Saturday, August 31, 2013

Mariah Birgen has shared a Huffington Post article with you

Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/30/school-of-rock-reunion_n_3843581.html

Sent by Mariah Birgen
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'School Of Rock' Reunion Brings Jack Black, Miranda Cosgrove, Richard Linklater And More Together 10 Years Later


Orange Exceleration Day 2

Today the SCH 101 students had 3 hours of class with Dr. Birgen and Dr. Earl.  We spent a good amount of time discussing what the students expected to get out of class.  We discussed how film is used not only for entertainment, but also to educate, to create a cultural reference point, and one other thing I forgot to write down.  From the discussion of School of Rock we learned

  • Dr. Earl does not have straight A's on his graduate transcripts.
  • One of the Scholars admitted "I am Summer."
  • Dr. Birgen has been known to misspell Ghandi Gandhi.
We also brainstormed about Social Justice issues.  The students had three assignments for Monday's class:

  1. Think about Social Justice issues, the six questions of Socrates, the books and films consumed this summer and the course learning objectives to come up with ideas for scheduling the course.  Students were encouraged to write down their ideas as notes to themselves.  They might also want to think about what types of rules they want to make for their course (late assignments, etc.).
  2. Create a public blog for this course.  By public we mean something that is not behind a firewall where anyone with the link can read and comment.  You don't have to make it discoverable to search engines.  This is where you are going to place course assignments when you believe they are worth sharing with the rest of the class.
  3. Write about your dreams.  If money were not an issue (Wartburg and graduate school are free), you parents are not telling you what you must study, etc., what would you do?  How would you create your own education that would get you there?  When you are willing to share, post your paper on your blog.  Remember that one amazing thing about blog posts is that you can fix errors after they are published.  If you are not ready to share by Monday, bring a printed copy with you to class.
 










Friday, August 30, 2013

Move in Lunch

So, early on I had promised BBQ, but with a heat index of 112 deg F, I thought people would appreciate water and cold sandwiches. So, I cranked down the AC, spread out snacks and food, and we had a great time.  My heart is with the students who are going to try to sleep on the third floor of Clinton tonight.

Squeezed around the kitchen table.

Dining in the dining room.

Lots of good conversation, even if your little brother is with you.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Corrected CBFO announcement



U.S. Department of Energy
Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) Fellowship Program
Now Accepting Applications for BS, MS or PhD Graduates and recent Alumni (within the last 5 years) in Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physical Sciences, Cyber/Computer Security, Information/Systems Technology or related technology degrees.
Application closes Sunday, September 22, 2013, midnight EST – visit http://see.orau.org/ProgramDescription.aspx?Program=10417 or see.orau.org and search for CBFO to get started NOW! 

Opportunity in Carlsbad, New Mexico for a full-time, one-year or more commitment, starting in October or November 2013 to conduct mission-oriented research in DOE's Carlsbad Field Office.  Applicant must be interested in a multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment focused on energy technology research and development.

  Applicants must be U.S. Citizens - no exceptions.

Strong analytical, research and communication skills are required.  Annual stipends are dependent on academic level, skills and experience. Additional allowances for travel to site, medical insurance or housing may be provided. 

For more information, e-mail cbfo.fellowship@orise.orau.gov.


Spring 2014 Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory


        

Move In Notes

Last night the President  had Faculty and some staff at his house for dinner.  He mentioned how nice it was that the weather had finally cooperated to be comfortable.  Keep in mind he moved here from the New Orleans area, so if you are from the deep south, it is comfortable.

The first year students move in tomorrow.  It is forecast to be at least 95 deg. F. so make sure you are wearing light-weight clothing.  Although I had originally planned on BBQ for lunch tomorrow, I am beginning to think people would be more appreciative of cold sandwiches.

Our first class is Saturday morning at 8 AM.  Please remember to bring writing implements and something to write on.

See you all tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

CBFO announcement


U.S. Department of Energy
Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) Fellowship Program
Now Accepting Applications for BS, MS or PhD Graduates and recent Alumni (within the last 5 years) in Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physical Sciences, Cyber/Computer Security, Information/Systems Technology or related technology degrees.
Application closes Sunday, September 20, 2013, midnight EST – visit http://see.orau.org/ProgramDescription.aspx?Program=10417 or see.orau.org and search for CBFO to get started NOW! 

Opportunity in Carlsbad, New Mexico for a full-time, one-year or more commitment, starting in October or November 2013 to conduct mission-oriented research in DOE's Carlsbad Field Office.  Applicant must be interested in a multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment focused on energy technology research and development.

  Applicants must be U.S. Citizens - no exceptions.

Strong analytical, research and communication skills are required.  Annual stipends are dependent on academic level, skills and experience. Additional allowances for travel to site, medical insurance or housing may be provided. 

For more information, e-mail cbfo.fellowship@orise.orau.gov.


Sunday, August 25, 2013

It is nearly time to start

Faculty workshops start Tuesday, First year students (who aren't here already) move in Friday and the first two classes of SCH 101 are Saturday and Labor Day.  It is once again time for a new school year and I, for one, am excited to get started.

There is a lunch at the Director's house on Friday, partly to give you something to do between hauling your stuff up to the third floor of Clinton and the ceremonial start of Orange Exceleration.  Please RSVP at this page so that we know how many people to plan for.  Everyone who RSVP's will be emailed a map and directions.

The annual President's dinner is Wednesday, September 11, 2013.  Please dress at least business casual.  You are welcome to RSVP either by the Google calendar invitation you were sent or at this page.


Saturday, August 10, 2013

From Wartburg Scholar to Mayoral Candidate

Wartburg Scholar Jacob Martin is running for Waverly City Mayor.  Read more about his candidacy at the Waverly Newspaper site.  Although Jacob has found his life too busy to finish a Senor Scholars Project, once a Scholar, always a Scholar.

News and Information for August 2013

It is almost time for everyone to move back to campus.  This year we have an incoming class of 29 Scholars students.  Dr. Earl and I are teaching the first-year course with a focus on Social Justice.

Scholars Student Council

  • Ben Bogard
  • Alexia Brewster
  • Levi Endelman
  • Bob King
  • Aditi Patel
  • Andra Peeler
  • Plus two first year students to be elected in September
Scholars Student Assistant - This is a paid position to assist the first year students with their adjustment to the Wartburg Scholars Program
  • Sarah Mullinax
  • August 30 - First year students move in
  • September 11 - Scholars Dinner with the College President (Please RSVP when you receive your invitation)

Questions for our new First Year Students

We are starting to get ready for students to arrive on campus.  The official day that students move to campus is August 30, 2013, but because of athletics, students will start moving to campus in just a few days.  We ask our new class of first year students to do a couple of things:

  • Subscribe to this blog using your favorite feed reader.
  • Go to this google form to answer a few questions about your summer.
Finally, if you have suggestions, hints, or advice for the new first year students, reply or add a comment to this post.

Friday, August 9, 2013

The Office of Science /Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS)


The Office of Science /Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS), is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications to its 2014 Spring Term Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program, with all required application materials, including recommendations, due by 5:00 PM ET on October 1, 2013. The SULI program encourages undergraduate students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research experiences at Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories, where selected students participate as interns appointed at participating host labs. They perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects supporting the DOE mission.
Further information, including program eligibility, requirements, host lab participation, and access to the online application system are found at:

with inquiries or questions made using:
The SULI program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science's, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in collaboration with the DOE laboratories. The Department of Energy's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Featured Senior Project

Student: Andra Peeler

Title: FAC Music

Abstract: Inspired by the electroacoustic genre of musique concrète, I set out to create a song by arranging recorded sounds in and around the Fine Arts Center at Wartburg College. Throughout the creative process I had to make decisions about how to record, manipulate, structure, and organize my piece. An essay serves as a written partner to the piece as it explains the historical significance of the genre as well as details about the song’s creation and commentary.