I’m starting to get so excited; the musical Company is just a week away! We just started putting light cues together last night at rehearsal. It made for an interesting rehearsal. Usually they’re called cue-to-cue rehearsals, because we’re literally acting from light cue to light cue. That means we’re freezing wherever there’s supposed to be … Read more →

I’m starting to get so excited; the musical Company is just a week away!

We just started putting light cues together last night at rehearsal. It made for an interesting rehearsal. Usually they’re called cue-to-cue rehearsals, because we’re literally acting from light cue to light cue. That means we’re freezing wherever there’s supposed to be a change in the lights.

It’s really a cool process. I appreciate that our Department of Theatre professors are professional and very good at what they do. It’s because of lights, sounds, staging, and costumes that our shows consistently look fabulous.

The show is really starting to come together too. Everything is memorized and show-ready, and every night we improve things in the show—even when it already seems like we can’t improve much more!

The curtains are hung, the props are all ready. We’re performing with a darkened audience and lights and a pit band. We’re ready.

This is going to be a fabulous show. I can’t stop talking about it to people—which is why I’m blogging about it

Seriously, if you want to see one of the coolest musicals Mount Union has put on stage, come see the musical! Plus, it’s the last one ever being performed in Rodman Playhouse! Of course we’re going to go out with a bang!

The show is April 4-6, 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. and April 7 at 2 p.m. To order tickets, call (330) 821-2565.

Let’s talk about the pit band for a minute here. We’ve been working on Company for weeks now, with the vocal music director Ian LeRoy. He’s a junior music performance major, and he’s been doing an excellent job. Come see the show, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. The first thing you’re going to hear … Read more →

Let’s talk about the pit band for a minute here.

We’ve been working on Company for weeks now, with the vocal music director Ian LeRoy. He’s a junior music performance major, and he’s been doing an excellent job.

Come see the show, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. The first thing you’re going to hear is an a capella bit that leads to a cluster chord–basically, a lot of notes at the same time. It’ll make you shiver it’s so good.

So acting, check. Vocals, check. What we needed was the band.

And they are sounding pretty incredible. With everything from two pianists, a ‘cello, trumpets, and more, we are gonna have such an amazing sound for this performance.

I think the only relatively difficult thing thus far has been nailing down the times. But now we’re golden.

Here’s some things to listen for, voally and instrumentally:

1. The opening of the show. It’s just jaw-dropping.

2. The girlfriends’ trio. Their voices are gorgeous and complement each other very well.

3. The sax in the opening of The Ladies Who Lunch scene. Junior Ian Bell

4. Anything the husbands sing together.

5. The end of Someone is Waiting and Sorry Grateful. Senior Kenny Leep and junior Jesse Phillips are going to make every girl in the room fall in love with them.

6. Another Hundred People by freshman Erin Bell

(PS, have I mentioned that all the other girls in the show besides me are freshmen? Such a talented freshman class, holy wow!)

Just wanted to give you a couple things to look forward to Come see the show!

The show is April 4-6, 11-13 at 8 p.m. and Sunday April 7 at 2 p.m. at Rodman Playhouse

Visit raiderrelief.org today! The Project Welcome to Project ASAP, brought to you by Raider Relief. We’re putting together the biggest stuffed animal drive ever! Help the University of Mount Union and our awesome supporters in the city of Alliance as we donate our gently used stuffed animals to be professionally cleaned (by Cintas) and sent … Read more →

Visit raiderrelief.org today!

The Project

Welcome to Project ASAP, brought to you by Raider Relief. We’re putting together the biggest stuffed animal drive ever! Help the University of Mount Union and our awesome supporters in the city of Alliance as we donate our gently used stuffed animals to be professionally cleaned (by Cintas) and sent out to kids who will love them.

When does it start?

We officially begin collecting donations on March 31 and will continue until April 5.

Take the Teddy Pledge!

Click HERE to take the “Teddy Pledge!” Give us your best guess of how many abandoned stuffed animals you’ll collect from home Easter weekend, and we’ll send a text message to remind you before you leave home!

Where to donate?

Feel free to drop off your donations at the University of Mount Union Library (KHIC) or Family Video in Alliance.

What exactly to donate?

Please bring your used, lovable, stuffed animals to donate. We’re looking for the sort of stuffed animal that you used to love playing with, but is ready for another child to love

Want to chat?

Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for some Teddy shenanigans! Follow the #ProjectASAP hashtag as well!

It’s an understatement to call the NCAA tournament “madness,” because it exceeds that every year with completely astonishing upsets. This year Harvard stepped up and really caught everyone off guard. Of course there are always the teams that sometimes end up with a seed they shouldn’t have so they are underestimated and come back to … Read more →

It’s an understatement to call the NCAA tournament “madness,” because it exceeds that every year with completely astonishing upsets. This year Harvard stepped up and really caught everyone off guard. Of course there are always the teams that sometimes end up with a seed they shouldn’t have so they are underestimated and come back to win, but I had heard no talk of Harvard being any type of contender. Another big upset, at least for me, was the Georgetown game. I really thought that they could go all the way to the final again Louisville. As of right now I have 8 out the sweet 16. Considering all the surprising upsets I don’t think that is too bad. I am only missing one of my final four so far. I ended up getting 21 out of 32 on the crazy upset round. This year I even tried to predict some upsets but all of the ones I tried to choose were the wrong picks! My dad and I usually have a little competition, but this year our brackets were very similar, we event had the same champion! It’s hard to compete but I unfortunately think he is beating me because even if a team is good, if I do not like them, I will have them upset. An example of this is Florida Gators and Marquette. A few years ago I got the privilege of watching UNC beat Marquette in the sweet 16 round. It’s one of my favorite memories with my dad!

The NCAA live app has done wonders for me this year! I was so much more connected with what was going on, even if I didn’t like the outcome. I saw a lot more games then I usually do. I have a feeling this championship is going to have some surprising teams in it and I can’t wait to see who makes it. My bracket this year is a reminder though to be more involved during the regular season if I ever want to go into a betting bracket! During the regular season I may focus a little too much on the tarheels, but they are amazing so it’s no surprise that’s where I spend my time! How did you do on your bracket this year?

About a month ago I went to a meeting for Mount Union’s Wilderness Trip where students go to the mountains for 10 days. I was really interested in this because I go camping every year so I am used to being outdoors and I also enjoy hiking! I thought it would be an awesome experience … Read more →

About a month ago I went to a meeting for Mount Union’s Wilderness Trip where students go to the mountains for 10 days. I was really interested in this because I go camping every year so I am used to being outdoors and I also enjoy hiking! I thought it would be an awesome experience to try. At the meeting they gave a lot of information, some of which I was surprised to hear. While on the trip besides doing hiking you also help the rangers with service projects, which was really appealing to me. I have been on three mission trips building houses so I know I could handle whatever they needed help with! The hiking was pretty extensive though. I do not remember how much exactly but I was surprised when they said it. I do not think I would have a problem with it because I run a 5k in a decent time and enjoy walking but it would probably be a challenge for some people. Someone asked about wild animals, which elicited a chuckle from the group leaders. Of course animals are present but they have not encountered any. The biggest problem I saw with the trip was having to carry a giant pack on my back. I have had serious back problems in the past and can only handle carrying a backpack for so long before I get bad shoulder and back pain. I was still interested in applying though. Yes it is an application process because so many people are interested in going on the trip and they can only take 21 I believe. After talking to my parents we discussed that this year I could not go because of financials and our family vacation. My sisters swim all summer so we have to wait to go on vacation until after the second week in August when they are finally finished. The trip is affordable- about $400, but after joining a sorority I spent more this year then expected. If you enjoy outdoors, hiking or anything else of the sort you should definitely attend the meeting they have the previous spring about going! It seems like a great trip and I have heard nothing but good things from friends I know who have gone on the trip.

My brother recently shared a LinkedIn article with me called Wanted at Work: Take More Risks in College by Jeff Selingo, an editor and columnist at The Chronicle of Higher Education, which describes how risk taking is so important in college and how it will help you in the workplace. It’s safe to say, although … Read more →

My brother recently shared a LinkedIn article with me called Wanted at Work: Take More Risks in College by Jeff Selingo, an editor and columnist at The Chronicle of Higher Education, which describes how risk taking is so important in college and how it will help you in the workplace. It’s safe to say, although I do not know quite yet, that you will have more freedom and room to do this while you are young and in a collegiate career. The moral of the article is that focusing on major research projects, putting yourself in unfamiliar situations and developing a portfolio are all crucial to future success.

I feel that I have accomplished all three of these, and that Mount Union prepared me for two of them. First in the research realm, Mount has a Senior Culminating Experience (SCE) for all majors. Last semester I wrote my Spanish research paper on an economic analysis of La Liga in Spain and FIFA mega-events, particularly the World Cup. For my management major this semester we are going through a game simulation of running a company, and also are required to write several papers. These two classes, among others, have helped my analytical skills. Secondly, putting myself in unfamiliar situations was easily accomplished by studying abroad in Spain for a semester. This stretched me beyond comfort zones and helped me achieve cultural and experiential learning. Lastly, through much of my time at Mount Union I have been fortunate to be part of several organization and work a couple internships, allowing me to develop a portfolio and e-presence. At any rate, I encourage students to take as many risks in college that they can, it may pay off! I hope it does for me.

Please take a moment to read the actual post by Jeff Selingo, it’s worth the read, and Mount Union will prepare you for the first two for sure, and in most cases the last! Enjoy.

Photo taken by Zak Suhar in Calpe, Spain while studying abroad in spring 2012.

On Friday, March 23, the Association of International Students (AIS) began it’s transition towards a new administration. The election for the new executive board took place at 6 p.m. in the Alumni Room. A total of 45 members, foreign and American, turned up to meet the candidates running for a spot in the executive board as … Read more →

On Friday, March 23, the Association of International Students (AIS) began it’s transition towards a new administration. The election for the new executive board took place at 6 p.m. in the Alumni Room. A total of 45 members, foreign and American, turned up to meet the candidates running for a spot in the executive board as well as cast their votes for their preferred candidates. Though AIS had more than 45 members, it was enough to reach a quorum; making sure that the election proceeded as planned.

The results of the election was announced to all AIS members via email an hour after the election.

President: Rachel Bateman (USA)

Vice-President: Andrea Toranzo (Bolivia)

Treasurer: Duc Le (Vietnam)

Secretary: Hoang Nguyen (Vietnam)

Program Directors: Ngoc Hoang (Vietnam) and Beteab Negash (Ethiopia)

Public Relations Officer: Xin Fang Mak (Malaysia)

Student Senate Representative: Nicolas Alvarado (Bolivia)

I am quite pleased with the results of the election. Both the president and the vice-president are existing AIS officers and I have worked closely with them throughout my presidency, which gives me great confidence that AIS is in good hands. As for the other elected officers, I have the same confidence in them. Some I have worked closely with on other things, while others gave a good vibe.

It has been a roller-coaster year for me leading the one association on campus that represents the most countries. While it was great fun meeting so many people from different parts of the world, it is also difficult to organize activities that are inclusive of all nationalities and cultures. Despite the challenges, it was a great experience overall.

It is a bittersweet feeling when I think about my time left with AIS and Mount Union. While I am excited to move on towards the next chapter of my life, it feels as though I am leaving a position and a place that I have been at for a long time. At least, it felt like a long time. I can only hope that my leadership this year has prepared the newly-elected executive board to take over.

Until that happens, I still have a job to do. Two of the biggest tasks I’ll be facing in the coming weeks are the budget proposal for the new academic year and the amendment of the AIS constitution. As for AIS in general, watch out for our end of the school year plans!

Day 5: Caserta I love bike rides. And waterfalls. And gardens. And sunshine. And I loved the perfect afternoon I had in Caserta. Today was our final day of the field study. After an early breakfast, we loaded the bus with our luggage and set off for Caserta. Our trip took longer than expected because … Read more →

Day 5: Caserta

I love bike rides. And waterfalls. And gardens. And sunshine. And I loved the perfect afternoon I had in Caserta.

Today was our final day of the field study. After an early breakfast, we loaded the bus with our luggage and set off for Caserta. Our trip took longer than expected because there was a strike at the local train station, causing more people to drive and a lot of traffic on the roads.

When we arrived, we met our guide to tour the Royal Palace. We learned that King Charles of Bourbon wanted to move the capital from Naples to a safer location, so he chose Caserta, a city easier to defend. From the center of the Palace you can see the four main squares, as well as the garden to one side and a road leading straight to Naples on the other side. All of the rooms in the Palace were pretty, but my favorites were the rooms dedicated to the seasons. The spring room was so colorful and flowers were everywhere.

We were free the rest of the afternoon so I found a sunny spot in the garden to eat lunch, write in my journal and finish my field study homework assignment.

Afterwards, Tyler and I rented bikes and set off to explore the rest of the garden. I have missed bike rides so much!!! We got to see all of the pretty fountains and waterfalls during our bike ride. All of them symbolize mythological creatures.

The last statue at the top of the hill of the garden is of Diana, the goddess of hunting, who was supposedly beautiful and admired by many. She caught a hunter, Actaeon, spying on her while she was bathing one day and got very upset, so she turned him into a deer. He was then killed by his own hunting dogs!

This afternoon was absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. The scenic bike ride, sunshine and waterfalls made for the perfect ending to this fun week of traveling throughout southern Italy.

Check out some highlights of my fun traveling throughout Southern Italy here!

I have been waiting anxiously since January for the Southern Italy Field Study and it surprisingly came so soon! Throughout this past week, I had the opportunity to visit Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi and Caserta. I was so excited to find what the south had to offer. Day 1: Naples A 6 a.m. wake up call, … Read more →

I have been waiting anxiously since January for the Southern Italy Field Study and it surprisingly came so soon! Throughout this past week, I had the opportunity to visit Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi and Caserta. I was so excited to find what the south had to offer.

Day 1: Naples

A 6 a.m. wake up call, five hour bus ride and a bus transfer later, we finally arrived in Naples around 1 p.m. Our first stop was a restaurant for the famous margherita pizza for lunch. It was hands down the best pizza I have ever had! EVER. It was thicker than pizza in Viterbo and so fresh. A full, straight out of the oven, mouthwatering pizza was placed in front of each of us. Most of the students finished their entire pizza but no matter how delicious it was, I could only stuff myself with two large pieces. The boys were more than happy to take the rest off of my hands though.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening was spent with a tour of the city. We saw many piazzas, a pretty cathedral and an archaeological museum. One thing I noticed about the city was how much graffiti there was! It covers so much of the city. It is so sad that there are ugly markings covering beautiful fountains and buildings. We now have a two hour bus ride to our hotel in Sorrento. We are going to Pompeii tomorrow and I am most excited to hike Mt.Vesuvius!

Day 2: Pompeii

I just hiked up Mt. Vesuvius! I can’t believe that I can now say I climbed up a volcano in Pompeii! My first thought: freddo! Brrr. My second thought: bellissima! It was well worth the time and cold.

After breakfast at the hotel, we made our way to Pompeii and got to see the ancient ruins. It was really interesting to see the old town and get a glimpse into how they lived back then. We learned that since there was no drainage for rain or sewer water, the water ran down the deep sloping roads. The citizens used large rocks as crosswalks, so that they did not step in the dirty water. In the rocks on the side of the road, we saw holes cut out, which were used for “parking spaces.” The citizens would tie up their donkeys or horses there when they were going into a shop.

One difference I noticed today between Pompeii and Viterbo was the many, many orange and lemon trees lining the roads. Since the weather is warmer here, I am guessing that it provides more ideal weather for them to grow. It was so nice outside today and I hope the sun is shining again tomorrow!

Day 3: Capri Capri is absolutely beautiful! This morning we took a ferry ride to the island while the sun was shining and the weather was warm. Once we got to the island we bought tickets to take a boat to the Blue Grotto! Once outside the grotto, we took smaller boats (each boat held … Read more →

Day 3: Capri

Capri is absolutely beautiful! This morning we took a ferry ride to the island while the sun was shining and the weather was warm.

Once we got to the island we bought tickets to take a boat to the Blue Grotto! Once outside the grotto, we took smaller boats (each boat held four people) to get inside the cave. We had to all duck down really low to enter the cave. Inside was amazing! The water was an unreal blue color and the sun made the water sparkle. Although it was a bit expensive, I would have definitely regretted it if I missed out. It was the highlight of my day and a once in a lifetime experience!

The rest of the afternoon we took the railway up to the city center and walked around to all of the shops. They were all very ritzy and the city reminded me of a resort area. Capri is the most “high end” location I have been to in Italy. We even saw pictures, near a hotel, of celebrities that have vacationed there, such as Anne Hathaway!

While walking around, we followed our noses and treated ourselves to some gelato after smelling fresh waffle cones from half a mile away. The lady at the gelateria was making waffle cones right on the spot and I got to try bignolata (cookies and cream) gelato for the first time! Yum!

Capri is now my favorite place I have been to in Italy (alongside Florence). It is so beautiful and I am so happy I got to spend the day there.

Day 4: Amalfi Coast

I am IN LOVE with Amalfi. It is BEAUTIFUL! Besides the rough winds, the weather was perfect! The sun was shining the entire day.

We had a tour of the city and the cathedral when we first arrived. Then we had a not so fun tour of a paper mill museum before we were free for lunch. Some of us grabbed calzones at a little pizzeria and then walked around the city a bit.

I then ordered a scoop of strawberry (fragola) and banana gelato before hopping on a boat for a ride on the Mediterranean!

The boat ride took us down the coast so we could see Amalfi from a different perspective. It was absolutely gorgeous. It was fun to see celebrity houses, such as Italian actress Sophia Loren, and extravagant hotels along the coast. We also saw the watch towers used in the past to spot invaders or approaching enemies. We learned that the walls of Amalfi are all painted white because of how hot it gets during the summer months. The white walls are meant to reflect the sun, that is reflected off of the sea, away from the city.

The Amalfi Coast was much more than I expected and I am so thankful for the sunshine and beautiful weather.