ASU News - Students + Students

Students share tourism ideas with city chiefs

lccampb — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:58:04 -0600

Jeremy Brooks is among the first to say it.

The two-letter word eases out of the junior’s lips and bounces around the packed classroom, gaining momentum until it’s repeated hundreds of times by a bevy of students.

Many of them don’t even seem to realize the importance of the word – “we” – as they discuss unique ways to increase tourism in five rural Arizona communities. But Tim Tyrrell’s smile keeps widening as his students sound more and more like longtime residents of the small towns they hadn’t known existed before taking his Tourism Planning course.

“We want to bring in the tourism aspect but keep our small-town feeling,” says Brooks, standing before a huge photo of the city of Coolidge’s only dine-in restaurant.

Brooks was among 50 students of the School of Community Resources and Development who spoke to community leaders April 23 to share their ideas for attracting visitors to the Arizona communities of Chino Valley, Gila Bend, Jerome, Coolidge and Superior.

This marked the first time in the 10-year history of the course that students have presented their improvement strategies directly to representatives from the cities and towns.

It’s a new way the College of Public Programs is putting theory into practice, helping students at the Downtown Phoenix campus apply what they learn to directly affect communities.

Students formed five teams, ventured into communities to assess the area’s resources, and spoke with local officials, residents and visitors.

They came up with ideas for sustainable tourism development that minimizes the negative impacts of tourism and takes full advantage of its benefits. The Arizona Office of Tourism co-sponsored the project.

Student suggestions for increasing tourism ranged from adding an outdoor civic marketplace in Chino Valley where residents frequently would gather, to making the inactive mines of Jerome safe enough to open for tours.

Team members who focused on Gila Bend proposed a plan they say would double tourism in the city, which has less than 2,000 residents.

They suggested building a “desert oasis attraction” with a hummingbird facility, a small café with outdoor seating, and trails featuring native minerals and geology.

“We see this as a way to celebrate the natural area of Gila Bend without depleting its assets,” says junior Austin Beber.

Another idea included adding a gateway in Jerome similar to the Cincinnati Gateway, allowing talented folks from the town’s artist colony to play a role in its design. Residents could vote on their favorite artist’s renditions to help in providing a unique identity for their community.

Melanie Oliver, Superior’s interim town manager, says she was particularly impressed with a team’s idea of marketing the town in an “Old West” theme, complete with an attraction that would make tourists feel they were on a Western movie set.

“I think they did a wonderful job with their presentation,” Oliver says.

Corey Schubert, corey.schubert@asu.edu
(602) 496-0406
College of Public Programs

Sun Angel Scholarship funds research in the humanities

evelasco — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:11:00 -0600

From teachers using Japanese comic books in the classroom to “green” advertising to a controversial moment in the history of the American Revolution revisited through a gender lens, students majoring in the humanities study unusual and interesting topics with funding from a Sun Angel Foundation research award.

Stefanie Craig, Kendra Kennedy and Ginger Hanson are the 2007-2008 recipients of the Sun Angel Excellence in the Humanities Research Scholarship. The scholarship provides undergraduate students in ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences a chance to pursue a research project related to their majors and also their personal interests. The award requires that the research culminates in a scholarly article or related form of publication.

For Craig, who received a bachelor’s degree in English this past December, the chance to study a topic she loves was the best part of her project. “Manga is something I’ve been interested in for over a decade,” Craig says.

Manga are Japanese comic books, read by people of all ages. They can be about anything – fantasy or science fiction, romance or school life. Craig, who also speaks Japanese, focused her research on how teachers of young adult literature can use this popular medium in classrooms.

“My main goal is to give educators, parents and any interested party a look into what manga actually is; its history, themes, characters, archetypes and structure,” she says.

Craig’s findings are published in the April 2008 eighth edition of “Literature for Today’s Young Adults,” a textbook written by Alleen Pace Nilsen, an ASU English professor, and Kenneth L. Donelson, an ASU Professor Emeritus of English education.

Kennedy, a senior with a double major in history and women and gender studies, became interested in her topic after stumbling across in her readings a reference to the Meschianza, an elaborate party thrown by the British Army in Philadelphia in 1778. Curiosity piqued, Kennedy made her first archival research trip to Philadelphia, which revealed intriguing gendered aspects of the event and the after effects on the Revolution.

The research will serve to illustrate the role that gender and culture had on political events that shaped United States history, Kennedy says.

Combining both of her majors into one project is what Hanson found so interesting about her analysis of ecological and environmental language and rhetoric in advertising. Hanson, a junior with a double major in English and conservation biology, is able to put both disciplines to work in her research.

“It was not until I noticed my heart rate was picking up every time I viewed an ‘eco-friendly’ advertisement on television that I realized I had to propose a project based on analyzing the rhetoric employed in such ads,” Hanson says.

All three scholarship recipients intend to go on to do graduate level research.

“What began as a curiosity about the Meschianza and an experimental research trip has become the basis for my graduate school studies,” Kennedy says.

Hanson said the experience gave her newfound confidence.

“It felt good to be trusted to plan and conduct my own study, and my mentor gave me great advice along the way that I will be able to put to use in future studies,” Hanson says. Her mentor is Peter Goggin, assistant professor of English, rhetoric and composition

The Sun Angel Foundation is an organization that was founded in 1946 to provide financial aid to outstanding scholar athletes. It has since extended its support to students throughout the university, including the humanities.

Kennedy describes the humanities as the way humans can “explore and understand the human experience.”

“I am constantly amazed by the social, cultural, political and economic dynamics that interact in society,” Kennedy says.

“The humanities are dedicated to who we are, and where we come from in a different way from natural sciences and other subjects,” Craig says. However, there are more reasons to study the humanities than simply academic pursuits, she claims.

“We also study it, of course, for fun.”

Ashley Lange, ashley.lange@asu.edu
480-965-1441
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Liberal arts students receive liberal dose of career skills

mattcrum — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:19:00 -0600

What’s next after you take off that cap and gown? Answering that question is potentially more complicated for students earning their bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts fields than in professional programs.

This spring, students in ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences received free training from professionals in the career planning field, along with advice from individuals in a variety of professions, to help them answer this and other career questions with confidence.

Trainers from Leathers Milligan/OI Partners led students through a series of workshops on topics such as assessing one’s skills and interests, researching potential employers, resume writing, and interviewing skills. Leathers Milligan & Associates is the Arizona partner of OI Partners, a corporation of career consulting, executive coaching, leadership development and career transition professionals in 200 locally owned offices.

Student participants then gained career insights from panelists representing the public and private sectors in a series of panel discussions.

“The move from backpack to briefcase is a huge transition, and it can be quite intimidating,” says Zabdy Montenegro, who just completed her B.S. in psychology through New College, located on ASU’s West campus. “Participating in this program gave me the tools and skills to help me walk into a job interview with confidence.”

Montenegro says she received helpful practical advice about preparing for interviews and writing her resume. “I found out it’s important for your resume not simply to list what you’ve done, but to address the skills you’ve gained through your work and school experience,” she says.

Her participation in the career preparation program has yielded results – Montenegro received three job offers and is in the midst of more interviews.

“Employers need graduates who are well-prepared to deal with the realities of the workplace, and this program enables students to be more knowledgeable and effective when engaging prospective employers,” says Mark Leathers, founder and partner of Leathers Milligan/OI Partners and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for New College.

A Leathers Milligan employee was taking a class taught by Elaine Jordan, New College’s director of college internships, when their discussions led to creation of the series of workshops developed in collaboration with ASU’s School of Global Management and Leadership. “We are grateful to Leathers Milligan and the panel participants for the time and expertise they have donated to this project,” Jordan says.

Students said the training they received in how to describe themselves was particularly valuable. “We believe industry leaders already see the value in hiring liberal arts graduates,” Jordan says. “This program helps students fully understand and better articulate the immense value they bring to the business world. You could see them grow in self-esteem and confidence as the program went along.”

Adds Leathers, “Confidence also comes from having a plan, knowing how to talk with potential employers and evaluate what the employer is saying to us. Students said they gained a sense of empowerment that they can be successful in finding the job that is right for them.”

Gwen Scheetz, the Leathers Milligan senior consultant who conducted the workshops, describes the student participants as “gutsy” and willing to try out new skills, such as networking. “Not many job seekers enjoy networking at first,” Scheetz says. “But having a chance to practice, as we did in the workshops, makes all the difference. We told the students that the only way to get good at this is through practice and more practice!”

Students had the chance to meet professionals from a range of public and private fields who volunteered to participate in panel discussions that Jordan coordinated. Panelists represented organizations including the city of Glendale, Great Scott Productions, Habitat for Humanity, the FBI, State Farm Insurance, and others.

“It was a fantastic experience for the students to meet people from the professional community who took an interest in them,” Jordan says. “Panelists shared their email addresses with students and were generous with their time.”

The final session Jordan held with students was a debriefing designed to look for ways to improve the program in the future. Already it’s been a great success. Students evaluated themselves before and after the program and showed a 73 percent improvement in their ability to assess their skills, construct a resume, interview, negotiate and network.

“The skills they learned will benefit these students not just in the short term but for years to come,” Jordan says. “We’re looking forward to helping a new group of students this fall.”

ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences offers degree programs spanning the humanities, arts, and social and natural sciences. More information is available at http://newcollege.asu.edu/.

ASU grad nabs major internship with city of Phoenix

lccampb — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:03:17 -0600

Mayra Baquera is taking a huge step on her path to managing a city.

After receiving her master’s degree in public administration from the School of Public Affairs from ASU May 8, she’ll enter the Phoenix Management Intern Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious in the field of public administration.

She’s one of three interns selected among more than 100 highly qualified applicants from across the nation for the yearlong program, which will provide her with a firsthand look at the city’s efforts to address some of its most pressing issues.

She’ll gain experience closely working with city leaders during rotational assignments in the city manager’s office, and departments such as budget and research, aviation, public works and water services.

“I think this is the beginning of my career and becoming a good manager and leader,” says Baquera, 27. “I’ve seen my skills evolve since I began the program at ASU, so this will be a natural progression to practice them.”

Many of the city’s top-level executives started their careers in the internship program. Former participants include Martin Vanacour, associate director of the School of Public Affairs, who says he learned skills that have lasted a lifetime.

“The experiences from that one year, and the prestige of the program, gave me opportunities to move quickly through various positions to fulfill my goal of becoming a city manager,” Vanacour says.

Baquera, the first in her family to receive an undergraduate and graduate education, has a passion for making a difference in the Phoenix community where she has spent most of her life. She’s a research assistant for the Alliance for Innovation, an ASU partnership networking association for cities and counties committed to innovation and transforming local government.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from ASU in 2003, she worked as a case manager at a nonprofit shelter for undocumented children. Last year, she was selected for the Department of State’s Summer Internship Program and worked in the Public Affairs section at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires.

Upon her return, Mayra pursued classes in urban management at the College of Public Programs. She also has served as a volunteer for the Victim Services Division of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Corey Schubert, corey.schubert@asu.edu
(602) 496-0406
College of Public Programs

Million-dollar Osher Foundation gift assists ASU students

mattcrum — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:23:00 -0600

A $1 million endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation, plus an additional $50,000 bridge grant for the 2008-09 academic year, will provide scholarships annually to 20 or more Arizona State University students attending the West campus.

The scholarship fund targets adult students returning to school after a gap in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Unlike many other scholarships, Osher Reentry Scholarships are available to part-time as well as full-time students.

“This generous gift further solidifies our strong working relationship with the Bernard Osher Foundation,” says John Hepburn, dean of ASU’s College of Human Services, which also houses the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Arizona State University.

For the past two years the Bernard Osher Foundation has provided $50,000 annually in scholarships for reentry students in Human Services and the three other ASU colleges and schools located on the West campus – New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences; Teacher Education and Leadership; and Global Management and Leadership. Establishment of the $1 million endowment makes the scholarship program a permanent fixture on the West campus.

Of ASU’s four campuses, the West campus possesses the highest percentage of undergraduate students in the 25 to 50 age range (32.9 percent, as of Fall 2007).

“We’re interested in seeing more people earn a bachelor’s degree,” says Andy Lynch, program officer for the Bernard Osher Foundation. “Students returning to school later in life often have family and financial obligations greater than those of traditional students. At the same time, reentry students regularly receive less financial aid support. The Osher Reentry Scholarship is intended to fill that gap.”

Reentry students are a tremendous asset to ASU’s student body, according to Osher Reentry Scholarship faculty advisor Vincent Waldron, professor of communication studies and faculty research director of ASU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. “Most reentry students are bright, hard-working and well-organized, and they also possess life experiences that enrich classroom discourse,” Waldron says.

“The scholarship I received from the Osher Foundation helped me continue my education without delay, and I am very grateful for their support,” says Bonnie Wentzel, a previous scholarship recipient. “It took me 25 years to become a Sun Devil. As a lifelong Valley resident, a degree from ASU was always my goal.”

Wentzel says support from her husband and three children was critical to her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. She graduated from the College of Human Services and the Barrett Honors College in May 2007. Wentzel now is pursuing a master’s degree in communication studies, working toward a goal of teaching at the college level and establishing a non-profit organization dedicated to helping other multiple-role students who return to college later in life.

As part of her master’s degree program, Wentzel is organizing an April 2009 conference at ASU’s West campus designed to “Celebrate Adults in the College Classroom.” Students, college and university support staff, and community organization representatives will be invited.

“Bonnie is a perfect example of the type of talented, enthusiastic reentry student who can benefit from an Osher Reentry Scholarship,” Waldron says.

Full-time undergraduate students in any of the four colleges on ASU’s West campus typically are awarded Osher scholarships worth $2,000 or more. Part-time students are eligible for smaller awards depending on the tuition bill they face. Recipients are chosen based on criteria including academic performance and financial need.

ASU forensics team repeats its top 10 status

evelasco — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:41:00 -0600

The ASU forensics team finished sixth out of 88 U.S. schools at the National Forensics Association Championships Tournament held in April in Nashville, Tenn. Fifteen undergraduate team members competed in at least three events, each being qualified throughout the year at regular season tournaments.

With more than 500 students competing in the national tournament, ASU had the following placements:

• Julia Kolsrud, a senior majoring in political science, was the national runner-up (second place) in dramatic interpretation, semifinalist in prose interpretation.

• Andy Stone, a sophomore majoring in communication, was the national runner-up (second place) in after dinner speaking.

• Jose Magana, a senior majoring in communication and business, placed third in informative speaking, and was a semifinalist in communication analysis, poetry interpretation and extemporaneous speaking.

• Sara Cho, a senior majoring in drawing, earned 13th place in rhetorical criticism.

• Eric Dern, a freshman majoring in film studies, received 14th place in after dinner speaking.

• Andrew Kersh, a freshman majoring in communication, earned 16th place in dramatic interpretation.

ASU Forensics is the oldest student organization at ASU, dating back to 1885. The team has been in the top 10 since 1992 at national tournaments held by the American Forensics Association and National Forensics Association.

“We have maintained a strong history of success. The speech team has grown in response to the number and quality of the coaches we have accrued. Last year, we took third at the national tournament, largely due to the coaching staff and an amazing senior class. So our goal is always to stay in the top 10, and so far, we have met that goal,” says Michael Graupmann, director of forensics and lecturer in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

ASU Forensics has won the International Forensic Tournament four times and the Interstate Oratory Contest – the oldest speaking contest in the country dating back to 1879 – three times since 1990.

“Forensics prepares students in critical thinking and presentation as well as competitive skills in addition to team work,” says Clark Olson, director of forensics from 1984 to 1999 and instructional professional in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication. “It is one of the most decorated programs on campus, winning well over 300 awards annually and having won most of the major invitational tournaments throughout the West.”

To prepare for competition, students meet weekly with coaches for individual practice and improvement. The goal for students is to learn how to confidently present ideas and themselves, and think critically about the world. The team travels on weekends to campuses around the country to compete.

Students involved in ASU Forensics represent a variety of majors across the Tempe campus.

“The forensics team is consistently turning out top-ranked and highly-qualified competitors. These students are some of the brightest thinkers and performers that our campus has to offer, and they spread their knowledge across the country by proudly representing ASU every weekend,” Graupmann says.

“Every year has its own unique challenges, and every team has to adapt to the styles and trends of what the nation is looking for. We are constantly bringing in new ideas and adapting them into our speeches so they can improve and grow to become the best final product possible,” says Graupmann.

ASU Forensics has helped pave the way for innovation in many of the interpretation and public speaking events that take place at the national tournament. For example one of the events, after dinner speaking, has changed significantly from just a speech to entertain and educate. Now the team promotes advocacy and community involvement through integrated and personalized solutions. Not only has this refreshed the activity, but it has brought about a great deal of change to college campuses and communities nationwide.

In addition to competing, each year the program co-hosts a two-day college tournament with Glendale Community College in February for interested college teams around the nation.

The program also hosts the sixth largest high school tournament in the country each January. The ASU Southwest Championships Tournament brings more than 1,500 high school students to the Tempe campus during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend for national level competition in a collegiate atmosphere.

More information at www.asu.edu/clas/communication/undergraduate/forensics/.

Graduate students also aspiring philanthropists

acohara1 — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:13:26 -0600

Andrew Carnegie once said, “It is more difficult to give money away intelligently than it is to earn it in the first place.” Students enrolled in Philanthropy: Theory and Practice (NLM 550), a masters-level course taught through the School of Community Resources and Development in conjunction with the ASU Lodestar Center for Nonprofit Management and Innovation, learned this lesson first hand this past semester. In a class project that will culminate with a $20,000 check presentation to one Valley nonprofit, students were able to gain hands-on experience and a new insight into the ups and downs of being on a foundation board.

Taught by Roger Hughes, executive director of St. Luke’s Health Initiatives (SLHI), a Phoenix-based public foundation, the course gave students the opportunity to make a $20,000 to grant on behalf of SLHI’s Health in a New Key community development program. Students narrowed down a list of over 20 qualified nonprofits to five finalists. The class then divided into teams that worked with the potential recipients to develop persuasive proposals for support. Following team presentations, the students played the role of foundation board members and selected what they considered to be the “best fit” with the grant requirements.

Hughes explained that SLHI provides the grant in order to give the next generation of leaders in the nonprofit sector valuable experience in the actual business of philanthropy and to introduce them to the principles of strength-based community development.

Acting as both fundraisers and board members, students were forced to see things from several—often conflicting—points of view.

“It was a valuable lesson in what constitutes a strong grant proposal and the reality of the subjective nature of many funding decisions,” said student Genevieve Croker.

Fellow student Bethany Taylor agrees. “As a development officer, I always thought that raising funds was hard, and that giving money away, in comparison, must be easy,” she said. “But by participating in this exercise, I learned just how hard giving money away could be. When you are forced to choose between multiple worthy organizations, it is truly difficult."

In the end, Stepping Stones of Hope, an organization that offers grief and bereavement services to children and their families, was selected to receive the $20,000 grant.

“All the proposals were good,” said student Damon Lemmons. “But this one gave us the greatest sense of community leverage and sustainability."

This is the second year NLM 550 has been offered. Last year’s inaugural group awarded $10,000 to Girls on the Run of Maricopa County, a nonprofit that works to improve the physical and social development of young girls through an innovative running program in schools. Due to the growing interest in the course and the success of the first offering, this year SLHI was able to double its award contribution.

"Our educational curriculum is well known for bridging theory and practice through experiential learning based within the classroom experience. This is especially true in the case of NLM 550. What Dr. Hughes and St. Luke's Health Initiatives has made possible is a stellar philanthropic laboratory which is the envy of nonprofit and philanthropic studies educational programs nationwide," said Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, director of the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and professor of nonprofit studies in ASU's School of Community Resources and Development.

“This was an exceptional learning experience,” said student Saso Andonoski, who comes to the Valley from the Republic of Macedonia. “The class showed the ability to go beyond expressive philanthropy and think strategically. I have learned so much from this class. This was one of my best experiences at ASU so far."

The mission of Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation (formerly the Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management) is to help build the capacity of the social sector by enhancing the effectiveness of those who lead, manage, and support nonprofit organizations. As part of the College of Public Programs and in partnership with the School of Community Resources and Development, the Center provides knowledge and tools to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, professionals, board members, and volunteers by offering research, technical assistance, workshops, conferences, classes, and capacity building programs. For more information, visit: http://nonprofit.asu.edu.

ASU graduates record class

icsea — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:51:32 -0600

A record 8,000 students graduateed May 8 from ASU, a number that surpasses last spring by at least a thousand. The commencement ceremony held in Wells Fargo Arena was a full house.

Larger enrollment and an economy that still beckons college graduates may be pushing the increase. The demand for an educated work force persists, with more employers recruiting on campus this year and a 15 percent increase in online job postings, according to Elaine Stover of ASU Career Services.

The largest-ever class of 243 nurses will graduate, along with 900 teachers, 675 engineers, 210 lawyers, 600 business undergraduates and 550 MBAs.

From the School of Design will come 390 architects, designers and urban planners. The Walter Cronkite School has educated 188 journalists, and the Herberger College of the Arts is graduating 328 artists, musicians, dancers, theater and film professionals, and scholars and historians of the arts.

Political science is now the most popular bachelor’s degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which boasts more than 2,000 graduates from 41 majors. More students also are getting life sciences, psychology and communication degrees than ever before.

Overall, the West campus is graduating about 1,070 students, Polytechnic has about 550 graduates and the Downtown Phoenix campus is graduating 980, with almost half of these taking their classes on all four campuses through University College.

Speaker at the commencement will be James Duderstadt, president emeritus at the University of Michigan, who will receive an honorary doctorate at the ceremony.

Duderstadt has been a leader and influential author on higher education, helping to identify and address significant issues facing public research universities.

Among the students getting their degrees will be a social work graduate who was once homeless with her two boys, a woman who gave up a 21-year law enforcement career to go into teaching, a young disabled veteran who has helped other veterans access their benefits and a rising academic star headed for graduate school in London on a Marshall Scholarship.

Individual colleges and student groups also will have separate convocation ceremonies May 8-10 at various locations. A schedule is available online at www.asu.edu/graduation/spring.

Human Services grad commits to social work in Sudan

sdesgeor — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:15:00 -0600

Kristen Ventola is embarking on a career path that will take her to Africa in July and could later lead to anywhere in the world, doing almost anything and everything.

Just the way she wants it.

The Arizona State University student is set to receive her master’s degree in social work from the College of Human Services in May and has already made a three-year commitment to serve as a peace and advocacy program officer for the Sudan Council of Churches beginning in July.

“What I like most about social work is you have the opportunity to plant seeds, but you don’t know where it will take you or what’s coming your way; it can change from day to day, and that’s what makes it interesting,” she says, adding in reference to the far-flung commitment, “I’ve always had a passion for travel.”

She will be sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee, a relief, development and peace agency of the North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. Her journey from the West campus – where she earned her bachelor’s in psychology in 2004 – will begin in Khartoum, the capital city of Africa’s largest country.

“I can do social work anywhere,” she says. “There are always opportunities to advocate for the oppressed; opportunities exist right here (in Arizona) at the border. Going to Sudan for three years is an opportunity for me to learn and gain a better understanding, to be a part of an overall community, and to get a better glimpse of a culture.”

Ventola, who moved to the Valley from Buffalo and graduated from Ironwood High School in Glendale, is no stranger to getting her hands dirty for the benefit of those less fortunate. Her resume includes social work for Christian Peacemaker Teams in Israel last summer, as well as her master’s internship with No More Deaths in Phoenix and along the U.S.-Mexico border near Douglas and Agua Prieta. The fact her next stop is a war-torn country that continues to generate headlines for man’s inhumanity to man is of little concern, she says.

“In many cases, people’s perceptions of those who live in these embattled areas are that they are either crazy or they are brave,” says Ventola, whose work with No More Deaths includes faith outreach and helping others become involved in supporting what she calls a more just way of life. “But those who are living it don’t see it that way.

“You can die driving to work or crossing the street. This is about relationship-building as a professional social worker. If you can’t do this wherever you are or wherever it is needed, you can’t help make change effectively. I don’t feel like I can learn everything in a few weeks; you need a better understanding and, as much as possible, to be a part of the community.”

The Sudan Council of Churches includes six churches in the southern part of the country and has acted as a facilitator to peace negotiations during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The organization also gained recognition for successfully negotiating an end to inter-ethnic fighting among Nuer – one of the largest ethnic groups in East Africa – in 1999.

Ventola will headquarter in an apartment in Khartoum, a city of over 2 million people located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers. She will travel through different areas of Sudan for “weeks on end” and stay with families living in tribal and clan settings while working to bring Christian and Muslim factions together through communication and advocacy.

“Peace and reconciliation; this is part of my hope,” says Ventola in reference to her July 18 departure that will take her 8,300 miles from her home in Surprise. “This is the kind of social work that tends to encompass everything, and I like it because I won’t be doing the same thing day in and day out. There is a wide array of things I can do.

“It starts with being open to communication and dialogue. You have to be willing to listen in order to get to the root of why conflict is occurring. It can take a long time, but you plant seeds along the way and bring the issues onto the radar screen.”

Cynthia Lietz, an assistant professor of social work in ASU’s College of Human Services, has instructed and mentored Ventola in four classes over three years at the West campus. She says Ventola exemplifies the type of person the social work department seeks to recruit.

“Kristen demonstrates a commitment to advocating for underserved and underprivileged populations, while maintaining a high level of integrity,” says Lietz, who earned her Ph.D. from ASU’s College of Social Work in 2004. “Her commitment has been unwavering throughout her time in our social work program. She is compassionate and is well-informed about the issues that face our nation and the world.

As she prepares for her upcoming service, Ventola is studying Arabic.

“Ultimately, learning Arabic may lead me in another direction or open doors for me in the future,” she says. “Whether it is in the U.S. or overseas, social work is what I have in my heart.

“The options for practicing international social work are boundless.”

And for Kristen Ventola, someone whose passion for social work and travel knows no bounds, this is a good thing.

Outstanding seniors to receive top honors

icsea — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:56:19 -0600

Twenty ASU graduating students will receive Outstanding Graduate awards from the ASU Alumni Association at commencement May 8, having been selected for special honor by their individual colleges. They combine high academic achievement with leadership and service.

Honorees are Megan McGinnity, majoring in political science and economics, Barrett, the Honors College; Michael Corinne Illies, design management, College of Design; Karen Ramirez, recreation and tourism, College of Human Services; Lisa Danley, international studies, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; Zoe Coleman, nursing, College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation; Ian Hagerman, public policy, College of Public Programs; Hannah Walters, special education, College of Teacher Education & Leadership; Shruthi Sadananda, electrical systems engineering technology, College of Technology and Innovation; Harper Piver, dance, Herberger College of the Arts.

Others are Alllison Engstrom, materials science and engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering; Jenna Waldrop, secondary education, Mary Lou Fulton College of Education; Osman Hussein, agribusiness, Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness; Mitchell Bartholomew, psychology, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences; Chelsea Durkin, law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; Teresa Araas, exercise, nutrition and wellness, School of Applied Arts and Sciences; David Cooper, accountancy, School of Global Management & Leadership.

They also include Crystal Pirlo, elementary education, School of Educational Innovation and Teacher Preparation; Michael Olive, history and anthropology, School of Letters & Sciences; Omar Badri, economics, W.P. Carey School of Business; and Lauren Hengl, journalism, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

In addition, 34 seniors are receiving Moeur Awards from the ASU Alumni Association, for achieving 4.0 grade-point averages and having completed all their classwork at ASU.

They are James Barfoot, majoring in chemical engineering; Robin Bariel, theater design and production; Sarah Becker, communication; Connie Burdis, supply chain management; Lara Carlson, elementary education; Thomas Cerchie, journalism/mass communication; Chad Chapman, management and history; Andrew Coronado, psychology; Ann Donnelly, interior design; Joseph Eschrich, film and media studies; Patrick Finn, accountancy, Michelle Heap, philosophy.

Others are Lindsey Hilmer, management and marketing; Kelly Layton, bioengineering; Ryan Lepic, English and German; Jennifer Little, marketing; Katelin Loring, management; Rebecca Martin, biology; Danielle Meritet, biology; Adam Milnor, recreation management; Valerie Montoya, urban planning; Katie Mordarski, orchestral performance; Rebecca Munger, nursing; Ruben Ponce Wong, bioengineering; Joel Rosenthal, English literature.

They also include Charles Sales, bioengineering; Patrick Schaefer, journalism/mass communication; Christopher Schulman, accountancy; Deborah Siegel, communication and Japanese; Rebecca Stever, biology; Lydia Tolman, mathematics; Sarah Washburn, biology; Amanda Willim, special education; and Emily Wirth, speech and hearing science.