Campus Currents

Friday, December 13, 2019
Showtimes: 5:30 PM , 6:30 PM
Framingham State University Planetarium
Register at: https://cm-center.org/events/holiday-skies-jmcdw-lsn6t

Come celebrate the season of feasts, family, and goodwill with the Framingham State University Planetarium family! In this live, astronomical "variety show," you'll learn why the December solstice has inspired so many wonderful cultural traditions, with origins in all corners of the globe and throughout most of human history.

The longest night of the year means plenty of time for stargazing, and we may even get a chance to travel to Earth's North Pole (pending a quick check of the naughty and nice list)!

By Mackenzie Berube, Publications Intern

The raw and real truth behind Thomas Jefferson’s sexual relationship with slave Sally Hemings was brought to life by author Chet’la Sebree in her published book of poetry, Mistress.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement hosted a reading by Sebree, the Director of the Stadler Center for Poetry & Literary Arts and an Assistant Professor at Bucknell University, on November 21 in the Heineman Ecumenical Center.

The poetry in Mistress is written by Sebree in the hypothetical voice of Hemings, a task she described as difficult, yet rewarding. Through extensive research into Heming’s life for over six years, including living at Jefferson’s Monticello property for one year through the Thomas Jefferson Fellowship, Sebree was able to bring light to a tragic past.

Hemings had six children with Jefferson - two if which ended up passing away - all while being his slave. The three sons and one daughter who survived were put to work on his property. Sebree explains that Hemings had to have been between the ages of 14 to 16 when the “relationship” began. There is no record of how she truly felt about this, and it was up to Sebree to interpret for her.

“I wanted to give a woman in history something they tried to rob her of,” said Sebree, discussing the reasoning behind creating poems in the voice of what Hemings may have been thinking. The extensive research and fellowship at the Jefferson property helped create this voice, but Sebree also described the experience as “emotional, overwhelming” and, at times, “hostile.”

“I was forced to live in discomfort,” said Sebree. However, this was the point - Sebree felt she had to live in her surroundings to be able to speak for Hemings.

Each poem corresponds with a part of history in Hemings’ life, which is shown in the back of the book with a timeline of events and dates. Accuracy of the timeline was important to Sebree to keep it authentic, since the poetry was not Hemings’ actual words. Her work was also important because for many years, Jefferson’s reputation has been spared.

“In 1998, positive DNA results came back linking Jefferson and Hemings,” said Sebree. Yet, only now are people starting to discover secrets hidden under lies. Sebree explains that a “cultural shift” must take place in society for more information to be uncovered and heard.

Mistress can be found on Amazon for purchase, or visit chetlasabree.com for information and other ways to buy.

Ruff Day? Come relax at Pause 4 Paws!

Monday, Dec 9 and Wednesday, Dec 11
11:30-1:30 in the McCarthy Center Forum.

Pet dogs, get a message, make some art, grab a snack and enjoy yourself. Co-sponsored by Health and Wellness, SEALS, SUAB, SGA and WDJM. Questions? Contact Plehmberg@framingham.edu

Eighth Annual Campus Professional Development Days

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 - Kick-Off Bake-Off 2 - 4 p.m., Dining Annex

Thursday, January 9 and Friday, January 10, 2020

Participation open to all employees.

For more information, contact the Office of Human Resources at 508-626-4530 or via e-mail at humanresources@framingham.edu.

PERMANENT COLLECTION

Highlights from the Permanent Collection
July 2019 - May 2020

The Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller Collection
Permanently on view

ROTATING EXHIBITIONS

Prints From Campus: Selections from Faculty Teaching in New England
October 26 - December 15, 2019

In conjunction with the North American Print Biennial and the 11th Boston Printmakers Student Print Exhibition, the Danforth Art Museum is excited to host an exhibition of work by printmaking faculty across New England. Founded in 1947, the mission of the Boston Printmakers is to promote public knowledge of printmaking, encourage and support artists working in printmaking, and promote excellence and innovation within the field of printmaking.

The Student Print Exhibition
November 17 - December 13

At The Mazmanian Gallery at Framingham State University. For more information on the Boston Printmakers and events surrounding this exhibition, please visit https://www.bostonprintmakers.org/

Dressed
August 31-December 29, 2019

To be dressed is to cover, adorn, or envelop the body in the guise we present to the outside world. To be dressed can be an exercise in simplicity, or an elaborate over-the-top performance. This exhibition presents the work of six contemporary artists working in a range of media whose works reference the intricacies of covering the body, the meaning held in garments, and the gendering of handwork. Broadly addressing materials, imagery, iconography, and memory, each artist experiments with the fluidity of form while acknowledging gendered constrictions placed on the body. Exhibiting artists include Catherine Bertulli, Jodi Colella, Merill Comeau, Mia Cross, Nancy Grace Horton, and Marky Kauffmann.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Family Circle
January 18 - May 10, 2020

Liz Albert: Family Fictions
January 11-April 5, 2020

Learn more at danforth.framingham.edu.

The Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA) located at 42 Adams Road, is hosting a series of Coffee and Conversations. The series will continue on December 17th, at 9:30 a.m., with local author, and IAFSA Executive Director Emerita, Debbie Regan Cleveland ’73.

One of the most prolific and far-reaching Massachusetts lawmakers, St. Rep. Barbara Gray battled governors, talk show hosts including Howie Carr, and lobbyists as she championed controversial issues including Battered Women’s Syndrome, Gay Rights, River protection, the underprivileged, and the underdog. Debbie Regan Cleveland ’73, co-author of Barbara Gray’s memoir, A Woman’s Ways and Means: 24 Wild Years in the Massachusetts House, will discuss Barbara and her legacy.

The Coffee and Conversations monthly Tuesday morning series creates a forum for fellowship amongst FSC/FSU alumni and the larger community. Each session will showcase the accomplishments of one FSC/FSU alumni who will provide an overview of their work since graduating. Please RSVP to receive a Parking Pass https://coffeeandconvos-dec2019.eventbrite.com

508-872-9770 or office@alumnihouse.org

Coffee/tea and refreshments will be provided.

Save the Dates for two important events regarding the new Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families of MetroWest:

Informational Open House
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Location TBD

Opening Celebration Event
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020
7 p.m.
McCarthy Center Forum

The Center's mission is to provide information for families and educators about the continuum of educational supports available to students with disabilities, students who are gifted, and students with unmet needs. The center will offer support, workshops and other programming for families, educators, student support professionals, administrators, and advocates in the MetroWest area. The center also will engage in scholarly research, educator preparation, and professional development.

Wednesday Employer Showcase Series, McCarthy Campus Center Lobby, 9:00AM – 5:45PM:
Employers showcase their organization every Wednesday in the McCarthy Center lobby by the
Welcome Desk. Their goal is to network with FSU students and recruit students for full time or internship opportunities. Stop by their table in order to learn about new internships and job opportunities!

Dec 11
9am- noon: The U.S. Census Bureau
12pm-3pm: Mass. Department of Corrections & The U.S. Census Bureau

Majors Going Mobile, Every Tuesday, through December 10, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., MC Lobby
The Career Services office showcases different majors and minors every Tuesday in the McCarthy Center lobby by the Welcome Desk. The goal is to be available to FSU students who may have questions about their major and/or would like to have more information about which careers and internships might be available to them in their major. Stop by the table in order to learn about the many majors and minors available at FSU.

SAVE THE DATES for Spring 2020

Spring 2020 Suitable Solutions Program Kickoff, Thursday, January 30, 2020, 1:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m., Foster Hall 102
All majors invited to attend to learn about this professionalism initiative, meet key employer partners and register for the program.

How to Find an Internship Workshop, Wednesday 2/12, 3/11, 4/8 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., MC Alumni Room
This is an interactive workshop where students gain insight into the process of internship search strategies including: self-inventory, preparation process, resume reviews, professional attire, mock interviewing, professional references, the search process, HANDSHAKE,CSER events, networking, and how to apply.

STEM Career Event, Thursday, February 20, 2020, 4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m., MC Forum
STEM Panel—Employers will speak about the work they do and the types of employment opportunities in their particular STEM fields.
Speed Networking—Students will meet diverse employers to discuss their STEM career interests.
Resume Critique—Employers will do a quick resume critique of students’ resumes to help them understand how to best highlight their skills and experience in the highly competitive STEM job market.

MathWorks Career Day, Wednesday, February 26, 2020
1:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m. Career Day Presentation, MC Alumni Room
2:30 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Discussion & Questions, MC Alumni Room
Hear about the many opportunities at MathWorks. All majors are welcome! Please call the CSER office to find out more information at 508-626-4625.

CHOICE Internship Info Table, 3/9, 3/23, 3/30 12 p.m.—2:00 p.m., MC Lobby

Spring Job and Internship Fair, Wednesday, March 25, 2020, 4:30 p.m.– 6:00 p.m., MC Forum
Come to this great networking event! Full-time and Internship positions available. Over 55 employers from the business, human services, non-profit, and STEM field’s will be featured. Bring your resume. Dress professionally. Log onto your HANDSHAKE account to view full list of organizations.

MERC Education Fair, Thursday, April 23, 2020, 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., at Boston University
Come to the largest education fair in New England - Over 100 school systems and agencies attend! Save the date for this annual recruiting event that brings together teaching candidates and school systems across the country for networking and job opportunities in public/private schools. Must register at: www.merccareerfair.com. Limited transportation will be provided. Must pre-register for the van by calling the CSER Office at 508-626-4625.