YSU Student Nurse Association members who received the "Best Community Health Project" award are, left to right, Jannette Wright, Nicole Hopper, Tracy Morgan, Maria Rohan, Tyler Neff, Deanna McCormick, and Matthew Bishop. Read News Brief below.

Below are a variety of items about upcoming events and other news notes on the campus of Youngstown State University:

• Recession sparks interest in economics
• Students win 'Best Community Health Project'
• Carols and Cocoa, Holiday concerts set for Dec. 2
• Forum explores 'Eco House' at YSU
• NPR White House correspondent visits campus
• SMARTS Holiday Open house Dec. 1
• Romanian pianist performs Dec. 1 on campus
• YSU students included as Collegiate Scholars

Calendar
Monday, Nov. 23, 8 p.m. YSU and the Dana Concert Series presents the 2009 YSU Band–O–Rama Concert, "Musical Portraits," in the Edward G. Powers Auditorium in downtown Youngstown. The concert features the YSU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, conducted by Stephen L. Gage, YSU director of bands. Admission is $5. Admission is $4 for senior citizens and non–YSU students. Admission is free for anyone with a valid YSU ID. For tickets, call the Youngstown Symphony Center Box Office at 330–744–0264. Tickets can also be purchased the night of the concert.

Tuesday, Nov. 24 and Monday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. American Red Cross Blood Drive, sponsored by University Scholars, will be held in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center.

Tuesday, Nov. 24, 7:05 p.m. YSU men's basketball team takes on Geneva in Beeghly Center.

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 and 26. YSU closed for Thanksgiving holiday.

Saturday, Nov. 28, 1, 2:30 and 8 p.m. YSU's Ward Beecher Planetarium presents ÒBad Astronomy.Ó Free.

Recession sparks interest in economics; enrollment nearly doubles

The "Great Recession," as economists have coined the current financial downturn, has resulted in a significant upturn in the number of college students interested in economics.

While enrollment of undergraduate economics majors at Youngstown State University has remained steady over the past five years, the number of graduate students has nearly doubled in just the last year alone, from 16 in 2008 to 29 this year. And the enrollment includes students from near and far, including Cameroon, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India and Nigeria.

"Students want to have a better understanding of their immediate economic circumstances, in light of the current economic environment, so that they can make proper financial adjustments for their future security," said Ebenge Usip, professor and director of YSUÕs economics graduate program.

"In addition, they are looking to comprehend the economic consequences of government policies and programs, as well as respond to the recent surge in demand for economists in the marketplace."

The increased interest in economics is part of a national trend. Between 2007 and 2008, private colleges and universities experienced an 8 percent increase in the number of economics majors, while public universities saw a 4 percent increase, according to The Journal of Economic Education. While figures are not yet available for 2009, experts project the numbers will continue to grow.

"There is no doubt that the current economic circumstances in the United States, as well as around the globe, have caused a lot of students to seek out studies in economics," Usip said. "We believe that there is great value at this particular time in earning a degree in this discipline."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of professional economists is projected to increase from 15,000 to more than 16,000 in the next seven years. Wages are going up as well, with a median starting salary of $50,200, ranking economics sixteenth out of 88 fields in a recent study by the "Payscale Data" website.

At YSU, economics majors can earn either a bachelor of arts in economics through the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences or a bachelor of science in business administration in business economics through the Williamson College of Business Administration.

On the graduate level, YSU offers master's degrees in economics and financial economics. The master's in economics is designed to provide students with a solid background in applied economics, while the master's in financial economics is designed to provide students with a solid background in applied economics and financial markets.

"The fact that all of our graduates in the past three years are today gainfully employed or pursuing a Ph.D. degree attests to the quality of our MA degree program," Usip said.

The question now is, will the interest in economics continue, even after the "Great Recession"?

"Our hope is that, with quality and heavy promotion of our programs, the number of graduate and undergraduate majors will remain high, even when the economy starts to recover," he said.

For more information, visit the Department of Economics website at http://www.as.ysu.edu/~econ/. 

Nursing students win 'Best Community Health Project' award
The Youngstown State University Student Nurse Association received "Best Community Health Project" at the Ohio Nursing Student Association conference in Dublin, Ohio, earlier this fall.

The award reflected the chapter's many philanthropic activities including serving dinner each month at the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley and collecting non–perishable food items and gently worn clothing for children and adolescents in the Youngstown City Schools and those who reside at Daybreak, a shelter for troubled teens. The students also collect pop tabs for Hospice House and Ronald McDonald Charities and attended the "Fill Every Pepper with Hope," a national St. Jude's Research Hospital Charity fundraiser at ChiliÕs Restaurants.

The community service projects, planned by Maria Rohan, YSU senior and SNA philanthropy chairperson, have attracted participation from many YSU students in the nursing program.

"We are very dedicated to making a difference in Youngstown and surrounding areas," said Deanna McCormick, SNA president. "I am so proud of all the community work we have done and will continue to do. The SNA is dedicated to help those less fortunate, especially during difficult times."

Nine students from YSU's chapter and students from 52 other Ohio nursing programs, including Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Akron and the University of Toledo, attended the two–day conference.

"I was so excited we won this award," McCormick said. "It is always a wonderful thing to be able to bring back an award from the state level to show that even a smaller university such as ours can make great things happen."

SNA members plan to serve dinner at the Rescue Mission on Dec. 20. To donate clothing and/or non–perishable food items, a bin is located in the Nursing Department's office on the second floor of Cushwa Hall. 

Carols & Cocoa, Holiday concerts set for Dec. 2
Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music presents Carols & Cocoa and the Holiday Concert 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, in Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Avenue.

Carols & Cocoa will be performed in Stambaugh's Ballroom and will feature seasonal favorites, culminating in a holiday sing–along. Dana students bring cookies to share and cocoa will be available. The Dana Chorale, University Chorus, Women's Chorus, Stambaugh Chorus, Flute Ensemble and Trombone Ensemble will participate.

After a brief intermission, guests are invited upstairs to the Concert Hall where the main concert will feature Handel's "Messiah." Participating Dana vocal and instrumental ensembles include the Dana Festival Chorus, Dana Chorale, Dana Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble 1, Dana Guitar Ensemble and Trinity Brass Quintet. The Stambaugh Chorus and the Canfield High School Choral Ensemble will be guest performers.

This annual event has been presented for more than 30 years.

"This event continues an important tradition of involving and showcasing most of our vocal and instrumental ensembles," said Michael Crist, Dana director. "It's also a fitting tribute as we continue our celebration of the Dana School of MusicÕs 140^th anniversary."

Tickets may be purchased in advance either in person at the Bliss Hall Box Office or with a credit card by phone at 330–941–3105. Tickets will also be available the evening of the performance. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and free for children under 12 and those with a valid YSU ID.

Forum explores 'Eco–House' at YSU

Youngstown State University engineering students will host a meeting 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23 to explore the possibility of establishing an "Eco–House" at YSU.

The "YSU Eco–House Forum" will be in Moser Hall, Room 2400.

The purpose of the meeting is to inform students, faculty and staff what an eco–house is, how it would benefit the YSU campus and surrounding community, and what is necessary to implement the building of the house.

Inspired by a similar structure at Ohio University, the house would provide a sustainable and green lifestyle for YSU students by enforcing recycling, composting and energy conservation. It would be equipped with the means to provide solar thermal water heating and a solar array and biomass burner.

For more information, visit http://www.ohio.edu/ecohouse/.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to ysu_ecohouse@yahoo.com.

NPR White House correspondent visits campus

Don Gonyea, White House correspondent for National Public Radio, is the featured guest at a dinner sponsored by WYSU–FM on Dec. 3.

The lecture is in the DeBartolo Stadium Club at Stambaugh Stadium on the Youngstown State University campus. The pre–event begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m.

Gonyea has been the White House Correspondent since 2000 and reporting for NPR News since 1986. He is a regular substitute on Morning Edition and has been a contributor to the BBC, CBC and AP Radio. In 2000, he earned broadcasting''s highest award, the George Foster Peabody Award, for "Lost & Found Sound," a series on All Things Considered.

Tickets are $55 for premium admission, which includes pre–event meet–and–greet, dinner and lecture; $30 for WYSU members for the dinner and lecture; and $40 for non–members for the dinner and lecture. Students may purchase tickets for $25.  

Call 330–941–3363 for more information, or visit www.WYSU.org to purchase tickets online. 

 

 

SMARTS Holiday Open House Dec. 1
SMARTS – Student Motivated by the Arts – hosts is seventh annual Holiday Open House 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the SMARTS Center, 258 Federal Plaza in downtown Youngstown.

The SMARTS Store features a collection of artistic creations and novelty items, including one–of–a–kind and limited edition works of art appropriate for a K–12 school environment. Artwork includes paintings, cards, sculptures, books, CDs and jewelry made by YSU students, local and national artists and students participating in SMARTS' free art education classes. The SMARTS Store is open 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays.

Currently on dispaly in the SMARTS gallery is the Steel Valley Art Teachers Association exhibit, featuring two–dimensional and three–dimensional artwork by students and teachers from the Mahoning Valley.

SMARTS is an arts education program at YSU's Colleges of Fine and Performing Arts and Education. SMARTS seeks to motivate students to success in all areas of life by teaching them the discipline and focus needed to create art. SMARTS classes are free and open to the public by application. For more information, call 330–941–ARTS or visits www.fpa.ysu.edu/smarts.

Romanian pianist performs Dec. 1 on campus

Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music will present a performance by Romanian–born pianist Maira Liliestedt 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, in Bliss Recital Hall.

The concert is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Wick Avenue parking deck for a nominal fee. The repertoire will include selections from Mozart, Piazzolla and Liszt.

Liliestedt was a prizewinner in national and international competitions in her native Romania before moving to the United States in 1992. She received a Bachelor of Music in piano from Bowling Green State University and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music.

Currently an assistant professor of music at Mount Union College, Liliestedt previously taught at Northern Kentucky University, the College of Mount Saint Joseph, and in the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music's evening program. She has been published in Clavier magazine and has served as panelist and presenter for the Group Piano and Piano Pedagogy conference.  

YSU students inducted as Collegiate Scholars
Youngstown State University's chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars inducted its newest members on Thursday, Nov. 12 in the Ohio Room of Kilcawley Center. Students are in the top 20 percent in academic performance among their graduating class.

YSU students inducted are: 

Leigh Altier, Monica Marie Andrecic, Lars Angstrom, Gary Nevin Bass, Peter Phillip Bellanca, Stephen Lewis Bennefield, Stephen Anthony Bevan, Jill Marie Bica, Gregory Allan Brott, Alexsandra Leigh Camardo, Katherine Denise Carpenter, Stephanie Ann Caruso, Katelyn Marie Carusso, Joshua Henry Colson, Patrick M. Cook, Antonio Joseph Copploe, Abby Kaye Coppock, Jean Ann Cox, Marnie Nicole Cram, Elizabeth Helen Crisp, Kristine Marie Cruz, Brett Thomas Cubellis, Jeremy Joseph Cummins, Alessandro B. Cutrona, Jennifer Lynn Demier, Brody DiCioccio, David Wayne Drevna, David Douglas Drummond, Peter Joseph Dufresne.

Shantal Murell Edwards, Derek Zachary Emch, Ashley Marie Emerson, Jerod Charles Everly, Kaitlyn Renee Fabian, Ryan Paul Fiscus, Heather Jasmina Folkwein, Samantha Lynn Formeck, Amanda Lee Franklin, Alexander Donald Gabriele, Anna Beth Garback, Brian David Garcar, Kippany Garriga, Sean Patrick Geizer, Joseph John Geilas, Kevin Allen Gilmore, Barbara Ann Godney, Ryan Bradley Grimes, Megan Grunenwald, Danielle Louise Harper, Jessica Nicole Harvey, Brittany Marie Heck, Kelly Louanne Heinemann, Ashley Emiline Hice, Mark Hoelzel, Dannelle Marie Hoffman, Greta Hogan, Nicole Elyse Horvath, Alexis Lauryn Hribar. 

Sara Ann Jackson, Ryan Justin James, James Kevin Jarvis, Heather May Johnson, Jill Marie Jonda, Alyssa Frances Justis, Brian James Kachaylo, Kiriakos Jacob Kakavros, Tiphanie Brigitte Kalista, Mary Beth Kasza, Kelsey Gwenn Kempton, Eric Nicolas Kennedy, Laurie A. Kowal, Edward Stephan Kupec, Marie Elizabeth Kutsko, Caitlin Nicol Kutzer, Leah Clair Lemonis, Albero Jose Lepe, Deborah Jean Lepor, Amanda Lynn Lewis, Natialie Lynn LoSasso, Brianna Theresa Lockett, Aly''cia Danielle Longmire, Nathan William Lutz, Patrick Sean Mahon, Jennifer Ann Maloney, Jason Thomas Marchini, Kelly Maxine Marett, Aaron Thaddaeus Margraff , Alexa Marie Marino, Matthew James Mason, Lauren Blazer McComas, Gregory Michael McCumber, Justin Richard McIntyre, Alexander William Merdich, Sarah Miller, Joy Lynne Mistovich. 

Michelle Lynn Nittoli, Chelsea Christine OÕBrien, Karyssa Marie Opencar, Matthew Raymond Parish, Christa Marie Parks, Kaylee Joana Peterson, Jaime Lee Petrus, Kelli M. Phillips, Brittany Nicole Plants, Aaron Joseph Poindexter, Samantha Marie Popovec, Eric William Porinchak, Shannon M. Porter, Margo C. Powlysyn, Denise Marie Racick, Jacob Faiz Rafidi, Talha H. Rahman, Jason Robert Ramey, Christina Louise Ranali, Christopher Colin Reed, Michael Jeremy Reed, Jordan Charles Reynolds, Julie Catherine Rice, Kara Roche, Leslie Anne Roddy, Breanna Renee Romeo, Jacob Adam Rose, Susan Rae Rowe.

Kylee M. Sharisky, Marissa Ann Sheehn, Sabreena Aly Shrader, Melissa Evelyn Sidley, Evelyn Faith Silvis, Arista Marie Simon, Andrew John Skrinyer, Jenna Marie Smaldino, John Thomas Snyder, Christina Ann Sowders, Melanie Marie Sparks, Kristyn Lynn Stanislav, Cory John Stevens, Chelsea Jo Hutcheson Stoffel, John Wesley Swisher, Candy L. Syacsure, Breanne Elizabeth Szmara, Joshua Luke–Allen Taylor, Michael David Turner, Michelle Lynn Villy, Timothy Raymond Vinopal, Bryan Patrick Whitaker, Ashley Marie White, Annette Yvonne Williams, Anthony Brian Williams, Kathryn Marie Wolf, Randy Michele Yazvac and Craig Justin Ziobert.