News Archive

(04/30/08)

Symphonic Band Gives Spring Concert on May 4

The Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band will perform its annual free spring concert at Miami University Middletown on Sunday, May 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the Dave Finkelman Auditorium.

The band, directed by Chris Brandenburg, will play Coat of Arms by George Kenny, Festive Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich, On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss by David R. Holsinger, Symphonic Legacy by Edward F. Howard, Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel arranged by James H. Burden, Manhattan Beach March by John Philip Sousa, Children's March by Percy Aldridge Grainger, Scenes from The Louvre by Norman Dello Joio and Andrew Lloyd Webber: A Symphonic Portrait arranged by Jerry Nowak. This year's concert theme is "Music played by the Symphonic Band through the Decades."

Guest conductor will be Dan Nichols, who graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1979 and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership in 1990. While at Miami, Nichols served as principal clarinetist of the university orchestra, chamber orchestra and wind ensemble for three years. Upon graduation, Nichols taught instrumental music with the Fairfield City Schools and is presently an assistant principal at Fairfield Intermediate School. He has also been an administrator with the Princeton City Schools and an elementary principal with the Deer Park Community Schools. He plays clarinet with the band and frequently takes the podium to guest conduct.

The Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band is in its 40th year and currently features 90 musicians. William Stiehl, retired Coordinator of Fine Arts for the Middletown City School District, started the band in 1967. Band director Chris Brandenburg is the retired band director at Lakota West High School and former Coordinator of Instrumental Music for the Lakota School District.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations to the band will be received at a reception following the concert. Miami Middletown is located at 4200 E. University Blvd.

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(04/29/08)

New Summertime Program to Improve Math Skills

In an all-out effort to improve the math skills of local residents who are interested in attending college, Middletown's Adult Education program and Miami University Middletown are joining together to provide free, individualized math instruction this summer in a class titled, 'Transitioning to College Math." From June 16 until mid-August, students may attend twice-weekly evening sessions that will be tailored to teach only the math skills needed by each individual. Anyone not currently enrolled in high school may participate including students preparing to take college math placement exams.

The primary goal of this pilot program is to increase the student's math competency and reduce or eliminate the need for them to take remedial math courses when they enter college. The secondary goal is to educate students about the college environment.

It will be staffed by Adult Basic and Literary Education (ABLE) program math teachers with college prep presentations provided by MUM's Student Affairs staff. The program will be located in the math lab (Johnston Hall Room 9) at Miami Middletown.

"A basic proficiency in math up to the algebra level is needed in every academic discipline and in every job in today's workplace," said Middletown City School District Adult Education Principal Rose Marie Stiehl. "If you've been out of school for several years or just feel like you missed something along the way, this is a great opportunity to catch up and move forward to college. Plus it's free and you can't top that."

A pre-test will determine what type of self-directed and teacher supported mathematics study the student will need during the summer program. A post-test will be given at the conclusion of the program which will prompt a discussion with the student about their current skills level, need for additional study and suggestions regarding college admission and academic programs.

"Some individuals have trouble with just one area of math," said Stiehl. "They may just have difficulty with fractions, for example. With this program, the instruction would cover just that area, so students won't have to spend time covering materials they have already mastered."

According to Miami Universities Assistant Director of Student Services Tonia Hyllengren, "Students will become more aware of the college campus, learning assistance resources, academic major programs, admission, financial aid, registration and our new Summer Time Enrichment Program. They will have had the opportunity to become more aware and comfortable with the realities of college, so their transition into higher education should be less stressful."

This program is being made possible by a State and Federal Adult Basic and Literacy Education Grant administered by the Middletown School District. For more information, contact Rose Marie Stiehl (513-420-4520, rmstiehl@middletowncityschools.com)or Tonia Hyllengren (513-727-3440, hyllentl@muohio.edu).

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(04/25/08)

Brian Shepard to Perform Downtown on April 29

Miami Middletown Downtown's music hour series continues at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 with a performance by Brian Shepherd.

Shepard's specialty is 20th Century keyboard and vocal music. He is director of marketing and public relations for the Music Teachers National Association and director of music for St. Luke United Presbyterian Church in Middletown. A 2002 graduate of Miami University, he holds degrees in marketing and music education.

For more information, contact (513) 727-3200. Miami Middletown Downtown is located at 4 North Main Street, with parking available behind the building.

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(04/25/08)

May Downtown Events Announced

Miami Middletown Downtown enters its third month with a slate of events that includes music, film, a book club, career help, chess club and a writing group. All events are free and open to the public. Miami Middletown Downtown is located at 4 North Main Street, former home of the Masonic Temple, in Middletown.

On Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m., Dr. Babacar Camara will lead the viewing and discussion of the film Binta & The Great Idea . A little girl from Senegal, Binta tells us about everyday life in her village, the importance of education for the girls and about her father's great idea to make the world a better place. This short film was nominated for an Oscar in 2007.

On Thursday, May 8, the Chess Club will meet at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, May 13, Gregg Clark will be featured during a music hour at 7 p.m. Clark has been playing guitar in the Tri-State area and beyond for over forty years. Clark will play a smooth set including blues, jazz, and rock.

On Thursday, May 15, the Heart of the Art Studio Show will hold its opening reception. The public is invited to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments from 4 - 6 p.m.

On Saturday, May 17, the Illuminati Writing Group will meet at 2 p.m. This casual writing and work-shopping group is for all levels and genres of writing. Peer critique and writing exercises will help those attending polish their craft while having fun with other local writers.

On Tuesday, May 20, the Booking It! Non-Fiction Book Conversations group will meet at 7 p.m. to discuss Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point. This book is about the first two seconds of looking--the decisive glance that knows in an instant.

On Wednesday, May 21, Miami Middletown Downtown will opens its doors for Community Appreciation Day, featuring ice cream floats and give away items from 5 - 7 p.m. Drop in for a visit during the season's first Broad Street Bash.

On Thursday, May 22, a "career changers" session will be held on effective resume writing and interviewing techniques. This program begins at 7 p.m.

On Friday, May 23, a Community Blood Drive will be held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Donors must be at least 17 years old and 110 pounds, be in good general health and must bring a photo I.D. with their full name.

On Tuesday, May 27, the music hour will feature Just The Two of Us: Woody Woodrey and Jerry Robinson at 7 p.m. Woody Woodrey plays the keyboards and has had extensive performance experience including an eight-year stint as a traveling musician with such notable performers as Dizzy Gillespie, Al Morgan, Cal Collins, Ray Luckey, The Diamonds, and The Sammy Kaye Orchestra. Jerry Robinson plays the Alto and Tenor Sax/Clarinet. He has 45+ years experience on his instruments and has played with all sized groups ranging from a duo to the traditional big band. Their repertoire includes music from many styles and eras.

On Thursday, May 29, the Cult Film Group will meet at 7 p.m. to watch and discuss Over the Edge (1979), featuring Matt Dillon in his film debut and directed by Jonathan Kaplan. A 14-year-old rebel without a cause wreaks havoc in a suburban, planned community in this cult classic.

Miami Middletown Downtown is a multipurpose activity center designed to bring the campus and community together by providing flexible space for workshops, lectures, seminars, meetings, cultural events and more. For more information on any of these events or other upcoming events at Miami Middletown Downtown call (513) 727-3200 or log onto www.mid.muohio.edu/community.

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(04/24/08)

Kids in College Schedule Announced

Miami University Middletown is offering summer enrichment programs for children who will be entering grades 1-8 in the fall. These interactive, creative programs highlight science, math, reading, computers and more! Students may mix and match programs for a full morning of activities.

Classes will be held the weeks of June 23 and July 7, with unique programs offered during each session. Costs range from $45-$125, with most classes costing $45. Times are from 9-10:20 a.m. or 10:40 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday - Thursday.

Classes for the week of June 23 include: Dr. Seuss on the Loose, Fantastic Fairy Tales, Get Down & Get Messy!, How to Make an Apple Pie & See the World, Literature + Science = Fun and More Get Down and Get Messy! for grades 1 and 2; Artful Animals, Don't "Bug" Me, Edible Math, Interactive, Hands-on, Experimental Science, LEGO® Vehicles, Readers' Theater, Spanish for Fun!, SportsClassroom: Math/Science and SportsClassroom: Reading/Writing for grades 3, 4 and 5; Cartoon Animation, CSI Miami U. Middletown, History through the Movies and Medieval Madness for grades 6, 7 and 8.

Classes for the week of July 7 include: Get Down & Get Messy!, How to Make an Apple Pie & See the World, Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House and More Get Down and Get Messy! for grades 1 and 2; Cartoon Animation, Don't "Bug" Me, Edible Math, Interactive, Hands-on, Experimental Science, LEGO® Vehicles, SportsClassroom: Math/Science and SportsClassroom: Reading/Writing for grades 3, 4 and 5; Anime Cartooning, History through the Movies and Medieval Madness for grades 6, 7 and 8.

For more information, to request a brochure, or to register log onto http://miamiuhamilton.augusoft.net/ or call the Corporate and Community Institute at 513-727-3300. The 2008 Kids in College program is sponsored by KDM Signs, Inc., Middletown Eyecare/Settlers Walk Eyecare and United Performance Metals.

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(04/24/08)

Michelle Lawrence Receives Miami President's Award

Michelle Lawrence, a senior creative writing major from Centerville, was the recipient of the Miami University President's Distinguished Service Award, presented in Oxford earlier this month. Only 21 students from all of Miami's campuses received this award this year.

"She is dedicated to her work because she takes it personally, not as a job to be done, but an opportunity for the good of all," said Miami Middletown Associate Professor of English Dr. Eric Melbye, who nominated her. "Her accomplishments as Editor-in-Chief of The Illuminati, Miami University Middletown's creative writing student organization, have been truly exceptional, having a tremendous impact on the life of the campus and community. She is the perfect embodiment of the old adage, 'Serve by leading; lead by serving.' "

Lawrence has also written for KAOS, the student newspaper, and has been a member of the campus' Communications Board. She has been involved in organizing open-mic poetry readings at Miami Middletown and the Franklin Public Library.

She received the Malcolm Sedam Writing Award for fiction and again for nonfiction, received a Service Leadership Award and was the recipient of the Dillman Scholarship and the Malcolm Sedam Writing Scholarship.

She was the student representative on the 2006 search committee to find a new Campus Dean at Miami Middletown and received praise for the enthusiasm and organization that she brought to the task.

Also in 2006, she took the lead in organizing the Pink Ribbon "Hafla" (Arabic for party or celebration) at Miami Middletown. All proceeds from this afternoon of Middle Eastern-inspired dance and music went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

She was co-editor of the Under Our Skin literary anthology of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction that explored the multifaceted experience of breast cancer. Proceeds from the sale of this book also went to the Komen Foundation.

In 2006, she received the W. Lynn Darbyshire Award, Miami Middletown's highest award for students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in a student organization, student advisory council, student employment, community service or campus committee assignment.

The granddaughter of one of Miami Middletown's founders, Herman Lawrence, she is the proud mother of Ally.

Michelle Lawrence (center) is congratulated by nominator Eric Melbye (left) and Miami President David Hodge.

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(04/23/08)

Duskey Named Student of the Month

Katie (Kate) Duskey has been named Miami University Middletown's Student of the Month for February. The sophomore from Camden is a health education major.

Duskey was nominated for the award for her outstanding work with Miami Middletown's Center for Teaching and Learning Center (CTL). She provides support by writing minutes, organizing events, and updating databases. Duskey participates in the Leadership Collaborative (LC) offering the student perspective for faculty conversations. She also writes a column called Kate's Corner for the CTL newsletter, CTL Notes.

Duskey maintains a high grade point average while working for the CTL and balancing the demands of being a wife and mother. "Kate is a valued member of the CTL LC," says nominator Lizz Howard.

The Student of the Month award is given in recognition of students who make a significant contribution to the campus either in or out of the classroom.

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(04/21/08)

Gateway Program Was Perfect for First Grad

Christina Pigg Jones needed to finish just two classes to graduate from high school, but with two young children and being out of school for three years, it seemed all but impossible. The new Gateway to Success Program, a collaboration between the Warren County Career Center and Miami University Middletown, was the perfect answer for Christina's situation. She is Gateway's first graduate, sailing through the government and English classes she needed and enrolling for fall classes at Miami University Middletown. The 22-year-old is thinking of eventually applying to MUM's nursing program.

"Gateway was made for people with kids and jobs and families," said Jones. "I was able to test out of what I already knew, work at home a lot of the time and come into class on my husband's days off or when his grandmother could baby-sit. I never felt like I was wasting time and with two little boys that's very important."

This young mother of two-year-old Ashton and one-year-old Adyson juggled her schedule with school work and earned the needed credits in just under four months. "I believe in utilizing my time," she said. "Opportunities like this don't come along every day. Gateway to Success fit my schedule. Because of my family, I wanted to do school on my own time, and become a better person for my family."

Gateway is different from the GED preparation programs because the students enrolled in Gateway can actually earn their high school diploma. While the GED is accepted by most places as the equivalent to high school graduation, Christina said it was important to her to earn a diploma.

"I really wanted to get my high school diploma, not a GED," she said. "The atmosphere here on campus is another plus. I fit right in with the other students. Going back to a high school situation would have been hard.

"My husband, Michael, actually made the first call after he read about Gateway in the newspaper. The more we talked, the better it sounded. There were no obstacles that we couldn't work around."

"Christina has been very focused on succeeding," said Gateway Coordinator Mikele Whittle. "She has worked hard for this and I think she will do very well in college classes."

There are currently 12 students in the Gateway program. The next two graduates are expected to finish in May, and come from Lebanon and Carlisle.

"The only challenge for our students is in learning to use the Plato computer program to do the course work," said Whittle, "Once they are comfortable with that then they can progress at their own pace."

Gateway is an alternative way for Warren County and Middletown residents age 18-21 who have not earned their high school diploma and who have been out of school for at least a year to complete a high school diploma and make the transition to post-secondary education.

Through Gateway, Miami Middletown provides space on its campus and Warren County Career Center provides the curriculum and instructors.

Students in Gateway begin with instruction through virtual resources, software and printed materials in one-on-one and small group settings, designed to help them reach their career and post-secondary goals. Students also have the opportunity to take beginning college level courses concurrent with the remainder of their high school curriculum, and have access to the library research facilities as well as developmental educational and career support services of Miami Middletown.

"The longer a person is away from high school, the greater the challenge to continuing his or her education," said Warren County Career Center Superintendent Maggie Hess. "The Gateway program creates a much smoother pathway for young adults to return to the classroom."

"Having the opportunity to become familiar with and comfortable in a university setting as nontraditional students eases the transition to post-secondary education," said Miami Middletown Dean Kelly Cowan. "Gateway encourages students to make a direct connection with post-secondary education while completing their high school coursework, making college or university the logical 'next step' after they earn their diploma.

"We are very proud of Christina's accomplishment and hope to see much more of her here at Miami Middletown."

Gateway to Success Coordinator Mikele Whittle (left) congratulates Christina Jones, the program's first graduate.

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(04/16/08)

Ron Garrett to Give April 23 Lecture at Miami Middletown

Ronald W. Garrett, professor emeritus of geography at Miami University, will give a retirement lecture on Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m., followed by a reception in his honor. Titled "The Role of the University in My Life," the lecture will be held in Johnston Hall Room 136. The lecture and reception are free and open to the public.

Garrett received a B.S. in geography from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and an M.A. in geography from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He completed all the course requirements for the PhD degree at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He came to Miami Middletown in 1974, just eight years after the campus was founded, following teaching posts at the University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin. During his years at Miami he was nominated for the Effective Educator Award and Student Government's Outstanding Teacher Award.

Garrett estimates that he had more than 5,000 students in his classes over the past 34 years at Miami. He has also traveled extensively over the years, visiting 35 countries on every continent except Antarctica. "Geographers need to see the places and things that they teach about," he said.

Miami University Middletown is located at 4200 E. University Blvd. For more information on this event, call (513) 727-3211.

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(04/03/08)

Art by Judy Southerland in MUM's Galleria

"Close to Far Away," an exhibition by artist Judy Southerland, appears at Miami University's Middletown Galleria through May 2. A lecture by the artist will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, with a closing reception to follow at 5 p.m.

Southerland's work features a combination of screen-printing, ink drawing, acrylic, oil and wax.

"How I use my eyes informs my work," she said. "Up close I can examine things in detail, feeling the solidness of it all. When I look into the distance there is more room in an atmosphere where things move, drift and spin. No matter how much I look, I know I am not seeing everything. The image in the camera is just a beginning. Too large, too small, too dark, too light — those things remain hidden. So I invent."

Southerland has a B.S. in art education from Auburn University and an M.F.A. in painting from American University. Her work has been shown widely in the Washington, D.C. area and in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Free and open to the public, this exhibition is open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Judy Southerland in front of her piece: In/Out of Place.

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(04/01/08)

Scholars and Artists Week is Underway

From web-building spiders to discovering tomorrow's energy solutions, a wide variety of topics is being covered at this year's Scholars and Artists Week Celebration at Miami Middletown.

Faculty and students at Miami University Middletown are participating in the weeklong celebration, March 31 - April 7. Posters and artwork are being displayed in Hawk Haven the first part of the week, moving to Johnston Hall's main hallway on April 3 and 4. Brief, 15-minute presentations will be given by participating faculty and students on Monday, April 7 from noon ­ 2 p.m. in Room 142 of Johnston Hall's Campus Community Center. A drawing for fabulous door prizes, including an iPod Shuffle, will be held at the conclusion of Monday's oral presentations.

Scholars and Artists Week is a celebration of the scholarly and creative achievements of Miami Middletown's faculty and students. This event is sponsored by the research and grants committee at Miami Middletown and is free and open to the public.

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(04/01/08)

MUM Hosting Free Workshop, Concert with Musician Peggy Seeger

Traditional musician Peggy Seeger, considered to be one of North America's finest revival singers of traditional songs, will be presenting a free workshop and concert during a two-day visit to Middletown sponsored by Miami University Middletown.

On Friday, April 4 she will present the interactive workshop "They're Singing Her Song: A Feminist View of the Image of Women in Anglo-American Traditional Songs" beginning at 10 a.m. in Verity Lodge on the MUM campus.

Then on Saturday evening, April 5 she will present a concert beginning at 8 p.m. in the former Bank One building lobby, 2 South Main Street in Middletown.

Both events are free and open to the public, but with limited seating.

Friday's workshop explores both the images and roles of women in Anglo-American songs from the 1600s onward. Seeger looks at the music of the past, and then compares those songs with contemporary pieces in which women are portrayed more in depth and with empathy and hope.

Saturday evening's concert will be a cross-section of traditional Anglo-American songs and contemporary pieces, many written by Seeger herself.

Peggy Seeger, sister of folk musicians Pete and Mike Seeger, grew up in a folk music family where her mother, Ruth Crawford Seeger, was recognized both for her own compositions as well as her faithful transcriptions of American roots music.

Seeger settled in England with her life partner Ewan MacColl, who wrote the famous ballad The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face for Peggy. After living 35 years in England, she returned to the USA in 1994 and took up residence in Asheville, North Carolina, and then moved to Boston in 2006 to take up a teaching job at Northeastern University.

She has 22 solo recordings and participated in over a hundred recordings with other artists. Today she records exclusively for Appleseed Recordings. Her 2007 recording project, THREE SCORE AND TEN, is a captivating 2-CD distillation of her 70th birthday concert in London's Queen Elizabeth Hall.

She has published 149 of her songs in The Peggy Seeger Songbook and a companion volume of Ewan MacColl's songs, The Essential Ewan MacColl Songbook.

Her website, www.pegseeger.com, contains further information, a discography, details about ordering, an itinerary and interesting insights into her creative life.

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(04/01/08)

Miami Middletown Downtown April Events Scheduled

Miami Middletown Downtown enters its second month with a slate of events that includes music, film, a book club, career help, chess club and a writing group. All events are free and open to the public at newly renovated space at 4 North Main Street, former home of the Masonic Temple, in Middletown.

On Thursday, April 10, the Chess Club will meet at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 15, Chuck Evans will be featured during a music hour. Evans, who plays guitar, flute and several other instruments, teaches at downtown's Gemini Music Studio.

On April 17, a "career changers" session on effective job search techniques and strategies will be presented. This program begins at 7 p.m.

On April 19, the Illuminati Writing Group will meet at 2 p.m. This casual writing and work-shopping group is for all levels and genres of writing. Peer critique and writing exercises will help you polish your craft while having fun with other local writers.

On Tuesday, April 22, the Booking It! Non-Fiction Book Conversations group will meet at 7 p.m. to discuss Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, a travelogue of soul-searching and self-discovery through Italy, India and Indonesia.

On Thursday, April 24, the Cult Film Cult will meet at 7 p.m. to watch and discuss That'll Be the Day (1974), the UK's answer to American Graffiti.

On Tuesday, April 29, the music hour will feature Brian Shepard's 20th Century keyboard and vocal music.

Miami Middletown Downtown is a multipurpose activity center designed to bring the campus and community together by providing flexible space for workshops, lectures, seminars, meetings, cultural events and more.

For more information on any of these events or other upcoming events at Miami Middletown Downtown call (513) 727-3200 www.mid.muohio.edu/community.

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