But what would happen if your life was inhibited because one of them didn’t function to full capacity? What would happen if your one leg needed to be periodically upgraded, similar to computer hardware, as you got older?

Well that’s precisely the challenge Tommy Scheffer of Deltona, Fla. (pictured right) faces each day.

Tommy was born with a disformity which caused his left leg to be shorter, resulting in the amputation of his leg. Tommy has courageously made the very best of a difficult situation. While this challenge may have defeated other children, it, instead, focused Tommy and he decided that he would play the sport he loved – baseball.

Now to many, the thought of playing baseball when you cannot run well seems quite futile. But Tommy did join the local team and has become an excellent hitter. And while he cannot run the bases at top speed, he still enjoys the sport. Yet to accomplish his dream of running the bases similar to other athletes, Tommy would need a new prosthetic leg and foot.

While attending one of Tommy’s baseball games with her son, who wanted to cheer Tommy on, Serena Harrison of Deltona, Fla. became aware of Tommy and his challenges. She took a special interest in Tommy’s needs and after careful consideration and conversations with Tommy’s mother, Mandy, Harrison decided, in the fall of 2011, to develop The Tommy Fund, a non-profit foundation which raised funds specifically to acquire a new leg and foot for Tommy at this time in his life.

As a child grows, a new prosthetic device is necessary and in addition to custom fabrication, fitting and revising.  A new limb can cost tens of thousands of dollars for the device itself and all the necessary medical bills. As a person grows and/or their body changes (weight gain/loss, activity level changes, etc.), they will have to start the process all over again.

From afar, Dr. Michele Skelton, Associate Professor, Department of Integrative Health Science at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla., (pictured, center) marveled at Harrison’s time, effort and personal expense to begin this fund. Harrison and Skelton’s children attended the same school and played in the steel drum band together.

With a passion to raise enough money for Tommy, Harrison held fundraisers around town, for what would be known as The Tommy Fund, including music performed by the members of the children’s steel drum band, called The Panheads, in Artisan Alley in DeLand.

Through further conversations, Dr. Skelton decided to contact one of her former students, Rachel Friddle of Honea Path, S.C. (pictured left, taking measurements for Tommy’s prosthetic leg), who received her 2004 degree in Integrative Health Science at Stetson University. Rachel later completed a certificate post graduate program at Northwestern University’s Medical School of Chicago in Orthotics and Prosthetics in 2005.

Upon graduation, Friddle completed her residencies and worked in a private practice in Nashville, Tenn. for five years. She later joined her family’s business, Friddle Orthopedic Appliances, which was started by her great grandfather at Shriner’s Hospital in Greenville, So. Carolina. Now run by her father, a small part of the company is dedicated to central fabrication, which makes orthotics (braces) and prosthetics (artificial limbs).

“Rachel was amazing.  When I first met her, she was self-motivated, knew what field she wanted to study and quickly espoused Stetson’s desire for students to become advocates and community leaders,” said Dr. Skelton of Friddle’s generosity and leadership in helping Tommy.

Through her contacts in the industry, Friddle reached out to Chris Doerger, PT, CP, and clinical educator for Ossur Manufacturing in Orlando, which donated a foot for Tommy.  And once all the donations were acquired, Friddle, Doerger, Skelton, Harrison and Tommy all converged in Skelton’s office at Stetson University to measure Tommy for his new leg and foot.

With Friddle’s work to design and donate the perfect fabrication for the socket design (the portion of the leg that fits on Tommy around his knee and up his thigh), the help of Doerger with choosing the appropriate running foot, and the team at Hanger, Inc., who help Tommy with continual follow ups and adjustments, Tommy is now testing his new limb to insure its proper fitting.

Since each new socket is custom and intimately designed for each patient, a trial period is needed to see if any sores will build or skin breakdown will occur and, if so, adjustments are needed.

But ultimately, Tommy’s goal of effectively running the bases may not be too far off. While he still has more physical therapy to increase the strength of his hips, he and his family are grateful for the generosity of so many people to make his dream come true.  Tommy believes he will reach home plate in the not-too-distant future.

By Mary M. McCambridge

Stetson students produce public health coloring books and videos 

Integrative health science/communication students at Stetson University created two coloring books and videos that promote the importance of public health. The school projects were presented to the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County and will be used to raise awareness of public health in the community.

“Our students were excited about this community service learning project because it gave them an opportunity to explore the many aspects of public health on campus and in our community,” said Tara J. Schuwerk, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication and media studies and integrative health science at Stetson. “The students (many of whom are pictured with Schuwerk, far right, back row) produced and edited their video projects and designed interesting coloring books with creative characters. They enjoyed this project and did a fantastic job. They made valuable connections between their course work and the service they provided to the community.”

This is the first time StetsonUniversity and the Florida Department of Health partnered on a community service learning project. “We presented the student projects to our staff during our annual Employee Awards Program in early April and our employees greatly appreciated the work done by the students,” said Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen, director of the Florida Department of Health In Volusia County. “It’s nice to be appreciated as we work daily to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. We applaud the students for understanding the role of public health and working to educate our community.”

The Health Department plans to provide copies of the coloring books at its four health center locations in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand and Deltona.

The student video projects can be viewed at these links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiQCzjZbrh8; https://vimeo.com/62868311.

For more information about the programs and services provided through the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, please visit www.volusiahealth.com.

photo by Lauren Robbins

Only two of 682 graduates this year chose that difficult and rewarding path.

The double distinction marks the single-minded dedication of Caitlyn Amelia Edwards and Ronald Ethan Wagnon. Gold bars were pinned to their uniforms in a May 10 commissioning ceremony; their degrees were awarded May 11.

Combat tactics, marksmanship, drills and exhausting field exercises were mixed with traditional classroom subjects for the ROTC cadets. The dual life of student and cadet is extremely difficult and extraordinarily demanding, they said.

“No one really understands what we have to do,” said Wagnon, an American studies major from Inverness, Fla. “I had a full day of work before the average student woke up. I rarely had time for anything other than ROTC and school these past four years.”

“It’s such a huge commitment of time. Not many people realize that,” said Edwards, an environmental science major from Chuluota, Fla. “We have to be willing to give up weekends, be up at 0500 every morning, and ready to go at a moment’s notice. We essentially have a fulltime job while keeping up with schoolwork. We’re always tired.”

The double life set them apart, they said, and drove them to be more and do more than what’s expected of other students. Cadets learn to wring every productive moment from every hour of the day.

“We’re already in the professional stage of our lives when most student are still learning how to wake up and go to class,” said Wagnon.

The student/cadets are following different military objectives.

Edwards, who played varsity volleyball, is going into the Army Reserves. After officer training and Corps of Engineers training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., she’ll return and seek a civilian job in engineering and environment. She’ll train one weekend a month and two weeks every summer.

Wagnon, who tutored underprivileged children, is headed for active duty as an airborne infantry officer. He’ll train in officer leadership at Georgia’s Fort Benning and attend Ranger School before Signal Corps deployment. His goal is to lead soldiers in combat. Long term, he’s interested in military chaplaincy or computer technology.

Raised on a Georgia ranch of cattle and horses, Wagnon’s early childhood included rodeos and farm chores. His drive and discipline, he said, comes primarily from his widowed entrepreneurial mother.

“She was the only parent I knew. Her constant hard work and self-sacrifice will always be an example I strive for,” said Wagnon. “My family and friends don’t accept anything less than perfection.”

Born on a Georgia military base into a military family, Edwards has lived and traveled in many countries. Her ROTC choice meant following family tradition and a lifestyle she knows. Her father’s career was army aviation; her brother is an army engineer and her sister is in the Military Intelligence Corps.

“My family had a huge impact on the person I am today,” she said. “Watching my brother, sister, dad and other family members in the military has really prepared me for the outside world. I’ve seen their experiences first-hand and with their help and advice, I know I’ll be able to handle anything. I want to be a good leader.”

Her leadership abilities, self-confidence and time management skills are far stronger because of her Stetson experience, she said. “And I’m a happier person, too.”

Upper level ROTC courses are taught at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. The commute ate away at precious academic time.

“Caitlyn had to juggle classes between Daytona Beach and DeLand every semester. The rigorous schedule demanded a great deal of creative curricular management, but she managed a fine course of study,” said J. Anthony Abbott, Ph.D., geography and environmental science chair.

“Ethan always had insightful comments to make in class and did a great job pulling together knowledge from different courses in a truly interdisciplinary way,” said Emily Mieras, Ph.D., associate professor of history and American studies.

“I’ve learned a surprisingly simple lesson during the last four years,” said Wagnon. “I’ve learned to accept help. There’s been a lot of good people in my four years here who helped pave my success.”

Success for Edwards and Wagnon came when they received their diploma and 2^nd lieutenant’s bars amid pomp and ceremony marking the end of undergraduate studies.

“Stetson has been a great experience,” said Edwards. It has been hard and trying at times, but I just kept telling myself it would all be worth it in the end to pin on my gold bars, and then to walk across that stage to graduate. I’m proud to be one of the less than one percent who serve this country and to follow in my family’s footsteps.”

“I’ve waited for this moment since I was 12,” said Wagnon. “I am stoked to get these bars, but I’m also focused on what’s next, looking forward to my blue infantry cord, and my first platoon. These bars mean a lot, but they’re only the beginning.”

That’s true for both of Stetson’s student-cadet graduates.

By Ronald Williamson

Wendy B. Libby, president of Stetson, will give the “charge” at both ceremonies – a tradition where the president places a duty and responsibility upon the graduates. Spring Commencement includes all graduates who completed degree requirements in July 2012, December 2012 and May 2013.

The College of Arts and Sciences will kick off commencement at 9 a.m. Elly Bludworth and Tara Formisano have been chosen to address 395 students, along with teachers, visitors, friends and family members. Bludworth is a political science major who has spent a significant amount of time at Stetson in service to others. While at Stetson, Bludworth devoted four years to Hatter Harvest, publicizing events and planning on-campus farmers markets. Bludworth also spent three years with Housing and Residential Life, serving in both Emily Hall and Gordis Hall. This experience inspired her to continue working with younger people as a mentor with City Year after graduation.

Formisano is a Ridgefield, Conn., native and integrative health science major with minors in French and gender studies. Following graduation Formisano will be working for Publicus Healthcare Communications Group in Manhattan as a medical drug researcher. At Stetson, Formisano was active in the National Organization for Women hoping to inspire passion in others about social justice, gender equity and women’s rights.  She also was able to present her senior research at the National Autumn Immunology Conference in Chicago, an experience which she says, “greatly helped hone my research skills and confirmed my goal to one day be a physician-scientist.”

The Schools of Business Administration and Music will hold their commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. on May 11. Alisha Hoffman and Kirsten Shippert will deliver the commencement addresses to 287 candidates for degrees, and their friends and families. Hoffman is a management major in the School of Business Administration and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an international organization that honors academic achievement in business, and Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society. She is also captain of the Sand Volleyball team, All-Academic Team 2011-13, All-Conference First Team 2013, and nominated for Atlantic-Sun Conference student athlete of the year in 2013. Hoffman plans to attend graduate school in the fall to earn her M.B.A.

Shippert, a native of Atlanta who transferred to Stetson in fall 2011, has been a member of the Stetson Concert Choir for the duration of her time at Stetson, and she also has participated in multiple opera productions. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda and Omicron Delta Kappa. This summer, Kirsten will begin her M.B.A. studies at Stetson, and next year plans to pursue a master’s degree in vocal performance.

Both commencement ceremonies will be live streamed on GoHatters.com for those who cannot attend. There is no site registration required to watch commencement via the website.

During commencement the William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching will be presented by Beth Paul, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. The winner of the McEniry Award is chosen by faculty and students. Excellence in classroom teaching is the primary criterion, though other factors, such as intellectual growth, professional competency, academic activities outside the classroom, and service to students and the university as a whole may be considered. The McEniry Award is considered Stetson’s most prestigious award for faculty.

Prior to commencement, on Friday, May 10, will be the ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at 10 a.m. in Lee Chapel at Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. The Army ROTC program provides students the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge necessary for commissioning as a second lieutenant. This year two students will be commissioned: Caitlyn Amelia Edwards, B.A. in environmental science; and Ronald Ethan Wagnon, B.A. in American studies with a history minor.

Also on Friday, May 10, Stetson will hold its Academic Awards Convocation at 3 p.m. in Lee Chapel at Elizabeth Hall. This event recognizes graduating students who have been awarded honors in each of the colleges and schools for various projects, research and other academic achievements.

Following the Academic Awards Convocation will be a reception at 4:30 p.m. at Palm Court for graduating students, their families, friends and visitors. A Baccalaureate will be held at 7 p.m. in Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall. The baccalaureate is a traditional inter-denominational service to honor the graduating class. Graduating students, their families, friends and visitors are welcome to attend.

Several awards will be presented at the convocation, but among the most prestigious are:

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award is presented annually to the man
and the woman in the graduating class who best represent the qualities described here. This prestigious award is considered among the highest recognition given to a graduating senior and is given at many universities jointly by the institution and the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation in New York. The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was created nearly 100 years ago to honor Sullivan’s life of service to others. The awards are given annually by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation to recognize individuals whose “nobility of character” and dedication to service sets them apart as examples for others.

The John Hague Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Liberal Arts and Sciences

Established in 2007 and named in honor of the late John Hague, professor emeritus of American studies, this award celebrates Stetson’s tradition of excellence in teaching the liberal arts
and sciences and its devotion to scholarship, morality, and friendship. These are the guiding principles of Phi Beta
Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honorary society. A widely admired teacher, scholar and academic leader, Hague led Stetson’s application to earn a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in 1982; Stetson’s chapter was the first established at a private university in Florida. The initial gift allowing Stetson to honor the career of John Hague was made by William and Margaret Dunifon.

Guests do not need a ticket for entry to the commencement ceremonies as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should arrive one hour prior to commencement. For more information on commencement or the convocation, please visit the website or contact University Events at events@stetson.edu or 386-822-8920.

Schedule for Stetson University Commencement Ceremonies

Friday, May 10

10 a.m. — ROTC Commissioning Ceremony

Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand

3 p.m. – Academic Awards Convocation

Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand

4:30 p.m. — Academic Awards Convocation Reception

Palm Court (in the Quad)

7 p.m. – Baccalaureate

Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand

Saturday, May 11

9 a.m. – College of Arts and Sciences Commencement

Edmunds Center, 143 E. Pennsylvania Ave., DeLand

2 p.m. – Schools of Business Administration and Music Commencement

Edmunds Center, 143 E. Pennsylvania Ave., DeLand

10.       Q – When do I need to be at Edmunds Center?

A – That depends on whether you are a graduate or a guest. Grads go to the Hollis Center. Guests go to Edmunds Center. The doors to the Edmunds Center will open one hour prior to each ceremony. The College of Arts and Sciences ceremony starts at 9 a.m., so doors will open at 8 a.m. The ceremony for the Schools of Business Administration and Music begins at 2 pm., so doors will open at 1 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive as early as possible.

9.         Q – Where do graduates get their honor cords?

A – The cords representing any of the three Latin honors—Cum Laude; Magna Cum Laude; Summa Cum Laude—will be pre-set on your assigned seat in Hollis Center. Other cords representing various organizations, will have been distributed before May 11. Confused about what cord represents what? Information will be in the Commencement printed program.

8.         Q – For Commencement guests with disabilities, what is the procedure for reserving floor seating?

A – Edmunds Center is fully accessible to all guests with seating available both on ground level and in permanent bleachers. Persons with disabilities can pick up a priority floor seating pass at the tents located at the north and south entrances of Edmunds Center. Ushers will be available to guide guests to the priority floor seating area in Edmunds Center.

7.         Q – What is the procedure for dropping off people with disabilities before parking the car?

A – There will be ample parking available close to Edmunds Center, and it will be clearly marked. Please refer to the campus map that shows locations for public parking. Shuttle service will be available from the Lynn Business Center, Flagler Hall and Allen Hall parking areas from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. Shuttle service is accessible for persons with disabilities.

Parking for persons with disabilities is available on the north side of Edmunds Center. Cars parked in this area are required to display a disabled parking permit. Access to this area is on E. Pennsylvania Avenue and Fraternity Circle. Public Safety Officers will be present to offer directions.

A circular drive accessible from E. Pennsylvania Avenue and Fraternity Circle will be available for drivers to drop-off persons with disabilities. Drivers will then be asked to move to the designated public parking areas.

6.         Q – How long will the ceremony last?

A – Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.

5.         Q – What foods will be served at the reception between the morning ceremony and the afternoon ceremony? Will it be substantive enough for my family to make it through the day?

A – The reception fare will be delicious, but light. We recommend eating lunch somewhere in the area, enabling you and your party to enjoy both events.

4.         Q – Who should attend the Academic Awards Convocation on Friday afternoon?

A – The Academic Awards Convocation is a ceremony that recognizes those graduates who have been awarded honors in each of the colleges and schools for various projects, research and other academic achievements. All award recipients will be notified in advance through the Office of Academic Affairs. Those receiving awards will be asked to arrive at 2:30 p.m. and sit in the reserved seating area. It is recommended that graduates wear business attire for this event. All graduating students and their families are invited to attend.

3.         Q – How far is the Hollis Center from the Edmunds Center?

A – The Hollis Center is a short walk from the Edmunds Center. If someone in your party needs to ride to the reception in Hollis Center, a shuttle will be available in front of Edmunds Center, traveling to parking areas and Hollis Center.

2.         Q – Where do graduates pick up their caps and gowns?

A – Graduates can pick up their caps and gowns at the Stetson Bookstore, located at the north end of the Carlton Union Building. The Bookstore is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1.          Q – I won’t be able to attend the festivities on Saturday. Is there a way to watch the event live?

A - Yes! Friends and family unable to attend the ceremonies on May 11 can access our live video streaming at http://www.gohatters.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml. When the event starts a PLAY button will appear on the page (approximately 10 minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to start). Note: You do not have to register. This is a free service for the Hatter community.

Remember to leave your air-horns at home and do your shouting on social media with the hashtag  #hattergrad !

For answers to these and more questions, visit the Commencement 2013 website. Congratulations, Stetson graduates! GO HATTERS!

Questions about Commencement? Go to Commencement website!

Share your Hatter Pride this Commencement week so that the entire Hatter Nation can celebrate with you.  Just remember to use the hashtag #hattergrad. Add the hashtag to your Instagram photos, Twitter comments, Vine videos, Facebook posts, blog comments and other favorite social media activities. Real-time moments shared before, during and after convocation, receptions, and commencement ceremonies May 10 and 11 will brim with the significance of the Stetson community, and will deserve wide audiences.

The Stetson University social media team will share as much activity as possible, especially May 10 and 11. Watch for photos to be posted on the StetsonU Flickr site and StetsonU Facebook page. The team also will gather contributions into a Storify feature to capture the emotion, excitement, and enthusiasm of these times of outstanding achievement and important milestones for Hatter grads.

Members of the Stetson community who won’t be at Commencement ceremonies can still be part of (and perhaps relive) the celebration by watching the live stream scheduled to air on the Athletics website www.gohatters.com.  The stream will go live shortly before each of the two (9 a.m.  and 2 p.m.) Commencement ceremonies May 11.  The StetsonU Facebook page and StetsonU Twitter account will post reminders about the live streams just before the ceremonies begin. If you don’t already follow these StetsonU social media sites, you can find them at https://www.facebook.com/stetsonU and https://twitter.com.

We’re only a few days away from the big moments, and excitement is building. Stay up-to-date by regularly checking the Commencement website at http://www.stetson.edu/commencement and by following StetsonU social media, including our Commencement idea boards on StetsonU Pinterest.

At this year’s celebration, Dr. T. Wayne Bailey, political science professor at Stetson since 1963, was recognized for his 50^th anniversary at Stetson. Bailey, who is one of the founders of Stetson’s Model U.S. Senate and the annual International Symposium, is director of the Washington Semester at American University program and he chaired and continues to serve on the Pre-Law Advisory Committee at Stetson.

In her remarks honoring Bailey in front of an assembly of faculty and staff on Monday, April 29, Provost Beth Paul said, “Dr. T. Wayne Bailey has taught nearly every political science course ever offered at Stetson. Many former students have gone on to serve in state legislature and congressional positions, including former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, a 1964 Stetson graduate, and at least three alumni currently serving in the Florida Legislature. Dr. Bailey is well known for volunteering his expertise for local, state and national groups. He has held various leadership positions in the Florida Democratic Party and was a Florida delegate to the Democratic National Convention from 1972 to 2012, attending 10 National Conventions. He has done extensive work with local government – cities and counties – upgrading their charters and reforming their governments.”

Bailey has been an active member of the American Lung Association for over 40 years, and in 2004, was the first person in the United States to receive the Discovery Health Channel Medical Honor for his work with the ALA, in making Florida’s public areas officially smoke-free.

Celebrating 50 years at Stetson University, Bailey was inducted into Stetson’s Gold Circle. President Wendy Libby and Provost Paul presented Bailey with a personalized Seiko gold and silver watch.

Also honored at Stetson’s 2013 Employee Recognition Celebration:

• 40 years of service, each receiving a mantle clock:
  • James R. Beasley
  • A. Richard Kindred
• 35 years of service, each receiving a crystal pitcher:
  • Derek T. Barkalow
  • Robert D. Batey
  • Robert D. Bickel
  • Linda P. Davis
  • Richard A. Ferland
  • Benjamin Heflin
  • Gloria Heflin
  • Earlene G. Kuester
  • Donald W. Musser
  • David C. Rigsby
• 30 years of service, each receiving marble coasters:
  • Pamela D. Burdett
  • Mitchell Reddish
  • Michael Rickman
  • Stephen Robinson
  • Beverly Romans
  • Theodore Surynt
  • Sally G. Waters
• New inductees into the university’s Silver Circle for 25 years of service, each receiving a silver clock:
  • Deborah A. Bartles
  • Peter G. May
  • Michael W. McFarland
  • Lynn A. Musco
  • Marleen O’Connor
  • Kenneth B. Oliver
  • John H. Pearson
  • Sandra L. Wilcox
• Retirees, each receiving a crystal cube:
  • Robert D. Batey
  • Jane Bradford
  • Pamela D. Burdett
  • John Cooper
  • Rosemary Congelosi
  • Shirley D. Ferguson
  • Joyce Fulton
  • Linda Grooms
  • Richard Peter Heine
  • Willard Kilgore
  • A. Richard Kindred
  • JoAnne L. Longo
  • Lizabeth Moody
  • Christine B. Nelson
  • Paul Steeves
  • Judy Ward.

During their visit, the S.T.A.R.S. toured the museum’s mineral collection, participated in a geology lab to learn about the physical properties of minerals and competed in a native plant scavenger hunt on the museum’s grounds. In the culminating activity for the students, pictured to the left, Starke Elementary third grade teacher Alex Sanchez ’12, explains how to mine for minerals.

“Our visitors had a chance to look closely at the natural world and to think about the possibilities for career paths in the sciences,” said Gillespie Museum Director Karen Cole. “We were pleased to have this chance to share our museum with this group of motivated students.”

“Our professional development school partnership with Starke Elementary benefits all of us—the elementary students, Stetson students and the school and university faculties,” said Stetson Education Professor Bette Heins. “Through these initiatives, we all grow.”

For more information about Gillespie Museum at Stetson University, visit http://www.stetson.edu/other/gillespie-museum/ or call 386-822-7330. Click here for more information about Stetson University’s Teacher Education Department, or call 386-822-7072.

The Senior Art Exhibition by graduating senior Troy Norton, from Oviedo, Fla., pictured (left) sanding the tree branches of his art project, will be held Friday, April 26, from 6-9 p.m. in Conrad Warehouse, 113 W. Georgia Ave., in downtown DeLand. The exhibit is open to the public, free of charge.

Because the “Tree of Life,” Norton’s senior project, depicts the life cycle of a real tree, he needed a space larger than a typical exhibition space on campus. He scouted for a workable space that would encompass his finished project, and he found the perfect place in the warehouse space in Artisan’s Alley, across the street from Café DaVinci’s.

Norton has arranged for live musical entertainment, catered foods, all donated from many established restaurants in the area, as well as an array of beverages.

“Troy Norton is the only art major to win two Best of Shows back-to-back,” said Sculptor Professor Dan Gunderson, Norton’s faculty advisor. “He is the most decorated art student we’ve ever had at Stetson. He has worked well over 2,000 hours on this one project, alone.”

Extended viewing of the exhibition will continue through Friday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment. For more information, call (407) 929-6074.

The Senior Thesis Exhibition of Studio Art at Hand Art Center will continue through Friday, April 26. “Oscar Bluemner’s Germany: Juxtaposing Jerichow” will run through Monday, April 29.

School of Music concerts include:

• University Concert Choir featuring Timothy Peter, conductor, 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 26. This will be the final concert performance by School of Music students and faculty until next semester.
• The Community School of Music’s concert by the Young Singers, Claudia Gatewood, conductor, will perform in concert Saturday, May 18.
• Inspirare, Stetson’s intergenerational women’s choral group, Ann Small, director, will meet for the first rehearsal Monday, April 29, 7-9 p.m., and every Monday after that, until the concert, May 30.

Friday, April 26:

• Lavender and MSC Awards Banquet
  

Saturday, April 27:

• Habitat for Humanity Build

Sunday, April 28:

• Chapel Service

Tuesday, April 30:

• Inspirational Storytelling with City Commissioner Vonzelle Johnson and Teacher Education Professor Glen Epley. They will share their stories as 1st generation  grads.
• One Million Bones Project – Join us to create a paper mache bone to contribute to the One Million Bones Project, an exhibit that will be constructed in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. from June 8-10. The bones will serve as a visual protest to inaction in regards to ongoing genocidal conflicts worldwide. Sponsored by STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition

Wednesday, May 1:

• CLASSES END
• Deadline for Summer/Fall Registration for currently enrolled undergraduate students
• First Year Fiesta – A celebration of students’ first year at Stetson. Food, fun and music to help celebrate the occasion!

Thursday, May 2:

• Honors Project – Living Sustainably in Finance – Karen Carlson – Speaker Karen Carlson’s workshop  will teach important financial lessons, such as: budgeting for your first year out of school; understanding your credit report (how to access) and your score; how to maximize your credit score – what this means for you; managing student loan payments; saving to fuel your dreams.

FINALS: May 3, 4

• Here’s our Finals Survival Guide to help Hatters and students everywhere - 

Visit GOHATTERS.COM for all Hatter Sports schedules! 

Hatter Productions presents HatterPalooza

HatterPalooza is Stetson’s biggest concert of the year put on by Hatter Productions. This year’s headlining artists will be Andy Grammer, Parachute and Andrew Ripp. Starting at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 20, food trucks will be lined up along Minnesota Ave for everyone’s enjoyment, so be sure to bring money for some good food. Andy Grammer will also be selling his own merchandise. Attendance at HatterPalooza is totally free. It is open to the Stetson community and alumni. This year, it will be held on campus, in the Rinker Field House inside Hollis Center. (This is the new location, because rain is in the forecast.)

Earth Day at Stetson – Gillespie Museum/Rinker Environmental Learning Center

Keeping it Green is this year’s theme for Stetson’s Earth Day, Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A showcase of Stetson Initiatives in Environmental Sciences, Earth-friendly activities (tie dye, natural beading, planting, birdhouse building). Informational tables, live music and the annual Doug Lee Day of Service 

Art Exhibits at Hand Art Center:

• Senior Studio Art Exhibition Opening Reception – Friday, April 19, 6-8 p.m. Exhibit continues through April 26
• Oscar Bluemner’s Germany: Juxtaposing Jerichow exhibition runs through April 29

Theatre Arts Production at Museum of Florida Art:

• Dancing at Lughnasa – Brian Friel’s Tony Award winning play, April 18-21. Directed by Dr. Ken McCoy 

Music in Lee Chapel, inside Elizabeth Hall:

• Faculty Recital – Jane Christeson, mezzo-soprano; Michael Rickman, piano – Friday, April 19, 3 p.m.
• University Symphonic Band featuring Douglas Phillips, conductor – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20
• Jazz Ensemble Concert featuring Don Waldrop, conductor, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, Stetson Room, 2^nd floor of the CUB. Celebrating the music of Duke Ellington; Linda Cole, guest vocalist 
• University Concert Choir featuring Timothy Peter, conductor, 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 26

Hatter News Flash video: Quick highlights of upcoming events

Concert at First Baptist Church, DeLand:

• University Choral Union Concert, featuring Andrew Larson, conductor, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, First Baptist Church, DeLand 

Friday, April 19:

• Deliberating About Things That Matter – Gender and the Holocaust – co-sponsored by Russian Studies, Phi Beta Kappa and Gender Studies
• Let’s Get Physical! Exercise Benefits the Brain - Part of the Betty Batson Bell Brain & Learning Lecture Series. Designed to enhance awareness of how we learn and remember and the factors that affect memory. This lecture focuses on the benefits of physical exercise on memory processing.
• Women of Morocco: The Struggle of Yesterday and Today Lecture and slide presentation of the challenges women face in a Muslim country

Saturday, April 20:

• Habitat for Humanity Build
• 17th Annual Walk for Meals on Wheels
• SOAR Treetop Trek Trip

Sunday, April 21:

• Stetson Farmer’s Market
• Chapel Service
• Francophone Movie Night – Chaos and Desire

Monday, April 22:

• Student Employment Fair – noon to 3 p.m. The Student Employment Career Fair will be an opportunity for students to connect with departments and discover employment opportunities for the 2013/14 school year.

Tuesday, April 23:

• GPS: Guide for Proactive Success 

Wednesday, April 24:

• Honors Project Presentation – Kevin Serrano
• Students Advocating Sustainability at Stetson
• APVMA Meeting
• Stetson Speakers Bureau Meeting

Thursday, April 25:

• Phi Beta Kappa: Deliberating About Things That Matter – Reflections on Happiness 4-6 p.m. Guest Speaker, Louis Colombo from Bethune Cookman University will engage us on the topic – Reflections on Happiness
• Taking Sustainable Cities Seriously – 6:30 p.m., Dr. Kent Portney of Tufts University will present his new book “Taking Sustainable Cities Seriously.” He will discuss sustainability polices that have proven to be effective in American cities as well the role of nonprofit organizations in promoting and advocating for local sustainability. All members of the Stetson community are invited to attend. His presentation, supported by Stetson’s Artists and Lecuters series, and the dinner, provided by Sodexo, are free. However space is limited and pre-registration is required to attend. Please send an e-mail to Bill Ball at wball@stetson.edu to pre-register for the event.
• Poetry at an Uncouth Hour – 9 p.m., NightLights

Friday, April 26:

• Lavender and MSC Award Banquet - 6-8 p.m., Allen Hall
  

Athletics:

• Cheerleading and Mascot Tryouts – Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20, Hollis Center

Check out GOHATTERS.COM for all sports schedules.