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Purdue University Fellow Image provided by Purdue News for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Purdue University × First Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow

A professor who will connect Purdue University expertise with faculty and student startups has been named the Krannert School of Management‘s first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow. These fellows connect the research enterprise with the commercialization enterprise.

Zhan Pang, the Lewis B. Cullman Rising Star Associate Professor of Management, has co-founded and been involved with startup companies in other ways since he was an undergraduate in mathematics at the Nanjing University. Pang is faculty affiliate of the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, faculty affiliate of the Integrative Data Science Initiative, a member of the Krannert Ph.D. Committee and a member of the Purdue University Graduate Council. He also is on the board of China Titans Energy Technology Group Co. Ltd., a public company listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

“The innovation and entrepreneurship fellows, as representatives of different schools or disciplines, can facilitate the knowledge exchange across disciplines and help connect people to academic experts in different colleges,” Pang said. “This is in line with Purdue’s vision of building an interdisciplinary environment for discovery, learning and engagement to become or remain the most innovative university in America and the world.”

David Hummels, the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Krannert School, expressed support in Pang and the fellowship.

“Krannert holds a unique position at the intersection of business and technology, and we say that big ideas don’t change the world until they go to market,” Hummels said. “Professor Zhan Pang is not only an outstanding scholar; he has co-founded or been involved in a number of tech startups, and he has served in an advisory capacity connecting companies to venture capitalists. He will be an excellent bridge-builder as we work to expand faculty efforts to help commercialize the world-changing discoveries that happen at our university.”

Along with one of his former Ph.D. students, Pang co-founded Data Analytics Technology to develop advanced data analytics tools and AI technologies dedicated to the health management industry.

Pang becomes Purdue’s third Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow. In January, the College of Agriculture appointed Christian Butzke as its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow. In June, Yung-Hsiang Lu was named the first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow in the College of Engineering. The campus-wide program will be coordinated through the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship.

Illustration by Alex Bogdan for use of 360 Magazine

PA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

Today, Patrick Mulcahy who has served as Producing Artistic Director of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) since 2003, announced that he will step down from his role at the Festival at the end of the summer 2022 season.

Mulcahy will work with the Festival’s Board of Directors, staff, and the Festival’s parent company DeSales University to support a seamless transition to its next artistic leader, determined through a national search in the coming year. PSF is the professional Equity theatre at DeSales University.

“While my professional roots are in Shakespeare and the theatre industry, I shifted in the 1990s to pursue a career in academia,” said Mulcahy, who joined the DeSales faculty as Head of Acting in 1996. “When PSF came knocking in 2001 and then again in 2003, I was reluctant because I was happy living my passion for education as faculty.”  Mulcahy eventually accepted the leadership position at PSF, reducing his faculty role, and has led the Festival for longer than any previous leader, including the founder Rev. Gerard J. Schubert, OSFS.

“Leading the Festival has been the honor of my life and has provided me with countless opportunities to continue to learn.  A few years back, my wife and I began to talk about my returning to the faculty full-time. The timing is right for us, and we will continue to champion PSF to ‘ascend the brightest heaven of invention’ as patrons and fans.” He added: “PSF has never been in a stronger position. In the arts, we’re in the ‘humanity business’ and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished at PSF – artistically, institutionally, and in our communities — and am confident our stakeholders and staff will continue to ensure the Festival’s ongoing success. I look forward to continuing to lead PSF through the 2022 season and then bringing what I’ve learned in these nearly two decades back to our students at DeSales.”

Under Mulcahy’s leadership, PSF attracted its first Tony Award-winning artists to its summer seasons, expanded its offerings to include musicals, productions in repertory, and as many as three Shakespeare plays per summer season. The Festival doubled its attendance, served its one-millionth patron, quintupled its endowment, eliminated its debt, created a modest cash reserve, grew and diversified its Board of Directors and company, and secured its first and subsequent grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and other major arts grant makers. In the last decade, PSF has become just one of a handful of professional theatres on the continent offering this range of programming to destination patrons in a single summer season. He also supported added accessibility programming, championed PSF’s education programs, increased the reach of its school tours, and created a Shakespeare for Kids production each season. Recently, PSF successfully pivoted in the pandemic to offer a broad range of indoor, outdoor, and virtual programming for the 2021 season.

 “Patrick’s leadership of PSF is a fitting testament to his talents as a Renaissance man – – a courageous strategist, thoughtful visionary, attentive fundraiser, effective manager, artist, motivator, and friend. Rarely have I witnessed so many successes of a leader during his or her tenure of any organization, be it a diversified for-profit business or a nonprofit arts organization,” says PSF Board President Judy Harris. “We hold enormous gratitude for all that Patrick has built and nurtured while leading PSF to the brightest of futures. We bear equal gratitude to DeSales University for having fostered the creation and growth of PSF, and for ensuring that Patrick return full-time to its esteemed faculty.”

Mulcahy led the 2009 strategic planning process that resulted in PSF’s Vision 2030, a commitment to world-class professional theatre, and a body of work that garnered coverage in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playbill magazine, and The Washington Post. He led The Campaign for PSF in 2013-2015, which raised more than $4 million, primarily for endowment growth to support PSF artistic and education programming. Mulcahy also stewards PSF’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Working Group and, with the support of the entire PSF team, has achieved increasingly diverse programming and summer staffing of artists and artisans.

In addition to having worked closely with Festival founder Fr. Schubert, and having acted and directed at the Festival in the late 1990s, Mulcahy’s tenure as leader of the Festival represents nearly two-thirds of the company’s 30-year history. In his dual role as producing artistic director of PSF and head of acting for DeSales University, Mulcahy has supported the career progression of both emerging leaders and developing artists, including many alumni who are now enjoying successful performing careers or leadership positions at other theatres. 

“It’s truly been an honor to work so closely with so many great artists, Board members, and staff. I will continue to support the Festival in any way I can,” says Mulcahy, “once I shift the focus of my attention to serving the students and the DeSales University Theatre Department. It will be a joy to come back full time to this Department, which is rich with distinctive offerings, and to working more closely once again with my gifted colleagues there.”

DeSales University President Rev. James A. Greenfield, OSFS, shared, “on behalf of DeSales University, I thank Patrick for his visionary and transformative leadership of PSF.  Its founder, Fr. Jerry Schubert, was famous for his exhortation: ‘Give beauty back.’ Patrick’s work at PSF’s helm has ensured that we will be giving beauty back to countless people for generations to come.  I am confident that Patrick’s creative collaboration with the PSF board has fortified the Festival for a transition that will greatly strengthen our future.”

 

illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Introducing The Morgan Plus Four CX-T

Morgan unveils the Plus Four CX-T, a car with adventure at its core. A vehicle with the capability not yet witnessed on a Morgan sports car, it opens up the possibility of routes, landscapes, and destinations inaccessible by Morgan cars until now.

The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is inspired by Morgan’s well-documented history of competing in all-terrain endurance trials. As early as 1911, Morgan sports cars were competing and winning in trials competitions, and this spirit of adventure has been key to shaping the Morgan brand ever since. The more adventurous journeys that are frequently undertaken by Morgan customers all over the world have further fueled the desire for Morgan to imagine the Plus Four CX-T.

Following the launch of the Plus Four in 2020, Morgan partnered with Rally Raid UK, renowned creator of Dakar race cars, to jointly design and engineer the Plus Four CX-T. One of the aims of the project is to demonstrate the capability and durability of Morgan’s new CX-Generation platform, along with the Plus Four upon which the CX-T is based.

Just eight vehicles will be built, priced at £170,000 plus local taxes and supplied in full overland specification, with each customer having the opportunity to work alongside Morgan’s design team to specify their own CX-T. Every Plus Four CX-T is built at Morgan’s factory in Malvern, Worcestershire, before undergoing the final preparation and setup at Rally Raid UK’s own workshop facilities. Morgan’s design and engineering team have worked alongside Rally Raid UK throughout the program to define the concept, specification, technical attributes, and aesthetic of the model.

Technical details

The exterior of the Plus Four CX-T is designed to maximize luggage and equipment carrying capacity, and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments. Simultaneously, Morgan has ensured that its visual design reflects this capability and purposefulness.

Most prominently, the rear panel of the vehicle has been replaced with an equipment rack, with unique side body panels designed to be reminiscent of the classic four-seater Morgan.
The rack houses two ruggedized and waterproof Pelican luggage cases, a Zarges aluminum tool/storage box, two Rotopax 11-liter containers, and two spare wheel/tire assemblies.

Additionally, for those who venture further off the beaten track, recovery equipment is mounted on the exterior of the car within easy reach when required. All exterior mounting systems for all storage and equipment have been painstakingly engineered to be tough and easy to access when needed.

The external protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surfboards, to complement the lifestyle activities of the owner, while the removable side screens can be mounted onto the roof of the vehicle, allowing them to be carried unobtrusively in case of a change in weather conditions.

Rally Raid UK undertook a complete study of the standard Plus Four vehicle to determine the possibilities for the conversion. This study included durability assessments of the platform, drivetrain, and suspension systems.

The suspension has been designed to be expedition-ready: tough and fit for purpose. Durability, and a drive-over obstacle clearance of 230mm, have been achieved using modified Plus Six wishbones. These widen the track and allow for the extra arc of movement required to achieve the desired suspension performance. The wheel arch apertures have also been modified, allowing the suspension to compress deep into the wheel well, providing maximum traction and stability.

EXE-TC coil over assemblies with internal bump stops are used, these have been developed by EXE-TC specifically for the vehicle. These assemblies are born from off-road competition and are calibrated to provide the ideal balance of compliance and durability.

In addition to the main suspension hardware, the lower suspension arms contain bespoke bushes which further increase durability. The combined suspension package is optimized to undertake journeys never before attempted in a Morgan sports car while ensuring composure and comfort during any excursion into the backcountry.

A five-piece underbody protection system – comprising an engine guard, rear chassis guard, midsection shield, and rear undertray – helps to protect the chassis and important components from damage when driving in extreme conditions. The car is also fitted with a full bespoke exhaust system with a rear side exit that improves the departure angle and contributes to 230mm of ground clearance.

The Plus Four CX-T uses a BMW X-Drive electronic differential with bespoke software, calibrated and tested specifically for the application. Switches inside the cabin allow a choice of three modes to be selected depending upon the driving conditions; each mode varies the degree of differential lock that is applied. Selecting ‘Road’ mode fully opens the differential, while ‘All-Terrain’ mode applies approximately 45% lock to the rear differential, allowing some variation in torque distribution between the rear wheels. ‘All-Terrain – Extreme’ mode fully locks the rear differential, providing equal torque to both rear wheels. The two All-Terrain modes are designed to be used when tackling rough surfaces and low-traction conditions. The final drive ratio has also been shortened to account for the larger diameter tires and suit all-terrain usage.

Inside the cabin of the Plus, Four CX-T features have been added to improve occupant comfort and usability in remote environments. A RAM mount track is built into the dashboard to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices such as phones or cameras. A flexible map light, pencil, and notebook holder have also been integrated, all designed to withstand operation in harsh driving environments.Cabin stowage has also been optimized with the addition of a removable map/document holder and insulated cool bag, both located in the passenger footwell. A custom-made first aid kit is mounted to the internal roll cage behind the seats. Just like the exterior equipment, every interior feature has been designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, whether this is for use in remote conditions or the leisure pursuits of the owner.

The cabin is enclosed within a composite hardtop which is unique to the Plus Four CX-T and has been intricately engineered to fit between the internal and external roll cages.The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is the second of two special projects being produced by Morgan in 2021, with the first being the Plus 8 GTR. The introduction of the Plus Four CX-T also coincides with the announcement of Model Year 22 updates to the Plus Four and Plus Six and helps to inform technical and aesthetic advancements for Morgan’s current and future range of vehicles. The Plus Four CX-T is on sale immediately, with all vehicles due to be built before the end of 2021.

Jonathan Wells, Head of Design, Morgan Motor Company, said: “The Morgan design team has been conceptualizing modern-day trialing vehicles for many years. Around 18 months ago, our investors and CEO, Steve Morris, were in the studio and remarked how incredible it would be to bring one of these drawings to life. The project was unrestrained and born entirely from a desire to create an exciting British adventure vehicle. The CX-T, like many recent Morgan vehicles, demonstrates the flexibility of the Morgan design. For me, it’s a complete package: historical integrity, legitimate capability, and a brand-new adventure-lead aesthetic.”

Mike Jones, Rally Raid UK, said: “Applying my experience of 13 Dakar Rallies, 60 Dakar vehicle builds and a lifetime of overland adventuring to an unconventional sports car such as a Morgan has been an interesting and rewarding project. Having the opportunity to design a car for such a prestigious marque has been a responsibility that I never imagined I would have. Rally Raid UK and Morgan have engaged with industry-leading suppliers to source the highest quality components, as well as designing a range of bespoke parts that will remain unique to the model. The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is a genuine overland adventure vehicle and I look forward to seeing the incredible destinations that owners will find themselves in.”

illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Rick James Documentary Feature Premieres September 3rd

SHOWTIME® has released a trailer for BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES, directed by Emmy®-nominee Sacha Jenkins (WU-TANG CLAN: OF MICS AND MEN, BURN, MOTHERF*CKER, BURN!). BITCHIN’ is an intimate yet propulsive look at Rick James, one of rock, funk, and R&B’s most legendary and often underappreciated figures. Featuring rare footage of James’ incredible live shows, never-before-seen home video, original interviews with legendary artists, collaborators, and friends, and a treasure trove of recorded interviews with James (who died in 2004), the documentary presents a full picture of James’ dramatic rise and fall, focusing in on the “Punk-Funk” music he left behind. The film, which screened at the Tribeca Festival® in June, will premiere on Friday, September 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Click here to watch and share the trailer.

Best remembered as the creator of hits such as “Superfreak,” “Give It To Me Baby” and “Mary Jane,” James blazed new trails in American music and global culture in the ’70s and ’80s as a songwriter, performer, and producer, collaborating with luminaries such as Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers, Eddie Murphy, Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls, and M.C. Hammer. BITCHIN’ presents a full and complete picture of James’ life as told by those who knew him. At the center of it all is the “Punk-Funk” that encompassed a unique swath of 20th-century music history from jazz to soul to R&B to rock and eventually, to hip-hop. Friday, August 6 marks the 17th anniversary of James’ death. 

BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES is a Mass Appeal production for SHOWTIME, directed by Jenkins, produced by Steve Rivo, and written by Jenkins, Rivo, and Jason Pollard. The film is executive produced by Peter Bittenbender and Jenkins for Mass Appeal, and Douglas Banker and Ty James.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials, and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco, and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX®, as well as on-demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, click here. 

About Mass Appeal

Mass Appeal is an entertainment company dedicated to telling stories from the perspective of those who shape and shift culture. Since 1996, we have documented the emerging movements that influence popular ideas. Today, Mass Appeal is the elevated voice of Hip Hop and its ever-expanding sphere of influence. Integrated offerings in content, music, and creative services stoke Mass Appeal’s ability to maximize the impact of our output. Our diverse school of thought separates us from friends and foes alike.

Music note illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Foy Vance × Hair Of The Dog

Award-winning Northern Irish singer/songwriter Foy Vance has released “Hair Of The Dog”, the latest track off his forthcoming album Signs Of Life. The song is available to stream and download starting today HERE. Signs Of Life is due for release on September 10 via Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records/Elektra Records. The album is available for pre-order now HERE.
Signs Of Life is the sound of a beloved singer-songwriter at the peak of his powers. It’s also the sound of a man, a husband, a father, a sinner, a drinker belatedly coming to terms with his demons. Namely, after years and years of almost constant touring, an addiction to alcohol and painkillers. In the bluesy, woozy “Hair Of The Dog” Vance tackles the subject head on, listing his self-medicating crutches while confessing :You no longer make me happy / You no longer make me smile / You take everything that’s good within me.”
“I had my first extended period off the road for twenty years, and I realised: wow, I drink two bottles of wine and at least a half bottle of vodka a day,” Vance explains. “I’d start the day with codeine to get myself sorted, and I’d smoke joints throughout the day. I’m showing all the signs of death, getting ashen, grey, smoking more, drinking more, smoking more I hit a wall.”
“The idea for Hair Of The Dog had been around for a while,” he continues. “I was smiling as I wrote it. I thought it was a bit too on-the-nose, but then, the situation is on-the-nose. And the feel is a tip of the hat to the woozy-ness of the beginning of this journey. I want it to make you almost feel a bit seasick.”
“Hair Of The Dog” follows previously released tracks “If Christopher Calls,” “Time Stand Still,” “Signs Of Life” and “Sapling”. Upon its release, The New York Times featured “Sapling” in The Playlist and Clash Music applauded the song as “An instant fan favorite a song about renewal and survival” The album’s early tracks have received additional praise from Entertainment Tonight, Americana UK, and more.
Vance will celebrate Signs Of Life’s arrival with An Evening With Foy Vance, an intimate tour of the UK and US, including stops in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium. Remaining tickets for the largely sold-out run of shows are available now HERE.
Signs Of Life was recorded in three locations: Vance’s Pilgrim studio at home on the shores of Loch Tay in Highland Perthshire, another recording set-up in a nearby Dunvarlich House, and at Plan B’s Kings X studio in London. The album was written and played more or less entirely by Vance, with assistance from young Northern Irish producer Gareth Dunlop. Serendipitously, Dunlop had been inspired on his career path by a chance encounter with Vance in a coffee shop 18 years ago.
Commenting on the album’s timely subject matter, Vance shared, “Signs of Life is about re-emergence me in my own soft revolution, the world re-emerging in what we’re about to see as we hopefully go back to some semblance of normality. But just life in general  flowers growing through the cracks in Chernobyl. Life finds a way, doesn’t it?”
Microphone illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

$UICIDEBOY$ Announce Second Tour Date

Due to popular demand, $UICIDEBOY$ have announced a second date of their widely popular Grey Day Tour at Shrine LA Outdoors on Sunday, November 7. Saturday, November 6 is sold out. Tickets for Sunday, November 7 go on sale this Thursday, August 5 at 10 AM via AXS.com.

Grey Day was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic after selling over 150,000 tickets and selling out nearly every show in 2019. This year, on the heels of their new album Long Term Effects of SUFFERING, the BOY$ are back with a vengeance as they set out on a 33-stop North American tour with G59-signees Germ, Shakewell, Ramirez, CHETTA, and Night Lovell. Also supporting the G59 roster will be hardcore punk act Turnstile as well as hip-hop staples Chief Keef and slowthai.

Don’t miss your chance to see $UICIDEBOY$ at Shrine LA Outdoors on Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7. Shrine LA Outdoors is located at 700 W. 32nd Street. Los Angeles, CA 90007.

What are the benefits of a low-carb, ketogenic diet?

There are more than one million searches on Google every month regarding the keto diet and its benefits. Diets can become a fad, but it appears that the keto diet is most definitely here to stay for the long-term. This has largely coincided with people becoming more health-conscious and reading up on more health-related news. As such, diets like the ketogenic one are growing in popularity.

It’s worth noting that the keto diet isn’t necessarily suited to everyone, and you should most definitely give it serious consideration before starting it, but it is a diet that has resulted in numerous success stories. The high-fat, low-carb philosophy has gripped the world. As a result, more and more people are giving it a go and discovering its various benefits. One search on Instagram demonstrates just how popular it is, for example. 

Big brands are now even selling keto-friendly products, and keto recipes have become a popular search option online. The keto diet certainly has its sceptics, too, though, which is why seeking professional advice before considering taking on a keto diet is worthwhile. In the meantime, let’s assess some of the basic benefits of a low-carb, ketogenic diet.

A low-carb diet reduces your appetite

Most diets lead to extreme hunger, which is why people lose motivation on occasions and ultimately give up. A low-carb diet, though, is proven to reduce a person’s appetite and therefore lead to fewer calories being consumed. Eating more protein and fat is filling and will keep you feeling full for longer.

It can lead to instant weight loss

Cutting out carbohydrates is one of the fastest ways to lose weight. Studies show that people who consume a low-carb diet tend to lose weight faster than those who are on low-fat diets. The reason being that low-carb diets get rid of excess water in your body, therefore lowering insulin levels as a result and aiding weight loss.

We are constantly told that diet must be mixed with exercise for sustainable weight loss, and there is some truth in that. As such, it means you need to eventually get off the sofa and switch off Netflix, or shut down the game of 9 Masks of Fire slot, and get active. Those weight loss gains might only be temporary, otherwise.

For example, studies have shown that a low-carb diet is particularly effective for up to six months, but after that, additional lifestyle changes might be needed to take the weight loss up a level, such as increasing exercise.

Reduces the presence of triglycerides

They aren’t commonly known, but triglycerides are fat molecules that circulate in your bloodstream and are a known cause of heart disease. Carb consumption among sedentary people can increase the presence of triglycerides, with the simple sugar fructose being a particular concern. A low-carb, keto diet lessens the risk of too many triglycerides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Image via https://twitter.com/mysolarsido)

 

It helps produce more ‘good’ HDL cholesterol

 

There is good and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which contributes towards good heart health and a smaller risk of developing heart disease. Eating fat increases “good” HDL levels and can therefore aid heart health. A low-fat diet, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect.

 

Reduces both blood sugar and insulin levels

 

Ketogenic diets are also helpful for people with diabetes and insulin resistance as it lowers blood sugar and insulin levels drastically. Of course, if you’re diabetic, you should speak to a professional before taking on a keto diet, but some studies have shown that 95% of people with type 2 diabetes had significantly reduced or halted their glucose-lowering medication within six months.

 

Some of the foods you can eat on a keto diet include avocado, butter, cream cheese, coconut, leafy greens, nuts, meats, eggs, and fish.

Illustration by Alex Bogdan for use of 360 Magazine

ARIANA × BIEBER – STUCK W/ U RAISES MILLIONS

STUCK WITH U” RAISES $3.5 MILLION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION 

First Responders Children’s Foundation today announced that proceeds donated from the single entitled “Stuck with U” have now surpassed $3.5 million, directly impacting thousands of first responder families all across the United States. The donation will be used to fund scholarships for children of first responders as well as provide financial support to the families and children of healthcare workers, EMTs, paramedics and firefighters serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stuck With U” was released in Spring 2020, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic and to further bolster relief efforts across the United States. It was a creative collaboration between Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, along with Republic Records and Def Jam Recordings, donating 100% of net profits from streams and sales to the First Responders Children’s Foundation. 

The specific areas of impact resulting from the donation include:

  • Awarding grants to first responders who have encountered financial hardship due to COVID-19.
  • Awarding scholarships to children whose first responder parents have died in the line of duty.
  • Providing funding for temporary housing so that first responders could self-quarantine.
  • Paying for funerals of first responders or their family members who died as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The generosity, and support that Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Scooter Braun have shown the men and women on the front lines of this ongoing pandemic has been a surreal and humbling experience for us,” said Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “As an organization, we have been able to help the everyday heroes who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic, and their family’s immediate needs with the support that has only been made possible due to the collective effort of everyone involved, which we are thankful for.”  

“As the world was shutting down, we were looking for ways we could make a tangible impact as it has always been Scooter’s priority that SB Projects and our artists give back,” said Shauna Nep, Vice President of Philanthropy for SB Projects.  “We were so thrilled to partner with the First Responders Children’s Foundation who have been supporting those on the frontlines of the pandemic, as well as their families. Over a year later, we are so proud to see how much has been raised and what has been accomplished.  We thank the Foundation for their leadership and commitment to this work.” 

In addition to supporting the First Responders Children’s Foundation. “Stuck with U” won the award for “Best Music Video From Home” at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, and also debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100. This was Bieber’s sixth and Grande’s third U.S. number one single. 

illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Two Stetson University Students Receive Free Tuition

Safer Stetson Awards help boost COVID-19 vaccination rates on campus

Vaccinated Stetson University students Marcus Boyd and Joshua Sanchez will be receiving free tuition for a year, thanks to the Safer Stetson Awards

Boyd and Sanchez provided Stetson with their COVID-19 vaccination information through an anonymous voluntary system and were given a shot at winning a complimentary college education during the Safer Stetson Awards over the summer. They won the grand prize during a Facebook Live drawing on Friday, July 30. 

Boyd is an incoming first-year political science student who was speechless when his name was selected to receive free tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year. 

“I was in disbelief and needed to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming,” said Boyd on a video conference call. “Doing my part in the fight against COVID-19 was reason enough to get the vaccine.” 

“I was surprised and grateful when I found out that I won free tuition for a year,” said Sanchez, who is a music education senior at the Stetson University School of Music. “I spent three years struggling to pay my college tuition. The news of me receiving free tuition during my last year of college provided me with relief and took a lot of weight off my shoulders.” 

The university created the Safer Stetson Awards program as a step toward ensuring a healthy and safe campus environment for the fall semester by encouraging COVID-19 vaccination. 

“Nearly 1,500 vaccinated students participated in the Safer Stetson Awards,” said Ray Nault, EdD, vice president of Enrollment Management. “We saw a tremendous interest and community coalescing around this important cause since the program launched.” 

The university has set a goal for at least 70% of faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated by the fall semester when it begins on Thursday, Aug. 19. Currently, 53% of Stetson’s overall population, employees, and students are vaccinated at both the DeLand and Gulfport campuses. The vaccination progress can be tracked on the Safer Stetson website

“I recommend others to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Sanchez. “I got the vaccine so I could protect my mom and grandmother.” 

“I play the French horn and miss performing in front of an audience during Stetson University School of Music concerts,” added Sanchez. “The university may allow more campus activities to occur after students get vaccinated.” 

New and returning Stetson students had an opportunity to participate in the weekly Safer Stetson Award drawings from June 11 to July 30 after they provided their COVID-19 vaccination information. Names were randomly selected from a pool of vaccinated students. Winners received $1,000 or a free annual campus parking pass.

In the final drawing that was announced on Friday, July 30, two students were selected as runners-up for the tuition awards. Stetson University students Hollie Bitor, an education junior, and Sarah Gaudreault, an aquatic and marine biology senior, each received a $1,000 scholarship and two tickets to a theme park of their choice in Orlando. 

About Stetson University

Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 4 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 list of Best Regional Universities (South) and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s 386 Best Colleges, 2021 edition. Stay connected with Stetson on social media.

illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Murphy-Goode Winery Welcomes Two New Employees

After Receiving over 7,000 Inspiring Applications, the Sonoma County Winery Hires Two Top Candidates to Pursue Their Wine Industry Dream Jobs

 Murphy-Goode, the Sonoma County winery that launched “A Really Goode Job” nationwide job search in March 2021, is pleased to announce that Lindsay Perry in Austin, TX and Veronica Hebbard in Orlando, FL have been selected as the newest employees of Murphy-Goode and are the winners of A Really Goode Job. They will begin their dream job journeys at Murphy-Goode on Sept. 1, 2021, shadowing winemaker Dave Ready, Jr. before moving into separate roles that align with their respective interests and expertise. Each will receive a $10,000 salary per month, live rent-free in Healdsburg for a year, and will enjoy a year’s supply of Murphy-Goode wine. 

Over the course of this nationwide job search, Murphy-Goode received over 7,000 creative and inspiring applications from around the world. In July, the winery selected the top 17 finalists and welcomed them to Healdsburg for in-person interviews and wine country exploration. Throughout the week, candidates had the opportunity to meet with Murphy-Goode winemaker Dave Ready, Jr., as well as other Murphy-Goode employees and fellow “A Really Goode Job” candidates. 

Murphy-Goode looks forward to welcoming Lindsay and Veronica to the team and working closely with them to make their wine industry dream jobs a reality. Throughout the application process, both candidates stood out due to their passion for wine, creativity, humor, and drive. “When we started out on this journey, we cast the net wide to find candidates with unique experiences and points of view,” said winemaker Dave Ready, Jr. “I’m looking forward to working with Lindsay and Veronica this harvest, but also learning from each of them, and seeing what new ideas they will bring to the job.”

Lindsay Perry is a Yardley, Pennsylvania native, but currently lives in Austin, Texas, working in sports marketing. Lindsay received scholarships to complete her WSET Level I & II through Wine Unify and the Roots Fund in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and she is looking to add her diverse voice to the ever-changing climate of the wine world. “Working for Murphy-Goode Winery will present a unique challenge and represent a big pivot in my life. I’ll be jumping into the wine industry in the best way possible. Having the opportunity to shadow Dave, learn to make wine, and grow professionally through this year of exploration, will change the trajectory of my life,” Perry said. View Lindsay’s application video here

Veronica Hebbard, originally from Montgomery, New York, will be making her way to Sonoma by way of Orlando, Florida. She currently works as an engineer in the themed entertainment industry. As an engineer by trade, Veronica is most excited about being immersed in the science of winemaking and exploring sustainability and innovation initiatives. “When the opportunity presented itself, I thought it was the most interesting way to make wine approachable for people who weren’t already in the industry. Joining Murphy-Goode will provide me the opportunity to navigate and harness this energy and passion and steer it into where my role might be in the wine industry,” Hebbard said. View Veronica’s application video here

First launched in 2009, “A Really Goode Job” became a revolutionary campaign to create a real job opportunity in the wine industry at a time of economic distress and high unemployment. Today, as the country faces a new set of challenges, creating access and viable career opportunities is more important than ever. Murphy-Goode cast the net wide and launched the job search to find candidates from across the country who want to follow their passion and land their dream job in the wine industry.

To follow along on Lindsay and Veronica’s journey, follow Murphy-Goode on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Murphy-Goode Winery

Welcome to the Goode life. Founded in Sonoma County in 1985 in a spirit of love and friendship by Tim Murphy, Dale Goode, and Dave Ready Sr., Sonoma County’s own Murphy-Goode Winery crafts some of 

California’s best wines without taking itself too seriously. The story lives on today under the Jackson Family Wines portfolio, continuing a tradition based on a shared appreciation of friendship, hard work, a wicked sense of humor, and, of course, a good bottle of wine. Murphy-Goode offers high-quality wines from some of California’s great growing regions with the approachable and inviting attitude of Sonoma County. Murphy-Goode is never pretentious, is often irreverent, and is about having fun. Because of its consistent quality, the brand has become a favorite wine for consumers everywhere. For more information, www.MurphyGoodeWinery.com, and follow Murphy-Goode on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.