Remembering Michael J Changnon Proposal

Michael J Changnon (1943-2002) was a significant faculty member at Slippery Rock University. Throughout his 34 years working at Slippery Rock University, Changnon was a founding member of the Slippery Rock University Art Department Faculty, assisted in founding the fine arts degree, and established the photography program. Changnon’s work is currently being displayed at the Martha Gault Art Gallery on campus for students to observe. His work is also located in the Westmoreland Museum of Art, Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh Public Schools and Heinz History Center.

This timeline would be a great way to showcase the artwork and life of a former faculty member who had a significant impact on Slippery Rock University to this day. This story has proximity because the gallery where the work is currently being displayed is on Slippery Rock campus. His work has also had an impact on a lot of people who have seen his work at different galleries. This timeline also would have the element of timeliness because while Changnon passed away in 2002, this gallery is in remembrance of him. Prominence could also be considered a newsworthy element for this story because Changnon was a prominent faculty member at Slippery Rock.

For this timeline I will attend the gallery and learn more about Changnon’s life while there. I would be able to take pictures of his significant art pieces and interview those who are there to view his work.

Shop Local Slippery Rock

With so many local stores struggling during the pandemic, it is important for us to shop locally in and around Slippery Rock. Luckily, there are many amazing stores that haven't closed yet and are ready for us to explore. From gifts to jewelry to toys to clothing, Slippery Rock has some unique stores which would make great options to shop locally. I have created a story map to showcase some of the best local stores for Slippery Rock students to support.

https://uploads.knightlab.com/storymapjs/fe93a308bfa55fe58105fea250eda426/shop-local/draft.html

Christopher Jackson Makes an Appearance

Slippery Rock University brought in actor, songwriter and composer Christopher Jackson for Black History Month to empower students about diversity. Jackson is most known for his role as George Washington in the Broadway hit “Hamilton”. Along with “Hamilton”, Jackson has had roles in “In the Heights”, “The Lion King”, the television show “Bull” and has won a Daytime Emmy for a song in the program “Sesame Street”. Jackson talked with students about diversity and being a black actor on Broadway. After his speech, students were given the opportunity to ask questions directly to Jackson.

The Auditorium

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo0ZCmMgFKA

Megan Best and Dylan Al-Kadi enter the newly renovated Miller Auditorium where Christopher Jackson would soon be speaking.

The Excitement Builds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnMCWLfBJKQ

Emma Burgess and Jocelyn Buhite talk about what they are most excited about before the speech begins.

Musical Moment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKKZ4YqvOK4

When asked about his favorite "Hamilton" song, Christopher Jackson sings a bit of the song "One Last Time" for the audience.

Story Time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcK70caAMI0

Christopher Jackson tells the story of how Lin-Manuel Miranda asked him to be George Washington in the musical "Hamilton".