Shanghai Shocker
Ettya Fremont ’07 has taught fourth grade math at the SMIC Private School in Shanghai, China, since last summer. After her teaching contract ends in July, she plans to begin graduate school at Brown University working toward a master’s degree in public policy. What has grabbed her attention the most during her year in China? It’s twofold, she says: “For Shanghai as a city, it's the perfect gradation of Eastern cultures, Western cultures and everything in between. Looking on the left side of the street, you may find a McDonald’s and an Espirit, while on the right, you'll see street vendors and a fabric market. For the students I teach, it's their motivation and enthusiasm for learning that just seems missing in some American elementary schoolers.”
Tenacious Septuagenarian
With 150 hours of flight time logged, private pilot Courtney Ruthven ’72 is now working toward her Instrument Flight Rating. At the age of 71, Ruthven, who earned a master’s degree in psychology from Wichita State and also taught at the university for two years, says she’s learned that tenacity is the most important thing in life. Says the tenacious septuagenarian: “You should not give up on anything you really want.”
Politics Free Zone
With the 2008 presidential race in full swing, Nancy Bereman, WSU associate professor in management, has some advice for those considering injecting politics into the workplace: Don’t do it! Historically, she says, businesses have found three topics that can lead to problems in the work environment: sex, religion and politics. Many people have strong feelings about a particular party or candidate, but expressing those opinions at work can lead to conflict. A statement from management telling staff to keep the atmosphere professional with respect for others and their convictions could be warranted, Bereman says. She also points out the good news for managers dealing with a political problem: The election season will come to a close.
Beyond His Years
If Paul Vernacchia seems young to be a college student, there’s good reason — he is young. Only 15, but already a sophomore, he is the youngest-known student enrolled at WSU, and is on his way to an accounting degree. With beyond-his-years insight, Vernacchia says dreams are nice, but life is about how hard a person is willing to work to make them reality.
Circus of the Sun Vibes
Miki Masuda ’06, originally from Japan, will graduate with a second Wichita State degree in August — and then promptly embark on world travels as a new member of the Montreal, Canada, based production company of Cirque du Soleil, French for “circus of the sun.” Cirque du Soleil’s extravagant performances are accompanied by live music, and Masuda will play electric bass guitar during the productions. “Miki is an extremely talented bass player,” says Tom Fowler ’68/79, one of her WSU music professors. “She’s never unwilling to try something new.”
Green Zebra
Customers of Kyle Gerstner’s upstart business can rest assured that the young entrepreneur is doing what he can to run his venture in a “green” way. Gerstner ’07 operates Green Zebra Concierge, a Wichita service enterprise. The company pledges to conduct business in as environmentally friendly a way as possible, including using hybrid cars while running customer errands. Gerstner says the business’ mission is straightforward: “We take the chaos out of everyday life and make it easier for our clients.”
