| ‘Surfacing’ Shines Stage Lights on Student Talent Festival lets playwriting students see their work performed  A strange family poisons the Department of Family Services official who is investigating them. A caped superhero and villain iron out their insecurities on the couch of their common psychologist. A budding physicist discovers that in his universe, existence depends solely on keeping the audience’s interest. Meanwhile, the Brawny Man – yes, that Brawny Man – navigates gender roles in a very public, evening-long spat with his Brawny girl.
Such is the stuff of “Surfacing,” the annual playwright festival started by Webster creative writing students that now attracts student talent from throughout Webster University. Associate professor Michael Erickson, an award-winning playwright himself, is the festival’s faculty mentor. With plenty of experience seeing his own scripts reach production, he helps guide student writers, directors, and crew as they put on a professional-looking show. FULL STORY |
| Velvet Survivor History and Human Rights student from Czechia is a 'global thinker'  On November 17, 1989, with governments wobbling across Eastern Europe, students in Czechoslovakia led a peaceful demonstration that was part commemoration of resistance to Nazi occupation 50 years before, and part agitation for reform of the country’s single-party rule. The demonstrations ignited the peaceful “Velvet Revolution” that soon removed the Soviet-influenced Communist Party of Czechoslovakia from power. Within six weeks, famous Czech playwright and dissident Vaclav Havel had become the nation’s first freely elected president in more than 40 years.
Webster student Tomas Zahorka was 14 at the time, living in his tiny hometown of Velky Senor, Czechoslovakia, as the events unfolded. |
Faculty Feature Assistant Professor, German Studies International Languages & Cultures  Paula Hanssen came to Webster in 1993 as an adjunct professor at a time when the department had no full-time professor of German. She has helped grow the program ever since, serving as a visiting lecturer, program coordinator, and promoter of all things German. This spring she was chosen for the post of Assistant Professor of German Studies, effective Fall 2007.
How did you arrive at Webster? My husband and I moved to St. Louis from upstate New York. He was taking a position at another institution, also as a German professor. I found out about Webster and applied here. I’ve always liked Webster: I enjoy the students, the freedom we have to teach, and so many great colleagues.FULL STORY |
 Dean's Message Dean David Carl Wilson discusses the latest from the College of Arts & Sciences. |
| » ‘Global Thinking’ TV Series Examines Globalization on HEC-TV |
| Advisory Board Spotlight: James Buford
For 22 years, College of Arts & Sciences Advisory Board member James Buford has led the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, fulfilling a personal dream to be an advocate in civil rights, education, and economic empowerment for African Americans. In two decades at the post, Buford has had his share of controversy and, most importantly, success: His organization has grown from a budget of $2.5 million in 1985 to $15 million. Last year, 66,000 people benefited from its services, which include initiatives for education, civil engagement, leadership development, and assistance for the impoverished and homeless. |
