Dr. Spangler’s stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner opened last week at the Nottingham Playhouse in the UK.  This is the European Premiere of the play.  So far, reviews have been great.  It will also be produced at the Brighton Festival and the Liverpool Playhouse.  It runs through the middle of July.

BBC TV (2 min, contains a short interview with Spangler)

Daily Telegraph (London) “This show, a European premiere, stands shoulder to shoulder with the best work in the regions and judging by the thronging auditorium, the theatre has a hit on his hands that deserves to travel the country beyond its scheduled stops of Brighton and Liverpool.”

Daily Mail (London) “This play is worthy of Hosseini’s bestseller.”

The Stage (London) “Magical moments that still the house”

Left Lion (Nottingham) “This is a great production of a great adaptation of a great novel, and it’s probably one of the best plays you are going to see performed in the city this year, so whether or not you’ve read the book, you really shouldn’t miss it.”

Dr. Anne Marie Todd received the College of Social Sciences’ Teaching Excellence Award. This award for outstanding teaching was created in 2012 to honor a faculty member who has distinguished him/herself as an inspiring teacher and mentor. Each year the chairs review the nominations and vote to select the person they consider to have demonstrated the qualities of excellence and creativity in teaching that embody the ideals of CoSS and the University. This award recognizes a distinguished contribution to SJSU’s primary mission: teaching and mentoring the students to whose development faculty dedicate their professional lives.

Congratulations to two Communication Studies students who received scholarship awards from the College of Social Sciences. Valerie Gonzales received the COSS Dean’s Study ABroad Scholarship. Lisa Graser received the Charles Burdick Scholarship. Kudos to both Valerie and Lisa for this recognition!

Congratulations to Professor Beth Von Till for receiving the College of Social Science’s Meritorious Service Award. Professor Von Till was recognized for her distinguished service on department, college and university elected bodies, and providing leadership in advancing the interest of faculty members. Professor Von Till is concluding her two-year leadership of the Academic Senate, and we hope she will take a well-deserved vacation.  Congratulations to Professor Von Till on this much deserved award!

COMM Alumna Roseanne Duncan received the College of Social Sciences’ Changing the World Award: The Social Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement Award. The award recognizes Roseanne’s work in education services, particularly with the special needs community. Roseanne has served on the board of directors of two local non profits, the Autism Project PTA and Angels on Stage. Roseanne is also a member of the Bay Area Professionals Special Needs Network. This award recognizes Roseanne’s tireless work on behalf of the community, in which she undoubtedly uses her outstanding communication skills! Congratulations to Roseanne on this much deserved award!