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Dear Alumni and Friends,
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2020 has been a year of change – changes in the way we work, shop, socialize, and live our everyday lives. The University has had to adapt the ways in which we teach, mentor, and interact with our students. There has also been a change in leadership of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dean Ray Craig has been appointed special assistant to the Provost for the LEAP Quality Initiative, and I have been asked to serve as Interim Dean. We thank Dean Craig for his six years of leadership and service to the College. |
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Amongst all this change, one thing has remained the same — our mission. It is the mission of the College to foster a liberal arts education, to encourage the generation of knowledge, and to contribute to the good of the community. The College promotes lifelong learning, research, creative activity, social and professional responsibility and growth.
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In some ways, the pandemic has strengthened our mission and our commitment to the students. Our faculty are exploring new teaching methods in response to the COVID-19 crisis and adopting new technology to best meet the needs of our students. Now more than ever, the students remain the priority of the College. |
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When BGSU transitioned to online learning last Spring, the College staff made phone calls to every student in the College of Arts and Sciences to ask how they were adjusting to the “new normal,” both academically and emotionally. At the beginning of each academic year, the University holds Get with the Program sessions for new students to learn about the department of their chosen major, meet faculty members, and ask questions. Recognizing that our students may need extra assistance during these uncertain times, our faculty committed to continuing Get with the Program activities throughout the semester. These are just two examples of how the College is working to support and educate our students. Every day I see our faculty and staff using innovation, creativity, and compassion to shape the student experience.
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BGSU alumni and friends have stepped up to help during the pandemic as well. The University’s One Day campaign brought in nearly $900,000 in donations. Contributions made during this record-setting day of giving will support student scholarships, experiential learning programs, research, and other priority initiatives at BGSU and within the College of Arts and Sciences. Donors have also supported the Student Emergency Fund over the past several months to assist current students who are experiencing financial hardships. |
This newsletter highlights a few people who have persevered during these challenging times and embody the mission of the College… there are many others. I am always interested in hearing about the achievements of our alumni. Send an email to artsandsciences@bgsu.edu to share how your BGSU education has empowered you to adapt and succeed. |
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Warm regards,
Dale Klopfer
Interim Dean
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The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. At this point in our nation’s history, understanding the laws and principles outlined in the Constitution seem more relevant than ever. On Constitution Day, September 17, the College of Arts and Sciences hosted a presentation on “How to Read the Constitution – and Why” with Kimberly Wehle, an author, lawyer, Professor of Law at the University of Baltimore School of Law, and legal expert. Dr. Joshua Boston, BGSU assistant professor of political science, whose research focuses on American political institutions and judicial politics, was instrumental in coordinating that event. As a follow-up to our Constitution Day event, he responds to questions about the U.S. Supreme Court and the 2020 Election. |
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With sites like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, music is an important cornerstone in Ohio’s history. Two members of the BGSU community worked to commemorate Roger Troutman, a big name in the world of funk music, by having an Ohio Historical Marker placed on the former location of the Troutman Sound Labs in Dayton, Ohio.
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Researchers in the College of Arts and Sciences are helping to monitor wetlands in Ohio in an effort to improve water quality. Drs. Ganming Lu, assistant professor (hydrology) in the School of Earth, Environment and Society; Kevin McCluney, biology associate professor; and Robert Midden, chemistry research professor, are part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio Initiative.
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Bowling Green State University alumna Amber Gombash ’15 rounded out her first year of a three-year residency in the midst of a global pandemic. Like most health care professionals in the last few months, she has been helping in the fight against COVID-19. She shares how BGSU prepared her for a career in health care.
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An assignment in Dr. Allie Terry-Fritsch’s BGSU art history class provided a lesson in iconography and resourcefulness. Students in the Northern European Renaissance Art History course studied self-portraits of that region’s Renaissance artists and used that knowledge and items they found at home while sheltering in place to create modern-day selfies.
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Events
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The College continues to host performances, exhibitions, and events – virtually – for our students, alumni, and the community. Here are a few upcoming events:
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In case you missed the Spring 2020 edition of Transformations, the publication is available completely online through the College of Arts and Sciences website. |
