One of my harder tasks is writing obits for faculty, staff, etc. In today's Inquirer is an obit about Dr. Howard Hannum, a retired professor of English who would join my lunch crowd every Wednesday until he became too ill to attend.
Dr.Hannum did not talk about himself much, and there weren't too many materials about him in the University archives: if you knew Howard, you would not be surprised at that. What made his obit so compellilng is that his family made a memoir he wrote available to Sally Downey, who wrote the obit. Called "Hannum's War," it is a 20,000 word document about his service in WWII; he went overseas when he was barely 20, and saw action. He also saw many horrors and wrote about them, but he never made any attempt to publish the piece. Again, if you knew Howard, you would not be surprised at that.
Colleagues and students described him as a tough but fair teacher, and John Seydow, a former student and current La Salle English professor, said he prepared students for graduate school better than any other teacher.
I will miss Howard, but thanks to the Inquirer, many people will know about him, and for that I am grateful.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The play's the thing....
On Oct. 28 a film called "Anonymous" opens; it's premise is that someone other than William Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare's plays. This notion has been aorund for three centuries, but scholars, such as retired La Salle professor Robert Fallon, believe it's nonsense. Yet, when he taught classes with older students, "It was the first thing they asked me." I hope to get Dr. Fallon interviewed by the media on this topic around the film's opening. He, of course, wants to see it first.
On a related matter, Actor Ralph Finnes stars in and directs a film based on Shakespeare's play, "Coriolanus." It's considered one of the Bard's lesser works, and is rarely performed. I hope to again get Dr. Fallon interviewed about why this play doesn't rank with Shakespeare's best; also, Shakespeare set his play in ancient Rome; Finnes has set his film in the present day; many productions and film versions of Shakespeare's plays have had their time and location changed; the results are usually mixed. Dr. Fallon doesn't think this is a particularly good idea, and I hope I can get him interviewed about that, too.
On a related matter, Actor Ralph Finnes stars in and directs a film based on Shakespeare's play, "Coriolanus." It's considered one of the Bard's lesser works, and is rarely performed. I hope to again get Dr. Fallon interviewed about why this play doesn't rank with Shakespeare's best; also, Shakespeare set his play in ancient Rome; Finnes has set his film in the present day; many productions and film versions of Shakespeare's plays have had their time and location changed; the results are usually mixed. Dr. Fallon doesn't think this is a particularly good idea, and I hope I can get him interviewed about that, too.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Overheard....
On 10/2, at La Salle's honors convocation, we presented an honorary degree to Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Insitute (he gave a great talk) and who does a weekly spot on WHYY. Before the ceremony, I overheard Pitts tell someone, "People tell me I sound shorter on the radio." Pitts is 6/4": I asked him if I could send that quote to Dan Gross, a columnist at the Philadephia Daily News, and he said, OK. Dan's column is pretty much about local celebrities or when famous people are in town, but he also likes the occasional quip or anecdote IF there's a good hook or angle to it. Dan published at item about Derrick's comment and his recieving an honorary degree from La Salle. (Before that, he wrote how a student responded to a tweet and shorter after that a crew from ABC News w/Diane Sawyer filmed her family having dinner.) In these two examples, there was a "name" involved, Derrick and Sawyer.
One a personal note, I was shocked to learn that this was Derrick's first honorary degree! He was really honored by the recognition and had a great time on campus. Following the convocation, there's a reception for the students and their families, and I took Derrick there, thinking we'd spend five minutes: well, a bunch of folks came up to said, I always hear your show on the radio, and my son wants to be a scientist and can we take your picture with him?" Derrick was very gracious and we stayed more than five minutes.
One a personal note, I was shocked to learn that this was Derrick's first honorary degree! He was really honored by the recognition and had a great time on campus. Following the convocation, there's a reception for the students and their families, and I took Derrick there, thinking we'd spend five minutes: well, a bunch of folks came up to said, I always hear your show on the radio, and my son wants to be a scientist and can we take your picture with him?" Derrick was very gracious and we stayed more than five minutes.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
TV is a last-minute medium
Not that long ago a La Salle student, communication major Jodi Gilbert responded to a twitter by ABC Evening News to see if she'd be willing to participate in a story about a study that found that families who spend time together, particuarly at dinner, have children who have fewer problems with drugs an alcohol. Because TV is the medium it is, nothing is ever settled until the last minute. Well, ABC contacted Jodie and asked if they could film her family that night -- in three hours! Well, the cameras showed up and the family was on the air.
Philadephia Daily News columnist Dan Gross reported this in his column today -- I think he was intrigued with the last-minute angle of the story. Here's a link to it:
www.phillycom/philly/columnistsdan_gross/20110929/_Dan_Gross_Karen_Hepp_a_theft_victim.html
Philadephia Daily News columnist Dan Gross reported this in his column today -- I think he was intrigued with the last-minute angle of the story. Here's a link to it:
www.phillycom/philly/columnistsdan_gross/20110929/_Dan_Gross_Karen_Hepp_a_theft_victim.html
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Now that the 10th anniversary of 9/11 is past...
I was pretty busy with the 10th anniversary of 9/11: some of the results were Social Work professor Janine Mariscotti talking on KYW Newsradio about the "recovery" of 9/11, both as a nation and on an individual basis. Philosophy Professor Robert Dobie wrote an oped for the Philadelphia Inquirer on the cultural differences between west and east that still plauge relations; English professor Kevin Grauke quoted in an Inqurier story on how 9/11 affected literature; and the Philadelphia Daily News ran photos of our students planting more than 2,700 American flags on the quad (one for each victim) and a candlelight vigil held on 9/11.
Some 9/11 stories were done by August.
Now back to the usual business of student achievements, faculty expertise and all things La Salle.
Some 9/11 stories were done by August.
Now back to the usual business of student achievements, faculty expertise and all things La Salle.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The smartest student they ever had...
I asked a few professors here who was the smartest student they ever had. Two, John Rossi and George Stow of the history dept., said William Burns, Jr. a 1978 grad who went on to do graduate work at Oxford. Burns has been ambassador to Jordan and Russia and on 9/8 wil be named Deputy Secretary of State. He has a helluva resume (fluent in three languages, special envoy on numerous occasions), but I wondered what would attract the Inquirer or Daily News about him. Well, his roots in Philly, for one, but in my emails to the papers I told two stories about Burns and what Rossi and Stow said. Stow recalled how he was lecturing and Burns was in the back of the room with his head bowed and hands folded in his lap. Stow thought Burns was bound for trouble, but after reading the first two pages of his first test Stow was astonished at what Burns wrote: he had absorbed all the lectures and readings.
I was hoping the two contrasts: the seemingly unasuminig but brillliant student who also happens to be a pretty good basketblal player, would intrigue them. I guess it did. Here's a link to the story:
http://www.philly.com/philly/insights/in_education/20110905_Soon_to_be_deputy_secretary_of_state__William_Burns_set_his_course_at_La_Salle.html
I also mentioned to the Inquirer and Daily News that Burns was a pretty good basketball player! On 9/5, the Inquirer ran a longish story about Burns; here's the link
I was hoping the two contrasts: the seemingly unasuminig but brillliant student who also happens to be a pretty good basketblal player, would intrigue them. I guess it did. Here's a link to the story:
http://www.philly.com/philly/insights/in_education/20110905_Soon_to_be_deputy_secretary_of_state__William_Burns_set_his_course_at_La_Salle.html
I also mentioned to the Inquirer and Daily News that Burns was a pretty good basketball player! On 9/5, the Inquirer ran a longish story about Burns; here's the link
Friday, August 26, 2011
First and Earthquake, now a hurricane
Hurricane Irene is making its way up the East Coast: supposed to hit the DelawareValley on Sat. night with plenty of winds and rain; already La Salle officials are meeting to implement emergency plans, strategies, etc.
Yesterday was freshmen move-in day and for the first time in my 14 years here it rained! The picnic was moved indoors and lines were long, but students and their parents were incredibly patient. Channel 29 showed up early but by 10ish no other stations had showed up to film the scene; I thought they were all down the shore on hurricane alert; turns out Channel 6 showed up and aired a report. I guess they swung by on their way back from the Jersey coast.
Freshmen convocation featured SGA president Amy Esselman addressing the fresh and parents (she was great) and alum Frank Cervone talking about the "Essential Question" that all freshmen must read/study/write. He finished brilliantly.
Today is sunny and warm: the literal calm behind the storm.
Yesterday was freshmen move-in day and for the first time in my 14 years here it rained! The picnic was moved indoors and lines were long, but students and their parents were incredibly patient. Channel 29 showed up early but by 10ish no other stations had showed up to film the scene; I thought they were all down the shore on hurricane alert; turns out Channel 6 showed up and aired a report. I guess they swung by on their way back from the Jersey coast.
Freshmen convocation featured SGA president Amy Esselman addressing the fresh and parents (she was great) and alum Frank Cervone talking about the "Essential Question" that all freshmen must read/study/write. He finished brilliantly.
Today is sunny and warm: the literal calm behind the storm.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Earthquake
I was at my desk typing on my computer when my it seemed as if the desk was moving side to side...Was I dreaming and coming out of sleep, I wondered, but then I realized it must have been an Earthquake. It was: a 5.8 Richter scale beauty in Virginia that stretched up to Rhode Island. Some people left our building. I got on the phone and called Geology Prof. Hank Bart, who's our Earthquake expert; he wasn't in his office or home.
Monday, August 22, 2011
9/11/2011: Ten years
Sunday, Sept. 11 marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I recall when/where I was when I first heard, and then watching the TV for hours on end and being horrified at the images. The American media is already at work planning special sections, stories, broadcasts, etc. I've tapped into a few experts to see what they have to say and recall. Two professors went to NYC later that day to counsel not only survivors but counselors who had been working with survivors. As Sept. 11 falls on a Sunday, the University will be having a memorial service. Also, an annual event here is the planting of more than 2,700 flags on the campus quad, one flag for each person who died in the attacks.
I've asked Dr. James E. Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students here, for his thoughts on how college students have been affected by 9/11, from the day it happpened until now. There are professors here who specialize in Islamic theology/philosophy; I'm curious as to what they might have to say on the topic from a variety of perspectives.
I've asked Dr. James E. Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students here, for his thoughts on how college students have been affected by 9/11, from the day it happpened until now. There are professors here who specialize in Islamic theology/philosophy; I'm curious as to what they might have to say on the topic from a variety of perspectives.
The class of 2015
On Thursday the freshmen move into the dorms: nearly 800 or so. They will be the class of 2015. I can't believe the summer has gone by this quickly. Oh well, it's the nature of things. We have two sets of brother-sister twins coming here, one pair from England and the other from Nigeria.
TV loves covering the move-in story: lots of pictures of parents and children lugging furniture, TVs, computers, etc. up flights of stairs. Some of the athletic teams are given the day off from practice if they help the families with the moving. La Salle is one of the first colleges in the area to have students move into dorms, so we're lucky on that score. Among the incoming freshmen are several Eagle Scouts, a New Jersey life guard who rescued a drowning swimmer this summer, a student who illustrated a children’s book, a student who was class president for four years at their high school and one who was the MVP in Philadelphia Catholic League for soccer.
BTW, reporters are already working on stories about the "back to school" shopping season. We're hoping that Prof. Swee-Lim Chia of the marketing department can be useful for this (he has in the past).
TV loves covering the move-in story: lots of pictures of parents and children lugging furniture, TVs, computers, etc. up flights of stairs. Some of the athletic teams are given the day off from practice if they help the families with the moving. La Salle is one of the first colleges in the area to have students move into dorms, so we're lucky on that score. Among the incoming freshmen are several Eagle Scouts, a New Jersey life guard who rescued a drowning swimmer this summer, a student who illustrated a children’s book, a student who was class president for four years at their high school and one who was the MVP in Philadelphia Catholic League for soccer.
BTW, reporters are already working on stories about the "back to school" shopping season. We're hoping that Prof. Swee-Lim Chia of the marketing department can be useful for this (he has in the past).
Friday, July 1, 2011
Some things don't change over time...
Last year I asked History Professor Charles Desnoyers to write an oped for the Philadelphia Inquirer about a topic he knew quite well: He translated a journal by a Chinese diplomat who was sent by the government to attend the world's fair then being held in Philadelphia, the highlight being the 100th anniversary of the United States, July 4, 1876.
It didn't quite work out, but the beauty of a story like this is that nothing has changed since last year: the focus of the piece, Philadelphia on July 4, 1876, is the same. Well, the Inqurier is scheduled -- repeat, scheduled -- to run Dr. Desnoyers' piece on Monday, July 4, 2011.
That said, two other anniversary stories probably won't come through:
The first is Dr. Richard Goedkoop talking about the Battle of Gettysburg (which was fought from July 1 to July 3 in 1863); he's a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Park, and knows everything about what happened. I asked him to put together a list of Gettysburg facts; some of them are that it was the largest battle every fought in the Americas; more than 52,000 casualties; it was the only time Gen. Robert E. Lee lost to a Union General. KYW newsradio interviewed Goedkoop and I sent the info to the Associated Press (for their Pennsylvania wire) and to TV stations in Lancaster, PA, where Goedkoop lives.
The second is on the topic of "Thomas Jefferson and the unknown Delaware Man Who Got Him Elected President"; John Schropp graduated from La Salle's graduate history program as the top student; his thesis was on John Bayard, a Delaware politician who did some behind-the-scenes Maneuvering to help Jefferson with the presidential election of 1800. I sent this info to the Wilmington News-Journal and a Wilmington news radio stations. (This was pegged to July 4 because not only was that the day Jefferson's declaration was made, and that he died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the piece).
Well, today, a rare copy of the Declaration of Independance is on display in Bucks County; that's what's going to get the media attention today and this weekend. Oh well, the good thing is that whatever Goedkoop and Schropp had to say will still be relevant next year (in Goedkoop's case, the story might be more suited to run on July 1, 2013, the 150th anniversary of the contest).
It didn't quite work out, but the beauty of a story like this is that nothing has changed since last year: the focus of the piece, Philadelphia on July 4, 1876, is the same. Well, the Inqurier is scheduled -- repeat, scheduled -- to run Dr. Desnoyers' piece on Monday, July 4, 2011.
That said, two other anniversary stories probably won't come through:
The first is Dr. Richard Goedkoop talking about the Battle of Gettysburg (which was fought from July 1 to July 3 in 1863); he's a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Park, and knows everything about what happened. I asked him to put together a list of Gettysburg facts; some of them are that it was the largest battle every fought in the Americas; more than 52,000 casualties; it was the only time Gen. Robert E. Lee lost to a Union General. KYW newsradio interviewed Goedkoop and I sent the info to the Associated Press (for their Pennsylvania wire) and to TV stations in Lancaster, PA, where Goedkoop lives.
The second is on the topic of "Thomas Jefferson and the unknown Delaware Man Who Got Him Elected President"; John Schropp graduated from La Salle's graduate history program as the top student; his thesis was on John Bayard, a Delaware politician who did some behind-the-scenes Maneuvering to help Jefferson with the presidential election of 1800. I sent this info to the Wilmington News-Journal and a Wilmington news radio stations. (This was pegged to July 4 because not only was that the day Jefferson's declaration was made, and that he died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the piece).
Well, today, a rare copy of the Declaration of Independance is on display in Bucks County; that's what's going to get the media attention today and this weekend. Oh well, the good thing is that whatever Goedkoop and Schropp had to say will still be relevant next year (in Goedkoop's case, the story might be more suited to run on July 1, 2013, the 150th anniversary of the contest).
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Battle of Gettysburg
The largest battle fought in North America was the three-day slugfest at Gettysburg from July 1-3 in 1863. Communication Professor Richard Goedkoop is a Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Gettysburg National Military Park, so he knows a great deal about it. I've pitched this to several media folks and they're interested. I asked Rich for some lesser-known tidbits of the battle; here are some:
Seven million bullets and 60,000 rounds of artillery were fired; When Gen. Robert E. Lee retreated there was a wagon train 17 miles long carrying 8,000 wounded Confederate soldiers; 51-52,000 soldiers on both sides died; one civilian was killed: he was 69 and a veteran of the war of 1812; at the dedication ceremony, President Abraham Lincoln was not the featured speaker!
Seven million bullets and 60,000 rounds of artillery were fired; When Gen. Robert E. Lee retreated there was a wagon train 17 miles long carrying 8,000 wounded Confederate soldiers; 51-52,000 soldiers on both sides died; one civilian was killed: he was 69 and a veteran of the war of 1812; at the dedication ceremony, President Abraham Lincoln was not the featured speaker!
The Waiting Game
I just emailed a reporter a story idea pegged to July 4th and they wrote back said they were "thinking" about it. The temptation is to call them back and say, Think harder and faster! But, I have to put this out of my mind and not let it distract me.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Student internships
People frequently ask me if I get the summer off (like faculty). No, I continue to work full-time, as news never stops. One chore I do each summer is try to publicize La Salle students who are working at internships. This summer, La Salle students are interning at the Philadelphia Zoo, a wildlife preserve in Alaska, Moody's Financial, The Philadephia Museum of Art, and many other institutions. The Doylestown Intelligencer reported on the Alaskan one.
Emily Heath, a junior, received a fellowship through the National Science Foundation to study at a program at Kent State University. So far, her hometown paper, the Meridean Journal and the Webpage for the Hartford Courant, have reported about her.
Also, four students are working on research project with four SAS faculty members. Hometowners will be done on them.
Emily Heath, a junior, received a fellowship through the National Science Foundation to study at a program at Kent State University. So far, her hometown paper, the Meridean Journal and the Webpage for the Hartford Courant, have reported about her.
Also, four students are working on research project with four SAS faculty members. Hometowners will be done on them.
Everyone's a Critic
A few weeks ago, Psych prof Dave Falcone published a book review for the Inqurier, his first. Falcone is also a singer, songwriter and guitarist, so I thought he'd be a natural to review a book about creativity. After he sent me the review I forwarded it to the Inquirer and added a bit about his songwriting, etc. at the end. I forgot to include his La Salle email address. Many of the La Salle faculty who have reviewed books for the paper have heard from friends, former students, etc. Well, Falcone did get one email about his review: the author wrote to him and thanked him!
I hope this is the first of many reviews he'll write.
I hope this is the first of many reviews he'll write.
Class of 2011
Coverage of La Salle’s commencement exercises included coverage by TV stations WCAU (Channel 10), KYW (Channel 3), CWU (Channel 57), WPHL (Channel 17) and WPVI (Channel 6) (5/15); KYW Newsradio interviewed nursing graduate Eileen Baughan about switching her careers; (5/15) Philadelphia Daily News columnist Dan Gross reported local talk show host Dom Giordano’s son, Luke, was named the top mathematics student and how Andrea Casella, the top accounting student, interned with the Philadelphia Eagles; the Philadelphia Daily News published an op-ed by nursing graduate Shayla Morales Robinson about the challenges she faced and overcame while earning her degree in the BSN-Achieve program; the Capitol (Annapolis, MD) Gazette reported how senior Patrick Terranova delivered the commencement address and will attend graduate school at Georgia Tech University; the Norristown Times-Herald’s Web page posted a story on mother-daughter graduates Eileen and Mary Behr; the Brooklyn (MN) Sun-Post did story on Megan Weiss, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA
The last placement took several tries. I had sent the paper notices about Megan's accomplishments but nothing was published. This time I asked Megan's parents to contact the paper: which they did and the paper returned their call. BTW, Megan plans to volunteer to teach at a Christian Brothers school in Yakima, WA begining this fall. I hope to get the Yakima HErald to do a story on her!
The oped piece by Shayla Robinson started when one of her nursing professors sent me a letter Shayla had written to the faculty of the school of nursing and health sciences. I contacted her and changed the letter into an oped; the Daily News' editor, Pat McLoon, a La Salle grad, emailed me and told me he loved the piece.
The last placement took several tries. I had sent the paper notices about Megan's accomplishments but nothing was published. This time I asked Megan's parents to contact the paper: which they did and the paper returned their call. BTW, Megan plans to volunteer to teach at a Christian Brothers school in Yakima, WA begining this fall. I hope to get the Yakima HErald to do a story on her!
The oped piece by Shayla Robinson started when one of her nursing professors sent me a letter Shayla had written to the faculty of the school of nursing and health sciences. I contacted her and changed the letter into an oped; the Daily News' editor, Pat McLoon, a La Salle grad, emailed me and told me he loved the piece.
Friday, May 20, 2011
My secret weapon
One of the most accomplished graduates this year is Megan Weiss, who had a 4.0 GPA, was the top student in both education and foreign languages, co-delivered an academic paper in South America with a professor, did a great deal of community and plans to volunteer to teach for a year at a Christian Brothers school in Yakima, WA. For year I had sent info about her accomplishments to her hometown paper back in Minnesota but I never heard back from them nor saw any coverage on Mega. So, this year, I unveiled my secret weapon: Megan's mom! She called the paper and left a message and Megan's father spoke to the editor. Initially the editor said he might mention Megan in a community news column, but I pushed for a full story. I sent a release and photo of Megan. I'm curious to see what they print. If it's not enough, I hope Megan's mom makes another call!
So far, so good
As of today's date, 5/20, coverage of La Salle’s commencement exercises included coverage by TV stations WCAU (Channel 10), KYW (Channel 3), CWU (Channel 57), WPHL (Channel 17) and WPVI (Channel 6); KYW newsradio interviewed nursing graduate Eileen Baughan about switching her careers; Philadelphia Daily News columnist Dan Gross reported talk show host Dom Giordano’s son, Luke, was named the top math student.
More to come (I hope).
BTW, we had to do two indoor ceremonies because of the weather. My only regret is that people missed a chance to see how beautiful the campus is right now and how Mario and his first-rate crew worked so hard to make it that way.
Honorary Degree recipient Tim Shriver, CEO of the Special Olympics, gave a very nice speech and the commencement address by senior Patrick Terranova wa one of the best I've heard in my time here.
More to come (I hope).
BTW, we had to do two indoor ceremonies because of the weather. My only regret is that people missed a chance to see how beautiful the campus is right now and how Mario and his first-rate crew worked so hard to make it that way.
Honorary Degree recipient Tim Shriver, CEO of the Special Olympics, gave a very nice speech and the commencement address by senior Patrick Terranova wa one of the best I've heard in my time here.
Check, Double Check, Triple Check
OK, at a ceremony I heard someone tell a neat story about one of our graduates and an internship they did this past summer. I got so excited that I sent the info to a newspaper columnist before I doublechecked it. Well, the paper published it and the information was incorrect. The student is upset and some folks here are upset that we might have endangered our relationship with the organization the student worked for during the internship. Well, the paper has offered to make a correction and I'll remember to never take anything at face value -- again!
Sharing a story
Yesterday's Philadelphia Daily News published an oped by Shayla Morales Robinson, a gradaute of the La Salle Nursing BSN Achieve program, designed for working nurses to earn a degree. Shayla overcame many obstacles to graduate, and wrote a letter of thanks to the School of Nursing for al the help and encouragment she received. One of her professors, Kristen DeLay, sent me the letter, and I thought it might work as an oped. Shayla worked with me on a few drafts and it was published. Kudos to her for not only earning her degree, but she made it a point to stress in the piece that women in abusive relationship can leave and achieve their dreams.
Here's a link to the piece:
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20110519_She_fulfilled_her_dream_of_finishing_nursing_school.html
Here's a link to the piece:
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20110519_She_fulfilled_her_dream_of_finishing_nursing_school.html
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Another school year is past, and I'm still trying to learn social media. Thanks to two recent grads, Jim and Liz, they might teach this old dog news tricks!
For the record: I did not blog because of the story about athe professor and the lap dancing. I have much I could say on that, but I won't (for various reasons). Suffice to say, when I heard what happened I KNEW it would be a world-wide story; I even thought Jay Leno on teh tonight show would make a reference to it; he didn't, but George Lopez did. So, what do you do when something like this happens? Well, at first, not much: You have to wait until the "process" is complete, i.e. the "investigation." It is still on-going. And the story won't go away: for every action in the situation, there will be a reaction....and people all over the world will know that La Salle and lapdancing went together....
At this year's commencement, we had:
*Brigid Smith, of Sewell, N.J., who will be the fifth generation of her family to graduate from La Salle University. The marketing and management double major is one of more than 30 members of her family who are La Salle alumni.
* Eileen Baughan had a successful career as a trader on Wall Street before starting her family. When her twin son and daughter were born premature weighing a little over a pound each, Baughan was so inspired by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses that she promised that she would one day return the favor and become a nurse. Now, the mother of four, including healthy nine-year-old twins, Baughan is receiving her bachelor's degree in nursing.
*Mother and daughter Eileen and Mary Marguerite Behr never imagined graduating from college together. Mary Marguerite will earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education with a minor in American Studies, and Eileen will earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Earlier this month, Eileen was sworn in as the first-ever female Sheriff in Montgomery County.
* Rosemarie Lowe, who is 71, earned a degree in social work. A counselor at Gaundenzia, a drug and alcohol treatment center, she will soon start her master’s degree studies.
An honorary Degree will be presented to Tim Shriver, President and CEO of the Special Olympics. (He is the third member of his family to receive an Honorary Degree from La Salle: his uncle, then Senator and later President John F. Kennedy received one in 1958 as his father, Sargent Shriver, first Director of the Peach Corps, received one in 1970.)
The 1,751 graduates come from 32 states and the District of Columbia and 25 countries.
For the record: I did not blog because of the story about athe professor and the lap dancing. I have much I could say on that, but I won't (for various reasons). Suffice to say, when I heard what happened I KNEW it would be a world-wide story; I even thought Jay Leno on teh tonight show would make a reference to it; he didn't, but George Lopez did. So, what do you do when something like this happens? Well, at first, not much: You have to wait until the "process" is complete, i.e. the "investigation." It is still on-going. And the story won't go away: for every action in the situation, there will be a reaction....and people all over the world will know that La Salle and lapdancing went together....
At this year's commencement, we had:
*Brigid Smith, of Sewell, N.J., who will be the fifth generation of her family to graduate from La Salle University. The marketing and management double major is one of more than 30 members of her family who are La Salle alumni.
* Eileen Baughan had a successful career as a trader on Wall Street before starting her family. When her twin son and daughter were born premature weighing a little over a pound each, Baughan was so inspired by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses that she promised that she would one day return the favor and become a nurse. Now, the mother of four, including healthy nine-year-old twins, Baughan is receiving her bachelor's degree in nursing.
*Mother and daughter Eileen and Mary Marguerite Behr never imagined graduating from college together. Mary Marguerite will earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education with a minor in American Studies, and Eileen will earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Earlier this month, Eileen was sworn in as the first-ever female Sheriff in Montgomery County.
* Rosemarie Lowe, who is 71, earned a degree in social work. A counselor at Gaundenzia, a drug and alcohol treatment center, she will soon start her master’s degree studies.
An honorary Degree will be presented to Tim Shriver, President and CEO of the Special Olympics. (He is the third member of his family to receive an Honorary Degree from La Salle: his uncle, then Senator and later President John F. Kennedy received one in 1958 as his father, Sargent Shriver, first Director of the Peach Corps, received one in 1970.)
The 1,751 graduates come from 32 states and the District of Columbia and 25 countries.
Friday, February 25, 2011
The First Embedded Reporter
During the Civil War artist Homer Winslow travelled with troops and made woodcuts of scenes from battles that were reproduced in Harper's Weekly magazine. La Salle's art museum has three of these woodcuts. I'll see if any "media" would be interested in them.
Br. Gerry Molyneaux has written about the founding of the Peace Corps, which celebrates its 50th anniverary on March 1. So far he's been interviewed about it by Alaska Airlines magazine(!) and KYW newsradio has expressed an interest in speaking with him.
Br. Gerry Molyneaux has written about the founding of the Peace Corps, which celebrates its 50th anniverary on March 1. So far he's been interviewed about it by Alaska Airlines magazine(!) and KYW newsradio has expressed an interest in speaking with him.
Philadelphia Science Festival
In April more than 40 organizaitons in the city will be sponsoring the Philadelphia Science Festival, a two-week event that will showcase the city's scientific resources and offer the public a way to learn about science and the role it plays in our lives. There will be a few events here at La Salle. Keep looking for future posts on this.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The greatest love story ever told...
I was too late on this one...with Valentine's Day approaching I asked around for comments about what is the greatest love story ever written. I've gotten on reply, from Jacob Bennett in English:
"What comes to mind is a Sanskrit epic, Kumārasambhava, by the poet Kālidāsa. I don't have my copy (translated by Heifetz as "The Origin of the Young God") ; it's "an epic poem which narrates the birth of Kartikeya, Parvati being sent by her father to serve the meditating Siva, Manmadha attempting to create love in Siva for Parvati, Siva destroying Manmadha in his fury, Parvati's penance for Siva, Siva agreeing to marry Parvati, Siva and Parvati living in marital bliss, etc."
It gets more complicated:
"Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, though "given" by her father to be married to Siva, is actually the reincarnation of the three-eyed god's late lover, Sati. Siva, who withdrew into meditation after Sati's death, wants no part of the material world - meanwhile, Surapadman has unleashed fury and torment on the world. The gods conspire with Kamadeva, a deity of passion, to make Siva fall in love with Parvati, as they believe that only the son of Siva can overpower Surapadman. Siva, of course, is enraged by the intrusion and blasts Kamadeva with his third eye. Parvati, in penance for Siva's actions, and to prove her worth to Siva, performs severe tapasya, an ascetic meditative practice. Eventually, Siva falls in love, they have a son, Kumara, who is destined to destroy Surapadman. The imagery is lush and scenes of passion stand out in my mind a dozen years after my first read through."
Next year I'm going to ask Bennett to compare "eastern love" with "western love"....
"What comes to mind is a Sanskrit epic, Kumārasambhava, by the poet Kālidāsa. I don't have my copy (translated by Heifetz as "The Origin of the Young God") ; it's "an epic poem which narrates the birth of Kartikeya, Parvati being sent by her father to serve the meditating Siva, Manmadha attempting to create love in Siva for Parvati, Siva destroying Manmadha in his fury, Parvati's penance for Siva, Siva agreeing to marry Parvati, Siva and Parvati living in marital bliss, etc."
It gets more complicated:
"Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, though "given" by her father to be married to Siva, is actually the reincarnation of the three-eyed god's late lover, Sati. Siva, who withdrew into meditation after Sati's death, wants no part of the material world - meanwhile, Surapadman has unleashed fury and torment on the world. The gods conspire with Kamadeva, a deity of passion, to make Siva fall in love with Parvati, as they believe that only the son of Siva can overpower Surapadman. Siva, of course, is enraged by the intrusion and blasts Kamadeva with his third eye. Parvati, in penance for Siva's actions, and to prove her worth to Siva, performs severe tapasya, an ascetic meditative practice. Eventually, Siva falls in love, they have a son, Kumara, who is destined to destroy Surapadman. The imagery is lush and scenes of passion stand out in my mind a dozen years after my first read through."
Next year I'm going to ask Bennett to compare "eastern love" with "western love"....
Friday, February 4, 2011
Online v. Offline
Yesterday a Philadelphia Daily News writer interviewed Philosophy Professor John Hymers (who studies, among other things, the role of food in culture and philosophy), about WIP's "Wing Bowl." I get a copy of the Daily News today, scan it, and read the writer's story, but it doesn't have Hymers quotes. Oh well, I thought. Until Dr. Hymers told me it was online and getting many responses. I went to the link and the whole "story" was about him and his comments. I guess I'm very old school in that I first think "offline" (paper!!); in truth, it's possible more people have read about Hymers (and that he's a La Salle professor) in the online version than if he had been quoted in the print edition of the paper.
Here's a link to the story:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/wingbowl/20110203_Wing_Bowl__A_threat_to_Western_culture_.html?&c=n
Here's a link to the story:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/wingbowl/20110203_Wing_Bowl__A_threat_to_Western_culture_.html?&c=n
Monday, January 31, 2011
For all things Ronald Reagain...
With the President's 100th birthday coming on Feb. 6, Ed Turzanski at La Salle can explain it all. You can reach him at 215-817-5187.
For all things social media...Dr. Richard Goedkoop
And you can now reach him at goedkoop@lasalle.edu!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Art and Politics
La Salle Fine Arts Professor Siobhan Conaty teaches a course on this topic. I ahve to get together with her and learn how these two human expressions connect (or don't connect, if that's the case).
For those of you who still read books!
Hi,
I know there are a few of you out there!
This past Sunday La Salle Professor Richard Di Dio published his 20th review for the Philadelphia Inquirer. (It could be even more, as on two occasions he has critiqued two books ini one review; being conservative, I count those each as one review). Di Dio has examined books such as biographies of Albert Einsten, a memoir on Jimi Hendrix, a chronicle of one man's journey to wash dishes in all 50 states and (my favorite) the story of how Monty Python became Monty Python.
Close behind Di Dio is Dr. John Rossi, who's done 16 reviews, writing about books on baseball, WWI and WWII and a forthcoming biography of Lawrence of Arabia.
For Star Power, English Professor Judith Mussser has reviewed fiction/poetry for the paper in works by Philip Roth, Louise Erdrich, Nikki Giovani, Joyce Carol Oates and Kazuo Ishiguro.
I know there are a few of you out there!
This past Sunday La Salle Professor Richard Di Dio published his 20th review for the Philadelphia Inquirer. (It could be even more, as on two occasions he has critiqued two books ini one review; being conservative, I count those each as one review). Di Dio has examined books such as biographies of Albert Einsten, a memoir on Jimi Hendrix, a chronicle of one man's journey to wash dishes in all 50 states and (my favorite) the story of how Monty Python became Monty Python.
Close behind Di Dio is Dr. John Rossi, who's done 16 reviews, writing about books on baseball, WWI and WWII and a forthcoming biography of Lawrence of Arabia.
For Star Power, English Professor Judith Mussser has reviewed fiction/poetry for the paper in works by Philip Roth, Louise Erdrich, Nikki Giovani, Joyce Carol Oates and Kazuo Ishiguro.
Social Media: Dr. Goodkoop explains it....
La Salle University Communication Professor Dr. Richard Goodkoep is one of La Salle's experts on the affect social media has had in how news is made and reported, and can discuss where all these new tools can take us.
Reach him at goodkoep@laslle.edu
Reach him at goodkoep@laslle.edu
What's factually accurate and not accurate in "The King's Speech"
La Salle History Professor John Rossi has written that while "The King's Speech" is a fine film, it is not historically accurate. Omitted is the anti-semitism that many British felt in the 1930s; Rossi reported that King George VI opposed having Jews resettle in Palenstine after the War.
Check out Dr. Rossi's oped in the Philadelphia Inquirer on the matter:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20110127_It_won_t_win_an_award_for_historical_accuracy.html
Check out Dr. Rossi's oped in the Philadelphia Inquirer on the matter:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20110127_It_won_t_win_an_award_for_historical_accuracy.html
Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
I hope so, because I'm going to have to not only learn social media but use it with a purpose. Events in Tunisia and Africa notwithstanding, social media is changing how we live, and, equally important, what we learn and how we learn it.
What's probably going to happen is that I'll have to become my own "network" or "website": the Jon Caroulis "show" (or news hour), in which "viewers" will learn what's happening at La Salle and, equally important, what La Salle can do for them via the information I'll provide.
Well, one journalist who started in newspapers and is now a "famous" blogger and twitter said "quality" was the key to his posts and tweets. He has information that he gets from sources, so in that vein, coming up is my first atttempt to "engage" the world via social media...
What's probably going to happen is that I'll have to become my own "network" or "website": the Jon Caroulis "show" (or news hour), in which "viewers" will learn what's happening at La Salle and, equally important, what La Salle can do for them via the information I'll provide.
Well, one journalist who started in newspapers and is now a "famous" blogger and twitter said "quality" was the key to his posts and tweets. He has information that he gets from sources, so in that vein, coming up is my first atttempt to "engage" the world via social media...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The biggest stories of 2011
Two of the biggest stories of 2011 are already being written and prepared by the media; a few stories on these topics have already appeared.
It's been 10 years since the 9/11 attacks. I imagine the media will be doing stories throughout the year culminating with reports on Sept. 11, 2011.
This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. I've asked a few of our history professors to start brushing up in preparation for stories. This issue also cuts across disciplines of psychology, sociology, and even economics.
It's been 10 years since the 9/11 attacks. I imagine the media will be doing stories throughout the year culminating with reports on Sept. 11, 2011.
This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. I've asked a few of our history professors to start brushing up in preparation for stories. This issue also cuts across disciplines of psychology, sociology, and even economics.
Third day of the new semester. Our workstudy returned and told me she got straight A's last semester. Good for her.
OK, tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of JFK's inaugural speech in which he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Br. Ed Sheehy was intervieweed about the words last week; I hope you'll get to hear them on KYW newsradio tomorrow.
This Friday (Jan 21) is the graduation ceremony for the BUSCA program, which is for Spanish dominant students. Here's a detailed descpription:
BUSCA is a two and a half year associate's degree program for Spanish dominant students. During the first semester at La Salle, student take intensive instruction in English, then follow the University's core curriculum. All classes are held in English. (Busca means “to search for” in Spanish.)
"This way students are able to raise their proficiency of English while earning college credit," said Sister Suzanne Neisser, Director of BUSCA.
I've had luck getting tv to cover the ceremony. This year a BUSCA graduate who is now studying for their master's at La Salle will be the guest speaker.
This program is special to me for many reasons, as it demonstrates the University's commitment to serving the community, but it also reflects on the founding of the Christian Brothers. St. John Baptiste de La Salle started the order to teach poor children in France, teaching them in their native language (as opposed to Latin) and providing a practical and sprititual education. I think BUSCA carries on that tradition and sense of mission.
OK, tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of JFK's inaugural speech in which he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Br. Ed Sheehy was intervieweed about the words last week; I hope you'll get to hear them on KYW newsradio tomorrow.
This Friday (Jan 21) is the graduation ceremony for the BUSCA program, which is for Spanish dominant students. Here's a detailed descpription:
BUSCA is a two and a half year associate's degree program for Spanish dominant students. During the first semester at La Salle, student take intensive instruction in English, then follow the University's core curriculum. All classes are held in English. (Busca means “to search for” in Spanish.)
"This way students are able to raise their proficiency of English while earning college credit," said Sister Suzanne Neisser, Director of BUSCA.
I've had luck getting tv to cover the ceremony. This year a BUSCA graduate who is now studying for their master's at La Salle will be the guest speaker.
This program is special to me for many reasons, as it demonstrates the University's commitment to serving the community, but it also reflects on the founding of the Christian Brothers. St. John Baptiste de La Salle started the order to teach poor children in France, teaching them in their native language (as opposed to Latin) and providing a practical and sprititual education. I think BUSCA carries on that tradition and sense of mission.
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