UNM President Louis Caldera leads a group of UNM administrators who have been selected as “power brokers” by the New Mexico Business Weekly. The publication selects people in the state who are active leaders in business. Caldera is featured for his leadership in undergraduate education, public service and commitment to research for the university.
Photo: UNM President Louis Caldera
His services on national and local boards, including Southwest Airlines, the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations, Next Generation Economy and the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce are featured as part of his profile. All the power brokers filled out survey forms and Caldera lists his fantasy job as editorial page editor of the Washington Post.
Rudy Davalos, the director of the UNM Athletics Department, is also a featured power broker. His profile notes that he has been recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of the 101 most influential minorities in sports.
The profile also emphasizes student athlete high grade point averages. Davalos says the best advice he ever got came from his parents. "Love your country (USA) and be proud of your heritage (Mexico)."
Photo: Rudy Davalos, Director of Athletics
R. Philip Eaton is Vice President for Health Sciences Emeritus. His profile notes that his interest in knowing what makes things work is the hallmark of a good teacher as well as a successful researcher.
Eaton helped develop the implantable, programmable insulin pump and has taught medicine, math and statistics at UNM. His survey lists his favorite comic book character as Spiderman.
Photo: R. Philip Eaton, retired, Vice President, Health Sciences Center
John A. Garcia is the chief economic development officer for UNM. He is a former secretary of the Department of Economic Development and owns and runs Hospitotally, a hospitality management company.
He serves on the board of directors of the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the Alumni Association at UNM, the New Mexico Restaurant Association and the Southeast Heights Community Alliance. He lists his fantasy job as a pro sports agent.
Photo: John A. Garcia, Chief Economic Development Officer
David W. Harris is the Executive Vice President for Administration and the Chief Financial Officer at UNM. He oversees an annual budget of $1.4 billion, and is a close advisor to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who he previously served as Chief of Staff.
He has also been director of the Department of Finance and Administration under Gov. Gary Johnson and executive director of the New Mexico Finance Authority. Harris says his fantasy job is owner of the New York Yankees.
Photo: David Harris, Executive Vice President for Administration
Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627
Ted A. Garcia, general manager and chief executive officer of public television station KNME-TV, Channel 5, PBS -Albuquerque/Santa Fe, has been elected to serve on the board of directors of National Datacasting, Inc. (NDI), a wholly owned, for-profit, subsidiary of PBS.
Photo: Ted A. Garcia
“We work in an era of technological innovation that will bring benefit to our communities,” Garcia said. “By serving on the NDI board, I hope to insure that the advancements gained through public television’s digital technology are shared throughout New Mexico via KNME’s emerging datacasting resources.”
NDI is a for-profit PBS subsidiary and a pioneer in the data broadcasting industry. It is an industry leader in the operation and management of nationwide wireless data broadcasting networks and services.
Through partnerships with more than 300 PBS member stations, the NDI network delivers electronic information and multimedia content to customers in homes, businesses, educational institutions and government facilities. NDI shares its profits with participating PBS stations, helping them to achieve their financial goals.
The NDI data broadcasting (datacasting) network has achieved for public television a position of prominence in the rapidly-growing marketplace for wireless distribution of commercial, educational and program-related data, content and services. Through its partnership with such companies as Microsoft, IBM, Merrill Lynch and Gemstar-TV Guide, NDI has consistently achieved its primary business objective of generating revenue and other forms of financial benefit for the participating PBS member stations.
Garcia also serves on the national PBS board of directors who are elected by the general managers of the 170 PBS licensees across the country. T PBS board is responsible for governing and setting policy for the Public Broadcasting Service.
He also serves as chair of the board of directors of the Pacific Mountain
Network (PMN). Formerly a regional program distributor, PMN now invests in public television programs and services. PMN is governed by a nine-person Executive Council, elected for three-year terms by the 33 member public television stations.
Garcia also serves as chair emeritus of the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) board of directors. NETA is a professional association serving public television licensees and educational entities in all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, and is headquartered in Columbia, S.C. NETA-delivered programming reaches 98 percent of television households in the United States.
Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1218
Scholars are producing work that will change the way the world views cross-cultural relationships between natives, blacks, and whites. “Crossings of Breath: Indigenous & Black Relations in North America,” a symposium designed to explore this emerging scholarship and create a dialogue about the politics of identity and Indian sovereignty, will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building, Lobo rooms A and B.
Blacks and Indians were enslaved together throughout the 18th century, often intermarrying. During the 19th century, some Native Americans protected runaway black slaves, while others owned slaves. More recently, blacks and natives have fought separate battles against environmental racism, poverty and lack of access to national representation. While written records documenting black and Native American ancestry are rare, many people of this heritage grew up listening to stories of their mixed race. Today, a growing number of black Native Americans seek information about their joint heritage.
Most of the research in this area has focused on the Southeastern United States and Oklahoma.
“Because little scholarship has been conducted on the experiences of natives and blacks in the Southwest, this conference seeks to further that study,” said Jennifer Denetdale, UNM assistant professor of history, co-organizer of the symposium with Elizabeth Archuleta, assistant professor of English; Greg Cajete, director of Native American Studies; and Delia Halona, NAS administrative assistant.
Symposium presenters will present overviews of native and black relationships beginning with European settlement of North America leading to current issues of cross-cultural ties, including the politics of claiming identity and the status of natives/blacks in tribal communities and governments.
A panel discussion will feature presenters of NativeAmerican /African-American descent. Evening events include a dinner and keynote address by Tiya Miles, assistant professor in the Program of American Culture, Native American Studies and the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Miles is the author of “Ties That Bind: The Story of an Afro-Cherokee Family in Slavery and Freedom” (University of California Press, 2005). Navajo/African-American artist Radmilla Cody will perform traditional Navajo songs from her three compact discs “Seed of Life,” “Within the Four Directions,” and “Spirit of a Woman.”
Other presenters include: Daniel Littlefield, professor emeritus, University of Arkansas, Little Rock; James F. Brooks, president of the School of American Research; Cortez Williams, UNM professor emeritus; Robert Collins (Choctaw/African-American), lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley; historian Susan Miller (Tiger clan and Tom Palmer band of the Seminole Nation), American Indian Studies faculty at Arizona State University; and Celia Naylor, assistant professor of Native American Studies at Dartmouth College.
UNM doctoral student Monica Joiner (Diné/African-American), and UNM senior Jacquelyn Walker (Cochiti/African-American) will also be presenters.
Sponsors include Native American Studies, President’s Office, School of Law, College of Arts and Sciences, New Mexico Humanities Council, History and English Departments, the Center for Southwest Research, Peace Studies, College of Fine Arts, the KIVA Club, African-American Studies, Institute for American Indian Research, and the Western History Association.
The event is free and open to the public; however, reservations are required for the evening portion, held at the UNM Hibben Center. Contact Native American Studies at 277-3917 or nasinfo@unm.edu.
The University of New Mexico will celebrate its 80th annual homecoming Oct. 3-8. Homecoming week will feature more than 50 separate events all leading up to the football game Saturday, Oct. 8, at University Stadium when UNM takes on Brigham Young University. Game time is set for 6 p.m. The festivities get underway Monday, Oct. 3 with a variety of student activities on tap.
A complete list of events can be found at: Homecoming Schedule.
On Sept. 27 and 28, departments across campus will decorate lobbies and offices as part of the Campus Decorating Contest. Judging will be held Sept. 27-28, from 1 to 3 p.m. each day.
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, students will be able to vote on the UNM Homecoming royalty in the Student Union Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"The Lobo Howl," a longtime Homecoming tradition, along with other games that are all a part of the Cherry/Silver Spirit Cup competition, is set for Thursday, Oct. 6. The induction of the Class of 1955 into the Heritage Club will be the highlight of the Heritage Club dinner at the Albuquerque Petroleum Club also on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
On Friday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., Alumni reunions from many colleges and programs will take place at the Student Union Building, 3rd level. In addition, campus tours will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m. to view historical buildings, campus art and several libraries – and also to see what’s in store for the future growth of the UNM campus. Finally, from 8 to 11 p.m., the SUB Ballroom will be the place to dance the night way and meet the 2005 Homecoming Court.
Events for Saturday, Oct. 8 include the All-University Breakfast, UNM Alumni Lettermen's Tailgate Party, the LoboZone (tailgate party) at the northeast end of University Stadium, which starts at 3:30 p.m., and the 12th annual UNM Alumni Association Silent Auction.
Other homecoming highlights include the annual UNM faculty/staff alumni luncheon, affinity group reunions, lecture series, various student activities and more.
Advanced tickets for the 80th Homecoming: “Reflections – Honoring the Past, Building the Future,” and other events can be purchased by calling 277-5808 or online at: Homecoming 2005.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
For the 10th consecutive year, the University of New Mexico has been named in the annual report on America’s 100 Best College Buys® designating UNM one of America’s best college educations for the cost.
Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. compiled the list from a survey of 1,477 accredited U.S. colleges and universities offering four-year undergraduate degree programs. Of the institutions surveyed, 1,044 schools responded. The survey results showed that UNM's 2005-06 out-of-state cost was $20,743 compared to the national average at a public institution of $23,830.
UNM President Louis Caldera said he was very pleased that UNM was again named to the list.
“I am delighted that for the tenth year, UNM continues to be named in the report,” Caldera said. “UNM's standing among America’s Best 100 College Buys demonstrates a commitment to provide New Mexico students an affordable, high quality education that is second to none.”
To be considered for the designation of the America's 100 Best College Buys® the institution must be an accredited four-year institution offering bachelor degrees; offer full residential facilities including residence halls and dining services; have a fall 2004 entering freshman class with a high school grade point average and or SAT/ACT score equal to or above the national average for entering freshmen; have an out-of-state cost of attendance in 2005-06 for three quarters or two semesters below the national average cost of attendance or not exceeding the national average cost by more than 10 percent.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Van Gilbert will be honored by the University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning with the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award, on Friday, Sept. 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the UNM Student Union Ballroom C. Gilbert will be honored for his work as chair of the capital campaign cabinet and for his work as president of the school’s Dean’s Council, a position he held this past year.
Photo: Van Gilbert
Roger Schluntz, dean, UNM School of Architecture and Planning, said, “Five years ago Van Gilbert graciously agreed to chair the all-volunteer capital campaign cabinet for the fund-raising drive for the new architecture and planning facility.
"More importantly, he aggressively championed that effort in exceeding the targeted private giving goal for George Pearl Hall. Van recently assumed the presidency of the Council for Design & Planning Excellence, the school’s membership-based external advisory group. As an alumnus of the school, his dedication to our professional programs and students has been extraordinary.”
Gilbert has spent 30 years designing some of Albuquerque’s most visible structures. Among them, one of his firm’s first projects was to design the Lobo Tennis Club. He also designed the $11 million Albuquerque Aquarium and the new Santa Fe Indian School campus.
Gilbert’s work includes eight projects on Central Avenue, including the renovation of UNM's Popejoy Hall, Nob Hill Shopping Center, the Rosenwald and Crossroads buildings and the Aquarium.
Among other projects of Van H. Gilbert Architect PC is the design or renovation of many of the area’s high-profile cultural centers, including the Popejoy Hall and Fine Arts Center renovation, UNM’s Zimmerman Library addition and renovation, UNM’s Student Union Building addition and renovation, and APS’s Monroe Middle School. Coming projects include the design of the new Centennial Engineering Building at UNM, the second phase of TVI’s new Westside campus, and the Indo-Pacific reef exhibits and diving tank at the Albuquerque Aquarium.
While the basics of architecture – color, texture, spatial qualities, light – stay the same, every project has its own influences and challenges. “Ours is a regional style that takes the environmental qualities of the region and incorporates them into the building,” Gilbert said. “We’re trying to work from the land and the setting and evolve the building from that. Each project has influences from clients and from the area. Every single project is different.”
Gilbert said that the ability to establish long-term relationships with clients is important to his business. “We understand their needs more the more we work with them,” he said. “We understand their constraints and their personalities.” Gilbert’s wife Sandra helps balance the business and creative aspects of running an architecture firm, handling the financial and marketing end.
“The creative aspect is what we think makes architecture a contribution to the community,” Gilbert said. “But you have to examine it from the business standpoints, too. You have to make a profit to put back into the company. The only way you survive is to make sure you’re handling the business as best you can and making the right business decisions.”
The firm has 17 employees, seven registered architects and four graduate architects and an administrative staff. Gilbert is a registered architect in New Mexico, Illinois, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado and a registered interior designer in New Mexico. He holds a Certificate of National Council of Architectural Registration and membership in the American Institute of Architects and the New Mexico Society of Architect.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
The American Studies Department at the University of New Mexico recently announced a new service learning program with the New Mexico Office of the State Historian. The department received a grant from the national American Studies Association and the UNM College of Arts and Sciences to fund two paid interns to work in the Office of the State Historian.
The department plans to work with the state historian to develop additional internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
New Mexico State Historian Estevan Rael-Galvez said, “Through this program, there are several opportunities for students to engage in historical research, preservation planning and educational outreach, work we hope will contribute to our vision of making knowledge meaningful and accessible to the public.
"We are particularly excited about inviting the student interns to assist with the ongoing development of the New Mexico History Web Project, an interactive, multimedia and interdisciplinary website. This internship program is one of many collaborations we hope to develop, with a goal of establishing a satellite office based at the university.”
Two American Studies undergraduates, Annette Rodriguez and Ilse Biel, are serving as interns for the fall semester. They will be will be working with the state historian and Assistant State Historian, Dr. Dennis P. Trujillo, a UNM American Studies Ph.D. graduate, in content dvelopment for the Web site www.newmexicohistory.org. The goal is to synthesize many ources--archival documents, oral histories, and UNM Press publications to expand this project into a public resource.
The students will also be working with American Studies faculty advisors to integrate what they learn from service learning into academics. Rodriguez will continue research she’s done on the Grant County, New Mexico, mining district.
“My project attempts a social history of Mexican labor migration into the region between 1900 and 1920. I will continue oral history transcription, census data statistical analysis, and archival research with the goal of combining the collected primary materials into a conference paper, and in preparation for publication,” Rodriguez said.
For more information about the American Studies Department and its internship program, please contact, A. Gabriel Meléndez, chair, American Studies Department, at gabriel@unm.edu or 277-6356.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Top prize of $25,000 will be awarded to winning team
UNM President Louis Caldera and ASM Dean Chuck Crespy announced a University-wide technology business plan competition, with a top prize of $25,000 recently. Student teams from across the campus will compete in a business plan contest that will end with high-stakes presentations in front of real venture capital pros.
According to Caldera, the business plan competition fits in with the University’s larger goal to foster economic development in the state.
“With this competition, we have embarked on an effort to make our campus and our student body more entrepreneurial — more willing to take risks; more willing to see opportunity where others might only see peril,” says Caldera.
The competition is sponsored by the ASM, and professors from the schools will work with business leaders to provide an every-other-week schedule of seminars to help students prepare their entries.
According to Sul Kassicieh, Anderson’s associate dean for Economic Development and Research, the sessions will include, “Company structure, tax issues, market research, financial planning, venture capital, and more. We plan on providing a high level of support for the teams in the competition, and expect great things from UNM students.”
Full-time UNM students from any discipline are invited to enter the competition, and while the focus is on technology, the judges will take a broad view of the term.
“A team comprised of music majors and computer science majors and business majors might come up with something unexpected that doesn’t necessarily fit the standard definition of ‘technology,’ said Crespy. “We hope to see plans that surprise us, and that could potentially lead to the next business phenomenon.”
Complete rules for the competition are available online at the Anderson Schools’ Web site at: Business Plan Competition. The deadline to submit a binding intention to present is Nov. 30. Business plan entries are due April 4.
The UNM Human Resources Department, assisted by the Student Affairs Office of Accessibility Services and the Center for Development and Disability in the Health Science Center will sponsor three events in conjunction with National Disability Month in October. The events will be held Oct. 18-20.
· Disability Awareness Expo: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Various community and state agencies will provide information about the disabled community. Robert Vick, Jr., will speak about Disability Etiquette from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Faculty who find this event applicable to their course content are encouraged to have students attend the Expo.
· Disability Mentoring Day: Wednesday, Oct. 19
Disability Mentoring Day is designed to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities by bringing them together with employers for a day of job shadowing and other hands-on career exploration activities.
· Adopt a Disability Day: Thursday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
This event provides individuals with the opportunity to experience a disability for a short period of time.
UNM staff and faculty are encouraged to participate, with permission of supervisors, if applicable. For more information and to register for the events, visit the HR Web site at http://www.unm.edu/~hr/whatsnew/.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
Five hundred attendees are expected for the 2005 Southwest Conference on Disability at the Albuquerque Convention Center, Sept. 28-30. The conference is an annual event hosted by the Center for Development and Disability at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability and the New Mexico Department of Health.
Features of the three day event include: 2005 National Distinguished Disability Research Award Winner Glen White, Ph.D., who will present the opening address; keynote speaker and Hurricane Katrina survivor Deputy Susie Cambre, a deaf police woman and TV personality; and a video presentation by the Christopher Reeve Foundation about quality of life from the perspectives of people with disabilities. Lt. Governor Diane Denish will be an honorary speaker at the Arc of New Mexico’s 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration, held in conjunction with the conference.
Over the last several years, there has been increased emphasis in public policies and programs on improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. However, there is little agreement about what the phrase "quality of life" means, as well as what the most effective ways are to promote it. At the 2005 Southwest Conference on Disability, contributions that explore these issues from a variety of perspectives will be presented, including employment, housing, transportation, physical and emotional health, accessibility, education, assistive technologies and culture.
More information on the conference is available at http://cdd.unm.edu/swconf/
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
Nominations for the UNM honorary degree are due to the Office of the University Secretary, Scholes Hall, rm. 101, no later than Friday, Oct. 14. Nominations should include a detailed letter stating reasons for the nomination, accompanied by biographical material, a record of accomplishment and supporting letters.
The honorary degree is a special honor for individuals who have made significant contributions to the cultural or scientific development of the Southwest, or to the spiritual or material welfare of its people. The successful nominee must have an exemplary record of academic or public accomplishment.
Review additional, important award criteria at the University Secretary’s Web site, http://www.unm.edu/~univsec/callhon.html.
Honorary degrees will be presented at the May 2006 Commencement ceremony.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
UNM Libraries will host a lecture by Richard Flint and Shirley Cushing Flint on Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Willard Room of Zimmerman Library.
The lecture, titled “Document’s of the Coronado Expedition 1539-42: They Were Not Familiar with His Majesty, nor Did They Wish to Be His Subjects,” is based on the book the Flints have recently completed.
The Flints are the editors and translators of “Documents of the Coronado Expedition, 1539-42.”
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
The University of New Mexico is one of four national universities chosen to share $12.8 million in grants to establish integrative training environments for doctoral students to study nanoscience and technology with applications for cancer research. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the awards recently.
NCI is collaborating with NSF to train doctoral students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to address the need for a pool of scientists trained across the disciplines that specifically encompass cancer nanotechnology.
The program titled, “Integrative Nanoscience and Microsystems at UNM,” will involve as many as 30 faculty members and support approximately 10 students each year. The program is an inter-campus collaboration between the University of New Mexico's Center for High Technology Materials, the School of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences and the UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center. The principal investigator is Diana Huffaker, associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
“This award provides an opportunity to leverage the growing nanotechnology infrastructure in the Rio Grande corridor and will create an education and training component in nanoscience that is unique from any other in the country, “ said Huffaker. “Nanoscience is a core thrust of the UNM administration and the award will unify existing infrastructure and research efforts at our Center for High Technology Materials and across campus. It also serves as an ongoing catalyst for curriculum development in support of our new nanoscience and microsystems Ph.D. program.”
The NCI/NSF collaboration is awarding grants to four institutions over the next five years, through NSF's Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program (IGERT). The IGERT program, initiated in 1997, is ideally suited to cancer nanobiotechnology training, based on its mission and track record in interdisciplinary training support. All of the four funded projects are linked to regional cancer centers and the biomedical research community. In addition to the University of New Mexico, IGERT-funded institutions are Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.; Northeastern University, Boston, Mass, and University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.
"Some of the most exciting and significant applications of nanoscience and microsystems will be in health care,” said Joseph Cecchi, dean of the School of Engineering. “We are very pleased that the NCI has recognized this by funding Professor Huffaker's creative proposal that brings together science, engineering, and medicine at UNM."
Nanotechnology for biomedical applications involves elements of numerous disciplines that have traditionally worked independently. For the past seven years, NCI has taken the lead in integrating nanotechnology into biomedical research through a variety of programs. The results of these efforts have demonstrated clearly that melding nanotechnology, cancer research and development efforts will have a profound, effect on how to diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.
“This is an unusual and important opportunity,” said Larry Sklar, Ph.D., professor of Pathology at the UNM Health Sciences Center and one of several investigators participating in the New Mexico project. “This program formalizes the emerging partnership between our engineering and biomedical research at UNM and provides the pathway for building relationships that will lead to new discoveries.”
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
A lecture and performance by Shipibo master shaman healers Herlinda and Enrique Augustine, with an introductory lecture by Barrett Martin, UNM graduate student, will take place Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the SUB, Lobo room A from 5-7 p.m.
The Shipibo are a Panoan tribe living near the headwaters of the Ucayali River in the Upper Peruvian Amazon. Recognized as the master shamans of this region they impart their wisdom and teachings to other Amazonian shamans.
This lecture will focus on the Shipibo curing songs or ‘icaros’ and the elaborate woven song patterns on their textiles.
The event, sponsored by Native American Studies, is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 277-3917.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
The University of New Mexico is proud to recognize Mary Martinez, GCRC bionutritionist/professor, as an at-large delegate to the White House Conference on Aging to be held Dec. 11-14, 2005 in Washington, D.C. The WHCoA creatively develops recommendations for additional research and action in the field of aging on a national, state and local level. The goal is to promote dignity, economic security and health independence for older Americans.
Martinez will have the responsibility to vote on resolutions and implement strategies to guide the president and congress as they develop national aging policies for the United States over the next 10 years and beyond.
The theme for the 2005 WHCoA is “The Booming Dynamics of Aging: From Awareness to Action” and Martinez along with her fellow emissaries plan to transform this concept into a reality that all American seniors can benefit from.
Martinez adds her unique background in nutrition and dietetics to this growing problem and will take this opportunity to focus on current and future generations of aging Americans.
Contacts: Angela Heisel, (505) 272-3651 or Courtney Smith, (505) 272-3690
The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has approved a capital outlay request of $7.3 million for High Tech High School, a newly opened affiliate charter school with The University of New Mexico. The request, which will be made to the 2006 New Mexico legislature, will be part of the public education capital outlay package.
The lawmakers will be asked to approve money for biology and engineering laboratory equipment, student laptops, a wireless network, servers, a specialty media arts lab, digital and DVD cameras, and video editing and multimedia software.
The request also includes funds to renovate and/or build a facility at the University of New Mexico. High Tech High has 90 students enrolled this year in leased space off-campus, and intends to expand as it enrolls a new freshmen class each year and the current students move up to the next grade level.
UNM regents have committed to finding a place on the campus for the new high school, but have not yet designated an area or building.
“Our support of High Tech High is part of our commitment to improving K-12 education in New Mexico,” said UNM President Louis Caldera.
Although the school will operate independently of the university, the College of Education, School of Engineering and other faculties will be involved with the school. These include innovative partnerships, which will demonstrate that with the right support, students can achieve and compete with the best in the world.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
The Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico meeting in special session this morning has approved a complex land swap and development agreement involving the Mesa del Sol property in southeast Albuquerque. UNM President Louis Caldera said the agreement is a good one for the university.
“This deal has the potential to earn substantial income for UNM,” said Regent President Jamie Koch. “Everyone involved has gone out of their way to make it work, and the bottom line is it will make the university financially stronger as we expand to serve the next generations of New Mexico students.”
Details of the Argeement
The regents in a three way deal involving the State Land Office, Forest City Development Corporation and the university have agreed to proceed with a complex deal for developing the property.
The regents are acting in part as an enabling agent for the State Land Office, which has laws restricting the ways in which it can deal with private developers. This deal allows the land office to assure that trust land is developed in a way that will benefit one of its major educational trustees.
One element of the deal allows a land swap between the State Land Office and UNM. The State Land Office will receive land the university owns near Cochiti Pueblo and other areas in return for land the state owns in the Mesa del Sol development.
In addition, UNM will pay the State Land Office $131,517 to make up the difference in appraised values of the land. Then UNM will then sell the land to Forest City Development Corporation for $9,166,517 and the opportunity to participate in a share of the profits as the land is developed.
An initial part of the profit sharing arrangement involves the first 3,000 acres to be developed. Regents approved an agreement to allow the university to receive 15 percent of the land sale profits as Forest City sells individual parcels for development, but only after the developer, which is responsible for putting in infrastructure to allow development recovers its investment.
Under the agreement, UNM will also be entitled to 15 percent of the profits Forest City earns on property it keeps and develops for its own projects.
UNM retains 480 acres in the agreement that may eventually be used to develop a campus in the Mesa del Sol area.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
Heather Canavan and Dimiter N. Petsev have joined faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Engineering as assistant professors of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering.
Canavan's research is in the area of nanotechnology and biomaterials. After receiving her Ph.D. from George Washington University, Canavan performed postdoctoral work at the University of Washington, Seattle.
Petsev's research area is complex fluids, nanoscience and electrokinetic phenomena. He was a senior research associate at the Center for Materials Research at the University of Alabama, Huntsville and received his Ph.D. from the University of Sofia in Bulgaria.
New Hire Photos
Dimiter N. Petsev
Heather Canavan
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1821
The University of New Mexico Office for Admissions has announced that 53 college students enrolled at schools along the Gulf Coast are now registered and taking classes at UNM after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Many of these students arrived at UNM with little more than a college backpack of belongings.
In addition to providing tuition, book and temporary housing assistance early on, UNM has stepped up to help these students rebuild normal lives. A new Hurricane Katrina Student Assistance Fund has been established within the UNM Foundation.
The fund, administered by the Scholarship Office, will provide additional support for these students and will supplement any assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of New Mexico.
To make a contribution online, click on Hurricane Katrina Student Assistance Fund or send a check to the UNM Foundation at MSC07 4260, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Of the 53 students enrolled at UNM, the College of Arts and Sciences accepted 18, University College, 10, School of Engineering, nine, College of Fine Arts, three, and School of Law, three. Eight students are taking courses through the graduate school. Two are attending as non-degree.
Related stories:
UNM opens doors to students in Gulf Coast region
UNM steps up efforts to aid students displaced by Hurricane Katrina
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
“The Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” a panel discussion moderated by UNM School of Law Professor Laura Gómez , will take place Monday, Sept. 26, at 12:30 p.m. in the School of Law Forum, 1117 Stanford NE.
Panelists include hurricane survivor Juan Santa Marina and Jennifer Mahoney, a Tulane University Law Student now attending UNM's School of Law.
Panelist Elizabeth Rapaport, UNM School of Law professor, will speak about the political and philosophical questions arising out of Hurricane Katrina.
UNM College of Education Professor Ricky Lee Allen will address how the coverage of race/class and the hurricane reinforced and challenged colorblind ideology.
Professor Eileen Gauna of the Southwestern University School of Law will discuss the environmental justice issues arising out of “the inadequate governmental response to Katrina.”
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
University of New Mexico Political Science Associate Professor Lonna Atkeson is the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant to study public perception of the government's handling of Hurricane Katrina.
University of New Mexico Political Science Associate Professor Lonna Atkeson is the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant to study public perception of the government's handling of Hurricane Katrina.
Atkeson and colleague Cherie Maestas of Florida State University will assess public opinion data gathered during a national telephone survey of 1,000 individuals.
National news media documented and presented to the public the pain and loss resulting from the natural disaster on the Gulf Coast, the researchers contend. Those hard hitting images, words and contexts resulted in mass quantities of “causal stories” to explain the absence of government assistance in the early days following the hurricane.
The study will look at how consumers attribute blame and how it will shape preferences for future policies, such as funding and autonomy for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the role of government in disaster response as well as policies viewed as punitive toward government officials, victims and minority groups. Researchers will also measure the degree to which respondents believe they were directly or indirectly harmed.
“Our research speaks to the larger question of citizens' views of the capacity and effectiveness of government to deal with crisis,” Atkeson said. “It also contributes to our understanding of how causal framing and blame attribution affect public policy.”
NSF awarded $69,000 for the study, which begins this week. The grant includes an education component for UNM and Florida State graduate students who will develop the survey instrument, manage and analyze data and assist in the development of research papers.
Atkeson and Maestas plan to seek funding next summer to explore how public perception of the tragedy changes over time and the level of public support for policy solutions to disaster.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
The University of New Mexico hosts its second annual Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 4 , from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Atrium of Dane Smith Hall on the UNM campus. The fair features information and displays about study abroad opportunities for UNM students in every region of the world.
UNM study abroad advisors will be on hand to talk with students about the international exchange program, which allows UNM students to study at more than 75 top universities in 25 different countries. UNM departments, including Spanish & Portuguese, Honors Program, Art & Art History, Architecture and Planning, English and the Latin American & Iberian Institute, will provide information about special summer programs and short-term international study opportunities, including a new summer program in Cuba, and certificate programs at the Tec de Monterrey, Guadalajara campus.
Visiting exchange students will be on hand to talk about their home countries, and students who went on exchange to foreign universities will be there to show pictures and share personal experiences.
Representatives from the New Mexico State University Study Abroad Program will also be in attendance.
“Through a special statewide agreement, UNM students are able to apply to go on study abroad programs sponsored by New Mexico State and other universities in New Mexico and their students can take advantage of our programs, as well,” said Dr. Cynthia Radding, director, UNM Latin American and Iberian Institute.
Also represented at the fair will be more than a dozen outside providers of international study programs, including several university consortium programs that UNM student may participate in. These include short-term programs in Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Cuernavaca, and Zacatecas, Mexico; a representative from the Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico; and several consortium programs, including Australearn, which sends students to many universities in Australia and New Zealand, the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), with programs in 20 different countries and International Studies Abroad (ISA), which has international study centers in nine countries.
Information will also be available on scholarships for study abroad programs, including the Fulbright Program, Gilman, Freeman-Asia, National Security Education Program, and other financial aid resources.
The fair is sponsored by the UNM Office of International Programs and Studies, the Latin American and Iberian Institute and the UNM Study Abroad Association.
The Study Abroad Fair is free and open to the general public. For more information, contact the Office of International Programs and Studies, 277-4032, or studyabd@unm.edu; or the Latin American and Iberian Institute, 277-8542, or studyabroad@laii.unm.edu.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
This fall marks the beginning of a new era in creative writing at the University of New Mexico — the first semester of the master of fine arts in creative writing. The M.F.A. is the first new degree offered by the Department of English since the doctorate was created 50 years ago.
Several factors came together to garner support for the M.F.A. degree. While the M.F.A. proposal was moving through the state's approval process, renowned Native American poet, musician and artist Joy Harjo expressed an interest in returning to UNM. As well, community member Joseph Russo endowed approximately $1.1 million for the program.
These events strengthened support for the degree proposal, unanimously approved by the New Mexico Department of Higher Education this summer.
Harjo returned to UNM this fall as the Joseph M. Russo Professor of Creative Writing, a new position funded by the Russo endowment. She is the first Native American to hold an endowed chair in the university's history. The New Mexico State Legislature also passed $500,000 in matching funds for the endowment.
“We are thrilled at the return of Joy Harjo to UNM, where she studied and taught in earlier years,” David Richard Jones, chair of the English department, said.
When UNM added a creative writing thesis as an option for the master of English program in the 1950s, it was one of the first universities in the nation to offer a graduate degree with defining work in creative writing. Since then, the M.F.A. has largely supplanted the M.A. as the recognized terminal degree in creative writing. It is preferred by students and rapidly becoming a professional necessity for aspiring teachers of creative writing.
UNM's M.F.A. offers a unique three-pronged approach that incorporates the studio model — the traditional center of writing programs — with literature and pre-professional preparation. Sharon Oard Warner, director of the creative writing program, points out that all three elements are important to students' development as writers and writing professionals.
“The study of literature is critically important,” Warner said. “Otherwise, writers have no foundation for the work they create. But we understand that writers need to eat, too. Internship opportunities will give our students practical experience that will hold them in good stead when they leave the University. We're working all the time to broaden those opportunities .” One recent addition is an editorial assistant internship with UNM Press. Existing assistantships and fellowships also provide students with teaching, publishing or arts administration experience.
Another groundbreaking element of the program is its emphasis in creative nonfiction. “We're the only program in the state that has a nonfiction genre attached to the degree,” Warner said. Of the nine M.F.A. programs in southwest, only the University of Arizona offers a similar emphasis. Through the Department of Theatre and Dance, students can also take play and scriptwriting courses that are unique within the state.
Prominent and award-winning authors associated with UNM as alumni or teachers: Edward Abbey, Paula Gunn Allen, Rudolfo Anaya, Denise Chavez, Sandra Cisneros, Robert Creeley, Gene Frumkin, Joy Harjo, Tony Hillerman, Antonio Mares, N. Scott Momaday, Simon Ortiz, Louis Owens, Leslie Marmon Silko, Patricia Clark Smith and Luci Tapahonso.
Current Faculty: Sharon Oard Warner (Director), Joy Harjo, Lisa D. Chávez, Marisa P. Clark, Gregory Martin, Daniel Mueller, Julie Shigekuni, Diane Thiel and Jack Trujillo.
Faculty and graduate students in the creative writing program are available for interviews. Photographs available on request. Call (505) 277-5813 for more information.
Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-5813
On Monday evening, Sept. 26, 2005, Steinway and Washburn Piano will sponsor a benefit concert for the UNM Children’s Hospital Barbara and Bill Richardson Pavilion campaign. “88 Keys for Kids” will be held on the campus of the Albuquerque Academy at the Albert G. and Ruth Hanna McCormick Simms Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Guest performances include appearances by the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra’s Guillermo Figueroa, Steinway Artist and UNM piano professor Falko Steinbach and Albuquerque Academy student Sami Bounkeua.
Additional performances by healthcare providers from UNM Children’s Hospital, Deneile Gordon, RN, Leslie Morrison, MD, and Courtney Johnson, MD, will round out an evening of unforgettable music to make this a very special event for our community.
During his recent trip to Russia, Ed Hermanson (owner of Washburn Piano and event sponsor) happened to talk with Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, daughter of UNM School of Medicine Dean Emeritus, Dr. Leonard Napolitano.
An avid music-lover, she committed immediately to attending the event to show her support for UNM Children’s Hospital in her home state of New Mexico. Also attending the concert will be New Mexico First Lady Barbara Richardson and UNM President Louis Caldera.
Additionally, there will be a VIP reception and raffle during the event.
Monday, September 26, 2005• Albuquerque Academy • 8 p.m.
The Albert G. and Ruth Hanna McCormick Simms Center for the Performing Arts
Guest performances by:
New Mexico Symphony Orchestra Music Director
Guillermo Figueroa, violin
Steinway Artist and UNM Professor of Music
Dr. Falko Steinbach, piano
Albuquerque Academy Student
Sami Bounkeua, violin
Performances by healthcare providers from UNM Children’s Hospital:
Deneile Gordon, RN, mezzo-soprano
Leslie Morrison, MD, piano
Courtney Johnson, MD, piano
For more information and to purchase tickets call: Colleen Harris, UNM Children’s Hospital Development Office, (505) 277-5682; Evie Offord, Washburn Piano, (505) 884-5605; or the New Mexico Symphony offices, (505) 881-8999
Tickets: $35 (student); $100 (general) and $250 (VIP seating and reception)
A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible.
Nearly 76 percent of the students who enrolled as freshmen at the University of New Mexico last fall returned this year. Retaining students who initially enroll at UNM is one of the goals of President Louis Caldera.
This fall 3,095 freshmen are attending UNM, another record-breaking number.
The single largest feeder high school this year is Rio Rancho High in Sandoval County with 213 freshmen attending.
Overall, UNM main campus enrollment is stable. There are 26,280 students attending classes on the main campus this year, down just .22 percent from fall 2004. Statewide, including the branches, 32,915 students are attending classes at UNM this fall, a decline of 1.05 percent.
The largest jump in enrollment numbers came at the UNM Taos branch campus which increased by 16.59 percent while the Los Alamos branch campus saw an enrollment decline of 17.46 percent.
The number of women students continues to grow more quickly than the number of male students with 10,730 female undergraduate students on campus this fall, and 7,657 male students.
Detailed statistics on student enrollment can be found at http://www.unm.edu/~unmreg/stats.html.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
Arthur J. Gonzales will become of new director for the Office of Equal Opportunity at the University of New Mexico. “Art’s experience, training and education have prepared him well for this position. As importantly, as a native New Mexican and alum of the University, he has the passion and commitment to be successful in this leadership role,” said UNM President Louis Caldera.
Photo: Arthur J. Gonzales
Gonzales has been Benefit Manager of UNM since 2003, and prior to that he served as UNM Employment Manager from 2000 to 2002. The Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity provides a leadership role in upholding the University’s commitment to equal education and employment opportunities and in creating and maintaining an atmosphere that promotes equal access and treatment for everyone. The director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive equal opportunity and affirmative action program for the University and ensuring the University’s compliance with all local, state and federal civil rights laws and regulations.
Gonzales Statement
Gonzales said, “I am extremely excited about serving the University of New Mexico in this new capacity as Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity. I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff and students in helping to achieve the goals of fair treatment and equal opportunity for everyone here at the University of New Mexico. This institution is so important to this community and to the State of New Mexico. I am thrilled to be part of President Caldera’s plans for the future of this great institution.”
Gonzales Experience
Gonzales has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the UNM ASM and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. In addition to his recent experience with UNM, he has more than twenty-eight years of experience in human resources and equal employment opportunity for a number of large public institutions including Los Alamos National Laboratory, the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture.
Gonzales will start his new position on Nov. 1, 2005.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
The University kicked of its annual United Way Campaign with President Louis Caldera announcing the most ambitious goals to date: “We are challenging ourselves to increase our collective United Way giving to $400,000,” he said.
During this time of natural disasters at home and abroad, the need for both relief and community support increases. By giving through the United Way, 100 percent of a donor’s gift is distributed as the donor has designated. Donations can be made in any number of ways including the United Way Community fund, which supports more than 80 programs in the Albuquerque Metropolitan area, or to any not-for-profit group in the world including your favorite UNM programs, scholarships or initiatives.
When determining the 2005 goal, President Caldera said, “In Campaign 2004 the university faculty and staff supported the United Way with record-breaking contributions of $310,526. This surpassed our ambitious goal by $33,500 and was up by $90,500 from the year before.”
UNM now has the distinction of being in the top five campaigns in the four counties surrounding the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area. We join others on this list including Intel, Sandia Labs, Presbyterian Hospital and PNM.
School of Law Dean Suellyn Scarnecchia will lead this year’s campaign. Under her leadership the university will reach out to faculty, staff and students, encouraging each to show support for the community we serve, a community that always supports the university.
Campaign pledge forms will be distributed through campus mail this week. All donors will be eligible for drawings of different prizes donated by university departments, individuals and corporations serving the community.
United Way of Central New Mexico [UWCNM] volunteers will raise $16,161,616 from corporate and individual donors by February, 2006, to help the most vulnerable people in central New Mexico,” said David Weymouth, CEO of Talbot Financial Corporation and 2005 Campaign Chair for UWCNM.
“United Way is the way a community takes care of itself by helping the people living here who are least able to help themselves. This is what we have done for the residents of New Mexico since 1934. With 490 people just recently relocated here from the Gulf States disaster, the list of the most vulnerable people living in central New Mexico just got longer. We have our work cut out for us.” It is the largest fundraising goal ever set by the charity, and is 7 percent higher than last year’s results of $15,100, 015.
In times of disaster, UWCNM’s role is first to help those emergency organizations, like the local Red Cross and Roadrunner Food Bank, whose work revolves around food, clothing, shelter and emergency medical needs of the victims.
United Way of Central New Mexico’s 15 percent administrative cost is funded by Corporate Cornerstone Companies. Because of this corporate support, all other donations by donors are sent, in their entirety, where the donor wants them to go.
UWCNM is a volunteer driven, private, nonprofit local charity that is governed by people who live here. United Way of America is a trade association and is not a governing body of this, or any, local United Way. UWCNM annually runs the largest human service fund drive in the state of New Mexico. The money raised by United Way of Central New Mexico, stays in central New Mexico, unless otherwise directed by a donor.
Contact: Patrick Vigil, (505) 277-1593
University of New Mexico Professor Manuel Hermenegildo, who holds the Prince of Asturias Endowed Chair in the departments of computer science and electrical engineering, received the Aritmel Prize in Granada, Spain, at the National Computer Science and Engineering Research Conference last week. More than 1,600 Spanish researchers attended the conference.
Photo: Professor Manuel Hermenegildo
The Aritmel Prize is the only award in Spain specifically for computing research. Hermenegildo is the first recipient of the award, which will be given annually.
The prize goes to a researcher for “outstanding scientific contributions in the area of computer science and engineering."
Hermenegildo was chosen for contributions in the areas of software development, programming languages, and automatic program parallelization, areas that are followed, cited and applied by researchers worldwide.
“I feel very honored to receive this recognition the first time it has been awarded,” Hermenegildo said. “I am grateful to my graduate students who are an important part of my excellent research team.”
The award takes its name from the "Electromechanical Arithmometer," one of the first digital calculators, which was designed by Leonardo Torres-Quevedo by perfecting the original ideas of Charles Babbage.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
President Louis Caldera and American Indian Student Services Director Pamela Agoyo are in Washington, D.C., to help enshrine a statue of Popé in the National Statuary Hall on Thursday, Sept. 22. Popé is the San Juan Pueblo leader who organized the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.
Agoyo, a member of San Juan Pueblo, is the president of the New Mexico Statuary Hall Foundation and was recently named special assistant to the UNM president for tribal issues.
In 1997, Governor Gary Johnson appointed the New Mexico Statuary Hall Commission and charged it to commission an artist to create the Popé statue.
The commission then created the foundation to solicit funds for the project. The 7-foot, 3.5-ton Tennessee-marble sculpture of Popé is by Jemez Pueblo artist Clifford Fragua. It is the 100th and final statue in the hall.
The New Mexico congressional delegation will host the Washington, D.C. ceremony. Tribal leaders and delegates from New Mexico's 22 tribes, along with the pueblo of Ysleta del Sur in El Paso and the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, will be in attendance.
Tomorrow’s event culminates a 14-year journey to enshrine Popé. It was in 1991 that Pueblo Indians created a nonprofit to promote the idea. Members of New Mexico's pueblos and Arizona's Hopi Tribe attribute their religious freedom and ability to carry on their culture to the San Juan Pueblo leader.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
UNM's Building the Future Festival, an official Albuquerque Tricentennial event, will be held Friday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on the main campus. Activities are free and open to the public. Free parking will be available at the University Stadium south lot. Shuttle service is provided to and from the main campus every 15 minutes.
More than 50 exhibitors will set up along the Cornell Mall to provide information and engage visitors in hands-on activities and demonstrations. Lobo Louie and Lobo Lucy will greet the crowds and athletes will sign autographs. Johnson Field will be action packed with hot and cold air balloons, fire trucks, fire prevention information, Smokey the Bear and Clifford the Dog. Traditional Native American games will be demonstrated.
New Mexico Student Union Executive Pastry Chef Tony Cipollone will decorate a birthday cake celebrating Albuquerque's 300th at the Student Union Building at 10:15 a.m. The dessert will be served during the welcome ceremony, scheduled for 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. on Cornell Mall near the Center for the Arts. The Marching Band will perform the university's fight song. President Louis Caldera will deliver the official welcome. Professor of Music Michael Chapdelaine, the world's only guitarist to earn first prize in both the top classical and fingerstyle competitions, and Ballet Folklorico Lumbre will perform.
Storyteller Eliseo Torres, vice president for Student Affairs, will read from his newest book, “Stories of Mexico's Independence Days and Other Bilingual Children's Fables,” at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Campus tours, lectures, entertainment and an opportunity to register to win Tricentennial memorabilia are also planned. Tours begin at 10:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. near the Welcome Center on Cornell Mall and include “Master Planning” with Terry Gugliotta and Joe McKinney, “Out Door Art” with Kimberly Feldman, “The Architecture Tour” with Anne Taylor, and “UNM Arboretum” with Bryan Suhr. Arboretum and architecture tours also repeat at 3:15 p.m.
Steve Borbas will conduct Tours on the Edge, which involves a shuttle bus tour around UNM's main campus and Health Sciences Center. The tours begin at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
School of Law tours with Brian Eagan begin at 3 and 4 p.m.
Engineering departments will be out in force on Cornell Mall with information and demonstrations such as robots that track, dance and perform other tricks.
Chemistry magic shows are scheduled at 2 and 2:20 p.m. in Woodward Hall.
Events taking place throughout the day include a portable LodeStar Museum planetarium exhibit in the New Mexico Student Union, music department student performances in the Center for the Arts, and art students sharing techniques with Albuquerque Public Schools students on Smith Plaza near Zimmerman Library.
The ARTS Lab mini-dome research space and High Performance Computing Center, both located in the old Lee Galles facility at Central and University NE, will be open. Tours of the computing center are at 10 and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Nasario García, Ph.D., author of “Albuquerque – Feliz Cumpleaños ,” will give a lecture at 1 p.m. in the Willard Reading Room, Zimmerman Library. College of Fine Arts Dean Christopher Mead will speak about the contemporary architecture of Albuquerque at 4:30 p.m. in the lecture room of Northrup Hall.
APS teachers, students and their families have been invited to the campus festival. Rapid Ride Class Passes are available to schools for free city transit.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
University of New Mexico Assistant Professor of Chemistry John R. Engen has been named as the recipient of the 2005 Young Investigator Award from the UNM Chapter of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. The Sigma Xi Honor Society is a national organization devoted to the encouragement of scientific research.
Photo: Assistant Professor of Chemistry John Engen
As part of the honor, Engen will present the 2005 Sigma Xi Award Lecture titled, "Will Weighing Molecules Unlock Some Secrets of Cancer?" Thursday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m., in Tapy Hall (Civil Engineering) room 201.
“I am very grateful to Sigma Xi for this recognition of my research in mass spectrometry,” Engen said. “The lecture is intended for general audiences and I hope to see everyone there, especially students.”
Engen, and along with fellow Chemistry Professor Chris Enke, direct UNM’s new $1.2 million mass spectrometry facility which opened this past spring. Mass spectrometry is a sophisticated “scale” that measures the mass of molecules. By combining it with special labeling techniques, Engen can investigate the shape of proteins involved in human diseases. The mass spectrometry facility is a key component in basic research support for any university involved in research.
The local chapter of Sigma Xi sponsors many activities in support of science and research, including its Young Investigator Award (YIA). Each year, the YIA recognizes individuals within 10 years of his/her highest degree that have demonstrated a very high level of scientific scholarship. The recipient will deliver a research lecture, receive a certificate of recognition and cash award of $1,000.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
A new exhibit at the University of New Mexico's Zimmerman Library, “Campus Preservation: Balancing our Heritage and Future,” opened Monday, Sept. 19 and will be up through Jan. 1, 2006.
An exhibit area reception is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21 from 5 –7 p.m. with a slide presentation at 6 p.m. Speakers will be UNM archivist Terry Gugliotta and former university planner Joe McKinney.
“Preservation of the university's irreplaceable architectural heritage is the focus of the J. Paul Getty Campus Heritage Grant. The goals are to survey the campus's historic buildings and landscapes and develop preservation guidelines. The story of the struggle to save UNM's first building, Hodgin Hall, led to current preservation planning,” said Gugliotta, co-PI on the grant and chair of the UNM historic preservation committee.
The exhibit features images of the architectural development of the campus with photographs of key buildings. Among them, the anthropology building that was originally the Student Union Building, the Communication and Journalism building that formerly housed the campus printing plant, and Scholes Hall, that was originally constructed for administration and Arts and Sciences programs.
Campus plans are also featured in the exhibit as well as original sketches of UNM buildings by Steve Borbas, university planner.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
A team of researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of New Mexico have been awarded a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s EarthScope program to precisely measure the ground movement in the Rio Grande Rift in Colorado and New Mexico. The project is part of the NSF’s EarthScope initiative, a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and NASA to study the structure of North America, its geologic evolution, earthquakes and volcanic activity.
The primary goal of the project is to understand what the stretching rates are in the rift and what the rates measured at the surface imply about the stretching of the North American plate at deeper levels. Using state-of-the-art global positioning system (GPS) instruments at 24 sites from Colorado through southern New Mexico, the research team will track the rift’s movement with millimeter-accuracy over the course of the next five years. The study will provide unprecedented data about the volcanically active and earthquake-prone region of the Rio Grande Rift.
“Our goal is to try and understand the rates of motion today,” said UNM Assistant Professor Mousumi Roy, of the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department. “The information we gather will tell us about how the North American plate is breaking apart at the Rio Grande Rift and about the earthquake hazards posed by the rift.”
The Rio Grande rift is the easternmost deforming province within the tectonically active western margin of North America. The rift is undergoing stretching and extension manifested by higher probabilities of earthquake occurrence than in surrounding regions.
The UNM effort is being led by Roy and the CU-Boulder team which includes: Professor Anne Sheehan (affiliated with CU-Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences); Associate Professor Steve Nerem, Aerospace Engineering; and Research Associate Tony Lowry of Physics.
Emily Jones, a part-time research assistant from UNM, also worked with Roy on the project this past summer. Additionally, the team is actively recruiting graduate and undergraduate students at CU-Boulder and the UNM to be trained in GPS measurement and analysis as part of the project.
“The Rio Grande rift extends hundreds of miles from Colorado’s central Rocky Mountains to Mexico, and geologists have estimated it spreads apart at rates up to 1-2 millimeters each year,” said Sheehan.
The team will install 11 GPS sites in central and southern Colorado.
In New Mexico, 13 sites will be setup in three different areas throughout the state. Five sites will be setup near the latitude of Taos, four in central New Mexico near Albuquerque and four in southern New Mexico near Las Cruces. The teams will compare their measured rates of motion with all other available datasets, including seismic velocities in the crust and mantle, gravity, surface heat flow and geologic data. The data will be combined to build computer models of the processes that control how tectonic plates undergo rifting.
“We will combine what we learn from the GPS measurements with other geophysical and geologic data to try and understand the forces that are pulling the North American plate apart and creating the Rio Grande Rift,” said Roy. “What’s intriguing to me is to learn about why north of Socorro the Rio Grande Rift is a narrow feature, with narrow fault-bounded basins, whereas to the south we get a broader region of extension comparable to the famous Basin and Range province of Utah and Nevada.”
Community outreach is also an important part of the project. A workshop for in-service teachers in New Mexico is planned as part of the NSF-funded Rio Grande GPS study (jointly by Roy and Dr. Matthew Nyman of the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UNM).
The outreach workshop will focus on the basics of earthquakes, earthquake activity in New Mexico and the Rio Grande GPS study. Part of the workshop will be used to recruit teachers to actively participate in the GPS study as well as investigate avenues to become involved in future EarthScope science activities.
The Science Education Institute of the Southwest (SEIS) sponsors the teacher workshop. SEIS is a collaborative between the University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories and the Albuquerque Public School district with a focus on improving science education at all levels.
For more information on the Rio Grande rift project, visit: http://epswww.unm.edu/facstaff/mroy/rgr_nm, or http://cires.colorado.edu/science/groups/sheehan/projects/riogrande/.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
Director of Photography / Senior Editor John Golden Britt won the Best Cinematographer award for the HDV film "I Am" at the 2005 Duke City Shootout annual digital film festival held this summer. “I Am” was also runner up for the overall best film of the festival. It was the winning script entrant in a unique category aptly named “The Common Man,” where scripts don’t have to be in script format. Only the work of non-professionals with good storytelling abilities was accepted.
Photo: KNME Director of Photography / Senior Editor John Golden Britt
The festival gave seven teams of volunteers one week to make a 12-minute digital film. The judging was done one week after crews began filming, and the films were shown later that evening. Judges included renowned singer/songwriter Tom Waits, New Mexico State Tourism Director Jon Hendry, Albuquerque Film Office Director Ann Lerner and five others.
“Winning the award was gratifying,” Britt said. “KNME was very supportive of me and the KNME camera crew. This was a long, four-day shoot. I had the assistance of two other KNME employees on this project: Antony Lostotter was key grip, and Danielle Bauer was first assistant camera. Their help was invaluable, as was the equipment support we received from KNME-TV,” he said.
This is another example of KNME reaching out into the community, Britt explained. “We couldn’t have done it without the good grDavid Brookshire of the station – and the technical and human resources support. (Director of Engineering) Jim Gale is the wizard of high definition in the Southwest. Having him behind us was important. This is another great way for employees to become familiar working with a HD format. I have been working in HD for three years now, so when KNME begins active HD production, we will be that much better prepared.”
“It was a rare opportunity to work on a silent black and white, narrative film -- I’d never done that before. It was a real growth experience. Working with the film’s mentor, Christopher Coppola, was an exercise in artful economy, mainly due to a hard and dirty location and record heat wave in the Southwest.”
Britt, who has worked for KNME-TV for more than five years – one year as a freelancer and four as a fulltime staff member – has also worked as a freelance director of photography shooting commercials, music videos and short films, with two Sundance Film Festival screenings to his credit. Britt won a Telly Award for a pilot of the cable music series “Sounds Good,” which aired in the Los Angeles market.
Receiving most of his training on the job working in film as an assistant cameraman for nine years, Britt received his B.A. in English from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. He is married with two children.
This was the Duke City Shootout’s sixth year and first as a full-on collaboration with EARS XI and Christopher Coppola, who is the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola and brother of Nicolas Cage.
Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1218
The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has re-appointed Robert H. Fisher to the Board of the Science and Technology Corporation. Fisher had previously served a four-year term on the board. Fisher is a psychiatrist who is adept at assessing executive and organizations.
Photo: Robert H. Fisher
He has previously conducted surveys for STC and helped it to become a more entrepreneurial and user-friendly organization. In addition, he has coached and mentored UNM faculty entrepreneurs, and he has chaired the Community and Public Relations committee of the Board.
“We are very pleased to have Robert on our board once again,” said Lisa Kuuttila, president and CEO of STC. “He adds a unique perspective and has contributed to STC in so many ways.”
Fisher has an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley in Human Relations, a Masters Degree in Public Health and an M.D. from the University of Missouri, Columbia.
Science and Technology Corporation is a non-profit corporation formed by and owned entirely by the University of New Mexico to protect and transfer its faculty inventions to the commercial marketplace.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
Christopher Mead, dean of the University of New Mexico College of Fine Arts and professor of architecture and art history, and Presidential Teaching Fellow, will present, “Albuquerque, City of Modernity,” on Friday, Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m. in Northrop Hall 122 on the UNM campus.
“Albuquerque has a rich and complicated history. People describe it through its past – Old Town – or through its more modern areas like Uptown. When describing the city we tend to deal with two clichés, ‘Why aren't we more like Santa Fe?' or ‘Why aren't we more like Phoenix or Los Angeles?' Our city is like Albuquerque,” Mead said.
Growth defines Albuquerque. “People are afraid of growth. They fear the city will lose its identity, but outward growth is Albuquerque. It does not threaten the city's identity, it is part of it,” he said.
Mead claims that planned growth doesn't work. “The issues that were voiced in 1977 when discussing city planning still exist today – infill, public transportation, resistance to sprawl, consolidation, reinvigorating downtown. These ideas have been around for nearly 30 years, but they haven't changed the development patterns of the city,” he said.
Albuquerque needs to be viewed as more than just its city limits, Mead said. Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Belen, Moriarty and Edgewood either exist or have grown because of Albuquerque.
“People first started spreading out along the river when the city was founded. Now they jump over the mountain in their search for cheaper land,” he said.
Mead has been on faculty at UNM since 1980. A historian in cities, he is currently working on a book on 19 th century Paris. He is the author of four books and numerous articles, has presented many public lectures and organized exhibitions. He has been an officer with the Society of Architectural Historians and in 2002 completed a term as its president. He has also completed a term on the state's Cultural Properties Review Commission.
Mead lives in a house designed by Bart Prince and has written extensively about Prince's work.
This free, public presentation culminates a day long, campus wide event during which UNM celebrates the City of Albuquerque's Tricentennial during architecture month.
Mead's lecture is an installment in the UNM School of Architecture and Planning's John Gaw Meem Lecture Series. For more information, call 277-5885.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
The 7th annual New Mexico Data Users conference takes place Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the University of New Mexico Continuing Education Conference Center, 1634 University Blvd. NE. Sessions will held in Ballroom C. The annual event is presented by UNM’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER).
This year’s speakers are from a variety of organizations including: BBER; UNM’s Division of Government Research; the U.S. Census Bureau; Albuquerque Public Schools; and New Mexico Voices for Children.
Included in the conference are sessions related to demographic and population data — 2010 decennial census reengineering, details about the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the American FactFinder web site and key decennial concepts, analysis of map patterns in demographic data, and methods used by BBER in population estimation.
Other sessions include exploring the use of economic data — gross receipts tax data for community economic assessment, data sources and techniques for analyzing local economies, and how small businesses profit from census information; and special topics sessions — working poor families in New Mexico/the state of working New Mexico and Kids Count data, community data for educational decisions and education data, and an overview of Census Bureau programs between the decennial censuses.
Dr. Larry Waldman, BBER senior economist, will be the luncheon speaker, presenting a review of New Mexico’s recent economic performance and a short-term economic outlook.
The annual Data Users Conference has become a valued learning experience for businesses, government agencies, service organizations and students.
Registration is $45 per person and includes all conference materials, continental breakfast, beverage breaks and a luncheon buffet.
For more information and a registration form go to BBER’s web site at Data Users Conference, or call 277-3038 or 277-3142.
Contacts: Kevin Kargacin, (505) 277-3038; Betsy Eklund, (505) 277-3142 or
Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
The UNM Religious Studies Program and Southwest Institute on Religion and Civil Society launch a year-long series of public events titled Nexus: Religion in the Public University.
The series will involve nationally-prominent speakers on issues of religion in the public arena, along with moderated discussions between local religious clergy and university faculty.
The first speaker, on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at noon in the SUB Ballroom, will be Dr. Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York, who will present, "Failure of Environmentalism -- and What Religious Congregations Can Do About It."
For more information visit, http://www.unm.edu/~religion and click on upcoming events.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
The University of New Mexico will celebrate 16 de septiembre, or Mexican Independence Day, this Friday with a special scholarship presentation. Festivities start with a flag raising with Banda de Guerra at Scholes Hall at 11:45 a.m. followed with a march to the Student Union Building (SUB) where Baile Folklorico dancers and singers will perform in the SUB atrium.
The scholarship will be presented at 1 p.m. to classical guitarist Omar Villanueva, a graduate student in Fine Arts. Among those at the presentation will be Mexican Consul Joan Solana, Vice President for Student Affairs Eliseo Torres and Director of El Centro de la Raza Veronica Mendez-Cruz.
The scholarship is the result of a donation of artwork from Teran, a famed Mexican artist known as Naret. His donation included two original oil paintings, 21 giclee reproductions and more than 100 lithographs. He contributed a collection of his work to fund a scholarship benefiting Mexican students who wish to study in UNM’s College of Fine Arts.
This summer, the Honorable Juan Manuel Solana, consul of Mexico, hosted a reception auction of Naret’s work, co-hosted by the College of Fine Arts. Thus far, sale of the art has raised nearly $6,000, with an additional $4,000 match from Dr. Eliseo Torres, UNM vice president for Student Affairs.
Teran is unable to attend due to health concerns so he will be represented by his niece Yvette Vasques Elias.
“Opening doors to exchange programs between UNM and Mexico provides diversity of learning as well as creating a gateway in the fence between our two countries, and enhances and enriches the education of all our students,” Mendez-Cruz said.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
The University of New Mexico School of Law will host a half-day conference Friday, Oct. 7, titled “Speaking Law to Terror: The Rule of Law in the War on Terrorism” in rm. 2401 at the law school, 1117 Stanford NE.
Two afternoon panel discussions will shed light on important contemporary issues in international law.
UNM School of Law professor Jennifer Moore said that the conference “presents an opportunity to engage in an essential dialogue about the relevance of both international law and the U.S. Constitution to the counter-terrorism policy of the U.S. government. This dialogue will be enriched by the participation of our distinguished guest presenters given their expertise and practical experience grappling with these issues.”
The first discussion, “The Relevance of the Geneva Conventions to the War on Terrorism,” is from 1-2:45 p.m. and will be chaired by UNM School of Law Professor Norman Bay. Panelists include Jennifer Moore, Geoff Loane, head of U.S.-Canada Regional Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross, and Professor John Yoo, University of California School of Law at Boalt Hall.
Loane has headed ICRC delegations in Serbia and East Africa. He has also managed ICRC relief activities worldwide. Loane has published articles and books on humanitarian concerns.
Yoo was a deputy assistant attorney general in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2001 to 2003, where he worked on issues involving foreign affairs, national security and the separation of powers. He argues that interrogations of detainees captured in the war on terrorism are not regulated by the Geneva Conventions. Yoo is the author of “ War, Peace, and the Constitution” and has published articles in leading U.S. law journals.
Moore served with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees from 1991 to 1995 in West Africa. Her scholarship focuses on the relationship between international refugee protection and human rights. Moore argues that both the Geneva Conventions and international human rights norms govern the treatment of persons detained in the war on terrorism.
A second discussion, “The Treatment of Persons Detained by the U.S. Government” is scheduled from 3-4:45 p.m. UNM School of Law Professor Sherri Burr will chair. Panelists include Professor Jordan Paust, University of Houston Law Center, and Philip Sundel, deputy legal advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross.
Paust is an expert on international law. He is the author of several books and more than 150 articles and essays addressing international legal issues. He often advises media and other organizations. Paust co-chairs the International Criminal Law Interest Group of the American Society of International Law.
Sundel served in a variety of legal positions for the U.S. Navy from 1990 to 2004. In his last Navy assignment, he was defense counsel in the military tribunal of accused Yemenese terrorist Ali Hamza Ahmed Sulayman al Bahlul. Sundel publicly complained that the tribunal process lacked the necessary checks and balances to be fair. He joined the Washington Delegation of the ICRC in June 2005.
Members of the State Bar of New Mexico who attend the conference may receive 4.2 general continuing legal education credits. The conference is free if not attended for credit. The CLE registration form is posted on the law school events calendar at http://lawschool.unm.edu/.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
The New Mexico Sentencing Commission released the 2005 version of the New Mexico Criminal Justice Resource Directory and the Juvenile Justice Program Inventory.
For the first time, both reports were posted on the New Mexico Sentencing Commission's Web site. The Criminal Justice Resource Directory is a comprehensive catalog of local, state, tribal and federal criminal and juvenile justice contacts for New Mexico. The Juvenile Justice Program Inventory is a statewide catalog of the programs available for juveniles in need of services. Listings include agencies, programs and services in law enforcement, courts, corrections, human services and juvenile areas.
Each program listing includes information such as the program name and contact information. The Web site is a source for legislators, analysts researching information on criminal justice and the general public.
The Criminal Justice Resource Directory receives approximately 50,000 inquiries a month and the Juvenile Justice Program Inventory receives about 18,000 inquiries. The Web site for the New Mexico Sentencing Commission is www.nmsc.state.nm.us.
Contact: Maya Oliver, (505) 277-5915
Anne Taylor, professor, Architecture and Planning, will be given a Faculty Acknowledgement Award by University Libraries on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. Taylor will give a lecture titled, “The Knowing Eye: Linking Architecture and Education through Learning Environment Design,” in the Willard Reading Room of Zimmerman Library. The event is free and open to the public.
Photo: Anne Taylor, professor, School of Architecture and Planning
Taylor has been teaching art and architectural education for more than 35 years. Her research includes the effects of the environment on learning and behavior of children and the teaching of architecture and design education to public, private school teachers, students and architecture students. She currently has a book in process through UNM Press, “The Knowing Eye, Linking Architecture and Education Through Learning Environment Design.”
Taylor at UNM
Anne Taylor has handled a number of positions at UNM including associate dean in the Graduate School, and Professors in the Department of Art Education at the College of Education. During her years at the School of Architecture and Planning Taylor has raised more than one million dollars for research and development.
Faculty Acknowledgement Program
The University Library Faculty Acknowledgement Award recognizes faculty for significant achievements in research and other scholarly/creative publications and projects at the university.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
In preparation for the rollout of the new voicemail system, Telecommunications will conduct several training sessions on the new system for departmental administrators or departmental coordinators of phone service.
Each 30-minute session will cover using the tutorial to setup a mailbox, tips on utilizing the features of the new system and the primary differences between the current and new voicemail system.
Training Schedule
Session 1: Monday, September 26, 10 a.m.
Location: SUB, Lobo A & B
Session 2: Tuesday, September 27, 1 p.m.
Location: SUB, Acoma A &B
Session 3: Thursday, September 29, 10 a.m.
Location: SUB, Lobo A & B
Session 4: Friday, September 30, 1 p.m.
Location: SUB, Acoma A & B
Registration is not required for the training sessions.
The enrollment period for the transition to the new voicemail system begins on Monday Sept. 26 and extends through Friday, Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. Instructions for subscribing to the new system will be posted on the Telecommunications web site prior to the enrollment period.
For more information about the new voicemail system contact Telecommunications at 277-1111, option 1.
The University of New Mexico joins colleges and universities across the United States to celebrate America's first Constitution Day on Friday, Sept. 16. This day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.
This past year Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia succeeded in passing a law designating Sept. 17 Constitution Day and requiring all higher education institutions receiving federal funds to hold educational programs on the Constitution on this day. Since Sept. 17 falls on a Saturday this year, the events will be held on Friday, Sept. 16.
UNM Political Science Lecturer Peter Kierst will deliver, “The Constitution and the Idea of America,” a brown bag presentation at noon in the Student Union Building Acoma Room.
Also in SUB Acoma Rooms A & B, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., individuals can pick up a free copy of a pocket-sized book, “American Legacy: The United States Constitution and other Essential Documents of American Democracy.”
“We have ordered 1,000 free copies of ‘American Legacy,' a collection that includes not only the full text of the Constitution but also excerpts from ‘The Emancipation Proclamation,' Sojourner Truth's ‘Ain't I a Woman,' Learned Hand's ‘The Spirit of Liberty,' and Martin Luther King Jr.'s ‘I Have a Dream,'” said Vera Norwood, interim dean, UNM College of Arts and Sciences.
“The significance of Constitution Day is to remind us that democratic republics require active and informed citizens. We encourage students to drop by to meet and talk with faculty and other students with a passion for understanding basic concepts of constitutional government such as justice, authority, privacy and responsibility,” Norwood said.
Pre-Law advisor Ellen Grigsby will be available with materials on law school applications and admissions. Students from the Political Science Honor Society and UNM's Pre-Law Honor Society will also participate. Videos related to key moments in American democracy, including the award-winning series, “Eyes on the Prize,” will be screened throughout the event. Faculty teaching courses in constitutional history and law have been invited to provide copies of course syllabi and to meet interested students.
An informational follow-up event, “Speaking Law to Terrorism,” a law school conference, is scheduled Friday, Oct. 7. National speakers will address U.S. constitutional law, as well as international law applications, in the context of the war on terrorism.
“Constitution Day provides students a high quality venue to consider critical current issues with regard to the interpretation of the Constitution as a living document. Our events on Sept. 16 are meant to provide direct knowledge of the Constitution and its connection to other historic documents that encompass essential ideas of American democracy,” Norwood said.
This event is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Law School, the Provost's Office and the President's Office.
Contact: Caronlyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Imagine a school pageant performed by characters from “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Xena:Warrior Princess.” Add sketch-comedy humor and an abundance of insight. Intrigued? Stop imagining and take a fun, campy romp to see the UNM Department of Theatre and Dance production of “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” in Rodey Theatre at UNM campus from Oct. 7-22.
“The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” is playwright Paul Rudnick’s response to religious fundamentalists who claim “God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.” Rudnick follows the lives of Adam and Steve — and Jane and Mabel — from the Creation to the first brunch. They endure the Flood, visit Pharaoh’s Egypt, attend the Nativity and experience the wonders and pains of modern day relationships. Reminiscent of medieval Passion plays where popular characters were inserted into Bible stories to entertain while teaching, the lessons here are tolerance and understanding, taught with loads of laughter and fun. Rudnick, who is known for “I Hate Hamlet” and “Jeffrey,” moves us to consider life and relationships from new perspectives.
Director Hal Simons is completing a master’s degree in directing at UNM. His directing credits include Musical Theatre Southwest, the Off-Broadway revival of “Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill,” several national tours and numerous regional, stock and university productions. The cast includes Jeff Anderson as Adam, Charlie Dearing as Steve, Merritt Glover as Jane, and Meghan Bode as Mabel. The scenic design is by UNM faculty member Richard Hess, costume design by Cassidy Zachary and Stephanie Lewis, and lighting design by Leonard Madrid.
“The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” plays Oct. 7, 8, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. It contains adult situations, language and brief nudity. No one under 17 years of age will be admitted without a parent or guardian. All tickets are $15 general, $10 faculty/seniors, $8 staff/students and are available through the UNM ticket office at 925-5858, Tickets.com outlets or online at www.unmtickets.com.
Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-5813
The Economics Department at the University of New Mexico will host a seminar titled, Research on Living Wage Ordinances, Monday, Sept. 19, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in the Economics Building (SSCI) rm. 1002. Albuquerque voters will decide on the issue on the Oct. 4 ballot. The seminar is free and open to the public.
Participants include Arindrajit Dube, Michael Reich and Robert Pollin. Dube is a research economist at the Institute of Industrial Relations, and Reich is a professor of Economics and the director of the Institute of Industrial Relations, both at UC Berkeley. Pollin is a professor of Economics and co-director of the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts.
Dube and Reich will discuss their paper titled, “Can a Citywide Minimum Wage Be An Effective Policy Tool? Evidence From San Francisco,” while Pollin will present his paper titled, “Evaluating Living Wage Laws in the United States: Good Intentions and Economic Reality in Conflict?”
There will be a 30-minute question and answer session following the presentations.
Dube’s and Reich’s paper is available for review at: Dube and Reich. Pollin’s is available at: Pollin.
For more information contact Angela Torrez at (505) 277-5304.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
Two University of New Mexico programs are ranked among the top 10 best schools for Hispanics by Hispanic Business magazine, as reported in the Sept. 2005 issue. UNM's medical school is ranked number three and ASM is ranked 10.
Only Stanford and John Hopkins universities came in ahead of UNM's medical school ranking.
UNM's medical school has 77 Hispanic graduate students compared to a total enrollment of 302, representing 25 percent of the total graduate enrollment.
The article notes that UNM's cultural and ethnic programs begin recruitment in middle and high school and that the Dream Makers Health Careers Clubs teach students about the health professions, science and math.
The article states, “The Hispanic and Native American Center of Excellence promotes medical education and career development for students and faculty.”
ASM has a total graduate enrollment of 454. Of those, 99 are Hispanic, representing 21.8 percent of the total graduate enrollment. Of the 130 MBA degrees earned at UNM, 21 of them were by Hispanics, representing 16.2 percent of the total number of MBA degrees earned at UNM.
The article notes that in 2006 Anderson Schools will open an investment center where finance students will manage funds in excess of $2 million.
“Placement for Anderson graduates exceeds 90 percent within three months of graduation,” states the article.
“We are the only flagship state institution that is serving a Hispanic population and also is a major research institution,” the magazine quoted UNM President Louis Caldera.
Caldera pointed to an emphasis on technology, “Even at the business school there is a particular emphasis on the management of technology. We have a program in science, engineering, and business that will guide graduates on how to do a start-up properly,” he was quoted. As a graduate of Harvard Business School's MBA program, Caldera recognizes the need to grow the state's economy through technology and education.
To see a complete list of the rankings, visit Hispanic Business
On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Albuquerque voters will have the opportunity to decide on an increase in the local minimum wage to $7.50 an hour. The proposed increase, which has sparked considerable debate in the Albuquerque business community, will be the subject of a discussion hosted by the ASM at the University of New Mexico.
Participants in the forum include City Councilor Martin Heinrich, UNM Economics Professor Melissa Binder, UNM Business Professor Allen Parkman and Jerry Easley, chair, Albuquerque Employment Growth Initiative.
The free, open public forum will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the UNM Continuing Education Auditorium, 1634 University Blvd., N.E.
Contact: Sophie Martin, (505) 277-7117 or Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
The University of New Mexico is pleased to announce that the LoboCare Clinic is now open. This clinic offers same-day primary care appointments for all UNM and UNM Hospitals employees and their dependents who are enrolled in a UNM or UNMH employer-sponsored health plan at the new LoboCare Clinic, located on the second floor of the Student Health Center.
To setup appointments, call Centralized Scheduling at 272-1623 and ask for a same-day, primary care appointment at the LoboCare Clinic. You may also contact the clinic directly at 272-3935.
The staff of the LoboCare Clinic encourages patients to utilize the UNM Shuttle Service or the fee-based Cornell Parking Structure as parking at the clinic is limited (route map best viewed via Internet Explorer): Parking Map.
Clinic hours
Monday: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (no afternoon session)
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (no afternoon session)
Friday: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on the clinic visit: LoboCare Clinic.
Contact: Valerie Grant, (505) 272-3438
One hundred years ago, Albert Einstein published a paper—the Theory of Special Relativity—that would revolutionize the field of physics. In honor of this important anniversary, the University of New Mexico Honors Program is pleased to welcome noted physics professor Len Zane as the Garrey Carruthers Distinguished Chair in Honors for the fall semester.
Zane is teaching Introduction to Einstein's Spacetime in the honors program and Black Holes and General Relativity in the physics department. He will give a public lecture, “Numbers, Mountains and the Supersonic Fly,” in the Honors Center on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Currently a professor of physics at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas, Zane also served as the dean of UNLV's Honors College. He received his doctorate from Duke University. He was elected president of the National Collegiate Honors Council in 1995 and has published several articles on honors education and physics.
Among Zane's many achievements, he received the Alex and Faye Spanos Distinguished Teaching Award at UNLV in 1985 and the Distinguished Teacher Award in the UNLV College of Sciences in 1982. He is an avid track and cross-country enthusiast, and he also enjoys hiking and climbing mountains.
Zane will occupy the Carruthers Chair through the end of the fall semester. Faculty interested in having him visit a class should call the University Honors Program at 277-4211.
Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-5813
Richard Holder, deputy provost, Academic Affairs, announced that Thomas E. Bogenschild has been selected director of International Programs and Studies at the University of New Mexico. He will assume the position Jan. 3, 2006.
Bogenschild has been director of International and Off-Campus Programs at the University of Notre Dame since 1998. He served as director of that school's international study programs from 1995-98. Previously, he served as associate director of Program in Latin American Studies at Princeton University and also held a post at the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Holder said that after conducting a national search and bringing three candidates to campus, Bogenschild was “the winner.”
“He brings experience, especially in fundraising that will help the department out. He is interested in expanding our student exchange and study abroad programs, something we want,” Holder said.
Bogenschild has developed or facilitated multidisciplinary short-term study tours in Japan, the Czech Republic, Western Australia, Slovenia and in Russia. He has also provided oversight for other programs in France, Austria, Japan, Spain, Chile, Greece, Egypt and Russia.
A Latin Americanist by training, Bogenschild said that he was drawn to UNM because of its “stellar reputation in Latin American Studies.”
He said that he wants to see more UNM students study and research abroad.
“The current percentage of UNM students studying abroad is one percent. It is 60 percent at Notre Dame. A lot has to do with money, but we have lots of opportunities. New Mexico is a multicultural and exciting place. It is useful to look at that from a distance,” he said.
Bogenschild said that UNM's Latin American and Iberian Institute is doing a good job in connecting UNM with those regions.
“We need to develop programs in other plDavid Brookshire. I want to encourage more faculty with expertise in different areas to engage in world affairs through research and study abroad,” he said.
After 10 years at Notre Dame Bogenschild said he was ready for a new challenge.
“We are excited about this appointment,” Holder said.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
The ASM is partnering with the Luminary Series to present Dr. Stephen Covey, author of the best selling business book of all time – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – in-person in Albuquerque at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center on Sept. 22, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to present cutting edge business theories from his new best-seller.
Photo: Dr. Stephen Covey
With the release of his new book, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, at a Luminary Series event last November, Dr. Covey continues to build on his groundbreaking guidance for life and leadership. Dr. Covey’s earlier highly acclaimed bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, has sold over 17 million copies in 38 languages. TIME Magazine named Dr. Covey as one of the 25 most influential people in America for his work as the world’s leading authority in personal and professional development.
Luminary Series conferences and In-Person events are designed to help organizations inspire and cultivate leadership at every level through the discussion of crucial and timely business topics with the leading minds in business management. The events attract participants ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 business executives.
LumaCore is a corporate training and Development Company based in Lexington, Kentucky that specializes in the targeted direct marketing of programs and products for education, professional development and management skills training. Through partnerships with leading business experts and organizations, LumaCore empowers leaders to meet the challenges of today’s changing business environments by applying the industry’s most innovative training solutions with effective, state-of-the-art delivery methods.
UNM faculty, staff, and students are eligible for the discounted $299 registration fee. For registration information, visit www.luminaryseries.com, call (800) 289-0051. For more information contact Gail Kaplan at: (505) 277-3405.
Contacts: Sophie Martin, (505) 277-7117 or Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
Four Navajo women veterans will talk about their military experiences and their role as Navajo women warriors in two events on Monday, September 12, 2005. University Libraries and the Indigenous Nations Library Program will host a brown bag lunch and panel discussion in Zimmerman Library room 102 from noon to 1 p.m.
An event in the Willard Reading Room from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. will include a panel discussion and the screening of a documentary, “Navajo Women Warriors: Sani Dez-Bah, with comments from the director, Alice Carron.
Four Navajo women veterans will accompany Carron. Angela Barney-Nez who now works for the Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker, is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Helena Anthony served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. Mary Cohoe worked for the American Red Cross, but was assigned as a civilian to serve in Vietnam. Barbara Pickering is currently serving with the U.S. Marine Corps at Kirtland Air Force Base.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Contact: Karen Wentworth (505), 277-5627
Grammy award winner Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band will perform in concert at The National Hispanic Cultural Center on Sunday, September 11 at 7 p.m. as part of the center's "Maravilla Caliente" celebration.
Come and dance the night away to the hot Latin rhythms of this world-renowned conguero. Concert tickets are $15 - $25.
Also catch the world premiere of "Keeper of the Flame," a documentary on Sanchez by filmmaker Aracely (Arcie) Chapa, who produced it for the University of New Mexico's Center for Regional Studies.
The documentary premieres at the National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th St. NW on Sunday, September 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets to the showing are $10 and $15.
Concert tickets are $15 - $25. Tickets for both events are available at the NHCC box office and Ticketmaster locations. For more information, call 724-4771.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920.
After extensive research and testing, UNM Telecommunications is ready to provide the campus with a new state-of-the-art voice mail service. Telecom, CIRT and PPD have utilized the system for several months. The Health Sciences Center and UNMH migrated to the new system in August.
The remainder of our voicemail users will migrate to the new system in October. The system will be available for individual account configuration Sept. 26 – Oct. 7. During the week of Sept. 26, Telecommunications will hold several open training sessions to answer questions about subscribing to the new system and discuss differences between the systems.
Over the next several weeks you will be provided with detailed information about how you can prepare for the migration to the new system without missing a message.
Contact: Ann Swancer, (505) 277-0622
The University of New Mexico has stepped up its efforts to aid students currently enrolled in colleges impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The university will defray their costs to attend UNM to the greatest extent possible. UNM President Louis Caldera announced today that this effort comes with the encouragement and support of the legislative leadership, particularly Speaker of the House Ben Lujan and Senate Majority Floor Leader Michael Sanchez, as well as the UNM Board of Regents.
Governor Bill Richardson and Higher Education Secretary Beverlee McClure have called on New Mexico universities to do what they can to help students impacted by the hurricane. Caldera says UNM is heeding that call.
“These are extraordinary circumstances, and as a university, we are reaching out to support these students,” said Caldera. “The best thing we can do is to help them stay on track for graduation.” Caldera commended the Governor, Secretary McClure and the leadership of the House and Senate who have pledged to support these efforts.
“The University of New Mexico is a viable option for enrolled students in the impacted areas,” says Senator Sanchez. “It appears the revenues are available to assist and we are going to do everything we can to help these students and communities that have been terribly impacted by Hurricane Katrina.” Speaker Lujan states that “our hearts go out to these students and their families and we will work to help defray their costs to attend UNM.”
UNM will accept any enrolled student from the affected areas, defraying their costs to the greatest extent possible for as many students as the university can accommodate. This can include tuition, fees, books, room and board and dorm space. These efforts complement the university’s previous decision to open its doors to New Mexico residents enrolled in colleges and universities in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.
Related story: UNM opens doors to students in Gulf Coast region
Contact: Susan McKinsey, (505) 277-1989
The University of New Mexico Water Forum will be held Friday, Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Union Building. This collaborative event will provide an opportunity to connect members of the UNM community with others involved in water-related research and creative activities. The forum is sponsored by the UNM Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.
Topics include global climate change; water and health and international development; water and biological sustainability; water and culture and the arts; and water quality.
Estevan Lopez, Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, will speak on the New Mexico water plan and state research needs. Erik Webb, Sandia National Laboratories and detailed to the staff of Senator Pete Domenici, will talk about the Department of Energy Water Centers. A panel discussion will feature water leaders and students.
UNM Assistant Vice President for Research and Professor of Civil Engineering Tim J. Ward is the event organizer.
"A better understanding of water and water issues is going to be important not only to the state of New Mexico but also the region and the nation," said Ward. "As a result of forum, we will increase our understanding of the issues and expect to see more collaborations. I believe it is important that the university community and the general public be aware that UNM is paying close attention to important water issues and plans to focus more efforts towards those issues in the future."
Note to news media: An agenda for the UNM Water Forum is available at http://research.unm.edu/news_events.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
The University of New Mexico's English Graduate Student Association and Department of English Language and Literature will host a marathon reading of Leslie Marmon Silko's Almanac of the Dead (1991) beginning Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of UNM's Student Union Building. Silko, a UNM alumna and former UNM instructor, will open the event.
In the tradition of Purdue and UCLA, a marathon reading is a nonstop public event in which a single literary work is read aloud to an audience from beginning to end. Silko, along with faculty, student and guest readers, will begin reading Almanac of the Dead on Thursday evening, and will continue until all 763 pages have been read.
The event will open in the Student Union Building from 4-9 p.m. After 9 p.m., the reading will continue overnight at a nearby graduate student's home until 8 a.m., when faculty and students will conclude the reading at the EGSA lounge in the Humanities building.
Silko is one of America's most well known Native writers. She was born in Albuquerque in 1948 and grew up on the Laguna Pueblo. She graduated magna cum laude from UNM in 1969 with her bachelor's degree in English. Silko has received numerous awards for her writing, including the Chicago Review and Pushcart prizes for her poetry, a MacArthur Foundation genius award, an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UNM, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and she has been named a Living Cultural Treasure by the New Mexico Endowment of the Humanities. Silko has taught at UNM, the Navajo Community College and the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Almanac of the Dead is a vast novel, spanning five hundred years and presenting some seventy characters. The novel depicts indigenous peoples' resistance to Anglo-European oppression in order to retake their ancestral lands and begin the healing of the world. While some critics have objected to a perceived exaggeration of corruption in Anglo-American society, others have praised the work as a vision of global Native regeneration.
Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-5813
A new program at the University of New Mexico is designed to meet the demand of non-engineering construction professionals who would like to earn a master's degree. The Master of Construction Management program in the UNM Civil Engineering Department was created specifically for construction professionals with a non-engineering degree in a related field.
The program is designed for working professionals with courses scheduled late afternoons, weekends and online. Much of the course focus is on practical issues and industry professionals teach classes. Few prerequisites are required for enrollment. Students may attend full or part time to complete the 32-35-credit requirement.
Professionals who are encouraged to enroll in the program include general or specialty contractors, construction suppliers or distributors designers in engineering or architecture and others.
Applications are now being accepted for spring semester.
Information about the program is available by contacting Dr. Gerald Rounds at (505) 277-3658. Information is also available online at: http://civil.unm.edu/mcm.htm.
University of New Mexico President Louis Caldera announced that UNM has opened its doors to New Mexico residents enrolled in colleges and universities in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.
Caldera issued a memo to faculty yesterday requesting that they accommodate students who wish to enroll at UNM for the fall semester.
“We know that dozens of New Mexico residents have been touched by this tragedy. We are here to help them through this difficult time,” Caldera said. “There is no need for college students to stop-out or fall behind in their coursework this semester,” he said.
Staff moved swiftly to enroll more than a dozen students this week. More are expected to apply, said Terry Babbitt, Admissions and Recruitment Services director.
“It is clear that students and schools are realizing there will be no semester in the New Orleans area. Some students from the universities affected were shipped hundreds of miles away and are now finding their way back to New Mexico,” he said.
The fall semester began Aug. 22. The final day to add classes is Friday. Babbitt said the university would admit and manually register students after the deadline has passed. Most will be temporarily enrolled in non-degree status with the exception of those students who will need immediate financial aid assistance. Students will receive advisement through University College.
UNM faculty in the various degree programs are also willing to personally advise undergraduate and graduate students by phone, email or fax to ease the process.
In addition, approximately 245 students whose original residence is the Gulf Coast region are enrolled at UNM, said Kathleen Sena, registrar. The names were forwarded to the Dean of Students Office. Staff will contact students to offer assistance and counseling, she said.
Students should contact the UNM Admissions Office, 505-277-2447, to enroll.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
Concha Ortiz y Pino de Kleven and Ana Pacheco will appear together on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. in the Willard Reading Room of Zimmerman Library on the University of New Mexico main campus for a reading and book signing.
Photo: Concha Ortiz y Pino de Kleven
The book, “Concha Ortiz y Pino: Matriarch of a 300-year old New Mexico Legacy” was written by Kathryn M. Cordova and published by Ana Pacheco of La Herencia. The book examines Ortiz y Pino’s long life and accomplishments in public service to the state.
Ortiz y Pino has been a state legislator and educator, and she has fought for the rights of women, children and the handicapped through much of the 20th century. After graduating from UNM in 1943, she served five U.S. Presidents on national boards, promoting Upward Bound, the handicapped, health and the humanities.
The reading and book signing is part of the Tricentennial Lecture Series sponsored by the Center for Southwest Research. The CSWR is also sponsoring an exhibit on the life of Ortiz y Pino in the west wing of Zimmerman Library. Both the lecture and exhibit are free and open to the public.
Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627