Submit items to Campus Currents - Top

The Campus Currents is distributed every Friday. If you would like to include an item in the newsletter send it to Campus Currents, Unit 9512 or by e-mail to Campus Currents. Deadline is Thursday at 8 a.m.

BHSU student groups sponsor blood drive - Top

Black Hills State University student groups are hosting an emergency response blood drive for United Blood Services today, Friday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union Jacket Legacy Room.

The blood drive is being organized and sponsored by the BHSU Student Senate, Community Relations Club and HSSO (Health Sciences Student Organization) in response to the urgent need for blood due to massive injuries after the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. According to organizers of the drive, the

Washington, D.C., and New York areas have requested blood from this area and all donations will be sent there.

All blood donors must bring a photo identification card and a list of all medications taken in the last 30 days. Donors should eat and drink before donating blood. This blood drive is open to BHSU and Spearfish residents as well as residents of other Black Hills communities.

Professors are bullish on mathematics - Top

Black Hills State professors John Alsup and Don Altmyer are bullish on mathematics according to an article the two wrote that will appear in the upcoming issue of a national teaching magazine.

The two teaching colleagues collaborated on an article that will appear in a publication by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and will appear in an upcoming edition of Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.  The NCTM is the largest mathematics education organization in the United States and Canada with more than 100,000 members.

Their article is titled "Bullish on Mathematics: Using Stock Market Simulations to Motivate Learning" and was originally submitted over one year ago. Through the process of being reviewed by a panel of referees, the authors made a total of seven revisions before a final draft was accepted.

The article describes how an online stock market simulation can be an excellent tool for motivating students to learn real-world mathematics in a middle school classroom and details four activities that can accompany the simulation.  These activities support the NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and the National Educational Technology Standards for Middle School Students. 

By participating in stock-market simulations, students use ratios, fractions, decimals and percents in meaningful situations. They examine line graphs of stock-price performance and bar graphs of company earnings estimates. The students apply current technology such as using the Internet to do company research, spreadsheets for

Spearfish middle-school students check out stock-market quotes, as BH professors John Alsup and Don Altmyer review their progress. The two university professors collaborated on an article that will appear in  “Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.” The article is titled "Bullish on Mathematics: Using Stock Market Simulations to Motivate Learning."

calculations and multimedia presentations for class discussion. The stock market simulation connects important mathematics topics to one another and applies classroom math concepts to a real-life, real-time context. Teachers have discovered that the simulation can be an excellent classroom tool and increases student motivation and learning.

Alsup, an assistant professor of education, has been at BHSU since 1997 and is interested in student-centered instructional strategies for teaching mathematics to preservice elementary and middle school teachers. Altmyer, an associate professor of business, has been at BHSU since 1995 and has been the South Dakota Stock Market Simulation coordinator since 1997.

Wallerstein will deliver a paper at national English teachers’ conference - Top

Dr. Nicholas Wallerstein, assistant professor of English, will travel to Chicago in March 2002, to deliver a paper at the 53rd annual convention of the Conference on College Composition and Communication, which is sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English.

The paper entitled "Form as Content: Using Aristotle's Rhetorical Species for Literary Interpretation" will be delivered at a session called "Classical Avenues for Inquiry: Textual Occasions and Aristotle's Rhetorical 'Species'."

Wallerstein has been an English professor at BHSU since 1997.

Lamb receives $10,000 research award - Top

Dr. Charles Lamb, biology professor at Black Hills State University, recently received a $10,000 pilot research award on Neural Mechanisms of Adaptive Behavior from the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) at the University of South Dakota.

Lamb will be studying and identifying species differences in fish brain vagal lobe construction by characterizing 

the organization of specific cell types and fiber connections within the lobe. Results will be compared across several species of local catostomids (suckers) that represents different phylogenetic relationships and ecological niches. The vagal lobe is an enlargement of the dorsal surface of the hindbrain of fishes that have a well-developed sense of taste.

Lamb joined the BHSU science faculty in 1995. He earned a Ph.D. in physiology from Louisiana State University in 1991. 

Hesson publishes fourth edition of fitness-walking book - Top

Dr. James Hesson, professor of physical education at Black Hills State University, recently published the fourth edition of Walking for Fitness  with Dr. Lon Seiger of Texas A& M University.

A resource for both beginners and seasoned walkers, this book highlights the basics of good-walking techniques.  Intended for walkers of any age, gender, background, and skill level, the book focuses on cardiovascular fitness and body composition and was developed to assist in acquiring the knowledge, attitude, and skills to participate in a lifelong fitness walking program, according to Hesson.  The book was designed to educate and motivate readers to adopt fitness-walking and other positive behaviors as part of an active, healthy lifestyle.  The challenge it poses to 

its readers is to choose fitness walking and healthy behaviors as a way to achieve optimal fitness and wellness throughout their lifetimes. 

Walking for Fitness is copyrighted 2002 and is published by McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Hesson earned his doctor of education degree at Brigham Young University in 1980.  He has been a professor of biokinetics in the division of physical education and health at Black Hills State University since 1990.  Since 1993 he has worked each summer at the U.S. Olympic Training Center with U.S. Olympic athletes and coaches.  He frequently serves as an author and textbook reviewer for McGraw-Hill and other educational publishers.

Roger Miller presents at national geographic conference - Top

Dr. Roger Miller, associate professor of geography at Black Hills State University, presented recently at the 86^th annual meeting of the National Council for Geographic Education, Vancouver, Canada.

Miller’s workshop presentation at the conference was titled “Geography’s Place in Military History: Location, Location, Location.” Miller discussed geography’s significant role in the teaching of military history. In addition, he highlighted the use of audio-visual material and student presentations.

The BH professor also attended the fifth annual International Geographic Olympiad in Vancouver. The multi-nation event was moderated by television personality Alex Trebek. National winners from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hungary, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States competed.

Miller joined the BHSU social science faculty in 1991. In addition to teaching he served this past year as chairman of the history and social science department. He earned a doctorate in education from Brigham Young University.

Relay for Life moved inside the Young Center - Top

Relay for Life in Spearfish Friday and Saturday will be held in the fieldhouse of the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Black Hills State University due to inclement weather forecasts.

The schedule for the cancer fundraiser will remain the same, according to LaVerne Cook, Relay for Life chairperson. The official opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14.  Activities and a full schedule of performers and speakers continue through the night. The luminaria ceremony will be held at  9:30 p.m. The event will conclude Saturday at 10 a.m.

Relay for Life is a celebration of life for survivors, a memorial for loved ones lost, and a rally for the community to fight cancer. Special recognition for the victims of the World Trade Center will be incorporated during the event.

"Our Relay For Life motto is 'it's about being a community that takes up the fight...'  The motto becomes more poignant than ever since it addresses not only our fight against cancer but also encompasses the tragedy of the World Trade Center attack. This is an opportunity for our community to come together and help the healing process,"  Cook said.

Relay for Life schedule
5:30 p.m - Music by Straight No Chaser
6 p.m. - Opening ceremony with BHSU President Thomas Flickema and Spearfish Mayor Jerry Krambeck. Survivors lap will be introduced by Judith Neighbours. The featured speaker will be Joyce Hazeltine, South Dakota Secretary of State.
6:30 - Music by Straigh No Chaser
7 p.m. - Carol Armbrust
7:30 p.m - Spaghetti dinner served in the cafeteria (free for team participants. Others welcome at $4 for adults; $2 for children)
7:30 p.m. - Music by Pam & Leon from Camp Crook
8 p.m. - Music by Lyle, Doug and Paul
9:30 p.m. - Luminaria ceremony, music by “Women with Melody”
10 p.m.-3 a.m. - Bonfire and campfire songs
10:30 p.m. - Ben Latham, formerly of Camp Crook & BHSU
11:30 p.m. -  Music by Brock Finn from BHSU
12:30 a.m.-7 a.m. - Scavenger hunt, bingo, open mic, disc golf, prizes, pajama party.
7:30 a.m. - Community pancake breakfast (Relay donations will be accepted.)
8 a.m.- Northern Hills Blue Grass Band
9 a.m. - Pianist/Composer Max Meyer
9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. - Closing Ceremonies with Jan Cooley, Relay for Life national advisory team, and Mayor Jerry Krambeck

A silent auction will be held throughout the event. A cancer smart shop will also be open. 

Swarm Day candidates named at Black Hills State University - Top

Swarm Day king and queen candidates have been named at Black Hills State University.  Homecoming week at BHSU is Sept. 17-22.

The Swarm Day royalty will be crowned during a coronation ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. in the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union Jacket Legacy room.  The Swarm Day mom and dad will also be named from a group of BHSU faculty and staff who have been nominated by students. Swarm Day mom candidates are Sheila Aaker, coordinator of extended services; Chery Anagnopolous, psychology associate professor; Pat Fallbeck, education professor; Michelle Kirk, enrollment center senior secretary; Ellen Melaragno, Student Union senior secretary; Gerri Pabst, instructional media senior secretary; Sandee Schamber, education associate professor; and Darlene Swartz, education professor. Swarm Day dad candidates are Jhett Albers, volleyball coach; John Alsup, education assistant professor; David Diamond, communications assistant professor; John Knight, College of Arts and Sciences adjunct faculty; Cody McMichael, financial aid assistant professor; Fred Nelson, computer support team leader;  and David Salomon, College of Arts and Science assistant professor.

The king candidates are Allen Godsell, a senior social sciences major from Sturgis; Matt Mueller, a senior accounting major from Miller; Jeff Williamson, a junior mass communication major from Hill City; and Justin Varland, a senior mass communication major from Gregory.

The queen candidates are Angelia Johnston, a senior political sciences/sociology major from Jacksonville, Fla., Sommerlyn Mortensen, a junior accounting major from Wall; Anya Olverson, a senior mass communications major from Spearfish; and Lindsay Whitley, a senior biology major from Bremerton, Wash.

The BHSU homecoming theme is “BH Rocks the World."

See the schedule of events below. 

• All Campus Picnic, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Green

• You Don’t Know Jack, game- show competition, 7 p.m., Jonas 305

Tuesday, Sept. 18

• Coronation, 7 p.m., Student Union Jacket Legacy Room

• “Burning of the H”, 8 p.m., Outside of Student Union

• Dance, Student Union Jacket Legacy Room

Wednesday, Sept. 19

• “Let’s Make a Deal” game show, 7 p.m., Student Union Jacket Legacy Room

• Mud Volleyball, 2 p.m. parking lot across from Lyle Hare Stadium

Thursday, Sept. 20

• Faculty concert, noon, Market Place

• Kiddie Carnival, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Cook Gym

• Parade Float Preparation, 8 p.m.-12 a.m., Young Center Field House

Friday, Sept. 21

• Disc Golf, 3:30 p.m. for students, 5 p.m. for community, BHSU Disc Golf Course

• Hall of Fame Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Student Union Jacket Legacy Room

• Parade Float Preparation, 7 p.m.-12 a.m., Young Center Field House

Saturday, Sept. 22

• Alumni Awards Breakfast, 

• Parade, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., starting from Young Center Parking Lot

• Tailgate Party, with Lyle, Doug & Paul, noon-1:15 p.m., Lyle Hare Stadium

• Tailgate Party, alumni association, noon-1:15 p.m., Salem Park

• Football Game, 1:30 p.m., Lyle Hare Stadium

For additional information on any of these events call the Swarm Day office at 642-6418.

Yellow Jacket Hall of Fame to induct five members - Top  

Athletes to be inducted are Jim Sprung, Class of 1955, physical education, Louisville, Colo.; Jim Glazer, Class of 1983, elementary and special education, Burnsville, Minn.; and Dawn (Batterman) Curl, Class of 1990, business administration, Absarokee, Mont. Sandy Michelena, Class of 1960, physical education, Sheridan, Wyo., will be inducted as a coach and Jim Rarick, Spearfish, Pope and Talbot, will be inducted as a contributor.

Jim Sprung was an all-around athlete at BHSU specializing in basketball and baseball. He played the guard position in basketball and was the catcher on the baseball team.  According to Coach Papik, “He had a great throwing arm and was a good left-handed hitter with a .320 four-year batting average. In basketball he scored 662 points in 72 games.” Sprung set a single game personal best his senior year by scoring 27 points. He played both sports from 1951 to 1955. He was a four-year letterman in each sport. He coached and taught in Sturgis, where he played as a prep athlete. Sprung left the coaching ranks to enter the insurance business before moving on to Colorado.

Jim Glazer, a standout distance runner for the Yellow Jackets, earned eight varsity letters in track and cross country. He was the 1981 South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference cross-country champion and he holds the school 5,000-meter record at 14:34 set in 1982. Glazer was a member of Jacket teams that won four conference titles and two NAIA District 12 championships and he competed in the national cross-country meet four times.  He has spent 16 years as a special education teacher in Wyoming and Minnesota and is currently a library media specialist. He earned his master’s degree at BHSU in 1995 and is currently a doctoral student at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

The record book for women’s basketball at BHSU was rewritten when Dawn (Batterman) Curl stepped on the hard court. She held as many as 13 Yellow Jacket basketball records and was among the top performers in 19 other categories. Her records ran from career points scored per game at 19.8 to a career record rebound average at 9.6 boards a game. The talented center also holds the career record for points scored at 

1,727. She was selected first team all-conference (1987-89), NAIA All-District 12 (1987-88) and an NAIA All-American selection (1988-89). After leaving the BHSU hard court, she played one year of professional basketball in Denmark. She is currently chief operator of Montana Cincha, Inc., Absarokee, Mont., and serves as assistant girls basketball coach at Absarokee High School. She and her husband, Shannon, have two girls ages seven and four.

Hall of fame coaching inductee Sandy Michelena has been coaching and teaching in Wyoming since 1960. He is a charter member of the Wyoming Coaches Hall of Fame. He coached and taught in Tensleep, Mountain View, Woodland Park, Tongue River and Sheridan. As a football coach he was 33-7-1 with two undefeated seasons. His basketball coaching record stands at 196-98. As track coach his teams won 19 regional titles and six state championships. Coaching volleyball, his teams won two state championships and his overall record was 169-25. He was selected Wyoming coach of the year 13 times, once in basketball, four times in volleyball and eight times in track. He was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999. He has served as president of the Wyoming Coaches’ Association and the Wyoming Coaches’ Hall of Fame and he coached several state all-star teams.

As a contributor to university athletics Jim Rarick and Pope and Talbot are synonymous. Personally, he has supported BHSU athletics for many years both financially and through commitment. He has been responsible for hiring athletes to work in the plant, thereby assisting them with college and living expenses. In 1993 Pope and Talbot was recognized as booster of the year. Rarick is the company’s resident manager, a position he has held for the past 15 years. He has served on the Yellow Jacket Foundation board of directors since 1991. He also serves on Spearfish Canyon Foundation, the state of South Dakota Value Added Authority, the state Conservation Commission, Black Hills Forest Resource Association, state Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, Black Hills Multiple Use Coalition, Western Wood Products Association, and Spearfish Lions Club. He is a 1972 graduate of the University of Idaho with a degree in business management.

Air Force audit agency to interview on campus - Top

The Air Force Audit Agency will be interviewing on the campus of Black Hills State University Wednesday, Sept. 26.

The agency is looking for August, December and May graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s in business, accounting majors or those with some accounting coursework.  Full-time positions are being offered upon graduation as budget analysts, cost analysts, financial management specialists, accountants, auditors, 

and operations research analysts.  These positions are offered nationwide, and include Rapid City and Cheyenne, Wyo.

Interviews will be held in the career center in the lower level of the student union.  Sign up for interviews will be in the career center also.

For any questions, call 624-6238 or e-mail at <wildbill@bhsu.edu>.

Career center to host career fair - Top

The Black Hills State University Career Center will host Bill & Jane's Annual Buffalo Round Up & Fall Career Festival Tuesday, Oct. 2 in the Student Union Jacket Legacy Room from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The career fair will offer students the opportunity to meet with potential employers early in the 

OCE printer - Top

Faculty and staff are reminded that they can send printing jobs directly from their computer to the OCE printer in the University Printing Center. To obtain directions for printing see the web page. 

Faculty research funds available - Top

It is anticipated that successful applicants will request support for faculty release time, research equipment, travel to research sites or research support for the production of creative work. Preference is given to new applicants, particularly in the areas of education, business, social 

The applicants are encouraged to contact the committee members for advice prior to completing their proposals. The members are John Alsup, Steve Anderson, Lyle Cook, Tom Cox, Abdollah Farrokhi, chair; Jim Hess, Kathleen Parrow, Shane Sarver, and Rob Schurrer. 

Grant opportunity announced - Top  

Below are the program materials received August 30-September 12, 2001 in the Grants Office, 218 Woodburn. For copies of the information, contact our office at 642-6627 or e-mail requests to us at grants@bhsu.edu.  Fellowship information will also be posted on the Student Union bulletin board near the information desk.

• Department of Education.  Business and International Education Program.  Provides grants to institutions of higher education to enhance international business education programs and to expand the capacity of the business community to engage in international economic activities.  Applications available Sept. 17, 2001.  Deadline for transmittal of applications Nov. 5, 2001.