Newly discovered plant fossil
named for BHSU professor emeritus - top
This fossil grass species has been
named Berriochloa gabeli in honor of Dr. Mark Gabel, a longtime
BHSU professor who now serves as curator for the herbarium on campus.
Image courtesy of Journal of Paleontology.
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A newly discovered species of fossil grass has been named in honor of
Dr. Mark Gabel, retired Black Hills State University biology professor
who now serves as curator of the herbarium on campus.
The fossil grass species Berriochloa gabeli was described in
the Jan. 2005 issue of the Journal of Paleontology by Dr. J.R.
Thomasson, from Fort Hays State University. Thomasson was a BHSU faculty
member from 1977–1982.
The article stated that Berriochloa gabeli “is named in honor
of Dr. Mark Gabel whose studies have contributed importantly to our
knowledge of Tertiary fossil plants from North and South America.” The
Berriochloa gabeli fossil grass species dates to approximately
eight million years before the present, and was found in several sites
in Nebraska and Kansas.
Gabel, botanist and paleobotanist, says that he is greatly honored to
have a fossil grass named after him. The naming of a new species for a
researcher in the field is the highest professional honor bestowed upon
a paleobotanist.
Gabel has been working with several BHSU undergraduate students and
alumni to study many species of fossil plants from the Great Plains
region to determine the species present and the climate during the time
from 6 to 15 million years before the present. Prior data indicate that
the Great Plains was changing from a forest to a grassland during that
period. Recent fossils collected, along with other fossil species,
indicate that the Nebraska – Kansas area was a subtropical grassland
while the plants were living. In the last several years Gabel and his
students and former students have expanded their work to South America.
Elke Kuegle, who graduated from BHSU in 2004, and Doug Backlund, who
graduated in 1991, are currently working on a project to identify fossil
seeds from Argentina.
Gabel joined the BHSU faculty in 1982 and received professor emeritus
status in 2003. He has a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College as
well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Iowa State University.
Music professor to present
paper at national symposium - top
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| Royer |
Dr. Randall D. Royer, associate professor of music at
Black Hills State University, will present a paper at the Desert Skies
Research Symposium in Music Education in Tucson, Ariz.
Royer’s paper, titled, “High School All-State
Musicians Survey and Their Interest in the Music Professions,” reports
the results from a survey administered to high school All-State
musicians in a five-state area encompassing Montana, Wyoming, South
Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota. Musicians in three different
performing groups, bands, choir, and orchestras, from these regions,
were also surveyed.
According to Royer, the survey was designed to show
how many of the best high school musicians had an interest in music or
music-education profession. According to the survey, 33 percent of the
All-State musicians surveyed expressed an interest in majoring in music
or a music education.
The Desert Skies Research Symposium is designed to
provide a forum in which researchers can share the results of their
investigations in music education. Professors and researchers from all
over the United States and several other countries attend this biennial
event.
Royer will present the specific South Dakota
information from this survey at the South Dakota In-Service Music
Conference in Brookings later this month.
Royer also recently gave a workshop at the Wyoming
All-State Music Conference held in Gillette. His workshop, “Teaching
Guitar for the Non-Guitarist” gave tips and advice for public school
music teachers who teach guitar in middle school and high school
classrooms.
Royer has been a member of the music department
faculty at BHSU since 1997. Royer teaches various music courses and
presently directs the BHSU Jazz Ensemble and the Dakota Chamber
Orchestra in residence at BHSU.
Black Hills State will sponsor
workshops concerning Fetal Alcohol Syndrome -
top
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), an umbrella term used to
describe a broad range of effects associated with alcohol use during
pregnancy, causes ongoing problems for affected children, students and
adults as well as specific issues for educators, the justice system,
mental health providers and social service professionals. A workshop is
planned in Rapid City to address problems associated with FAS.
The two-day workshop will be presented twice, Feb.
22-23 and Feb. 24-25, at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City.
These workshops are designed for service providers in
the health, social service, mental health, addictions treatment,
education and juvenile justices systems. Family members of those
affected by FAS and others will also benefit from the workshop and learn
how to cope with this devastating problem, according to the organizers.
The workshops will provide knowledge, technical
support, problem-solving practice and assistance with the development of
strategies that are beneficial in working with children with FAS. The
long-term goal of the workshop is to assist those working with children
with FAS in their efforts to decrease the secondary disabilities
associated with the syndrome.
Dr. Charles Schad, a member of the Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome National Task force who is also a professor emeritus at Black
Hills State University, saw firsthand the effects of FAS in classrooms
across South Dakota. As an educator he was motivated to address the
needs of FAS children and adults.
According to Schad, FAS creates problems with
learning, emotions and behavior. FAS is characterized by brain damage,
facial deformities, and growth deficits. Heart, liver, and kidney
defects also are common, as well as vision and hearing problems.
Individuals with FAS have difficulties with learning, attention, memory,
and problem solving. Schad notes that since ancient times women have
been warned about the dangers of drinking alcohol citing references in
the Old Testament as well as from the Greek philosopher Aristotle.
However, he says that although the warnings are longstanding, efforts to
eliminate FAS have not been overly successful.
FAS is a set of physical and mental birth defects that
can result when a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. When a
pregnant woman drinks alcohol, such as beer, wine, or mixed drinks, so
does her baby. Alcohol passes through the placenta right into the
developing baby, and the baby may suffer lifelong damage as a result.
Speakers at the workshop include David Boulding, an
attorney who is an advocate for change in the legal system’s approach to
people dealing with FAS issues. Boulding has spoken, trained and written
about fetal alcohol issues at conferences in the United States, Canada
and a number of foreign countries.
Val Kvigne, a skilled FAS director, trainer and
coordinator with expertise in providing instruction, training and
technical assistance to American Indian Tribes and Indian Health Service
Hospitals and Clinics, will also speak at the workshop. Another
presenter is Deb Evenson-Hill, a noted FAS specialist who has provided
educational instruction, social services/mental health training, and
judicial system guidance to public and professional audiences throughout
the United States and Canada.
The signs and symptoms of FAS are numerous. A baby
with FAS may be born with a small head and identifiable facial features.
He or she may have abnormalities or deformities of the limbs, hands or
feet. Heart, liver and kidney problems are common, as well as vision and
hearing problems. Children with FAS may experience slow growth and poor
coordination. They may have difficulty staying focused, recognizing and
understanding patterns, predicting "common sense" outcomes or mastering
math and reading skills. Schad notes that children do not "outgrow" FAS
and it has serious consequences. They become adolescents and adults who
may have difficulties with learning, attention, memory and problem
solving. FAS is a problem for this particular region.
The workshops are sponsored by BHSU and the Aberdeen
Area Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board with grant funding from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. The workshops are open to the public
at no charge. For more information about the workshop call Mary Rogers
at 642-6615 or for registration information call Peggy Gubbrud at
642-6204.
BHSU offers course in personal
finances - top
Black Hills State University will host Credit When Credit Is Due,
a four-session course on personal finances, Tuesdays, Feb. 8, Feb. 15,
Feb. 22, and March 1, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Clare and Josef Meier
Hall room 205.
Credit When Credit Is Due is a common sense approach to
personal finances and has been called the most innovative money
management education program available. This educational program covers
a wide range of personal financial management topics. It demonstrates
how to take positive steps to improve a person’s credit rating, spot
financial problems, and evaluate credit deals. Instructors review three
chapters at each class session.
Financial professionals from First Western Foundation will serve as
instructors. The cost for the four-session course is $30. This fee
covers instruction costs, materials and food. For more information
contact Jean Helmer, director of United Ministries at BHSU, at 642-6556
or JeanHelmer@bhsu.edu.
ESP mentalist to perform at
BHSU on Valentine's Day - top
 ESP
mentalist Christopher Carter will perform at Black Hills State
University on Monday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. in the David B. Miller Yellow
Jacket Student Union Yellow Jacket Legacy Room.
Carter makes a living playing with people’s minds. Students
throughout the U.S. have raved about his comedic, dramatic, and
theatrical performing style. Carter’s shows include tricks such as
exploding a light bulb through his powers of concentration, astounding
audience members with personal facts that they have never before
revealed to anyone, or even making audience members believe that they
are experiencing touches and taps from invisible hands. Campus
Activities Magazine named him Performing Arts Entertainer of the
Year 2001.
The performance, which is sponsored by the University Program (UP)
Team, Kaleidoscope Committee, is free to the public. For more
information or to request accommodations for people with disabilities,
please call Crystal at 642-6418.
Nationally recognized educator
and author will speak at BHSU - top
 |
| Mirel |
Jeffrey E. Mirel, a nationally recognized educator who
has written several books on the decline of the public education system,
will speak at Black Hills State University Thursday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
in the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union Jacket Legacy Room.
Mirel will present “Civic Education and National
Crises: A History of the Ongoing Debate About What Young People Should
Know” suggesting specific answers to what ails America's public schools
and how public education can be improved. Mirel is a professor of
education and history at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
Mirel’s first book, The Rise and Fall of an Urban
School System: Detroit, 1907-81, won outstanding book awards from
the American Educational Research Association and from the History of
Education Society. He also coauthored, with David Angus, The Failed
Promise of the American High School, 1890-1995. His current research
focuses on educating for democratic citizenship.
Other publications by Mirel include Politics, Money
and the Decline of Urban Public Schools, 1925-1975; “Don’t Know
Much About History, Don’t Know Much about Biology…”: How High Schools
Became Warehouses for American Teenagers; and Negotiating a New
Nation: How Immigrants Responded to Americanization and Changed America
in the Process.
Mirel’s presentation is sponsored by the Black Hills
State University Chiesman Foundation. The presentation is open to the
public at no charge. For more information contact George Earley at
642-6270.
BHSU will host student
reception and information day Feb. 27 -
top
Black Hills State University will host a student
reception and information session Sunday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. in the
Fontenelle II room of the Sheraton Hotel and Sioux Falls Convention
Center.
The reception will provide information about
opportunities available at BHSU, and university staff will be on hand to
assist students with their college planning. Representatives from the
Spearfish campus will be available to
discuss admissions, financial aid, Internet classes and correspondence
courses and to answer any questions regarding BHSU.
Reservations are not necessary. For more information
contact the Enrollment Center at 1-800-ALL-BHSU (access the admissions
prompt) or email
admissions@bhsu.edu. To learn more about Black Hills State
University see www.bhsu.edu.
Community members invited to
join BHSU choral group for Ireland tour -
top
The Black Hills State University choir will take part
in a performance tour in Ireland this spring and are inviting community
members to travel with them on the 10-day visit to Europe.
According to Steve Parker, director of choral
activities at BHSU, there are a few remaining slots for alumni and
community members to join the tour.
Parker said more than 25 singers are planning to take
part in the performance tour. Parker noted that in the past, community
members have joined the choir on excursions and have found it an
excellent way to travel.
The European tour, May 12-22, includes stops in Galway
with a walking tour of the city, Eyre Square, the cathedral and the
Spanish Arch. The group will also visit Connemara National Park and
Kylemore Abbey, the only Irish home of Benedictine nuns. Other stops
include the cliffs of Moher, one of the most photographed spots in
Europe; travel through the Burran, a fascinating geological area; time
at the colorful seaside village of Lahinch; as well as visits to
Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Blarney Castle, Kilkenny, the Rock of
Cashel and Dublin. The choir will perform several times including
concerts in cathedrals and a joint concert with the Carlow Singers.
For a complete itinerary or to make arrangements
contact Parker at 642-6628 or email
SteveParker@bhsu.edu. The
travel cost is approximately $2,500 per person (for triple
accommodations).
Resident assistants
honored for academic achievement - top
 Seven
resident assistants (RAs) at Black Hills State University were recently
honored for their academic excellence by being named the Academic Seven.
Each spring, hall directors recognize seven RAs who excel
academically while successfully completing their residence life duties.
“It takes organization and the ability to manage several priorities
at once to make it into the Academic Seven. We are proud of these
students for their dedication to their studies as well as their
dedication to the students in their residence halls. They have done an
excellent job in all respects,” Dr. Judith Haislett, vice president of
Student Affairs, said.
Resident assistants treated to a home-cooked meal by the hall
directors were, front left to right: Erin Overcast, a senior elementary
education major from Worland, Wyo.; Rachel Braaten, a junior elementary
education major from Hot Springs; Amanda Tucker, a sophomore
communication arts major from Madison; Theresa Mutter, a junior mass
communications major from Oehningen, Germany; and Erin Power, a junior
outdoor education major from Bismarck, N.D. Back, left to right: Denis
Birgenheir, a junior psychology major from Rapid City; and Jennifer
Schnabel, a junior English major from Emery.
Faculty Senate minutes
- top
The Faculty Senate met Dec. 1 at 3:15 p.m.
Members present were: Kristi Pearce, Randall Royer,
Verona Beguin, Earl Chrysler (for Steve Andersen), Barbara Chrisman, Jim
Hesson, Micheline Hickenbotham, Roger Miller, Christine Shearer-Cremean,
Sharon Strand, and Ian Laber (Student Senate representative).
Pearce called the meeting to order. The agenda was
approved, and minutes were approved as corrected.
Reports
Laber reported that the Student Senate meeting
included visitors Kathy Johnson, vice president for Financial Affairs;
Donna Kloppel, comptroller; Judith Haislett, vice president for Student
Affairs; and Rich Sattgast, state auditor. A discussion was held
concerning GAF funds and why the changes in process have to be made. The
students were told that 100% of fees they pay are returned to this
campus. The Student Senate is involved with collecting for TOYS for
TOTS. Pickup will be held at the Bookstore and the Young Center.
Pearce reported on the Council of Deans meeting. There
is a request that the faculty attach syllabi for IGR courses to their
Appendix F. This will insure that the established goals are being
included and are a part of the course content. SIRS for spring 2004 will
be used for Appendix F evaluation this year. George Earley will be
meeting with the Curriculum Committee regarding the committee
involvement in general education assessment. There is discussion related
to responsibility for this assessment being with the Assessment
Committee or with the Curriculum Committee. Recruitment of students by
South Dakota State University (SDSU) from California and other states
has enhanced the interest in Black Hills State University doing the
same. Access to buildings is an issue.
Old Issues
A discussion was held concerning the Faculty Senate
and Student Senate forum. The forum will be Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m.
The topic will be improving communication on campus. The committee for
the event will include Hickenbotham, Miller, Strand, and Laber plus
another student.
The new award committee will include Royer and Beguin.
Pearce will also participate. It is suggested that the award be
dedicated to someone who has played a major role in the enhancement of
the institution.
Pearce pursued the issue of Faculty Senate funds.
Strand presented her statement on book buyers on
campus. It will be sent to the departments to poll faculty. Legal issues
related to this need to be checked out. Laber announced that the Student
Senate has a website for students to exchange books.
At the previous meeting an issue related to the
purpose of the Faculty Senate was brought up by Chrysler. A discussion
was held concerning the exclusion of faculty input on academic issues.
The problem of micro-management from the central office of the Board of
Regents is a major issue. The lack of campus communication by local
administration is a frustration for many faculty. A motion was made to
disband the Faculty Senate. The motion failed for lack of second. As a
result of the discussion, Pearce will invite Dr. Flickema to meet with
the senate in January.
A discussion was held as to whether lower enrollment
programs should be done away with in order to strengthen others.
Assessment reports for each area require a minimum of 10 students to be
considered a valid instrument. Areas may go back five years to get a
total of 10 students who have graduated.
The issue of evaluation of administrators is
continuing. Research is being done to find an evaluation instrument for
this purpose.
Five faculty members have applied for sabbatical.
These requests were reviewed and some questions were discussed related
to them (i.e. how often may a person have a sabbatical; how many can be
funded). Requests were approved and forwarded.
The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Chrisman as secretary of the
Faculty Senate.
Gilman Program seeks
applicants for scholarships to study abroad - top
The goal of the Gilman Scholarship is to diversify the kinds of
students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go.
Specifically, the Gilman Program offers scholarships for students who
have been traditionally underrepresented in education abroad including,
but not limited to:
- students with high financial need (must be Pell Grant
recipients);
- students from diverse ethnic backgrounds;
- students going to non-traditional countries (especially outside
of Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada);
- students attending community colleges;
- students in underrepresented fields of study;
- students of non-traditional age;
- and students with physical challenges.
Applicants who are selected as award recipients will receive up to
$5,000 that can be used towards eligible study abroad program expenses.
Students may apply online via the Gilman website,
www.iie.org/gilman. The online
application deadline for the fall 2005 cycle is April 4.
For more information contact Sharon Hemmingson, director of Grants
and Special Projects at BHSU, at
SharonHemmingson@bhsu.edu
or (605) 642-6371.
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