1780 – The Official Blog of Transylvania University

1780 | The Official Blog of Transylvania University

Events

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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Transylvania Juried Student Art Exhibition to open May 4

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University’s annual Juried Student Art Exhibition will showcase standout student artworks in a variety of media—from fiber to digital—in Morlan Gallery from May 4-18. An unprecedented number of students submitted works for the first round of jurying by the art faculty and gallery director. Prizes will be awarded in “best of” categories during the second stage of jurying in the first week of May. Specific honors include the Dean’s Purchase Award, which recognizes superior student artists by creating a permanent collection of works for the university. Laura Bryan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university, will continue this tradition. Another recognition, the Nana Lampton Prize, is given to a senior for creative vision, strong work ethic and natural leadership. The award was named in honor of Nana Lampton, who is a visual artist, poet, philanthropist and business leader. For first time, an Abbott Scholarship will be presented during the Juried Student Art Exhibition. This annual award will be given to a rising junior or senior who demonstrates studio and scholarly excellence. The scholarship was established in memory of Mildred and Harold Abbott, both patrons and practitioners in the visual and performing arts. The student exhibition will open Friday, May 4, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. and an awards presentation at 6. The final evening for the exhibition will be Friday, May 18, during the LexArts Gallery HOP. Morlan Gallery, located on the main level of Transylvania’s

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