Each year more Americans become familiar with the Mexican tradition of Dias de Los Muertos – the Day of the Dead. Celebrated on Nov. 1, the day is based on the ancient belief that one day each year the dead are given divine permission to visit their relatives and friends. Dias de Los Muertos can help teach Americans to be more comfortable with the dying process, says Dr. Judith Kitzes, professor and section chief for Internal Medicine's Palliative Care division.
From trails of marigolds and food to altars built to honor the deceased, the Mexican view of death as a natural consequence of living has been hailed by many healthcare professionals as much healthier than the modern American view that all too often greets death and dying with fear and avoidance.
“Too often in our society, people are terrified of dying,” says Kitzes. Technology has increased lifespans yet made death seem to be more distant – almost as a personal failure to some people, she said. Yet to be able to discuss death as a family as a member is dying can provide meaning to patients as well as those who love them.
The teaching hospitals associated with the UNM HSC School of Medicine report an average of 750 inpatient deaths a year with major causes being such chronic condition as neoplasm, heart and pulmonary disease and diabetes.
Training physicians to work with those patients and to be involved in end-of-life decision making is the goal of a $200,000 grant the UNM Health Sciences has received from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation. The grant includes medical school training as well as outreach continuing education programs that physicians from throughout the state can access, and working with diverse populations to incorporate family into end-of-life decision making.
“We need to move away from the fear that has been engineered within this society during the last century and more toward seeing death as a part of life,” said Kitzes.
Contact: Cindy Foster, (505) 272-0260
“The World of Thomas Jefferson & Sally Hemings at Monticello: Archaeological Perspectives on a Slave Society,” is the topic of the 21st Journal of Anthropological Research Distinguished Lecture at UNM. Fraser Neiman, Ph.D., will give the talk Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the UNM Anthropology Lecture Hall, rm. 163.
The lecture will explore archaeology and what it tells us about the world of masters and slaves, that Jefferson, in one of the great ironies of American history, helped to create and maintain.
Neiman is director of archaeology at Monticello and a lecturer in the departments of anthropology & architectural history at the University of Virginia. He received his Ph.D. from Yale in 1990 and is best known for his evolutionary ecological approach to archeology.
Neiman is a specialist in the archeology of the slave-based society of Tidewater Virginia and was instrumental in creating a digital archaeological archive of colonial slavery. Most notably, he has been involved in the recent research that led to the conclusion that Thomas Jefferson fathered all six children of Sally Hemings, one of his slaves.
Neiman will also present a specialized seminar on Friday, Nov. 4 at noon in Anthropology, rm. #178. The topic will be “Commodities as costly signals: The case of tobacco pipes in 17th century Jamestown, Va.”
Both events are free and open to the public and are wheelchair accessible.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
The University of New Mexico's Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) has won the grand prize award for the 2004-2005 University Drinking and Driving Prevention Program. The award will be presented by AAA New Mexico on Wednesday, November 2, at 10:30 a.m. in front of Zimmerman Library on the UNM campus. The presentation is part of Red Ribbon Day, an alcohol-awareness event sponsored by UNM's Student Health Center.
The Grand Prize is given to the best college or university drinking and driving prevention program among several states with AAA affiliations. UNM competed against programs in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The goal of the competition is to recognize and promote model drinking and driving programs and alcohol abuse prevention programs and activities on college campuses.
UNM's COSAP won the 2005 Grand Prize for establishing Project TARGET (Targeting At-Risk Groups with Environmental and Theory-based strategies). Previously, UNM won the state award in 1998 for the "Alcohol Awareness and Education" program and again in 2001 for the "Designated Drivers Do It for Friends" program.
The College and University Drinking and Driving Prevention Awards Program was initiated in 1997 by the Automobile of Southern California and the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, a role now assumed by the Center for College Health and Safety.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
Arden L. Bement Jr., director of the National Science Foundation will make opening remarks on Friday, Nov. 4 at the opening session of an NSF conference in Albuquerque. The purpose of the NSF Day, arranged by U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, is to identify the most promising research opportunities and to hone New Mexico’s competitive edge in securing additional NSF research investments in areas of study that will help spur the state’s economy.
UNM President Louis Caldera and UNM Vice President for Research and Economic Development Terry Yates will also speak at the opening session. Representatives from all three New Mexico research universities are expected to attend.
The conference comes at a time when research universities are facing greater competition for research dollars, especially in the physical sciences. Medical research is experiencing more generous funding, but there has been increasing pressure from the NSF and other federal granting agencies to encourage research on short-term projects aimed at applications for research rather than long-term research into basic scientific questions.
Discussions will include the NSF proposal and merit review process, special interest and cross-disciplinary programs and EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) regional collaborations. Afternoon sessions include information about research possibilities in biological sciences, computer and information science and engineering, education and human resources, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social behavioral and economic sciences.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
President Louis Caldera recently donated a pair of used eyeglasses to the Albuquerque Lion’s Club to kick off a UNM public service effort. The Staff Council, in conjunction with UNM Recycling, has set up permanent eyeglass collection boxes at the Student Health Center and other campus sites. Staff, students and faculty can readily donate eyeglasses that will be recycled and hand-delivered by the Lion’s Club to developing countries.
Student Health Center Director Beverly Kloeppel, Lion’s Club members Harry and Doris Kovaschetz, UNM Recycling Coordinator Dean Jojola, and Staff Council representatives David Grothe, Mimi Swanson, Shelley Rael, Kathy Meadows and Karin Retskin also helped kick off the venture at the Student Health Center drop site.
“Helen Keller in 1925 challenged the Lion’s Clubs to be the knights of the blind,” Kovaschtz said, noting that since 1996 the Lions have traveled throughout New Mexico to conduct adult eye health screenings.
Retskin said the Staff Council keeps an eye out for public service opportunities.
“This summer we added an eyeglass collection to our Celebrating Staff Week and more than 500 pairs of glasses were donated from all over campus. Many staff asked for permanent collection sites on campus and the idea was born,” Retskin said.
Retskin also noted that Halloween marks Sight Night, a national collection drive conducted annually by Give the Gift of Sight, a family of charitable vision care programs sponsored by the LensCrafters Foundation in conjunction with Lions Clubs International.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
Ellen Cosgrove, the Health Sciences Center’s Senior Associate Dean of Education, has much to celebrate. The Alliance for Continuing Medical Education has selected Cosgrove to receive the 2006 President’s Award for her outstanding leadership and contribution to education and competence for future medical professionals. In addition this nationally esteemed award, Cosgrove has been selected as a Visiting Professor at the University of Tokyo (Todai), International Research Center for Medical Education, Graduate School of Medicine.
Photo: Ellen Cosgrove, HSC Sr. Associate Dean of Education
The American selection committee, led by Thomas Inui, head of the Regenstrief Institute at the University of Indiana, chose Cosgrove based on her prominent experience and dedication to curriculum design and improvement. After a rigorous national search, the Ministry of Education in Japan and University of Tokyo faculty made the final selection.
The oldest and most prestigious university in Japan, the University of Tokyo is taking strides to strengthen its medical program with a more hands-on approach while integrating the importance for public health. From November 2005 to May 2006, Cosgrove will lend her knowledge and expertise to help reform the university’s medical curriculum to more effectively train future medical leaders.
“This opportunity will in turn enhance the curriculum here at UNM,” Cosgrove asserts. “My efforts in Japan will be an extension of the project I have been working on at UNM to integrate public health into the School of Medicine. The key difference here at UNM is viewing public health not as an elective but as an integral component of the curriculum of all medical students. This will equip our graduates to address pressing health issues in New Mexico.”
John Russell, M.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, will act as Senior Associate Dean of Education until Cosgrove returns next May.
The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center provides added value to health care through leadership in providing innovative, collaborative education; advancing frontiers of science through research critical to the future of health care; delivering health care services that are at the forefront of science; and facilitating partnerships with public and private biomedical and health enterprises. For more information on the UNM Health Sciences Center, visit http://hsc.unm.edu.
Contact: Luke Frank, (505) 272-3679
UNM President Louis Caldera and U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye from Hawaii were the speakers at the opening of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy in Los Angeles, California this morning.
The non-profit, non-partisan educational institution provides tools for living democratically in a diverse American society. The National Center works to inspire youth to be active, informed participants in shaping democracy in America. It explores the stories of culturally and ethnically diverse individuals and communities that have contributed to democracy in America.
President Caldera spoke at the opening ceremonies as an example of someone who has spent his life in public service. He is the son of immigrant parents from Mexico, who was nominated to West Point. After graduation, he served in the Army, and then attended Harvard Law School where he received his J.D. He also earned an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
After practicing law for several years, Caldera was elected to the California State Assembly, where he served three terms. He was appointed Secretary of the Army by President Bill Clinton, leaving to become a vice chancellor in the California State University System. He was appointed President of the University of New Mexico in 2003.
The National Center for the Preservation of Democracy has a number of programs for high school age students that encourage them to work together to organize community service projects. There are also professional development programs for classroom teachers and community mentors. More information about the center can be found at www.ncdemocracy.org
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
American Indian high school seniors from across New Mexico and Northeast Arizona will learn more about higher education at the University of New Mexico's “American Indian Student Day” on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
On-site admission, information about scholarships, financial aid, tutoring and student life will be available.
UNM President Louis Caldera will introduce keynote speaker Semana Seukteoma, a regents' scholar of Laguna and Hopi heritage, at 11 a.m. in the Student Union ballroom.
For more information, call UNM American Indian Student Services, 277-6343.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915, lmellas@unm.edu
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $1 million multi-year cooperative agreement to the Alliance for Transportation Research Institute (ATR) at the University of New Mexico. This will allow continuation of the Transportation Resource Exchange Center (T-REX), a one-stop shop designed to provide current information and issues on the transport of radioactive materials worldwide. Information is available to researchers, tribal, state and local governments, advocacy groups, news professionals and the public.
“The T-REX Center has been operating for more than nine years and is used by interested parties from all over the world. We have created a virtual library that will assist all levels of users in the study of the transportation of radioactive materials, from national policymakers to students," said Judith Espinosa, director of the ATR Institute.
The T-Rex Center features timely and relevant information on the transport of radioactive materials and wastes and can be found on the web at www.trex-center.org. The center archives and collates thousands of pages of documents on radioactive materials transport and has specialized features to make information and news searches more productive and faster.
The site contains more than 1,200 Web links and 150,000 pages of documents relating to all facets of radioactive materials transportation. A key feature is the “Headlines” link highlighting relevant news headlines and stories on radioactive materials transportation from across the nation and internationally.
For those needing more personal attention or direct assistance with researching topics and issues, T-REX houses an on-call library and reference service at 1-877- 287-TREX (8739). Users can call and speak with a researcher who will guide them to their particular topic, answer questions, or find a document or report. The email address is trex@unm.edu.
T-REX Center was launched as a cooperative arrangement with the ATR Institute/UNM and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
The University of New Mexico School of Law will present the 12th Distinguished Achievement Awards Dinner today, Oct. 28 in the UNM Student Union Building Ballroom. This year's honorees are Richard Gerding, Tommy Jewell and Ruth Kovnat. The event will open with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.
Gerding graduated from the UNM School of Law in 1964. His legal career has focused on litigation and hospital-related issues since he began private practice in 1965. He serves on the state Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism and in 2003 received the State Bar of New Mexico's Professionalism Award.
Jewell graduated from the UNM School of Law in 1979. He has served as a trial judge for 21 years, first in the Bernaliilo County Metropolitan Court and then in the Second Judicial District's Children's Court until his retirement on Sept. 30. He currently serves on the State Justice Institute Board of Directors, to which he was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1995.
Kovnat became the first female law professor at Temple University School of Law and one of the first in the nation in 1971. Four years later, she joined the faculty at the UNM School of Law, where she concentrated her scholarship on environmental law, constitutional law and federal jurisdiction. She served as associate dean for academic affairs from 1991-1994 and became an emerita professor in 1999.
For tickets and information call Carmen Rawls at 277-8184. This event is sponsored by Keleher & McLeod, PA and Modrall Sperling Roehl Harris & Sisk, PA.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915, e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu
The University of New Mexico will invite African American high school juniors and seniors to campus to learn more about UNM and what it has to offer during “African American Student Day” on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The theme of this year's event is “Serving the Leaders of Tomorrow.” Up to 400 students are expected to attend.
Students will tour the campus, attend an informational fair and participate in a student discussion panel. They will also learn about financial aid, tutoring, the application process and general student life.
The event is hosted by Lobo Recruitment, African American Student Services and the Black Student Union. The occasion has been a tradition since the 1980s.
“African American Student Day gives us an opportunity to expose African American students statewide to post-secondary education and what is available right here in their backyard,” said Scott Carreathers, director of African American Student Services
For more information, call UNM African American Student Services, 277-5645.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
Award recognizes his work in research, service and teaching
The American Folklore Society recently presented Enrique Lamadrid, University of New Mexico professor of Spanish and director of Chicano / Hispano / Mexicano Studies, with the Américo Paredes Prize, a national award given in recognition of his work as a cultural activist in research, community service and teaching.
Photo: Enrique Lamadrid
Lamadrid is known for organizing expeditions and engaging students in his field work projects, in the Sierra Tarahumara of Chihuahua, the pilgrims’ roads of Spain, and in the ports of the Caribbean, “wherever Nuevo Mexicanos and Latinos have their roots,” he said.
Over the years he has led several student expeditions south to Zacatecas, Durango and Chihuahua to research the cultural roots and routes of New Mexico. Grads and undergrads were involved in developing and testing the exhibit scripts, and a student photography in the Camino Real International Heritage Center permanent exhibit, slated for its grand opening in November, is also included.
Lamadrid’s community-based research on hybrid culture, festivals and traditional narrative poetry has attracted international recognition. Two of his books have won the Southwest Book Award from the Border Librarians Association and in 2004 his long-term project “Hermanitos Comanchitos: Indo-Hispano Rituals of Captivity and Redemption” won the University of Chicago Folklore Prize for ethnographic writing.
The American Folklore Society also commended him for a body of popular writing done for the general public, in museum and festival guides, newspapers and websites. Lamadrid’s nomination letter states, “few academics take the time to make their work so accessible to everyday people.”
Curatorial work has been another priority, since the museum is “a kind of enriched and super-charged classroom space, Lamadrid said, “Where learning continues even when the teacher is no longer present.” He is a guest curator for the Camino Real exhibit, and has been a curatorial consultant for national and international exhibitions including two with Smithsonian Institution, Corridos sin Fronteras, on the narrative ballad traditions of greater Mexico, and El Río, on traditional culture, environment and sustainability in the Río Grande watershed.
El Río is slated to come to UNM’s Maxwell Museum in 2007. In addition, Chicano / Hispano / Mexicano Studies is a partner with the Northern New Mexico Historical Society and their new community museum in Questa. The Professor, known as “el profe” by his students, typically builds courses around exhibits. The El Río course will include trips to Colorado and South Texas plus an expedition down Santa Elena canyon in Big Bend.
The Américo Paredes Prize is named for pioneer Tejano folklorist whose revisionist scholarship and mentorship are legendary. In the 1950s he challenged the Texas academic establishment and their heroic portrayal of the Texas Rangers by demonstrating that the true heroes were the Texas Mexicans who stood up for their rights against all odds. It was also Paredes, who in 1981 broadened the scope of Chicano Studies in a critical time at the University of Texas at Austin by re-christening it Mexican-American Studies.
“It is a particular honor for me to receive the Paredes Prize,” Lamadrid said. “Don Américo is one of my most important mentors. He had the courage and vision to do the right thing, in both his research and his leadership.”
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Yesterday’s Work+Life Manager/Supervisor Award ceremony at the SUB ballroom was standing room only for the second consecutive year. The annual event is co-sponsored by the Department of Human Resources and the Staff Council Work+Life Committee.
The awards committee received 75 nominations hailing the management practices of 30 of UNM's managers and supervisors. Babs Baker, department administrator in the College of Fine Arts Department of Art and Art History, was announced the victor. Associate Vice President for Human Resources Susan Carkeek presented Baker with the spoils – an engraved plaque and $1,000 award. Guests honored Baker with a standing ovation.
“I always believed that managers work for the employees they supervise,” Baker said, accepting the award that recognizes managers and supervisors who foster a work environment that assists faculty and staff in balancing personal and UNM responsibilities.
A 24-year employee of art and art history, Baker is noted for promoting flextime, employee exercise programs and career development. The award was created with Baker in mind, a nominator said.
Another nominator wrote: “She is an athlete, a gardener, an artist and a community servant who has been unrelenting in promoting better lifestyle choices for her staff.”
A coworker wrote, “Overall, Babs realizes that it’s in the department’s best interest to have a staff full of healthy, happy, and fulfilled employees.”
The 2005 work+life award nominees are: Adriana Aceves, Mathematics and Statistics; Ralph Alires, Physical Plant; Alexander Aller, Parking and Transportation; Jim Anderson, Banking, Taxation & Investments; Elizabeth Barton, Admissions; John Brandt, Cancer Research & Treatment Center; Julie Bustamante, College of Arts & Sciences; Denise Corcoran, Extended University; Veronica Mendez-Cruz, El Centro de la Raza; Ron Darling, Health Sciences Library; James W. Davis, Division of Government Research; Dr. William Gannon, Animal Care & Compliance; Danita Gomez, Evening and Weekend Programs; Andy Gutierrez,CIRT/AIS; Judith Liddell, Center for Development & Disability; Sandra Carter-Mayes, CIRT; Dr. Martha McGrew, Family and Community Medicine; Susan McKinsey, Communication and Marketing; Linda Miller, CIRT; Douglas Nelson, General Accounting; Lorraine Parker, Department of Neurology; Catherine Penick, Human Research Protections; Marie St. Claire, Anesthesiology; Mimi Swanson, Human Resources; Bret Tallent, SOM Office of Research; Annie Verchick, Telecommunications; Chelsa Walker, Physics & Astronomy; Kevin Wiley, Health Sciences Library and Dr. Robert Williams, RIOS Net.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
The University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning recently hosted an event to honor students receiving scholarships and awards in architecture, planning and landscape architecture. The event culminated in honoring Van Gilbert as the year's distinguished alum.
The Frontier/Golden Pride scholarships went to Tanya Johnson, architecture; Nathania Tsosie, planning; and Sasha Needham, landscape architecture.
Brett Mulligan received four awards: the Allen Stamm Travel Fellowship, the Consensus Planning Award for Excellence in Design for a second year student, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) book award for the second year student with the highest academic standing, and a New Mexico Graduate Scholars award.
Nicholas Reisen received the Travis Freeman Travel Prize.
Crystal Doerry received a Presidential Scholarship, Robert Williams a Regents Graduate Fellowship, Savannah Gene received the American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers award, and Ian Black received the Performing Arts Scholarship.
Award recipients in Community and Regional Planning included Mikaela Renz and Maggie Adams, recipients of Charna E. Staten Community and Regional Planning Scholarships.
Others planning students receiving the New Mexico Graduate Scholars award included Meghan Bayer, Anne Oandasan, Vicente Quevedo, Nicole Sanchez and Frances Martin.
Tawny Allen received two awards as a student in landscape architecture. She received the Sites Southwest Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design and the Design Workshop Award for Excellence in Design for a third year student.
Peter Wong received two awards: the Elizabeth Reardon Award for Excellence in Construction Technology and the Resource Technology Inc. Award for Excellence in Design for a first year student. Lisa Burkstaller also received two awards: the Elizabeth Reardon Award in Planting Design and a New Mexico Graduate Scholars award.
Susannah Abbey received the ASLA Book Award for a first year student with the highest academic standing. She also received a New Mexico Graduate Scholars award.
Kristen Kornienko received the ASLA Book Award for the third year student with the highest academic standing.
Other landscape architecture students receiving the New Mexico Graduate Scholars award include Felicitas Banuelos, Ian Daitz and Daniel Mallach.
Six architecture students received awards in the Rinker Materials Student Design Competition. They are: Kristen Schulte, Jessica Medrano, Danny Hart, Bryce Townsend, Alex Alvarado and Lance Begaye.
The Antoine Predock Scholarship went to Ana Petkovic.
Awarded for work in the 300 level architecture studio was Sandra Johnson, while Susanne Goss was honored for the 400 level studio.
American Institute of Architects New Mexico honored Kim Yactor and Dam Wilmes. AIA Santa Fe honored Carolyn Mead and AIA Albuquerque honored Steve Dixon. Dixon also received a New Mexico Graduate Scholars award.
The Kevin Ryan Scholarship went to Miles Cook, while the Matthew Smilovits Memorial Scholarship went to Andrew Werth.
Fourteen other architecture students received New Mexico Graduate Scholars awards. They are: Shantarahill Thomas, William Powel, Noreen Richards, Heather Yencho, Caroline Itoi, Jeremy Alford, Veree Parker, James Olsen, Eliza Linde, James Fox, Jennifer Facio, Thea Bosey, Louvenia Magee and Eric Ghahate.
Recipients of the Jim and Rebecca Long Scholarships, awarded to students in the graduate certificate program in historic preservation and regionalism, included Cynthia Martin, Patricia Lee and Josef Diaz.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Dr. Joseph Sánchez, Director of the Spanish Colonial Research Center at UNM, will speak about the partnership between the National Park Service and the University of New Mexico, a partnership designed to enhance the prominent collection of Spanish Colonial and Mexican Period documents that are located in the Center for Southwest Research (CSWR) in Zimmerman Library . . His lecture, “Spanish Colonial Documents at UNM: An Incomparable Legacy,” will be given on Nov. 2, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Willard Reading Room of Zimmerman Library.
Prior to his career with the National Park Service, Dr. Sánchez was a professor of Colonial Latin American History at the University of Arizona, Tucson. In April 2005 he was inducted into la Orden de Isabel la Católica as Knight Commander by King don Juan Carlos of Spain, one of Spain's most prestigious awards given to a foreigner.
The Spanish Colonial Research Center has developed and maintains a database of documents obtained from the national archives in Spain, France, Mexico, Great Britain and Italy. This collection truly complements the heroic efforts in the 1930s and ‘40s made by UNM scholars France V. Scholes, Lansing Bloom, Elizabeth West, George P. Hammond and others to gather copies of documents in Spain and Mexico.
When those early researchers retired by the mid-20th century, the effort to collect these documents ended. In 1986 the Spanish Colonial Research Center picked up the challenge and has added nearly 100,000 pages of documents and 5,000 copies of maps, plans and sketches to the CSWR collection.
Dr. Sánchez is the superintendent of the Petroglyph National Monument and the founder and editor of the “Colonial Latin American Historical Review (CLAHR).” His published works include: “The Rio Abajo Frontier, 1540-1692,” “Spanish Bluecoats: The Catalonian Volunteers in Northwestern New Spain, 1767-1810,” “The Aztec Chronicles: The True History of Christopher Columbus by Quilaztli of Texcoco,” “Explorers, Traders, and Slavers: Forging the Old Spanish Train, 1678-1850, ” “Don Fernando Duran y Chaves's Legacy: A History of the Atrisco Land Grant, 1693-1968,” and “Exploradores, comerciantes y tratantes de esclavos: la forja de la Vieja Ruta Española, 1678-1859.”
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
Julio Dominguez, a fourth year architecture design student in the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning, has been selected as a finalist in the international self-sufficient housing competition by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, in Spain.
Additionally, Assistant Professor Tim Castillo, entering under his firm Hybrid Environments, was also selected as a finalist.
The competition was open to all professionals, designers and students of architecture, urban design and landscape design. These proposals were selected by a jury that reviewed more than 470 entries. Winners will be selected by the end of November.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzlaes, (505) 277-5920
"Work+Life = Dollars and Sense," a discussion featuring University of New Mexico business experts Bob Grassberger and Michelle Arthur, is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Student Union building, Santa Ana rooms A&B. The UNM Staff Council will sponsor the free talk.
Grassberger, senior research scientist in the UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research, will share how managing a small company led him to believe in work+life practices. Grassberger was chief operating officer for Vitel, Inc., an Albuquerque start-up that developed knowledge management solutions for the national laboratories. He provides a first-hand account of a work+life friendly employer yielding a more productive workforce. He will also discuss workplace trends and reasons work+life policies will be important to employers in the future.
Associate Professor Michelle Arthur, ASM, was honored this year with the 2005 Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award for Excellence in Work-Family Research, sponsored by Purdue University and Boston College. She will discuss her research and the implications for small and large businesses.
“It is one of the first studies to show a relationship between work-family programs and firm value,” Arthur said. “Researchers have suggested that work-family programs allow firms to attract, retain and increase the efficiency of employees. My research goes a step further by showing that work-family programs affect the bottom-line. In doing so, this study may provide an added incentive for firms to adopt work-family programs.”
For information, call the UNM Staff Council, 277-1532.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
Photographer Subhankar Banerjee will visit the University of New Mexico School of Law to discuss his artwork and its place in the artic refuge oil drilling controversy. His presentation "World Without Borders" is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 2 - 4 p.m. in room 2404
Banerjee quit his engineering job in 2001, cashed in his 401k and headed for the Alaskan artic where he spent nearly two years photographing under harsh conditions. The result of this sojourn is his book, “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land.” Former President Jimmy Carter wrote the introduction.
Banerjee's work became the object of censorship when linked to the battle over drilling for oil in the artic. In September, Banerjee spoke at a rally in Washington D.C. The Lannan Foundation awarded Banerjee its first Cultural Freedom Fellowship for his work to increase public awareness about issues that threaten the health and well being of the planet.
Banerjee's presentation at UNM Law School is free and open to the public. For more information on his work, visit www.wwbphoto.com.
For information on the presentation, contact Sherri Burr, 277-5650.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5920
UNM’s Theatre X announces the sixth annual Words Afire Festival, running Nov. 2 – 20. The festival celebrates The New Wave of UNM Playwrights, a showcase of original works including full-length plays, plays for young audiences and one-act and ten-minute plays written by MFA and undergraduate writers in the Robert Hartung Endowed Dramatic Writing Program in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Plays are world premiere productions written, directed, acted and designed by emerging artists.
This November, the festival will present 13 world premiere productions, six staged readings of new plays in progress and a free feature event by Elana Greenfield at UNM’s Rodey Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5.
Greenfield, an established playwright and Whiting award winner, is a guest artist with the Dramatic Writing Program at UNM this fall. She will speak after staged readings of her works “Nine Come” and “Possessed by a Demon,” featuring members of the Tricklock Company.
Other events at UNM include:
· “The Family Frost” by Terry Davis at Theatre X, Nov. 2 – 5 at 7:30 p.m.
· “Let it Get to You” by Kristen Simpson at Theatre X, Nov. 9 – 12 at 7:30 p.m. (Contains mature content and adult language.)
· “I Sea” by Lou Clark at Theatre X, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m., Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)
· “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire…Then Ashley” by Don Garcia at Theatre X, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m., Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. (Recommended for middle school audiences.)
· “The Zombie Musical” by Marisa DeMarco & Pam Herrington at Theatre X, Nov. 18 – 19 at 10 p.m.
· Staged MFA readings by Maryl McNally, Matt Diel and Lou Clark
Other plays and readings by emerging artists will be performed at Sol Arts (712 Central Ave. SE), Gorilla Tango (519 Central Ave. NW) and the National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 4th St. NW).
Ticket prices range from $3.98 to $7. School matinees and most staged reading performances are free. Tickets are available through the UNM ticket office at 925-5858, Tickets.com outlets or online at www.unmtickets.com. For general information call the Words Afire hotline at 277- 7331 or visit: www.unm.edu/~theatre/td/.
Contact: Jim Linnell, (505) 277-2416
The UNM College of Pharmacy will be holding a memorial service for Carman A. Bliss, former dean of the UNM COP, on Oct. 25, 2005 at the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel at 7:30 p.m.
Dean Bliss was in Albuquerque celebrating the College of Pharmacy’s 60th anniversary where he was honored for his contributions to the successes of the college. He passed away on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the scene of a car accident.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carman A. Bliss Endowment at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy. To donate to the fund call 272-3241 or mail donations to Carman Bliss Memorial Endowment, College of Pharmacy, MSC09 5360, 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001.
Parking for the service is available in the UNM “C" or "T" lots. "C" lot is near Las Lomas and Redondo and parking will be available at 6:30pm. "T" lot is the small parking lot near the "C" lot. There will be additional parking at the old Bob Turner's Ford on Lomas and University. Shuttle services run every 10-15 minutes and run until 10pm.
Contact: Angela Heisel, (505) 272-3651
The UNM Student Union Building (SUB) is hosting the Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest for Halloween on Monday, Oct. 31, 2005. The contest is open to individual students, departments and student organizations. Pumpkins are free and can be picked up in the SUB Atrium starting at 10:30 a.m.
Photo: Participants from last year's pumpkin carving contest at the SUB.
The carved pumpkins must be returned to the SUB Atrium for judging by 1 p.m. Select UNM students and administrators will serve as judges for the event. Prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to be present to win.
Last year more than 50 pumpkins were entered and carved. This goes to show that students and faculty really enjoy this great Halloween tradition. This annual event is a sure way to kick off the holiday season. Join in on all the fun by showing off your pumpkin carving skills or stop by to see who will be this year’s winners.
Pumpkins will be judged on creativity, originality and effort. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place pumpkins for individual students and UNM departments/student organizations.
For more information call Jacque Garcia at (505) 277-7885.
This fall renowned poet, artist and musician Joy Harjo returned to teach at her alma mater, the University of New Mexico. She's back as the first Joseph M. Russo Professor of Creative Writing and the first Native American to hold an endowed chair in the university's history.
“I am still getting adjusted and finding my way back into the program,” Harjo said. “So far I'm especially impressed with the overall quality of the writing of the students in both of my classes this fall. The program has the potential to be one of the best in the country.”
Harjo will give her first Albuquerque reading since her return to UNM on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building Acoma room as part of the creative writing program's Poets & Writers reading series.
The Department of English is excited to welcome Harjo back. “We are thrilled at the return of Joy Harjo to UNM, where she studied and taught in earlier years,” David Richard Jones, department chair, said.
In 1976, Harjo was one of the first to graduate from UNM with a bachelor's degree in creative writing. “The program was intimate, close,” she said. “I always felt great support. We had an ambitious reading series and we were always involved, making trips, doing readings, working together.” She later returned to UNM as a professor of English from 1991-1997.
Harjo's poetry, which has been widely published and has won numerous awards, often evokes the presence of myth in urban life. “I write from experience in a dynamic world that is either in balance or askew between now and then, here and there,” she said.
Her most recent book is “How We Became Human: New and Selected Poems,” for which she was named the 2003-2004 Writer of the Year – Poetry by the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. The third edition of Harjo's popular “She Had Some Horses” is slated for release this January, along with a spoken word compact disc of selected poems.
As a teacher as well as a poet and artist, Harjo is a great asset to UNM. “My role as a teacher is to model, inspire and lead young artists and thinkers towards a life long process of hunger for knowledge and an ongoing practice of their art,” she said. “I expect only the best from students and always start from that position.”
Harjo said that the connection she forged with New Mexico continues to lure her back. “My voice is here. This is one of my homes,” Harjo said. “What continues to bring me back here is the music, the poetry, the native and arts communities. Part of my soul lives here.”
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Explore Albuquerque's aviation history on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive.
This sixth and final installment in the “All Roads Lead to Albuquerque: A Tricentennial Colloquium Series,” celebrates the statehood era of our city's 300-year history.
The morning's events include images, photographs, a book exhibit and some fascinating historical lectures on aviation. This final colloquium features a cultural presentation, marimba music performed by “Festival.”
This event is free and open to the public.
Scheduled speakers:
Thomas S. McConnall, M.D., “A Brief History of Ballooning in Albuquerque”
Harry M. Davidson, chairman, Cavalcade of Wings, “Aviation in Albuquerque's History: The Old Albuquerque Airport and its Amazing Hanger”
Dr. Don E. Alberts, former chief historian, Kirtland Air Force Base, “The History of the Airport and Commercial Aviation in Albuquerque”
Jim Gildea, 377th Air Base Wing historian, Kirtland Air Force Base, “Kirtland Air Force Base and the Development of Modern Albuquerque”
Harry M. Davidson and Dr. Don E. Alberts, “New Mexico's Role in the Modern World: From Hydrogen Balloons to Stealth Bombers”
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
El Centro de la Raza and the UNM Recruitment Office is seeking staff and student volunteers for 2005 Hispano Student Day that is facilitated by El Centro de la Raza and the UNM Recruitment Office. The event brings Hispanic high school students from around the state to visit the University of New Mexico on Thursday, Oct. 27. A variety of workshops are offered for the students and their counselors.
If your department has staff or students that could also help during the week of the event to assemble packets or provide a campus tour on the day of the event, please sign them up.
Staff volunteers are needed Oct. 27 to serve as BUS greeters, registration table, lunch set-up, breakdown of event.
Volunteers will be invited to attend the HSD luncheon on the day of the event, which will be held in Johnson Gym.
All volunteers must attend one of the volunteer sessions as listed
below:
Monday, Oct. 24 - 12 to 1 p.m. - Dean of Students Conference Rm
Monday, Oct. 24 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Dean of Students Conference Rm
Tuesday, Oct. 25 6 p.m. - El Centro de La Raza/Mesa Vista Hall
Contact Jennifer Gomez-Chavez @ The College Enrichment
Program in Mesa Vista Hall Rm. 3011 (next door to the Scholarship Office)
For questions, please call Gomez-Chavez at: 277-7763 or via e-mail:
jengomez@unm.edu.
“The Architect’s Brother,” a traveling exhibit by Robert ParkeHarrision, is currently on display at the University Art Museum. An opening reception for the artist will be Friday, Oct 21, 5-7 p.m. This fascinating exhibit presents a peculiar portrayal of a madman (played by the artist) trying to patch up a damaged world with junk and discarded objects. The objects are placed in a surreal landscape that appears barren and altered by a large-scale disaster.
Photo: Robert ParkeHarrison, DaVinci's Wings (1998)
The elaborate process of creating images begins with construction of sets and props. Scenes are then photographed and textural surfDavid Brookshire are applied to the image, resulting in astonishing creations.
ParkeHarrison received a MFA in photography from UNM in 1994. Speaking to Mirage magazine at UNM that year, he said, “ Within these tableaus I often incorporate myself, not as a form of self portraiture, but rather as a representative of current society. My generic black pants and white shirt combine with crude objects thus achieving an ambiguous time in which technology is incorporated into nature. Often these discarded objects become part of the machines or rituals that work with the powers of nature and human hope.”
“The Architect’s Brother” was organized by the George Eastman House in Rochester, N.Y. and will be on display through Dec. 21.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
UNM’s Army ROTC cadets overcame 18 other teams to take second place in the U.S. Army Cadet Command 12th Brigade’s annual Ranger Challenge held recently. The Ranger Challenge included Cadet participants were from New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. This is the first Ranger Challenge competition the UNM program has participated since opening its doors in 2003.
Photo: Members of the UNM Army ROTC program compete in the Ranger Challenge held recently at Camp Bullis, Texas. The team placed second out of 18 teams.
The UNM cadets are: team captain Christopher Ostberg, Brian Long, John Brasher, Aaron Pennington, Justin Garcia, Trevor Weeks, and Daryl Murton.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Axtell, a military science instructor with UNM Army ROTC, called the intercollegiate Ranger Challenge event “very, very physically demanding and fast-paced.”
The seven New Mexico students competed in numerous events, including a fitness test and a comprehensive written exam with elements of tactical leadership, first aid, and day and night land navigation and weapons skill at Camp Bullis, Texas.
The challenge also included running obstacle courses, a 10-kilometer road march and other military skills perfected in the Army ROTC program.
Contact: Jennifer West, (505) 277-2263
The University of New Mexico Department of Political Science will host the 4 th annual New Mexico Law Day on Monday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Union Building, ballrooms A-B.
Representatives from more than 60 law schools across the United States will meet with UNM students and community members to discuss the legal profession, legal training, the job market and how UNM students and others—including Albuquerque residents considering law as a second career—can best apply to law school. Financial aid information will also be available.
Participating law schools include UNM, Harvard, Berkeley, Columbia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State and Syracuse.
The UNM event is part of a weeklong series of Law Days at universities throughout the Western states and is funded by the Western Association of Pre-Law Advisors.
For more information, contact Ellen Grigsby, 277-5233, egrigsby@unm.edu.
Betsy Noll, associate professor in the College of Education will receive a University Libraries Faculty Acknowledgement Award on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the Willard Reading Room of Zimmerman Library. She will present a lecture titled, “Advocacy as Social Action in Academia.”
Photo: Betsy Noll, associate professor, College of Education
Noll has extensive research interests in literacy, culture and schooling, teacher education, academic writing, women and higher education, children’s and young adult literature.
Noll has appeared in a number of refereed and non-refereed publications and has authored a number of book chapters in professional and research publications. She teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses at UNM.
The University Libraries Faculty Acknowledgement Awards honor faculty members for their scholarly contributions to research.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
Dr. Barbara Cohen, research assistant professor in the Institute of Meteoritics, has been chosen by NASA for participation in the next two years of the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission. Cohen’s research focuses on geology of extraterrestrial samples, including lunar rocks and meteorites. She will help guide the Mars Exploration Rovers to find and analyze rocks formed in impact craters on the Martian surface.
"Spirit and Opportunity have exceeded all expectations for their longevity and discoveries on Mars, and both rovers are in good position to continue providing even more great science," said Dr. Michael Meyer, lead scientist for the Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters. "Because of this, we want to add to the rover team that collectively chooses how to use the rover's science instruments each day."
Cohen was one of eight investigators selected to join the team. The investigators will work with the MER Program Office at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, Calif., and will be full MER science-team members, joining previously selected scientists as part of the Athena science team.
“Specifically, I’ll be using the rovers to search for impact rocks based mostly on their chemistry and physical characteristics,” said Cohen. “We know that impact rocks have some unusual chemical ratios that can form during impacts from asteroids and I will be looking for these ratios in the Martian rocks. We can also tell something about the rock’s formation based on its shape – impact rocks might be angular pieces blown out by a crater rather than rounded pebbles like you might find in a stream.”
The mission, consisting of two rovers, named Spirit and Opportunity, landed on opposite sides of Mars in early 2004. Mission planners expected these two powerful Mars rovers to last about three months and travel approximately eight times the length of a football field (730 meters, or 2,400 feet). But both rovers are still exploring the surface
of Mars and have traveled much farther than anticipated. Therefore, NASA is bringing more scientists aboard to help with continued operations and data analysis.
The added researchers are from Maryland, New Mexico, Texas, Wisconsin, Arizona, California, and Washington, D.C., join 49 selected by NASA in 2000 and in 2002 to provide and use the Athena suite of science instruments on the rovers. The team leader is Dr. Steve Squyres of Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, manages the Mars Exploration Rover project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
Two public forums have been scheduled at the University of New Mexico as part of the institution’s upcoming NCAA Division I athletics certification program. The forums are scheduled and designed to allow public input into the certification process. The first forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 25, in the Student Union Ballroom, Santa Ana A, from 12 to 1 p.m. The second forum will be held, Thursday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Pete McDavid Lounge located at The Pit.
“Part of the NCAA certification process includes constructive feedback from the university community and the greater New Mexico community as a whole,” said Breda Bova, steering committee chair. “This is an opportunity for the entire UNM community to offer input on the study.”
The certification program’s purpose is to help ensure integrity in the institution’s athletics operations by opening up athletics to the rest of the university/college community and to the public. Institutions benefit by increasing campus-wide awareness and knowledge of the athletics program, confirming its strengths and developing plans to improve areas of concern.
UNM is currently in the midst of a yearlong self-study covering the areas of academic integrity, governance and commitment to rules compliance and a commitment to equity and student-athlete welfare. The self-study, led by UNM President Louis Caldera and Bova, is the second in the certification process for UNM.
UNM’s three-part self-study report is available online and can be viewed at: UNM Self Study
Click "Log On" and enter 473 in the Institutional ID line and sign-in.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
The University of New Mexico John D. Robb Musical Trust presents “Little Jo,” a folk opera by UNM College of Fine Arts Dean Emeritus, John Donald Robb on Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. at the Journal Theatre at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
A full performance for nearly 600 students from area schools high schools will be presented free of charge on Friday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. at the NHCC, made possible by donor contributions.
The production features conductor, Guillermo Figueroa, music director of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, stage direction by David Chavez and a cast of professional singers, including, Peter Couchman, Aaron Pegram, Lina Ramos and many others.
One of two Robb operas, “Little Jo” is based on Robert Bright’s novel, “The Life and Death of Little Jo.” Robb was a pioneer collector of New Mexico Hispanic folk songs. During his tenure as dean of the College of Fine Arts, he decided to write an opera to incorporate Southwestern folk music. Little Jo is the story of the joys and sorrows of a young boy’s life in a small northern New Mexico farming village during World War II. It weaves a colorful tapestry of our state’s history and traditions as told through the music, folk songs -- including beloved Hispanic folk songs such as “Palomita,” A la ru,” BS Bendito sea Dios.”
References to cultural practices, such as the Penitentes, are featured. With emotion running from tenderness to tragedy, “Little Jo” is a rare cultural gem.
Tickets are $25, $20, and $15 with a $5 discount for students and seniors presenting valid ID. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com and at the NHCC box office, 724-4771.
For more information, contact Alicia Ultan, director, John D. Robb Musical Trust, 277-8967, or at aultan@unm.edu/www.unm.edu/~rmt.
UNM President’s Club chair, Bob Bovinette recently announced his successor, Peggie Findlay, to lead the highly-successful annual-giving club.
“I am enthusiastic about the leadership skills that Peggie Findlay, founder of the Bosque School, brings to the President’s Club,” said Bovinette.
Findlay, a radiation oncologist, founded the Bosque School in 1994 in Albuquerque. She also serves on the boards of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and the Albuquerque Youth Symphony.
Additionally, this past August, the President’s Club initiated an advisory committee, which includes nine appointed members: Peggie Findlay, Bob Bovinette, Bob Taichert, Suzanne Barker, Terri Cole, Barbara Ellena, Debbie Johnson, Nestor Romero and Larry Willard.
“This committee has been designed to serve as a liaison between the President’s Club and the community,” said Alexanna Padilla-Johnson, development associate and President’s Club manager. “One of the advisory committee functions is familiarizing the community with the goals and objectives of the President’s Club. They will also act as a sounding board for new undergraduate initiatives.”
President's Club funds allow UNM President Louis Caldera to respond to initiatives that further the vision to enhance academic excellence and undergraduate enrichment at the institution. One such initiative, the Freshman Learning Communities (FLC), is improving undergraduate programs and has led to a dramatic increase in retention and graduation rates. The success of the FLC’s helped it to become a permanent UNM program.
For more information on the President’s Club contact Padilla-Johnson at: (505) 277-9077 or via e-mail at: apjohn@unm.edu.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
University of New Mexico MBA Program is among the best on issues of social and environmental stewardship in 2005 Beyond Grey Pinstripes Report
In a ranking announced today of the Top 30 global MBA programs – from nearly 100 surveyed – University of New Mexico's Robert O. Anderson Graduate Schools of Management has received the 18th top ranking. Beyond Grey Pinstripes is the only global ranking that evaluates MBA programs for their efforts to prepare graduates for the new business realities demanding social and environmental stewardship.
The ranking, released jointly by World Resources Institute and the Aspen Institute, measures the extent to which business schools prepare their students for the reality of tomorrow’s markets, equipping them with an understanding of the social, environmental, and economic perspectives required for business success in a competitive global economy.
“Corporations are increasingly dependent on executives who are able to help them negotiate the new realities of the changing business environment, particularly policies and practices that address issues of social and environmental responsibility,” said Judith Samuelson, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program.
“To be competitive, corporations need to recast social and environmental problems as business growth opportunities,” added Jonathan Lash, president of World Resources Institute. “Top-ranked Beyond Grey Pinstripes schools are leading the way in providing students with the skills that are becoming increasingly valuable to business’ bottom line, including searching for innovative technologies and entrepreneurship opportunities around climate change, water scarcity, labor issues, and poverty alleviation.”
The University of New Mexico's Anderson School of Management distinguished itself not only by offering a large number of courses that addressed social and environmental issues in business, but also by the relatively large proportion of students who actually took those classes.
“This ranking serves as a powerful affirmation of the work of the Anderson Schools, as we seek to fulfill our highest mission: shaping the intellect and character of the next generation of business leaders,” says Anderson Dean Chuck Crespy. “The study of ethics permeates our curriculum, and is reflected in the outstanding contributions Anderson alums have made to the betterment of social causes in our great state.”
The Beyond Grey Pinstripes report identified the Top 30 MBA programs by inviting nearly 600 MBA programs to report on their coursework and research: 1,842 courses, 1,713 extracurricular activities and programs, and 828 journal articles from leading peer-reviewed business publications were analyzed. A full description of the report, its methodology and individual MBA program ratings is available online at www.beyondgreypinstripes.org.
For more information on the Beyond Grey rankings or the Anderson School's of Management contact Sophie Martin at: (505) 710-9325.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
University Libraries and the Indigenous Nations Library Program are sponsoring an October lecture titled, “Sustaining Indigenous Presence through Language” on Monday, Oct. 24. A brown bag discussion begins at noon in room 102 of Zimmerman Library. There will be a panel discussion from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Willard Reading room of Zimmerman. Both events focus on the importance of sustaining indigenous languages through community and academic programs.
Invited speakers include the Indigenous Language Institute’s Executive Director Inee Slaughter, and the institute’s program coordinator Brenda McKenna from Nambe Pueblo. Also, invited is Christine Sims, UNM assistant professor in the Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies. Sims, from Acoma Pueblo, testified before the U.S. Congress on behalf of indigenous language preservation in 2003.
Andrew Becenti, Diné, is the Navajo Language, Culture and History instructor at Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington. Maureen Olson is the Jicarilla Tribal Language Revitalization Coordinator in Dulce, New Mexico.
For more information about the event, please contact April Hale at (505) 277-7433. This event is free and open to the public.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
UNM Libraries is looking for emerging Hispanic writers who have published fewer than two books for a literary competition. Premío Aztlan is a literary prize first established by Rudolfo and Patricia Anaya, and recently revived by University Libraries.
One thousand dollars will be awarded to a Hispanic writer for a work of fiction published in the 2005 calendar year. The winner will be expected to give a reading at the University Libraries during April 2006.
Anaya says he and his wife started the prize as a way to nurture novice writers. When he began publishing fiction in New Mexico, Anaya won a literary award that encouraged him to keep writing. He says, “So many times, writers after one or two books give up, because they think no one appreciates their work.”
Publishers should submit a letter of nomination and authors should submit a letter of interest and resume to:
Rudolfo and Patricia Anaya Premío Aztlan Literary Prize
University Libraries, Dean's Office
MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
Detailed guidelines for submission are available at Submission guidelines
The deadline for entry is December 31, 2005. Anyone with questions can contact Teresa Marquez at andaluz@unm.edu or (505) 277-0582 or Dina Ma'ayan at dinam@unm.edu or (505) 277-7197.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
The UNM Bookstore invites everyone to attend its annual Halloween Costume Contest on Monday, Oct. 31. The contest will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sign-up starts at 11:30 a.m., and judging will begin at noon. Prizes will be awarded for the first through third place winners. First place will win an iPod Nano, second place will receive a $75 gift certificate and a $50 gift certificate will go to the third place winner.
In addition to the contest, the Bookstore will be hosting a black and orange sale. Shoppers can save 25 percent on selected clothing and gifts. There will also be a Dead Book Sale. Selected books will be discounted up to 75 percent. Halloween items will be 50 percent off as well. A DJ will also be part of the festivities playing music including classic Halloween favorites.
For more information contact Anicia Esposito at (505) 277-9752.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
Political Science Professor Andrew L. Ross has been named the new director of the University of New Mexico’s Office for Policy, Security, and Technology. He assumed the position Sept. 1. Ross was selected to head OPST after a national search by a committee chaired by Bert Useem, director of the Institute for Social Policy and professor of sociology.
OPST is a collaboration between UNM and Sandia National Laboratories that focuses on promoting and facilitating interdisciplinary policy-relevant work at the intersection of security and technology.
Ross succeeds Roger L. Hagengruber, who has served as director of OPST since its was established in 2003.
Ross said he is “thrilled to have the opportunity to develop OPST programs.” Since his arrival he has been building a faculty network to provide the foundation for OPST’s work, developing research project initiatives, and designing a curriculum development grant program. He will teach a new course on “International Relations: Theory and Practice” in the spring of 2006.
Ross brings a broad base of experience in national security and defense planning, research, education and program development. He comes to UNM after 16 years at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I., where he held a variety of positions, including research professor in the Strategic Research Department of the Naval War College’s Center for Naval Warfare Studies, acting director of the college’s advanced research program and co-leader of the college’s strategy task group, one of four task groups established to support the Chief of Naval Operations in the global war on terror.
His work with the strategy task group led to a Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award in 2002. Prior, Ross served as first a Secretary of the Navy senior research fellow and then professor of National Security Affairs in the Naval War College’s National Security Decision Making Department, where he taught the college’s core course on strategy and force planning.
Ross’ work on U.S. grand strategy, national security and defense planning, regional security, weapons proliferation, and security and economics has appeared in numerous journals and books. He edited “The Political Economy of Defense: Issues and Perspectives,” (1991) and co-edited three editions of “Strategy and Force Planning,” (1995, 1997, 2000). His current research focuses on the U.S. grand strategy debate and military transformation.
Ross has held research fellowships at Cornell, Princeton, Harvard, the University of Illinois and the Naval War College; he also taught in the political science departments at the University of Illinois and the University of Kentucky. He earned his MA and PhD at Cornell University and his BA, summa cum laude, at American University.
University Libraries is hosting the 4th Annual Symposium on Scholarly Communication on Nov. 1, 2005 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Student Union Ballroom C. This year’s topic is “The Digital Academy: Innovations in Scholarly Publishing.”
Ann J. Wolpert, the director of libraries for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will keynote the symposium. She is currently serving as the President of the Association of Research Libraries and is a member of the editorial board of “Library & Information Science Research.” Wolpert also serves on the advisory committee to the National Science Foundation’s publication “Science and Engineering Indicators.”
Abby Smith, who lectures widely on the subject of scholarly communication, will also speak. She will discuss preservation and access strategies for libraries, archives and museums; the impact of digital information technologies on cultural heritage institutions; and the evolving role of information as a public good. She is currently working with the Library of Congress on its implementation of the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program.
Registration for this free symposium is available at http://hsc.unm.edu/library/sc/symposium.shtml
Faculty and staff are welcome.
The symposium is sponsored by Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs; Office of the Executive Vice President for the Health Sciences Center; Office of the Associate Vice President for Knowledge Management and IT; and Director of HSLIC; Office of the Dean of University Libraries; and Office of the Director of the UNM Law Library.
For more information contact Patricia Campbell at (505) 277-2678.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
The newest members of the University of New Mexico Service Corps (UNMSC) will take their initial oath of office and returning corps members will renew their oath before Lt. Governor Diane Denish, Thursday, Oct. 20, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
President Louis Caldera will host the event at University House. Caldera and Denish will speak to corps members and their families and will be sworn in as ex-officio members. A light lunch will be served as part of this noon hour event.
UNMSC is the campus-based AmeriCorps program. Consisting of UNM and TVI students, the organization serves throughout the Albuquerque community. About 50 corps members work primarily in after school, K-6 literacy programs and support programs of the Albuquerque Community Learning Centers. UNMSC is in its 9th year of existence and has performed thousands of hours of service to Albuquerque and the surrounding area.
UNMSC is dedicated to programs that promote positive youth development and leadership for elementary, middle and high school aged youth. Its programs promote a love for learning through literacy and service learning that meets the local community interest and needs.
Note to news media: Please contact Greg Johnston at 277-1816 or gregj@unm.edu to confirm your attendance.
Eight professors have been promoted to the rank of University of New Mexico distinguished professor, the highest rank bestowed on faculty. Distinguished professors are individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and are nationally and internationally renowned as scholars.
The 2005-2006 inductees are:
Joan Bybee
Bybee's work in the field of linguistics built a foundation for scholarly writing in the areas of linguistic typology, morphology, language change and semantics. In 2004, she was named president of the Linguistic Society of America as well as UNM annual research lecturer. She was selected as a Regent's professor in 1996. Bybee recently received an honorary doctorate from the University of Oslo.
Steven Feld
Feld is a scholar of music, language, sound and ethnomusicology who has received international accolades and attention. He received a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation in 2003-2004 and serves as the founder and director of VoxLox, a documentary sound art label producing compact discs that advocate for human rights and acoustic ecology.
F. Chris Garcia
Garcia's research on Latino political attitudes has earned national and international recognition and contributed to the reputation of UNM's study of Latino culture in the U.S. Garcia served as the 17th UNM president in 2002-2003. Most recently, he was awarded the Franklin J. Goodnow Award for Distinguished Service from the American Political Science Association.
Nitant Kenkre
Kenkre has made profound, insightful and seminal contributions to the field of theoretical condensed matter physics and statistical mechanics. He was elected fellow of the American Physical Society in 1998 and is this year's UNM annual research lecturer. Kenkre is the founding director of the Consortium of the Americas for Interdisciplinary Science.
Robert T. Paine, Jr.
Paine devotes his attention to several topics that often intersect with different areas of chemistry, including analytical applications, organic synthesis and spectroscopic/structural characterization and materials science. Paine was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and served as the 40th UNM annual research lecturer in 1995.
Gary Scharnhorst
Scharnhorst redefined 19th century American literature by discovering and publishing previously unnoted texts. He has become an international authority on Bret Harte, friend and colleague of Mark Twain. He illuminates our understanding of canonical writers by detailing their interactions with so-called marginal writers of the day. He authored eight books, served as president of the Western Literature Association and received four Fulbright awards.
Lawrence Guy Straus
Straus, a Paleolithic archeologist, works in Western Europe, including Spain, France, Portugal and Belgium. He has been editor of UNM's Journal of Anthropological Research since 1995 and a member of the U.S. National Committee for INQUA (the International Union for Quaternary Research) and U.S. representative to the UISPP (International Union of Prehistoric & Protohistoric Sciences) Commission on the Upper Paleolithic of Europe.
Eberhard Uhlenhuth
Uhlenhuth's research career spans more than 50 years. He has been principal investigator, investigator and consultant to some 40 research trials. His areas of specialization are pathogenesis, psychopathology, treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders and pharmacoepidemiology. He has been named charter fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
A distinguished professor title is awarded to only a few of the most prominent faculty. The five others who hold UNM's highest faculty rank are Eric Charnov, biology; Louise Lamphere, anthropology; Randy Thornhill, biology; William Miller, psychology; and James Brown, biology.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
Islamic scholar Anouar Majid will examine the ongoing conflict between Islam and the United States in a public lecture—“Saints at Odds: Islam and America in the World”—at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at UNM SUB Ballroom C.
Majid's lecture is the second in the Nexus: Religion in the Public University series sponsored by UNM's Religious Studies Program through a grant from the Louisville Institute. The lecture is free and open to the public.
According to U.S. religious studies authority Cornel West, Majid is one of few “towering Islamic intellectuals,” examining the place of religion and Islam in postcolonial theory and the culture of globalization.
Born in Tangier, Morocco, Majid is professor and chair of English at the University of New England in Maine. He is the author of numerous books and articles, including “Unveiling Traditions: Postcolonial Islam in a Polycentric World (2000),” recommended as a book for understanding the context of 9/11.
In this lecture, Professor Majid will challenge listeners to acknowledge essential differences between American culture and the Islamic tradition, while, at the same time, exploring how the two worlds can illuminate each other's paths and narrow the scope of their misunderstanding.
In addition to four public lectures during the 2005-06 academic year, the Nexus project also involves a dialogue between a group of clergy from the community and UNM faculty. Richard Wood, director of the UNM Religious Studies Program, and Cindy Geppert, associate director, are coordinators.
For more information, call 277-4009.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
The Student Activities Center is sponsoring a College Bowl Campus Tournament on Nov. 5 and 6, and is searching for four and five member teams to participate.
Coordinator Trey Smith says they hope to field about 30 teams. Any group of students can sign up at the Student Activities Center in the Student Union Building, rm. 1018 or can call 277-4706 for more information.
Last year, a UNM team placed 16th in the National College Bowl Tournament. This year the winning team of the UNM Campus College Bowl will get a free trip to the regional tournament in Tucson, Arizona.
The deadline for entry is Oct. 28, 2005. Organizers are encouraging departments across campus to enter teams in the competition. College Bowl is a fast paced game of wits as teams of students compete to be the quickest with the correct answers to questions in a wide range of fields.
Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce featured UNM researchers and administrators at a luncheon panel discussion recently. The luncheon, with more than 200 attendees, was an opportunity for UNM to talk about economic development activity generated at the university.
Steve Brueck, director of the Center for High Tech Materials, Wilmer Sibbet, professor of Neurology, and Tom Williams, a professor in the Pathology Department at the School of Medicine, all spoke about their experiences in patenting and commercializing research.
Brueck has directed CHTM for nearly 20 years, turning it from a small center of excellence funded by the state legislature into a specialized laboratory that works with federal and private researchers on leading edge advanced materials research.
Sibbet is the president and CEO of Avanca Medical Devices. He formed the company to market the safety syringes that he developed and patented. Williams has worked with Exagen Diagnostics, a local start-up company on a testing system for hepatitis C and breast cancer.
Lisa Kuuttila, chairman and CEO of the Science and Technology Corporation, talked about the challenges of patenting and marketing intellectual property in a university setting. STC is a wholly owned non-profit corporation at UNM that was developed to commercialize the intellectual property of faculty and students.
UNM Regent Mel Eaves also spoke about the problems of adequately funding research laboratories and buying equipment for researchers with a dwindling state investment in the university, as well as the need for greater public funding of research activities.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
“Beyond Beads and Feathers: News Coverage of Native Americans,” a discussion featuring local, national news media, will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the University of New Mexico in Zimmerman Library's Willard Reading Room. The event is free and open to the public.
Journalists will share their experiences and insights regarding news coverage of issues critical to Native Americans. Topics will include Indian gaming, the U.S. Department of Interior's alleged mismanagement of the Individual Indian Money Accounts - Cobell v. Norton, Indian health care and the Red Lake Indian Reservation shootings.
Invited speakers are Tom Arviso, Navajo, chief executive officer of the Navajo Times Publishing company and publisher of the Navajo Times; Leslie Linthicum, reporter for the Albuquerque Journal, Antonia Gonzales-McConkey, Navajo, producer and anchor for National Native News, Jodi Rave, Mandan-Hidatsa, and reporter for the Missoulian and columnist for the Poynter Institute.
Daniel Littlefield, director of the American Native Press Archives at the University of Arkansas , is also a participant.
The event is co-sponsored by the Native American Journalists Association, UNM's Native American Studies, NAS Indigenous Research Group and Indigenous Nations Library Program.
For information, call 277-3917.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
A proposed buyout of WebCT by its longtime rival Blackboard Inc. should be a positive move in the industry and beneficial to the University of New Mexico, a user of Web CT’s products. On Wednesday, Blackboard Inc. announced plans to buy WebCT in a $180-million deal. Both companies offer products allowing students to do course work online as part of an on-campus class or through a distance-education program.
Both boards of directors have approved the deal, which still needs final approval by regulators. If approved, the companies would have more than 3,700 clients including nonprofit and for-profit colleges, elementary and secondary schools, corporations and government agencies.
“We believe this is a positive move that will keep the WebCT product on the same technological track as it is today,” said UNM Chief Information Officer Bill Adkins. “We do not expect the buyout to have an adverse effect on UNM's long term directions with WebCT's Vista product at this time. However, the CIO's office and Extended University are watching this development very closely.”
According to reports, Blackboard would not phase out WebCT's products or lay off its workers, at least in the short term. The WebCT technology will continue to be produced, supported and enhanced, all under the WebCT name.
Eventually, though, the company plans to create a common architecture for both products. That will make it easier for others to create add-ons to customize Blackboard's offerings. Education-technology analysts say the new Blackboard will be far and away the dominant player in the market. The companies plan to complete the merger, under the Blackboard name, by year-end.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
Howard Waitzkin, University of New Mexico professor of sociology and member of the UNM Institute for Social Research, has received a $1.25 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. The five-year grant will support the UNM-based New Mexico Mentorship and Education Program, focused on minority mental health issues in primary care settings.
First Choice Community Healthcare (a local network of community health centers), the UNM Department of Psychiatry and UNM Department of Family and Community Medicine are collaborators.
The program, unique to the Southwest, was first funded in a pilot phase by the NIMH in 1999. It includes an intensive, one-week annual training institute to introduce mental health services research to minority junior faculty and graduate students from Southwest institutions.
The program is also designed to build ongoing mentorship relationships between faculty or graduate student participants and nationally recognized mental health services researchers.
“Minority junior faculty requested we create the mentorship program. They will eventually take it over; meanwhile, we have mentors from around the nation,” Waitzkin said.
In addition, primary care practitioners from local community health centers will be paired with researchers and mentors who focus on mental health services in minority populations.
Mentored participants will obtain training to help compete for research support and manage funded proposals; acquire skills in research methods; learn about recent research on mental health services with a special emphasis on disparities in mental health outcomes for minority populations; establish networks with outstanding research mentors; and receive guidance in undertaking research with Southwest populations.
The university has received nearly 72.6 million in NIH funding for the 2005 fiscal year.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5920
The Provost’s Committee for Staff announced the award recipients for the Fall 2005 Provost’s Scholarship awards at a reception today. Marlene Ballejos, Darilyn Martinez, Monique Gaede and Debraha Driggers are the recipients.
“All of these individuals are doing a wonderful job in their current positions,” said interim Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs Reed Dasenbrock. “They are all extremely ambitious people who are trying to accomplish a whole lot more than their regular jobs.”
Ballejos works in the Office of Admissions at the School of Medicine. She has been at UNM for seven years and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.
Martinez is an administrator for the Physical Therapy Program and has been employed at UNM for more than 14 years. She is working toward a bachelor’s degree in University Studies with an emphasis on community health and Behavioral Problem Education.
Gaede, who has been at UNM for four years, is a research assistant in Pediatric Oncology. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Sociology. Driggers is an accountant in the General Accounting department. She has been at UNM for nine years and is pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration.
The Provost’s Committee for Staff created the financial support scholarship to help defray costs associated with academic books, course fees and supplies. Members of the PCS and an Human Resources representative selected the recipients. The scholarship is awarded each semester.
A fund, in support of the scholarship, has been setup through an account at the UNM Foundation. UNM employees interested in contributing to the fund will have the option to do so through payroll deductions. The purpose of the foundation account is to help grow the fund and provide increased financial support to UNM staff.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
The University of New Mexico has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to help support post-baccalaureate research and education (PREP). The three-year, $856,000 PREP grant will support six minority scholars the first year, eight the second and 10 in the third year. The program is aimed at recruiting students who recently graduated in biomedical or engineering programs but have not yet committed to continuing their education.
“This is a really exciting NIH funded program and follows on the heels, and is totally complementary, to other highly successful research and education programs at UNM,” said Chemistry Associate Professor and Program Director Jim Brozik. “The program is designed to help minority students that have recently graduated with a baccalaureate degree from a biomedical science or engineering program.”
The goals for the PREP program include identifying a cadre of qualified post-baccalaureate scholars, specifically minority BS/BA graduates, who chose to postpone graduate studies and to recruit them into the PREP program before they give up the idea of pursuing a graduate level career; provide these scholars with research and training opportunities that will give them the skills, confidence and time needed to prepare for graduate studies; and facilitate application and acceptance into a biomedical related graduate program.
“UNM, the NIH and many other governmental agencies and state institutions across the country are keenly aware that a baccalaureate degree from a biomedical related science or math program is no guarantee of acceptance into a graduate program or a job offer in the private sector,” said Brozik. “Moreover, many students with BS/BA degrees in science or math will never work or attend graduate school in a field related to their undergraduate studies. The reasons for this are as varied as there are individuals who fall into this category.”
Brozik says UNM and many other academic institutions are currently not structured to serve post-baccalaureate students who are not officially enrolled in graduate school and, therefore, many-especially minority students-will simply fall through this gap.
“Our PREP program specifically targets those students who have decided to postpone application to a Ph.D. program for a variety of individual well thought out reasons. The program will fill the gap for as many as 24 underrepresented minority students between receiving a baccalaureate degree and entering graduate school in a biomedical related field,” he said. “Our PREP program will provide a meaningful, focused and personalized experience that is designed to provide a seamless transition from a BS/BA degree to entrance into a Ph.D. program.”
Recruitment
Theresa Lopez, of the PROFOUND office and the program coordinator for the new PREP program, and will work closely with other campus programs such as the Initiative for Minority Student Development (IMSD), Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC), McNair, Research Opportunity Program, NMMESA, PURSUE, Upward Bound and others, and state programs such as Alliance for Minority Participation or AMP program.
Other key on-campus laboratories that have used the PROFOUND office to hire undergraduate researchers that would also qualify as a PREP scholar after graduating with a BA/BS degree will also be utilized.
Several important recruiting strategies have been developed for appropriate candidates to the PREP program including: personal recruitment by faculty, who have come to know the students as undergraduates in their classes, and have received information through flyers and by e-mail about the program and application procedures; information (brochure and application materials) that is distributed by e-mail, and face-to-face by the PREP program coordinator, who will meet with participants from other UNM undergraduate programs; and information that is posted on the PROFOUND web site, which is frequently consulted by students across campus who are seeking a research laboratory appointment, as well as a link on the web home-page of each relevant department.
A brochure that describes the PREP program and application information will be created and sent by e-mail to faculty in relevant departments at UNM and to undergraduate students on list serves of relevant departments at UNM and participating in various training programs. Relevant departments and student development offices at other institutions in the New Mexico and the Four Corners region will also be targeted.
The PREP program is complementary to similar programs at UNM such as the IMSD program, coordinated by Professor Maggie Werner-Washburne, and the MARC program, directed by Professor Mary Anne Nelson, both of the Biology Department,
“We anticipate that UNM’s PREP program will have a big impact on minority enrollment and success in graduate studies and will specifically target those students who typically slip through the cracks by putting off graduate school for a year or two,” said Brozik.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
President Louis Caldera was a featured speaker at the 10th meeting of the American Council on Education Conference in Tucson, Arizona recently. The conference theme, “Educating All of One Nation,” was designed to help universities better plan for, respond to and meet higher education needs of our increasingly diverse society.
Caldera spoke about the magnitude of the challenge faced by universities in the United States, where 70,000 engineers graduate each year, in a world where a million engineers graduate each year in China and India.
Caldera said part of the answer is to focus on bringing more minorities into the higher education system through community and business partnerships. He said community partnerships like the ENLACE program at UNM, which provides mentoring and tutoring for minority students, is important.
He also noted that business partnerships are vital and that the business community must engage in supporting public academic programs in all institutions, not just the elite institutions. Caldera said funders need to recognize that the majority of minority education takes place in the public universities.
The American Council on Education is the major coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education institutions.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
KNME-TV, Channel 5 recently premiered a provocative new series featuring some of media’s outspoken voices on “The Line.” Lively, stimulating and unpredictable, “The Line” is a diverse take on the news. “The Line" airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. and repeats Sundays at 7 a.m.
“This show is a first for New Mexico,” said show host Steve Lawrence. “It offers points of view, analysis and intelligence that viewers simply can not get anywhere else. There are no party lines here. This is a freewheeling, pointed, but civilized discussion of stories changing our lives."
To keep the conversation fresh, commentators on “The Line” feature a guest to explore the national and New Mexico issues making headlines. Lawrence is editor of Crosswinds Weekly. “The Line” is produced by Tish Bravo.
“We have a great deal of talent in New Mexico and no lack of opinions,” said Ted A. Garcia, KNME-TV General Manager & CEO. “KNME believes it is important to have a continuing insightful dialogue about key issues concerning our community.”
“It seemed to me there was a yawning gap in New Mexico public affairs programming,” Lawrence said. “No one was doing informed, smart, and provocative commentary and discussion of the stories that are changing our lives. There were a couple of interview shows, including Kate Nelson's excellent IN FOCUS, but no forum for analysts from across the political spectrum to talk about issues, events, politics and culture.”
To keep the conversation fresh, each week THE LINE's commentators are joined by a new guest, to explore the national and New Mexico issues making headlines today and those of tomorrow. THE LINE is hosted by Steve Lawrence, Editor, Crosswinds Weekly and produced by Tish Bravo.
This week's guest is Jim Scarantino, columnist, The Alibi.
Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1218
UNM Staff Council President Sabra Basler is the first staff representative appointed to the newly formed Higher Education Advisory Board. Basler said, “I am honored to have a small role in assisting our state universities and community colleges to progress. Higher education benefits all of the people and will be the backbone of economic development in New Mexico.”
Photo: Staff Council President Sabra Basler
The board was created last year by HB 745 and is comprised of 14 members from all higher education institutions in the state. Dr. Beverlee McClure, the new cabinet secretary for higher education, said, “This advisory board is to serve as the main driver for the creation of our statewide strategic plan for higher education.”
Basler’s term runs through October 2006. She will also join the UNM Faculty Senate Governmental Relations Committee this year as an ex-officio member. Basler is currently serving as a member on the Staff Council Governmental Relations Committee.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
University of New Mexico director of athletics Rudy Davalos today announced he will retire from his position effective Aug. 31, 2006. Davalos, who will turn 67 in November, was named UNM's 11th director on Nov. 16, 1992, after a five-year stint as the athletics director at the University of Houston. He is in his 13th year with the Lobos, and only Roy Johnson (1920-49) and Pete McDavid (1956-74) have served the office longer.
"It's been a great run," said Davalos, who has hired all but three of UNM's current head coaches. "I've been blessed with great coaches, a great staff and a tremendous group of young men and women who have represented the University of New Mexico extremely well academically and in competition. Lobo fans are a passionate group and I have been fortunate to spend 13 years of my professional career at this great institution and in this great city. The program is in excellent shape financially, academically and competitively. Whoever takes my place is coming into an excellent situation. I plan on helping the University and the athletics department in any way I can in future years.
"I have my health and I'm really looking forward to being totally independent; to be able to spend a lot of time with my children and grandchildren. They live in various parts of the country and it will be nice to take off and see each one of them whenever I want.
"During the 13 years I have been at UNM, I've served under four presidents, three governors and numerous regents. These people, along with a great group of legislators, have been very supportive and non-interfering, which I'm sure that is part of the reason we have been so successful."
Earlier today, the UNM Board of Regents announced that the new basketball practice facility currently under construction south of The Pit will bear Davalos' name. It will be called the Rudy Davalos Basketball Center. The facility, which will house offices for both men's and women's basketball, is expected to be completed by late November.
"To have the new basketball practice facility named after me by our University is one of the nicest things I have had happen to me in my professional career. My whole family appreciates this wonderful gesture."
Jamie Koch (pronounced like cook), President of the UNM Board of Regents, said Davalos' successor would be named by June 1, 2006.
"Rudy has set a standard for what we would like to have in an athletics director," said Koch. "He placed a well-rounded, across-the-board emphasis is all sports from an academic and athletics standpoint. We will certainly use Rudy as a resource in finding the next person to lead the department."
"Rudy has done a great job for the University as athletics director," said UNM President Louis Caldera. "Our program is as competitive as it's ever been and stronger academically and financially because of the talented and high integrity coaches and staff Rudy recruited to UNM, and the leadership he's provided. Thanks to his efforts, our intercollegiate program is poised for a sustained period of greatness."
Davalos currently serves on the NCAA Div. I Women's Basketball Committee and the Executive Committee of NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics). Davalos was recognized by Sports Illustrated in 2002 as one of the 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports.
Davalos leaves a legacy of unparalleled academic, athletics and financial success during his tenure at UNM. Davalos' many accomplishments while at UNM:
Highlights During Rudy Davalos' Tenure at the University of New Mexico (1992-current)
Academics
• The student-athletes representing the Lobos' 21 sports compiled a school-record 3.05 GPA during the 2004 fall semester and a 3.02 in the spring of 2005, the sixth straight semester the Lobos have surpassed a 3.0...the department's highest combined student-athlete GPA prior to 1992 was 2.73 on two occasions...16 student-athletes were named to academic All-America teams in 2004-05, and 93 have gained national academic recognition since 1993
Athletics Competition in 2004-05
• UNM finished 48th nationally in the Sports Academy Director's Cup, the second-best ranking in school history...UNM was 43rd in 1995-96
• A school-record 15 teams represented UNM at NCAA postseason competition
• UNM was one of just 11 NCAA Div. I institutions to have its football team play in a bowl game and also have both its men's and women's basketball teams qualify for the NCAA Tournament
Athletics Competition (1993-2005)
• The UNM ski team won the 2004 NCAA championship, the first Lobo program to claim a national title
• In the 10 years before Davalos came to UNM, only five sports combined to win or share 10 conference titles...since his arrival, eight teams have won or shared 35 regular-season or postseason conference championships...UNM has been represented at NCAA postseason competition 112 times, while 147 student-athletes have earned All-America recognition
• From 1983-92, football was 29-88 overall and 15-61 in conference play...since 1993, the overall mark is 73-76, 46-47 in league action...the record stands at 31-25 the past since 2001, including 20-11 in MWC play with three straight bowl appearances for the first time in program history
• Men's basketball has made 10 trips to postseason since 1993, including seven NCAA Tournaments...from 1983-92, the Lobos advanced to the NCAAs only once
• All of the women's basketball postseason showings have occurred in the past eight years with five NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 in 2003, and three NITs
Attendance
• Average attendance after three football games in 2005 is 40,509, a figure that would represent the school's fourth record in the past five years...17,404 season tickets were sold in 2005, a record for the third straight season
• Average attendance for football since 1993 is 28,955 compared to just 17,502 from 1983-92...the average is 34,421 since 2001
• Lobo men's and women's basketball have both ranked in the top-15 in national average attendance each of the past seven years...the women were 4th in 2004-05 at 10,674 a game, the men 14th at 14,308
• Among the nation's leaders in men's and women's soccer
Facilities
• With the tremendous aid of the governors, New Mexico state legislature, local businesses and private contributors, virtually every UNM athletics facility has received a facelift...thanks to current governor Bill Richardson, the most recent construction includes a $4.2 million men's and women's basketball practice facility, plus improvements at Lobo Field for softball and at the UNM track
• At the northeast corner of University Stadium, new restrooms, ticket booths, concessions and novelty stands, and a new entrance were completed before the 2004 season...overall capacity was increased to more than 37,000 prior to the 2001 season with the addition of seats in the north end zone...a new scoreboard and LoboVision videoboard were also installed
• The Tow Diehm Athletics Facility - which houses the weight room, sports medicine and the Lobo football team - rates as one of the premier training centers in intercollegiate athletics
• Additional improvements include lights for the football practice fields, renovations and exterior landscaping at The Pit, new locker rooms for men's and women's basketball and the Olympic sports programs, two tennis bubbles, new infield grass and lights for the soccer and track stadium and significant improvements to the softball field
Financial
• Not once has UNM finished a fiscal year over budget since Davalos took over
• When Davalos started in 1992, the department's budget was $9.4 million...the Lobos are operating the 2005-06 fiscal year with a budget of more than $22 million
Fund-Raising
• UNM's nationally-respected marketing and promotions program and fund-raising organization (Lobo Club) produces more than $6 million annually...12 years ago it was less than one-third of that and corporate sponsorships did not exist
• Davalos has been the leader behind several projects that benefit UNM student-athletes like the implementation of skysuites at University Stadium and the Lobo Level seating at The Pit, which adds nearly $500,000 a year to the scholarship fund
Hired to be the athletics director at Houston in January of 1987, Davalos was credited with the procurement of gift-in-kind donation to the Cougar athletics department in excess of $32 million. He spearheaded projects at UH that led to a state-of-the-art athletics facility, a baseball stadium, tennis courts and renovation of departmental offices.
With Davalos at the controls of the UH athletics department, the Cougar program enjoyed enormous success. The Houston football program produced a Heisman Trophy winner (Andre Ware in 1989) during the Davalos tenure.
While at Houston, Davalos served on the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee from the Midwest Region. He was relieved of those duties when he took the New Mexico job, but returned to the committee on September 1, 1994, an appointment that ended in 1999. He has also served on the NCAA Championship Competition Cabinet and the NCAA Div. I Baseball Committee.
Davalos' administrative career on the collegiate level began in 1975 as the athletics director at the University of Texas-San Antonio. He spent nine years (1975-84) as the leader of the Roadrunner athletics department before being hired at Houston.
Davalos returned to San Antonio to serve as the director of community relations for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association. Davalos also worked as a television and radio commentator for the Spurs. He spent one season with the NBA team until his return to Houston as the athletics director in 1987.
Before Davalos entered the ranks of athletics administration he was a long time basketball coach. His coaching career began in 1961 as an assistant coach at Georgetown (Ky.) College. He also had assistant coaching stints at Kentucky (1962) and Auburn (1963-70) before being named head men's basketball coach at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, in 1970. He was the head coach at South for three seasons (1970-73).
Davalos led the Tigers to the College Athletic Conference championship and produced the best single-season record in the school's history with a 23-4 mark in 1972-73.
Davalos moved to the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA in 1973. He was an assistant coach and Director of Player Personnel for three years, until his move to the University of Texas-San Antonio.
Davalos' leadership in college athletics began as early as 1960, when he was the captain of the Southwest Texas State basketball team. An All-American point guard for the Bobcats, Davalos led SWTS to an NAIA national title. He was inducted into the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977, the Southwest Texas State Hall of Fame in 1983, the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999 and the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also named a Southwest Texas State Distinguished Alumnus in 2001.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Davalos graduated from Southwest Texas State in 1960 with a degree in Education. He received his master's degree in Education from Georgetown (Ky.) College in 1962.
Always a leader in the community, Davalos was twice (1984, 1986) chairman of the San Antonio Summer Youth Games. He previously served on the board of directors of the San Antonio Boys Club of America and the San Antonio YMCA. Davalos currently serves on the Albuquerque Sports Council board of directors.
Davalos has been recognized repeatedly throughout his career for his efforts on behalf of young people. In 1976 he received the Catholic Youth Organization's "Man in Youth" award. He is also a former president of the San Antonio Quarterback Club.
Davalos, 66, is married to the former Gail Marlin. They have three children, David, Doug and Deana.
What They're Saying About Rudy Davalos
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson
"Rudy Davalos has helped to build UNM athletics into one of the premier collegiate programs in the nation. Under Rudy's leadership, UNM's sports teams have experienced unprecedented success. Even more importantly, UNM is recognized for the academic excellence and graduation rates of its student-athletes. On behalf of the entire state, I applaud Rudy for his outstanding achievements."
William Gordon, Provost, Wake Forest University; President, University of New Mexico (1999-2002)
"During those years I worked with Rudy, there were always two things I could count on. The first was his single-minded determination to make UNM athletics something we could all take pride in, and the second was his unquestioned loyalty to UNM and its mission. He was a great colleague, he remains a great friend, and he has created an athletics program that is characterized by true excellence."
Craig Thompson, Commissioner, Mountain West Conference
"Rudy's greatest strength is his passion to both the student-athlete and the programs with which he works. He could be known to wear his emotions on his sleeve at times, but that's only reflective of his deep caring."
McKinley Boston, Director of Athletics, New Mexico State
"I would like to congratulate Rudy on his pending retirement. He's got a lot to celebrate. He's clearly leaving the UNM program in great shape. For those of us who have worked closely with him, I know what an outstanding leader he is, but I got to see the fun side of him and well as the serious side. He will be missed in the industry. Probably the thing that has defined him more than anything is his personality. I'm sure he'll have a great time and I will miss him as a professional colleague."
Tom Jernstedt, Executive Vice President, NCAA
"Rudy's contributions to intercollegiate athletics as an administrator are significant and commendable. I have admired and respected his service, dedication and commitment to the goals and objectives of the NCAA throughout his distinguished career. Rudy's excellent service on both the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee and NCAA Women's Basketball Committee were particularly noteworthy. My sincerest congratulations on his retirement and best wishes to he and Gail as they begin the next chapter of their lives."
Rocky Long, UNM Head Football Coach (1998-current)
"The University of New Mexico, especially the athletics department, has a lot to be thankful for because of Rudy Davalos. He was the perfect man for the job. The improvement in this program has been phenomenal both on and off the field. Everyone here will miss him. Hopefully, we will not take a step backward without his leadership. What he has done for the UNM athletics department has been exceptional and greatly appreciated by everyone who works here."
Ritchie McKay, UNM Head Men's Basketball Coach (2002-current)
"Rudy Davalos has meant as much to the advancement and furthering of our athletics program at the University of New Mexico as any athletics director has meant to any program in the country. His knowledge, expertise and representation have been invaluable in bringing our program to its peak. Obviously, I am sad to see him depart, but I am excited for his future."
Don Flanagan, UNM Head Women's Basketball Coach (1995-current)
"My relationship with Rudy has been excellent. He is a former basketball coach so we had a lot of similar experiences and he allowed me room to run my program. He was never standing over me telling me I needed to do this or that and I appreciate the space that he gave me to develop the program that I wanted, so I am going to miss him."
Linda Estes, Senior Woman Administrator, University of New Mexico Athletics Department (1973-2000)
"What a ride Rudy Davalos has given the University of New Mexico athletics department. Until Rudy came, the department really never took off. He gave great support to not only women's athletics but to all of the Olympic sports. It will be very hard to replace Rudy. I certainly felt privileged to work with him."
Bob Gallagher, President, Board of Regents, New Mexico State University
"Rudy has raised the bar on what a premier athletics department should look like. It starts with outstanding work ethic and morals that serve as the foundation for the department to grow. Those of us who are involved in intercollegiate athletics look to Rudy and his department as an outstanding example of where many universities aspire to be. I am personally and professionally a better person because of the time I have spent with Rudy. We wish he and Gail all of the best as they move into the next step of their lives."
Contact: Greg Remington, (505) 925-5520
The UNM Alumni Association honored six alumni with its Zia Award at the All-University Breakfast held at the Albuquerque Petroleum Club recently. This year’s recipients included: Jim Belshaw, columnist, Albuquerque Journal; Briggs F. Cheney, lawyer, Sheehan, Sheehan & Stelzner, PA; Michelle A. Coons, president, Wells Fargo Bank, Santa Fe; Michelle Lujan Grisham, secretary, State Department of Health; Lynda Lovejoy, commissioner, Public Regulation Commission; and Waneta C. Tuttle, chief executive officer, Exagen Diagnostics, Inc.
The Zia Award is presented to UNM alumni living in New Mexico, who have distinguished themselves in philanthropic endeavors, public office, service to the University, community and volunteer activities, business/professional fields and or who have made a significant contribution to education.
Jim Belshaw
A Vietnam veteran, Belshaw is in his 28th year at the Albuquerque Journal where he has worked as a reporter, copy editor, assistant city editor, feature editor, and for the past 24 years, as columnist. He is a co-author of the non-fiction book “Closing the Chart – A Dying Physician Examines Family, Faith and Medicine,” by Dr. Steven D. Hsi, with Jim Belshaw and Beth Corbin-Hsi.
The book, published by the University of New Mexico Press, is the recent recipient of a $10,000 grant from Pfizer, Inc. to be used for the purchase of books for incoming medical students at the UNM School of Medicine. The book currently is being used in the curricula of four medical and nursing schools.
The Associated Press Managing Editors and the New Mexico Press Association have recognized Belshaw, who graduated from UNM in 1973, for his work as a columnist. The Arc of New Mexico and Adelante Development Center, and the New Mexico chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union have also honored him.
Michelle A. Coons
Coons is currently president of Wells Fargo Bank, Santa Fe, a position she has held since 1999. She has overseen the growth of the bank from $25 million to more than $400 million due to the bank mergers of Wells Fargo, Norwest, First Security and the Bank of Santa Fe.
Coons is responsible for business development, community development, public relations, overall management and the profitability of the markets in northern New Mexico including Santa Fe, Pojoaque, Espanola, Los Alamos and Taos.
Coons graduated from UNM’s ASM with a BBA in Finance/General Management in 1983 and the New Mexico School of Banking, also at UNM, in 1986. She was inducted into ASM’s Hall of Fame in 2003 and was named as a Power Broker by the New Mexico Business Weekly in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
Briggs F. Cheney
Trained and experienced as a mediator and arbitrator, Cheney, who has been a lawyer for more than 30 years, has served as counsel for Sheehan, Sheehan & Stelzner, PA, for the past 11 years. He specializes in litigation with emphasis in the areas of the defense of professionals (non-medical), insurance, commercial litigation, complex cases and mass tort litigation.
He has received numerous awards during his distinguished career including: “Best Lawyers in America” (5x’s), State of New Mexico, Distinguished Service to the Bar Award (2005), State Bar of New Mexico – Outstanding Service to the Bar Award (1994), and State Bar of New Mexico – Outstanding Contribution to the Bar (1992) and Outstanding Lawyer of the Year, Albuquerque Bar Association (1992).
Cheney has also served on numerous American Bar Association committees, and many community and UNM-based boards and committees. He earned his BBA in 1969 and his juris doctorate in 1972.
Michelle Lujan Grisham
Grisham is the secretary in the State Department of Health, the largest department in state government, with more than 3,800 employees and an approximate budget of $440 million. Grisham directs the governor’s health policy and develops policy in concert with stakeholders, legislators and the executive branch related to mental health and substance abuse.
She has served in other state agencies as secretary in the aging and long-term services department and as director of the New Mexico State Agency on Aging. Grisham has also served as director and staff attorney for the Lawyer Referral for the Elderly Program.
She earned her law degree from the UNM School of Law in 1987 and a bachelor of University Studies with a concentration in engineering, and a minor in public administration in 1981.
Lynda M. Lovejoy
Lynda M. Lovejoy was elected commissioner to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in 1999 and is currently serving a second four-year term. During her tenure at the PRC, she served as chairwoman of the commission three times. A former New Mexico State Representative, Lovejoy served 10 years in that capacity. She has more than 20 years in administration with the responsibility of implementing administrative principles, procedures and practices.
Known for her many achievements, Lovejoy has been featured in numerous articles including: “influential Native American Woman” in November 2003 (New Mexico Woman Magazine) and as one of New Mexico’s top 100 power brokers by NM Business Weekly. In 1992, she received the Governor’s Award for being one of the top-30 New Mexico “Women of the Year.”
Lovejoy earned a bachelor of science in Public Administration and is currently pursuing an MBA.
Waneta C. Tuttle
Tuttle is the chief executive officer of Exagen Diagnostics, Inc., which is currently developing genomic marker tests for disease prognosis and therapy management. Over the past 16 years, she has served as start-up CEO for four different companies with innovative technologies and approaches for life sciences and health care.
Tuttle held various positions of increasing responsibility, including vice president and chief operating officer, during a 23-year career at Lovelace Medical Foundation. She has served and has also been instrumental on the Board of Directors of the Science and Technology Corporation at the University of New Mexico.
Tuttle earned her Ph.D. in biology with a concentration in physiology and holds an M.B.A. from the ASM at UNM, where she has also been inducted to the Anderson Schools Hall of Fame.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
The Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education was dedicated recently in a unique beaded hammer and spike ceremony. The center ultimately will integrate research, education and clinical practice for future healthcare students at the UNM Health Sciences Center to provide them unparalleled practical, comprehensive training.
University of New Mexico officials praised the 165,000 square-foot Health Sciences Center Education Complex, while recognizing Senator Pete Domenici’s enduring personal and public service commitment to pre-eminent healthcare training and education at UNM.
“This incredible Health Sciences Education Complex is for all New Mexicans,” remarked UNM President Louis Caldera.
“With the unwavering support of Senator Domenici and the state legislature, the citizens of New Mexico will benefit greatly from improved medical training and healthcare,” added Dr. R. Philip Eaton, executive vice president emeritus for Health Sciences.
The estimated $49 million project, planned in phases as funding becomes available, will promote interdisciplinary learning; accommodate progressive teaching environments; enable technological flexibility; and provide state-of-the-art medical training and equipment.
The complex’s $17 million first phase, currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in fall 2006, will create a new learning environment for medical, nursing and pharmacy students by combining research knowledge, education and clinical performance. Phase One of the project will provide 48,000 square feet of space for the Learning Center, a 300-seat auditorium, seminar and classrooms, a bookstore and more.
"I am very happy to see this project get underway,” Domenici offered. “It will make the UNM Health Sciences Center even better suited to prepare New Mexico 's next generation of health professionals. This new facility will include all the latest technology needed to allow UNM to be on the cutting-edge of health education."
For more information on the dedication event or Domenici Center, call 272-3322.
Contact: Sam Giammo, (505) 272-3682
Changes to Anderson administration reflect mission and goals of UNM’s business school
Dean Charles Crespy has announced the selection of three new associate deans for the University of New Mexico’s ASM. “With these promotions, we are setting the stage for a better student experience, more academic research, and greater outreach to the larger business community,” said Crespy.
Dr. Alistair Preston, former Chair of the Department of Accounting, has been named Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Programs. Dr. Suleiman Kassicieh, director of the Center for Economic Development, has been named Associate Dean for Research and Economic Development. Kate Livingston MBA, Executive Director of the Anderson Management Development Center, has been named Associate Dean for Executive Education and Community Outreach.
“The three positions mirror our three highest priorities at Anderson: shaping the intellect and character of our students, advancing the knowledge and practice of business, and promoting economic development”, says Dean Crespy. “Dr. Preston, Dr. Kassicieh, and Ms. Livingston are already well known in the New Mexico business and academic communities for their dedication to these goals. We are fortunate to have them on the Anderson team.”
About Dr. Alistair Preston, associate dean, Faculty and Academic Programs
Preston is a professor of Accounting at the Anderson Schools. He specializes in process improvement and performance measurement systems in electric utilities and has consulted with Pacific Gas and Electricity (PG&E) in San Francisco, Detroit Edison, and Energy in New Orleans, and the AES Corporation, an international power company, for whom he travels to the Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, El Salvador and Cameroon Africa.
During his time at UNM, Professor Preston has served as associate dean of the ASM, Director of the School of Public Administration and most recently Chair of the Department of Accounting.
Professor Preston is an accomplished researcher and continues to publish in prominent accounting journals. He teaches management accounting to 240 undergraduate students per semester and also teaches on the flagship Executive MBA program. Working in concert with the Anderson department chairs and the MBA and BBA program staff, Dr. Preston will focus on enhancing the student experience at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
About Dr. Suleiman Kassicieh, associate dean, Research and Economic Development
Kassicieh will coordinate ASM’s economic development activities and take the lead in faculty research efforts, focused on garnering more funded research. His extensive experience at UNM and in the private sector includes co-founding the Management of Technology program (ranked in top 10 in US), consulting with Sandia National Laboratories, many venture capital firms and small high-tech startups on business development.
Kassicieh, who earned his Ph.D. in Operations Research and International Business from the University of Iowa and an MBA in Finance from the University of New Mexico, is the Regents' Professor in the Management of Technology and is the director of the UNM Management of Technology program.
About Kate Livingston, MBA, associate dean, Executive Education and Community Outreach
Livingston has served for the past ten years as the Executive Director of Anderson’s Management Development Center, whose programs include the Executive MBA, management certificate programs, and customized training. In her new role, she will work to more closely align executive education, career services/employer relations, and other outreach efforts on behalf of the Schools.
Livingston’s corporate experience includes working with Price Waterhouse in Miami and New York City and with Hyatt Hotels in New Orleans. She also served as Assistant Dean of Continuing Education at the University of Miami and the University of New Orleans, where she earned her MBA.
In 1999, Livingston was elected to the board of trustees of the International Executive MBA Council and continues to sit on that organization’s editorial board. She is a 1997 graduate of Leadership Albuquerque and is a founding member of the United Way’s Women in Philanthropy Council.
Contact: Sophie Martin, (505) 710-9325
The University of New Mexico Art, Research, Technology, and Science Laboratory (ARTS Lab) and Office for the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (OVPRED) are planning a full day conference for faculty, “Digital Media's Impact on Research and Education at UNM” to address this challenge and how ARTS Lab can help further the educational and research goals of the university community. UNM's new ARTS Lab is a key part of the Governor's Media Industries Strategic Project and received $3 million of seed funding from the legislature.
The colloquium will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 21 in Student Union Building Ballroom B. The morning will include an introduction to the ARTS Lab and some of its projects and will feature a talk by Ken Perlin, director of NYU's Media Research Laboratory and Academy Award Winner for Technical Achievement. The afternoon will be split between two interdisciplinary workshops, one on media-related research and the other on curricular impacts of media and the ARTS Lab.
The ARTS Lab and OVPRED encourage education and research faculty to take the opportunity to find out more about the ARTS Lab and learn how to get involved, as well as lend their voices and talents to shaping how UNM responds to emerging media technology.
The ARTS Lab is presently building the "Garage," a unique interdisciplinary space that will be shared with the Center for High Performance Computing in the Galles Building. Garage features include a black box experimental studio, rendering and animation hardware and software, a motion capture system and an experimental multi-projector dome. More information can be found at: ARTS Lab.
To register for the event online, visit: http://artslab.unm.edu/registration. For further information, contact Ed Angel at angel@cs.unm.edu or 277-2186 or Eric Whitmore at 277-2253 or whitmore@unm.edu. The schedule for the day is as follows:
ARTS Lab COLLOQUIUM SCHEDULE
8:30 – 9 a.m.: Sign-in; light food with fruit, snacks and coffee.
9 – 9:15 a.m.: Introductions from UNM Administration.
9:15 – 10 a.m.: ARTS Lab History, Overview and Vision from Director Ed Angel.
10 – 10:15 am: Break
10:15 – 11 a.m.: Keynote: The Future of Interactive Narrative. Ken Perlin, professor and founding director of the Media Research Laboratory, within the Department of Computer Science at New York University . Director of the NYU Center for Advanced Technology from 1994-2004 and featured artist at the Whitney Museum of American Art in January 2004.
11 – 11:15 a.m.: Break
11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Review of current and ongoing project work at ARTS Lab.
12 – 1 p.m.: Lunch
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.: Panel session on digital and interactive media in support and as a subject for research in the arts, humanities and sciences.
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.: Break
2:45 – 4 p.m.: Panel on making interdisciplinary classes and projects work in the university environment.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915, lmellas@unm.edu
Sandra Begay-Campbell, a member of the UNM Board of Regents, will receive the UNM School of Engineering Distinguished Engineering Alumnae Award during a dinner at the Student Union Building Ballroom Oct. 6. Begay-Campbell received a bachelors in Civil Engineering from UNM in 1987 and a masters in Structural Engineering from Stanford University.
Photo: UNM Regent Sandra Begay-Campbell
While at UNM, Begay-Campbell became involved in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, eventually rising to the position of executive director of the national non-profit organization with the mission to increase the number of American Indian scientists and engineers. She was the first woman to serve in that position.
In a recent interview at Montana State University, Begay-Campbell commented on the abilities of women in science and engineering roles. "Somewhere there is a myth that says that young girls aren't good at math," she said. "I spend my life trying to change that perception." She said she continues to work to break down gender barriers as well as culture barriers.
She has worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory and is currently employed at Sandia National Laboratories as a principal member of the technical staff working with tribal renewable energy throughout the nation.
Since 2001, Begay-Campbell has served the University of New Mexico and the School of Engineering as a regent. In 2000, she was a recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding Women from the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women. That year she also received the Stanford University Multicultural Alumni of the Year Award.
At Sandia, she has performed considerable public service, applying her technical expertise and knowledge to the special needs of women and minority students of engineering.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
“The World of Thomas Jefferson & Sally Hemings at Monticello: Archaeological Perspectives on a Slave Society,” is the topic of the 21st Journal of Anthropological Research Distinguished Lecture to be presented at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Fraser Neiman will give the talk Thursday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. in the UNM Anthropology Lecture Hall (Rm. 163).
This lecture will explore what archaeology can tell us about the world of masters and slaves, that Jefferson, in one of the great ironies of American history, helped to create and maintain.
Neiman is director of archaeology at Monticello and a lecturer in the departments of Anthropology & Architectural History at the University of Virginia. He received his Ph.D. from Yale in 1990 and is best known for his evolutionary ecological approach to archeology.
Neiman is a specialist in the archeology of the slave-based society of Tidewater Virginia, and was instrumental in creating a digital archaeological archive of colonial slavery. Most notably, he has been involved in the recent research that led to the conclusion that Thomas Jefferson fathered all six of the children of Sally Hemings, one of his slaves.
Neiman will also present a specialized seminar on Friday, Nov. 4 at noon in Anthropology rm. 178. The topic will be “Commodities as costly signals: The case of tobacco pipes in 17th century Jamestown, Va.”
Both events are free and open to the public and are wheelchair accessible.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
An estimated nine percent of students, staff and faculty ride their bikes to the University of New Mexico everyday. In an effort to recognize Albuquerque's bicyclists and alternative commuting opportunities, the university will promote International Walk and Bike to School/Work Week, beginning with a celebration, Friday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the UNM Duck Pond.
A bike auction, sponsored by UNM Police, is scheduled to run throughout the event with dozens of bikes up for auction.
Students, faculty, staff and community members will have access to information on the benefits of cycling, bicycle traffic laws, proper helmet usage, bicycle pathways around Albuquerque and other important information about bicycle commuting.
Federal spending of bicycling and walking facilities has grown to more than $416 million, according to the 2004 Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The Albuquerque Metropolitan area has more than 85 miles of paved multi-use trails and hundreds of miles of unpaved trails that are used by bicyclists.
In conjunction with these incentives, the university installed several new bike racks around campus to accommodate its students using alternative forms of transportation. With the continual parking
shortages at UNM, bicycle commuting is becoming a reality for many students and faculty members.
Although UNM encourages its students, faculty and staff to use alternative forms of transportation, campus authorities are enacting policies and procedures for bicycles and other nonmotorized vehicles.
"Individuals on bicycles and other nonmotorized vehicles must understand they have responsibilities and rules to follow when on their equipment. We are most concerned with the safety of those individuals and the people around them," said UNM Police Department Dispatcher, Charles Baca.
Bike to School Day is an event made possible by the office of Transportation Information/Project Facilitation (TIPF). TIPF is proud to provide UNM students and faculty with information on the variety of riding options for Albuquerque's bike riding citizens.
For additional information, please visit these web sites:
International Walk to School Day in the USA: www.walktoschool.org.
International Walk to School Day: www.iwalktoschool.org.
Partnership for a Walkable America: www.walkableamerica.org.
The City of Albuquerque Public Works Department's Transportation Division: www.cabq.gov/bike.
UNM Way to Go: www.unm.edu/waytogo/bicycling.html.
Contact: Chad Lee, (505) 277-7584
The University of New Mexico is adding additional sections of popular eight-week classes for the second half of the fall 2005 semester, Associate Provost Wynn Goering announced today. Goering says the move is a pilot project to respond more directly to student interests and needs.
“We know some classes are always in high demand,” said Goering, “and we know some students would benefit from having additional enrollment options in the middle of the semester. What we don’t know is the degree to which this will really help them make better academic progress. That’s something we’ll have to evaluate over time.”
Courses to be added include sections of Mediation in Communications and Journalism, Racquetball, Jogging and Stretching in the Physical Performance Department, Biology for Health Sciences, and a topics course on Urban Legends in American Studies. For schedule locations and times visit: www.unm.edu/~unmreg/schedule.htm.
Registration is open now. The second session of eight-week classes begins on Monday, Oct. 17, 2005. The final date to add a class is Friday, Oct. 21, 2005.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
The Harwood Museum of Art and the University of New Mexico-Taos will co-sponsor, “The D. H. Lawrence Ranch: Past and Future,” on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and again on Friday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. Both presentations will take place in the upstairs gallery of the Harwood Museum, 238 Ledoux Street in Taos. This event is free and open to the public.
During the first part of the program, UNM Professor Emeritus of English Hugh Witemeyer will present the slide lecture, “D. H. Lawrence in New Mexico.” This literary biography and travelogue describes Lawrence's life, work and friendships in and around Taos between 1922 and 1925. His relationships with Mabel Dodge Luhan, Lady Dorothy Brett, Spud Johnson and others figure prominently, as do his trips to Mexico and his residency at the Kiowa Ranch near San Cristobal.
Witemeyer will read passages from Lawrence's New Mexico poems and prose. The presentation will end with a brief survey of the history of the Ranch since Lawrence's death and a few reflections on its potential as a cultural property.
The second part of the program will be an open discussion of the future of the Lawrence Ranch. Audience members will be invited to present their ideas about the Ranch, and UNM representatives will describe some recent initiatives. The creation of a group of “Friends of the D. H. Lawrence Ranch” will also be discussed.
For more information, contact the Harwood Museum at 758-9826.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
On Thursday, Oct. 13, more than 75 community organizations will converge on the UNM campus as part of the fourth UNM Volunteer Fair. The fair will provide faculty, staff and students the chance to meet with representatives from different local volunteer-oriented organizations and to become involved with an organization. It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.
“A major theme at UNM is that we need to do more to connect UNM to the community. As one of the largest employers and most important organizations in the city and the entire state, we need to do our part to connect to the community and contribute to addressing the needs of our fellow citizens.” said interim Provost Reed Dasenbrock. “The Volunteer Fair is certainly an excellent opportunity for UNM staff and other members of our community to learn more about how they can participate in this crucial activity.”
Organized by the Provost’s Committee for Staff, this fun and informative event seeks ways to create and establish a better link between organizations that need support and UNM staff members who can be a valuable resource. Many staff members already volunteer their time, money and expertise to make Albuquerque a stronger, healthier and more vibrant community.
The Provost’s Committee for Staff was founded in 1989 to assist the Provost in determining what activities would provide UNM staff with opportunities for growth, recognition and service. The Volunteer Fair has been held every other year since its inception in 1999. The event is also open to the public. Guests will be treated to lunch including green chili stew, tortillas and beverages while supplies last.
For more information contact Lourdes McKenna (277-7213), volunteer coordinator for the event.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
The Geography Department at the University of New Mexico opens its fall 2005 lecture series with noted author Charles E. Little who will give a lecture titled, “On Faith and the Environment in America: Can Religion Save God’s Green Earth?” It will be held Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium (rm. 208) of the UNM Science and Technology Park, located at 800 Bradbury Dr., S.E. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Little will discuss how and why there has been significant religious involvement in environmental issues since the early 1990s; the origins of an American earth spirituality as expressed by Thoreau, Muir, and Leopold (all non-churchgoers) and Native American beliefs; the uneasy association of organized religion with the environmental movement; and some observations on the potentials for a non-sectarian “place-oriented” religious environmentalism in the future.
Little is a writer on American land, landscape and the environment. Among his recent books are Discover America (Smithsonian), Sacred Lands of Indian America (Abrams), The Encyclopedia of Environmental Studies (Facts on File), and The Dying of the Trees (Viking-Penguin).
Little was formerly the head of natural resources policy research at the Library of Congress (Congressional Research Service) and president of The American Land Forum, a Washington, D.C., His current projects include a book on religion and the environment and a study of economic and ecological recovery in the Great Plains.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
The Department of Linguistics celebrates the 35th anniversary of Navajo/Diné language instruction at the University of New Mexico with a series of events beginning with an anniversary reception on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hibben Center foyer.
UNM's program is oldest Navajo/Dine language program of any non-tribal university in the United States.
The event kicks off with the Basket Dance performed by the Dineh Tah' Navajo Dancers. Special guests include New Mexico Senator Leonard Tsosie and a representative from Senator Jeff Bingaman's office.
“We will recognize and acknowledge the contributions of those integral to the program over the past 35 years,” said Sherman Wilcox, chair of linguistics. Among those to be honored is Robert Young, who, with William Morgan, co-authored the Navajo dictionary. Awards named for both men will also be presented.
Festivities will resume on Wednesday, Oct. 19 when Sunny Dooley shares Navajo stories at 5:30 p.m. in Humanities 112. Crownpoint Navajo Weavers will be featured on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. in Zimmerman Library's Willard Reading Room. The program concludes with Navajo Code Talkers on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hibben Center foyer.
The Navajo program got its start in the Modern and Classical Languages Department in 1970, Wilcox said. “Bernard Spolsky, now at Bar-Ilan University in Israel got the program going,” he said.
In 1988, modern languages decided not to offer Navajo any more because the program couldn't maintain student numbers. At the same time, sign language moved out of communicative disorders. Both programs found a home in linguistics.
“Since the program moved into linguistics enrollment is up and a minor was established in Navajo language. We are beginning to get students from San Juan and Diné College who want to continue their language study here. We have two Navajo students in our master's program in linguistics,” Wilcox said.
Linguistics offers graduate courses in Navajo including a concentration in native languages of the Southwest.
All events are co-sponsored by the Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies and the Institute for American Indian Research. For more information, call Nancy Montoya at 277-6353.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Margaret Carlson has been awarded the prestigious International Sculpture Center's Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award for 2005. Carlson recently received a bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture at the University of New Mexico College of Fine Arts.
Carlson's “Husht Reverberations” is one of 19 winning sculptures selected from 340 submissions from 130 colleges and art schools in four countries. She was also selected for ISC's 2005 Sculpture Residency in Switzerland, which is awarded to one student each year. She will spend a month in Switzerland working with world-renowned sculpture Heinz Aeschlimann.
Carlson's work is featured in the October issue of Sculpture magazine and in the Grounds for Sculpture's Fall/Winter Exhibition Oct. 8 – Jan. 8 in Hamilton, N.J.
“Husht Reverberations” is made from over 10,000 yards of fabric. “It is all used, which gives each piece of material its own story,” Carlson said. “This work was a celebration of the phenomenal experiences that are embedded into everyday life.”
The ISC was founded in 1960 to expand public understanding and appreciation of sculpture internationally, demonstrate the power of sculpture to educate, effect social change, engage artists and arts professionals in a dialogue to advance the art form, and promote a supportive environment for sculpture and sculptors. The ISC established the annual Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award in 1994 to recognize young sculptors and to encourage their continued commitment to the field.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
The 28th annual Zia Marching Band Fiesta, sponsored by the University of New Mexico Bands, will be held on Oct. 15 at University Stadium. Twenty-nine high school bands from New Mexico, Colorado and Texas will compete to become Zia Grand Champion, and for other awards and trophies.
“We estimate that since its founding by former Director of Bands Harold Van Winkle, the Zia Fiesta has had over 50,000 high school students compete,” Eric Rombach-Kendall, UNM director of Bands said. “This year's event will feature over 3,000 students.”
Preliminary competition begins 8:30 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. following a special exhibition by the UNM Spirit Marching Band featuring music from the band Chicago. Programs range from classical music by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky to classic pop tunes to soundtracks from recent films like “Gladiator” and “The Incredibles.” The 10 bands with the highest scores will perform in the final competition beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets range from $4 to $12 and will be available at the gate on the day of the Fiesta. For more information, call the UNM Band Office at 277-8998.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
The South Caucasus, the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a potential global flash point; its energy resources and national and ethnic tensions provide the potential fuel. The region’s water resources are a key component in the volatile mix. Contention over water could lead to conflict; cooperation could lead to improved relations and understanding among the South Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Michael E. Campana, director of UNM’s Water Resources Program and professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, has been working with colleagues from the aforementioned countries and Belgium and Norway to monitor water quality and quantity in the Kura-Araks basin, the region’s major surface water supply. The project, funded by NATO and OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe), is promoting cooperation among the three countries by using water resources as a unifying element.
The project recently reached a critical point when it became necessary to instruct the participants – scientists and engineers – in computer simulation techniques to utilize all their data to manage the Kura-Araks system. To conduct a computer modeling workshop, Campana asked Alyssa Neir, a Master’s of Water Resources (MWR) degree student, who recently defended her Master’s project in record time – a mere 13 months after entering the program in Fall 2004.
Neir, who worked under the direction of Professor David Brookshire in the UNM Department of Economics, agreed, and proceeded to assemble an 80-page tutorial and other teaching materials. The workshop was conducted recently in Tbilisi, Georgia, at the project’s annual meeting.
"Alyssa tackled the job with her usual diligence and thoroughness,” said Campana. “She conducted a three-day workshop for seven people and received rave reviews.” Campana also noted her professionalism and knowledge – given her age of 23 – that thoroughly amazed his colleagues.
Neir, who hails from Leavenworth, Wash., received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania with a double major in Environmental Studies and Urban Studies. She is currently seeking a position in water resources and can now add to her resume that she has provided some assistance to three countries on the difficult road to conflict prevention and cooperation.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
Overviews and hands-on demonstrations of Hyperion, ePrint and Banner Forms for financial reporting, overviews of purchasing using HigherMarkets and a presentation on uses for P-Cards are among some of the areas to be addressed during the University-wide Project LINK Update on Monday, Oct. 17, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Woodward Lecture Hall.
The free event is open to all interested faculty, staff and students. It also will be provided to the UNM Health Sciences Center via a live web cast to Room 309 of the Basic Medical Sciences Building, and to UNM’s branch campuses via a live satellite feed. No registration is required and there will be refreshments and a question-and-answer session.
“Much aforethought has gone into the planning of this event to make it as relevant and meaningful as possible so that it will be helpful to employees who are now or will be using the Banner systems,” said Project LINK Executive Director Bonnie Young.
UNM Chief Information Officer Bill Adkins will open the program and introduce Young, who will give a brief overview of the Project LINK implementations. LINK Financial Aid Project Director Ron Martinez and members of his team will follow with a Financial Aid Self-Service demonstration.
The majority of the program will be devoted to current topics involving LINK Finance. “We have listened to concerns from campus and this is an opportunity to share the progress that we have made in addressing some of the needs of the University,” said LINK Finance Project Director Duane Arruti, who will lead the Finance presentation.
Finance topics and presenters are as follows:
--Ray Avila of Finance Systems Management will lead an overview of Hyperion and reports that are now available. His overview will be followed by Kristin Gates of the Department of Surgery, who will lead a demonstration that will describe the functionality of dashboards and provide some user “tricks and tips,” with a focus on the Operating Ledger, Grant, and Labor and Benefits Distribution reports.
--Susan Smith of Finance Management Systems will provide an ePrint demonstration that will include an overview of reports and functionality of bookmarks, with a focus of the Salary Projections Report.
--Les Foust of the Department of Internal Medicine will provide an overview of Banner system reporting through forms that will include a demonstration of query options, where to find needed information, and export capabilities.
--Julian Sandoval of Purchasing will follow with an overview of E-Commerce and speak about recent enhancements to P-Card. He will offer a demonstration of the HigherMarkets process that will include “tips, tricks and solutions to real-life situations.”
--Ivan Boyd and Danny Lee of CIRT then will provide overviews of FastInfo and the LINK Service Center, describing how employees may get “consistent, accurate and timely information” to help them do their work.
--Arruti will then talk about “What’s Next in Finance.”
--Laurie Schatzberg of the ASM then will moderate a question-and-answer session.
For updates and more information, visit the Project LINK Web site at Project Link.
Contact: Frank D. Martinez, (505) 272-7285