Professors Oona Hatton, Communication Studies, and Edith Kinney, Justice Studies, invite you to an upcoming discussion event exploring solitary confinement in California’s Pelican Bay Prison.
The event features Jack L. Morris, who survived decades in Pelican Bay’s “Secured Housing Unit” (SHU) before his recent parole, along with Shelia Pinkel, an artist, advocate, and Professor Emerita in Pomona College’s Art and Art History Department.
Morris will be speaking about his experiences in long-term solitary confinement and his work as an artist. The speakers will explore the role of art as a mode of survival, resistance, and a way to illustrate the rights violations of incarceration and solitary.
Join the discussion on February 16, 2018, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. in Hugh Gillis Hall 219. Feel free to email Edith Kinney (edith.kinney@sjsu.edu) or Oona Hatton (oona.hatton@sjsu.edu) with questions.
Click here to see Pinkel’s artistic work on mass incarceration
Christopher Rosalejos, student, Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management, received the Undergraduate Student Service Award. As with many of CASA’s students, Christopher is more than an outstanding student. Besides being employed at a Silicon Valley semiconductor company and raising a seven-year old daughter, Christopher has found time to pursue his passions. As a Filipino, Christopher decided to artistically collaborate with the Akbayan Pilipino-American Organization at SJSU. He directed a fusion dance of modern choreography with traditional folk dances from the Philippines. Christopher feels that promoting his Filipino culture to today’s modern dance community is very important. He has composed folk dances: Tinikling and Pandanggo Sa Ilaw with Hip-Hop styles for presentation at the 2018 Filipino Cultural Night at the Golden State Warriors Halftime Show. Christopher is the Vice President of Professional Activities for the F.I.N.E.S.S.E. Class, Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed professional fraternity.
Giovanni Sumulong, student, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging also received the Undergraduate Student Award. Giovanni participates and helps with marketing and recruiting efforts for Faculty Led Programs in the College of International and Extended Studies. He is a Health Ambassador to the Santa Clara County Food Bank and has led fundraising efforts for the Chicano Commencement and fundraising efforts for Sigma Alpha Zeta to raise awareness of domestic violence issues. Giovanni is an active volunteer within the Nutrition and Food Science Club for convocation activities. He is also a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force which paved the way for him to attend SJSU.
Layling Chang, student, School of Social Work received the Graduate Student Award. Layling is the Outreach Chair Member of the Social Work Graduate Student Association. Layling is passionate about the work she does with our community to have healthier families. She has connected with organizations to improve the level of education of marginalized communities by obtaining laptops for their children. She volunteers her time to give back to the community by gathering, organizing, and delivering meals, hygiene products and blankets to the homeless population around the Bay Area. She has demonstrated leadership qualities and dedication to the mission of social work.
The CEED Student Organization Award was presented to the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA). SOTA has a rich history of planning and participating in community service and volunteer opportunities within the local community. The students are dedicated to reaching under-served and at-risk populations within our community. During the AARP and AOTA sponsored CarFit event for older adults, SOTA members volunteer as technicians to offer older drivers adjustments to seats, pedals and mirrors to ensure a proper and safe fit. At the annual San José Walk to End Alzheimer’s event, SOTA volunteers assisted with event setup on campus and cheered on participants as they approach the finish line. At the Spring Special Olympics, SOTA volunteers assisted event staff and chaperoned, supported, and provided encouragement for disabled adult athletes. SOTA has consistently participated in these events each year for the past several years. Additionally, this year during the Thanksgiving break, SOTA volunteers assisted Sacred Heart Community Service with their Thanksgiving food distribution event for homeless families in Santa Clara County. This is an annual community event that SOTA plans to participate in each year. These are just a few examples of events SOTA has partnered with organizations in our community to promote equity and diversity. Kaylene DeBord, Lisa Benjamin and Erin Lubniewski represented SOTA at the CASA Spring Welcome Assembly.
The CEED Faculty Award was presented to Deepa Singamsetti, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging. Deepa has successfully promoted and fostered a deeper understanding of equity and diversity as it relates to ethnicity, nationality and cultural food practices in SJSU students. Over the past 10 years, Deepa has educated approximately 1,500 students on cultural food practices through NUFS 144 and issues related to hunger and environmental nutrition through NUFS 139. Course work includes students interviewing other students on their cultural food practices and developing a presentation. In addition, students engage in community service related to poverty and hunger in the San José Area. Students’ evaluations illustrate Deepa’s approachability, guidance and mentorship strengths.
After the awards were presented, Dean Schutten introduced Ysabel Duron who spoke on 22nd Century Medicine: Life Care Not Healthcare. Duron is a 1970 SJSU Journalism graduate and was SJSU’S 2017 commencement speaker. Her career paths are filled with a service oriented approach to life.