Continuing Education at UNM is proud to announce its Sixth Annual Administrative Professional Conference, April 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The conference will be held at the UNM Continuing Education Conference Center and is presented through a partnership with the Albuquerque chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
This exciting two-day conference is designed to address the growing needs of Administrative Professionals, to recognize the integral role they fulfill, and to promote professional development in the field. Participants will have a chance to network with other professionals, and gain new skills, strategies, and techniques to improve their work performance and further their career development. The conference will feature multiple breakout sessions, professional organization information, exhibits, a bookstore, exercise and relaxation demonstrations.
Day one will feature a keynote presentation titled 'Get Out of Your Funk and On to Your Future' by Andrea Kay, career consultant, executive coach, and author who’s list of clients include Procter & Gamble, Apple Computers, Westinghouse, Frito-Lay and General Electric. General sessions will cover important topics such as what drives success and discovering one’s strengths to succeed in the workplace.
Day two will feature a general session by Reed Dasenbrock, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at UNM, titled 'Leadership is an Attitude.' Dan Strakal, expert on the changing workplace, author and host of two syndicated talk shows, will present the afternoon general session titled 'Communication Tips to Enhance Your Leadership Styles.' Breakout sessions will follow.
The Sixth Annual Administrative Professional Conference will be held April 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at UNM Continuing Education, 1634 University Blvd. NE (corner of University and Indian School). Participants may register for day one for $99, day two for $229, or both days for $259. For information, call Sherry TenClay at 277-0723 or sherrytc@unm.edu. To register, call 277-0077, or visit our Web site at dce.unm.edu.
Media Contact: Christian Horstman, (505) 277-1176; e-mail: chorst@unm.edu
Continuing Education at The University of New Mexico has been honored for excellence by the Learning Resources Network (LERN), an international association in lifelong learning. UNM is being recognized for creating a Web site and database resource and statewide referral system for child care. The system helps families find the care they need, in a convenient and cost-efficient way.
The LERN members offer hundreds of exemplary programs annually, as well as exceptional ideas for marketing, community service, and brochure and web page design.
UNM's Continuing Education was also awarded for excellence in e-Marketing, and is being recognized for exceptional electronic marketing strategies and programs for Continuing Education. The e-Marketing promotions have resulted in more targeted and timely messages, increased participation, and reduced costs for the program. Both submissions were sent by Dr. Rita Martinez-Purson.
LERN’s primary criterion in selecting exemplary programs was the quality of being at the leading edge of the field of lifelong learning. In addition, the following criteria are considered: originality, innovation, appropriateness and adaptability as a model for other programs, replicability, and measurable outcomes.
Julie Coates, Vice President of information services for LERN, said that this year’s award nominees were among the highest quality ever submitted. She also noted that there were more winners selected this year than in any previous year, due to the excellence in quality of the nominations. The University of New Mexico‘s program was selected from a field of more than 100 entries from four countries.
Learning Resources Network will feature the University of New Mexico award on the LERN Web site at www.lern.org as well as in the LERN Magazine and newsletters. For additional information, please contact info@lern.org or 1-800-678-5376.
Interested individuals may also call Dr. Rita Martinez-Purson, director, Continuing Education, at 277-6150 or rmpurson@unm.edu.
Media Contact: Christian Horstman, (505) 277-1176; e-mail: chorst@unm.edu
Service Action Network to host roundtable
The Service Action Network, a group of University of New Mexico students, faculty and staff will host a roundtable discussion with academic deans, department chairs and provosts to discuss community service opportunities and academic reform at UNM.
The event, open to the public, is Wednesday, April 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Student Union ballrooms. Presenters from various student organizations will speak.
"The Service Action Network serves as a clearinghouse for service organizations on campus," said Student Activities Center professional Trey Smith. "Our goal is to provide students more opportunities to get engaged in our community."
The purpose of the roundtable is to encourage student involvement in the Albuquerque community. Network members will present options and encourage university leaders to mandate academic and departmental changes and propose graduation with merit for service commitment.
"Ultimately, we would like to see more community involvement on the UNM campus," said Community Experience Assistant Director Doug Rocks-Macqueen.
For more information, contact Nico Condon via e-mail at, ncondon@unm.edu or by telephone, (505) 277-0106 or 401-2211.
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu
University of New Mexico is lead institution in revolutionary new radio telescope
Astronomers at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have produced the first images of the sky as seen by a prototype of the Long Wavelength Array (LWA), a revolutionary new radio telescope to be constructed in southwestern New Mexico. The images show emissions from the center of our Galaxy, a supermassive black hole, and the remnant of a star that exploded in a supernova over 300 years ago.
Photo: The Long Wavelength Demonstrator Array, the current prototype of the larger LWA project, was completed in the fall of 2006. Credit: Naval Research Laboratory
Not only a milestone in the development of the LWA, the images are also a first glimpse through a new window on the cosmos. “First light” is an astronomical term for the first image produced with a telescope. It is a key milestone for any telescope because it indicates that all of the individual components are working in unison as planned.
The University of New Mexico, the lead institution for the LWA, will supervise all aspects of its siting, design, construction and operation, says Greg Taylor, Interim Director for the LWA and associate professor of Physics and Astronomy at UNM.
“We hope to present the U.S. astronomical community with a powerful and unique instrument for exploring the universe at long wavelengths,” said Taylor. “At the same time, we will use the LWA to investigate the nature of the Earth’s ionosphere.”
When Completed...
Once completed, the LWA will provide an entirely novel view of the sky, in the radio frequency range of 20–80 MHz, currently one of the most poorly explored regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in astronomy. The LWA will be able to make sensitive high-resolution images and scan the sky rapidly for new and transient sources of radio waves, which might represent the explosion of distant, massive stars, the emissions from planets outside of our own solar system or even previously unknown objects or phenomena.
“The LWA will allow us to make the sharpest images ever possible using very long wavelength radio waves,” said Namir Kassim, an NRL astronomer in the Remote Sensing Division and LWA Project Scientist. “This newly opened window on the universe will help us understand the acceleration of relativistic particles in a variety of extreme astrophysical environments including from the most distant supermassive black holes. But perhaps most exciting is the promise of new source classes waiting to be discovered.”
Scientific Frontiers...
According to Taylor, LWA scientific frontiers include distant radio galaxies and clusters – tools for understanding the earliest black holes and cosmological evolution of dark matter and dark energy, respectively; acceleration, propagation and turbulence in the interstellar medium, including the space-distribution and spectrum of Galactic cosmic rays and supernova remnants; planetary, solar and space science, including space-weather prediction, ionospheric measurements and extra solar planet searches; and the radio transient universe including Gamma Ray Burst’s, ultra-high energy cosmic rays and new sources of unknown origin.
The current prototype, referred to as the Long Wavelength Demonstrator Array (LWDA) to differentiate it from the larger LWA project, completed installation on the Plains of San Agustin in southwestern New Mexico in the fall of 2006. Funded by NRL and built by the Applied Research Laboratories of the University of Texas, Austin, the telescope consists of 16 antennas connected to a suite of electronics that combine the signals from each antenna. Each antenna is only four feet tall and acts much like an old style television antenna, receiving radio waves from many different directions simultaneously. When combined, the data from the individual antennas is comparable to that from a more traditional dish style telescope with a diameter of 70 feet.
Although radio astronomy was discovered at low frequencies (near 20 MHz, corresponding to wavelengths of 15 meters), well below the current FM band, astronomers quickly moved up to higher frequencies (centimeter wavelengths) in search of higher resolution and to escape the corrupting effects of the Earth’s ionosphere, a region of charged particles between about 50 and 600 miles above the surface.
New Imaging Techniques...
The ionosphere, which can "bend" radio waves to produce long-distance reception of AM and short-wave radio signals, causes distortions in radio telescope images. Ionospheric effects become much worse at low frequencies, but new imaging techniques developed at NRL and elsewhere have allowed the "ionospheric barrier" to be broken and enabled high-resolution astronomical imaging at these low frequencies for the first time.
These new imaging techniques provide an improved view of not only the astronomical sky, but the Earth's ionosphere as well. The full LWA will generate richly detailed measurements of the ionosphere that will complement other ionospheric data sources. Understanding the ionosphere is critically important to the Department of Defense because of its effects on communications and navigation systems.
“Radio astronomy got its start at low frequencies (below 100 MHz) with the work of Karl Jansky and Grote Reber, but Reber and others quickly moved to higher frequencies where the ionosphere was less problematic,” says Taylor. “The ionosphere distorts the radio waves at low frequencies and causes radio sources to shift around on the sky, much like stars twinkle due to passage through the atmosphere. The phase distortions induced by the ionosphere are particularly challenging to interferometers and can prevent them from achieving useful results.
“Astronomers (including members of the LWA collaboration) have recently developed techniques that can allow us to remove these phase fluctuations and recover faithful images of the sky. At the same time these phase variations provide us with important insights into the nature of the ionosphere, such as minute density variations.”
The antenna design, which resembles a household ceiling fan, with blades that have drooped down at an angle of 45 degrees, was conceived to allow the array to see the full sky and cover a wide range of frequencies with a single antenna “The sophisticated digital electronics used in the LWDA allow it to change observing frequency or point in a new direction in an instant, and even allow it to look in two directions at the same time,” says Dr. Paul Ray, an astrophysicist at NRL who is overseeing the overall performance of the LWDA.
Possibilities Unlimited...
When completed, the LWA will operate in a similar manner, but on a much grander scale. Plans call for over 13,000 individual antennas, divided into 50 stations. These stations will be spread over a 250-mile area across New Mexico, and possibly beyond.
“I think the possibility for detecting entirely new classes of astrophysical objects is excellent,” said Taylor. “Consider two of the past Nobel prizes in radio astronomy for the detection of pulsars and the cosmic microwave background. These great discoveries happened when we opened up new frequency windows on the universe. The LWA will open up the lowest frequency window available from the ground (before the ionospheric cutoff kicks in at 5-15 MHz) at dramatically higher sensitivity and resolution than we have had before.”
“At these low frequencies we have the possibility to detect coherent emission from gamma-ray bursts, from extra solar planets, and from sources of yet unknown origin. In combination with the wealth of scientific studies that we know will be possible by extraction from higher frequencies the deployment of the LWA will begin a very exciting era for astronomy.”
UNM Involvement...
In addition to Taylor, other UNM researchers involved in the project include Professor Jack McIver, Associate Professor Patricia Henning, Assistant Professor Ylva Pihlstrom, Adjunct Professors John Dickel and Helene Dickel, all from Physics and Astronomy, Computer Engineering Professor Walter Gerstle and Electrical Engineering Associate Research Professor Christopher Watts.
UNM will be establishing a project office that will help Taylor manage the project. The LWA will also provide a training ground for radio astronomy instrumentation at UNM. Several UNM students have already been involved with work on the LWDA including its siting, construction, and radio-frequency interference evaluation and mitigation.
Media Contacts: National Research Laboratory Public Affairs Office, (202) 767-2541; UNM, Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu.
The second of ARTS Lab's First Friday Workshops will focus on Motion Capture applications and the capabilities of ARTS Lab's Vicon system, led by Multimedia Specialist Enrico Trujillo. The event will be held specifically for UNM faculty and staff Friday, April 6, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the ARTS Lab Garage, 131 Pine St., N.E. Participants will see a demonstration of motion capture use, from basic set up to capturing data, and the steps needed to apply this information to a working model.
Motion Capture technology has come from use in sports and biomedical applications to revolutionize animation, special effects and game development, perhaps best represented by the performance of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings movie series.
Due to space limitations, this workshop is reserved for UNM Faculty and Staff on a first come - first served basis. Visit http://artslab.unm.edu/rsvp/ to claim your spot.
For a map to the location visit: http://artslab.unm.edu/contact/index.htm.
For more information about ARTS Lab, visit: http://artslab.unm.edu/newsevents/.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
On Friday, March 30, from 9 a.m. – noon, UNM regents, administrators and representatives from faculty, staff and student leadership will discuss the university’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The 2007 Budget Summit will take place in the Student Union Building, Ballroom C.
Delegates from various university constituencies will do presentations listing their priorities for Fiscal Year ’08, which begins July 1, 2007.
Background information and some presentations are available at:
Budget Summit Background.
Everyone is invited to attend. However, if you are unable to attend, but would still like to know what ‘s being said at the summit, use this link for the live audio webcast: Budget Summit Webcast.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
Show Airs Friday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. and repeats Sunday, April 1, at 7 a.m.
UNM and New Mexico will soon be at the forefront of the national health policy discussion, thanks to an $18.5 million gift from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This week’s edition of KNME-TV’s public affairs series, In Focus, will center on where that money will go and how the University of New Mexico hopes the Center will bring Hispanic and Native American voices into the discussion. Titled “UNM & New Mexico’s Health Policy,” In Focus will air Friday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 5. This week’s show will repeat Sunday, April 1, at 7 a.m.
Featured guests include Reed Dasenbrock, UNM Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Richard Santos and William Wiese, MD, both associate directors of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy at UNM.
In Focus is an in-depth, television news magazine focusing on the events, topics and issues that shape people’s lives in the Southwest. It covers issues that New Mexicans want to know more about and is a fusion of KNME’s award-winning journalistic, documentary and cultural local production. The producer of In Focus is Kevin McDonald. The host is journalist Kate Nelson, managing editor of the Albuquerque Tribune.
The McCune Charitable Foundation has provided support for the 39-week season of In Focus. Closed Captioning of In Focus has been made possible by a gift from Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs.
Media Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1218; e-mail: etodd@unm.edu
About 300 people are anticipated to participate in Relay for Life, an event hosted by the University of New Mexico to raise money to help the American Cancer Society, said Desiree Valdez, ACS community relationship manager.
Designed to bring together those who have been affected by cancer and to celebrate survivorship, this overnight event is open to anyone interested in participating April 13, between 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m., at UNM’s Johnson Field. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m., and the survivors lap and opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.
“The event is held overnight to signify that Cancer never sleeps,” said Valdez.
Sign up at Relay for Life UNM or at the event.
There is no deadline for registration. Participants however, are encouraged to register in teams added Valdez.
The easiest way to raise money is through the online fundraising tool, which can be accessed after registering a team.
Last year UNM became one of the selected universities to be chartered by the American Cancer Society as a College Against Cancer, said Miranda Riddle, co-chair of Relay for Life.
“At the first Relay for Life, held last year, $7,000 was raised,” Valdez said. “This year’s goal is $50,000. We have great expectations for UNM.”
For more information, contact Louis Jeantete at 977-4502.
University of New Mexico Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Reed Dasenbrock has named Dr. Brenda J. Claiborne as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Claiborne, currently professor of biology and director of the Institute for Aging Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), will begin her new job August 1.
Photo: Brenda J. Claiborne
Dasenbrock notes that the dean of Arts and Sciences is one of UNM’s most important positions as this college teaches 62 percent of all of the credit hours at the university. It has 20 departments, including those key to undergraduate education, as well as strong doctoral programs in the humanities, social sciences and physical sciences.
“Dr. Claiborne comes from UTSA, a rapidly rising Hispanic serving institution, where she has been quite successful in bringing in external research funds and building high quality programs,” said Dasenbrock.
“We look forward to her participation in helping increase student success and graduation rates at UNM, as well as helping build programs of national distinction,” he added.
Saying she is impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of the faculty and administrators and the diversity of the student body, Claiborne is delighted to be joining UNM. “I look forward to working with all members of the college to develop a strategic plan that both reflects the priorities and needs of the college and supports the mission of UNM.”
Claiborne said she also looks forward to improving student success, supporting outstanding scholarship and fostering collaborative projects and programs with other colleges and with the School of Medicine.
Claiborne has been on the UTSA faculty since 1986. From 1993 – 1997, she served as Dean of Graduate Studies and Associate Vice President for Research, with responsibility for all graduate programs, research centers and institutes, and research development on the UTSA campus.
Claiborne received her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of California, Berkeley, her masters of science in Biology from the University of Oregon and her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California, San Diego. Before her tenure at UTSA, she worked as a postdoctoral fellow in developmental neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. She has had a distinguished research career in neuroscience.
At UNM, Claiborne will have a tenured appointment in the Dept. of Biology with a secondary appointment in the Dept. of Neurosciences in the School of Medicine.
Joseph Cecchi, dean, School of Engineering, who chaired the Arts and Sciences dean’s search committee, reflected on the strength of the candidate pool, saying “It is a strong indication of the high esteem UNM’s College of Arts and Sciences enjoys nationwide that we saw a great number of exceptionally talented individuals from highly-regarded institutions across the country. From that pool the provost was able to select five outstanding finalists – every one a leader.”
Provost Dasenbrock, who had previously served as UNM’s dean of Arts and Sciences, extended his thanks to Vera Norwood who has served as interim dean since March 2005.
“The position of Dean of Arts and Sciences, as I can testify from experience, is a challenging one, and Vera has very capably addressed all of the challenges of the job and kept the College moving forward in this period of transition,” said Dasenbrock.
Media Contact: Susan McKinsey, (505) 277-1989; e-mail: mckinsey@unm.edu
UNM Staff Council elections will be held April 2-10. Staff will vote for councilors to represent their grade by paper (grades 2-6) or electronic (all other grades) ballot.
The Staff Council provides a forum for non-faculty staff to address issues of staff concern and to make those issues known to the university. Recent issues the council has addressed include a campus-wide tobacco ban, protection of employee rights, differential raises for faculty and staff, tuition remission policy, and aligning UNM and Albuquerque Public Schools spring breaks.
The council also contributes to events for and recognition of UNM staff, such as Staff Appreciation Week and Outstanding Staff Awards.
Paper ballots will be mailed Thursday, March 29 and are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10. Electronic ballots will be mailed Monday, April 2 and are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 6. The election results will be announced Wednesday, April 11.
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu
Are you curious about what is happening to the Southwestern Willow Flycatchers or the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow? The Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Act Collaborative Program is sponsoring its Second Annual Symposium to talk about the latest projects and information involving these species. The symposium will be Monday and Tuesday, April 16-17, at the University of New Mexico Continuing Education Center at 1634 University Boulevard NE, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Photo: Bill Maynard, N.M. Dept. of Game and Fish
Hear a call from the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher.
It will feature project updates and new information on the biology and ecology of the Rio Grande silvery minnow, the distribution and abundance of the Southwestern willow flycatcher, habitat restoration research and monitoring, water quality and riparian ecology, and investigations into options for irrigation and other water use efficiencies.
Advance registration is required. Cost is $10 for access to the programs and poster presentations, continental breakfast and refreshment breaks and lunch on Monday, April 16.
The registration Web site is http://research.unm.edu/news_events/register/. Please look under MRGESCP Symposium. Registrations will be taken up to 5 p.m. Friday, April 6. Checks must be made to the University of New Mexico. Advance payment should be sent to MRGESCP Symposium, c/o Office of the Vice President for Research & Economic Development, MSCO5 3480, Scholes Hall, Suite 327, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001. Only cash and checks may be accepted at the registration tables. Purchase orders cannot be accepted.
Registration questions should be directed to Dr. Tim J. Ward, P.E., UNM Assistant Vice President for Research, at tjward@unm.edu or (505) 277-2328, or Amy Cordoba at acordoba@unm.edu
or (505) 277-0168.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627; email kwent2@unm.edu
Thornburg Investment Management has given a capital gift of $30,000 to the Anderson School of Management’s Student Financial Services Center. The Center, which opened its doors this year, was built to house the work of the Anderson undergraduate and graduate portfolio management program.
The contribution by Thornburg offers a win-win situation to both parties according to Alex Motola, Portfolio Manager of Thornburg Core Growth. “As New Mexico's premiere mutual fund and financial services company we seek the finest graduates to help infuse fresh talent to our growing organizations. Having a top notch teaching facility at UNM's Anderson School will help Thornburg Companies and other financial firms in the state,” says Motola.
Students in the Anderson portfolio management program currently trade over $2 million in UNM Foundation funds, thanks to an agreement between University Regents and the business school. According to Anderson Ted Bouras, “Most business schools have finance majors, but an investment program like ours, with real money at stake, is a major differentiator. Anderson grads will be much more competitive in the job market with this valuable hands-on experience.”
“I would like to thank Thornburg for this generous donation and for having faith in the future of our students choosing to take financial paths,” says Amy Wohlert, Anderson’s acting dean.
A team of cadets from the UNM Army ROTC program has taken first place in their category at the Bataan Memorial Death March event at the White Sands Missile Range. The ROTC Military Heavy team ran 26.2 miles though the desert, much of it through sand carrying 35 pound rucksacks.
Photo (l. to r.): UNM Army ROTC team Tyler Cormier, Christopher Painter, Rubin Andrew, Ogan Michael, Gabriel Montoya, John Brasher, Daryl Murton. They are shown here with WWII Bataan Death March survivor Horazio Montoya, grandfather of cadet Gabriel Montoya.
The Bataan Memorial Death March was started in 1989 by the Army ROTC at New Mexico State University to honor a special group of World War II veterans, many of them from New Mexico. The soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines. On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of Americans and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. The 200th Coast Artillery from the New Mexico National Guard was one of the units seized.
The soldiers were marched for days through the scorching heat of the Philippine Jungles. Thousands of men died during the march and the survivors were sent to Japanese prison of war camps.
The memorial march is primarily a military event, although some civilians do participate. The event which began with about 100 marchers, now each year draws about 4-thousand participants, and is an international event.
This year UNM Assistant Professor of Military Science Maj. Mike Herrera won 4th place overall in Military Light and 1st place in his age category.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627 email kwent2@unm.edu
For the first time in almost 25 years, Albuquerque will host the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2007. The fair will utilize the entire Albuquerque Convention Center for the week of May 13 – 19, 2007, plus Tingley Coliseum for opening and closing ceremonies.
The week-long Intel ISEF is the world's largest pre-college celebration of science and is held annually in May. This event brings together approximately 1,500 high school students from over 40 countries, regions, and territories to compete for nearly $4 million in scholarships, tuition grants, internships, scientific field trips, and three grand prizes of $50,000 college scholarships.
Grand Awards judges are needed in 17 science and engineering categories to interview the finalists and select the award winners. Grand Awards Judges need to be available for half a day on Tuesday, May 15 and all of Wednesday, May 16, 2007. Registration for participating judges is on Tuesday, May 15. Judging and award selection take place all day on Wednesday, May 16.
Grand Awards judges must have a minimum of six years related professional experience beyond receiving their B.A., B.S., or master’s degree or a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree. Judges may include university faculty and scientists, industrial engineers and scientists, representatives of private and federal research centers and agencies, and medical researchers.
To apply to be a Grand Awards judge, go to http://www.intelisef2007.org/judges.asp and click on the link “Click here to register to be a judge.”
Host Committee Judging Chairs
Len Duda
Sandia National Labs
Phone: (505) 844-3304
Email: leduda@sandia.gov
Ted Wolff
Sandia National Labs
Phone: (505) 284-5204
Email: tawolff@sandia.gov
The search committee for the new director of the Counseling, Assistance and Referral Services (CARS) is inviting interested members of the campus community to attend open forums with the finalists.
All forums will be held in the Student Union Building, Trailblazer Room. That is on the 3rd floor, near the south send of the building.
Monday, March 26 – Timothy S. Strongin, Ph.D. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 29 – Rosalyn Chrenka, Ph.D. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Friday, April 6 – Steven A. Rugala, Ph.D 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
The 4th Annual Planet xMAP 2007 Conference welcomed Larry Sklar, Ph.D., professor of Pathology for UNM’s School of Medicine, as its keynote speaker this month in Dana Point, Calif.
Sklar, who also is director of the New Mexico Molecular Libraries Screening Center and directs basic research for the UNM Cancer Center, spoke about high throughput flow cytometry of multiplexed targets for drug discovery.
“The NIH Roadmap Molecular Libraries Initiative has given us the opportunity, through the New Mexico Molecular Libraries Screening Center, to implement this technology for the international research community,” Sklar notes. “And our powerful partnerships with the WM Keck Foundation and Los Alamos Labs have provided the necessary resources to evaluate small molecules as imaging agents.”
Planet xMAP is an annual symposium of leading scientists focused on genetic testing and molecular diagnostics. The three-day symposium included lectures, workshops and presentations on recent technological advances in bioassay multiplexing research systems.
Media Contact: Luke Frank, (505) 272-3679; e-mail: lfrank@salud.unm.edu
UNM Athletics Director Paul Krebs announced last month that Steve Alford has been named the school’s 19th head men’s basketball coach. Alford spent the past eight seasons as head coach at the University of Iowa. UNM and Alford have agreed on a six-year contract with total annual compensation of $975,000. Complete details of the contract will be available later.
Alford, 42, has a 308-183 (63 percent) career record in 16 seasons as a collegiate head coach. His teams qualified for postseason play 11 times, produced 13 winning seasons and reached 20 wins on eight occasions.
“We are thrilled to have Steve and his family join our Lobo family,” Krebs said. “He is an outstanding coach and he possesses a proven track record in arguably the toughest men’s basketball conference in the country. In addition to his great basketball pedigree and national name, Steve is an outstanding teacher and recruiter who cares deeply about the student-athlete. Steve’s arrival at the University of New Mexico signals a commitment to re-establishing UNM as a national player in men’s basketball.”
Alford hit the ground running. He’s already out to recruit. “We’re looking to fill in the gaps. We don’t have a lot of size. We’ll be looking for that in the class of ’07,” he said. He was planning to size up potential recruits at tournaments taking place Easter weekend.
UNM finished the 2006-07 season with a 15-17 mark, only the Lobos’ second losing record in the past 24 years, since 1984.
Alford said that he’s been “intrigued” about UNM because of games he’s attended at The Pit. “I love the history of basketball and the history of The Pit,” he said. Alford said that incoming President David Schmidly and Krebs sold him on the potential of UNM’s program.
They share his own passion and commitment in developing student-athletes, he said. “Nothing is more rewarding than taking 18-year-olds and helping them find their potential on the court and in the classroom and then turning them out as 22-year-olds ready to be productive citizens,” he said.
Alford said that greater national visibility of a successful basketball program can bring students in from other sports as well as from academics. “This is one reason why we involve the student body in our program,” he said.
“I appreciate the opportunity UNM has given to me. The Pit and Lobo basketball have a great tradition with NCAA Tournaments. We want the home court advantage to be even better. The fans will have a big part in making that possible.”
In eight seasons at Iowa, Alford compiled a 152-106 record with a school-record seven consecutive winning seasons, and six postseason appearances. The Hawkeyes won two Big Ten Conference tournament titles in 2001 and `06. Iowa was 17-14 in 2006-07. It was 9-7 in the Big Ten, tied with NCAA teams Illinois and Purdue for fourth place.
David J. Van Horn, pictured, was one of the outstanding poster presenters at the 2nd Annual UNM Student Water Research Symposium. He and his co-researcher Lydia H. Zeglin presented on “Seasonal and Longitudinal Trends in Middle Rio Grande Water Quality.” The symposium was designed to show the breadth and scope of student research being done into water related issues in New Mexico and the Southwest.
Other outstanding poster presentation winners were Christian Gunning and Lynda Price for “Linear Modeling of the Response of Groundwater Level to River Stage in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque, Water Year 2006” and Christian LeJeune and Isaiah Pedro for “Investigating Ground Water – Surface Water Interaction.”
Presentations at the conference included “A Water Leasing Framework for the Middle Rio Grande Focusing on Farming Choices” by Craig D. Broadbent, “An Evaluation of Constructed Wetlands in New Mexico” by Jennie Skancke, “Water Quality and Quantity in the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico by Lydia H. Zeglin, “Degradation of Arsenic Bearing Solid Residuals in a Landfill Environment Due to Anaerobic Bacteria” by Sarah Tuite, and “Storm Water Best Management Practices and the Drop Flow Debris Filter” by Todd Marti.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
Beginning March 31, 2007, UNM student employees paid less than $6.25 per hour will be raised to that minimum, according to UNM Student Financial Aid Director Ron Martinez. Starting July 7, 2007 (the start of the first pay period of the new fiscal year), all new student employees will be assigned pay rates according to a revised pay scale.
Continuing employees will receive a “market adjustment” to the new rate applicable to the employee’s current Grade and Step.
Any further step increases for longevity (assuming satisfactory performance) will be based on a revised pay scale starting with this first new pay period of the fiscal year.
UNM Student Employee wages will be further adjusted once Gov. Bill Richardson signs the new statewide minimum wage bill into law, resulting in an additional pay increase.
The new scale is expected to affect all grades and stages in the UNM student employee wage system in 2008 and 2009.
Below is the two-phased, three-step progression of changes in UNM student employee wages:
Phase I, Step 1: Effective March 31, 2007, all UNM student employees will be raised to $6.25.
Phase I, Step 2: Effective July 7, 2007, a new pay scale will be instituted across all UNM student employee steps and grades to calibrate with the new UNM student minimum wage, as follows:
New UNM Student Pay Scale (effective 7/07/2007)
Grade I
Step I - $6.25
Step II - $6.50
Step III - $6.75
Step IV - $7.00
Step V - $7.25
Step VI - $7.50
Step VII - $7.75
Grade II
Step I - $6.75
Step II - $7.00
Step III - $7.25
Step IV - $7.50
Step V - $7.75
Step VI - $8.00
Step VII - $8.25
Grade III
Step I - $7.25
Step II - $7.50
Step III - $7.75
Step IV - $8.00
Step V - $8.25
Step VI - $8.50
Step VII - $8.75
Grade IV
Step I - $9.50
Step II - $10.25
Step III - $11.00
Step IV - $11.75
Step V - $12.50
Step VI - $13.25
Step VII - $14.00
Phase II: When Gov. Richardson signs the new statewide minimum wage into law, there will be a further adjustment to all steps and grades to calibrate with the new statewide miniumum wage. The current proposed scale across steps and grades is as follows:
Phase II: Proposed Pay Scale: effective date in law when signed
Proposed 1/1/2008
Grade I
Step I - $6.50
Step II - $6.75
Step III - $7.00
Step IV - $7.25
Step V - $7.50
Step VI - $7.75
Step VII - $8.00
Grade II
Step I - $7.00
Step II - $7.25
Step III -$7.50
Step IV - $7.75
Step V -$8.00
Step VI - $8.25
Step VII - $8.50
Grade III
Step I - $7.50
Step II - $7.75
Step III - $8.00
Step IV - $8.25
Step V - $8.50
Step VI - $8.75
Step VII -$9.00
Grade IV
Step I - $9.50
Step II - $10.25
Step III - $11.00
Step IV - $11.75
Step V - $12.50
Step VI - $13.25
Step VII - $14.00
Please note that this proposed wage scale is tentative.
For information about changes to the UNM Student Employee wage scales, contact the Office of Student Employment at (505) 277-3511.
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu
Federal funding cuts for National Youth Sports Program puts local organizers in quandary
A popular summer program at the University of New Mexico for disadvantaged children in the Albuquerque-area faces an uncertain future. The National Youth Sports Program, a highly successful program in 39 states, aims to help under served youth learn to "walk tall – talk tall – stand tall." However, federal budget cuts the past two years may force officials to cancel its summer program unless funds are found to keep the program afloat for June 2007.
The program, which falls under UNM’s College of Education’s Department of Physical Performance and Development, had more than 50 percent of its funding cut in 2006 from $90,000 to $40,000. This year, the rest of the funding, aside from some support, was eliminated leaving UNM’s program looking for funds to keep the program alive, at least for the short term.
“This program goes back numerous years,” said David Scott, chair, department of physical performance and development. “The program was designed for economically disadvantaged youth in Albuquerque. It’s a very important program. Not only does it address a need for kids, but it is also a sports and social oriented program that helps disadvantaged youth in school.”
The program, which was created in 1969 with $3 million from Congress, uses sports instruction and competition as a means to enhance self-esteem, promote respect for oneself and others, reinforce the importance of education to one's future, and to promote active, healthy lifestyles. As part of the program, each participant receives a free medical examination and follow-up, if necessary, and at least one free meal daily.
Created 37 years ago, NYSP is of even greater importance today, given the epidemic of childhood obesity and increased diabetes. The UNM/NYSP program has been one of the biggest programs in the nation. At UNM, the kids participate in a number of sports-related activities including swimming, basketball, volleyball, flag football, soccer, rugby and tennis. The program also provides participants with instruction in career and educational opportunities and exposure to the college environment.
“This is an activity program that helps young children and adults improve their fitness through sports,” said Program Coordinator Gary Sanchez. “The participants are supervised and provided with quality instruction. This is not a roll out the ball program. The professional staff has lesson plans and 75 percent of the activity is skill instruction.
“The kids are rotated through a variety of sports activities and a health component. Kids love to play and this program provides them the opportunity to remain active. We work with mostly financially disadvantaged family who don't have the means to pay for summer programs. The participants have a sense of belonging to a quality program at UNM. For many this is their first visit to a major educational institution.”
For more information on the National Youth Sports Program visit: http://www.nyscorp.org/nysp/home.html or call UNM’s Department of Physical Performance and Development at, (505) 277-5151.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
The University of New Mexico’s Latin American and Iberian Institute presents colloquium, ”Interdisciplinary Methods in Colonial Studies in the Americas: Exchanges over space and time,” Friday and Saturday, March 23-24, at UNM.
The event is free and open to the public, but because seating is limited, registration is requested. Go to http://laii.unm.edu/cswg/register.phpre to register.
“We invite everyone who is interested in the activities of colonial Latin Americans, as well as connections from this period to Pre-Hispanic antecedents and modern extensions, to attend presentations – in English, Spanish or Portuguese – to be made by members of five panels,” said Cynthia Radding, director, LAII.
Each speaker will provide an overview of an aspect of his or her research. The
topics are interdisciplinary, and the participants will represent several scholarly disciplines.
“There will be ample time for discussion so that panelists can benefit from comments grounded in the research perspectives of other fields; as well as to receive comments and questions from the audience,” Radding said.
The program includes, “Lived Experience and Transculturation,” organized by Kathryn McKnight, associate professor, Spanish and Portuguese.
This panel discussion will look at methods used to understand how cultures and societies, and the individuals who made them up experienced, understood and expressed the transformations that occurred in the early Americas, whether those changes responded more to intercultural contact, inter-group violence, or the inequalities born of conquest and colonial life.
“Pedagogical Applications for Educators Panel,” organized by María Kelly, LAII.
The panel includes community experts discussing the possibilities of application and implementation of the materials presented for use in the area K-12 school classrooms. The panel consists of a resource teacher, art teacher, a museum curator and an art historian.
Educators attending the panel will receive a certificate for professional development for 3.5 hours issued by the Center for Latin American Resources and Outreach (CLARO).
“Markets and Economies,” is organized by Kimberly Gauderman, associate professor, History; and Celia López-Chávez, associate professor, Honors. Colonial Latin American markets and economies developed their own dynamics and distinct characteristics. As networks of economic and cultural exchange, markets provide a window into continuous negotiations over definitions of status, racial identity, and gender norms. The panelists in this session will address colonial Latin America’s multi-cultural traditions of economic exchange.
“Modes of Communication,” is organized by LAII’s María Elena Bernal García, and Merideth Paxton. During the Colonial period, peoples of the Americas communicated with each other and the supernatural world verbally and visually, as well as through performing arts. This session analyzes the creative combinations that have developed from Pre-Columbian times onward.
The central focus of the presentations is how modes of communication remained constant or were altered at crucial historical points in order to defend the cultural identity of the group and its human, civil, and religious rights.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
The 36th Annual John Donald Robb Composers’ Symposium, Sunday, March 25 through Wednesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., takes place in Keller Hall, UNM Center for the Arts, unless otherwise noted. All events are free and open to the public.
Photo: Composer Robert Ashley
The symposium features music of Robert Ashley, the second composer from in a three year series featuring composers associated with Ann Arbor’s legendary ONCE festival, which Ashley organized in the 1960s. The other two composers are Roger Reynolds in 2006 and Gordon Mumma in 2008.
A major figure in American contemporary music, Ashley acquired an international reputation for his work in new forms of opera and multi-disciplinary projects. His opera, Foreign Experiences, will be performed in its entirety by Artists in Residence Jacqueline Humbert and Sam Ashley on Tuesday, March 27.
On Monday, March 26, the Robb Concert features a performance of Dean Robb’s Christmas Cantata, Op. 62, “Los Pastores,” which has just been edited and orchestrated for this premiere performance. The Del Sol String Quartet will again serve as ensemble in residence performing Monday and Wednesday evenings, March 26 and 28, music by Curt Cacioppo, Hyo-shin Na and the world premiere of a new string quartet by Richard Hermann.
The UNM Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will perform music by Joseph Turrin and the premiere performance of Openings by Christopher Shultis on Sunday, March 25 in Popejoy Hall. New Mexico Winds will perform music by Peter Lieuwen. Trio New Mexico will premiere music written expressly for them by UNM alumnus Sam Merciers. Premiere performances will also be presented by Patricia Repar and Scott Wilkinson. Music by Thomas Licata and UNM alum Raven Chacon complete the roster of guests whose music will be featured on evening concerts.
Renowned music theorist Jack Douthett has organized a microtonal day on Tuesday, March 27 with lectures in the morning and a 2 p.m. concert in Keller Hall featuring Neil Haverstick and The Partch Group from Los Angeles who will perform music by legendary composer, and former Albuquerque resident, Harry Partch. Daytime events will include lectures, presentations and composition seminars.
For a complete list of concerts and seminars for the Composers’ Symposium 2007, please go to John Donald Robb Musical Trust Web site at http://www.unm.edu/~rmt/.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
Clauve Awards awarded to seven
Recipients of the 2007 Clauve Outstanding Senior Award at the University of New Mexico have been announced by G. Randy Boeglin, UNM dean of students. The students will be honored at a recognition reception on Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the SUB ballroom.
This year’s recipients are Deanna Armijo, Dohnia Dorman, Timiyin E-Nunu, Valerie Garcia, Lauren Huesemann, Matthew Maez and Ambrosia Ortiz.
Clauve Awards are given to UNM seniors who have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The award is based on leadership and involvement as well as academics. The award is named after Dean Emeritus Lena Clauve.
Presidential Scholar Deanna Armijo
A business administration and financial management major minoring in economics, Armijo serves as activities chair for the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and was also its president. She earned national recognition for her work as vice president of standards for fraternity life.
Armijo serves on the Mortar Board Honor Society and held several student government posts. Her community service work includes working with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
“Community and campus involvement taught me valuable lessons, created lifetime friendships, and fostered my ability to be a leader in my future career field,” Armijo says.
Presidential Scholar Dohnia Dorman
A journalism/mass communication and Spanish major, Dorman is president of the American Advertising Federation student organization. She held several leadership positions with Pi Beta Phi sorority and has been a member of the Black Student Union.
Dorman participated in the University Honors Program, and tutored on and off campus, reading to elementary school children through the Champions are Readers Program. She helped raised funds for Katrina relief, was a member of the Homecoming court and served as a marketing intern for Sandia Prep.
“I attribute my success to being a competitive figure skater and a member of a performing dance company. Figure skating and dance taught me the true meaning of hard work, concentration, discipline, perseverance, self motivation and commitment,” Dorman says.
Timiyin E-Nunu
A biology and chemistry major, E-Nunu is a member of the UNM Women's Basketball team. “A lot of emotional, physical and mental energy is expended towards playing Division-I basketball,” she says.
As a senior caption, E-Nunu tutored players and provided motivation prior to games. She served as president and treasurer of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, treasurer of the Student Letterman Alumni Association, and chair of the Hanging of the Greens event.
She assisted with events such as the Mountain West Conference Blood Drive, Reading is Leading Project, and visits to UNM Children’s Hospital.
Valerie Garcia
A psychology and anthropology major, Garcia served as president of Chi Omega sorority, as treasurer of the Mortar Board Honor Society. She is a Trailblazer and served in student government.
“Once I became an involved student I noticed I was becoming more confident, my public speaking skills were improving, my leadership skills were developing,” Garcia says.
As a new student orientation leader, Garcia helped youth make the transition from high school to college. She has presented at professional conferences, including the National Orientation Directors Association. She volunteers on and off-campus, helping to organize Fiestas and Spring Storm, and working with the organizations Make-A-Wish and Roadrunner Food Bank.
Regents Scholar Lauren Huesemann
An economics and languages major, Huesemann is president of Phi Eta Sigma and the Honors Student Advisory Council. She worked with presidents of other honor societies to form a collation to strengthen the organizations. She helped plan and organize the advisory council’s first International Day, annual Open Mic Night and Faculty Appreciation Dinner.
Huesemann served as secretary for the newly created World Affairs Delegation, helping to raise funds to send student participants abroad. She also helped create the first UNM Model United Nations High School Conference. In addition, she volunteered on numerous campus committees and tutored UNM and elementary school students. “It has never been a question whether or not I would embrace both academics and leadership; to me, they are interconnected to the extent that each demands the other,” she says.
Matthew Maez
A business major and human resources minor, Maez directed the student government’s Lobo Spirit Committee, increasing both the number and scope of spirit events. “Campus involvement was the most valuable element of my college education,” he says. “My experience was truly life changing.”
Maez served as staff appreciation chair for the UNM Mortar Board Senior Honor Society. He was a resident advisor and member of the Residence Hall Association. An Alumni Association Trailblazer, he devoted time as a student ambassador at events, including UNM Day at the Legislature. As a student orientation leader, he oriented new students and families to the campus.
Regents Scholar Ambrosia Ortiz
A political science and German major, Ortiz served as Mortar Board Honor Society President. “If you don’t get involved in something social, charitable, intellectual – you are cheating yourself out of a life fully lived,” she says.
As president, Ortiz revitalized the Honors Student Advisory Council, a group that serves as a liaison between campus and the University Honors Program. She also held a student post on the Honors Curriculum Committee. She founded various pro-choice groups, served as a Trailblazer, and volunteered at campus and community events. She served as a tutor on and off campus.
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu
Sam Tanenhaus, executive editor of the famed New York Times Book Review, will speak at the University of New Mexico Student Union Building’s Lobo Room on Wednesday, April 4 at 4 p.m. during a free, public event. His talk, “Literary Publishing in an Age of Publishing Conglomerates,” will address the changing world of global publishing and the increasingly competitive literary industry.
Photo: Sam Tanenhaus
Tanenhaus’s lecture, sponsored by the UNM English department’s professional writing program, offers an opportunity for the university and general public to discuss trends with the editor of one of the most influential literary reviews today.
“Literary life still seems to be centered on books; and at the center of the trade publishing world is the New York Times Book Review,” David Dunaway, UNM professor of professional writing, said. “While writing can be a community activity, as local as your guestroom or office, it is also a national and international phenomenon. There are few opportunities for New Mexico writers to hear someone as well connected to the hub of the industry as Sam Tanenhaus.”
Tanenhaus, 51, has been the executive editor at the New York Times Book Review since succeeding Chip McGrath in April 2004. As executive editor of the NYTBR, Tanenhaus oversees review coverage, manages a staff of writers and reviewers, and collaborates with art directors to make the pages of the weekly supplement. He has final say on the cover review and the review’s balance of fiction and nonfiction and subject themes. Under his leadership, the review has seen a redesign, a shift to reviewing more nonfiction, podcasting author interviews on the Internet, and a “Top 10 Best Fiction of the Year” feature.
Tanenhaus was previously a contributing editor on politics and culture at Vanity Fair. His criticism has appeared in many publications, including The Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, The New Republic, and The New York Review of Books. An accomplished author, Tanenhaus’s biography of Whittaker Chambers was a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.
After graduate school at Yale, Tanenhaus began his publishing career as a freelance editor and publicist. He was an assistant editor to the New York Times op-ed from 1997-1999.
Tanenhaus lives in Tarrytown, NY, with his wife and daughter.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
Diane Albert, student in the University of New Mexico School of Law, will be honored as a pioneer of The Ohio State University College of Engineering. Albert will be recognized during Ohio State’s first Honoring Women in STEMS event on Friday, May 11. The event is meant to acknowledge and honor the many women within the university who have obtained a Ph.D. in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).
When Albert was growing up on a farm in Ohio, she had an opportunity to visit Ohio State through an outreach program. The visit sparked her interest in engineering. “I felt like it was a way for a woman to have a career and be self sufficient,” Albert said.
After completing her B.A. at Ohio State, she earned a M.A. and Ph.D. in engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
Albert worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for 12 years. While serving as a Los Alamos County Councilor 2001-2004, she became interested in the study of law. At UNM, she learned that she could use her engineering background to pursue a career as a patent attorney. After graduating in May, she’ll start a position at Peacock, Myers P.C., an intellectual property firm in Albuquerque.
Ohio State will honor three women as pioneers – one each from the College of Engineering, College of Math & Physical Sciences and the College of Biological Sciences. Each college was asked to select an alumna who has noteworthy accomplishments and serves as a model for university women including students, faculty and staff.
“Certainly Dr. Albert meets these criteria with her exceptional work not only within her technical field, but also far beyond with her work in engineering outreach and community issues,” said Glenda P. La Rue, Women in Engineering program director, in a letter.
“I am certain our event audience, which will be comprised of undergraduate and graduate women students, staff and faculty within the STEM fields will be quite impressed and inspired by Dr. Albert’s path so far, most definitely including the J.D. degree to be conferred upon her on May 12.”
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu
Incoming UNM President David J. Schmidly is appreciative but literally overwhelmed by all of the messages of support and invitations being sent to him from all over campus. As he is finishing up his teaching duties at Oklahoma State and his mentorship of graduate students, as well as trying to move, he says he's not able to reply as quickly as he'd like and he fears some things could fall through the cracks.
Acting President David W. Harris and Dr. Breda Bova in the UNM President's Office will step in to manage his correspondence during this transition period. Please send any email messages for Dr. Schmidly to bova@unm.edu. Put "Message for Dr. Schmidly" in the subject line.
Also, any hard copy letters, invitations or packages for Dr. Schmidly should be brought to the President's Office, and tagged “in care of Breda Bova.” “It is our intention that everything gets to Dr. Schmidly in an organized and timely fashion,” says Bova. “Thanks for your patience and cooperation. We don't want anything to slip through the cracks.”
Media Contact: Susan McKinsey, (505) 277-1989; e-mail: mckinsey@unm.edu
The University of New Mexico Continuing Education Department is sponsoring the 18th Annual Diversity Leadership Council Forum, Wednesday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Albuquerque Marriott on Louisiana Blvd., N.E. The title of this year’s conference, “A Diversity Renaissance: New Ways of Working Together,” is designed to create new ways of thinking about diversity and to turn those ideas into feasible action.
Photo: Conference Chair Dr. Rita Martinez-Purson, dean, UNM Continuing Education
The conference features a keynote presentation titled, “Creating a Renaissance in a Changing Environment,” and a special plenary session titled, “Strategic Thinking and the 21st Century Leader.”
Other featured topics include a choice of eight workshops offered in two concurrent sessions that explore specific topics and issues in depth. They include: Diversity in the Workplace: Creating an Environment of Respect; Seeing and Valuing Diversity Issues through Film; Managing the Multigenerational Workplace; Careers and the Disabled; A Place at the Table: Diversity in Community Beyond the Labels; Dare to Laugh! Humor at Work; The Bully in the Next Cubicle: How to Identify, Address and Prevent Workplace Bullying; and Global Perspectives on Access and Equity.
Conference Chair Dr. Rita Martinez-Purson, dean of UNM’s Continuing Education, is enthusiastic about this year's conference.
“Everyone who wants to learn more about tapping the full human resource in their organization should come to this conference,” Martinez-Purson said. “Our presenters will have some valuable insights and tools to share, and the dialogue promises to be rich.”
The conference registration is $110, which includes breakfast, lunch, all presentations and materials and entertainment. For complete registrations and more information visit: Diversity Leadership Council Forum.
Interested participants may also call Martina Kindilien at, (505) 277-9351.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
The University of New Mexico School of Law will exhibit “Photos of Guanajuato, Mexico” by Pedro Vasquez Nieto April 3-30. An opening reception with the artist will be held Tuesday, April 3, 4-6 p.m. in the law school forum.
Vasquez Nieto’s digital photos, which focus on the city of Guanajuato, are printed on hand-made paper created by indigenous Mexicans from the State of Puebla. The highly textured paper, cut from a "mora" tree, gives the photos the appearance and effect of drawings.
Vasquez Nieto is a photographer, painter and a sculptor. His photography has been exhibited in Guanajuato and other parts of Mexico. He served as Director of Cultural Affairs for the University of Guanajuato. He has published seven books of poetry and performed in many theater groups.
The exhibit will be open to the public Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, noon-11 p.m.
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu
One application may facilitate disease diagnosis
Every cook has a blender to mix ingredients for dishes, but no one has a gadget to separate materials that have already been mixed into a batter. Now a University of New Mexico School of Engineering professor and his collaborators have figured out a way to both mix and separate on an extremely small scale.
Photo: Assistant Professor Dimiter N. Petsev, Chemical and Nuclear Engineering
UNM Assistant Professor of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Dimiter N. Petsev is working with Suk Tai Chang from North Carolina State University, Vesselin N. Paunov from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and Orlin D. Velev from North Carolina State University to develop ways to manipulate the components in fluids moving through channels less than half a millimeter wide.
They do it by manipulating electrical fields of alternating and direct current. In their experiments, the fields caused semiconductor diodes to act as self-propelling particles through water in the channels. The direction of the flow is controlled via the electrical field. Details of the experiments have just been published by the journal “Nature Materials”.
Petsev believes one interesting potential application for the research will be a faster way to separate proteins in fluid samples to help diagnose diseases. A change in the amounts of some proteins produced in the body can signal changes in the health of an individual before symptoms of a particular disease can be identified. If proteins can be easily separated, it could facilitate rapid diagnosis.
The research applies to mixing components in fluids as well as separating them. Mixing fluids in channels smaller than the tip of a ballpoint pen is difficult, but this research illustrates a way to do that in a very controlled way.
Petsev’s research may also allow him to design a sort of pump to move the liquids through the microchannels for a variety of other applications. It’s a new development in microfluidics that holds some interesting possibilities for the future.
Petsev’s research is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Team (NIRT) and Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) programs.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
UNM Regent Don Chalmers, former regent Sandra Begay-Campbell and Health Sciences Center (HSC) Vice President John A. Pieper have joined the STC.UNM Board of Directors.
“I am very pleased that Regent Chalmers and Vice President Pieper have agreed to join STC’s board and that Sandra Begay-Campbell will continue to serve,” said STC Board Chairman Joseph Cecchi, dean, UNM School of Engineering. “All three bring a range of experience and valuable insight that will help STC continue on our positive trajectory.”
Don Chalmers has just been confirmed for a full term on the UNM Board of Regents. He had previously been appointed to complete the term of Doug Brown. Chalmers ow ns auto dealerships in Rio Rancho, Santa Fe and Albuquerque. He has served on the UNM Hospital Clinical Operations Board, the UNM Foundation and on the NM Commission on Higher Education.
Begay-Campbell has just completed a term as a member of the UNM Board of Regents. She previously represented the regents and now moves to a position as an outside board member of STC. Begay-Campbell is a principal member of the technical staff of Sandia National Laboratories, where she heads technical efforts in the Renewable Energy Program to assist Native American tribes with renewable energy development.
Pieper is the vice president for research at the UNM Health Sciences Center. He is also the dean of the College of Pharmacy and a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist with added qualifications in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. He has published more than 90 papers in the area of pharmacokinetics and genomic determinants of metabolism of cardiovascular drugs.
"John Pieper’s role in the Health Sciences Center will strengthen the relationship between STC and HSC, which is important since life sciences commercialization is a rapidly growing area of activity for us. Don Chalmers brings a strong business presence to the board,” said STC President and CEO Lisa Kuuttila. “I am so pleased that Sandra will continue to serve on the STC board in her capacity as a community representative. Her contributions to the STC board have been wide-ranging and very helpful.”
STC.UNM is a nonprofit corporation owned by the University of New Mexico for the purpose of protecting and transferring faculty inventions to the commercial marketplace.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
President David J. Schmidly is inviting all UNM staff members to participate in a videoconference on Thursday, March 22, at 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Theatre in the basement of the Student Union Building. Interested staff members will be able to ask President Schmidly questions in a live videoconference.
President Schmidly staff webcast
Schmidly is asking for staff members to bring up any issues of concern so that he can consider them as he prepares to become UNM’s next president. His first official day on the job is June 1, 2007.
For staff members who cannot participate in the videoconference, it will also be carried as a live webcast and accessible at: President Schmidly staff webcast. The webcast may also be accessed at any time after the conference ends via the same link.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
Students create balloon-powered toy cars
UNM students from Mechanical Engineering’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers race car design class recently helped show two fifth grade classes at Monte Vista Elementary school how to build balloon-powered toy cars. The goal of the class was to use an engineering problem-solving process to respond to a request from a fictitious toy company to create an appealing toy that travels far, carries weight or goes fast.
Photo: Fifth graders at Monte Vista Elementary School test their balloon-powered toy cars.
For the final class, the fifth-graders demonstrated their working model, presented their test data and explained why they designed the car the way they did.
The three-week class involved using a problem-solving process employed by engineers in design teams and taught at many engineering schools across the country. The student teams explored the principles of jet propulsion, friction and air resistance, and experimented with different chassis designs and nozzle sizes to determine their effect on the balloon-car performance. Certificates of achievement will be given to those teams who most closely met the requirements they set.
The project is part of larger program, “A World in Motion,” that was developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The various projects are usually taught by elementary school teachers in grades 4-8 with engineers as consultants. The UNM School of Engineering team is the first to actually instruct the fifth graders.
Last week, the Monte Vista Elementary students visited the mechanical engineering laboratories, where they learned how students from the UNM Mechanical Engineering Department’s Formula SAE Team develop, design, test, analyze and then drive a formula-style race car. The UNM students participate in an international formula race car competition every year and have finished as high as 14th in a field of 140.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Paul Roth, M.D., announced recently that Karen L. Carlson has been named interim dean for the UNM College of Nursing (UNM CoN). Carlson replaces Sandra Ferketich who recently was named the vice president of interdisciplinary education for the UNM Health Sciences Center.
Photo: Karen Carlson, interim Dean, College of Nursing
“Dr. Carlson is enthusiastic about partnering with faculty, students, and staff regarding challenges facing the college,” Roth said. “Her academic and clinical experience not only at this institution but elsewhere made her a great choice to take the helm of the college during this transition period.”
“I am also excited that Dr. Ferketich, after nearly 10 years as dean of the College of Nursing, is now going to devote her full attention to her new position. Putting a greater focus on interdisciplinary education will benefit the entire Health Sciences Center,” Roth added.
Carlson first arrived as a faculty member at the UNM CoN in 1983 where she was a lecturer until 1991. From there she went on to serve as an assistant and associate professor from 1991-1995 at the College of Nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark.
In 1996, Carlson returned to the UNM CoN to work as an associate professor and an assistant to the dean in educational outreach. Since July 2000, she has been working at the UNM CoN as a professor and the associate dean for academic affairs.
Carlson’s nursing career started in 1975 as a staff nurse for pediatric infectious disease at the Milwaukee Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis. From 1975-1991 she continued nursing in several different positions at the University of New Mexico Hospitals (UNMH), primarily in pediatrics, administration, and education.
A native of Wisconsin, Carlson received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She earned her master’s degree in maternal/child nursing and nursing education from UNM and received her doctorate in parent and child nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. Carlson also has a post-graduate certificate in budgeting and finance in public administration from UNM. Carlson serves as a Director on the Board of Directors for Sigma Theta Tau, Int., the International Honor Society for Nursing.
Media Contact: Lauren Cruse, (505) 272-3690; e-mail: lcruse@salud.unm.edu
UNM/NPS Partnership Program Hosts Session
The National Park Service seeks public comment on the National Park’s Centennial Initiative. A listening session will be held Tuesday, March 27, from 5-7 p.m. at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1709 4th St. SW. This is one of 17 public listening sessions to be held in communities around the United States.
“The National Park Service is looking for citizen ideas and vision for the 2016 Centennial of the National Park Service and the 10-year program, the National Park Centennial Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to provide significant public and private resources to restore and better protect the parks’ natural, cultural and historic resources,” said Joseph Sanchez, director, Spanish Colonial Research Center, a joint project of the University of New Mexico and the National Park Service. Sanchez is also Superintendent of the NPS’ Petroglyph National Monument.
Listening session discussion questions are:
· Imagine you, your children or future generations enjoying national parks in 2016 and beyond. What are your hopes and expectations?
· What role do you think national parks should play in the lives of Americans and visitors from around the world?
· What are the signature projects and programs that you think should be highlighted for completion over the next 10 years?
The Albuquerque listening session will feature a short video and a brief outline of the Centennial Initiative followed by input from individuals, park partners and interest groups. When the schedule of listening sessions is complete, a report, including public comments, will be written and transmitted to the White House by May 31.
There are 13 National Park Units in New Mexico in addition to the Santa Fe Trail, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Route 66 Corridor and the Spanish Colonial Research Center. For a complete listing visit: New Mexico State Parks.
For more information, call Diane Souder (505) 899-0205 x230 or Rick Frost (303) 987-6732.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
Judy L. Spinella, Fellow American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Chief Nursing Officer, University of New Mexico Hospitals (UNMH), has been elected to the Council of Regents, the legislative body of the American College of Healthcare Executives, which serves as the link between ACHE and affiliates by approving governance and membership regulations as well as promoting ACHE programs, services and activities within their respective areas.
Photo: Judy Spinella, chief nursing officer, UNMH
Spinella will take office at the Council of Regents meeting March 17, 2007, during ACHE’s 50th Congress on Healthcare Leadership in New Orleans. As a Regent, Spinella will represent ACHE’s membership in New Mexico.
Spinella has served as Chief Nursing Officer at UNMH since 2005. Prior to joining UNMH, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gunnison Valley Hospital, Gunnison, Colo., and before that served as Vice President for Operations at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Board-certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, Spinella is also a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. She also has numerous publications and has been a frequent speaker on various healthcare topics.
Spinella received her master’s degree in business administration from The Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, master’s degree in nursing from Texas Women’s University, and bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas.
American College of Healthcare Executives
The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of 30,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE is known for its prestigious credentialing and educational programs and its annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 4,000 participants each year.
It is also known for its journals, the Journal of Healthcare Management and Frontiers of Health Services Management, and its magazine, Healthcare Executive, as well as ground-breaking research and career development and public policy programs. ACHE's publishing division, Health Administration Press, is one of the largest publishers of books and journals on all aspects of health services management in addition to textbooks for use in college and university courses.
Through such efforts, ACHE works toward its goal of being the premier professional society for healthcare leaders by providing exceptional value to its members.
Media Contact: Lauren Cruse, (505) 272-3690; e-mail: lcruse@salud.unm.edu
The University of New Mexico fraternity and sorority community celebrated its annual Greek Week recently. Annually, students work together on community service, philanthropy, school spirit and to build chapter unity.
This year, the groups worked with the City of Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation Department to rejuvenate Tom Bullock Park. Students planted more than 100 trees, painted park fences and shade structures, dug out and filled in walkways and spread 634 cubic yards of mulch.
In addition, students raised $9,000 for the East San Jose Community pool. Monies raised will purchase shade structures for seating areas and a picnic table.
The city has invited UNM’s fraternities and sororities to attend to a ribbon cutting ceremony when the project is complete.
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu
Governor Bill Richardson has signed the $5.6 billion budget bill that will pay for state government, public education and higher education this coming fiscal year. As signed, the budget allots a 5 percent compensation increase for faculty and staff, plus a .75 percent increase in employer contributions for higher education.
However, the governor vetoed $20.5 million earmarked to provide an advance .75 percent for educational retirement that would have covered next year’s employer contributions. The bill also features a zero tuition credit.
These last hours of the 2007 session will be a blur of activity. We’ll allow the dust to settle and provide a full report on UNM’s legislative fortunes next week.
UNM fared well in the budget bill dubbed “Junior” that was signed by the Governor March 13.
UNM Projects in Senate Bill 611
1. $207,000 for one or more full time equivalent professor and other expenses of the Native American Studies program
2. $75,000 for one FTE to research and teach Navajo language in Native American Studies
3. $75,000 for Chicano, Hispano, Mexicano Studies program
4. $85,000 for African American student services program and operations
5. $290,000 to expand sustainability studies program
6. $357,000 for dept. of media arts at main campus
7. $75,000 for indigenous library program
8. $75,000 for dept. of media arts for provide media training for Albuquerque youth
9. $280,000 to expand international education initiatives
10. $372,000 to expand biomedical engineering program
11. For Health Sciences Center:
a. $312,000 for integrative medicine program in the School of Medicine
b. $35,000 to expand nurse advice line to cover uninsured callers
c. $57,000 to sustain and improve medical research involving outpatient medicine through continuing medical education, clinical research and outreach programs for rural clinicians and to support retention of clinicians in underserved areas
d. $10,000 for the pediatric department’s telehealth programs to help rural health providers and school-based health centers to treat and prevent childhood obesity through telehealth consultation
e. $225,000 for salary increases for statewide staff of the New Mexico Poison and Drug information Center in the College of Pharmacy
f. $150,000 for operating expenses at the young children’s health center in Albuquerque
g. $50,000 for a multidisciplinary evaluation clinic for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder
h. $57,000 to create a cooperative pharmacy program in conjunction with NMSU
12. For the School of Law:
a. $25,000 for the Corinne Wolfe Children’s Law Center to provide training, technical assistance and research concerning abuse, neglect and juvenile justice
b. $120,000 for operational funding for the Corinne Wolfe Children’s Law center
c. $100,000 for Utton Transboundary Resource Center operational expenses
d. $191,000 for Utton Transboundary Resource Center to provide ombudsman services for pending stream adjudications
e. $75,000 for a college preparatory mentoring program for children in the 8th through 12th grades in Albuquerque public schools
f. $25,000 for a national Latino and Latina law student conference
13. $157,000 for scholarships for students enrolled in the reserve officer training corps
14. $275,000 for programs and support services to enhance student athlete retention and timely graduation.
15. $40,000 to create a college mentoring program to train graduate and undergraduate students to mentor high school and other college students
16. $145,000 to enhance pre-college science and mathematic skills and conduct a summer mathematics and science camp for minority students through the School of Engineering special programs
17. $45,000 to the Bureau of Business and Economic Research to conduct a study of the feasibility to incorporate the South Valley of Bernalillo County
18. $30,000 to expand the Resource Center for Raza Planning
19. $100,000 to expand the Institute for Aerospace Engineering
20. $150,000 for the Center for Regional Studies
21. $40,000 for the Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies to meet the challenge of developing a new relevance for anthropology
22. $100,000 to support the Julian Samora legacy project, which is a collaboration between the University of Texas, Michigan State University, University of Notre Dame and UNM to make the papers of anthropologist Julian Samora more accessible for research
23. $50,000 to create the research service learning program
24. $50,000 for a theatre company in residence in the dept of theatre and dance
25. $267,800 to contract with a private entity in Bernalillo County to operate a secure, long-term, statewide multijurisdictional residential rehabilitation and transition facility that admits persons who have been ordered to the facility by a NM court
26. $45,000 to the Anderson School of Management to provide a consultant to prepare a strategic plan for the entrepreneurship program at Northern NM College
27. $20,000 for licensed alcohol and drug counselor internship initiatives
28. $35,000 for students to use mass transit to attend the university
29. $30,000 to bridge the achievement gap for high school students and first year university students to prepare for university coursework in the field of African American studies and to provide for fellowships and assistantships for graduate and post-doctoral students and distinguished lecture series in African American studies
30. $25,000 for programs at the center for Latin American resources and outreach
31. $30,000 to the Anderson School of Management to provide a consultant to prepare a strategic plan for an entrepreneurship program at the Gallup branch
32. $35,000 for the Gallup branch library
33. $200,000 for the Taos branch to develop and implement a partnership with local schools and community groups for manpower development
34. $92,000 to create a college mentoring program
Media Contact: Susan McKinsey, (505) 277-1989; e-mail: mckinsey@unm.edu
Middle school students, teachers and graduate fellows are beginning to reap dividends from a partnership between UNM, Belen and Socorro Consolidated School Districts, Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research Program and Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, funded for three years with a $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
Photo: UNM graduate student Anthony Salem explores materials behavior with liquid nitrogen alongside students at Belen Middle School as part of the National Science Foundation’s GK-12 Program called Ecohydrogeology in the Middle Rio Grande Environment or E-MRGE.
The program, titled E-MRGE or Ecohydrogeology in the Middle Rio Grande Environment, rotates graduate fellows between school systems and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife outreach program. The E-MRGE fellows work with middle school teachers to demonstrate and promote the teaching and learning of science.
Led by principal investigator and Biology Professor Scott Collins and co-investigator Laura Crossey, professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, program goals include demonstrating key scientific concepts, connecting middle school learning to the habits and skills required for future study in science disciplines, providing science professional role models, enhancing teachers’ content knowledge and understanding of principles of science, and assisting in science instruction.
The active learning projects are also designed to help teachers meet New Mexico science standards. Teachers receive support and university credit through summer courses offered by UNM’s Albuquerque Teachers Institute.
“We are learning about global climate change and human impacts on ecosystems,” said Juliana Medeiros, a Ph.D. candidate in Biology. “I was really shocked when one student told me that he couldn’t sleep the night I showed them the movie ‘An Inconvenient Truth.’ The important part, I feel, is that we are also working on solutions to these issues.
“Many of my students have told me that I am their favorite teacher and that they really enjoy the lessons. I think that most of them have never been asked to develop their own scientific questions and experiments, they have never been given the opportunity to explore their own creative and imaginative ideas about the world around them.”
Anthony Salem, a graduate fellow from earth and planetary sciences, feels the mid-school students are benefiting from the experience.
“I think, for the most part, the students enjoy having us come in,” Salem said. “We represent the outside world to them, and it’s a break from their daily routine. I feel we’re also making an impact. We’ve had students ask us about college and careers, and we’ve had students ask us great questions about various areas of science.
“As for the students, I think what we’ve had to show them has made them question some of their preconceptions and has also broadened some of their horizons.”
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
Gerald Albaum, a research professor at the Anderson School of Management, will give a short talk as part of a ceremony honoring his scholarship in the Willard Room of Zimmerman Library on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 2 p.m. The title of his talk is “How to Get Started, Continue and End Gracefully a Research Career.”
Photo: Gerald Albaum
Albaum has been a research professor at UNM since 2003. He has written a number of books, many with collaborators, including “Fundamentals of Marketing Research,” “International Marketing and Export Management” and “Research for Marketing Decisions.” He is currently a member of the editorial review boards of the “Journal of Managerial Issues” and “The International Trade Journal,” and he does reviews on an ad hoc basis for many other publications.
His current areas of research include “The Internal Consumption Phenomenon in Direct Selling,” “Can a Brand Outrun its Parents?” and “Public Perceptions of Direct Selling.”
The University Libraries Faculty Acknowledgement Awards honor members of the faculty for their contributions to the realm of scholarly knowledge.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
UNM administrators, faculty, staff and students are compiling priorities for discussion and consideration at the UNM Budget Summit March 30. The summit process is an integral part of the development of the fiscal year 2007-2008 instruction and general (I&G) budget, effective July 1, 2007. The Board of Regents will act on key parts of the budget, including tuition, fees and salary levels at their April 2007 meeting.
For more information, visit the Budget Summit hot button on the UNM homepage, http://www.unm.edu.
March 16 – Deadline for constituency groups to submit delegate names
March 20 – Base budget scenario posted
March 23 – Delegate information session, 3 p.m., SUB Santa Ana room
March 24 – Deadline for delegate groups to submit budget priorities or other materials
March 30 – 2007 Budget Summit, 9 a.m., SUB ballroom C
April 9-10 – I&G Budget recommendations submitted to Board of Regents
UNM is the first campus in New Mexico to become a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Tyler Brandenburg said in an email from the association. This happens at the same time UNM is initiating a minor in sustainability studies and UNM’s provost is calling for the development of a sustainability policy.
“I think 2006 was the year that everyone ‘got it.’ The world needs us to enlist personally and professionally in the emerging green ecoeconomy that benefits all of us,” said Bruce Milne, sustainability studies director. “There are incredible opportunities to engage the creative talents of the students, faculty and staff with the community, business and policy makers.
"I’m grateful that UNM has joined AASHE in a mutually beneficial relationship that combines AASHE’s resources with the contributions UNM is making to the state and nation through our own examples.”
Along with this interest, UNM Provost Reed Dasenbrock recently launched a Sustain ability Taskforce, chaired by Physical Plant Director Mary Vosevich, to develop a sustainability policy that will lead to goals, strategies and finally projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of UNM. Milne is heading the policy subcommittee.
“The task force is comprised of individuals from throughout the campus, many of whom are experts in the field of sustainability,” Vosevich said. “Faculty, students and staff have willingly come to the table to discuss strategies of sustainability for UNM. Being a member of AASHE will keep us linked to cutting edge sustainable initiatives that may translate well to UNM.
"I am hopeful that not only New Mexicans, but people around the country will look to the University of New Mexico as a leading example of how to embrace sustainable practices.”
Media Contact: Sabra Basler, (505) 277-7590; e-mail: sbasler@unm.edu
Joseph B. Stone, chief of behavioral health services with the Gallup
Indian Medical Center, will present a workshop on “Undoing Racism” on Thursday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the University of New Mexico-Gallup in Calvin Hall 248C.
Stone, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe of Northern Montana, is a licensed psychologist, a licensed mental health counselor, a substance abuse counselor and a certified alcohol and drug counselor.
Stone holds a Ph.D. in professional-scientific psychology and an M.S. in counseling psychology from Utah State University.
His current work involves consultation, assessment and psychotherapy with native adults, children and families. His areas of expertise include treatment of adults with mental health disorders and with dual-diagnosis of mental health and addictive disorders. He is involved as a trainer with Project Making Medicine, which involves assessment and treatment of physically and sexually abused children and training professionals to work in this field.
He has published extensive articles and given numerous presentations on Native American health. He is also a noted consultant for Native American mental health.
For more information, contact Bernadette Fontenelle, coordinator of Achieving the Dream, the Lumina Foundation project at UNM-Gallup, at 505-863-7771.
The Gale Memorial Lecture Series continues on Thursday, March 22, from 6-7 p.m. in the UNM Art Museum gallery with “The Differences that Different Kinds of Images Make in the Study of the Spanish 'New World’,” by Thomas B.F. Cummins, Ph.D. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Cummins is the Dumbarton Oaks Professor of the History of Pre-Columbian and Colonial Art and the Art History Department Chair at Harvard University.
The series is coordinated by Ray Hernández-Durán, Ph.D., Art and Art History, and is supported by his department, the Latin American and Iberian Institute, the Arts of the Americas Institute, the New Mexico Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Six colonial scholars from various institutions in the U.S. and Mexico will participate throughout the spring semester.
This speaker series complements the exhibition currently at the UNM Art Museum – “Body and Soul: Ibero-American Colonial Art in Context,” which will be on display through August 5. Hernández-Durán co-curated the exhibition with students.
The Gale Memorial Lecture Series is named in honor of Dr. David Gale and his wife, Sylvia, who bequeathed their home to the College of Fine Arts. A permanent endowment established from its sale supports the annual series.
For more information, please contact the UNM Art Museum.
Musician, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte will present a lecture in Popejoy Hall at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 19. Belafonte was the first African-American producer in television. Among his many humanitarian efforts, he served President Kennedy as cultural advisor to the Peace Corps, created the New York State Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute for Nonviolence, and hosted the World Summit for Children held at the United Nations. He received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Prize and the first Nelson Mandela Courage Award.
Tickets for “Harry Belafonte Speaks Out” are $30, $25, $20 and are available at UNM Ticket Offices, unmtickets.com, 925-5858 or Raley’s Supermarkets.
The lecture is presented by the UNM Office of the President in cooperation with African American Studies and African American Student Services. For more information visit Popejoy Presents Harry Belafonte.
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu
The third in a series of four roundtables focusing on issues concerning graduate and professional students of color at the University of New Mexico is Tuesday, March 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Student Union building, Santa Ana Room.
A panel will discuss the topic “Why do we need Faculty of Color?” Participants include Gregory Cajete, Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies professor and director of Native American Studies, Ray Hernandez, Department of Art and Art History assistant professor, Ime Kerlee, Department of Women’s Studies post-doc fellow, and Margaret Montoya, School of Law professor.
Conceived by the Peer Mentoring for Graduates of Color Program Steering Committee, the spring 2007 roundtables bring together faculty, staff and students to discuss first generation graduate students of color, race on campus, the need for faculty of color and graduate students of color.
PMGC is a student-run organization founded in 2002 to build community among historically underrepresented groups in graduate school. PMGC aims to increase the retention of students of color through providing academic, social, cultural and emotional support, and to ultimately build a more diverse population within UNM graduate and professional programs.
Other special programming includes: academic and professional development workshops, undergraduate outreach initiatives, dissertation, thesis and comps workshops, monthly social hours, monthly brown bag lunches, end-of-the-year social event, and the sponsoring and promotion of cultural events.
For more information on PMGC, visit www.unm.edu/~gradpeer or contact Christopher Ramirez, PMGC project assistant, 277-7397, gradpeer@unm.edu.
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu
The University of New Mexico is a sponsor of the Annual Iberoamerican Research & Development Summit (AIRDS), to be held in Albuquerque at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Monday – Wednesday, March 19-21. The international technology conference creates opportunities for cutting edge technologists and entrepreneurs to meet and engage with large businesses, research institutions, universities, government officials and investment partners.
This year’s summit will focus on new developments in nanoscience, microsystems and materials. The summit