Wayne Bowman
Susan Spataro
ACADEMICS
Students of the arts are often left to wonder what happens at the conclusion of their formal education. Additionally, the recovering economy lends itself to questioning whether or not there is a place for performing arts in the job market. Bowman and Spataro believe that a student of the performing arts is not limited to measuring success based on becoming an actor or musician. Bowman says, “This is a niche with no boundaries.” Students may go on to work in education, in the television or film industry, as writers, as marketing executives, or in the nonprofit sector. One of Bowman’s former students, Mike McColl ’93, a recent Executive in Residence, did not actually major in theatre, but is currently in high demand for voice-over work. McColl attributes his success in finding his passion for the entertainment industry to Professor Bowman. Recent theatre and music graduate Ashley Heywood ’13 is working with the Virginia Repertory Theatre and will have a role in the upcoming performance of Shrek. Theatre major Jade Jones is also working with the Virginia Repertory Theatre and will have a role in the production of The Color Purple. Bowman and Spataro attribute the overall success of their programs to their stellar students, in whom they often see a reflection of themselves. Students who step up to challenges and are open-minded to the variety of destinations where the performing arts can take them will be successful in these programs. Bowman and Spataro continue to be inspired by their students and are working toward further expansion of their programs. Bowman hopes to add a dance course geared toward the musical theatre minor, while Spataro thinks the return of a music major someday to the Ferrum curriculum has limitless possibilities for future students. n
“We include civic engagement in Freshman Seminar to immediately introduce Ferrum freshmen to giving back to others in the community and therefore what it means to be focused on our motto: ‘Not Self, But Others’,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Gail Summer. “We believe strongly the purpose of a college education is to ensure that students broaden their experience, exposure, and connection to the larger world. Civic engagement is an important way to do that as we build citizens who will live in a democracy that is increasingly diverse.” n
Reading for Area Children Dr. Allison Harl’s Freshman Seminar class focused on global literacy, which related to the 2013–14 annual theme, Sustaining Community Engagement. Dr. Harl, assistant professor of English, and her seminar students worked with Franklin County Public Library in Rocky Mount throughout the semester, assisting with their Toddler Time and Family Hour Reading Programs for children. They read books, made crafts, and played games with the children. Seated outside the library are (l to r) Jordan Brown, Paul Cohoon, Tonja Paceley, Dr. Allison Harl, Kameron Williams, and Dalton Farmer.
Sharing the Joy of Christmas Dr. Maria Puccio, assistant professor of chemistry, and her Freshman Seminar class adopted four angels ranging in age from 2 to 8 from the Salvation Army’s Adopt an Angel program. For each angel, the students picked out an outfit, a jacket or sweater, and a gift, all of which were wrapped during class and later given to children whose parent(s) are in prison. Sixteen students participated in the project, which brightened Christmas 2013 for four area children. 35 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2013–2014