March 19, 2008
CHINESE CULTURE WEEK—MARCH 24-31
Nearly 60 years after a Chinese farmer found jade relics hidden in the ground while he was digging a well in China’s Sichuan Provence, archeologists unearthed sacrificial pits containing thousands of gold, bronze, jade, and pottery artifacts—all in an artistic style that was completely unknown in the history of Chinese art. This famous Sanxingdui archeological find is the focus of a lecture by Li Xiaotao, deputy director of Sichuan University Museum, on March 28 in LNCO 1110 at noon. The lecture is one of many events celebrating the U’s Chinese Culture Week from March 24 to March 30.
“This is the first Chinese Culture Week ever to be staged on the campus of the University of Utah,” says Fushen Wu, director of the Confucius Institute and one of the event organizers. “It will not only help to promote Chinese culture, but will also contribute to the internationalization of the University of Utah.”
Other events include a chamber music performance of Chinese music by Ning Lu and Jie Lu, professors of piano at the U, and Wenyuan Gu, with the Utah Symphony (March 24, Gardner Hall, 7 p.m); a traditional Chinese dance and music performance by the Student Art Troupe of Sichuan University (March 25, Rose Wagner Center, 7 p.m); a Chinese speech contest, where students compete to improve their spoken Chinese (March 26, LNCO 1945, noon); a documentary film titled, From the Masses to the Masses: An Artist in Mao’s China, about the life and work of an artist during the Cultural Revolution (March 27, LNCO 1100, 7 p.m); and a lecture by Harry Harding, George Washington University, titled Why is the U.S.- China Relationship so Complicated? (March 31, LNCO 1110, 7 p.m.).
For more information call 585-0988 or check online (hotlink: www.confucius.utah.edu) and follow the links to Chinese Culture Week.
KATHLEEN DIGRE RECEIVES ANNUAL LINDA AMOS AWARD
Rose Kennedy once told her kids, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” and I’ve been given a lot. I’ve been given the gift of energy—my Norwegian grandmother had high energy into her nineties—and I’ve been given the tools to make a difference. Now I want to give back for all the things I’ve received. And I’ve received a lot from this University.
—From an interview with Kathleen Digre in
Continuum Magazine, Spring 2007
Kathleen Digre, a professor of neurology and ophthalmology, has received the 2008 Linda K. Amos Award for Distinguished Service to Women at the U. Nominations from across campus clearly demonstrated that she represents the ideals and actions of Linda Amos for whom the award is named.
Hear Kathleen Digre discuss her life and work in her own words. Download the podcast. (hotlink: http://www2.utah.edu/podcast/indivAudiocast.php?id=4&acId=51)
The annual Linda K. Amos Award is named for the founding chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and a professor of nursing. Amos also served as dean of the College of Nursing and associate vice president for health sciences. More information about her is available here. (hotlink: http://www.nurs.utah.edu/faculty/amos_linda.html).
12 QUESTIONS FOR... ROBERT NEWMAN
DEAN, COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
1. What book should every person read and why?
I wouldn’t presume to suggest that every person might benefit from the same one book and that I knew what it was. The most influential and inspirational books for me have been Ulysses, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and Light in August.
2. What building on campus do you think is the most interesting architecturally?
No contest—the new Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities Building.
3. If you could meet any legendary person, who would it be?
Since I’ve been Dean, I’ve met Jane Goodall, Sebastiao Salgado, and W. S. Merwin. It doesn’t get much better than that. I guess I would like to have met Marilyn Monroe, Ingrid Bergman, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Lennon, each for very different reasons. And I wouldn’t mind sharing a jar of honey and talking philosophy with Winnie the Pooh.
4. How will the next generation of scholars—today’s students—change your field in the decades to come?
They will continue the interdisciplinary trajectory that offers the most fertile and challenging means toward provoking paradigm shifts. And they will do it by connecting theory to practice so the impacts on people, politics, and culture are tangible and exciting.
5. Name a favorite place to eat.
Cucina Toscana. Valter Nassi runs the best restaurant in town.
6. Will a liberal arts education remain relevant to students in our increasingly technological society?
While technology allows us to conduct our social relationships virtually and in isolation from face-to-face contact, the liberal arts thrive in personal encounter, debate, and community—that’s relevance. Technology cannot assess the multiple masks of evil, the complicated ethics of choice, the pain of loss or the joys of love, or the frustrations and celebrations our yearning to be both human and more than human produce. Technology is premised on answering the hows and the whats, but not the whys. Only in the liberal arts do we continue to have that conversation in all its frustrating sloppiness and indeterminacy.
7. List two of your favorite Web sites.
http://prairiehome.publicradio.org
http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blbushjoke.htm
8. What reading material is on your bedside table?
Right now—current and past issues of New York Review of Books, New Yorker, The Nation. Roger Rosenblatt’s new novel poking fun at universities, Beet. Jane Goodall’s Reason for Hope. And a stack of budget requests from my chairs and directors for next year.
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?
In a well-written essay with thorough substantiation of your assertions, describe a political community in which self-aggrandizement among its leaders is illegal and all decisions had to factor in favorable environmental, educational, and health impacts to be legitimate.
10. What is one thing you would like to ask people to do to change the world for the better?
Offset their carbon footprints and adopt a pet from a shelter or a stray if they haven’t yet done so. I know that’s two.
11. Among the complex moral and political issues that affect humanity, which do you believe will never be resolved and why?
Why blue socks don’t go with black shoes and red wine with fish.
12. What’s the best advice you ever got?
Sleep on an email written at night in frustration or anger before hitting “send.”
FYI Mystery Photo Contest
Campus Photo
Where is this on campus? Send your answer (be specific) to FYI@ucomm.utah.edu by noon on Monday, Mar. 24 for a chance to win a weekend mountain bike rental for two, courtesy of the Outdoor Recreation Program.
The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer and then listed in the Apr. 2 FYI News.
Thanks to the Outdoor Recreation Program 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 Mar. 5 FYI Mystery Photo shows the southeast corner of the Warnock Engineering Building. From the 50 correct responses we randomly chose Tiffany Pannier as the winner of the Mar. 5 FYI Mystery Photo Contest. “Wow! I am very surprised, I usually never win anything like this!” says Tiffany. She works in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department as the administrative program coordinator. “It is a new position in the department,” she says, “and I am creating outreach presentations for local schools and helping with our current development campaign.” Tiffany received two tickets to Red Butte Garden & Arboretum, courtesy of Red Butte Garden. Thanks to all who entered and thanks to Red Butte Garden for donating the tickets. |
2008 U CHOOSE OPEN ENROLLMENT—COMING SOON
It’s time to watch for your 2008 U Choose Open Enrollment information. Packets will be mailed the first week of April. Open enrollment is the one time this year you can make changes to your existing benefits for the 2008-2009 plan year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009).
The health care plan options will remain the same for 2008. If you wish to participate in the Flexible Spending Account Plan (FSA), you will need to make a new Health Care FSA and/or Dependent Day Care FSA election during open enrollment. In addition, if you wish to enroll or cancel your enrollment in the group legal plan, you will need to make your election during open enrollment.
HR has made it simple and fast to enroll and make option changes. Once you receive and review your U Choose packet, visit https://gate.acs.utah.edu to complete your benefit registration online between April 1 and April 30.
The Benefits Department will host open enrollment sessions throughout the month of April. This will be your opportunity to meet with benefit providers and have your questions answered in a face-to-face setting. Look for session locations and times in your benefits packet or online (hotlink: www.hr.utah.edu/ben).
If you have questions, call the Benefits Department at 581-7447 or stop by 420 Wakara Way, Suite 105 in Research Park. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS—STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARDS
You know that person in your office who is dependable, competent, and a team player? The one who is always there to offer creative ideas and help solve problems with a sense of humor and a pleasant attitude? Well now is your opportunity to give some recognition to that remarkable colleague—that someone who helps make it all happen.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 District Staff Awards and Staff Excellence Awards. Nominations are due Monday, May 5 at 5 p.m.
The Staff Excellence Awards Program was established in 1992 to recognize superior service and ongoing contributions by the U’s full-time staff employees. Six awards are presented annually to staff employees selected by the vice president for human resources. The award amount for the 2008 Staff Excellence Awards has been increased to $5,000. In addition, each winner will receive a special plaque, and their names added to a perpetual plaque which includes all previous recipients. The perpetual plaque is permanently displayed in the Human Resources Building at 420 Wakara Way in Research Park.
Nominees must have at least three years of continuous service to the U and be current full-time (.75 FTE or greater) staff employees in good standing. Faculty, director-level staff and above, and part-time hourly staff are not eligible for the award.
More information and a nomination form are available online. (hotlink: www.hr.utah.edu/etc/psa).
DON’T HAVE TIME TO RELAX?
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
In this fast-paced world, it often feels like you can’t slow down. Your physical and mental health depends on your ability to appropriately manage your stress level. Many of us have tried exercise, developed hobbies, cut back on work obligations, but more and more people are looking to the practice of meditation as a way to manage stress.
In recent decades, Western culture has been increasingly exposed to meditation through the popularity of martial arts and certain Eastern philosophies. The practice of meditation also has many health benefits. Westerners are discovering that meditation is not as mysterious as many of us may have thought. And given the long list of benefits that a small meditation can produce, it may be interesting for you to take a look at this ancient practice. Some of the benefits include:
• Leads to a deeper level of relaxation
• Builds self-confidence
• Decreases muscle tension and headaches
• Increases serotonin production which boosts mood and decreases depression
• Reduces anxiety
• Improves concentration
• Lowers heart rate
• Decreases respiratory rate
• Returns blood pressure to normal
• Enhances the immune system
For a list of additional online self-help resources, visit the Counseling Center (hotlink: http://www.sa.utah.edu/counsel/) and click on “Self Help.”
—Torrence Wimbish, graduate assistant, Counseling Center
UPCOMING ON CAMPUS
• Linda Marion Paintings
Now through March 21
Olpin Union Gallery
It’s a short gig for Linda Marion, managing editor of Continuum Magazine, but an exhibit of 30 of her paintings, which were hanging in Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre in January, are now adorning the walls (through March 21 only) of the new Olpin Union Gallery located in the recently-renovated student lounge (main floor, south wing). As Linda says, “They’ll be up through spring break, if you are interested in taking a peek.”
• The Moral Conscience of the World: The United Nations and The Partition of Palestine
Tuesday, March 25, 7:00 p.m.
UMFA Dumke Auditorium
Americans now have a jaded view of the United Nations and can easily forget that in its early years it represented the hope of mankind. After the end of World War II, everyone believed the United Nations could peacefully resolve international conflict, thereby avoiding another world war.
William . Roger Louis, University of Texas at Austin, will discuss this and other topics related to the UN when he gives the annual Gordon B. Hinckley Lecture in British Studies. Educated at Harvard and Oxford, Louis has directed British Studies at UT Austin since 1975 and holds the Kerr Chair in English History and Culture. His many books include Imperialism at Bay and The British Empire in the Middle East. For more information, call 581-6214.
• Bennion Center: Civic Engagement Week Poster Session
March 25 - 27, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Olpin Union, East Ballroom
Free and open to the public
Bringing the Great Salt Lake to life for K-12 teachers, physical education for students with autism, capturing life stories of hospice patients—these are just some of the poster topics by faculty and students on display during Civic Engagement Week. The Lowell Bennion Community Service Center is sponsoring the poster session to demonstrate how students and faculty are making connections and positive impacts in the community while gaining valuable insight into their scholarship. For more information contact Katie Olson at kolson@sa.utah.edu or 585-9100.
• Notes on a Sunday
March 27-30
Performing Arts Building, Studio 115
This world premiere by senior theater student Sam Wessels is a darkly romantic musical set in the loneliness of suburbia and follows love into the depths of a family on the edge of its own destruction. Tickets ($9) are available through the Kingsbury Hall Ticket Office at 581-7100. Content Advisory: This show contains mature themes and language and is not advised for audiences under the age of 14.
• Bennion Center: Establishing, Growing, and Sustaining Your Service Learning Partnership
Friday, March 28, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Olpin Union, Panorama East Room
Presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities will help faculty and community partners establish and nurture their service-learning partnerships. Presenters include Nancy Nickman, professor, pharmacotherapy and Presidential Teaching Scholar, U of U; Carolyn Hunter, associate state director for community outreach, AARP Utah; Cassie Power, assistant professor of psychology, Westminster College of Salt Lake City; Maria Ponce, region volunteer coordinator for juvenile justice services; and Liz Paige, director of service learning, Rowland Hall – St. Mark’s School. For more information contact Katie Olson at kolson@sa.utah.edu or 585-9100.
• Environmental Writer Jack Turner to Visit Campus
Wednesday, April 2, 7:00 p.m. (Reception at 6:00 p.m.)
UMFA’s Dumke Auditorium
Noted environmental writer Jack Turner will give a public talk titled, “Local Warming” as part of his four-day residence with the Environmental Humanities program April 1 – 4. While on campus, he will give a series of faculty/student seminars on the concept of “wildness” and will speak on the topics of Henry Thoreau and his tradition; the language of the wild; the enemies of the wild; and the wild mind. More information is online (hotlink: www.hum.utah.edu).
• How Did Fish Evolve to Walk on Land?
Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 p.m.
Aline W. Skaggs Biology Building
The College of Science winds up another excellent season of Frontiers of Science lectures with Neil Shubin, evolutionary biologist from the University of Chicago, who will discuss his most recent discovery—Tiktaalikroseae—which has been dubbed “the missing link” between fish and land animals. The evolution of limbs is Shubin’s specific area of expertise and using his diverse fossil findings, he devises hypotheses on how anatomical transformations occurred by way of genetic and morphogenetic processes. Click here (hotlink: www.science.utah.edu/fos.html) for more information on the final Frontiers of Science lecture or call 581-6958.
BULLETIN BOARD
• Tune The Guitar and Warm Up Your Voice Wednesdays On The Green Wants U!
The U’s Marketing & Communications Office is planning another round of outdoor mini-concerts on Wednesdays during June, July, and August, so if you or someone you know would like to perform, contact Taunya Dressler at 587-9183 or t.dressler@ucomm.utah.edu. Concerts will be held from noon to 1 p.m. All music genres are encouraged.
• Marriott Library—Books for Sale
Wondering what happened to the book sale section at the Marriott Library? Never fear! The book sale has relocated to the archives building located at 666 S Guardsman Way (west side of the street just across from Steiner Aquatic Center). You’ll find all the same great deals on used books with easy parking—honest! For more information, call 581-7526.
• Tuition Going Up
The March 11, 2008 Salt Lake Tribune reports that the U of U Board of Trustees has approved a 5.9 percent increase in tuition and fees, pending approval by the Board of Regents. This is nearly an additional $300 per year for most full-time students. The increase would still be under 80 percent of the national average tuition rate.
• New U of U Staff Council Members Needed
The U of U Staff Council (UUSC) is accepting nominations for new council members. Staff may self-nominate or nominate other staff members.
Staff Council has been instrumental in bringing you Employee Appreciation Day, Staff Excellence Awards, and Staff Scholarships. This is a great opportunity to serve your fellow staff members, learn how the University works, and meet new people. New members typically serve three-year terms and must be willing to commit to a two-hour monthly meeting as well as an additional one-to-two-hour monthly subcommittee meeting. The nomination form is available online (hotlink: http://web.utah.edu/staffcouncil/StaffCouncilNomForm.html) and is due April 1.
U SAVING ENERGY
Since the U’s behavioral energy-saving program began in July 2003 the U has saved the carbon sequestered annually by 18,484 acres of pine or fir forests.
TIP: Individual actions at home and work can add up to a lot of pollution prevention. If just one in ten households bought ENERGY STAR heating and cooling products, the change would keep over 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air. Promote the purchase of ENERGY STAR products at work and home.
Source: U of U Energy Management. For questions, suggestions, or more information contact Bianca Shama at 585-1171 or Bianca.Shama@fm.utah.edu.
