Annual Alumni and. at the Coast. College of Arts and Sciences University of South Carolina

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1 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #766 Columbia, S.C. College of Arts and Sciences University of South Carolina Annual Alumni and Friends Weekend at the Coast June 3-4, 2016 Baruch Marine Field Laboratory Georgetown, South Carolina Office of the Dean Columbia, South Carolina The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation or veteran status.

2 Enjoy a Weekend Break! The College of Arts and Sciences invites you to experience the untouched ecology of this historic 17,500 acre research reserve located on the Hobcaw Barony near Georgetown, SC. Learn from the Experts! Renowned faculty and staff from the College of Arts and Sciences will lead several compelling sessions that are both exciting and interactive. Extraordinary Hospitality! Scrumptious dinners will be served in Kimbel Lodge by Carefree Catering on Friday and Saturday night. Reconnect with old friends and make new friends over the course of the weekend. Brief History about the Baruch Institute The Baruch Institute was established through the joint efforts of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation and the University of South Carolina and is an internationally recognized scientific research center. For more information about the Baruch Institute, visit: For more information about the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, visit: Program Highlights EXPLORE the Hobcaw Barony s 17,500 acres through exciting and interactive sessions. EXAMINE the breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife sightings. ENCOUNTER migratory songsters during the early morning Spring Songbird Walk on Saturday (optional). ENJOY the fireside chat led by Professor Steven Rodney, Department of Physics and Astronomy at USC. We will convene on Friday evening for a delicious dinner at Kimbel Lodge. On Saturday, you will chose from an eclectic variety of morning and afternoon sessions. Our program will conclude Saturday evening with a low country sunset dinner, followed by our fireside chat. North Inlet Hobcaw House, home of Bernard Baruch 2 3

3 Discovery Learning: Examine Beach and Creek Ecology (Morning Session) Explore for yourself the world-renowned North Inlet Estuary in an adventure that includes plankton nets, seines, and your powers of observation. Be captivated by a nature walk on a resplendent, undeveloped beach and a boat ride in an inlet. Experience first-hand the untouched beauty of the beaches and creeks this lush landscape provides. This session will be limited to 12 participants. Native American Uses of Plants: Explore a Different Way of Life (Morning Session) Do you ever wonder what South Carolina Native Americans ate before the coming of Europeans, what fibers they used, what they smoked, or how plants were domesticated (and what the heck is a domesticated plant)? Archaeology and history are combined to create a walk that takes you back in time and challenges you to view nature through indigenous eyes. Wear comfortable walking shoes and come prepared to taste wild foods and try your hand at making string. Exploring the North Inlet Instructors: Dennis Allen, Director of the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, and Wendy Allen, Manager of the North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR); Paul Kenny, Matt Kimball, and other Baruch Field Lab faculty and staff Instructor: Gail E. Wagner, Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Associated Faculty in the Environment and Sustainability Program at USC 4 5

4 Drawing in the Environment (Morning Session) How can we better understand our natural world through drawing? In this exploratory art workshop, we will combine close observation of native flora, fauna, and geology with the act of drawing, working in a range of mediums, and easily-accessible techniques. Whether you are an experienced artist or are most comfortable with stick figures, this is an opportunity to combine the senses of vision, hearing, and touch to create artworks that reflect and interpret the rich environment of the Hobcaw Barony. We will do a number of short exercises that require no previous drawing experience, to strengthen our perception of line, color, form, texture, and sound. This workshop is designed for people who may think they can t draw, as well as for seasoned sketchers. Salt Marsh Ecology: Learn about Pluff Mud, Oyster Reefs, and Marsh Grass Aboard Guided Skiffs (Afternoon Session) Life in the estuary is dependent on the resources provided by the salt marsh. This expedition will explore some of these resources with a guided skiff tour of the marshes along the intertidal creeks of the North Inlet Estuary. Jay Pinckney, distinguished Marine Ecologist, will be your tour guide, accompanied by several marine science students. Each skiff will have either a marine scientist or marine science student to answer questions during the excursion, such as, Why does the marsh smell bad? What do oysters eat? and Why is the marsh so muddy and rusty? Activities will include seining, collecting mud cores, creek walking, and oystering. Old lace-up shoes and shorts are recommended attire, and ties are not required. Grab your sunglasses and immerse yourself in discovery as our scientists take you on a journey through the pristine habitat of the North Inlet Estuary. Space is limited, so make your reservation today. Instructor: Sara Schneckloth, Associate Professor of Studio Art, School of Visual Art and Design at USC The most enjoyable aspect of the weekend was being with old friends, meeting new ones, and always learning something new. Instructor: James L. Pinckney, Professor of Biological Sciences and the Marine Science Program at USC 6 7

5 Charismatic Creatures: Butterfly Biology (Afternoon Session) Have you ever wondered how butterflies survive the winter cold? How they decide whether or not to lay eggs on your garden plants? Why they sometimes congregate around mud puddles in your path? How they choose mates is there such a thing as a butterfly singles bar? What the impact of climate and land use change is on local species? Why butterflies are used as indicators of the health of ecosystems? Join Professor Carol Boggs, Director of the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment, to explore the natural history, ecology and evolution of the butterfly fauna in the Carolinas and beyond. Delicious France (Afternoon Session) Treat yourself and delight all of your senses. See, smell, taste, and feel some of the delicacies of French cuisine. This workshop will introduce you to some basics of French cuisine, from learning about terroirs, to appellations, to chefs, to regional specialties. You will learn how to develop your own unique palette to sense new flavors and ingredients. From exquisite French chocolate to fruity wine from Languedoc, our tastings will leave you with an unforgettable experience. This session will be limited to 20 participants. Instructor: Carol Boggs, Director of the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment at USC Instructors: Amanda Dalola, Assistant Professor of French and Linguistics in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, and Lara Lomicka Anderson, Professor and Graduate Director in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at USC. 8 9

6 Optional Session Come See Our Feathered Friends: Spring Songbird Walk (Saturday Morning Session, 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.) The woods and marshes come alive with song in the spring. You will visit areas on Hobcaw Barony in search of migratory songsters, including wood thrushes, hooded and prothonotary warblers, and painted buntings. Heighten your senses with the thrill of their songs! Participants are asked to bring binoculars and wear comfortable walking attire. Long pants and long sleeved shirts are Painted Bunting recommended. This session will be limited to 14 participants. Instructor: Wendy Allen, Manager of the North-Inlet Winyah Bay NERR Saturday Evening Fireside Chat Stellar Explosions and the Dark Universe Our own Sun, like most stars in the universe, will eventually run out of nuclear fuel and begin a slow and stately decline. These stars will go out with a whisper: gradually shedding outer layers and cooling over many billions of years. A conspicuous minority of stars, however, will instead end with an extraordinary bang: a supernova explosion that can be observed from billions of lightyears away. Dr. Steven Rodney, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, will describe how he is using the Hubble Space Telescope to find these stellar explosions in exotic locations. He will discuss how these supernovae are helping to illuminate the dark reaches of the cosmos, teaching us about the mysterious Dark Matter and Dark Energy that comprise some 95% of the universe. Dr. Rodney will bring telescopes from the USC Department of Physics and Astronomy to the fireside chat. Depending on the weather, following Dr. Rodney s presenation you will have the opportunity to explore space with the assistance of one of USC s renowned astronomers. The entire experience has been outstanding. The instructors were very knowledgeable and approachable. The hospitality was fabulous. Dr. Rodney in the Melton Observatory at USC 10 11

7 Cost The cost to attend the 2016 Annual Alumni and Friends Weekend at the Coast is $190 per person, which includes: Access to facilities on Hobcaw Barony Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner All program materials Arts & Sciences hat Accommodations Pawley s Plantation Golf and Country Club Participants are responsible for their own accommodations. We have reserved a block of rooms and suites at Pawley s Plantation at a reduced rate. Call and ask for the USC room block. Due to a policy change in April 2016, guests of Pawley s Plantation must check-in and pick up their keys at the Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort located at Ocean Highway. Other convenient options in the area include the Hampton Inn Georgetown and Baymont Inn & Suites Georgetown. The Alumni and Friends Weekend at the Coast is limited to 45 participants. Please register early to reserve your space! To register for this exciting weekend, please send the registration form, along with a check for $ per person attending made payable to the USC College of Arts and Sciences, to: College of Arts and Sciences Alumni and Friends Weekend at the Coast Attn: Ann Cameron Petigru College, Room 210 University of South Carolina Columbia, SC Reservation deadline is May 23, Due to popular demand, we must receive a check in order to reserve your space for the Alumni and Friends Weekend at the Coast. Please note: Many sessions involve walking and other exercise. Please contact us if you have any health-related concerns. If you would like additional information, please contact Ann Cameron, Director of External Relations, at , or visit us on the web at Pawley s Plantation Golf and Country Club I hope more of our alumni will take the opportunity to learn more about this unique program

8 14 Alumni and Friends Weekend at the Coast Schedule of Events Friday, June 3, :00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Check in at Kimbel Lodge 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Welcome and Dinner 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Introductions and Overview of the Weekend Activities 8:00 p.m. Presentation and Update on the College of Arts and Sciences Saturday, June 4, :30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Optional Spring Songbird Walk 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast at Kimbel Lodge 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Overview of Hobcaw Barony by Dr. Dennis Allen 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Morning Sessions 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch at Baruch Marine Field Lab Weather permitting, while enjoying a casual lunch, guests will have the opportunity to safely view the sun through solar telescopes provided by USC. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Afternoon Sessions 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Free Time 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Champagne Reception at the Hobcaw Barony Discovery Center 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Low Country Sunset Dinner at Kimbel Lodge 8:00 p.m. Fireside Chat by Dr. Steven Rodney 9:00 p.m. Adjourn Fill out form, detach, and return with check to: USC College of Arts and Sciences, Petigru, Room 210, Columbia, SC 29208, Attn: Ann Cameron Arts and Sciences 2016 Alumni and Friends Weekend at the Coast Name Address Phone Names of family members attending: For liability reasons, we cannot permit children under the age of 15 to attend this event. Please note that all sessions have limited enrollment. We ask that you pick two or three sessions that are of interest to you in each time slot and rank them according to your preference. We will make every effort to assign you to the sessions that interest you most. Each participant will be placed in one morning and one afternoon session, and participation will be on a first come first served basis. Morning Sessions Afternoon Sessions Beach and Creek Ecology Salt Marsh Ecology 1st choice 1st choice 2nd choice 2nd choice 3rd choice 3rd choice Native American Uses of Plants Charismatic Creatures 1st choice 1st choice 2nd choice 2nd choice 3rd choice 3rd choice Drawing in the Environment Delicious France 1st choice 1st choice 2nd choice 2nd choice 3rd choice 3rd choice #Attending Optional Saturday Morning Spring Songbird Walk: 15