May 2, 2007

Commencement 2007

The signs are clear—the redbuds are blooming, the fountains are on, and skateboarders are back on the walkways. It’s spring and that means Commencement is imminent. Indeed, on May 4, some 7,100 students will graduate from the University of Utah.

Commencement ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. in the Huntsman Center. The S.J. Quinney College of Law and the School of Medicine will hold their ceremonies on May 11 and May 19, respectively.

This year’s graduates represent 75 countries, 48 states, and 27 Utah counties. Males edge out females by nearly 500 with 3,830 men and 3,336 women graduating. The top ten most popular degrees are mass communication, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, human development and family studies, nursing, finance, speech communication, and English. Receiving Bachelor’s degrees are 5,306 students; Master’s degrees: 1,622; Doctorates: 466; Juris Doctors: 134; Doctors of Medicine: 97; and Doctors of Pharmacy: 46.

Each year, honorary doctoral degrees are presented to individuals who merit special recognition for service or achievement. This year’s recipients include A. Scott Anderson, president and chief executive officer of Zions First National Bank (Doctor of Business); Orrin G. Hatch, a Utah senator for more than 30 years (Doctor of Laws); L. Ralph Mecham, former director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for two decades (Doctor of Laws); Mickey Ibarra, inspirational educator and long-time advocate for the Latino community (Doctor of Humane Letters); Carmen B. Pingree, namesake of the Carmen B. Pingree School for Children with Autism (Doctor of Education); and James L. Sorenson, one of Utah’s great inventors and entrepreneurs (Doctor of Science).

Thomas S. Monson, first counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will give the Commencement address and will receive an honorary degree as well (Doctorate of Business). Sofia Q. Said, graduating summa cum laude in economics, will give the student address.

For more information, visit www.sa.utah.edu/regist/pages/graduationceremonies.htm.

Easyrider: The Bountiful Biker
Cycle Salt Lake Week is May 12-19

Josh Paulsen is young, bright, and personable—and one of the hundreds of U employees who commutes to campus each day from Davis County. He and his wife and two children live in Bountiful and last week he sold his family’s second car—a Subaru Outback—and kept a smaller, more economical Honda. Josh decided to bike the 13-plus miles to work three days a week. Why? He wants to stay in shape and biking is a good way to do it. Plus, he wants to reduce his carbon footprint by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide he contributes to the environment. So Josh drives the Honda to campus Mondays, packing a bag with fresh clothes for each day of the week; and Fridays, when he brings home his “dirty” laundry. Then on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, he gets on his 10-year-old hot pink Specialized Stumpjumper and cycles to the last bus stop in North Salt Lake. From there, to avoid cycling on the freeway, he catches a UTA bus for a safer ride into Salt Lake City, getting off at the old Children’s Museum (or Beck’s Hot Springs, depending on your age). Then he cycles into town, up North Temple, cuts across to South Temple, and up to campus. By 8 a.m., he’s had his workout, has done his part to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by not driving a car, and is refreshed and eager to start his workday.

If this true story inspires you, you’re in luck. Cycle Salt Lake Week runs May 12-19 and for the event on May 15, UTA is organizing a Rideshare Bike to Work Day. Cyclers can stop at one of several UTA breakfast stations for free bagels and cream cheese from 7-8:30 a.m. including the U of U at 500 S. and Guardsman Way.

For more information, contact Shaina Quinn at 287-2066 or squinn@rideuta.com, or visit www.utarideshare.com. For more information on Cycle Salt Lake Week events, visit www.quality-advantage.biz/CycleSaltLakeCentury.

Red Butte Garden Announces Summer Concert Line-up

We’re in for another great season of music at Red Butte. Tickets vary from $28 to $42 with discounts and early buys available to Garden members. Tickets for members went on sale Monday; tickets for the general public are available May 7. For more information, visit www.redbuttegarden.org.

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, May 3 for a chance to win two tickets to Mythbusters appearing at Kingsbury Hall on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m., courtesy of NewSpace Entertainment. Mythbusters Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage will take you behind the scenes of Discovery Channel’s most popular show.

The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer. The winner will be listed on the FYI site on Friday, May 4 and in the Aug. 22 FYI News.

Thanks to Kingsbury Hall and NewSpace Entertainment for providing the prize!

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

Last Issue’s FYI Mystery Photo Contest Answer Click on photo for larger image The Apr. 18 FYI Mystery Photo shows the flowering burl on a redbud tree located on the grassy mound between the Aline Skaggs Biology and Marriott Dance buildings. Thanks to Peter Harvey from the Department of Chemistry for calling this lovely tree to our attention. We received 42 correct answers and from those randomly chose the winner. Congratulations to Tyler Smith—the lucky winner of the April 18 FYI Mystery Photo Contest! “I oversee three groups within IMS (classroom video services, audiovisual distribution, and digital services) which support the use of technology in instruction,” says Tyler. “We record and stream University courses and events, provide media duplication services, and deliver audiovisual equipment to classrooms.” Tyler received two tickets to to Tiempo Libre courtesy of Kingsbury Hall. Many thanks to Kingsbury Hall for providing the prize. And thanks to everyone who entered the contest!

“The Rape of Europa” and the U of U Connection

During the Nazi occupation of Paris, French-Jewish art dealer Andre Seligmann was forced from his art gallery by the Nazi regime. The Gestapo confiscated his gallery and all its contents. One of the stolen objects, a painting by Francoise Boucher, “Les Jeunes Amoureux” (The Young Lovers), found its way to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in the Marcia and John Price Museum Building. When Museum officials became aware of this, the painting was returned to its rightful owners, Andre Seligmann’s heirs.

This tale of repatriation is the focus of a new film, “The Rape of Europa,” which tells the story of the systematic theft and deliberate destruction of European artwork over a 12-year period by the Nazis during World War II, and the extraordinary efforts by art historians and curators from America and Europe to return the masterpieces to their rightful owners. A free screening of the film will be held Wednesday, May 2, at 6 p.m. in the museum’s Dumke Auditorium. A discussion will follow with Ronald Smelser, a professor in the U’s history department.

For more information e-mail Dana Rogers at dana.rogers@umfa.utah.edu or call the Utah Museum of Fine Arts visitor services office at 581-7332.

Media and the First Amendment

New From Podcasting From the U

George Freeman, The New York Times assistant general counsel, traces the often contentious relationship between the press and government from the Pentagon Papers to the Libby trial.

Listen from your computer or download to your IPOD or MP3 player: www.utah.edu/podcast.

Calls for Nominations

• Honorary Doctorate Degree 2008
The Board of Trustees seeks nominations for recipients of the institution’s highest honor—the honorary doctorate degree. Nominations for the 2008 Honorary Degree will be accepted through May 31, 2007. Nomination forms will not be mailed out as in the past. More information and nomination forms are available online.

• Veterans Day 2007
The U of U will host its tenth annual Veterans Day Commemoration program on Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, to honor all Utah veterans who have served our country. Eleven honorees will be selected to receive an honorary medallion on behalf of all Utah veterans. Nominations for honorees are now being accepted. Although all nominations will be considered, special focus will be given to veterans from World War II and Korea because of their advancing age.

The nominee must be willing to talk about her/his wartime experience, have been in harm’s way (hazardous duty) or had combat experience, and currently reside in Utah.

Nominations and supporting materials are due Friday, June 15. To request a nomination form, call 581-6773 or send a request to k.stone@ucomm.utah.edu.

Call for Art—Yours!

University Print and Copy Services is calling for art submissions of photographs or original art from faculty and staff for its 2008 University calendar. Thirteen pieces will be selected and all winning entries will receive a large format, foam core-mounted glossy print of their winning art plus 10 calendars. The artists selected will be asked to submit a photo of themselves and short biography to be included in the calendar. Submissions are due July 31.

• All entries must be submitted in a high resolution (300 dpi) digital format. (No hard copies will be accepted.)
• Entries need to fit on a 10” x 8.25” sheet with a horizontal orientation.
• Submissions are limited to five entries per person.

University Print and Copy Services reserves the right to make minor changes such as cropping or color adjustments to all winning entries. Contact Shelly Christensen at 587-7930 for further instructions or for assistance in converting your original art into a print-ready digital file. E-mail entries to Shelly.Christensen@printing.utah.edu.

Upcoming on Campus

• Fitting the Pieces Together: Campus Master Plan Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, May 2, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Panorama East Room, Olpin Union Building
The U has initiated a comprehensive effort to develop a new campus master plan. Driven by President Young’s vision for “engagement, preparation, and partnership,” as expressed in his inaugural address, the master plan will guide efficient development of campus in a way that gives physical form to the university’s mission, vision, and academic programs. For more information, contact Facilities Planning at 585-6751.

• Reviving Ophelia—world premier
May 2-6; 9-12, Babcock Theatre
May 17, Kingsbury Hall
Reviving Ophelia examines the psychological toll today’s culture takes on adolescent girls in the United States. Directed by Moses Goldberg, a nationally recognized force in children’s theatre, the play offers insight into the complex world of adolescence, including struggles with parents, relationships, drugs, alcohol, body image, and suicide. For tickets and show times, contact the Kingsbury Hall Ticket Office at 581-7100 or www.kingtix.com. The show contains adult themes and is not suitable for children under 12.

• Grand Rounds: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
William C. Reeves, Centers for Disease Control
Thursday, May 3, 7:45 a.m., Eccles Institute of Human Genetics
Reeves will present the current evidence-based science on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which will facilitate improvements in detection, diagnosis, and management of the illness. CFS is clinically challenging because its etiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors remain unknown; there are no pathognomonic physical signs or diagnostic laboratory abnormalities; and treatment addresses symptoms rather than a cure. Reeves is chief of the Chronic Viral Diseases Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Disease, CDC, in Atlanta. His presentation is open to all. Questions? Contact Karen James at 581-7606 or karen.james@hsc.utah.edu.

• DEBATE: Mayor Rocky Anderson vs. Commentator Sean Hannity
Friday, May 4, 8:30 p.m., Kingsbury Hall
This event is sold out! Listen live on KUER FM 90 or KSL 1160 AM or watch on FOX 13 TV.
Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson debates conservative commentator Sean Hannity with KUED’s Ken Verdoia as moderator. Tickets are $5 for students and $20 for adults. Proceeds will benefit local charities. For tickets, contact the Kingsbury Hall ticket office at 581-7100 or www.kingtix.com. Please note that no signs, banners, backpacks or large purses will be allowed inside.

Note: Due to Commencement taking place at Kingsbury Hall earlier in the day, no one attending, covering, or protesting the event will be able to congregate at or around Kingsbury before 6 p.m.

• Moral Courage: Implications for Policy and Practice
Thursday, May 10, 1-4 p.m., Hinckley Institute of Politics, 255 OSH
Presenters at this free symposium include Edwin B. Firmage, U of U S.J. Quinney College of Law, who will speak on “Moral Courage: Reflections.” Other presenters include Lawrence E. Daniel, former associate dean and professor of law, Texas Tech University, School of Law, and Andrew J. Groft, provost, George Wythe College. The event is sponsored by The Utah Center for Ethics and Social Policy.

• KUER clothing drive coming up
Friday, May 11, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
KUER’s annual Dress for Success & More clothing drive is Friday, May 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Donations may be dropped off curb-side at the Eccles Broadcast Center, 101 S. Wasatch Drive. Work attire and accessories in good condition for men, women, plus-sizes, and maternity will be accepted. Also needed are gently used clothes for kids and babies; formula and diapers; and small household items in good working order. (No furniture, please.) Clothes will go to those in need. Questions? Contact Rebecca Dowdell at 581-5621.

• University Women’s Club
Monday, May 14, 1 p.m., Alumni House
Eileen Hallet Stone, writer, scholar, and historian, will speak at the final program of the year. Hallet Stone, who writes history columns for The Salt Lake Tribune and has been a “Road Scholar” for the Utah Humanities Council, will speak on “Clarion, a Jewish Agricultural Colony in Utah.” There is no charge and the public is welcome.

Bulletin Board

• Coach Megan Dorny to leave the U
Women’s Tennis Coach Megan Dorny, who just finished her fifth season as head coach, has resigned and will be moving out of state with her family. A national search is underway to find her replacement. As a U of U student member of the team, Dorny was ranked No. 55 in national singles rankings and No. 1 in the ITA Central Region rankings for university players. She was assistant coach for two years before becoming head coach. Dorny has been playing tennis since she was six or seven years old and has been part of the Utah tennis program for 11 years. She calls her leaving “bittersweet,” and says, “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the U as a student-athlete and a coach...I’ve been very fortunate to get to know and work with some wonderful people. I will miss them all very much.” We wish her well!

• College of Social Work breaks ground on new building
The Wilford W. and Dorothy P. Goodwill Humanitarian Building will provide space for the Initiatives on Aging and its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, a clinical training center, a community meeting center, and technology-enhanced classroom. The new facility is funded by the College’s Reaching Out, Enriching Minds, Changing Lives Capital Campaign.

• Hotline Upgraded (888) 206-6025
The U of U is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and encourages employees and others to report any dishonest or improper act (i.e., one that violates the law, wastes money, or endangers public health or safety). Employees are encouraged to report suspected improprieties to their supervisor or to a higher level if the supervisor is involved.

For the past few years the University’s Internal Audit Department has administered an ethics and compliance hotline to provide an additional avenue for employees to report suspected problems. The U recently selected EthicsPoint, a private contractor, to administer the hotline. The service offers the advantages of independence, confidentiality, and better availability (24 hours a day, seven days a week). Hotline reports may be made online or by calling (888) 206-6025. For more information, contact Internal Audit at 581-5988.

• New info on bus charters & rentals
If your group is planning to rent a campus vehicle for a trip, please review the information on the U’s Risk & Insurance Management website (click on “Vehicle”). Help ensure that U of U group travelers are renting with reputable carriers who care for the safety of their passengers. For more information, call 581-5590.

• Campus Rec. fees to increase
Effective July 1, Campus Recreation Services’ annual membership fees for faculty and staff will increase by $16. Individuals enrolled in payroll deduction will see a 70-cent increase in the amount withdrawn each pay period for a staff/faculty membership and a 45-cent increase for a significant other membership. For more information, call 581-3760 or 581-3797.

• Campus Rec. offers fitness program
Register online beginning Monday, May 21, and in person at the Field House beginning Wednesday, May 23. Classes include aerobics, belly dance, take a hike, swim fit, pilates, yoga, yogalates, and tennis. Services include personal trainers, a 5,000-square-foot cardio area, and a free-weight center. Find more information or register online.

• Lifelong Learning—sign up now for summer classes
Want to learn something new this summer? Use your 50-percent tuition discount (benefits-eligible employees) for a Lifelong Learning class through the Division of Continuing Education. From food and wine to recreation to writing to art, there’s something for everyone. Register now—classes fill quickly! For more information, call 587-LIFE (5433) or visit Lifelong Learning.

• Study Participants Needed
The Department of Psychology is looking for couples for an IRB-approved study where one has Type 2 Diabetes. Participants will be interviewed about their experience and compensated for their time. For more information, call Cindy Berg at 581-8239.

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