Burch, Professor of Communication Studies and Stephen Galloway, Assistant Professor of Studio Art. Arts and Humanities Forum. Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 1, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-2146.
TEACHING HIGH SCHOOL MATH: REWARDS & PERILS - A panel discussion with three teachers from Napa High School discuss the difficulties and joys of their chosen vocation and how their schooling and experience have contributed to what they know about the science and art of teaching mathematics. Math Colloquium. 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, Darwin 103, (707) 664-3324.
SHALENE VALENZUELA - Ceramic artist Shalene Valenzuela employs the traditions of the craft to create facsimiles of everyday objects from handguns to light bulbs. Valenzuela's work applies ironic images to these objects to play off their original reference. Visiting Artists Lecture Series. Noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, Art 108. (707) 664-2364.
PATTERNS OF USE OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS - Lecture presented by Dr. Jerrell Richer of the Business and Economics department. Biology Colloquium. Noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2189.
COMPUTER GAME DEVELOPMENT - Karen Peterson presents an overview of the game development process and terminology, with an emphasis on programming practices beyond the fundamental concepts learned through coursework, and demonstration of the development of a shipped game. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Nov. 2, Darwin 102. (707) 664-2667.
THE RULES OF THE GAME - Renoir's look at bourgeois life in France at the onset of World War II. An assorted cast of characters - the rich and their poor servants - meet up at a French chateau for various reasons and the result is murder. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29. Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
LA VIE REVEE DES ANGES - In Lille, two penniless young women with few prospects become friends. Isa moves in with Marie, who's flat-sitting for a mother and child in hospital in comas following a car crash. French Film lecture series. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, Nichols 173. (707) 664-3159.
ON LINE: CONTEMPORARY DRAWING - Features the work of nineteen artists from throughout the United States and beyond who have made drawing a primary means of expression. Most of the artists in On Line are just beginning to build solid reputations in the art world and may be unfamiliar to Bay Area audiences. The exhibit runs from Nov. 2-Dec. 10. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, Noon-4 p.m., University Art Gallery, (707) 664-2295.
The classic Broadway hit "Damn Yankees" will be performed at the Evert B. Person Theatre on the Sonoma State University campus in nine performances beginning with opening night at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20. The production runs through Oct. 29.
This classic musical by George Abbott and Douglas Wallop, with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, is a production that features songs such as "You Gotta Have Heart," "Whatever Lola Wants" and "Shoeless Joe From Hannibal, MO."
Under the skillful stage direction of former Sonoma State University dance professor Ann Woodhead, and the musical direction of Robert Young, the Evert B. Person stage will be transformed into a ball diamond, complete with grandstands, dugouts, signage and lights.
"Damn Yankees" is the story of middle aged Joe Boyd, who trades his soul to the Devil for the opportunity to lead his beloved cellar dwelling Washington Senators to the pennant against the hated Yankees.
During the course of his baseball journey, Joe is transformed into the strapping young ballplayer, Joe Hardy, who hits, fields and throws like a hall of famer. Once he takes the field with his beloved Senators, the team catches fire, and they begin to play baseball like never before.
Joe is a sensation; the team is winning, but he has made a deal with the devil, who, in this case is Mr. Applegate.He must leave his wife behind. Nothing but a note to let her know he is gone. But Joe, a business man in real life, has negotiated an out clause in this deal. On a specified date, he can decide whether to remain a ballplayer or go back to his wife and old way of life.
The temptations are great for young Joe Hardy. The newspaper clippings, the adulation from the adoring fans, the hero status from his fellow ballplayers and of course Lola, a siren of a woman that Mr. Applegate has tempted Joe with. And, as in most cases when dealing with the Devil, the deal isn't always what it seems. What looks so wonderful at the outset, has a way of ending in disappointment. Will that happen to Joe?
"Damn Yankees" has wonderful singing, dancing, choreography, sets and costumes and is an ideal show for the whole family.
Tickets are $15 general, $12 for faculty, alumni and staff and $8 for students and seniors. To purchase them, contact 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.
The Evert B. Person Theatre is accessible to the disabled
Parking at the University is $2.50 durinig the week and is free on the weekends.
The SSU Latin Jazz Ensemble presents a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 in Warren Auditorium.
The program features the best of contemporary and classic Latin jazz compositions from South America, Cuba the United States and Europe. Works by Lonnie Hewitt (Cal Tjader), Jesus "Chucho" Valdes (Tito Puente/Sonny Bravo), Ray Barretto.
Now in it's eighth year, the SSU Latin Jazz Ensemble is comprised of music majors at Sonoma State University and is directed by Bob Afifi.
Student musicians include:
* Bennett Roth-Newell, piano/congas
* Brian Pursell, guitar
* Greg Schlaepfer, piano/congas/percussion
* John Paul Norris, basses/percussion
* Johnny Alvaro, guitar
* Luke Silbey, guitar/percusssion
* Matt Stephens, drums
* Max Taylor, vibraphone/percussion
* Miles Wick, acoustic bass/congas/percussion
Afifi holds degrees in both the jazz and classical idioms: B.A in Jazz Studies from Sonoma State University (1986) and an M.M in Classical Flute from San Francisco State University (1991).
A freelance musician, he has played and recorded with numerous ensembles ranging in style from the Baroque period to the 20th Century.
Since 1994, he has been the flutist in Chuck Sher's One World Latin Band with bassist Chuck Sher, drummer Kendrick Freeman, pianist Art Hirahara, and guitarist Dave MacNab. Recent recordings include Mel Graves' "Ear Shot," jazz guitarist Randy Vincent's "Mirror Image" and flamenco guitarist Mark Taylor's "Pena y Alegra."
For further information contact Bob Afifi, (707) 829-8847.
A father who suffers mishaps while looking for his Darth Vader action figure lost 20 years ago is the subject of a top winning film made for the first nationwide Campus Movie Fest held at Sonoma State University last week.
Kevin Rapp's project earned honors in the Best Picture and Best Comedy category along with a student film called "March to Freedom." "Lost Toy" was also a finalist in the Turner Classic Movie Classic category along with a film called "Inner Turmoil."
Rapp, who is working on his teaching credential in special education at SSU, worked with Rich Fleming who starred in the production as the father. He was assisted with the editing by Julie Herrera-Daniels.
Rapp has been a stay-at-home Dad for the last eight years and says "I could never have made this film if I had been single." He lives in Novato and holds a B.A. in Accounting. He shot the film in two days and spent 48 hours editing it.
Last Thursday's showing of 16 short films made by Sonoma State students for the California section of the nationwide Campus MovieFest was held at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park. The event drew approximately 400 students and supporters to a red-carpet evening. SSU students submitted 36 five-minute films made by teams who were supplied equipment and cameras by organizers of the nationwide student film project.
Films were judged on aesthetics, technical aspects, sound design, and overall quality. There were a variety of themes and topics filmed- from documentaries about female sexuality, rock climbing and the SSU crew team to those featuring ninjas and zombies.
The SSU finalists compete against the top student films from Stanford, UC Berkeley, Santa Clara Universityand San Jose State at the Campus MovieFest Bay Area Grand Finale at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at the California Theatre in San Jose. Carson Daley will be host for the evening.
General admission tickets are $7 and are available online at www.campusmoviefest.com/finale and in the SSU Student Union.
ABOVE, Rich Fleming encounters Darth Vader in Kevin Rapps' film called "The Lost Toy."
For the second year, the Agilent Technologies Foundation has awarded a grant of $40,000 to provide scholarships for Sonoma State University's engineering students and fund other elements of a partnership to support the University's Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences program.
Scholarships were awarded to six students chosen in a competitive selection process. Recipients receive $1,500 for the first semester and $1,500 for the second semester if they meet academic requirements.
Seven students in the BS-ES program received scholarships in the 2005-2006 school year. All scholarship winners are assigned Agilent mentors. These are engineers who share information about the technology industry and jobs in engineering as well as host the students on visits to Agilent's Santa Rosa facility.
Some mentors work with the students on technology-based projects, and based on their interaction with the scholarship winners, all mentors are asked to provide feedback to the SSU engineering department faculty on strengths of the program and opportunities for improvement.
Additionally, four other Agilent engineers have been named adjunct faculty members in the Department of Engineering Science and are participating in curriculum and laboratory development. Following completion of the work on curriculum and labs, some or all of the Agilent adjunct faculty members will have an opportunity to teach engineering classes part-time at the university.
Proceeds from the grant also are being used to support SSU's new engineering science lecture series. Intended to benefit SSU engineering students and faculty as well as the local industry and community, the lecture series features leading scientists and engineers discussing technology trends, developments and breakthroughs. The next lecture is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 in Salazar
Hall with guest speaker Jim Hollenhorst of Agilent Laboratories.
The partnership with SSU is consistent with Agilent's goal of improving math, science and engineering education. "Sonoma State's Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences program is critical in developing qualified, talented graduates needed by local technology companies to drive innovation and improve our competitiveness in the global economy," said Mark Pierpoint, vice president of Agilent's Technology and Services Organization and the company's representative on the engineering department's Industry Advisory Board.
"Agilent's partnership with the university provides support at multiple levels - scholarships, mentorships, adjunct instructors, curriculum and course work development and a lecture series - with the goal of enabling the BS-ES program to become an invaluable asset in the community." The latest grant complements earlier Agilent donations of industry-leading test and measurement equipment for use in the Agilent Technologies Communications Laboratory at SSU.
"Periodic major equipment donations from Agilent Technologies have enabled the department to develop and maintain state-of-the art laboratories that are the envy of many large institutions," said Jagan Agrawal, director of the Masters of Science and BS-ES programs at SSU.
"The grant, equipment donations and other contributions from Agilent have been extremely valuable for the BS-ES program in its development, attracting high quality students and bringing prestige to the program as well as to SSU. We look forward to continuing this close and fruitful relationship with Agilent and strengthening it further in future."
The leader in advocating, designing, and building plug-in hybrid cars will appear Oct. 9 in the "What Physicists Do" public lecture series at Sonoma State University.
UC Davis mechanical engineering professor Andrew Frank will speak in SSU's newly-remodeled Darwin 103. Coffee, cookies, and conversation are available in the Darwin Lobby beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Frank, who has been featured in media from the Wall Street Journal to Popular Mechanics and several television stations, has been working on plug-in cars since long before the Prius was introduced.
"I have always felt it was possible to build a car that gets more than 100 miles per gallon; it's what this country needs," says Frank, who promises to describe a way to transition from oil-powered transportation without a disturbance in our social structure.
For more information, visit http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/ or send e-mail to phys.astro@sonoma.edu or phone (707) 664-2119.
Low cost physical examinations and health appraisals for well adults and children are available through the Nursing Department's Family Nurse Practitioner program at Sonoma State University. The FNP Health Maintenance Center offers these exams on Wednesdays, Oct. 11 - Dec. 13.
The exams are supervised by nursing faculty and performed by family nurse practitioner students who are registered nurses enrolled in the Master's nursing program. Appointments are available only to Sonoma County residents.
Services include a complete medical and health history, identification of health risk factors, complete physical examinations and screening tests such as blood pressure checks, vision testing, audiology testing, urinalysis, hematocrit (for anemia), cholesterol testing, and Pap smears for cervical cancer.
These services can be used for annual exams, sports physicals, pre-employment physicals, camp physicals and Class II DMV licensing physicals. The cost of a physical examination is $30, Pap test $35 and cholesterol check $25. Hearing tests are free and a DMV physical examination is $60. Copies of records are given to clients upon request as well as mailed to private physicians or agencies.
Appointments may be made by calling (707) 664-2466, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The fall television line-up includes an unlikely new contender: Sonoma State University.
SSU has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the AT&T Foundation to implement an innovative approach to teaching high school mathematics. Modeled after a popular television show, "Extreme Makeover: Math Edition" features a dynamic instructor leading a team of students on hypothetical construction projects that involve hands-on mathematical applications.
In keeping with the TV show's format, the students with be dressed as construction workers and their activities will be recorded at a local construction site thanks to Burbank Housing.
The project is being undertaken by the University's GEAR UP program in partnership with the Community Media Center of Santa Rosa. Together they will create a 30-minute educational DVD that will be broadcast on the CMC television station, reaching a potential audience of over 156,000 residents.
In addition to the televised broadcast, the Extreme Makeover: Math Edition DVD will be incorporated as a teaching aid into all four of SSU's federally funded pre-college programs, encompassing over 1,300 students. The DVD will also be made available to as many as 70 other high schools throughout northern California as part of the university's Early Assessment Program. One hundred copies of the DVD (in both English and Spanish) will be produced.
GEAR UP ("Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs") is a federally funded grant program designed to prepare low-income students for post-secondary education. Susan Wandling of the GEAR UP program says it is unique from other federal initiatives in that it relies on universities, schools, and community organizations to come together as partners and work toward systemic change within the schools and the surrounding community. "It takes real commitment from everyone involved."
The program serves a single cohort of students for six years (typically seventh grade through high school) and endeavors to develop and test best practices for school reform. Services often focus on tutoring, teacher training, curriculum enhancement, counseling, and parental involvement activities. The GEAR UP program at Sonoma State is in its sixth year, serving the senior class of Elsie Allen High School.
Sonoma State was one of only 74 GEAR UP grantees selected this year. Wandling thinks the reality show model made her proposal a winner.
For more information contact Susan Wandling, director of Academic Talent Search for University Preparation Services, at (707) 664-3122.
The Donald and Maureen Green Music Center reached a milestone toward completion thanks to a gift of $1.3 million from the estate of long-time Sonoma County resident G.K. Hardt.
"This generous gift allowed us to have sufficient funds to guarantee full funding for the construction of the second phase of the project," said Ruben Arminana, SSU President.
Hardt passed away in June 2004. Gladys Bates, Hardt's assistant of 45 years, and the Exchange Bank serve as trustees for the estate and made the decision to help support the Green Music Center and Sonoma State University.
"G.K. wanted his good fortune to benefit people in the community where he raised his family and enjoyed a prosperous and fulfilling life," said Bates. "He had a love for opera and classical music and was always listening to music. I'm sure he would be pleased to be providing an important boost to the building of this world-class music hall." Bates herself is an advocate of the arts and serves as a volunteer usher at Santa Rosa Symphony concerts.
"This extraordinarily generous gift arrives at a perfect time," said Dan Lanahan, Chairman of Lanahan & Reilley LLP and co-chair of the Green Music Center Capital Campaign. "We now move on to completion of the Green Music Center."
Hardt was born in 1918 in East Prussia. His family immigrated to the United States in 1927. Settling in Santa Rosa, he graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1936 and then served in the U.S. Army during WW II.
His career began in 1937 at 19 years old when he worked as a filling station attendant at a Signal Oil service station across from Santa Rosa High School. Always the entrepreneur and never one to miss an opportunity, he traded his own car for two others and his career as an auto dealer was underway.
The year 1937, and the Depression, brought less than $20 for a used car, but he persevered and the business grew beyond his expectations. His G.K. Hardt agency was part of Santa Rosa's original auto row. His success has been attributed to his sense of humor and his genuine desire to help others.
He resided in Sonoma County for almost 75 years until he died of heart failure in 2004. He retired from the automobile business in 1973 but remained very active in real estate over the balance of his life.
While an automobile dealer over most of his working life, Mr. Hardt had many interests beyond his family and automobiles. Those included children, agriculture, horses, the arts, and, it seems, people generally down on their luck. Always known for his warmth and his love of a good laugh, he found himself to be quite successful in any of the activities to which he became involved.
While the construction budget for the Donald and Maureen Green Music Center is signed for $88 million with a green light to proceed, there is still $22 million to raise toward the capital project and to pay down a public construction bond secured by private guarantors. The Center includes a world class concert hall that seats 1,400, a recital hall for 300, a music/faculty office building, and an executive center. Completion date is in fall 2008.
Almost $43 million has been received in cash, pledges and interim financing from donors including the initial gift of $10 million from Donald Green and his wife Maureen as well as approximately $45 million from the California State University.
