FSU Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving is a U.S holiday that citizens love, especially college students. It’s a time where students can take a break from school work and return home to spend quality time with their families. At Frostburg State University, students finished up their class assignments to prepare for their Thanksgiving break. The residence halls closed at 7pm, on Wednesday, November 27^th, 2012. Students were given directions on how to prepare their rooms for departure. Blinds on windows were to be pulled fully up, along with windows locked. Also, students living in residence halls were to unplug any electronically devices and take out perishable items.

                Amber Welch, a sophomore, was ecstatic when speaking about the upcoming Holidays. She plans to visit her grandmother in the hospital, and spend a lot of time with her family. “My grandmother has recently become sick with cancer. We do not know how much longer she has, so these upcoming holidays will mean so much to my family,” she explains.

                Every family has their certain traditions when holidays like thanksgiving come around. Some people have particular foods served, while others have a special song they listen to. Welch explains that her family has a different tradition. She says, “My family always watches football together after our thanksgiving meal. Then we come together and put up our Christmas decorations. I enjoy doing it; it never gets bored to me”.

                Rebecca Olivia, a freshman at Frostburg State University, was especially excited to see her family for thanksgiving break. She is from New York City, and barely gets to see her family while being enrolled at the university. As a member of the basketball team, Rebecca is always busy. “I’m usually always doing something on campus. If I’m not in practice, I’m usually in class or dealing with sorority events. I barely have time to sleep”, says Olivia. When asked “what are your family traditions for thanksgiving”? She laughed and said, “I wouldn’t say that we have traditions. Some years we do things different than others. We don’t worry about having traditions. My family just enjoys being together as one. I miss them”.

            Frostburg students could feel the great energy around campus as parents picked up their children from residence halls and off campus houses. Students said their goodbyes to one another and set off to their hometowns. The holidays are always an exciting time for people of all ages. After thanksgiving break a lot of students will prepare for Christmas. Another holiday, that is cherished by students.

A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration

Last night, November 30, 2012, I had the privilege to attend A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) of Frostburg State University. The musical was directed by Dr. Mary Yost-Rushton, and featured acting, dancing, and singing from a variety of Frostburg State University students. The production was centered on the night of December 24, 1964 and was based on the events of the Civil War. Some of the major character portrayals in the musical included that of President Abraham Lincoln and actor John Wilkes Booth. This is a “must see” and is perhaps the best production I have seen in the Performing Arts Center at Frostburg State University.

            The musical was astounding and received a great vibe from the audience. Christopher Inskeep, a senior marketing major from Baltimore, Maryland called it “The best live performance I have seen anywhere, not just here. Everything complimented the next.” Also the actors did a great job with their accents as well as well as showing their emotion on stage. This undoubtedly kept the audience entertained and applauding the entire time. Frostburg State University has created outstanding actors and actresses of its young men and women.

            Caitlin Moore, a biology major from Capitol Heights, Maryland commented to me that, “The singing was most impressive. I don’t know how everyone stayed on key together every time.” Stephanie Perry, a speech pathologist major at Towson University attended the performance and regarded it as, “The most exciting thing to do at Frostburg. I loved every minute of it.”

            With a few more days of performances left one can only expect the performers to feel more comfortable on stage and perform at a higher level every time they perform this production. Whether it’s the witty satire, the singing, the acting, or jus the amazing story line, I am pretty sure that anyone who goes to see A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration will have something to fall in love with. The hard work and dedication of so many students and members of the faculty at Frostburg State University is clearly shown from beginning to end, leaving audience members roaring out of their seats.

Preserve The Music

During the last week of November, CIMC set up a table in lane promoting their ‘Preserve the Music’ concert, scheduled to be held on the 28^th. The preceding days before the concert, the music majors asked for donations to support their department with hopes of spreading the word about not only the concert but their organizations as well. That Wednesday night of the 28^th, students gathered in the lower lobby but before 8:30, music students congregated outside the doors and covered songs such as Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours”, their cases open and awaiting donations for the music department.

Emilie Gallagher and Beau Hartman
preforming "Goodnight Loving Trail"

In hopes to kill time, the musical students not contributing to the show attempted to keep the room amused with their own miniaturized and limited performances. When the lights fell dim on a half-filled room, however, the crowd waited patiently—and rewarded thoroughly. A concert of differing styles, from a cappella to Amanda Gold’s clarinet to full-on band performances- each artist demonstrated a range of not only talent but courage to present themselves boldly.

Even for the sparsely occupied room, the show started off strong with a cover of Nickel Creek’s “Jealous of the Moon”, three harmonizing voices of Beau Hartman, Sam Flowers, and Tanika Henry accompanied by Beau on piano. From then, many students exemplified their talents through covers- Mikayla Young performing Adele’s “Someone Like You”, and the a cappella rendition of “Goodnight Loving Trail” by Emilie Gallagher and Beau Hartman. Everyone enjoyed students’ Eric Harman and Travis Cohen’s version of “Call Your Girlfriend”, Eric on guitar and Travis on the cajón—or more simply, a wooden box used for percussion. Sean Scriber appealed to the crowd as whole with Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’”. Even President Gibraltar enjoyed the performances, claiming “It’s a great show so far,” only a few songs into the set.

Sean Scriber  preforming  "Free Fallin'"

Elenilson Nelson Ayala and his band stole the show, performing Maroon 5’s sexy and soulful song, “Secrets” their vocal capacities beyond the norm, eliciting cheers and whistles the entire time. Their stage presence was unlike any other performance that night, exciting and brazen.

And despite a few technical difficulties, most of the show went off without a hitch. However, the concert wasn’t all just for fun, between each song students were reminded to support their music department through donations. “We need the money,” Ayala explained with a smile, still rushing with adrenaline, “I’d do this all the time if it helped!”

Gamer's Club Celebrates New Donations and Members

Frostburg’s Gamers Club received a donation today from one of their members studying abroad on Tuesday Nov. 27. Renee Phillips, a student at Frostburg State University was able to send a donation of board games to the club. “A really great addition to our club.” Said president Aaron Blough. This is a very big success for the Gamers Club, as the only addition to the club came from the SGA last semester. There is also an increase in members since the semester began. 16 members joined the club, leading to a total of 76 members in the club. “If anyone is interested in joining, we have meeting in Dunkle 103 on tuesdays at 6:30 pm.” Says Vice President Nick Mills. With more games added to the club, as well as new members, the dice are on the gamers side. 

Link To Frostburg Gamers Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/118617751552549/

Students and the President’s Task Force on Leadership Team Up to Promote Model Leadership

By Emily Rosser,
ENGL 336.001

Gather several of Frostburg State University’s most passionate faculty.  Give them several months to brainstorm, draft, and edit a strategy to train students to be the leaders of tomorrow.  Now, add a roomful of dedicated and experienced students who have already honed their leadership skills in the classroom, on the playing field, and in several extracurricular arenas.  Watch as synergistic sparks fly.

Such was the recipe for an electric atmosphere in the Lane Center’s Conference Room 111 on the afternoon of December 29th, where the President's Task Force on Leadership revealed the latest version of an FSU leadership competency model to the student body for the first time.  Dr. Jeff McCellan, an Assistant Professor in the Management Department, acted as moderator.  He wasted no time in getting started, beginning the meeting with the initiative, “What we want to do today is get student input for the leadership model we’ve developed.”  Indeed, a copy of the model was ready and waiting in front of each attendee--a crowd that ranged from presidents of Greek groups, to captains of sports teams, to students pursuing leadership minors.  Many were there at the invitation of the Assistant Vice President of the Office of Student and Community Involvement, William Mandicott, who sat and offered input alongside his constituents.  

This opportunity for feedback on the model, McCellan explained, was one of the final steps in its painstaking development.  After the creation of the Task Force, its members met and brainstormed a list of 50 to 60 competencies--or ideal qualities embodied by a successful leader--that they then refined through a campus-wide survey.  With the help of Dr. Ronald E. Riggio, a highly experienced and award-laden leadership professor and consultant based at Claremont McKenna College, the group condensed these results into a model that they hope will help faculty and staff inspire students to be effective leaders both in and out of the classroom (see graphic below).  This is the last round of student input that will be taken into consideration before the model is finalized and integrated into FSU policy.

Besides providing FSU students with the best possible preparation for their professional careers, McCellan says that the model will help address a problem on campus: the scattered way that leadership skills are taught.  “You all know how it is.  A good leader at Frostburg feels like they’re getting pulled 600 different ways.”  He encouraged the ambitious student leaders in attendance to focus their efforts on “one organization where you can make a huge difference, versus multiple organizations where you can make a moderate difference.”  He also mentioned how the many management classes offered at Frostburg all teach a different approach, which is incredibly confusing for students: “The need to unify those leadership studies is an overarching theme.”  

For the second half of the meeting--true to this very theme--students were in charge.  Breaking into small groups, they were asked to name which part of the model they considered most important, plus to suggest any parts that might be missing.  Brittany Burton, a Psychology major from Cumberland, Md., said “developing a sense of purpose” was the most vital competency on the model.  “You have to have a strong sense of purpose yourself before you try to lead others,” she reasoned, drawing on her experience working as a student coordinator for the Late At Lane program.

Meanwhile, John “Jake” Watson, a junior from Thurmont, Md., put value in group dynamics, especially “communicating intentionally.”  “Communication is vital,” he said.  “There are no more one-man jobs anymore.  A good example is the new communications building.  There’s not one welder working on the building at once: there are 20.  Any job you do requires good communication.”  As a Business Administration and Management major seeking a leadership minor, Watson will doubtlessly encounter this model again in his future classes.

As discussion faded, Dr. McCellan brought the meeting to a close and voiced that he hoped the suggestions generated would provide a student perspective in FSU’s leadership competency model.  The next biggest challenges, once the model is finalized, will be getting more student leaders involved, then reflecting on the usefulness and effectiveness of the model.  If the enthusiasm the student participants exhibited for collaboration, discussion, and eventual action is any indication, this model, as well as the future of leadership education at FSU, is in capable hands.



Model Leaders:  The latest iteration of FSU's leadership competency model, the set of exemplary characteristics that will drive future leadership education.




Peru Bound

By Dylan Scherpf

 

Last night in room 108 of the Lane Center, a short presentation was given on the upcoming study abroad trip to Peru. This information cession, the last of the semester, was presented by the dean of the College of Business, Dr. Ahmad Tootoonchi, as well as Dr. Jeffery McClellan and Dr. Lilly Ye. A modest group of about ten students were in attendance.

            Dr. TooToonchi, the man heading the program, took some time to explain why these trips are important. “We, as human beings, are what we know,” he said, “nothing beats education.” Having traveled to Germany, France, India, China, Scotland, Mexico, Canada, and Peru already, TooToonchi knows just how valuable the experience can be. While an education here in Frostburg is good, it doesn’t compare to what you can gain from international studies, he explained. These days, it is easier than ever to do this. “The advances in technology are turning the whole world into a small village,” Tootoonchi said.

            The trip to Peru will take place next summer from July 24^th to August 3^rd. While the trip is focused on business, the students who participate will be treated to a number of experiences. First arriving in Lima, the students will take an easy first day as they adjust to the altitude, which is about 12 thousand feet above sea level. From there they will take a short flight to Cuzco where they will attend a leadership conference and then have some free time to shop in the city. Along the trip they will also be given the opportunity to see such Incan ruins as Corincancha (the temple of the sun), the sacred valleys of Pisac and Ollanta y Tambo, and Machu Pichu. Students will also do service work in small villages to give back in one way or another.

            At $4271.00 per student, the trip may seem costly at first, but Tootoonchi is doing everything he can to bring down the cost for each student. While he attempts to get donors for the program, students can also receive scholarships and financial aid. One scholarship, the Harold R. Rowe International Student Scholarship was awarded to 12 of the 18 students who went to China this past summer. Each of them was awarded one thousand dollars. To the other six students, Tootoonchi was able to give $400 thanks to donors. Fund raising events are also an option for these students. Even though this program is headed by the business department, Tootoonchi stressed the fact that “it is not limited to business students.” Aid will be given to non-business students as well.

            This study abroad trip comes after what was considered to be a very successful trip to China. Students who attended the China trip visited famous places such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and the Great Wall, as well as a number of prospering Chinese businesses. Because of how well this trip went, another trip to China is also set for the coming summer. With big hopes for the College of Business Global Experiences Learning Program, Tootoonchi aims for even more options in the future, mentioning Brazil, Africa, and Europe.

Study Abroad: “Impact China” or “Peru"

By: Travis C. Jones

Studying abroad is an educational opportunity that many student dream about. Many Universities have Study Abroad programs and recently Frostburg State University has been putting more effort into improving its own International Study/Study Abroad programs.

Frostburg State University’s College of Business has set up two programs for study abroad experience that are being offered during the summer semester of 2013. On November 29, 2012, there was an information session to explain, in depth, each trip and the opportunities that they each provide. The coordinators of the Study Abroad: Peru trip, College of Business Dean, Ahmad Tootoonchi and Dr. Jeffery L. McClellan, and the coordinators of the Study Abroad: Impact China trip Dr. Lilly Ye and Dr. Yan Bao explained the itineraries for each trip.

Both Study Abroad experiences had many highlights.

Study Abroad: Impact China is a trip based on career opportunities and networking. Students who embark on the trip will get to experience tours and private lectures at the Beijing stock exchange, the United States Embassy, the General Motors Factory, and many other amazing businesses and sights. The trip is not based entirely on networking however; students will be brought to see the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Soldiers, and many other tourist attractions. “Experiencing Chinese culture will help you to realize just how amazing the diversity and differences are between cultures.” Dr. Ye went on to explain that the connections and networks that students are being offered during this trip are unlike any networks that they would be able to make under any other circumstances.

Study Abroad: Peru is a trip based on leadership studies and the differences between leaders of different cultures. Students will get to attend an international leadership conference in Cuzco, visit the city of Lima, and volunteer to help the needy in small mountain villages. While in Peru, students will have the pleasure of visiting amazing sights, both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are on the itinerary for the trip. The way that Dr. McClellan describes the trip, which he himself went on last summer, is as “an absolutely breathtaking experience that would help to prepare a student for any career they could possibly pursue in their future.”

Taking advantage of either opportunity will greatly benefit students. “I promise you that taking either trip will be an eye opening experience” said Dr. Tootoonchi.

For those students who are interested in taking advantage of either opportunity, you can access either trip at http://www.frostburg.edu/colleges/cob/.