IMPORTANT DATES

SPECIAL NEWS
Students explore Mayan culture from politics to sacred peaks..., Student wins national music competition..., Students get insider's look at college athletics..., Stetson and NEA to develop Master Teacher Institute.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND CAMPUS
Six students research Hispanic culture through theatre arts..., Venezuelan trip planned..., Student teacher interns..., Interns work in local Mexican American community..., Greenfeather events..., Reporter editorial board..., Touchstone editor named..., Students walk for AIDS..., National sorority convention..., Fraternity/sorority counselors elected..., CSA members announced..., Into the Streets..., Math/CS majors compete in contests...

HONORS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
1996-97 Wilson Scholars named..., Student honored in sociology..., MVP receives soccer scholarship ..., '97 Who's Who students named..., Six sororities recognized for academic performance.

OPPORTUNITIES ON AND AROUND CAMPUS
Study Skills Program..., 1997 Josephine Field Davidson Award for Integrity in Journalism..., All-Florida Ecotourism Database..., Study abroad centers..., Pre-clinical internships..., Economic revitalization and community building.

PUBLISHER'S NOTES

Students explore Mayan culture from politics to sacred peaks

 Five Stetson University students, Francisco Sastre of Ormond Beach, Matthew Shaw of Wellington, William Moore of Orlando, Rebecca Forrest of Palm Coast, and Mary Elizabeth Knapp of Apex, N.C., traveled to the capital of Guatemala with Stetson Assistant Professor of Foreign Languages Robert Sitler and his wife, June. They celebrated the end of 36 years of civil war before moving to a remote Mayan town where they lived with local households.

The group flew into Guatemala City on Dec. 29 while marimba bands played and crowds cheered the signing of peace accords formally ending Latin America's longest civil war. The Stetson group met with Gaspar Pedro Gonzalez, a native intellectual leader and author, to discuss the implications of the treaty accords for his country.

They then traveled to Todos Santos, a town perched in a valley of Central America's highest mountains, the Cuchumatan range. For two weeks students lived in Amerindian family households and took part in daily activities. The Stetson course included daily lessons in Mam, the Mayan language spoken in the region. 

Other activities included visiting with community elders, participating in reforestation efforts, bathing in traditional earthen saunas, extensive hiking to sacred peaks 12,000 ft. above the evergreen forest, learning agrarian and survival skills from families in remote villages, and studying herbal medicine with a local midwife.

Sitler explained Mam women are among Native America's most accomplished weavers and Todos Santos artisans introduced the Stetson visitors to fundamentals of the craft. Local Mayan men instructed the students in their elaborate, colorful crochet techniques.

"We designed the course so that students will not be studying `about' the Maya as an academic subject, but will learn from the Maya, who will assume the role of Stetson teachers," Sitler explained. "While lacking in formal studies, the rich life experience of these men and women has much to offer."

Student wins national music competition

Senior music education major Jason Paulk, Winston-Salem, N.C., recently won the national American Choral Director's Association

Student Conductor Competition. Paulk competed in March at the conference with other finalists from such schools as Yale University, Oberlin Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and Stanford University.

Paulk, a student conductor of the Concert Choir, submitted a videotape of a 15-minute rehearsal of the Stetson University Choir which he conducted, along with several strong letters of recommendation from School of Music Dean Jim Woodward and his mentor, Dr. Duncan Couch, director of the choir, in order to be critiqued for the competition. This was the first time Stetson has had a participant, both as an entrant and as a finalist.

Students get insider's look at college athletics

Seven students are getting an "up close and personal" look at the university's intercollegiate athletics program as members of committees conducting a year-long, campus-wide self-study for a recently-mandated NCAA Division I athletics certification program.

Provost Eugene Lubot, who chairs the self-study, has appointed David Hill, Kingwood, Texas; Jean Bonnici, Naples; and Roman Rodriguez, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to the Steering Committee which oversees the study. Serving on sub-committees looking at specific issues, such as academic and financial integrity, rules compliance and commitment to equity, are Brande Martin, Belleview; Amy Rowell, Jensen Beach; Russell Triplett, Ocala; and Salonda Ezell, Daytona Beach.

The NCAA requires all Division I athletic programs to be certified every five years to ensure integrity in an institution's athletics operations. Benefits to the university are an increasing awareness and knowledge of the athletics program campus-wide, confirmation of its strengths, and developmentof plans to improve any areas of concern.

Stetson and NEA to develop Master Teacher Institute

The Stetson University Center at the Celebration Teaching Academy and the National Education Association will develop a Master Teacher Institute to offer the country's educators the latest in instructional practices and research.

NEA President Bob Chase announced plans to enter into the agreement with the Stetson University Center. The Master Teaching Institute, a three-day program based on instructional approaches being implemented at the Celebration School and in schools throughout the nation, will be established at the Celebration Teaching Academy.

"We are very excited to have the National Education Association on board with us at the Stetson University Center," said Larry Rosen, director of the academy. "This partnership will enhance the horizons of teachers across the nation by offering a program spotlighting the best in educational practices today." NEA, through its National Center for Innovation, will maintain a permanent desk at the academy and will serve on a board to help shape and focus curriculum for the center. NEA expects to link the Master Teacher Institute with national teacher education programs under development. Plans are to present the first programs at the Stetson University Center in early 1998.

ALL ABOUT STUDENTS

---

What's happening in and around Campus

Six students research Hispanic culture through theater arts

Kelly Sullivan of Bloomfield, Conn., Josette Galtieri of Deltona, William Joseph of New Port Richey, Carlos Montenegro of St. Cloud, Julia Schmitt of Wellington, and Mark Kenneally III of Port Charlotte, recently researched Hispanic culture through its theater in Miami and Puerto Rico. According to Stetson Assistant Professor of Theater Arts Ken McCoy, students closed their textbooks and brushed up on their Spanish to study Latin American culture first-hand by attending performances, meeting theater artists, conducting interviews and discovering other areas of Miami's Hispanic theater community.

"What makes the program unusual is that our students encounter the culture from the perspective of their own field of study," McCoy said. "They are actors and learners, not tourists."

The students in the program are not only Stover actors but budding playwrights, directors and stage managers, well-versed in areas of theater production from stage management and set construction to stage lighting and sound and properties design.

Venezuelan trip planned

Four students interns will accompany Assistant Professor of Geography Brian Kermath on a month-long trip this summer, supported by the Hollis International Scholars fund, to the Venezuelan rainforest.

Students will travel to Esmeraldas on the banks of the upper Orinoco River at the base of Cerro Duida, one of Venezuela's most impressive "tepuis" - table mountains that rise from the plains, draped with tropical vegetation. They will learn how the locals use plants in their daily activities and will produce a multimedia show based on the experience in the fall.

Kermath will take photos. One student will prepare a detailed set of maps of the village and surroundings: one will capture what the village does through sketches; the other two will record a number of oral histories of women, children and elders.

For information on future trips, contact Kermath at 904-822-7333.

Student teacher interns

The following seniors interned this fall as student teachers in area schools: Dr. Phillips High School, Orlando: Mei-Ling Echevarria, DeBary, Dawn Turner, Orlando. Enterprise Elementary School, Deltona: Janice Henderson Dunne, DeBary. Spring Creek Elementary School, Paisley: Mary Frances Minich, Umatilla. Blue Lake Elementary, DeLand: Maureen Hodges, Maitland. George Marks Elementary School, DeLand: Devon Weaver, Palm Beach Gardens; Amy Freer, Roswell, Ga.; Angela Young, DeLand; Chris Falk, Osteen; Stacey Dick, Fort Lauderdale; Jennifer Cavagner, Gainesville; Tracy Mulroy, Bonita Springs; Shannon Mann, Palm Bay; Rachel Otremba, Indialantic; Colleen Godwin, Melbourne; Julie Campbell, Naples. Deltona Middle School: Therese Ann Immich, Deltona. Keeth Elementary School, Winter Springs: Cecelia Coloret, Naples; Michelle Gilliard and Jill Tomlinson, both of Winter Springs. Atlantic High School, Port Orange: Samantha Andrews, Orlando; Kristen Worden, DeLand; Jonathan Rose, Miami.

Student interns work in the local Mexican American community

Amanda Marder, Naples, helps Spanish speakers in a local private health clinic. Verna Oliva, Ormond Beach, works in a Montessori pre-school, primarily with the children of fern cutters. Daylynne Eyster, Bonita Springs, spent a semester studying in Stetson's program in Mexico and tutors Mexican-American children in Pierson, at Taylor Middle-High School. Francisco Sastre, Ormond Beach, who went on the Stetson trip to Guatemala (see story page 1) works in a variety of capacities with the Family Resource Center in DeLand.

Students help charity through Greenfeather events

Members of Greenfeather, Stetson's charity campaign which raises money for local community service agencies by planning and implementing university-wide events, are: Winston Brasor II, Oakwood, Ill.; James Fleming, Duluth, Ga.; Afua Amoakohene,Conway, Ark.; Meghan Konczewski, Miami Lakes; Laurie Guenther, Jacksonville; Nicole Mendez, Wellington; Sabrina Lou, Boca Raton; DeOnzell Green, Orlando; Benchamaad (JuJu) Kongwaree, Port Orange; Jeffrey Hirter, Venice; Mindy Giebels, Cape Coral; Paul Caldarelli, Fort Myers; Nikki Snively, Sebring; Colleen Maxwell and Sabrina Holliday, both of Lake City; Taucier Smalls, Crestview; Andrew Dehnart, Naples; Mari Millard, Mendota Heights, Minn.; Christopher Maffett, Lakeland, treasurer; Jonathan Williams, Palm Beach Gardens, named Mr. Greenfeather; and Kimberly Law, Boynton Beach, head of public relations.

Reporter editorial board in place

Managers and editors for the 1996-97 year of The Stetson Reporter, the oldest college newspaper in Florida founded in 1887 and published weekly by students, are: Eric Kissel, business manager, Clearwater; Jill Pritch, campus news editor, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach; Julie Siefkas, circulation manager, Cocoa.

Members of the editorial board are: David Young, copy editor, Lakeland; Davina Yetter, editor-in-chief, DeLand; Stacy Gum, managing editor, Deltona; Stacey Bassett, Ocala, Arts & Entertainment editor; David Gould, sports editor, Titusville; James Tinsley, local/state news editor, Crestview; Jennifer Grillo, photography editor, Inverness; Jonathan Pearce, opinions editor, Rainford; Kompheak Koeut, features editor, Jacksonville; Sarah Stringer, news editor, Tampa.

Touchstone editor named

English major Brantley Craig of Orlando recently was chosen 1996-97 editor of Touchstone, Stetson's literary magazine published yearly. Touchstone includes short stories, plays, photographs, and art work by Stetson students.

Students walk for AIDS

Fourteen students recently participated in the Orlando AIDS Walk. The walkwas sponsored by a non-profit organization that provides services for people living with AIDS. Several Stetson student leaders coordinated "Team Stetson," a group of faculty, staff and students who raised over $500 for this important com-munity event, according to Tessa Emenheiser, assistant director of residential life.

Participants include: Emilie Jost, Marietta, Ga.; Jamie Cooper, Jesup, Ga.; Francesca Clough, Avon, England; Afua Amoakohene, Conway, Ark.; Jennifer Scott, Miami Lakes; Melanie Gnaizda, Biscayne Park; Grace John, Sunrise; Jennifer Hodson, Coral Springs; Julia Nesheiwat, Umatilla; Martha Lopez, Sarasota; Deidre Michels, Sanford; Regan Wessar, Cape Coral; Laura Labbe, Port St. Lucie; and Jaclyn Sutherland, Orlando.

Two students attend national sorority convention

Jennifer McGrew of Bradenton and Melissa Lynn Murphey of Orange Park attended Alpha Chi Omega's national convention in San Diego, Ca.

At the convention, Stetson's Gamma Chi chapter received several awards, including the sorority's National Progress Award and the Seeking the Heights Award for Chapter Management. Stetson's chapter also received honors for rush and scholarship.

Fraternity/sorority counselors elected

Social fraternities: Chris Goodwin, St. Mary's, Ga., Phi Sigma Kappa; Christian Basso, Orlando, Lambda Chi Alpha; Cory Rhoads, Pompano Beachl, Delta Sigma Phi; Justin Pedota, Anna Maria, Alpha Tau Omega; Tracey Jackson, Longwood, Sigma Nu; Casey Myers, Dunwoody, Ga., Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Social sororities: Devon Weaver, Palm Beach Gardens, Alpha Chi Omega; Gerardine St. Jean, Winter Park, Alpha Kappa Alpha; Gina Tauschek, Coral Springs, Zeta Tau Alpha; Orenda Lyons, Tallahassee, Pi Beta Phi; Mindy Giebels, Cape Coral, Alpha Xi Delta; Bridget Daku, Kissimmee, Delta Delta Delta.

CSA members announced

The following students are 1996-97 members of Stetson's Council for Student Activities, a programming board that plans and oversees all campus activities through several committees: Kimberly Neer, Mishawaka, Ind.; Anthony DeMil, Boynton Beach; Larisa Johnson, Hollywood; David Halstead Jr., St. Cloud; Kimala Barclay, Fernandina Beach; Jason Gonzalez, Naples; and Thomas Evans, St. Augustine.

Into the Streets

Into the Streets is a campus umbrella organization enabling students to volunteer in charitable projects, and to promote the spirit of volunteerism on campus. More than half of Stetson's student body is involved actively in community service with a variety of non-profit and governmental organizations.

The students are: Melanie Gnaizda, Biscayne Park, chairperson; Jonathan Pearce, Raiford; Tiffanie Inglee, MacDill AFB; Francesca Clough, Avon, England; Romina Bossio, Orange City; Jennifer Scott, Miami Lakes; Julia Nesheiwat, Umatilla; and Sean Portier, Greenwich, Conn.

Math/CS majors compete in contests; present talk

Jeff Fay, DeLand; Amanda Richardson, Citrus Springs; Matt Galati, Springfield, Penn.; Jonathan Anderson, Plant City; and Michael Jaeckle, St. Petersburg, competed against teams from around the nation in the 1997 mathematical contest in modeling. Each team of students is given one of two problems that are mailed to the school. They have three and a half days to work on the problem and write a report to be sent back and graded. Winners will be announced in April. Last year one of Stetson's teams won honorable mention.

Jeff Fay, Amanda Richardson, Matt Galati, Lara Spencer of Naples, Jennifer Scott of Miami Lakes, Ernest Dixon of DeLand, and Stephanie Daignault of West Glover,Vt., joined three faculty members at the sectional meeting of the Mathematical Association of America. Galati presented a paper, "Predicting the Dow Jones," based on a project he developed last summer.

1996-97 Wilson Scholars named

The Wilson Athletic Scholarship Program was established in February 1994 by Stetson alumni Pat and Patricia Wilson, through the Maxcy Foundation, Inc. The four-year scholarships are awarded each year to first-year women athletes who excel in either cross country, golf, soccer, or softball.

The students are: pre-medicine/biology major and golfer Karla Kotche, Rockford, Ill.; general business administration major and softball player Wendy Smith, Fortson, Ga.; psychology major and cross country runner Verna Oliva, Ormond Beach; exercise science major and soccer player Megan Marscher, Morristown, N.J.; marketing major and soccer player Stacey Mack, Niceville.

Student honored in sociology

Brandy Stoddard, Altoona, received the Durkheim Prize for Research Excellence in Sociology for her senior thesis titled "The Effect of the Early Bird Program on Students."

Chosen from 21 senior sociology research projects, the thesis examined the impact of a special early morning program on students with behavioral and emotional problems at a middle school.

MVP receives soccer scholarship

Freshman marketing major Kane Mehaffey, Gulf Breeze, is the 1996-97 Men's Soccer Scholarship recipient. Mehaffey was MVP for his 1995-96 high school team andwas named to the All-Northwest Florida First Team. He helped lead his team to back-to-back appearances in the state semifinals his junior and senior years. He enjoys rollerblading and drawing when he's not playing soccer.

To ensure that Stetson remains affordable for all qualified students, a campaign is under way to raise $2 million per year in merit and need-based scholarships. The university already puts $8 million of its own funds into financial aid each year to help make up for the steadily decreasing financial assistance students receive from federal and state sources.

'97 "Who's Who" students named

Thirty-three students have been selected as national outstanding campus leaders and will be included in the 1997 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Campus nominating committees and editors of the annual directory choose the honorees based on their academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success. Outstanding students have been honored in the directory annually since 1934.

Chosen: Roman Rodriguez, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; David Hill, Kingwood, Texas; Kristin LeGendre, Mount Sinai, N.Y; Ryan Heaney, East Hampton, N.Y.; Michael Mason, West Roxbury, Mass; Amy Franklin, Higganum, Conn.; James Dunlop, Asheville, N.C.; Brett DiMarzo, Winchester, Mass.; Meghan Konczewski, Miami Lakes; Geoffrey Vallee, Atlantic Beach; Lindsey Brown and Amy Pazzalia, both of Jacksonville; Amanda Tantum, Dunedin; Jennifer Righi, Palm Harbor; Leilani Goodmon and Thomas Jackson, both of Lakeland; Devon Weaver, Palm Beach Gardens; Nicole Mendez, Wellington; Denise Long, Orlando; Gerardine St. Jean, Winter Park; Elisabeth Simmons and Jennifer Pugh, both of DeLand; Laurie Stern, Gainesville; Julia Nesheiwat, Umatilla; Holly Keris, Sanford; Randall Rosenthal, Bonita Springs; Anthony Zizzo, Melbourne; April Farson, Satellite Beach; Leda Beaty and Jacqueline McCarthy, both of Port St. Lucie; Angela Morton, Land O'Lakes; Kristen Rutherford, Wildwood; and Nanlyn Cooper, LaBelle.

Six sororities recognized for academic performance

Six sororities have been placed on the Academic Honor Roll of the National Panhellenic Conference for members' outstanding academic performance.

The Conference recognized Stetson's College Panhellenic for achieving a grade point average of 3.159 on a 4.0 scale for Spring 1996, an academic achievement above the women's average for the term. The Conference has declared 1997 the Year of the Scholar and is urging all College Panhellenics to increase grade point averages each term.

With 286 members, the six Panhellenic chapters are Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Delta Delta, Pi Beta Phi, and Zeta Tau Alpha.

Celebration interns

Stetson students are interning at The Celebration School, a K-12 public school, owned and operated by the School District of Osceola County, with input from a three-member board consisting of the school district, Stetson, and The Celebration Company representatives.

Classes are taught in multi-age groups focusing on personalized learning plans. The facility supports interactive learning and provides innovative technology linkages for communication throughout the community and the world.

Pictured, from left, are student-teacher interns: Denise Long, Orlando, primary grades; Shane Sullivan, DeBary, and Gina Fisher, Eustis, both middle elementary grades; Molly Connolly, Palm Beach, middle school; and Emilie Jost, Syracuse, N.Y., middle elementary grades.

Opportunities on and around campus

Did you know...

-- Stetson's Study Skills Program, a multifaceted resource center designed to help students of all academic levels enhance performance in the classroom, offers tutoring, one-on-one academic counseling, and computerized academic evaluations, according to Mary Chilson, director of the program. The center also offers a series of study skills workshops and Master Student Seminars, offered to all students. These seminars include topics such as: time management, reading, note taking, test taking, and stress management. If a student attends three or more seminars, a letter is sent to each of their professors indicating the extracurricular effort.

All students are invited to call (904) 822-7490 or visit the office, located in Flagler Hall, to receive assistancewith their academic goals.

-- Entries are being sought for the 1997 Josephine Field Davidson Award for Integrity in Journalism. Any currently enrolled student meeting the competition criteria is eligible for the $500 award.

The award is for a student whose published news/editorial writing for the 1996-97 academic year best exemplifies the integrity, accuracy, clarity, and unselfish concern for others personified by the late Josephine Field Davidson, editor of The News-Journal in Daytona Beach. Entries must be submitted by individuals and should consist of three quality printed pieces of editorial material published in The Stetson Reporter, or other general distribution news media, during a period beginning Aug. 21, 1996, and ending April 1, 1997. Deadline for entries is April 3. For further information, contact Michael McFarland at (904) 822-7527 or by e-mail to mmcfarla@stetson.edu.

-- The All-Florida Ecotourism Database offers both workstudy and internship opportunities for Stetson students majoring in geography, environmental science, and computer science. Soon to be launched on the WEB, the All-Florida Alternative Tourism Website will provide comprehensive descriptive information and interpretations on responsible tourism, resources and providers. It is also a Geographic Information System (GIS) that will better meet users' needs. Once the effort is fully operational, it will be possible to produce maps in-house for use by state agencies, county governments, and users. For more information call professors Bruce Bradford (904) 822-7331 or Brian Kermath at (904) 822-7333.

-- Stetson students can study at one or more of six Study Abroad Centers: Moscow, Madrid, Nottingham, Freiburg, Dijon and Guanajuato, for what it costs to be at Stetson - that includes airfare, room, board or food allowance, tuitions, and excursions. Students are eligible following their sophomore year (two years of foreign language required), except in Guanajuato where they may study following the freshman year of foreign language. The deadline for Spring '98 is Oct. 1. For more information, contact the Office of International Exchange at (904) 822-8165.

-- Applications are being accepted for the Pre-Clinical Internship experience for students interested in the health professions. Offered as a three-credit course during the first and second summer sessions, students spend their days in and around West Volusia hospitals shadowing physicians and non-MDs. Twelve to fifteen spots are available each semester and official sign-up is during summer registration. Contact Professor Michael King at (904) 822-8172.

-- The Allegheny Heritage Development Corporation offers paid, summer internships for work in economic revitalization and community building in southwestern Pennsylvania. Contact Professor Paul Croce at (904) 822-7532.

Commons is published quarterly by the Office of Public Relations, Stetson University, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720-3781, for families of current students. Comments are welcome at the above address or by e-mail to: danielle.laprime@stetson.edu

Editor: Danielle Laprime

Photographer: Chris Carlson, except where noted.