- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock /news-archive/tag/jodie-mahoney-center-for-gifted-education/ ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:00:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to host ‘Hamilton’-inspired student theater showcase /news-archive/2019/06/18/hamilton-student-showcase-2/ Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:00:42 +0000 /news/?p=74574 ...]]> There’s good news for musical theater enthusiasts who can’t get enough of the “ten-dollar-Founding-Father.” The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host a student showcase featuring music inspired by the breakout Broadway hit “Hamilton” on Friday, June 21. Thirty-two middle school students from across the state will show off their stage and musical theater skills by performing songs adapted from “Hamilton” at 2 p.m. June 21 in the University Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. The event is free and open to the public with refreshments immediately following the performance. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education is offering the musical theatre program, “MT Stage: The Hamilton Experience,” June 17-21 at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for students in grades 7-9. During the program, students focus on performance and stagecraft and explore the historical, societal, and cultural themes behind “Hamilton.” In stagecraft, students will learn the technical aspects of a show from start to finish – including lighting, sound, and set construction. Students in the performance track will work with a musical director and choreographer. In the final showcase, students will perform selected scenes from “Hamilton” and have a talk-back session with audience members about their program experience. “Hamilton is still the hottest ticket on Broadway,” said Dr. Christine Deitz, associate director of the Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “It has contemporary themes that children can identify with. It has all the elements of a great performance and a message of compassion and perseverance with an overarching emphasis on citizenship.” The camp is funded by an Arkansas Department of Education Academic Enrichment for the Gifted in the Summer (AEGIS) grant. “The Mahony Center is committed to serving gifted children and youth through campus-based programming. MT Stage: The Hamilton Experience is a great example of what can be done in an intensive week with excited kids, inspiring teachers, and dedicated leadership,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center. For more information, contact the Jodie Mahony Center at 501-569-3410.]]> Faculty and staff lead in giving to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock /news-archive/2019/03/08/faculty-staff-giving/ Fri, 08 Mar 2019 20:22:33 +0000 /news/?p=73662 ...]]> Faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have once again surpassed the national average for faculty and staff giving with the 2018 ALL IN Campus Campaign. Last year, more than 700 faculty and staff members – 46 percent of all employees – contributed to the campaign. Faculty and staff giving is important to the university’s overall fundraising efforts because foundations and corporations look for a high percentage of employee giving when making funding decisions. The national average for faculty and staff giving is 25 percent. “The level of support received from our faculty and staff members inspires,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “I cannot express how grateful I am to serve with faculty and staff members who show their support.” With the Campus Campaign, the emphasis is on participation rather than dollar amounts.

“Each gift, whether $1 or $1,000, is truly significant,” said Samantha Wiley, director of annual giving. Funds raised through the annual Campus Campaign provide funding for programs, department and scholarships. “As a faculty member and parent of a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alum, I’ve witnessed the impact first-hand that these scholarships can have on a student’s success,” said Tom Clifton, chair of the Department of Art and Design and a Campus Campaign steering committee member. “I think it’s important that we commit to the university as we ask others to do so.” Aresh Assadi, another member of the Campus Campaign steering committee, said the level of faculty and staff participation is a point of pride for the university. “As a first-generation student who has benefited immensely from receiving a college education, I am happy to be a part of this steering committee,” he said. “I believe that we are raising money for a great cause, and it has been incredibly heartwarming to witness the commitment that our faculty and staff have for our students. The internal giving rate at this campus is much higher than most.” Recurring payroll deductions increased by 2 percent in 2018 over 2017. Additionally, the Office of Alumni and Development received several new planned giving commitments which will benefit students in perpetuity.

Campus Departments with 100 percent participation in the campaign received commemorative ��Vlog��ý Little Rock water bottles provided by the alumni association. They are as follows: Alumni and Development, Budget Office, Business Micro Computer Lab, College of Education and Health Professions Advising and Support Center, College of Arts Letters and Sciences Dean’s Office, College of Engineering and Information Technology Dean’s Office, Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, Mail Services, Office of Military Student Success, Office of Title IX, Study Abroad, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock STEM Center, and University Affairs. Members of the Campus Campaign Steering Committee included JR Andrews, Aresh Assadi, Dr. Greg Barrett, Tyson Baldwin, Regina Wade-Carter, Tom Clifton, Shawana Diaz, Dr. Christina Drale, Cassie Gehring, Keli Jacobi, Joni Lee, Darrell Morrison, Ashley Nipp, Dr. Mary Parker, Michael Singleton, Linda Stipsky, and Samantha Wiley. Employees who work in the Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education (top right), College of Engineering and Information Technology Dean’s Office (above left) , and Mail Services (bottom right) all have 100 percent participation in the 2018 Campus Campaign. ]]> Second ACCE cohort graduates from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock /news-archive/2018/05/24/second-acce-cohort-graduates/ Thu, 24 May 2018 16:39:45 +0000 /news/?p=70663 ...]]> Kari Lott has a dream to one day save up enough money to open and run her own restaurant, a dream she is determined to make come true through her hard work and inspiring attitude. She is one of 12 students who celebrated their graduation from the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment (ACCE) Program May 21 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The joint program between ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a college experience and prepare them for competitive employment. “When I first got into the ACCE program, I was a little scared not knowing if I could do the work,” said Lott, who now has a full-time job at the Movie Tavern and was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony. “The program was built to help us all. All of our teachers helped out a lot. I worked hard at my internships to do what I needed to learn on the job.” Given her desire to open a restaurant, it should come as no surprise that Lott’s favorite internship was building her culinary skills at Sodexo. “My favorite internship was Sodexo, because I got to work in the kitchen,” Lott said. “I got to chop. I got to prepare the food and make sure it got on the line. Boy, let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy. With the help and love of our teachers, family, and parents, I made it through it, and I am proud to say I really enjoyed it.” The program was established in 2017 with the knowledge that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed from 2010 to 2012, according to the Department of Labor. Studies show that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “We are excited to continue our partnership with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to offer this important program and proud of our 2018 graduates,” said Easterseals Arkansas President and CEO Elaine Eubank. The 12 members of the second cohort of the ACCE program were surrounded by teary eyed family members, friends, teachers, mentors, and co-workers who loudly cheered as each member crossed the stage to receive a certificate for the post-secondary education program during a special ceremony in the Engineering and Information Technology Building auditorium. The graduates include Nicholas Austin of Alexander; Joshua Fletcher of North Little Rock; Davion Green, Breah Hampton, and Curtina Jackson, all of Little Rock; Kari Lott and Chasity Mathis, both of Sherwood; Ford McGahee, John Rockefeller, Juan Rodriquez Jr., and Aaron Sullivan, all of Little Rock; and Jonmichal Walker of North Little Rock. While addressing the graduates, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson emphasized the importance of higher education, employment, and living independently for success. “No matter what the situation, higher education levels the playing field and must be available and accessible for all,” Rogerson said. “If so, it will change your life for the better. This is a proud moment Class of 2018. You have worked hard and have earned a certificate of completion, an important qualification that shows you have completed a specialized training program and pathway to your future employment.” Fletcher, a 2017 graduate of North Little Rock Premier High School, was recognized as the 2018 Associate of the Year for his exemplary work during his time in the ACCE program. He has interned with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Ground Services and The Showroom to build custom frames and will be joining the workforce working full-time with Dillard’s Fulfillment Center as well as intermediate work continuing at The Showroom. This year’s class has completed on-the-job training at various departments and organizations on and off campus, including Ottenheimer Library, Sodexo, Fitness Center, Grounds Services, Custodial Services, Athletic Department, Department of Nursing, Sequoyah National Research Center, Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education, ��Vlog��ýMS/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Speech and Hearing Clinic, Information Technology Program, MidSOUTH, School of Social Work, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Children’s Learning Center, The Showroom, and Easterseals Developmental Preschool. ACCE students also enjoyed student activities by attending Trojan games, Homecoming activities, and being active participants in the college experience. The students increased ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s initiative to engage in more community outreach, enhance learning opportunities outside the classroom and diversity and as part of their outlined strategic plan. ACCE also has a collaborative partnership with the College of Education and Health Professionals, where ACCE class instruction is held, for students to volunteer within the ACCE classroom. Additionally, ACCE students lead discussions in classrooms to share their experiences in the secondary special education system. All of the graduates were awarded a free membership to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association and a gift bag. The program is continuing to grow as the third cohort of ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment Program participants will begin taking classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock this fall with 16 students. The ceremony’s commencement speaker, Alan McClain, commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, thanked the graduates for being an inspiration to those around them and strong addition to Arkansas’s workforce. “In addition to my congratulations, my message to you is also to say thank you,” McClain said. “Thank you for inspiring us with your dedication and perseverance for coming out here everyday and completing the requirements for ACCE. Please know that your involvement with ACCE has made a huge impact on the world around you.” In the upper right photo, the 2018 graduates of the ACCE program include (L to R): Back row: John Steele, ACCE instructor, and graduates John Rockefeller and Breah Hampton. Middle row: Graduates Ford McGahee, Jonmichal Walker, Joshua Fletcher, Davion Green, Juan Rodriguez, and ACCE Instructor Leslie Harms. Front row: Kari Lott, Curtina Jackson, Chasity Mathis, Nicholas Austin, and Aaron Sullivan.]]> Back this summer! MT Stage: The Hamilton Experience /news-archive/2018/04/03/hamilton/ Tue, 03 Apr 2018 17:47:47 +0000 /news/?p=70025 ...]]> Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at the University for Arkansas at Little Rock will offer a free musical theatre program inspired by the Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit “Hamilton.” “MT Stage: The Hamilton Experience” will take place June 25-29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the University Theater in the Center for Performing Arts. “Hamilton is still the hottest ticket on Broadway,” said Dr. Christine Deitz, associate director of the Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “It has contemporary themes that children can identify with. It has all the elements of a great performance and a message of compassion and perseverance with an overarching emphasis on citizenship.” The Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education has applied for and received, for the second year, an The program is open to students who are currently enrolled in Grades 7-9 during the 2017-18 school year. Thirty students from across Arkansas will be selected to participate. MT Stage is a non-residential program and does not supply housing for participants.

Participants will explore the historical, societal, and cultural themes behind “Hamilton” and will choose a focus area of musical theater: stagecraft or performance. In stagecraft, students will learn the technical aspects of a show from start to finish – including lighting, sound, and set construction. Students in the performance track will work with a musical director and choreographer. In the final showcase, students will perform selected scenes from “Hamilton” and have a talk-back session with audience members about their program experience. The enrichment program is free to participants. Online applications are available and are due May 15. For more information, contact the Jodie Mahony Center at 501-569-3410 or visit the website. In the photo above right, students perform scenes from “Hamilton” during the MT Stage: The Hamilton Experience in summer 2017.]]>