Areteinsidethisissue

Fall 2007

A Publication of the Honors Programs

Trip to theSymphony

StudentTrips

MuseumTour

StudyAbroad

Also, the new dean of the College ofLiberal and Fine Arts, Dr. DeanMinix, is teaching the honors sectionof American Government in the fall,and Dr. Larry Margolis will teach thehonors section of Texas governmentin the spring.

202 for many years, retired at the endof the spring semester of 2007. Dr.Curtoys began teaching politicalscience at Tarleton in 1976.He was the winner of the Jack andLouise Arthur Excellence in TeachingAward for the spring of 2007. Inaddition to teaching honors Texasgovernment for many years, Dr.Curtoys also taught the HonorsSeminar in the spring of 2005, and hehas also served for many years on theHonors Advisory Council. Bestwishes to Dr. Curtoys and his wifeLinda as they head to Ohio for theirretirement.

TWO LONG-TIME HONORS FACULTYMEMBERS RETIRING

A RETURNING AND A NEW FACE:DR. PAT ZELMAN AND DR. DEAN MINIX TOTEACH HONORS COURSES IN THE FALLFor a number of years, Dr. PatZelman taught the honors section ofHistory 202. After a hiatus of severalyears from honors teaching, Dr.Zelman has taken on the honorssection of History 201 this semester.Welcome back, Dr. Zelman.

Dr. Michael Pierce, who taught thehonors section of History 201 formany years, retired at the end of thesummer. Dr. Pierce served as thedepartment head in the Departmentof Social Sciences for 11 years, andhe started teaching history at Tarletonin 1976. He is the author of The MostPromising Young Officer: A Life ofRanald Slidell Mackenzie (Norman:University of Oklahoma, 1993). Dr.Pierce’s distinctive vocabulary will bemissed in the classroom and in thehallways of the Humanities Building.Dr. Jeremy Curtoys, who taught thehonors section of Political Science

PHP Scholarship Increases

NEWS BRIEFS

New HDP Scholarship

Beginning fall 2007, the PresidentialHonors Scholarship will increase to$7,000 per year.

For the first time this year, theHonors Degree Program hasawarded several scholarships of$1,000 each. Recipients are: LuisaCossio, Pre-law major from GlenRose; Stephanie Kaufman, Psychol-ogy major from Benbrook; AubreyLindberg, History major from Troy;and Julie Vrazel, an Ag. Communica-tions major from Buckholts.

The Academic Awards Dinner isscheduled for November 8th at6:00p.m.

The TSU System Symposium isscheduled for November 2-3, 2007.Honors students working on researchprojects are encouraged to submitproposals.

Acadmic Awards Dinner

TSU System Symposium

Development Pizza PartyOn October 15th from 4:00 p.m. to6:00 p.m., the Development Officewill be hosting a pizza party for allPresidential Honors students. Thepurpose of this party is for studentsto write letters to the donors that fundtheir scholarships.

A RAINY DAY AT THE ART MUSEUMSBy: Aileen Blum (English)

oversee our activity. However theyhave good reason to be so dedicatedto their job; the Amon Carter is full ofgreat American art. Here, our grouptrooped upstairs to view romanticdepictions of good ol’ American

landscape as well as a largeroom full of historicalphotography. Downstairs wasthe highlight of the museum.There, painting after painting,sketch after sketch, and castafter cast were the famous worksof Frederic Remington andCharles M. Russell. Of the two,Remington is by far morepicturesque but Russell hascharacter. He created comicpaintings like “In withoutKnocking” which features drunk

cowboys riding their horses into a bar.As the tour ended, we were invitedto continue looking around, an offerwhich many took advantage of. Thelast picture I saw showed the darkscene of a ship being tossed ruthlesslyabout in the middle of a storm and adock ironically revealed in the corner,close to us but too far for the ship tosee. I don’t remember the name ofthat painting, but I left this scene witha feeling of appreciation for the arts.I walked out of the museum, a bitmore enlightened in heart, and a bitmore intellectually aware than when Ihad first entered that day.

Last fall a group of Honors studentsled by Dr. Punch Shaw and Dr.Clifford visited the Kimbell and AmonCarter Art Museums in Fort Worth.The trip there was amusingly tense formy driver, and I heard that one of theother carpools got lost on the way.Eventually we all arrived safely at thesimple front of the Kimbell, to a sceneof rainy dreariness.My first impression of the Kimbell hasbeen filed away into a section of mybrain reserved for things that willforever be puzzling to me. Directly infront of the Kimbell is a twelve-by-eight-foot, three-ton monument byJoan Miró of what he called “AWoman Addressing thePublic.” It looked to me likean awesome version of someimaginative child’s Play-Dohcreation. I felt a little disadvan-taged by my lack of knowledgein the area of art. I had no ideawhy this towering woman’sanatomy looked so incrediblyskewed. Nonetheless, I foundthat my confusion was a goodway to start and had high hopesas we entered the front doorsof the Kimbell.After a brief visit to the gift shop, wegot started on our tour. Dr. PunchShaw took over as head of our groupand led us through dozens of dazzlingworks, giving us brief and insightfulexplanations of some of the mostfamous ones. As the tour progressed,we found out that the Kimbell displaysa wide spectrum of styles and timeperiods, not only of painting but alsosculpturing and casting. The paintedworks were the most interesting tome. Some were fascinatinglymorbid, such as James Ensor’s“Skeletons Warming Themselves,” the

title of which is self-explanatory.Others were fantasticallybeautiful, such as FrançoisBoucher’s nine-by-six feet “JunoAsking Aeolus to Release theWinds.” Likewise, each pieceof art gives off different moodsand each visitor can find afavorite amidst the humorous,sad, ironical, religious, mythical,horrifying, and majestic. In fact,some works are so unique, theydon’t seem to exude any kind of vibeat all, like Piet Mondrian’s“Abstraction,” which consists of a fewvertical and horizontal linescriss-crossing to create dissimilarlysized but congruous rectangles, some

of which are blue, others of which arered. I stood in front of this for a whilefancying myself to understand it, but Iwas faking. I read the caption nextto the painting. The work wassupposed to be something aboutequilibrium in a chaotic world.The next stop, after viewing the sightsof the Kimbell, was the Amon CarterArt Museum. Upon arrival, I got theimpression that the place waswell-guarded since, as we allcongregated on some steps inside totake group photos, two or threepeople in uniform emergedstone-faced from the upper-levels to

NEWS

NEWSPRESIDENTIAL HONORS STUDENTS STUDY ABROADBy: Will Mayfield (Computer Science)

By: Rachel Howell (Finance)

other Tarleton students and aprofessor. We studied Spanish atUniversidad Internacional, going to

class for about sixhours every day andwe traveled tocultural sites such asTaxco, Teotihuacan,and Tepotzlan onweekends.This picture is agroup picture in frontof the Palacio deCortes, an importantlandmark in down-town Cuernavaca.

By: Bailey Pearson (English)

weekends our group would go onexcursions to different towns. Wevisited the market town of Tepoztlan,the spring fed river at Las Estacas,the ruins and pyramids at Teotihuacan,and spent our last weekend inAcapulco. My Spanish reallyimproved while I was there and Imade some great friends! I hope togo back next summer!

This summer I participated inTarleton’s study abroad program inCuernavaca, Mexico. While I wasthere I attended the UniversidadInternacional where I took classes onSpanish grammar, conversation, andculture. I stayed with a host familywhere I got to practice my Spanish,eat authentic Mexican food, and reallyexperience the culture of Mexico. On

I traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico,located about an hour and a half southof Mexico City with about nineteen

This summer I had theopportunity to study Shakespearein London. This was an amazingexperience. I was able to attendseven different plays, visit Oxfordand Stratford-on-Avon outside ofLondon, and on the weekends, Itraveled to Amsterdam and Rome.Some of my favorite things aboutEurope were getting to seeLove’s Labor’s Lost at the GlobeTheatre, eating gelato in Rome,Amsterdam’s pancakes, playing/watching football (soccer),walking around Roman ruins, andso much more. I loved being ableto hear the different accents andlanguages everywhere I went, andseeing all of the old, beautifularchitecture. This is definitely andexperience that I will never forget.

The picture above is Will atOxford. The round building inthe background is one of the

library’s reading rooms.

NINETEEN NEW PHP STUDENTS THIS YEAR!In January, we accepted two newstudents: Lydia Colvin, a Spanishmajor from Santo, and Francis Surles,a pre-vet major from Meridian, MS.

This fall we welcome 16 new freshmenand welcome back one graduate,Kimberly Byford of Stephenville, whois returning to Tarleton to complete thepre-med requirements. Among thefreshmen, we have three valedictorians,five with an SAT over 1300, and fourwith a 29 or higher on the ACT. Pleasetake some time to introduce yourself toour new students and welcome themto Tarleton:Aimee Ayton, Math major fromHouston; Kaylie Carrico, Theatremajor from The Colony; GlennConnors from Granbury; LaurenDarling, Education major fromGranbury; Jillian Dean, Pre-Medmajor from Boyd; Lindsay Dorman,Spanish major from Forney; AndrewFox, Engineering major from MineralWells; David Gresham, Pre-Vet majorfrom Cushing; Kimberly Hicks,Biology major from Temple; DouglasKnauth from Georgetown; BrookeKnight, Pre-Law major from Rockwall;Chad Monk, Ag. Industries major fromStephenville; James Peiskee, Engineer-ing Physics major from New London;Daniel Watts, Engineering major fromWeatherford; Jesica Woodard, Historymajor from Alvarado; Erica Wotton,Political Science major from Ennis.

FEATURE

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENTIAL HONORS GRADUATES!Fall 2006 Graduates:

Tara Clary Animal BiologyKallen Hayes Economics/Horticulture Megan Williams Interdisciplinary Studies.

Spring 2007 Graudates:

Kellie Dodson Pre-medHeather Gamblin Interdisciplinary StudiesMatthew Gilbert EngineeringMelissa Gilbert Physician AssistantCassi Jones MusicStephen Myers EngineeringAmanda Odiorne NursingMarlow Robitaille Biomedical ScienceHannah Scott Political ScienceMarie Skaggs NursingTrevin Vaughn Management

Summer 2007:

Ashley Burnham Animal Science

TWENTY-TWO HONORS STUDENTS EARN 4.0!Crouch, Pre-med; Jennifer Dalecki,Biology; Kellie Dodson, Animal Sci-ence; Jessica Farrar, English; HeatherGamblin, Interdisciplinary Studies;Matthew Gilbert, Engineering; CassiJones, Music; Will Mayfield, ComputerScience; Stephen Myers, Engineering;Amanda Vineyard, Exercise & SS;and Lindsay Wright, Journalism.

Fall 2006: Aileen Blum, English;Rachael Crouch, Pre-med; JenniferDalecki, Biology; Kellie Dodson,Animal Science; Jessica Farrar, English;Kim Fehlis, Pre-med; Heather Gamblin,Interdisciplinary Studies; MatthewGilbert, Engineering; Kallen Hayes,Horticulture; Cassi Jones, Music; WillMayfield, Computer Science; Amanda

McWhirt, Horticulture; Stephen Myers,Engineering; Bailey Pearson, English;Crystal Sims, English; Kevin Woller,Engineering; Megan Williams,Interdisciplinary Studies; and LindsayWright, Journalism. Spring 2007:Sarah Barmore, Horticulture; AileenBlum, English; Ashley Burnham, AnimalScience; Lydia Colvin, Spanish; Rachael

FEATURE

PRESIDENTIAL HONORS STUDENTS ATTEND CONFERENCESBy: Missy Gilbert (Mathematics)Amanda Vineyard (Exercise & SS)

By: Hannah Scott (Political Science)Kallen Hayes (Eco./Horiculture)

On November 4th, 2006, we took a tripto Fort Collins, Colorado, courtesy ofthe Presidential Honors Program Wewere selected to represent Tarleton ata Young Global Leaders Summit onOil, Climate Change, and Security.The summit was held at ColoradoState University and was hosted by thenon-partisan, non-profit organization,Americans for Informed Democracy,which works to promote globalconsciousness in tomorrow’s leaders.The summit began with anintroduction from conferenceorganizers that provided information onpast conferences and promoted AID’smission and the purpose of this one inparticular. One of the goals of AID isto inspire the attendees to promoteglobal consciousness in their owncampuses and lives. Throughout theconference we were provided withideas and tools used to spread AID’smessage of global awareness,cooperation, and environmentalism.One of the highlights of the day wasthe keynote address given by LukeCartin, Environmental Manager forVail Resorts, who spoke about Vail’sdecision to purchase enough wind

discussion and closing commentswrapped up the day’s activities. Weboth participated in our group’sdiscussion and were particularlyinspired when Mr. Life joined the groupto give his input on China’s role intoday’s global environment.Hannah’s favorite part of the day was

the opportunity totalk to Mr. Lifeafter the last smallgroup discussionwhen we dis-cussed the situa-tion in Iraq. Mr.Life gave ex-amples of how this

situation compared and contrasted toAmerica’s past military endeavors.Kallen was especially impressed withMr. Cartin’s presentation on the VailResorts and the steps they’ve takento implement “green” business policieswhile increasing profits. She contin-ues today to look into a career inbusiness environmental strategy.Overall, the summit was interestingand educational for both of us. Weare thankful for the opportunity toenrich our college experience with theYoung Global Leaders Summit.

research, and then collabotated on theirfindings. As a future physicianassistant and coach, we found theconference to be very beneficial.When faced with patients and athletesthat suffer from these diseases, wewill be prepared to care for them. Weare very grateful for this opportunityand would recommend this conferenceto others.

energy credits to totally offset itsenergy use, making it the only skiresort company in the world 100%powered by wind energy. After apresentation on energy use andconservation, we broke into groups todiscuss global energy issues and ideasthat could be taken back to our

campuses. We met with a group ofabout 15 students from schools acrossTexas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.The afternoon consisted of a paneldiscussion between 4 scholars onglobal energy use and production andits influence on national security. Thepresentation by Richard Life, a retiredUS Navy overt human intelligencecollector was very interesting. Hishistory of promoting democracy informally communist countries gave hima unique perspective on currentglobal affairs that enriched thediscussion. Another small group

This spring, we were given theopportunity to attend the 8th

International IACFS Conference onChronic Fatigue Syndrome,Fibromyalgia, and other relatedillnesses in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The five days consisted of patient andprofessional conferences where over27 countries were represented.During the patient portion of theconference, we were able to meetindividuals who suffer from thesediseases, and also learn the day to daystruggles they face. Sessions includedhealth care professionals providingthese patients with valuable advice tobetter their lifestyles, and specialinterest groups raising awareness aboutthe diseases.The professional conference drewphysicians, clinical researchers, andstudents who shared an interest infinding causes and cures for thediseases. Professionals from acrossthe world presented studies and

NEWS

WHAT EVERY FRESHMAN SHOULD LEARNBy: Crystal Sims (English)

A VISIT TO THE FT. WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRABy: Jessica Farrar (English)

understand. Of all my classes lastsemester one class challenged me tothink, interpret, and understand asno other did: Dr. Clifford’s infamousfreshman seminar. In this freshmanhonors seminar I had the opportunityto be exposed to different forms ofinterpreting, and different forms ofreasoning. I found it fascinating tonot only hear what my peers had tosay on a given subject, but to alsoreceive the point of view of variousTarleton professors.Dr. Dan Malone brought the worldand decisions of journalism to ourclass. We debated, we pondered,and at times we argued his pointsamongst ourselves. We wereencouraged to open our minds to askquestions of him. This opening of ourminds led to the progressive skillsof all of us. Our world wasbroadened beyond the reach of ourprevious experience, our ownperspective, and we advancedintellectually.In addition to Dr. Malone, we wereprivileged to hear and debate withother professors. All of which I

In the process of coming to collegeas a freshman, in a new experience,in a new world, the thought of what Iwas actually going to learn never reallyentered my head. I mean to say I wasexpecting to continue my educationof the basics: read a few novels, writea few essays, take lots of notes andpass a few tests. I was not preparedfor what I actually learned.In my first semester at Tarleton StateI not only had the pleasure of taking afew tests, but also the delight oflearning how to think in an originalway, of learning to truly understand,and to dwell deeper until I do

thank deeply, for myself and for mypeers, for showing us somethingunique, forshowing us a new way tolook at and interpret the world aroundus. True, we read Gadamer (a lot),and we had to write a page to behanded in at each class, and takingnotes was a good idea during class,and yes we did have a test, but overall I believe what I learned from thisreading and writing was nothingcompared to what our visiting scholarshad to say to us.I learned how to think in a new light, Ilearned to understand, and I learnedto interpret. My mind is opened tosee others, and myself, in a differentmanner. From Dr. Clifford’s seminarI believe I am advanced.

experience and I hope that this year’svistit to the Ft. Worth SymphonyOrchestra is the beginning of a newtradition for the honors program.

On February 25th, the PresidentialHonors Program made its annual visitto Fort Worth’s world class concerthall, Bass Performance Hall. Insteadof an opera, as had been done inyears past, we were given theopportunity to attend a performanceof the Fort Worth SymphonyOrchestra.There was a good turnout for thisevent; a number of honors studentsand professors came, and many optedto bring guests. In all, 36 peopleattended the performance. Thesymphony performed four pieces:Orchestral Suite from Naïs, Bach’s

Brandenburg Concerto No. 1,Mozart’s Ballet Music fromIdomeneo, and Haydn’s SymphonyNo. 85. This was a highly enjoyable

NEWS

Tarleton State UniversityA Member of The Texas A&M University System

AreteThe Honors ProgramsHumanities 370Box T-0545Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, TX 76402

“The good of a human being is activity of the soul in accord with excellence [arete].”-Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics

PHP and HDP members who wish tocontribute ideas, stories, or insight to the

newsletter, contact Becky Frazier atst_frazier@tarleton.edu.

Arete is the classical Greek word for “excellence” or “virtue.”

Arete is published by theHonors Programs atTarleton State University.

Director of Honors Programs: Dr. Craig CliffordEditor: Becky FrazierThe opinions expressed within are those of the individual writers,not necessarily those of Arete or of Tarleton State University.

All correspondence should be addressed to:Honors ProgramsBox T-0545, Stephenville, TX 76402Phone: (254) 968-1926E-mail: honors@tarleton.edu

Arete is available on-line atwww.tarleton.edu/~honors

Copyright 2007Honors Programs

Tarleton State University

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