Reynolds College Blog

Archives for December 2023

MSU Chorale in Concert at St. Louis Cathedral Basilica Jan. 12, 2024

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The Missouri State University Chorale will return to St. Louis, Missouri, to perform at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica Cathedral at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.

“The Chorale is thrilled to be performing on this highly respected and renowned concert series,” said Dr. Cameron LaBarr, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies. “This is our third performance on the Cathedral Concerts series in recent years.”

Past performers in this concert series include the Vienna Boys Choir, Grammy award-winning Chanticleer and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

“It’s certainly worth the drive from Springfield for a nice weekend trip,” LaBarr said. “One of the works performed will be James Whitbourn’s ‘Son of God Mass,’ featuring the MSU Chorale, Parker Payne, organist, and Matthew Tracy, soprano saxophone – quite the combination!”

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE      DIRECTIONS TO VENUE

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Mock Trial Team brings home big wins

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Missouri State’s Mock Trial Team won multiple awards at the Derek Morehead and Irene Downs Tournament hosted by University of Missouri-Kansas City Nov. 18-19.

Two teams within the MSU group won first and third place, and six members of the group won individual awards.

MSU competed against such schools as the University of Arkansas, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Mississippi, Creighton University, the University of Kansas and St. Louis University.

This was the team’s third tournament of the season. Already the team has won 15 individual and team awards, according to assistant professor of criminology and Mock Trial Team coach Dr. Jennifer LaPrade.

“To have this kind of success so early in our history is a testament to the talent and work ethic that our students have,” LaPrade said. “I am so proud of our team, and I thank everyone who helps support this program.”

“What an incredible achievement,” said Dr. Brett Garland, Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “I’m so very proud of what these exceptional students have accomplished and for representing our School, the Reynolds College and MSU with such class.” [Read more…] about Mock Trial Team brings home big wins

MSU brings life to Day of the Dead

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With hundreds of people in attendance, the Missouri State Department of Languages, Cultures and Religions hosted the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival on Nov. 2.

The annual festival is a deeply rooted tradition in certain areas of Mexico and has gained popularity in recent years. It can be celebrated on the first and/or second day of November.

“This festival is a fusion of the All-Saints Day Christianity celebration and aspects of the Aztec culture,” Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez de la Vega, MSU associate professor of Spanish, said.

Rodriguez de la Vega described the event as a “joyful celebration” where people remember their loved ones who have died. [Read more…] about MSU brings life to Day of the Dead

Photography students visit Kansas City photography collection

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Several photography students in Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design traveled to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City Oct. 2.

About 20 students and four faculty were guided through two exhibitions by Curator of Photography Dr. April Watson, who discussed the themes, ideas and history of the photographs in addition to the photographers’ backgrounds.

According to their website, the Nelson-Atkins Museum is home to one of the largest photography collections in the country. After the Hallmark Photographic Collection gifted 6,500 photographic works by 900 artists to the museum in 2005, the Nelson-Atkins dedicated the Bloch wing of the museum to showcase this still growing collection.

Field trip described as “impactful”

Professor of photography Gwen Walstrand organized the event and elaborated on the importance of the experience.

“Seeing so many important pieces in person, which students may previously have only seen in reproductions, allows for a much more profound impact,” Walstrand said. “Both exhibitions featured examples by photographers who have contributed to the history of art.”

“Dr. Watson was able to illuminate the significance of the historical and contemporary work with enthusiasm and a researcher’s expertise,” Walstrand added.

“I loved seeing the exhibit of the female artist, Evelyn Hofer, who wasn’t well known in her time,” said photography student Emery Wilcoxon. “To be able to see the artist get that recognition now was so impactful not only for me but for everyone in the group.”

Learn more about opportunities in Art and Design

News submitted by Mariah Hunter and edited by the Reynolds College Communications team.

Hunter is a graduate assistant for the Department of Art and Design. She is working towards her master’s degree in writing at Missouri State University.

Seawright elected to Association for Business Communication Board of Directors

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Associate professor of English and assistant director of composition Dr. Leslie Seawright was recently elected to the Association for Business Communication (ABC) Board of Directors.

As a board member, Seawright’s responsibilities will include serving on ad-hoc committees and overseeing budgets, membership recruitment, association journals and conferences.

Prior to being appointed to the board, Seawright served two years as co-chair for ABC’s Annual International Conference and remains active in producing the association’s newsletters.

She will serve a four-year term as a Director at Large and has the option to run for a second four-year term.

Seawright has been a member of ABC since 2016. [Read more…] about Seawright elected to Association for Business Communication Board of Directors