Art & Place in Canada
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday
Aug. 6-28, 2024
(Reception from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2024)
MSSU Spiva Art Gallery
Admission: free
In Spring 2024, the Department of Art & Design offered a course that explored Canadian art related to landscape and representations of place. Central to the course was a 10-day visit to Vancouver, British Columbia, and Montreal, Quebec. In British Columbia, students participated in a walking tour of Stanley Park focused on the history and experience of Coast Salish First Nations people, explored the Coastal Mountains, and took a ferry through the Gulf Islands to visit Victoria on Vancouver Island. In Montreal, they had guided museum tours of the work of a landscape painter who documented the development of the city from 1830-1880 and of an exhibition featuring testimony of people from the 11 indigenous nations of Quebec, and took a walking tour on Mount Royal.
“Art & Place in Canada” features works in a variety of media and from diverse conceptual approaches. Artists address topics ranging from indigenous histories to the sublime British Columbia landscape. Several artworks focus on the personal experience of traveling to and discovering a new place.
Exhibiting artists: Joi Houston, Kyle McKenzie, Em Nicholas, Tijorn Skelton Mactavious, Abbi Surbrugg, and Caleb Thomas
Artists’ Talk – Art & Place in Canada
1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024
Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/86356290355
Admission: free
In conjunction with the “Art & Place in Canada” exhibition by MSSU students and faculty in Spiva Art Gallery (Aug. 6-28), this talk will provide further perspective on the artists’ diverse creative responses to their travels. There will be a brief historical overview of Canadian landscape painting and related topics. Some of the artworks from the exhibition will be discussed to help explain common themes shared among the artists and to provide meaningful context for further viewing. Some of the artists will be available to discuss their work and answer questions following the presentation.
Canada Trivia Night
6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024
BSC Student Lounge (across from bookstore)
Sponsored by Student Success Center
Bring your friends and test your knowledge of Canada! Form your team of up to five students; prizes for the top three teams will be awarded. Open to all currently enrolled students. Free pizza, too!
Feast and Heritage: Beyond Maple Syrup and Poutine – Exploring Canadian Culinary Traditions
1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024 (Zoom presentation)
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/89325701020
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Admission: free
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois will delve into the rich and diverse landscape of Canadian cuisine. He will explore the multifaceted culinary heritage of Canada, moving past the stereotypical dishes like maple syrup and poutine. He will highlight the influences of Indigenous, French, English, and immigrant communities that have shaped the nation’s food culture. Through his insightful analysis, Charlebois will emphasize the importance of preserving culinary traditions and embracing the evolving food scene in Canada. This lecture will provide a deeper understanding of Canada’s gastronomic identity and celebrate the country’s vibrant and inclusive culinary history.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a professor in food distribution and policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is also the senior director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.
Known as “The Food Professor,” his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with more than 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, food service, grocery and restaurant industries; it boasts more listeners than any other Canadian management podcast in Canada.
Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.
Wild Canada: An Expression of the North by Paul Zizka
Artist talk by Zoom/reception: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/88077710340
Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall
Exhibition: Sept. 3-Oct. 2, 2024
MSSU Spiva Art Gallery
Admission: free
Paul Zizka is an award-winning Canadian mountain landscape and adventure photographer based in Banff, Canada. Zizka’s explorations have taken him to all seven continents as well as to each of Canada’s provinces and territories. He has hiked icy glaciers, backpacked across the summits of countless peaks, and explored remote destinations in a wide variety of terrains. His passion to capture the beauty of hard-to-reach locations, amid difficult conditions, has created reflections of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring vistas.
Zizka’s photography has been featured in a variety of highly regarded publications, including National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Globe and Mail, Wall Street Journal, Alpinist, Maclean’s, Canadian Geographic, Islands, and Outdoor Photographer. His client list includes leading national and global brands such as Canon, Apple, NHL, Dell, Arc’Teryx, Panasonic, and MEC. He has published eight books (by Rocky Mountain Books) including four coffee table-style books of photography: Summits & Starlight: the Canadian Rockies (2013), The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered (2017), Aloft: Canadian Rockies Aerial Photography, and Spirits in the Sky: Northern Lights Photography (2021).
A sought-after speaker and educator, Zizka’s expertise inspires both students and aficionados of photography regarding technique, design, and content. Whether photographed in Antarctica, Scandinavia, Nepal, Greenland, the Caribbean, Niue, French Polynesia, Namibia, Baffin Island, or the Torngat Mountains, his images inspire others to appreciate and explore the vast and majestic landscapes around the world.
Joseph-Armand Bombardier: The Story of the Inventor and His Legacy
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 (Zoom presentation)
Zoom link : https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/86762643722
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Admission: free
Explore the life of Joseph-Armand Bombardier, the self-taught Québécois engineer who revolutionized winter transportation with his iconic invention, the snowmobile. This presentation traces his journey from early prototypes to the founding of Bombardier Inc., a company that will become a global leader in recreational vehicles, rail transport, and aviation. Discover key innovations, challenges faced, and Bombardier’s lasting legacy, showcasing how a bold vision transformed the way people travel around the world.
Sophie Cimon is a recently graduated archivist who has been working at the Musée de l’ingéniosité (J. Armand Bombardier Museum of Ingenuity) in Valcourt, Quebec, for about two years. Her work at the museum is dedicated to the care of the collections and the promotion of Joseph-Armand Bombardier’s life and legacy. She assists with public research requests, produces content for social media, and participates in various events at the museum, which has had more than one million visitors since it opened in 1971.
A Taste of Canada
4:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024
Mayes Dining Hall
Admission: $13 plus tax
Sponsored by Fresh Ideas
Join us for a full Canadian meal prepared by Saul Paniagua, the MSSU Fresh Ideas executive chef. Depending on availability, the menu will include a poutine bar, Montreal-crusted smoked inside round, maple-glazed Pacific salmon, Halifax donair, Hawaiian pizza (pineapple and Canadian bacon), macaroni and cheese (some consider Kraft Dinner to be Canada’s national dish, more popular than poutine), Canadian bacon hash, mashed cauliflower, Nova Scotian hodge podge, split pea soup, maple-glazed donuts, beaver tails, and butter tarts.
Afterwards, join us for a showing of the Canadian film Seducing Doctor Lewis at 7 p.m. in Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall.
The Adaptable Country: How Canada Can Survive the Twenty-First Century
11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024
Anderson Justice Center Auditorium
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/86356290355
Admission: free
Shifting geopolitics, regional conflicts, climate change, and technology shocks: these are just some of the factors that will make the twenty-first century dangerous for Canada. Adaptability, the capacity to anticipate and manage dangers, is essential for the country to survive and thrive. But Canada is not as adaptable as it once was.
In The Adaptable Country, Dr. Alasdair Roberts explains what this vital ability means and why we are currently falling short. Politicians, he argues, are overloaded and fixated on the next election. Governments no longer launch big projects to think about the future. Leaders have stopped meeting regularly to discuss national priorities. Technological changes have undermined journalism andre the ability of citizens to talk civilly about public affairs. The public service has become less agile because of a decades-long buildup of controls and watchdogs. While in many ways Canada is a better country than it was a generation ago, it is also more complex and harder to govern.
The Adaptable Country outlines straightforward reforms to improve adaptability and reminds us about the bigger picture: in a turbulent world, authoritarian rule is a tempting path to security. Canada’s challenge is to show how political systems built to respect diversity and human rights can also respond nimbly to existential threats.
Dr. Alasdair Roberts is a professor of public policy at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He writes extensively on problems of governance, law and public policy. His most recent book, The Adaptable Country: How Canada Can Survive the Twenty-First Century, was recently published by McGill-Queen’s University Press, in the Canadian Essentials series edited by Professor Daniel Béland.
In 2007, Professor Roberts became the first non-U.S. citizen to be elected as a Fellow of the US National Academy of Public Administration. In 2022, he received the Riggs Award for Lifetime Achievement in International and Comparative Public Administration. He received a JD from the University of Toronto in 1984, a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University in 1986, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University in 1994.
The Great Canadian Potato Chip Tasting
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
Lion’s Den in Billingsly Student Center
Admission: free
Sponsored by Student Activities
Potato chips are high-demand snacks in Canada because Canada is the world leader when it comes to the potato industry. Chips are popular in Canada because their unique and distinct flavors have become a part of Canadian snack culture. Some popular flavors are ketchup, all-dressed (a mix of ketchup, barbecue, sour cream, onion, and salt and vinegar flavors), lobster, sour cream and bacon, roast chicken, and bulgogi blaze. Come and sample these unusual tastes and determine which one is your favorite.
Students also will have the opportunity to craft their own custom seasoning blends, drawing inspiration from beloved Canadian tastes like ketchup, poutine, and maple bacon. Mix and match spices to create your perfect chip seasoning and enjoy a fun, flavorful experience with friends.
Southern Theatre presents Salt-Water Moon
12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
Bud Walton Theatre
Admission: $10 general; $8 seniors and military; $6 faculty and staff; free for MSSU students with students IDs.
Salt-Water Moon is about a young man’s attempt to win back the love of a woman. The time is 1926, the place the front porch of a summer home in the tiny coastal town of Coley’s Point, Newfoundland. Mary Snow, a lovely young girl of 17, studies the evening sky through a telescope. Her reverie is interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Jacob Mercer, the boy with whom she had once fallen in love, and who, a year ago suddenly departed for Toronto without so much as a good-bye. Now Jacob has returned to Coley’s Point, wanting to win back the affection which Mary once felt for him. In his absence, however, Mary has decided to accept the marriage proposal of Jerome McKenzie, the local schoolmaster, who may be on the dull side but is certainly reliable and more than willing to provide for her younger sister, Dot. But when memories of Jacob are revived, and when he feigns leaving for good, she suddenly realizes that he just may be the man for her. Salt-Water Moon was written as a prequel to the one-two punch that established David French as a theatrical heavyweight in the early 1970s, following Leaving Home and Of the Fields, Lately.
Salt-Water Moon premiered in 1985 by Tarragon Theatre in Toronto and has been staged hundreds of times across Canada. The third play of The Mercer Family play cycle, Salt-Water Moon won the 1985 Canadian Authors Association Literary Award for Drama, the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play, A Hollywood Drama-Logue Critics Award, and an ACTRA Award. With its simple setting, cast of two, and universally comprehensible emotions, it has been produced constantly in regional repertory, high school, college, fringe festival, and community theatre productions.
A note from director NaTasha O’Brien-Davies: “Southern Theatre is delighted to participate in the 2024 Canada Semester. We look forward to an opportunity to showcase our talented students, while also celebrating the rich history and culture of our neighbors to the north. Salt-Water Moon is a heartwarming piece with a message that resonates across generations. As the director, I am thrilled to be at the helm of this project. There are a variety of elements involved, but I’m most excited about collaborating with our student performers, local musicians, and the design team, as we strive to bring the playwright’s work from page to stage.”
Reading Canada: An Afternoon of Canadian Literature
3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024
Spiva Library, L-413 (Quiet Room)
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/89305540760
Admission: free
This afternoon of readings will highlight Canada’s diverse voices and its rich literary history. It will include selections of prose, poetry, nonfiction, and drama, ranging from the First Nation tales to contemporary works, children’s literature to dystopian fiction. Featured authors will include Canada’s first Nobel Prize for Literature winner, Alice Munro, famed novelist Margaret Atwood, best-selling author and journalist Waubgeshig Rice, among many others. Enjoy selections presented by students and friends of the Missouri Southern chapter of the English honor society Sigma Tau Delta. This event is co-sponsored by Spiva Library; refreshments will be provided.
The House that Rock Built: The One and Only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/93764709537
Admission: free
As a lead-in to his 11 a.m. presentation, Jun Francisco, director of collections management for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, will discuss the history of the Rock Hall from its founding in 1983, its first induction in 1986, the opening of the museum in Cleveland in 1995, and what it has achieved since then. He will also discuss the nomination and induction process, the creation of the annual inductee exhibits, major projects, events, and exhibitions they have created, plans for the future, and his role and experience as part of this exciting institution. He will also touch on his background, training, and how his career in museums had its seed in MSSU. He will also sprinkle in anecdotes of his interactions with music legends and other interesting experiences.
Northern Echoes: Canadian Legends in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024
Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/84153631156
Admission: free
After a brief introduction about the Rock Hall and its history, as well as his role and career, Jun Francisco will delve into the Rock Hall inductees who hailed from Canada. Surprisingly, only five Canadian musicians/bands have been inducted into the Rock Hall: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, The Band, Rush, and Leonard Cohen. Francisco will open the floor for the audience’s opinion on who else should be inducted from Canada. Maybe the Guess Who, BTO, Bryan Adams, Drake, Gordon Lightfoot, or Buffy Saint Marie?
Jun Francisco, the director of collections management at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since 1999, hails from the Philippines, where his love for rock and roll took root. He went to high school both in Manila and Nevada, Missouri. He earned his B.A. in history from Missouri Southern State University and his M.A. in museum studies from the University of Arkansas with additional training at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He has worked at museums in Arkansas, Missouri, Michigan, New York, and Ohio, and served on the boards of the Arkansas Museums Association, Michigan Museums Association, and was chair of the American Alliance of Museums’ Asian Pacific American Professional Interest Committee for several years.
He is married to Beth Francisco, a nurse at Cleveland Clinic. They have two children: Carlo, who graduated from Columbia College in Chicago and is now a talent agent for influencers and Tik-Tokers, and Elizabeth, who is a freshman at DePaul University in Chicago. They reside in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, with their lively Cockapoo named Guinness.
Learn to Play the Canadian Sport of Curling
12 noon Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024
Beimdiek Recreation Center
Hosted by MSSU Intramurals
Registration: just show up and play!
Curling is a beloved sport in Canada, deeply embedded in the nation’s culture. When Canadians attend a winter sporting event, there is a significant chance they are heading to a curling match, given the sport’s widespread popularity. Curling is a unique and strategic game that involves sliding granite stones on a sheet of ice toward a target area known as the “house.” Each team consists of four players who take turns delivering the stones and sweeping the ice to influence the stone’s trajectory and speed.
Curling combines elements of precision, strategy, and teamwork, requiring a high level of skill and coordination. The sweeping motion is akin to brushing the ice vigorously, which reduces friction and allows the stone to travel farther and straighter. This aspect of the game adds a dynamic and physically engaging component to the otherwise calm and measured sport.
Canada boasts numerous curling clubs and world-class athletes, consistently achieving success in international competitions. The sport fosters a sense of camaraderie and community, making it a popular social activity during the winter months. Whether played competitively or recreationally, curling is accessible to all ages and skill levels, contributing to its enduring appeal across the country.
Friends, Neighbours, and Allies: The U.S.-Canada Relationship
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/82649898477
Admission: free
In 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy addressed the Canadian Parliament and said “Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder. What unites us is far greater than what divides us.” What President Kennedy described more than 60 years ago is still true today. Learn more about the unique, deeply interconnected Canada-U.S. relationship and how it impacts you every day.
Colleen Duke is a senior foreign policy and diplomacy services officer at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago. Her areas of focus include academic and cultural relations, public affairs, communications and digital media, agriculture policy, security and defence, and human rights issues, including Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+.
Prior to joining Global Affairs Canada, Duke worked at a number of museums in Chicago and Washington, D.C. She has a B.A. in art history and economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA from Northwestern University.
Indigenous Canada: Sovereignty, Colonialism, and Reconciliation
11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/83404736058
Admission: free
“Indigenous peoples" is a collective name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants. The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Indigenous peoples: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. More than 1.8 million people in Canada identify as Indigenous, the fastest growing and youngest population in the country. Who are Indigenous Canadians? Explore the history, tragedies, triumphs, and ongoing challenges for Canada’s original people.
Colleen Duke is a senior foreign policy and diplomacy services officer at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago. Her areas of focus include academic and cultural relations, public affairs, communications and digital media, agriculture policy, security and defence, and human rights issues, including Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+.
Prior to joining Global Affairs Canada, Duke worked at a number of museums in Chicago and Washington, D.C. She has a B.A. in art history and economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA from Northwestern University.
So You Want to Be a Diplomat? Careers in the Foreign Service
10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/89401220586
Admission: free
What is it like to work in international relations? What is a typical day like? How do you begin a career in diplomacy? Hear from Canadian diplomats about their roles, career journeys, and get advice on the paths to a career in international public service.
Presented by Consul Aaron Annable and Colleen Duke, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago; Jeanne Lamy-Belzil, public and governmental officer, Délégation du Québec à Chicago; and Earl Provost, Ontario agent-general in Chicago, Government of Ontario.
Aaron Annable began his assignment at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago in September 2021. From 2016-21 he served as energy counsellor at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. In 2014 he served as acting consul general of Canada to New England, before which he was head of foreign policy and diplomacy at the Consulate General in Boston for four years.
He has previously held several positions within Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa, where he worked on numerous Canada-U.S., energy, environment, and trade policy files. He graduated from McGill University with a bachelor’s degree in political science (international relations) and is from Montreal.
The Great Canadian Maple Heist
11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/81734978507
Admission: free
It was a theft like no other. In 2011 and 2012, nearly 3,000 tons of maple syrup, valued at $18 million, disappeared from a storage facility in Quebec. What happened? Where did it go? Why does Canada have a maple syrup strategic reserve? These sticky questions and insight into the production of maple syrup will be shared at this sweet session.
Presented by Consul Aaron Annable or Colleen Duke, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago; and Jeanne Lamy-Belzil, public and governmental officer, Délégation du Québec à Chicago.
Abroad but Not Too Far Away: Study in Canada
1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/88062915867
Admission: free
Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of international students from around the globe including thousands of Americans. Hear about the opportunities and advantages that may make a Canadian study experience right for you. Whether it’s learning a new language or immersing yourself in a new culture, Canada offers an international education experience that presents opportunities for your future.
Presented by Consul Aaron Annable or Colleen Duke, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago; and Jeanne Lamy-Belzil, public and governmental officer, Délégation du Québec à Chicago.
“O Canada” Concert
7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
Taylor Performing Arts Center
Admission: free
Dr. Brandon E. Robinson, director of bands at MSSU, leads the MSSU Concert Band in a concert featuring the music of Canadian composers. The concert will open with the playing of the Canadian National Anthem, “O Canada.” Other selections will include “Bali” by Michael Colgrass, “Autumn” by Cait Nishimura, “The Way You Look Tonight” in the style of Oscar Peterson, and much more.
bonjour Quebec!
9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/88151006859
Admission: free
Sub-national governments can play a significant role in global affairs, and the better example is Quebec. The French-speaking province has been a pioneer in subnational diplomacy for many decades and has now 35 offices abroad in 19 countries. But why does Quebec have this significant presence abroad? Why do they speak French? Quebec native Jeanne Lamy-Belzil will tell you more about the history of Quebec, its specificity, and its role over time at the international level.
Jeanne Lamy-Belzil took office in September 2022, as public and governmental affairs adviser at the Quebec Government Office in Chicago. She is in charge of promoting Quebec interests and Quebec-U.S. partnerships across 12 states in the Midwest in several key sectors such as education, government relations, communications, and Francophonie. She was previously working for the Ministry of International Relations and la Francophonie in Quebec City, as executive assistant for the assistant deputy minister as well as adviser at the Africa and Middle East Division. Lamy-Belzil graduated from Laval University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political Science, and a master’s in public administration.
Amazing Ontario
11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/89525103762
Admission: free
The second largest province in Canada (behind Québec), Ontario is bigger than Spain and France combined. Ontario’s 250,000 lakes contain an estimated one-fifth of the fresh water in the entire world. With nearly 16 million residents, the province boasts almost 40% of the country’s population. Ontario’s capital, Toronto, has been called one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
Ontario has the largest economy in Canada, with nearly double the GDP of the second spot, Québec. It is the country’s largest manufacturing and trade hub. Professional sports teams in Ontario include the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), the Toronto Raptors (NBA), the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Redblacks, and Toronto Argonauts (CFL).
Earl Provost was appointed as Ontario’s first Agent General in Chicago in 2019. He serves as Ontario’s representative in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Prior to this appointment, he served as senior policy advisor, intergovernmental affairs, in the Office of the Premier, Government of Ontario.
In November 2022, the Government of Canada appointed Provost to serve as a commissioner on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, a Canadian-U.S. bi-national, treaty-based organization created to improve and perpetuate the $7 billion Great Lakes Fishery. Provost has been an active leader in politics and government for many years. He has worked on numerous political campaigns and projects, including the election of Paul Martin as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and subsequently Prime Minster of Canada.
He earned a bachelor of arts in political science from Glendon College, York University in Toronto and a master’s in political management from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Book Club: The Maid (2022)
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024
Joplin Avenue Coffee, 506 S. Joplin Ave.
Admission: free
Nita Prose’s bestseller, The Maid (2022), features a thrilling murder mystery set in The Regency Grand Hotel. The murder of Mr. Black, a wealthy businessman, ignites shock and confusion for the staff, with blame landing on one unsuspecting maid, Molly Gray. The story follows Molly as she finds herself at the forefront of the investigation because of her quirky and misunderstood behavior. While Molly may seem odd or different to others, this coming-of-age novel focuses on the search for truth and the importance of meaningful relationships.
Nita Prose is a Canadian author and editor, selling more than 1 million copies worldwide of her award-winning books The Maid and The Mystery Guest. The Maid was a #1 New York Times Bestseller, winner of the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, and an International Bestseller. Film rights for The Maid are held by Universal Pictures.
The Canada Semester Book Club is hosted by Missouri Southern’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, in cooperation with Spiva Library. Learn more about all Literary Lions book clubs at https://linktr.ee/mssulibrary.
Lab Coats and Lumberjacks: A Battle of Wit versus Myth in Canadian Tales
9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024
Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/86799207357
Admission: free
How can we know what is real? The mysteries of Canadian folklore (with confirmed sightings!?) can only add to the intrigue of a country made of vast swaths of wild land. Fear not, intrepid explorers! We will investigate cryptozoology claims and bolster our scrutiny with some stories of lore and their possible scientific origins. Tales such as what is the truth about Sasquatch, the elusive forest-dweller of the Great White North? Or the Wendigo, the Algonquian cannibal that’ll make your skin crawl faster than a hungry grizzly bear!
Grab your magnifying glass and your sense of wonder because we are about to embark on a wild ride through the land of maple syrup and mystery!
Dr. Rachel Bechtold is an assistant professor of biology and environmental health and safety at Missouri Southern State University. Her teaching experience involves coursework in epidemiology, environmental health and safety, and disease vector control. Her research has been published in Natural Sciences Education, the Journal of Agricultural Education, and in Microbiology Resource Announcements. She earned her Ph.D. in environmental dynamics from the University of Arkansas in 2021. Prior to this, she was a co-editor for the Journal of Agricultural Education. Active in volunteering, she has served as a Rotary Ambassador to Japan, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, and was active in community development through the AmeriCorps program.
Canada’s Ripper
11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
Anderson Justice Center Auditorium
Zoom link:
Admission: free
Many are capable of murder, but only a few have a proclivity for it. Dr. Mike Hulderman presents a historical, yet contemporary perspective of one Canadian serial murderer’s horrendous exploits. Emphasis is given to the killer’s modus operandi and an apathetic police response that allowed the evilest of humans to elude detection and capture for many years.
Dr. Mike Hulderman is a professor of criminal justice at Missouri Southern State University. He teaches the course, Serial Murderers, to both undergraduate and graduate students at the university. Awareness and prevention of the rarest of all human phenomena is the aim of his lectures. He earned his doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University, where he conducted his dissertation research on police decision-making.
Living on a Landfill: Uncovering the Dirty Secrets of the Love Canal
1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/86035173305
Admission: free
How did the Love Canal come about, eh? Why, you dig a massive hole, fill it with toxic waste, cover it up (in more ways than one), and build a school on it! Oh yes, yes, they did, don’t cha know?
In this story of activism, ordinary folks rise up like a freshly baked batch of Nanaimo bars to battle the tyranny of … the school board? That's right! From alternative energy to rivers ablaze, this yarn has more twists and turns than a journey down the Trans-Canada Highway. So many questions – and the answers abound if you dip your toe into the water of environmental disasters of the 1970s in North America.
Dr. Rachel Bechtold is an assistant professor of biology and environmental health and safety at Missouri Southern State University. Her teaching experience involves coursework in epidemiology, environmental health and safety, and disease vector control. Her research has been published in Natural Sciences Education, the Journal of Agricultural Education, and in Microbiology Resource Announcements. She earned her Ph.D. in environmental dynamics from the University of Arkansas in 2021. Prior to this, she was a co-editor for the Journal of Agricultural Education. Active in volunteering, she has served as a Rotary Ambassador to Japan, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, and was active in community development through the AmeriCorps program.
Sweet Dreams are Made of This: A History of Maple Syrup Making in North America
11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024
Phelps Theater in Billingsly Student Center
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/83570635691
Admission: free
Who hasn’t enjoyed the smell of freshly made pancakes or waffles in the morning? Topped with pure maple syrup, this morning treat can bring back memories of childhood, times spent with family, and ready us for a new day. Maple syrup has been around for a long time, but did you know it has played an important role in trade and international politics, and was used for much more than just a breakfast topping? We will explore the sweet story of maple tree tapping, including some fascinating historical side notes. Additionally, a demonstration of tapping techniques and “how to” will be included.
Dr. Alan Buchele is a retired surgeon. He grew up in Kansas, and has called the Joplin area home for nearly 30 years. He has been interested in all things outdoors since he was a boy and has been making his own maple syrup in Carl Junction for many years from trees on his property.
Why Export to Canada?
9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024
Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/89476592440
Admission: free
Missouri’s International Trade and Investment Office will give an overview of the historic trade partnerships between Missouri businesses and Canadian markets. Included in the presentation will be details on the political and social ties, trade agreements in place, import and export snapshots, and insights into the key industries that make the foundation of these trade relationships.
The presenter is Olivia Ross, trade specialist with the Southwest Region International Trade & Investment Office. After serving eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve, she received honorable discharge in 2018 at the rank of sergeant. She spent a year in business ownership with a small coffee shop in southwest Missouri before turning to local non-profit work in the healthcare and food access sectors.
Ross is currently putting her experience and interest in foreign affairs, business management, and creating access all together in her current role as an international trade specialist with Missouri's Department of Economic Development, where she focuses on helping small and medium-sized businesses in the southwest and central regions of Missouri to find opportunities for expanding trade into international markets.
Book Club: Scarborough (2017)
12 noon Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024
Spiva Library 410
Free boxed lunch for first 15 participants
Admission: free
Sponsored by Literary Lions; open to all
11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024
Joplin Avenue Coffee, 506 S. Joplin Ave.
Hosted by Sigma Tau Delta in cooperation with Spiva Library; open to all
Author of the bestselling book and screenwriter of the multiple award-winning film Scarborough, Catherine Hernandez engages the audience in a discussion about sincere community engagement. Using one of the novel and movie’s most beloved characters, Ms. Hina, as a model, Hernandez parses out how we as a society can build sustainable and sincere bridges with those around us, and continue to have hope despite these challenging times.
Catherine Hernandez (she/her) is an award-winning author and screenwriter. She is a proud queer woman who is of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, and Indian descent and married into the Navajo Nation. Her first novel, Scarborough, won the Jim Wong-Chu Award for the unpublished manuscript and was a finalist for several awards including Canada Reads 2022. She wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of Scarborough, which was nominated for 11 Canadian Screen Awards and won eight including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Her second novel, Crosshairs, was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award and made several Best-Of lists of 2020. Her third novel, The Story of Us, was an instant national bestseller. Her fourth novel, Behind You, about a young girl growing up in Scarborough when a serial killer was at large, was published this year and was an instant national bestseller. Before it hit the shelves, it was optioned by Conquering Lion Pictures to become a feature film, with Hernandez writing the screenplay. She is currently working on a few television projects.
Learn more about all Literary Lions book clubs at https://linktr.ee/mssulibrary.
Becoming a Lifelong Ally
12 noon Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024
Ron Richard Athletic Center, Room 205
Admission: free (open only to students, faculty, and staff)
This is a free pizza luncheon, with a vegetarian option, hosted by the MSSU DEI Committee.
Canadian author Catherine Hernandez will examine embodied “allyship” based on her renowned TEDxToronto Talk. (View it at https://www.ted.com/talks/catherine_hernandez_a_guide_to_lifelong_allyship.) Participants will have the opportunity to create a daily practice training the body toward creating sincere and sustainable change. If you have a question you would like to submit to Catherine Hernandez beforehand, email it to carmichael-a@mssu.edu by Nov. 6.
Give Them Joy! for The Whole Story
12 noon Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024
Connor Ballroom in Billingsly Student Center
Admission: free
Resilience and grace in the face of adversity is a common theme in Catherine Hernandez’s work. In this in-depth talk and literary reading, Hernandez discusses the dangers of romanticizing resilience and how she aims to give her characters dignity and hope.
An Evening with Catherine Hernandez
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024
(Book signings at 6:30 and immediately following)
Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall
Zoom link: https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/82853033150
Admission: free
Co-sponsored by Spiva Library
Author of the bestselling book and screenwriter of the multiple award-winning film Scarborough, Catherine Hernandez engages the audience in a discussion about sincere community engagement. Using one of the novel and movie’s most beloved characters, Ms. Hina, as a model, Hernandez parses out how we as a society can build sustainable and sincere bridges with those around us, and continue to have hope despite these challenging times.
Catherine Hernandez (she/her) is an award-winning author and screenwriter. She is a proud queer woman who is of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, and Indian descent and married into the Navajo Nation. Her first novel, Scarborough, won the Jim Wong-Chu Award for the unpublished manuscript and was a finalist for several awards including Canada Reads 2022. She wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of Scarborough, which was nominated for 11 Canadian Screen Awards and won eight including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Her second novel, Crosshairs, was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award and made several Best-Of lists of 2020. Her third novel, The Story of Us, was an instant national bestseller. Her fourth novel, Behind You, about a young girl growing up in Scarborough when a serial killer was at large, was published this year and was an instant national bestseller. Before it hit the shelves, it was optioned by Conquering Lion Pictures to become a feature film, with Hernandez writing the screenplay. She is currently working on a few television projects.
