The School of Music in The College of Liberal Arts, in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno Symphony Orchestra, and Nevada Opera Theatre, will present the musical “Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” this week.
The Tony-award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler is a dark, bloody and witty take on love, murder and revenge. This chilling masterpiece transports the audience to the underbelly of 19th-century London, where a revengeful barber, Sweeney Todd, seeks bloody retribution.
Returning home to London after fifteen years of exile, Sweeney Todd, seeks revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life. When revenge eludes him, Sweeney is taken in by Mrs. Lovett, who runs a pie shop. Gruesome, yet comedic, the duo hatch a plan of murder, baking Sweeney’s victims into ingredients for Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies. Operatic, and full of dark terror, this musical theatre features participants from across the University of Nevada, Reno community.
Katherine Parker, artistic director, focuses on integrating the Reno community in the production.
“This production has been immensely effective in fostering those bonds and demonstrating the inclusive culture of our voice area,” Parker said. “The cast is rounded out by a cast of undergraduate students majoring in music, musical theatre, music education, theatre, education, engineering, microbiology and immunology. The production will also feature a full student-led production team coordinated by the School of Music. ”
This production includes adult themes and images of violence. It is not appropriate for all audiences. A fog machine is used in this production.
Event Information:
Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Location: Church Fine Arts, Nightingale Concert Hall
Tickets:
General Admission: $20
University of Nevada, Reno students, faculty & staff, K-12 students and educators: Free
The Reno Jazz Festival returns for its 62nd year with an incredible lineup of jazz artists and artist educators. The Festival celebrates jazz in its many facets, this year offering a richer, deeper and more diverse educational and artistic experience for participants and several evenings of spectacular performances.
Since its inception in 1962, the Reno Jazz Festival has endeavored to bring renowned jazz artists and educators to the University of Nevada, Reno campus to collaborate with talented students and their directors in a series of concerts, workshops and clinics. The Festival welcomes thousands of up-and-coming student jazz musicians from schools, colleges and universities around the Western states as they participate in educational clinics provided by industry professionals while getting a chance to perform and compete for coveted trophies. As one of the world’s largest and longest-running celebrations of jazz, the Reno Jazz Festival inspires young musicians to share in the vibrant exchange of creative ideas, skills and academic excellence while being a part of this prestigious festival community. Many jazz players have “cut their teeth” at the Festival and have gone on to have careers as performers and educators all around the U.S. and beyond.
Participants and attendees have access to two full days of daytime performances and jazz clinics, covering a range of topics presented by accomplished jazz musicians and Artist Educators from around the nation. Festival participants have the chance to collaborate and improvise alongside peers on Thursday at the Student Jam. Friday evening, professional musicians, artist educators and sometimes festival headliners host a top-caliber session that has been known to extend into the early morning.
Students perform for renowned artist educators during a 55-minute Performance Review. Each ensemble performs selections of its own choice and receives on-the-spot coaching and feedback immediately afterward.
The Festival wraps up with a Festival Showcase, featuring a curated selection of student performances that showcase creativity, innovation, fresh perspectives and exceptional sound.
Tickets are available for purchase for the entire Jazz Festival or individual evening performances.
Thursday night, April 25, kicks off the Festival with a performance by Terell Stafford and the Manzanita Quintet at 7:30 p.m. in the Nightingale Concert Hall, Church Fine Arts Building
Terell Stafford, an acclaimed trumpet player based in New York, has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner. Stafford is recognized as an incredibly gifted and versatile player; he combines a deep love of melody with his own brand of spirited and adventurous lyricism. Stafford’s exceptionally expressive and well-defined musical talent allows him to dance in and around the rich trumpet tradition of his predecessors while making his own inroads.
Since the mid-1990s, Stafford has performed with groups such as Benny Golson’s Sextet, McCoy Tyner’s Sextet, Kenny Barron Quintet, Frank Wess Quintet, Jimmy Heath Quintet, and Big Band, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Alumni Band. Stafford, with the Hamilton- Clayton Jazz Orchestra, performed on Diana Krall’s GRAMMY-nominated From This Moment On (2006). John Clayton invited Stafford to perform with the Clayton Brothers Quintet and Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Stafford is a member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, which was awarded a GRAMMY in 2009 for Best Large Ensemble, Live at the Village Vanguard. Stafford can be heard on over 130 albums including his own, BrotherLee Love, Celebrating Lee Morgan, which received a 47th Annual NAACP Image Award nomination. His most recent album, Family Feeling, is a BCM&D release.
Bridget Howard of the Mountain West Network recently sat down with Vanesssa Valentine on the Taking the Lead podcast. Not only is Coach Valentine coming off of a great campaign in her first year at the helm of the pack, but Valentine also just won gold at the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup competing for the Women’s Beach Soccer National Team.
Heading into her second season as Nevada’s head coach in 2024, Valentine led Nevada soccer to one of the best turnaround seasons in program history. Winning just three matches in the year prior to her arrival, Valentine led Nevada to six wins en route to the Pack’s first bid to the Mountain West Tournament in a decade.
Nevada finished in sixth in the conference standings in Valentine’s first season, the highest Mountain West finish for the Pack in the last decade. The 2023 team ranked in the top eight in program history in goals (24), assists (18), shots (211), corner kicks (92) and shutouts (5).
In her first season, Valentine played a key role in Emily Rich earning a third consecutive All-Mountain West honor and helped goalkeeper Ally Larkin earn a spot on the All-Mountain West Newcomer Team. Four players (Brooklyn Blake, Lauren Muff, Caly Ah Soon, and Penny Murphy) were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team under her watch.
Coming to Reno as the eighth head coach in Nevada women’s soccer history, Valentine brought a wealth of experience as both a head coach and an assistant. Prior to her arrival, she helped Cal to a 10-win season and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2022. She also played an instrumental role in leading three Cal players to All-Pac 12 honors.
You can listen to Valentine on the Taking the Lead podcast with the links below.
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Office of Government and Community Engagement will hold “Week of Democracy” from April 29 to May 3, offering events on campus for students, faculty, staff and the community to discuss the importance of voting, critical issues in the election and more.
During the week, members of the campus and local community will get the chance to hear from state and national journalists as well as state and federal officials about crucial topics related to democracy and the upcoming election.
“Civic engagement is the heartbeat of a thriving democracy and is the bridge that connects individuals to their communities, empowering them with the tools and opportunities to shape the world around them,” Michael Flores, vice president of government and community engagement, said. “At the University of Nevada, Reno, we encourage our campus community to get involved throughout this election year. We will be hosting events throughout the year and are thrilled to have such a great lineup for this ‘Week of Democracy.’”
On May 2 at 5:30 p.m. in Nightingale Hall, The Atlantic in partnership with the University will present “Democracy at a Crossroads.” This event will begin with a panel discussion with Atlantic journalists Adam Harris and Ron Brownstein, and contributor Evan Smith, about critical election-related issues, including navigating polarization, immigration, higher education, and media and tech. Then, Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar will join Jon Ralston, founder and editor of The Nevada Independent, for a conversation about the importance of free and fair elections.
The Atlantic is an American magazine, which covers news, politics, culture, technology, health and more, through its articles, podcasts, videos and flagship magazine. The news outlet was founded in 1857 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Interested individuals can learn more and register on the “Democracy at a Crossroads” webpage.
Discussions in Democracy
On May 3 at 3 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union Theatre, the University will hold, “Discussions in Democracy,” a conversation featuring U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna and University President Brian Sandoval about voter education, exercising the vote and working across the aisle. The event will be moderated by Ralston.
Congressman Khanna serves the 17th Congressional District of California, located in Silicon Valley, and is currently in his fourth term. He is also part of the House Armed Services Committee as a ranking member on the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information System, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, a member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Community Party, and on the Oversight and Accountability Committee, where he previously chaired the Environmental Subcommittee.
He has worked to deliver on legislation to invest in science and technology, create millions of good-paying jobs and revitalize American manufacturing and production. Khanna authored the Endless Frontier Act, which formed the basis for the sweeping CHIPS and Science Act signed by President Biden.
Taken together, their careers at the University represent professional accomplishments of the highest order.
They have changed the trajectory of their students’ lives. They have done research that has furthered the understanding of what is possible. They have created meaningful relationships throughout the community, and enhanced campus-wide collaboration across all disciplines and all fields of endeavor.
They have helped other faculty see themselves in the work that they do. And make no mistake about it: Their example and achievements have made the University a better place. Through transformational careers that have seen them work and excel in a variety of campus and institutional roles for three or four decades or even a bit more, they have seen the University change – with the hope that the University can continue to evolve and fulfill the dreams of all who work, study and contribute to the University’s mission.
The collective experiences of the faculty written about below are each highly personal, and their stories of how they came to the University, and why they have remained throughout some of the most distinguished careers in the institution’s history, speak to purpose, promise and hope.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Nevada Today recently asked several faculty members about their careers at the University. What their work has meant to them. What their work has meant to others. And why, after all these years, it still matters.
DANA EDBERG, associate professor, Information Systems; graduate director, Master of Science in Information Systems (IS) program.
“So much change makes it impossible to be bored and easy to be challenged.”
Nevada Today: According to Human Resources, your first contract with the University began on 8/22/1983. Can you briefly explain what brought you here to the University in 1983?
Dana Edberg: I was working for the Burroughs Corporation (a computer vendor) and was appointed as the technical project manager for the installation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system at NSHE. I thought it would be fun to teach part-time while doing the project so went to the department chair for ACC/IS and offered to teach a class. I was hoping to teach operating systems, but he really needed someone to teach COBOL (“Common Business Oriented Language”), so I taught that. I enjoyed teaching and received good student evaluations. Burroughs’ contract with the university was terminated so I was going to go back on the road doing technical work for Burroughs and told the department chair I couldn’t teach for the upcoming fall semester. The department chair offered me a full-time job as a lecturer. He said I could complete a master’s degree essentially for free while teaching full-time as a lecturer. There were very few Ph.D.-qualified people in IS at that time, and only one other female faculty member in the College of Business (Jeanne Wendel in Economics) so the department chair encouraged me to join the faculty in his department. I planned that it would be for only a few years – long enough to earn my master’s degree and then go back into business – but I didn’t count on loving the job. I absolutely loved learning new things and teaching whatever I learned. I taught just about every class we offered in Information Systems at one time or another and enjoyed every single one.
Nevada Today: You’ve had a number of really notable accomplishments throughout your career. Are there any that you are particularly proud of?
Dana Edberg: I’m proud of finishing my master’s thesis while teaching full-time, and taking care of my newborn son. I enjoy the old pictures of my son (now in his 30’s) sitting on my lap surrounded by academic articles. I was delighted that a paper from that thesis was published in a top IS journal and was considered a good example of rigorous, but relevant and practical, research. I’m proud of electing to earn a Ph.D. degree while also being the parent of a young child. It was really satisfying to win the F. Donald Tibbitts teaching award and be named Senior Scholar mentor to two of our outstanding Information Systems undergraduate students in the College of Business.
Kendra Isable, a standout doctoral candidate from the anthropology department in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno, has once again proven her strength and intellect on the academic stage. After securing a victory in the University’s 2023 Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, Isable went on to represent the University at the Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS) annual conference’s 3MT competition.
Competing in a field of 23 talented scholars from across the region, Isable captivated the virtual audience on March 22 with her presentation on “Bones tell tales: Giving a voice to the historically silenced.” With her exceptional ability to distill complex research into a succinct and engaging three-minute pitch, Isable left a lasting impression on judges and spectators alike.
Despite fierce competition, Isable won an impressive second-place finish in the event, cementing the University’s status as a force to be reckoned with at this annual conference. In 2023, University doctoral candidate, Jennifer Heppner placed third with an exciting pitch about her research on stress in city birds.
Reflecting on her journey, Isable expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the University on a regional platform. When asked who she credits her success to, Isable stated, “The unwavering support from my advisor Marin, bosses Maureen and Allie, Markus Kemmelmeier, Loren Pietsch, Matthew Aguirre, my family and my friends.”
In addition to this year’s win, Isable has been honored with a multitude of awards throughout her academic journey. She has participated in the Graduate Student Association’s Poster Symposium two years in a row securing an honorable mention (2021) and a tie for third place (2022). Isable has also won best student poster presentation at the Paleopathology Association conference, of which she also currently holds a senior co-chair position for their student group. She has more than nine conference presentations, and more than seven invited guest lectures under her belt. She balances her heavy participation while also working as a graduate writing consultant in the University Writing and Speaking Center. Isable is a rising star at the University and embodies the spirit of excellence and innovation in graduate education. She truly embodies The Wolf Pack Way.
The World Language and Literatures Department at the College of Liberal Arts celebrated National American Sign Language Day on April 13, at the Reno Public Market with a gathering to celebrate a language that transcends barriers and nurtures inclusivity, American Sign Language (ASL).
On April 15, 1817, the first enduring school for the deaf in the United States marked its inception, a milestone that paved the way for recognizing the significance of this unique language. Today, ASL serves as a vital means of communication for approximately 500,000 individuals across the United States and Canada.
Since 2015, Andrea D. Juillerat-Olvera, alongside a dedicated team of deaf advocates including Gary Olsen, Jennifer Montoya, Gina Burnaugh and Evan Adair, has been tirelessly working to enhance sign language education at the University of Nevada, Reno. Juillerat-Olvera has been in the field for 24 years and is currently registered with the state as an advanced educational interpreter and a skilled community interpreter.
Building on this legacy, the College of Liberal Arts has introduced an ASL minor since 2022 and is actively developing a bachelor’s degree program in ASL Interpreting.
As the chair of the World Languages and Literatures Department and an assistant professor, Erin Edgington, Ph.D., emphasizes that learning a new language transcends mere practicality—it opens doors to diverse cultures and ways of life, broadening perspectives and enriching self-awareness. Studies show that bilingualism not only enhances understanding of one’s native language and culture but also fosters personal growth and career advancement. In fact, multilingual employees can earn up to 20% more than their monolingual counterparts, underscoring the value of language proficiency in today’s global workforce.
Edgington encourages students from all disciplines to explore the diverse offerings of the World Languages and Literatures Department, highlighting that many of our majors are double majors or pursuing dual degrees, showcasing the versatility of language studies.
Enrollment in ASL courses is on the rise, reflecting a growing interest and commitment to linguistic diversity. As the World Language and Literatures Department enters the advanced registration period for the class of 2028, it’s evident that students are recognizing the importance of ASL, with many continuing their studies from high school into university. This trend reflects the increasing demand for language programs across the College.
To learn more about the ASL Minor and our wide array of language programs, visit the World Languages and Literatures website.
Stay informed about upcoming events by visiting the University’s events calendar.
Public Health student researcher Stella Thornton has authored Nevada Senate Bill 80 (SB80) that adds safety measures and improved concussion protocol for student athletes. Thornton, a student researcher at the School of Public Health’s Neuromechanics Lab, led by Nicholas Murray, Ph.D, is leading the state in educating K-12 systems, administrators and teachers about diagnosing concussions.
“Dr. Murray’s knowledge and expertise in concussion management were key to working with the stakeholders and the ultimate passage of the bill,” Thornton said.
SB80 was signed into Nevada law by Governor Joe Lombardo on June 6, 2023. This bill revises provisions related to the prevention and treatment of head injuries for all children in grades Kindergarten through 12. These provisions include updates to current concussion management guidelines regarding children returning to sports with new policy additions for students re-entering a learning environment.
Specifically, the bill amends the existing law by updating return-to-play (RTP) and adding return-to-learn (RTL) policies. RTL is an initiative that helps educate teachers and administrators understand concussions. It also supports the process of easing students back into the classroom. It helps them identify signs of concussions as concussions are an “invisible” injury in which half of student concussions go unreported or undiagnosed. SB80 applies to all student-athletes, grades Kindergarten through12, within the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) sanctioned schools, thereby providing all ages and individuals with opportunities to receive concussion evaluations and management plans.
Thornton decided to write SB80 after experiencing two concussions only months apart, and seeing firsthand how such an injury could impact student success. In 2021, she sustained a TBI (traumatic brain injury) while horseback riding, and sustained a second concussion four months later, which resulted in a four-month hiatus from school, jeopardizing her graduation. Thornton says she lacked in-school support for her injuries, but with her parents’ help, she found Murray’s Neuromechanics Lab, where she received regular testing and vestibular therapy. Thornton had to advocate for herself during recovery, facing mental and physical strain, losing friends and struggling with teachers’ understanding of concussions. Three years later, she still reports experiencing concussion-related symptoms, underscoring the ongoing impact of TBIs. Thornton prioritized returning to school and through personal experience, found how important it is to “Return to Learn” before “Return to Play,” which is another key aspect of SB80, one she hopes will help many students across the state.
Dramatic changes are to be expected once policy takes effect as every school and school district must follow the NIAA return-to-play/activity and the Department of Education RTL policies by creating their own concussion management plan. They must adhere to, implement and maintain them.
“For the long-term, our state coalition is focused on training and helping the schools implement these concussion management plans,” Murray said.
The Neuromechanics Lab has been operated by Murray since it was established in 2019 and has been leading the state coalition which includes the chief medical officer, Department of Education, and the NIAA to implement SB80 into policy. Initially, the use of the Neuromechanics Lab was restricted to student-athletes for all baseline and post-brain injury assessments ‒ specifically, concussion management. Now, the Lab will be at the forefront of training medical professionals and coaches in NIAA sanctioned schools to conduct assessments for injured students, that can be sent back to the Lab for review and assessment
The Neuromechanics Lab’s state-of-the-art facility houses an 18-camera Qualisys (active and passive) motion capture system, four embedded force platforms, an instrumented walkway, eye tracking, electromyography and numerous other pieces of equipment. These pieces of equipment allow the Lab to analyze human gait, posture and vision from a biomechanical perspective.
Assessments provided through the Neuromechanics Lab come at no cost to University students. Learn more about the Neuromechanics Lab and book your appointment today by visiting the Neuromechanics Lab website.
Several municipal, county, and Tribal governments and community groups based in the Reno-Sparks area are teaming up, led by University professor Tom Albright to map the hottest parts of Reno, Sparks, and adjacent portions of Washoe County. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is partnering with the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development to map urban heat islands.
“Urban heat islands are when urbanized areas have higher temperatures than outlying rural areas,” said Albright, Nevada State Climatologist and geography professor at the University.
Albright is leading the team of a dozen agencies, institutions and community groups, including the Desert Research Institute, the City of Reno, the City of Sparks, Northern Nevada Public Health, Washoe County, and more. Climate change and an intense urban heat island have made Reno the fastest warming city in the U.S. The warming temperatures pose risks to Reno’s communities, as heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the U.S.
Quarterly Climate Outlook: In Depth – Urban Heat in Nevada
“Sometimes heat is more of a ‘silent killer’ as it isn’t always obvious to people suffering heat-related illnesses that heat has anything to do with it,” Albright said.
Community members can volunteer for the data collection campaign, which will take place in mid-to-late summer. Volunteers will affix a temperature sensor to their car or bike and follow a designated route to collect data in areas all around Reno and Sparks.
“With Washoe County residents bearing the brunt of rising heat, air pollution and the health impacts that result from these, it’s important to know how and where we can take action to reverse these trends,” said Brian Beffort, Sustainability Manager for Washoe County. “This heat mapping exercise gives our community’s jurisdictions and partner agencies and organizations the opportunity to work together to better understand where these challenges are affecting us most. With that knowledge, we’ll be better able to work together to find solutions.”
“Engaging in solutions-oriented community science is a great way to increase public engagement and awareness,” Albright added. “The data collected by community members will help experts and planners make informed decisions about where trees are planted, where services are provided, the location for shade structures, building designs, and so much more.”
The team is placing strong emphasis on using this campaign to support disadvantaged communities, particularly in heavily urbanized lower elevation areas of the community where temperatures are often the highest and air quality is the worst.
“This campaign will illuminate the considerable variability in surface temperatures across the Reno-Sparks area,” said John Mejia, assistant research professor of climatology at DRI and research team member. “This comprehensive dataset not only facilitates rigorous model evaluation but also fosters discussions regarding the differential heat exposure experienced by various city sectors. By pinpointing areas susceptible to heightened temperatures, it sheds light on intersections with air quality and social vulnerability, thus prompting crucial conversations about urban environmental equity.”
The NOAA Heat Island Mapping Campaign has been collecting data from cities all over the country, and all over the world, for eight years. In 2022, Clark County took part in the campaign, and all data collected during the campaigns is open access and available on HEAT.gov.
To stay up to date with the Reno-Sparks campaign, follow #RenoSparksHeatMap on social media. For more information about the nationwide campaign, subscribe to the Heat Beat Newsletter, check out the NIHHIS website and follow #UrbanHeatMaps2024 on social media.
The campaign received funding as part of the Biden Administration’s Justice40 initiative aimed at delivering 40% of benefits from federal investment in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.
Those wanting to spruce up their yards with native plants and get gardening tips are invited to a celebration in North Las Vegas at The Center for Urban Water Conservation, Research Center & Demonstration Orchard. University of Nevada, Reno Extension, in partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is hosting an event April 27 to celebrate 30 years of collaboration at the facility.
The event will include tours of the facility, a native plant sale, children’s activities and pastries. There will also be information on volunteer and educational opportunities, and presentations on a variety of water and horticulture issues, including native plants, worm bins, growing herbs, honeybees, roses, palms, growing smarter, and current research being conducted. The presentations will be given by Extension’s Master Gardeners, as well as faculty and staff from both universities.
The goal of the Center is to conduct research and provide information on water conservation in the Mojave Desert. Through UNLV, three Ph.D. students, six master’s degree students, and over 75 undergraduates have conducted or assisted on research projects at the Center. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications and numerous fact sheets have been published on the work conducted at the Center.
The Research Center & Demonstration Orchard portion of the Center houses over 500 fruit trees, 230 grape vines and 100 palm trees, as well as many vegetable beds. In just the last four years, the grounds produced an average of 1,310 pounds of vegetables, 9,773 pounds, of fruit, and 2,888 pounds of grapes. The produce is available to the community, with the excess going to local food banks. The Center has welcomed over 2,500 visitors a year. It is maintained with help from Extension’s Master Gardeners and community volunteers.
“The celebration will highlight the long working relationship among UNLV, University of Nevada, Reno, and the City of North Las Vegas in addressing water-related issues facing southern Nevada,” Dale Devitt, director of the Center, said.
The anniversary celebration will be held at the Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 27, at 4734 Horse Drive in North Las Vegas. It is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.
For more information, contact Louise Ruskamp at 702-786-4361 or Marilin Lopez-Bermudez.
Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.
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