Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Success Center Project Announced
Philanthropists and entreprenuers Lynda and Stewart Resnick have donated $20 million for the Student Success Center, a transformational new facility aimed at expanding the career and personal development opportunities available to students. Named after Lynda and Stewart Resnick, co-founders of The Wonderful Co., the center honors their $20 million lead gift supporting the facility and their long-standing commitment for quality education. The Resnicks’ philanthropy includes historic gifts to local institutions, including Caltech, UC Davis, and Fresno State, among others. They’ve focused transformational efforts in California’s Central Valley, where they support paradigm-changing work in education, community engagement, and health and wellness. The 25,000- square-foot Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Success Center will feature a professional development center for career services, programs that support 鶹’s growing numbers of first-generation students, and student diversity and belonging cultural centers.
Taylor Farms Pledges $2 Million to Support New Plant Sciences Complex
Taylor Farms, a family-owned, Salinas-based company and a leading producer of salads and healthy fresh foods, has pledged $2 million to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences’ new Plant Sciences Complex. The gift will help fund the new George Wurzel Plant Sciences Building, the teaching and research hub of the complex. Slated to open in late 2025, the project will bring together multiple disciplines, such as plant and crop sciences, agronomy and horticulture, plant breeding and physiology, plant protection, bioresource and agricultural engineering, and reforestation under one roof to tackle California’s most pressing food and agriculture challenges. The Plant Sciences Complex will ensure that students learn in facilities as technologically advanced as the professional agriculture world they will enter, readying graduates to solve the complex challenges associated with feeding the world in sustainable ways, which will have immediate impact in California and beyond.
Chemistry Professor Earns Prestigious $120,000 Grant Award for Education, Research-Based Initiatives
Leslie Hamachi, assistant professor of chemistry, has received a prestigious award, joining a select group of 19 faculty members from the U.S. and Canada. Hamachi was chosen among early-career faculty in chemistry, physics and astronomy as a recipient of a 2024 Cottrell Scholar Award, which includes $120,000 to use toward research and education-based initiatives in their respective programs. The grant award, covering three years of funding, is provided to early-career tenure-track faculty members who started their job appointment anytime in calendar year 2020. In addition to her instructional duties in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, her faculty role includes working with many students on research-based projects supported by the Frost Fund in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics.
Sustainability Team Wins State Award
The Facilities Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (EU&S) team recently won the at the 2023 California Higher Education Collaborative Conference for leveraging AmeriCorps and College Corps to further climate action on campus. The EU&S program used state funds to support climate resilience, K-12 education and local food systems. By establishing a College Corps program with 15 students and an AmeriCorps member, all volunteers, the EU&S team increased their work capacity without the need for additional funding. This allowed them to take on projects they would not have had the bandwidth or funding to otherwise do. Efforts accomplished include:
- “Shut the Sash” encouraging energy conservation through sash closure when hoods are not in use.
- “For Love of Water (FLOW)” encouraging water conservation in first-year residences.
- “Surplus and Lost and Found Item Recirculation” and “Graduation Gown Reuse Program,” provided opportunities for pickup and collection of items for reuse.
Celebrate 鶹 Founders Day with Alumni March 8
On March 8, 1901, California Gov. Henry Gage established 鶹 with the stroke of a pen. To commemorate this special day in 鶹's 123-year history, alumni communities and networks are hosting across Mustang Nation — from Los Angeles to Boston to Seattle. Closer to home, alumni, supporters and members of the 鶹 community in San Luis Obispo County are invited to celebrate on campus at the (No. 28), at Campus and Crandall ways, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 8. Tickets are $10 and include food from alumni-owned Ribline Catering, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a special gift. Don’t miss it!
Navigating a Research Career: A Path Aligning Personal Expertise with Scientific Rigor March 7
Albert Farias, a member of USC’s Keck School of Medicine, will describe how he has embraced his experiences as a first-generation Latino scholar to inform his training and research agenda in a talk Thursday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to noon, at the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7). Farias is an assistant professor of population and public health sciences and co-director of the doctorate program in epidemiology. His research is devoted to helping eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes by furthering the understanding of how the provision of medical care contributes to racial/ethnic disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes. Farias earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from UCLA, a master’s in public health from Columbia University and a doctorate from the University of Washington. The event, free and open to the public, is sponsored by U-RISE at 鶹 and the Center for Health Research.
Deadline Extended: Nominate a Campus Sustainability Hero Today!
The fourth annual 鶹 Sustainability Awards celebrate members of the campus community who have exhibited extraordinary commitment to sustainability initiatives and efforts on campus. The awards recognize individual members from the faculty, staff and student communities, as well as contributions from a recognized campus organization. Individual recipients receive a $500 award, and the recognized group receives a $1,000 sponsorship. Nominators and candidates will be invited to an April 19 luncheon ceremony attended by President Armstrong. . Nominations have been extended until Friday, March 15. Take a few minutes to nominate a student, staff or faculty member who is helping make 鶹 and the world a more sustainable place. Nominators submitting multiple nominations must complete a new form for each candidate. Questions? Email Sustainability Coordinator Kylee Singh (klsingh@calpoly.edu).
Ethnic Studies in Hawai’i Program Offers Five Weeks in Paradise
The Ethnic Studies in Hawai’i program is a five-week, eight-unit immersive academic experience in Honolulu this summer from July 28 to Aug. 31. Led by Ryan Buyco, assistant professor of ethnic studies, students will be challenged to rethink popular ideas about the Hawai’ian Islands through a consideration of how the colonial circumstances in Hawai’i shape the experiences of Native Hawaiians and the diverse communities who live there today. The program includes service-learning opportunities through the University of Hawaiʻi, field trips to learn about Native Hawaiian history and representation, Hula and Ori Tahiti dance workshops, and guest lectures by Hawaiʻi-based scholars. The required courses include ES 322, Asian Americans in Popular Culture and ES 340, Cultural Production and Ethnicity — Pacific Islander Studies. The program fulfills general education Upper Division C and D requirements. The is April 15.
Alumni Baseball Day Will be Back March 17!
Alumni are invited to don the green and gold on a day of sports and socializing Sunday, March 17, at Baggett Stadium, where the Mustangs host the CSUN Matadors. First pitch is 1 p.m. Tickets are $33 and include access to Krukow's Klubhouse with unlimited beverages (nonalcoholic and/or beer and seltzer for guests 21 and over), hot dogs and snacks until the seventh inning. Registered guests can swing by the 鶹 Alumni tent to learn about the 鶹 Alumni Association, upcoming events in the San Luis Obispo area and pick up some 鶹 swag.
Save the Date for Annual Service Awards: April 4 at PAC
State, Corporation and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2023 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in the Performing Arts Center Miossi Hall, followed by a reception in the Performing Arts Center Main Lobby. Appetizers will be served. View the program for a complete listing of awardees. All attendees are required to RSVP no later than Friday, March 22, to attend. There is no cost to attend the ceremony or reception. Questions? Email the Office of the President events team (presidentsevents@calpoly.edu).
‘The Coddling of the American Mind’ to Screen March 8
The community at 鶹 will host a screening of "The Coddling of the American Mind" from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 8, in the Fisher Science Building (No. 33), Room 286. The 鶹 group recently joined the nonprofit organization’s growing Campus Community Network, which includes faculty, staff and students who promote values of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity and constructive disagreement to improve research and education. The campus chapter will strive to: support members’ daily work; showcase and model HxA values; improve policies, practices and culture across the six colleges; and collaborate with colleagues at the other 50 HxA campuses that collectively serve over 1.1 million students. is free. The 鶹 faculty co-chairs are Orfalea College of Business member Chris Carr (ccarr@calpoly.edu), CLA’s Brian Kennelly (bkennell@calpoly.edu)
and BCSM’s Jenn Yost (jyost@calpoly.edu).
Volunteers Needed for Healthy Kids Lab Research Studies
The Healthy Kids Lab is seeking participants for two research studies on infant feeding and development. The studies are open to pregnant women and new mothers with infants younger than 6 months old. The iBaby Study is examining the relationship between technology use in families and infant development. Participants receive $460 if they complete the 18-month study. The Paced Bottle-Feeding Study aims to support families during breast- and bottle-feeding. Participants receive $140 if they complete the weeklong study. For more information, visit the , call or text 805-242-6566 or email the Healthy Kids Lab team (healthykids@calpoly.edu).
Sleep Awareness Week is March 10-16
Research suggests that how much and when people sleep is related to mental and physical health. Too little or poor-quality sleep contributes to weight gain, increased stress, anxiety, depression, heart disease and a lowered-immune response. During sleep, the body and mind are restored through cell rejuvenation, memory consolidation, emotion processing and more. A healthy sleep practice helps emotion regulation, stress response and contributes to improved cognition. To cultivate better sleep, set a regular sleep schedule, spend time in daylight, exercise regularly, eat meals at consistent times, store electronic devices an hour before bed, and avoid heavy meals, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine before bedtime. For support getting a better night’s sleep or another issue, contact LifeMatters at 800-367-7474 or visit and use “calpoly” to sign in. Questions? Email Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
University Personnel Offers Well-Being Workshops in March and April
University Personnel – Employee Wellbeing has worked with 鶹’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, to offer synchronous well-being workshops. They include:
- , Thursday, March 7 at 11 a.m. Identifying how individuals process thoughts and approach problem-solving — and becoming familiar with other approaches — can expedite problem-solving. Participants who join this workshop will learn more about how they deal with problems, their thinking style, the steps in problem-solving and solution development.
- Transition to Retirement, April 23 at 2 p.m. Retirement planning is more than financial planning. The emotional aspects of retirement are important to consider as well. Join this workshop to learn the phases of retirement, the importance of mentally preparing for retirement and how to ensure a rewarding retirement.
Questions? Email Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
April 10 is International Center’s Faculty-Staff Mixer
The International Center will host a faculty and staff mixer Wednesday, April 10, from 4-5:30 p.m., in the Oreggia Family Foundation Culinary Lab (Room 124) of the Frost Center (No. 181). Network with fellow international and internationally minded colleagues, and discover opportunities for global research, teaching internationally focused courses and expanding global perspectives of students. Sponsored by the International Advisory Council in collaboration with the Food Science and Nutrition Department and several colleges, the event will bring together faculty and staff who share a passion for global learning, research and engagement. Goals include:
- Building community among international colleagues.
- Connecting those involved in international programs and activities.
- Fostering collaboration on international projects and initiatives.
- Gaining awareness of international opportunities across campus.
- Supporting student global learning opportunities.
Unable to attend, but still want to connect? Add your information for future networking opportunities at the RSVP link below. Questions? Email the International Center (international@calpoly.edu).
Campus Dining Celebrates the Women Behind the Food for National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, Campus Dining will feature stories about several of the countless women who make this organization so incredible, as well as their contribution to the foods and beverages served on campus each day. Each week Campus Dining will highlight a different employee in The Dish newsletter, documenting the women’s dedication to the craft, the far-reaching impact they have on this campus, as well as some of their favorite culinary creations. Subscribe to . The women will also be featured on the Campus Dining channels. “The campus community is lucky to have so many extraordinary women working behind the scenes to ensure that the nutritional needs of 鶹 students and employees are always met,” said Campus Dining in a release, adding that it thanks them not only this month but every day of the year.
Students Make History at ASC Regions 6 & 7 Competition
鶹 teams made competition history at the 2024 Associated Schools of Construction Regions 6 and 7 Student Competition and Construction Management Conference in Nevada. 鶹 took home six firsts and five second-place honors — marking the greatest number of first-place awards won in a single year at the 37th annual competition held over four days in early February. Moreover, the 11 awards tie 鶹's previous record for most awards in a single year at the ASC regional competition. Boise State and Oregon State were also multi-honor award recipients, each taking home three awards. Among individual honors, Will Riviere received the prestigious MVP award at the Mechanical competition, while Luke Sutherland, Eiley Eitchen and Joey Massey excelled in the Alternates competition, taking first, second and third place.
2024 Gallery-Style Landscape Architecture Senior Show March 16
The Landscape Architecture Class of 2024 will present senior projects Saturday, March 16, at a gallery-style showcase at the (No. 156), Room 110. The campus community is invited to the event, set for 1-5 p.m., to support this talented group as members embark on the next phase of their careers. Refreshments will be provided, with a brief awards ceremony starting at 2 p.m. Free parking is available in the H1 lot, just steps from the center.
Division of Research to Host Intellectual Property and Patent Conversations March 18-19
Faculty are invited to meet with Division of Research Technology Transfer consultant Holly Meadows, of TreMonti Consulting, in person and on Zoom Monday and Tuesday, March 18-19. Faculty inventors can learn more about intellectual property and the patenting process by attending a virtual information session . Meadows will also host one-to-one consultations Monday, March 18, and Tuesday, March 19. Sign up to . Regardless of immediate needs for technology transfer, join an in-person casual meet-and-greet Monday, March 18, from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Mathematics and Science Building (No. 38), Room 154. Questions? Email techtransfer@calpoly.edu or visit the .
Take Advantage of Professional Development Courses in March; Virtual Sessions Are Live
is offering March professional development courses through the Cross Campus Collaboration series. These live, virtual workshops are offered by 鶹 and other CSU campuses. Each course provides a unique opportunity for learning beyond campus borders in a convenient way. Registration for the partial list of opportunities is on a first-come basis.
- , Tuesday, March 19; 2:30-3 p.m.
- , Thursday, March 21; 1-2:30 p.m.
- , Friday, March 22; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- , Wednesday, March 27; 2-3 p.m.
- , Thursday, March 28; 2-3 p.m.
- , Friday, March 29; 8-8:30 a.m.
CSU’s Got Talent Webcast: Teamwork Across Generations; Watch Live March 13
Certified professional growth coach Nicole Rankine, founder of The Cole Academy, delves into the dynamics of intergenerational communication to better understand the distinct preferences and values of the different generations represented on the 23 CSU campuses. Teamwork Across Generations is crucial because it enables different age groups, each with unique experiences, to collaborate effectively, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic campus working community. and attend this and other free webcasts. Can’t make it? View previous CSU’s Got Talent recordings on . offers the live webcast as part of the CSU’s Got Talent series.
鶹 Partners Board Seeking Faculty Member to Serve
The Academic Senate is seeking nominations from tenured faculty to serve on the 鶹 Partners board of directors for the 2024-27 term. Interested faculty should complete an Feel free to use additional pages if needed. . The completed form must be received by the Academic Senate Office by Friday, March 22. Questions? Email Sarah Best (sbest@calpoly.edu).
Third Kennedy Library Free Furniture Giveaway is March 15
The campus community is invited to a free furniture giveaway Friday, March 15, from noon to 2 p.m. in the . Come early as items from previous giveaways moved quickly. The event, at the North Perimeter Road and California Boulevard intersection, will feature items currently in the temporary study structures in lot C-7. These include outdoor chairs, tables and patio furniture. The event, announced by the Kennedy Library Transformation Team, is hosted in partnership with 鶹 Green Campus to reduce landfill waste in support of campus sustainability and conservation initiatives. Attendees should plan accordingly and bring proper transportation and lift safely when moving items. Questions? Email the Facilities Management and Development Help Center (facilities-cbs@calpoly.edu).
First Year Success Program Coaches Needed for Spring Quarter
The First Year Success Program (FSP) is looking for faculty, staff and graduate students from across campus who want to serve as academic coaches for first-time, first-year students who are on academic probation. FSP coaches support a small group of first-year students by facilitating growth-centered conversations, engaging in goal setting and skill development and exploring resources that students can use to help them move toward success in future quarters. FSP will host a virtual coaches training Friday, March 22, and then in-person workshops for students on April 8 and 9. FSP is looking for diverse campus community members that represent all areas of the university, so all levels of experience and background are welcome. Sign up or express interest by Wednesday, March 20. Questions? Email the First Year Success Program (fsp@calpoly.edu).
Find Forms Easily on 鶹 Partners’ New Intranet Site
Alongside 鶹 Partners’ name change came an updated website and a new Intranet site that houses all the internal forms, policies and how-tos that many in the campus community need to do their jobs. These forms are as easy to find as one, two, three.
- 鶹 and login with your 鶹 name and password.
- Go to the search bar at the top of the page and type the name of your form.
- Click the small magnifying glass to the right.
Bonus: If you forget to bookmark the , find it on the by clicking the Employee Portal tab. Questions? Email cppartnersmarcom@calpoly.edu.
Campus Water Reclamation Facility Project Moves Forward
鶹’s Water Reclamation Facility project has transitioned from the definition stage to the design phase. The CSU board of trustees certified the environmental impact report on Jan. 31. The project aims to address the primary constraint to campus growth: water availability. The WRF will be able to process a portion of campus wastewater, producing Title 22 water suitable for agricultural and sports field irrigation. Title 22 refers to state guidelines for how treated and recycled water is discharged and used. This dual usage of water, once potable for irrigation, underscores 鶹's commitment to resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. By generating irrigation water, the university will ensure a sustainable water supply and reduce costs associated with purchasing additional water and treating wastewater. The campus will continue to have a wastewater connection to the San Luis Obispo City sewer plant. Questions? Email the Facilities Help Center at facilities-cbs@calpoly.edu.
Print and Copy Moves to Bldg. 52; Will Launch Notary and Passport Services
鶹 Print and Copy has temporarily moved its retail location from Crandall Gymnasium (No. 60) to to the Science Building (No. 52), Room D-24. Print and Copy was moved from its original home in Kennedy Library after the building closed for renovation. 鶹 Print and Copy has printed over 8.5 million pages since 2020. It provides a variety of professional print and copy services, with large- and small-format printing available. Additionally, it will offer notary and passport photo services in spring quarter. 鶹 Print and Copy is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours are subject to change.
New Program Launches for Donating and Sharing Lab Consumables
In collaboration with environmentally conscious staff and the Green Campus Team, Distribution Services has launched Lab Supply Exchange, a new program for sharing lab consumables such as pipette tips (for dispensing liquids), snap-top tubes (for preparing and storing samples) and more. The program also accepts donations of excess consumables to help employees across campus free up facility space while avoiding throwing away usable products and adding to the 鶹 waste stream. All donated items must be unused. To donate or request items, fill out the form on the , and the items will be picked up or delivered to your mailroom. Questions? Email to warehouse@calpoly.edu.
A&F Launched Focus Forward Survey; Respondents Entered Into Prize Drawing
Administration and Finance has launched its annual Focus Forward survey, seeking feedback on division performance since 2023. Faculty, staff and students can share insight into their experiences with Facilities Management and Development, Public Safety, the Performing Arts Center, Strategic Business Services and University Financial Services, as well as every department within those areas. This information will help all departments strengthen service delivery and better understand customer needs. For each survey completed, respondents are entered into a prize drawing. Nearly 40 winners will be selected for prizes that include an Apple Watch Series 9, a MOMILLA Sunrise alarm clock with wireless charging and sound machine, a Fujifilm Instax Mini Smartphone Printer Bundle, a Bluetooth karaoke microphone, 鶹 tumblers or one of 30 Amazon or Grubhub gift cards. The survey is open through March 22.
Applications for Student Research Program Due March 8
Do you know a student interested in a career as a research scientist? U-RISE at 鶹 is recruiting students for the 2024-25 academic year. U-RISE is a (delete an exciting) program funded by the National Institutes of Health, one of the world’s foremost medical research centers, that provides research opportunities to students from underrepresented groups and develops their identities as scientists. Students will leave inspired and prepared for success in graduate school in the biomedical field. U-Rise participants receive tuition assistance of up to $7,500 per year for two years, an annual stipend of about $14,000 for completing 10-15 hours per week on research and a paid 10-week summer research experience. Applications are due March 8.
International Center to Celebrate International Women’s Day March 8
Join the 鶹 International Center in celebrating International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to noon in the UU Plaza. There will be trivia, prizes, a photo booth and more. 鶹 the center’s for a list of women-run podcasts, local businesses, authors, a special Spotify playlist and more! To join the movement, the campus community is invited to use the hashtags #InspireInclusion or #IWD2024 on social media posts and answer the question: How will you forge a more inclusive world? 鶹 honors International Women’s Day through March by celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women with various events. International Women’s Day has been observed for over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 attracting over 1 million people campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, hold public office and for an end to gender-based discrimination. Today, International Women’s Day sees several missions to help forge a gender-equitable world, celebrate women’s achievements and increase their visibility while calling attention to inequality and inequity.
Apply by March 8 for the 2023-24 Learn by Doing Scholar Awards
Kennedy Library is accepting applications from faculty for the 2023-24 Learn by Doing Scholar Awards. These honors, which will be presented at the 2024 Fall Convocation, recognize faculty contributions that demonstrate the impact of 鶹’s educational approach, translate conventional learning into practice and make a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Two awards, each accompanied by a$2,000 cash prize, will be given this year. Faculty from all disciplines are welcome to apply, and team applications are welcome and may include 鶹 staff and students. Faculty self-nominate and directly submit applications online by Friday, March 8, at 5 p.m. All applications are reviewed by a faculty committee with representatives from each college and the library. Pictured are 2023 Learn by Doing Scholar Award recipients Jasmine Nation, left, and Alejandra Yep.
Lot C7 Temporary Study Structures to be Decommissioned March 8
Temporary study structures in lot C7 will be decommissioned Friday, March 8. The C7 structures were erected at the beginning of fall quarter as a temporary space for students to study while Kennedy Library is closed for construction. Feedback from a campuswide survey and real-time foot traffic data provided by Occuspace, an app that measures occupancy, reveals there has been minimal demand for the two C7 structures. The data continues to show the daily average use of this space is approximately eight people, with peak occupancy only reaching 9% full since opening. The Kennedy Library Transformation Team will continue to use tools like Occuspace and surveys to gather feedback and monitor study space usage to optimize the library experience while the library building is closed. The temporary study structure in lot H11 will remain open, as well as additional study spaces, like Hub24 in the UU. For more information about study spaces, visit the . The transformation team plans to host another free furniture event, giving away items currently in the C7 structure. Additionally, parking spaces in lot C7 will open after the structures are taken down and removed. For questions or concerns, email the Facilities Management and Development Help Center (facilities-cbs@calpoly.edu).
Strategic Enrollment Management’s Spring Summit is March 13
Registration is open for Strategic Enrollment Management’s (SEM) Spring SEM Summit, Wednesday, March 13, at the Pavilion and Founders Room in the Performing Arts Center. The goal of SEM’s in-person summit is to inform the campus community about relevant happenings in the division (and higher education in general) while creating space for answering questions. In addition to a variety of presentations, Institutional Research and the Office of Data Management will host working sessions to help answer specific, data-related questions. Review what will be presented and register for sessions by selecting from the à la carte menu — and to ensure conversations continue, lunch will be provided to the first 200 who register for sessions. The registration deadline is Friday, March 8.
CSUBUY Will Go Live on March 26
CSUBUY is scheduled to launch at 鶹 on Tuesday, March 26. The new process will bring automated workflow, approvals, requisitioning, purchase orders, and AP (accounts payable) functionality with integration into the Common Financial System. An open forum about the CSUBUY launch will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 9:30–11 a.m. in UU220. The forum will also include a 鶹 procure to pay team panel and question and answer session. Virtual and in-person trainings for CSUBUY will be available in March. In-person training will take place March 13 and 15 in UU220 for campus requestors and approvers. Sign-ups for in-person training will begin during the open forum on Feb. 28. Virtual training, via Zoom, will be held March 19 in the morning and March 21 in the afternoon for campus requestors and approvers. Exact times will be communicated soon. Questions? Email csubuy@calpoly.edu or call 6-2232.
Theatre and Dance to Present ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical’ March 7-9 at Spanos Theatre
“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” is a pop, rock-fueled adventure brought to life through song, dance, shadow play and all kinds of theater magic in the Theatre and Dance Department’s production continuing Thursday through Saturday, March 7-9, in Spanos Theatre (No. 44). Performances begin at 8 p.m. The production is based on Rick Riordan’s best-selling book series of the same name. After being attacked by monsters, Percy Jackson learns that he is half-god, half-mortal when he attends Camp Half Blood, dedicated to training demigods like him. Suspected of stealing Zeus' powerful lightning bolt, Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover go on a quest to prevent war among the gods, prove Percy's innocence and rescue his mother trapped in the Underworld. Bring on the monsters! Tickets are $15 for students, faculty and staff, and $25 for general admission.
鶹 to Present ‘Bach, Brubeck and Beyond’ Piano Duet Recital on March 7
, a music professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and 鶹 Music Department faculty member will give a free piano recital at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, March 7, in Room 218 in the Davidson Music Center (No. 45) on campus. Titled “Bach, Brubeck and Beyond,” the program will feature piano duet versions of works by J.S. Bach and Dave Brubeck, plus some of Salmon’s own compositions. The program will open with Bach’s Prelude in C Major from “The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I,” plus three of Bach’s “Inventions,” once with a Baroque arrangement, then again with a jazz arrangement, all by Salmon. The program also features “Take Five” and Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo a La Turk” along with other well-known tunes by Brubeck and three original compositions for duo pianos by Salmon. The recital is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the or call ext. 6-2406.
Symphony to Showcase Student Winners and Music from Prokofiev’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ March 9 Concert
The symphony will showcase the talents of four student soloists and a composer at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in the Performing Arts Center. The instrumentalists are violist Jayden Perez, who will perform the first movement of William Walton’s Viola Concerto, and pianist Simone Gabriel who will play the first movement of Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16. Soprano Melissa Scarpelli will sing Antonín Dvořák’s “Song to the Moon,” and soprano Helena Fuller will perform Lerner and Loewe’s “I Could Have Danced all Night” from “My Fair Lady.” The orchestra will also perform “Falling from Sky” by student composer Wyatt Willard. In addition, the symphony will perform four movements from Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” that trace the story: “Montagues and Capulets,” “Juliet as a Young Girl,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Romeo at the Tomb of Juliet.” The symphony is directed by music Professor David Arrivée. More information is on the .Tickets are sold at the 鶹 Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849.
鶹 Band and Orchestra Festival Finale Concert Set for March 15
The 鶹 Band and Orchestra Festival Finale Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, in Harold Miossi Hall in the Performing Arts Center. The festival and concert are being produced in collaboration with the San Luis Obispo County Band Directors Association. The capstone for the festival’s events is a concert presented by 鶹’s Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble that will include performances of “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Grainger, a bouquet of six tunes from British folk singers he collected in the early 20th century; “Sunflower Studies,” a new work by Nicole Piunno, inspired by the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh; and “Bugs” by Roger Cichy, which depicts the unique personalities of five insects and arachnids. The concert will be conducted by Christopher J. Woodruff, Nicholas P. Waldron and student conductor Ari Maman. Questions? 鶹 the .
鶹 Arab Music Ensemble to Perform Winter Concert March 16
The Arab Music Ensemble will give its winter concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in Spanos Theatre. A highlight of the program is a suite of instrumental and vocal pieces celebrated across Arab society. A Romanian folk song and an Ottoman Turkish dance piece will also be performed, plus a song made famous by the Lebanese singer Fairuz, an arrangement of the second movement of Joaquín Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez.” Ensemble member Samuel Shalhoub will conduct the ensemble in his arrangement of the work. Acclaimed guest artists who will join the ensemble include Ishmael, on the qanun; Fathi Aljarrah, kamanja; and Faisal Zedan, percussion. Jenna Mitchell is the group’s dance director, and music Professor Ken Habib will direct the event that includes an original composition and arrangement. Questions? 鶹 the .
鶹 Choirs to Present ‘Traditions’ Concert March 17
The choirs’ “Traditions” concert, at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17, in the Performing Arts Center, will feature 100 alumni — graduates from the last 40 years — of 鶹’s choral program. The group will be co-directed by Professor Emeritus Thomas Davies and Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Studies Scott Glysson. Mark Fugate (Business Administration, ’85; MBA, ’99), was so impacted by his choral program experience that he and his wife, Stephanie, established the Thomas H. and Susan A. Davies Choir Endowment last year in honor of Davies and his wife, Susan, also an emeritus of faculty member and pianist who accompanied the choirs. The University Singers will open the concert. John Knutson is guest conductor of the group this quarter. The Chamber Choir and PolyPhonics will also perform, conducted by Glysson. Paul Woodring will accompany the choirs on piano. Questions? 鶹 the
Shen Yun Comes to the PAC March 26 and 27
The global phenomenon Shen Yun will perform at 7 p.m. March 26 and 27 in Harold Miossi Hall. The moment the curtain opens, audience members enter a wondrous dream. Shen Yun takes the audience on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes and patented interactive backdrops. Revisit a time when scholars and artists sought harmony with the Tao, or the “Way” of the universe, and when divine beings walked upon the earth to inspire humanity.
The Queen’s Cartoonists: A Fusion of Classic Cartoons and Jazz Fusion Comes to the PAC March 8
The Queen’s Cartoonists, a blend of music and animation, will delight audiences of all ages on Friday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. The Queen’s Cartoonists bring cartoons to life with perfectly synchronized music from over 100 years of animation. Experience virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem and comedy as the group performs original soundtracks and fresh compositions alongside projections of classic and modern animated films. Delight in the fusion of jazz, classical music and animation, featuring composers like Raymond Scott, Carl Stalling and Duke Ellington. 鶹 Arts is presenting this immersive, fun concert. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Chabad of SLO and 鶹 to Host Holocaust Survivor Goldie Jacoby to the PAC March 10
Holocaust survivor Goldie Jacoby will present “What Holocaust?” on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall in the Performing Arts Center. Jacoby was born May 14, 1937. When Hitler’s invasion spread like a firestorm across Poland, Jacoby, age 5, and her family — 10 individuals total — hid in a tiny pigsty in a barn — about 25 square feet, built to hold two pigs, with no room to lie down or stand up. The family was constantly hungry and thirsty, dirty and lice-infested. At times, when Nazi soldiers were nearby, they hid in an emergency dugout hole in the barn, under the pigs. They lived like that for nearly three years, never able to change clothes. Hear Jacoby’s moving story of hope and courage during one of the darkest times in history. Her talk is presented by Chabad of SLO and 鶹. This event is free for 鶹 students, but a ticket is required for all.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Returns to PAC March 19
Grammy Award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform on Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. No group is more closely identified with African song than this vibrant nine-member South African vocal ensemble. Since 1987, when they were introduced to mainstream America with the release of Paul Simon’s groundbreaking “Graceland” album, these African troubadours have entertained the world with uplifting, polyrhythmic harmonies of their homeland. Winners of five Grammy Awards, the ensemble has had more Grammy nominations than any world music group in the history of recorded music. “Theirs is among the most distinctive and uplifting choral sounds around,” says NPR. This event, presented by 鶹 Arts, has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
About Event Postings
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