Local Schools
New Black Gum Tree Planted at Cardiac Hill
August 10th 2018 by Dee Loflin
A new black gum tree was planted atop Cardiac Hill at Southeast Missouri State University Aug. 3, beginning a new chapter in the life of the iconic gum tree.
The new Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire,’ which is native to this area, was planted at the intersection of Cheney Drive, North Pacific Street and Alta Vista Drive, and replaces a former red bud tree, affectionately known as the “gum tree” by countless generations of students and alumni. The red bud tree came down May 25 during high winds in an afternoon storm.
The new ‘Wildfire’ accentuates the school color – red. The black gum produces red fall foliage and new red growth in the spring.
Over the past few months, a “Grow a New Gum Tree” crowd-funding campaign raised $1,850 to help purchase the new tree, thanks to generous contributions from alumni, students, friends and community members. Those still interested in contributing to the cause may do so at impact.semo.edu/campaigns/grow-a-new-gum-tree/.
The gum tree has been a tradition at Southeast for decades. It is believed to have gotten its start in the 1960s when chewing gum was prohibited in Southeast classes. Students living in the Towers residence hall complex would climb Cardiac Hill on their way to academic buildings on the south campus and were said to have placed their chewing gum on the tree’s trunk before entering class. The original gum tree died in the late 1980s and was replaced with the red bud tree that snapped during the May storm. The new Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire’ is the third “gum tree” on campus.
Dr. Sven Svenson, professor of agriculture in Southeast’s Department of Agriculture and the Charles Nemanick Alternative Agriculture Garden and vice chair of the City of Cape Girardeau Tree Board, said chewed gum attached to the tree’s trunk is not considered hazardous to its health. In fact, chewed gum had already been added to the new tree’s trunk less than two hours after it had been planted, he said.
Svenson planted the new tree and was instrumental in the selection of the black gum. The new container-grown tree came from a nursery in McMinnville, Tenn., since no Missouri nurseries had large black gum trees available.
He said the previous red bud tree, Cercis canadensis, had suffered from heart rot for a number of years prior to the May storm. Svenson said the previous tree’s health may have been impacted by its surroundings – a driveway, a parking lot and sidewalk, making it subject to runoff, including salt used to treat these surfaces during winter conditions.
The new black gum planted Friday grows slowly and produces a deep root system, making the new tree less likely to interrupt the existing sidewalk as the tree grows. The species also is resistant to salty soils. Svenson said the top 18 inches of salt-intruded soil along with 100 pounds of concrete chunks and numerous rocks were removed from the planting bed. A soil column (‘hole’) was dug as deep as possible and the remaining soil was amended with campus compost.
The compost was made at the Nemanick Garden composting facility from Hutson Greenhouse waste, campus landscape waste, coffee grounds from campus Starbucks operations and kitchen preparation waste from Chartwells. A weed mat was installed to slow soil infiltration and create drainage below the planter bed, allowing the new tree’s roots to grow deeper and in an effort to promote overall long-term tree health. A boundary curb will be installed at a later date to discourage infiltration of the planter bed from salt-treated sidewalks.
Last Updated on August 10th 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vat4/New-Black-Gum-Tree-Planted-at-Cardiac-Hill
Welcome New Redhawks! Opening Week 2018 Kicks Off Aug. 16
August 07th 2018 by Dee Loflin
Southeast Missouri State University will welcome its newest Redhawks to the fold to begin the 2018-2019 academic year during Opening Week 2018 festivities beginning Aug. 16.
New and returning students will find the recently completed National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza, a greenspace for student recreation and events and recognition of Southeast’s NPHC chapters on Parker Field; the new Southeast Support Network, an innovative, far-reaching student success network available this fall to help guide students on the path to success as they manage their college career; and the launch of an academic reorganization with realigned colleges and departments, creating synergies that better serve students.
Thursday, Aug. 16
Opening Week begins with Move-In Day on Thursday, Aug. 16. Students report to the Student Recreation Center, where they can pick up their room keys and begin checking into their residence hall rooms. Early Bird Move-In begins at 6 a.m., followed by New Student Move-In with assigned times starting at 8 a.m. More than 1,000 upper-class student volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to welcome new students and help move their belongings into their rooms.
“Moving in is a big transition, and campus staff and student volunteers are all here to help guide new students every step of the way and welcome them home,” said Katie Foshee, assistant director for New Student Programs in the Office of Admissions. “Our wonderful Residence Life staff has been preparing for this day for months to provide them with an experience that is organized, efficient and fun.”
Foshee encourages students to label all their belongings with their name, building and room number. This ensures items get to the right location and also helps if something gets separated so staff can easily reunite students with their personal effects.
In the evening, all new students will have a meeting in their residence halls with their resident assistant and hall director to introduce them to on-campus living.
At 7 p.m., the official opening ceremony for the new National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza on Parker Field will introduce students to the space, the eight historically African-American fraternities and sororities recognized at Southeast to which the space is dedicated, and to the new outdoor gathering area for their entire campus community.
A Move-In Bash is planned for 8-10 p.m. on Parker Field, and all students are invited.
“This is a great event to meet new people and start getting really comfortable on our campus,” Foshee said. “Students are encouraged to introduce themselves to students from other residence halls, reconnect with others they met at FirstSTEP Orientation or CampRedhawk, and join our returning students from several student organizations for an evening of fun, music and activities to kick off the year.”
Friday, Aug. 17
Beginning at 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, students who have not attended a First STEP Orientation will have the opportunity to attend the last 2018 session and register for classes before the fall 2018 semester begins.
Students living off-campus are invited to attend Commute and Connect! and pick up a free Southeast T-shirt and Engage in 8! booklet at 10:45 a.m. in the Show Me Center lobby.
“Even if students are living off-campus, we want to help them get involved right away,” Foshee said. “Maybe they need help connecting to Southeast’s Wi-Fi or need to know where to pick up their parking pass before the first day of classes – whatever their need, staff and students will be there to welcome them and answer questions.”
Welcome Convocation, the signature Opening Week event for all new students, begins at 11 a.m. in the Show Me Center. It’s the one time all students entering Southeast in fall 2018 will be together. Incoming students should be sure to wear the free T-shirt they receive during Residence Hall Check-In or at Commute and Connect! and grab a lunch as they arrive. Welcome Convocation encourages students to get excited about Southeast through giveaways, contests, interactive games and spirited activities. At noon, Southeast President Carlos Vargas and Student Government President Matt Rolwing will address the incoming class.
“Convocation really jumpstarts the semester off right for new students,” Foshee said. “They’ll get great advice, hear some terrific stories and be motivated to spread their wings and soar into their semester.”
Following will be Southeast 101 sessions during which students can connect with faculty and staff, and their Opening Week leader.
“At SE101 they get to meet a current student and faculty or staff member who will give them information and tips about life on campus and advice on how to navigate the first two weeks of the semester,” Foshee said.
From 3- 4:30 p.m., students will break into their respective colleges and hear from the dean of their college as well as interact with faculty members from their departments.
“This is a key, first experience for new students to connect with their academic program,” Foshee said. “It’s a great opportunity to interact with the faculty, staff and other students that will be their academic support network. They will hear about exciting programs and organizations that exist within their college to help them build their resume over the next four years. Launching their career starts from day one.”
At 4:30 p.m., new students will gather at Houck Stadium for their first Southeast family portrait.
At 7 p.m., students are invited to participate in a Southeast tradition, the annual Ice Cream Pig Out sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) in the Student Recreation Center. This all-you-can-eat event offers ice cream, friends and fun.
Following the Ice Cream Pig Out, new students are invited to join the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council for some free food and conversation at the Meet the Greeks Party hosted at Parker Field at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 18
Saturday offers a full day of festivities to welcome students. Morning events include choral ensemble auditions, yoga and yogurt with Recreation Services, and crafting with Southeast Serves. In the afternoon, students may participate in the Handcrafter’s Showcase from noon-4 p.m. at the Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum at Southeast’s River Campus, or Dec Your Dorm from 3-5 p.m. in the University Center where crafty ideas come to life as students use their creativity to give their new room a special flair.
An Education Majors Welcome Picnic, sponsored by the Department of Elementary, Early and Special Education and the Department of Leadership, Middle and Secondary Education, also is planned, inviting all freshman education majors from all areas of study to play kickball, get information about student organizations, enjoy free food and meet faculty and staff.
Also scheduled during the afternoon and evening are yard games with the Jane Stephens Honors Program, an LGBTQ+ Resource Center Reception, an event to introduce the First Year Leadership Program (FyLP) and events hosted by student organizations.
Students are invited to learn about the multitude of opportunities offered outside the classroom at a Student Involvement Fair from 5-6:30 p.m. in the University Center. Many student organizations will have information booths, and groups will showcase their talents.
“The University Center will be jam-packed with student leaders who are eager to share the groups that enhance the campus experience,” Foshee said. “More than 100 groups will be present — from co-curricular organizations and honor societies, to sport clubs and special interest groups. There’s something for everyone!”
Closing out events Saturday, the Student Activities Council will sponsor a welcome back movie, “Black Panther,” at 9 p.m. in the Forrest H. Rose Theatre, located in Grauel Building.
Sunday, Aug. 19
On Sunday, Aug. 19, tours of campus will be offered with Opening Week Leaders at 2 and 3 p.m. Interested students should bring their class schedule and meet at the Kala M. Stroup Fountain in front of Kent Library.
New or returning transfer students are encouraged to stop by for food, games and prizes, and the chance to connect with other transfer students at the Transfer Student Welcome hosted at the Donald G. and Gloria King LaFerla Hall from 3-4 p.m.
Highlighting Sunday’s events will be the annual Welcome Back Picnic from 4-6 p.m. in the Show Me Center. The picnic offers food and freebies from Cape Girardeau businesses and organizations, University departments and student organizations, and will be a wonderful kickoff to the fall semester.
Foshee reminds students to pick up their textbooks at Textbook Rental before classes begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 20. Textbook Rental, located on the first floor of Kent Library, and Southeast Bookstore, located on the first floor of the University Center, will offer extended hours during opening weekend. Hours will be: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 18; 1-4 p.m. Aug. 19; and 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Aug. 20-22. Students must have their Redhawks ID and schedule to check out textbooks.
Parking Services will also offer extended hours over the weekend for students who are commuting or returning to campus, or who are residential but hadn’t purchased a permit in advance. Hours will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 18 and 1-4 p.m. Aug. 19; before returning to normal business hours on Monday, Aug. 20.
Monday, Aug. 20
On Monday, Aug. 20, and Tuesday, Aug. 21, Welcome Back Tents will be stationed at various campus locations beginning at 7:30 a.m., offering students a map, water and snacks before heading to class.
For more information on Opening Week, contact Foshee at (573) 651-5166 or kfoshee@semo.edu. Visit http://www.semo.edu/nsp/openingweek/ for a Countdown to Convocation with links to all the week’s events, faculty advice, tips from upperclassmen and a bucket list of places to explore as a part of the Southeast experience.
Students also are encouraged to download the Southeast app to see Southeast’s “Engage in 8!” activities, a complete listing of events offered on campus during the first eight weeks of the semester.
“Campus comes back to life during Opening Week. Faculty, staff and the student community cannot wait for our new class to join us and look forward to supporting them in their journey,” Foshee said.
Last Updated on August 07th 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vat0/Welcome-New-Redhawks-Opening-Week-2018-Kicks-Off-Aug-16
SEMO Students Time to Get Your Parking Permits!!!
July 13th 2018 by Dee Loflin
Southeast Missouri State University students may begin registering for 2018-2019 parking permits at 8 a.m. July 9.
At that time, students may apply online at http://portal.semo.edu or, for students who do not have access to the internet, application can be made by calling Parking Services at (573) 651-2310. Students should apply using only one method.
The application period for the preferred lottery, a system based on student seniority to determine distribution of the preferred decals, will close at 4 p.m. Friday, July 27. After this date, registration for perimeter, evening only and employee permits will remain open. This is the only application period for the preferred parking lottery and lottery applications will not be accepted after the July 27 closing date. Because distribution of the preferred decals is assigned using a lottery, the time at which a student applies does not affect the chances of getting preferred parking. Likewise, the method used to apply does not affect selection in the lottery. Applications are placed in the lottery and sorted according to student seniority.
New this year, parking registration will not be associated with tuition pre-payment, thanks to changes by Parking Services and Student Financial Services at Southeast. Previously, students had to pay their account balance in full, cover their balance by guaranteed financial aid or make their first installment payment before the close of the registration period to be included in the parking lottery.
This change, however, only affects the parking lottery. To remain enrolled in courses, students still need to have enough financial aid to cover their balance, set up a payment plan with the first installment made, or a make an out-of-pocket payment for the balance amount, by the due date of July 27.
The preferred permit lottery will be conducted and preferred decals will be assigned on Aug. 1. Students can determine preferred permit assignment by checking their online billing summary via the student portal after Aug. 2.
Preferred parking decals will be assigned into these allotments:
55 percent will be distributed to students with 90 or more hours.
30 percent will go to students with 60 to 89 hours.
15 percent will be distributed to students with 30 to 59 hours.
Students who apply for preferred permits but are not drawn in the lottery may choose to be placed on a waiting list. Students must choose and accept perimeter parking as an alternate permit type to be automatically added to the preferred permit waiting list. Students will be placed on the waiting list based upon cumulative hours and will receive a perimeter decal to use until the time they become eligible for preferred parking from the waiting list. Eligibility is determined as space in preferred parking lots becomes available. When space becomes available students will be contacted by University email.
Students who are not drawn in the lottery and who decline a perimeter parking permit will not be added to a preferred parking waiting list and will no longer be eligible for a preferred permit for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Two or more individuals who ride together and arrive and depart the campus at the same time may purchase a carpool permit. To purchase a carpool permit, students should not apply for the preferred parking lottery or for perimeter parking. Requests for carpool permits should be made in person at the Parking Services office after Aug. 13. Each member of the carpool must be present at the time of application.
Commuter and resident students may pick up their decals at the Parking Services office, 1401 N. Sprigg Street (in front of the Show Me Center) beginning Aug. 13. For one day only, during residence hall move-in Thursday, Aug. 16, resident students will pick up their permits from the Student Recreation Center adjacent to the Show Me Center.
Summer hours for Parking Services are 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday. Beginning the week of Aug. 13, Parking Services returns to fall business hours and will be open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday. Parking Services will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the weekend of Saturday, Aug. 18, and Sunday, Aug. 19.
Parking fees for the 2018-2019 year are:
$190 for preferred decals
$140 for perimeter decals
$75 for evening only decals, which are valid only after 4 p.m.
$255 for carpool permits
$75 for a motorcycle or scooter without the purchase of a motor vehicle permit
$25 for a motorcycle or scooter with the purchase of a motor vehicle permit
Last Updated on July 13th 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vaoj/SEMO-Students-Time-to-Get-Your-Parking-Permits
Southeast Regents Extend Contract of President Vargas
June 29th 2018 by Dee Loflin
The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents voted June 12 to offer Dr. Carlos Vargas a new three-year rolling contract to continue as President of Southeast Missouri State University.
According to Board President Donald G. LaFerla, the new contract, effective July 1, 2018, runs through June 30, 2021. No salary increase or additional compensation was awarded with the new contract.
Board President LaFerla noted that the new contract is consistent with the contract structure the Board of Regents approved at its June 26, 2017, meeting and was based on the Board’s assessment of the University’s accomplishments and University President Vargas’ leadership during the past year.
“This University is very fortunate to have a man of Dr. Vargas’ character and credentials as our president, and we want him to know how much we appreciate what he means to us,” LaFerla said.
Some of the accomplishments Mr. LaFerla cited include:
The University’s continued progress toward its retention and graduation goals, noting that retention and graduation rates reported in fall 2017 were both at the highest rate since the University began tracking the data.
The institution’s success in securing three new program-specific accreditations from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the National Association of Schools of Dance, and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education – all of which attest to the quality and rigor of academic programs at Southeast.
The development of multiple new graduate and undergraduate programs such as the Bachelor of Applied Science, new undergraduate Agriculture options, and the Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
Execution of the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program which exceeded participation goals endorsed by the Board of Regents.
The University’s ability to increase giving and identify new donors through initiatives led by University Advancement and the Department of Athletics.
The implementation of the new SE Alerts communication/notification system.
The University’s efforts to continue implementing innovative solutions to enhance enrollment and create alternate pathways to degree as evidenced by the addition of new Transfer Mentor Program partners and the corporate degree partnership with TG Missouri.
“I feel honored that the Board of Regents has renewed my contract,” Vargas said. “I continue to be committed and excited to work with the University community to enhance the visibility and recognition of Southeast Missouri State University.”
Last Updated on June 29th 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/van3/Southeast-Regents-Extend-Contract-of-President-Vargas
River Campus Announces Performance Dates for Little Shop of Horrors'
June 10th 2018 by Dee Loflin
Southeast Missouri State University announces the River Campus Summer Arts Festival’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” opening June 14 as part of its two-week extended season.
“Little Shop of Horrors,” one of the longest running Off-Broadway shows, is a deliciously dark sci-fi comedy musical with a stunning 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Meet Seymour, a meek and dejected floral shop employee who finds an unusual plant, which he adoringly names “Audrey II.” Surprises await as this strange and unusual plant develops a soulful voice, a sailor mouth and a taste for human blood.
Performances of “Little Shop of Horrors” are slated for 7:30 p.m. June 14, 19, 22, 23, 26 and 27; and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17, in the Wendy Kurka Rust Flexible Theatre at the Southeast River Campus.
The musical is a hilarious show that spoofs audiences’ favorite sci-fi and B-rated horror movies, said Director Michael McIntosh, assistant professor with Southeast’s Conservatory of Theatre and Dance.
“It’s a very funny show that everyone will love,” McIntosh said “We have a great cast and huge special effects. It’s going to be a first-class production that audiences won’t want to miss.”
The company consists of current Southeast Conservatory students and professional faculty and staff. For a listing of the full company, please see below.*
Tickets
Tickets are $20 and are on sale now. They may be purchased by contacting the River Campus Box Office, located in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling (573) 651-2265 or online at RiverCampus.org.
River Campus Summer Arts Festival:
The fifth annual community River Campus Summer Arts Festival on June 16 includes live music, dance, theatrical performances, magic, visual arts displays, hands-on family-friendly art expression activities, museum exhibitions, musical instruments and animal petting zoos, creative writing workshops, an arts walk, and other hands-on activities throughout the River Campus. The festival will offer an ambitious season of three shows. In addition to “Little Shop of Horrors,” visitors also may enjoy the whodunit meets spicy spy novel in the melodramatic comedy “The 39 Steps,” and the Broadway musical “Legally Blonde Jr.”
The community festival is free and open to all ages in the entire region. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is sponsored by Drury Hotels, US Bank, the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, Southeast Missouri State University, City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation, the Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, Rust Communications, KGMO, Ameren Missouri, KBSI, River Radio, Pure Country C106.1, KRCU, Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, SoutheastHEALTH, Legends, Lemonade Grill, Cape Noon Optimist Club, Cape Rotary Club, the Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum, Jimmy John’s, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Minglewood Brewery, Pepsi, and the University’s departments of Art, Music and The Conservatory of Theatre and Dance. Partners include the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, Old Town Cape and the United Way of Southeast Missouri.
For more information, visit http://rivercampus.org/event/summer-arts-festival/.
*Full List of Company:
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Michael McIntosh (Director), assistant professor of musical theatre, directing and acting
Jenna Lee Moore (Music Director), assistant professor of theatre – voice
Malachi Marrero (Choreographer), junior dance major of Memphis, Tennessee
Jeffrey Luetkenhaus (Scenic Designer), production manager for the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts
James M. Miller (Costume Designer), guest designer
Christopher Haug (Lighting Designer), technical director and lighting designer for The Conservatory of Theatre and Dance
Mick Keathley (Sound Designer), assistant manager for the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts
CAST:
Brianna Busse (Chiffon), sophomore musical theatre major of Florissant, Missouri
Alexia Buckner (Crystal), junior musical theatre major of Memphis, Tennessee
Diamon Lester (Ronnette), sophomore musical theatre major of Hazelwood, Missouri
Bart Williams (Mushnik), assistant professor of theatre
Abigail Becker (Audrey), junior musical theatre major of Independence, Missouri
Mason Ramsey (Seymour), junior musical theatre major of Festus, Missouri
Andrew Freeland (Orin, Bernstein, Snip, Derelicts, Everyone Else), sophomore musical theatre major of Pikeville, Kentucky
Ries Lundstrom (Audrey II – Puppeteer, Derelicts), sophomore musical theatre major of Granite City, Illinois
Nicholas Kuchem (Audrey II – Voice, Derelicts), junior musical theatre major of Washington, Missouri
Last Updated on June 10th 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/vaih/River-Campus-Announces-Performance-Dates-for-Little-Shop-of-Horrors
