Arts and Humanities Commons^™

How Stereotypes And Labor Shortages Lured Asians To The Sunshine: A Brief Historical And Demographic Review Of Asian Americans In Florida., Wenxian Zhang

Faculty Publications

Asians began to arrive in Florida in the years after the Civil War, concentrated mainly in railroad construction, agriculture, and service sectors such as laundry, restaurant, and grocery business. Their population grew very slowly until after World War II, when the discriminatory immigration policies were finally lifted. The 1965 immigration reform act, openings of the Walt Disney World and other tourist attractions, the end of the Vietnam War, the thriving sunbelt economy, and the rapid population growth have all brought numerous new Asian immigrants to the southernmost state in America. Shaped by multiple waves of immigration and various socioeconomic factors, …

Serving Others Using Generative Ai, Kenneth C. Arnold

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Ken Arnold, computer science professor at Calvin University, explores the idea of use Generative AI as a tool to help us serve others.

Issues That Ministers Identify As Factors Contributing To Anxiety And Depression, Heather Sawtelle

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Although mental health is an emerging topic within the church community, the stigmatization of mental illness within ministers’ lives can create a myriad of personal beliefs that can lead to shame and discontent in ministers’ lives. Many ministers have daily stressors that compromise their mental health, and these stressors can contribute to depression or anxiety. This study defined mental health issues and described mental illness’ influence on ministers’ lives and the factors that contribute to mental health issues. This health condition, described as mental illness, involves significant changes in thinking, emotion, behavior, distress, and problems functioning in social, work, or …

Queer Ga(Y)Ze And Desire In Flesh And Pink Narcissus, Kel R. Karpinski

Publications and Research

Through their portrayals of gay-for-pay hustlers, the films Flesh and Pink Narcissus, offer an expansive view of queerness and illuminate the queer history of Times Square.

Cross-Platform Sample-Rate Behavior In Mobile Bluetooth Microphones A Comparative Audio-Production Study Of Android And Ios Systems, John Trevino

Theatre Faculty Publications

Bluetooth microphones—especially AirPods and similar wearables—are now used in mobile filmmaking for portable, actor-mounted voice capture. However, sample-rate behavior varies significantly across Android and iOS ecosystems. This paper analyzes cross-platform sample-rate performance using perceptual, non-mechanistic evaluation. The focus is on expressive clarity, tonal identity, continuity across recordings, and film-production workflow reliability under Bluetooth microphone conditions.

0893: Maurice G. Burnside Collection, 1793-2003, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection was deaccessioned from East Carolina University to Marshall University Special Collections. The original processing, organizing, and files were maintained in this transfer. The only change that has been made is the addition of the new accession number to the existing folders.

The bulk of this collection pertains to Dr. Burnside’s congressional and political activities (1945-1956) and is composed largely of scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, and photographs. Materials reflect the time and effort Dr. Burnside directed towards environmental issues, unemployment, the problems faced by small businesses and farmers, and the promotion of tariffs on foreign products that competed with local …

Review Of Stark, Mike. Starlings: The Curious Odyssey Of A Most Hated Bird, 'Starlings: The Curious Odyssey Of A Most Hated Bird' [Review], Catherine Mcneur

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

Portland State University Professor of History Catherine McNeur reviews:

Mike Stark. Starlings: The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird. University of Nebraska Press, 2025. xi + 238 pp. $24.49, paper, ISBN 978-1-4962-4202-0.

Dry Bones Can Live Again : Best Practices For Replanting Independent Christian Churches, R. Steve Bolin

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Exhibition And Protest Of Executions In Iran, Donna M. Hughes

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

An exhibition and protest of executions in Iran was held in Washington, D.C. in June 2025. Portraits of 2000 men and women who were killed or executed in Iran since the 1980s were displayed on the National Mall in front of the Capitol. The Iranian Resistance estimates that 30,000 activists were massacred in one period in 1988. Executions of prisoners have continued steadily, making Iran the world’s leading executioner of men and women. In recent years, there has been a sharp escalation in the number of executions of prisoners. A United Nations Special Rapporteur reported that over 800 persons were …

Φυσιολατρία (2), Eleni V. Angelos

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"φυσιολατρία is a Greek word that refers to sympathetic perception of the natural world in its uncultivated state. My pieces were inspired by my time spent outside when I am fully conscious and being mindful of my surroundings. I wanted to portray my feelings of connectedness, along with patterns/colors that I notice when I fully present in nature."

Birthday Wish, Melissa Velasco

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Author Statement

"This work is a part of a novel that I am working on about my dad's life story. I embellished the story for dramatic effect, but the story is true. What inspired me to write about my dad’s life was that growing up, I heard many stories about how different his childhood was, the different jobs he worked, and how he really wanted to come to the United States and I wanted to compile them in one place."

Cosmic Princess, Sophia R. Dakkuri

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Author Statement

"Sophia wanted to explore fantasy new to her by going straight to the cosmos and creating a story that features the 'Cosmic Princess.' She used her little sister as the subject. When looking at the sculpture, one can notice that the princess has independence and a sense of adventure expressed on her face. Her face is youthful and doll-like because she is still a child slowly growing up. The colors were chosen purposefully to help the storytelling. The combination of pastel and bright colors truly bring this princess to life and accentuate the movement of the hair."

Two-Headed Lamb, Nicole Gomez

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'Two-Headed Lamb' is meant to be a storytelling piece that gives viewers mixed emotions of both eeriness and comfort. The eerie feeling comes from the subject of the work while the comfort feeling comes from the use of textile materials such as fabric, lace, and thread."

Hanahaki, Yanick Victorin

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"This piece is based on the fictional disease Hanahaki. The disease is described as 'a fictional disease in which the victim coughs up flower petals when they suffer from one-sided love. It ends when the beloved returns their feelings or when the victim dies.' The subject is actually from a character in a DnD campaign, who has suffered from unrequited love in his past. So I decided to dedicate this piece to him, mainly because I thought it was interesting."

From Our Faculty Advisors

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Bell Pepper, Effie D. Cypress

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"This was an assignment in one of the classes I had to take. In the beginning of class we just had to quickly paint whatever object was on the table before time ran out, and what was in front of me was a fake bell pepper on purple paper. It’s simple but I ended up liking the end result a lot."

On The Farm, Nicole Gomez

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'On the Farm' tells the story of a relaxing summer in the countryside. This piece uses collaged elements, such as handmade paper, pressed flowers, and fabric, to create a variety of patterns and textures. Overall, I wanted the piece to have a vintage feel and resemble a pillow or quilt you would find in an old home."

Triptyx, Pranav Police

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement "The inspiration for 'TriptyX' comes from triptych art, where three pieces are displayed side by side with shared features. In 'TriptyX', I aimed to blend my atmospheric melodies with bouncy drums while maintaining consistent sonic elements across the tracks. I believe this project best represents my musical style at this stage. The meaning behind the pieces is open to interpretation, reflecting my current understanding of what defines my sound."

Fruitful Encounters, Princess Mari Mimay Cabusao

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Φυσιολατρία, Eleni V. Angelos

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Shadows And Doubt, Marieann C. Raguso

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Keep Pushing, Joseph T. Romano

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"I submitted this piece as an inspiration to all and any who choose to take the time to look at it. Your struggles and problems are always temporary. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and make it known to the world who you are. No matter what happens or what you’re going through. KEEP PUSHING."

Untitled, Sofia I. Menco

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

In Transit, Sara Menco Arenas

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Author Statement

"This poem intends to convey the experience of coming to terms with not only growing up but also letting go—recognizing that people will leave, time will pass, you will change, and yet, it is essential to cherish every moment. When I wrote this, and even now, I still feel that accepting change amid life’s unexpected transit is one of the hardest things to do— to learn to let go."

Echoes Of You, Sara Menco Arenas

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Author Statement

"The inspiration behind this piece is an old friend who, with the passage of time, has become more of a shadow than a presence. Though many years have passed, I wanted to acknowledge the small, everyday reminders—subtle traces that only I can recognize—showing that this person still lingers in my heart and mind. However, I chose to end on a hopeful note, waiting in anticipation to meet once again, for the memory to become more than just a shadow, and for their presence to no longer be just a fleeting glimpse in my life."

Trophy, Fidel E. Perez Pujols

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'Trophy' explores the cycle of death and evolution. This piece reflects on the identities we shed yet still carry within us, symbolizing transformation and reawakening. Through its eerie yet captivating form, it invites viewers to consider how loss shapes who we become."

Coexisting Peacefully, Haylee M. Kubat

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"My piece shows the fluidity of how animals can have a symbiotic relationship in the wild to survive. With the red panda and snow leopard becoming mutuals to survive, their bond grows stronger than what humans could ever have."

Full Issue

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Brain Rot, Luqman M. Gbenro

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'Brain Rot' illustrates how vibrant color and playful composition can be combined to give a static image life. The bold composition seeks to capture a common sentiment about contemporary conscience (or the lack thereof) through hyperbolic circumstances. This piece is a visual representation of the helplessness and frustration spurred on by our digital circumstances."

Obscurity, Emily Santiago

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'Obscurity' highlights the process and approach of how darkness can enunciate thoughts and expressions. This photograph reveals and revolves around ominous and despondent perspectives. Through the shadows of the clouds, the sun’s glance and the naturalistic aspects form a reflection of personal conceptions and instincts. Photography provides the opportunity to vocalize thoughts in a divergent manner, which is a goal I aim to achieve and convey with my photographs. When capturing this photo, low exposure was used along with a panning technique. Photography allows the opportunity to capture not only moments but also introspection and reflection."