June 3, 2009
2009 ROSENBLATT PRIZE AWARDED TO ZEEV “VALY” VARDENY
Zeev “Valy” Vardeny, Distinguished Professor of physics, is the 2009 recipient of the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence, the U’s most prestigious award. The $40,000 gift is presented annually to a faculty member who displays excellence in teaching, research, and administrative efforts. “Dr. Vardeny is an extraordinarily gifted and dedicated scientist, teacher, and administrator,” says President Young. “As a leader, he is both influential and inspiring. As an author, he is legendary for his insight and production.” One of the world’s foremost experimental physicists, Vardeny develops materials—especially organic materials—for use in electronic devices such as transistors and diodes, and optical devices such as lasers, photovoltaic cells, and light-emitting diodes (LED). These materials ultimately may serve as the basis for new kinds of products like computers, televisions, batteries, and light bulbs. Currently, Vardeny is developing “plastic” or polymer lasers that can be molded into desired shapes for new display devices and faster electrical circuits and fiber-optic telecommunications. He also develops organic LEDs that may serve as light bulbs of the future, converting more energy into light and less into heat than existing bulbs. A prolific author, Vardeny has added over 400 papers to the most prestigious publications in the world. In his decades at the U, he has guided some 30 graduate students and a dozen postdoctoral associates.
The Rosenblatt endowment was established in 1983 by the Joseph and Evelyn Rosenblatt family to honor the civic leadership and generosity of Joseph’s parents, Nathan and Tillie Rosenblatt, who immigrated to Utah from Russia in the late 19th century. The complete release is available online (hotlink to http://www.unews.utah.edu/p/?r=050809-1).
THREE FROM WITHIN TAPPED FOR NEW POSTS
- NEW DEAN FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL
Chuck Wight has been selected to lead the graduate school as new dean. He succeeds David Chapman, professor of geology and geophysics, who returns to teaching and academic research. Wight is currently associate vice president for academic affairs and undergraduate studies. He has proven his leadership abilities in both the management of large, interdisciplinary research projects and the administration of multiple academic and administrative units. In his faculty role, Wight’s research group investigates the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions that are important in the combustion and detonation of high explosives and rocket propellants. In his administrative role, he has been responsible for assessment and oversight of a broad range of issues relating to academic outreach, educational technology, undergraduate course requirements, and the U’s potential partnership with Dixie State College. “Graduate programs represent many of the crown jewels of the University of Utah. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the graduate school forward on the course set by my distinguished predecessors, most recently Ann Hart and David Chapman,” says Wight.
- BUSINESS SCHOOL GETS NEW DEAN
Taylor Randall, recently named to replace Jack Brittain as dean of the David Eccles School of Business, comes to the position naturally—it’s in his DNA. His father, Reed Randall, served as a professor and director of the U’s school of accounting, and his grandfather, Clyde Randall, was a professor and himself dean of the business school. “There is no better person to lead the school and build on its remarkable momentum than Taylor Randall,” notes President Young. “He is a gifted teacher and leader, and carries an unparalleled grasp of economic performance and strategies that makes him the ideal choice.” Randall has served on the faculty of the School of Accounting for the past 10 years and currently is associate dean of academic affairs. He took over as director of the University Venture Fund in 2003 and from that date until now, the Fund has become the largest independent student-run venture in the country with more than $18.3 million. “The David Eccles School of Business already attracts internationally recognized scholars, outstanding students, and engaged staff,” says Randall. “We are increasingly the school of choice for business education.” Randall begins in his new position July 2. Jack Brittain, who served as dean from 1999 to 2009, will continue as Pierre Lassonde presidential chair and U of U vice president for Technology Venture Development.
- NEW ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH NAMED
Cynthia M. Furse, professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been appointed associate vice president for research. An accomplished entrepreneur, teacher, and researcher, Furse replaces Ronald J. Pugmire, professor of chemical engineering, who will step down after 39 years in the position to focus on his energy-related research program and work on special projects for the Office of the Vice President for Research. Furse, who teaches electromagnetics, wireless communication, microwave engineering, and antenna design—among other subjects—has a particular interest in getting women and minorities involved in the field. She volunteers in Utah’s K-12 schools as an engineering mentor, science educator, and engineering career guidance counselor, and is director of the Center of Excellence for Smart Sensors, which focuses on imbedded antennas and sensors in complex environments. Furse has directed the Utah “Smart Wiring” program since 1998. She is chief scientist for LiveWire Test Labs, Inc., a spin-off company that commercializes devices to locate intermittent faults on live wires. Furse begins in her new position July 1.
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Thank you for your patience as we expand our excellence
Construction Impacts for the week of June 1:
- USTAR Infrastructure:
Sewer line – Currently being installed north and east of the Alumni House, this project is impacting the two west tennis courts being used for contractor parking. The sewer line in 500 South has been relocated south into Parking Lot #40 and will start when the revised design is completed and approved. The sewer line from Central Campus Drive east through Parking Lot #32 is out of the road and progressing through the lot.
Water Line – Currently being installed along the west side of Wasatch Drive from North Campus Drive to Federal Way, one lane of traffic is maintained each way with hold ups when trucks need to come in to dump dirt. There may be times when southbound traffic off North Campus is directed up to Mario Cappechi Drive. This work should take another week. The water line installation in North Campus Drive from the Huntsman Cancer Hospital to Mario Cappechi Drive will begin mid-week. One lane of traffic will be maintained each direction. This work should take about four weeks.
Tunnel – East west excavation is about half way completed and precast and cast- in-place tunnel sections are being installed, requiring access from Central Campus Drive for large delivery trucks . - Business Building:
Utility lines are being installed from the north end heading south. There should be no impact to the business loop this week. - High Temperature Waterline Replacement – Phase 1:
The six week shutdown for the tie-in of the new lines to the engineering building began Monday.
Thank you for your patience as we make these improvements to campus. Check out the new Web site (hotlink to http://constructionimpacts.utah.edu) for current information and schedules. The site is updated weekly and contains campus construction information and maps showing project locations. Your comments are welcome. For information on a specific project, contact Campus Design and Construction at (801) 581-6883 to be directed to the respective project manager.
KUED COOKS: R IS FOR RESTAURANT
Don’t miss this new cooking special—premiering Wednesday, June 3, from 7:00 to 10:30 p.m.—in which chefs from 11 Utah restaurants prepare appetizers, entrees, salads, side dishes, specials, and desserts. The recipes and more from each chef will be included in a new cookbook of the same name available for purchase through KUED 7.
Featured chefs and restaurants include The New Yorker’s Will Pliler showing viewers how to make roasted rack of Utah lamb with red wine mint sauce; Lugano’s Greg Neville demonstrating parmesan/parsley gnocchi with wilted arugula and roasted tomatoes, stuffed chicken breasts, and shaved raw asparagus salad; Market Street’s Bill McArthur creating the restaurant’s famed sabayon dessert; Mazza’s Ali Sabbah preparing butterflied leg of lamb; and Franck Peissel of Franck’s with his pan-seared scallops served with lychee jasmine rice and baby vegetables in vanilla lobster sauce.
The Tin Angel’s Jerry Liedtke prepares his special tapas—espresso-crusted seared-beef tenderloin with gorgonzola and port wine reduction and speck-wrapped shrimp with apricot champagne vinaigrette—and his entrée, elk Wellington with blueberry demiglaze. Rio Grande’s Joseph Bartmanowicz makes pollo cilantro with rice and beans and a jicama salad; Stella’s Steve Hamburg prepares pecan-crusted salmon; Jena Lee Cook from Rooster’s in Layton makes pancetta-wrapped sea scallops with saffron risotto and citrus beurre blanc; Blake Spalding and Jen Castle of Hell’s Backbone in Boulder, Utah, create their legendary black powder biscuits; and Indochine’s Tuan Vu and Diem Nguyen, prepare noodle salad with beef and lemongrass (Vietnamese name: Bun Bo Xao Sa).
BOOKMARK AT THE U—THE CAMPUS STORE’S BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB
June selection: The Cold Dish: A Novel, by Craig Johnson
This multilayered whodunit mystery stands out in its genre. Shades of racism, mysticism, and revenge give the novel nuance; dead-on dialogue, good-natured humor, and flesh-and-blood characters, including the foul-mouthed deputy Victorian "Vic" Moretti, give it life. Johnson, who lives in Ucross, Wyoming, knows the Western landscape well, and creates stunning and violent scenes (including a raging blizzard) of the Rocky Mountains.
—Bookmarks Magazine
Follow Bookmark at the U on Twitter (hotlink to http://www.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://www.bookmarkattheu.blogspot.com) or on You Tube (hotlink to http://www.youtube.com/bookmarkattheu). For more information, contact Drew Goodman (hotlink to dgoodman@bookstore.utah.edu).
OF INTEREST TO CAMPUS COMMUTERS: TRAX PROJECT UPDATES
FrontLines 2015, Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) program to build 70 miles of rail by 2015 is under way. UTA reports that the TRAX line to Salt Lake City International Airport is about 15 percent complete; a light-rail line running from a TRAX station near Fashion Place Mall in Murray to the Daybreak community in South Jordan is 40 percent complete; and a TRAX line in West Valley City is 30 percent complete. FrontRunner South, a section of commuter rail linking Salt Lake and Utah counties, is about 25 percent complete.
—Information from the Deseret News
BODY & SOUL
SOOTHE YOURSELF WITH MOVEMENT
Rather than reaching for chocolate when you're stressed, think of something active you enjoy doing—something that feels good to you. It might be working in the garden, taking a slow bike ride, or walking with a friend. Rhythmic activities like walking, raking leaves, or even cleaning can be healing exercises. As your body gets into its own rhythms, you can let your mind go and work out problems, find solutions, or just daydream.
—Brought to you by Peak Academy (hotlink to http://www.health.utah.edu/peak/) in the College of Health
CAMPUS WALK OF THE WEEK
Take a walk over the Eccles Legacy Bridge and let us know (hotlink to fyi@ucomm.utah.edu) what you discover—trees in bloom, a great museum exhibit, sighting of an unusual bird—or just enjoy wandering through our campus.
BONNEVILLE SHORELINE TRAIL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
Natural history museum to host guided nature walk
The Utah Museum of Natural History is partnering with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail Committee to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Steiner-Centennial section of the trail on Saturday, June 6—National Trails Day—from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This section of the trail is the keystone to the entire system which will eventually stretch almost 300 miles from the Idaho border to Juab County. Volunteers will meet at the Morris Meadow Trailhead (645 East 18th Ave.) to restore the trail from 8 a.m. to noon. Morris Meadow is a good place to see how deposits from ancient Lake Bonneville formed the area and how the canyon was cut as the lake receded. Tools and supervision will be provided. Participants must be over the age of 16 and in good physical health to participate. Volunteers 12 years of age and older may help with the weed removal. Later that day, from noon to 2:00 p.m., the museum will host a nature walk through City Creek Canyon with Ann Kelsey, curator of the Museum's Garrett Herbarium. Kelsey will discuss the wildlife, wildflowers, invasive plants, and geology of the foothills. Registration is required and details are online (hotlink to http://www.bonnevilleshorelinetrail.org).
BULLETIN BOARD
• TANNER DANCE SUMMER PROGRAMS
Discount offered to U employees
For more than 72 years, Tanner Dance has inspired and motivated children of all ages to become “useful, imaginative, worthwhile human beings”—one dancer at a time. Enrollment is now open for a variety of summer dance classes and week-long camps, held mostly on campus. Additional programs include Kindermusik, Kids on the Move, Arts for the Young, Dancers with Disabilities, and visual arts. U employees save 15 percent (to receive the discount, you must register by mail, phone, or in person). Class schedules are available online (hotlink to http://www.tannerdance.utah.edu). For more information, call (801) 581-7374.
• WANTED: STUDY PARTICIPANTS
For people with Alzheimer's disease
The progression of Alzheimer’s disease is inevitable. As it progresses, activities that were once routine can become difficult or even impossible. Research doctors at the Center for Alzheimer’s Care, Imaging, and Research are seeking people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to participate in a new clinical IRB-approved research study to test whether an investigational drug may slow the progression off the disease. Study participants must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Age 50-89
- A reliable caregiver to be at all study visits
- Diagnosed with Probable Alzheimer’s disease
For more information, call (801) 581-7888.
• HINCKLEY JOURNAL NOW AVAILABLE
The 2009 volume of the Hinckley Journal of Politics (hotlink to http://www.hinckley.utah.edu/publications/journal/2009_Hinckley_Journal.pdf) is now available and features articles on Utah drug courts, the 2008 presidential election, and Chinese oil policy. The Journal publishes scholarly papers of exceptional caliber, promoting the intellectual talents of undergraduate students in the fields of politics, government, and international relations.
• FARMERS MARKET RETURNS IN AUGUST
Back by popular demand, the campus farmers market returns on Thursdays, Aug. 20 to Oct. 8, from 9:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m. on Webster’s Lawn (east of Pioneer Theatre). Like last year, fresh local fruits and vegetables along with some non-food items will be sold. More information—including information for vendors—is online (hotlink to http://www.hr.utah.edu/wellu/farmers_market/).
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.
• GOOGLE BOOK SEARCH PROJECT AND SETTLEMENT
Thursday, June 4, 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Online (hotlink to http://67.202.209.36/launcher.cgi?room=googlebooks)
With Allyson Mower (hotlink to allyson.mower@utah.edu), Marriott Library
Since 2004, Google has scanned over seven million texts from major research libraries across the world to include as part of its Google Book Search project. Many of the books are in the public domain, which Google Book Search allows users to fully download (about 1 million). For the other 6 million texts that are in-copyright, Google Book Search allows users to see snippets of the books unless the rights holder has given permission for more than a snippet to be displayed. In 2005, a lawsuit was filed against Google Book Search claiming that the scanning, indexing, and snippet-display went beyond fair use. The suit was recently settled and will be reviewed in court starting mid-June. In addition, the U.S. Justice Department has started investigating antitrust implications the settlement may present. If you are interested in what the Google Book Search Project and settlement means for you as an author, librarian, or reader, plan to connect online for a one-hour information session. For more information, call (801) 585-5458.
• SUMMER INSTITUTE IN THE HUMAN SERVICES
Celebrating 25 years
Now through Friday, June 12, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
College of Social Work
By the year 2030, there will be approximately 71 million older adults in the United States—20 percent of the U.S. population. Human service professionals need to be prepared to work with this rapidly growing older population, termed the “silver tsunami.” The annual Summer Institute is also going silver, this year celebrating its silver anniversary after 25 years of high quality, in-depth continuing education. To honor the milestone, a 25 percent discount is offered on all non-credit courses. Six “Silver Track” courses, which focus on aging issues, have been further discounted to $75 or $50. For additional information, contact Carrie Allen (hotlink to carrie.allen@utah.edu), call (801) 581-8913, or check online (hotlink to http://www.socwk.utah.edu/pace).
• BURGEONING BOOKWORKS
Now through Friday, June 19, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Book Arts Studio, Marriott Library, 4th Floor
Thirty students from spring semester’s Artists’ Books course exhibit their final editions and one-of-a-kind creations. Delight in the design and writing of these works as you enjoy a vision of the tangible book that showcases creativity, craftsmanship, and beauty. For more information, call (801) 585-9191 or check online (hotlink to http://bookartsprogram.org).
• COLLEGE OF PHARMACY BRINGS BACK POLO
Saturday, June 6
Salt Lake County Equestrian Park in South Jordan
In one of the more unique fundraising efforts, the College of Pharmacy will host a champagne brunch and Pharmacy Cup polo match to benefit its college and the new Skaggs Pharmacy Institute. The sport of polo has a history at the U of U dating back to 1926 when Captain Winfred C. Green led a Utah team during matches against Stanford, USC, and the University of Arizona. The U team proved to be the envy of all the others with its outstanding horses, courtesy of the R.O.T.C. and Fort Douglas. Years later, the polo team disbanded and polo has since become a faint memory at the U. All that will change on June 6 when the “Sport of Kings” once again reigns for the College of Pharmacy. Consistently ranked as one of the top four pharmacy colleges in the nation, the College of Pharmacy has outgrown its current home, the 45-year-old L.S. Skaggs Hall, named for Sam Skaggs’s father. Faculty, staff, and students are dispersed across six buildings on campus. In 2007, the ALSAM Foundation, on behalf of L.S. Skaggs, placed a gift to help construct a research facility to be known as the L.S. Skaggs Pharmacy Institute, which will include a new, larger research and education building adjacent to the current facility. These two buildings will be home to the best and brightest in pharmacy research and education. For more information on the brunch and polo match fundraiser, contact Kristi Bostic (hotlink to Kristi.bostic@hsc.utah.edu) or call (801) 581-5660.
• STAR PARTY
Every clear Wednesday evening after sundown (June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)
Roof of the South Physics Building
Park in Presidents Circle or east of the physics building
Use telescopes to check out planets, galaxies, and star clusters. Free and open to all, additional information is online (hotlink to http://web.utah.edu/astro) or call (801) 792-5013.
• PARTNERS IN THE PARK KICKOFF
Tuesday, June 16, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Jordan Park (1060 S. 900 W.)
University Neighborhood Partners (UNP) brings together campus and west side resources for reciprocal learning, action, and benefit—a community coming together. As one of its programs, Partners in the Park provides an opportunity for our west side youth to begin to understand higher education and how it will be an option in their future. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event, which includes food, activities, information, and celebration of UNP partnerships. For more information, contact Joel Arvizo at (801) 972-3596 or visit online (hotlink to http://www.partners.utah.edu).
• FIRST ANNUAL JUNETEENTH BLACK EMANCIPATION DAY CELEBRATION
Friday, June 19, 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Peterson Heritage Center
Plan to attend this first annual celebration that includes poetry, live music, dancing, drumming, crafts, and the spoken word. For more information, contact Betty Sawyer (hotlink to bsawyer@sa.utah.edu) or call (801) 394-0924.
• THE HUNTSMAN SEMINAR IN CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT FOR TEACHERS
Applications now available
Monday – Friday, Aug. 3 – 7
Hinckley Institute of Politics, 255 OSH
Participants at this seminar—which is meant to improve the quality of civic education in Utah schools—will gain valuable knowledge and insight into current events in American Politics by interacting with political experts, judges, university faculty, and elected officials. Teachers gain an in-depth understanding of local, state, and national political issues. Applications, which will be accepted until the event is full, are available online (hotlink to http://www.hinckley.utah.edu/events/seminar/2009HuntsmanSeminarApplication.pdf).
FYI Mystery Photo Contest
FYI Mystery Photo
Where is this on campus? Send your answer (be specific) to FYI@ucomm.utah.edu by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 8 for a chance to win a pass for two to Red Butte Garden courtesy of Red Butte Garden. The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer and will be listed in the July 8 FYI News.
Thanks to Red Butte Garden for providing the prize!
Note: This contest is open to U of U faculty and staff only.
Last issue’s FYI Mystery Photo Contest answer
The May 6 FYI Mystery Photo shows the C. Roland Christensen Business Building located at the west end of the business loop. Congratulations to Amy Li, winner of the May 6, 2009 FYI Mystery Photo Contest! Amy was randomly selected from the pool of those contestants who sent in the correct answer. “Wow! This is fantastic!” says Amy. “I enter the mystery photo contest literally every month and I’ve never won!” At the U, she is the assistant to the director in the Office of International Education and Study Abroad. “My job includes event planning, grant writing, coordinating several international committees, and managing the Web site,” she says. Amy graduated from the U in 2007 and has “enjoyed working on campus for the past three years.” Amy received a $25 gift certificate for any equipment rental courtesy of the Outdoor Recreation Program. A big thanks to Campus Recreation Services for providing the prize. And thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. We invite you to try your luck again with the July 8 FYI News. |
CLEAR THE AIR—TAKE THE CHALLENGE!
It’s hard to miss the fact that air pollution in Utah remains an unwelcome reality. To help solve this problem, the governor’s office and the mayors of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, along with many community partners—including the U’s Office of Sustainability—have teamed up to create the Clear the Air Challenge. Although it began Monday, June 1, it’s not too late to register (hotlink to http://cleartheairchallenge.org/register.php). The challenge runs six weeks. The goal is to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and conserve energy by eliminating unnecessary vehicle trips (the overall goal is 300,000), save 1 million miles, and reduce 1.8 million lbs. of emissions. Trip reduction strategies include carpooling, trip “chaining,” using public transportation, telecommuting, and walking and biking.
Register today! Choose the “Join or Create a Team” option to join one of the U of U teams already on the list, or register as an individual. You can set your trip reduction goal level when you sign up (gold, silver, and bronze).
More information is online (hotlink to http://cleartheairchallenge.org/), or contact the Office of Sustainability (hotlink to http://www.sustainability.utah.edu) or call (801) 585-9352.
