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March 7, 2007 |
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Women’s Week is March 9 – 15 FYI: What is the philosophy behind doing Women’s Week at the U? GERDA SAUNDERS: Science fiction and fantasy writer Ursula Le Guin says that when we women offer our experience as our truth, as human truth, all the maps change. Women’s Week is a yearly experience at the U when women and men who are academics, students, and community members come together to celebrate women’s achievements and map out the work we women still have ahead of us. FYI: What is the significance of this year’s theme “Motherhood Matters?” SAUNDERS: While women have made unprecedented inroads into the workplace during the last half century, a 2004 U.S. Labor Department study found that employed women continue to spend more than double the time as men caring for children, parents, and housework. In addition, according to the 2005 census, 51 percent of women are now single. Despite this fact, we continue to be the primary caretakers of children and/or parents. Therefore, “mothering” in its broadest sense remains a female task. As a result, women are disproportionately impacted by family-unfriendly workplace policies, lack of adequate child care, women’s lower pay scales, and an economy that does not favor the middle class. Attempts to change this state of affairs often opens a rift between those employees—men and women—who have mothering responsibilities and those who don’t. FYI: How was the theme chosen? SAUNDERS: One of our committee members—a student who is juggling motherhood, work, and school—suggested the topic, which immediately led to a lively conversation around the table. The committee members related their experiences about single mothers, mothers in so-called “traditional families,” people who chose not to have children, men in mothering roles, gay and lesbian families, parents whose first language is not English, the mothering experience of people of color, and so on. We felt this was a rich topic for in-depth exploration. FYI: What do Women’s Week organizers hope to accomplish with this year’s program? SAUNDERS: Keynote speakers Julianne Malveaux, an economist, and Susan Douglas, author of The Mommy Myth: The Idealization of Motherhood and How it Undermines Women, will offer their truths about the unfinished business of motherhood. Campus and community experts will contribute to the conversation in a panel discussion, “On the Clock,” which will focus on the time-management issues working women face in a workplace modeled on the outdated assumption that an employee has a “wife.” An art exhibit will feature work by Alison Perrault which addresses the difficult joys of parenting a disabled child. For the Mommy Monologues, we put out a call for submissions to the community for stories about mothering. Those selected will perform their stories at the Museum of Fine Arts Auditorium. They include stories about being a mother after your child has died, what you want your mother to know if you’re a gay teenager, and being a mother to a parent. FYI: What inspired you to get involved with Women’s Week? SAUNDERS: As associate director of the Gender Studies Program, I think, teach, and write about gender issues all the time. Women’s Week provides a larger community than the classroom to engage such issues. I enjoyed working with an amazing group of women—and two fantastic men—on this year’s Women’s Week committee. All Women’s Week events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule of events visit www.diversity.utah.edu or contact Leo Leckie at 581-7569 or leo.leckie@utah.edu.
The Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) recently released its survey of 2005 commercialization results for 228 universities, and the U again ranks among the top 25 schools in the country. No other Utah university placed in the top 100. The U’s number 19 ranking in commercialization revenue places it above such research powerhouses as Johns Hopkins and the California Institute of Technology. Other universities in the top 25 are NYU, Wisconsin, the University of California System, MIT, Washington, Harvard, and Colorado. Only 25 of the participating institutions earned more than $10 million in licensing revenues in 2005. The U’s revenues were $16,137,282. Jack Brittain, dean of the David Eccles School of Business and vice president for the Office of Technology Venture Development (Tech Ventures) says the U’s efforts to create businesses from research are paying off. “Licensing revenues earned by the University of Utah support further research and a variety of commercialization support programs including the University’s Technology Commercialization Grants Program, our seed research grants program, and matching funding required by various federal grants,” says Brittain. For more details on the rankings, read the news release.
When Sarah Shippobotham opens her mouth to speak, you’re never sure what you’re going to get. Cockney? Bostonian? Shippobotham is head of the U’s renowned Actor Training Program, and she also teaches classes on dialects, helping young actors and actresses hone their voice skills so that they may portray a convincing Australian or Kentuckian while on stage. Shippobotham trained as an actor at The Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff (Wales). She worked professionally in Great Britain for 14 years before receiving a Postgraduate Diploma in Voice Studies from The Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She has numerous acting credits, including Romeo and Juliet, The Verge, A Doctor in Spite of Himself, Ring Around the Moon, Easy Prey, and recently, the U’s productions of W;t and Angels in America: Perestroika. Her dialect and voice coaching credits include multiple seasons with The Shaw Festival (Ontario), and work on shows such as The Return of the Prodigal, The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Lord of the Flies, and Matchmaker, among others. She has worked for the Pioneer Theatre Company and The Salt Lake Acting Company, and various Fringe Theatre projects in London. Here at the U, she’s widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and engaging instructors in the Department of Theatre. Shippobotham will direct the theatre department’s final production in the Babcock Theatre, The Busybody, April 4 – 8. For this restoration comedy production, the gowns, breeches, wigs, and fans will be designed and produced by students from the Costume Design class. For ticket information, call 581-6448. Listen to a podcast interview with Shippobotham (and hear her use several dialects) at www.utah.edu/podcast.
Photo by Roger Tuttle Send your answer (be specific!) to FYI@ucomm.utah.edu by noon on Thursday, Mar. 8 for a chance to win four tickets to the Utah Gymnastics team meet against Arizona State University on March 23 at 7 p.m. in the Huntsman Center courtesy of Utah Gymnastics. The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer. The winner will be listed in the March 21 FYI News. Thanks to Utah Gymnatics for providing the prize! This contest is open to U of U faculty and staff only.
Robert Huefner Honored by Governor Huntsman Recognizing U Robert Paul Huefner, a professor in the Department of Political Science and a nationally recognized and respected scholar, recently was honored with a proclamation from Governor Huntsman and a declaration of February 24 as Robert Huefner Day for his significant contributions to government and education. He served as director of the U’s Bureau of Community Development, as the first director of the Center for Public Policy and Administration, and as the director of Governor Scott Matheson’s Center for Health Care Studies. According to the declaration, Huefner has taught thousands of students at the U who have benefited greatly from his knowledge of public administration, inspirational teaching, and desire for academic excellence. To read more about your colleagues and their achievements, visit Recognizing U.
From the Office of Institutional Advancement TOGETHER
WE REACH Each year, staff and faculty contribute more than $1 million to the U’s many programs—that’s in addition to the countless hours spent educating students, conducting research, or assisting in the U’s day-to-day operations. I’m certain this is a result of the value we place on the many contributions the University makes to the state, the nation, and the world. Like me, you undoubtedly feel privileged to be a part of a community that is intimately involved in advancing medical research, providing scholarships to deserving students, and advancing causes that benefit society. For all of us who support the U, it is important to realize that our gifts can go to the programs we know and care about most—whether service initiatives or academics. Each day we witness the impact of these gifts: When we stroll down the halls of the newly renovated and seismically retrofitted Marriott Library or when we witness the thousands of students in cap and gown each May. The 2007 Staff and Faculty Campaign, Together We Reach, gives us the opportunity to contribute directly to our most valued programs. Collectively, giving just one dollar per paycheck would raise an additional $400,000 in 2007. Not only would this make a significant difference to the U’s various programs, it would stand as a testament to external donors that we believe in the University’s mission. Please consider contributing
to your favorite University causes through the 2007 Staff and Faculty
Campaign.
It’s free, but it’s also one of the most valuable publications from the U of U. Continuum magazine is the ultimate faculty, staff, and alumni resource for University news. But due to increased demand for the publication and to ensure that every copy of Continuum is used in the most effective method possible, the U will cease automatic distribution to full-time employees. Instead, beginning with the fall 2007 issue, Continuum will be sent only to employees subscribing to a printed copy. To continue receiving your complimentary subscription, visit continuum.utah.edu/subscribe and complete the form. The magazine will be distributed via campus mail. As always, staff and faculty may pick up copies of Continuum at one of the distribution stands on campus and—regardless of whether they subscribe to the print edition—may read Continuum online by visiting www.continuum.utah.edu.
In a recent memo to deans and directors, President Young asked that University organizations move toward a more coordinated and consistent brand identity. “While we recognize and value the many differences that exist among us, the vast majority of Utahns see us collectively as one entity: The University of Utah,” said Young. “A more consistent and coordinated brand benefits us all and the ‘halo’ effect only grows stronger as we unite in our identification with the University.” Research suggests that
using a consistent brand will: To implement this cohesive identity, President Young asked University Marketing & Communications (UMC) to assist campus organizations in using approved logos, colors, and designs on print and electronic materials (including Web sites). As part of that initiative, UMC is offering to design compliant logos for any college, department, or program at no charge. President Young has asked that approved logos be in wide use by the beginning of fall semester 2007, but understands that implementation will occur only as old stock is depleted and new material is produced. For guidelines regarding logo design and brand identification, visit www.ucomm.utah.edu and follow the links to U Logos and Guidelines, or contact Mark Woodland at mark@ucomm.utah.edu.
• College
of Social Work to celebrate 70 years • Literary
legend Jim Harrison to read • University
Women’s Club to meet • Meet
the candidates • Middle
East Film Series • Panama:
Social Challenges, Political Responsibilities and Economic Opportunities • Guest
Writers Series
• John
R. Park Fellowships awarded • University
Teaching Grants • Sociology
Diversity Certificate gains approval • Red Butte
Garden needs you! • Free
screening • Campus
Store news • Mental
health tip of the day • Dates
of interest
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