News Archive

(05/29/08)

Miami Middletown Downtown June Events Scheduled

In June, Miami Middletown Downtown will present a slate of events that includes wellness seminars, 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, June 12, the Chess Club will meet at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, June 17, the Booking It! Non-Fiction Book Conversations group will meet at 7 p.m. to discuss Steve Lopez' poignant and hopeful The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music.

On Wednesday, June 18, a College Planning Program for Adults will be presented from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. This program is designed for adults who are returning to the classroom. In addition to basic information on how to apply for admission and financial aid, the discussion will include strategies to succeed in college, selecting a college major and the hopes and concerns participants may have about being a student again. Reservations are highly recommended. Light refreshments to be served. For more information, call (513) 727-3216 or 1-86-MIAMI-MID toll-free or email mumadmission@muohio.edu.

On Thursday, June 19, a "career changers" session will begin at 7 p.m. For those on the job hunt or thinking about changing careers, these seminars focus on a variety of useful topics, from finding your career path to job hunting to developing interviewing skills.

On Saturday, June 21 at 11 a.m., a Wellness Seminar will be held on How to Look and Feel Great for Life! Everybody wants to look and feel young, beautiful and healthy, but what's the best way to do it? You'll be surprised to learn how easy it can be—join Kate Duskey to get the real skinny on exercise, diet, beauty and plastic surgery!

On Monday, June 23 at 6 p.m., the next Wellness Seminar will discuss What Does "Green" Mean? The word "green" has become a buzz word for sound environmental living—but what does it really mean? Separate fact from fiction and learn how you can lead a truly green lifestyle!

On Wednesday, June 25 at 6 p.m., the third Wellness Seminar will examine Organic Foods: Are They Worth It? Does eating healthy mean you have to eat organic? What does "organic" really mean, anyway? Learn the truth about organic food and put it to a taste test against homorganic food!

On June 28, 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.

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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(05/28/08)

Michelle Christy Receives Darbyshire Award

Miami University Middletown Junior Michelle Christy has been awarded the W. Lynn Darbyshire Award for 2007-2008.

Christy, an anthropology major from Middletown, was vice-president of Miami Middletown's Student Government this year, also serving as president. She is president of the Pandora's Box classics club and is a member of the Botany Club. She helped organize a voter registration drive on campus and plans another one for this fall. She also worked with student government to host a leadership conference that brought 75 high school students to campus for a day.

"Her performance as a role model, along with leadership initiatives she has taken on, shines as an example for others," said her nominators.

The Darbyshire award is given each year to a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in a student organization, student advisory council, student employment, community service or campus committee assignment.

Darbyshire Award recipient Michelle Christy (right) is congratulated by Dean Kelly Cowan.

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(05/28/08)

Miami Middletown Downtown to Host College Planning Program for Adults

Miami Middletown Downtown will offer a free college planning program for adults this summer. The program will be held on Wednesday, June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be repeated from 6 to 7 p.m. on June 18 and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15.

These programs are designed for adults who are returning to the classroom. In addition to basic information on how to apply for admission and financial aid, the discussion will include strategies on succeeding in college and selecting a college major. Sessions will also address the hopes and concerns participants may have about being a student again.

Reservations are highly recommended and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call (513) 727-3216 or 1-86-MIAMI-MID (toll-free) or email mumadmission@muohio.edu.

Miami Middletown Downtown is located at 4 North Main Street, former home of the Masonic Temple, in Middletown. Parking is in the rear.

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(05/23/08)

Phi Theta Kappa Inducts New Class at Miami Middletown

More than 20 Miami Middletown students were recently inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.

The inductees included: Shirley Barnett, Katherine Burk, Rachael Fultz, Cynthia Pemberton, Alisha Pogue, Tiffanie Salmon, Jacob Shiflett, Emily Staples and Philip Trotta of Middletown; Jennifer Ferguson and Michelle Reimer of Franklin; Jennifer Liford and Christy McGuire of Springboro; Julianne George and Abby Reagh of Oxford; Lori Osterberger of West Elkton; Jodi Zimmerman of Camden; Shannon Southard of Trenton; Bryan Allen and Alyssa Reed of Liberty Township; Princess Fox and Lisa Middleton of Hamilton; Robert Helsley of Monroe; Michelle Gragg and Jennifer Smith of Lebanon; and Kelli Brewer of Germantown.

To be eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, a student must complete a minimum of 12 hours of course work and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible to join.

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(05/22/08)

Cincinnati State, Miami University Sign Articulation Agreement

Representatives of Cincinnati State and Miami University's regional campuses have signed an articulation agreement intended to improve service to students on their respective campuses and to support the State of Ohio's goal of improving its workforce through an increase in the number of Ohioans who complete certificate, associate's and bachelor's degrees.

The agreement increases opportunities for Cincinnati State and Miami University students to take advantage of both institutions' unique strengths. It will soon allow Miami University students to receive technical training at Cincinnati State, while Cincinnati State students will be able to transfer credits toward bachelor's degree programs at Miami University's regional campuses.

"This articulation agreement begins the process of making it easier for our students to transfer credits between institutions," said Cincinnati State Academic Vice President Monica Posey. "It will translate into more associate degrees and more bachelor's degrees for our students. Higher education in Ohio benefits when we find ways to work together."

The first program to be affected by the articulation agreement will be the Health Information Management program at Cincinnati State. Students will be able to take general education courses at Miami University's Middletown Campus and complete the degree's technical components through Cincinnati State.

"Many of our students have jobs and families," said Miami Middletown Dean Kelly Cowan. "We need to eliminate barriers and create clear and easy pathways to help them achieve their goals. We hope that the Associate Degree in Health Information Management will be the first of many collaborations that will benefit all of our students."

"Miami's regional campuses are very excited about this partnership," said Miami Hamilton Dean Daniel Hall. "Agreements like this will go a long way to ensure access and opportunity in Ohio and will certainly contribute to the Governor's goal of 230,000 new college graduates for the state in the next decade."

(From left) Miami Middletown Dean Kelly Cowan, Miami Hamilton Dean Daniel Hall and Cincinnati State Interim President John Henderson sign the articulation agreement that will create a seamless system of transfer for students at their respective campuses.

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(05/22/08)

Nursing Class of 2008 Graduates at Miami Middletown

Miami Middletown graduated more than 50 nursing students this spring.

The members of Miami Middletown's nursing class of 2008 are: Renate Back, William Brumfield, Sarah David, Regina Dunn, Irene Earl, Alana Gomia, Kelly Hatton, Heather Kimbrough, Jennifer Melton, Angel Murphy, Rachel Nusbaum Anna O'Banion, Sarah Richmond, Christopher Roberson, Jodi Robinson, Terry Snelling, Cristina Spanel, Amanda Swartz, Maria Thomas, Tammy Turner and Amanda Viars of Middletown; Katie Brown, Jeremy Floyd, Catharine Gustin, Sharon Neanover, and Melissa Ray of Trenton; Shirley Korey, Emily Linn and Jessica Trump of Liberty Township; Michael Callihan, Bethany Honeycutt and Heather Martin of Hamilton; Karon Alvarado of Fairfield; Amanda Barnes, Barbara Dunn, Elizabeth Haines and Ronald Longworth of Franklin; Shawna Rawlins of Carlisle; Brian Elleman, Joretta Kendrick, Janna Neal and Nora Schultz of Lebanon; Cindy Alexander of South Lebanon; Kathleen Gruenwald of Mason; Elisha Cotton, Joanne Major and Kimberly Montoya of Monroe; Debra Will of Morrow; Rachel Risner of Somerville; William Teager of Oxford; Jane Beckerman of Dayton; Stephanie Tortorici of Bellbrook; Rosa Barnett of Brookville; Sarah Schultz of Waynesville; Jeri Eastwood of West Chester, Michelle Hunt of Cincinnati; Wendi McClellan of Liberty, Indiana.

Lindsey Jones Cooley received the Ruth Ann Busald Award for academic excellence and leadership potential. Sarah Kitenda received the Nightingale Award, nominated by faculty or students. Heather Martin, Shawna Rawlins and Heather Kimbrough were awarded Clinical Achievement Awards for their ability to exercise nursing judgment in clinical situations.

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(05/21/08)

ENT BUV Finishes Third

Miami Mechanical Engineering Technology students Matt Farley, Dan Kay and Greg Ellison finished third in the National Basic Utility Vehicle (BUV) Competition last month in Indianapolis.

"Their three-wheeled vehicle was an excellent design but had a torque dampener fail in the next to the last event," said ENT Assistant Professor Gary Drigel. "They weren't able to compete in the last event but still finished third."

The Institute of Affordable Transportation sponsors this annual event to "harness the creative energy of college students from across the nation in an effort to develop a simple, low-cost utility vehicle that can benefit low-income people in rural areas of developing countries." The complex specifications included design, durability, speed, agility, cost, payload, safety and assembly time. The BUV was the team's senior design project.

Some of the other competing universities included: Alfred State (winners), Purdue University (second), Rose-Hulman, University of Dayton, University of Cincinnati, Milwaukee School of Engineering and John Brown University.

The Miami BUV team received a large trophy, Indy 500 qualifying tickets, medals, hats, jackets and a lot of pride. Congratulations to Matt, Dan and Greg for a job well done.

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(05/20/08)

Just the Two of Us Perform on May 27

Miami Middletown Downtown's music hour series continues at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27 with a performance by Woody Woodrey and Jerry Robinson, also know as Just the Two of Us.

Woody Woodrey plays the keyboards and has had innumerable 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. He also managed a secondary career in the field of music education as a choral director. He is a graduate of The Capital University Conservatory of Music and The Miami University School of Music.

Jerry Robinson plays the alto and tenor sax/clarinet. He has more than 45 years experience on his instruments and has played with all sized groups ranging from a duo to the traditional big band. In 1994 he completed thirty successful years of high school band directing and continues to be active as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University School of Music and holds a Masters degree from Wright State University.

Their repertoire includes music from many styles and eras. They have the capacity to touch all the musical bases. Included in their repertoire are at least the top four songs from any given year from 1932 to the present.

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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(05/19/08)

Citizens' Council Meets on May 20

The Citizens' Advisory Council of Miami University Middletown will hold its regular meeting at noon on Tuesday, May 20. The public is invited to attend this meeting, which will be held in Room 136 of the new Campus and Community Center in Johnston Hall.

The Citizen's Advisory Council is composed of 15 members from Miami Middletown's service region who serve as a channel for community interaction with the campus. The purpose of the Council is to represent the community's expectations and needs to the campus and to provide the campus with a direct means of communication to the community.

Time will be allotted for public comment. Faculty, staff and students are also encouraged to attend this meeting.

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(05/15/08)

Miami Middletown Downtown to Host Blood Drive

Miami Middletown Downtown will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Donors must be at least 17 years old, 110 pounds, in good general health and must bring a photo I.D. with their full name.

Everyone who registers to donate will receive a "parrothead" T-shirt and be entered into a Community Blood Center raffle for one of four pairs of tickets to the sold out Jimmy Buffet concert in Cincinnati on July 17.

For information on donor eligibility, visit www.cbccts.org, call (800) 388-4483 or email canidonate@cbccts.org. Miami Middletown Downtown is located at 4 North Main Street, former home of the Masonic Temple, in Middletown.

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(05/14/08)

MUM to Host Talent Show

Miami University Middletown will host its Second Annual Talent Show on Friday, May 23 at 7:30 pm in Dave Finkelman Auditorium.

Performances will showcase a variety of local talent from the Middletown community including MUM's Finest and the Dream Team Drill Team. FACES, a student organization, is sponsoring the show.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information on this event call (513) 727-3205. Miami Middletown is located at 4200 E. University Blvd.

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(05/12/08)

MUM Lists 2008 Student Awards

Miami University Middletown recently announced its 2007/08 departmental and leadership/service awards for students.

Departmental awards for academic achievement at Miami Middletown included:

Business - Breanne R. Eady (Trenton) and Michael A. Truman (Miamisburg).

Chemistry - Brandie Back (Middletown), James Burton (Middletown) and Tiffanie Salmon (Middletown).

Computer Information Technology - Jeremy S. Christman (Middletown), William A. Morrison (Middletown) and Josiah D. Tharp (Trenton).

Engineering Technology - Scott Tobias (Middletown).

Classics - Debra Garner (Middletown)

Communication - Alyssa Reed (Liberty Township)

History - Alex Duvelius (Loveland) and Craig Grassaway (Monroe)

Malcolm Sedam Award for Fiction & Poetry - Alissa Werner (West Chester)

Political Science - Felicia Berry (Monroe)

Sociology - Matthew Brashear (Trenton)

Family Studies & Social Work - MaryAnn Baker (Franklin)

Education - Katie Henry (Middletown) and Sarah Richmond (Middletown)

Anthropology - Michelle Christy (Middletown)

Nursing - Lindsey Jones Cooley (Miamisburg),Heather Kimbrough (Middletown), Sarah Kitenda (Cincinnati), Heather Martin (Hamilton)and Shawna Rawlins (Carlisle).

Leadership Service Awards were given to: Douglas Arnold (Middletown), Kelli Brewer (Germantown), Marianne Burgess (Franklin), Michelle Christy (Middletown), Alex Duvelius (Loveland), Bradley Fletcher (Franklin), Catharine Gustin (Trenton), Katie Henry (Middletown), Jeralyn Hidlebaugh (Middletown), Charles Hooten (Franklin), Adam Jackson (Middletown), Lauren Kirch (Mason), Michelle Lawrence (Centerville), Stephanie Miller (Camden), Shelby Pettus (Monroe), Craig Pitts Jr. (Middletown), Shayna Reed (Eaton), Gailon Revere (Middletown), Jeff Sams (Franklin), Scott Sears (Middletown), Allison Singhoffer (Somerville), Sean Taylor (Middletown), Jacki Toms (Middletown) and Meghan Woods (Monroe).

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(05/12/08)

Melbye, McDiffett Win MUM Teaching Award

Eric Melbye and Amy McDiffett are winners of the 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award at Miami University Middletown.

Melbye, recipient of the award for full-time faculty, joined MUM in 2001 and has taught composition and creative writing courses in the English Department. He has an approach to teaching that, in his words, "fosters skills in critical reflection, problem-solving, creative vision, and a comfort level with unfamiliarity that is necessary for innovation." In the literary journal called Segue that he established, Melbye instituted an Author Q&A section where he publishes e-mail dialogues between his students and authors to demonstrate that literature is "written by living people who do not live in ivory towers, who have day jobs, and who make the same kinds of mistakes and cope with the same insecurities as student writers do." Melbye regularly engages students in community-based learning and encourages his students to explore the connections between creative writing and the community. Melbye also serves as the Director of the Campus-Community Connection and has recently opened the Miami Middletown Downtown facility to provide space for workshops, lectures, seminars, meetings, and cultural events. As his role as an instructor, as advisor for The Illuminati, a student publication, and as a leader in community connections, Melbye demonstrates his dedication to his students. As a nominator said, "I can't think of a better instructor to learn from, emulate, and nominate for this award."

McDiffett, recipient of the award for part-time faculty, has taught in the Math Department at Miami Middletown for nearly fifteen years. Her classes have included a variety of math courses, mostly at the developmental and introductory level. One of her nominators said, "It is remarkable that Amy is able to reach such a wide range of different types of students, meeting them where they are at and consistently helping them make that very necessary step forward in math." McDiffett's caring and positive approach to teaching has benefited many students who might otherwise be at risk in higher education. As McDiffett put it herself, "I come with the perspective that I will meet the student where their knowledge is, not where I perceive or desire their knowledge to be" Her students also laud her with praise, saying, "Miss McDiffett truly cared whether we understood the subjects taught. She always answered our questions and made sure we truly understood before moving on."

Faculty, staff and students submitted nominations for the Excellence in Teaching Award. The nominees were then asked to provide a statement about their teaching philosophies and practices. A committee of six faculty members who were all former winners of the award then selected the recipients.

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(05/08/08)

Miami Middletown to Host Blood Drive

Miami University Middletown will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 in the Campus and Community Center, Room 142. Donors must be at least 17 years old, 110 pounds, in good general health and must bring a photo I.D. with their full name.

Everyone who registers to donate will receive a "parrothead" T-shirt and be entered into a Community Blood Center raffle for one of four pairs of tickets to the sold out Jimmy Buffet concert in Cincinnati on July 17.

For information on donor eligibility, visit www.cbccts.org, call (800) 388-4483 or email canidonate@cbccts.org. Miami Middletown is located at 4200 E. University Blvd.

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(05/07/08)

Heart of the Art Opens Downtown May 15

Miami Middletown Downtown will host an exhibition from the new Heart of the Art Studio from May 15 until June 11. The public is invited to meet the show's artists at an opening reception from 4 - 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. More than 70 works of art ranging in price from $15 to $200 will be available for purchase.

The Heart of the Art Studio features artwork created by people who attend the MRDD adult centers in Hamilton, Middletown and Liberty Township. Art displayed at the Middletown show will include drawings, paintings, clay fish and painted ceiling tiles. Proceeds from the sale of art are split between the artist and the studio, which are then used to purchase supplies for the program.

"Heart of the Art is succeeding on many levels," said Program Coordinator Kim Braunig. "It promotes the personal and educational growth of our clients, while giving them a way to earn money."

Miami University Middletown has provided marketing, planning and artistic support to the Heart of the Art program. Miami Middletown student Allison Singhoffer was artist in residence and advisor to many of the featured artists.

"This art has real 'wow' appeal," said Miami Middletown Assistant Dean Cathy Bishop-Clark. "Everyone who sees it is impressed with the creativity and joy it expresses. We're thrilled to be bringing the show to Middletown."

Miami Middletown Downtown is located at 4 North Main Street.

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(05/07/08)

Howard Receives SEAS Research Award

Lizz Howard, associate professor in Computer and Information Technology at Miami University Middletown, has received the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) Regional Campus Research Award. The award is given annually to an outstanding faculty member in a SEAS regional campus department to recognize outstanding accomplishments in research and scholarship.

Howard's scholarship has been focused on ethics, student learning, inclusion, learning styles, and related issues of collaboration and communication in computing. She has published in refereed journals and conference proceedings, given numerous professional presentations, and facilitated a number of workshops in these areas. Most recently, Professor Howard was invited to speak on Information Technology Ethics at the University of Oxford, U.K.

Howard began teaching at Miami University in 1995 and holds degrees in Computer Engineering and Systems Analysis. She teaches a range of courses in computing including computer architecture, Visual BASIC programming, and technology and ethics.

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(05/06/08)

Christman, Reed Named MUM Students of the Month

Jeremy Christman and Alyssa Reed have been named Miami University Middletown's Students of the Month for March and April.

Jeremy Christman, a junior computer science major from Middletown, was nominated for the award for his outstanding work tutoring five students in computer science and analysis. "He is responsible, reliable, kind and patient," says his nominator. "He assisted a visually disabled classmate to succeed in the class. I was surprised at how adept he was working with a student with a disability." Christman maintains a high GPA while helping others succeed academically.

Alyssa Reed, a freshman from Liberty Township majoring in family studies, was nominated for the award for her efforts as a campus volunteer. For the last two years, she volunteered to help with an admissions initiative. "Occasionally a real standout comes along and I not only get to know the student through their class work, but I get to know the student through their efforts to belong to the university community," says her nominator. Reed maintains a high GPA and has recently been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Miami Middletown.

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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