This Week: Tammy Erickson Discusses Generation Y

McKinsey Award-winning author and thought leader Tammy Erickson will lead a workshop from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in Martin Hall: "Understanding Generation Y." A reception and opportunity for discussion at Lou’s Place will follow. Erickson will discuss how we can address school and work issues associated with Generation Y students as we prepare them for the workplace. Erickson’s work is based on extensive research on the changing workforce and employee values and on how successful organizations innovate through collaboration. Erickson is president of the nGenera Innovation Network (visit Tammy’s web site). RSVP for this event so that the CETL can send you an attendance certificate. For the full calendar of CETL events, visit: http://www.txwes.edu/cetl/calendar.html.

Generation Hope Laptop Program Launched From Wesleyan

Commissioner Brooks, Michael Boone, Michael Board.	Student Michael Boone addresses audience.
Photos by Rhonda Pruitt, Courtesy of La Vida News

This past Saturday, Martin Hall hosted the kick-off of an innovative program designed to help prepare sixth grade students to compete in the global economy. The project is the vision of Tarrant County Commissioner and Wesleyan Trustee Roy C. Brooks.

     Generation Hope is an after-school enrichment program developed by the Marion J. and Marie N. Brooks Fund to develop the whole child. The program will support core classroom curriculum with a focus in math and science. As part of the program, students will earn ownership of a laptop through a point system for completing community service and extracurricular school activities.

      The inaugural class consists of 160 students selected from Title 1 schools. The three-year program will offer classes such as digital video production and editing, Web design, robotics, and video game design. Through a partnership with Fort Worth Sister Cities International, each student will have a digital pen pal in a partner country.

     “Generation Hope is a symbol of the great things that can happen when the community works together,” said Commissioner Brooks.

     The program is supported by various foundations, institutions, and corporations. AT&T Texas even loaned one of their executives, Michael Board, to help spearhead the project. And as Dr. Harold Jeffcoat noted, Texas Wesleyan “…contributed office space, phone lines, data lines and other support” to help Mr. Board and the project as a whole.

     "I believe programs like this are the first step in getting our younger students interested in math and science again, and returning the United States to its role as the world's leader in technology," says Dr. Bobby Deaton, Professor of Physics, who helped oversee the curriculum development.     

    Generation Hope is taught by graduate students from both Texas Wesleyan and TCU, along with a program coordinator from the Crowley, Everman, and Fort Worth school districts. Students will return to Wesleyan each month to work on collaborative cross-team projects.

Pink Out T-Shirts

 Support breast cancer awareness and research while cheering on the Wesleyan volleyball team on Thursday, Oct. 15. During the day, the team will be selling "pink out" breast cancer awareness T-shirts in the SUB. Get suited up to support the team in their match against Southwestern Assemblies of God that night at 7 p.m. in the Sid Richardson Gym. The team will also be auctioning off its "pink out" jersey during the match. Silent auction winners will be announced between sets 2 and 3. All proceeds from the fundraiser event will go to support breast cancer research and awareness. Admission to the match is free. Contact Christy Clawson at 817-531-4850 with any questions.

Virtuoso String Quartet Performs Quartets of Haydn and Mendelssohn

The Virtuoso String Quartet will present a recital of quartets by Haydn and Mendelssohn at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in Martin Hall. The Quartet members are Steven Li, violin; Scott Jessup, violin; Sorin Guttman, viola; and Hsinyi Wang, cello. Wang is an adjunct professor of music at Texas Wesleyan.

Wesleyan at the Modern

The Texas Wesleyan University Department of Music presents Wesleyan Music at The Modern at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Join Wesleyan music students and faculty in the spectacular Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for a free concert.

     The show will feature performances of vocal and instrumental music by Wesleyan students and faculty members, as well as the Wesleyan Chamber Choir, Brass Quartet and Jazz Quintet.

     The Texas Wesleyan Department of Music is home to an outstanding performing faculty. At this concert, audiences will have the opportunity to hear pianists Keith Critcher and Jessica Koebbe, bass trombonist Bryan English, soprano Julie McCoy, classical guitarist Michael Dailey, and cellist Hsinyi Wang, among others.

     For more information, please call the Texas Wesleyan University Department of Music at 817-531-4992.

Wesleyan to Host “Celebrating the Spirit of Poly”

When Polytechnic High School achieved its remarkable TAKS Test turnaround earlier this summer, Senator Wendy Davis began planning a community celebration. On Saturday, Oct. 31, Senator Davis will host an event that begins with a parade at Poly High School and proceeds to our campus. Since Wesleyan is a strong supporter of Poly, it is only fitting that we set the stage to celebrate the success of Poly students, parents, and administrators.

    President Harold Jeffcoat will participate in the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. and will proceed down Rosedale to the quad. Senator Davis, President Jeffcoat, and a number of elected officials and community leaders will address the crowd. The event will culminate in activities and games for the whole family until 1 p.m. Wesleyan students, faculty, and staff will help as volunteers during the event. If you’d like to volunteer, email Lynette Morones.

    The celebration is open to everyone at Wesleyan … and especially Poly High alumni.

International Week 2009

Get ready for International Week, Oct. 19-23! Lots of events are scheduled, kicking off with Monday's grand opening of the new International Programs office, international movie night (Slumdog Millionaire), and a presentation on genocide in Darfur. Dora's will be serving international food all week - Monday's menu from Africa includes chicken yassa, yams, spinach with tomatoes and onions, and smoked turkey over rice. For a full schedule of events, click here.

Farewell (Sort of) to Amy Batheja

Join us in wishing a fond farewell to Amy Batheja, communications specialist, from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the University Club. Enjoy cake and snacks during the come-and-go event. Batheja is moving from the historic campus to the law school, where she will assume the role of communications specialist. Her last day will be Friday, Oct. 23, and she will begin her new job on Monday, Oct. 26.

Get into the Halloween Spirit with the New Student Programs Pumpkin Carving Contest   

Are you a master carver of jack o' lanterns? Looking for a fun activity to welcome fall and Halloween? Then join New Student Programs for a pumpkin carving contest at 12 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in front of the SUB. Everyone is invited to participate - individuals and groups. Departments, organizations, classes - all are welcome to sign up! You'll bring your already carved and decorated pumpkin to the SUB at noon on the 29th.

     Pumpkin carving not your style? Then come and judge the entries! Anyone can vote by placing any amount of money in the cups presented with each pumpkin. The pumpkin with the most money wins! All proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Fort Worth and prizes will be awarded to the winners as well. Contact Blair Ensign at bensign@txwes.edu or 817-531-4923 with any questions.

Jazz and Wind Ensembles Present a Spooky Evening of Music

After you've judged all the jack o' lanterns at noon Thursday, head over to Martin Hall in the evening for the annual Halloween concert. The Wesleyan Jazz and Wind Ensembles will present a haunted evening of instrumental music, including beloved jazz standards and classic symphonic works, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in Martin Hall. Directed by Dr. Bryan English, director of instrumental studies, the ensembles will perform the music of Igor Stravinsky, Gustav Holst, J.S. Bach, Duke Ellington, and others.

     There will be special musical guests throughout the evening and a cake and punch reception afterwards. Awards will be given for outstanding costumes, and families with children are encouraged to attend.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call the music department at 817-531-4992.

Student Life Needs Your Help!

Student Life collects Organization Registration Forms every semester, and there are many organizations who have never turned in this information…ever!

    If you are involved with any organizations that Texas Wesleyan students are a part of, please help get the students to turn in a registration form. The form and instructions can be found at: http://www.txwes.edu/studentlife/studentorganizations.htm. Student Life is also trying to compile as much information about Wesleyan's organizations as possible, so they would also like to get a copy of all constitutions and bylaws of our currently active organizations. Thank you for helping us build communication with our campus organizations. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Chaney, coordinator of student activities, volunteerism, and organization director, at 817-531-4870.

Theatre Professor Performs with Amarillo Opera

Theatre Voice Professor Elizabeth King Dubberly, soprano, recently performed the role of Despina in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte with the Amarillo Opera. Dubberly joined the Texas Wesleyan University theatre faculty in 2007. She earned a bachelor’s degree in German from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in voice from the University of Texas at Austin. Dubberly has performed with many opera companies, and in 1997 she received recognition as Outstanding Music Teacher by the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts. She has taught voice at the University of North Texas, the University of Tennessee, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, and Davidson College. She is also the creator of Beyond the Classroom, an interactive collaboration with high school choral groups exploring opera. 

Wesleyan In the News

Jason A. Gillmer, professor of law, was quoted in a recent New York Times article about First Lady Michelle Obama's genealogical roots. The Times' research revealed that Obama's great-great-great-grandfather was a white slave owner; Gillmer has researched liaisons between slave owners and slaves. The article was published in newspapers around the world; click here to read the article.

Open Mic Nite at The Coffee X Spot Welcomes Karaoke

The Coffee X Spot has been hosting regular open mic/spoken word nights, and this month they're expanding the fun to include karaoke! October's Open Mic Nite will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at The Coffee X Spot (3021 W. Rosedale St., in the Baker Building). There will be drinks and food - all in a non-smoking environment - free giveaways and loads of laughs and fun. Sign up in advance for the free drawing. Must be present to win!

     In other The Coffee X Spot news: loyal customers can get a punch card, allowing you to buy any 10 items and get the next item is free! The Coffee X Spot is also available for fundraising for your organization.You may have a fundraiser event here and 10-15% of the proceeds will go to your organization. So in addition to having a great time and eating great food, your organization can earn some extra cash. Call The Coffee X Spot (817-531-7177) and schedule your date and time.

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