January 2008
Bookworms
This past fall I got to do something most college kids don’t anymore; I spent a few hours on a Saturday afternoon in a wicker porch chair, lost in a good book.
At the time, I had to finish John Grogan’s Marley & Me before half a dozen students arrived at my house for Porch Reads, a University-sponsored sophomore book club.
A year ago, my sophomore self eagerly signed up to receive a free book and participate in an engaging, hour-long discussion about the author’s techniques and the book’s themes. After three more books — some were hits and some were misses — I wanted to stay involved. As a junior, I am now offering up my house as a meeting place for dialogue over pizza and pop.
It’s refreshing to take a break from thesis papers and instead spend a few nights a semester debating passages with fellow bookworms. Though most are students I have never spoken to before, we bond over books. Just last week I ran into one of my new acquaintances from January’s Porch Reads, and we stopped to chat about the type of book we hope to discuss next. Whether we get our wish of historical fiction or not, we both agreed we’d see each other there.
My Old House: 231 K St.
When the finance majors living on the first floor of 231 K Street walk out on their front porch, they have an invitation to study: a view of Roesch Library just up the street.
Chris Rock, Maya Angelou and UD's Kathleen Henderson
It was a family celebration celebrating family on Jan. 23 when more than 200 relatives, classmates, co-workers and friends of Kathleen Henderson came together to celebrate her selection as the only "ordinary" person featured in the upcoming PBS series African American Lives 2.
The Kennedy Union ballroom was crowded for a sneak peek at the series, which premiers nationally Feb. 6 and 13 on PBS. Henderson, director of the office of first-year student engagement and a UD graduate, said she didn't mind being called the only "ordinary" person in the midst of featured celebrities including Chris Rock, Maya Angelou, Morgan Freeman, Tina Turner and Don Cheadle.
"I think that my experience shows that as a noncelebrity, that anyone can do this. Anyone can research their history," she said. "And as a storyteller and lover of faith and family, I want everyone to be inspired and challenged to discover their own stories."
Star motivation
When I heard that gospel musician Kirk Franklin was coming to Dayton for this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, I immediately set out to claim my seat Monday night at the Dayton Convention Center.
One problem: Tickets were $60, and I was broke.
To my pleasant surprise, I received an e-mail from a professor inviting interested students to a free lunch Tuesday with the three-time Grammy award-winning singer.
I realized the luncheon wouldn’t simply be lecture when I found the tables arranged in a large square with about 30 chairs occupied by high school students from the Dayton Early College Academy.
Franklin told them his personal story of a childhood lacking a stable mother and father and the loss of a sister to prison.
“In order to get out,” said Franklin, “you’ve got to have hunger. God don’t bless no mess … but you’ve got to want it.”
Amens echoed throughout the room.
I was pleased to witness the bond of trust and recognition grow between students and star though dialogue and sharing God’s helping hand. I’m certain it topped the $60 lecture.
Above: Kirk Franklin accompanied by UD Jazz Ensemble and Ebony Heritage Singers in Frericks Center Jan. 22. In addition to performing (link includes video), Franklin was the keynote speaker at the 21st University of Dayton Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Prayer Breakfast.
Quiet moments
Peace: a feeling that grows from its source.
On a cold day in January, two smiling Buddhist women openly talked and laughed. Sister Molini and Sister Dhamma Vijaya, both bald because of the lice that live with them in Nepal, appear so beautiful for their loving spirits come alive in their eyes.
Their lifetime of service is not a burden, but a delight. A trip troubled by postponed visas and a long flight is their calling. The frustration is part of their journey.
Now, they are here at UD ready to spread their inner joy, hoping not to convert but to help students find lives of peace and happiness.
For the third time, they are teaching students a greater understanding of Buddhism as well as the art of mediation. In every class and every interaction, they live the views they teach. Peace.
Major artists
It may be hard to guess the majors of artists in the eighth annual Honors Art Exhibition, which opened last Friday.
Or maybe not. Junior mechanical engineering major Andrew Fist fell in line by framing his three photography entries in no-glare glass.
“It’s usually pretty interesting to see what major each participant is and then compare his or her art to the personality typical of people with that major,” junior Alex Karas said.
Karas, an art education major, painted his "Still Life" (shown left) by focusing on composition, light and color. “I feel as though my exploration will enable me to better communicate at this general, formal level with my students,” he said.
Senior chemical engineering major Anna Van Auker displayed "Lake Louise," a photograph taken during an internship with the oil company BP.
The juried exhibit includes 31 of the more than 100 entries. Selected artists received a bookstore credit, while best-of-show winner Jodie Rupinsky, a senior photography major, received a scholarship award. The Honors Art Exhibition is on display through November in Alumni Hall room 125.
Best seats in the house
I have been waiting four years for this.
My senior year in high school the basketball team at the college that I had picked — UD — entered the NCAA tournament. After a disappointing loss, I was confident that next year would be better.
I cheered at every game as a member of Red Scare my first year at UD. But we were not good enough. The next two years I came to the games with the same hope, only to be disappointed at the end of the season.
But this year is different. I'm a senior. Our once young team has matured; they are up to the challenge. More Red Scare members are consistently attending the games.
I never want this season to end. Because next year, I will be cheering from a different section.
Editor's note: Last night, UD beat Rhode Island 92-83 in its A-10 opener. Before this season, the last time Dayton played at home as a ranked team was December 2003, before Sidor's freshman year at UD. Video from last night's game by Sidor.
A president's Christmas gala
In December, more than 200 guests joined UD President Daniel J. Curran to celebrate the Christmas season at the Dayton Art Institute and look to the year ahead, now upon us.
"Tonight isn’t about speeches, it’s about celebrating," Curran told them. "Tonight we are celebrating the Christmas season and we are celebrating you — our partners, donors, alumni, faculty and staff. In this season of giving, I want to thank you for the gifts you have given the University. Thank you for your time, your talent and your financial support. It is truly appreciated.
"Next year will be an exciting year for the University of Dayton and it is my sincere hope that you will accept my invitation to continue our partnership and journey together."
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