Monday, April 9, 2001
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 7
Students get glimpse of African culture
Cuisine, music, dance part of Pride of Africa
By Julie Carter Special to the Kansan
The African Students Association offered a glimpse of African culture to University of Kansas students and faculty Saturday night.
Pride of Africa, an evening of authentic African cuisine, music and dance, was held at the Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread.
The program was sponsored to promote awareness of African culture and to raise money for Feed My Lamb, an organization created to help children in African war zones. "This is a good cause," said Yibuna Lainka Joino, president of the African Students Association. "Feed My Lamb pays for the children to come to America and get treatment they can't get in Africa."
A moment of silence and a candlelight vigil were held for children who have died in Africa.
The evening started with a meal consisting of African foods, including jelofee rice, deje, fufu corn, barbecued fish and boiled plantain.
Sara Ectichon. Holyrood freshman, said she went to try the food and learn about African cultures.
"I am also interested in mission ary work and thought this would be interesting," she said.
African clothing was also featured in a fashion show. Members of the student association brought the clothing from Africa or had it shipped to them from family members still living in Africa. Casual and special occasion attire were showcased.
Adrienne Rivers, association faculty adviser and associate professor of journalism, said members worked hard to make the program a success.
"A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this program," she said.
Members of the African Student Association also read poetry, danced and presented a traditional Haitian drum performance.
The association formed last August with the goal of educating Lawrence residents and students
about Africa and dispelling many negative myths about the continent.
"Many people think Africa is full of poverty and disease." Lainjo said. "There is some of that, but we have societies like ours here in America also."
Other goals of the association are to help new African students become familiar with the University and the surrounding community, to offer support and to provide activities. The group's membership is open to anyone.
"The journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step," member Franklin Tallah said. "This is our first step."
— Edited by Melinda Weaver
Yibonka Lainio, Bamenda, Cameroon junior and African Student Association president, left, and Raqeabat Abaniwondo, Lagos, Nigeria sophomore, sample the mixed vegetable rice, just one of over fifteen different dishes offered at Saturday night's festival in the Ecumenical Christian Ministries building. Photo by Aaron Showalter/KANSAN
School of Fine Arts showcases student, faculty performers
Bv Michelle Ward
Kansan staff writer
Dressed in his Sunday best, Tim Swindoll awaited his performance with other members of the University Band. The 70-person ensemble, dressed in tuxedos and formal gowns, helped showcase performers in the School of Fine Arts yesterday afternoon.
Students and faculty made their debut in the University's first School of Fine Arts Collage Concert at the Lied Center. Artists performed everything from jazz to dance numbers along with visual presentations of art and design from the 180 participants.
"For people that can't come to every concert, it's good they get a chance to hear all the groups perform," said Swindoll, a baritone saxophone player and McPherson sophomore. "Some of the groups I haven't heard of. It's good to give them a chance."
The idea for the diverse showcase came after a conversation Toni-Marie Montgomery, dean of fine arts, heard at a concert earlier this year. The couple behind her was discussing how the school wasn't visible and didn't do a whole lot. They continued to blast Montgomery's school by asking one another why it wasn't nationally recognized.
Montgomery said she decided not to turn around and make a scene. Instead, she decided to strut her department's stuff in a performance highlighting students and faculty.
Organizer Tim Oliver, director of the Marching Jayhawks, said the event showed off many aspects of the fine arts school at the same time. The art and design departments had their turn with a slide show while the music and dance department delivered a performances ranging from woodwinds to vocal ensembles.
Jay Batzner, an information specialist in the school, composed an original work for the concert with a technology theme. The music technologies specialist combined computer-generated sounds with flute and cello. The newest piece added a percussion part with greater convenience, Batzner said. The computer can change pace and sound quickly without any effort. It provided
Dancers perform a ballet excerpt from Igor Stravinsky's "Chacun a Son Gout" at the first annual School of Fine Arts Collage Concert Sunday. Photo by Eric M. Hedinger/KANSAN
a framework upon which musicians could build, he said.
"It produces sounds you normally can't get or are very difficult to produce," he said.
Beau Hancock danced with three female classmates in a modern dance written and choreographed by two of his professors. The group had worked since spring break. Although nervous, Hancock said he hoped the group's performance would send a message.
"Even within the University, we don't get a lot of respect," the Hugoton freshman said. "A way for us to get respect is to showcase our talents."
Montgomery pointed out in her opening remarks that the University ranks among the elite nationally in fine arts. The Master of Music degree is ranked 26th out of 600 programs while the Master of Fine Arts is 35th of 300 schools, according to rankings announced last week by U.S. News and World Report.
— Edited by Sydney Wallace
Center's new director envisions excellence
By Sarah Smarsh
By Sarah Smarsh writer@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
The Lied Center has named a new executive director. Tim Van Leer, currently the executive director of El Camino College Center for the Arts in Torrance, Calif., accepted the position last week and will begin work July 1.
Van Leer said he was drawn to the Lied Center's national prominence. He also said one of the center's strengths was in its collaborative relationship with the Lawrence community.
Van Leer said he hoped to "meet the challenge of maintaining the tradition of excellence the Lied Center is known for."
He said his nearly 30 years of experience as a presenter of the arts — mostly on college campuses — would enhance his capabilities.
Before his work in California, Van Leer served as director of the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Mershon Auditorium at Ohio State University. He was also assistant director of the Gammage Center for the Performing Arts and the University Activity Center at Arizona State University.
Van Leer said he hoped students appreciated the unique place the Lied Center held in the community.
"For everyone, including students, the arts are part of our culture that improves our lives," he said. "There's a great deal to be learned and shared with artists and performers."
Toni-Marie Montgomery, dean of fine arts, chaired the selection committee, which began its search in September. Montgomery said Van Leer stood out with his "wealth of experience" and national reputation among art presenters.
She said his qualifications indicated an ability to serve the Lied Center by garnering quality performance acts and by continuing good relationships with other area arts presenters.
Montgomery said Van Leer would pay special attention to the student community. During the application process — which included a meeting with students — he offered ideas on offering a voice to the student body in selecting performers.
"Involving the student community is a focus in the future of the Lied Center," she said.
Van Leer has served as president of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, California Presenters, Ohio Presenters and Ohio Dance. He lives in Torrance with his wife, Jerryse. They have two children — Jack, who works for the Fox television network in Los Angeles, and Jill, a senior at Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif.
The search for a new director came after Jacqueline Davis announced her resignation last spring. Fred Pawlicki will continue to serve as interim director until Van Leer begins July 1.
- Edited by Leita Schultes
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