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Potsdam Welcomes Anne Panning Mark Guido Editor
It’s always a treat when a guest artist comes to SUNY Potsdam’s campus. Students in the classroom typically get a lot of exposure to artistic works through the lens of their professor’s curriculum, but an opportunity to engage with the artist themselves is a dynamic change of pace. Whether it’s a famed string quartet playing in Snell Hall or a beloved poet doing readings in the Barrington Student Union Fireside Lounge, every guest on this campus is a chance to see a broader picture beyond our borders. Last Tuesday, the latest guest in a long line of distinguished artists graced Potsdam; author Anne Panning visited the Barrington Student Union Fireside Lounge from 4-5 p.m. to read excerpts from her 2012 novel, “Butter,” as well as discuss her writing process with those in attendance. Panning, who, according to her official website, won the 2007 Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction for her collection of short stories, “Superamerica,” was more than eager to talk about how she develops her projects, and her history of teaching at SUNY Brockport. “Write about what you can’t stop thinking about,” Panning said during the event, encouraging aspiring writers in attendance to think conscientiously about the types of stories they want to create. Panning’s inspiration comes from a variety of sources. She said that inspiration for one her works, ‘Confetti,’ came from a dinner party where she overheard a guest talking about the death of their father from a bee sting. “Then, around that same time, I was traveling around Asia with my family and became really smitten with Thailand,” Panning said. “All of these things went into the story, along with the fictionalized element of the woman’s father dying of a bee sting at her outdoor wedding.” Panning opened the presentation with d an essay she wrote about the novel’s creative process, citing that, among the many influences
that led to the inception of her latest novel, it was travels and the food she ate that planted the seed of interest. She also talked about the types of research she investigated, such as her research on the the history of butter and how butter is made. Oftentimes, a guest writer will have an opportunity to recite readings from some of their published works to familiarize attendees with the author’s traditional style, before following up with discussion about the development of those excerpts. The discussion allows student to gain insight to the author’s thought process. Dr. Richard Henry, a professor of The Department of English and Communication, said he sees a lot of value in guest writers. “Students usually benefit by being exposed to working writers,” Henry said. “In addition to hearing and reading wonderful fictions, poetry, and other literary work, they can put faces to writers and ask questions important to their creative and professional development.” Potsdam has had plenty of guest artists in the past, and they’ve participated in all sorts of campus events. “The department has a long history of inviting writers to read from their work and to visit with students, either in workshops or in individual conferences,” Henry said. “The institution of the LoKo Festival of the Arts allows us to bring more writers to campus.” Panning said that she gets a lot out of visiting college campuses as well. “I’m a pretty social person, so I find the experience really rewarding and fun,” Panning said. “Plus, because writing is such a solitary activity, it’s nice to do this other writing work, which involves traveling and meeting people and sharing my work. I find it inspiring.” Panning also said she enjoys “the art of collaboration,” having earned a degree in theater. Like many other guest artists, she said
Many underage students resort to the use of fake IDs into bars or buy alcohol. Sometimes these students alter their own licenses. Sometimes students order fake licenses from fake ID websites like “ID GOD.” Possessing fake IDs is illegal. Anyone who is caught possessing a fake ID can be arrested and charged with Possession of a Forged instrument, which is a misdemeanor. A student could also be charged with Unauthorized Possession of
a License, a violation. A student charged with these offenses would have to go to court and if found guilty, possibly pay a fine. Students found in possession of fake ids also face disciplinary action from the college. The Office of Student Conduct may impose sanctions on any student using or possessing a fake ID. If you are thinking of buying a fake ID or creating your own, think twice. There are serious consequences for those actions.
Campus Police on Fake IDs
that she finds inspiration from students and fresh environments, and as a professor at SUNY Brockport, she finds a lot of opportunities to engage with young writers in a way that inspires both parties. “For me, teaching is a lifestyle, not a job, and being around creative people, talking about novels and stories and characterization, helps feed me daily as a writer,” Panning said. Guest artists and guest speakers are a not an uncommon occurrence on this campus. For many students, the only hurdle is finding a resource to consistently update them about these events. While there is not a single go-to resource for every single event, students can keep an eye out for fliers, department emails, online event calendars and the SUNY Potsdam Weekly pamphlets for events that might interest them. Additionally, professors often retain information about upcoming guests, so students may find they can uncover hidden gems if they start a conversation with their favorite professor.
March 18, 2016
DIAC Hosts Talks on Social Issues Katie Agar
Contributing Writer
Looking for a place where you can talk about current political and social issues openly and honestly? Then you’re in luck, because the Diversity and Inclusion Action Coalition, or DIAC, has given us just that. With the introduction of their new, informal “Community Conversations,” they have provided students, faculty, staff and community members alike with a platform which they can use to share, learn and ask questions about whatever social or political issues are on their mind. These open dialogues, which eventually break into small group discussions, allow for in depth conversations about the various issues facing our community and country. While DIAC facilitators have topics on hand in case nobody has anything in particular they want to discuss, it is ultimately the participants who decide what they want to do with the conversation. This can include, but is surely not limited to, discussing the myriad social injustices of today, things that worry or frustrate us, or how we can work to make
a positive change. If you missed the first event, or wish to further the discussion, come out to the next Community Conversation on Monday, March 28 in the Barrington Union MPR. The first Community Conversation of the semester was held on Monday, Feb. 29. Amidst a blend of both students and faculty members, Timothy Ashley, the chief of University Police, was also in attendance. Those present were able to ask him questions about the various security and safety developments on campus and anything else they felt he would able to provide some insight about. Many students expressed frustration with the number of Confederate flags seen lately around campus and the village. While Ashley explained that there is nothing that U.P. and the College can do about removing the flags, as they are bound by U.S. freedom-of-speech rules, students discussed with him some possible ways to educate and change the larger campus culture of what is and isn’t considered tolerable behavior. — Continued on page 5 —