PLYMOUTH, N.H.- Plymouth State University continued its dominance in college geography academic competition by earning another New England-St. Lawrence Valley Geographical Society (NESTVAL) World Geography Bowl trophy. NESTVAL is the nation's oldest regional academic geography organization, and Plymouth State's Geo Bowl team has won the competition many times since its inception in 1992.

The team, comprised of five PSU students and advised by Dr. Bryon Middlekauff, competed in three head-to-head quiz bowl rounds against teams from Salem State, Bridgewater State, Central Connecticut State (CCSU), and Keene State. Each round consists of 12 individual questions and two team-questions with multiple-part answers.

PSU's NESTVAL Championship Team, left to right, Kyle McGonagle, Merrimack, N.H., Marie Callahan, Hollis, N.H., Heidi Van Curen, Derry, N.H., Courtney Webb, Middlebury, VT., Jesse Robillard,Sanbornton, N.H.

Plymouth defeated CCSU in the final round, 125-60. Beyond the team championship, PSU students also won individual honors, with Kyle McGonagle (Senior Geography major) winning the 1st place MVP award, and Marie Callahan (Senior Geography major), winning the 2nd place MVP award. Other members of the PSU team included: Jessie Robillard (Junior, Environmental Planning), Courtney Webb (Junior, Environmental Science and Policy), and Heidi Van Curen (Junior, Anthropology/Sociology).

Dr. Mark Okrant was honored with the 2009 NESTVAL Award for Lifetime Contribution to Geography.

Eligible students will be selected to represent the NESTVAL region all-star team in the national competition at the Association of American Geographers conference in Washington DC in April.

Professor Middlekauff said he was very proud of the Plymouth State team's performance.

"I couldn't believe it! They were very competitive," Middlekauff said.

Additionally, Middlekauff was elected to serve as NESTVAL's Regional Councilor and will represent the New England states and eastern Canada on the Association of American Geographers' Executive committee for the next three years.

Not only did PSU win the NESTVAL competition, PSU Social Science Professor Dr. Mark Okrant was honored with the 2009 NESTVAL Award for Lifetime Contribution to Geography. Okrant said he was surprised and thrilled to receive the recognition.

"This is an honor I will cherish. I hope to repay NESTVAL's selection by making many more contributions before the sun sets on my career," Okrant said.

Okrant is a professor of tourism management and director of PSU's Institute for New Hampshire Studies. He has coordinated tourism research for the State of New Hampshire since 1990 and is past president of the Travel and Tourism Research Association and the New England-St. Lawrence Valley Geographical Society. He was the 1998 recipient of the Association of American Geographers' John Rooney Award, for excellence in applied tourism research, and is the author of four books.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu ]]> 11/17/09 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6749

PLYMOUTH, N.H.-Continuing a tradition of providing exceptional programs in Business, Plymouth State University has established the College of Business Administration and has named longtime Business Department Chair and Professor Trent Boggess as the College's founding Dean. Dr. Boggess received his undergraduate degree in History and German, and his master's in Economics from Bowling Green University and his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Kansas. Before joining the faculty of Plymouth State, Dr. Boggess was employed by the Ford Motor Company and an Assistant Professor of Economics at Kent State University. Since 1983 Dr. Boggess has been a member of the Business Department faculty and has served as Director, Assistant Chair and Chair of the Department since 1992. Dr. Boggess has an international reputation for his knowledge of the products and business practices during the early years of the Ford Motor Company, particularly with respect to the design, development and production of the Model T Ford. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Model T Heritage Complex, Inc, a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Ford's Piquette Avenue Plant, the birthplace of the Model T. As part of his public service and scholarship, Dr. Boggess has contributed over 2500 volunteer hours to the Benson Ford Research Center.

Trent Boggess has been named Dean of PSU's College of Business Administration

PSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Julie Bernier said she has great respect for Dr. Boggess as a leader in business administration.

"Dr. Boggess has led the department through a period of unprecedented growth," Bernier said. "He is innovative and has the vision necessary to lead the college as its first Dean. I look forward to working with him in shaping the future of this newly created college."

The College of Business Administration will continue to provide Bachelor of Science degree programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing and Management and at the graduate level, the Master of Business Administration.

"The current economic situation offers a wealth of opportunities for well-trained students in the global marketplace," said Boggess. "The programs we offer in the College of Business Administration are preparing our graduates to enter the workforce poised for success."

There are 850 undergraduate Business majors and 225 graduate students currently enrolled in PSU Business programs.

In just the past year, the PSU business faculty developed several new programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. For example, the recent restructuring of the Bachelor's degree in Marketing produced three new options; Integrated Marketing Communication, Public Relations, and Professional Sales Leadership. To better serve New Hampshire's business needs, an option in Small Business and Entrepreneurship has been added to the Bachelor of Science in Management.

The PSU MBA was recently expanded to offer an International Business Certificate in partnership with the University of Babes-Bolyai in Cluj, Romania, whereby courses are taught by both UBB and PSU faculty. Additionally, this summer, PSU signed an agreement with the American University Antigua to offer the Plymouth MBA with a certificate in Health Care Administration to AUA's medical students.

PSU's MBA is offered around the state and online and offers six specialized certificates in Investment and Finance, Strategic Marketing Management, Organizational Communication, The Human Side of Enterprise, International Business, and Health Care Administration. The PSU Small Business Institute (SBI) program is nationally recognized for the quality of its students' projects and in 2007, was named best SBI program in the country.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu ]]> 10/22/09 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6725

PLYMOUTH, N.H.- Seven Plymouth State graduates have been honored with Alumni Recognition awards for service to the school, community and their professional achievements. The 2009 Alumni Awards were presented Saturday, Oct. 17 at Heritage Commons as part of Homecoming and Family Celebration Weekend.

Here are the award recipients:

Distinguished Alumni Service Award: Larry Haynes 1986

The Distinguished Alumni Service Award, established in 1963, recognizes the graduate who through unselfish devotion and loyalty has served Plymouth State University and/or its alumni organizations. To be eligible, a graduate shall have rendered unusual service in the form of: faithful and continued effort in such areas as maintaining class or other alumni organizations; active participation in alumni or university affairs; and assistance in expanding the usefulness, influence and prestige of the university. Haynes, a member of the President's Council and the USNH Board of Trustees, said he was surprised at being chosen.

"It's very humbling to be included in such a prestigious group," Haynes said. "I've always wanted to contribute in a small way, certainly it's a thrill to be recognized."

Alumni Achievement Award: Fred Bramante G06

Established in 1978, and modified in 1991, the Alumni Achievement Award recognizes deserving alumni who exemplify the university's motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve) through active participation in and special contribution to, the activities of the PSU Alumni Association, their chosen professional field, or the improvement of society in general. Bramante, a successful businessman and former state school board chair, has long advocated reforming school systems to include real world learning,' like involving local businesses in offering mentoring opportunities to students. Bramante said the Alumni award is significant to him.

"It's a recognition that the work I've been putting forward has merit and people are starting to accept it and move in a new direction in improving schools around the country," said Bramante.

The Ut Prosim Award: Richard Wylie 1963

The Ut Prosim Award, established in 1998, recognizes an alumna or alumnus whose exemplary community service and contributions in business, professional, civic, philanthropic, volunteer or similar activities are worthy of recognition and have brought honor to Plymouth State University and exemplify the University's motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve). Primary volunteer service shall not be to Plymouth State University, but to the community. Types of service include, but are not limited to:

• Elected office or other civic involvement

• Community improvement programs (Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Girl/Boy Scout leadership, Homelessness Task Force, etc.)

• Service society membership (Lion's Club, Kiwanis, etc.)

• Leadership in professional organizations.

Wylie is the longtime President of Endicott College in Beverly, Mass., and has served as a professor and administrator at the University of Connecticut, Temple University, the University of Colorado, and Lesley College. He is very involved with community volunteering, sitting on numerous boards including banks, corporations and non-profit agencies. Wylie said giving back to the community is an integral part of his life and it was nurtured when he was an undergraduate student in Plymouth.

"It reinforces what I learned at Plymouth, giving and caring does make a difference," Wylie said. "I think we can be models to others and encourage others to do it; I'm greatly appreciative of this award."

Plymouth State University Alumni Association 2009 honorees, from left to right, Amanda Crean, Christina Labriola, Gene Martin, Class of 2009 Officers who received the Graduating Senior Award of Excellence, Kim Rawson Sychterz, Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award, Linda Levy, Faculty/Staff Award of Excellence, Heidi Pettigrew, Recent Alumni Award of Excellence, Fred Bramante, Alumni Achievement Award, Larry Haynes, Distinguished Alumni Service Award, and Richard Wylie, Ut Prosim Award.

Recent Alumni Award of Excellence: Heidi Pettigrew 1999, G07

Established in 2008, the Recent Alumni Award of Excellence is awarded to alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years, in recognition of professional excellence and outstanding service to the University, association, community and/or nation. Pettigrew received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from PSU and is currently the Marketing Manager for PSU's College of Graduate Studies. Pettigrew said she is deeply honored to receive the award.

"As a student, Plymouth prepared me with the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed professionally," Pettigrew said. "Now, as an employee, Plymouth has given me the opportunity identify and pursue my professional interests; connect and collaborate with staff, faculty, students, and alumni; and explore and implement new ideas to best serve the University and our constituents. I look forward to continuing to serve Plymouth State-as an employee and proud alum."

Faculty/Staff Award of Excellence: Linda Levy G04 - HHP

Established in 2008, the Faculty/Staff Award of Excellence is awarded to a faculty or staff member who exhibits a commitment to supporting alumni and students connections in a campus environment. Levy, an HHP associate professor, said she hoped that she can continue to give as much to the University as she has received.

"It's very humbling to receive an award from an alumni association," said Levy. "For me, it's just a way to give back to a place that's given me so much."

Graduating Senior Award of Excellence: The Class of 2009 Officers (Eugene Martin, Christina Labriola, Amanda Crean)

Established in 2008, the Graduating Senior Award of Excellence is awarded to a graduating member of the incoming alumni class who exhibits outstanding campus and community leadership while enhancing alumni activities. Martin said the Class of 2009 started a scholarship program for students of the ALLWell Center because it's a gift that will directly aid students.

"We chose the class gift to better the institution, rather than just giving a bench or something tangible, we're giving chances for scholarships to help the ALLWell Center, so hopefully we've set the bar for the next set of folks," Martin said.

Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award : Kim Rawson Sychterz G09

Established in 2008, the Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award is awarded to a graduate alum who through earning an advanced degree has been able to impact their profession, community or society in a positive and meaningful manner. Rawson Sychterz credits PSU's faculty with her success and said the award reflects their hard work.

"It's a huge honor," said Rawson Sychterz. "The faculty have given me so many opportunities; they've helped me become what I am today and accomplish the things I have today."

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu ]]> 10/19/09 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6719

PLYMOUTH, N.H.- Plymouth State University is managing to weather the international economic storm with proactive and prudent budget measures, said President Sara Jayne Steen in her annual State of the University address March 25.

"The global economic turmoil means that this is not a normal year, not business as usual for any institution of higher education," Steen said. "If we make decisions wisely, and strategically, both about what we cannot fund and what we should fund, we will emerge from this a stronger and even more well-focused regional comprehensive university, serving our students and our region with distinction."

Even in the face of uncertain economic conditions, Steen said PSU still delivers a first-class education.

"Plymouth State's foremost strength is our people, who are innovative, entrepreneurial, collaborative, and committed to student success," Steen said. "I see the results on a daily basis in students who are succeeding beyond their dreams and who regularly credit the faculty and staff members in departments across the campus, from academics and athletics to residential life and the bursar's office, providing guidance, support and inspiration."

PSU President Sara Jayne Steen delivering her State of the University Address March 25

Steen cited several PSU students, faculty, staff, and projects that define the essence of the University and distinguish it in the world, including these recent accomplishments: graduate student, Nick Stevenson, won a national research competition at a water quality conference in St. Louis; the PSU Panther football team won the New England Football Conference Championship, and Coach Paul Castonia was selected New England Coach of the Year for Divisions II/III; English professor Liz Ahl won the 2008 Slapering Hol Prize for Poetry; Crystal Finefrock, associate director of Financial Aid, will receive the Champion of Educational Opportunity award in recognition of her work with first generation and low-income students; and Langdon Woods Residential Complex has been recognized as one of the nation's top 10 LEED Gold projects.

President Steen also pointed out that National Geographic Adventure magazine recently named Plymouth one of the 50 next great towns in the United States in which to live - and she added that PSU enjoys strong partnerships in our community."This year we celebrated 1808, the date of the founding of the Holmes Plymouth Academy, the lands and buildings of which eventually became the Normal School, and thus the town of Plymouth's 200-year commitment to education."

• PSU is emphasizing access and affordability, investing nearly $700,000 in additional financial aid this year to discount students' cost of attendance; and it has moved to the federal direct lending program, which offers advantages to students and their families in terms of cost, repayment, and security.

• Student recruitment is increasingly important as the number of high school graduates recedes and the cost of higher education presents challenges to those seeking a college education. PSU recruitment efforts are expanding domestically and internationally.

• PSU has transformed its advancement division, so that it incorporates alumni relations, advancement data services, development and now will add a new initiative with parental relations.

At the same time, the University's administration is exploring revenue enhancement, looking to the best use of its facilities, expanded winterim and summer offerings, increased on-line or multimedia courses in topics areas, and other initiatives. Members of PSU's cabinet are also gathering information about ways to reduce or postpone expenses.

"As we look especially to the next year or two, there will be hard decisions," Steen said. "In making them, we will focus on our values, our priorities, and our mission. We will emphasize the core of what we do and who we are in our teaching, scholarship and creativity, and engagement with the region. We will work to offer a good and stable environment for the faculty and staff members whose effort advances this University and our students every day."

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or Bruce Lyndes

PLYMOUTH, N.H.-"At 64-years-old, this is an absolutely thrilling opportunity," is how PSU Professor of Business Duncan McDougall describes his Fulbright Scholarship, which will take him to the classrooms and boardrooms of the eastern European country of Romania this fall.

"It will be a cultural awakening for me," said McDougall, who will teach three courses at Babes-Bolyai University, located in Cluj-Napoca, about 50 miles from the Hungarian border. In addition, McDougall will help strengthen their international business program and advise them on building an MBA degree.

"I feel qualified to do that, since I have been teaching in MBA programs since 1976, and since I serve on the accrediting board for graduate programs at the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs," McDougall said. "I hope to help our colleagues at Babes-Bolyai plan a creditable program."

McDougall applied for the prestigious and highly-competitive Fulbright Scholarship last year and learned of his acceptance in March. McDougall was chosen, in part, because of his academic rank and position, reputation as a scholar, teaching ability, awards and professional accomplishments.

The Fulbright Scholar Program sends 800 scholars and professionals each year to over 140 countries, where they lecture or conduct research in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. Fulbright grants are made to U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries for a variety of educational activities, primarily university lecturing, advanced research, graduate study and teaching.

"It will be a refreshing, stimulating experience, it will provide me a more globalized point of view," said McDougall, who will also act as a liaison between U.S. and Romanian businesses who want to develop relationships.

"There is a growing auto manufacturing business there and I used to work for General Motors," McDougall said. "I will also act as a representative of this University and the business community, so I will be giving talks on American business and our economy."

Dr. Julie Bernier, PSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said McDougall's Fulbright mission will serve PSU well.

"This is a wonderful occasion for Dr. McDougall to share his expertise and to bring back a wealth of experience and knowledge to our students," Bernier said. "It is also a great opportunity for Plymouth State University and Babes-Bolyai University to further develop our partnership."

PSU business professor Daniel Moore said McDougall's Fulbright experience will improve the University's business education efforts.

"PSU will gain from Duncan's exposure to, and his ability to bring back to the classroom, a more detailed understanding of global business practices and experiences, especially in one of the more dynamic areas of the world; Eastern Europe," Moore said.

McDougall's experience and expertise in business education makes him an ideal candidate for the year-long program. McDougall teaches management accounting, operations management, and entrepreneurship courses in the PSU undergraduate and MBA programs and from 1994 through 1998 directed PSU's nationally recognized Small Business Institute. He served as chair of the PSU Department of Business from 1998 through 2001, and is presently chair of the Baccalaureate/Graduate Board of Commissioners of the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, an international accrediting body. McDougall holds a bachelor's degree from Amherst College and both MBA and DBA degrees from the Harvard Business School.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or Bruce Lyndes

Known as Geographers on Film (GOF), Dow's work includes more than 550 film and video interviews of distinguished geographers and selected scholarly sessions.

The project resulted from Dow's years of teaching the history and philosophy of geography. "Students would pour over writings of cognoscenti to acquire an appreciation for the genesis and development of the discipline as a field of learning," Dow said. After considering what an educational windfall it would have been to have Aristotle on film, Dow decided to record for posterity the thoughts of modern scientists in the field. The collection covers much of 20th Century geography.

Citations and awards were presented to Dr. Dow and his late wife, Nancy Freeman Dow at the 104th AAG Annual Meeting in Boston. Nancy Dow served as series videographer from 1982-2004. She is best remembered in New Hampshire as executive director of the Plymouth regional arts organization, Friends of the Arts.

A highlight of the recognition ceremony was announcement that the AAG will assume responsibility for archiving, digitizing and disseminating via the Internet and video discs, this "hidden treasure." Additionally, copies will be archived at several major academic libraries throughout the United States. "The format of the series, plus its depth and span, make GOF one of the richest, discipline-based oral history resources in the academic world," said AAG Executive Director, Douglas Richardson.

Availability of the collection will significantly aid teaching the history and philosophy of geography, because students will be able to review the development of geographical knowledge from a variety of aspects.

For information about Geographers on Film, logon to the Geographers on Film Web site: oz.plymouth.edu/~gof/home.html or contact Dr. Dow by e-mail to mwd@plymouth.edu

]]> 5/29/08 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6346 PLYMOUTH, N.H. -Ask Carol Kuzdeba what the profession of human resources is and she doesn't miss a beat: "it's about people," she says. Her technical knowledge and skill with people are two the reasons Kuzdeba, assistant director of human resources for benefits administration at Plymouth State University, has been named the 2008 Distinguished Professional, Administrative and Technical(PAT)staff member.

The annual award is based on nominations from colleagues, alumni and students, and recognizes comprehensive job knowledge, resourcefulness, leadership on campus committees, activities and functions, participation in professional organizations, ongoing professional development, participation in projects to enhance PSU programs, policies and procedures, and respect and value for all individuals.

Kuzdeba's experience at Plymouth State demonstrates that life does, in fact, go in cycles. She graduated from Plymouth State College in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and after time away as an elementary school teacher, mother of twins, employee relations representative at Lockheed, and co-founder of the first extended after school program in an elementary school in New Hampshire, she returned to Plymouth State with an M.Ed. and eight years of experience. That was 16 years ago.

Over time, faculty members who taught her as a student have become her counselees, as she helps them with employee relations and benefits issues, and retirement planning."I have retired' some of my former professors in my work here!" Kuzdeba exclaimed.

In human resources, you have to be very organized and very caring, Kuzdeba says. Comments from colleagues make it clear that she is both.

One nominator said that "she handles challenging situations with grace, tact and kindness. ... Carol is simply an incredible asset to PSU, and sets a magnificent example for the campus in all that she does."

Another said that she "does a great job balancing her advocacy of PSU employees with her responsibilities to the institution." A third added,"I have been honored to count Carol as a colleague, a role model and a friend."

Being organized has helped her to have time for the volunteer work she also loves, working with dogs at four humane societies. "Every dog I have adopted has been a rescue or from a humane society," the Meredith resident said.

And being organized helps her make time for a monthly polka dancing date with husband, Ray. "He's 100 percent Polish," she says. "His mother introduced us to dancing. She's 90 years old and still dancing!"

"I have nicely laid out plans of what I am going to accomplish and deadlines I have to meet. But people come first. Sometimes I can't even start on my list until three o'clock in the afternoon. We are a close-knit community at the University, and HR is a bit like teaching. It involves lots of listening and understanding people. I do a lot of business on my walks around the campus, but that's okay. I am glad people know I am someone they can turn to for help."

"Carol sees to it that the H is kept in H.R. at Plymouth State," one faculty couple at the ceremony concluded.

]]> 5/22/08 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6340 PLYMOUTH, N.H. - More than half a century ago, Eugene Savage and Joan Doyon met while attending Plymouth Teachers College. Now, to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary, the family and friends of Eugene 58 and Joan 56 Savage have established an endowed scholarship fund at Plymouth State University in their honor.

"We could think of no better way to honor our parents on this momentous occasion than to establish a scholarship that celebrates their passion for education, their love of New Hampshire, and their ongoing commitment to their alma mater," said Dr. Kathleen Savage Mills, one of the Savage's three daughters.

The Eugene and Joan Savage Education Award will be presented annually to a Plymouth State University student from New Hampshire who aspires to pursue a career in education. The recipient will be chosen by a selection committee and will be awarded on the basis of financial need, academic accomplishment and promise for future success.

"Today's rising costs of higher education are putting considerable financial burdens on students and their families," said Deborah Savage Rearick. "The Eugene and Joan Savage Education Award will significantly reduce this burden for countless numbers of New Hampshire's finest young people."

Mr. Savage's career in education spans 35 years in secondary and post-secondary education. Most recently, he has served as senior government relations advisor for Rath, Young and Pignatelli, PA in Concord, N.H.

In 1967, Savage began working for the University System of New Hampshire. First as Dean of Admissions at the University of New Hampshire, followed by 13 years as vice president for university relations, vice chancellor and, finally, as consultant to the chancellor.

Savage has received numerous awards including this year's Plymouth State University Alumni Association's Alumni Achievement Award, the New Hampshire Distinguished Citizen Award from the Daniel Webster Council of Boy Scouts, the Distinguished Service Award from the PSU Alumni Association, the Thomas More Award from St. Thomas More Church, the Distinguished Service Award from the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors, and the Profile of Service Award from the UNH Alumni Association. He was selected for Outstanding Young Men of America in 1970.

At this year's undergraduate commencement at PSU, USNH Chancellor Stephen Reno presented the Chancellor's Medallion to Savage, citing his tireless efforts on behalf of higher education in general and the university system in particular.

Savage has served his community in various capacities over the years in organizations such as Odyssey House, Inc., Eastern States Exposition, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, and the American National Red Cross.

He has served his alma mater as a member of the alumni association board of directors and on the University's President's Council. He was also chair of the PSU Presidential Search Committee. In 1999, he was elected by the PSU Alumni Association to serve as the Plymouth State member of the USNH Board of Trustees.

Savage, who holds a master's degree in education from Boston University in addition to his undergraduate degree from Plymouth State, also has received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Franklin Pierce College.

Joan Savage began her teaching career at Pittsfield (N.H.) High School, and after doing graduate work at the University of New Hampshire, she continued her teaching at Oyster River Middle School in Durham.

She received the PSU Alumni Association Service Award in 1988, and was the recipient of the Thomas More Award from St. Thomas More Church. In 1998, she was again honored by her alma mater, and was given the PSU Alumni Association Achievement Award. She has served on the PSU Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Girl Scout Council, and was Durham President for American Association of University Women (AAUW).

An accomplished artist, Mrs. Savage is a member of the Durham Art Association as well as the Pine Island Art Association and Heron's Glen Art Association in Ft. Myers, Fla.

"We know our parents will consider it a great honor to have their names associated with an award that will make a difference in the lives of Plymouth State University students," said Suzanne Savage Yeatts.

Sara Jayne Steen, President of Plymouth State University, noted that Gene and Joan Savage are the first couple to have individually received both the PSU Alumni Service and Alumni Achievement Awards. "We are grateful that the Savage family and friends chose to honor Gene and Joan with an endowed scholarship. It is a wonderful recognition of their significant and on-going contributions."

Contributions to the Eugene and Joan Savage Education Award can be mailed to Angela Matthews, Director of Development, 17 High Street, MSC 50, Plymouth, N.H., 03264.

For more information on this release, contact Christopher M. Williams at cwilliams@plymouth.edu or (603) 535-2276. ]]> 6/29/07 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=5694 Patricia L. Lindberg, professor of education and coordinator of Plymouth State University's graduate program in integrated arts, received the 2006 Award for Excellence in Children's Theatre from the New Hampshire Theatre Committee (NHTC) Feb. 2.

The NHTC is an all-volunteer board which oversees the year-round operations of the New Hampshire Theatre Awards, leading up to their annual celebration of the best community and professional theatre in the state. The award recognizes excellence in community and professional theatre.

"Trish was an easy pick," said Rick Broussard, editor of New Hampshire Magazine sponsor of the award, "Some children's theatre groups use kids creativity to give audiences a remarkable theatrical experience. Other groups focus on programs that provide a lasting value for the kids. Trish Lindberg's productions accomplish all of the above in a way that transcends the bounds of conventional children's theatre."

"Trish Lindberg reminds us that the implicit promise of all art is that it can change the world for the better. And she knows that this promise rings most true when the art comes from the hands and hearts and voices of young people." Lindberg is co-founder and artistic director of the award-winning Educational Theatre Collaborative (ETC), a 13-year partnership between Plymouth State University, Plymouth Elementary School and Friends of the Arts. She also founded the Kearsarge Arts theatre, the largest summer arts organization of its kind in New England, offering a wide variety of arts classes for children ages 4-18 for more than 20 years in the New London area.

Working with professors Gail Mears and Gary Goodnough of PSU's M.Ed. in counselor education program, Lindberg created TIGER (Theatre Integrating Guidance, Education and Responsibility) a professional theatre company that has toured to more than113,000 school children in 398 schools. TIGER shows are created from the writings of children about difficult social issues they face in school, such as bullying, diversity, and friendship.

"TIGER enables children to hear their own voices as they step back from the experiences of bullying and intolerance of individual differences to move into more successful social interactions at school," Lindberg said.

Each January ETC produces a full-length work, with a cast comprising area children, members of the community, and students and staff of Plymouth State University. Notification of this award came just as ETC was rehearsing the 2007 production, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which was staged in Plymouth Jan. 24-28.

"Only one word really sums up the Educational Theatre Collaborative's recent production of Beauty and the Beast: amazing Allison Duhamel as Belle captivated the stage, proving she can not only act, but sing as well." --Plymouth Record-Enterprise

For the first time ETC will tour a production to Concord when it performs Beauty and the Beast at the Capitol Center for the Arts Feb. 9 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Concord performances are available at the CCA box office, at 223-1111 or online at http://www.ccanh.com/online-ticketing/87 "We are pleased to reach out to the Concord area community with an outstanding example of intergenerational theatre," Lindberg said. "We have many alumni and current students' families in the area and Concord is a city that really supports the arts. We are very excited to be performing there."

Lindberg's work has been recognized by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, which presented her the 1999 Governor's Arts and Education Award. In 2002 she won the prestigious NETC Moss Hart Trophy for Best Overall Production of 2002 for her original play, A You and Me World. In 2003 she received the Youth Theatre Director of the Year Award from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE).

She was named Plymouth State's Distinguished Teacher of 2003, and one of New Hampshire's six most remarkable women by New Hampshire Magazine. In 2004 , the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education named Lindberg New Hampshire Professor of the Year. She was selected from among nearly 400 top professors in the U.S.

"The opportunity to work with young people and the arts is an exciting and extremely fulfilling journey," Lindberg said. "I am fortunate to be part of an institution that encourages opportunities for faculty to pursue integrated creative projects. ETC, KAT and TIGER flourish because of the tremendous support from the University and members of the greater community, who have shown that they value what educational theatre an do for young people, families and society."

"My teaching has been enriched by the contact I have had with so many different people engaged in the power of the arts."

The NHTC was founded by a group of performers, directors, producers and theatre lovers who believe in the magic of the stage. The motivation was originally to give a lasting tribute to the hard work and talent that is given, often for little or no tangible reward, to bring joy and understanding to people of New Hampshire, to promote New Hampshire theatre to each other and beyond, and to raise the already high standard of theatre that exists in New Hampshire. That motivation now has become a shared vision. Dozens of groups across the state have benefited from participating, sharing notes, resources and experiences, gaining awareness of the greater theatre community and discovering their places within it.

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