Launch loaded with talent

(PHOTO/April Irvin)

Student and faculty readings, music, exciting announcements and – of course – free food will all be a part of the Rubicon’s winter launch party.

“The Rubicon launch is a celebration to recognize this semester’s publication and the contributors,” said Samantha Loff, a senior English major from Dothan and editor-and-chief of the Rubicon. “The Rubicon is lucky to receive support from not only the English department, but also from the art department and other university organizations.”

Over the past few years, the Rubicon has evolved from a design standpoint, collaborating with the art and design departments. Russell Everett, a lecturer in the art department, led the process of illustrating the various pieces in the Rubicon.

It’s not only the art department that is collaborating with the Rubicon and its launch party. James Brown, an assistant professor of choral music, will also lead a vocal ensemble at the launch party.

In addition to Brown’s ensemble, Stephen Krietemeyer, a senior music industry major from Dothan, has organized a quintet for the event. Krietemeyer’s quintet includes himself in addition to Kylie McGliny, a senior music education major from Bainbridge, Ga.; Bobby Williams, a graduate assistant from Hazlehurst, Ga.; Blake Eubanks, a senior music education major from Ashford.; and David Clay, a junior music education major  from Hazlehurst, Ga.

This combination of the arts makes the Rubicon’s launch party an unparalleled demonstration of Troy University’s diverse talent.

The launch party will be held at Studio 116 in Brundidge. Sara Dismukes, assistant professor of art and design and co-director of Studio 116, volunteered the locale. The Rubicon’s launch party was also held there last semester.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to bring the arts from campus into Pike County,” Loff said.

The Rubicon’s published student authors will also have the opportunity to read their work to the launch’s audience.

However, it is not only student talent that is on display at this semester’s launch party. Two English professors will also be honored at the launch.

“The English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta, will be honoring Troy University professor and poet William Thompson, and he will be reading,” Loff said. “We will also honor Theron Montgomery. Montgomery published a memoir in the Troy University Alabama Literary Review and has been approached with adapting his memoir into a film.”

Theresa Johnson, a lecturer of English, and Sigma Tau Delta is also responsible for supporting the launch party by supplying food and dining utensils.

The Rubicon launch party at Studio 116 in Brundidge will be at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, which is Dead Day.