Campus Currents

Three new exciting exhibitions open at Framingham State University's Danforth Art Museum on September 19th!

Register to visit the museum today!

Katherine Gulla: Passage - Sept. 19th, 2020 - Feb. 28th, 2021

Katherine Gulla’s work has long been about the natural world and how we move through it. Passage presents work from three series—Path, Falling, and Fossil—whose names imply the process, travails, and remnants of the journey the artist envisions through her work.

There is an inherently meditative quality to all of Katherine Gulla’s works, something that is felt across media. In her studies of how the natural world responds to climate change, she translates the apprehension that permeates our daily lives into a coolly mysterious journey through the everyday landscape. Walks through places like the Arnold Arboretum, contemplative in their own right, become abstracted forms that transcend the natural world. Funerary monuments are juxtaposed with natural patterns, and the imprints that appear to float on these largely androgynous and stoic figures evoke ways in which the manmade and natural collide. Subtle, neutral, glacial tones remind us of absence, loss, and forces of nature beyond our control.

Catherine Smith: A Cabinet of Curiosities - Sept. 19th, 2020 - Feb. 28th, 2021

Catherine Smith is an installation artist, sculptor, and collector, viewing three-dimensional art objects not only as sculptures, but as souvenirs, memorials, relics, and icons. Smith uses unique materials to shape context, with the expectation that the meaning embedded in the work will shift with each viewer’s experience.

A Cabinet of Curiosities visualizes Smith’s definition of both an artist and collector through an exploration of objects that evoke both history and remembrance. This exhibition includes her sculptural series Dread Running: A Memorial to Lost Dogs, pieces from the Whale Project, and selections from her personal collection of nineteenth-century photographs, the basis for her book Women in Pants, which will be hung in conversation with contemporary works from the museum’s permanent collection.

Smith’s work is rooted in history yet relevant for our times, as we mark 100 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment, face the ever-increasing effects of climate change, and reconcile the meanings behind monuments and public mourning. Smith explores how forgotten objects and narratives can be used to tell contemporary stories.

Rebecca Hutchinson: Midnight Blooms - Sept. 19th, 2020 - Feb. 28th, 2021

Midnight Blooms is work for a time in which we are turning to nature for the solace it can provide but remain filled with uncertainty for the future. Hutchinson describes her work as “speaking to the depth and complexity of living with the hopes of revealing the human condition in sculptural form,” and her installation balances human fragility with resilience and strength.

Rebecca Hutchinson’s work is a unique response to the natural world. The blooms that she creates from handmade paper, ceramics, and recycled materials fill spaces, are abundant and slightly overwhelming, and tower around and above the viewer. These are works about survival, and how nature adapts to its circumstances. But taken together, the overall experience of Hutchinson’s forest of blooms is quiet, muted, and calming.

Live Webinar on September 21st, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Register Here

“Every Body’s Welcome: Size Diversity in Fitness and Wellness”

Courtney Marshall, PhD, creates affirming fitness spaces that center the experiences of fat people. She’s certified in many fitness programs including Spinning, Sliver Sneakers, AEA (aquatics), and Zumba and is currently writing a book Ain’t I An Athlete? which reads racialized stereotypes of Black women’s strength as integral to the development of American fitness culture. She used to be an English professor and has written a training guide which incorporates encouraging quotes from Black women’s literature.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

First-generation American LatinX Liliana Cruz does what it takes to fit in at her new nearly all-white school. But when family secrets spill out and racism at school ramps up, she must decide what she believes in and take a stand.

Jennifer De Leon is the author of Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, 2020) and the editor of Wise Latinas (University of Nebraska Press). She is a GrubStreet board member and an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Framingham State University.

Webinar session link: https://zoom.us/j/93816315294

This event is sponsored by the Center for Inclusive Excellence, L.U.N.A. (Latinos Unidos N’ Acción), and the English Department.

Due to COVID-19, all Fall 2020 Mazmanian Gallery Exhibitions have been postponed.However, in its place, a special Art and Design Lecture Series has been arranged with several exciting artists.

The speakers include: Janine Antoni, Jessica Bellamy, Hernease Davis, Amy Khoshbin, Heidi Lau, and Tim McDonald. After each talk there will be an opportunity to ask questions and interact with the speaker.

These events will be held virtually. All talks are free and open to the public.

To learn more about all the speakers, and to register for the events, click here.

The Office of International Education Presents: Study Abroad Fair

U.K. PARTNER DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 11AM - 12 PM

EUROPE PARTNER DAY, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 11 AM - 12 PM

LATIN AMERICA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, 6 - 7 PM

AFRICA & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH, 1:30-2:30 PM

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & ASIA, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH, 7 - 8 PM

INTERNSHIPS & SHORT TERM PROGRAMS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Register here for Zoom Links

Questions? Email jhyde@framingham.edu

Session: A Mental Health Perspective on Understanding and Addressing Racial Trauma

Description: The objectives of these workshops shall be to:

• Broadly understand the scope and meaning of the “trauma” as a clinical term, the general impact of trauma on individuals and systems, and appropriate ways to respond and mitigate trauma
• Identify and describe racial trauma from a historical perspective
• Understand the intergenerational impact of trauma and racial trauma
• Describe the ways in which racial trauma is likely to show up among students and colleagues of color
• Discuss the impact of racial/cultural trauma on faculty, staff, and students who do not identify as persons of color or who do not identify with a cultural history of oppression.
• Learn to recognize behaviors and attitudes that support, promote, or exacerbate racial trauma
• Learn appropriate ways to respond to trauma
• Receive resources for continued and active learning in the area of racial trauma and injustice

Facilitator: Sasheen Hazel, Psy.D., Psychologist, www.HazelApproach.com

Dates & Times: Choose 1. Note: First hour is the presentation of materials/ content. The 30-minute block is an optional, but encouraged, debrief for the session.
Option 1: September 23, 2020 6 - 7pm & September 24 at 5:30- 6pm
Option 2: October 21, 2020 12:30-1:30pm & October 22, 2020, 12:30pm - 1pm
Option 3: November 12, 2020 8:30-9:30 am & November 13, 2020, 9am-9:30am

Session: Engaging in Dialogue about Race in Teaching and Advising

Description: Talking about race can be difficult. However, in order to work towards racial justice and liberation, we must engage in dialogue that centers race and racism. During this introductory session participants will reflect on feelings, thoughts, and fears regarding race dialogue. As a group, we will explore helpful and harmful behaviors when engaging in race dialogue. Tools, strategies, and language will be shared so that participants can thoughtfully and authentically engage in discussion and action. Come prepared to share with your colleagues.

Facilitator: Constanza Cabello, VP of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement and Lina Rincón, CELTSS Assistant Director

Date & Time: Friday, September 25th, 12-1:30pm

Please RSVP for these sessions using the Workshop Registration Form. Zoom link will be sent to registrants.

Virtual Diversity & Inclusion Brown Bag Lunch Conversations.

Hosted by: President Cevallos, Dr. Constanza Cabello, and Dr. Ellen Zimmerman

Join members of the Executive Team to share your thoughts, feedback and insights on topics related to diversity and inclusion on campus. These brown bags are meant to be informal, open, and with no set agenda.

Tuesday, September 29th, 11:30am-12:30pm. Send an email to ccabello@framingham.edu to register. A Zoom link will be shared with registrants on the morning of the 29th.

Stop by Alumni House (42 Adams Road) the week of September 21st to September 25th and fill a bag of fabric as the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA) make room for new donations. All items have been in the Fashion and Art Supply Center for over a year. This is your last chance to take them for free before they are donated to a textile recycler.

• All items will be outside on the porch 10 am-5 pm (weather permitting)
• Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines
• Fabric, patterns and other items will be available
• Enter our Sewing Machine Drawing
• Find interesting fabrics for Zoom backgrounds!

For more information call 508-872-9770 or email office@alumnihouse.org

Virtual Employer Showcase Series, every Wednesday, on Zoom, 12:30-2:30pm, 10/15 through 12/9
The CSER Office traditional Wednesday Employer Showcase is currently a “virtual networking” platform, for hosting our Showcases on Zoom, through the end of the fall 2020 semester. As we are socially distancing and staying home, networking has never been more important. The Virtual Showcase gives students an opportunity to informally network with local employers who are hiring for full-time and/or internship opportunities, and also provides insight into the spotlighted company, offering advice on the trends in their market and industry.

Virtual Employer Showcase, Wednesday, 10/15, on Zoom, featuring The Washington Center Internships, 12:30-2:30pm
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) provides the experiential education opportunities to students of the Massachusetts public state university system. TWC uses the resources of the nation's capital to provide high-quality learning experiences to enhance student's academic, civic, and professional development, and in this way, seeks to promote future leadership for the public, private, and non-profit sectors of society. TWC's internship placements include positions in government offices, communication organizations, law firms, trade and professional associations, human rights groups, and a variety of companies and other organizations. All majors welcome. Internships are coupled with required academic courses. Register on Handshake or Ramlink to get the required password. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/963892238

Suitable Solutions Career Professionalism Virtual Program Kickoff, Wednesday, 9/30, on Zoom, 1:30pm-2:15pm
Virtually attend this event to learn about this multi-part initiative, and register for program. Register on Handshake or Ramlink to get the required password. Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/963892238

“College” Virtual PRE-Career Fair Tutorials/Presentations will be hosted by CSER Career Counselors and will address key components tailored to each FSU College/Career Community: Overview of CSER, Resume Writing Tips & Samples, Cover Letter Writing Tips & Samples, Interview Preparation & Industry Related Questions, & Internship & Job Search Strategies. Although it is tailored to specific “Colleges”, sessions are open to all majors. https://zoom.us/j/963892238 - Register on Handshake or Ramlink to get the required password.

• Education College Career Presentation, 9/24, on Zoom, 2:30pm- 3:30pm
• STEM College Career Presentation, 9/29, on Zoom, 2:30pm-3:30pm
• Business College Career Presentation, 9/30, on Zoom, 2:30pm-3:30pm
• Arts & Humanities College Career Presentation, 10/1, on Zoom, 2:30pm- 3:30pm
• Social Sciences College Career Presentation, 10/2, on Zoom, 2:30pm-3:30pm

“College” Virtual PRE-Career Fair Employer Advice & Showcase – immediately following the Career Counselors’ Career presentations, the CSER Office will host five sessions with one or two employer partners from hiring organizations that align with the College Fairs who will provide key insight and advice to students about the state of their industry, hiring practices, skills needed, anticipated application and interview process and more. Open to all majors. https://zoom.us/j/963892238 - Register on Handshake or Ramlink to get the required password.

Education College Employer Advice & Showcase, 9/24, on Zoom, 3:30pm- 4:30pm
• Framingham Public Schools – Joe Corazzini, Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Diversity and Community Development
• Douglas Public Schools – Paul Vieira, Superintendent

STEM College Employer Advice & Showcase, 9/29, on Zoom, 3:30pm- 4:30pm
• Microsoft – Kristen Greene, Education sales and support lead, and Recruiter
• MathWorks – Maria Sarcinelli, Senior Team Lead and Steve Basara, Revenue Accounting and Controls Manager
• Stephanie Gregoire, Ameresco, HR Business Partner

Business College Employer Advice & Showcase, 9/30, on Zoom, 3:30pm- 4:30pm
• Staples, Inc. – Brian Dardy, Manager Talent Acquisition
• The TJX Companies, Inc. – Lauren MacKay, Campus Recruiter / Global Talent Acquisition
• MathWorks – Maria Sarcinelli Senior Team Lead and Steve Basara, Revenue Accounting and Controls Manager

Arts & Humanities College Employer Advice & Showcase, 10/1, on Zoom, 3:30pm-4:30pm
• Downtown Framingham, Inc. – Courtney Thraen, Director
• The Danforth Art Museum – Jessica Roscio, Director and Curator

Social Sciences College Employer Advice & Showcase, 10/2, on Zoom, 3:30pm-4:30pm
• RCS Learning Centers – Theresa Hayes, Human Resources Manager
• The Key Program – Joanna Davis, Regional Recruiter Trainer

Virtual “College/Community” Job & Internship Fairs - October 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Virtually on Handshake

Students will meet virtually with employers to discuss their career interests. These fairs are open to ALL MAJORS. Students will virtually explore internship, part-time, and full-time opportunities that meet their career goals, though video chats with multiple students and opportunities for one-on-one sessions.
Students must register on Handshake, and registered students can now sign up for and attend available 1:1 and group sessions through Handshake. Share this guide to registering for and attending virtual fairs with students

• STEM Virtual Job & Internship Fair, Monday, 10/5, on Handshake, 12:30pm-2:30pm
• Business Virtual Job & Internship Fair, Tuesday, 10/6, on Handshake, 12:30pm-2:30pm
• Arts & Humanities Virtual Job & Internship Fair, Wednesday, 10/7, on Handshake, 12:30pm-2:30pm
• Social Sciences Virtual Job & Internship Fair, Thursday, 10/8, on Handshake, 12:30pm-2:30pm
• Education Virtual Job & Internship Fair, Friday, 10/9, on Handshake, 12:30pm-2:30pm

Major/Minor Fair, Tuesday, 10/27, on Ramlink from 11:30am – 1:30pm
On Ramlink: https://ramlink.framingham.edu/
Undergraduate students are invited to explore the many majors and minors FSU offers. The Major Minor Fair provides all undecided, re-deciding, and exploring students the opportunity to speak with faculty and student representatives from all academic programs and campus resources and learn about specific requirements for majors, minors and career options.

Suitable Solutions Career Professionalism Virtual Program Mock Interviews, in October, with assigned mentors, on Zoom or by phone
Practice and receive feedback from professionals remotely. Zoom link provided by employer mentor.

Suitable Solutions Virtual Program Networking & Mocktail Mixer Graduation Ceremony, Thursday, 12/3, on Zoom, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Network virtually with employer partners while learning about proper networking techniques that help you stand out, from our Networking Navigator. Discover how to start and wrap up a conversation, or keep a conversation going, and more! https://zoom.us/j/963892238 - Register on Handshake or Ramlink to get the required password.

-Dr. Thomas Koshy, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, has three articles published:
1. "A Family of Sums of Gibonacci Polynomial Products of Order 3," Journal of the Indian Academy of Mathematics, 41:1 (2020), 163-174.
2. "A Family of Sums of Gibonacci Polynomial Products of Order 3: Implications," Journal of the Indian Academy of Mathematics, 41:1 (2020), 175-187.
3. "Extended Gibonacci Sums of Polynomial Products of Order 3," The Fibonacci Quarterly, 58:3 (2020), 241-248.

-Professor Patricia Horvath's short story, "Griswold," forthcoming in Volume 59 of the literary journal descant, has been selected as winner of the Frank O'Connor Award for Short Fiction.

Guest judge, author Heather Harpham, offered the following praise of the work: "In prose immediate and immersive, alive with obvious stakes and an appetite for reinventing childhood fairytales that turn dark and darker still, 'Griswold' is poetic in its speed, compression and stinging visual details. While the events of the story move at a dizzying pace, its emotional tide moves to a slower, heartbreaking rhythm."

-Professors Sandy Hartwiger and Kaan Agartan's collaborative article "All the Difference in the World: In search of a Critical Cosmopolitan Pedagogy for Global Citizenry" has been published in this month's issue of New Global Studies.

The article builds on the critique presented in Dr. Hartwiger's Lyceum lecture on Monday, September 14th. "Rethinking the Global Citizen."