The Reporter, February 1987

The Reporter is a publication produced by Western Carolina University featuring news, events, and campus community updates for faculty and staff. The publication began in August of 1970 and continues digitally today. Click on the link in the “Related Materials” field to access recent issues.m E=J Reporter February 6, 1987 A Weekly Newsletter for the Faculty and Staff of Western Carolina University / Cullowhee, North Carolina WCU'S LONGEST-TENURED FACULTY MEMBER RETIRES "Can you imagine retiring after 37 years and being busier the day after you retire than the day before?" After 37 years of service including 31 years at Western as a coach and professor of health and physical education, 13 of them as head football coach, Dan Robinson is retiring from the uni­versity to manage a new congressional of­fice for U.S. Rep. James McClure Clarke. "I've had it made for the last 15 years," he says. "College teach­ing is a good job because your students want to be there." Now he'll be meeting a different set of needs, helping the WNC community stay in touch with their congressman. One of Clarke's campaign promises was to open an office west of the Balsams, something this district has never had. Robinson will be the staff for Congressional Office West, as it will be called. He will hold meetings monthly in each of the six western counties—Jackson, Macon, Swain, Graham, Cherokee, and Clay—and help communicate between Clarke and the people of those counties. "Congressman Clarke feels very strongly about staying in touch with the people," Robinson says. Open House in the office, located in Colonial Square (across from Harold's Supermarket), will be held Monday, Feb. 16. Congressman Clarke will be there from 4 until 6 p.m. Robinson was asked to staff the office because of his past involvement with the N.C. Wildlife Commission. An avid hunter and fisherman, he had served on the chair­man's advisory committee to the commission and was asked to seek the District 9 commissioner's position when it came open. He served on the commission for six years and held meetings in the 12 western counties. "I got to know a lot of people, and they me," he says. He had also been involved "in a modest way" in Democratic Party activities. Since Helen Hartshorn retired two years ago, Robinson has been the longest-tenured member of the faculty. He actually has been at Western off and on since 1946, when he came as a student and played football for four years. After he graduated, he stayed on a year as line coach for Tom Young. He left to get a master's at George Peabody and went into high school coaching and teaching. He was at Greenwood (S.C.) High School for a year and then went to Morganton High as head football coach and athletic director. In 1956 he came back to Western as head football coach. Twice he was named conference Coach of the Year and twice district Coach of the Year. But after 20 years of coaching, he had had enough. "Particularly where football was concerned, 1 was a very intense person," he says. "It wasn't any fun anymore. Whether we won or we lost, I didn't get any pleasure out of it." He told President Alex Pow that 1968 would be his last season as coach. When Dr. Pow tried to talk him out of resigning, Robinson told him, "If Notre Dame called me today, I'd tell them I Chuck Taylor, and students Sally Alewel, didn't intend to coach." Richard Bovender, and Cliff Clark. Although he had tenure and taught half time in the health and physical education area, Robinson says, "I didn't feel they had an obligation to me, because they brought me here as a coach. But Dr. Pow was gracious enough to offer me a faculty position." One of the first tasks he was assigned as a full-time member of the faculty was to supervise student teachers at the pool. That evolved into a full-time summer job at the pool and the summer swimming program, which grew into the full-scale summer recreation program as it is today. Robinson remained responsible for the swimming program, while Sue Persons took over the other summer activities. "We tried to have a top-notch program. If a kid got a card at the end, he really qualified for it," Robinson says. "The demand always exceeded the capacity. We had about all we could say grace over." —Elizabeth Addison CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE GATHERS IDEAS The committee in charge of coordinating plans for Western's Centennial Celebration from August 1989 through the summer of 1990 invites proposals for events and activities to be included in the celebration. Individuals, organizations, and committees can make proposals in writing to William 3. Kirwan, chairman of the Centennial committee, Hunter Library between now and April 15. Each suggestion should be accompanied by a name, an address, and a telephone number. The Centennial committee, appointed by the chancellor, represents all of the univer­sity community. Serving on the committee, headed by Kirwan, are Mrs. Frank H. Brown, Jr., Reg Moody, Jack Hennessee, Orville Coward, Charles McConnell (president of the WCU Alumni Association), Deb Babel, Royce Woosley, Joe Beck, Max Williams, Joan Byrd, Tyler Blethen, Taylor Huskins, James Dooley, Judy Dowell, J.C. Alexander, Doug Reed, Jack Barnett, C.J. Carter, Judy Stillion, Glenn Stillion, Guy Burchfiel, Hanson Smith, Harry Ramsey, Ken Wood, NCCAT POSITIONS OPEN The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, a year-round residential center designed to promote the intellectual growth of outstanding North Carolina teachers, is advertising two positions, one for a Center Fellow and one for a Coordinator of Information Services. The NCCAT is, like Western, an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and a constituent of The University of North Carolina. As a member of the NCCAT residential faculty, the Center Fellow will join others in planning and conducting seminars on interdisciplinary topics for K-12 teachers, serve as a mentor for independent study projects that are undertaken by teacher-participants, participate in NCCAT research and outreach activities, and work closely with and advise the Director and Associate Director. An applicant should possess a terminal degree in his or her discipline and have an established reputation as teacher and scholar. He or she should have a strong commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and an academic background that reflects diverse exposure to the arts, humanities, and sciences. Experience in designing and conducting programs for elementary and secondary school teachers is desirable. Salary for this position will be commen­surate with qualifications and experience, up to a maximum of $40,000 for a 12-month contract. Appointment will begin July 1. Send letter of application, resume, and the names and addresses of three references no later than March 1 to: R. Bruce McPherson, Director N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching Western Carolina University Cullowhee, N.C. 28723 The Coordinator of Information Services (Information and Communications Specialist III, Grade 72) will be responsible for all public information and public relations related to the Center. The job entails preparation and distribution of news re­leases to print media at local, state, and national levels; preparation and dis­tribution of feature stories; preparation and distribution of news material to radio anc television stations; prepara­tion of brochures and other promotional material; super­vision of development of slide/tape shows and video for promotional and recruit­ing purposes; development ant implementation of long-range communications plan for radio, TV, and print media; coordination of alumni news­letter; and related duties. The person will work in col- The new Western North Carolina Regional Cardiac Rehabilitation and laboration with the Office of Intervention Program linking WCU and C.J. Harris Community Hospital Public Information at Western was established Thursday, Jan. 29, at a signing ceremony in Cullowhee. Carolina University. A mini- Chartering *he °ew program were, from left, William Aldis, Sylva physician mum of five vears' exnerienr«> a? ^C, ., °f.the med|cal staff at CJ. Harris; Donald C. Morgan, president . , , P C.J. Harris; Art Pilch, professor of health, physical education, and in print or broadcast jour- recreation at Western; and Chancellor Myron L. Coulter. Dr. Aldis is the nalism, with working knowl- medical director for the new program and Pilch will be co-director, edge of public relations, is preferred. Educational requirements: mini­mum of B.A. in journalism, with master's preferred. The job begins April 1. Salary range (hiring rate $23,592): $23,592-$38,004. Qualified candidates must submit an application, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and sample of work by March 1 to Judy Smoker in the WCU Personnel Office. NEWS BRIEFS Auditions - Speech and Theatre Arts will conduct auditions for its 1987 One-Act Festival Monday, Feb. 9, from 6 until 6:30 p.m. in Niggli Theatre. Scripts are available in 124 Stillwell. "Amicable Parting" by George Kaufman and Leueen MacGrath, "Buddies" by Mary Gallagher, and "Crosspatch" by Larry Randolph will be performed in dinner theatre March 24; "Luv" by Murray Schisgal will be performed in dinner theatre March 27; and "Make-Up Artist" by David Henry Wilson and "Cowboy Mouth" by Sam Shephard and Patti Smith will be staged April 10 in Niggli. Call ext. 7491 for more information. Concert - The WCU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Mario Gaetano will conduct its annual winter concert tour of North Carolina high schools Feb. 11-13. In recognition of Black History Month, the group will play special selections by Count Basie and Duke Ellington, among others. Youth Orchestra - The spring term for the WNC Youth Orchestra will begin Saturday, Feb. 14, with 9 a.m. auditions for new members in the band room of the Music-English Building. Regular rehearsals will be from 10 a.m. until noon each Saturday through April 11. The orchestra, conducted by William Henigbaum and Stephen Lawson of the WCU music faculty, is sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council in cooperation with the music department and area music educators. It is supported by grants and private donors. For further information or to make contributions, contact Eva Adcock at ext. 7242. Art - Photographer Baldwin S. Lee will exhibit his work and give lectures on photography beginning Monday, Feb. 9. His recent photographs of the South will be shown Feb. 9 through March 4 in the art gallery of Belk Building. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the gallery, following his 7 p.m. lecture on the exhibit in 104 Belk. On Tuesday, he will lecture in 104 Belk on his former teacher, Walker Evans. Lee's work has been exhibited nationally and is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, Yale University Art Gallery, and the University of Kentucky Art Museum. An illustrated catalog is available on request. Groups - Several "Groups for Growth and Change" are being offered by the Counsel­ing, Testing, and Psychological Services Center this semester. Don't delay—they start this week. They are open to all students, staff, and faculty. To find out times and to register, call ext. 7469. Participation in any group is confidential; faculty and staff are encouraged to refer students and to attend themselves. Topics this term: Creative Relaxation, Assertive-ness Training, Developing Healthy Relation­ships, Psychotherapy, Confronting the Alcoholic System, Self-Defeating Behaviors, Focus on Food, Problems with Eating: A Support Group, Dreamwork, Self-Enhancement, Invisible Physical Challenges, Personal Growth through Games, Men's Group, Why Me?, Sexual Assault Support Group, and Women in Relationships. Computer Workshops - The Computer Center is offering two workshops next week. To register, call ext. 7282. On Tuesday or Wednesday, Feb. 10 or 11, learn the use of the VAX text editor (EDT) in creation and modification of data files, text files, and program source code. On Thursday or Friday learn the basic techniques in using the Digital Standard RUNOFF report generator on the VAX. All workshops are scheduled from 3 until 5 p.m. IET Grant - Western's department of indus­trial education and technology received a $6,000 grant from the Society of Plastics Engineers, Carolinas-Virginia section, toward the purchase of a plastics injection machine for lab instruction. The German-made Arburg machine has been operational in the industrial education and technology department since October. It accompanies a similar computerized plastics injection machine which the department purchased three years ago, also with matching funds from the Society of Plastics Engineers. Spring in England - Plans are under way for the annual Spring in England tour to London and surrounding areas, tentatively scheduled May 11 through June 1. The tour will be led this year by Don Loeffler of Speech and Theatre Arts and Jeff Neff, geography professor. All interested per­sons are eligible to go, and academic credit is available for geography and thea­tre courses. The estimated cost is $1,300, including transportation, accommodations, tickets to several theatre events, some side trips from London, visits to museums, and other places. For more information, contact Dr. Loeffler at ext. 7491. Foreigner Benefit - The rehearsal grape­vine report is that it's getting funnier and funnier. Whether or not you missed the highly acclaimed performances of The Foreigner last November, you'll want to come again Feb. 14 when the cast and crew stage a benefit performance preparatory to taking the production to regional competi­tion in Knoxville. Tickets are $10, and curtain is at 7:30. Western's production was one of six chosen from more than 70 in the Southeast for "high standards of excellence" by the selection committee of the John F. Kennedy Center's 19th American College Theatre Festival. A recommendation in Knoxville will mean the entire cast, crew, and set will travel to the nation's capital in March to perform at the Kennedy Center. REACH Benefit - St. Valentine's Day is also the day for a dance to raise funds for REACH, Jackson County's program for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. The dance will be held from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. with music by "Wishful Thinking," a band from Brevard which plays a mixture of classic rock and roll, top 40, and beach music. Set-ups and soft drinks will be available, and a number of door prizes, including a $400. VCR, will be given away. Tickets are $15 each or $30 per couple. If you would like to contribute $5, $10, or $15 rather than attend, your name can be entered for a door prize. Make reserva­tions by calling the REACH office at 586-8969. I Reporter A Weekly Newsletter for the Faculty and Staff of Western Carolina University February 13, 1987 / Cullowhee, North Carolina CULTIVATING BEAUTIFUL SONG Forget any stereotyped ideas you may have of an opera singer. Laura Mann doesn't fit them. Nothing rotund, nothing somber about this woman. Aerobic exercise, jazz danc­ing, proper diet, an interest in mankind and world peace, serenity and beauty—these are some of the things of importance to Mann, visiting assistant professor of voice at Western. "I can sing any kind of rehearsal just on yogurt and a piece of fruit," Mann said, "but I eat a lot of red meat if I have a performance coming up. "There seems to be a belief about adrenalin when you stand on stage," she said. "You have to channel whatever energy you have; having beef or liver helps to give more energy and more stability." Laura Mann needs a lot of energy to main­tain her busy schedule of teaching and per­forming. Over the past Christmas season, she performed two concerts in Buffalo, N.Y., which featured music for soprano, strings, and harp. Forthcoming are performances as guest recitalist at the Chopin Society at Mid-America Recital Series in Edmond, Okla., during February and as guest artist in April at Principia College in the St. Louis, Mo., area. She also will present a master class and lecture on voice there. And she will be making her Asheville debut March 15. She will present a recital with pianist John Ferguson, visiting artist at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College, at 3 p.m. in Lord Auditorium at Pack Memorial Library. "I've been singing since a child," Mann said. "I made my first appearance when I was five, and I did my first professional show at nine in Niagara Falls, Ont., with a summer theatre. I have always enjoyed being in front of people on stage and singing. "When I was small I used to keep myself awake so I could listen to my mother sing lullabies. She was Lithuanian. I used to memorize the words and that was how I learned my first song." Laura Mann's musical talent was recognized and encouraged and early led to full-tuition scholarships at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., for both Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees. This was followed by studies at the Hochschule fur Musik in Cologne, West Germany, and at the Opera Studio in West Berlin. What is opera to Laura Mann? "Opera," she said, "is communicating. Com­municating ideas and feelings through char­acters. Like everything else, some have very noble thoughts, some are just purely melodrama." But the reality is that, even though opera is a major art form, most people in this country are not interested in it. Mann described this as being caused by a lack of familiarity with opera. "Once exposed to opera," she said, "almost anyone would like it because deep within us there is something that responds to beauty. "We have to instruct people in the arts," she said. "We have to communicate better, make those forms more available to other persons, to some way strip down the barrier. The barrier is just ignorance. "Everybody responds to beauty, to a beautiful sound or a beautiful picture or to love. There are some universal things everyone responds to. People need to understand that the arts are not extra. They are vital elements of our society and should be recognized as such. North Carolina is very progressive in that area, and it's great." Her own style as a performer is that of a lyric soprano. "Lyric," she said, "is just that, a description of how the part is sung, lyrically. It is generally the heroine's part." Teaching voice is as much a part of her life as performing on stage. Prior to accepting a position at WCU, she taught at Texas Tech in Lubbock as well as other schools. Several of her students have gone on to win scholarships here and abroad. Laura Mann cares very much about that. "Something that is very important," she said, "is cultivating beautiful singing. Because that's what touches people, that's what communicates. So many of the voices today are commercial, they are simply not beautiful." The problem is time. Without strong sup­port, opera singers are not able to obtain enough experience to develop properly, according to Mann. Many are forced to end their careers when they should be in mid-career, she said. "There's a lot of mismanagement of voice teaching, too," she said. "People don't take enough time to learn. We are a very impatient society. It's not an age that gives a lot of care to things that are beautiful. We need to nurture singers. Any kind of singer. "This is probably the bottom line. Singers need nurturing and they are not getting that. It is bad for everybody. We have to get back to cultivating the beauty of sound that was once prevalent in singing. "When you are on stage just to perform," she said, "it gets to be introverted after a while. I got into teaching because I wanted to communicate what I know to somebody else. I saw my own mistakes. I wanted to share that with students, and it's very exciting for me to do that, to see things click in the student's mind. "I believe there is an order to every­thing," she said, "and the sooner we get in touch with it, the better. I don't think things are happenstance. I didn't give myself my voice—no singer did. A person who has an ability has that ability from God. We need to let go and do as much as we can to cultivate what we have." Mann has appeared as a leading lyric soprano in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Poland, and has traveled and performed widely in the U.S. — Nils Hardin (Used by permission from the Asheville Citizen-Times, "Smoky Mountain Neighbors," Feb. 4/5, 1987) DEVELOPMENT AIM OF CHINA VISIT Western's Center for Improving Mountain Living may have a counterpart in the People's Republic of China. Chancellor Myron L. Coulter and Interna­tional Instructional Programs Director Ellerd Hulbert left Monday, Feb. 2, on a 16-day trip to Thailand and China to assist in establishing an economic development center for Yunnan Province on the Yunnan University campus, similar to Western's CIML. The WCU officials will spend a week in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province and home of Yunnan University, with which Western has had educational and economic exchanges since 1981. "Yunnan University has not been active in the economic development of the province in the same way that the Center for Improving Mountain Living has been active in our region," Dr. Coulter said. "The people are interested in doing that, and we'll see if there are ways we can help the university set up an economic development center, using our Center for Improving Mountain Living as a model." Coulter and Hulbert, with Wayne Cooper of Arcon Manufacturing, Inc., of Charlotte, also will pursue specific business arrangements between North Carolina and Yunnan Province that were initiated by the Chinese last fall. The province would like to develop business ties in the form of direct import/export of goods and equip­ment, joint ventures and investments, and tourism development,