Shelby DeHaven, ‘Managing Editor
February 12, 2014

’DOAH PHOTO COURTESY OF “FRIENDS OF KEN” OPEN MIC FACEBOOK

On Feb. 21, students and staff will be performing at an open mic night in honor of Ken Wissmann at 7:30 p.m. in Ferrari Room of the Brandt Student Center.

Wissmann, a math professor, was diagnosed with cancer and is on medical leave this semester.

Assistant Professor Ken Wissmann has been teaching statistics at Shenandoah University for many years. “With his understanding of both the subject and how students learn, Ken is well known to students as a caring and patient instructor.” Professor Cindia Stewart said. “ As a colleague, Ken is a joy to work with. His background in evaluation and assessment has been instrumental in assisting the mathematics department in grouping and strengthening our mathematics program for majors and non-majors.”

The event is coordinated by S.U. students and faulty. When asked why he is helping out, Kevin Cappello explains, “I have never met Dr. Wissman, all I really know of him is that he has taught mathematics at Shenandoah for quite awhile. I also know that he has been undergoing treatment for cancer.”

“My grandmother passed away almost four years ago from cancer. I had always been very close to her and losing her was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. When Dr. Stewart announced this event she was planning I knew I wanted to help. If this event can bring the smallest bit a joy to Dr. Wissman, it is worth it. No one going through such a difficult time in their life should do it without support… The event itself is simply to bring people together and show Dr. Wissman that they care about him. ”

The show will consist of 14 acts that will last about 15 minutes. The type of acts will be determined by who signs up but Cappello heard that several of Wissmann’s friends have a band that will be performing.

Admission is free but donations are welcome. All donations will go towards Shenandoah University’s Relay For Life in honor of Ken Wissmann.

If you are unable to attend but still wish to donate, Colleen Pfiester will be collecting donations in the Arts and Science office.

For more information or to sign up for an act, contact George Hoffman at ghoffman@su.edu or their Facebook page, “Friends of Ken” Open Mic.