Wright State University Newsroom

Journey behind the scenes for an inside look at the making of Peter and the Starcatcher. Visit the costume shop, marvel at the massive set, and meet some of the incredibly talented cast and crew. More at @wsroom/2020/03/09/behind-the-curtain/

Chris Riva, a 1994 Wright State University graduate, recently joined the anchor team at WXIX Fox 19 News in Cincinnati. The Middletown native joins anchors Tricia Macke, Rob Williams, Amber Jayanth and chief meteorologist Steve Horstmeyer on the station’s early evening newscasts. Riva co-anchors an hour and a half newscast expansion at 5 P.M. The television newscast expansion began on Jan. 6. “It’s a tremendous honor to see individuals, meet with them, talk to them, they trust you with their story,” said Riva. Riva is a 1994 graduate of Wright State’s Mass Communication program at Wright State. “Wright State taught me how to communicate,” he said. “Most importantly, they taught me how to listen.” Riva credits the internship requirements at Wright State and his time at WWSU the student radio station for preparing him for the workforce. “By the time I was a sophomore in college I was already working at Z93,” said Riva. His career in journalism expands over 20 years with jobs in Dayton, Green Bay, Denver and Sacramento before he returned to his hometown in 2014. “I feel a strong sense of responsibility from what I do for a living to this community,” said Riva.

Wright State University employees gave back to the community by volunteering throughout Raider Country at six area nonprofit organizations. It was all part of a March 4 university-wide service day opportunity for employees, who were able to take a half-day off work to help the community without having to use leave time. All 88 volunteer slots for the second We Serve U Day were filled. The locations that were chosen were, 4 Paws for Ability in Xenia, Crayons To Classrooms, YWCA, Clothes That Works, The Foodbank and the Office of Admissions at Wright State. “What we really hope people take away from this opportunity is that they make a connection with a local non-profit and they volunteer on a regular basis,” said Joanie Hendricks, co-chair of We Serve U. Wright State employees will have another chance to participate at the next We Serve U Day on Oct. 9.

The 30 researchers are busy at the Wright State University Special Collections and Archives, hunched over historic photos and newspaper clippings yellowed with age. They take notes on their findings, using pencils to jot down the historical facts on notepads or typing them into laptop computers. The information is old but the researchers are new – they are all third-graders from Miami Valley School. It is all part of a community outreach program by the archives.

Middle school and high school musicians sharpened their skills during the Honor Band Festival on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 at Wright State University. The festival included 220 participants from middle schools, high schools and band directors from around the state of Ohio. “It’s great to hear kids wanting to make music,” said Bill Jobert, senior lecturer in the Wright State School of Music, which hosted the festival. Participants worked with two guest conductors, attended master classes given by Wright State faculty and performed a concert on the last day of the festival. The weekend also included an opportunity for high school seniors to audition for acceptance into the School of Music. An Honor Band Scholarship to Wright State was awarded to Kaylie Bayless, a senior at Wilmington High School. “I’m really excited to hopefully go to school here,” said Bayless. In addition to hosting honor bands and festivals, the School of Music presents more than 100 concerts, recitals and master classes every academic year in Shuster Hall. Most of these events are free and open to the public. A complete list can be found on the School of Music website.

Dozens of Wright State University students, faculty and staff attended the first Black History Month Celebration event in the Student Union Endeavour Room on Feb. 26. The celebration brunch included guest speakers and friendly conversation. Tonya Mathis, the diversity program manager at the Boonshoft School of Medicine and Nicole Carter, director of the Wright State Women’s Center, both spoke at the event. “Students, faculty and staff have an opportunity to learn more about our black historians and the descendants,” said Mathis. The celebration also recognized students and faculty who have pushed inclusive excellence over the past year. “I hope the participants take away a sense of community,” said Kevin Jones, a senior majoring in political science. The Black Student Union, Black Men on the Move, Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Student Government Association organized the event.

Wright State University engineering students are getting a rare opportunity to work with a 3D laser printer that can produce complex metal parts with internal functions. The ORLAS Creator, on loan to the university from OR Laser, is being used in a lab at the College of Engineering and Computer Science to help teach and train students in additive metal manufacturing. “With this machine we are able to build shapes that you can’t build any other way,” said Joy Gockel, assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering. “You are able to take the theory you learned in your fluid dynamics class and you can actually implement the theory into a design. You can create some really complex internal structures.” Small micron-level particles of metal powder are spread across the bed of the printer. Then a high-powered laser beam melts the powder and forms it into pre-designed metal shapes.

The Wright State University Police Department offers free ALICE training to students, faculty and staff. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate, which are the steps needed to follow when facing an emergency. The course prepares participants to proactively handle an active shooter event or an aggressive individual. “We want to get the word out to as many people as possible,” said Stephen Powers, a sergeant in the Wright State Police Department. The two-hour course involves a PowerPoint presentation, which includes several training videos, and two scenarios in which participants practice the techniques they learn during training. “I learned a lot,” said Mia Williams Burnett, a graduate student that completed the course on Feb 19. The next training session will be offered on April 8 from 3 to 5p.m. Reserve your spot by emailing Sgt. Stephen Powers at stephen.powers@wright.edu.

The Adventure Summit is a 14-year partnership between Five River MetroParks and Wright State University. “The Adventure Summit has everything from the armchair enthusiast to the national adventurer,” said Erin Sherrets, outdoor recreation program manager at Wright State. One of his year’s Adventure Summit featured speaker was Heather Anderson, the 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. In addition to listening to presentations and checking out 40 vendor displays, students, staff, faculty and visitors could participate in an indoor triathlon, bouldering competition and canoe battleship. The event took place on Feb. 14-15 in the Student Union. Approximately 6,000 attended the Adventure Summit, and more than 100 volunteers helped to make it a success.

Fresh off winning their first Oscar, professor emeritus Julia Reichert and former motion pictures faculty member Steven Bognar returned to Wright State University to celebrate with students and faculty during a special gathering at the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures Feb 13. Reichert and Bognar visited Wright State four days after winning the Oscar for best documentary feature for “American Factory” at the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony. The film, which Reichert and Bognar directed and produced, focuses on the opening of the Fuyao Glass America plant at the site of a former General Motors truck plant in Moraine. The documentary captures the complicated relationship between Fuyao, the Chinese glass manufacturer that owns the new plant, and its American employees, some of whom worked at the GM truck plant before it closed in 2008, putting more than 1,000 workers out of jobs. “American Factory” was developed when Bognar served as a faculty member in Wright State’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures. Fourteen Wright State motion pictures alumni worked on the film. With their Oscars in hand, Reichert and Bognar discussed a variety of topics with about 100 students and faculty from the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures.

Wright State University President Sue Edwards met with a group of students in the lobby of Hamilton Hall for fireside chat on Feb. 11. The chat gave students an opportunity to engage with the president, and ask questions in a comfortable setting. “It was a lot of fun to get the students questions and get to know them a little bit better,” said Edwards. During the hourlong chat, Edwards discussed the importance of recruitment, retention and relationships for Wright State. “The relationship part of the three R’s is super important to me personally,” said John Davis, a history major who participated in the fireside chat. Edwards is the fourth Wright State president to participate in the annual tradition.

Wright State University students and alumni are welcome to attend the fourth Suit-Up event at two area JCPenney stores on Feb. 23. The Fairfield Commons Mall and the Miami Valley Mall in Piqua will welcome Wright State students looking for deals on professional attire. The event is designed to help students and alumni prepare for job and graduate school interviews, career networking events and both the Lake Campus Career, Internship and Networking Expo on March 16 and the Wright State Career Fair on March 17. This will be the first time that the Piqua location has participated. “This is great not only for Lake Campus students but for Wright State students that might live north of Dayton,” said Lisa Duke, assistant director of Career Services. The Suit-Up event is closed to the public but is open to any Wright State student and alumni in need of professional career apparel. Last spring, more than 155 students participated in the event. The event runs from 6 to 8 P.M. Each student who attends will receive a 30% off coupon for career-related clothing, such as suits, dresses, sport coats, dress pants, shoes and accessories. Both locations will have Wright State and JCPenney associates on hand to assist shoppers. “This is a great partnership between Wright State’s Career Services, Student Involvement and Leadership and the JCPenney Corporation,” said Duke.

Free scarves, hats and other winter accessories were provided to Wright State University students at the fifth annual Scarf Frenzy. The give-away took place on the second floor of the Dunbar Library on Jan. 28. Over the last year, scarf makers in the Wright State Knitting and Crocheting Circle created around 300 items, including baby items. “All year long we knit and crochet items like scarves, hats, gloves, mittens, anything that will help keep students warm,” said Cindy Vanzant, assistant director of the Women’s Center. In the past five years, the group has provided over 1,200 scarves, hats and other winter accessories to students in need. Scarf Frenzy was sponsored by the Knitting and Crocheting Circle, the Women’s Center and the University Libraries.

More than a dozen high school students attended the Business Experience and Scholarship Challenge event at Wright State University on Jan. 25. The event was an opportunity for the faculty and staff at the Raj Soin College of Business to meet prospective students and brag about the state-of-the-art facility and caring and supportive faculty. Students had the opportunity to compete in several challenges and meet with corporate advisers for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship. “It’s been a great day,” said William Shaffer, a senior at St. Francis DeSales High School. Shaffer plans to attend Wright State in the fall and major in finance. “I came here and immediately fell in love with the campus and it just feels like home.” High school students and their parents were also able to learn about the college’s collaboration with the business community and alumni. “I get the opportunity to tell them why it’s such a fantastic place to be,” said Andy Kaiser, chief financial officer at Cincinnati Bell and a 1991 Wright State graduate. For more information about the academic programs offered at the Raj Soin College of Business visit business.wright.edu.

The Wright State University Office of Latinx, Asian, and Native American Affairs hosted a celebration on Jan. 24 to welcome the 2020 Lunar New Year. The celebration featured a lion dance, a Chinese traditional dance performance, arts and crafts and free food samples. “It’s the biggest celebrated holiday and festivities in Asia,” said Mia Honaker, coordinator of the Office of Latinx, Asian, and Native American Affairs. Honaker says the event allows Asian community members at Wright State an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and culture while letting everyone learn about the Lunar New Year. “I hope Wright State students take away the fun and the culture,” said Isabelle Hardesty, a junior international studies major. “There’s more to life than what’s in front of them.”

On Jan. 17, ROTC cadets from Wright State University spent several hours at Mini University, teaching preschool and pre-kindergarten children about the American flag. Cadets taught students the Pledge of Allegiance, what the stars and stripes on the American flag represent, colors of the flag and how to properly respect the flag during the national anthem. “I think it’s important for these kids to learn about where they’re growing up,” said cadet Jody Berry, a senior mechanical engineering student. Mini U staff prepared the students for the cadets visit by reading the book “F is for Flag” by author Wendy Cheyette Lewison. “The kids were definitely excited,” said Michelle Stoffa, Air Force ROTC commander and professor of aerospace studies. RaNae Street, the program administrator at Mini University invited ROTC cadets to Minu U after realizing the schools tattered flag needed to be replaced. “I really hope the students will gain that level of respect and be able to honor the country that they live in,” said Street. At the end of the visit, students watched with their hands over their hearts as cadets sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and raised a new American flag on the 25-foot-high flagpole near the entrance of the school. “It’s a great symbol of unity and the importance of being together, and they will see that every day when they walk through the doors,” said Street.

A group of Wright State students spent part of the winter break backpacking through the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. Seven students along with two guides hiked for five days along the Continental Divide Trail. Each student carried 40 pounds of supplies that were provided by the Wright State Outdoor Resource Center, which organized the trip. During their trip, students learned about trail navigation, water purification and winter camping basics. “It’s honestly just a neat opportunity that we’re providing to the students,” said trip leader Devyn Ostrander, a junior majoring in materials science and engineering. The group endured temperatures in the teens and battled several feet of snow on the trail. Students wore snowshoes to navigate the difficult terrain. “After we had taken the snowshoes off we noticed, wow, we’re actually sinking in the snow,” said Cody Wolfe, a junior social science education major. For additional information about future excursions visit the Outdoor Resource Center’s website. https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/campus-recreation/outdoor-resource-center

The Staff Council along with the Staff Morale Committee hosted a cookie decorating party in the Student Union Atrium on Dec. 19. Wright State staff enjoyed coffee, tea, hot chocolate and designing their own cookies. Delicious toppings were available at the event including several flavors of butter cream frosting. “It’s an excuse to get together,” said Mike Griest, Director of RaiderConnect. “Our whole goal is to boost the mood, make folks feel appreciated and that we want them to know folks care.” Staff Council partnered with the Wright State Bookstore to provided several raffle gifts and Chartwells for the cookies, toppings and beverages.

For the second time in in the last four years, Kurt Holden has received a well-deserved promotion from the Wright State University Police Department. In 2015 Holden was promoted to sergeant and on Dec. 18 during a brief ceremony in the Wright State Student Union, his wife and kids pinned a lieutenant badge to his uniform. “Kurt has always been involved in the campus community, and I know that it’s one of his passions,” said David Finnie, Wright State police chief. As lieutenant, Holden will command the university’s Patrol Division and oversee the police sergeants. Holden has received numerous awards during his career at Wright State including the Mark Losey Ohio Distinguished Law Enforcement Award, a Presidents Award for Excellence in Leadership and a Blue Coat Award for service to emancipated foster students. Holden serves as a coach and a mentor to foster youths in the Independent Scholars Network. Once an emancipated foster child himself, Holden is commitment to helping students who need strong and dependable role models in their lives as they simultaneously tackle emancipation and college.

The Wright State community collected hundreds of toys and other items for children in Greene County through the university’s annual Adopt a Family gift drive. Wright State has hosted annual toy drives for more than 21 years. This is the sixth year We Serve U has organized the drive. This year, donations helped 25 families and 51 individuals. “The generosity of our students, staff and faculty is really heartwarming,” said Joanie Hendricks, data analyst in the Office of Institutional Research and Analytics at Wright State and co-chair of We Serve U. Greene County Children Services provided Wright State with a list of families and their Christmas wish lists. Individuals and groups chose to “adopt” a family and donate a few practical and enjoyable gifts. “It’s so overwhelming to see how many gifts Wright State has collected for us,” said Monica Schiffler of Greene County Children Services. The Wright State Air Force ROTC helped load toys and gifts into vans for the Greene County staff. The donations will be delivered to the families’ homes before Christmas.

The Wright State University chapter of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity gives back to the community by performing for residences living in adult care facilities. Fraternity members hosted a Monster Smash event at Wright State on Nov. 1 to help support their community service efforts. Students and employees adorned hard hats and goggles and used sledgehammers to destroy pumpkins in hopes of bringing smiles on the faces of folks in assisted living facilities. The fraternity raised several hundred dollars during the Monster Smash event, which will fund performances and gifts for a semester, including a trip by the fraternity to the Randall Residence in Tipp City on Dec. 7. Fraternity members, who include Wright State students and community members, sang holiday songs to dozens of residents. “So many of our individuals thrive on music,” said Vanessa Moore, life enrichment coordinator at the Randall Residence. “Music brings back old emotions, brings back old memories so they were able to listen to these songs and have a wonderful and positive reaction.” The Tipp City Public Library helped organize the visit. More at https://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/12/11/smashing-pumpkins-2/

She works her magic in the loft studio of her home in the tiny western Ohio village of Casstown. For artist and Wright State University alumna Kathy Moore, that “magic” has landed her in about 40 national art competitions and for the second year in a row produced artwork that won the top award at the Richmond Art Museum in Richmond Indiana. The museum, for more than a century, has hosted this competition with works from artists that once included French painter Claude Monet. In this year’s 121st edition of the show, Moore won with a 36 by 36 inch drawing titled “Three of Hearts Still Life.” More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/12/11/lofty-success/

Wright State University students feeling the pressure during the last week of fall semester’s classes and finals week found special stress-relief activities at Dunbar Library. DeStress for Success is a series of programs and activities offered from Dec. 2 to 12 designed to help students relax and enable them to develop good mental and emotional health practices. The program features 13 activities, including a FitDesk Relay, meditation stations, mindfulness yoga, button making, coloring and the very popular Fuzz Therapy. Various activities are planned each day, with the full daily schedule available on the University Library’s blog. Students cuddled with 10 puppies during the De. 6 Fuzz Therapy event, which was coordinated by 4 Paws WSU, a student organization that fosters and co-handles puppies in conjunction with 4 Paws for Ability in Xenia. The nonprofit 4 Paws for Ability breeds, trains and places therapy dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. “The library is here to help in any way possible,” said Heather Back, student success librarian. “Students can come here to relax before an exam and then go into the exam with less stress or they can come here after a stressful exam to unwind and prepare for their next exam.”

On Nov. 20, Wright State University-Lake Campus hosted its fifth annual Deaf Town, an event for American Sign Language students to be a hearing person in a Deaf world. Students interacted with residents from the Deaf community at five different interactive stations, including a grocery store, clothing store, travel agent and doctor’s office. “I think it was a really cool opportunity to experience what people go through when they’re Deaf,” said Courtney Grothouse, a junior communications studies major. Dozens of students and several members of the Deaf community participated in Deaf Town, which took place in James F. Dicke Hall.

Wright State students raised $58,056 for Dayton Children’s Hospital during Raiderthon, the university’s seventh annual dance marathon, in the Student Union Apollo Room. “It’s just amazing to see how hard college students are working to give back to their community,” said Alexis Hobbs, a junior elementary education major and Raiderthon organizer. Students stayed on their feet throughout the Nov. 16 event, which ran from 10 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, dancing for patients at Dayton Children’s who are battling life-threatening illnesses. More than 330 dancers registered for the event. Over the past seven years, Raiderthon has raised more than $335,000 for Dayton Children’s.

Wright State University’s fifth annual Champions Ball attracted veteran students, community members and guests for a night of food, camaraderie and dancing. Held Oct. 9 in the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library, the Champions Ball celebrated the five-year anniversary of the Veteran and Military Center at Wright State and allowed business and community leaders an opportunity to interact with student veterans. “I still feel like we have more to do but we’ve done a good job so far,” said Seth Gordon, director of the Veteran and Military Center. Over the past five years the Veteran Military Center has processed benefits for several thousand students and has brought in $50 to $70 million dollars in tuition revenue to Wright State. Ericka Carter-LaForse and David Berry both received awards for their dedication and service to the success of the Veteran and Military Center and the Veterans Voices Project.

The Wright State University Police Department is participating in No-Shave November and officers’ follicle neglect is benefiting the Raider Food Pantry. On Nov. 14, officers donated nonperishable food items, including contained chicken noodle soup, cereal, peanut butter crackers and Stove Top stuffing, to the Raider Food Pantry, an emergency food service pantry that supports students and their families. “The timing is great because we are doing a big Thanksgiving Day basket give-away,” said Ri Molnar, a graduate student who works in the pantry. University police raised $400 for their participation in No-Shave November. Male officers are able to grow facial hair while female officers can color strands of hair and their nails. “I’ve never done this before,” said Kurt Holden, pointing to his facial hair. “But I’m going to do it every year because it’s a way to start a conversation and get involved with the campus.” Information about supporting the Raider Food Pantry is available on the organization’s website.

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU Wright State alumni had a chance to give back to the community by participating in the Wright State Alumni Association’s third annual Alumni Service Day on Nov. 9. “I think it’s wonderful,” Karen Adams, a 1997 and 2000 graduate said while washing animal bowls at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Around 120 volunteers performed community service at 11 nonprofit organizations, including United Rehabilitations Services, Dayton Metro Library, Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, Hannah’s Treasure Chest, SICSA, Clothes That Work, Hospice of Dayton, Downtown Dayton Partnership and The Foodbank. Alumni Service Day concluded with an appreciation lunch for volunteers at Yellow Cab Tavern in downtown Dayton. http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/11/13/giving-grads/

Wright State University’s Raiderthon will feature a 15-hour dance marathon beginning on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room. All proceeds will go toward Dayton Children’s Hospital. Raiderthon is hosted by the Wright State Miracle Makers, a division of The Children’s Miracle Network, which supports local children’s hospitals. Wright State’s Miracle Makers supports Dayton Children’s Hospital. Children with chronic illnesses are often treated at Dayton Children’s and require long hospital stays and challenging treatment regimens. Proceeds from Raiderthon will help pay for medical equipment, such as infant incubators, pediatric vein finders and premature baby diapers, and supplies for patients and their families. Registration for Raiderthon is $15, which includes three meals, live entertainment and meet and greets with some of the Miracle Network families. Those who cannot attend can still donate on the Raiderthon website. The annual Raiderthon dance marathon will raise funds for Dayton Children’s Hospital Nov 16-17. (Video by Kris Sproles) Since 2013, the Wright State Miracle Makers has raised more than $277,800 for Dayton Children’s Hospital through Raiderthon. For more information, visit wright.edu/event/raiderthon. Leading up to Raiderthon, Wright State Miracle Makers fundraise throughout the year to support Dayton Children’s, including on Nov. 7, when student volunteers sold grilled cheese sandwiches at the Forest Lane Community Center. Twenty-four students took orders, made sandwiches and delivered them to hungry students, selling 400 sandwiches and 146 cups of soup. The group collected $600 for their efforts.

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU For the ninth consecutive year, Wright State University students, faculty and staff made “Cards for Kids” for patients at Dayton Children’s Hospital on Nov. 5. “It’s something that may provide a smile or a brief moment of joy, and that’s something that I think is really cool,” said MBA student Ben Webb. Dozens of volunteers made hand-designed cards during the lunch hour event, which was sponsored by We Serve U and was held in the Educational Resource Center. Organizers estimate that thousands of cards have been donated to Dayton Children’s Hospital over the past eight years. Cards are distributed to patients during their meals at Dayton Children’s. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/11/06/well-wishers/

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU The Career Center at Wright State hosted the Career Fair Fall 2019 on Oct. 15 in the Student Union. Over 80 employers were on-hand to meet Wright State students and alumni to fill roles in their organizations. “Wright State students do make a difference in our company,” said Cody Tankersley, a corporate recruiter with Speedway. Hundreds of students and alumni attended the fair hoping to connect with employers for an internship or a paid position within their company. “I’m looking for employers to hire me after I graduate with my degree in statistics,” said Rajan Hirani, a senior statistics major. For more information about the next Career Fair and future events, visit wright.edu/career-center. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/10/18/face-to-face/

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU Two hundred high school students visited Wright State University to practice their French skills, learn more about the university and have fun during the annual French Immersion Day on Oct. 24. High school students and their instructors from 12 Ohio schools participated in various activities, including welcoming ceremonies, ice-breaking games, a flag parade, French-inspired lunch and dancing. “I hope that the students when they come here they’re able to practice their French outside of the classroom,” said Kristen Halling, professor of French at Wright State. Wright State students and alumni volunteered to help make sure the event was a success. “After coming to Immersion Day with my French class it really solidified Wright State as a choice for me,” said Emma Mills, a 2019 alumna and event volunteer.

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU Wright State University nursing students cry for help while injured patients lie motionless in an abandoned, smoke filled, cement facility at Calamityville. These were scenes from a simulated explosion on the final day of a training program offered by Wright State University’s National Disaster Health Course (NDHC), an interprofessional program designed to standardize disaster preparedness, response and recovery training. The training took place Oct. 8-10 at Wright State’s National Center for Medical Readiness at Calamityville. Wright State nursing students participated in the hands-on training along with nursing students from Indiana University and social work students from Miami University. “It is very unique to have another university or school of nursing here with us,” said Sherry Farra, director of NDHC. “We are learning from them and they’re learning from us.” Participants received continuing education credit, a certificate from NDHC and Advanced Disaster Life Support certification. More information about the National Disaster Health Course, including registration details, is available at nursing.wright.edu or by calling 937-775-3131. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/10/16/training-day/

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU The Wright State Lake Campus has raised the curtain on a major building project that features a new library and a simulation center for nursing students. The grand opening of the extension to Andrew’s Hall on Oct. 10 attracted top state government officials as well as Wright State and local business and community leaders. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/10/11/grand-opening-of-extension-to-andrews-hall-at-lake-campus-draws-state-government-leaders/

Wright State partnered with some of the Miami Valley’s leading aviation and community organizations to host a new festival dedicated to flight. The Festival of Flight celebrated aviation and highlighted the importance of the Miami Valley’s aviation heritage on the grounds of the Wright State University Nutter Center during Homecoming Week. Attendees, who included alumni, friends and families, enjoyed aviation-related educational experiences; flight-themed food and beverages, sports; and entertainment, including performances by local bands; a dedicated area with activities for children; and a haunted trail. “We have all kinds of things going on to celebrate the fall and our heritage with aviation and celebrate Homecoming,” said Eric Corbitt, Student Union and Campus Recreation director. Wright State’s Homecoming Week kicked off on Sept. 30 with students participated in numerous events, which included a kickoff party, annual Chili Cook-Off and Bonfire, Cardboard Boat Race, Casino Night and Trivia Night. “We have a bunch of people celebrating that Raider spirit that we all have,” said Ivan Mallett, president of Wright State Student Government Association.

Wright State students came together to march for climate change awareness and protest the use of fossil fuels. The march took place on Sept. 27 on the Dayton Campus and Colonel Glenn Hwy. Students carried signs and chanted in their efforts to have their message heard. Ian Crumrine, a senior earth and environmental science major, and Shannon Collins, a graduate environmental science student, organized the march. It was inspired by a series of climate strikes occurring on college campuses and around the world over the past week. Crumrine said one of the main goals of the march was to educate people who may not know much about climate change.

Wright State’s University Center for International Education hosted its annual Education Abroad Fair in the Student Union Atrium on Sept. 25. Hundreds of students interested in studying abroad were in attendance. Students received information about more than a dozen countries while enjoying music, games, free pizza and popcorn. “We want to give you every opportunity that sets you apart and helps you grow,” said Joy Wanderi, associate director of the University Center for International Education. “We know that about 10 percent of students nation-wide actually study abroad.” For more information about studying abroad visit wright.edu/international-education/study-abroad.

Wright State University students and first-year alumni learned how to dress for success on Sept. 22 at JCPenney at the Fairfield Commons Mall. The event was designed to help students prepare for job and graduate school interviews, career networking events and the Wright State Career Fair on Oct. 15. The JCPenney Suit Up event was open to any Wright State student in need of professional career apparel. More than 155 students participated in the event. Each student who attended received a 40% off coupon for career-related clothing, such as suits, dresses, sport coats, dress pants, shoes and accessories. “I’m a college kid and I’m not able to afford things at normal prices,” said Grayson Edwards, a sophomore acting major who purchased a suit. “I think it’s awesome. They should continue this every single year.”

Wright State students, faculty and staff learned about opportunities to give back to the community at the We Serve U Volunteer Fair on Sept. 19 in the Student Union Atrium. The eighth annual fair hosted 25 nonprofit organizations for which Wright State community members can volunteer. Hosted by Wright State’s We Serve U, the event encouraged attendees to volunteer for local organizations throughout Raider Country. Representatives from organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Hannah’s Treasure Chest, DATV, YWCA and a Special Wish were in attendance, as well as several Wright State organizations. The College of Education and Human Services collected cards to be distributed to students and staff at Northridge Local Schools. “Northridge was really impacted by the tornadoes of Memorial Day,” said Joanie Hendricks, We Serve U co-chair. “We are just writing letters of encouragement to give them on their first day.” The Volunteer Fair provided Wright State students, staff and faculty an opportunity to learn about organizations in the area. “It’s just wonderful to see that they want to give back to the community,” said Hendricks.

On Sept. 18, the Wright State College of Nursing and Health hosted an hour-long training session for students, faculty and staff to hopefully save lives. Participants were trained to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. They learned the ABC’s of bleeding: alerting 911, finding the blood source and applying a compress. “I had heard about packing wounds but know I can do that,” said Branden Kappes, a freshman pre-nursing major. Each participant received a certificate of completion. The Stop the Bleed campaign has trained more than 1 million people around the world. Two additional Stop the Bleed training sessions are scheduled later this semester.

On Sept. 14, 24 Wright State students competed in the first 2019 Raider Ninja Warrior. The event is a fun skills challenge that is inspired by the NBC television show, American Ninja Warrior. Teams of four students competed in seven timed challenges that tested each participant’s mental and physical abilities. The challenges included hitting targets with a water balloon slingshot, basketball trick shots, slackline race, catching marshmallows with your mouth and balancing a ball on a stick while running. “I love the crazy games,” said Riley Ulmer, a senior accountancy major. “Wright State as a whole there’s a lot going on,” said Fr. Ethan Moore of Campus Catholic Ministry. “Being right here in the middle of campus we really want to offer what we have and who we are as a hub for activity, community and friendship.” The event was organized by Campus Catholic Ministry and was free and open to all students.

Screams of joy and excitement filled the Apollo Room of the Student Union on Sept. 9, as dozens of female students pledged to join six different sororities to wrap up the end to Wright State’s bid week. Students completed three rounds of discussions to select their top two sororities. The rounds included a philanthropy round, sisterhood round and a preference round. “I really hope that they feel empowered and they feel the confidence to do whatever they want do,” said Emily Green, a senior middle childhood education major and president of the College Panhellenic Council. Every student received an envelope at the same time, revealing the sorority they will join. “I’m so excited and I cannot wait to start my new journey,” said Kaelynn Speed, a freshman nursing major. New members joined their awaiting sisters by revealing their name and sorority and bursting through a curtain while wearing their sorority T-shirt. This is the 46th year Wright State has hosted bid day.

Fall Fest, the annual celebration that highlights Welcome Weeks at Wright State, brought students, staff and faculty together for a day of fun, food and free goodies. The event gave students a chance to learn more about student organizations, educational opportunities at Wright State and services offered by different campus departments. Organized by the University Activities Board, Fall Fest attracted about 5,000 people and 130 student organizations and vendors. “I love Fall Fest so much because it kind of unites us as a campus,” said Kendra Thibaut, University Activities Board president. “It really helps that we all can come together for the students interest to make this a better place.”

On Aug. 14, 16 Wright State students, including 12 freshmen, traveled south to Hampton, Tennessee, for a week to take part in the Freshmen Outdoor Orientation Trip (FOOT). FOOT is a unique wilderness experience that is led by trained upperclassmen along the Appalachian Trail. The trip gives incoming students the opportunity to meet a small group of new classmates and establish relationships with older student leaders. “This trip helped me make new friends,” said Maureen Roddy, a freshman majoring in medical laboratory science. Participants hiked Roan Mountain, camped under the stars, cooked outdoors, played games, swam in waterfalls and maintained and repaired hiking trails in the area. This was the 15-year for the FOOT trip, which is organized by Wright State’s Outdoor Resource Center. The trip is designed for students with all levels of hiking experience.

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU The Wright State men’s basketball team recently traveled to Italy, visiting popular tourist destinations along with playing multiple exhibition games. The Raiders visited Lake Como, Vicenza, Verona, Florence, Pisa and Rome. The Sistine Chapel, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Statue of David and The Duomo Cathedral of Florence were just a few of their stops. “It was the biggest building that I’ve ever seen in my life,” junior Loudon Love, said of The Duomo of Florence. “It was unbelievable.” The Raiders squeezed in several games during their 10-day trip, picking up wins against Senna Basket, Vicenza Locali and Caffee Ginko with an average margin of 34 points. “As a coaching staff we thought that it would be a good trip to be able to play some good basketball but also to learn some things as well,” said Scott Nagy, men’s basketball head coach. “I’m so glad that I got to come to Wright State,” said Tanner Holden, a freshman guard. “That trip was definitely once in a lifetime.” The 2019-20 men’s basketball season tips off on Nov. 5 against Central State. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/09/03/mamma-mia/

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU Wright State freshmen and upperclassmen got the new academic year off to a fun start during First Weekend. The weekend was packed with many opportunities for new and returning student to learn about Wright State, get involved and have fun. The weekend events included, Boogie on the Bricks, Do the U, Party in the Woods, class of 2023 welcome lunch, movie night, mud volleyball and featured speaker Daryl Bellamy Jr. “It was amazing, it was the best party that I’ve ever been to,” said Ja’Nea Cummings, a freshman crime and justice studies major who attended Party in the Woods. First Weekend was also full of departmental and student organization events, giving students opportunities to meet and get to know their classmates, faculty and staff. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/08/27/making-memories/

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU This week, more than 2,000 students are moving onto Wright State to begin the 2019-2020 school year. Over 900 of these will be first-time students, leaving the comfort of their own homes and families to move onto Wright State in pursuit of their college education. Wright State President Cheryl B. Schrader said this is one of her favorite times of the year. “I’ve never seen a university do move in like Wright State does,” she said. “We have hundreds of volunteers and we are all here to welcome our students back and to welcome our new students to the Raider family.” Operation Move-In began Aug. 22 when new students moved into residence halls on the Dayton Campus. One of those new students joining the Raider family was Morgan Galloway, a freshman business administration major. While she has mixed emotions about moving in, Galloway said she was excited to begin her college journey, meet new people and enjoy college activities. “Just to have a whole different experience than what I’m used to — so meeting new people, going to football games and stuff like that,” she said. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/08/22/happy-tears/

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU When she arrived at Wright State University as a freshman, Kristy Epperson was hoping she would be able to graduate with less than $40,000 in student loan debt. She did. In a very big way. When she graduated with her nursing degree in 2017, she was only $14,000 in debt. And in less than a year-and-a-half she had paid it all off along with a $6,000 car loan. And she bought a house, all by the age of 23. “How I did that was pretty much hard work and a little bit of sacrifice,” said Epperson. “I looked at it as such a short period of my life that I could make these sacrifices and use this discipline and that it would set me up for financial freedom in the future.” Epperson’s story has been featured on CNBC-TV, in the Detroit Free Press and in other media outlets. More at https://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/08/12/right-on-the-money/

The day after the Memorial Day tornadoes ripped through the Dayton suburb of Trotwood, Ashley Browning was out in the neighborhood handing out bags of sandwiches, chips, cookies and water to the victims. And for the following two weeks she worked out of a dance studio, accepting and handing out donated items. Today, the Wright State University employee and student is operating a more permanent distribution center called Heartbeat. “I want it to be a space where people can come and get those personal hygiene items, household items, cleaning supplies,” said Browning. “Also they can get a hot meal because people are still staying in hotels and they’re not eating hot meals.” Giving back has become part of Browning’s life journey. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/08/08/port-in-a-storm/

Hundreds of vehicles converged on the parking lot of the Wright State University Nutter Center on Aug. 23 to receive fresh produce. For the sixth straight year Wright State hosted The Dayton Foodbank’s distribution pickup for Greene County. CareSource provided the volunteers. The Dayton Foodbank serves as the primary source of food for the hunger relief network in the Miami Valley. About 95,000 pounds of fresh produce were distributed to 497 Greene County families during the event. “We’re always excited that Wright State is willing to partner with us and let us use the Nutter Center parking lot at no cost,” said Lora Davenport, advocacy program manager at The Foodbank. If you’re a Wright State student in a food crisis, the university’s Raider Food Pantry, 055 Student Union, can be of assistance.

https://www.youtube.com/user/WrightStateU Tanner Holden, Jordan Ash, Andre Harris, TJ Nagy, Trey Calvin, Aleksandar Dozic and Tim Finke have only been on Wright State University’s campus for a few weeks, but they are quickly finding their footing while adding depth to the Raiders roster. “We got seven new guys with the freshman and transfers,” said Cole Gentry, a senior guard and team veteran. “It’s important for us older guys to help them out.” “Everybody’s fitting in pretty well,” said Jordan Ash, a senior transfer from Northwestern University. “I wanted to go somewhere I can play and have a chance to have a big year, a big role on a really good team.” The men’s basketball team has been working out four days a week and lifting weights to prepare for the 2019-2020 season. “I know we are going to be good this year,” said Trey Calvin, a freshman guard from Chicago. “It’s good to be in a winning environment,” said Aleksandar Dozic, a senior transfer who is native to Podgorica, Montenegro. “Everything about school is perfect so far.” The seven new additions will make it competitive within the team. “If you’re not playing hard or playing well there will be another player that is willing to do it now,” said Gentry. The summer workouts conclude Aug. 1. The men’s basketball team will travel to Italy from Aug. 2 to Aug. 12 to compete against three Italian professional basketball teams. More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2019/08/01/here-to-win/