Campus Currents

September 23, 2019 (Today!) at 4:30 p.m., Forum, McCarthy Center

Free apple cider donuts will be served!

Inspired by playing and singing one another's songs at their own "porch parties," these established Boston area musicians and singer/songwriters decided to combine their individual talents and create their own brand of Urban Folk, Country, and Blues. All are seasoned players, each with her own pervasive individual music persona and critical accolades. Among them, they have shared the stage with a distinguished litany of artists, including Willie Nelson, the Indigo Girls, and Lyle Lovett. Refreshments included!

By Mackenzie Berube, publications intern

Lights, camera, Shakespeare.

With a bassist, drummer, and keyboarder to accompany them, Regie Gibson and Marlon Carey take to the stage to bring us back to the Renaissance.

On September 17 in the McCarthy Forum, Gibson and Carey gave Framingham State a show of a lifetime: Shakespeare to Hip Hop, A Performance. Or, as they referred to it, the “Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy.”

Both men come from a background of poetry, with Gibson receiving his MFA from New England College, and Carey having a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Creative Writing, from St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, NC. They have taken their knowledge of literature and transformed it into something used to educate the young and old.

With the band to the right, Gibson and Carey’s main goal is to retell Shakespeare’s past through rapping, singing, rhyming and acting. They wanted to put a modern twist on his story, in order to relate to a younger crowd.

The modern twists they added included changing the lyrics to Biz Markie’s song Just a Friend, when talking about Shakespeare’s failed love for Emilia Bassano, the main topic for many of his written sonnets. The audience clapped and danced along in their seats, recognizing the song. The song No Diggity by Blackstreet and Dr. Dre was also rearranged for their performance, rapping about Henry IV. Gibson and Carey recruited the entire audience into shining their phone’s flashlights, lighting up the crowd, cheering along.

Gibson donned black leather pants with an array of zippers, black leather boots, a velvet jacket and scarf. Carey wore a long sleeve white blouse of the renaissance era and a hat with a red feather. Both were eye-catching and ready to perform.

“If music be the food of love, play on” said the screen, a classic quote by none other than Shakespeare himself. A large cardboard cutout of the infamous man stood in the corner, along with an array of costumes for later, a tambourine, and two microphones for the performers.

Kristen Bennet, Shakespeare teacher at Framingham State, told the audience that they would, “leave here thinking I need music and poetry in my life.”

Olivia Pettengill, a Senior Framingham State student, said that the show was “really interactive, and they gave it a modern twist which I liked.”

By the end of the performance, through all the costume changes and relatable songs, and an amazing band alongside them, Gibson and Carey had the room buzzing with excitement.

Several students and teachers got up to dance by the stage at the very end, clapping and singing along. When asked what they find most important about their performances, Gibson said that it’s because “Shakespeare is alive, living, and breathing in what we do today.”

They both hope to get funding to be able to perform to low income communities, where they may not be given the opportunities to learn about Shakespeare in this way.

Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Thursday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m., McCarthy Center Forum. Register Here.

Dr. Weitekamp invites us to explore the impact of Lt. Uhura on American culture and society. Introduced in Gene Roddenberry's original television program in 1966, Lt. Uhura is arguably the most historically significant character of the Star Trek franchise. As a woman of color depicted in popular culture, in a period of tremendous change for African Americans and women in the United States, she both evoked and played against the contemporary historical context.

This event is part of the Moon Landing in Context Series.

Framingham State University has again been recognized for its efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus with a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.

The award is given by INSIGHT into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity magazine and website in higher education today. Framingham State will be featured along with 92 other recipients nationwide in the magazine’s November 2019 issue. This is the fifth time Framingham State University has been honored with the award since 2014, and FSU is the only public college in Massachusetts included on this year’s list.

Earlier this year, Framingham State hired Dr. Constanza Cabello to serve as the University’s first Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement. In that role, she provides broad vision, management, counsel, and strategic planning to enhance the learning, living, and working community of all campus members. The University also recently hired Patricia Birch to serve as the Director of Inclusive Excellence Initiatives on campus.

“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

October 3, 2019
Artist reception: 4:30 p.m., Mazmanian Gallery
Artist’s talk: 5:30 p.m., Forum, McCarthy Center

Exhibit on display Oct. 3-25.

The Mazmanian Gallery presents a mixed-media installation inspired by Esteban del Valle’s ongoing series Worst Day Ever, which subjects a conquistador to a relentless barrage of minor, yet annoying, first world inconveniences in contemporary Brooklyn. The work explores gentrification, displacement, identity and assimilation in relationship to del Valle’s lived experience. Following the reception, del Valle will give an artist’s talk.

The annual Study Abroad Fair! Meet with study abroad program representatives, learn about faculty led tours, and financial aid to study abroad!

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., McCarthy Center Forum

October 7, 2019 at 1:30 p.m., Forum, McCarthy Center

Keisha Greaves is an alumna of Framingham State and the founder of Girls Chronically Rock. She offers inspired fashion celebrating those with chronic illnesses. Greaves, who has a form of Muscular Dystrophy (MD), states that her goal is to motivate "people who may have a chronic illness like myself or may be battling anything in their life, to let them know that they rock no matter what.”

October 10, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., Forum, McCarthy Center

Across the globe, the spoken word movement has reignited poetry as a force for artistic expression, social justice, and community-building. Join two-time National Poetry Slam champion Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre for an evening of performance, dialogue, and possibility.

October 11, 2019 at 5 p.m. Forum, McCarthy Center

Join FSU and BayPath Elder Services on National Coming Out Day for our 3rd annual intergenerational banquet celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner along with presentations reflecting upon that pivotal night in 1969 and all the progress made since then! Complimentary tickets available at: www.tinyurl.com/PAGtix

We believe in creating a living, learning, and working environment that speaks to our University Mission: “that diversity in its many forms is essential to the educational experience.” As such, we capitalize on the collective knowledge of our community to offer opportunities for employees to learn and grow together. Please see our menu of workshops below. FSU employees are encouraged to attend these workshops. Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/o1SBrAGmaDmb3zZbA

Supporting Students Series

Out on Campus: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
Description: This session will begin with understanding the language, terms, and acronyms pertaining to the LGBTQ+ communities. We will explore LGBTQ+ culture, issues, and experiences, particularly as they impact students on campus, and provide tools and resources to help you grow as an advocate for LGBTQ+ students.
Facilitator: Kimberly R. Dexter, Director of Equal Opportunity, Title IX, and ADA Compliance
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, October 3rd, 1-2pm. Location: Moynihan Room.

The Language of Inclusion: Working with First-Generation Students
Description: With more than 50 percent of our students first in their family to attend college, the knowledge of how college works is not as known as it is for students whose parents earned bachelor’s degrees. Sense of belonging for these students is often at risk. Understanding how to communicate with our first-generation students is key to creating a welcoming campus for all. This session will explore college knowledge and language choices staff may use to help students navigate this new world of higher education.
Facilitator: LaDonna Bridges, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Academic Success/ Director, Center for Academic Success and Achievement
Date, Time, Location: Monday, November 4th, 10-11am. Location: Moynihan Room.

Supporting our Students with Food, Financial & Housing Insecurities
Description: With a growing number of college students across the country experiencing food, financial, and housing insecurities, students’ abilities to complete their programs and thrive academically is increasingly at risk. The effects of food, financial, and housing insecurity can hamper academic progress and have long-lasting psychological effects. Understanding how to recognize the signs of students experiencing these challenges is key to early intervention and ultimately student success. This session will explore methods for communicating with students and referring them to the Dean of Students Office for assistance. It is also intended to make you aware of the available resources on campus and in the community.
Facilitator: Kay Kastner, Student Support Initiatives Coordinator, Dean of Students Office
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, November 21st, 2-3pm. Location: Moynihan Room.

Awareness & Skill Building Series

To be or not to be: Implicit Bias and You
Description: This session will explore ways in which implicit bias is explicit in our everyday interactions. We will define implicit bias, discuss why it matters, and ways to create a different narrative.
Facilitator: Patty Birch, Director of Inclusive Excellence Initiatives
Date, Time, Location: Monday, October 21st, 11am-12pm. Location: Moynihan Room.

Keeping it Real: Engaging in Dialogue About Race
Description: Talking about race can be difficult. However, in order to work towards racial justice and liberation, we must engage in dialogue that centers race and racism. During this introductory session participant will reflect on feelings, thoughts, and fears regarding race dialogue. As a group, we will explore helpful and harmful behaviors when engaging in race dialogue. Tools, strategies, and language will be shared so that participants can thoughtfully and authentically engage in discussion and action. Come prepared to share with your colleagues.
Facilitator: Constanza Cabello, VP of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, November 7th, 9-10am. Location: Center for Inclusive Excellence (O’Connor Hall)

Flu Vaccine Clinics for FSU students, faculty & staff will be available on the following days:

Tuesday, September 24 from noon to 4 p.m.
Wednesday September 25 from 8 a.m. to noon

Athletic Center Lobby Alcove (1st Floor). Bring your insurance card with you. There is no copay for receiving a flu shot.

Questions: Contact FSU Health Center at 508-626-4900

FSU Cooks is back in the kitchen for the Fall 2019 semester!

The first event is scheduled for October 5th in Boston. FSU Cooks is on the road and ready to volunteer and visit Community Servings and Boston Public Market! Join us to learn about Community Servings an amazing organization that prepares and delivers made-from-scratch meals that are tailored to meet specialized diets. During our visit, we will pull up our sleeves, wash our hands, and get to work helping to prepare some meals. We will also have the chance to sit down and enjoy a meal. Then it's off to the Boston Public Market for a tour of this indoor, year-round market. Be sure to bring your reusable bags so you can purchase and take home some goodies.

Space is limited for this event and sign up is required. You may signup for both the Community Servings and the Boston Public Market but each visit must be signed up for individually. Also, please note that we will be working in a kitchen and tank tops or open-toed shoes are not permitted.

Where & When: We will meet at Community Servings at 9:00 am. We will meet at Boston Public Market at 1:30 pm. It may be possible to carpool.

Sign Up: Click on Community Servings and or Boston Public Market to sign up. Remember if you would like to go to both sites you must register for each visit.

Cost: Free but donations to Community Servings are encouraged

If you have questions about this FSU Cooks on the Road event reach out to Megan Lehnerd (mlehnerd@framingham.edu) or Cathy Wickham (cwickham@framingham.edu).

MORE EVENTS:

Friday, October 18th – Fill the Nooks and Crannies: English Muffin Toasting Bread and Quick Apple Butter!

Friday, December 6th - Roll up some Cinnamon Goodness: Lower Fat Cinnamon Rolls!

Wednesday Employer Showcase Series, McCarthy Campus Center Lobby, 9:00AM – 5:45PM:
Employers showcase their organization every Wednesday in the McCarthy Center lobby by the
Welcome Desk. Their goal is to network with FSU students and recruit students for full time or internship opportunities. Stop by their table in order to learn about new internships and job opportunities!

Sept 25
9am-12pm: KBW Financial & Hipstitch
12pm-3pm: RCS Learning Center & US Navy
3pm-6pm: Cost Plus World Market & Bertrucci's

Oct 2
9am-12 pm: LYTX, Inc. & Social Services Network
12pm-3pm: eXp Realty & College Nannies + Sitters +Tutors
3pm - 6pm: Securitas

Oct 9
9am-12pm: Kennedy-Donovan Center & Sierra Trading Co.
12pm-3pm: Staples & Mini Miracles Child Care
3pm-6pm: Wayside Youth and Family Support

Oct 16
9am-12pm: Essex County Sheriff’s Dept. & Centria Autism Services
12pm-3pm: EverQuote & Social Security Administration

Oct 23
12pm-3pm: AAFCPA’s & The Moore Agencies

Oct 30
12pm-3pm: First Help Financial

Nov 6
Noon-3 pm: City Year

Nov 13
12pm-3pm: Leap School

Dec 4
12pm-3pm: The Learning Center For The Deaf

Majors Going Mobile, Every Tuesday, September 17 – December 10, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., MC Lobby
The Career Services office showcases different majors and minors every Tuesday in the McCarthy Center lobby by the Welcome Desk. The goal is to be available to FSU students who may have questions about their major and/or would like to have more information about which careers and internships might be available to them in their major. Stop by the table in order to learn about the many majors and minors available at FSU.

Suitable Solutions Career Professionalism Program Kick Off Event, Wednesday, September 25, 1:30 p.m.— 2:30 p.m., MC Forum
The Suitable Solutions Career Professionalism Program is designed to prepare students for the internship, job search, and interview process. Participants will learn about career professionalism, soft skills, social awareness, professional dress, and networking techniques to enhance their career opportunities. Upon completion of the series students will be awarded a professional outfit ($100 limit) and graduation certificate of achievement. This initiative will benefit ALL students for ALL majors. Learn the professional skills that employers want—Program Overview.

Career Advice Roundtables (CARS) Networking Event, Wednesday, September 25, 3:30 p.m.— 5:00 p.m., MC Forum
The CARS Program is designed to provide a dialog between professionals (including many FSU alumni) and students seeking real answers to their career related questions. Each employer will moderate one table as students rotate from table to table seeking advice from participating professionals.

The Washington Center Internships Info Table, Tuesday, October 1, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., MC Lobby

The Washington Center Internships info Session, Tuesday, October 1, 4:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m., MC 1839 Room

How To Find An Internship Workshop, Wednesday, October 2, 1:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m., FH 102
This is an interactive workshop. Students will gain insight into the process of internship search strategies including: self-inventory, preparation process: resume reviews, professional attire, mock interviewing, professional references, the search process, Handshake, CSER events, networking, and how to apply.

Staples On Campus Interviews– Product Specialist position, Tuesday, October 8, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., FH 102
Visit HANDSHAKE for job description and to schedule your 30 minute interview: https://framingham.joinhandshake.com/jobs/2958056

TJX Corporation Career Day and Tour, Friday, 10/18, 12:30 p.m.—3:00 p.m. ,TJX Corporate Headquarters- Pre-registration required—Call CSER at 508-626-46245

CHOICE Internship Info Table, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 12 p.m.—2:00 p.m., MC Lobby
IGNITE Professionalism Program, Monday, October 21, 7:30 p.m., MC Alumni Room
This is an interactive workshop where students will gain insight into soft skills that employers say are important for emerging professionals. This program is sponsored by the IGNITE Club, and is open to all majors and all classes. ( IGNITE is a chapter of college students who are ready and eager to support the next generation of female political leaders. IGNITE'S goal is to increase the political ambition, civic engagement and leadership skills of its members in order to build the next generation of women leaders).

The 14th Annual Major/Minor Fair, October 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., MC Forum
Having difficulty choosing a major or a minor? Learn more about which careers would correlate to your choice. Visit academic tables, Career Services, and International
Education (Study Abroad). Ask questions about classes and skills needed for the major/minor you are considering, and how graduate school and internships play a role.

IGNITE Professionalism Program, Thursday, October 24, 1:30 p.m., CIE
This is an interactive workshop where students will gain insight into soft skills that employers say are important for emerging professionals. This program is sponsored by the IGNITE Club, and is open to all majors and all classes. (IGNITE is a chapter of college students who are ready and eager to support the next generation of female political leaders. IGNITE'S goal is to increase the political ambition, civic engagement and leadership skills of its members in order to build the next generation of women leaders).

Networking and Suitable Solutions Mocktail Mixer Graduation, December 5, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., MC Forum
Network with employer partners while learning about proper networking techniques and etiquette while enjoying food and “mock” tails!
Pre-registration is required. Register on HANDSHAKE. Contact the CSER office for more information at 508-626-4625.

On-Campus Interviews Week, December 9 – December 13, Foster 102, Employers and Times To Be Determined
Contact CSER at 508-626-4625 for more information.

-Dr. Thomas Koshy. Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, has five articles published:

1) "Jacobsthal and Jacobsthal-Lucas Walks," The Fibonacci Quarterly, 57 (2019), 99-108.

2) "A Recurrence for Gibonacci Cubes with Graph-theoretic Confirmations," The Fibonacci Quarterly, 57 (2019), 139-147.

3) "A Graph-theoretic Model for a Generalized Fibonacci Gem," Journal of Integer Sequences, Vol. 22 (2019), Article 19.4.1, 1—12.

4)" Gibonacci Extensions of a Catalan Delight with Graph-theoretic Confirmations," Journal of the Indian Academy of Mathematics, 41 (2019).

5) "Gibonacci Implications of a Delightful Catalan Identity," Journal of the Indian Academy of Mathematics, 41 (2019).

In addition, his solution to Problem B-1233 appears in The Fibonacci Quarterly, 57 (2019), 279-280.