September 19, 2007
J.D. WILLIAMS—1926 - 2007
The Hinckley Institute of Politics joins with thousands of former colleagues, students and interns in mourning the passing of J.D. Williams—the founding director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, serving from 1965 to 1975. J.D.’s vision and passion gave life to the Hinckley Institute—translating Robert H. Hinckley’s dream of “every student a politician” into reality. J.D. personally mentored hundreds of students, shepherding them into the political process through internships, forums and his example. While he was nationally renowned for his extraordinary “Miracle at Philadelphia” presentation, J.D.’s lasting legacy will itself be one of miracles—transforming the best and brightest students at the University of Utah into some of our nation’s most influential and valued public servants. The political landscape of our state and nation will echo with J.D.’s fervor and zeal for generations as thousands of his students on the left and right fulfill his vision of passionate public service and devotion to our founding constitutional principles. We will miss J.D. dearly.
Kirk L. Jowers, Director
Hinckley Institute of Politics
A memorial service honoring J.D. Williams will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m., in Kingsbury Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact the Hinckley Institute of Politics at 581-8501.
ANNUAL EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
Thursday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Olympic Cauldron Park at Rice-Eccles Stadium
Let The Legendary Porch Pounder band entertain you while you try a climbing wall or kick a field goal; play a competitive game of Bingo or check out Hooked on Books; get a massage or meet Swoop. There will be plenty of food and lots of giveaways. Employee Appreciation Day, now celebrating its fourth year, is sponsored by the Division of Human Resources and the U’s Staff Council (UUSC). Event postcards will be mailed to everyone on campus so bring it (or your UCard) for admission.
For more information, visit www.utah.edu/employeeday/about.html or contact Susie Johnson at 581-8365 or Susie.Johnson@utah.edu. This event is limited to U of U employees only—please, no families.
HOMECOMING 2007: Sept. 24-29
Renew friendships, re-live traditions, and enjoy a week of fun, food, and football! Homecoming activities include Greek house decorating, Songfest, various reunions, a pep rally, golf scramble, 5K run, the Bennion Center’s Hunger Banquet, and the Utah vs. Utah State football game and Homecoming dance.
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.alumni.utah.edu/homecoming.
U OF U DIXIE?
A press release issued by Dixie State College (DSC) on Sept. 7, 2007, has raised questions and concerns about a possible collaboration between the U of U and DSC. Dave Pershing, senior vice president for academic affairs, clarified the situation in a recent memo to U of U faculty.
In it he explains that the U of U currently offers three graduate programs on the DSC campus in nursing, special education, and business administration. These programs are being supported in part by a new state appropriation.
In early summer, the U was approached by representatives from DSC and St. George about exploring a significantly expanded collaboration to help address the educational needs of students in Washington and Kane Counties. Subsequent discussions were facilitated by the commissioner’s office. No agreements have been reached and decision-makers will take the time necessary to work through all issues under consideration.
The missions of the U of U and DSC are both important but are also quite different. Any future collaboration must respect these differences, as well as the role assignments and relationships that exist among the other state institutions of higher education operating in that part of the state.
“We look forward to continued conversations with the U of U faculty and all other interested parties,” says Pershing. “We value the advice and counsel of the University of Utah community.” If you have suggestions, questions, or concerns about this issue contact John Francis, senior associate vice president for academic affairs, or Dave Pershing.
To read the entire memo from Vice President Pershing, click here.
12 QUESTIONS FOR...
JACK BRITTAIN
DEAN, DAVID ECCLES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND
V.P. FOR TECHNOLOGY VENTURE DEVELOPMENT
1. What book should every person read and why?
The Iliad to understand the human condition and The Visible Hand, by Alfred Chandler, because it explains big business. Much to my dismay, I am quite certain most people will find the ancient Greeks more interesting than the global institutions that are central to modern life.
2. What building on campus do you think is the most interesting architecturally?
The Olpin Union Building, which is remarkably fresh for a building that is 50 years old. I have high hopes for the remodeled Marriott Library.
3. If you could meet any legendary person—dead or alive—who would it be and why?
Andrew Carnegie. He was a brilliant businessman who made a huge fortune and became a generous philanthropist. I would hit him up for a donation to the David Eccles School of Business.
4. Name a favorite place to eat.
Chuy’s in Texas (Austin or Dallas). I have driven directly from the airport to Chuy’s for an order of Southwestern Enchiladas and an ice cold Negra Modelo. I am not sharing my favorite Salt Lake restaurant because it is already getting too popular.
5. How will the next generation of scholars—today’s students—change your field in the decades to come?
My field is organization theory, which is a branch of sociology with a strong presence in business schools. Newer scholars are returning to the field to study real people in evolving social structures instead of data tables. I am convinced multiple regression in the hands of a multitude who did not understand what they were doing set the field back 30 years.
6. List two of your favorite Web sites.
Porsche Pete’s Boxster Board (where I indulge a weakness for endless debates about what is “true Porsche”) See it at www.ppbb.com.
The Road Less Traveled drive site, which is where I post all the pictures of my car tours. You will never find it, which is the beauty of a cliché.
7. Will a liberal arts education remain relevant to students in our increasingly technological society? Why or why not?
I think every college graduate should understand electronic devices, the fundamentals of human genetics, basic mechanics, and have a working knowledge of applied calculus and multivariate statistics. I also think a collection of authored poetry, no matter how regrettable, at least one “C” in a course outside the major, a collection of literature credits that span the globe, and fond memories of debating Nietzsche with a philosophy TA is the preparation needed to be relevant in a technological society. This is the classical liberal arts.
8. What reading material is on your bedside table?
The Economist and The Chronicle of Higher Education. I read both every week. I am currently reading The Blind Side by Michael Lewis because I found his earlier book, Moneyball, fascinating. Possibly the best strategy book ever written.
9. If politicians had to pass an exam before they were allowed to serve in public office, what question would you add to the test?
Explain how markets work. Give an explanation a twelve-year-old can understand.
10. What is one thing you would like to ask people to do to change the world for the better?
Listen to every person you disagree with for 10 minutes before saying a word.
11. Among the complex moral and political issues that affect humanity, which do you believe will never be resolved and why?
I fear that, just like the micro-organisms in grape juice, humanity is doomed to drown in its intoxicating waste. I do not think humankind has the potential for moral character to avoid this fate. I drink the wine and enjoy the sunsets in the meantime.
12. What’s the best advice you ever got?
Keep the shiny side up.
$6 MILLION GIFT FUNDS NEW DISCOVERY & INNOVATION STUDIES CENTER
The David Eccles School of Business has received a gift of $6 million from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation to fund an interdisciplinary facility, faculty research grants, and the Tech Titans Innovation Challenge, a statewide idea and design competition for students. It also will sponsor two annual conferences: the Sorenson Showcase, a networking event for entrepreneurs, inventors, and the business community; and the Product and Process Innovation Winter Conference for academics in Park City.
“This is really cool because it will allow students to participate with faculty and conduct research into the innovation and discovery process,” says Shirlayne Quayle, director of the new center. “It will give them access to programs that educate and support them in their innovative endeavors.”
The James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Discovery and Innovation Studies will be housed at the business school but will be open to everyone on campus. Faculty in any department working on innovation and discovery-related projects are eligible to apply for research grants. The center will facilitate collaboration among students, faculty, residents, entrepreneurs, and industry.
James L. Sorenson is known for developing the first computerized heart monitoring system. He also invented the first modern venous catheters and the first disposable surgical masks. Many of his medical devices are standard equipment in healthcare today.
The new center’s focus on innovation and discovery is an example of the University’s commitment to new technology and entrepreneurship. Indeed, the U launched 17 new companies last year.
FYI Mystery Photo Contest
Photo by Ann Floor
Where is this (on or near campus)? Send your answer (be specific) to FYI@ucomm.utah.edu by noon on Thursday, Sept. 20 for a chance to win two tickets to the Homecoming football game vs. Utah State, on Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. in Rice-Eccles Stadium, courtesy of the Athletics Department.
The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer. The winner will be listed in the Oct. 3 FYI News.
Thanks to Athletics for providing the prize!
This contest is open to U of U faculty and staff only.
Last Issue’s FYI Mystery Photo Contest Answer
The Sept. 5 FYI Mystery Photo shows the bronze Ute Indian brave located on the Olpin Union patio. NOTE: Thanks to Mystery Photo contestant Erika Church who sent the following information about the bronze Ute from the Springville Museum of Art and the U’s own Utah Artists Project www.utahartistsproject.org. Erika is a digital collections specialist in the Katherine W. Dumke Fine Arts & Architecture Library at the Marriott Library. This stunning bronze work of Avard T. Fairbanks is located on the west side of the Olpin Union Building and is one of many Fairbanks sculptures to grace the campus. Fairbanks attended the U of U in 1918. In 1925, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Yale and was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to study art in Rome and Florence the following year. He became a member of the faculty at the University of Michigan's Institute of Fine Arts in 1929 and while there, earned a Master of Fine Arts and also a Ph.D. in anatomical science. In 1947, he returned to Salt Lake City and was appointed dean at the U of U where he organized a College of Fine Arts. He retired as dean of the College of Fine Arts in 1955, but taught at the U for another 10 years. He died at age 90 in 1987. Also quite noteworthy, Fairbanks created hood ornaments for the Chrysler Motor Company. He was asked to design an ornament for the Dodge car. The design he came up with was a ram. When management from Chrysler came to see the design, they asked Fairbanks what a ram had to do with Dodge. Fairbanks replied that when people see a ram coming down the road they'll say "dodge!" He received the commission. |
WANTED: YOUR OPINION
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
Oct. 4, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Olpin Union, Panorama East
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the second in a series of town hall meetings to discuss the campus master plan. Consultants from Skidmore Owings and Merrill LLP, San Francisco, will present information and answer your questions. A new Website at http://campusmasterplan.utah.edu will serve as the bulletin board for project updates throughout the planning process (through the end of 2007). Check it often to find out about opportunities for input and involvement, and for submitting comments.
The campus master plan will guide the future development of the campus in a way that gives physical form to the University’s mission, vision, and academic programs. It will provide an analysis of campus land use, landscape, formal and informal open space, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, TRAX and public transportation, parking, predominant building use, utility infrastructure, land ownership, campus edges and community interaction, and design features and opportunities. For more information contact Facilities Planning at 585-6751.
UPCOMING ON CAMPUS
• Eruipides' Helen
Annual Greek Play
Sept. 22, 23, 29, 30 at 9 a.m., on the lawn north of the Performing Arts Building (west of the Campus Store)
Pre-show talk by James Svendsen at 8:30 a.m.
Ticket information at www.kingtix.com or 581-7100
It’s time once again for the annual Greek play—now in its 37th year—by the U’s theatre department. In this play concerning the Trojan War, we meet a Helen who never made it to Troy, having been kidnapped from Sparta, and a “fake” Helen left behind to begin the epic 10-year war between Sparta and Troy. We join the real Helen in Egypt as she waits for news of her husband, Menelaus, and fends off marriage to the new Egyptian king, Theoclymenos. With a blend of tragedy and comedy, Euripides gives us a Helen who deserves more praise than censure. Plan to attend this delightful campus tradition—and bring a blanket!
• The Allies for Equity Lecture Series
Knowing History Part II: Yours, Mine, and More
Monday, Sept. 24, 2-4 p.m., Social Work Auditorium,
Guest presenter Cris Cullinan, University of Oregon, initiates this year’s series with a discussion on class in a classless society. Cullinan’s work focuses on building culturally competent leadership and removing barriers to equity stemming from the institutionalization of privilege. The College of Social Work student group, Voices of Diversity, implements this series to build awareness and bridge understanding of individuals in all parts of our community. For more information call 581-8913.
•The Role of Interest Groups and Lobbyists in Utah Politics
Tues. Sept. 25, 9:10 a.m. 255 OSH
Hear a discussion with State Senator Pat Jones (D-4), Kirk Jowers, director, Hinckley Institute of Politics, LaVarr Webb, publisher, UtahPolicy.com, Sherri Wittwer, executive director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Lara Jones (moderator), reporter and Midday Metro producer, KCPW.
• Use the Events Calendar!
The U’s online events calendar at www.events.utah.edu gets approximately 8,000 hits each week. Be sure to submit your department, college, or center event—a great place to advertise for free. For more information, contact Lisa Turner at 581-5819 or calendar@ucomm.utah.edu.
BULLETIN BOARD
• FINDINGS: FAREWELL TO FROSTBITE?
A preliminary study by U researcher Kevin J. Bruen and colleagues suggests that a blood clot-dissolving medication commonly used to treat strokes and heart attacks may help restore the flow of blood and reduce the risk of amputation following severe frostbite. U researchers studied the anti-clotting agent tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for the treatment of frostbite beginning in 2001. A small group of patients tested within 24 hours of injury was compared with 25 other patients who did not receive the drug, and one patient who was given the drug after 24 hours. Among the patients who received tPA within 24 hours, only six of 59 frostbitten fingers or toes were removed, or about 10 percent. In the other group, 97 of 234 affected digits were amputated or about 41 percent. Since frostbite treatment has remained essentially the same for the past 25 years, researchers hope the new use for the medication will help increase the currently limited amount of possible treatment for frostbite.
—American Medical Association
as reported in the June 2007 issue of Archives of Surgery
• Call for study participants
The U of U Health Sciences Center’s Department of Andrology is looking for healthy males between the ages of 18-40 for an IRB-approved infertility research study. Participants will be asked to give a medical history, semen will be collected, and blood will be drawn. Compensation will be provided for time and travel. For more information, call 587-3777.
• Stargazing
The observatory atop the physics building offers Wednesday night stargazing—free and open to the public—starting around 8:30 p.m. Schedule a group or come on your own. You can also schedule a tour of the observatory at any time. For more information, contact the physics department at 581-6901.
• Boone Foundation partners with ARUP Blood Services
Nearly 100 blood donors are needed daily to maintain an essential blood supply which often drops to alarming levels. In July, ARUP teamed up with singer Pat Boone’s foundation in a national effort to boost the country’s blood supply. Potential donors can register at http://usblooddonors.org. When a specific blood type is needed in a specific location (no more than once a year), potential donors will be contacted by e-mail and asked to donate blood. The goal is to have 5,000 stand-by donors. Not interested in donating? You are still urged to sign up for the alerts so you can help spread the word. As one Boone Foundation representative said, “Imagine what would happen if every university across the nation did this.”
• Be green - Save green
With your UCard and UTA Ed Pass
Join the thousands of U students, faculty, and staff who are sidestepping high gas prices by leaving their cars at home and commuting to the U via UTA TRAX and/or bus for free. All you need is your UCard and UTA Ed Pass. Not only will you save green, you’ll be green by leaving your car at home. Get your 2007-2008 UTA Ed Pass from Commuter Services, Hospital UCard Office, Olpin Union front desk, or the Campus Store. You must present a valid UCard for authentication.
For information on the new bus routes, see www.parking.utah.edu/UTA/index.html
For TRAX schedules, see
www.rideuta.com/ridingUTA/schedules/routeSchedules.aspx
• Coping with stress
Learn to plan: Disorganization can lead to stress and having too much on our plates can feel overwhelming. When possible, take projects one at a time and work on them until completed. Carve big tasks into smaller tasks. Prioritize work to be done and celebrate your accomplishments. For more information, call the University Counseling Center at 581-6826 or visit www.utah.edu/counsel.
