May 6, 2009
COMMENCEMENT 2009
Pulitzer prize-winning author David McCullough is featured speaker
Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 8, at 9:00 a.m., will celebrate the graduation of 7,132 students. The largest number of undergraduate degrees will be awarded in economics, psychology, human development and family studies, mass communication, exercise and sports science, nursing, finance, accounting, English, and sociology, respectively.
David McCullough, twice winner of both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize will give the commencement address and will receive an honorary degree. Brittany Anne Gadbury has been selected as the student speaker. Honorary degrees also will be presented to Carol M. Fay (doctor of business), James L. Macfarlane (doctor of business), Peter D. Meldrum (doctor of engineering), and Marva M. Warnock (doctor of fine arts).
The Rosenblatt Prize, a $40,000 cash award and the most prestigious honor the University bestows on its faculty—and a well-kept secret until commencement—will be announced during the ceremony. Distinguished awards as well as other faculty honors will be recognized.
The 2009 Distinguished Teaching Award recipients are Peter Alfeld (mathematics); Abe Bakhsheshy (management); Lynn Bohs (biology); Gary Keck (chemistry); and Brian Saam (physics), who also is associate dean of the College of Science. The Distinguished Scholarly and Creative Research Award recipients are Polly Wiessner (anthropology) and Michael Zhdanov (geology and geophysics). The Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Janet E. Kaufman, (English). The 2009 Distinguished Professors are Christopher Hill, (biochemistry); Leslie Francis (family and preventive medicine); Phyllis Coley (biology); and John Parkinson (biology). The University will recognize the 2009 Honors Professor, Andy Hoffmann, (Honors College); the 2009 Bennion Center Public Service Professor, Beth Krensky (art and art history); and the Calvin S. and JeNeal Hatch Prize in Teaching recipient, L. Edna Rogers (communication). The 2009 University Professor, Stephen Koester (modern dance) and the 2009 Presidential Professor Chibli Mallat (law) will be recognized along with Park View Elementary School’s Brooke Rowe as the Outstanding School Teacher.
Convocations for the colleges of health, nursing, and social work will be held the day before commencement on Thursday, May 7. Individual colleges will hold convocations on Friday, May 8. Commencement ceremonies for the S. J. Quinney College of Law will be held Friday, May 15; and the School of Medicine on Saturday, May 23.
KUED-7 will broadcast the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony also will be available to download at KUED.org (hotlink to http://www.kued.org). Commencement ceremony details are online (hotlink to http://www.sa.utah.edu/commencement/).
Number of countries represented: |
76 |
Bachelor’s degrees: |
4,946 |
(The number of degrees awarded exceeds the number of graduates, as some students will receive more than one degree.) |
|
Men: |
3,882 |
Youngest bachelor’s degree recipient: |
18 |
UTAH MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS TO HONOR FORMER DIRECTOR DAVID L. DEE
On Friday, May 15, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) will pay tribute to David Dee, who recently stepped down as the museum’s director. UMFA staff, volunteers, and benefactors will join President Young in recognizing Dee’s eight years of meritorious service and leadership. Dee was appointed interim director of the UMFA in July 2001 and named director in July 2002. He previously had worked at the UMFA as assistant curator of Japanese Art and later as exhibitions coordinator. Dee led the UMFA through a period of unprecedented development and accomplishment beginning his tenure of leadership just after the June 2001 opening of the Marcia and John Price Museum Building, and proceeding to build a staffing and operational structure in accordance with the best museum practices. According to Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Pershing, “The U is grateful for the huge successes of the recent exhibition of Monet to Picasso, as well as the current exhibition, Splendid Heritage, and the role David played in bringing these world-class collections to the UMFA for the enjoyment of all Utahns.” Dee plans to return to curatorial duties at the museum, focusing on Asian art.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ARTS & SCIENCES ELECTS THREE FROM THE U
Three U of U scientists were elected in April to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, which calls itself “one of the nation’s most prestigious honorary societies and a center for independent policy research.”
The new fellows from the U of U are:
- Mario Capecchi, a distinguished professor and co-chair of human genetics, and a winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the development of gene targeting, in which genes in mice are “knocked out” to see what goes wrong and thus learn their normal function.
- Cynthia Burrows, a distinguished professor of chemistry, studies damage to DNA—which carries the genetic blueprint in every living organism—and how such damage is caused by the oxidation of substances such as “free radicals” from environmental toxins and from metabolism in the body.
- Kristen Hawkes, a distinguished professor of anthropology, is well known for her “grandmother hypothesis,” which holds that in hunter-gatherer societies, grandmothers play a key role in feeding and caring for grandchildren while their mother has another baby. Hawkes believes this may explain how humans evolved a long lifespan.
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences was established in 1780 by some of the country’s founders, including John Adams and John Hancock. Other members have included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Webster, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Albert Einstein, and Winston Churchill. Current members include more than 250 Nobel laureates. The academy’s current projects focus on science, technology, and global security; social policy and American institutions; the humanities and culture; and education.
The complete news release (hotlink to http://unews.utah.edu/p/?r=042009-1) is online as well as a list (hotlink to http://www.amacad.org/enewsletter/a.pdf) of all newly elected fellows and honorary foreign members.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AS WE EXPAND OUR EXCELLENCE
Multiple building projects to impact campus
Due to the numerous construction projects underway or pending on campus, facilities management has developed a Web site (hotlink to http://constructionimpacts.utah.edu) where those who are interested can track the projects. The site, which will be updated on a weekly or as-needed basis, will include information on general campus construction as well as information on specific projects. FYI News will include frequent updates, and facilities management will send e-mail to notify the campus community of schedule changes and impacts. Comments (hotlink to cdc@fm.utah.edu) are encouraged. For any specific project, call (801) 581-6883 to be directed to the appropriate project manager.
Updates on campus construction projects
New parking lot to open in July
A new surface parking lot to be located on the site of the recently-razed Mines and Military Sciences buildings west of the Frederick Albert Sutton Building is scheduled to open by the end of July. The lot will provide 81 stalls, up from the 25 formerly on the site.
New running track to break ground—opens in October
Thanks to a $2 million gift from the McCarthy family, the U will get a new track for its women’s track and soccer and men’s club rugby teams. The track will be built west of the Eccles Broadcast Center across Wasatch Drive. “This will be the first time in 35 years that we’ve had our own track,” says project manager Desslie Andreason. The track’s surface will be urethane or rubber with the interior of the track covered with synthetic turf. “Natural grass is great in good weather,” says Andreason, “but bad weather makes it soggy and muddy.” The synthetic turf requires minimal upkeep, but it does tend to heat up from the sun, which can make it too hot to use unless it is cooled with water. The track is scheduled for completion by the end of October.
Post Script on the Mines Building
During the demolition of the 1927-era Mines Building as part of the new Frederick Albert Sutton Building project, workers were surprised to find that the interior concrete walls simply crumbled and fell away from the rebar. The terra cotta quoins and six “medallions” (visible in the photo) that were located on the building’s exterior north face were preserved. One of the medallions and the terra cotta front door casing stamped with the words “Mines Building” will be placed on the west side of the Sutton Building as a memorial to the razed building. The remaining five terra cotta medallions are on display on the first floor of the Sutton Building near the elevator. The cornerstone of the Mines Building, with the dedication plaque, has been incorporated into a bench and placed in the first floor atrium of the Sutton Building.
ACADEMIC SENATE HOLDS ELECTIONS
New senate president-elect and executive committee elected
James E. Metherall, an associate professor of human genetics in the School of Medicine, was selected as president-elect of the Academic Senate for the 2009-2010 academic year. Newly-elected members of the senate executive committee include: Timothy A. Ameel, associate professor (mechanical engineering); John Conboy, associate professor (chemistry/science); Suzanne Darais, librarian (S.J. Quinney Law Library); K. Larry DeVries, Distinguished Professor (mechanical engineering); Marlene Egger, professor (DFPM/Medical School); Steve Kern, associate professor (pharmaceutical chemistry/pharmacy); David M. Kiefer, professor (economics/social & behavioral science); Mollie Poynton, assistant professor (nursing); Donn Schaefer, assistant professor (music/fine arts); and Donna White, professor (modern dance/fine arts).
U SINGERS SET FOR EUROPEAN TOUR
The University Singers are packing their bags for a trip to Marktoberdorf, Germany where they’ll compete in the International Chamber Choir Competition, known as one of the “top tier” choral competitions in the world. It is matched only by the European Grand Prix, which the Singers won in 2006. “The chance to try for both titles is a unique challenge that we’re excited to take on!” says singer Riley Soter. From May 11 to June 7, the international award-winning singers will perform in cities including Prague, Czech Republic; Pomaz, Hungary; Varazdin, Croatia; Brezice, Koper, and Ljubljana in Slovenia; Gorizia, Italy; Salzburg, Austria; Munich, Germany (recording their second live CD); and Marktoberdorf.
As the singers continue to compete, they increase in ability and reputation, and attract opportunities like working with world renowned composers, such as György Orbán (jazz bassist), with whom they’ll work in Hungary prior to the competition.
“The tradition of choral singing in Europe is different from that in America,” says Soter, “and because Europeans seem to so easily appreciate us, it’s awesome to communicate with them musically. When we come across a group of people in Europe who say they’re fans of the Utah Singers, I can’t help but feel a sense of Ute pride, and an excitement to be a part of such a great group.”
More about the University Singers is online (hotlink to http://www.music.utah.edu/ensembles/choirs/uusingers).
University Singers to perform free concert University Singers bon voyage concert |
U and the H1N1 FLU
The H1N1 flu is raising public awareness. Federal and state governments are taking steps to prepare for a possible wider outbreak of this flu. Efforts at the U have been underway for the past several years to prepare for a pandemic situation and the U is determined to respond effectively if circumstances escalate. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and campus guests are a top priority. As the flu spreads, the U’s administration reminds us that we all need to do our part by taking steps necessary to protect our health and the health of our families. Here are some things to keep in mind in the event of any influenza outbreak:
- As is the case with any respiratory illness, if you are sick, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading their infection.
- Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or ill.
- Cover your cough with your shirt sleeve.
- If you are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, if possible.
- Wash your hands frequently.
You can get updates and safety tips about the H1N1 influenza outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (hotlink to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/).
Also, Environmental Health & Safety has a pandemic awareness presentation available on demand. You can request more information via email (hotlink to questions@ehs.utah.edu).
To guarantee you will receive any emergency notice involving the University of Utah, you must be signed up for the Campus Alert System. If you have not done so, sign up here (hotlink to http://www.campusalert.utah.edu).
JOIN BOOKMARK AT THE U
Have you ever wanted to join a book club but didn’t have an opportunity? Now you do! Join Bookmark at the U, the Campus Store’s book-of-the-month club. Each book selected has received great reviews, is available in paperback, and is offered at a discount of as much as 30 percent. The selection for May is City of Thieves, by David Benihoff, a suspenseful story of two men sent on an impossible task during the siege of Leningrad in World War II.
Follow Bookmark at the U on Twitter (hotlink to http://twitter.com/BookmarkattheU) to join the monthly contest to guess the next book selected based on Tweet clues. The winner receives a free copy of the book. Join the email list (hotlink to http://www.eventsthatmatter.com/members/42/) today and be entered in a drawing to win a copy of the selected book. You can watch a short film on each book selection on a blog (hotlink to http://bookmarkattheu.blogspot.com) or on YouTube (hotlink to http://www.youtube.com/bookmarkattheu).
For more information, contact Drew Goodman (hotlink to dgoodman@bookstore.utah.edu).
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
- HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE 2010
The University of Utah Board of Trustees seeks nominations for recipients of the institution’s highest honor—the honorary doctorate degree. Nominations for the 2010 Honorary Degree will be accepted through May 29, 2009. More information and nomination forms are available online (hotlink to http://www.admin.utah.edu/bot/honorarydegree.html).
- STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Last Call for Nominations
Staff Excellence and District Staff Excellence awards recognize superior service and ongoing contributions by the U’s full-time staff. Eligibility criteria and nomination forms, which are due Monday, May 18, are online (hotlink to http://web.utah.edu/staffcouncil/StaffCouncilNomForm.html). For more information contact Terri Crow (hotlink to terri.crow@utah.edu) or Thuy Nguyen (hotlink to nguyen.t@utah.edu).
BULLETIN BOARD
• SUMMER HOUSING NEEDED FOR DANCE COURSE PARTICIPANTS (June 13 – Aug. 8)
Furnished sublets of homes, condos, or apartments are needed for adult students taking part in a professional certificate course in Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies in the Department of Modern Dance. The Modern Dance Summer Integrated Movement Studies certificate course is now in its 15th summer of subletting housing from U of U faculty, staff and students who appreciate having someone watch their home, yards, plants, and animals while on summer break. For more information, contact IMS Program Director Janice Meaden (hotlink to: jmeadenims@aol.com) or call (206) 849-4380.
• PROFESSOR’S BOOK ON PLANNING MAKES THE LIST OF 100 BEST
Reid Ewing is a professor in the School of Architecture + Planning. His 1996 book Best Development Practices: Doing the Right Thing and Making Money at the Same Timewas recently selected by members of the American Planning Association as one of the 100 most influential planning books. See all 100 books (hotlink to http://www.planning.org/centennial/greatbooks/) and Ewing’s entry under the 1990-1999 listing (hotlink to http://www.planning.org/centennial/greatbooks/decade9.htm).
• THE A+ APP
iPods are as ubiquitous on today’s college campuses as pens and notebooks, and they may make better learning tools. Students who listened to a lecture podcast and took notes scored far better on exams than students who attended the class in person. A majority in the podcast group also listened to the lecture more than once while studying, gaining an edge on peers who may or may not have been napping in the lecture hall.
“iTunes University and the Classroom: Can Podcasts Replace Professors?,” Computers & Education
—From an article in the May 2009 Atlantic
• MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR HOMECOMING 2009
Festivities kick off on Saturday, Sept. 19 with the annual Legacy of Lowell Day, and culminate the following Saturday, Sept. 26—Homecoming Day—when Utah plays Louisville.
• CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER CLASSES NOW ONLINE!
Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge technology certification or just want to impress your friends with a new recipe, Continuing Education’s summer lineup of hundreds of credit and non-credit options has something for you. Learn a new language, try rock climbing, study for the GMAT, start a chicken coop, earn a Leadership and Management Certificate, practice yoga, get advice on buying a home, send your kids to summer camp—all right here on campus. Plus, benefits-eligible staff and faculty get 50 percent off tuition for most Continuing Education programs. More information including registration is online (hotlink to http://www.continue.utah.edu) or call (801) 581-6461.
• PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2009-2010 SEASON
Additional information is available online (hotlink to http://www.pioneertheatre.org/season/season-09-10.html).
A Chorus Line
Sept. 25 to Oct. 10
Is He Dead?
By Mark Twain
Oct. 30 to Nov. 14
A Christmas Story
Dec. 12 to Dec. 19
Touch(ed)
Jan. 8 to Jan. 23
Twelve Angry Men
Feb. 12 to Feb. 27
Our Town
March 12 to March 27
42nd Street
April 23 to May 8
UPCOMING ON CAMPUS
All campus events are listed in the U’s online events calendar—are yours? If not, contact Lisa Westlind or call (801) 581-5819.
• ART IN BLOOM AT UMFA
Friday through Sunday, May 15-17
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Celebrate the arrival of spring with Art in Bloom, UMFA’s biennial benefit of fine art and floral design. Thirty floral designers select an object from the museum’s collection and use flowers, greenery, custom-made containers, and their own artistic vision to create a unique floral arrangement for display. Several different events over three days offer a variety of ways to enjoy the exhibit, from a “Flowers After Hours” supper, to a lecture, floral design demonstration, and hands-on class. Proceeds support UMFA’s educational outreach programs in the state of Utah. Additional information, including admission prices, is online (hotlink to http://www.umfa.utah.edu/artinbloom) or call (801) 585-9880.
• A MORNING WITH DAVID MCCULLOUGH
Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
LDS Tabernacle on Temple Square
Fresh from giving the U’s commencement address, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough, author of 1776 and John Adams, will speak to Utah history teachers and students (over 8), courtesy of The Larry H. Miller Education Project and Zions Bank. McCullough has agreed to answer questions and, after the presentation, sign books (No books will be available for purchase so plan accordingly.) Ticket information is online (hotlink to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=3414&pid=6502079).
• SEEDS OF REMEMBRANCE
Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 p.m.
Eccles Health Sciences Education Building
Caring Connections provides an opportunity for those who have lost a family member or friend to gather for a free presentation on grief and to commemorate the memory of their loved one. A panel discussion features Peggy Fletcher Stack (loss of a child); Eric Millay (loss of a spouse); and Steve Andrus (loss by suicide). Caring Connections is a hope and comfort in grief program of the College of Nursing. For more information, contact Katie Schrier (hotlink to katie.schrier@nurs.utah.edu) or call (801) 585-9522.
• ANNUAL DRESS FOR SUCCESS CLOTHING DRIVE
Friday, May 29, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
University Student Apartments
Donations can be dropped off curb-side at University Student Apartments, 1945 East Sunnyside Ave. (1945 E. and 850 S.). Clothing is needed for men, women, plus-sizes, maternity, and children. Shoes, ties, belts, jewelry, handbags, hats, and socks are also appreciated. Clothes should be clean and in good condition. Your donations benefit Women Helping Women Clothing Closet, The Road Home, Crossroads Urban Center, Alliance House “Clubhouse Store,” and WACU “Our Store.” For additional information, contact Rebecca Dowdell at (801) 581-5621.
FYI Mystery Photo Contest
FYI Mystery Photo
Where is this on campus? Send your answer (be specific) to FYI@ucomm.utah.edu by 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8 for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate for any equipment rental courtesy of the Outdoor Recreation Program. The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer and will be listed in the June 3 FYI News.
Thanks to Outdoor Recreation for providing the prize!
Thanks to our terrific sponsors! |
Note: This contest is open to U of U faculty and staff only.
Last issue’s FYI Mystery Photo Contest answer
The Apr. 22 FYI Mystery Photo shows the Francis Armstrong Madsen Building located on the business loop. Little did we know the building is undergoing demolition to make way for the new business building. The first clue came from Rod Mitchell in the College of Engineering who told us it was scheduled for destruction. More than 13 of you sent the same news. Congratulations to Kelly Brown, winner of the April 22, 2009 FYI Mystery Photo Contest! Kelly was randomly selected from the pool of 111 contestants who sent in the correct answer. She has worked at the U in the Division of Occupational Therapy in the College of Health for 10 years and is the administrative assistant and academic advisor for the OT program. “I love my faculty and students,” she says. “I have the best job on campus!” Kelly received two tickets to see the French-Canadian circus troupe Cirque Eloize—Nebbia at Kingsbury Hall on Saturday, May 2, courtesy of Kingsbury Hall. A big thanks to Kingsbury Hall for providing the prize! And thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. We invite you to try your luck again with the June 3 FYI News. |
PEDAL POWER: UBIKE TAKES OFF
Thanks to the Senior Class of 2009 and a matching gift from commuter services, the U of U now has a free bike rental program. UBike provides stylish red and white bikes for students, faculty, and staff to check out for up to two weeks at a time. Use the bikes to get around campus and the surrounding area. Head to the Olpin Union front desk to sign up for the program and check out a bike today—but bring your own helmet and bike lock. Additional information is online (hotlink to http://www.alumni.utah.edu/ubike/).
