FCS
2005 News
Alayna Arvidson, who took part in a recent study tour to Brazil offered through the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, developed a photography show called "Saudades do Brazil," which roughly translates into "longing for or remembrances of Brazil." The show ran from Nov. 4-11, 2005, in the Family and Consumer Sciences Gallery in Korhman Hall. The Brazil trip, organized by Dr. Karen Blaisure, was preceded with a seminar series featuring authorities on the host country. In addition to guest speakers, the seminars offered videos, readings, music and foods from the country. More: Brazil Study Tour 2005
Dr. Marlene Breu, assistant professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, received funding from a FRACASF grant to collect data this summer on historical artifacts in the Armenian Orthodox Churches of Istanbul. The study involves examination of 150 artifacts found in the 33 remaining Armenian Orthodox Churches and the Patriarchate in Istanbul, including chalices, reliquaries, incense burners and numerous large and small objects used as part of the Divine Liturgy or in the functioning of the Church.
Dr. Hilde Lovegrove, Associate Dean – International, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia, has visited Kalamazoo a number of times, most recently Sept. 7-8, 2005.
Deakin University is ranked among the top research universities and is a new exchange partner with WMU. We are exploring collaborative projects in fine arts – theatre and music, graduate psychology, occupational therapy and nursing. WMU students are particularly encouraged to apply for the Geelong campus which offers many courses in general education, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, liberal arts, social work, general science, education and business. Many Deakin courses also have a built-in internship component for academic credit in a diverse range of areas such as business, journalism, public relations, media and sociology.
Dr. Deb Berkey and Dr. Tim Michaels, Health, Physical Education and Recreation, met with Dr. Lovegrove regarding potential student exchange and study abroad opportunities in community health and exercise science. Study opportunities for graduates and physical education undergraduates were also discussed. Dr. Berkey's previous visit to Melbourne enhanced discussion about the education system in Australia. Dr. Lovegrove also met with Dr. Mozhdeh Bruss, Family and Consumer Sciences, regarding dietetics and nutrition programs.
Deakin’s Faculty of Health and Behavioral sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, sport, health, dietetics and nutrition and nursing. Dr. Lovegrove is developing a strategic plan for international partnerships and is considering WMU as a partner of focus. Deakin offers an urban campus in Melbourne and a beautiful campus closer to the beach in Geelong, about one hour from downtown Melbourne.
Expert on Brazilian Immigration Visits WMU
Design Symposium Findings: What would a room full of designers think are the current trends in the design of public spaces? The interior design students found out Jan. 12 that flexibility, technology, connectivity, quality and integration are the buzzwords being discussed by the professionals in the environmental design communities around the country. Richard Heriford, architect and Vice-president of sales and marketing, presented a report that was the result of research completed recently by Landscape Forms of Kalamazoo and Frog Design, an international product design company. These two firms collaborated in conducting a symposium for professional designers located in five cities around the country. They asked a group of professionals to answer the following question: What are the common themes in the way we think about living spaces? The presentation included examples of how designers must address current cultural trends to be successful. The presentation was held in the new Multicultural Center in the Adrian Trimpe Distributive Education Building. Their report is available as a "white paper" on the web at www.landscapeforms.com (Installations and Trends in the Landscape).