Fly Away Cafe » univeristies

Summer Visit to Southern Methodist University

Mary Jo Manzanares — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:17:00 +0000

I keep track of the college campuses that I visit much in the same way that I keep track of states and countries I visit. I’ve found that visiting a campus is a little snippet of real life, a trip off the beaten tourist path to people live, work, and play. In addition to some great campus architecture, there’s a host of businesses and activity that go into into supporting what is, in essence, a mini-city.

MJ outside the gate of SMU's Gerald Ford Stadium, Dallas

Earlier this summer, I had a chance to visit Southern Methodist University in Dallas. It’s officially located in University Park, a part of the greater Dallas area.

SMU, founded in 1911, is a private university owned and operated by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. The university has an enrollment of nearly 11,000 students, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree in seven schools: humanities and sciences, business, the performing, visual, and communication arts, engineering, education and human development, law, and theology. The campus is home to 10 libraries, including the largest private collection of research materials in the southwest, and the Meadows Museum, one of the leading collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.

What brought me to the SMU campus, however, was not related to education, culture, or art. What prompted my visit to SMU was football. Specifically, SMU Mustangs football. I know, you’re scratching your head thinking, “but MJ, you don’t even like football,” but this little side trip, like many in my travels, was about friendship. Head coach June Jones is a friend, and this was a little glimpse at the stadium and field where his team plays. (The photo shows me standing outside the gate of the Gerald J. Ford Stadium.)

This was a beautiful campus, set in a largely residential area, and a visit was well worth the time getting off the beaten path. I’m looking at fall travel plans now, and wondering how many new campuses I can visit!

Do you have a favorite college campus that you’ve visited?

Photo credit: Mary Jo Manzanares

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College Visits: San Jose State University

Mary Jo Manzanares — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:23:00 +0000

I’m a fan of visiting college campuses when I’m traveling. They are usually great to wander around, you can often find a budget-priced meal, many have free internet access available (wi-fi or at the library), and the bookstore can make a great place to pick up a souvenir or two. Some have extensive areas open to the

San Jose State University Swenson Gate

public, while others don’t, though, but if you genuinely show an interest in seeing the campus, there’s always someone willing to help you out or show you around.

On a recent visit to San Jose, California, I took a quick walk through the campus of San Jose State University.

The campus is located in downtown San Jose, and is believed to be the oldest public higher education institution on the West Coast. The university offers an extensive array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and also is home to a growing eCampus, a learning program combining continuing education and professional development courses.

The most recognizable building on campus is the Tower Hall (in photo). It looks out over a beautiful grassy area, where students can lounge and study in the nice sunny weather, or briskly walk through when it turns rainy or chilly.

Tower Hall on campus of San Jose State University

Since this is an urban campus, it’s surrounded by businesses (shops, restaurants, bars, entertainment, etc.) that support the university enrollment and employees. You’ll find plenty to do and see as you’re walking around – another reason why walking through a campus makes a lot of sense. You can always find something to do, get information, or even a recommendation of where to go, what to see, and where to eat.

Do you visit college campuses when you travel?

Photo credit: personal collection

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Quilt Museum at University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Mary Jo Manzanares — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:26:00 +0000

As the weather gets colder, I’ve been pulling my quilts out of the closet and getting them on the beds in the house. Most of my quilts were made by family members, and have great meaning in both the design and the love and care that went into making them.

Quilting is an art form that also shares a history – of a family, a community, a culture, or a country.

The International Quilt Study Center & Museum is dedicated to the preservation, study and exhibition of quilts and to sharing the resources with the public.

On display you’ll find a selection of approximately 50-75 quilts. In addition to the permanent galleries, current exhibits include:

Inspired by Red & Green: Selections from the American Quilt Study Group’s 2008 Quilt Study (on display through January 11th, 2009)
Chintz Applique: From Imitation to Icon (on display through May 17th, 2009) – an example seen in photo above

The Museum is located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1523 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, Nebraska) and is open Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4:30 pm, and Sunday 1 – 4:30 pm. The Museum is closed Mondays, major holidays, and during the winter University shut down.

Admission to the Quilt Museum is $5 adults, $3 children and students (with ID), and FREE for children 4 and under. Nearby parking in visitor spaces is FREE.

If you can’t visit the museum in person, you can enjoy the online quilt gallery where you’ll find a selection of over 500 quilts that you can view.

Image credit: International Quilt Study Center & Museum quiltstudy.org 2007.034.0001 Tree of Life Chintz Applique circa 1800

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