Coe College E-News

Historic Defining Moment kickoff celebration Saturday evening

The Defining Moment kickoff celebration will originate in Sinclair Memorial Auditorium and be broadcast via satellite to Kohawk gatherings around the country.

The largest gathering ever of Coe alumni and friends will take place during a landmark event this Saturday. On that evening, Coe College will celebrate its successes and launch the largest and most comprehensive campaign in the college's history at more than two dozen locations from New York to Arizona. When successful, the Defining Moment Campaign will forever ensure the college's financial viability and guarantee its position as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country.
There is still time to make plans to join in the celebration in Sinclair Auditorium or at a location near you. For those who cannot be in Cedar Rapids, the event will be broadcast live via DISH Network to other sites nationally. If you are unable to attend one of the celebration locations, you may still be a part of the evening by watching the live broadcast on DISH Network, channel 9601, beginning at 7 p.m. CST.
For complete information, go to www.coe.edu/campaign.
To make your reservation, e-mail Advancement@coe.edu or call 866-263-1266 (toll free) or 319-399-8555.

Former U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser to appear at Dows Theatre

Former U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser
Photo credit: D. Wight 2007

Humanities Iowa "Voices From the Prairie - Iowa Writers' Celebration" will feature well-known poet Ted Kooser tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Dows Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.
Kooser, a two-time United States Poet Laureate from 2004 through 2006, was the first poet from the Great Plains to hold this important national position. His most popular book is "Delights and Shadows," for which he won the Pulitzer Prize for 2005.
As a highly regarded Nebraska poet, Kooser's unique voice is something Iowans can learn from and relate to. Known for his clarity, precision and accessibility, Kooser will speak on the value of writing in the state of Iowa, the importance of story and place, offer advice on writing, and share some of his poetry. There will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience, as well as a book signing.
The event is sponsored by Humanities Iowa with co-sponsorship from The Paul Engle Poets Series, The Ann & Mel Struthers Fund, and the office of the vice president for academic affairs and the departments of English and theatre at Coe College. For more information, call 399-8581.

Christmas celebrated at Coe College events

Christmas was celebrated at yesterday's annual Christmas Convocation and Christmas Vespers services. The Coe Women's Chorale, directed by Alma A. Turechek Professor of Music Richard Hoffman and accompanied by Tara Warfield, performed traditional anthems during the services. The services were patterned after that of King's College Chapel, Cambridge, England. In the services, hymns and carols were used in place of psalms and canticles. Through the message of the scriptures and verses of the carols and anthems, participants were given a beautiful perspective to the meaning of the Christmas season.
Both the Christmas Convocation and the Christmas Vespers included the story of Jesus' birth, presented in lessons read throughout the presentation by Coe College Chaplain Kristin Hutson, as well as students, faculty and staff members. Coe organist Dr. Brett Wolgast accompanied the traditional Christmas hymns and carols.

Coe Music Professor Richard Hoffman leads the Coe Women's Chorale at the 2007 Christmas Convocation.

Former Kohawk earns first NFL start

Making the first start of his young NFL career, Fred Jackson '03 gained 151 yards of total offense on just 20 touches to lead the Buffalo Bills to a 17-16 come-from-behind win over the Washington Redskins.
Jackson's first touch resulted in a 22-yard gain in front of 85,000 fans at FedEx Field. The former Kohawk standout finished with a game-high 82 yards rushing on 16 carries. He also had 69 yards receiving on four catches, including a 54-yard reception.
The former head coach and current general manager of the Buffalo Bills is Marv Levy '50.

Winter Kohawk athletic teams start hot

Amber Karkosh '08 has led the Kohawks to a 5-0 start for the first time in school history. Karkosh is a two-time First Team All-Iowa Conference member.

The women's basketball team is off to the best start in school history at 5-0. The team has a balanced attack of seniors and first-year Kohawks leading the way. The women will host Buena Vista tonight to open the Iowa Conference season.

Coe wrestling is off to another great start as they are 5-0 on the season and ranked seventh in the nation. The Kohawks will host Buena Vista tomorrow night in their second Iowa Conference dual.
The men's basketball team is 2-3 on the year after dropping its last contest to nationally ranked Augustana. The Kohawks open the Iowa Conference season tonight against Buena Vista in Eby Fieldhouse.
Both swimming and diving teams are off to a great start with Colleen Fowler '09 earning NCAA marks on the diving board. The next home dual for the Kohawks will come after the holiday break.

For the latest on Coe athletics, go to: http://www.coe.edu/athletics/.
To subscribe to the weekly Kohawk Report E-newsletter, click here.

2007 is the year to make a difference...and there is still time!

With the year drawing to a close, don't forget to include Coe College in your year-end giving. The students who are the recipients of your generosity would agree: any size fits all! Secure online giving is available at: www.gifts.coe.edu or you may contact the Advancement Office at 1-866-263-1266.

Calling all band alumni!

To continue their international travel tradition, the Coe College Bands are preparing for a trip to the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Hong Kong in August 2008, and you're invited! Current student, faculty and alumni musicians will form a wind ensemble, directed by Dr. William Carson, and a jazz band, directed by Steve Shanley. The groups will tour Aug. 3-11, visiting major cultural centers, such as Taipei and Hong Kong, as well as scenic mountains and lakes, Buddhist shrines, and several museums.
There are still a few seats saved for alumni and incoming students. Cost for the tour is only $2397, and an optional non-performing extension to Shanghai is available for an extra fee. If you would like more information, please contact Director of Bands Dr. William Carson as soon as possible: wcarson@coe.edu or 319-399-8520.

Upcoming alumni events

Dec. 8 - The Defining Moment Campaign kickoff, Sinclair Auditorium and other sites around the country.
Jan. 19 - Alumni basketball and dedication of the new Eby Fieldhouse performance arena. Women's alumnae game at 9 a.m., men's alumni game at 11 a.m. Coe hosts Luther in Iowa Conference action with the women's game at 2 p.m. and men's game at 4 p.m. The dedication ceremony will be at halftime of the men's game. Special recognition will be given to the 1972-73 men's basketball team, coached by Marcus Jackson. A reception will be held for donors to the project, former athletes and their families in the P.U.B. following the men's game at approximately 5:30 p.m.
For the latest information on these and other upcoming alumni events, go to: http://www.coe.edu/alumni/alumevents.htm.
For the latest schedule of Coe College events, go to: http://www.coe.edu/aboutcoe/events.htm.

Happy Holidays from the Coe family to your family!