Editor's note
Three students - biochemistry major Tyler Okel '08, education major Luke Haumesser '09 and studio art and graphics design double major Claire Reintgen '08 - spent the night of Oct. 4 outside the chain link fence that separates Marietta College's campus from the work site of the future Legacy Library. The trio documented their overnight journey, which was Luke's brainchild, in a personal journal. Here is their story:

The Chronicles of Concrete

Reflections of foundational fans Luke Haumesser '09, Claire Reintgen '08 and Tyler Okel '08

On the evening of October 4th, 2007, a group of students at Marietta College were determined to stay up all night to watch the concrete for the new Legacy Library be poured. This is a monumental night for the College, which deserves to be documented properly from the eyes of those witnessing it firsthand. This was not the only reasoning behind our mission for staying up all through the night. We believe that if these hardworking construction workers have to stay up all night and build our new library, then we the students should cheer them on and encourage them to continue on through the night. Below is our journal depicting our experiences and thoughts. Please enjoy the read and remember: No building can stand without the proper foundation.

5:03 p.m. - The concrete adventure has begun. Festivities took place right outside the construction site in front of Irvine Hall. Chartwells chef Walter Miller prepared food and CUB supplied music for all to listen to. It was a joyous occasion.

6:05 p.m. - The concrete trucks began to roll in one by one...our anticipation and excitement is growing.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - We took a quick break from the concrete pouring to participate in the open mic sponsored by CUB. Yes, we are aware that we did not stay the entire time, but open mic calls our name! However, once 9 p.m. rolled around, we notice that one of the trucks have broken down and pouring has been delayed. We are worried, but still have hope. Will the library be completed by 2009? Only time will tell.

10:14 p.m. - We set up camp in front of Irvine Hall right across from the historic moment. The Crew includes Luke Haumesser, Claire Reintgen a.k.a Rin-Tin-Tin, Tyler Okel, Justin Lintelman, Kyle Thauvette, and Michael Scalise. We have gathered supplies in order to make it through the long night. Such supplies include: A one-gallon jug of Arizona Iced Tea, one hammock, a notebook to write down thoughts, one camera for photographic evidence, companionship, and the motivation/excitement to watch concrete be poured all night.

10:36 p.m. - We see yet another concrete truck and Allison LaRocca as well as Bethany Bechtel join the fun. Also, an ambulance has also appeared on the site! The crew is very concerned for our heroes and hope it is just precaution. We get a close up look and notice that our construction workers are safe. We believe it was the hard hats that save their well-being. Stay strong men of the concrete. Also, we are thinking of spraying the rock. More to come.

11:11 p.m. - Kyle Thauvette has disappeared. We feel sabotage is a-foot. Also, we have all decided to write poems about how much we love concrete and feel inspired by what is being done by the construction workers. We wish they were our dads. Another interesting tidbit: We have noticed a waterfall has appeared over yonder near the northeast wall. It is quite beautiful and really makes the concrete pour more special than it already is.

12:05 a.m. - About 35 minutes ago we lost some members of the concrete crew. Kyle Thauvette, Mike Scalise, and Justin Lintelman left due to academic reasons. However, our sadness was soon turned to happiness and joy when Papa Johns arrived with the pizza we ordered. Ashley Wollam also paid a visit and is going to join the cause to support our construction workers working endlessly through the night. Allison and Bethany have begun to play card games, while Claire and Tyler started playing badminton. We have not moved from out original position located at the picnic table next to Irvine Hall. Construction is moving along very nicely as about 40 percent of the designated area have been completed. Will our heroes be able to complete their goal in the 12-hour time limit? Will we continue to triumph over sleep? Will my tum-tum continue to hurt after eating all that pizza?

1:07 a.m. - In the past hour we have lost more members to the demon sleep. It seems as if classes and exams hold a more important obligation than others. Allison and Beth have left to go to sleep, while only Claire, Tyler and Luke remain. Even though we have lost two members, the one and only Chad Byers has stopped by to pay a visit. The four of us watched them pour concrete for upwards of 45 minutes, while pictures were taken. In order to make concrete more appealing than what it already is, we decided to start the Concrete Pouring Fantasy Worker Draft. Each of us selected an individual construction worker and observed their working pattern. We took their pattern and gave points to one another based on their performance. Tyler is currently in the lead by one point. Claire is not happy, but determined to prevail over sleep. Luke is staying strong and will accomplish his goal of staying up all night to watch the concrete be poured.

1:14 a.m. - Construction update: About half of the construction area has been completed and one of the workers has fallen into the concrete up to his waist. It was pretty sweet. Much to his relief and rescue, his fellow workers quickly stepped in and saved him from peril, and a concrete grave. Also, a thought has occurred in our tired minds. Will the new Legacy Library be referred as the Double L?...just a thought. Discuss amongst yourselves.

2:18 a.m. - We just finished painting the rock with the help of Brian Ashton and Heather Boomer. Shortly after the painting came to a conclusion, Jenna Zdravecky and Sergio Fajardo appeared mysteriously from the bushes. It gave us quite a scare, but a large amount of hope. We offered pizza as a sign of truce and then laughs were shared. Regarding construction, about 75 percent of the concrete mission has been completed and I feel their 12-hour goal is very well in reach. Another important event regarding construction, the elevator shaft has had concrete leak into it. The construction workers are working endlessly to solve this problem. The second issue that is being faced is that the wall caused a 45-minute delay in construction. It began to buckle and concrete pouring came to a halt, while engineers worked to brace it. The whole fate of the library was almost compromised and left many dreams to be crushed. P.S.: we're noticing that the people from the bar crew are appearing left and right to join our adventure into the concrete world.

3:04 a.m. - A monumental event has occurred. This past hour will most likely be considered our finest hour. Not only have we been blessed with nine continuous hours of concrete pouring, but the initials of your three chroniclers will be forever emblazoned within the foundation of the Legacy Library. That's right, we are part of Marietta College history. Fifty years from now the initials C.E.R, L.C.H, and T.A.O will continue to hold the foundation of the library together. Our spirits will echo through the walls of the library and help motivate and guide minds through our courageous endeavors this October night so many years ago. None of this would have ever been possible if Fred Smith, director of Physical Plant, had not come to our viewing window to have a conversation and so graciously agree to enshrine our perseverance, school spirit, pride, dedication, plain stupidity, and legacy within the library. Thank you Fred Smith, you will forever hold a dear place in our hearts. P.S. Luke has been charging his laptop in a bush. It smells of pine and chipmunk. You know, by the Christy Mall sign.

4:00 a.m. - Here are some point updates regarding our Construction Worker Fantasy Draft: Claire and Tyler are currently tied for first place with eight points, while Luke's worker has seven points and disappeared from the construction site. We hope he did not have an accident in the concrete. This has been somewhat of an uneventful hour as Tom Gray joined us to throw around the Frisbee. One of the highlights of the Frisbee adventure was that Luke dove into one of the bushes in order to retrieve the disc. This completely idiotic act resulted in cuts and scrapes, as well as our second injury of the night. Slightly disillusioned due to lack of sleep and sheer excitement of concrete pouring, he thought that the bushes looked like a bed, rather than awaiting pain. May it be noted close to 90 percent of the pour has been completed and it is only a matter of time until they are finished. Tom Gray has left as we await the sunrise and the start to a new day.

4:49 a.m. - Fred Smith kept his promise to us three concrete pioneers. At 4:21 a.m., we witnessed our initials engraved into the concrete being poured. The sight almost brought tears to our eyes as we watched C.E.R, L.C.H, and T.A.O make their way into the foundation of the Legacy Library. Now, to update on our Construction Worker Fantasy Draft, Claire and Luke are tied for first with 12 points each, while Tyler only trails by one with 11. This will be an exciting end to our adventure to see who comes away as the winner. The construction appears to be about 98 percent complete and we are counting down to it coming to an end. The three of us are not quite sure what will happen when all of this is finally over, but somehow we will find a way to move on.

5:30 a.m. - It's happened. It really happened. I am not lying. It happened. The construction workers have finished pouring and smoothing out the concrete. The official time of completion is 5:29.40 a.m. It was the most glorious moment the three of us have ever had the privilege to be part of. The final fantasy score was Tyler with 13 and Claire and Luke tied at 12. Thus, making Tyler the official winner of Construction Worker Fantasy Draft. Note to any future players of construction worker fantasy draft, make sure to choose the chain smoker. When the last worker left the area of concrete, Tyler, Claire, and Luke all broke into the chorus of "We Are the Champions" as made famous by Queen. For Marietta College truly is the champion of this moment.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, the past 12 hours have been filled with laughs, love, blood, sweat, and tears. The three of us have found ourselves at the end of an epic journey. While the construction workers have poured concrete all night, we poured our heart and soul in order to make this night a success. As the night comes to a close and the morning sun begins to rise, the concrete begins to set as does the memories we have acquired on this 5th of October 2007. Good luck and God bless.

A Haiku
The Concrete Was Poured
It is Legacy By Name
A Dream Has Been Born

A recent visit to Marietta College by seven administrators from the University of International Relations (UIR) in Beijing, China, has been hailed as a big success by all involved.

"The visitors were very impressed with our administrative team and they informed me that they have learned a lot from their discussions with us," said Dr. Xiaoxiong Yi, director of Marietta's China Institute. "Above all they had a great visit, loved Marietta and the people they met."

The group, who visited from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, included Hui Wenyu, Vice President, Feng Youmin, Dean of Academic Affairs, Zhao Xiaochun, Chair of International Politics, Ji Xiaogong, Director of Personnel, the Deputy Director of Student Affairs, Song Yuhui, Director of the International Student Office, and Wang Xueshu, Deputy Director of Continuing Education.

"UIR is the only national key university in China focusing on political science, international political economy and international relations," Xiaoxiong said. "This visit was such a huge success that now UIR plans to send another group to Marietta next year, but this time they will send all of the chairs of its academic departments."

The UIR visit was the first official programs under the SAFEA banner. During the summer, Marietta College was named one of five new U.S. schools to receive government approval from China's State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA).

This designation, which was also recently given to Yale University, University of Chicago, Wentworth Institute of Technology and the State University of New York, allows for experts from business, education and government to travel to Marietta College for training and orientation to American culture. "Marietta is the only small private liberal arts college on the approved list of just over 30 U.S. universities. The Chinese officials who visited the campus as part of the approval process really liked the atmosphere of the city and the College. Usually, approved universities are in large cities, but in this case the 'smallness' and intimacy really worked to our advantage," said Fraser MacHaffie, special assistant to the president and provost.

Dr. Jean Scott, Marietta's president, is scheduled to travel to China in late November to receive formally the authorization documents at a special ceremony in the city of Shenzhen. While there, Scott will be meeting with a group of alumni in Beijing and also traveling to Inner Mongolia to visit two institutions there.

Marietta College's McDonough Center for Leadership and Business, along with the Marietta Branch of The American Association of University Women (AAUW), is once again hosting a six-week educational program titled, The Great Decisions Series 2008.

This is the third year for the program at Marietta.

Great Decisions, which is designed to enrich the international understanding of people in the Marietta community, will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sundays from Jan. 27 to March 2 in the McDonough Center. Registration is currently underway and continues until Nov. 15.

"This program is a great way for policymakers to know what communities across the United States think about current global issues. It also allows our leadership students to practice critical facilitation skills," said Dr. Gama Perruci, dean of McDonough.

Marietta's series is part of a national program sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) in New York City. According to its Web site, FPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring the American public to learn more about the world. Founded in 1918, FPA provides independent publications, programs and forums to increase public awareness of, and foster popular participation in, matters relating to those policy issues.

Marietta's program offers the possibility for members of the community to learn more about current world issues and concerns through reading written materials, listening to formal presentations, and discussing the material with the aid of facilitators.

The topics for the 2008 series will include: The European Union, Latin America, U.S.-China trade policy, Russia, Private Philanthropy and Iraq.

Each session will begin with an expert in the field giving a one-hour background discussion, followed by McDonough students facilitating a discussion by participants. At the end of the program, those in attendance will fill out a ballot with questions related to the topic. Those will be mailed to FPA headquarters to be included in a report that is distributed to the White House, Congress and key government agencies.

Class size is limited, so anyone interested in attending The Great Decisions Series 2008 should mail an $18 registration fee (make checks payable to Marietta College) to:

McDonough Leadership Center

215 Fifth Street

Marietta College

Marietta OH 45750

Attention: Great Decisions Series Registration

For information go to the McDonough website.

The McDonough Center is named in honor of Bernard P. McDonough (1903-85), a self-made industrialist and entrepreneur who ran wide-ranging global business interests from his Marmac Corporation headquarters in Parkersburg, W.Va. From humble beginnings, he built an industrial empire after World War II with diverse holdings, including concrete plants, construction companies, shoe factories, marine barges, lawn and garden tool factories, and sand and gravel operations.

In 1986, through a generous $5.5 million gift from McDonough's wife, Alma McDonough, and the McDonough Foundation, Marietta College established the Bernard P. McDonough Center for Leadership and Business. The Center offered one of the first comprehensive undergraduate leadership programs in the United States.

During the 2007-08 academic year, McDonough is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Marietta College's Dr. Jacqueline DeLaat, a McCoy Professor of political science, will address the local chapter of the American Association of University Women at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11.

The gathering will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Fourth and Scammel streets, Marietta. DeLaat will speak on "Women's Political Participation and Public Policy Attitudes."

She is a frequent teacher and presenter on topics related to women and U.S. politics, and has published a book, Gender Issues in the Workplace: A Case Study Approach, which addresses issues of workplace discrimination.

Marietta College's Dr. Marybeth Peebles, associate professor of education, has had the educational program she co-authored, Nuts and Bolts of Nonfiction: A Tool Kit for Building Better Readers and Writers, selected as a finalist for the honorary Golden Lamp Award. The Association of Educational Publishers, who selects the winner, said the Gold Lamp "is the most prestigious award within the field of educational publishing."

Published by Red Brick Learning, a nationally recognized publisher of educational texts and teaching/learning materials, Nuts and Bolts of Nonfiction is a program designed for students in grades 3-6. One of its goals is to decrease "writing anxiety." Peebles described writing anxiety as "an extreme apprehension, dread, or fear experienced before, during, and/or after writing that causes inordinate levels of stress and interferes with students' learning and academic achievement."

She continued with, "It is important to minimize the enervating power of writing anxiety. It is imperative that teachers at all levels recognize and understand the phenomenon of writing anxiety - its causes, effects, and possible treatments."

Peebles is thrilled her work and that of her colleagues on the Nuts & Bolts project has been honored by the AEP. She never expected her first venture into educational publishing would lead to being a finalist for the Golden Lamp Award. "Being a finalist is indeed an honor," she said. "I will have my fingers crossed from now until sometime this summer when we hear the results."

Peebles said the experience of researching and writing Nuts and Bolts has been extremely rewarding. "Working with and getting to know a wide range of people with a wide range of talents, increasing my knowledge of the publishing industry, and motivating me to translate some of my writing for Nuts and Bolts into articles for educational journals and other publications has been the most rewarding," Peebles said.