Fall Faculty Workshop

It's hard to believe that classes start tomorrow!  My last few weeks were consumed with teaching an intensive five weeks summer course and then getting things ready for the Fall semester.  Unfortunately one of our retired Jesuit faculty who had been assigned to teach an elective on Sacraments needs to take some extra time off and so I had to pick up his course.  While I'm qualified to teach the course, I've had to spend lots of time prepping for it and building a webpage for the course.

Yesterday we had our Fall Faculty Workshop during which we discussed our mission, pedagogy, and the up-coming re-accreditation process that happens every ten years.  Rockhurst faculty are commited to offering high-quality education that ever adapts to the needs of students in a changing global environment.

I look forward to an exciting semester and year!

Graduating to the Next Level

Well it's that time of year when students graduate and go off into the great beyond.  For many, it truly is going beyond, beyond their previous confines, comfort levels, accomplishments.  One student of mine, Andew Wessling, who is a cool and zany guy, is entering into the Master's Program at Creighton University, a fellow Jesuit institute, and will be part of the Magis Program.  Magis is the Latin word for "more" that encapsulates the Jesuit ideal of continuing growth in excellence.  Andrew, while pursuing his Masters in Education, will be working at a Catholic high school in South Dakota on an Indian Reservation, serving as an English teacher and soccer coach. http://www.creighton.edu/magis/

The spirit of magis and cura personalis, care for the whole person, pervades the student experience at Rockhurst University.  A Rockhurst education is not an end in itself but a door to new beginnings and continued development.  Check out how our program can prepare you to realize your future dreams. http://www.rockhurst.edu/

All the best to all of our graduates!

"Doc"

The Road to Service

Where did April go?  Well, besides the Royal Wedding on April 29th, I had something else to celebrate.  One of my Department members Dr. Bill Stancil, received the prestigious Harry B. Kies Award for outstanding service.  He was commemorated at the annual Faculty Dinner that evening.

Bill has served the university in innumerable ways some of which are being a Department Chair, Chairing the Rank and Tenure Committee, and being the Director of the Rockhurst University Press.  Thanks to his selfless work, our centennial book, Rockhurst University the First 100 Years, was a success.  He likewise contributed significantly to our centennial celebrations.  Bill truly embodies our Jesuit values of service, magis, and cura personalis.

This same spirit is inculcated in our students.  The road to service is the road to personal enrichment and fulfillment.  By walking on such a path one leads by example and inspires others.  Rockhurst students have many opportunites to be engaged in Service Learning projects.  Check us out.

http://www.rockhurst.edu/services/service/index.asp

Shaken to the Core

I think a lot of us have been shaken to the core with the 9.0 earthquake, subsequent tsunami, and now the danger of nuclear meltdowns.  The event was so profound that it even shook the Earth's axis and now our tilt towards the sun has been changed.  A lot to ponder.

While I hardly wish to diminish the reality and human tragedy that has transpired and continues to unfold, or to ignore the practically miraculous discovery of survivors eight and more days afterwards, this whole thing about the Earth's axis changing has caused me to think, and even philosophize.

What events have shaken me to the core and caused me to get off balance or re-orientate my relationships?  Sometimes being shaken to the core can be a good thing.  Maybe I was already off-balance and teetering in a dangerous path and needed to be re-alligned.  Or what things do I let shake me up more than they need to?

It just amazes me that the Earth itself was so deeply impacted that it's orbit has changed, even if ever so slightly.  But WOW!  Causes me to think about what lies at the core of my being and what I value.  And of course I could be really cheesey and talk about Rockhurst and its core values etc, but I don't mean this as a "sales pitch" whatsoever.  I mean, Think about it—the Earth's orientation has changed!  How often does that happen?  Yes, there was a previous quake that had such an impact as well.  But moving planets is not an everyday occurence.  It can serve as an opportunity to pause and reflect upon life itself.  Life is a very precious and wondrous thing. Embrace life.  (And I'd encourage you to help support our fellow human beings [and other life forms—What about that dog protecting its wounded friend?] in Japan.)

All the best, Daniel

Competitive Edge

What will make YOU stand out from the crowd of 2011 graduates in the job market?

To help in that daunting task,

Rockhurst University is launching a new two-week early summer program.  It's called the Summer Business Camp—Mensch Management.  This is for NON-BUSINESS majors (juniors and seniors) to help you learn the basics and the language of business in areas such as ethics, accounting, finance, economics, marketing, as well as leadership.  As we all know, most often the bottom line is $$$ so being able to navigate in a tough economy is essential.

The program lasts May 16-27, meeting all day with some evenings, plus Saturday morning.  You'll get hands on experience meeting with CEOs and a seasoned team.  The Certificate can help strengthen your resumé.

If interested, follow this link or on Facebook search for Mensch Management. 

http://cte.rockhurst.edu/s/945/faculty.aspx?sid=945&gid=1&pgid=2120

And see what Rockhurst can do for you!  Open to non-Rockhurst students.

666 & the Mark of the Beast

New Release

Besides delivering conference papers and writing articles, Rockhurst University faculty also publish books.  Here's my first academic book in print which I'll incorporate into my Book of Revelation class.

Read what some endorses have said about it:
"Daniel Stramara whirls his way through Revelation, imaginatively unfolding a complex web of intriguing possibilities to argue that Revelation draws from liturgical lections associated with the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost). Read along—it's certainly a fun ride."
—Warren Carter
Professor of New Testament  Brite Divinity School

"Daniel F. Stramara, in his engaging new work, God's Timetable, sheds light on many of the exegetical enigmas in the Book of Revelation. Stramara reads Revelation within the liturgical context of the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (Shavu'ot), a festival whose apocalyptic significance is attested by other important Jewish writings of John's time. Ultimately, Stramara's work reveals a community very much at home in the world of first century Judaism."
—Paul B. Duff  Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies  The George Washington University

"As strange as it may seem, some two millennia after the writing of the Book of Revelation we now have a work that provides an original and convincing account of the meaning of the last book of the Bible. In this blockbuster, Daniel Stramara deciphers some of the most mysterious and puzzling images in Revelation. Carefully grounded in Jewish and Christian scholarship, God's Timetable will be a standard against which future works on Revelation will be measured."
—Wilburn T. Stancil  Professor of Theology and Religious Studies  Rockhurst University

"While many recent studies on the Apocalypse focus on the resistance of Christians to Empire, Daniel Stramara challenges readers to interpret the Apocalypse in its Jewish setting. His placement of the Apocalypse in the context of the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) is both compelling and convincing. By proposing the Feast of Weeks as a hermeneutical key for understanding the theological and ideological focus of the Apocalypse, Stramara opens a new window and lets in fresh light on this enigmatic work."
—David M. May  Professor of New Testament  Central Baptist Theological Seminary

If you're interesed in getting a copy follow this link:
http://wipfandstock.com/store/Gods_Timetable_The_Book_of_Revelation_and_the_Feast_of_Seven_Weeks/

Here's a list of other books published by my departmental colleagues:
http://www.rockhurst.edu/academic/theology/scholarship.asp

Rockhurst faculty are expected to be deeply engaged in teaching, scholarship, and service.

Blizzard Babies

Bring it on!

Well, once again Rockhurst University is closed due to bad weather.  This time the blizzard of 2011 that's supposed to be a whopper striking about 3/4 of the nation in some way or another.

Of course you know what that means: November there's going to be a baby boom!  This'll be good news for Rockhurst's enrollment in eighteen years!  Hopefully that crop of blizzard babies will be a hardy breed, poised to learn how to weather whatever gets thrown at them.

That's actually the over-arching thrust of Rockhurst right now: preparing young men and women for whatever life throws at them by giving them a well-rounded and well-grounded education in the Catholic Jesuit academic tradition.  The Catholic Church has endured the many storms and major events of history and managed to find a stability, and ability to survive by adaptation.

So why don't you check us out?  http://www.rockhurst.edu/
And we have a pretty gnarly Nursing Program as well through the Research College of Nursing, ready to deliver all those blizzard babies!  http://www.researchcollege.edu/

Blizzard

Like a blizzard, students returned to Rockhurst and blanketed the campus with their friendly presence.  The dorms and hallways are once again astir with youthful vibrancy.  As I write, the KC Metro area is to get between 4 to 7 inches of snow and so I anticipate some good snowball fights on the quad, as well as greeting partially wet students tomorrow morning in my classes.

Rockhurst University rarely cancels classes because the majority of the student body lives here.  I have  a Nissan Sentra with front wheel drive and so usually don't have much of a problem making it in.  We'll see.

It's nice seeing things all fresh and white.  What a great new start to the semester.

Recognition

Well another year has started and I’m sure it will be a lot like the last one. In reflecting over the past, one need’s to recognize what one wishes to foster or improve. Towards the close of Dec 2010 I was notified that my blog spot was recognized in the following article: "Top 50 Blogs by Theology Professors", wherein Dan the Doc is listed at #3. Check it out:  ( http://www.masteroftheology.org/top-50-blogs-by-theology-professors.html#3 ). So I obviously have my work cut out for me to stay in the Top 50! I was surprised by the honor but obviously couldn’t have received the recognition without you the readers.

That’s the thing about recognition, it’s never a solo enterprise; it necessitates communal involvement. Rockhurst University gets a lot of recognition for its various achievements whether due to its faculty, student body, or staff. With the New Year just unfolding I’d encourage you to check out Rockhurst University as an academic community of distinction, and consider paying us a visit. I’m sure the next year holds lots of opportunities for celebration and excellence. Have a good one!  All the best.  Dan the Doc

http://www.rockhurst.edu/

Silence

If it were not for the silence in the hallways I wouldn't believe the semester is over already!  Where did it go?  This Fall came and went before I knew it.

This time of year is a time for silence and reflection.  I hope you get the time (or make the time) to relax and reflect on all the goodness that you have experienced.  Sometimes we get so busy we don't take the opportunity to reflect and be thankful, and to then cherish what is wholesome and life-giving.  In the hectic pace, it's too easy to think about the stress and all the things that have gone wrong.  During winter, earth takes a rest so that she might spring back with vibrancy.

May your winter break be restorative and give birth to renewed hope and joy.

World Cultures Day

We just had World Cultures Day which is a day dedicated to celebrating various countries and cultures around the globe.  I did a table on Ethiopia because I had spent a month there about five years ago.  I cooked Eythiopian Chicken Stew known as Doro Wat. This past World Cultures Day over fifty countries were represented.  I also got a table going for England, Scotland, and Wales once I heard no one was doing those countries.  That's the adjoining table to the right above.  See the pic below.  I managed to drum up some help from my colleague Dr. Alan Douglas who is from Scotland and now a US citizen, and one of his students who is Wlesh and has been to Wales also pitched in.

World Cultures Day is a fun event when people come to together and work together, honoring differences and rich diversity.  Rockhurst University strives to show how we are part of the global community.  Even our curriculum has a Global Perspectives Requirement with several courses having a global component.  Then there are some courses which are strictly Global Studies oriented.

I Spy on Steroids

Well our family went for a walk Sunday afternoon and my wife and I were blown away! Our seven year old daughter loves to play "I Spy" and she said, "I spy with my little eye something beginning with the letter 'G'." My wife and I tried and tried to no avail and had to beg for a clue. The clue was "It is something which is invisible and really can't be seen." My wife exclaimed: "Well, then how are we supposed to see it and guess it?" Our daughter giggled to her hearts content. My wife blurted out: "Gravity." No. I forget what things I came up with besides "gas." It went on and on and on until we gave up. We got another clue, "It can be seen in the trees." Huh? No idea. The answer: "Gap!"


Not to be outdone by a seven year old, I came up with: "I spy with my little eye something beginning with the letter "s," but it's tricky." Ou daughter asked, "Is it on a house?" My reply, "It can be." They eventually asked, "Can it be elsewhere?" I replied, "Yes." They eventually begged for the next letter. I said, "Aha, that's important, 'h'." I todl my daughter, "I know you can get this." She eventually did: "shadow."

She came back with, "I spy with my little eye something beginning with the letter 'S' and it's always found on a surface." We tried and tried. I begged for the next letter. She replied "C." I asked if it were hard or soft. "Hard." That didn't help and of course by that time we had walked past the original thing. She said, "It quite often is found in a museum." Aargh. I begged for the next sound. "ool" HUH? The answer "Sculpture!"

So what's in your mind? How do YOU perceive the world? Part of a Rockhurst education delves into that very dynamic: perception. The Liberal Arts program offers seven different perspectives on viewing and interpreting the world and our experiences. Check us out. http://www.rockhurst.edu/academic/deansoffice/liberalcore.asp

Half a Million Dollars & Service w/ a Smile

One of the things that is part of a Rockhurst University education is getting involved in community service.  One of our Greek sororities, the Zetas, has taken on the task of promoting the local Catholic school of Our Lady of the Presentation in Lee's Summit, MO that serves grades kindergarten through 8.  Kohl's Cares for Kids is running a contest to see which private school in the nation can get the most votes.  Presently (to my knowledge) Our Lady of the Presentation is ranked #15.  The top 20 schools in the nation with the most votes will each be awarded HALF A MILLION DOLLARS!

Because the closing date is September 3rd (2010), one can't take being in 15th place as a shoe-in.  That can change hour by hour.  To vote, follow this link and keep in mind that you are allowed (and encouraged!) to vote FIVE TIMES.  http://www.voteolp.com/

I live in Lee's Summit and this is the Roman Catholic parish I attend when I'm not attending the Byzantine Catholic parish which is nearby in Sugar Creek.  (To find out about that church—which doesn't run a school—check out this link: http://easterncatholicskc.blogspot.com/ )

Rockhurst University gets quite involved in the local community and has all sorts of Service Learning projects.  Check us out.  http://www.rockhurst.edu/services/service/index.asp

Back At It

Well we're back at it.  I can't believe more than a full week of classes has come and gone!  I'm once again teaching Intro to NT Greek and the students are awesome.  They're catching on pretty quick.  It's a fun class.  I have 25 students.

I'm also teaching the Honor's version of TH 1000, and that group is really great as well.  So we're off to a good start.

Yesterday I met with a prospective student who's a senior in St. Louis who's thinking about majoring in theology.  While theology might not be your thing, definitely think about coming to Rockhurst University to check out the wide range of majors and programs we offer and all the exciting classes.

And don't miss our Centennial bash!   http://www.rockhurst.edu/centennial/index.asp

Where's the doc, Doc?

News from the hole; seems like I’m crawling out of one! This summer since being back from a two week vacation visiting family in England, I’ve been teaching the 2nd summer session. It’s a five week intensive version of the regular 14 week long semester course. I’ve also been working on my application (a huge portfolio) for promotion to the highest academic rank, that of Professor; I’m presently an Associate Professor.

Every year each faculty member must file an annual report, specifying what had been accomplished during the previous year regarding teaching, scholarship, and service. This is so one can reflect upon one’s academic work, and think of ways in which to improve. The annual report is a method of self-assessment. The faculty at Rockhurst University are deeply committed to teaching, scholarship, and service. In my applying for promotion it has allowed me to reflect on the past five years and all that I have accomplished, as well as all of the goals I set before myself. This July I was also made Chair of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies for the next three years. The future is quite exciting and will afford me many opportunities to serve our students, especially majors.

So now I need to return to working on my application, my “doc.” In the meantime, why don’t you check out what my department has to offer, as well as Rockhurst University.

http://www.rockhurst.edu/academic/theology/index.asp

Detour

Well it's summertime. Summer classes are in session and various groups are here for summer camp at Rockhurst University. So what are you doing this summer? How 'bout taking a trip to check out Rockhurst? It could be a day trip, or a stop while you're on to some place else. Sure you're just goin' to be a senior next year, but before ya know it, it'll be time to send out applications in the Fall. Ee gads, that's right! You can start applying for college as soon as late Fall. So when are ya gonna get all those trips booked in to check out schools? Now's a perfect opportunity to talk Mom & Dad into taking a trip to KC which has lots of fun things to do. And while you're in KC, drop by campus. Of course, it's always best to contact us ahead of time and set up a personalized tour of the place.

And of course, like those blasted roads that are down to one lane due to improvements, there might be some things torn up on campus to make improvements while the swarms of students are away. But isn't that what summer is all about? Detours? So make a detour to the Rock.


http://www.rockhurst.edu/admission/topnav/visit/index.asp

Dr. Katie Madigan Knighted!

On 3 June 2010 Dr. M. Kathleen Madigan, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Professor of Modern Languages, was knighted by the French Government. Once a year the French Government accords the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques to one recipient, occasionally from each country. Established in 1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Academic Palms is the oldest civilian accolade and one of the highest honors awarded by the French Government to recognize individuals for distinguished contributions to the promotion of the French language and culture. The Ordre des Palmes Académiques is an Order of Chivalry of France for those in the spheres of academia, culture, and education. The French minister of national education recommends nominees to the French prime minister, who, if in agreement, issues an official decree naming recipients.

Rockhurst University congratulates Dr. Madigan on this high honor and international recognition!

Dr. Madigan is pictured above on the right wearing the blue pendant and gold palms, with Dr. Stramara on the far left, accompanied by his wife Clare, and their daughter Julianna.

Paper Trail

Well it's already that time of year to turn in research papers. Hard to believe the Spring semester is drawing to a close. As a proff I get lots of last minute e-mails needing help on finding more sources, explaining a confusing apparent contradiction in information found, etc. That's part of the whole Rockhurst learning experience--helping students one-on-one. A good indicator of how a university really treats its students is how they treat them when the going gets tough, or when students are facing stress and perhaps personal and/or family issues during the year.

One of Rockhurst University's Jesuit values is cura personalis, care for the whole person. Rockhurst is not an "education factory" where we merely mass produce graduates. Rockhurst is a learning community where attention is given to the whole person.

In fact, Rockhurst even has a slick wellness e-bulletin that offers students advise and equips them with skills. Check it out: http://readsh101.com/rockhurst.html

The Dust Never Settles

Can’t believe how much time has blown by, yes BLOWN! We had mid-terms so I was busy grading those tests and then immediately after that we were in Spring Break and I was in at the office everyday working from 6:30 AM until 4:30PM, including Saturday. Why? No I’m not a glutton for punishment, it’s just that a manuscript I had written for a book has been accepted for publication and I’ve been swamped trying to edit it and make it conform to Pickwick Publications House Style and be ready for the typesetter. So it’s a good “problem.”

The dust never settles. Of course, I’ve been busy with my regular Rockhurst responsibilities and family duties as well. But that’s what life’s all about: constant change and opportunities for growth. Sometimes it feels like a nice strong cooling wind, sometimes like a dust storm, or even whirlwind.

Here in the Midwest we get tornados, though KC hasn’t been hit by one in over 50 years. But one always needs to be prepared. That’s what a Liberal Arts education at a Jesuit university is all about, preparing you for whatever life throws at you. In the whirlwind of life you need to rooted enough so as not to be blown away, and at the same time know how to go with the flow and bend with the wind, rather than snap. Rockhurst University prepares students for what happens in life by addressing the full spectrum of being human: body, soul, and spirit. Secular universities can’t talk about the spiritual dimension of the human experience, but Rockhurst University can and does, fed by the rich Catholic and Jesuit tradition.

Check us out: http://www.rockhurst.edu/admission/topnav/visit/index.asp

http://www.rockhurst.edu/about/jesuitmission/values.asp

Olympians

Don't know about you, but I've been trying to watch the Winter Games as much as possible. These athletes are amazing. What sets the Olympians apart from other contenders? They push the envelope; they compete on the edge.

One of the hallmarks of Jesuit education is the sense of magis. Magis means "more," but is much more than that. It embodies the notion of striving for excellence, maxing out--in the positive sense. Magis means the drive to reach your ultimate potential. The Rockhurst University experience provides the conditions in which students are challenged to reach their fullest, to stand on the podium of life, as it were. Granted, not everyone can get the gold, but not everyone has the chance to do the mogul run, or skate on the speed track, etc. Just to qualify for the Olympic Games is an awesome achievement in itself!

In one sense, Rockhurst trains students for the "extreme sport" called LIFE. Running the "rat race," etc, whatever one wants to call it; life is a constant set of challenges that invite us to excel and reach our fullest potential. A focus on the Liberal Arts in the Jesuit tradition caring for the whole person, is what sets Rockhurst a part.

Game on!

http://www.rockhurst.edu/about/jesuitmission/values.asp

BTW, one of our outstanding student athletes is Aaron Hill. He is one of the top five in the whole nation to receive the award for the 2009-10 ESPN The Magazine College Division First Team Academic All-American®. Way to go Aaron!!! Read about him:

http://www.rockhurst.edu/ru_athletics/news/AaronHillAAA2010.asp