1780 – The Official Blog of Transylvania University

1780 | The Official Blog of Transylvania University

Events

New program director leads Transylvania Theater’s 2018-19 season

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LEXINGTON, Ky.– Transylvania University’s 2018-19 theater season will feature four productions—from the contemporary to Shakespeare—under the leadership of Tosha Fowler, the new Lucille C. Little Chair of Theater and program director. All productions will be in Little Theater and are free to the public thanks to the generous support of the Dixon-White Fund. Transylvania Theater will benefit from Fowler’s extensive professional career in theater as an actor, director, producer, teacher and playwright in both Chicago and Atlanta. Hailed as the “fearless leader” of her founding company, Cor Theatre, she was named “One of the Top People Who Really Perform” by Newcity Chicago. Additionally, Fowler has taught at The Theatre School at DePaul University, Kent State University, Green Shirt Studios and Georgia Southern University. “I could not be more excited to join the Transy faculty and to work with the Lexington theater community,” Fowler said. “It is an exciting time to create theater in this thriving city, and I am ready to get to work. I plan on collaborating with local talent and bring in colleagues from across the country to enrich the Transylvania Theater experience.” From Nov. 1-10, Fowler will direct a production of “Stupid F—ing Bird,” a heartfelt, irreverent remix of Chekhov’s “The Seagull” by Aaron Posner. Featuring an ensemble of writers, actors and those who choose to watch, it will tickle, tantalize and incite the audience to consider how art, love and revolution fuel the pursuit of happiness. On

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Renowned guests to discuss civility in Transylvania’s Creative Intelligence Series

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—A focus on civility—what it is and how we understand it—plays a leading role in Transylvania University’s Creative Intelligence Series 2018-2019, which includes a variety of speakers and performances. From a lecture by a world-renowned author to a Grammy-nominated oratorio to discussion with an award-winning podcaster, the community is invited to consider this year’s campus theme.  “The 2018-19 Creative Intelligence series features artists, scholars and media makers who crack open the concept of civility in dynamic and unexpected ways,” said Zoé Strecker, an art professor and director of Creative Intelligence and special academic programming. “My hope is that these guests will give us the tools and inspiration to expand our sense of civility and to put it into action. It is a tremendous privilege to share these constructive experiments with the community at large.” All of Transylvania’s Creative Intelligence events are free, and the public is encouraged to attend. The series is part of Transylvania’s New Frontiers season, which asks us to go beyond the familiar with new ideas, art and music. Highlights from the 2018-2019 Creative Intelligence series are: Dylan Marron, a popular podcaster who engages people who have been uncivil toward him, on Oct. 8 The Smith Concert Series presentation “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a choral drama featuring the Grammy-winning Conspirare singers, on Oct. 9 James Mustich, author of the upcoming “1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List,” on Oct. 18 Susan Weinstein, who brings

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Transylvania University announces 2018-2019 feature event series New Frontiers

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This year, the public is invited to go beyond the familiar and explore ideas, art and music with a new feature event series hosted on the campus of Transylvania University.  The New Frontiers 2018-2019 season focuses on the university’s year-long campus theme—civility—and the debate over its role in shaping citizens and communities.   Through presentations from such innovators as author Sir Salman Rushdie, digital creator Dylan Marron and data visualization artists Hasan Elahi and Laurie Frick, New Frontiers embraces multiple disciplines, backgrounds and perspectives in a process that is vastly challenging, entertaining and, ultimately, transformative.  “In a world that is at once fragile, unyielding, complex and searching for direction, Transylvania’s New Frontiers season draws on the arts, humanities and sciences to explore who we are as humans and how we relate,” President Seamus Carey said. Events in the New Frontiers series are free and open to the public. Some events require reservations.  New Frontiers season highlights include signature performances and lectures, as well as selected events from the Transylvania Creative Intelligence Series, including: “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a choral drama featuring the Grammy-winning Conspirare on Oct. 9  James Mustich, author of “1000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List” on Oct. 18 “Data, Mine” art talk and exhibition with Hasan Elahi and Laurie Frick on Jan. 24 Shaun Leonardo, an award-winning artist who uses performance practice to unravel the complexities of human interaction on Feb. 27 Sir Salman Rushdie,

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Transylvania to host Kentucky Bike-Walk Summit

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—More than 300 community leaders and advocates from across the state will gather at Transylvania University on Aug. 16-17 for the Kentucky Bike-Walk Summit. The conference will explore how to improve cycling and walking options and safety in Kentucky through a variety of focuses—from government funding to education to design to economic development. “We are thrilled to be hosting the KY Bike-Walk Summit,” Professor of Exercise Science Sharon Brown said. “Participants will celebrate the progress made in recent years and build upon those accomplishments to make Kentucky a healthier, more bike- and pedestrian-friendly place to live and work.” Brown pointed out the progress made since the last summit five years ago in Frankfort, including House Bill 33, which gives cyclists a buffer on the roadways. “We have seen a new three-foot safe passing law enacted to protect cyclists on the roads and the launch of new bike share programs in Richmond, Louisville and northern Kentucky.” Also, new bike paths at the Parklands in Louisville and trails in Eastern Kentucky have attracted tourists. Greg Thomas, secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said: “With the recent passage of House Bill 33, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has again reiterated its commitment to safety for all modes of transportation. We’re pleased to support the 2018 Kentucky Bike Walk Summit as it seeks to increase education and the awareness of safe practices for two of the Commonwealth’s most accessible—and enjoyable—modes of travel.” The upcoming summit,

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Former CSX president to deliver Transylvania commencement address May 26

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—Alvin R. “Pete” Carpenter, former CSX Transportation president and CEO, will deliver Transylvania University’s commencement address on Saturday, May 26, as the university celebrates its 2018 graduates. Carpenter is a 1964 Transylvania alumnus and served on the school’s Board of Trustees from 1993-2000. The Kentucky native now lives in Jacksonville, Fla. Carpenter and his wife, Marilyn, were the lead donors for a major interior upgrade of Transylvania’s Carpenter Academic Center, which wrapped up this spring. He also is a recipient of the university’s Morrison Medallion, which is given to alumni for outstanding service to the school and its programs. “Our graduating seniors can learn valuable life lessons from Pete Carpenter,” President Seamus Carey said. “Not only has he excelled in the business world, but he has exemplified living generously, which is the theme of this academic year. Mr. Carpenter’s efforts to transform the university’s main academic building into a cutting-edge learning environment will help sustain our liberal arts mission well into the 21st century.” Transylvania’s commencement will begin at 9 a.m. in front of historic Old Morrison. The rain location will be the Clive M. Beck Center. Students in this year’s graduating class have distinguished themselves academically, with numerous accolades. Class of 2018 highlights • Forty-six percent of the 218 graduating seniors are receiving Latin honors for a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, and 45 percent are receiving program honors. • Thirty-five percent of this year’s graduates studied

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