Rhodes School Newsletter Spring 2022

Rhodes School Newsletter Spring 2022

Art Music English Sociology

Communication Studies and Theatre History and Political Science Philosophy and Religion World Languages and Cultures

RHODES SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Spring 2022 Newsletter

MESSAGE FROM THE DEANS We write to you, our alumni and friends, at the end of a semester that has been disrupted, difficult and heartbreaking. But it has also been filled with moments of grace and hope. We mourned together following the events of Feb. 1—gathering to sing the alma mater on Feb. 2, ringing the Memorial Bell and holding each other in a moment of silence on Feb. 8, and coming together at events of community remembrance throughout the two weeks following. But we emerged on the other side of spring break with renewed purpose and focus on the things that truly matter. Many of us saw each other’s faces for the first time in two years and gathered in person for events such as Founder’s Day, which hadn’t been held since 2019. Our students petted therapy dogs, accepted gifts of cookies and treats from local churches, and enjoyed times of relaxation outside in the sun. We walked forward, not forgetting all we’ve gone through in the last few months and the last two years, with resilience and reliance on our shared community. Students and faculty alike shared their research projects at conferences and made summer plans for projects, travel and new endeavors. Joy broke through the chilly gloom of the day’s weather as we celebrated 335 undergraduates and 30 master’s graduates at Commencement on May 7. Our hope, for ourselves, our students and all of you, is to experience renewal throughout the summer and into the fall. Renewed well- being. Renewed care for each other. Renewed commitment to all we hold dear. We hope to see you too, full of renewed spirit, at Homecoming or another future event soon.

Best regards,

Betsy, Barbara and Phil

Dr. Harriett Hayes Dean of the Rhodes School of Arts and Humanities

Dr. Barbara Long Dean of the School of Professional Studies

Dr. Phil Spickler Dean of the School of Natural Sciences

BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE

Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band Invited to London for 2023 New Year’s Day Parade

On Feb. 15, members of the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band were formally invited to attend the 2023 London New Year’s Day Parade by Bob Bone, co- founder and executive director of the parade and festival, and Duncan Sandys, great- grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister. Bone and Sandys

Dr. Christine Carrillo, Bob Bone, Prof. Barry Flowe and Duncan Sandys

described the London New Year’s Day parade as the biggest New Year’s Day street event of its kind, watched by millions of television viewers across the world. After a brief invitational ceremony, the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band students were treated to a preview of the parade route and the full week of educational programming they will encounter. Along with their performance at the parade, the trip will include visits to museums, historical sites and live theatre. On Sunday, March 27, the Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Christine Carrillo , held a donation- optional benefit event to help cover the cost for participating students to go to London for the

experience. Judy Nolen Henneberger ’64 generously provided a challenge gift to match donations made at the Symphonic Band concert. Director of Athletic Bands Barry Flowe notes that this trip, along with a successful first year for the marching band, has generated great interest in BC and the College’s music program.

Bone, Luke Cronin ‘23, Najee Griffin ‘22 and Sandys

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Rhodes School of Arts and Humanities | Spring 2022

Founder’s Day Awards Presented to Albers, Sheridan and Kalb

Dr. Benjamin Albers , Associate Professor of Sociology, is the 2022 recipient of the Ben and Janice Wade Teaching Award. Albers graduated from Kenyon College where he earned a B.A. in sociology. He earned his doctoral degree in sociology at Duke University. Albers’ teaching is defined by his patience, which “opens student engagement in a rare way.” Those who have observed

excellence of his own classroom teaching and advising of students; it is that Christian’s collegiality and leadership guides us toward excellence in our own classroom teaching and advising. That is, his efforts don’t just improve the community of his own classrooms; Christian’s efforts improve the community of classrooms across campus.”

Dr. Martin Kalb , Associate Professor of History, received the Faculty Scholarship Award for his outstanding research and publishing record. Additionally, he is the 2022-2023 recipient of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Mednick Faculty Award. Kalb’s current research is provisionally titled, “Hunting, Wildlife Protection, and Conservation in German

him teach recognize that he not only asks big questions, but he also waits patiently for answers and probes with additional questions so that students are pushed to think about a topic in new ways while making connections between concepts and readings. Regarding Albers, Dr. Melanie Laliker , Professor of Communication Studies, says that “his creative, quick- thinking manner of bringing in relatable situations for students to identify with and work through so that they can master new material reflects his ability to meet students where they are and shows willingness to accompany them on their journey.”

Southwest Africa.” The Mednick research funds will support archival research in Germany during Kalb’s fall 2022 sabbatical leave. Kalb’s first book, Coming of Age: Constructing and Controlling Youth in Munich, 1942-1973 , was published in 2016. Since then, Kalb has been investigating environmental history and German colonialism in Southwest Africa. His article exploring imperial infrastructure in the coastal town of Swakopmund appeared in Environment and History in 2020, and that same year his article “The Dowsing Debate” was published in German History , one of the top journals for German history. Kalb’s second book, Environing Empire: Nature, Infrastructure and the Making of German Southwest Africa, was published by Berghahn Books in April.

Dr. Christian Sheridan , Associate Professor of English, received the Martha B. Thornton Faculty Recognition Award for his outstanding teaching and advising. Sheridan earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Williams College and his

doctoral degree in English language and literature from Tufts University. Sheridan was nominated by the members of his department for his excellence as a teacher and adviser and was described by his colleagues as a compassionate leader. In their nomination letter, his colleagues wrote, “Frequently, majors and non-majors praise his efforts to make seemingly unapproachable literary topics (medieval literature, Chaucer, mythology) not only understandable, but enjoyable. His advisees praise how easy he is to consult, and how measured and thoughtful his advice is. Yet to us, what is more worthy of recognition is not just the

Dr. Benjamin Albers, Founder’s Award recipient Lauren Eye ‘22, Dr. David Bushman, Dr. Christian Sheridan and Dr. Martin Kalb

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BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE

Alumni trip: Join the Screamin’ Eagles in London! You’re invited to join the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band on an eight-day trip to London, England. Cheer on the Screamin’ Eagles as they “play it loud!” Also included are tours of the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels, Windsor and Windsor Castle, and the University of Oxford; a panoramic trip on the River Thames; and a musical in London’s West End theatre district. Space is limited! For more information, go to bridgewater.edu/london.

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Rhodes School of Arts and Humanities | Spring 2022

Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy Program Approved to Offer Classes Online

This spring, the Bridgewater College faculty and Board of Trustees approved a proposal for the master of arts in digital media strategy (MDMS) to be offered in an online-only format, beginning

digital environment. Moving to an online model will allow professionals anywhere in the U.S. with undergraduate degrees in fields such as communication, graphic design, writing, computer programming and business the opportunity to develop their skills in digital media. Visit bridgewater.edu/ MDMS for more information.

in summer 2022. Offering the MDMS classes online will support graduate students who are interested in the program but find relocating to Bridgewater to complete an in-person program a significant barrier. The majority of current students in the program indicated they would have preferred if the program was offered online, including all graduating seniors who will start the program full-time this June. The shift to online delivery aligns with the curricular mission of the MDMS program, which focuses on the strategic design of messages in a

Prof. Scott Jost in the digital media lab with MDMS students

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BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE

National Cathedral Partnership Enriches BC Music

BC’s Concert Choir performs in the National Cathedral on May 1.

Made possible by a generous benefactor, a special partnership has formed between the Bridgewater College Department of Music and the professional choir of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Cathedra, a highly skilled ensemble of professional singers resident at the National Cathedral, performed at Bridgewater College on the evening of March 25. Earlier that day, the ensemble members, led by Canon Michael McCarthy, held a workshop with members of BC’s Concert Choir, offering insight and feedback into their current repertoire.

On May 1, the Bridgewater College Concert Choir traveled to the National Cathedral to participate in the Choral Evensong program.

Dr. Ryan Keebaugh ’02, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Music, notes, “This is a choral experience that the students will reflect upon for many years after leaving Bridgewater College. The opportunity to work with professional musicians and ensembles outside of Bridgewater adds a delicate degree of depth of musical experience and nuance that will enhance each student’s view of what it means to be a serious choral musician.” Keebaugh also had one of his compositions featured in the Good Friday evening service at the National Cathedral. The composition, “The Suffering Servant,” was performed by Cathedra on Friday, April 15.

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Rhodes School of Arts and Humanities | Spring 2022

2022 Senior Art Thesis Exhibition Seventeen senior art students displayed their work as part of the senior art thesis show, “17°,” at various locations throughout campus April 25-May 6. The exhibition of artwork is created by senior students as part of their thesis requirement. Each student showcased a group of works that is the culmination of four years of work and development.

Elizabeth Leal-Cruz ‘22

Kalb Publishes Environing Empire In the text of his second book, Environing Empire: Nature, Infrastructure and the Making of German Southwest Africa , published by Berghahn Books, Dr. Martin Kalb employs the framework of

“environmental infrastructure” introduced by historian Emmanuel Kreike to discuss the making of a German settler colony, all while deconstructing common settler narratives defined by the conquest and transformation of nature. His analysis illustrates the ways in

Adrielle Benner ‘22

which nature defines infrastructure along with human ingenuity and mainly African labor. In the process, Kalb provides a deeper understanding of the Kaiserreich’s everyday colonial violence.

Cassie Jordan ‘22

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BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE

HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

MARGIE & JOHN GARST MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

RUTH AND STEVE WATSON HUMANITIES AWARD

DANIEL W. BLY-LAMAR B. NEAL HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD Benjamin M. Chatterton, Charles H. Price, Destiny F. Shoemaker

Amani Taylor

Leisha M. Nissley

OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD IN COMMUNICATION, TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE COMMUNICATION STUDIES AND THEATRE

PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION

RELIGION AWARD

John P. Martin

DR. DAVID K. “DOC” MCQUILKIN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

SOCIOLOGY

Hanley S. Carpenter

Katelyn M. Harrison

ZYGMUNT BAUMAN SCHOLAR AWARD

OUTSTANDING THEATRE ARTIST AWARD

Lauren G. Eye

JOHN W. WAYLAND SCHOLARSHIP IN PUBLIC HISTORY

Kylee A. Lorio

WORLD LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

Meghann L. Burgess

ENGLISH

RAYMOND N. ANDES AWARD

MUSIC

OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN ENGLISH AWARD

Gemima M. Matala, French Matthew D. Wonderley, Spanish

NELSON T. HUFFMAN AWARD FOR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

Katherine G. Baker

Kalia N. Page

OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN PROFESSIONAL WRITING AWARD

Samantha K. Hince