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April 2008 Casper College News Releases
BARBIER DISCUSSES ECOLOGY'S ROLE IN GLOBAL FUTURE AT UW SPEAKERS SERIES
Disease outbreak, global warming, biological invasions, declining freshwater, and coastal storms are some of the threats to human welfare in the globalized societies of the 21st century, as explained in Edward Barbier's UW President's Speaker Series presentation, "Ecological Scarcity: The Global Economic Challenge for the 21st Century."
The free public event is sponsored by the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center, and will take place on April 8 at 7 p.m. in Room 150 of the Outreach Building at 951 N. Poplar.
Barbier, professor of economics and finance at UW, will talk about the disappearance of vital ecosystems, and how this challenge will affect economic development. He seeks collaboration between economists, ecologists, and other scientists to help foster understanding and commitment from policy makers. The presentation asserts that ecological scarcity and its effects must be either prevented or reduced to ensure a healthy economy in the future.
The UW President's Speaker Series honors individual faculty members who have succeeded in balancing the research, educational, and service goals of the university. One individual who has made important, well-rounded contributions to the university's standing is invited each year to present research to the public.
For more information, contact the UW/CC Center at 268-2713.
Wednesday, April 2, 2007
STUDIO 24 - COLLEGE ARTISTS CREATE NEW WORKS FOR SALE
The Casper College Visual Arts Department will present "Studio 24," a two-day event culminating in an auction at the Metro Coffee Company on Saturday, April 5.
"This year's theme is ‘The Bee Benefit, Pollination is a Sensation!' Students will stay up all night making a piece of bee related artwork beginning on Friday, April 4," says Matt Board, graphic design instructor. All Casper College art students have been invited to participate.
The works will then be set for display at the Metro Coffee Company where the public is invited to attend the free auction from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday. According to Board, the students will keep 70 percent of the sales, 10 percent will go to the Casper College Art Club and 20 percent will go to an institution that is researching the disappearance of honeybees.
Monday, April 14, 2008
53RD ANNUAL ROPIN' AND RIGGIN' DAYS RUNS APRIL 18-20
Cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the three state region will descend on the Fairgrounds Arena building April 18-20 for the 53rd annual Casper College Ropin' and Riggin' Days Rodeo.
Performances will run Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for students.
The rodeo is sponsored in part by Pepsi and the Beacon Club, who for the fourth year in a row will bring fans a special treat on Saturday night. After the regular events of the evening show, each team will pick a contestant for the "Wild Ride." Riders will be judged not only on riding ability, but also on costume and creativity. It has become one of the most popular events of the year on the college circuit.
A lot will be on the line in Casper. With only two rodeos remaining (Northeastern and UW), cowboys and cowgirls will be vying for enough individual and team points to come back. The top three individuals in each event and the top two teams qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo set for June 8-14 in Casper.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
SHARMAN ADDS OUTSIDE HITTER TO T-BIRD VOLLEYBALL ROSTER
Casper College Volleyball Coach Angel Sharman announced Wednesday that she has signed an outside hitter from Idaho.
Sharman's latest recruit is Cami Miller, a 5-10 hitter/blocker from Century High School in Pocatello. Miller was the team captain for volleyball and basketball her senior year. She earned first team all-conference honors and led the Diamondbacks to a third place finish in the state 4A volleyball tournament. She also plays softball at CHS.
"Cami is a good person and will fit in very well," Sharman said. "She jumps well and has a great work ethic."
Sharman said Miller will likely play outside hitter in the T-Bird rotation, and may choose to play basketball for the T-Birds.
"I am very excited for Cami. She had many roles on our team, was a very versatile player, and brought great energy to the team," notes Twana Ellis, Diamondbacks volleyball coach.
Miller joins four other players who have already signed letters of intent to play for the T-Birds. Kristin Glisczinski, a 5-8 hitter from Kelly Walsh High School; Kristen Getter, a 5-8 defender from Kelly Walsh; Brianna Wood, a 5-7 defender from Natrona County High School; and Kati Patterson, a 6-foot hitter/blocker from Powell High School, will join the T-Birds next fall.
Casper College is the defending Region IX champion team, coming off a 30-win season and a trip to the national junior college tournament. Sharman's team was also one of 40 teams nationwide to earn Academic All-America Team honors.
Savannah Searle, from Shelley, Idaho, was the setter for this year's CC team and will return to captain the team next fall.
Monday, April 14, 2008
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CLUB HOLDS CONFERENCE
Students with the University of North Dakota/Casper College Masters of Occupational Therapy Club will be hosting a free conference on Saturday, April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The conference, "Sharing the Vision for Occupational Therapy in Wyoming" will consist of several presentations on timely topics of interest to the general public, according to Joe Troudt, vice president of the University of North Dakota/Casper College (UND/CC) Master's of Occupational Therapy Club.
The day will begin with the "Graduate Student Scholarly Project Poster Presentations," presented by this year's graduating UND/CC students.
There will be four presentations, each given by individuals who are occupational therapist registered, licensed professionals. The first guest presentation will begin at 10:30 a.m. with "Dealing with the Mental Health Population," by Gennifer Young and Samantha Wilmot.
Anna Kinder will present "HIV/Aids and Substance Abuse: Implications for Treatment" at 11:15 a.m.
Lunch will begin at noon followed at 12:45 by "Licensure Logistics," by Sarah King. The final presentation, "Current Issues Affecting Occupational Therapy in Wyoming," by Jean Owsley will begin at 1:30.
According to Troudt, there will be door prizes and a raffle drawing. CEU credit will also be available.
All presentations will take place in the Loftin Life Science Center, Room 109, on the Casper College campus. For more information, contact Janis Dona, UND/CC Master of Occupational Therapy program administrative secretary, at 268-2613.
Monday, April 14, 2008
CASPER COLLEGE FORENSICS TEAM RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL FORENSICS ASSOCIATION HONORS
The Casper College Forensics Team has recently returned from London where they successfully competed in the International Forensics Tournament.
According to Gretchen Wheeler, forensics coach and communication instructor, both debate teams of Michael Land and Jake Cooper (both from Casper, Wyo.) and Michelle Anderson (Morrill, Neb.) and Mark Schafer (Cheyenne, Wyo.) "... had impressive win/loss records of 4/0."
"Final debate standings at the IFA tournament are based on win/loss records and team speaking points. Final calculations placed Land and Cooper fourth overall in the debate standings and Anderson and Schafer, fifth. Only 12 team speaker points separated Land and Cooper from the top team from San Diego Mesa," notes Wheeler.
"Though I was pleased with the debate recognition for the team, I believe that if the tournament structure had included elimination rounds, the Casper College debaters would have eliminated the other top ranked teams and prevailed as number one. Speaker points can be very arbitrary depending on the judges, who are randomly assigned, that a team gets. What matters in the end is really the win/loss record and our teams have what it takes to rack up the wins," Wheeler says.
Other team members representing Casper College at the IFA tournament were Shelley Dolinar and Toni Bolger (both from Evanston, Wyo.) and Eric Cushmore (Cheyenne).
Following the tournament, the team was able to tour London. "This international experience for our team was life changing and we are very grateful to both the Casper College administration and Casper College Foundation for their support of this endeavor which helped to globalize our students," says Wheeler.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
"TWO WOMEN" FINAL FILM FOR SEASON
"Two Women," a powerful film from Iranian filmmaker Tahmineh Milani, will be the final showing for the 2008 Casper College Multicultural Film Festival.
The film tells the story of Fereshteh and Roya, two classmates at Tehran University in the early ‘80s, who become friends when Fereshteh tutors Roya to pay her way through architecture school.
When a young man stalks Fereshteh, her father summons her home where Fereshteh is then promised to a traditional man from her village. Fereshteh's loveless marriage is fraught with abuse. Meanwhile, back in the city, Roya lives the life that Fereshteh aspires to.
"This is a wonderful film that deals with the position and treatment of women after the fundamentalist revolution in Iran," says Erich Frankland, film festival director and political science instructor.
The post-film discussion will be led by David Zoby, who was granted a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship during the summer of 2007 to study Islam and the history of Syria and Turkey.
The film will be shown in the Wheeler Auditorium, located in Room 103 of the Wold Physical Science Center and is free and open to all.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
SATURDAY CONCERT TO SHOWCASE NEW WORKS
The Casper College "New Music Concert" will take place on Saturday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Durham Hall in the Aley Fine Arts Center.
The concert will feature original compositions and arrangements. "I think that the audience will enjoy the new, diverse and different styles," says Jianjun He, music theory instructor.
This year's concert will include the performance of "Saturday Night Out in the Country," written by Robert Kleinschmidt, woodwind instructor, in 2002.
Casper College music student Sherri Bertagnole will perform her 2007 composition "Theme and Variations in Bb Minor" on the piano followed by Frederick Taylor's 1992 composition "Poinsettia."
Casper College marimba and percussion students will perform Wolfgang Roggenkamp's 1992 song "African Blues." Another percussion performance, by the Casper College Percussion Ensemble, will be the 2008 composition "Mozamtam" written by Terry Gunderson, Casper College percussion instructor.
Two additional pieces, "July 17" written in 2004 by Hermeto Pacoal and "Quintet No. 1" written in 1992 by Victor Ewald and edited by David Thomas will round out the concert.
The New Music Concert is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
UAF PROFESSOR TO SHOW WORKS AND LEAD WORKSHOP
University of Alaska, Fairbanks Associate Professor of Ceramics, Jim Brashear, will present a demo/workshop on April 19 and 20, and show his works at the Casper College Visual Arts Center.
"Jim will be making work in a demo/workshop setting on the 19th and 20th with an artist talk on the 19th at 1 p.m.," says Mke Olson, Casper College ceramics instructor. The talk will take place in Room 102 of the Visual Arts Center.
In addition to the demo/workshop, a showing of Brashear's works will be held in the Goodstein Art Gallery with the opening set for Tuesday, April 22. A reception for Brashear will be held on that same day beginning at noon in the gallery.
In discussing his teaching style, Brashear says that he feels it is very important to develop an environment that promotes and encourages the art making process. "This environment is suggestive, supportive and flexible. I strive to create and maintain an open forum where group interaction encourages, challenges and fosters the creative experience. As a teacher I help students to formulate ideas and ask questions," he notes.
Brasher received his MFA from Louisiana State University in 1990. He has taught ceramics at Clarion University, Pennsylvania, Syracuse University, New York, and at UAF. He exhibits his work nationally and maintains an interest in wood burning kilns.
Funding for the workshop is provided by the Casper College Fine Arts Endowment and money raised through the annual Holiday Art/Remainder Sale.
The Goodstein Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
GED CENTER SEEKS GRADUATES
Students who have graduated during the past year from the Casper College ABE (Adult Basic Education)/GED Center are invited to celebrate their achievement by participating in the Center's annual graduation ceremony.
" If you are a GED graduate or know someone who has graduated in the last year, contact the GED Center at 268-2230 for cap and gown information," says Kelsee Miller, ABE/GED instructor.
"We expect about 200 individuals to pass the GED test for our graduation year running May to May and this year's deadline to test is quickly approaching," notes Miller.
Graduates may pick up their caps, gowns and graduation announcements beginning April 28.
This year's graduation ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. in the Erickson Thunderbird Gymnasium. It is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
HILL RESIGNS AFTER FIVE SEASONS; PLANS A MOVE TO NEW ZEALAND
Angelo Hill announced Wednesday that he is resigning his position as women's basketball coach at Casper College.
Hill, who just completed his fifth season as the Thunderbirds' coach, says he and his family are returning to New Zealand, where he met his wife Michelle.
"It has been a great run," he said. "We talked about some day going back (to New Zealand). Our family situation here has changed and we have decided the time is right."
Hill, who played his high school basketball at Casper Natrona, guided the T-Birds to a Region IX championship in 2007. In 2005 and 2006 the T-Birds finished runners up in Region IX. His teams posted an overall record of 101 wins and 65 losses during his five seasons.
Hill recruited and coached four NJCAA All-Americans, three academic All-Americans, and 10 all-regional players. Several of his players went on to play Division I basketball, including Justyna Podziemska, who starred with the Wyoming Cowgirls.
Hill admitted that his choice to leave was a difficult one. "It's not that I don't love what I am doing," he said. "I will always be helping this program in whatever way I can. Maybe I can send some more New Zealand players back to Casper College."
Hill said the highlight of his five years was hoisting a championship banner in 2007. He was named Region IX and Wyoming Conference Coach of the Year following that 26-win season.
"I have tried to run a good program," Hill said. "Now someone else needs to grab this and carry on the tradition."
Athletic Director Bill Landen said, "We will miss Coach Hill's energy and enthusiasm. He has never been afraid of hard work, as evidenced by the schedule he always played. Coach Hill scheduled and traveled to play the best, because he knew that was how his T-Birds could get better."
Landen said the search for Hill's replacement would begin immediately.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
TALKING T-BIRDS TO SHARE LONDON EXPERIENCE
The Casper College Forensics Team, also known as the "Talking T-Birds," will present an afternoon of stories and entertainment as team members share their experiences while in London recently to compete in the International Forensics Association Tournament.
According to Gretchen Wheeler, forensics coach and communication instructor, both debate teams had impressive win/loss records of 4/0 at the international tournament.
"After the tournament was completed the team was able to take in the cultural benefits of London, visiting the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath, stage plays in London's famous West End and several of the wonderful museums. The team is anxious to share their experience," says Wheeler.
The afternoon seminar will begin at 3:30 in the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex, Room 154 on Wednesday, April 30. "Light refreshments will be served with great entertainment," Wheeler says.
The seminar is free and open to all, and the public is encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
ART STUDENTS SHOW WORK IN JURIED EXHIBIT AT NIC
The Casper College Visual Art Department Juried Art Exhibit at the Rosenthal Gallery in the Nicolaysen Art Museum is set to run from Tuesday, April 22 through Sunday, April 27. A reception for the exhibit will be held on Thursday, April 24.
"The Casper College Visual Art Department's student juried exhibit is an annual event that gives visual art students the opportunity to show their work in a public setting," says Matt Board, graphic design instructor.
Entry for the exhibit was open to all students currently enrolled in art classes in the Casper College Visual Art Department. Lisa Hatchadoorian, curator of the Nicolaysen Art Museum, selected the works to be shown from the entries received, according to Board.
The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Nicolaysen Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
CASPER COLLEGE SETS AUDITIONS FOR SUMMER PLAY
Auditions for the Casper College summer musical production "Brigadoon" will be held Saturday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m., and Sunday, April 27 from 3:30 to 6 p.m., in the Black Box Theatre on the south end of the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex.
"This enchanted musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe requires a mixed cast of up to 30 men and women," says Tom Empey, director. Both college actors and community members (aged 15 to 70 plus) are urged to audition, and all roles will be cast at auditions. All those auditioning should bring a prepared song; an accompanist will be provided. In addition, an easy dance combination will be taught during auditions, so those auditioning are asked to come dressed to dance.
Callbacks will be held Monday, May 5, from 7 to 10 p.m., after which the show will be cast.
Choreography for "Brigadoon" will be by Jodi Youmans-Jones with musical direction by Jim Olm. Rehearsals for the musical will begin on Monday, June 5. According to Empey, the show will have 12 performances running from July 9 to July 26.
For those unfamiliar with the musical, "Brigadoon" is the well-known story of the Scottish village Brigadoon and of the love that a wandering American traveler finds there. "The production features some of Broadway's most memorable songs, including: ‘Almost Like Being In Love,' ‘The Heather on the Hill,' ‘There But For You Go I,' and ‘Come to Me, Bend to Me,'" says Empey.
"The misty mood of the Scottish Highland setting is strikingly complemented by beautiful 18th century costuming, contrasting the idyllic Brigadoon villagers with the two mal-contented young American hunters. Brigadoon is the kind of musical that leaves the audience singing the glorious score." Empey adds.
To sign up for an audition time contact the theatre office at 268-2365 or toll free at 800-442-2963, ext. 2365.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
DESTRUCTVE BARK BEETLES SUBJECT OF PRESENTATION
As nearly everyone who lives on Casper Mountain can tell you, bark beetles are a serious problem.
On Thursday night, April 24 at 7, bark beetle expert, Jesse Logan, retired forest service entomologist, will present: "Bark Beetles in the West: Ecological Disaster or Natural Forest Disturbance?" as part of the Zimmerman Lecture Series.
Logan, a research entomologist for the Interior West Bark Beetle Project, until his retirement in 2006, continues to write publications on mountain pine beetles and other insects.
Now living in Emigrant, Mont. Logan continues his research, and pursuit of his favorite pastimes, backcountry skiing and fly-fishing. His primary research interests are quantitative insect ecology, dynamical systems theory and analysis, and historical ecology. All of these interests are applied to disturbance ecology in montane and subalpine ecosystems of the Interior West.
Logan received his B.S. in biology and his M.S. in entomology from Colorado State University and his Ph.D in entomology from Washington State University.
Logan's presentation is free and open to the public and will take place in the Wheeler Auditorium, Room 103, located in the Wold Physical Science Center.
The Zimmerman Lecture Series is sponsored by the Casper College Biology Department, the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center and Casper College.
Friday, April 18, 2008
UWCC STUDENTS HONORED AT LUNCHEON
Fifteen students from the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center were honored at a recent luncheon for their academic achievements and community service.
As recipients of the Myra Fox Skelton Foundation scholarships, the students expressed their gratitude to the foundation for allowing them to complete their education while participating in their children's lives and serving their community.
Scholarships are awarded annually to single parents who achieve academic success at the UW/CC Center and participate in community service activities. The monthly awards allowed students to reduce workloads, giving them time to study and spend with their children.
Myra Fox Skelton, the benefactor of the funds, dedicated her life to church, education, and charity. She was elected superintendent of schools in Hot Springs County at age 23 - the youngest person to ever hold that office in Wyoming. Upon her death in 1986, Skelton's estate was entrusted to the foundation for annual distribution toward the causes to which she felt endeared, said Donald Chapin, a Myra Fox Skelton Foundation trustee.
The 2007 - 2008 Myra Fox Skelton scholars are biology major Kelly Keenan of Avinger, Texas; secondary science education majors Kayci Stripling and Jamie Short of Casper; elementary education majors Andra Arnold, Kymberly Kirkham, Jamie Stockwell, and Justina Wallis of Casper; psychology majors Angela Fankhauser of Casper and Amanda Annis of Glenrock; social work majors Traci Gardner and Elizabeth Restad of Casper; secondary English major Andrea Barelle of Casper; secondary Spanish major Andria Fowles of Casper; criminal justice major Ashley Hayden of Casper; and social science major Lisa Roth of Casper.
Friday, April 18, 2008
FIRST ANNUAL FILM FEST TO SHOW OFF STUDENT WORKS
Casper College students will show off their creative talents during the school's First Annual Student Film Festival on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m., according to Pete Van Houten, multimedia instructor.
The festival, created by Van Houten and Matt Board, graphic arts instructor, is designed to show off some of the best work of students enrolled this semester in their Film Learning Community classes. In addition to Van Houten and Board, Mike McLemore, Casper College media technician, also taught classes.
"The students worked in teams during the past year to create narrative pieces, mockumentaries, movie trailers, music videos, advertisements and human-interest profiles. During the festival, we'll show some of the best of the student projects," says Board.
According to Board, the feature film for the evening will be "Dawn of the Zed," a comedy/zombie film about a college student named Zed who attempts to fit in with the human world.
The 15 students who took part in the film learning community include Michael Cotter, Michael Cox, Steven Dovola, Chase Harmelink, Chris Harper, Jessica Hayes, Lauren Huntington, Sherman Hill, Hannah Jolly, Matthew McIntosh, Sandra Mena, Chris Miller, John Miller, Brianne Rogers and Rusty Reynolds.
We taught the classes using the different backgrounds of our three instructors," says Van Houten. "I think this method gave our students a broader perspective on film production and film editing."
The festival will held in Durham Hall in the Aley Fine Arts Center and is free and open to the public. A short reception with refreshments will follow the showing of "Dawn of the Zed."
Friday, April 18, 2008
WOLVES, ELK AND ASPEN TOPIC OF PRESENTATION
A presentation looking at the effect of wolves on the anti-predator behavior in elk will take place on Thursday, May 1 beginning at 7 p.m. at Casper College.
Matthew Kauffman's presentation "Wolves, Elk and Aspen on Yellowstone's Northern Range: All Forage and No Fear?" will take place in the Wheeler Auditorium, Room 103 in the Wold Physical Science Center as part of the Zimmerman Lecture Series.
Kauffman, who serves as the assistant unit leader for wildlife at the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Wyoming and also as an assistant professor in the zoology and physiology department at the university, has done research focused on predator-prey relationships between gray wolves and elk in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Currently his research focuses primarily on large carnivores and ungulates in terrestrial ecosystems. His research on gray wolves and elk and gray wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has expanded to include moose and grizzly bears in that ecosystem.
Kauffman received his B.A. in biology at the University of Oregon and his Ph.D in environmental studies with a concentration in conservation biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Kauffman's presentation is free and open to the public.
The Zimmerman Lecture Series is sponsored by the Casper College Biology Department, the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center and Casper College.
Monday, April 21, 2008
T-BIRD VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS SIGN FOUR-YEAR LETTERS
Two outstanding Casper College volleyball stars are taking their talents to warmer climates, the school announced Monday.
Agata Dawidowicz (Dahv e doe vich), the Region IX North Player of the Year, signed her NCAA letter of intent to attend North Florida University in Jacksonville. The Division I Ospreys will be getting one of the all-time T-Bird greats. Dawidowicz was twice named to the All-Region IX team, twice to the all-tournament team and twice to the All-Wyoming Conference team. She was nominated for all-America honors from Region IX, and will likely be named to the academic all-region team for the second year in a row.
Dawidowicz led the team with 602 kills this past season, and surpassed the great Katie Bird (Cokeville) as the T-Birds' all time kills leader with 1,138 in her career.
Julia Gruszecka (Grew sek ah) also signed a letter of intent on Monday. Gruszecka plans to play for Division II Hawaii-Pacific in Honolulu. She was also a two-time All-Region IX North selection and made the all-tournament team this past year. Gruszecka overcame a mid-season injury to help lead the T-Birds back to the national tournament. She posted 368 kills and was one of the top defenders on the team.
Including Gruszecka and Dawidowicz, Coach Angel Sharman had three outstanding players from Poland on last year's team. Maja Jechorek, her middle hitter, has yet to decide where she will be playing next season.
Friday, April 25, 2008
STUDIO RECITAL TO FEATURE MANY STYLES
Casper College music students will perform in a recital at Durham Hall on Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m.
According to Jean Tichenor, vocal instructor at Casper College, the students will perform music by Franz Schubert, W. A. Mozart, G. F. Händel, Richard Strauss, F. Joseph Haydn, Domenico Sarri, Giovanni Bononcini, C. Armstrong Gibbs, Gabriel Fauré, Hugo Wolf, P.I. Tchaikovsky, Claude Debussy, Alessandro Scarlatti, J.S. Bach, Charles Gounod and others.
Students featured in the studio recital include Sherri Bertagnole, (Wright), Amalie Brennen, (Glenrock), Kiersten Smothermon, (Billings, Mont.), Molly Steele, (Riverton), Brooke Shafer, (Rawlins), LeAnne Henderson, (Rawlins), Anna Milburn, (Helena, Mont.), James Themig, (Billings, Mont.), Branden Martinez, (Worland), Jessica Brooks, (Gillette), Josh Grussendorf, (Casper), Meaghan Quigley, (Idaho Springs, Colo.), and Amy Bussy, (Casper).
Durham Hall is located in the Aley Fine Arts Center. The Studio Recital is free and open to the public.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
"INCREDIBLE SINGERS" TO PERFORM IN RECITAL
Anthony Stengel and Steven Jackson will perform in a recital on Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Durham Hall in the Aley Fine Arts Center. "They are both incredible singers," says their vocal instructor Jean Tichenor.
Stengel has been active in music from childhood. "Jean has been my voice instructor for many years and has broken me of my bad habits," he says. Stengel will graduate in May from Casper College with A.S. in radiography.
Jackson attended Florida State University and the University of Northern Colorado as a vocal performance major. He will be graduating from Casper College this May with an A.F. A. degree in vocal performance.
Stengel, a bass-baritone, will perform "O del mio amato ben" by Stephano Donaudy, "Im wunderschönen Monat Mai" from "Dicteliebe" by Robert Schumann, two arias from "The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)" by W.A. Mozart and a duet from the same opera with Paula Flynn, soprano. Stengel will also perform three songs by British composer Roger Quilter and "Honor and Arms" from "Samson" by G.F. Händel.
Jackson, a tenor, will perform three songs by British composer Ralph Vaughan-Williams, two French songs with poetry by Paul Bouchet set by Ernest Chausson and Claude Debussy, and "É la solita storia del pastore" from the opera L'Arlesiana. In addition, a men's quartet will sing "Lonesome Road" by James Taylor arranged by Jackson
"Translations will be provided in the program for all foreign language pieces," says Tichenor.
The recital is free and open to all.
Monday, April 21, 2008
STUDENT PROJECT SEEKS USED ATHLETIC SHOES
Casper College sophomore Shelley Dolinar is in the final two weeks of her campaign to collect 1,000 pairs of used athletic shoes and needs some help from the Casper community to reach that goal. "I have a few hundred thus far, so I'm now on the great stretch of trying to reach my goal," Dolinar says.
Dolinar, a member of the Casper College Forensic Team, was looking for a topic for her persuasive speech. "With help from my speech coach Jessica Hurless, I was able to come up with a wonderful topic, ‘Going Green, Buy Using Your Feet,' about how people can help save the environment buy simply donating there unwanted athletic shoes," says Dolinar.
After research on the topic, Dolinar learned that used athletic shoes simply thrown into land do more than just take up needed space. "Athletic shoes are not biodegradable and release harmful emissions into our air and water, making the air and water even more polluted," says Dolinar.
After discovering those facts, and reading the article "The Nike Reuse‑a‑Shoe Program," Dolinar "was inspired to do this topic" and decided to launch her own used athletic shoe recycle campaign.
"With the help of my speech and debate team, our goal this semester is to collect 1,000 pairs of shoes by May 2. We are looking for anyone on campus and in the community who is willing to part with an old pair of athletic shoes, and give them to us for a wonderful cause," Dolinar says.
The drop-off location for the shoe drive is a box right outside Room 142 in the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex - directly below photos of the forensic team.
"We are looking for anyone who is willing to part with an old pair of athletic shoes, and give them to us for a wonderful cause. After we have collected them we will send them off to the nearest drop off location so that they can be recycled," says Dolinar.
Any brand of athletic shoe can be dropped off, however shoes containing metal or cleats and wet or damp shoes cannot be accepted.
Dolinar, a 2006 graduate of Evanston High School, is the daughter of Stan and Dee Dolinar of Evanston.
Monday, April 28, 2008
CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN COOKING CLASS SET
A one-day class in cast iron Dutch oven cooking is being offered through Casper College on Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"Dutch Oven Cooking" (CMSV 0119 80) will instruct students on the types of cast iron, how to season, clean and store cast iron, and choices of heat sources, according to Jan Burnett, co-instructor.
"Carolyn Buff and I will help students discover the joy of Dutch oven cooking on this one-day outing to Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, located east of Casper. Students will have fun preparing, cooking, and enjoying a complete dinner," says Burnett.
In addition, students will learn the history of the area along the North Platte River and the Oregon Trail, and will receive a Dutch oven cookbook to take home, Burnett says.
Students are asked to provide their own transportation, however for those unable a ride will be provided by calling 265-2290.
To register or for more information, call Casper College at 268-2100.
Monday, April 28, 2008
ABE/GED ANNOUNCE SUMMER HOURS
Summer hours for those wishing to work on their GED or gain some Adult Basic Education (ABE) skills this summer will begin on Monday, May 19 and run through Thursday, August 14.
Hours for the Casper College ABE/GED Center, located in the Werner Technical Center, Room 115, are Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Werner Technical Center is located on the Casper College campus. For more information, contact the ABE/GED Center at 268-2230.
Monday, April 28, 2008
I CANTORI AND TRIPLE C JOIN FOR CONCERT
Two of Casper College's freshest singing groups, I Cantori and the Triple C Singers will be in concert on Wednesday, April 30 beginning at 7 p.m. in Durham Hall located in the Aley Fine Arts Center.
The free concert will feature I Cantori, which means "The Singers" in Italian. The group is what is known as an "opera band." There are two groups of cantori, both with between five and six singers. According to Jean Tichenor, group founder, both groups will perform on Wednesday night.
The Casper College Contemporary or Triple "C" Singers is the college's show band under the direction of Patrick Patton, voice and choir instructor at the college.
I Cantori will perform songs including "The Prayer," made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, "You Raise Me Up," made popular by Josh Groban, several selections performed by Amici Forever, and contemporary vocal arrangements of a "Sarabande" by Georg F. Händel called "Prayer in the Night," and of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, second movement, called "Terra e Libertà" (Land and Freedom).
During the concert, Eric Unruh, Jean Tichenor, Pat Patton, Josh Grussendorf, and Nathan Gurtler will accompany both I Cantori groups. Larry Burger, sound design instructor, created the sound for I Cantori.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
SHARMAN SIGNS HITTER/SETTER FROM SALT LAKE VALLEY
Casper College volleyball coach Angel Sharman announced Wednesday that she has signed another outside hitter - this one from Salt Lake City.
Konefesi Vaisigano is a 5-10 right side hitter who can also play the setter position, according to Sharman. The West High School graduate lettered all four years of her high school career and was named team MVP and all-region first team following her senior season.
"She is a talented young lady who jumps well and blocks well," Sharman said. "I like her energy on the floor."
Vaisigano is the daughter of Anetipa and Ana Vaisigano. She joins Cami Miller, a 5-10 hitter/blocker from Century High School in Pocatello, as the latest signees.
Those two join four other players who have already signed letters of intent to play for the T-Birds. Kristin Glisczinski, a 5-8 hitter from Kelly Walsh High School; Kristen Getter, a 5-8 defender from Kelly Walsh; Brianna Wood, a 5-7 defender from Natrona County High School; and Kati Patterson, a 6-foot hitter/blocker from Powell High School, will join the T-Birds next fall.
Casper College is the defending Region IX champion team, coming off a 30-win season and a trip to the national junior college tournament. Sharman's team was also one of 40 teams nationwide to earn Academic All-America Team honors.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
T-BIRD CAMPS SET FOR THREE WEEKS IN JUNE
Casper College's summer basketball and volleyball camps are scheduled to run three weeks in June.
The CC girls' basketball camp is scheduled for June 2-5; volleyball camp is June 9-12 and the boys' basketball camp is June 16-20. The camp fees are $90 for girls' basketball, $65 for volleyball and $110 for boys' basketball. The basketball camps include youngsters ages third grade through 12th grade, while the volleyball camp includes players from fifth grade through 12th grade. To register for any of the three camps, call 268-3000.
All three T-Bird coaches divide campers into age groups, with younger players camping in the morning and junior high and high school players in the afternoon. The focus is on individual skills along with the team aspects of the game. Former and current T-Bird players will also be in the gymnasium to help with the camps.
For more information about the camps, call the Casper College athletic department at 268-3000.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
UW/CC DONORS HONORED AT RECEPTION
Donors, faculty, staff, and student scholarship recipients gathered at a recent reception to recognize the generosity of various foundations, organizations, and individuals who have made financial contributions to the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center this year.
Brent Pickett, associate dean and director of the UW/CC Center, presented awards to 10 donors of student scholarships and 21 contributors of UW/CC student funds, offering "sincere appreciation for the generosity toward UW/CC Center students, who may otherwise not be able to continue their education," said Pickett.
Donors of student scholarships honored at the reception were the Casper Star-Tribune, John Jorgensen, McMurry Foundation, Myra Fox Skelton Foundation, Lillian Portenier Scholarship Fund, Paul Stock Foundation, Rocky Mountain Power, First Interstate Bank, Central Wyoming Board of Cooperative Educational Services, and Zimmerman Family Foundation.
Contributors to UW/CC Center student funds honored at the reception were Larry and Margo Bean, Bruce and Kathy Bummer, Jeff and Terrie Hockin, Kit and Sheridan Jennings, Arthur and Joann Schubert, Scott and Diane Seville, Corine Stark, Robert and Barbara Thurman, David and Mary Crum, Lorraine James, Kim Lau, Bruce Richardson, Gail Zimmerman, Neil and Susan McMurry, David and Melanie True, Deimer and Susie True, Hank and Karen True, Bruce Richardson, Stuart and Daney Tanner, Brent and Jeana Pickett, and Bob and Carol Tarantola.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
"FUTURE HOPES FUTURE FEARS" SYMPOSIUM SET AT COLLEGE
A symposium entitled "Future Hopes Future Fears" will be held on Thursday, May 1 at 3 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre.
The symposium was put together by Douglas Garland as an early kickoff to the Casper College Theatre production of Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" that same night.
"I really hope that people will start thinking about the future and how we can get there without infringing on civil liberties. This symposium can help start that process," says Garland, director of "Fahrenheit 451."
Panelists representing a broad field of topics will present their views during the symposium with a question and answer session following each presentation. Panelists include Jon Blesi, Casper College Trades and Technology Division chair on robotics; Lisa Hatachadoorian, curator of the Nicolaysen Art Museum on art censorship; and others who will talk on book censorship, nursing in the future and computer industries.
"More censorship or less censorship? How do we define ‘better' for future generations? These and other questions will be examined during this symposium," notes Garland.
The "Future Hopes Future Fears" symposium is free and open to the public. The Black Box Theatre is located on the south side of the Gertrude Krampert Theatre on the Casper College campus.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
GROUP TO PERFORM AS "BEATLES UNPLUGGED"
Fans of the Beatles won't want to miss "The Beatles Unplugged" on Friday, May 2 at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre on the Casper College campus.
"We believe that this concert will bring not only to our students, but to the community as well, a unique listening experience," says Barb Meryhew.
According to Meryhew, director of housing and student activities at Casper College, the duo Davis and Mavrick as The Beatles Unplugged will be performing acoustical renditions of songs made popular by The Beatles in the 60s and 70s.
"The artists will play their instruments and sing to the audience music that most of them do not hear on a daily basis. The arts element of this project is the cultural background of the music that Davis and Mavrick will be playing. This performance will also allow local art educators a chance to encourage their students to attend a live cultural performance," says Mike Shay, arts specialist in literature, visual arts and performing arts at the Wyoming Arts Council.
The free concert is sponsored by the Wyoming Arts Council, the Casper College Student Activities Board and Casper College. The Black Box Theatre is located on the south side of the Gertrude Krampert Theatre.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
"MAY... OR MAYBE NOT CONCERT" SET FOR SATURDAY
The Casper College Concert Band and Casper College Jazz Ensemble will be performing their "May... Or Maybe Not Concert" on Saturday, May 3 at 3 p.m. in Durham Hall, located in the Aley Fine Arts Center.
The concert will present both groups each in their own show, according to Robert Kleinschmidt, Casper College woodwind instructor. "The collaboration between the Casper College Concert Band and the Casper College Jazz Ensemble is a result of the fact that we share not only students, but an audience base as well," he says.
The jazz ensemble will perform five selections: "The Ape Suite, Part 3: Ape City," composed by Russ Vines; "Days of Wine and Roses," composed by Henry Mancini and arranged by Tom Kubis; "Calamus," composed by Dirk Fischer; "Blues DuJour," composed by John Fedchock; and "Meter's Running," composed by Bob Parsons. "The theme is "spring" and this program will warm the heart as well as celebrate this glorious time of year," Kleinschmidt says.
The Casper College Concert Band, under the direction of Doug Bull, will play light concert and popular music. The highlight performance for the group will be "The Guam March." "This march has never been performed by a band other than the Guam Territorial Band or United States' military bands stationed on Guam," says Bull, Casper College band and brass instructor.
According to Bull, "The Guam March" has only been performed off the island of Guam by the Guam Territorial Band at two music festivals in New Zealand and London. "The march was written to commemorate the liberation of Guam from the Japanese by American forces in World War II. The people and military forces captive on Guam endured incredible hardships during the occupation and were, understandably elated at their liberation.
"Eighteen thousand were incarcerated in camps on Guam without shelter or sanitary facilities. The march was finished shortly after the liberation on July 21, 1944 and performed before the war was over. This is a special event honoring those that endured, survived and prevailed. One of our band members, Bill Stolte, was a member of the Guam Territorial Band for 40 years and he has been our contact person with the governor and other officials on Guam," says Bull.
Other selections to be performed by the concert band include "Symphonic Variants" featuring James Meyers, sophomore music major on the euphonium; music of George Gershwin; music from the Disney movie "Ratatouille;" "and a rather large collection in one selection of concert favorites that have been requested by our audiences at one time or another" says Bull.
The "May... Or Maybe Not Concert" is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
"CORONATION MASS" HIGHLIGHT OF MASTERS CONCERT
Mozart's "Coronation Mass" will be the highlight of the 2008 Music of the Masters Concert featuring the Casper College Men's and Women's choirs and the Collegiate Chorale on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.
"This should be one of our very best efforts! It is a true collaboration once again among faculty and students in the music department," says Patrick Patton, concert director.
The concert will begin with the men's choir who will perform "Wiederspruch," "a very famous song by Franz Schubert." The Women's Choir will follow with "a piece from the well-known song cycle, Frostiana entitled ‘A Girl's Garden,' with poetry by Robert Frost and music by Randall Thompson," says Patton, voice and choir instructor at Casper College.
"To complete their portion of the program, the men's and women's choirs will combine for Rachmaninoff's ‘Bogoroditse Devo,' the Russian ‘Ave Maria,'" Patton says.
The Casper College Collegiate Chorale will perform an eight-minute work, Vaughn-William's "Serenade to Music" for soloists, piano, and violin. "Scored originally for orchestra, violin solo, and voices, the piece was written by Vaughan-Williams for specific professional voices who were friends of his, however, it works very well with piano and solo violin," notes Patton.
Soloists for the performance will be: Anna Milburn, Helena, Mont.; James Themig, Billings, Mont.; Nathan Perkins, Anchorage, Alaska; Summer Kilgore, Salt Lake City, Utah; Katie Rhoades and Pat Wills, both of Ft. Collins, Colo.; Branden Martinez, Worland; Tim Carlson, Philip Carlson, Brooke Shafer and Jessica Brooks, all of Rawlins, and Allen Barber, Josh Grussendorf, Hope Dewell, Andria Sterkel, and Shereen Mosier all of Casper. Paula Flynn on piano and Jennifer Cowell on violin will join the group.
The concert will culminate with what Patton calls "The main event for the day." The Mozart "Coronation Mass" will feature the Mozart Festival Orchestra, which will perform with the three college choirs. "The Mozart Festival Orchestra is made up of Casper College students in the instrumental program from both the strings and wind areas," says Patton. The Mozart Festival Orchestra is under the direction of Cowell, Casper College strings and orchestra instructor, with assistance from Doug Bull, band and brass instructor at the college, in the preparation of the wind instruments.
In addition to the three choirs and the Mozart Festival Orchestra, members from the Wyoming Symphony will participate in the event along with four student soloists: Flynn, soprano from Glenrock; Brooks, alto; Themig, tenor; and Philip Carlson, bass.
The concert, which is free and open to the public, will take place at St. Mark's Church located on the corners of 7th and Wolcott streets in Casper. A free-will offering will be accepted at the door. Proceeds will go to help defray the costs of music-related events.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
OLLI OPEN HOUSE SET FOR MAY 7
A free open house to introduce the lineup of OLLI classes for the summer semester will be held at Casper College on Wednesday, May 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.
OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Casper College is a program created for adults age 50 plus who want to continue learning and exploring for the sheer joy of it.
"The lectures, classes and programs we have lined up for the summer semester will renew students' enthusiasm for learning in a relaxed atmosphere without entrance requirements, grades or exams," says Vicki Pollock, lifelong learning specialist.
Summer offerings include: "Extend Your Mind, Extend Your Life," "Weaving the Threads of Tradition and Memory: Mayan Weaving," "Life's ‘Journey-ling' Through Art," "Behind the Scenes at the NIC," "Reflections of Heaven: The Art and History of Religious Icons," "In the Neighborhood: A Look at Casper's Historic Streets, Buildings, and Early Settlement Districts," "Saddles and City Slickers: A History of Dude Ranching in Wyoming," and more.
According to Pollock, the open house will allow all those interested in participating in OLLI the chance to learn more about the program, ask questions and register for summer courses. "Since it is the summer, and many people are involved in outdoor activities in the evening, we will not be offering any evening classes for the summer. However we will begin offering OLLI night classes again this fall," notes Pollock.
The open house will be held in the Doornbos Student Lounge located in the Administration Building. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information, contact Pollock at 268-2097, toll free at 800-442-2963, ext. 2097 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
CASPER COLLEGE STUDENTS TO PRESENT CONCERT ON ANYTHING
Three Casper College sophomore music students will be bringing their energy, enthusiasm and talent to Durham Hall on Thursday, May 8 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Nathan Gurtler, Ed Rosier II, and Casey Urman are three young musicians "who play percussion or bass and are usually hidden in the back of the band in the rhythm section," says Terry Gunderson, percussion instructor at Casper College. "The Casper College Music Department decided to bring these three student musicians out of the shadows and into the forefront and showcase them in a recital," he notes.
The three will perform everything "from Bach to ragtime on anything from xylophone to kitchen stools," says Gunderson.
Gurtler is a 2006 graduate of Natrona County High School, while both Rosier and Urman are 2006 graduates of Campbell County High School.
The concert is free and open to the public. Durham Hall is located in the Aley Fine Arts Center on the Casper College campus.