November 2011

(Posted November 30, 2011 )

Mazey@BG Alumni and Friends Archive

Greetings:

It is with great excitement that I'm writing to you this month as we are about to celebrate two significant events here on campus.

This Friday, at 2:30 pm., I'll be inaugurated as the 11th president of the University at the wonderful new Stroh Center. It is not often that a university can claim to have installed two women consecutively in this role, and I think it is yet another a point of pride for BGSU. I am so pleased to be part of this great institution's history, and invite you to be a part of the experience. You can view the ceremony live on the web.

Another historic event takes place when we celebrate the opening of The Wolfe Center for the Arts on Dec. 9, in conjunction with this year's Arts Extravaganza. This facility will offer our theater, music, dance and digital arts students a space to develop their own artistic abilities while also providing a superior venue for public performances. If you are in Bowling Green, please be sure to tour this cutting-edge new building, or attend a performance.

I was honored to serve as a special invited judge at the recent Forensics and Debate Falcon Classic Competition. Forensics and Debate is a co-curricular program helping BGSU undergraduates hone their communication and performance skills in competition with other colleges and universities. We hosted more than 30 teams involving about 1,000 people in all. Our freshman novices won the Pentathlon Competition, representing the overall best speakers, against varsity team members. Kudos to coach Paul Wesley Alday and the team!

Thirty girls in 7th-10th grade visited the University Nov. 19, to get a taste of college life. The Girl Power! Conference promoted college access for young women from community partner organizations that primarily serve populations of color. The day was a great opportunity for our student organizations to share their college experience.

Next semester will find two BGSU faculty working abroad as Fulbright Scholars. Dr. Kristen Rudisill, an assistant professor of popular culture, will explore the world of film dance in India, while Dr. Charles Crow, a professor emeritus of English, will be teaching at the University of Zagreb in Croatia.

December brings fall Commencement and the fulfillment of the educational dream of another group of BGSU students. We wish them all the best.

What advice would you give our new graduates? Share your thoughts on my Facebook page.
Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Mazey, Ph.D.
President