Current Issue: Volume 21 - Number 3 - January 27, 2006
Mozart Birthday Bash this weekend
Jeff Skibbe, 88.7KXMS, says the station is featuring an all-day Mozart marathon today and tomorrow to honor the 250th anniversary of the composer's birth. The following programs will be highlighted on the FM broadcasts:
Today: All-Day Mozart Marathon on his 250th Birthday
11 a.m. - Live concert from the Festspielhaus: Martin Goldsmith and Jeff Spurgeon host a special from Salzburg, Austria
5 p.m. - Life and Works of Mozart (Part 4) on “Magnum Opus”
6 p.m. - “Mozart at the Movies”Tomorrow:
8 a.m. - Classical Kids “Mozart's Magic Fantasy”
12:30 p.m. - Metropolitan Opera presents “Cosí fan tutte”
LCDI to provide funding for higher education
Missouri State Senator Gary Nodler (R-32) and State Representative Bryan Stevenson (R-128) appeared at a news conference Thursday, Jan. 26 in Billingsly Student Center to announce details of Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt’s Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative (LCDI). The proposed Initiative would provide $300 million for capital improvement projects at state higher education institutions, including Missouri Southern State University.
The Governor’s private-public partnership plan also will establish approximately $125 million for an endowed student scholarship program, matching endowments for retention and recruitment of top professors and an endowed fund to facilitate and accelerate commercialization of technology companies.
The Initiative would fund construction of a Health Sciences building on the Missouri Southern campus. The total cost of the building will be $24.2 million, of which $19.2 million would be funded through the LCDI.
MSIPC applications received from around the globe
The deadline was Jan. 6, 2006. The phone lines had been busy for weeks before that date and email messages had come in continually with last minute inquiries. The last days before the deadline, Priority mail, UPS and FedEx packages continued to arrive from many countries around the world and across the US to the office of the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition at MSSU.
After all the packages are opened and processed, MSIPC officials report that the applicants for the 2006 Missouri Southern International Piano Competition represent the following countries: Argentina, Armenia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Korea, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA and Uzbekistan. They also come from 25 states across the US.
Each application includes an audition DVD or video tape along with a packet of support materials. The DVD/video tape serves as the preliminary round. It must include repertoire of different periods and styles. Each recording is reviewed by the Selection Jury who has no knowledge of who the applicant is. 15 pianists will be selected for the Junior Division (17 years old and under) and 20 will be selected for the Senior Division (18 to 30 years old). They will be invited to come to Joplin for the semifinal and final rounds of competition at MSSU. Winners will be awarded over $30,000 in total cash prizes in addition to a Carnegie Recital Hall debut for the grand prize winner.
The Selection Jury members are Robert Harris, retired piano professor of MSSU; Gloria Jardon, piano faculty member of MSSU; Robert Ensor, piano faculty member of Crowder College; Elizabeth Kemm, retired faculty member of MSSU, and Vivian León, Competition Director.
The 11th Missouri Southern International Piano Competition will be held April 24- 29, on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. The competition rounds are open to the public and free of charge. Evening concerts are offered to students and seniors at no charge provided a student or senior pass is obtained in advance by calling 625-9755.
The Missouri Southern International Piano Competition is a non profit organization funded by contributions. For information, visit www.mssu.edu/msipc , call (417) 625-9755, or email msipc@mssu.edu
Water Children runs this weekend
Wendy McLeod’s The Water Children will continue its four-day run at 7:30 p.m., tonight and tomorrow night (Jan. 27-28) at the Bud Walton Theatre. Melissa Rutledge directs the production.
The lead character, Megan, is a 36-year-old unmarried actress who is offered the leading role in a series of anti-abortion commercials for a pro-life organization. Accepting the role becomes a complicated moral decision when she must choose between following her own moral code and paying the rent.
Megan begins to date Randall, the pro-life organization's director, trying to put her beliefs aside. However, their romance is shattered when things become even more complicated. A reviewer for The New York Times wrote, “With its mixture of romance, humor and sadness as it addresses the issue of abortion, The Water Children, by Wendy MacLeod, is fascinating."
The production is rated "M" for mature audiences and may include explicit language and/or action. For theatre production information or requests for accommodations related to a disability, call Terri Spencer, Theatre, at (417) 625-9393.
Blunt to discuss issues on upcoming Newsmakers
Missouri Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt will be the special guest on an upcoming edition of the public affairs program Newsmakers.
Congressman Blunt and program host, Judy Stiles, Communication, will discuss a number of issues facing Congress as it heads back to work. They will include concerns he has heard from constituents about energy prices and the prescription drug plan.
He also will talk about his role in House leadership, and his interest to continue as House Majority Leader. Blunt also will discuss other topics such as lobbyist concerns in Washington, the war in Iraq, terrorism threats, pension reforms, and controlling spending.
The program will air on local stations on the following dates and times:
KGCS-TV: Tuesday, Jan 24, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m.
KOAM-TV: Saturday, Feb. 4, 5:30 a.m.
OPTV ( Springfield & Joplin stations): Sunday, Feb. 12, 12:30 p.m.
Legacy Day tomorrow on Southern campus
Each year the Alumni Association sponsors Legacy Day, a day of fun and learning for the children of Missouri Southern graduates. This year’s theme is “Our Hearts are Green and Gold.” A “Legacy” is a kid lucky enough to have one or even two relatives who have attended or graduated from MSSU.
Legacy Day activities will begin with registration at 2 p.m., Saturday Jan. 28. Activities will wrap up at 5:30 p.m., just in time for the men’s and women’s basketball games against Missouri Western. Each Legacy Day participant will receive a total of four tickets to use at either or both of the games.
Ozarks Public Television to air MSIPC documentary Sunday
Ozarks Public Television will air a special documentary about the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition, Keeping the Music Alive, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29.
Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the success of the biennial event, which attracts pianists from around the world. Interviews feature community supporters, pianists, and internationally-recognized judges. The program looks at how the Joplin area supporters have maintained a high level of competition at a time when arts and music programs are facing challenges elsewhere.
The Ozarks Public Television airing will feature the program throughout the OPTV system, originating out of Springfield. Springfield-area viewers may see it on Channel 21, KOZK, and Joplin-area viewers may see it on Channel 26, KOZJ.
Retired Dean of Technology dies
Former Dean of Technology, James K. "Jim" Maupin, 83, Joplin, passed away Sunday Jan. 22 in Joplin. Jim Maupin retired from Missouri Southern in 1992 after spending 37 years as a Southern employee, originally teaching in the Biology Department. Jim, born in Washington, Mo., was a World War II Army veteran and recipient of several awards including the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
"He was one of the people who helped to develop the four year degree programs for the school of technology," President Julio Leon, reportedly said, adding, "He made tremendous contributions to the institution."
Jim is survived by his wife, Colene. Additional survivors include a son, Jim Maupin, two daughters, Jane Blaine and Nancy Wilder, and one brother, Charles Maupin, along with nine granddaughters and 15 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held today, Friday, Jan. 27, at 3 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel in Joplin. The family will receive friends following memorial services. Burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.
Contemporary Series schedules Iraqi film
The next Contemporary Foreign Film Series is Turtles Can Fly (Iraq, 2004; 98 min.) This is the first feature film shot in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein. It focuses on the enterprising “Satellite,” a 13-year-old Kurdish boy whose expertise lies in installing satellite dishes and translating the news of the (then) imminent US invasion. His “business” is interrupted by the arrival of a clairvoyant boy and his quiet sister. The film is directed by Bahman Ghobadi.
The film will be shown at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3 at Cornell Auditorium of Matthews Hall. The films will be shown in DVD format. All showings are free and open to the public, though we welcome donations of $10 per person for the series from those who plan to attend regularly. A brief discussion will follow the film. For information about the series, please contact Bill Kumbier, English, at kumbier-w@mssu.edu or Nick Kyle, Art, kyle-n@mssu.edu.
Experience the BIZARRE world of Brian Brushwood
The truly bizarre Brian Brushwood will perform at 7 p.m., Tuesday Jan. 31 in Taylor Auditorium at MSSU. The Brian Brushwood Bizarree Magic Show features magic, comedy and bizarre feats unavailable anywhere else. The show, sponsored by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) is free and open to the public.
The minute Brian takes the stage, his disarming personality and quick wit allow him to turn any crowd into the perfect audience, ready to witness incredible feats, participate in unusual challenges, and see dazzling sleight-of-hand.
Brian has the unique ability to take the wildest, most amazing feats, and make any audience comfortable with them. You'll see fire eating, sleight of hand, comedy, a record-breaking straitjacket escape, and the Tears of Buddha, a jaw-dropping effect involving a small nail and Brian's eyes!
You'll also catch feats like the Human Blockhead, the Cinder Block Break, Mind Reading, the Bed of Nails, the Human Crazy Straw and more. Brian's show is a non-stop tour-de-force showcasing increasingly rare feats and magic--all performed in Brian's unique style!
The most valuable service any event can offer is something completely unique--an act that will remain in the minds and conversations of audiences for the rest of their lives. Brian's show presents the chance for audiences to see things they've only heard about--a collection of magic and mayhem not performed ANYWHERE else in the entire world! Brian's show is fast gaining momentum and popularity among audiences coast to coast, as he tours nationwide with his unique blend of magic, sideshow, and the bizarre.
Not only has Brian received comment from Magicians such as Penn & Teller (famed comedy magic duo), and Harry Anderson (star of TV's Night Court), but was also awarded the "Best Comedy Magic," "Best Club Magic," and "Best Stage Magic" from the Texas Association of Magicians.
International Film Festival continues this semester
The Missouri Southern Film Society and Institute of International Studies will continue the 44th Annual International Film Festival this spring semester on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. in Matthews Cornell Auditorium, MSSU. No admission is charged.
The film schedule is as follows:
- Feb 14: Do You Remember Dolly Bell? (Yugoslavia, 1981)
- Feb 28: 25 Fireman's Street (Hungary, 1973)
- Mar 14: Mamma Roma (Italy, 1962)
- Mar 28: Casque d' Or (France, 1952)
- Apr 11: Man on the Tracks (Poland, 1956)
- May 2: Man with a Movie Camera (Russia, 1929)
Sweets for the sweet
St. Valentines Day is approaching and MSSU Bookstore is the place to get that special someone a sweet treat!
Liz Scheurich, Bookstore, says the store is offering milk chocolate lips (red, pink, or regular chocolate), hearts (white or milk chocolate) and "kiss" suckers in (red and regular chocolate).
Special assorted boxed chocolates for Valentine are also available. These are in a white box decorated with red hearts and gold ribbon. Also featured will be suckers for $1.79 and boxed chocolates for $5.99
To place an order please contact Liz at (417) 625-3035. Delivery is available to locations on campus.
Volunteers make the difference.
Volunteers can receive personal satisfaction as they go about touching lives. Trinity Hospice Volunteer Training classes will begin soon. An organizational meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday Feb. 9 at Java Dave's Coffee Shop at 1802 W. 32nd Street in Joplin. For more information call Lisa Olds at (417) 782-6811 or 1-888-782-6811.
Nominations being taken
It is time again to nominate students for the Outstanding Graduate Award. Nomination forms are being sent to each department on campus and can also be accessed on the Alumni Association Website. Each department is encouraged to consider a nominee. A letter of recommendation is required to accompany all nominations to provide personal information not obtainable through regular applications.
In addition to this recommendation, the student will be contacted for further information regarding academics, leadership roles, activities, and club memberships. Nominations are due in the Alumni Office by 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13. For information call Deb Gipson, Alumni, at ext. 9673.
Jim Collins, Computer Information Science, has had two papers accepted for conference presentation and publication. “An Investigation of Web-Page Credibility” will be presented at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Conference (CCSC) held at Northwest Missouri State University and published in the Journal of Computing Sciences. “Measuring Credibility Assessment Targets in Web-Based Information” will be presented at the Information Resources Management Association (IRMA) International Conference in Washington DC and published in Information Resource Management Journal.
Bill Kumbier, English, read a paper entitled "Heimlich Maneuvers: Robert and Clara Schuman, Figuration, Subjectivity and the Risks of Dispossession" at the Modern Language Association convention, Washington, DC, Dec. 27, 2005.
Jude Meche, English, has a book accepted for publication with Mellen Press. The book is titled Contemporary Irish Drama and the Question of History: Re-Staging the Past.
Art Saltzman, English, has had an essay, "Taking Pains," accepted for publication in Prague Literary Review.
Paul Teverow, faculty sponsor of the Model UN Club, and Caleb Gallemore and John Conrace, members of the club, spoke to the January 26 meeting of the Rotary Club of Joplin. Their presentation focused on how participation in Model UN advances MSSU's International Mission and on the benefits that Model UN offers to student participants.
Free to Good Home: Black spayed female pug, shots current, raised with children and other pets. Indoor dog. Please call Laura at 417-540-4794.
For Sale: Maytag regular capacity washer and dryer. About 14 yrs. old, but the repairman has been very lonely. $75 for both. Call Pat at 3137.
New Year’s Resolution? Try a Nordic ski exercise machine. It works not only on the legs but also on the upper body. It has a meter measuring time, miles, calories, and heart rate. Rarely used, like new. Asking $170. Photo available upon request. Call ext. 9681.
For Sale: 1998 14 x 70 Mobile Home. Two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, shed, appliances, in great condition. Only a 5 minute drive to campus. $18,500. Contact (417) 529-8916.
