Sonoma State University is proud to announce that Dr. Eduardo M. Ochoa has been selected by the White House as a nominee for the position of Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education (OPE).
Today President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Dr. Ochoa to the Senate sub-committee for review which is then forwarded to the full Senate for confirmation.
"Dr. Ochoa has been a tremendous asset as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Sonoma State University in regard to policy making and administration. His dedication to higher education and his academic administrative talents have earned well-deserved recognition by President Obama and the White House," says Ruben Armiñana, President of Sonoma State University.
Dr. Eduardo M. Ochoa is currently Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Sonoma State University, which is part of the California State University system.
Serving in that position since 2003, he is responsible for all the University's academic programs, University strategic planning, its overall diversity initiative, and Sonoma's role in the CSU Graduation Initiative which aims to raise system-wide graduation rates.
As a member of the CSU Academic Council, Dr. Ochoa contributes to the CSU's academic administration and plays a significant role in system strategic planning and academic technology initiatives.
Prior to his position at Sonoma, Dr. Ochoa served for six years as Dean of the College of Business Administration at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and for thirteen years as Professor of Economics at California State University, Los Angeles.
Dr. Ochoa is a graduate of Reed College (B.A., Physics, Philosophy), Columbia University (M.S., Nuclear Engineering), and the New School for Social Research (Ph.D., Economics).
"Dr. Ochoa has made significant academic contributions to the CSU, and his experience and background will be a valuable asset to the Department of Education and their work on higher education," says Charles Reed, Chancellor of the California State University system.
The Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) formulates federal postsecondary education policy and administers more than 40 programs that address critical national needs in support of its mission to increase access to quality postsecondary education.
Notable among these programs are the Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE), the TRIO programs such as Upward Bound and McNair Scholarships, and many other programs that support institutional development and undergraduate education, international education, and teacher and student development.
Contacts:
Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/index.html
White House Media Affairs Office at 202.456.6238 (phone) or 202.456.2239 (fax)
Susan Kashack, Sonoma State University, susan.kashack@sonoma.edu or (707) 664-2122.
Photos available by request or online at http://www.sonoma.edu/aa/provost/
A search warrant has been executed on campus since this morning by a task force comprised of the Sonoma County District Attorney's office, Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice.
The warrant deals with three facilities: the warehouse, a California Institute of Human Services storage building and the Administration and Finance offices in Salazar Hall.
The investigation is focused on 20 grants originally awarded and administered by the California Institute of Human Services.
The University welcomes the investigation and is working in full cooperation with the task force.
The investigation is the result of a University police department referral to the Sonoma County District Attorney in 2008 surrounding issues related to CIHS.
These activities will last through out the day.
- President Ruben Arminana
Campus will be closed Fri., March 12 due to state mandated furlough.
Student Life
TANTRA WORKSHOP- Evalena Rose, M.A., has been in private practice for 30 years, helping people heal emotionally and spiritually through Meta Therapy, multidimensional healing and channeled readings. Her workshop teaches participants how to move Kundalini (sexual energy) through the body in ways that create ecstatic states. ASP presents this Tantric Workshop in celebration of Women's History Month. 6 p.m., Wed., March 10. Student Union MPR. Admission is free with limited availability. (707) 664-2382 http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE COMMON GOOD THURSDAYS- a community engaged network meeting and chance to share ideas for those involved with scholarships for or with a nonprofit or governmental organization or for a "cause," community based participatory research, public research, action research, or a community-based participatory research class. Green-bag lunch event. Noon-1 p.m., Thurs., March 11. Schulz 1121. www.sonom.edu/aa/ap/cce/
Lectures
"JEWISH FEMALE ARTISTS IN INTERWAR PARIS."- Paula Birnbaum, Director, Art History and Arts Management program, and Assistant Professor, Department of Art and Architecture, University of San Francisco lectures. Jewish Studies Lecture Series. 3 p.m., Mon., March 8. Student Union Multi-Purpose Room. (707) 664-3293. http://sonoma.edu/jewishstudies/
WHAT PHYSICISTS DO LECTURE SERIES- Daqing Zhang, Assistant Professor of Physics, Fresno State University, lectures on the topic of "Nanostructure materials." 4 p.m., Mon., March 8. Darwin 103.Coffee, cookies and conversation in Darwin Lobby, 3:30 p.m. http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/
"SUB-LEBRITY AND HIP HOP: ON BEING GAYMOUS"- San Francisco-based rapper/producer Katastrophe (left), weaves dense tales of lives lived outside the mainstreams. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon-12:50 p.m., Tues., March 9. Rachel Carson Hall 20. (707) 664.2840. http://www.sonoma.edu/womenstudies/current_lectures.htm
BE MY GUEST- David Tallitsch, drawing and painting teacher at Los Medanos College, guest lectures as part of the Art Department's visiting artists series. Tallitsch received his B.F.A. from the San Francisco Art Institute and his M.F.A. from the University of Iowa. He has exhibited his work at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the Des Moines Art Center (both in Iowa), the Drawing Center (in New York), and Bucheon Gallery (in San Francisco.) Noon-12:55 p.m., Tues., March 9. Art 102. (707) 664-2364. http://www.sonoma.edu/art/visitingartists/
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR PANEL- Hans Angress and Lucille Eichengreen speak. 2010 Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series. 4-5:40 p.m., Tues., March 9. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/center.htm
WRITERS AT SONOMA- - Yiyun Li grew up in Beijing and came to the United States in 1996. She is winner of the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award, Penn/Hemingway Award, Guardian First Book Award, and California Book Award. The title story of her critically acclaimed short story collection, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers, was made into a film by Wayne Wang. The Vagrants, her debut novel, was released in February 2009. Publisher's Weekly called The Vagrants a "magnificent and jaw-droppingly grim novel centering on the 1979 execution of a Chinese counterrevolutionary in the provincial town of Muddy River and spiraling outward into a scathing indictment of Communist China... Li records these events dispassionately and wish such a magisterial sense of direction that the reader can't help being drawn into the novel, like a sleeper trapped in an anxiety dream." She teaches at UC-Davis. 6 p.m., Tues., March 9. Schulz 3001.
RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY SERIES - Professor Marie Pagliarini, St. Mary's College, lectures on women's role throughout the history of western religion. Associated Student Productions in celebration of Women's History Month. 7 p.m., Wed., March 9. Student union MPR. (707) 664-2382 http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
SUSTAINABILITY LECTURE- How is 'sustainable' defined in the sea and as a physical science? Who defines it? The answers depend on who you ask. Sascha von Meier (right), Environmental Studies and Planning, discusses "Sustainability: A Physical Science Perspective." Karina Nielsen, Marine Ecologist and Associate Professor of Biology discusses "Sustainable Seafood? Says Who?" Noon, Wed., March 10. Schulz 3001.
"MATH COLLOQUIUM"- Elaine Newman, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, presents "Student projects from Mathematica class." 4 p.m., Wed., March 10. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2368. http://www.sonoma.edu/math/nsf/colloquium.shtml
"WE ARE EACH OTHER'S MAGNITUDE AND BOND:THE PUBLIC AND IT'S PROBLEMS." Bill Ayers lectures. Modern Media Dialogue Series. 5-6:30 p.m., Wed., March. 10. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-3160. http://www.mediadialogueseries.org/
"LE MALADE IMAGINAIRE." Paul Draper, Professor and Chair, Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, and Scott Horstein,Theatre
Arts & Dance, lecture. Arts and Humanities Research and Creative Works Forum. 12:05-12:55 p.m., Thurs., March 11. Schulz 3001. (707) 664-2146. http://www.sonoma.edu/a_h/AHForum.htm
"AUTOMATED TAGGING AND CATEGORIZATION OF BLOGS"-Chris Brooks, University of San Francisco lectures. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thurs., March 11. Salazar 2016. (707) 664-2667. http://www.cs.sonoma.edu/cs_dept/events/
Music and Theater
JAZZ ORCHESTRA AND ENSEMBLES WITH MATT WILSON. Jazz drummer Matt Wilson (right), has been dubbed "the most blithely sociable jazz drummer since the late 'Smiling Billy' Higgins." Wilson is featured with the Jazz Orchestra and Concert Jazz Ensembles, led by Doug Leibinger, Jazz Studies director. A suggested donation of $15 will go directly to scholarships for jazz students. 7:30 p.m., Thurs., March. 11. Warren Auditorium. (707) 664-2353. http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts.
Galleries
FIELD DAYS - Field Days is based on Raskin's newest book FIELD DAYS A Year of Farming, Eating, and Drinking Wine in California which chronicles the renaissance in farming organically and eating locally that is unfolding in Northern California. Jonah Raskin tells of the year he spent on Oak Hill Farm - working the fields, selling produce at farmers' markets, and following it to restaurants. The exhibit highlights his experience with photos by Paige Green from Petaluma and Candi Edmondson of Oak Hill Farms. Also on exhibit are materials from the University Library's Special Collections and items on loan from the Sonoma County Museum. Jan. 27-March 21. University Library Art Gallery. http://library.sonoma.edu/about/gallery.html
For the Spring 2010 semester, Sonoma State University has hired Halualani & Associates, a Bay Area consulting firm that specializes in diversity strategy and planning for higher education institutions, to map the diversity efforts, programs, and curricula across all campus units.
This mapping process involves taking stock of current diversity efforts and then analyzing such mappings to identify the current status of diversity and inclusive excellence at that institution.
This process of inquiry is referred to as "mapping diversity efforts" and its value lies in locating a higher education institution's "actual"--not projected--engagement with, and implementation of, diversity efforts.
Such a reflexive practice is vital to identify where a university is and needs to be in order to establish itself as an institutional structure that is committed to inclusive excellence in terms of its values, principles, objectives and goals, outcomes, and resource allocations.
This mapping effort will take place between February and April 2010; all information and findings that result from this effort will be made public in the form of downloadable maps, a comprehensive report, and a public presentation made by Halualani & Associates.
Dr. Rona T. Halualani is the Founder and Principal of Halualani & Associates, as well as a professor of intercultural communication at San Jose State University. Dr. Halualani has extensive experience in helping universities create, design, implement, and evaluate
comprehensive diversity master plans and strategies, including work with SJSU from 2007-2009 that lead to the creation and implementation of the CSU's first Diversity Master Plan.
Funding for this project is provided by the generous donation of Daphne Smith, as well as the SSU Office of the President.
For further information about the President's Diversity Council, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/diversity/pdc/.
After months of hard word, two-a-day practices, and team building, the Sonoma State Cheer Team gears up to head to Southern California this weekend for their first national competition.
Valentines weekend marks a weekend of spirit, hard work and dedication, as these women compete for the title Sun., Feb. 14-Mon., Feb. 15 in the United Spirit Association's (USA) Sixteenth Annual All Stars and College Nationals Competition.
"Our strongest element is that they are just a really strong team together," said Coach Lori Kegerreis. "I think that we will do well, but it's hard to know since this is our first year competing."
Kegerreis has been coaching for 24 years, and she and her co-coach Karin McGregor are both NCAA Active Certified Coaches. Before coaching at SSU, Kegerreis coached at Montgomery High in Santa Rosa, as well as at the Junior College. McGregor coached for several years at Rancho Cotati High School.
"The squad has been working extremely hard since November," said Heather Brunner, team captain. "We have been having practices at 6 in the morning and also at 7 at night."
SSU's Cheer performance is two-minutes, 25-seconds long, and consists of a combination of jumping, tumbling, dancing and stunting.
"Our most exciting stunt is called a 'wolf wall,' which I thought was fitting, since we're the Sonoma State Seawolves," said Kegerreis.
The Cheer team has been working on their routine since Nov. 1, and the loss of three of their team members presents a challenge for them.
"It's hard when you've been working on this routine for 20 people, and then you end up losing people, leaving you with only 20. It just means that no one can get hurt, no one can get sick, or we're out," said Kegerreis.
SSU's cheer team is competing in the all-girl, four-year college category, against 12 other teams, including San Jose State, Cal Poly, San Louis Obispo, Oregon State and San Diego State. This category is open to all four-year colleges, nation-wide, so long as the team is all female.
The competition takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim.
For more information about the competition, visit the United Spirit Association at http://www.usacamps.com/competitions.html.
Above, the SSU Cheer Team is competing in the all-girl, four-year college category, against 12 other teams.
Campus Life
HUMAN RIGHTS AWARENESS TOUR. Associated Students Productions, in collaboration with JUMP, present The Human Rights Awareness Tour, aimed at letting people know in a positive way about the existence and benefits of human rights. The HRAT wants to show that human rights are a positive force and a cause for celebration, but ultimately they want people to come to their own conclusions about the best way to support these rights. Mon., March 1 and Tues., March 2. (707) 664-2382. http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
GENERAL ACTIVISM WORKSHOP. This workshop is designed to help students create an action plan to continue the HRAT goals of raising awareness and designing education programs about Human Rights issues once the tour leaves. The action plan will focus on continuing efforts to positively promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, non-profit organization campaigns, and grassroots community building and organizing. Noon-1 p.m., Mon., March 1. Student Union Multipurpose Room. (707) 664-2382. http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
SWEATSHOP FREE FASHION SHOW. ASP presents No Sweat Fashion Show, intended to give students the option of making a difference in the world just by being a consumer; catalogs and coupons are available at the show. Several sweatshop free clothing companies will be displayed that uphold strong worker ethics and comply with the 23RD article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 8-10 p.m., Mon., March 1. Cooperage. (707) 664-2382. http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
Lectures
"EXTRA DIMENSIONS"- Doug Singleton (left), Physics Professor, and Chair of the Department of Physics, Fresno State University lectures on the topic of "Extra Dimensions." 4 p.m., Mon., March 1. Darwin 103. What Physicists Do Lecture Serieshttp://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/
"THE HISTORY OF JERUSALEM."-Nitzhia Shaked, Lecturer, Jewish Studies Department, San Francisco State University lectures. Jewish Studies Lecture Series. 7 p.m., Mon., March 1. Cooperage. (707) 664-3293. http://sonoma.edu/jewishstudies/
WOMEN AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN POST-KATRINA NEW ORLEANS - Melinda Milligan, Sociology, discusses women's involvement in historic preservation in pre- and post-Katrina New Orleans, which is an element of her in-progress research on preservation issues in the city (Preservation in Progress: Historic Preservation Before and After the Storm). She assesses the experiences of women in the preservation community, including professionals, activists, and renovators, with an emphasis on the social and economic changes linked to the storm and the extent to which these changes have impacted preservation practices. Social Science Brown Bag Lecture Series, noon, Tuesday, March 2. Stevenson 2011. Holly Sautner, (707) 664-2112.
"THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY STRUGGLE IN CALIFORNIA"- Michael Nava, California Supreme Court Attorney, traces the history of the marriage equality struggle in California from the 1970s--when the legislature passed the law declaring marriage to be a union between a man and a woman--through the recent Proposition 8 decision. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon-12:50 p.m., Tues., March 2. Carson 20. (707) 664.2840. http://www.sonoma.edu/womenstudies/current_lectures.htm
BE MY GUEST- Frank Ryan, SSU alumni, guest lectures. In 2006 Ryan was included in the LA Weekly Biennial, which in a solo exhibition entitled Circadian Rhythm at Walter Maciel Gallery in Los Angeles. Ryan received a MFA from UCLA in 2006 and his BFA in Painting from Sonoma State University in 2002. Art Department's Visiting Artists Series. Noon-12:55 p.m., Tues., March 2. Art 102. (707) 664-2364. http://www.sonoma.edu/art/visitingartists/
BUTTERFLIES- Dr. Kristjan Niitepold, Stanford University/University of Helsinki, lectures on butterflies. Biology Colloquium. Noon-1 p.m., Tues., March 2. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2189. http://www.sonoma.edu/biology/home/colloquium.shtml
"FIELD DAYS"- Professor Jonah Raskin, Communications Dept., and guests discuss Raskin's book Field Days: A Year of Farming, Eating and Drinking Wine in Northern California, which chronicles the renaissance in farming organically and eating locally that is unfolding in northern California. Sustainability Lectures. Noon, Wed., March 3. Schulz 3001
"PROBABILITY THEORY"- Professor Craig Tracy, Department of Mathematics, UC Davis lectures on "Central Limit Theorems in Probability Theory: Old and New." Math Colloquium. 4 p.m., Wed., March 3. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2368. http://www.sonoma.edu/math/nsf/colloquium.shtml
"GIRLDRIVE: CRISS-CROSSING AMERICA, REDEFINING FEMINISM." Nona Willis-Aronowitz (left), 25-year-old journalist and cultural critic lectures on her book, "Girldrive," released in November 2009. 5-6:30 p.m., Modern Media Lecture Series. Wed., March 3. Warren Auditorium. (707) 664-3160. http://www.mediadialogueseries.org/
"USER INTERFACE DESIGN-THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF DESIGN." Lecture by Todd Ziesing, Terrace Software, San Francisco. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thurs., March 4. Salazar 2016. (707) 664-2667. http://www.cs.sonoma.edu/cs_dept/events/
"IC DESIGN CHALLENGES IN NANO-SCALE ERA: TECHNOLOGY AND CIRCUITS PERSPECTIVE." Dr. Hamid Mahmoodi, EE Dept., San Francisco State University lectures. Engineering Science Lecture Series. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Thurs., March 4. Salazar 2009A. (707) 664-2030. http://sonoma.edu/engineering/lecture_series/
Music and Theater
"TRIO NAVARRO" Artists-in-Residence will perform Catoire's F Minor Piano Trio of 1900, along with works by Max Bruch and Gaspar Cassado. 4 p.m., Sun., Feb. 28. Ives Concert Hall. (707) 664-2235. http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/perf/cal_1002.shtml
KLEZMER CONCERT AND LECTURE- Robin Seletsky, SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, accompanied by th Santa Rosa Junior Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Richard Loheyde introduce Klezmer music, its meaning and tradition. Open to all. 2010 Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series. 4-5:40 p.m., Tues., March 2. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/center.htm
MELISSA FERRICK IN CONCERT. ASP presents Melissa Ferrick (right), who has stunned audiences with her hometown folk-rock music since she burst onto the scene in the 1990's. With 14 albums under her belt, Ferrick is a legend in her own right. Accompanying her on stage will be Sonoma State's own Michal Jones. Free to SSU students, staff and faculty. $5 for general public. 7 p.m., Sat., March 6. Pub. (707) 664-2382. http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
Films
"PSYCHO." By 1960, when Alfred Hithcock'sPsycho premiered in New York, nothing like it had existed before: it killed its star off after 40 minutes; audiences weren't allowed in the theater after the film had started; there was no happy ending, and it offered the most violent scene to date in American film. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Fri., March 5. Warren Auditorium. General Admission is $6, $5 for non-SSU students and senior citizens, $4 for SFI members and children under 12, $2 for SSU students. (707) 664-2606. http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi/
BLACK GOLD The film traces the tangled trail from the two billion cups of coffee consumed each day back to the coffee farmers who produce the beans. "Black Gold" provides the most in-depth study of any commodity on film today and offers a compelling introduction to the "fair trade" movement galvanizing consumers around the globe. 5-8 p.m., Mon., March 1. Student Union multi-purpose room. (707) 664-2382. http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
Galleries
FIELD DAYS-An exhibit based on Jonah Raskin's newest book FIELD DAYS A Year of Farming, Eating, and Drinking Wine in California which chronicles the renaissance in farming organically and eating locally that is unfolding in Northern California. Raskin tells of the year he spent on Oak Hill Farm - working the fields, selling produce at farmers' markets, and following it to restaurants. The exhibit highlights his experience with photos by Paige Green from Petaluma and Candi Edmondson of Oak Hill Farms. Also on exhibit are materials from the University Library's Special Collections and items on loan from the Sonoma County Museum. Jan. 27-March 21. University Library Art Gallery. http://library.sonoma.edu/about/gallery.html
The California State University will allocate $50.9 million in one-time funds to its 23 campuses to provide approximately 8,100 additional course sections system wide as well as retain additional lecturers for the fall 2010 term. At Sonoma State University, the allocation will bring an additional $1,225,000 to the campus.
This funding has been designated by Chancellor Charles Reed entirely for additional classes in the 2010-11 academic year. The Chancellor's Office estimates that this funding will result in 195 additional class sections for SSU in the Fall semester - courses that would have been impossible to schedule without it.
"What this means for students is that there should be enough classes scheduled to meet the needs of all enrolled students in 2010-11, while keeping class sizes and student faculty ratios consistent with high academic quality," says Eduardo Ochoa, SSU's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The CSU funds became available as a result of a $76.5 million one-time federal stimulus allocation that the CSU received and has used to help meet its payroll. In turn, the CSU will be able to use monies from state support and student fee revenues previously set aside for payroll to add the course sections.
The federal stimulus funds and associated CSU funds, however, must be used on a limited-term basis and not create ongoing spending.
Campuses were previously given an initial $25.6 million to add approximately 4,000 classes for the current spring term while the CSU awaited the governor's proposed 2010-11 budget to move forward with the remaining funds.
The governor's proposal for 2010-11 restores a $305 million one-time cut in the CSU's current budget and includes an additional $60.6 million in funding for the CSU's enrollment growth.
"The CSU has a strong starting point in what we know will be a long and uncertain budget process, and we want to provide students with as many courses as possible," said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. "This will help alleviate some of the shortages in classes helping students make faster progress toward their degree."
If, as Oliver Wendell Holmes says, a "music bath once or twice a week bathes the soul," then the souls at Sonoma State University will be clean indeed. The SSU School of Performing Arts has released its spring calendar of Music Department events encompassing more than 50 performances from Feb. 18 through May 26.
Highlights include chamber music performances by Trio Navarro, and visits by Romani "Gypsy" Vocalist, Ruzsa Nikolic-Lakatos, and jazz drummer Matt Wilson.
Performances take place in Ives 119, Warren Auditorium and Evert B. Person Theatre. For information or to buy tickets, visit www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/ or call the SPA Box Office at (707) 664-2325.
The spring season includes:
Trio Navarro (Roy Malan, violin, Jill Rachuy Brindel, cello and Marilyn Thompson, piano) play Piano Trios by Gyorgi Catoire, Max Bruch and Gaspar Cassado, 4 p.m., Feb. 28 in Ives 119
Jazz Drummer Matt Wilson with the SSU Jazz Orchestra and Concert Jazz Ensembles, led by Jazz Studies Director Doug Leibinger, 7:30 p.m., March 11 in Warren Auditorium (suggested donation of $15 to benefit jazz scholarships)
Conductor Andy Collinsworth with the SSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble in combined concerts at local schools, 7 p.m. March 24 at Maria Carrillo High School and at 7:30 p.m. March 25 at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Conductor Jenny Bent with the SSU Chorus performs Fauré Requiem at 8 p.m. April 16 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Petaluma and at 8 p.m. April 17 at Holy Family Episcopal Church, Rohnert Park.
North Indian vocal musician Laxmi Tewari and remowned Hindustani vocalist and ethnomusicologist and ensemble, 7:30 p.m. April 24, in Ives 119.
Trio Navarro (Roy Malan, violin, Jill Rachuy Brindel, cello and Marilyn Thompson, piano) joined by San Francisco Symphony violist Nancy Ellis for Piano Quartets by Mozart, Fauré and Saint-Saens, 4 p.m. April 25, in Ives 119.
Romani (Gypsy) singer Ruzsa Nikolic-Lakatos and the Gypsy Family Band perform songs of the Lovara people, 7:30 p.m. April 29, in Warrren Auditorium.
SSU Faculty Composers Jesus Contreras, Will Johnson, Jeff Langley, Doug Leibinger and Brian Wilson present new music, 7:30 p.m. April 29, in Ives 119.
Conductor Robert Worth combined with the SSU Chamber Singers performs Bach's Leipzig Audition, a concert of German Cantatas, 8 p.m. May 7, 8 at Holy Family Episcopal Church, Rohnert Park.
Conductor Robert Worth combined with the SSU Chorus, Chamber Singers and Bach Choir present The German Motet, a combined choral concert, 8 p.m. May 14, 15, at Holy Family Episcopal Church, Rohnert Park
Conductor Andy Collinsworth and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble present acombined concert with Mt. San Antonio College Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. May 20, in Event B. Person Theatre.
Conductor Robert Worth and the Sonoma County Bach Choir and Santa Rosa Children's Chorus present Jahrgang II: Bach's Second Leipzig Cantata Cycle, First and Last movements from 14 of Bach's greatest cantatas of 1724-25, 8 p.m. May 21-22 at Holy Family Episcopal Church, Rohnert Park.
Free Concerts To Fit Every Schedule
The calendar includes 30 free concerts, including student groups, senior recitals, chamber music, jazz, music theatre scenes, vocal repertory recitals and more. Concert times vary, with many events taking place during the noon hour. Call the Music Department for more
information at (707) 664-2324.
Tickets
Ticket prices are $12 general admission; $10 SSU faculty, alumni and staff; $8 seniors and students. Tickets are free to SSU students. To purchase tickets contact the School of Performing Arts (SPA) Box Office at (707) 664-2353. Ask about group sales and family ticket packages. The SPA Box Office is located on the second floor of Ives Hall. Hours are Monday-Friday, 12-3PM.
Jim Crow artifacts, Ku Klux Klan images, Black Power posters and more make up the fascinating exhibit known as the Black History 101 Mobile Museum which arrives at Sonoma State University for Black History Month in February for one day.
A collection of artifacts that date from slavery to Hip Hop culture, the museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mon., Feb. 8 in the Student Union multi-purpose room. Following the mobile museum is a lecture by Public Enemy's Professor Griff on the history of Hip Hop at 7:30 p.m. in the Cooperage.
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum is an innovative grassroots based project, exhibiting museum quality Black memorabilia. Khalid-el Hakim (left), the founder of the project, had passion for education and history that led him to start collecting Black memorabilia 15 years ago.
He comes to SSU to display some of his award winning collection of over 2000 artifacts that recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements and struggles of African Americans.
Griff (right) is one of the founding members of the iconic rap group Public Enemy. The group also consisted of well-known artists Chuck D and Flava Flav. Public Enemy celebrates the twentieth anniversary of their groundbreaking album, "It Takes A Nation of Millions."
In his lecture, also titled "It Takes a Nation of Millions," Griff discusses the power of hip hop music in America and the social, political and global impact of what is now considered by many to be one of the most important albums ever made.
Other highlights of Black History Month Celebrations are:
The Black/Jew Dialogues - a hilarious two-man comedy dealing with prejudice and multiculturalism, at 7 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 18 in the Warren Auditorium. Emmy award winning veteran Boston performer Ron Jones and award winning actor Larry Jay Tish (Left) take the audience on a hysterical and poignant ride through three days they spent together in a cheap hotel room discussing their own experiences, the history of their people, and why there has been a growing riff between the two groups since the early 70's. Through their dialogue the audience gains insight to the true nature of prejudice and how our inability to face our own biases separate us in ways that we may not even think about. The comic journey begins in the Egypt of the Pharaohs and travels through Africa, colonial times, to present-day America.
The Kingdom Travelers, a talented and respected musical group from Richmond, perform as part of a Gospel Extravaganza on Fri., Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Cooperage. Reverend Minor as well as other gospel groups will accompany them.
Other Black History Month celebrations include an open mic poetry slam, hosted by Youth Speaks, Thurs., Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Pub, inviting students, faculty and staff to find, develop, publicly present, and apply their voices as creators of social change. There will be a homemade soul food dinner of macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, sweet potato pie and more, with music by Donnie Williams at the Zin Cafeteria from 5-8 p.m., Tues., Feb. 16. In addition, ASP hosts a Black Comedy Jam with Reggie Steele (Right) in the Pub at 8 p.m., Wed., Feb. 17.
The Black History Month festivities culminate with a closing ceremony and dance on Thurs., Feb. 25 in the Cooperage at 7 p.m. The closing ceremony brings together cultural clubs on campus to showcase their talents. The dance, themed "Freaks and Geeks Part II" will be in the Field House at 10 p.m.
All events are free to SSU students, faculty and staff, and $5 for the general audience. Tickets can be obtained at the Student Union front desk.
The month long series of events are sponsored by Associated Student Productions and Black Student Union.
For more information about any of these events, call 707.664.2382 or visit www.sonoma.edu/as/asp.
Campus Life
"MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SPEECH COMPETITION" Speeches will focus around the theme for the event "One Love" and students will have the opportunity to explain what they can do to contribute to Dr. King's vision for justice and civil rights for all people. For more info, or to submit a speech, contact moliga@sonoma.edu. Winner gets $100 gift certificate to SSU Bookstore. 7 p.m., Wed., Feb. 24. Cooperage.
WORLD OF WORK- Sonoma State University Career Services presents their annual World of Work (WOW) Career and Summer Job Fair. WOW presents the opportunity for students to network with possible future employers as well as explore the range of jobs available to them after graduation. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 25. Rec. Center. Career Services offers students the chance to have their resume reviewed by a member of their staff throughout the month of February, before the fair. Appointments can be made for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. (707) 664-2196. careerservices@sonoma.edu. http://www.sonoma.edu/sas/crc/
BLACK HISTORY MONTH, CLOSING CEREMONY. Produced by BSU, cultural clubs on campus come together to showcase their talents as an end to Black History Month. 7-9 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 25. Cooperage. Following the closing ceremony will be a closing dance, themed "Freaks and Geeks Part II" at 10 p.m., in the Field House. (707) 664-2382. http://www.sonoma.edu/as/asp
Lectures
WHAT PHYSICISTS DO LECTURE SERIES- Scott Sandford, NASA-Ames discusses the "Stardust Comet Sample Return mission." 4 p.m., Mon., Feb. 22. Darwin 103. There will be coffee, cookies and conversation I the Darwin Lobby before hand, at 3:30 p.m. http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM- Dr. Nathan Rank, Department of Biology lectures on "Enzyme Polymorphisms and Polulation Biology in an Montane Insect." Noon-1 p.m., Tues., Feb. 23. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2189. http://www.sonoma.edu/biology/home/colloquium.shtml
"FIGURING FEMALE MASCULINITY IN TRANSSEXUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY"- Trystan Cotten, a CSU-Stanislaus teacher in the Department of Ethnic and Gender Studies, will discuss his current research project, Second Thoughts: Exploring the Transition Narratives of Ex-Lesbians, on the autobiography of female-to-male: trans-gender men who once lived as lesbians and embraced lesbian feminism. Lecture series. Noon. Tues. Feb. 23. Stevenson 1002. (707) 664-2574. romesbur@sonoma.edu.
"BREAKING THE SILENCE." Paul A, Schwarzbart lectures. Discussion open to all. 2010 Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series. 4-5:40 p.m., Tues., Feb. 23. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/center.htm
"YES YOU CAN!" Seminar by Debbie (Right) and Mike Gardner on violence prevention and self defense. 7 p.m., Tues., Feb. 23. SSU Gymnasium.
"MATH COLLOQUIUM"- Wulf Rehder, San Jose State University lectures on "Primes - Orchids in the Garden of Numbers." 4 p.m., Wed., Feb. 24. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2368. http://www.sonoma.edu/math/nsf/colloquium.shtml
"REPRESENTATION OF THE OTHER THROUGH A WESTERN LENSE: MIDDLE EAST IN FOCUS." Zara Zimbardo and Sahar Driver, Hutchins Dialogue Center, examine representations of the Middle East in the Western media. They explore how stereotypes of the Middle Eastern "other" become internalized and shape our imaginations, our capacity for critical questioning and compassion. 5-6:30 p.m., Wed., Feb. 24. Warren Auditorium. (707) 664-3160. http://www.mediadialogueseries.org/
"WHAT CAN I DO? HAITI RELIEF."- The American Red Cross is providing supplies of food, water, and other necessities of life for those in Haiti. A representative of the Red Cross comes to SSU to speak about the effects of the Haiti earthquake, what the American Red Cross is doing to help and how SSU students can help. Donations can be made at this event. 7 p.m., Wed., Feb. 24. Student Union MPR.
"THE TIME IS NOW: DEVELOPING A REGIONAL STRATEGY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN JOBS." Sonoma State University Economic Outlook Conference. Co-sponsored with the North Bay Business Journal. 7:30 a.m.-noon, Thurs., Feb. 25. The Sheraton, Petaluma. (707) 521-5264.
"PRIVACY AND ANONYMITY IN A NETWORKED WORLD: 20TH CENTURY LAW AND 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY." Shane Witnov, University of California, Berkeley lectures. Computer Science Colloquium 30 Second Series. Noon, Thurs., Feb. 25. Salazar 2016. (707) 664-2667. http://www.cs.sonoma.edu/cs_dept/events/
"REASONING THREE WAYS: A MODEL FOR LINKING GE COURSES." Presented by Ada Jaarsma (Right), Assistant professor of Philosophy and Thaine Stearns, Associate Professor of English. Arts and Humanities Research and Creative Works Forum. 12:05-12:55 P.M., Thurs., Feb. 25. Schulz 3001. (707) 664-2146. http://www.sonoma.edu/a_h/AHForum.htm
WRITERS AT SONOMA- Gillian Conoley's most recent collection is the upturned narrative The Plot Genie, which Publisher's Weekly cited as "a wondrous book of many sources (ancient and contemporary, cerebral and tabloid) all pointing toward cinema... with each character eerily imprisoned by an elaborately illusive studio system. There's an atmosphere of decay throughout, replete with 'chambers dim with histories,' and 'locusts without end.' The book reads like an exceptional film noir projected onto the mind's eye." She is the author of six collections of poetry, including Profane Halo, Lovers in the Used World, and Tall Stranger, a finalist for the National Book Critics' Circle Award. Her work has received many prizes, including the Jerome J. Shestack Poetry Prize from The American Poetry Review, a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and a Fund for Poetry Award. Professor of English and Poet-in-Residence at Sonoma State University, she edits Volt. 6 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 25. Schulz information Center, room 3001.
Galleries
FIELD DAYS EXHIBIT-Field Days is based on Raskin's newest book FIELD DAYS A Year of Farming, Eating, and Drinking Wine in California which chronicles the renaissance in farming organically and eating locally that is unfolding in Northern California. Jonah Raskin tells of the year he spent on Oak Hill Farm - working the fields, selling produce at farmers' markets, and following it to restaurants. The exhibit highlights his experience with photos by Paige Green from Petaluma and Candi Edmondson of Oak Hill Farms. Also on exhibit are materials from the University Library's Special Collections and items on loan from the Sonoma County Museum. The exhibit runs Jan. 27-March 21. University Library Art Gallery. http://library.sonoma.edu/about/gallery.html
Films
"GOLDEN COACH." In this eighteenth-century story, Renoir takes as his subject the contrast between theater and life, and the point where they merge, focusing on a commedia dell'arte troupe touring Peru and their temperamental star, Camilla - the luminous Magnani at her comic best. 4 p.m., Sun., Feb. 21. Warren Auditorium. Admission is $6.00, $5.00 for non-SSU students and senior citizens, $4.00 for SFI members and children under 12, and $2.00 for SSU students. (707) 664-2606. http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi/
"THE HORSE BOY." Sonoma Film Institute presents this film, following a young couple and their autistic son from their ranch in Texas to a trek on horseback through Outer Mongolia in a quest to treat his condition with shamanic healing. 7 p.m., Fri., Feb. 26 and 4 p.m., Sun., Feb. 28. Warren Auditorium. General Admission is $6.00, $5.00 for non-SSU students and senior citizens, $4.00 for SFI members and children under 12, and $2.00 for SSU students. (707) 664-2606. http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi/
Set in a vibrant, sexy Manhattan, "Company" takes place on committed bachelor Bobby's 35th birthday. Through a series of hilarious vignettes and reminiscences featuring his best friends (5 couples) and his past loves (3 girlfriends); Bobby examines the pros and cons of a committed relationship to determine whether it's time to find one for himself. It is through this tug-of-war over whether to commit or not that Bobby discovers what "being alive" is really about.
Stephen Sondheim's innovative and groundbreaking Tony award-winning musical, "Company," is filled with brilliant rhymes and word play about relationships, isolation, alienation, conformity, adult identity, and the pressure to marry.
It will be staged in a seven-performance run from Feb. 18-28 at Sonoma State University in the Evert B. Person Theatre.
With musical direction by Lynne Morrow and stage direction by Adrian Elfenbaum, this production is an engaging musical comedy, featuring a talented young cast of SSU students.
Written by George Furth, "Company" brings to life the music and lyrics by Sondheim, featuring some of his best known and most beautiful songs, including "Another Hundred People," "Getting Married Today," "Marry Me a Little," "Barcelona," "Ladies Who Lunch" and "Being Alive." The production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1970 and Best Revival of a Musical in 2006.
Ticket prices are: general $15; faculty, alumni, staff, $12 ; students, seniors, $8. SSU students admitted free with a valid student I.D. Group and family rates are available.
Faculty and staff night is Thurs., Feb. 25. This performance is free for any SSU faculty or staff and $5 admission for guests.
For tickets or more information, visit www.sonoma.edu/tix or phone Jenny Juhl, (707) 664-2353.
Community volunteers interested in becoming amateur naturalists to educate and inspire people about the natural world are invited to participate in a Naturalist Training Program at the 460-acre Fairfield Osborn Preserve operated by Sonoma State University.
Participants learn about environmental education techniques and natural history during five Sundays of training (February 14, 21 and 28, and March 7 and 14) and one day of "buddy practice."
Those interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should attend one of the SSU Preserves' informational meetings on (February 4, 10 or 11 at 5 p.m. in Darwin 101, or contact SSU Preserves staff at (707) 795-5069 or e-mail <"href="ssu.preserves@sonoma.edu.">ssu.preserves@sonoma.edu.
The School of Education at Sonoma State University is launching a new program designed for K-12 educators, college and university instructors and other professionals who want advanced preparation in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
This TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program is offered within the Master of Arts in Education beginning in Fall 2010.
Deadline for applications is March 31.
An informational meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 in Schulz 1121 on the Rohnert Park campus.
Students completing the MA in Education with a concentration in TESOL will be prepared for a number of teaching opportunities, as well as related work in business or doctoral studies in the field of language education.
In addition to receiving enhanced preparation for working in K-12 settings, graduates will be qualified to:
• Teach ESL at the community college level
• Teach ESL in university-affiliated intensive English programs
• Teach English as a foreign language in other countries
• Work in related international businesses
• Pursue doctoral degrees in language education and related fields
SSU's renowned faculty have taught in the California public schools, and around the world, including in China, South Korea, Argentina, Slovenia, Turkey, and Italy. They have provided workshops for teachers throughout the world and have also published extensively in the field of English language teaching.
Students may opt to complete the 18-unit TESOL certificate, recognized world-wide as professional level preparation, or may earn a full Master of Arts degree in Education with a concentration in TESOL.
For further information contact Education Professor Karen Grady at (707) 664-3328 or visit the website at http://www.sonoma.edu/education/masters.htm
Art From the Heart 26th annual auction offers an exciting evening of art, food and fine wine from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the University Art Gallery at Sonoma State University.
The silent art auction and party has become one of the oldest continually-held fundraising events in the area and a "must" for novice and seasoned collectors alike. Art From the Heart features modestly priced works of art that are sold during a silent auction. It's a wonderful way to have a good time, support the Gallery (and in turn, the careers of worthy artists), and go home with an original work of art," says Gallery Manager Carla Stone.
Proceeds from the auction directly benefit the Art Gallery's exhibition, publication, and lecture programs.
Free previews of the artwork will be held 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11; and 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12.
This year more than 130 artists from Sonoma County and across the United States have created original works of art especially for Art From the Heart.
They include Sally Baker, Todd Barricklow, Janice Best, Ray Beldner, Mary Black, John Casey, Nuala Creed, Stephen Galloway, Cynthia Hipkiss, Mildred Howard, Bob Hudson, Karen Kelly, Kurt Kemp, Tony King, Maurice Lapp, Hung Liu, Ron Nagle, Jann Nunn, William O'Keeffe, Mark Perlman, Sylvia Seventy, Richard Shaw, Inez Storer, Jennifer Sturgill, Greer Upton, Shane Weare, and Bill Wheeler, among many others.
Delicious food and wine will be served. Tickets are $30 as suggested donation.
For more information, call the University Art Gallery at (707) 664-2295.
ABOVE, Monica Bryant's mixed media work, Heartworker, 2009
