May 3, 2006

Commencement 2006

Commencement is Friday, May 5, with the ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. in the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Guests should plan to arrive by 8:30 a.m. President Young will officiate and featured speaker will be United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt, former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and former governor of the state of Utah. Chemistry graduate Teresa Tuan, who just turned 16 and has been accepted to the U’s medical school, will be the student speaker. Honorary doctoral degrees will be presented to six individuals in special recognition of their service or achievement: Pierre Lassonde (Business); John M. Matsen (Science); Marcia Poulsen Price (Fine Arts); Eunice Kennedy Shriver (Education); Homer R. Warner (Science); and Michael O. Leavitt (Laws).

2006 statistics
This year’s graduating class includes 7,332 students with 5,279 receiving bachelor’s degrees, and 1,711 receiving master’s degrees. The average age of the bachelor’s degree recipient is 26. The youngest class member is 16 and the oldest is 71. The average age for grad students is 32, with the youngest being 21 and the oldest, 64. Graduates come from 25 Utah counties, all 50 states, and 66 countries. The number of men graduating is 3,994 with women at 3,338. For more information on graduation, visit www.sa.utah.edu/regist/pages/graduationceremonies.htm. 

Irene Fisher to Retire

After nearly two decades of service to the U, and many years working in the community, Irene Fisher, special assistant to the president for campus community partnerships, and director of University Neighborhood Partners (UNP) will retire this spring. Irene’s work with UNP—the University’s organization that brings together partners from the west-side community and the campus to “work together in reciprocal learning, action, and benefit—began four years ago when she came on as its founding director and interviewed 250 individuals from campus and the west-side to identify community interests and needs. As UNP has grown, Irene’s leadership style to empower others has brought out the creative talents and provided leadership opportunities for all those involved.

“The University of Utah still faces the challenge of recognizing and rewarding the scholarship of community engagement, as seen in student learning and faculty teaching and research,” says Irene. “And, as our community becomes ever more diverse, we face both the opportunity and challenge of embracing and celebrating that diversity.”

Irene previously served as founding director of the U’s Lowell Bennion Community Service Center, director of Utah Issues, a non-profit organization representing the needs of low-income people, and the first director of Utah Campus Compact, a coalition of Utah colleges and universities fostering civic and community service among their students.

FRONTLINE to present The Age of AIDS

On the 25th anniversary of the first diagnosed cases of AIDS, FRONTLINE will present the definitive chronicle of one of the worst pandemics the world has ever known in The Age of AIDS, airing Tuesday and Wednesday, May 30 and 31, from 8 to 10 p.m. on KUED 7. After a quarter century of political denial and social stigma, of stunning scientific breakthroughs, of bitter policy battles and inadequate prevention campaigns, HIV/AIDS continues to spread rapidly throughout much of the world. Roughly 70 million people have been infected with the virus and 22 million have already died. Over the next decade, an estimated 50 million more people will contract HIV. Why humanity has failed to stop the spread of HIV is the central question of The Age of AIDS, which was filmed in 15 different countries. Despite billions of dollars poured into research, most scientists believe a breakthrough on an effective vaccine against HIV is years or decades away.

Utah NOW: The Age of AIDS
May 19, 8:30 p.m. on KUED 7
The Friday, May 19 episode of Utah NOW on KUED 7 will profile the history of AIDS in Utah as seen through the eyes of Kristen Ries, whose name is synonymous with HIV care in Utah. A professor of internal medicine at the School of Medicine, Ries is director of the HIV/AIDS Clinical Program for the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Health Sciences Center. She directly or indirectly cares for nine out of every 10 HIV-positive patients in the state and last year saw 186 new patients in her clinic. The program will include a panel discussion on the AIDS epidemic in Utah.

U to Develop Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan

Over the next three years, the U of U will develop an institution-wide pre-disaster mitigation plan. Vulnerabilities will be identified and ranked under a range of scenarios from earthquakes to severe weather to acts of terrorism. Funding for the project comes from a grant of more than $500,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with a commitment by the U to raise an additional $200,000 for a total project budget of just over $700,000. Identifying gaps in community preparedness for disaster and making corrections before disaster strikes is currently where FEMA is investing most of its resources. The grant––the largest of its kind––will provide a number of graduate assistantships and bring national attention to the U of U in the area of pre-disaster preparedness. For additional information, contact Environmental Health and Safety at 581-6590. For more information on FEMA’s disaster-resistant university project, visit http://www.fema.gov/institution/dru.shtm.

FYI Mystery Photo Contest!
What is it? Where is it on campus?

Photo by Roger Tuttle

Send your answer (be specific!) to FYI@ucomm.utah.edu by 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 4 for a chance to win two tickets to Hairspray performing at Kingsbury Hall on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. Broadway's new musical-comedy phenomenon takes you back to 1962 Baltimore, as 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad sets out to dance her way onto TV's most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair!) change the world...and still have time to win the boy she loves? This mega-hit is piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance––and enough deliriously tuneful new songs to fill a nonstop platter-party. Welcome to the '60s!

If we get more than one correct response by that time, we’ll do a drawing from our Ute cookie jar and list the lucky recipient right here by Thursday, May 4 at noon.

Thanks to Broadway Across America Utah and Kingsbury Hall for providing the tickets!

This contest is open to U of U faculty and staff only.

Asian Arts & Culture Festival Coming to UMFA

Paint a paper lantern, create origami, and see artists at work on calligraphy writings at a free Asian arts and culture festival on Saturday afternoon, May 6 from 1-4 p.m. at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA). Asian dance and martial arts presentations are scheduled at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The festival is presented in conjunction with Journeys through Asian Art, an exhibition featuring works from the museum’s collection illuminating the development of art in India, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and China. For more information, visit www.umfa.utah.edu or call 581-3580.

Fort Douglas to Celebrate Army Day
Public Welcome

The Fort Douglas Museum will celebrate the Army’s birthday and Flag Day on Saturday, June 17 at 10 a.m. A ground-breaking ceremony will mark the beginning of construction on an addition to the Fort’s visitor’s center to provide additional exhibit space, serve as a communications hub for public inquiries, and showcase a Wall of Honor for the veterans honored at the University’s annual Veteran’s Day Commemoration Program. Other events that day will include a Civil War encampment, cannon firing demonstrations, restored military vehicle displays, a special brigade exhibit, and, of course, birthday cake. For additional information, call 581-1251 or send e-mail to fdouglas@webguyinternet.com.

In Focus
National Geographic Greatest Portraits

A new exhibit at the Utah Museum of Natural History, running May 13 - Sept. 23, will include 51 photographs ranging from a rancher’s daughter in Nevada to the haunting 1984 National Geographic image known as “Afghan Girl.” The photos reveal compelling, emotional stories about many of the people and cultures that shaped our world during the 20th century. For more information, visit www.umnh.utah.edu.

U Dives into Podcasting

Ever wish you could attend a great lecture on campus but couldn’t find the time? Now you can—whenever it’s convenient for you. UPOD, the University’s new podcasting Web site at www.utah.edu/podcast, will offer lectures and interviews to download to your computer or MP3 player. Podcasting, or media on demand, lets you decide what to listen to, and when you want to listen. Enjoy a genetics lecture while commuting. Find out about upcoming music performances while working out. Enjoy an interview over lunch. Download to your MP3 player or listen at your computer. All U of U podcasts are free to the public. To learn how your department can post University-affiliated audio content with UPOD, contact Jason Smith at 581-3862 or jason.smith@ucomm.utah.edu.

Health Sciences Education Building Earns LEED Certification

The Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) has been recognized with six state and regional architectural and construction awards since its opening in September 2005. The building recently received national recognition with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. For more information on the HSEB, visit http://hseb.utah.edu/.

Quick facts about HSEB:
• 150,000-square-foot, $40 million facility
• Energy usage is 35 percent more efficient than most other buildings.
• Approximately 11 percent of the building is made from recycled material.
• Garbage from the building is recycled.
• During construction, nearly 80 percent of the waste was recycled.

Wanted: Your Memories of the Union
Olpin Union to Celebrate 50 Years in 2007

“Remember when Andy Warhol was scheduled to speak at the Union and he sent a fake in his place?”
~Anton Rasmussen BFA ’67

What’s your favorite memory of the A. Ray Olpin University Union? As they prepare for its upcoming 50th anniversary in 2007, planners would like to know. Yearlong events in celebration of the milestone will include concerts, speakers, a film festival, and retrospective displays. To share your memories or join the planning committee, contact Julie Mayhew at 581-4004 or jmayhew@union.utah.edu. For more information on the anniversary, visit http://www.union.utah.edu/50th.

Veterans Day Call for Nominations

The University will host its ninth annual Veterans Day Commemoration Program on Friday, November 10, 2006 to honor eleven Utah veterans who have served our country in military service. Nominations for veteran honorees are now open. The University has deep respect for all veterans, but because of the advancing age of some who served in World War II and Korea, we are focusing on veterans from those conflicts for this year’s commemoration program. However, all nominees will be considered.

The nominee must be willing to talk about his/her wartime experience, have been in harm’s way (hazardous duty) or had combat experience, and currently reside in Utah. Eleven honorees will be selected to receive a commemorative medallion at a military ceremony in their honor on November 10 in the Union Ballroom.

Nominations and supporting materials are due June 14. Nomination forms are available online at www.veteransday.utah.edu or from the Office of Marketing & Communications, Room 308 Park Building, or by calling 581-6773, or by sending an e-mail request to ashields@ucomm.utah.edu.

Tuition Reduction Information

The Human Resources Web site, www.hr.utah.edu, features answers to frequently asked questions, including the following on employee tuition reduction:

Q: When do I qualify for tuition reduction?
A: Tuition reduction is available:
• After you have worked at the U in a benefit-eligible position for six months
• For your spouse after you have worked in a benefit-eligible position for one year
• For your dependent children under age 26 after you have worked in a benefit eligible position for three years.

Q: How do I apply for tuition reduction?
A: You may apply for tuition reduction benefits by submitting a tuition reduction form to the Benefits Department prior to the first day of the semester. You or your dependents must be eligible for tuition reduction benefits by the first day of the semester. If the application is not received and processed before the day tuition is due, classes may be dropped.

For more information, visit www.hr.utah.edu/faq/getDepts.php.

~From Health Sciences’ PULSE newsletter

Bulletin Board

• Annual Open Enrollment Ends Monday, May 15
The last day to make changes to your health plan coverage for Plan Year 2006-07 is Monday, May 15. You may enroll online at https://gate.acs.utah.edu or submit your personalized open enrollment form and/or flexible spending account (FSA) enrollment form by 5:30 p.m. to the Benefits Department. For more information, visit www.hr.utah.edu/ben/oe or call 581-7447.

• Primary Election is June 27
Don’t forget to vote in the primary election on June 27. Voter registration forms sent in by mail must be postmarked at least 20 days before an election in order to vote in that election. Register in person at the County Clerk’s Office until the 8th day before the election. For more information, visit http://elections.utah.gov.

• Take the Challenge of UNI’s ROPES Program
Looking for something new for an orientation, staff retreat, or annual training? Would more trust and respect benefit your group? The U’s Neuropsychiatric Institute (UNI) challenge course offers team activities for a variety of skill levels and customized goal-directed experiences. To learn more, contact Holly Badger at 587-3148 or visit http://www.med.utah.edu/uni/ropes.

• Free Smoking Cessation Class Offered
Learn your triggers, make a plan, and kick the smoking habit! The first meeting of a free smoking cessation class will be Wednesday, May 17, from 6-8 p.m. in the Cancer Learning Center conference room located on the first floor of the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s south building. For more information or to register, contact James at 587-9976 or jbemel@hci.utah.edu.

• PEAK Makes Fitness Fun
Registration for PEAK Academy’s summer fitness classes for faculty and staff is now open. Classes, which are open to participants of all experience and fitness levels, include aquatone, circuit training, fitness through climbing, indoor cycling, pilates, martial arts, total body fitness, triathlon training, walking at Red Butte Garden, weight training, and yoga. To register or for more information, call 585-7325 or visit www.uuhsc.utah.edu/peak.

• Dress for Success
KUER’s annual Dress for Success clothing drive will take place May 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations can be dropped off curb-side at the Eccles Broadcast Center (101 S. Wasatch Drive). Men’s and women’s gently used work clothing are needed. Women’s plus-sizes are especially needed. Maternity clothes will also be gladly accepted. Clothes will be distributed to community programs that provide clothes to those in need. For more information, contact Rebecca Dowdell at 581-5621 or rdowdell@usa.utah.edu.

• CRLA Conference Set
The Learning Enhancement Program and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will host the Utah State College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) conference Thursday, May 11. Join faculty in fields such as reading, math, education, and learning skills; tutor trainers; learning center administrators; and other learning assistance professionals from Utah who are committed to the academic success of students in the post-secondary environment.

The conference begins with a pre-conference institute which will focus on planning a curriculum for a Learning Framework Course, featuring presenter, Russ Hodges. Hodges is the past president of the College Reading and Learning Association and an instructor of graduate courses in education at Texas State University-San Marcos. The keynote speaker is Martha Bradley, director of the University of Utah Honors Program, whose talk is titled, Mentoring: Best Practices. For more information, contact Leslie Giles-Smith at 581-5153 or lgiles@sa.utah.edu.

• FYI News on Summer Break
FYI News is on summer break until fall semester. News items for the Aug. 23 FYI are due Aug. 14.

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