RECENT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF DR. ANN DARLING
This page was last updated 02-07-03
It's been too long since we updated this page. We have complained to management but to no avail. But we promise to do better in the future. Since we have a lot of other pages to update we will use that shortest means possible to let the readers know what has been going on with Ann. To do this we will sacrifice some layout design and visual inventiveness and trust you will understand. We will put all the visuals in the center and any verbiage pertaining to the pictures will be placed beneath the photos. Maybe this will prompt the copy provider with an incentive to get the page updated on at least a monthly basis. We'll see!
Above Ann is getting ready for the Commencement in May of 2002. She is one of 4 professors receiving the "Outstanding Teaching Award" for the University of Utah! What a significant accomplishment. The cap and gown are brand new! The official regalia for the University of Washington where she earned he PhD. Of course the second photo op is when she is on the stage. Great achievement. Her Mon and Dad - and all the many other relatives and friends are immensely proud and happy for her - she has overcome many obstacles to achieve this award! And it is well deserved!
Ann's mother, "Honey," was able to attend the ceremonies and share in Ann's enjoyment for this festive occasion! Her Dad was in Silver City, New Mexico at the time attending the commencement ceremonies at Western New Mexico University where he was Chairman of the Board of Regents. Yes, both commencements were at the same time so David had to forgo the pleasure of seeing Ann get this award. He takes some consolation that he was able to attend Ann's PhD commencement in Seattle when she was also selected as the Outstanding Teaching Assistant! Now how about that! The second photo is of Cassandra Van Buren, Ann, Julia Corbett, and Honey. Cassandra is an Assistant Professor in Mass Communication who specializes in new media research. Julia is an Associate Professor of Mass Communication who specializes in environmental communication research. Two Fabulous colleagues!
We have a nice photo of Ann and her close colleague, Bob Avery. Also a shot of her on the platform with the other dignitaries. You will have to guess which one is Ann!
Ann and Honey went to Williamsburg, VA in June of 2002 to attend the wedding of Honey's niece, Katie. The groom is Tom Deimer. It was a beautiful and gala affair. The bride's parents are Nancy and Jim Ryan (Jim is Honey's brother). Jim, now retired, was a long time manager of several major facilities in Williamsburg and with Nancy's touch they created a truly elegant and warm affair. Also attending from New Mexico were Honey's brother, Murray Ryan of Silver City, NM and her sister, Martha Ryan, formerly of Silver City and now living in Albuquerque. Martha and her husband, Tom, moved to Albuquerque last spring to simplify their living accommodations and to be nearer needed medical personnel and facilities. Above are pictured Katie and Tom Deimer and in the second picture, Honey, Ann and Murray.
We thought the whole universe should see Katie and her dad coming down the Isle and the handsome foursome - Martha, Murray, Jim, and Mary. What a handsome group!
And the other big news about Ann is that as of July 1, 2002, Ann is the new Chairperson of the Department of Communication in the College of Education at the University of Utah. The Communication department is the largest department in the College of Humanities. How about that! She reports that she has been learning a lot in her new role. She still teaches and does a few other things. For instance, the College of Humanities in the hosts "Intellectual Happy Hour" for alumni and business and community leaders to let them keep abreast of trends in the field. Ann was invited to provide the hors d'ouvres (a ten minute presentation) on December 19. Her hors d'ouvres was a presentation on learning and you can hear it if you wish. Actually, she went just a little over ten minutes so you need to block out a little more time. It was very well received and Mom and Dad are really proud of this lecture and it's message. Actually there are some pictures to go with the lecture - smooth use of technology by Utah!
Ann and Ed still find time in their busy schedules to visit the serenity and beauty that Mother Nature has bestowed on this wonderful planet in the Utah area. And the beauty and grandeur abounds. David thinks the entire population of Utah should be staunch environmentalists. How could anyone want this portion of the earth changed in any way?
That's it for this update!