Professors Wilson and Loughlin Celebrate Birthdays

Those students and department members who were around during the summer helped Dr. Wilson and Dr. Loughlin celebrate their birthdays. The addition of Kathryn Baker as one of the departmental Administrative Assistants has made it more difficult for department members to escape notice of the passage of the years. Dr. Wilson commented that she had usually escaped notice, since her birthday fell during the summer. No more!

Happy Birthday Ellen and Michael!

Saudi Program Featured on Ohio News Network

The Prison Management Certificate Program, which has brought several Saudi corrections professionals and their families to ONU, was the subject of a news report aired on ONN on the 19th. The report focused on how the Saudi families were reacting to life in Ada, and how they were accepted by the community.

Among those interviewed for the program were officer Mohammed Alghandi, university president Ken Baker, program interpreter Mahdi Abulail, and HPJ Department Chair and Program Coordinator Dr. Ellen Wilson. All of the interviewees testified to the relative ease that the Saudi families have been accepted into the community. According to the transcript of the program found on ONN's webpage, (where the broadcast can be viewed) Alghandi stated that "The first days, they're anxious, but later when we deal with the community, look for a house, or goats or something like that, when they (community residents) deal with us they're comfortable. Dr. Baker told the reporter that the effort from the beginning had been focused on making the program a community effort from the beginning, and that the community reaction had been that "we will find a way." Wilson echoed this, and said that "I'm not sure that in the scheme of things, it could be going better."

pictured: Mohammed Alghandi and children, from ONN.com

ONU Holds Third Annual Japan Camp

The U.S.- Japan Camp is an innovative, academically-oriented immersion program for American high school students. This is the third year for this educational outreach program at Ohio Northern University and was held July 18^th-August 1^st. The camp size nearly doubled from the previous year to 23 participants. Students were provided with intensive instruction in Japanese language, calligraphy, and social studies. Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. in Marysville contributed to the success of this year’s U.S. – Japan camp with a grant of $5,000.

Among the 23 participants, the camp included 16 girls and 7 boys. As in past years, a number of students traveled great distances to attend the program. Students from Texas, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, and Indiana joined participants from Ohio, and one student from the 2009 camp returned for a second year.

Directed by Ohio Northern University’s Department of History, Politics and Justice, the U.S.- Japan Camp provided students with daily Japanese language instruction (JSL). Several students had previous Japanese language instruction and were provided enhanced sessions.

Each student prepared a language presentation. All students demonstrated language improvement in the following areas: general language, conversational sentences and writing Hiragana. Language assessment materials and examples of Hiragana writing are included as Attachment A. The social studies course provided learning experiences that allowed students to study and explore Japanese history and government. This year’s topic was comparative politics in which students examined the American and Japanese political systems. The students were given the assignment of creating Powerpoint programs examining topics such as “the Unitary Political System vs. Federal Political System,” “Influences on the American and Japanese Constitutions,” and “Japanese and American Interest Groups.”

Once again, campers were provided the opportunity to interact with Japanese students through a unique collaboration with the Sakae Institute for Study Abroad held annually on the campus of Ohio Northern. The Sakae Institute is a preparation program for Japanese students who will begin studies at U.S. boarding schools or colleges and universities in the fall. Students from both programs benefited from opportunities for interaction occurring outside the classroom. These activities were curriculum-based and often bridged the cultures, prompting greater communication between the respective groups. Some of these activities included: calligraphy, Japanese eating etiquette, and an Iron Chef event. Food certainly brought individuals together. The students really enjoyed preparing Japanese dishes such as sushi, rice balls and mochi, the field trip to a Japanese market, eating at a Japanese restaurant and the barbecue at Dr. Alexander’ home.

All students performed admirably in their coursework and subsequently earned four college credits from Ohio Northern University.

Each year it is encouraging to see the relationships that form among camp participants. The closing banquet is a time not only to reflect on the campers’ accomplishments, but the friendships developed over the course of the program.

Camp staff included Dr. Robert Alexander II, ONU Associate Professor of Political Science, who has served as camp director for the past three years; Dr. Kofi Nsia-Pepra, ONU Assistant Professor of Political Science, social studies course instructor; and Satomi Wise, JSL instructor and Assistant Director. The camp was able to add a new position, program aide, which was filled by Tomoko Betz. Three Ohio Northern students served as Program Assistants.

A Facebook site on the Internet has been initiated allowing for continued communication among all participants. It is worth noting that students from past years have remained in touch. A number of camp alumni have held reunions over the past 3 years at different sites throughout the state of Ohio.

More information on the camp can be found at the Japan Camp website. Also, to learn more about the camp, check out a video made by Randy Walk of the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Professor Nsia-Pepra Teaches Course in South Korea

Dr Kofi Nsia –Pepra and nine ONU students: Sheppard, Victoria Ann; Smithers, Jacob; Zalesak, Samantha; Conley, Casey; Jakab, Bradley; Zehner, Matthew; Amadon, Nicole; Hoffacker, Stephen; and Banfe, Peter attended the Hanyang University International Summer School (HISS), in Seoul South Korea, this summer.

In a globalised world that demands global collaboration and cooperation, Hanyang University has established cooperation with two hundred universities globally, including ONU, and the summer school is aimed to further its globalization efforts and commitment to academic excellence. Hanyang, this summer, hosted over 500 students and faculty with diverse backgrounds from all over including United States, Canada, China, Japan, Middle East, United Kingdom and Germany. The program provided participants with a better understanding of Korea, also known by its historical name of ‘The Land of the Morning Calm’ and Northeast Asian culture and rich history.

The program offered lectures in multiple fields of studies and field trips, including a trip to China, which enhanced students’ personal experiences through domestic and international interactions. The program broadened participants’ perspectives and enhanced their communication, adaptation, respect for other cultures, and networking skills very crucial in a global civil society.

Three ONU student received awards. Sheppard received the best smiling award. Smithers, and Zalesak received the most participating ( both academic and field works) awards.

Dr. Nsia-Pepra taught two courses: Model United Nations and NGOs and Global Civil Society.

The Model UN course provided students with an understanding of the role of the United Nations in world politics. This UN simulation was designed to reinforce the basic principles of the United Nations, such as maintaining international peace and security, developing better relations among nations based on respect, equal rights and self determination of peoples. Students learned the history, structure and functions of the United Nations organization, in addition to practical skills such as parliamentary procedure, writing resolutions, positions papers, public speaking, and negotiating and coalition formation.

The NGOs and Global Civil Society course examined the emerging global civil society constituted by networks, coalitions, partnerships and social movements enhanced by globalization and the convergence of common interests and threats facing state and non state actors in the contemporary globalized. The course further examined the contributions of transnational movements or NGOs to contemporary global fundamental issues such as poverty, environment, human rights, global governance, democracy, conflict resolution, and other global humanitarian tragedies as well as the problems and future of global civil society.

Dr. Nsia-Pepra commented that “This was a very fruitful experience as an international relations scholar and a political comparativist because the program gave me an insightful knowledge on the philosophical, psychological and historical underpinnings of the Korean and Asian political systems. I encourage faculty and students to attend future programs.”

Professor Crawford Teaches Course in China

Dr. Crawford and his wife Sophie spent five weeks in Chengdu China this summer. Crawford applied for a summer teaching position with the United Studies Abroad Consortium and taught a course titled The Great Divergence: Asia and the West to students from various American universities. His presence behind the Great Firewall of China, which blocks blog sites is the primary reason why this blog has been so silent during the summer.

Chengdu, as indicated by the photo at left, is the center of Giant Panda breeding in the People's Republic of China. During their downtime from class, they also visited Xian, an ancient capitol of China, and the location of the world famous Terracotta Warriors, that the first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi had casted to accompany him into the afterlife. They also saw the panda preserve and visited nearby Buddhist monasteries. The food in Sichuan Province, where Chengdu is located, was very spicy, and the weather was hot and humid. While Crawford enjoyed the former, and endured the latter, the experience will bring a great deal of practical experience to his East Asian history classes. He will be offering East Asia to 1800 during the Winter Quarter.

Professor Smith in Tajikistan

Dr. Smith recently returned from the Republic of Tajikistan in Central Asia. Smith received a U.S. Embassy Policy Specialist fellowship from the U.S. Department of State. While there, he was charged with providing the embassy with information regarding the possibility of conflict over water resources in the region, which is his specialty.

Despite his numerous adventures in trying to reach the country, which included dealing with canceled flights, and having to be routed through Riga, Latvia, Smith reported that he enjoyed very much his time in the country. Already a trained Russian linguist, he will continue his language study, and would like to go back again in the future should the opportunity present itself.

To read more about Dr. Smith's adventures, you can read his travel blog here.

HPJ Student Ashleigh Kaleugher Crowned Winner at Miss U.S. Beauties Pageant

Ashleigh Kaleugher, a senior Criminal Justice major, was recently selected as Miss U.S. Beauty at the organization's pageant held in Schaumburg, Illinois in July. According to the pageant website, the purpose of the organization is to "promote the success of the modern woman." Kaleugher's statement on the pageant page attributes her success in her educational career to the time management skills that she adopted when faced by the challenges of her coursework here at ONU. Kaleugher's success, both in the pageant, and in her studies is a good example for all of our students to emulate. She listed her ultimate educational goal as earning her degree in law, and so we will expect big things of her next year! Well done Ashleigh!

Abduvakhabova Receives her Masters Degree

Zebo Abduvakhabova graduated from the University of Cincinnati in June, earning her Masters in Teaching English As a Second Language. Zebo is an integral part of the Saudi Prison Management Certification Program teaching ESL with that program within the HPJ Department.

We all want to congratulate Zebo on her accomplishment! Well done!

The Department Celebrates Professor Scott's Birthday

Students, faculty, and staff avoided the construction and gathered in the HPJ conference room to celebrate Dr. Jo Ann Scott's birthday. Everyone enjoyed cake and offered our best wishes to Dr. Scott, who will spend a busy summer teaching courses for the Saudi Prison Program. Happy Birthday Dr. Scott!

Crawford Grades Advanced Placement U.S. History Exams in Louisville

Dr. Crawford worked as a reader for the Educational Testing Service's AP U.S. History Exams in Louisville, Kentucky. Eight hours a day reading history essays can be grueling, but the experience is invaluable for his work with Social Studies candidates. Outside of the reading, the week is much like a graduate seminar in what is going on in the world of high school Social Studies Education. Crawford was able to interact with practicing teachers from states ranging from Alabama to California, and all points in between. What he learned will be of use to helping ONU candidates in taking their place in the profession.

Professor Crawford Presents Paper at Sport and Society Conference in Green Bay

Dr. Crawford began summer in fine fashion by traveling to Green Bay, Wisconsin where he presented a paper to A Mirror of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America. The conference was held at St. Norberts College, the site of the Green Bay Packer's Training Camp, and included sessions held at Lambeau Field.

Crawford's paper, titled Brown and Lombardi: Coaching Beyond the Color Line explored the important role that professional football coaches played in furthering racial inclusion during the 1940s and 1950s. The conference included a fine mix of the theoretical and practical, and included keynote addresses by luminaries such as former National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Packer's President Mark Murphy, and Boise State University President Dr. Robert Kustra, among others. In addition to academic presentations. As a part of the second day of the conference, Crawford had the chance to tour Lambeau Field, where so much history has been made.

The Department Celebrates Professor Smith's Birthday

Students, faculty, and staff gathered for cake to celebrate Dr. David Smith's birthday. Smith plans for the summer include working with the United States Department of State in Tajikistan. Happy Birthday Dr. Smith!

Alumnis Return in Triumph after Their First Year of Graduate School

Ryland Breeding (left) and Justin Dickerson (right) dropped by campus to regale students and professors with their tales of graduate school. Breeding attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia where he is studying history, and Dickerson attended Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.

Both former students, who graduated last year, reported a heavy workload in grad school, but enjoyed their experiences. They discussed their reading lists and all of the good, and bad, history that they had been exposed to during the past year. It is great to visit with our former students and bask in the reflected glory of their continuing educations. We will continue to expect great things out of these two.

Mike Hamper Recognized with Freed Award

Mike Hamper has been recognized for his outstanding work in the classroom and on campus by being named a recipient of the Debow Freed Award for Outstanding Leadership as an Undergraduate Student. The Freed award, named for the former president of the university, recognizes students who make a mark on campus through their leadership and serve as examples for other students.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Hamper also served last year as the president of the student body, where he initiated several programs to increase student involvement in the life of the campus. Mike, who is majoring in Political Science, will return for his senior year next fall, and we expect more great things of him! Well done Mike!

Honors Day

HPJ celebrated student achievement during the Honors' Day festivities. Outstanding students were recognized for each class year, and the various honoraries initiated new members. HPJ honoraries include Phi Alpha Theta (history), Pi Sigma Alpha (political science), Studia Socialia Americae (social studies), Alpha Phi Sigma (criminal justice), Phi Beta Delta (international scholars), and Gamma Theta Upsilon (geography).

Honors Day is somewhat bittersweet, and we will miss our graduating seniors. But we have a great bunch of returning students, and an outstanding new crop of students coming next year!

Classes Conclude

Some students, such as Andrew Adamus pictured in the comfortable chair, began easing into summer early as classes concluded for another year. Adamus could afford to appear relaxed, since he has already accepted a position as the curator of the Erie County Historical Society in Erie, Pennsylvania.

In addition to Adamus, other students have secured positions in graduate and law schools for next year. Matt Allen has been accepted to the University of Pittsburgh law school. Samantha Lewis will attend graduate school to work on her Masters Degree in History at Western Michigan University. Shelia Willamowski will attend law school at the University of Toledo. Rick Ingold has accepted a position to teach at Franklin Monroe High School. Brock Densel will be studying Public Policy at George Washington University. Kent Sneed is now working as a District Executive in Washington DC with the National Capitol Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Watch this space for a more complete record of our students' accomplishments that will be posted when they are learned.

HPJ Annual Picnic

Caitlyn Kegley symbolically leaps into the summer break during the HPJ picnic that takes place during the last week of classes. The picnic is sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science honorary, who provides the food and cooks. This year the students and staff from the Saudi Program provided added spice to the food by cooking lamb and chicken shish-kebabs. In addition to the food and camaraderie, the annual Mock Trial versus Model UN volleyball game was hotly contested.

The departmental picnic is a great way to blow off steam at the end of another busy year. The department also sponsors a spaghetti dinner at the start of each year to provide freshmen with a chance to get to know their professors and each other. Another great ending to another great year!