Spring 2015
THE UPDATE
College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Newsletter
Texas A&M University-Commerce
1910 Pacific Avenue Downtown Dallas
WAR AND
MEMORY
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Rabbit Hole Magic FLUTE
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS – SPRING 2015
THE UPDATE
contents
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7 features 04 No Back-up 04 War and Memory Project 07 The Rabbit Hole 08 The Magic Flute 15 Upcoming Events
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Editorial content by Christine Sheehan
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ART
University Expands Dallas Location
The university celebrated the newly expanded Universities Center at Dallas downtown location this spring. “A little over 20 years ago, Texas A&M University-Commerce—then East Texas State University—began to explore ways to bring higher education to downtown,” said President Jones at the ribbon cutting. The new space, located at 1910 Pacific Avenue, includes
over 42,000 square feet and will allow for the further development of the College of Business as well as the B.F.A. in visual communication and M.A. in art degree programs. In the 16,000 square feet designated for the visual communications programs, students will gain emphasis in art direction, design, new media and photography.
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ART
There is No Back-Up Plan “You can find inspiration in anything and everything,” said Brad Bishop, a local graphic designer who got his start at East Texas State University. After graduating in 1995, Bishop worked as a freelance designer and interned for
“You have to be able to analyze your own work. Be critical of yourself.” a small marketing company. He then worked for a few small design companies until 2005, when he co-founded Torch Creative. “My first design job was for a small design shop called T.L. Horton Design, and that is where I met my business partner, Michael Thurman,” said Bishop. “We both had specific clientele with whom we wanted to work, and the only way to work on those types of projects was to start our own business. At the time, there wasn’t anyone in the Dallas area doing that kind of work, so we put together portfolios geared towards those jobs.” 4 | College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Newsletter
As the company enters its tenth year, Bishop says he feels that agency life is great when you’re in your twenties. There are opportunities to meet some really cool people and do some really fun work. But once you get married and start a family, your priorities change. For him, working twelve-hour days just doesn’t work. He had to eventually ask himself: Do you see yourself staying here? What do you want in your future? From there, Bishop and Thurman decided they were ready to try starting their own company with a lot of encouragement from family and friends. After working for an agency, they knew how to handle certain situations when working with clients, dealing with changes, making recommendations and thinking on their feet. But they liked the creative side; they wanted to do the work. Bishop, who discovered his talent at an early age, in elementary school, said that being able to draw was really the only thing he had been skilled at doing. After graduating from Mesquite High School, he went to East Texas State University where he majored in design communications and studied with David Beck, Lee Whitmarsh and Rob Lawton.
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES AND ARTS – SUMMER 2014
“You’ve got to be thick-skinned,” said Bishop. “I may work on something all day, and my partner may tell me it’s not good enough. You have to be able to analyze your own work. Be critical of yourself. It helps to develop that ability early in your career, and the instructors at ETSU helped me to do that.” Now, Bishop works from his home office, surrounded by remote-control cars, Star Wars posters, and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story inspired artwork. Working from home also allows him to spend more time with his wife, Lesa, and their fourteen-year-old daughter, Michaela. Some of his company’s biggest clients are the NBA, the NHL and licensees for Disney, Pixar and Lucas Films merchandise. Disney World is having an event during March as a play on March Madness that will celebrate moms who regulate their social media, called March Magic. Torch Creative got to create logos for the event, including a team logo incorporating the Seven Dwarves. Torch Creative focuses on timeless designs. Bishop says the ideas come from things he grew up with. For example, Mickey Mouse’s shape is a combination of circles. Its simplicity has allowed it to never go out of style, and while Mickey has grown, the changes have never been drastic. In the athletic world, people can get hung up on trends, but Bishop wants his designs to cover the spectrum of extended use. That’s what he tried to do for the new Texas A&M UniversityCommerce lion graphic. He said he was very excited when Ryan Ivey and Josh Jorgensen contacted Torch about redoing the A&MCommerce athletics logo. The new graphic is the biggest one on a NCAA football field, and it serves as an example of clean design working in a large space. Bishop truly believes in the power of hard work. When he first began, the internet was nonexistent, and computers were not what they are now. He learned how to do everything by hand. During his first internship, he says he went to Half Price Books, and bought large books about Photoshop and Illustrator and read every page. Bishop says he gained valuable knowledge during his time at ETSU that he was able to expand on later. Despite the extreme technological advances, Bishop remains old
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS – SPRING 2015 ART
school at heart—he still freehands every design first. In regards to current design students, he advises them to expand on their creativity and imagination. “Spend as much time as you can working on your portfolio,” said Bishop. “Come up with your own style. We’ve had people send us their portfolios with original ideas that imitate someone else’s style. You have to figure out how to sell yourself. I spoke at a local high school and a very talented student told me that his friends and family always ask him about a back-up plan. I told him that if he worked hard, he wouldn’t need a back-up plan.” For more information on Torch Creative, visit www.torchcreative.com or follow their work at www.dribble.com/Torch_Creative
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ART
Deep in the Heart of Commerce
Art professor Dr. Emily Newman brought in visiting artist Patrick Dougherty to create a brand new sculpture on campus in January. “I wanted the students to be involved in its construction, and the students benefited from seeing a practicing artist working in the field,” said Newman. “I want the students to embrace it and own it, for it to really become a part of their college experience.” The sculpture, located near Gee Library, will be up for two years. “Patrick’s pieces are never intended as permanent,” said Newman. “Just like nature, they are meant to eventually fall apart and go back to the earth.”
Alumnus Honored with NYFA Fellowship Art alumnus Gary Panter has been awarded a fellowship from the New York Foundation for the Arts in Printmaking/Drawing/Artist Books. Founded in 1971, the fellowship program, now in its 29th year, awards grants to artists working in 15 disciplines. Only 2% of applicants receive this prestigious award. After graduating from East Texas State University, Panter moved to Los Angeles where he designed the sets and puppets for Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, completed record covers for major recording artists, such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and contributed to Raw Magazine. In 2006-2007, he was a featured artist in the touring exhibition, Masters of American Comics, and he was the subject of a one-man show at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in 2008. For more information on Gary Panter’s work, visit his website at www.garypanter.com
Art Students Selected for 500X Exhibition Art students David Namasky and Jasmine Anwer were selected to participate in the 500X Student Exhibition. This student expo is a juried exhibition showcasing up-and-coming Texas artists. “This is the first time we have ever had two students selected for this exhibition,” said photography professor Leigh Merrill.
Rob Lawton Receives Ph.D. At a special reception, the art department honored Rob Lawton’s work and his honorary Ph.D. Dr. Lawton (seated, front center) posed with his former students at the celebration.
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HISTORY
EAST TEXAS
WAR AND MEMORY Honoring Everyday Heroes
The East Texas War and Memory Project continues to showcase the stories donated by war veterans and their families from across the country. Since the project started in 2012, student interns have conducted over 300 interviews and accumulated over 4,500 items for the archives, including service records, photos, uniforms, Naval ribbons, WWII commendations and even a 48-star American flag. The students are active in the Texas Oral History Association, and six students presented papers at the conference in April. The project, formerly run out
PROJECT
of the Honor’s College, is now being transferred to the History department, which will be able to handle the increased workload and development of the program. “We have been pleasantly surprised by how successful the War and Memory project has been,” said Dean Attardo, “and we are looking forward to even more growth and expansion.” For more information or to donate your story or artifacts, visit the project’s Facebook page, the archives, or contact the Department of History at 903-886-5226.
Professor Receives Prestigious Texas Grant Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky was awarded the 2015 John H. Jenkins Fellowship Prize from the Texas State Historical Association. The association gives the fellowship annually for the best research proposal regarding Texas history. Dr. Brannon-Wranosky’s proposal focuses on a suffrage book manuscript.
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THEATER
CURTAIN GOES UP ON NEW DEPARTMENT OF
THEATRE The newly independent Department
of Theatre celebrated becoming its own department with an alumni banquet and a special performance of David Lindsay-Abaire’s award-winning play, Rabbit Hole. Since its inception in 1960, the program has striven to maintain a reputation of excellence. “Every time I see a show in this department, I think they can’t do any better and then they do!” said President Jones. “I am looking forward to seeing the future of this new department.” The first production by the new department was directed by Dr. Carrie Klypchak. The play highlights a wide gamut of human experience, full of witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments and tear-jerking moments. “I wanted to direct this play ever since it won the Pulitzer 8 | College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Newsletter
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS – SPRING 2015
Prize in 2007,” said Klypchak. “It has been wonderful to see so much growth in these dedicated actors.” As the first full production as a new department, the play melds with the celebration of a new venture—the never-ending realm of possibility. “We’re all really excited,” said department head Michael Knight, Jr. “This will catapult us forward and help our department grow. We have solid acting and directing programs, an original playwriting program, and now a growing puppetry program. By becoming our own department, we can offer more emphases in our hands-on department and create new experiences for our students.” The Department of Theatre offers a range of experiences, preparing students for a variety of careers in the theatrical field, as well as several scholarships and awards, including the recent John Hanners Acting Scholarship and the Jerry Biggs Perseverance in Theatre Award.
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THEATER
Puppeteers to Attend Edinburgh Festival Cthulhu: A Puppet Play, performed last semester in the University Playhouse’s black box, was selected to be performed at the International Collegiate Theatre Festival (ICTF) during the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. A group of students will travel to Scotland in August to perform the show and recruit for the university. Based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, the play explores the macabre relationship between Professor Derleth and the creature Cthulhu with human-sized puppets, an original score and multimedia elements. “It was a joy working with the actors and the crew and watching them grow as artists,” said writer, director, and theatre department faculty Kelly Switzer. POLITICAL SCIENCE
Student Awarded NCUSAR Fellowship Senior political science major David Gosbee received the 2014 National Council on U.S. Arab Relations’ Qatar Study Abroad Fellowship after a rigorous application process, competing against college students across the country. “This fellowship gives me first-hand experience in a vastly different culture,” said Gosbee. “I hope to use my degree to educate future generations of students. The political science program has given me a great foundation and the ability to specialize in the areas about which I feel most passionate.” JOURNALISM
Journalism Students Visit State Convention Eight students from The East Texan attended the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) State Convention in April. More than 500 students attended the convention, representing two and four year colleges, university newspapers, literary magazines, radio, television, yearbook and other student media. The event features on-site contests, workshops conducted by professional media personnel and a luncheon to induct the newest members of the TIPA Hall of Fame. 10 | College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Newsletter
LITERATURE & LANGUAGES
Her Texa s Story, Image, Poem and Song
Dr. Donna Walker-Nixon, 1979 graduate from East Texas State University and recipient of the Minnie Stevens Piper Award, has co-edited a collection of fiction, poetry, art, songs, photos and creative non-fiction entitled Her Texas. The anthology is multicultural, multiethnic and focuses on a wide range of topics such as love, hate, serenity, gender orientation, religion and the concept of truth. The title comes from folklorist Lou Rodenberger, whose work with female Texas authors worked to change
the “masculine mystique” in Texas history by bringing attention to female writers. The editors would like to continue that work with their collection. The first step was a March release to coincide with International Women’s Month and a dedication to Rodenberger. Additionally, all of the editors’ royalties go to breast and ovarian cancer research. Visit their website www. hertexas.com or check out their Facebook page for more information.
5th Annual Humor Conference A&M-Commerce hosted the 5th Humor Research Conference in the new space in downtown Dallas this year. The conference focused on humor and pedagogy.
Award-Winning Poet Visits Campus The award-winning poet R. Flowers Rivera recently visited the Department of Literature and Languages and read from her collection of poetry, Heathen. Rivera spoke to the students about creating and publishing. “You write to communicate so you may as well put it out there,” said Rivera. “Her authentic voice and willingness to share insights on her craft provided our students with valuable experiences,” said graduate student Terri Nugent. For more information about Rivera’s work, visit her website at www.promethea.com Texas A&M University-Commerce
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COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS – SPRING 2015
Help Us Grow Texas A&M University-Commerce, formerly East Texas State University, has grown by 30% since 2008. This makes us one of the fastest growing universities in the country. The reasons are simple: our students are attracted by the quality of our academic programs, our small class sizes, the convenience of our multiple locations and online programs, and above all by the individual attention to the students which has earned us the nickname of the “university that cares.” The College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts is one of the key players enabling this growth. We offer 65% of the core curriculum for the whole university, as well as more than fifty graduate and undergraduate programs. You can help our students grow both academically and professionally by making a gift to the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts. Your gift of any amount will impact our students’ lives. Giving is easy! Return the form below or make a gift on our secure website at www.tamuc.edu/ give. Also, you can call Devin Girod at 214-449-6555.
“I’m not out to change an organization for a day or a month. I’m out to change the lives of as many people as possible.” —T. Boone Pickens THEATRE Dr. John Hanners Memorial Acting Scholarship Supports Acting Scholarships
POLITICAL SCIENCE Political Science Scholarship Endowment Supports Department Operations
Watashia Jayroe Acting Scholarship Supports Acting Scholarships
Political Science Excellence Fund Supports Department Scholarships
MUSIC Alumni & Friends Music Scholarship Supports Scholarships
HISTORY East Texas War & Memory Supports Operations
Piano Excellence Fund Supports Operations
History Excellence Fund Supports Operations
ART Art Excellence Fund Supports Art Department Operations
LITERATURE & LANGUAGES Fred Tarpley English Endowment Supports Scholarship
Third Floor Photography Endowment Supports Scholarships
Mayo Review Excellence Fund Supports the Literary Magazine SOCIOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE Sociology Excellence Fund Supports Department Operations Criminal Justice Excellence Fund Supports Scholarships
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COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS – SPRING 2015
“It is today we must create the world of the future.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
Yes!
I would like to make a contribution to Texas A&M University-Commerce to help deserving students in the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts. My gift will continue the university’s mission of changing lives. • I/we wish to give a gift of: ❍ $35 ❍ $50 ❍ $125 ❍ $________ (Make checks payable to: Texas A&M University-Commerce Foundation) • I/we wish to make a pledge in the amount of $_________ ❍ One-year pledge ❍ Two-year pledge ❍ Three-year pledge Credit Card:
❍ Visa
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Account Number
Name
❍ Discover
❍ American Express
Expiration Date
Address
Security Code
City, State, Zip
Phone E-mail Please return to: Texas A&M University-Commerce Foundation, Office of Advancement Services, P.O. Box 3425, Commerce TX 75429-3425 - 903-886-5712. No gift is too small and every gift counts. Please contact our office for information regarding bank drafts and matching gifts - 903-886-5712.
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MUSIC
Mozart’s Music Makes Magic Music Department Presents First Full Opera
With music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, The Magic Flute offers something for everyone. “It’s one of my favorite operas,” said Dr. Jennifer Glidden. Glidden directed the music department’s first full opera embracing the traditional Egyptian theme complete with pyramids, the Queen of the Night and animals indigenous to Egypt in the form of puppets designed by theatre alumna Bree Burns. “We used fabric to represent fire and water,” said Glidden. “We used fog machines and pyrotechnics. There’s something for all ages!” The cast also performed two children’s shows, presenting a shortened version of the show for over 1,000 elementary students, some of whom got the opportunity to sing onstage with the cast.
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! Music Department’s Holiday Gala Dazzles!
The Music Department celebrated the season in style with a collection of holiday favorites, entertaining audiences with performances from the entire department. “This year was my first year to participate in the Holiday Gala,” said junior Sara Wray. “It was a really fantastic experience. There’s something special about performing with not just the vocal department, but the entire music department as a whole. Since Christmas is my favorite time of year, it was particularly magical.” SOCIOLOGY
Alumnus Helps Battle Ebola
Recent graduate Kerry Hendricks was honored by the Xenex Corporation, where he currently works. He flew to Dallas after the first Ebola case and disinfected the hospital using the Xenon UV Disinfection System invented by his company. The company recently promoted him to account manager, allowing him to travel around the country and teach others to use the new technology. Kerry earned a B.S. in Sociology in 2010 and an M.S. in Sociology in 2013. 14 | College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS – SPRING 2015
UPCOMING EVENTS May 21-22
Splash Day Choral Festival Morris Recreation Center Pool
The Department of Music will host two exciting days of music and fun by the pool for elementary and high school choirs.
June 15-July 10
Erin Trieb: Homecoming Project University Gallery
Reception: June 16 at 5-7pm
July 14-18 at 8pm ; July 19 at 3pm
Over the River and Through the Woods by Joe DePietro The Performing Arts Center
Check out tamuc.edu/theseason for more exciting events! Texas A&M University-Commerce
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