Earthy art

Mark O’Brien’s five-piece exhibit “Capable of Being” at ArtStreet is a study in texture and natural tones, ranging from a strip of tree sections that move from floor to ceiling to a trio of dark rust pottery jars. Each has an earthy feel, both in the colors chosen, such as russet, gold and brown, and in the mediums, including one piece that appears to be made of dried tree roots. O’Brien, a senior fine arts major, achieved his vision for the collection while at the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. He served as an assistant to Kyle Phelps during the UD professor's summer residency.

Susan Byrnes, director of ArtStreet, said she is impressed with O’Brien’s growth and the direction his work is taking. “He’s finding his own aesthetic,” she said.

O’Brien also has a permanent collection in the Campus South lobby that utilizes wire and geometric shapes.

A reception for “Capable of Being” will be held tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. in ArtStreet Gallery D. O’Brien's exhibit is on display through Oct. 10.

by Laura Edwards ’09 8-26-08

Laundry, life advice

As one of the top classes in UD history filed into RecPlex for Tuesday's convocation, some were dressed to the nines while others were rumpled and sleepy-eyed, present thanks to their RAs’ early-morning knocking. A few looked nervous.

President Dan Curran validated their apprehension but made a promise: "Your education will be rigorous, but you will be supported. ... I promise you: The University of Dayton will transform you.”

Three upperclass students implored them:
Be engaged.
Be responsible.
Be practical.
Do your work.
Find your passion.
Study abroad.
Serve.
And don’t wash dark clothes in hot water.

Along with the philosophical and practical wisdom came a public pledge of the honor code and pins to signify it. "Welcome to UD,” senior Gordon Schweitzer told them. “Welcome to a fantastic opportunity. Welcome home.”

Row along

As a freshman, Matt Bokermann ’03 thought he’d try rowing with the club men’s crew team. Eight years later, he’s still out on the water 10 times a week and on course for racing with a future Olympic team by winning the Club National Men’s Senior Lightweight Single event in July.

Bokermann took only a one-year hiatus from rowing after graduation to move to Chicago, start medical school and marry fellow UD rower Elizabeth Goins Bokermann ’05. When he returned from his honeymoon, he picked up the sport again and rowed by himself, an event called sculling.

“I went from the ultimate team sport to the ultimate individual sport,” said Bokermann, who was featured on the front page of The Philadelphia Inquirer (see photo). “Rather than just pulling hard, there’s a more mental aspect. You’re in charge of everything.”

Though he has a coach, it’s Bokermann who schedules his 6 a.m. sculling practices before his radiology residency. It was his choice to compete in the Club Nationals Singles event, his seventh race that week and the second of the day. And in a few years it’ll be his decision whether or not to try for the Olympics.

by Jennie Szink ’09 8-14-08

The century mark

Brother Frank Deibel, S.M., celebrates his 100th birthday tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 13. In the spring issue of UDQ, the computer-savvy Marianist offered readers a bit of advice: "Pray. Go to Mass. Go for walks. Do them every day. And keep up with the computer. It can keep you connected to life."

You're a blessing Brother Frank. Thank you and happy birthday.

by Mike Dunekacke 8-12-08

Editor's note: You can read all of Mike's "Back Porch" profile of Brother Frank on the back page of the Spring 2008 University of Dayton Quarterly.

Songs of Jamaica

Senior Liz Crombie nervously walked into a Jamaican infirmary holding her guitar and met four elderly women’s blank stares. She began strumming a Jamaican folksong and watched out of the corner of her eye as one woman picked up a bible, as though there was no entertainment in front of her. The woman chose a page and quietly sang a verse to herself, the three others following her lead. Though it had not been Crombie’s choice of song, she quickly switched cords and witnessed the music spark something in these once feeble women, now clapping their hands and singing loudly.

Crombie thought she would be ready to return home after spending 12 nights in a thatched hut with four other UD music therapy and music education majors in May. She changed her mind when she and other university students volunteered in an open-air infirmary (Jamaica’s answer for a nursing home) and two elementary schools (one for the mentally disabled). With the help of music professor Susan Gardstrom, they picked up on the Jamaican language patois, folk songs and drumming.

Though the Jamaican field service project didn’t leave time to devise a goal sheet or a lesson plan, the look on Crombie’s patients’ faces told her she had accomplished all that she came to do.

by Jennie Szink ’09 8-6-08

Tonight's starting pitcher

UD’s former “strikeout king” is back in Ohio, throwing the heat tonight for the Washington Nationals’ AAA team, the Columbus Clippers.

The Nationals drafted Craig Stammen in the 12th round of the 2005 MLB Draft. He was promoted from Class A Potomac to AA Harrisburg Senators in June and was named the Bank of America Eastern League Pitcher of the Week in July.

A native of Versailles, Stammen played baseball for three years at UD and finished his final season 9-6, the second most wins in Flyer single-season history. At UD, he ranks third in career saves (10), fourth in appearances (60), fifth in career innings pitched (231.2) and complete games (12). He was his team’s Opening Day starter for three straight seasons: UD in 2005, Savannah in 2006 and Potomac in 2007.

by Jennie Szink ’09 8-4-08

Editor's note: Stammen left the game one out into the fifth inning after giving up a two-run double that put the Norfolk Tides up 6-4. Stammen's line on the night: 75 pitches (48 for strikes), 4.1 innings, 10 hits, 7 ER, 3 K. His record with the Clippers dropped to 0-2. In a profile in today's Columbus Dispatch, Clippers manager Tim Foley praised the quickly rising pitcher's potential: "I like him a lot. He's got good stuff, a good fastball, and good command of his pitches."