Category: Events

2024-2025 Book Club Titles Revealed!

We’re excited to announce the titles for our 2024-2025 Book Club discussions, sponsored by the Friends of the Libraries, the Wright State University Alumni Association, and the Wright State University Retirees Association. Book discussions will be held on select evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. online via WebEx. Registration will be available but is not required. More information, including links to registration, the online events, and the books in the WSU Libraries will be posted soon.

If you can’t wait until September to talk about books, join us for a spring reading discussion at Eudora Brewing Company on Wednesday, May 15th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. We’ll have a casual conversation about books we’re reading and share recommendations with each other.

If you want a head start on next year’s reading list, the titles for 2024-2025 discussions are:

September 19, 2024 – Behind You is the Sea, by Susan Muaddi Darraj

Book cover image - Broughtupsy

November 21, 2024 – Broughtupsy, by Christina Cooke

Book cover image - A Sign of Her Own

January 16, 2025 – A Sign of Her Own, by Sarah Marsh

March 20, 2025 – The Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Fiction

Not a Friends of the Libraries member? Why not join the Friends today! Your membership supports the Libraries’ collections and programs while providing yourself the luxury of borrowing from an academic library containing a variety of subjects – from classic literature to the latest scientific discoveries, popular reading materials, and more.

2024 Wright State University Top Scholars

The University Libraries are pleased to announce the Wright State University 2024 Top Scholars. Top Scholars is an annual award given to a graduating senior from each college and Lake Campus. Top Scholars are selected by the dean and must have at least a 3.6 GPA, be on track to graduate in spring, and represent the mission, vision and values of our inclusive University.

Each recipient receives a certificate, and a book is purchased and added to the University Libraries’ permanent collections in honor of each Top Scholar. Bookplates with the student’s name, college, and award year are affixed to the book and are also added to the libraries catalog record. The subjects of the books are chosen from within the student’s major and the books are selected by the libraries’ collection management team. The Wright State University and the Friends of the Libraries fund the award, now in its 30th year.

We would like to publicly recognize and congratulate our seven Top Scholars for 2024 and share their after graduation plans and/or favorite memories as Wright State University students.

Image of Constantine Bambakidis
Constantine Bambakidis

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Constantine Bambakidis

Major: Computer Science

Book: Understanding Cybersecurity Technologies: A Guide to Selecting the Right Cybersecurity Tools,  by Abbas Moallem

“After graduation, I will be completing a master’s degree in the field of cyber security and pursuing a career in cyber operations. I also plan to start a cyber security club to participate in national competitions, expand my photography business and adopt a dog to hike the Appalachian Trail with.”

Image of Hannah Davidson
Hannah Davidson

College of Science and Mathematics

Hannah Davidson

Major: Physiology and Neuroscience

Book: Immunohistochemistry: A Technical Guide to Current Practices, ed. By Trung Nguyen

“After graduating this spring, I will be completing my masters in Physiology & Neuroscience at Wright State University. This summer, I will be participating in the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program with the Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton, where I have been interning for two years. Long-term, I plan to become a neonatologist and continue research in developmental neuroscience.

My undergraduate experience here at Wright State has been a such a sweet time – thanks to my experiences in groups like Asian Student Association, Dean’s Circle, and Student Government. I am so grateful for the support of family, faculty, and friends.”

Image of Tanae Dixon
Celeea Tanae Dixon

College of Health, Education, and Human Services

Celeea T. Dixon

Major: Sign Language Interpretation

Book: Advances in Educational Interpreting, ed. By Elizabeth A. Winston & Stephen B. Fitzmaurice

“After graduation I am going to be attending the University of Miami-Oxford to obtain a Masters in Special Education. When that is finished, I plan to do both, sign language interpreting and be an Intervention Specialist for students who range with mild to moderate learning disabilities.

My all-time favorite memory was networking with the other African American students/organizations on campus. Going to Black Student Union events, and being initiated in the Illustrious EX chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has made me a better person, teammate and friend. I will always be thankful for the connections I have made here at Wright State University.”

Image of Jacob Maher
Jacob Maher

Raj Soin College of Business

Jacob Maher

Major: Financial Services

Book: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Banking and Financial Services, by Abhishek Gupta, Dwijendra Nath Dwivedi, and Jigar Shah

“A few of my favorite WSU memories include volunteering for several Raider Open House events where I had the opportunity to speak to potential students and families about the Raj Soin College of Business and tell them about campus life. I have made many very close friendships during my years at WSU which will last a lifetime,  going on spring break trips and winning intramural sport championships with them are also amazing memories that I cherish. 

Immediately after graduation I will be starting a full-time position at Buckingham Advisors in Centerville on the financial planning team. I had the opportunity to intern at Buckingham Advisors last year and was fortunate enough to receive a full-time offer to come back. Here I have already learned a ton about the field and gained valuable professional experience. Buckingham Advisors employs many WSU alumni, and I am excited to start my professional career with an amazing organization. My long-term goals include earning the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation and eventually starting my own financial planning firm. 

I was fortunate enough to graduate high school with an Associate’s Degree from Edison State Community College, which allowed me to graduate in 3 short years. The first thing that stood out to me when I started at WSU was how genuine and caring the professors are. I am proud to have been a part of the Raj Soin College of Business and am excited to be part of the Raider Alumni Family. “

Image of Bethany Moore
Bethany Moore

College of Liberal Arts

Bethany Moore

Major: International Studies

Book: The Geopolitics of Shaming,by Rochelle Terman

“Following my graduation, I will be working for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) as an intelligence specialist at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.” 

Image of Zachary Pleiman
Zachary Pleiman

Lake Campus

Zachary Pleiman

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Book: Theory of Machines: Kinematics and Dynamics, by Dustin Green

“Hello, my name is Zachary Pleiman. I was born in raised in Fort Loramie, OH. I grew up playing a variety of sports, including basketball, golf, track and field, and baseball. On my free time I would participate in outdoor activities along with helping at our family farm. I graduated from Fort Loramie High School as part of the 2020 class. I went right into my college career the following fall at Wright State University’s Lake Campus. I completed my entire 4-year tenure here and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering degree.

“When attending college, I also worked at a year-round Co-Op at Machine Concepts located in Minster, OH. This job allowed me to get a foot into the door and experience what a mechanical engineering career would have to offer. For the past 3 years at this company, I was able to learn a lot about this career field. With this said, after my college career is over, I plan to continue working at Machine Concepts as a full-time mechanical engineer.”

Image of Naser Zarrabi
Naser Zarrabi

Boonshoft School of Medicine

Naser Zarrabi

Major: Public Health

Book: Indigenous Public Health, by Linda Burhansstipanov and Kathryn L. Braun

“After graduation, I plan to further my knowledge in the medical field through research and volunteering. My hope is to be accepted to the Boonshoft School of Medicine to pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a physician and helping people.

My favorite memory at WSU was having the opportunity to be an undergraduate teaching assistant for anatomy lab. I enjoyed this experience as I was able to help students improve their learning and understanding. I also appreciate all of my amazing professors and the faculty members that helped me throughout my studies at WSU. I would especially like to thank the Dean of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dr. Toussaint, Dr. Hinson-Enslin, my advisor, Laura Marker, Professor Severt, Dr. Ritucci, Dr. Zhong, Professor Calabro, and all of my professors in the Public Health department. Their help has guided me to receive this award and continue on the path to reach my goal of becoming a physician.”

Congratulations to our 2024 Top Scholars!

The University Libraries and the Friends of the Libraries thank everyone who with hard work, collaboration and cooperation made this year’s Top Scholar awards possible.

DeStress for Success

Destress for Success Graphic

Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious? 

Do you need something to take your mind off of what is worrying you? 

DeStress for Success in the Library!

Week 14 and finals week the library hosts activities to help ease your stress so you can reach for success.

(You’ve got this.)

April 15

2:30pm Raider Pups – Group Study Room

Co-sponsored with Counseling and Wellness Services

April 15 through April 21

Zen Gardens – Group Study Room

Connect the Dots and Coloring Books – 2nd floor Atrium

Jewelry Making – Group Study Room until April 18th

Play Dough – Group Study Room starting April 19th 

April 22 through April 26

Fidget Toys – Group Study Room

Fuzz Therapy – 2nd floor Atrium

Vision Board Collage – Group Study Room until April 24

Button Making – Group Study Room starting April 25

We have year-round DeStress options.

See our year-round DeStress section in the Group Study Room.

https://guides.libraries.wright.edu/destress

Don’t stress. You have what it takes to succeed!

Friends of the Libraries’ Annual Luncheon

Photo of Vick Mickunas
Vick Mickunas

The Friends of the Wright State University Libraries proudly present:

Author Interviewer and WYSO “The Book Nook” Creator

Vick Mickunas

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Wright State Nutter Center

Berry Room

Register Now!

You’re invited to join us at the annual Friends of the Libraries luncheon as Vick Mickunas shares his literary adventure and interactions with writers, books, and one inspirational librarian. Vick has been interviewing authors for 30 years.

Vick created “The Book Nook” author interview program for WYSO Public Radio in 1994. His conversations with a vast range of writers, from the famous to the obscure, has been a staple on the radio dial for decades. It is currently one of the longest running radio shows about books.

In 2004 he began writing a column about books for the Dayton Daily News. His book reviews, author interviews, and musings about the book publishing industry have appeared in print ever since.

Last year he filed his 1000th weekly Book Nook column for the Cox Ohio newspapers.

Mickunas and his partner, Amy Achor, live just outside Yellow Springs with their eight cats.

A lunch buffet will be provided, which includes Italian garden salad with Italian Vinaigrette and Ranch dressings, blackened chicken, vegetarian stuffed peppers, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetable blend, assorted breads, variety of desserts, and iced tea, regular and decaf coffee.

Registration is required for this event and must be completed by April 17, 2024. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Libraries. If you need accommodations for this event, please call (937) 775-2380 five business days in advance.