Today@Sam Article
SHSU Update For Week Of Nov. 13
Nov. 13, 2016
SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
- ‘Last Lecture’ To To Examine Importance Of Relationships
- Wiley Lecture To Explore White-Tailed Deer Biology
- Paramedic To Present On History Of Life Flight Service
- Staff Council To Host Conversation On Title IX
- Panels To Provide Approaches For Work, Careers, Life
- Creative Writers To Read Selections From Original Works
- Philanthropy Day To Honor SHSU’s Donors
- Counseling Center To Host Suicide Prevention Training
- Free STI Tests To Improve Students’ Sexual Health
- Recreational Sports To Offer Adult CPR Training
- Project To Allow Seniors To #SAMSHOUT During Graduation
- Send Experts, Story Ideas Here
‘Last Lecture’ To Examine Importance Of Relationships
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| Richard Watts |
If a professor knew he or she was going to die tomorrow and could give only one last lecture, what would he or she say?
The original “last lecture” inspired the nation in 2007 when Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch, who was dying of pancreatic cancer, spoke for the last time about achieving childhood dreams.
Sam Houston State University associate professor Robert Maninger wanted to create the same emotional, entertaining and inspiring atmosphere among professors and students through a three-part series.
Distinguished professor of counseling Richard Watts will kick off the series on Thursday (Nov. 17) at 2 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Theater.
Watts’ lecture, “It Is All About Relationships,” will dive into the age-old classic, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.”
“The ‘who’ may get out foot in the door, but ‘how’ we engage and relate to others is the most significant influence on our own success, personally and professionally, as well as the success of those within our spheres of influence,” Watts said. “My lecture will address the importance of being encouragement-focused in all of our relationships, including ourselves.”
The series will continue into the spring semester when communication studies professor Terry Thibodeaux presents his “last lecture” on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. in the LSC Theater. Educational leadership and counseling professor Matthew Fuller’s lecture will be on April 20 at 2 p.m. in the LSC Theater.
After each presentation, there will be a wine and cheese reception in the President’s Dining Room.
Wiley Lecture To Explore White-Tailed Deer Biology
Karl V. Miller, a renowned deer biologist and author, will share his expertise during the eighth biennial Edward O. Wiley Lecture on Nov. 21.
“‘Oh Deer—What Good Eyes, Ears and Nose You Have” will begin at 7 p.m. in the Smith-Hutson Business Building’s Ron and Linda Mafrige Auditorium.
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| Karl Miller |
Miller is the Wheatley Distinguished Professor of Deer Management in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at The University of Georgia, as well as director of the UGA DeerLab.
Miller studies one of the most celebrated game species in North America and is renowned as an authority on white-tailed deer biology.
His research has included work on population genetics, socio-spatial behavior and movements, reproductive ecology, and wildlife diseases. However, he is most renowned for the work he and his students have conducted on the sensory biology of deer, according to William Lutterschmidt, executive director for the Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies at Sam Houston State University and professor of biology.
Miller is also a co-author of the books “Quality Whitetails,” “Forest Plants of the Southeast and Their Wildlife Uses,” and “Quality Food Plots.”
“Biologists, naturalists, and hunters will enjoy hearing about Dr. Miller’s research accomplishments and his life-long dedication to understanding the biology of this important wildlife species,” Lutterschmidt said.
The E.O. Wiley Lecture series is designed to showcase the research and professional careers of other eminent scientists who have dedicated their lives to the study of vertebrate biology.
The series was created in honor of one of SHSU’s most distinguished alumni in the department of biological sciences, Edward O. Wiley, former professor and curator of fishes at the University of Kansas.
For more information, contact Lutterschmidt at 936.294.1556.
Paramedic To Present On History Of Life Flight Service
In the last 40 years, the Memorial Hermann air ambulance service Life Flight has completed more than 140,000 missions to service critically injured or ill patients around the greater Houston area.
Flight paramedic Ryan LeNorman will bring the program’s impressive history to life at his presentation “Changing the Skies Since 1976” on Monday (Nov. 14) from noon to 1 p.m. in Academic Building IV Olson Auditorium.
Athletic program training director Mary Williams said that while the presentation will have wide appeal, students studying health care or history might have a special interest in the program.
“Life Flight, Houston, is a critical component of healthcare in this region and across Texas,” Williams said. “Additionally, students interested in history may find this presentation interesting as the implementation of Life Flight has changed the way critically injured individuals are cared for.”
According to the Memorial Hermann website, Life Flight is Houston’s only hospital-based air medical service and performs more than 3,000 missions each year, making the John S. Dunn Helistop one of the busiest helipads in the world.
For more information about LeNorman’s presentation, contact Williams at mlw049@shsu.edu.
Staff Council To Offer Conversation On Title IX
The Sam Houston State University Staff Council will host director for the Office of Equity and Inclusion Jeanine Bias Nelson on Wednesday (Nov. 16) for a discussion on Title IX.
The “Staff Council Conversations: Topics in Higher Ed” presentation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. in Lowman Student Center Room 320.
Nelson, who is the Title IX coordinator on campus, will explore what Title IX means for SHSU staff by reviewing the policies and procedures related to the act and discussing reporting obligations and disclosure.
Staff members will have a chance to ask questions and discover the answers to “what if” scenarios, as well as explore other Title IX topics.
“Many of us interact with students on a daily basis and should be aware of campus resources to direct them to when needed,” said Staff Council staff development committee chair Melissa Asbury.
“I recently attended the TSUS Title IX training and found the discussion very interesting,” she said. “The court rulings surrounding Title IX and higher education institutions were somewhat controversial and made me think this was information that other staff and faculty at SHSU would benefit in knowing more about.”
Nelson's responsibilities as Title IX coordinator include providing leadership, consultation, and oversight of Title IX compliance activities at the university, and coordinating training, education, communication, and administration of grievance procedures for faculty, staff, students, and other members of the university community.
The “Staff Council Conversations: Topics in Higher Ed” is designed to bring together those “in the know” about current topics impacting SHSU with those who want to know more.
Coffee will be provided.
Registration is required through Talent Management. Participants will receive 1.5 credit hours.
For more information, email StaffCouncil@shsu.edu.
Panels To Provide Approaches To Work, Careers, Life
The Sam Houston State University Career Services department will present a series of panels designed to help students in launching their careers on Tuesday (Nov. 15) through Thursday (Nov. 17).
The “What’s Your Story?” panels will feature professionals in the science, technology, engineering and math; business; criminal justice; and education fields.
"This series will allow students to sit down with ordinary people and hear their extraordinary stories about how they found the profession they love and the lessons they learned along the way,” said Michelle Meers, assistant director for career counseling.
The STEM panel will kick off the series on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Theater with a panel comprising Larry Meers, a mechanical/electrical engineer; Crista Ikard, a physical therapist; Forstine Morris, a nursing resource coach; and Catherine Viterb Ballard, a medical laboratory scientist.
The business panel on Wednesday, at 2 p.m. in LSC Room 320, will comprise Wilson Winn, of Edward Jones; Siby Thomas, a senior analyst and consultant at McKesson; Regan LaPoint, president of Buckeye Cleaning Center; and Matthew Howe, director of recruiting for Huffines Automotive Dealerships.
The criminal justice panel, also on Wednesday, will begin at 3 p.m. in the Hazel B. Kerper Courtroom. That panel will feature Robert Garmon, a U.S. Marshall; Jill Saumell, chief juvenile probation officer for Walker County; Dornell Crist, a game warden; and Adam Hitt, from the FBI.
Finally, the education panel will wrap up the series on Thursday at 11 a.m. in Garrett Teacher Education Center Room 279. The panel will feature Rick Burns, of Huntsville High School, Lisa Burns, a dyslexia specialist; Kelly Duncan, a video technology instructor; and more.
For more information, contact Veronica Gonzalez, Career Services marketing and events coordinator, at 936.294.1714 or vgonzalez@shsu.edu.
Creative Writers To Read From Original Works
Two students and a professor in Sam Houston State University’s Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, editing and publishing program will share some of their original works during the program’s monthly reading series on Wednesday (Nov. 16).
Master’s students Jeremy Gentry and Jennifer Parker, as well as assistant professor of English Ching-In Chen will read selections from their fictional works and poetry at 5:30 p.m. at The Vortexan.
“We hope that people will come to support and meet other writers in the SHSU community,” said Olivia Clare, assistant professor of English. “Community is essential for writers, and we have a strong one here.”
The Vortexan is located at 1215 19th St., across from the Sam Houston Memorial Museum grounds.
For more information, contact Clare at 936.294.3156 or olivia.clare@shsu.edu.
Philanthropy Day To Honor SHSU’s Donors
Sam Houston State University’s Annual Giving Office will recognize alumni and friends who support SHSU through their contributions as part of National Philanthropy Day on Wednesday (Nov. 16).
All students are encouraged to stop by the Annual Giving table in the Lowman Student Center Mall Area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to sign a “Thank You” banner to university alumni and friends who have made financial contributions to the university.
“Sam Houston wouldn’t be what it is without their generous contributions, and many students probably don’t realize how much donors actually give to the university,” said Meggan Thompson, assistant director of Annual Giving. “This event gives students the opportunity to show their appreciation.”
NPD is a celebration of philanthropy that highlights the accomplishments that charitable giving makes to society. Annually, Nov. 15 is proclaimed as National Philanthropy Day.
For more information, contact Thompson at 936.294.2401 or met013@shsu.edu.
Counseling Center To Host Suicide Prevention Training
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among those ages 10-14, 15-25 and 35-44, following unintentional injury for all three groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To help raise awareness of suicide on campus, and help students combat it among their peers, the Sam Houston State University Counseling Center will offer a QPR Training on Monday (Nov. 14).
The “Question Persuade Refer” training, scheduled from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Student Health and Counseling Center Room 280, will help faculty, staff and students learn to recognize the warning signs of someone contemplating suicide by teaching participants which questions to ask.
“Suicidal thoughts are common. Suicidal acts, threats and attempts are less common, but much more frequent than most people realize,” said Debbie O’Donnell, Counseling Center case manager. “If you are a student, professional, caregiver, coach, counselor, case manager, clergy, police officer, mentor or volunteer you will likely have firsthand contact with suicidal people.”
Among the objectives of the QPR training include understanding suicide, overcoming emotional reactions to suicide, clues to suicide and when to apply QPR, how to ask the “S” question, how to persuade someone to get help, and how to refer someone to help.
Registration is required and space is limited. The registration deadline is noon on Nov. 14.
For more information, or to register, contact O’Donnell at dko005@shsu.edu or 936.294.1720.
Free STI Tests To Improve Students’ Sexual Health
The Sam Houston State University Office of Health Promotion will team up with the Texas Department of Health to sponsor “Get Yourself Tested,” free HIV and syphilis testing on Monday (Nov. 14) and Tuesday (Nov. 15) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Health and Kinesiology Center Multipurpose Room No. 3. Vouchers will be available for additional STI testing by the Student Health Center as well.
“Get Yourself Tested” is held every semester to promote the practice of safe sex and sexual health among college students, according to Megan Richardson, Sam Houston State University’s Health Center program coordinator.
“Getting tested on a regular basis for sexually transmitted infections is a big component of practicing safer sex and reducing the risk of potentially contracting or spreading STIs to others,” Richardson said.
The Office of Health Promotion encourages any sexually active student to get tested because, according to Richardson, many STIs can be asymptomatic, or show no symptoms, which can lead to future health complications if not adequately treated.
“The traditional college student falls within the age group 18-24 years old, which has been found to be the most susceptible to new STI infections,” she said. “This could be due to societal pressures to have sex, quickly meeting and hanging around new people, cultural norms surrounding casual sexual encounters, and the accessibility to alcohol and drugs which could impair decision-making abilities.”
However, discussing one’s sexual history can be intimidating for many people. In response, Richardson suggests comparing a few uncomfortable moments to a lifetime of health risks.
“Know first that you are not alone in your sentiments,” Richardson said. “It is important to understand that all STI testing is confidential and your healthcare provider is there to provide a judgment-free environment to take care of your health needs. A few potentially awkward moments to get the test done will be worth knowing your status and protecting your health.”
For more information about “Get Yourself Tested,” contact Richardson at 936.294.4347 or mar112@shsu.edu.
Recreational Sports To Offer Adult CPR Training
The Sam Houston State University Recreational Sports Department will offer its first of six classes for CPR, first aid and AED certification on Sunday (Nov. 13) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Recreational Sports Center Room 162.
“We hope that no one ever has to use the techniques learned in the CPR training, however, in a life or death situation, someone who knows CPR can attend to a person in danger immediately rather than having to wait for paramedics to arrive,” said Sean Matthews, Rec Sports’ marketing and promotions graduate assistant.
The trainings are completed in one day, with a break for lunch.
“CPR is easier to learn than what most people think,” Matthews said. “It may seem like an intimidating thing to learn at first, but upon completing the training, you will realize that you should have learned sooner.”
To receive all three certifications, the cost is $70. To only receive CPR and AED, the cost is $50. First aid alone is also $50. Purchasing options are available through the REC’s website.
For more information, contact Matthews at smatthews@shsu.edu.
Graduation Project To Allow Seniors To #SAMSHOUT
Graduating seniors who will receive their degrees in December can “shout out” to the everyday heroes who have risen throughout their collegiate journeys through Sam Houston State University’s commencement Instagram project.
The project allows students to thank a parent, teacher or friend, or even recall a great senior-year experience by having a friend take a photo of them on campus and then submitting it to the university’s Marketing and Communications Department.
Photos should be uploaded to Instagram using hashtag #SAMSHOUT16 with a short, 140-character shout out. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 2 by 5 p.m.
Photos of graduates also can be submitted by friends and family members and should be accompanied by the graduate’s name and the 140-character shout out.
Those without Instagram on their phones can submit photos and short messages by email to marcom@shsu.edu.
Photo submissions will be used in a video before the beginning of each commencement ceremony on Dec. 9-10.
Submissions will also be verified by the Registrar’s Office to ensure the student has registered for graduation.
Send Experts, Story Ideas Here
Are you an expert in a topic might be of interest to reporters? Or even a unique topic? Would you like to have your research interests highlighted or discuss your expertise with reporters seeking interviewees?
The university Communications Office is collecting information and story ideas for its ongoing projects, including the online SHSU Experts Guide, the SHSU home page and Today@Sam.
The SHSU Experts Guide was established as a resource for the media, who turn to university experts lists for potential interviewees for news stories. Faculty who are interested in being a part of the university's database of experts can submit their biographical and personal information, as well as their areas of expertise, through the Experts Guide Submission Form available online at shsu.edu/dept/marketing/experts/submit-info.html.
Other story ideas, both news and features on faculty or student research and accomplishments can be sent to today@sam.edu or jenniferg@shsu.edu. For news stories, please include the date, location and time of the event, as well as a brief description and a contact person.
All information, including news story ideas and update items for Today@Sam, should be sent a minimum of a week in advance of the event in order to make necessary contacts and write a story. Feature story ideas for the SHSU home page ("sliders") should be sent a minimum of two months in advance.
To see a full list of the Today@Sam submission guidelines, or to access submission forms for news and feature stories or hometown releases, visit shsu.edu/~pin_www/guidelines.html.
For more information, call 936.294.1836.
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