Glen Mazis-professor profile 011ie Russell Capital Times Staff It is with apprehension that students take a class from a new teacher. In the case of the philosophy and ethics courses taught by Glen A. Mazis, the gamble proves worthwhile. His background is diverse and reads like the composite resume of three different people. He was a member of the Zen Center of Rochester. He worked in Yale- New Haven Hospital, where he received humanistic therapist training--especially Gestalt therapy. He received his doctorate from Yale University and has written numerous articles and a few books. To Mazis, both scholarly material and personal experience are "vital" to learning. His analogy is that holding a dead fish does not teach a person everything about fish. Jumping into the water and swimming around is also important to understanding aquatic life. The reason? It is how a person gains knowledge that changes who they are. This idea explains why his past is so diverse. For him, philosophy is "preventive medicine" and can help people avoid emotional illness. One of his past projects was starting an ethics center. He was asked to present one of his workshops to a group of 14 people in a nursing home. After the workshop, he was told that all 14 people had terminal illnessess. He said that added special weight to his message. "Most of western philosophy is an attempt to deny death," said Mazis. "So many people are really threatened by death and other fears." Mazis feels that people can handle fear. "Unexamined fear is avoiding reality and potential meaning," said Mazis. His books deal with similar issues, but in greater depth. The End of the Maelstrom, which has been accepted for publication by Bear & Co. Press, deals with men and their emotions. Mazis said that it is an exciting time we live in, adding that men can get "new roles, new ways to be." Men frequently project their pain onto others, Mazis said, adding that it is a self destructive cycle. Instead of connecting with their emotions and with the world around them they disconnect. "Males are not this planet," Mazis said. "Men are often looking at the stars when it would be more useful to look in their hearts. The result is that, until men learn to grieve, they will be dangerous." Mazis' other book due out next year is in. i. . • irn n • 1. Ontology. It is about looking at the body as part of its environment, instead of defining it by its physical boundaries. The idea is that by cultivating the sixth sense of emotion, people can "get beyond ego" and live happier lives. One of Mazis' joys has been teaching at Penn State Harrisburg for the past year. In the academic world, it is rare to find an interdisciplinary humanities program. Most schools have a seperate department for philosophy, literature and art. In fact, he left a tenured position at Northern For a whole !Mess! Glen Mazis See Mazis, page 10 0 e anything you want to be at our Halloween Haunt Boutique the area's most complete collection of costumes and accessories. You'll save 33% and more oft Suggested Retail Prices because you're buying direct from the manufacturer. All costumes are made in the U.SA OFCAUFORNIA Halloween Haunt Capiia' I City Ma Camp Hill. PA CAPITAL TIMES FEATURES/9 October 12, 1992 Comedian comes to campus Laughter is the best medicine, and the Penn State Harrisburg community can enjoy a healthy dose when comedian Kevin Flynn makes a house call to the campus. Flynn will perform in the dining hall Thurs., Oct. 22 at 9 p.m. Kicking off his stage career in 1986, Flynn won the "Boston Comedy Riot" award within a year of his debut. According to the Boston Globe, Flynn "was clearly the crowd's favorite" with "a likeable vulnerability." He was also a finalist in "The Johnny Walker Red National Comedy Search." While working in Boston, Flynn hosted three weekly shows at three different clubs, his popularity sky rocketing among the Boston College crowd. And what's the secret to his success? Flynn incorporates family and college anecdotes into his performance, two topics to which everyone can relate. Flynn's more memorable moments include opening for Jay Leno at his Boston University performance and Penn State Harrisburg students can get the lowdown on alcohol use and abuse during the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, October 19-25. George Young, coordinator of residence life, said the week will focus on the safe use of alcohol. To illustrate the dangers of drinking and driving, Young said a wrecked car will be displayed on campus . Fear not--it won't be all gloom and doom. TWILIGHT SERIES PERFORMERS Felicia Brown-Haywood & Karen Bowser Let Felicia's mellifluous song stylings and Karen's keyboard artistry help you unwind after a long day. Greg Burgess & Beverly Conrad Let the lazy tones of Mumbo Jumbo prepare you for the Fall 1992 Mae mall Me Maulln Jqamlbo rest of your evening. Lion's Den 5-6 p.m. 948-6273 Kevin Flynn appearing in a movie in Los Angeles. When he's not wowing the throngs at Penn State Harrisburg, Flynn yuks it up at the Improvisation and the Hermosa Beach Comedy and Magic Club in California. TV viewers can catch him on "MTV's Half Hour Comedy Hour," "Evening at the Improv," or Comedy on the Road." Students can enjoy a free Karaoke night with alcohol-free "mocktails" on Tues. Oct. 20 in the dining hall, along with an appearance by comedian Kevin Flynn in the dining hall on Thurs. Oct 22. In addition to the entertainment, there will be literature available in the Olmsted lobby. The events are co-sponsored by Residence Life, Student Government Association, United Parcel Service, Housing and Food Services and Residence Student Council.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers