A Quick Word from the Dean | Special Thanks from the Cuckoo's Nest | Faculty Achievements and Activities | Alumnae/Alumni Achievements and Activities | Student Achievements and Activities | Welcome Joe Dailey | Upcoming Exhibit | Research Presentations | Student Debates | CBU Celebrates Constitution Day | CBU Welcomes the Latest LANCE Cohort | Education Accreditation News | Report from International Initiatives Office | Online Gift Form Is Now Available
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A QUICK WORD FROM THE DEAN

Christian Brothers University and the School of Arts are about to end our fall semester. The holidays are rapidly approaching. We have had a very good year and all of us in the School of Arts want to extend a Happy Holiday Season and a Glorious New Year. 2007 should bring us new challenges and opportunities. Our last Newsletter for 2006 is filled with exciting stories about our six departments and many of our faculty. We hope you have enjoyed reading about what is going on at CBU.

Peace and Joy,

Marius Carriere

SPECIAL THANKS FROM THE CUCKOO'S NEST

The cast and crew of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest would like to thank everyone who helped make the show a successful production. We sincerely appreciate the support shown from the audience. Your contributions will allow us to keep the theatre department strong at CBU. We want to give special thanks to Mr. Kevin Shaw, Ms. Sadie Lisenby, and Mrs. Hilliard. With everyone’s generous support we plan to have two spring musicals next semester.

Two theatre courses will be offered in the spring. These classes will count toward the theatre minor at CBU. They are THEA 221: Acting and THEA 315: A History of the Theatre (same as ENG 315).

The Encore Drama Club has been revived and has over 30 members. Anyone interested can contact Burton Bridges at bbridges@cbu.edu to find out more information about the club or how to join. For more information please visit the Theatre website>>

FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Marius Carriere (Dean, School of Arts) attended the Tennessee Conference of Historians in Nashville, where he chaired and commented on a panel titled "Traveling along the Mississippi, Cumberland and Tennessee: Nineteenth Century Southern Politics." Carriere also attended the Southern Historical Association Convention in Birmingham. Professor Carriere also interviewed several candidates at the SHA Convention for two history positions that we hope to fill for academic year 2007-2008.

Tommy Gaines (Music) is the vice-president for the Memphis Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). The Memphis Chapter NATS hosted the Tennessee statewide student competition and Assistant Professor Gaines’ students placed 1st and 3rd in High School Boys, 1st in High School Girls 16 years old and younger, 2nd in High School Musical Theatre, 1st in Adult Beginners and 1st in Adult Intermediates. Gaines was also the solo vocalist for the October 15th Gray-Wentworth wedding at the historical St. Peters Catholic Church in downtown Memphis.

Steve Grice (Literature and Languages) has had an article entitled “A Leaf from Thoreau’s Fire Island Manuscript” accepted for publication in the upcoming Winter number of the Thoreau Society Bulletin.

Paul Haught (Religion and Philosophy) presented his paper “Environmental Virtue and Hume’s Sensible Knave” at the Tennessee Philosophical Association meeting at Vanderbilt University November 11. Max Maloney (Religion and Philosophy) was commentator.

Lisa C. Hickman (Literature & Languages, Adjunct) was one of 200 nationwide authors participating in the 18th Annual Southern Festival of Books held in Memphis October 13-15. She discussed her new book, William Faulkner and Joan Williams: The Romance of Two Writers (McFarland Publishers).

M. A. McCoy (Education) presented a paper entitled "Geography Education's Essential Questions from a Teacher Ed. Professor: 'Where's the beef?' and 'Where have you gone, Madeline Hunter?'" at Tennessee GeoFest 2006, the annual meeting of the Tennessee Geographic Alliance at Middle Tennessee State University held November 11.

Margaret Miller (Behavioral Sciences) presented a paper entitled "Managing People and Technology in a Rapidly Changing World" at the 27th annual national conference for the American Society for Engineering Management in Huntsville, Alabama, from Oct 25-28, 2006. Miller also presented a paper entitled "Professional Ethics: A Model for Analysis" at the American Society of Engineering Management conference held October 27 in Huntsville, AL.

Elizabeth Nelson (Behavioral Sciences) made the following presentation September 23, 2006: "Mental Health and Alzheimer's Disease; Salud Mental y Enfermedad de Alzheimer" at the Septemberfest Health Fair, Raleigh, TN.

Scott Nikaido (Religion and Philosophy) gave a lecture at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, October 22, 2006, entitled "How the Jewish People Gave Birth to Two Religions in 70 CE." It discussed the significance of events after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in light of the two important figures of Yohanan ben Zakkai and the apostle Paul. Nikaido also gave a lecture at Idlewild Presbyterian Church on October 29 entitled "The History of the Messiah in Judaism." Tracing developments from Aaron's High Priesthood to modern Zionism, the function of the "anointed one" in Judaism was examined, emphasizing the dual nature of the office: cultic (atonement) and remedial (redemption). Professor Nikaido will return to Idlewild for another lecture series in February.

Talana Vogel (Education) has had a manuscript accepted to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The article, "An Analysis of Working Conditions Experienced by Beginning Teachers in an Urban School District," will appear in The 2006 Yearbook of the Southern Council of Educational Administration. This is a once a year publication that has a very low acceptance rate. Vogel also presented a paper entitled “Utilizing Professional Portfolios to Assess Effective Administrative Practices" at the Southern Regional Council of Educational Leadership in Jacksonville, FL, November 3-5. The paper discussed current evaluation systems for school principals and utilizing portfolios as a valuable tool for formative and summative evaluations of practicing administrators. Suggestions for a seamless transition between school administration preparation programs and placement into administrative roles in K-12 settings were also provided.

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ALUMNAE/ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Julia Hanebrink (PSYC '01), received a Masters in Forensic Anthropology, returned to CBU for a semester and taught Forensic Anthropology for us in between going to Uganda with the Mhirt program and entering a Ph.D. program.

Jennifer Bonds-Raacke (Ph.D.) and John Raacke (Ph.D.), who both graduated from CBU with psychology degrees in the spring of 2000, had their second daughter, Brooke, in February 2006. They moved to south central North Carolina where both accepted positions as assistant professors of psychology at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke.

Marlon L. Rucker (PSYC '03) is the new market research analyst at Extra Space Storage, L.P., formerly Storage USA. Rucker's primary focus is on new/current market developments, competition, and customer satisfaction.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Phi Alpha Theta, the History Honor Society, is proud to announce the recent induction of three new initiates (pictured left): Marly Hazen (History '07), Dr. Neal Palmer (History & Political Science), and Jane Mashburn (Religion & Philosophy '07). For more information on the Honor Society, please email npalmer@cbu.edu. Phi Alpha Theta also completed its 2006 service project by assisting WKNO in its annual Art and Antique Auction this past weekend. Several members of Phi Alpha Theta, as well as Faculty Advisor Neal Palmer, worked at the WKNO TV station for several hours on November 4.

At the Study abroad meeting on October 31 , Sara Huggins and Burton Bridges gave a compelling testimony to their outstanding month at Edge Hill University in England last summer. Sally Lynch, the official UK representative in this region of the United States (CBU, Science), who spent an entire semester, also shared her experiences. All were advocating a study abroad experience for CBU students. The opportunity will be available again in the summer of 2007 with Drs. Brombach and Palmer teaching there.

Four CBU private voice students competed in the statewide student competition of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) held November 10 and 11 at Rhodes College. Those participating were Michelle Bates, Russell Brandon, Siamak Keyvani and Stephanie Ramirez. Each of the students received excellent comments and scores from the judges and represented CBU very well. The students all study with Assistant Professor, Tommy Gaines.

WELCOME JOE DAILEY

The History and Political Science Department is excited to announce that Retired Criminal Court Judge, Joe Dailey, is returning to CBU after several years, to teach Constitutional Law. Judge Dailey will be teaching Constitutional Law in the Spring 2007 semester.

UPCOMING EXHIBIT

The art of Jana Broussard Travis will be on display in the Beverly and Sam Ross Gallery from January 19 - February 22, 2007. Travis began painting professionally in her twenties and has had several exhibitions in the United States and abroad. As a result, her art can now be found in private and corporate collections throughout the world.The opening reception honoring the artist will be held on January 19 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, and is open to the public.

RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

On Wednesday, December 13, 2006, at 1:00 pm in Science 153 the Correlational Methods class in Psychology will be making PowerPoint presentations of their research. We welcome your attendance.

STUDENT DEBATES

On October 25, 2006, the Honors Psychology class, Reality, Fantasy, & Media, presented a debate on whether or not pornography does harm. Sally Lynch and Sana Mujahid were the speakers for the pro side: pornography does no harm. John Legge and Justin Hilliard spoke for the con side: pornography does harm. The following students did research:

A panel discussion with the audience followed. Drs. Tracie Burke and Maureen O’Brien were judges. The pro side, pornography does no harm, was the winner of the debate.

More debates to follow!

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CBU CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION DAY

On September 19th, in recognition of US Constitution Day, CBU hosted a public seminar with Judge Mark Ward, Criminal Court Judge. Judge Ward spoke to an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty, and staff about his experiences applying the Bill of Rights in criminal cases. Plans are in the works for next year’s celebration and ideas for “Constitutional activities” are welcome.

CBU WELCOMES THE LATEST LANCE COHORT

The LANCE program is entering it's 4th year with a new cohort of 6 participants.

Ryan Brennan hails from Chesterfield, MO -- a suburb of St. Louis – and graduated from Dayton University. He is teaching Spanish to Grades 4-8 at Immaculate Conception.

Christine Harrell is a native of Chicago, IL and graduated from DePaul University with a degree and license in Early Childhood Education. She teaches Grades 3 and 5 at DLS/Blessed Sacrament.

Barbara Joslin is from Barkdale, CT and graduated from St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH. Barb is assigned to the 2nd Grade at St. Anne Highland.

Anna Mittiga is from Rochester, NY and graduated from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY. She is teaching chemistry, geometry and physical science at Memphis Catholic High School.

Mary Perez is from Folsom, CA and is an alum of Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. She attended Stanford University and spent last year teaching in a small Catholic school outside of Washington, DC. Mary teaches English, Religion, and Social Studies to grades 5, 6, and 7 at St. Anne Highland.

Tara Videtic was born in Lockport, IL and graduated from St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN. She teaches science, math and Religion in Grades 6, 7, and 8 at Our Lady of Sorrows School.

EDUCATION ACCREDITATION NEWS

The Precondition Document for the Education Department was submitted to the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) September 15 as the first step in the journey toward NCATE accreditation. The CBU unit received a Preconditions Report from NCATE October 3 that gave the approval to continue the accreditation process. The report also provided commendations for the Conceptual Framework, a 40-page section of the Precondition Document, for being comprehensive and well written. The Education Department is busy now preparing for a Spring 2008 site visit.

REPORT FROM INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES OFFICE

Fourteen students spent the fall break week studying and exploring the early beginnings of the Christian church and history of Rome. Father Val Handwerker and Dr. Emily Forsdick taught the course, Martyrs, Monks, and Mystics of the Early Church. Members of the group were most impressed with the Scavi Tour, an underground tour of the ancient necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica containing many early Roman tombs and believed to be the burial site of St. Peter. Lessons in early Roman history included a trip through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Pantheon. A daytrip to the beautiful Umbrian hilltop town of Assisi to visit the Basilica of St. Francis and explore the town where he started his ministry was a special event. A stop at a pottery factory in Deruta was a fun place to shop. Returning to Memphis exhausted but inspired, everyone declared that they had thrown a coin in the Trevi fountain to assure a return to the “eternal city” at sometime. For more information, please visit the website>>

ONLINE GIFT FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE

The CBU Annual Fund now allows alumni to designate their gifts to a particular school or area. The new online donation page is set up so you can specify where your gift should be used. In addition, you can dedicate your gift to the honor or memory of someone special in your life. Giving cash is the most popular form of gifting due to its simplicity. Cash gifts may be made by currency, check, money order, bank draft, or credit card. The applicable income tax deduction reduces the actual cost of the gift. If you would like to make a donation online, you may do so by visiting https://secure.cbu.edu/alumni/gift/

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Do you have news you would like to share with the School of Arts? Email us at soanews@cbu.edu today! The DEADLINE for submission to the next School of Arts newsletter is Friday, February 16, 2007.