Since 1997, Dr. Lynda Nyce has led seven groups of Bluffton University students to southern Texas and northern Mexico for a few weeks as part of the university's cross-cultural program.
Last winter, while on a leave of absence in France, the sociology professor found out that for many of the participants, those experiences were life-changing. And now, back on campus and directing the program, she wants to see if other former students have similar reactions to their Bluffton cross-cultural travels.
Dr. Cynthia Bandish, associate professor of English at Bluffton University, will present her sabbatical research, "Exploring the Themes of Imprisonment in Gothic Novels," at a Bluffton Colloquium Friday, Sept. 10. The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 4 p.m. in Stutzman Lecture Hall in Centennial Hall.
Bandish studied many gothic novels during her sabbatical last fall, focusing on books written in the 1790s but set in the Middle Ages. She delved into the way these novels indirectly reflect events that were taking place during the French Revolution.
Several years ago, Christopher Haw decided to heed Mahatma Gandhi's advice and, on Tuesday, he urged Bluffton University students to do likewise.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world," Haw, quoting the Indian leader, told students at Bluffton's opening convocation in Founders Hall. The university welcomed about 270 new first-year and transfer students during the annual ceremony.
Bluffton University opened the 2010-11 academic year Tuesday by welcoming about 270 new students-and one beaver.
More than a year of planning culminated with the introduction of J. Denny Beaver, Bluffton's new mascot, at the annual opening convocation. Doing much of the work this summer was a student, senior Cody Litwiller, a marketing major from Hopedale, Ill.
September 2010 Events are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise.
Sept. 10 Colloquium: "Exploring the Themes of Imprisonment in Gothic Novels," by Dr. Cynthia Bandish, associate professor of English, 4 p.m., Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall
Sept. 14 President's Forum: Dr. James M. Harder, 11 a.m., Founders Hall
Sept. 17 Artist's Reception: Mark Nafziger, ceramics, 4-6 p.m., Grace Albrecht Gallery, Sauder Visual Arts Center
A group of 12 Buddhist monks from Gaden Shartse Monastery in Tibet will be on the Bluffton University campus Tuesday, Sept. 7. The monks will give a sand painting demonstration from 9:30-11 a.m. in the drawing studio of Sauder Fine Arts Building, then visit the Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center until 11:30 a.m. Both events are free and open to the public.
