Previous Events

In 1908, just five years after making their first, short pioneering flights, the Wright Brothers introduced their invention to the world with spectacular demonstrations in the United States and France. The flights of 1908 confirmed the accomplishments of the two brothers from Ohio not just to the public at large, but to the international community of experimenters who had also dreamed of a flying machine. The Wrights had been members of this community from the start of their inquiries in the 1890s. Once publicly presenting their invention, the Wrights became leading figures in an international community dedicated to bringing the benefits of flight to the world and flight has been a truly international phenomenon ever since. The centennial year of those flights affords the opportunity to reflect upon this international community of flight.

Sponsored by the Wright Family Foundation, Aviation Heritage Alliance, University of Dayton, CFM, and Wright State University, this conference brings together scholars from around the world to discuss the international nature of the history and development of flight.

Please refer to the conference program for details. The directions to Dunbar Library can be found at: http://www.libraries.wright.edu/about/lochours/plddir.html

Registration for the conference is $50, students receive a discounted rate of $20.

For more information, contact Dawne Dewey via email at dawne.dewey@wright.edu, or call 937-775-2092.

To some people, baseball is a game of wins, losses, statistics and big contracts. To Dr. Allen Hye, the national pastime represents something much deeper. Join the Friends of the Libraries and the College of Liberal Arts for Dr. Hye's talk and book-signing 5:30-7:00 pm Thursday, April 17, on the Dunbar Library fourth floor.

Free and open to the public. Free & convenient parking. 'Baseball' refreshments available.

Program begins at 5:30 pm.

"It goes way beyond the game" says Dr. Hye. "There are issues about life, marriage, love and religion, & how baseball reflects society in so many ways." He taught an honors course about baseball and American society and thinks that the latter half of the 20th century may have been a golden age for baseball novels.

Dr. Hye is a WSU Professor Emeritus of German and Danish, a passionate baseball fan, and recently developed a seminar about selecting, preparing for, and succeeding at college.

The University Libraries' Copyright Committee invites you to a brown-bag presentation and discussion 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Thursday, April 17, in Room 315 Dunbar.

WSU faculty and staff work with copyright materials all the time. Learn the basics of copyright regulations, what they mean for your own creative work, and how to determine when you can and cannot use the work of others.

Which are myths and which are not:

Educational use = Fair use
Out of print = Public domain
It has to be registered to be copyright
No © symbol = no copyright
I'm safe if I adhere strictly to fair use guidelines
Attribution = permission
If I request permission, I'll have to pay

Program begins promptly at 11:30 am. Please bring your lunch. Juice and dessert will be provided.

What’s Race Got to Do with It? chronicles the journey of a diverse group of students participating in a 15-week intergroup dialogue program at U.C. Berkeley. As the students share personal stories, debate hot topics, and confront one another about the role race plays in their lives, they make discoveries about their preconceived ideas and assumptions, and in so doing, help us begin to disentangle our own.

The film goes beyond identity politics, celebratory history and guilt trips to help viewers “see through” achievement myths and create a safe space for open, honest exchange, particularly within educational environments.For more information, see http://www.whatsrace.org/

Participate in the community Big Read by joining our discussion of the book "Funny in Farsi" on Wednesday, April 9th from 2:00-3:30pm in room 442 Dunbar. The event will feature a lively discussion of the book, by Firoozeh Dumas, and will include WSU international students sharing their experiences of living in the United States. Booklist notes “Dumas has a unique perspective on American culture and she effortlessly balances the comedy of her family’s misadventures with the more serious prejudices they face.” Please mark your calendars to join us for thoughtful discussion and tasty refreshments on April 9^th!

For information on other local 2008 Big Read events, check the Dayton Daily News .

Join us in the Student Technology Assistance Center (STAC) for this free, hour-long workshop focused on the foundational tools necessary for Photoshop mastery! Covered topics will include adjusting color, correcting red-eye, resizing images, using text, and comprehending the concept of layers. Impress all of your friends with newly acquired cropping and coloring skills through this introductory exploration of graphics editing.

Photoshop and the Adobe Creative Suite 3 are available for free use in the STAC.

The Friends of the Libraries welcome Ms. Bonnie Langdon presenting "Healthy Aging: Your Best Years Ahead," 5:30-7:00 pm Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, on the Dunbar Library fourth floor. This event is free and open to the public. Free and convenient parking is located just outside of the building.

Ms. Langdon is former President & CEO of the Maria-Joseph Center, a long-term care facility in Dayton. She is an assistant clinical professor in the Boonshoft School of Medicine Dept. of Community Health, and currently serves on the WSU Board of Trustees.

A question and answer session will follow her talk.

What’s Race Got to Do with It? chronicles the journey of a diverse group of students participating in a 15-week intergroup dialogue program at U.C. Berkeley. As the students share personal stories, debate hot topics, and confront one another about the role race plays in their lives, they make discoveries about their preconceived ideas and assumptions, and in so doing, help us begin to disentangle our own.

The film goes beyond identity politics, celebratory history and guilt trips to help viewers “see through” achievement myths and create a safe space for open, honest exchange, particularly within educational environments.For more information, see http://www.whatsrace.org/

Sponsored by the Student Affairs Diversity Committee, University Libraries, and the Women's Center.

The WSU Archives is hosting a special reunion reception for students, alumni, faculty, and founders of the WSU Public History Program 5:30-7:30 pm Nov. 16, 2007, on the Dunbar Library 4th floor.

This event is sponsored by the Dept. of History , the College of Liberal Arts , and the University Libraries .

RSVP by November 9 via phone to (937) 775-2092, email to monteiro.3@wright.edu

Join the WSU Friends of the Libraries as they welcome William H. Wild, former editorial page edifor for the Dayton Journal Herald, introducing his new publication that celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Dayton Council on World Affairs (DCOWA).

"Seeking Peace through Understanding" is the booklet that details the founding and continuation of the DCOWA - an organization created after World War II to promote informed opinion and decision-making on international political, economic, and social issues.

This event is co-sponsored by the University Center for International Education and the DCOWA.

Free & open to the public. Free & convenient parking. Refreshments will be available following Mr. Wild's talk. RSVP by Sept. 25 to ensure seating and refreshments.

Get your game on at the WSU Libraries 6-10pm, Dunbar Library, Sept. 7!

The Libraries, WSU Residence Services, and CaTS (Computing & Telecommunications Services) are hosting a free board & computer gamers night, giving all WSU students an opportunity to enjoy group and individual competitions. From the novice to the experienced gamer, everyone should have a great and challenging time.

This is your chance to meet your fellow students, trade gaming secrets, go on adventures and generally have a blast!

This event is open only to registered WSU students. Gamers will use the public computer terminals in the library. No gaming equipment is needed.

Join the Friends of the Libraries to celebrate 40 years of continuing excellence for Wright State University Theatre Arts. The 28th annual spring luncheon features Dr. Stuart McDowell, a man whose name is synonymous with quality WSU theatre. Learn about the successes and behind-the-scenes activities that have brought so many on-stage characters to life through the dedication, hard work, and outright talent of the WSU Theatre program. Throughout Dr. Stuart McDowell’s talk, current theater students will perform numbers from the 2007-2008 theater season.

Meet Robert Gilliland, the first test pilot for the SR-71, as guest speaker for the Huffman Prairie Aviation History Society meeting 7:30 pm Monday, May 7, in the Ervin J. Nutter Center Berry Room. This event is free & open to the public. RSVP by May 1. This special presentation is sponsored by the Wright State University Libraries' Special Collections & Archives, and the Dayton/Cincinnati Chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Join the Libraries for The Big Read 2007 Noon-1:30 pm Wednesday, April 11, in Room 315 Dunbar Library. The discussion will focus on "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. This book was selected by public vote across the country. The Big Read is intended to gather various groups of people together to discuss a common thread: Everyone's read the same book! RSVP by April 9.

Dayton debut of new Tuskegee Airmen documentary by WSU alumnus Adam White. Meet Adam White & special guests; DVDs of documentary will be available for sale. Registration required to ensure seating & refreshments. RSVP by March 19. Program at 6:45 pm, followed by film at 7:00 pm.

The Friends of the Libraries welcome Dr. Charles Gulas, Associate Professor of Marketing for the Raj Soin College of Business, 5:30-7:00 pm Thursday, January 25, 2007, on the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library fourth floor. His talk, "Humor & Marketing" comes at just the right time leading up to the prime television advertising event: The Superbowl!

His talk will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a reception with light refreshments. RSVP by January 23 online OR by calling (937) 775-2380. This event is free and open to the public.

Join the Libraries for the American debut of the fifth and final book in the acclaimed "Aviation Century" series 6-8 pm Friday, Sept. 22, 2006, on the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library fourth floor. This celebrated series by aviation photographer and WSU alum Dan Patterson and Royal Air Force pilot and writer Ron Dick covers the history of powered flight from "The Early Years" to this latest, "War and Peace in the Air."

The authors will speak before their book-signing and wine & cheese reception. Their program will begin at 6:15 pm and the book-signing at 7:15 pm.

There will be exhibits from the WSU Libraries' Special Collections & Archives, and all books in the "Aviation Century" series will be available for purchase:

• Aviation Century - War and Peace in the Air (2006)
• Aviation Century - Wings of Change (2005)
• Aviation Century - World War II (2004)
• Aviation Century - The Golden Age (2004)
• Aviation Century - The Early Years (2003)

Get your game on at the WSU Libraries 6-10 pm Friday, Sept. 8!

The Libraries, WSU Residence Services, and CaTS (Computing & Telecommunications Services) are hosting a free board & computer gamers night, giving all WSU students an opportunity to enjoy group and individual competitions. From the novice to the experienced gamer, everyone should have a great and challenging time.

This is your chance to meet your fellow students, trade gaming secrets, go on adventures and generally have a blast!

This event is open only to registered WSU students. Save your spot by registering in advance. Gamers will use the public computer terminals in the library. No gaming equipment is needed.

Find full information at http://www.wright.edu/cats/gamersnight

The Web is exciting again! People are connecting, collaborating, and engaging in library-type activities on the web - For fun! Learn how libraries can use the read/write Web to engage library users and enhance the library’s web presence. The session will discuss these cutting-edge web features to assist all library staff in understanding today’s users and meeting them on their own terms. So, if you’ve ever wondered what libraries can do with weblogs, instant messaging, wikis, Flickr, RSS, Blogs and more, then join Wright State University Libraries and other Dayton area academic librarians as we think outside the box about library services.

Speaker: Aaron Schmidt is the author of walkingpaper.org and a Reference Librarian at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library in Western Springs, Illinois. Aaron is a firm believer in how being user-centered can help librarians create relevant institutions. In 2005, Library Journal named him a "Mover & Shaker" in the field, saying "it's a testament to his personality and abilities that he has become so prominent in such a short time." Aaron works with libraries to help them understand the environment in which they must compete, including the commercial web. He received his MLIS from Dominican University in 2001 and has spoken internationally on the topic of technology in libraries. In his spare time, he likes to ride bicycles.

The Friends of the Libraries welcome Mr. Alex Nyerges, Director & CEO of the Dayton Art Institute, for its 27th Annual Spring Luncheon. Mr. Nyerges will speak about the collections and what's involved in the special exhibits coming up at the Dayton Art Institute this year. The DAI's library has also recently affiliated itself with the WSU Libraries.

Cost is $15.00 for Friends' members and $17.00 for non-members. Please register by May 12 and indicate your meal choice:

• Baked Salmon Fillet
• Grilled Chicken Breast with Lemon Pepper Sauce
• Vegetable Lasagna

Each meal served with a garden salad, freshly baked rolls or bread, coffee, iced tea, and dessert.

Join the University Libraries for a free workshop designed especially for faculty, researchers, and authors. Learn how to:

• Retain ownership of your content
• Transfer only some of your rights to the publisher
• Protect yourself, your students, and your institution (copyright in the classroom)

Presented by Trisha L. Davis from The Ohio State University Libraries, a nationally-known expert in electronic resource licensing, copyright, and electronic publishing.

The WSU Friends of the Libraries welcome Dr. Bonnie Mathies, professor and Associate Dean for the College of Education and Human Services, presenting "Change Your World Through Your Libraries." Her talk will address the evolution of public, academic, and specialty libraries and their importance and contributions to communities. She will examine libraries' roles from the library perspective and challenges to their roles.

This presentation is free and open to the public. Please register by March 31.

This talk is part of the WSU Friends of the Libraries' Lecture Series and is presented as part of National Library Week, April 2-8, 2006.

Book discussion about the book selected for community discussion, "To Kill a Mockingbird." Please bring your lunch. Southern-themed refreshments will be provided for dessert.

Join a one-day symposium in honor of Women's History Month featuring the joint resources of the WSU Libraries' Special Collections & Archives and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park. Held at the beautiful Dayton Woman's Club, 225 North Ludlow St., the event will spotlight women pilots from the Dayton area plus feature a tribute to Katharine Wright, sister to Wilbur and Orville Wright, and a presentation by Amelia Earhart portrayed by Ann Birney.

Click here to see the Full program details

Registration of $30 covers the program and lunch. Parking is available in nearby lots for an additional fee.

Pre-registration is required by March 1 through this website or by calling (937) 775-2092. Online payment cannot be accepted but payment may be made -

1. via credit card by calling (937) 775-2092
2. OR by check (made payable to Eastern National) and mailed to: Wright State University Attn: Dawne Dewey, Dunbar Library 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway Dayton, OH 45435

Please note that registration fees are non-refundable.

The Friends of the Libraries welcome WSU Philosophy Professor Dr. William B. Irvine discussing his newly-published book, "On Desire: Why We Want What We Want." Published in November 2005 by Oxford University Press, "On Desire" addresses how desires often come unbidden and unwanted, and can have a dramatic impact on people’s lives.

Dr. Irvine delves into where these feelings come from, cultural philosophical teachings, and scientific theories about why some things become more desireable than others. He concludes that changing ourselves is the best way to enhance individual happiness.

The Libraries plan to have copies of Dr. Irvine’s book available for sale at this lecture. This event is free and open to the public.

The WSU Friends of the Libraries welcome Dr. Donna Schlagheck, Chair of the Department of Political Science, discussing the lessons learned by the tenth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords.

Ten years ago, “ethnic cleansing” and civil war had decimated life in Bosnia-Hercegovina and other provinces of former Yugoslavia. An American negotiating team led by Richard Holbrooke brought Serb, Croat and Bosnian leaders to the Hope Hotel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to hammer out accords to end the war and establish a framework for peace. Professor Schlagheck will review the Dayton Peace Accords and discuss lessons learned about post-conflict state reconstruction.

This presentation coincides with the community-wide anniversary celebration recognizing the importance of peacemaking. Information about these other community events is available at http://www.dcowa.org/celebratepeace

This lecture is part of the WSU Friends of the Libraries' Lecture Series.

The Miami Valley region boasts thousands of people holding patents and hundreds have attended our library programs for independent inventors. InventorFest is dedicated to educating inventors and entrepreneurs on patenting their invention, bringing their product to market, and avoiding common business frauds and scams. This is initiated through free educational presentations and tradeshow exhibits that connect inventors and entrepreneurs with information related to intellectual property and marketing. The sponsoring library partners continue to foster and encourage inventors and entrepreneurs throughout the year with library reference service and programs dedicated to the inventors’ information needs, including collaborative partnerships with other legitimate inventor assistance organizations such as regional inventors’ councils and small business development centers. What’s more, it’s totally FREE for exhibitors and attendees to participate. InventorFest is sponsored by the Wright State University Libraries, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and the Ohio Small Business Development Center.

A One Day Symposium Honoring the Centennial of Practical Flight At Huffman Prairie. Hosted By Special Collections And Archives Wright State University Libraries and the University Center for International Education.

Registration: $35.00 Includes Continental Breakfast, Lunch And Optional Tour Of Special Collections And Archives, WSU Libraries

Speakers from the National Air & Space Museum, Brazil, France, and England will discuss the significance of the Wright Brothers, Alberto Santos Dumont, and other aviation pioneers in the early years of aviation. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and an optional tour of the archives highlighting its extensive aviation collections and the full size replica of the Wrights’ 1903 flyer hanging in the library atrium.This event is open to the public. All aviation enthusiasts, historians, pilots, and students are encouraged to attend.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Dr. Tom Crouch, Senior Curator for the National Air & Space Museum, presenting, “After the first 12 seconds…The Wrights at Huffman Prairie, 1904-1905, and 1910”
• Professor Paulo C. Greco Jr. from the Universidade de São Paulo, Center of Aeronautics Research, School of Engineering, discussing “Santos Dumont and Brazil, 1906”
• Marc Denoueix, President of the LeMans Sarthe Wright Centennial Committee, Le Mans, France, presenting “ Wilbur Wright’s Flights in LeMans, 1908”
• Paul Mirat , Director of Communications for the City of Pau , France, presenting “The Wright Brothers and Pilot Training in Pau, 1909”

The Friends of the Libraries welcome Maestro Neal Gittleman from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra as guest speaker for its 26th annual spring luncheon. His talk titled, "Rummaging in the Attic" reflects upon the orchestra's history in Dayton and the extensive collections preserving its past that are housed in the University Libraries' Special Collections & Archives.

Call (937) 775-2380 by May 19 to reserve your seat and select your luncheon meal. Payments must be made either in advance or at the door before the event. Costs are: $15.00 for current Friends' members and $17.00 for non-members. Payments are accepted by check or credit card. No online payments can be accepted at this time.

Meal choices are:
Chicken Santa Fe - Grilled, marinated chicken breast topped with grilled peppers, onions, and Monterey Jack cheese served with Southwestern rice and Mexican corn.
Vegetarian Lasagna - A hearty portion of lasagna made with mixed vegetables served with garlic bread.
Beef Medallions with Burgundy Sauce- Grilled tenderloin of beef tossed with sauteed mushrooms and topped with a burgundy wine sauce. Served with oven-roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables.

All meals come with salad, rolls, and dessert.

Find out how and why "Made in China" is prevalent in our shopping. And how do we personally benefit from global Free Trade Agreements? Dr. Fall Ainina, Chair of the Dept. of Finance & Financial Services for the Raj Soin College of Business, will discuss the evolution of international trade as more American products are made outside of our borders. He will also explain what it means to "Buy American" overseas, from McDonald's to fashion.

Join the Libraries for The Big Read! A book discussion about "Nickel and Dimed: On (not) getting by in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich Tuesday, March 8, 12:00noon to 1:00pm OR Friday, March 11, 12:00noon to 1:00pm Room 315, Paul Laurence Dunbar Library Space is limited.
Bring your lunch if you like.
Can a person earning minimum wage, pay for the basics, without going on welfare? What challenges influence basic-skill, low-wage worker's lives? How wide is the class divide in America? Barbara Ehrenreich asks these questions and many others in her book, Nickel and Dimed: on (not) getting by in America. The chatty, diary-like style of her book poses difficult social questions and challenges basic premises of American cultural standards. Each vignette tells us something about ourselves, our assumptions about being American, and the way the classes relate to each other. Do her vignettes remind you of experiences of your own? What do think of her conclusions? Come share your thoughts!

This lecture will feature Dr. Robert Adams, associate professor of Political Science. He will have just returned from a post-election de-briefing in Washington, D.C., sponsored jointly by Congressional Quarterly Weekly, the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution. He will share the freshest analyses & news about Campaign 2004. There will also be related exhibits from the Libraries' collections.