David Caplain to read poetry at Randolph College

David Caplan will read from his poetry on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010 at 8 p.m. in Jack Lounge of Smith Hall on the campus of Randolph College.

Caplan specializes in 20th- and 21st-century American literature. His scholarly interests include poetics and contemporary poetry. His published works include Questions of Possibility: Contemporary Poetry and Poetic Form (Oxford University Press 2004; paperback 2006) Poetic Form: An Introduction (Longman, 2006), and In the World He Created According to His Will (poems) (University of Georgia Press / VQR Poetry Series, 2010).

He serves as a contributing editor to the Virginia Quarterly Review and Pleiades: A Journal of New Writing, and an affiliated researcher (Chercheur Affilié) at the Centre Interdisciplinaire de Poétique Appliquée at the University of Liège where he was a Fulbright lecturer.

Cast Announced for Fall Production of "Reckless"

Mace Archer, new assistant professor of theatre, has hit the ground running as he directs WildCat Theatre's fall production of Craig Lucas' "Reckless".

This dark comedy has been described as "one of the wildest theatrical rides your likely to take, full of twists and turns, reversals and obstacles, and finally, pathos and discovery. Christmas will never be the same."

Congratulations to the following students who have been cast in the production.

• Rachel -- Christine Gnieski '13


• Tom – T.J. Story '13


• Lloyd – Matthew Cornpropst '14


• Pooty – Marian Van Noppen '12


• Roy – Chad Ramey '13


• Trish – Kate Allen '11


• Doctor 1-5 – Rebekah Baumgartner '12


• Doctor 6 – Emily Perry '12


• Tim Timko – Chad Ramey '13


• TV Reporter – Khanh Hong '14


• Talk Show Host – Nia King '14


• Sue – Kate Allen '11


• Man in Ski Mask -- Chad Ramey '13


• Woman Patient – Khanh Hong '14


• Receptionist – Nia King '14


• Tom Jr. – T.J. Story '13

Performances will take place October 29-31 and November 4-6, 2010.

Learn more at the WildCat Theatre site...

Rick Barnes blogs from Semester at Sea

Rick Barnes, professor of psychology and environmental studies, is spending
the fall 2010 semester teaching aboard a ship as it cruises around the world.

Barnes is teaching two courses, Environmental Psychology and Sustainable Communities, with Semester at Sea. Special guest on the Fall 2010 voyage is Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The ship visits 11 ports in Africa and Asia...

• Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Cadiz, Spain
• Casablanca, Morocco
• Takoradi, Ghana
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Chennai, India
• Singapore
• Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
• Hong Kong / Shanghai, China
• Yokohama / Kobe, Japan
• Honolulu / Hilo, Hawaii, USA
• San Diego, California, USA

Follow Professor Barnes' journey on his blog...
http://ricksemsea.blogspot.com/

About Semester at Sea
Semester at Sea (SAS) is a study abroad program founded in 1963, now managed by the Institute for Shipboard Education in Charlottesville, Virginia. The University of Virginia's the current academic sponsor for the program while the program, itself, is run on a cruise ship called the MV Explorer. Throughout the history of the program, nearly 50,000 undergraduate students from more than one thousand colleges and universities have participated in Semester at Sea.

Blogging from Britain

A new crop of students from Randolph and other colleges are spending this academic year at the University of Reading with the Randolph College: The World in Britain program. Three of them—Susie Lukens ’12, Jamey Hagy ’12, and Samantha Lower (Univ. of California at Irvine)—are blogging about their experience.

Follow along at...
britain.randolphblogs.net/

About Randolph College: The World in Britain

Since 1968, Randolph College has provided a program of study at the University of Reading, England. As many as 35 students from Randolph College and a variety of other American colleges and universities can participate at any one time. Students may choose to study a full year or one semester during their junior year. Students live in one of three College-owned residences adjacent to the Reading campus.

Learn more at...
www.randolphcollege.edu/britain

Jennifer Gauthier wins Larew Award for teaching

Jennifer Gauthier, associate professor of communication studies, was named as the recipient of the Gillie A. Larew Distinguished Teaching Award during Convocation ceremonies August 31, 2010 at Randolph College.

The award is given annually to a faculty member for outstanding teaching.

"Gauthier is known for being both challenging and caring." said Dennis Stevens, dean of the college, in announcing the award. "One of her students said that she 'is a gifted thinker and educator and an asset to this academic community.' Another said that 'it seems as if she never has an ‘off’ day."

"She is liked and respected by her colleagues. My predecessor referred to her as 'a walking power plant' because of the energy and enthusiasm she brings to her students. She takes her teaching seriously, both in and out of the classroom, as is shown by her work in leading the Driver Film Festival, which focused on social issues of intense concern to students."

The Gillie A. Larew Distinguished Teaching Award was established to honor Gillie Larew for her amazing contribution to the college. She was a student at Randolph-Macon Woman's College in 1900 and returned to teach mathematics for 46 years. She also served as Dean of the College for four years. It is the oldest of our faculty awards, having been first presented in 1968. The recipient is chosen by a committee of former winners in consultation with the Dean of the College.

Randall Speer wins Davidson Award

Randall Speer, associate professor of music, was named as the recipient of the Katherine Graves Davidson Award during Convocation ceremonies August 31, 2010 at Randolph College.

The award is given annually to a faculty member who has brought distinction to the College.

"This year's winner has had a significant impact on our community," said Dennis Stevens, dean of the college, in announcing the award. "Not only is he a respected teacher, but he has enriched our lives by his contributions to the cultural life of the college and the greater Lynchburg community."

In the past year, Speer has published two original choral works, organized and directed the collaborative production of Mozart's Requiem, and led a student Summer Research team in a project to catalog the College's music archives. Speer serves as director of the Randolph College Chorale and the Touch of Harmony vocal jazz ensemble. He has composed original works for Randolph College theatre productions and served as a judge for community music competitions.

Speer has taken the power of music to Westminster Canterbury, and he has brought the power of music to Randolph College students in his international study seminar in Austria, Italy, and Bulgaria.

"A colleague says that he is affable, quick to laugh, optimistic, cheerful, never complains, and works incredibly hard," said Stevens.

The Katherine Graves Davidson Award was established in 1975 to honor Trustee Emerita Katherine Graves Davidson, '35. The award has been made possible by gifts from Mr. and Mrs. J. Wilson Newman in recognition of the services rendered to private education by Mrs. Davidson and her husband, Frank G. Davidson. It is given annually to a faculty member who has brought distinction to the college. The recipient is chosen by a committee of local alumni, in consultation with the Dean of the College.

Emily Chua wins Davidson Scholarship Award

Emily Chua, associate professor of music, was named as the first recipient of the Katherine Graves Davidson Scholarship Award, during opening convocation ceremonies at Randolph College on August 31, 2010.

The award, named in honor of former Trustee Katherine Graves Davidson and made possible by gifts from Mr. and Mrs. J. Wilson Newman, is designed to call attention to the importance of faculty scholarship, including creative activity.

Chua has been described by her colleagues as "thoughtful, energetic, and an outstanding pianist who gives selflessly of herself." In addition to her many recitals both on and off campus, Chua has gained a reputation for her musical scholarship.

In collaboration with Nicholas Ross she released a CD entitled "A Piano Odyssey: Kent Holliday."

"If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to it, I recommend that you do," said Dennis Stevens, dean of the college, in announcing the award. "I was particularly touched by her interpretation of the Sonata for Piano, which includes Holliday's musical response to the events of September 11, 2001. I was deeply touched by it, and I am sure that it will also speak to you."