November 01, 2024
November brings a classic Broadway musical, musical performances, a film screening and lectures to Susquehanna University’s campus. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Biogeochemist explores role of soil in climate change
As Susquehanna’s Claritas Speaker in the Sciences, soil biogeochemist Asmeret Asefaw Berhe will present the lecture What’s Soil Got To Do With Climate Change? at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Stretansky Concert Hall in the Cunningham Center for Music and Art.
Berhe, professor of soil biogeochemistry and Falasco Chair of earth sciences in the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Merced, will present the fundamental mechanisms by which the soil system controls the earth’s climate. Her lecture will also explore the potential of different land management practices to bend the curve of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Berhe, who once served as the director of the Office of Science at the U.S. Department of Energy, will also share her career trajectory from being a professor to leading one of the largest science funding agencies in the nation, as well as the critical role of an inclusive excellence framework in addressing crucial issues of our time, including climate change.
George E. ’64 and Margaret Lauver ’66 Harris endowed the Distinguished Visitor Program at Susquehanna University. This program is designed to facilitate lectures, seminars or residencies by nationally acclaimed figures on topics of public interest. The series invites a distinguished scholar in the sciences to deliver a public address on our campus, usually in the fall of the academic year and is organized by the School of Natural & Social Sciences.
Musical offerings
Susquehanna’s musical ensembles offer many opportunities for audiences to enjoy choral, orchestra and band music. All performances are in Stretansky Concert Hall in the Cunningham Center for Music and Art:
- University Choir and Chamber Singers Concert,7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1
- University Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
- University Chorale, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3
- University Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
- University Symphonic Band, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10
Scholar examines economic history, including tariffs
Economic historian Phillip Magness will present the lecture 5 Common Myths of Economic History at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in Isaacs Auditorium in Seibert Hall.
In this lecture, Magness will discuss some of the myths about historical events, including the Great Depression, the impact of communism, the impact of tariffs and much more.
Magness holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. He obtained his Master of Public Policy degree and doctorate from George Mason University’s School of Public Policy in Fairfax, Virginia, specializing in economic history and international trade.
Blue’s Clues star Steve Burns to address mental health
Susquehanna University will host Blue’s Clues star Steve Burns at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in Weber Auditorium.
A limited number of tickets will be available to the public. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in person through cash transaction only at the Degenstein Center Box Office Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Oct. 30.
Burns’ lecture will focus on mental health and the transition to adulthood. Additionally, he will discuss the importance of embracing one’s imagination, regardless of age. As this presentation is intended for college-aged individuals and other adults, it may contain sensitive subjects. The program is not suitable for young children.
Theatre presents Jesus Christ Superstar
Susquehanna’s Department of Theatre will present the musical Jesus Christ Superstar at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14–16, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, in the Degenstein Center Theater in the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center.
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors and non-SU students.
A thrilling rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years and includes the well-known numbers Superstar and I Don’t Know How to Love Him.
Author presents reading of work
Susquehanna’s Seavey Readers Series presents author Karla Kelsey at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in Isaacs Auditorium in Seibert Hall.
Kelsey, professor of English and creative writing at Susquehanna Ujniversity, is the author of seven books, including the poetry collection On Certainty (Omnidawn Press), the experimental essay Of Sphere (Essay Press) and the poet’s novel Transcendental Factory: For Mina Loy (Winter Editions).
A recipient of awards and fellowships from the Poetry Society of America, the Fulbright Scholars Program and Yale University, Kelsey is the editor of Lost Writings: Two Novels by Mina Loy (Yale University Press) and the copublisher of SplitLevel Texts.
Susquehanna airs documentary screening, Q&A
Susquehanna University will host a screening of the documentary film Space, Hope and Charity at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the Degenstein Center Theater in the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center.
Space, Hope and Charity follows Charity Woodrum, a young woman from rural Oregon who overcomes poverty and personal tragedy to pursue her dream of becoming an astrophysicist. Raised as a first-generation high school graduate, Woodrum returned to college to study physics in her mid-20s, just as her life felt perfect. Then tragedy struck, upending her world. The film traces her path from heartbreak to a career at NASA.
Directed and produced by award-winning journalist Sandy Cummings, this documentary recently won Best Documentary Feature and Audience Choice at the Ojai Film Festival. After the screening, Woodrum and Cummings will hold a Q&A on the film and the challenges first-generation college students face in STEM.
Ticket information
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Degenstein Center Box Office Monday through Friday while classes are in session, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; by calling 570-372-ARTS; or online at http://susqu.universitytickets.com/.