October 4, 2006

Siciliano Forum
Considerations of the Status of American Society
“The Future of the Voting Rights Act: Democracy in Danger?”
Oct. 12, noon, UMFA Dumke Auditorium

As director of the Voting Rights Project for the American Civil Liberties Union in Atlanta since 1972, Laughlin McDonald has a great interest in the Voting Rights Act. Passed in 1965, the legislation tore down the barriers to equal participation at the ballot box and removed the essential political mechanism that maintained the legal structure of segregation. McDonald has represented minorities in numerous discrimination cases and has argued before the United States Supreme Court, testified before Congress, and written extensively on civil liberties issues. He will be on campus on Oct. 12 to deliver the annual Siciliano Forum lecture, sponsored by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “Exploring the topic of voting rights continues to be crucial,” says Steve Ott, dean of the college, “because there are still disagreements about the impacts of the Voting Rights Act and how they will affect our democratic form of government over time.” McDonald’s most recent book is A Voting Rights Odyssey: Black Enfranchisement in Georgia. For more information, contact Aleta Tew at 587-3556 or visit www.csbs.utah.edu/siciliano_forum.html.

Note: Michael Gene Sullivan will be Doug Fabrizio’s guest on Radio West on Monday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m., on KUER FM 90.

Remembering 1984

Last month, 250 copies of George Orwell’s book, 1984, were left on TRAX and bus seats, campus benches, and in coffee houses around the city with a sticker on the cover that read, “Read the book and pass it on”—all in preparation for a production of an adaptation of the book by The Actors’ Gang, coming to Kingsbury Hall Oct. 13 and 14. Playwright Michael Gene Sullivan’s play is directed by Oscar-winning actor Tim Robbins. Several events leading up to the production will explore the work’s relevance in today’s society, including a media panel on news and propaganda featuring local TV and print journalists, and two master classes with theatre students from the U, Weber State University, and Salt Lake area high schools.

“Orwell’s haunting vision of a futuristic world was written in 1949, but in this era when citizens’ rights are at odds with national security, it feels as relevant as ever,” says Greg Geilmann, director of Kingsbury Hall. “I hope the forums we’ve planned, in addition to the performances, will spark a dialogue and heighten awareness of the critical issues facing our nation today.”

A complete schedule of the week’s events is available at www.bigbrotheriswatchingu.com. For information on tickets, call 581-7100 or visit www.kingsburyhall.org.

Note: The performance contains limited nudity, very strong language, and sexual themes and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Block U Lighting Ceremony Set for Oct. 5

When Utah plays Texas Christian University on Oct. 5, there will be more than the game to celebrate. That’s the date when the newly-renovated Block U on the mountain will be unveiled—LED lights and all. The new lighting system will enable the University to more effectively regulate the on and off times, which will lessen the impact on neighbors. Other improvements include a new drainage system and landscaping to help control erosion on the steep hillside—and a new surface with a fresh coat of paint. During the halftime program, Ira and Mary Lou Fulton, the generous donors who offered a challenge grant of $400K for the project, will be in attendance to celebrate. Not only was the $400K matched, but the campaign attracted an additional $300K which will be set aside for scholarships. Of the more than 6,000 donors who made contributions to the project, 2,500, a notable number, were new donors to the U.

Research Dollars Drop

As you’ve probably read in recent news stories, research funds at the U of U are down after years of steady growth, due in large part to cataclysms such as Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq war. According to Paul Brinkman, vice president for budget and planning, the U’s research funding dropped by more than $20 million this fiscal year because federal entities such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense are spending greater portions of their budgets on national security and emergency relief. Research dollars at the U dropped from $318 million to about $297 million this year. This is affecting grant proposal funding cycles which now take two submissions to be funded instead of the usual one proposal and nine-month waiting period. “It’s going to be a struggle for the next few years,” says Ray Gesteland, vice president for research, “but we hope funding can go up. We’re in a plateau period. The question is, how long does that plateau last?”

~ Taken from an article in the Salt Lake Tribune on Sept. 24, 2006.

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 noon on Thursday, Oct. 5 for a chance to win one mountain bike weekend rental for two people from Campus Recreation Services.

The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer. The winner will be listed in the next FYI News due out Oct. 18.

Thanks to Campus Recreation Services for providing the prize!

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

Upcoming on Campus

• Japanese Master Craftsmen to Demonstrate Techniques
Craftsmen trained in traditional Japanese carpentry and plasterwork will showcase their work at three separate events in Bailey Hall in the Art & Architecture Building. Mimi Locher, assistant professor of architecture, will discuss the historic and philosophical aspects of Japanese crafts. You are encouraged to bring your lunch.

•Wednesday, Oct. 4, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Traditional Japanese Joinery by Master Carpenter Tamotsu Edo
Trained in teahouse and temple carpentry, Tamotsu Edo has practiced his craft for over forty years. He demonstrates the art of Japanese joinery by completing a wood joint using traditional tools and methods.

•Wednesday, Oct. 11, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Traditional Japanese Mud Plastering by Master Plasterer Naoki Kusumi
Born into a family of master craftsmen, Naoki Kusumi learned the science and techniques of traditional Japanese plasterwork as a child. Now proficient in techniques from all over the world, he demonstrates traditional Japanese mud plastering using locally available materials.

•Thursday, Oct. 12, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Simultaneous demonstrations by both masters.

• Celebrate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
Poetry workshops, a photography exhibit, and musical performances are just some of the activities taking place on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Huntsman Cancer Institute to celebrate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. To learn more, link to the flyer.

• Seeds of Violence Week: Red Flags Project, Oct. 9-13
On Monday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m., PEER, (Peers Educating to End Rape), a student volunteer group, will post 1,300 red flags west of Olpin Union to represent the number of people served by the Rape Recovery Center this year. The red flags project takes place every year during Seeds of Violence Week to raise awareness concerning the issue and prominence of rape and sexual assault in our community. According to a report by the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, “Rape is the only crime in which Utah’s rate exceeds the national average. Survey findings indicate that nearly one in three Utah women will experience some form of sexual violence during her lifetime. Only 33 respondents (8.6 percent) were attacked by a stranger. Most commonly, the attacker was someone the respondent knew, who was not an intimate partner or family member.” To read the full report, visit www.justice.utah.gov/Research/SexOffender/RapeInUtah.pdf. PEER intends to create a dialogue among students to raise awareness and through the Red Flags Project. To learn more, visit www.sa.utah.edu/peer.

• Represent Asians
Asian American Awareness Week
A discussion on the media image of Asian male masculinity and interracial dating are just two of the topics to be discussed as part of the programming for the annual Asian American Awareness Week which runs Oct. 16-20. According to Haruko T. Moriyasu, director of Asian/Pacific American Studies, the programs will address “the diversity of Asian Americans, their community participation, and cultural activity.” For more information, contact Moriyasu at 581-5887 or Haruko.Moriyasu@m.cc.utah.edu.

• Brown Bag: Pollution and the Arctic—200 Years of Man-Made Climate Change
Join Tim J. Garrett, assistant professor of meteorology, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 12:10 in the law school as he discusses the causes of global warming and why the Arctic seems to be on the front-line of climate change.

• Fossil Photos Now at UMNH
Ancient Microworld: Fossils up Close, a collection of fossil photographs by Giraud Foster and Norman Barker, is now on exhibit at the Utah Museum of Natural History. Through the use of lighting, filters, magnification, and other photographic techniques known as macrophotography, Foster and Barker have developed art-like photographs that present fossils as objects of beauty. Ancient Microworld: Fossils up Close runs through Dec. 31.

In Memoriam

R. Peter King 1938 – 2006
Ronald Peter King, a professor of metallurgical engineering in the College of Mines and Earth Sciences, passed away Sept. 11 after a long illness. A native of South Africa, King, 68, was devoted to education and research in the field of mineral processing engineering. Many students worldwide have benefited from his tireless efforts. “His pursuit of excellence and academic rigor served as a role model for all of us to emulate,” said colleagues. “Clearly we will miss Peter, but his influence will endure, and his international reputation extends beyond us.” A memorial service was held Sept. 15 at the Alumni House.

Campaign 2006—Know Your Candidates

• ELECTION DAY IS NOV. 7
KUED will host debates with the candidates for Utah’s three Congressional districts. Mark your calendar!

All programs are at 9 p.m. on KUED Channel 7

Friday, Oct. 13
Vote Utah Debate: 1st Congressional District: Rep. Rob Bishop and Steven Olsen

Friday, Oct. 20
Vote Utah Debate: 2nd Congressional District: Rep. Jim Matheson and LaVar Christensen

Friday, Oct. 27
Vote Utah Debate: 3rd Congressional District: Rep. Chris Cannon and Christian Burridge

• ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Mail-in voter registration deadline: Oct. 7.

Forms available at:
• County Clerk’s Office: www.elections.utah.gov/countyclerks.html (down-loadable voter registration form)
• Phone Book White Pages, end of blue government section (can be copied)

Of Interest to Faculty and Staff from Northern Utah

• New Health Center For Davis County
U of U employees who live in Davis County now have access to University Health Care closer to home. The Centerville Health Center, located at 26 South Main, celebrated its grand opening in September with free health screenings and the opportunity to meet the physicians, Steve Lore, Brett Morrill, and Ryan Rushton. Specializing in family medicine, the health center offers podiatry, pharmacy, lab, and x-ray services. A streamlined registration process and same-day appointments eliminate lengthy waiting times. The Centerville Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 693-7900.

• Beck Street Project Update
Northbound I-15 from the Beck Street on-ramp to the I-215 merge farther north is currently being widened from three to four lanes. Most work is being conducted in overnight lane closures from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sundays through Fridays. But paving during the week of Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., will require the inside shoulder lane to be closed, leaving just two lanes open. Weather permitting, the new fourth lane will open Oct. 12 from the Beck Street on-ramp north to the Bountiful 2600 South exit. Additional work will continue.

Call For Nominations

Diversity Awards
Nominations due Friday, Oct. 13

Nominations are now being accepted for the 11th annual U of U Diversity Awards, which recognize programs and individuals making important and sustained contributions to diversity, especially regarding the inclusion of women and minorities and related issues in the life of the University. Both academic and non-academic units are eligible and self-nominations are welcome. An awards lunch will be held Tuesday, Dec. 5. For additional information, contact Leo Leckie at leo.leckie@utah.edu or 581-7569. Complete instructions are available at www.diversity.utah.edu/awards.html.

New Selections Named for City-Wide Book Club

Mayor Rocky Anderson’s Salt Lake City Reads Together book club has announced its fall selections. Titles for adult readers are: When the Emperor was Divine, by Julie Otsuka; The Colonel and the Pacifist, by Klancy Clark de Nevers; and for young readers, Journey to Topaz, by Yoshika Uchida and Yoko, by Rosemary Wells. The selections share a focus on the internment camp for Japanese Americans at Topaz, Utah during World War II. The U of U is a partner in the book club and selections are available at the Campus Store (bookstore) at a reduced rate. For more information on the book club, visit www.slcreads.com.

Bulletin Board

• How Many Campus Buildings are Named for Women?
With the site dedication for the new Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities Building, we were curious to know how many other campus buildings are named for women. Here’s what we found: The Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities Building marks the seventh building on campus named for a woman. Others include the Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance, Aline Wilmot Skaggs Biology Building, Virginia Tanner Dance Building, Nora Eccles Harrison Building, Emma Eccles Jones, and Dolores Dore Eccles Broadcast Center. Buildings with names that include a woman are the Marcia and John Price Museum Building (UMFA), the Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, and the Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Building. If you know of others, let us know!

• Recent Podcasts
Visit www.utah.edu/podcast for the U’s newest programs. Listen at your computer or download to your MP3 player.
• Thad Hall, national voting expert and U professor, discusses the new voting machines (Science & Technology).
• Greg Geilmann, director of Kingsbury Hall, discusses the upcoming season of performances. (Arts & Culture).
• Lindsey Kerr, associate professor of Urology and co-director of UHC’s Pelvic Care & Continence Center talks about incontinence (Health Sciences).
• Continuum magazine editor Jason Smith talks with U writer Ann Floor about her article on Range Creek (Science & Technology).

• Help Wanted
•A colleague living in Cache Valley and working at Health Sciences is looking for a carpool from Logan or Ogden to the U.

•A colleague is looking for an opportunity to house sit.

If you know of any opportunities, please contact FYI and we’ll forward the information.

• Favorite Places to Eat on Campus
Thanks to those who sent us their favorite places to eat on campus. Here’s a smattering:
• The Union cafeteria’s Chinese and Mexican is the best. In the Mexican line, they’ll pretty much make anything you request, within reason.
• The Point Restaurant in the Huntsman Cancer Institute is the best place near main campus. The food is served hot and they give you plenty to eat for a reasonable price.
• The Point Bistro at the England Hub in the new Health Sciences Education Building is my favorite. Service is quick and friendly and the food is delicious.

• Did You Know?
Q: What percent of undergrads graduate in four years or less, (data from Fall 2004)?
A: 17.4%
~From the Office of Budget and Institutional Analysis web site: www.obia.utah.edu/index.php.

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