SFA University

August 2, 2017 Nacogdoches, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 10, in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. Dr. Jennifer Cruse-Sanders, director of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, will present “The Greater Atlanta Pollinator Partnership: A Model of Urban Pollinator Conservation.”

Dr. Jennifer Cruse-Sanders of the Georgia Botanical Garden will be the guest speaker for the SFA Gardens’ monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series, slated for 7 p.m. Aug. 10 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center.Cruse-Sanders was made director of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia at the beginning of the year. Prior to February, she served as vice-president for science and conservation at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where she launched the Center for Southeastern Conservation and helped to host the inaugural Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation meeting.

Cruse-Sanders was the recipient of the 2016 Marsh Award for International Plant Conservation from Botanic Garden Conservation International, 2016 Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award from the Natural Areas Association, and the 2015 USDA Forest Service Wings Across the Americas International Award for Urban Communities in Conservation. She also has published numerous conservation articles with collaborators and students at botanical gardens and universities.

The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a rare-plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series fund are always appreciated.

Parking is available at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center and Raguet Elementary School, located at 2428 Raguet St.

For more information, call (936) 468-4129, or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu

Dr. John T. Moore, Stephen F. Austin State University professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry, will offer the commencement address during the university’s summer graduation ceremony Saturday, Aug. 12.August 1, 2017 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Dr. John T. Moore, Stephen F. Austin State University professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry, will offer the commencement address during the university’s summer graduation ceremony Saturday, Aug. 12.

Moore served SFA for 46 years in various roles, including lab coordinator, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and interim chair for both the chemistry and biology departments. During his tenure, he also helped establish the Teaching Excellence Center and served as its director for eight years.

Dr. Michael Janusa, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at SFA, said Moore has been a major influence within the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

“Through the years, Dr. Moore has contributed to the important mission of teacher preparation, and he has affected the overall quality of teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade and the quality of education for young minds,” Janusa said.

As a passionate educator, Moore academically challenged his students to foster critical-thinking skills.

“I tried to ensure that each of my students had the opportunity to develop the critical-thinking skills that allowed them to be successful in the area of chemistry,” Moore said. “I maintained high academic standards and tried to facilitate my students' learning.”

While SFA students may recognize him for wearing a tie-dye lab coat, Moore also is prominently known outside the university for authoring several books, including  “Chemistry for Dummies” and “Chemistry II for Dummies,” and serving as co-author of “Biochemistry for Dummies” and “Organic Chemistry II for Dummies.”

He was named the 2008-09 Regents Professor, which is the highest honor SFA may bestow upon a faculty member. Additionally, he was awarded the SFASU Foundation Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching in 2006 and the Teaching Excellence Award for the College of Sciences and Mathematics in 2002.

“Dr. Moore’s dedication to teaching and SFA is evident by the numerous teaching accomplishments he has achieved during his career at SFA, which is particularly distinguished by his work in science education,” Janusa said. “His knowledge has been shared across the world, and his achievements have brought honor to SFA, the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.”

Moore holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Asheville-Biltmore College (now the University of North Carolina — Asheville), a master’s degree in chemistry from Furman University and a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.

SFA’s summer commencement ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Johnson Coliseum. Approximately 540 degrees are expected to be awarded, including 386 bachelor’s, 148 master’s and 10 doctoral degrees. More than 50 students are expected to graduate with honors, including 17 cum laude, 16 magna cum laude, 17 summa cum laude and eight university scholars.

July 26, 2017 Nacogdoches, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University Regents approved plans for the university’s future during the board’s quarterly meeting this week. Those plans include expansion to campuses at Houston Community College’s central campus and Collin College’s Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney, as well as additional programs to be added to SFA offerings at Lone Star College.

“Our Strategic Plan, SFA Envisioned, states that we will expand our reach,” said Dr. Steve Bullard, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “In keeping with that vision, the James I. Perkins College of Education will offer a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design at Houston Community College, and the Rusche College of Business will offer a program through Collin College.”

The university will seek approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to offer those programs, as well as the Bachelor of Business Administration in sports management at Lone Star College’s University Center – Montgomery campus, Bullard said.

The board approved an institutional operating budget totaling $254.7 million for 2017-18. The budget reflects a reduction in operating general revenue resulting from a $2.7 million decrease in funding provided by the Texas Legislature.

“The $2.7 million general revenue reduction included cuts for funding special items that support educational centers on our campus,” said Dr. Danny Gallant, vice president for finance and administration. “Funding was reduced for the Stone Fort Museum and the Center for East Texas Studies; the College of Forestry and Agriculture’s Center for Applied Studies, Soil Testing and Water Analysis Lab, and Applied Poultry Studies; and the Rural Nursing Initiative in the College of Sciences and Mathematics.”

In creating the new budget, Gallant said reductions were spread out to departments across campus, both academic and support services, and that 26 employee positions were eliminated.

“We worked together to share in budget reductions as a team to bring back a budget that is a strategic investment,” he said. “Significant reallocations were made to fund the university’s initiatives to meet our future goals.”

The Board of Regents authorized the university to solicit bid proposals for a campaign consultant to provide professional counsel and guidance in launching and managing a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Dini Spheris conducted a campaign feasibility study, which Regents approved in November 2016, and the findings support the launch of a comprehensive campaign to meet the university’s future financial needs. Michelle Buchanan, certified fundraising executive at Dini Spheris, presented findings from the research and said as the university approaches a major milestone with its 100-year anniversary, it is “in a good place, has good resources, and it’s a good time to start a campaign.”

Regents also approved a $9.2 million capital plan for 2017-18. The plan includes academic, student life, building, and life safety initiatives, addressing capital renewal, planned maintenance and renovation projects.

In addition to new furniture, roof replacement and a new $1.4 million heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for Hall 20.

Renovations to the Baker Pattillo Student Center will continue, as regents approved the second phase of the project. In this phase of the renovation, updated video projection equipment will be installed in the Grand Ballroom, along with upgraded sound systems and new furniture. The cost will not exceed $2.4 million. The budget for Phase I of the project was increased to $1.4 million to allow for changes to the plans identified by architects that will create more efficient banquet and meeting room spaces. 

Goodwin-Lasiter-Strong developed construction drawings for renovation of the third and fourth floors of the Rusche College of Business, located in the McGee Business Building. A request for construction bids and project budget approval will be presented to the board at a later date. The first and second floors of the McGee Business Building were renovated in 2015.

The purchase of property at 1401 N. Mound St., which is adjacent to property owned by the university, was approved by the board.

Regents approved a name change for a department within the College of Business that has recently developed new academic majors in human resource management and sports business. To reflect this emphasis, the name of the unit is being changed from the Department of Management, Marketing and International Business to the Department of Management and Marketing.

A contract that will provide an assessment of the university’s Information Technology Services, including staffing, architecture and security, was approved by the Board of Regents. Gartner, a research and advisory company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, will conduct the assessment at a cost of $120,000.

Regents approved the annual audit plan and heard a report from Chief Audit Executive Gina Oglesbee that included information regarding a variety of audits, including audits of the accounting, mass communication and theatre departments. Oglesbee also presented updates on a financial aid audit, as well as information regarding the state auditor’s office audit and the Joint Admission Medical Program grant selection.

The board received reports on enrollment planning, current construction, and the university’s marketing campaign and website. Dr. Brian Murphy, dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, and Dr. Buddy Himes, dean of the College of Fine Arts, also delivered reports during the meeting.

Regents heard reports from SFA President Baker Pattillo, Faculty Senate Chair Le’Ann Solmonson and Student Government Association President Jessie Jenkins.

In addition to core curriculum revisions, regents approved:

- ratification of grant awards received as a result of faculty member research and service engagement, including federal, state and private awards, totaling $812,848;
- the athletic policies and procedures manual, and policy revisions for academic affairs, financial and student affairs, and building and grounds, best-value procurement, ethics, fixed-rate tuition plans and year-end purchasing;
- selection of firms for inclusion on the university’s pre-approved lists of outside legal counsel to be utilized when needed in the fields of wills, trusts and estates; employment; financial law; health law; higher education; intellectual property; immigration; public finance and bond issuance; real estate; sports law; tax law; oil and gas, mineral interests, and/or utilities; and Federal Communications Commission-related matters;
- an amendment to a prior authorization of services provided by Acquia for website hosting and Technical Account Manager team support;
- granting of an easement to Deep East Texas Electric Co-op to serve a water well at the SFA Beef Farm; and
- ratification of the fixed-pricing contract with the Texas General Land Office to supply natural gas for SFA and locking-in additional natural gas fixed-pricing contracts when market conditions are favorable.

Dr. Hans Williams was named dean of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture by the Board of Regents Tuesday.July 26, 2017 Nacogdoches, Texas — Dr. Hans Michael Williams was named dean of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture during the Board of Regents quarterly meeting Tuesday.

Williams joined the SFA faculty in 1993 and has served in various roles, including interim dean and associate dean of the college as well as associate professor and professor of forestry.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity entrusted to me by the Board of Regents, university administration, and college faculty and staff members and students,” Williams said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated faculty and staff members as we create innovative ways to enhance the professional development of our students and serve as an important source of information for the citizens of Texas on the management of our agricultural and natural resources.”

Williams served as Regents Professor, the highest honor SFA bestows upon faculty members, from 2010-11. His achievements and awards include the Kenneth Watterson Teaching Excellence Award and Kenneth Nelson Distinguished Professorship.

Williams received his Bachelor of Science in forestry from Purdue University, Master of Science in forestry from Clemson University and doctoral degree from Auburn University. He will assume the role of dean Sept. 1.

Within the College of Forestry and Agriculture, regents also approved Dr. Matthew McBroom as associate dean of the college. McBroom began his career at SFA as a graduate research associate in 1995. In 2016, he was promoted to professor of forest hydrology.

Longtime SFA professor of agriculture Dr. Dale Perritt was named professor emeritus of agriculture by the Board of Regents following 36 years of service to the university. Perritt is retiring from the university on Aug. 31.

Perritt has taught agricultural development and courses in agricultural systems management at SFA. He has served as chair of the Department of Agriculture and coordinator of the agriculture science teacher program at SFA for teaching certification in Texas public schools.

Perritt was awarded the SFA Alumni Foundation's 2009 Distinguished Professor Award, the 2010 Agriculture Educator of the Year award and the Texas AgriLIfe Extension Service “Man of the Year” in 2014. 

In the James I. Perkins College of Education, Dr. Stacy Hendricks was approved as assistant professor of secondary education and associate dean, and Dr. Christina Sinclair, associate professor of kinesiology and health science, was named associate dean for assessment and accountability.

Hendricks joined SFA’s Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership in 2011 after serving 18 years in public education as a teacher and administrator and working as project director of the Consortium for Excellence in Rural Teacher Preparation for English Language Learners in 2010. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Arkansas University, master’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.

Sinclair joined SFA’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Science after moving from the University of Northern Colorado where she worked for 12 years. Sinclair graduated with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, with a master's degree in education from Sul Ross State University and with a doctorate in physical education from the University of New Mexico.

Dr. Troy Davis, professor of history to professor, was named interim chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, and Kelly Noe, associate professor of accounting was named interim director of the Schlief School of Accountancy in the Nelson Rusche College of Business.

Faculty appointments approved by regents included Amanda Breitbach, assistant professor of art, and Dr. Cleo House, associate professor of theatre and director of the School of Theatre in the College of Fine Arts. House also was granted tenure by the board.

Drs. Aaron Moulton and Samuel Sutherland were appointed assistant professors of history in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, and Pushkar Ogale was appointed assistant professor of computer science in the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

Staff appointments approved within the Department of Athletics include Alejandro Rodriguez, athletic trainer, and Morgan Spearman, assistant softball coach.

In Residence Life, regents approved staff appointments for Erin Pratico, hall director, and Elizabeth Roshell, coordinator of Residence Life programs.

Additional staff appointments include Benito Telesca, assistant director of Campus Recreation; Will Honea, coordinator of records management and publications in Steen Library; and Jennifer Hopson, nurse practitioner in Student Affairs Support Services. Former substitute teachers Holly Franz and Amanda Scanlan were approved as teachers for the SFA Charter School.

Approved changes of status within the Department of Athletics include Desmond Haymon, from adjunct faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science to assistant men’s basketball coach; Casey Watkins, from graduate assistant to coordinator of athletic operations; and Alexander Vanvalkenburgh, from athletic trainer to head athletic trainer.

Regents also approved the following changes of status: Wesley Berg, from visiting assistant professor of art to assistant professor of art; Stacy Little, from programmer/analyst I to programmer/analyst II, Information Technology Services; and Karrie Roberson, from web design specialist to database administrator, Steen Library.

Ginger Kelso, associate professor of human services, was granted faculty development leave for one academic year to pursue additional training and experience in special education within public schools.

The board approved the retirements of the following faculty and staff members with 184 years of combined service to the university: Tim Clipson and Keaton Grubbs, professors of business communication and legal studies; Richard Langley and John Moore, professors of chemistry; Michael Pickard, professor of computer science; Alan Sowards, professor of elementary education; and Nagalpura Viswanath, visiting professor of human services.

July 21, 2017 Nacogdoches – An opportunity to preview a performance of the play Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre students plan to tour next month at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, takes place Tuesday night, July 25.

“Closed For Repairs,” written by former SFA student Bobby Britton of Angleton, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall in the Wright Music Building on campus. Admission is $10 at the door, and proceeds will benefit study abroad opportunities for theatre students.

Britton graduated from SFA in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree and plans to begin graduate studies in the fall at Emerson College in Boston. He describes the selection of his work to be performed at the festival as “a huge honor and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Last fall, Britton was working with Angela Bacarisse, professor of design and arts management at SFA, on an independent studies project to write the play. Bacarisse saw the potential in Britton’s writing and encouraged him to work on the script with the idea that it could be a real contender at the Festival Fringe. Having previously attended the festival and toured student productions there, Bacarisse has seen the stories and directing styles that do well.

Britton collaborated with Jackie Rosenfeld, a playwright advisor and theatre instructor at SFA, and Bacarisse, who is now the touring producer of the play, to develop the narrative. Slade Billew, assistant professor of acting and movement in the School of Theatre, was brought in as director. Under his style of directing, which involves more movement-based and physical theatre, the script further evolved and is still changing today.

The festival’s website advertising about the upcoming SFA production describes the play as: “SFA student Bobby Britton’s semi-autobiographical play leads us on a young man’s journey to discover his personal truth in a conservative Texas town. Blending honest dialogue, contemporary songs, and powerful movement, this ensemble-driven piece takes on issues of identity and acceptance in the Bible belt. As the play moves through moments of intense despair and transcendent joy, performers use their bodies and voices to create the world of small town America, exploring the realities of feeling alone in the Lone Star State. The play is intended for mature audiences.”

“The show is about my experience with reparative therapy,” Britton said. “Through therapy sessions, we are able to see flashbacks into this character’s early childhood and some of his relationships with other people that shaped him into who he is today.”

“Personal stories that have both humor and drama do very well at the festival,” Bacarisse said. “I connect Slade’s style of directing with a more European style of performance, as opposed to the American kitchen-sink realism. It will go well with the German and Irish companies and others who will be showing there.”

A group of 19 SFA theatre students and faculty and community members will travel abroad Aug. 1 through 16, and festival performances in Edinburgh are Aug. 4 through 9. The Fringe is considered the largest and most prestigious performing arts festival in the world. SFA theatre students, accompanied by Bacarisse, attended the festival in 2015, and two of those students, seniors Anais Saenz and Jason Trevino, both of Houston, are returning this year.

As a company, the students are responsible for venue rental fees, travel, equipment rental, and publicity and marketing, Bacarisse said. Students house manage, run the lighting and soundboards and stage-manage for their performances.

The students will not see their venue, which is in a Scottish church basement hall, until the day before the show opens, which presents a special challenge, Bacarisse said. But they know it will be the smallest space in which the show has been performed to date.

“That’s one of the things that is good about the experience for students,” Billew said, “in that it more closely mimics the experience of being a touring show. We’ve also talked about working on a new play, and how things will change, as we’re often learning new blocking of new lines very quickly.”

The total cost per student is approximately $5,000, which includes airfare and room and board. Donations are still being accepted to help fund the trip. Various fundraisers, such as Tuesday night’s preview performance, have been conducted to help defray costs.

“We are so grateful for everyone who supports the arts and our students,” Bacarisse said. “Allowing them the opportunity to tour a show, perform abroad and learn more about our global community is a great gift.”

Tax-exempt donations for the trip can be made at sfasu.edu/giving by clicking on the “give online” tab and writing “Scotland trip” for special instructions.

July 20, 2017 - Stephen F. Austin State University will celebrate the grand opening of its newest facility with a ribbon-cutting at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 24, at 1924 N. University Drive.

The building houses SFA’s Residence Life Operations unit, which provides maintenance and upkeep services to SFA residence halls, and University Printing Services, a full-service printing agency serving SFA students, faculty, staff and SFA-affiliated organizations.

Following the ceremony, tours of the facility will be offered. Parking is available in the parking lot north of SFA’s Johnson Coliseum, and shuttle service will be provided.

For more information, please call (936) 468-2605.

July 18, 2017 - The 33rd Watercolor East Texas juried exhibition will open with a reception from 6 to 8pm Saturday, July 22, in The Cole Art Center at The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

This year’s juror is Texas artist Michael Holter, who is a signature member of National Watercolor Society, Outdoor Painters Society and Southwestern Watercolor Society. He works in both watercolor and oil. His work has received numerous awards and can be found in private and cooperate collections in the U.S. and abroad.

Although Holter has been painting most of his life, his work experience spans a wide range of creative endeavors, from art teacher, creative director and businessman in fine art and commercial art. He describes his work as “impressionistic.”

“I like to represent people or places and allow the painting to evolve from the structure of what is recognizable,” he said. “The challenge is to balance the care needed to make the representation interesting … and perhaps believable, with the freedom, looseness and painterly quality that makes painting so unique and expressive." His work can be viewed at www.michaelholter.com.

The exhibition runs through Aug. 23.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, contact WET member Carol Athey at atheycj@sfasu.edu or call the art center at (936) 468-1131.

Cutline: Local artist Nancy Lemberger won first place in last year’s Watercolor East Texas juried exhibition. This year’s show opens at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 22, in Cole Art Center.

July 14, 2017 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music is accepting scholarship applications for its fall classes.

The music program features the study of a variety of musical instruments and choral techniques. Upper-level musicians as well as SFA faculty and students teach classes.

Partial scholarships are awarded to music students based on need, according to Pat Barnett, Music Prep director. Application forms and information about the various programs offered are available on the Music Prep website at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep. Deadline to apply for scholarships is Aug. 1.

A Music Prep open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at 3028 Raguet St.

“New and returning students and their parents are invited to attend the open house at the Prep House to speak with faculty and to register for private and group lessons,” Barnett said. “Piney Woods Youth Orchestra auditions are on the same day of the open house, and auditions begin at 10 a.m.”

Students may enroll for 16 private lessons or 12 private lessons for the semester. In addition to the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra, Music Prep offers an Adult Piano Class, Music Theory Adventures for beginning and intermediate students, the Choristers youth choral ensemble, and the Raguet Strings adult ensemble. Harp ensemble classes are offered for students in third through sixth grades, middle and high school ages and adults.

Music Prep offers private music lessons in piano, harp, violin, Suzuki violin, flute, cello, trumpet, trombone, voice, percussion and more.

Private lessons begin the week of Aug. 21 for 16-week upper level faculty instruction and the week of Sept. 11 for 12-week SFA music major instruction.

The Music Prep office is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For additional information, contact Barnett at (936) 468-1291 or at musicprep@sfasu.edu. Visit the Facebook site at SFA Music Prep.

July 12, 2017 Nacogdoches - The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and Stephen F. Austin State University Center for Career and Professional Development will co-host "Effective Techniques for On-Campus Recruiting" at the Chamber, 2516 North St. from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19. The workshop will introduce attendees to the new Jobs4Jacks system as well as provide opportunities to learn effective on-campus recruitment techniques.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop or a tablet for hands-on training.

“We are going to show employers how to post positions, how to search for students within the system, how to get registered for career expos or if they want to host information sessions or conduct interviews on campus,” said Jamie Bouldin, director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at SFA.

The Jobs4Jacks system has undergone a major transformation and is now hosted by Handshake, SFA’s newest vendor for the online resource.

"The website layout is now easier to navigate and is mobile friendly and can be accessed on a smartphone or tablet," said Bouldin. “That’s one of the benefits for employers so they can go in and post jobs or request interview schedules while they are traveling."

Jobs4Jacks is beneficial for both students and employers.

“The nice thing about Jobs4Jacks is that it puts the opportunities out there for all students. Any student can look at any job,” said Bouldin. “It gives a broader base of student candidates who may not have been aware of a company. Now is a really good time for businesses to get into the Jobs4Jacks system, because so many students and alumni are searching, and it’s a lot easier to use.”

There is no charge to attend the workshop, but registration is requested by July 15. If interested, contact the Nacogdoches County Chamber at (936) 560-5533 or email chamber@nactx.com.

Stephen F. Austin State University students in the School of Human Sciences recently traveled to Chicago to attend the National Restaurant Association Show, a four-day exhibit where students learn from industry professionals, sample culinary dishes, view emerging field techniques and technologies, and more.

July 12, 2017 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University students in the School of Human Sciences recently traveled to Chicago to attend the National Restaurant Association Show.

During this four-day exhibit, students learned from industry professionals through education sessions, as well as sampled unique culinary dishes, viewed emerging field techniques and technologies, and more.

Dr. Chay Runnels, SFA hospitality administration program coordinator, graduate program co-coordinator and associate professor, led the trip with students in her field experiences in human sciences course.

“Part of our program’s core focus is to encourage students to experience things outside of SFA and Nacogdoches,” Runnels said. “This trip served a dual purpose. First, students were able to see the scope of the hospitality industry through the lens of the restaurant show, and they also experienced tourism in Chicago.”

At the National Restaurant Association Show, students witnessed more than 2,200 exhibitors representing more than 900 product categories, which provided students an opportunity to understand how such a massive event is organized.

Alyse Richards, an Arlington senior studying event planning, said this trip helped her get out of her comfort zone, learn to navigate a new city and better understand her major.

“I was amazed by how big the show was and how much food there was,” Richards said. “It also was very interesting to see all the different booths.”

Students also met celebrity chefs Duff Goldman, owner of Charm City Cakes featured on the Food Network’s show “Ace of Cakes;” Rick Bayless, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, who is known for his authentic Mexican cuisine and TV series “Mexico — One Plate at a Time;” Robert Irvine, known for various TV shows and cooking challenges such as “Restaurant: Impossible;” and Ming Tsai, a James Beard and Emmy award-winning chef, author, TV host, producer and product developer.

For Heather Gallant, an SFA graduate student studying nutrition, this experience introduced her to the many possibilities within her career.

“I am on the career path of becoming a registered dietitian, which means I am interested in all things related to food and nutrition,” Gallant said.

“Attending the National Restaurant Association Show gave me the opportunity to speak with various food company representatives and learn how I can use their food products for my clients.”

Prior to landing in Chicago, SFA students researched the city’s tourism industry and reviewed attractions, nightlife and restaurants. Students had the opportunity to tailor the trip to their own interests.

“My favorite part of the trip was experiencing the culture of Chicago. When I travel somewhere new, I love to explore different places and observe how other people interact,” Gallant said. “I loved visiting various tourist attractions and eating at unique food establishments.”

The group had a behind-the-scenes tour of Eatly, a two-story food emporium with multiple restaurants and groceries.

The class culminated with a digital project dedicated to a specific aspect of tourism in Chicago or culinary issues. Project topics included transportation modes, food allergens, food presentation and technological advances.

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