SouthernLife
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a newspaper for the campus community
Southern Connecticut State University
december 2013 • Vol.17 No. 3
inside:
4 In Pursuit of the 'Asian Unicorn' 5 Caregiver Robots Raise Ethical Questions?
Nanotech Center Opens Doors to Cutting-Edge Fields Connecticut
college students inter-
ested in pursuing the applied sciences
will have more opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research thanks to the newly designated ConnSCU Center for Nanotechnology that will be based at Southern. The designation by the state Board of Regents for Higher Education opens the door for students and faculty members from the 16 other institutions in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system to pursue collaborative research and partner with representatives from business and industry. The center has been operating for several years as a Southern-based facility, offering hands-on training in a field that draws upon several scientific disciplines — including chemistry, biology, physics and engineering. Students use specialized equipment, including a state-ofthe-art microscope that uses electrons to image materials on the atomic scale. The National Science Foundation estimates that 2 million workers will be needed to sup-
port nanotechnology industries worldwide within the next 15 years. Nanotech is already being used to produce new medicines, improved medical imaging tools and more durable construction materials, as well as energy-efficient power sources like fuel cells, batteries and solar panels. “It’s a very exciting time for us, especially as we await the opening of a new science building (projected in 2015), which will enable us to do more things with a state-of-the-art facility and equipment,” says Christine Broadbridge, chairwoman of the Physics Department and the director of the center. The new center will soon include research in the nano-medicine field. Broadbridge says that Southern faculty from the departments of Chemistry, Biology and Physics will be working together to develop topics such as examining how drugs are delivered in the human body, and research and development for new medical devices and implants. The center will also feature environmental
Research opportunities await students in the newly designated ConnSCSU Center for Technology at Southern.
applications of nanotechnology — such as testing products that can sense microscopic pollutant particles — and manufacturing applications of nanotech. These include creating more durable products and examining devices that can enhance the speed of computers. Broadbridge notes that a fellowship program affiliated with the new center is being developed. Several students who participate
in nanotech research at the center will be awarded a stipend annually. The stipends will be geared primarily to Southern undergraduates. “The idea is that the stipends will enable those students to engage in their research projects without having to worry about working a job during that period,” she says. “It also Nanotech continued on page 6.
Study Abroad a 'Transformative Experience'
Office of International Education Expands Offerings, Tailors Them to Students’ Needs
Looking at photos of the E iffel T ower is one thing;
for Southern’s full-time international non-immigrant faculty. Thus, over actually standing beneath it a short period of time, and gazing up at its immensity, and with no increase in with the musical sound of the staff, the landscape of the French language filling your OIE changed dramatically ears, is quite another. Such a while managing to mainmoment – and others like it – tain a student-centered is common for students who approach. OIE’s efforts choose to study abroad. Yet not seem to be paying off: only does international study during the past year, the enable a student to visit and office sent more students learn about another culture, it abroad and welcomed also “challenges you to rethink more exchange students and question beliefs you have and J-1 visiting scholars had all your life,” says Erin Erin Heidkamp than ever before, while Heidkamp, interim director of expanding its programming to suit the needs the Office of International Education (OIE). of a much broader range of students. “It changes everyone in a different way.” Most notably, Heidkamp says, OIE has When Heidkamp first came to Southern seen a 25-percent increase in study abroad about four years ago, OIE dealt strictly with participation, with even greater participation study abroad. In most cases, Heidkamp anticipated for 2014, based on long-term explains, international program offices serve study abroad applications submitted for all members of the campus community and spring and fall and summer program abroad manage multiple programs and services, sign-up lists. Southern’s faculty-led spring including individual study abroad, facultybreak and summer program offerings for led programs abroad, risk management 2014 have seen a 40-percent increase, with for study abroad, internships, scholarships, Jamaica, Brazil, Armenia and a re-envisioned international insurance, immigration advisChina program joining the seven existing ing and much more. But at Southern, these programs (Bermuda, Guatemala, Iceland, programs and services developed over Paris, Rome, Spain and Tuscany), as well as more than two decades in three different a 40-percent increase in reciprocal exchange offices: International Programs, Sponsored partner universities. OIE has also estabPrograms and Research, and International lished National Student Exchange (NSE) Student Services. as a “study away” experience for students In January 2012, OI E was formed, unable or not yet prepared to study abroad. merging the former Office of International Finally, the office reinvigorated the univerPrograms and the Office of International sity’s J-1 Visa Visiting Scholar Program, with Student Services. Following Heidkamp’s 15 international J-1 visiting scholars having appointment as interim director of OIE, visited Southern during the 2012-2013 she began to transition all international academic year. programs and services into a single office “Our students like the faculty-led pro— the OIE. grams,” Heidkamp says, explaining that S h e a l s o t o o k o n the additional many Southern students have never left the responsibility of handling H-1B visas
United States before, so they appreciate the structure a professor adds to the experience. She points out that with so many Southern students having jobs and other outside obligations, taking a whole year or semester to go abroad is not always feasible, thus the popularity of the shorter-term programs. Heidkamp says she had expected that the longer-term programs would have a bigger impact on students but has found that students return from the four- to six-week programs “transformed.”
Strengthening the university’s program in international education was part of the university’s 2007-2012 Strategic Plan: “Preparing students and faculty for life and work in a global society” is one of the plan’s overarching goals and strategic initiatives, and such preparation includes expanding international opportunities for both students and faculty. Heidkamp says it remains to be seen how global education will fit into the university’s new strategic International continued on page 6.
Boost for Buley The renovation of Buley Library will now be completed in full after a legislative Financial Advisory Committee endorsed Southern’s request to use reserves and other money to cover the $8 million cost of finishing the library’s second, third and fourth floors. This part of the project was previously unfunded. As a result, the renovation work will now be finished by January 2015, with move-in taking place during the winter break. "The new-look Buley will offer our students the latest in media technology in a modern and attractive facility,” says President Mary Papazian. The project includes the creation of an art gallery, as well as space for media collections, special collections and a reading area on the ground floor. The first floor will be highlighted by a cyber café and an “information commons,” offering a variety of resources for students. Plans call for the second floor to include classrooms, computer teaching labs and a Fac-
ulty Development Center. The third floor will be home to the Library Science Department and staff, and also house a tutorial center, offering support in writing, math and science. The fourth floor will be occupied by library administration and OIT offices. “The long wait will have been worth it as we develop Buley into a true library for the 21st century, providing the best possible environment for teaching, learning and research,” Papazian says.
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A Message from the President
President Mary A. Papazian
Dear Colleagues, Thanks to all of you who attended our recent town hall meeting and other forums to discuss Board of Regents President Gregory Gray’s strategic objectives for the four Connecticut State universities. The discussion was informed and insightful, and I have used many of the general themes to help shape Southern’s response to this document. It is important to emphasize that this proposed plan is a starting point for discussion, and this period of review offers us an excellent opportunity to have our collective voice heard and align our own planning with a broader ConnSCU vision. No one should lose sight of the fact that we are and will remain a comprehensive university, with many areas of academic strength, built upon the bedrock of a liberal arts education. As I have stated several times, effective workforce development cannot take place
Elves abound at the recent Faculty and Staff Campaign for Student Success in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center.
without the liberal education that provides the critical thinking, the analytical reasoning and the communication skills that are all so vital in our continually evolving economic climate. But as we seek to win legislative and gubernatorial support for a plan that would potentially see an injection of major public funding into Southern and our sister campuses, it is also important to identify areas of strength that resonate with the state’s current and future demands for a knowledge-based workforce. In the long run, this public support would enhance our university as a whole, advancing our mission as a comprehensive, public university providing affordable access to higher education. Dr. Gray is expected to release a more fullydeveloped plan for the system around the start of the new year, and I will keep you informed as developments unfold. In exciting news regarding the Buley Library renovation, we received legislative approval to use reserves and other funds to cover the $8 million cost of finishing the second, third and fourth floors. This means that the complete project will now be finished by January 2015, offering our students the latest in media technology in a modern and attractive facility. The sciences also received welcome news with the designation of the ConnSCU Center for Nanotechnology at Southern by the Board of Regents. This move opens the door for students and faculty members from the 16 other institutions in our system to pursue collaborative research and partner with representatives from business and industry. The newly designated center arrives at an opportune time, as our new science building and related equipment will offer myriad possibilities for our program to grow in new directions, such as nano-medicine.
As this publication goes to print, we are nearing the conclusion of our remaining senior leadership searches. Finalists have been interviewed for the provost position, and we have named a new dean of the School of Education, Stephen J. Hegedus. Stephen is a professor of mathematics and mathematics education at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he has taught since 2000. Previously, he held appointments as research fellow, educational consultant and lecturer at the University of Oxford in England. At his present institution, he is also the founding Director of the Kaput Center for Research and Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. Stephen is the principal or co-principal investigator of various projects funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education and his present work involves the study and development of dynamic software environments. This project includes the professional development of pre- and inservice teachers and the large-scale integration of innovative technologies into K-12 curriculum. I believe that Stephen’s range of experience, talent for innovation and deep commitment to student success will serve our School of Education well. Please take the opportunity to welcome him personally to campus when he joins us Aug. 1. In closing, I thank you for all of your accomplishments during the fall semester, and I wish you a have and relaxing Holiday Season with friends and family. Sincerely,
Mary Papazian, Ph.D. President
News from the Vice Presidents’ Offices SouthernLife
Published by the Southern Connecticut State University Office of Public Affairs Patrick Dilger, Director Editor
Patrick Dilger writers
Betsy Beacom Mike Kobylanski Joe Musante Villia Struyk Designer
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SouthernLife is published monthly when classes are in session, from September through June, by the Southern Connecticut State University Office of Public Affairs, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1355. News and calendar inquiries should be addressed to Wintergreen 162, campus mail, or call 392-6586. Story ideas, news items and comments can also be e-mailed to the editor at DILGERP1. The editor reserves the right to consider all submissions for timeliness, space availability, and content.
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ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Nominations for the state Board of Regents for Higher Education Teaching and Research awards must be submitted by Jan. 15 to Linda Robinson in the Office of the Provost. Any faculty or staff member, as well as any student, may nominate full-time, tenure-track faculty members who are either assistant or associate professors, according to Marianne Kennedy, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. The teaching awards recognize faculty members who have distinguished themselves as outstanding teachers for at least five years and have a track record of at least two years of promoting instructional improvements for their programs and/or departments. The research awards are given to faculty members from the state universities who are doing exceptional research/creative work. Awards will be distributed during the spring honoring the winners at both the campus and ConnSCU levels. “I would encourage members of the campus community to nominate noteworthy faculty members for these awards,” Kennedy said. Letters of nomination may be sent to Robinson in paper copy or via email at: robinsonl4@southernct.edu . The letters should be no more than two typed pages and relate the nominee’s teaching or research to the criteria for the awards.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
A committee will soon be appointed by President Mary A. Papazian to develop a new Master Plan for campus facilities, Executive Vice President James E. Blake has announced. The current 10-year plan is set to expire in 2014. A series of construction and renovation projects took place during that decade,
SouthernLife • december 2013
including the opening of the Michael J. Adanti Student Center; completion of the renovation and expansion of Engleman Hall; an addition of a wing to Buley Library and the start of a new academic and laboratory science building. “The campus was really transformed during the last 10 years and we anticipate some exciting projects in the coming decade,” Blake said. “One of the goals of the new Master Plan will be to support the new Strategic Plan,” Blake said. The university has begun work to develop a 10-year Strategic Plan, as well. Blake also reported that a steering committee has started meeting for the establishment of a new Recreation Center on campus. The center will be designed to expand student recreation and wellness opportunities.
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
The Celebration of Philanthropy was held Nov. 10 in recognition of Southern’s donors and the students who have benefited from their generosity. About 220 members of the Southern community attended the festivities, which took place in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center Grand Ballroom and included brunch. Speakers included President Mary A. Papazian; Teresa Sirico, president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors; and Robert L. Stamp, vice president for institutional advancement, who thanked donors for their generosity. Deans from the various schools also provided updates on their areas and expressed their gratitude for the support given to Southern and its students. On Nov. 25, the Senior Giving Campaign kicked off with a theme of “Thanks for Giving.” Throughout the campaign, members of the graduating Class of 2014 are invited to make a symbolic gift of $20.14, with funds earmarked for the Senior Class Fund for student scholar-
ships and initiatives. About 50 students pledged their support at the inaugural event, which was held in conjunction with the Senior Executive Board in the Engleman Hall rotunda. The participating seniors received many gifts, including a Class of 2014 T-shirt and mug, and will have their names included on a recognition banner at commencement. Additional Senior Giving events will be held throughout the year. For more information contact Jaime Toth at (203) 392-6514 or TothJ4@SouthernCT.edu.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Planning for Winter Welcome Week is under way, said Tracy Tyree, vice president for student affairs. Inspired by the success of Welcome Week at the beginning of the fall semester, a series of events is now being developed to welcome students back to campus in January, as well as to embrace and engage transfer students who will be starting their studies at Southern then. Tyree said that among the plans are welcome stations set up at indoor locations around campus and a Winter Fest with outdoor winterthemed activities. “We have between 300 and 350 new students – mostly transfers – starting in January, and it can be a hard time to start school because most students are in the middle of their year.” She said the goal of Winter Welcome Week is to help new students become integrated into the university community as quickly as possible, as well as to welcome back returning students and elevate the energy on campus. Ultimately, Tyree would like to see Welcome Week, at the start of both the fall and spring terms, become “a community experience,” with students, staff and faculty from around campus sharing ideas and contributing to the process.
Under Development
New VP Seeks to Take Southern to the Next Level in Fundraising
It’s a brisk autumn day in Connecticut and Robert L. Stamp, who joined Southern as vice president for institutional advancement in August, is planning for the future — both personally and professionally. “We’ve bought snow shovels and ice scrapers,” he says with a smile, recounting his family’s move from sunny Florida to New England. Preparation is also underway at Southern where Stamp is overseeing the development of a long-term strategic plan for the division — which includes
the offices of Alumni Relations, Development, and Advancement Services, as well as the SCSU Foundation’s business office. The ultimate goal is the university’s first comprehensive campaign, an all-inclusive fundraising effort that will provide critical support for scholarships, academic programs, facilities, athletics, the endowment and more. “We’re getting set for the marathon. It will require a lot of preparation,” says Stamp of the campaign, which is slated to begin in
Good Deeds
For more than four decades, the SCSU Foundation has helped Southern create a climate of excellence by overseeing the management of gifts from private sources. Recently, the foundation funded a number of new initiatives, all designed to help Southern’s talented students succeed. • Lending a helping hand in times of need, the Foundation Student Support Fund was recently established to provide students with financial assistance outside of the traditional financial aid process. “Members of the board feel strongly about contributing to students who require additional financial assistance for tuition/fees, books, etc. in order to ease their financial burden and support their efforts to continue with their education at the university,” explains David R. McHale, chairman of the SCSU Foundation. The fund may be used for a variety of purposes. Examples include assisting with the cost of tuition and fees for students who otherwise would be unable to remain at the university, covering the cost of books for students in need, and paying fees and other costs of off-campus educational programs during summer and other breaks. • The College Board estimates that the average college student annually spends $1,168 on textbooks and materials — a significant burden for those faced with financial hardship. Conceived in 1996 by Aaron Washington, associate dean of student affairs, the SCSU Book Loan Scholarship Program helps students with demonstrated financial need, annually awarding about 40 students about $500 each for course books. Students are issued a voucher to purchase textbooks at the campus bookstore and sign a written promise to return the books at the end of the semester. The returned books are then donated to the university’s Multicultural Center library to be loaned out to students in need. When the program recently lost its state funding, the SCSU Foundation stepped in, providing financial support for the much-needed program to continue. • Supporting experiential learning at its best, the SCSU Foundation is funding undergraduate research grants for summer 2014. The program will provide up to five grants of $3,000 each to undergraduates who are completing research in any academic discipline represented at Southern. A faculty mentor will guide each participating student. Students may accept the full $3,000 as a stipend, or if needed, a portion of the money may be used for expenses related to the project. For more information, contact Michele Thompson, professor of history, at thompsonc2@southernct.edu. • The foundation is funding the Civic Engagement/Service Learning Initiative, a program that provides educational benefits while supporting outreach efforts. The initiative will aid faculty in the development of service learning methods, which have been earmarked by the Association of American Colleges and Universities as one of various “high-impact practices” — those that research has shown to have an impact on student learning and progress toward graduation. The goal is to incorporate community work into the curriculum so that students gain real-world experiences that enhance their education while providing benefits to the community.
two years and run for five to seven years. “It’s not going to be quick, cheap or easy,” he continues. “But it will be truly transformational.” Stamp was drawn to Southern, in large part, by the promise of such a transformation. “I like to build things, and I knew there was tremendous potential at Southern,” he says. “Southern is very unique in terms of the opportunities it presents. Once I met Dr. Papazian, I knew I wanted to work with her and for her. I appreciate her vision and enthusiasm.” Stamp brings over 20 years of development experience to Southern, having held increasingly responsible positions at the University at Buffalo; the Center for Excellence in Education, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; the University of Rochester; and, most recently, Florida State College at Jacksonville — one of the largest collegiate institutions in the United States with an enrollment of more than 80,000 students. “Bob’s experience in both public and private settings has given him a broad perspective of the ways that advancement supports and transforms higher education,” says President Mary A. Papazian. “As we all know, private funding is vital at a time of shrinking state support for public higher education, and I believe that Bob has the skills, leadership and experience to move Southern forward in this critically important area.” Stamp describes his entry into the advancement field as an accident, albeit a happy one. As a college senior majoring in mass communication at State University College at Buffalo, he completed an internship with Easter Seals, focusing on special events. A job offer followed. He later joined the staff at Junior Achievement (JA), spending seven years with the nonprofit that provides business education to students in kindergarten through high school. “It’s an amazing organization,” says Stamp, who continued to work as a JA volunteer in middle school classrooms after moving on professionally. The transition to higher education came naturally to Stamp. (Both he and his wife are the first in their families to attend college and are firm believers in the importance of
Robert L. Stamp
higher education.) Before joining Southern, he spent five years at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where he served as the vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the foundation. Among his many achievements was the establishment of an Office of College Advancement during the transition of the former community college to state college status. Earlier, he was with the University of Rochester in New York, where he served as executive director of annual giving programs and, later, executive director of corporate relations. Leading a team of nine direct reports and 32 staff members, he increased annual giving performance 14 percent in one year, totaling $7.1 million. His plans for Southern are fittingly ambitious. Building up to the campaign launch, the division is heightening its focus on three key initiatives: the School of Business (including the facility, scholarships, and programs), athletics, and the Academic and Laboratory Science Building, for which there is an $8 million fundraising goal. “I am very optimistic,” he continues. “At Homecoming, many returning alumni said they didn’t recognize campus, which is in the midst of such a major transformation. They were excited and proud to learn about the tremendous progress that has made and our plans going forward. People will support our vision for Southern. The best is yet to come.”
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SouthernBrief ly To acknowledge the accomplishments of the university’s December graduates, Southern will hold commencement ceremonies on Dec. 18. The undergraduate ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. The graduate school ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Both commencements will be held at the Lyman Center for the Performing Arts. For complete details on the ceremonies, visit www.southernct. edu/commencement/. The university community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rose Cretella ‘61, MS ’66, last month at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. She served as a faculty member and administrator on campus for many years and was a past president of the SCSU Alumni Association. Born and raised in the Fair Haven section of New Haven, she graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in 1957. She was employed at Southern for more than 40 years, serving in many capacities. She spent 30 years teaching, lecturing and conducting workshops in death, dying and bereavement and was a longtime volunteer at The Connecticut Hospice. She was director of Southern’s Academic Advisement Center from 1995 until her retirement in 2009, when she received the designa-
tion of professor emeritus. Donations in her memory may be made to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. Mark Kuss, professor of music, performed recently at an event in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Embassy of The Netherlands to the United States. The program included remarks by Tina Tchen, assistant to the president of the United States, and executive director, White House Council On Women and Girls; Rudolf Bekink, ambassador of The Netherlands to the United States. The event was the launch of The Scheherazade Initiative: Celebrating the Resilience of Women and Girls in the Face of Violence. Kuss played the piano as part of a chamber music performance at the event, also featuring Carla de Kleuver-Leurs, concertmaster of The Netherlands Symphony Orchestra; and George Mathew, pianist and artistic director, Music for Life International. Kuss is Smithsonian Institution Resident Artist and Hesperus Ensemble pianist and composer, as well as a board member of Music for Life International. Buley Library is fighting hunger this holiday season. Students can help their community and reduce their Buley Library fines at the same time. For each can of non- perishable food donated, the library will waive $2 off from
an individual's current fines through Dec. 20. Suggested food items include: peanut butter, baby food, canned beans, cereal, canned fish/tuna, rice, canned fruits, gravy, canned meats, polenta, canned sauces, toothpaste, fruit juice, powdered milk and instant potatoes. Donations may be dropped off at the Buley circulation desk. Expired food will not be accepted. Overdue books must be returned to the library for donations to count as a payment of fines. For more information or with questions, contact Shirley Cavanagh at cavanaghs1@southernct.edu. The campus community is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Martin Moore, adjunct professor of special education and Southern alumnus. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree, as well as a sixth-year certificate, from the university. He is survived by his wife and three children, as well as many other family members. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Dec. 7. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Martin J. Moore Scholarship Fund for the benefit of the Moore children and may be sent to the Meriden School Employees Federal Credit Union at 285 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450. For information and on-line condolences, visit www.jferryfh.com
SouthernLife • december 2013
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International Attention Focuses on Rare 'Asian Unicorn' Laos
Bolikhamxay province, Laos where Saola was found
Mythical
creatures – the unicorn, the Loch Ness monster, dragons – fascinate us because a part of us wants to believe they are real. Who wouldn’t love to catch a glimpse of a winged horse soaring across the sky? One animal -- the saola, or “Asian unicorn” – recently came to international attention when a few blurry photographs of the once-thought mythical creature came to light. Scientists have known about the saola for many years, and minority peoples in Laos and Vietnam, where the animal lives, have known about it for centuries. Michele Thompson, Professor of History, studies the saola, having first learned of it 20 years ago. She says it is of real interest to biologists because it is so rare. “No scientist has seen one in the wild,” she says. “They have only seen saola that have been captured by local peoples.” The saola is said to have been “recently discovered,” but that is only by scientists. Archaeological evidence of it exists, Thompson says, dating from the first centuries. For instance, images of horned animals engraved on bronze Dong Son drums -- produced from about 600 B.C. or earlier until the third century A.D. -- were once thought to portray mythical
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SouthernLife • december 2013
animals, but those animals are now believed to be saola. She explains that the saola is not only its own species and its own genus, it is also its own tribe, which means that genetically it is very rare. Until recently, only the local people in Laos and Vietnam had seen the animal, which is unable to survive for long in captivity. “The issue of property rights in Vietnam got me fascinated with the saola,” Thompson says, explaining that the saola has been co-opted on a national level: the governments of Laos and Vietnam are claiming it, conservationists are claiming it and the minority peoples who know the animal best are claiming it. “There’s a tug-ofwar over this animal,” Thompson says. “Who does it ‘belong’ to?” Thompson has applied for a grant to go to Laos and Vietnam next summer to study the situation with the saola. Thompson refers to “transnational peoples” – groups that inhabit a particular area but do not recognize national boundaries. She says the transnational peoples in Laos and Vietnam had been disenfranchised but knew more about the saola than anyone else and had seen them. These peoples are being brought into the conservation effort, Thompson says, as their knowledge about the animal is recognized. Three photos of the saola, taken at night with infrared camera, were recently released, and one of the photos appeared on CNN last month. Thompson says these images were the first such photos to appear in 15 years. Only one of the three photos really shows what the saola looks like: an antelope-like creature with two horns positioned close together on the front of its head. In profile, the two horns can appear to be one, hence the comparison with the unicorn. Thompson says that, as with many rare animals, the saola have been poached via snares set in regions where they live. The minority peoples in the area who are now being brought into the conservation effort are being appointed as
Vietnam
guards to remove snares put out by poachers, among other conservation measures being taken. “Snares are having a terribly detrimental effect on wildlife in Southeast Asia, not just on the saola,” says Thompson. “Hopefully the local peoples have been more empowered in their own areas by their inclusion in the conservation efforts.” Thompson credits Bill Robichaud, a saola conservationist, as having done more than anyone to bring minority people into the conservation effort. Conservation groups are hoping to make the saola a “poster child” animal like the panda in China, Thompson says. “Everyone loves pandas, so people want to help them.” To preserve any animal you have to preserve habitat, which is good for the other wildlife and the people in the area. Thompson’s areas of interest include Southeast Asia and the history of science and medicine. Before she became interested in the saola, she studied medicinal plants and the practice of big drug companies coming into an area and appropriating plants with ingredients needed for drugs.
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SouthernProfiles
Music to the Ears of English Language Learners Children who are at risk for dyslexia and other reading disabilities are typically identified in kindergarten and first grade. And the traditional screening tests used are generally pretty accurate, at least for most students. But for those youngsters who speak little or no English, the identification process is not as reliable. A disproportionate percentage of English Language learners are deemed to have dyslexia because of confusion with a lack of understanding of English, rather than a genuine learning disability. In fact, one Vancouver study shows that twice as many students whose native language is not English were identified as dyslexic compared with native speakers. Three Southern faculty members hope to change those numbers through the creation of a screening test designed to take the language bias out of the equation. Jess Gregory, assistant professor of educational leadership; Laura Raynolds, assistant professor of special education/reading; and Walter Stutzman, an adjunct faculty member in the Music Department, have been working on the project for the last few years. The screening test has two components – checking for recognition of musical rhythm patterns and musical intervals. Each component encompasses a 10-question test that takes about five minutes each to complete. A student will hear the sounds on a computer screen and then touch the screen to indicate whether the two patterns they hear are the same or different. It will be used to test more than 100 pre-kindergarten through second-grade students at a school in Stamford starting in January. “One of the exciting prospects about this project is that the test would allow schools to identify more accurately which students have a reading disability, and consequently receive the proper support they need at an earlier age,” Gregory says. To date, the three faculty members are unaware of any screening test in the United States that eliminates understanding of English as a factor in the test results. Raynolds points
out that British neuroscience researcher Usha Goswami, who the three faculty members consider to be among the best in her field, has found a link between recognition of musical rhythm patterns/intervals and reading disabilities. “Our goal is to take that theoretical background and apply it to real life through our test,” Raynolds says. “If successful, we can use the test to identify children as young as 4 years old.” Stutzman says the test to the Stamford students will be administered via tablets, which are provided by the Office of Information Technology. “Another exciting aspect of this research is the interdisciplinary nature of it,” Stutzman says. He has been handling the technological and musical component of the research; Raynolds deals with the reading and special education components, while Gregory handles the statistical data. About 20 percent of all children experience difficulties with learning to read, which also affects their writing and spelling skills, according to Raynolds. She notes dyslexia
occurs on a continuum with a wide range of severity from mild to severe. Children with dyslexia and other reading disabilities can learn to read if they receive the appropriate instruction. Gregory says an early diagnosis is important so that kids do not become frustrated with learning in their formative years. On the other hand, being classified as having a disability when you don’t have one can create its own set of problems.
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A computer screen shows two of the same shapes (left) and two different shapes. After listening to two rhythmic patterns, the children will choose one of the two options to indicate whether the patterns they hear are the same or different. This program is designed to enable students who are not native English speakers to be tested on an equal footing with those who are native speakers.
(Left to right) Walter Stutzman, Laura Raynolds and Jess Gregory are developing a screening test for reading disorders that uses music to eliminate language bias.
Use of Robots as Caregivers Raises Ethical Questions Many children growing up in the 1960s and 1970s have fond memories of “The Robot” on Lost in Space and “Rosie the Robot” on The Jetsons. Rosie is known for doing the household chores and for her kind, quasi-parental touch on the futuristic space cartoon show. And what kid didn’t envy Will Robinson for being best buds with the ever-loyal Robot – a machine with a bit of human personality running through his power pack. A half century later, the real-life use of robots for caregiving and service purposes is on our door step. In fact, it’s already taking hold in a limited capacity in Japan and South Korea. And robotic devices are being used to perform surgery right here in Connecticut. In home health care environments, the aging population of Baby Boomers has already put a strain on an industry where the supply of qualified health providers simply does not meet the demand. As a result, there are many research projects underway in the field of home health care robotics, including mobility assistance for bedridden patients, and auditory and visual assistance for the elderly
cal Center, a robot that communicates But the technological advances with patients is controlled by a nurse that bring us closer to a widening use in another room and has a computer of robots – particularly those robots monitor that shows the face of that that resemble human beings – also caregiver. The machine’s name is Sam brings the world a new set of ethior Samantha, depending on the gender cal challenges, according to Krystyna of the caregiver operating the controls. Gorniak-Kocikowska, professor of And in Japan, as well as in many philosophy. nations in Europe, hospitals and nursing “I believe the role of caregivers will homes have been using robotic “pets” be one of the fastest growing areas of that are designed to lower patient stress development in robotics in the immeand decrease loneliness. That marks a diate future – both technologically and new form of “pet therapy” that is often commercially,” Gorniak-Kocikowska the role of a well-trained, docile canine. says. “As an example, they can be used in The potential to replace workers nursing homes to service several people at a time. I think you’ll see them coming This robot is designed to help the elderly with caregiver robots creates one of and disabled get in and out of bed and many ethical questions in terms of the pretty soon to a place near you.” to assist with their transportation. loss of jobs. “What could happen to Gorniak-Kocikowska notes the price people who lose their jobs because for each such robot is currently in the robots are used to carry out their tasks?" tens of thousands of dollars, but the costs are dropping. “There are other considerations, as well, which may have a That could tempt hospitals mixed effect,” she says. “On one hand, robotic caregivers can and nursing homes to use be used to help combat loneliness. On the other, replacing the robots to deal with real people with robots could lead to a reduction in human a nursing shortage that contact for the patient, which can have a negative effect.” is projected to worsen And just as assisted human reproduction has generated through the rest of the many ethical questions and concerns, the same may occur decade. someday if robots could reproduce themselves with or withIn fact, one U.S. hospiout human intervention. And what about the creation of a tal is already testing a robot true android? How much machinery placed into a human to serve as a sort of fill-in being would constitute an android? caregiver. At the University Those are among the questions bioethicists, philosophers, of South Alabama Medireligious leaders and others may be grappling with in the future, according to Gorniak-Kocikowska. Krystyna GorniakShe has presented papers at two philosophy/ethics Kocikowska, professor of conferences this year on this subject, at Ethicomp 2013 in philosophy, is Denmark and at “Ethics in the Information Age: A Mini examining the ethical Conference” at Southern. During the latter, her paper was issues the healthcare intitled, “Robotic Caregivers: A New ‘New Frontier’ in ICT dustry will soon face with use of robotic caregivers. (Information and Communication Technologies) Ethics.”
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SouthernLife • december 2013
5
End of an Era
Rich Cavanaugh congratulates one of his players during a game this year. Cavanaugh has announced his retirement after 29 years at the helm of the Owls.
Rich Cavanaugh sits upright in his chair at the head of a rectangular oak table, fielding questions from members of the local media. The mementos surrounding the Southern football coach help to tell the tales of a series of accomplishments, personally and professionally, during the past three decades. Footballs, trophies and photos complement the staples of any coach – note pads, a laptop and television for filming purposes, a whiteboard with a litany of information. Collectively, they all depict the story of a
legendary career on the Owls’ sidelines, one that will officially come to a close on Jan. 1, 2014. Four days after the Owls’ 2013 season finale against Merrimack, Cavanaugh announced his retirement as head football coach. He joined the SCSU staff in 1982 as offensive coordinator and, three years later, took over as head coach when Kevin Gilbride left for a position in the Canadian Football League. One hundred and seventy victories and four NCAA playoff appearances later, the
Kudos To…
Sandra Bulmer
Pablo Molina
Ellen Durnin
Sandra Bulmer professor of public health, has been elected to serve a three-year term as president of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). This non-profit professional organization was founded in 1950 to provide global leadership to the profession of health education, and health promotion and to promote the health of society. Business School Dean Ellen Durnin, received the Hamden Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Chamber Choice Award for Business Advocate of the Year. Durnin was also appointed as a member of the legislative Results First Policy Oversight Committee as a representative of Connecticut’s business community. Chief Information Officer Pablo Molina was
winningest coach in proat American International gram history walked away College in Springfield, Mass., on his own terms. where he earned both bach“I don’t know if there’s elor’s and master’s degrees. ever really a good time after After a stint as a graduate being here for so many assistant at AIC and as head years,” he says. “So, we coach at Branford (Conn.) said this is it. There’s always High School, Cavanaugh another team to coach. joined the Owls’ staff. From There’s always another the start, his impact on othgroup of freshmen that you ers has been immeasurable. brought in that you want Cavanaugh’s reach to see through until they stretches out to countless graduate. But it’s got to stop student-athletes who earned Coach Rich Cavanaugh, sometime.” their degrees and now affect stylin' in the '80s. Under Cavanaugh’s society in a positive manner. guidance, Southern claimed its first NCAA His tree also includes a host of former coaches playoff victory during the 2007 season. The and players who currently mentor young men Owls also earned a share of three Norththrough their roles as coaches at the youth, east-10 Conference championships (2006, high school, college and professional levels. 2009, 2010). Says Director of Athletics Patricia Nicol: The 2008 Northeast-10 Coach of the “Rich Cavanaugh has left an indelible mark Year, Cavanaugh finished his career with an on both our football program and our instituoverall mark of 170-131-1 in 29 seasons. He tion as a whole over more than three decades ranks No. 29 in NCAA Division II history of service to Southern Connecticut State in coaching victories. University. Over the course of his tenure, he Several Owls moved on to the National guided our program to newfound heights Football League after playing for Cavanaugh on the playing field, in the classroom and in at SCSU, including Joe Andruzzi (10-year the community. career with the New England Patriots, “The impact that coach Cavanaugh has Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns; had on thousands of student-athletes goes three-time Super Bowl champion); Jacques far beyond the wins and losses," Nicol says. Cesaire (eight seasons with the San Diego And as for Cavanaugh’s plans for the Chargers), Scott Mersereau (eight seasons future? with the New York Jets) and Travis Tucker “Nothing,” he says. “There’s no plan here. (three seasons with the Cleveland Browns). It’s retire and see what it’s like to not have to Cavanaugh acknowledged that coaching get up and go recruit kids and do all the things was a career path that was on his radar datthat you need to do to get ready for next fall ing back to his high school days. He played to put a good product on the field.”
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Science continued from page 1. gives those students the opportunity to learn the business side of science, such as marketing products.” The fellowship program will be funded through a gift from the Werth Family Foundation, which recently contributed $3 million to Southern’s science programs. The center itself is being funded through a variety of sources, including grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. Matthew
Enjalran, associate professor of physics, says he is hopeful the center will spark the creativity of students and motivate them to pursue careers in science or a technology field.“ A major goal of the center administration is to continuously strive to enhance our capabilities — personnel and equipment — so that we remain at the forefront of materials science research, education, and training, and thus provide future students and faculty with exciting opportunities,” Enjalran says.
International continued from page 1. plan, as well as the ConnSCU plan, but both President Mary Papazian and interim Provost Marianne Kennedy have been very supportive of OIE and its efforts to grow the university’s international offerings. “We must recognize that we are part of a global marketplace, and we must strive to give our students more international exposure at home and abroad," Papazian said in her State of the University address earlier this semester. “We can achieve our goal of preparing our local students for a global
world both by increasing opportunities for study abroad programs and by attracting more foreign — and out-of-state — students to attend Southern and further enrich the diverse tapestry of our campus.” OIE holds an annual welcome back event in October, to acknowledge the significance of students’ study abroad experiences, and a scholarship ceremony in April. This year, Heidkamp says, her office is coordinating with GEAC to hold a spring international festival on campus with speakers, performances and foods from around the world.
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Belinda Pearman
recognized as one of the “HITEC 100, Class of 2014” at the recent Hispanic IT Executive Awards Gala in Palo Alto, Calif. Molina joined a list of notables representing the top 100 most influential Hispanic Professionals in the IT Industry, including Timothy Campus, CIO of Facebook; Taddeus Arroyo, CIO of AT&T and Ramon Baez, CIO of HP. Associate Director of Athletics Belinda “Boe” Pearman was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame on June 22 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass. Pearman is in her eighth year as associate director at Southern and has spent more than 20 years in collegiate athletics as a student-athlete, coach and administrator, in addition to experience in professional sports and the private sector.
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Compost Happens As part of its efforts to demonstrate Southern’s commitment to sustainability and waste minimization, the Office of Sustainability is a recipient of a grant by the New England Campus Sustainability Forum to implement a composting pilot project in the fall. Graduate student Jim Hoffecker submitted the proposal, and the Sustainability Office called for volunteers to participate in the program by collecting material and then began composting, using a compost bin in the university’s community garden. The project – called 'Compost Happens' – is meant to demonstrate the ease of composting in both an urban and suburban environment and that composting can be a clean operation. Compost is to be used in the community garden. The project officially began last month. A team of student volunteers collected more than 12 pounds of compost in just four days.
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SouthernLife • november 2013
Carlos Arboleda, professor of World Languages and Literatures, congratulates students returning from a semester abroad in Spain during a reception hosted by the Office of International Education.
1896 September 11, 1893
Opening day for New Haven State Normal School. Arthur B. Morrill is principal.
• Normal School becomes “The New Haven Unit of the Teachers College of Connecticut.” • Normal School becomes a college.
1952
Southern Connecticut State College
1951
1961
Dedication of Arthur B. Morrill Hall of Science
1964
The groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Crescent Street campus
• Celebration of the opening of John Lyman Auditorium and th anniversary of the college • Pedestrian footbridge is completed.
celebration.
75
1969
Dedication of the Hilton C. Buley Library
1937
• The Teachers College of Connecticut becomes New Haven State Teachers College. • Principal Engleman becomes first president.
1944
Five new dormitories are dedicated: Wilkinson Hall, Chase Hall, Hickerson Hall, Farnham Hall and Schwartz Hall.
1970
G. I. Bill of Rights passes, requiring the Veterans Administration to pay the tuition and all other usual educational expenses for any veteran whose education had been interrupted or delayed by World War II.
1979
1973
Master’s degree program in social work approved
Nursing department graduates its first class.
1983
1980
1974
1977
Founders Gate is installed between Lyman Auditorium and Engleman Hall. It serves as a commencement day landmark and remains one of the modern campus’ few reminders of the college’s rich history.
1975
The college opens its day classes to part-time students and allows full-time students to take classes in the evening.
1998
Southern opens its first Wellness Center with a grant from the Connecticut Assets Network.
Southern Connecticut State College becomes Southern Connecticut State University.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Jennings Hall science building
1978
The first athletic contest takes place in James W. Moore Fieldhouse.
New Haven State Normal School Alumni Association.
1943
The Teachers College celebrates its 50th anniversary with a
At commencement exercises, Southern grants its first Bachelor of Arts degrees.
1968
The class of 1925, first to graduate under J. Laurence Meader’s principalship, forms a permanent
1933
NHSTC Owl
1959
1925
New home of a more modern Normal School located at 2 Howe Street opens doors.
1986
Board of Governors for Higher Education accredits Southern’s School of Business Economics, allowing undergraduates in the school to receive a
degree in business, rather than in business economics.
1988
1994
The first annual women’s fair is held in October.
1996
1989
American College Theater Festival selects “No, No, Nanette,” a glitzy musical produced by Southern’s Crescent Street Players as one of the six best shows presented by New England colleges and universities.
Admissions House is moved from Seabury Hall to Farnham House.
1999
2004
2002
The Doctor of Education degree (
2001
Southern celebrates the groundbreaking for a new state-of-the-art, $36.5-million Michael J. Adanti Student Center.
) Ed.D. is the first
Cheryl J. Norton becomes first female president of SCSU.
1992
Southern’s soccer team celebrates its third NCAA Division II championship.
2008
The addition to Buley Library is completed.
2009
Southern launches its Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing, the first of its kind in the state.
doctoral program in university history.
2007
2009
NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Champions
Nursing program celebrates -year anniversary.
40
2011-2012
Southern is reaccredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) through 2021.
2012
Southern launches its Ed.D. in Nursing Education program with Western Connecticut State University.
2008
2012
Southern celebrates
25 anniversary as
Southern Connecticut State University’s School of Business building opens.
th
2013
Amanda Thomas wins the NCAA Division II national championship in the 200-yard individual medley for the rd year in a row.
a university.
September 28, 2012
3
The inauguration of Southern’s 11th president, Mary A. Papazian
July 17, 2013
Groundbreaking for Buley Library renovation
September 20, 2013
Groundbreaking for the new Academic and Laboratory Science Building
September 2013
Jesse L. “Jess” Dow, founder of the intercollegiate athletic program at Southern, is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
You are part of Southern’s past, present and future. Your support is essential to the mission of educating Southern students.
Be a part of Southern’s timeline. giving.SouthernCT.edu
SouthernLife • november 2013
7
SouthernFocus
a photo essay by leon yacher
Where the Wild Things Are A tumultuous land of apartheid in its past, poverty in its present, and a thriving tourist trade that might rescue South Africa's future.
Soweto is now a tourist stop that includes structures commemorating the life and death of hundreds of people during the apartheid era.
The late Nelson Mandela’s leadership in South Africa is legendary by virtue of his strong desire for reconciliation as a policy that he believed would save his country from total chaos as apartheid -- legal separation of the races, with the white minority in total control -- ended by 1991. Apartheid was enforced through legislation by the National Party (NP) governments, the ruling party from 1948 to 1994. South Africa continues to rebuild, in spite of the many issues faced by most people in the country. Social problems continue to afflict the population, and the government is dealing with crime, cultural traditions and the fight against the spread of AIDS. In spite of such issues, tourism draws thousands of visitors to South Africa, most in search of adventure. The country’s tourist infrastructure is superior to that found in most other countries in the continent, and the landscape is impressive. Big animals attract most tourists to South Africa, with the preservation of animal life in its natural form a key policy of the country. When entering deep into the game reserves, a visitor gains a sense of nature’s cycles.
Much has changed in Soweto, but poverty continues to be pervasive.
iiiiiiii A hyena’s watchful eye can be a problem if it perceives that its cubs may be in danger. Poverty is especially pervasive in the Limpopo region in the northeast of South. This home near the village of Ngudza is an example. Locals buy a few bricks at a time as their budgets permit. Across the street from where Nobel Prize winner Mandela lived, family members established a restaurant for primarily foreign tourists. The street where Mandela lived is the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived near each other: Bishop Desmond Tutu resided only a few blocks away. Near the tip of Cape Town, the South African penguins are found in government-protected parks in Boulders Beach. This rhino survived a bloody battle with another male as his region of dominance was being disputed.
Inland travel shows visitors astonishing landscapes, often missed by most tourists. Big animals can be easily seen in the large reserves, and visits to these reserves can yield unexpected results. After a kill, a leopard may find a place to rest, posing no threat to tourists.
Most animals seem unperturbed by human presence, as with a group of baboons that stopped in the middle of a side road to rest.
For the water buffalo in the savanna, danger is always a reality, requiring vigilance. Those resting are faced in all directions, while those standing keep an eye out for potential predators. The elephant often escapes the confrontational nature of the wild. It is unlikely to be challenged by smaller animals owing to its size and it travels in large groups.
Lions, too, can be approached as long as they have just finished a good meal.
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SouthernLife • december 2013