Sonoma State University has created a Reporting Transparency web site to provide as much transparency as possible in regard to campus expenditures. It can be found at http://www.sonoma.edu/afd/home/transreport.html or via a link on the SSU home page (www.sonoma.edu) under Sonoma Focus.
"Sonoma State University is committed to improving its public transparency and accountability by making information readily available to the public. This information includes objective and measurable financial and performance reviews, and contracts awarded to purchase goods and services," says Laurence Furukawa-Schlereth, Chief Financial Officer.
The relatively new campus Conflict of Interest study group recommended the web site as did other campus groups and individuals.
The web site provides information on University or auxiliary financial statements and other financial information from such groups as the Associated Students, Academic Foundation, Enterprises, and the Student Union. The link also includes the campus' expenditure plan and existing contracts over $50,000 made through the Procurement Office for all auxiliaries, external audit reports and consolidated and campus stand-alone financial statements
A future addition will also include a link to the Conflict of Interest study group web page.
Associated Students Productions presents "The Most Trusted Stranger in America" Frank Warren, in his exclusive California appearance on Sat., May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Sonoma State University Seawolf Gymnasium.
Author Frank Warren is the creator of the blog phenomenon PostSecret Project, a collection of highly personal and artfully decorated postcards mailed anonymously from around the world, displaying the soulful secrets never voiced.
The web site for PostSecret is one of the most popular on the web, and has been featured prominently in the media in USA Today, on the Today Show, 20/20, CNN, MSNBC, CBC, NPR, and FOX News. In 2009, Forbes listed Frank Warren as the 4th most influential person on the internet. Recently the PostSecret website received its 250,000,000 hit and was named Weblog of the Year at the Seventh Annual Weblog Awards.
PostSecret originated from a community art project based on a simple concept: asking people to anonymously send a secret on a decorated postcard. Since November 2004, Warren has received more than 400,000 postcards, with secrets spanning from sexual taboos and criminal activity to confessions of secret beliefs, hidden acts of kindness, shocking habits and fears.
Frank Warren thinks of PostSecret as a safe and anonymous "place" where people can hear unheard voices and share untold stories.
Frank Warren has released several books based on the project, including The New York Times best-seller,PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives. In October 2009, he released the PostSecret book,PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God, which quickly reached #1 on the New York Times best-seller list.
Today, Warren travels throughout the country as part of PostSecret, and continually adds to the project exploring the hidden secrets inside us all.
Tickets for this event are $15 general admission, $5 SSU students, staff and faculty. They are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com and at the Student Union. To order tickets by phone, call (707) 664-2382
Campus Life
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., May 13. Schulz 1121. www.sonoma.edu/aa/ap/cce/
23RD ANNUAL JACK LONDON AWARDS CEREMONY- Each year, the School of Education at Sonoma State University recognizes several innovative Sonoma County P-12 public school programs, honoring one of the four finalists with the Jack London Award. 4-5:30 p.m., Wed., May 12. University Commons.
"THE HEART OF THE VIRGO CLUSTER"- Public viewing night at the SSU Observatory. 8-10 p.m., Fri., May 14. (707) 664-2119. http://phys-astro.sonoma.edu/publicviewingnight.shtml
"POST SECRET" Associated Students Productions presents "The Most Trusted Stranger in America" Frank Warren, creator of blog phenomenon PostSecret Project, in his exclusive California appearance. 7 p.m., Sat., May 15. Seawolf Gymnasium. $15 general admission, $5 SSU students, staff and faculty. Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com and the SSU Student Union. To order tickets by phone, call (707) 664-2382
RELAY FOR LIFE- Students have joined the fight to cure cancer in this year's first ever Relay For Life event on campus set for May 15-16 on the track at the football field. Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the Survivor's Lap kicking off the event. There will be a Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. on Saturday. The Fight Back closing ceremony takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=27039
Lectures
"THE PERSONAL IS HISTORICAL: LESBIAN IDENTITY & THE SONOMA WOMEN'S MOVEMENT."- Emilie Roy explores the role that lesbians played in Sonoma County's women's movement, focusing on moments where their definitions, articulations and negotiations of identity fueled the movement. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon-12:50 p.m., Tues., May 11. Rachel Carson Hall 20. (707) 664.2840. http://www.sonoma.edu/womenstudies/current_lectures.htm
BE MY GUEST- Juan Santiago lectures as part of the Art Department's visiting artists series. Santiago received his MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2004. After earning his graduate degree, Santiago continued his studio practice in Bangkok, Thailand where he lived for two years. His studio practice combined teaching techniques in ceramics with design and industry programs within universities in Bangkok. Noon-12:55 p.m., Tues., May 11. Art 102. (707) 664-2364. http://www.sonoma.edu/art/visitingartists/
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM- Dr. Robbin Thorp (left), Professor Emeritus, Department of Entomology, U.C. Davis discusses "Vernal Pool Bees: The Upland Connection." Noon-1 p.m., Tues., May 11. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2189. http://www.sonoma.edu/biology/home/colloquium.shtml
"BRICKS, TREES, AND THE FAILURE(S) OF ETHICS: REFLECTIONS ON THE COMMON GOOD."- John Roth (right), Ph.D., Claremont College lectures. Event is open to all. 2010 Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series. 4-5:40 p.m., Tues., May 11. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/center.htm
WHAT PHYSICISTS DO LECTURE SERIES- Dr. Raymond Jeanloz, University of California, Berkeley discusses the role of physics in shaping views on nuclear public policy. 4 p.m., Mon., May 10. Darwin 103. There will be coffee, cookies and conversation in the Darwin Lobby before hand, at 3:30 p.m. http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/
"MATH COLLOQUIUM"- Bill Barnier and Edie Mendez, Sonoma State University address the ratio of "pi"4 p.m., Wed., May 12. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2368. http://www.sonoma.edu/math/nsf/colloquium.shtml
"CITY OF INDUSTRY:GENEALOGIES OF POWER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA"- Pulitzer prize winning former LA Times reporter Victor Valle discusses his book "City of Industry." Modern Media Dialogue Series. 5-6:30 p.m., Wed., May 12. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-3160. http://www.mediadialogueseries.org/
ENGLISH MA STUDENTS PRESENT THEIR CREATIVE WRITING PROJECTS- Noelle Oxenhandler, English professor, Sonoma State University lectures. Arts and Humanities Research and Creative Works Forum. 12:05-12:55 p.m., Thurs., May 13. Schulz 3001. (707) 664-2146. http://www.sonoma.edu/a_h/AHForum.htm
Films
"O AMOR NATURAL" Sonoma Film Institute presents a film by director Heddy Honigmann, in which several older Brazilians of all socioeconomic backgrounds recite Carlos Drummond's extremely explicit lines from his erotic poem "O Amor Natural." 4 p.m., Sun., May 9 and 7 p.m., Fri., May 14. 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/
Galleries
BFA EXHIBITION- BFA Exhibition 2010 features the work of 13 students in the Art Department who are graduating this spring with their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), an advanced degree requiring an additional year of focused study in their chosen medium. Students whose work will be featured include Paul Alsop (painting), Kelly Casmey (painting), Danielle Clement (painting), Cathy Ellis (painting), Pauline Greenfield (printmaking), Nick Harris (sculpture), Amy Hoeck (painting), Ben Lastufka (painting), Greg Looney (sculpture), Andrew Merriss (painting), Jason Perry (printmaking), Morgan Rosskopf (printmaking) and James Warren (photography). The exhibit will run from April 15-May 29. The University Art Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and weekends, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. http://www.sonoma.edu/artgallery
"PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE: ARTISTS REFLECT ON SUSTAINABILITY"- From ceramics and sculpture created using found objects, including the Yellow Pages, to wall hangings and 3-dimensional objects created from recycled wool sweaters, ten artists each bring a distinctive perspective in exploring the meaning of sustainability to this exhibit. The exhibit runs in the University Library Art Gallery from April 16-July 30. The University Library Art Gallery is open Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. noon - 9 p.m. http://library.sonoma.edu/about/gallery
Author and political activist Anne Lamott will address the Class of 2010 at Sonoma State University's Commencement Ceremonies on Sat., May 29.
Lamott's honest yet humorous writing has earned her the title of "the People's Author," and has attributed to her success among her readers. Thought provoking and real, Lamott offers life experiences and honesty, discussing real life topics.
In novels covering such difficult subjects as alcoholism, motherhood, religion, politics and so much more, Lamott expresses the cold hard truths of life. There is no sugar-coating to be worn down in her writing as transparency is among her top priorities. Relying solely on honesty, compassion and pureness of voice, Lamott addresses fear, frustration and disappointment head on.
Each of Lamott's novels address the issue of loss, be it loss of loved ones, or loss of personal control. She began writing when her father, the writer Kenneth Lamott, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Her first novel, titled "Hard Laughter," she wrote for him.
Since "Hard laughter," Lamott has become the best-selling author of six novels including "Rosie," "Joe Jones," "All New People" and "Crooked Little Heart," in addition to four books of non-fiction including "Operating Instructions," "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," and more. Lamott's latest novel, "Imperfect Birds," was published this spring. Her column at Salon Magazine was voted "The Best of the Web" by TIME magazine.
In addition to her many accomplishments, Lamott has been honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship, and has taught at UC Davis as well as numerous writing conferences across the country. The New Yorker describes Lamott's online-diary as "refreshingly non-cyber," saying she can "make you laugh and cry in the space of a few paragraphs."
Up to 130 colleges and universities from across the nation will be represented at the North Bay College Fair at Sonoma State University on Tues., May 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The fair will be held in the main gymnasium at the Rohnert Park campus and is open to the public.
Representatives from a variety of public to private and specialized schools will be on hand to answer questions and give out information on financial aid and the admission process. Schools from all across the country will be represented, including Penn State University, Claremont McKenna College and Lewis and Clark College.
Those who attend will be able to have face-to-face contact with college admissions personnel from a variety of post-secondary institutions for an opportunity to discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements and college life.
Gustavo Flores, Director of Admissions and Records, has the following suggestions for questions to ask at this year's fair.
- Are faculty members interested in students and accessible outside of class?
- Do many students go home on weekends?
- Are the athletic facilities open to all students or only to athletes?
- Does the college have academic programs that fit my interests?
- Where are computer terminals located? Will I have to pay extra for computer time?
- Will I have access to special equipment (such as an electron microscope) as a first-year student?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the college's advising system?
- How many students will there be in courses I'm likely to take in my first year?
-Are those courses taught by professors or graduate assistants?
- What kinds of campus jobs are available for first-year students?
- Will there be any new programs or facilities in the next two years?
- What are the college's recent graduates doing now?
The event is sponsored by the Western Association of College Admission Counselors (WACAC).
For more information or a full listing of participating colleges, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/ar/prospective/nbcf.shtml.
Two Sonoma State University professors are speakers at the upcoming fifth annual Sustainable Enterprise Conference on Friday, May 7 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park. Sustainable Enterprise 2010: Tools for the Transition is a day-long learning and networking conference which provides the tools needed by North Bay businesses and organizations to transition to economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Participants will realize opportunities to network with over 300 other North Bay professionals who have made positive change in the areas of social, economic and environmental responsibility, and have benefitted from it.
Dr. Robert Girling, a founder and organizer of the Sustainable Enterprise Conferences on Tools for Sustainable Businesses and Communities series, opens the conference with the topic "A Word on Good Companies." Girling is an business professor and a pioneer in social entrepreneurship studies at SSU. Recently he served as a consultant to the Caribbean Development Bank on sustainable development strategies for the island of Dominican.
Dr. Alexandra "Sascha" von Meier, Professor of Environmental Studies and Planning, offers "Sustainability and Equity from a Scientific Vantage Point," exploring how a physical, systemic perspective of energy flows informs ideas of resource allocation. What, specifically, are the constraints on "sustainable growth," and what are the implications for how present and future civilizations share what we have? The best outcomes for any members of society, wealthy or poor, will be attainable only by way of a sober and realistic view of sustainability. Von Meier directs the Energy Management and Design program. Her teaching, research and publications have addressed diverse aspects of sustainable energy, with a special emphasis on the electric grid and the integration of renewable resources.
The conference offers a number of workshops and presentations focused on innovative and sustainable opportunities and practices for the North Bay Enterprise. Participants will be presented with the necessary tools for driving positive change in their organizations, better positioning them for success in the new economy.
Workshops available through the conference include "Seven Steps to Accelerating Your Business Growth," "Leveraging Social Media Marketing for Sustainable Enterprises," "Finding Funding and Financing in the New Green Economy" and many more.
Registration ends May 4. For more information and to register online, visit www.SustainableEnterpriseConference.com or phone (888) 497-3222.
Sonoma County teachers and the general public are invited to learn how evolution can be successfully taught in the Bay Area on Tues., May 11 from 7-9 p.m. in Darwin 102 at the monthly meeting of the Bay Area Biosystematists.
"Evolutionary principles are fundamental to our understanding of the natural world and are used routinely in medical research," says Biology Professor Nathan Rank.
"The prominent biologist Theodosius Dobzhanski wrote in 1973 that 'Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution' and this is more true than ever today. Yet many education and outreach programs do not give evolution much attention, and misunderstandings about evolution are widespread. This event attempts to remedy this problem and discuss ways that teachers could incorporate evolution into their educational programs," he notes.
A panel discussion on "Strategies for Evolutionary Outreach" includes presentations on how evolution is incorporated into outreach programs.
Topics and speakers include:
"Engage, Empower, Connect: Helping Teachers Teach Evolution in the Museum and Classroom." Roberta Brett, Senior Science Content Specialist, California Academy of Sciences
"Strategies for Evolutionary Outreach" by Claudia Luke and Frederique Lavoipierre, Sonoma State Field Stations and Nature Preserves
"Integrating Evolution and the Process of Science into Your Teaching" by Judy Scotchmoor, Assistant Director of Education and Public Programs, Museum of Paleontology, UC-Berkeley
"Dobzhansky was Right! 5 Ways to Support Evolution Education" by Louise Mead, Education Project Director, National Center for Science Education
The Bay Area Biosystematists, distinguished group of biologists, has been meeting for over seventy years to discuss a broad range of topics that explore evolution and biological diversity.
For more information, contact Dr. Nathan Rank, rank@sonoma.edu.
Sonoma State University celebrates the vitality and longevity of its dance program with a retrospective of works by Nancy Lyons who commemorates 40 years of choreographing, dancing teaching and directing in Sonoma County. Opening night takes place at 7:30 p.m., Fri., April 30 in Evert B. Person Theatre, with performances running through Sat., May 8.
Taking the stage to perform Lyons' various works will be the SSU Dance Ensemble, as well as different guest dancers each night who have worked with her over the years. Through selected numbers, this imaginative dance theatre embraces humor, musicality and an investigation of humanity.
Opening night features guest dancers from Santa Rosa High School ArtsQuests. Alumni of the SSU dance department perform on Sat., May 1, when all alums of the program are invited to a special reception before the performance, as well as Tues., May 4, Wed., May 5 and Thurs., May 6. The final performance on Sat., May 8 features dancers from El Molino High School.
"Keeping the Fire of Dance Alive!" consists of five earlier works choreographed by Lyons. The first number "White Pause," a classically rooted dance with Baroque music by French composer Rameau Lure, is a steamy tango featuring a solo dancer and a coat. Her second piece, "Emergency Measures," is a dance theatre perspective on the absurdities and anxieties of air travel post 9/11.
Also included is "Body Closet," an investigation into what's in our closets and "Peculiar Species Evolving," a dance number inspired by a trip to the Galapagos Islands, getting up close and personal with sea turtles, lizards, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies, which features music by Philip Glass.
Finally, the retrospective will include a new piece intended to celebrate the current students, recent dance alumni, and high school students in Sonoma County performing under Lyons' direction. This final dance, titled "Roots and Offshoots," is an international project in the sustainability of dance, which features live music composed by Jesse Olsen with Tony d'Anna and cellist Judiyaba. "Roots and Offshoots" includes a performance by Lyons and a "lecture" on the history of dance - from Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) to YouTube in two minutes.
Lyons has been teaching at Sonoma State University since 1971, during which she has taught innumerable students and created dances for them. Having presented her solo choreography to audiences in Europe and the Far East, as well as teaching as a guest artist in many other universities, private studios and communities, her list of accomplishments continues to grow.
In collaboration with Rebecca Fuller, Lyons has published "Openings & Inner Workings," "The Moving Box" and "The Moving Book." She founded the Sonoma Dance Exchange, which toured to more than 300 elementary schools throughout the county and state, and "Summer Arts for Youth," a program for high school drama and dance students.
This production is a celebration of not only the many dancers working to keep the fire of dance alive, but of Lyons' numerous efforts to continue the excitement and art of dance in Sonoma County and at SSU's School of Performing Arts.
General admission is $15, $12 faculty, alumni, seniors, $8 students, SSU students are free with a valid student I.D. Group and family rates are available for these performances. For tickets or more information visit www.sonoma.edu/tix or call (707) 664-2353.
Above, Nancy Lyons in performances of her own design created over the years and, at left, a portrait from today.
Local middle school students will get an unusual chance to visit the world of college on Tuesday, April 27 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. as a 40-ft high "wired" bus arrives in the parking lot of Hilliard Comstock School.
Wrapped with the "Road to College: Get on Board" theme and decorated inside like a dorm room, the bus is outfitted with laptop computers loaded with career exploration, academic preparation and financial aid planning information. The Sonoma County stop is one of 40 being made up and down the state through May 14 as part of a partnership with AT&T and the California State University system. It is made possible by $500,000 in funding provided by AT&T.
"It is not too early to start talking about higher education to 5th and 6th graders," says Gina Geck, Associate Director of Student Outreach & Recruitment at Sonoma State University. "Those who start planning in high school may never catch up as the college admissions process increases in competitiveness in the years ahead," she says.
This is the second time that AT&T and CSU have partnered for Road to College with the message of academic preparation, access for under served students, and the need for future workforce professionals in California. In 2008, a $1.6 million four-year contribution from the AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT&T Corp., funded the CSU College Corps program to provide college advising for 1,000 high school students, as well as the first Road to College bus tour.
"Student success is built on having a goal, a plan and the commitment to overcome challenges along the way," said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. "Road to College is designed to provide students with the tools to create a better future. Student preparation is the key to a college education that ultimately drives California's economic engine."
The Annenberg Space for Photography recognizes Earth Day with a one-day special presentation slideshow at their ongoing Fresh Water Exhibit, featuring photographs by Laura Watt, assistant professor, Environmental Studies at Sonoma State University. 30 of Watt's photographs will accompany photos by 19 other photographers on Thurs., April 22 from 7-9 p.m., at The Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles.
The exhibit, presented in conjunction with National Geographic, and coinciding with their April issue "Water: Our Thirsty World," features the work of award-winning photographers, looking at Earth's most precious resource from environmental, social, political and cultural perspectives.
"It's a huge honor to have my work included in such a prestigious venue," said Watt.
While the exhibit runs through June 13, this one-day special slideshow event hosts two 7'x14' screens, with the photographs of Watt and other photographers projected in a continuous loop as visitors of the exhibit are invited to view the night's addition for their Earth Day celebration.
To view Watt's photos, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/lawatt/sets/72157623538047232/. To learn more about the exhibit, visit http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/
Aimed to empower, educate and politicize, the 2010 Raza Youth Conference, sponsored by M.E.Ch.A de Sonoma and Santa Rosa Junior college, will be held Sat., April 24, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Sonoma State University. Students, professors and members of the SSU community will expose participants to a university environment, providing culturally related workshops and presentations.
The Raza Youth Conference is held annually in hopes of bridging the gap between Latinos and a higher education. Workshops and presentations will focus on the necessary tools for securing a higher education, and furthering success in the future.
Presenters will answer questions about what is needed to get into college, what financial aid opportunities are available and how scholarships can be obtained. Workshops offered will explore the topics of Latina/Chicana history, the Zapatistas and Chicana feminism.
The overall aim of M.E.Ch.A in presenting this conference is to empower students, and to "create unity amongst all raza." The conference will provide food and entertainment for the students attending, at no cost to participants.
This free conference is open to all high school students, and no pre-registration is needed, although it is available. For more information, or to pre-register, visit www.mechadesonoma.org.
The Men's Volleyball Club of Sonoma State University became Division II National Champions after taking first place at the Northern California Club Volleyball Federation Men's Volleyball Tournament on April 1-3.
The tournament took place in Louisville, Kentucky where 48 Division II schools took to compete for the National Title. The team was comprised of freshmen Zak Beltz, Kevin Fontana and Andy Mcrory, sophomore Mike Nicolos, juniors Ethan Weitz, Gaurav Singh, Danny Angelo, Matthias Buhlis and Paul Castillo and seniors Wes Enrst, Matt Hosack, Phillip Brault, David Zvlonek, and Scott Fontana. Coaches are Mark Dunn, Tim Scanlon and Jim Cherniss.
After two days of playing in Louisville, the SSU team entered the Gold Bracket with the top 16 teams as the 12th seed. Sonoma State had Gold Bracket wins over the third seed University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (23-25, 25-21, 16-14), 6th seed Azusa Pacific from Southern California (25-15, 25-23), and the first seed Grove City College (27-25, 26-24), setting up the championship match against the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center.
SSU started off slow losing the first set 25-15, but settled down by winning the next two 25-21, 15-8. Scott Fontana was named the MVP of the All-Tournament team for Sonoma State. Matthias Buhlis was named to the First Team and David Zvolanek was chosen to the Second Team.
The championship capped a 27-17 record for Sonoma, which took third place in the NCVF, finishing behind UC Berkeley and UC Davis at the conference tournament at Stanford. It's a winter-spring schedule with Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Chico State, Fresno State, Sacramento State, Santa Clara University and Stanford also in the league.
What began as 14 guys showing up for practice four times a week and working hard for a common goal, to get back to the national championships, turned into a great accomplishment for everyone. The team came together for a common goal, "ONE TEAM ONE POINT," and carried that to their first national crown.
Campus will be closed Fri., May 7 due to state mandated furlough.
Campus Life
SENIOR SEND OFF 2010: 11:30-1 p.m., Tues., May 4.
TEACHING FOR THE COMMON GOOD WEDNESDAYS: A Community Engaged Network meeting for those involved with teaching a learning service course, a class with a political engagement or peer education component, community-based or community placed learning, site visit/observation at a non-profit or school, or a community-based participatory research class. Green-Bag lunch event. 12-1 p.m., Wed., May 5. Schulz 1121. www.sonoma.edu/aa/ap/cce/
Lectures
WHAT PHYSICISTS DO LECTURE SERIES- Dr. Alex Zettl (left), University of California, Berkeley discusses Nanoelectomechanical devices. 4 p.m., Mon., May 3. Darwin 103. There will be coffee, cookies and conversation in the Darwin Lobby before hand, at 3:30 p.m. http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/
"BEEFCAKE TO HARDCORE: GAY PORNOGRAPHY AND THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION." Jeffrey Escoffier (right) lectures. Drawing from his, "Bigger Than Life: The History of Gay Porn Cinema from Beefcake to Hardcore" (Running Press, 2009), Escoffier argues that hardcore porn entered mainstream culture in the 1970s as the sexual revolution swept away many of the inhibitions and legal restraints on explicit sexual expression. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon-12:50 p.m., Tues., May 4. Rachel Carson Hall 20. (707) 664.2840. http://www.sonoma.edu/womenstudies/current_lectures.htm
BE MY GUEST- Sandow Birk lectures as part of the Art Department's visiting artists series. Birk has received numerous awards including a Getty Fellowship, a Fulbright Fellowship to Brazil, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and an NEA Grant to study in Mexico City. In San Francisco, Birk is represented by the Catharine Clark Gallery. Noon-12:55 p.m., Tues., May 4. Art 102. (707) 664-2364. http://www.sonoma.edu/art/visitingartists/
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM- Dr. Kevin Tu (left), Associate research Specialist, U.C. Berkeley lectures. Noon-1 p.m., Tues., May 4. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2189. http://www.sonoma.edu/biology/home/colloquium.shtml
"SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE ARCHIVES"- Mary Halavais, History, discusses the history of seventeenth century Spain, and the various ways in which the people and the Cortes of Aragon tried-and in some cases managed-to subvert the royal order given by King Phillip III to expel its converted Muslims. Brown Bag Lecture Series. Noon-1 p.m., Tues., May 4. Stevenson 2011.
"MATH COLLOQUIUM"- Scott Nickleach (right), Sonoma State University discusses "Stochastic Calculus and its Role in Financial Engineering." 4 p.m., Wed., May 5. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2368. http://www.sonoma.edu/math/nsf/colloquium.shtml
"INHERITING THE HOLOCAUST: A SECOND GENERATION MEMOIR."- Paula Fass (left), Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley lectures. Event is open to all. 2010 Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series. 4-5:40 p.m., Tues., May 4. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/center.htm
"CULTURAL ACTION, STORYTELLING & MEDIA TRANSFORMATION"- Shepherd Bliss, lecturer, Psychology and Humanities Departments, Sonoma State University, lectures. Modern Media Dialogue Series. 5-6:30 p.m., Wed., May 5. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-3160. http://www.mediadialogueseries.org/
"JUDAISM AND ISLAM: HISTORY AND HOPE."- Henry Shreibman, Instructor, Humanities Department, Dominican University of Caliornia lectures. SSU Jewish Studies Lecture Series. 7 p.m., Wed., May 5. Student Union Multi-Purpose Room. 707-664-3293. http://sonoma.edu/jewishstudies/
"UNDER OUR SKIN" - A award-winning documentary and gripping tale of microbes, medicine and money, "Under Our Skin" documents the untold story of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic larger than AIDS. Each year thousands go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, often told that the symptoms are "all in their head." Discussion with physicians and patients and other health care representatives who specialize in Lyme Disease follows. Disability Awareness Week sponsored by Disability Services for Students. Free but RSVP requested. Wed., May 5, from 7-9 p.m. at Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. (707) 664-2677. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxWgS0XLVqw.
Music and Theater
SPRING DANCE CONCERT: A RETROSPECTIVE OF WORKS BY NANCY LYONS. A celebration of Dance Professor Nancy Lyon's (right) 40 years of dancing, teaching and making dances in Sonoma County, bringing together three generations of dancers, from "old school" alums to rookie teens, building and engaging community through a love of dance. This Spring Concert embraces humor, musicality and investigation of humanity. Performed by this year's ensemble of especially dynamic, skillful and spirited dancers. 7:30 p.m., Fri., April 30-May 8. Evert B. Person Theatre. Alumni night, Sat., May 1 invites all alums of the dance program at SSU to a special reception before the performance. Tickets for performances range from $5-12 with special rates for seniors, students and alumni. (707) 664-2325. http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts.
Films
"THE BEACHES OF AGNES" Sonoma Film Institute presents the filmed autobiography of 80-year-old director Agnes Varda. 4 p.m., Sun., May 2. 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/
Galleries
BFA EXHIBITION- BFA Exhibition 2010 features the work of 13 students in the Art Department who are graduating this spring with their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), an advanced degree requiring an additional year of focused study in their chosen medium. Students whose work will be featured include Paul Alsop (painting), Kelly Casmey (painting), Danielle Clement (painting), Cathy Ellis (painting), Pauline Greenfield (printmaking), Nick Harris (sculpture), Amy Hoeck (painting), Ben Lastufka (painting), Greg Looney (sculpture), Andrew Merriss (painting), Jason Perry (printmaking), Morgan Rosskopf (printmaking) and James Warren (photography). The exhibit will run from April 15-May 29. The University Art Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and weekends, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. http://www.sonoma.edu/artgallery/
"PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE: ARTISTS REFLECT ON SUSTAINABILITY"- From ceramics and sculpture created using found objects, including the Yellow Pages, to wall hangings and 3-dimensional objects created from recycled wool sweaters, ten artists each bring a distinctive perspective in exploring the meaning of sustainability to this exhibit. The exhibit runs in the University Library Art Gallery from April 16-July 30. The University Library Art Gallery is open Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. noon - 9 p.m. http://library.sonoma.edu/about/gallery.html
Student Life
TEACHING FOR THE COMMON GOOD - A Community Engaged Network meeting for those involved with teaching a learning service course, a class with a political engagement or peer education component, community-based or community placed learning, site visit/observation at a non-profit or school, or a community-based participatory research class. Green-Bag lunch event. 12-1 p.m., Wed., April 28. Schulz 1121. www.sonoma.edu/aa/ap/cce/
SPRING FLING: A cultural picnic, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thurs., April 29. Stevenson/Darwin Quad.
POETRY SLAM: Youth Speaks celebrates Asian Heritage Month with this open mic poetry slam, featuring three young poets, and hosted by Brandon Santiago (left), the Arts-In-Education Associate for Youth Speaks. This event is brought to you by Associated Students Productions in cooperation with FASSU and is free to everyone. 7 p.m., Thurs. April 29. Student Union Pub. (707) 664-2382. www.sonoma.edu/as/asp, www.facebook.com/sonomastateasp, or www.twitter.com/sonomastateasp.
PUB ROCK SHOW WITH RALPH WOODSON EXPERIENCE: A rock show performed by a Jimi Hendrix Tribute Band. Ralph Woodson, Pete Roberts, and Dan Cueva perform some of Jimi Hendrix greatest hits. Free for students. Free for SSU students, staff and faculty. $5, general public. Tickets available at the door. 8 p.m., Fri., April 30. Student Union Pub.
BIDNIGHT MADNESS- A silent and live auction aimed at raising funds for the Sonoma State athletics department, and student-athletes. Includes auctions, food, wines and casino style gaming.Tickets for this event are $60 and include food, drinks and casino chips. Tickets, (707) 664-2521 or http://commerce.cashnet.com/ssuathletics. 5-11 p.m., Sat., May 1. Wolves' Den. www.sonomaseawolves.com/bidnight, (707) 664-2750 or megan.christensen@sonoma.edu.
MIDNIGHT HOWL: Students attempt to get Sonoma State In the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most people Howling at the Moon. The event will be accompanied by music, raffles and more. 11:30 p.m., Sat., May 1. Main quad.
Lectures
WHAT PHYSICISTS DO LECTURE SERIES- Dr. Steven Ritz (left), University of California, Santa Cruz, discusses the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. Coffee, cookies and conversation in Darwin Lobby before at 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m., Mon., April 26. Darwin 103. http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/
"30 YEARS AND COUNTING: EVERYTHING CHANGES & SOME THINGS REMAIN THE SAME."- Roberta Achtenberg (right) provides insider reflections from decades in the LGBT political movement. Achtenberg, a founder of the National Center of Lesbian Rights and the immediate past Chair of the California State University Board of Trustees, works as an economic and workforce development consultant to Lennar Corporation. She was a San Francisco Supervisors and she served as U.S. Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon-12:50 p.m., Tues., April 27. Carson 20. (707) 664.2840. http://www.sonoma.edu/womenstudies/current_lectures.htm
BE MY GUEST- Dean De Cocker, Associate Professor of Art at California State University, Stanislaus, guest lectures. De Cocker taught sculpture at California State University, San Bernardino and was Adjunct Professor in Studio Practices/Theory in Sculpture, Painting and Drawing at Claremont Graduate University, from 1990 to 2003. Visiting Artists Lecture Series. Noon-12:55 p.m.,Tues., April 27. Art 102. (707) 664-2364. http://www.sonoma.edu/art/visitingartists/
"PRIVATE INNOVATIONS IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE: THE CASE OF THE BELIZE CENTRAL PRISON"- Eric Williams, Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, discusses his research on the Kolbe Foundation, and the changes in the private- -for-profit prison phenomenon and compares those changes to similarly situated prisons in the U.S. and abroad. Social Sciences Brown Bag Lecture Series. Noon-1 p.m., Tues., April 27. Stevenson 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: MINI-CONFERENCE. The Center for Community Engagement hosts this two-part mini-conference. The first part, "Leveraging the Power of Service-Learning in Teaching for Sustainability" is a panel discussion amongst faculty members from each School. Panelists discuss how they incorporate service learning and project-based learning into the coursework to focus on sustainable concepts as well as the benefits that community partners, students and faculty gain from these experiences. 12:30-2:30 p.m., Tues., April 27. Schulz 3001. The second half of the mini-conference, "Building Connections and Relationships," is a workshop hosted by Michelle Edwards, Collaborative Facilitation Consultant. The workshop includes interactive activities such as "speed dating" to engage in conversation to build and strengthen partnerships focusing on educating and action for sustainability. 2:45-4:45 p.m., Tues., April 27. Schulz 3001. For registration, visit www.sonoma.edu/ctpd
"THE GEOPOLITICS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION: AMERICAN AND ISRAELI REACTIONS."- Sergio LaPorta, Ph.D. CSU Fresno, lectures on the Armenian Genocide. 2010 Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series. 4-5:40 p.m., Tues., April 27. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/center.htm
"OPEN ACCESS 101" Dr. John Willinsky, Stanford University professor and internationally renowned Open Access expert, discusses Open Access, who has the right to different types of knowledge, and shifting publishing paradigms. 3:30 p.m., Wed., April 28. Schulz 3001. http://library.sonoma.edu/about/lecture.html
"MATH COLLOQUIUM"- Math Professor Izabela Kanaana (left), discusses "Kirkman's Schoolgirl Problem." 4 p.m., Wed., April 28. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2368. http://www.sonoma.edu/math/nsf/colloquium.shtml
"THE YES MEN: CULTURE JAMMING AND THE MEDIA"- Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno (right), cultural activists and founders of "The Yes Men," lecture. Modern Media Dialogue Series. 5-6:30 p.m., Wed., April 28. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-3160. http://www.mediadialogueseries.org/
"THE CYBERCRIME ECOSYSTEM"- Jim D. Giles, The New Scientist, discusses cyber crime investigations. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thurs., April 29. Salazar 2016. (707) 664-2667. http://www.cs.sonoma.edu/cs_dept/events/
"COLD WAR ORPHANS"- Chuck Carlson, History, lectures. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the collapse of the Soviet Union two years later, the nearly 50 year Cold War seemed to be at an end. Instead, within a decade it had rolled almost seamlessly into the current "War on Terror." There has been little time to assess the
geo- political, much less the social impacts of the Cold War during a time of peace. Carlson's research has covered subjects from the cold war and labor, to the globalization of production in the high tech industry. For the past three years, he has being engaged in research on the Intelligence community from the CIA to Department of Defense. A recurrent theme that has emerged throughout all of these projects has been the erosive effects that the National Security State has had on the American family structure by the removal of one or more parents from the home through death on the battlefield, the psychological wounds of war, repeated deployments, the emotional distancing of parents created by demands of secrecy in defense production, parental suicide, or murder. The children of four generations have been raised in a virtual and perpetual "state of siege." His research has consistently brought him back to the questions : What is the effect of this on the social fabric of our society and isn't it time to rethink our definition of national security? Carlson is joined by SFSU lecturer and artist Zoe Martell to explore these questions. Arts and Humanities Research and Creative Works Forum. 12:05-12:55 p.m., Thurs., April 29. Schulz 3001. (707) 664-2146. http://www.sonoma.edu/a_h/AHForum.htm
Music and Theater
"TRIO NAVARRO" San Francisco Symphony violist, Nancy Ellis(right), joins SSU Artists-in-Residence, Trio Navarro to play Piano Quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gabriel Faure and Camille Saint-Saens. 4 p.m., Sun., April 25. Ives Concert Hall 119. Admission is $8 students and seniors, $10 FANS and $12 general admission. (707) 664-2235. http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/perf/cal_1002.shtml
ROMANI MUSIC CONCERT-
Ruza Nikolic-Lakatos and her band "The Gypsy Family," bring to SSU a modern take on traditional Romani music. Singing melodies passed down from her father, Ruza and her husband and two sons hope to inspire and educate audience members about the Romani people, and their traditions and customs through music and dance. 7:30 p.m., Thurs., April 29. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. CANCELED: Ruza Nikolic-Lakatos - Romani Gypsy Family Band. We regret to announce that April 29th's performance has been canceled due to airline disruption from the volcanic ash in Europe.
SPRING DANCE CONCERT: A RETROSPECTIVE OF WORKS BY NANCY LYONS. A celebration of Dance Professor Nancy Lyons' (left) 40 years of dancing, teaching and making dances in Sonoma County, bringing together three generations of dancers, from "old school" alums to rookie teens, building and engaging community through a love of dance. This Spring Concert embraces humor, musicality and investigation of humanity. Performed by this year's ensemble of especially dynamic, skillful and spirited dancers. 7:30 p.m., Fri., April 30-May 8. Evert B. Person Theatre. Alumni night, Sat., May 1 invites all alums of the dance program at SSU to a special reception before the performance. Tickets for performances range from $5-12 with special rates for seniors, students and alumni. (707) 664-2325. http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts.
Films
"THE BEACHES OF AGNES" Sonoma Film Institute presents the filmed autobiography of 80-year-old director Agnes Varda. 4 p.m., Fri., April 30. 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/
Galleries
BFA EXHIBITION- BFA Exhibition 2010 features the work of 13 students in the Art Department who are graduating this spring with their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), an advanced degree requiring an additional year of focused study in their chosen medium. Students whose work will be featured include Paul Alsop (painting), Kelly Casmey (painting), Danielle Clement (painting), Cathy Ellis (painting), Pauline Greenfield (printmaking), Nick Harris (sculpture), Amy Hoeck (painting), Ben Lastufka (painting), Greg Looney (sculpture), Andrew Merriss (painting), Jason Perry (printmaking), Morgan Rosskopf (printmaking) and James Warren (photography). The exhibit will run from April 15-May 29. The University Art Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and weekends, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. http://www.sonoma.edu/artgallery/
"PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE: ARTISTS REFLECT ON SUSTAINABILITY"- From ceramics and sculpture created using found objects, including the Yellow Pages, to wall hangings and 3-dimensional objects created from recycled wool sweaters, ten artists each bring a distinctive perspective in exploring the meaning of sustainability to this exhibit. The exhibit runs in the University Library Art Gallery from April 16-July 30. The University Library Art Gallery is open Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. noon - 9 p.m. http://library.sonoma.edu/about/gallery.html
SSU invites admitted freshmen and transfer students for the upcoming fall semester to its annual Seawolf Decision Day on Saturday, April 17.
Those attending will have a chance to attend workshops, demonstrations, lectures, meet faculty from their majors, talk with staff from various departments, take several types of tours, and interact with current SSU students, all in an effort to help them determine if SSU is the campus they will choose to attend in the fall.
The day starts with a welcome from President Ruben Armiñana at 9 a.m. in the gym. Afterwards, students and their families can select various presentations and workshops to attend throughout the day. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., a campus fair in the Salazar Quad offers prospective students an opportunity to talk one-on-one with members of student clubs or campus departments, watch a student performance, or just observe the SSU campus community while they enjoy their lunch.
This year, nearly 2000 students and family members are expected to attend Seawolf Decision Day as the campus community takes part in showcasing the exciting opportunities that SSU has to offer.
Studio tours, demonstrations and a massive student art sale are the highlights of an open house hosted by the Department of Art and Art History at Sonoma State University from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on April 17 as part of Seawolf Day.
The day's events include:
• Open studios with students working in drawing, painting, printmaking, photo, ceramics and sculpture
• Student-led department tours and demonstrations
• SALON du Woof, a massive student art sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. features all media at affordable prices including; ceramics, prints, painting, photography and sculpture.
• Two gallery exhibitions include works by graduating BFA students on display at the University Art Gallery. The University Library Art Gallery is exhibiting "Past, Present, Future: Artists Reflect on Sustainability," a group show organized by students from the Curatorial Practices class.
For more information about the SALON du Woof, contact Gregory Roberts by phone at (707) 664-3042 or gregory.roberts@sonoma.edu.
For further information, visit the at art department web site at www.sonoma.edu/art.
ABOVE, tea set by Michell Follett, BFA applicant, Functional Ceramics, 2010.
Poverty relief in Portland, Oregon is the focus of the Alternative Spring Break program at Sonoma State University this year, April 2-11.
Some 30 students and one staff member from SSU's Join Us Making Progress (JUMP) program will work with community partners in the Portland area as they witness first hand the social implications of the economic downturn. The goal is to transform students into active citizens who are not just aware of the issues but are working to solve them.
JUMP participants will work with community partners who currently support the Portland area: Loaves and Fishes, which is a Meals on Wheels Program, The Northeast Emergency Food Program (NEFP), which meets the urgent food needs of families in Portland, Impact Northwest, whose mission is to help people achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and to prevent and alleviate the effects of poverty and Downtown Chapel, a Catholic parish that believes in healing compassion through service to the poor.
Alternative Spring Break activities include food preparation, serving meals, spending time with partner families and handling administrative work. Students will also donate and prepare a meal at Transition Projects Inc., which is a shelter for people transitioning out of homelessness and ready to get back on their feet.
The University Art Gallery announces the upcoming BFA Exhibition 2010, which opens with a reception for the artists on Thurs., April 15 from 4-6 p.m., and is on view until Sat., May 29.
BFA Exhibition 2010 features the work of thirteen students in the art department, who are graduating this spring with their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), an advanced degree requiring an additional year of focused study in their chosen medium.
The artists include: Paul Alsop (painting), Kelly Casmey (painting), Danielle Clement (painting), Cathy Ellis (painting), Pauline Greenfield (printmaking), Nick Harris (sculpture), Amy Hoeck (painting), Ben Lastufka (painting), Greg Looney (sculpture), Andrew Merriss (painting), Jason Perry (printmaking), Morgan Rosskopf (printmaking), and James Warren (photography).
The University Art Gallery is open Tues.-Fri. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and weekends from noon-4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (707) 664-2295.
ABOVE, Amy Hoeck, "Sundae" 2010, oil on wood panel, 42" x 54"
Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva.org, the world's first peer-to-peer online micro-lending website, presents "Kiva and the New Business Thinking: Challenging Common Business Practices." at 7 p.m. on Mon., April 26 in the Cooperage. The public is invited. Tickets are $10 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Associated Students in collaboration with JUMP and SSU School of Business and Economics is hosting the event as part of Financial Literacy Awareness Month.
Jackley's success began with the idea that relationships are a powerful force for positive change, a belief that by working together poverty can be alleviated, and eventually the creation of a website designed to put those into action.
Named as one of the top ideas in 2006 by the New York Times Magazine and called "revolutionary" by the BBC, Kiva (www.kiva.org) lets internet users lend as little as $25 to specific developing world entrepreneurs, providing affordable capital to help them start or expand a small business.
Kiva has been one of the fastest-growing social benefit websites in history, and today facilitates over $1M dollars each week from lenders to entrepreneurs across over 185 countries.
Prior to founding Kiva, Jackley worked for the Stanford Center for Social Innovation, Village Enterprise Fund, Amazon.com, Potentia Media, the International Foundation, World Vision, and others. She speaks widely on microfinance and social entrepreneurship.
Since its founding in 2005, Kiva.org has loaned more than $100 million from individual lenders to entrepreneurs across 182 countries and hopes to reach the $1 billion mark by 2012. Named one of the top ideas of 2006 by The New York Times Magazine, and praised by Oprah, Bill Clinton, and countless others, Jackley's company is one of the fastest-growing social benefit organizations in history.
"In our programs, we give our students the business tools and skills to build organizations like Kiva that deliver triple bottom line results. I hope hearing her story will inspire our students to use their education to create more companies that make a difference in the world. Bringing CEOs and students together to talk about these ideas makes it that much more exciting and more of a possibility for the future,"says William Silver, Dean of the School of Business and Economics.
For more information, contact Annemarie Brown, Business Manager, SSU School of Business and Economics. (707) 664-2221 or annemarie.brown@sonoma.edu.
April is Faculty and Guest Artist Month at Sonoma State University's Music Department, featuring five concerts including new music, Indian and Romani vocalists, and chamber music for piano and strings.
Faculty Chamber Music
Sunday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. Ives Concert Hall 119
· Violinists Beni Shinohara and Heidi Wilcox, violist Wayne Roden and cellist Judiyaba will perform string quartets by Antonin Dvorak and Ernst von Dohnanyi. The recital is the "D" installment of Judiyaba's "Alphabet" Concert Series taking place throughout the North Bay.
Indian Singing
Saturday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. Ives Concert Hall 119
· Hindustani vocalist Laxmi Tewari will perform classical Northern Indian music accompanied by an ensemble playing tabla, tambura and harmonium. An SSU music professor since 1974, Tewari is a leading ethnomusicologist with an exemplary body of work on Indian, Buddhist, Arabian and Gamelan music.
Trio Navarro
Sunday, April 25, 4 p.m. Ives Concert Hall 119
· Trio Navarro, ensemble-in-residence at SSU for 14 years, has been hailed as "masterful, marvelous and memorable." San Francisco Symphony violist Nancy Ellis joins the Trio Navarro to play Piano Quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saens. The recital will feature guest pianist Roxanne Michaelian.
Guest Artist: Ruzsa Nikolic-Lakatos
Thursday, April 29, 7:30 p.m. Warren Auditorium
· Vocalist Ruzsa Nikolić-Lakatos will perform Romani ("Gypsy") music, accompanied by her band on guitar, vocals and mouth percussion. Her visit is presented in conjunction with the German program. Hungarian-born Ruzsa Nikolic-Lakatos currently makes her home in Vienna, Austria. She sings melodies passed down from her father about the Lovara - a subgroup of Romani people whose customs, oral tradition, music and dance were a central element of daily life.
Faculty Composers Concert
Friday, April 30, 7:30 p.m. Green Music Center 1028
· The presence of numerous composers who write in a variety of styles both enlightens and distinguishes the Music Department faculty. An evening of new music is a spring tradition. This year's event will feature works by Professors Jesus Contreras, Will Johnson, Jeff Langley, Doug Leibinger and Brian Wilson performed by faculty and students.
Ticket prices are $12 general admission; $10 SSU faculty, alumni and staff; $8 seniors and students. To purchase tickets contact the music department box office at (707) 664-2353. Ask about group sales and family ticket packages. The box office is located on the second floor of Ives Hall and is open daily from noon to 3 p.m.
Visit www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/perf/index.shtml to purchase tickets online.
Campus Life
BIG SHOW 10- SSU Improvaholics present their tenth Big Show, 7 p.m., Wed., April 21. Ives 119.
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., April 22. Schulz 1121. www.sonoma.edu/aa/ap/cce/
Lectures
WHAT PHYSICISTS DO LECTURE SERIES- Dr. Douglas Isbell, U.S. national single-point-of-contact for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 discusses the major events, activities and outcomes of the year, and describes many of the national and global cornerstone projects that are continuing into the future. 4 p.m., Mon., April 19. Darwin 103. There will be coffee, cookies and conversation in the Darwin Lobby before hand, at 3:30 p.m. http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/
"EROTIC CITY: SEXUAL REVOLUTIONS AND THE MAKING OF MODERN SAN FRANCISCO."- Josh Sides (right), Whitsett Professor of California History and Director of the Center for Southern California Studies, CSU-Northridge discusses his newly published book "Erotic City: Sexual Revoutions and the Making of Modern San Francisco," (Oxford University Press, 2009). Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon-12:50 p.m., Tues., April 20. Rachel Carson Hall 20. (707) 664.2840. http://www.sonoma.edu/womenstudies/current_lectures.htm
BE MY GUEST- Taro Hattori, SSU Graduate, guest lectures as part of the Art Department's visiting artists series. Hattori is an Installation Artist who has been awarded residencies at graduates in Southern California. In 2006 Frank Ryan was included in the LA Weekly Biennial, in a solo exhibition entitled "Circadian Rhythm" at Walter Maciel Gallery in Los Angeles. Frank Ryan received a MFA from UCLA in 2006 and his BFA in Painting from Sonoma State University in 2002. Noon-12:55 p.m., Tues., April 20. Art 102. (707) 664-2364. http://www.sonoma.edu/art/visitingartists/
"CHILD OF WAR, MAN OF PEACE"- Arn Chorn-Pond (left), Cambodian Survivor and Human Rights Activist lectures. Event is open to all. 2010 Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series. 4-5:40 p.m., Tues., April 20. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall. http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/center.htm
WRITERS AT SONOMA- presents Howard Junker, founder of renowned literary magazine for West Coast writers, ZYZZYVA. Junker, a San Francisco resident, has written for Architectural Digest, Art in America, Atforum, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, The Nation, Newsweek, Playboy, Rolling Stone, The Village Voice and Vogue. 6 p.m., Tues., April 20. Schulz Information Center, Room 3001.
"MATH COLLOQUIUM"- John Martin, Santa Rosa Junior college discusses "The Incomparable Bernoullis and Marvelous Spiral." 4 p.m., Wed., April 21. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2368. http://www.sonoma.edu/math/nsf/colloquium.shtml
"HOW THE MEDIA COVERS NONVIOLENT STRUGGLES"- Cynthia Boaz (right), Professor of Political Sciences, Sonoma State University, lectures. Modern Media Dialogue Series. 5-6:30 p.m., Wed., April 21. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-3160. http://www.mediadialogueseries.org/
"GENERATIVE STORYTELLING FOR ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE"- Jason Shankel, The Stupid Fun Club discusses how basic literary theory solutions for natural language processing can be applied to create generative interactive storytelling systems capable of producing entertaining content. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thurs., April 22. Salazar 2016. (707) 664-2667. http://www.cs.sonoma.edu/cs_dept/events/
WILL MARRIAGE MATTER? EFFECTS OF MARRIAGE ANTICIPATED BY SAME-SEX COUPLES - Julie Shulman, Assistant Professor, Counseling explains a current study using an online survey to explore the anticipated impact of legalized marriage on partners in same-sex couples living in California. The data was gathered prior to the California Supreme Court decision in May 2008 legalizing same-sex marriage, which held sway for five months before California Proposition 8 eliminating same-sex marriage was passed by a voter referendum. The principal theme emerging from participants' responses involved a ubiquitous sense of security in all areas of their life, including increased permanence in their couple relationship as well as feeling protected as a unit by the larger society. Gendered Intersections lecture series. 5-6 p.m., Thursday, April 22, Stevenson 2011.
Music and Theater
LAXMI TEWARI CONCERT. Laxmi Tewari (left), renowned Hindusani vocalist and SSU Ethnomusicologist since 1974, performs classical Northern Indian music with his ensemble. Tewari and his ensemble are accompanied by tabla, tambura and harmonium. 7:30 p.m., Sat., April 24. Ives119. Admission $12 general, $10 faculty, alumni, staff, $8 seniors/students. Free to SSU students. (707) 664-2353.
http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts.
Films
"AMREEKA" Sonoma Film Institute presents a warm and lighthearted film about one Palestinian family's tumultuous journey into Diaspora amidst the cultural fallout of America's war in Iraq. Muna Farah, a Palestinian single mom, struggles to maintain her optimistic spirit in the daily grind of intimidating West Bank checkpoints, the constant nagging of a controlling mother, and the haunting shadows of a failed marriage. 7 p.m., Fri., April 23 and 4 p.m., Sat., April 24. Warren Auditorium. Admission $6, $5, non-SSU students and senior citizens, $4, SFI members and children under 12, and $2, SSU students. (707) 664-2606. http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi/
Galleries
BFA EXHIBITION- BFA Exhibition 2010 features the work of 13 students in the Art Department who are graduating this spring with their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), an advanced degree requiring an additional year of focused study in their chosen medium. Students whose work will be featured include Paul Alsop (painting), Kelly Casmey (painting), Danielle Clement (painting), Cathy Ellis (painting), Pauline Greenfield (printmaking), Nick Harris (sculpture), Amy Hoeck (painting), Ben Lastufka (painting), Greg Looney (sculpture), Andrew Merriss (painting), Jason Perry (printmaking), Morgan Rosskopf (printmaking) and James Warren (photography). The exhibit will run from April 15-May 29. The University Art Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and weekends, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. http://www.sonoma.edu/artgallery/
"PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE: ARTISTS REFLECT ON SUSTAINABILITY"- From ceramics and sculpture created using found objects, including the Yellow Pages, to wall hangings and 3-dimensional objects created from recycled wool sweaters, ten artists each bring a distinctive perspective in exploring the meaning of sustainability to this exhibit. The exhibit runs in the University Library Art Gallery from April 16-July 30. The University Library Art Gallery is open Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. noon - 9 p.m.
A free public stargazing night focusing on Mars and on the bright star cloud NGC 2903 is set from 9-11 p.m. on April 16 at the Sonoma State University outdoor observatory. "Viewed at an angle, NGC 2903 is a beautiful spiral, well worth coming out to see," says Professor Scott Severson, director of the outdoor observatory program. It is about 20.5 million light-years away in the constellation Leo.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts the event, offering its high powered telescopes to all to view the night sky.
The campus outdoor observatory is located at an outbuilding in the dark southeast corner of the SSU campus. Parking is available in Lots E and F. Parking is $2.50 parking fee for those who do not have an SSU parking permit. Visitors are urged to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and bring a flashlight.
The next stargazing event features the "The Heart of the Virgo Cluster" on Friday, May 14.
For more details and a map to the observatory visit http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/publicviewingnight.
Visitors should call (707)664-226 before coming if it appears possible that clouds or fog may force cancellation.
For further information, contact Scott Severson, Director, Public Programs, scott.severson@sonoma.edu, or (707) 664-2376.
ABOVE, star cloud NGC 2903.
