Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for their final fall 2018 seminar, "Daphnia's Challenge: Strategies to Survive and Reproduce under Limiting Environmental Conditions," presented by Alicia Perez-Fuentetaja, professor of biology and research scientist with the Great Lakes Center at Buffalo State, on Monday, December 3, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center 424.  

Abstract
Calcium levels have declined in boreal lakes in North America and Europe because of soil mineral leaching, logging, and climate change. Crustacean zooplankton species with a high-calcium demand, such as Daphnia, are particularly vulnerable to calcium-related stress. In a factorial design, we tested the effects of three calcium concentrations and two food levels on second-generation calcium-stressed Daphnia pulex × pulicaria. Calcium limitation affected reproduction, molting, and population growth, but food quantity was also relevant on how Daphnia dealt with the lack of calcium. When adequate levels of calcium were available, population growth was similar in both high and low food conditions; however, under high food but low calcium, Daphnia’s life history strategy was focused on reproduction, and this had a negative effect on survivorship due to calcium limitation. Alternatively, under low food and low calcium, their strategy was on survival and somatic maintenance, minimizing reproduction. Boreal lakes with modest levels of calcium may support Daphnia populations during periods with sufficient food, but if the food quantity or quality is too low to mitigate the effects of calcium limitation, Daphnia populations could disappear because of low reproductive output.

The fall 2018 Conversations in and Out of the Disciplines series continues today, November 30, as Bhakti Sharma, associate professor of interior design, presents "Honey, I Shrunk the Retail" at 3:00 p.m. in Ketchum Hall 320. The talk will be followed by a Q&A and brief wine-and-cheese reception. Everyone is welcome.

Please join us again on Friday, December 7, when Melanie L. Perreault, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will present “Servants, Slaves, and Unruly Mistresses: Interpersonal Violence in the Early Chesapeake” at 3:00 in Ketchum Hall 320.

Upcoming talks for the spring 2019 semester (dates TBA) include presentations by Andrea Guiati, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Modern and Classical Languages; Heather Maldonado, assistant provost for academic success; Patrick McGovern, associate professor of political science; and Macy Todd, assistant professor of English.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Trooper Jeremy VanNostrand from Wednesday, November 28, until his interment.

"The family of New York grieves for Trooper Jeremy VanNostrand, who was tragically killed in a car crash in the Town of Glen while on duty," Governor Cuomo said.

"Trooper VanNostrand, who served as a member of the New York State Police for six years, dedicated his life to protecting New Yorkers. His legacy of service, as a state corrections officer and then as a member of the New York State Police, was an inspiration to us all, and his example will live on for generations to come.

"I am directing that flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Trooper VanNostrand, and on behalf of all New Yorkers I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

Do you have a connection to the LGBTQ+ community? Would you like to help bring more acceptance and celebration of diversity to our campus? Join the Bengal Allies! We are a group of staff, faculty, and students who work together to enhance the efforts of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Pride Alliance (student group) on campus. We are currently meeting biweekly until the end of the year to plan our spring semester events, opportunities, and services. Our next planned meeting date is Monday, December 17, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the LGBTQ+ Resource Room, Campbell Student Union 105G (bottom floor).*

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Sean P. Terry, student activities assistant for evening and weekend life, in the Student Leadership and Engagement Office. We hope to see you there.

*To find us: Walk down the hallway to the left of the USG Game Room; we are the last door on the left. Signage is coming soon.

Do you have a connection to the LGBTQ+ community? Would you like to help bring more acceptance and celebration of diversity to our campus? Join the Bengal Allies! We are a group of staff, faculty, and students who work together to enhance the efforts of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Pride Alliance (student group) on campus. We are currently meeting biweekly until the end of the year to plan our spring semester events, opportunities, and services. Our planned meeting dates are Mondays, December 3 and 17, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the LGBTQ+ Resource Room, Campbell Student Union 105G (bottom floor).*

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Sean P. Terry, student activities assistant for evening and weekend life, in the Student Leadership and Engagement Office. We hope to see you there.

*To find us: Walk down the hallway to the left of the USG Game Room; we are the last door on the left. Signage is coming soon.

The Exceptional Education Department, Buffalo State Best Buddies, and the Student Council for Exceptional Children invite you to join or support the Buffalo State Polar Plunge team, the Orange Crushers, to help raise money for the New York Special Olympics. This year's Polar Plunge will be held at Woodlawn Beach in Hamburg, New York, on Saturday, December 1.

It's a wild and crazy, fun event and a great way to show your Buffalo State colors. Anyone can register for our team, so bring your friends and relatives to help us reach our goal of 50 plungers and $3,000 in donations. We have won the College Team Award for fundraising in the past, but right now we are behind other school teams. You can help us continue our winning tradition. Faculty members, please consider giving extra credit for participation.

Free busing is available for those who plan to attend the event. We will gather in the parking area in front of Cleveland Hall at 11:30 a.m., leave for the plunge at noon, and return after the plunge at about 3:00 p.m. Reservations and travel forms are required if you plan to ride the bus. For reservations or information, please contact bestbuddiesbsc@gmail.com or buffalostatescec@gmail.com.

We look forward to showing our Buffalo State commitment to our community by "Freezin' for a Reason." Thank you for your support.

Be sure to stop by the annual NYS Employee Health Benefits Fair tomorrow, November 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Campbell Student Union Assembly Halls 1 and 2. Representatives from Buffalo State's health insurance providers—the Empire Plan, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Independent Health—will be available to answer questions regarding the current health insurance plans and changes in coverage for 2019. Staff members from the Employee Benefits Office will also be present to assist employees in making changes to health insurance coverage. This is a great opportunity to ensure that you are enrolled in the plan that is best for you and your dependents.

Information on dental and vision benefits will also be available. Attendees can have their blood pressure checked, find out their body mass and pulse index, learn the benefits of and sample massage therapy, and learn about the Weight Watchers program, all free of charge.

Meet our EAP coordinators and obtain helpful information regarding our Employee Assistance Program. Call Human Resource Management at 878-4821 with questions, and please visit our benefits fair tomorrow.

The Academic Commons, Retention Initiatives, and Weigel Wellness Center are partnering to present a Bengal Study Night on Thursday, December 6, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Bacon Hall. This event will feature course-review sessions, math and writing tutoring, lots of complimentary pizza and drinks, finals survival kits, relaxation activities, and therapy dogs. 

For a detailed schedule of review sessions and other activities, please see the flier on the Academic Commons website (PDF, 204 KB). Feel free to print and share the flier with students or download and e-mail it to your advisees.

Internationally acclaimed artist Ysa˙e Barnwell (Sweet Honey in the Rock, Beloved, W. C. Handy’s Blues) will deliver the lecture-workshop "The Global Perspective of African American Music" today, November 29, at 10:50 a.m., in Ciminelli Recital Hall, on the third floor of Rockwell Hall. This lecture is open to members of the Buffalo State community only.

Dr. Barnwell will also conduct a community sing this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Jacqueline Vito LoRusso Alumni and Visitor Center. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited so please arrive early. Join us for this moving and transformative experience.

For more information, please e-mail Carlos Jones, associate dean of the School of Arts and Humanities.

The Brothers of AAMEN and Weigel Health Promotions will host a Destress Fest just before finals on Tuesday, December 4, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Bacon Hall 117. Come out and enjoy free food, yoga, music, games, and more. Please call Weigel Health Promotions with questions: 878-4719 or 878-3786.

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