UNM Rolls Out Next Phase of Energy Conservation Program

This summer, the University of New Mexico will start the next phase of an aggressive energy conservation program that is expected to reduce the university’s overall energy bill. The university has already retrofitted certain buildings on campus to make them more energy efficient. While those efforts continue, the goal for the summer is to get UNM’s staff and faculty on board and remind them of simple energy conservation tips they can use on a daily basis.

By following these tips, such as remembering to check the lights in your office or increasing your thermostat a couple of degrees, everyone can have a hand in changing the university’s energy needs now and in the future.

A message from President Schmidly.

To help members of the UNM community realize some of the effect that simple, everyday changes can have on the environment, “Energy Conservation Educators” hired by Lobo Energy, a UNM Corporation, have started providing energy savings expertise and tips to UNM deans, department chairs, directors and other key personnel located in buildings throughout campus. These educators will also be working closely with UNM building maintenance staff to make sure that new energy conservation guidelines are implemented without inconveniencing staff and faculty.

Some of the energy-saving opportunities that UNM’s energy educators will inform UNM community members about include:

* Reducing the length of time building cooling systems operate during the day.

* Making sure vacant offices, rooms or residential life apartments are not using energy.

* Additional energy savings can be achieved by reminding UNM staff and faculty of simple steps they can take, including shutting down computers, lights and other electronic devices when leaving their work areas.

UNM’s recent contract with Energy Education, Inc., the company training these energy educators, should reduce the university’s energy use by 15-20 percent, resulting in a $54 million savings on UNM’s energy bill, over the next 10 years.

Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu

"Friendly Robots” Featured at Latest KNME-TV Science Café Event

What would it be like to build the first robot that could interact with people? Learn about robots that might someday communicate with people at KNME’s Science Café on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Explora Museum, 1701 Mountain Road in Albuquerque’s Old Town.

Guests will watch a short TV segment from award-winning series NOVA featuring engineer Cynthia Breazeal’s work in the field of robotics. Then they will participate in a hands-on discussion with guest speaker and noted robotics expert Herbert Tanner, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of New Mexico.

Prof. Tanner was awarded the NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award in the field of Robotics, by the Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS) division of the Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) directorate. The CAREER is NSF's most prestigious awards program for junior faculty members.

In this field, only three CAREER awards were given nationally in the fiscal year 2005. Tanner's proposed research aims at developing swarms of heterogeneous robots that could automatically plan their cooperative actions towards a common objective.

This 16th KNME Science Café is presented with support from New Mexico Tech and Lockheed Martin/Sandia National Labs. Admission to the event is free, but seats are limited. Please contact Rose Poston at 277-2396 or rposton@knme.org to RSVP.

Media Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1218; e-mail: etodd@knme.org

Search for UNM Vice President of Research to be Rescheduled

This past spring, the University of New Mexico launched a search for Vice President for Research. However, after the appointment of Julia Fulghum as interim Vice President for Research, Provost-designate Suzanne Trager Ortega, with the concurrence of President David J. Schmidly, decided to suspend the search in order to become familiar with the issues facing the research office.

Photo: Interim Vice President for Research Julia Fulghum

Provost-designate Ortega will assess the situation upon her arrival in August and determine how and when the search will go forward.

As interim vice president, Fulghum will concentrate on facilitating faculty research, integrating the research and educational missions at UNM, and improving research collaboration between main campus and the UNM Health Sciences Center.

Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu

Schaefer Teaches Cross-Border Issues Program in Mexico

Immigration focus of summer program

Richard Schaefer, associate professor, Communication & Journalism, is in Mexico for the first UNM summer school session with the Cross-Border Issues Group, a class designed to give undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to explore immigration in depth and in Spanish.

Photo: UNM journalism students Christina Lovato, front in pink, Jennifer Vieth, next to Lovato, and Maggie Ybarra, behind the camera, interview Marciella Mora, a former undocumented worker in the U.S. Mora shared her story with the students.

“Last year we looked primarily at immigration from Central Mexico into the United States. This year we’re expanding our focus to include immigration within Mexico and from Guatemala into Mexico,” Schaefer said. The group produced radio programs that aired on KUNM last summer. This year, plans include television segments.

One week into a month-long program with Cuernavaca, in the state of Morelos, as home-base, Schaefer and his students are working with Arturo López Durán, Schaefer’s counterpart at Fray Luca Paccioli University.

“Over the last three years, the program has allowed students from both universities to develop a greater understanding of the challenges journalists face on both sides of the border. It provides for collaboration and cooperation and for friendships to grow and evolve,” López Durán said.

The students, Christina Lovato, Jennifer Vieth and Maggie Ybarra, are already gathering interviews when hitting the streets of Cuernavaca and other plDavid Brookshire the group visits. In the coming weeks they will follow leads Schaefer established in Chiapas prior to the students’ arrival. They will also conduct interviews in Oaxaca.

While on a cultural excursion to the Grutas (grottos) de Cacahuamilpa in the state of Guerrero, the group stopped to grab a bite to eat at a roadside stand. A quick question to the owner of the business sent Lovato scrambling to the van for video equipment. The dueña, or owner, Marciella Mora, was at one time an undocumented immigrant into the U.S. The students soon discovered that not all Mexicans want to stay permanently in the U.S.

“She told us that Americans live to work while Mexicans work to live,” Vieth noted. Despite the money and opportunity available in the U.S., many Mexicans prefer their homeland.

In addition to honing their journalistic skills, the students are developing language skills. Two years of college level Spanish was a requirement for enrollment in the class.

“In the last week each student has developed her language skills as well as confidence in usage. In the coming weeks they will only improve,” Schaefer said.

The students have taken excursions to Tepotzlán, the Grutas, Taxco, and also attended the Fiesta del Agua, a pre-Hispanic ceremony resurrected in the last decade. One part in a four-part ceremony acknowledging the elements needed for agriculture, the Agua, or water ceremony, takes place in Las Lagunas de Zempoala, north of Cuernavaca.

Ybarra looks at every outing and interview as a photo op. She can be found focusing her lens on individual and activity, scenery and streetscape.

Ybarra said, “The best advice I ever got was from a ‘Sports Illustrated’ photographer. ‘Honey, take the picture until they tell you ‘no,’ then take the picture until they kick you out. You have to choose. Is it the moment that you want to sacrifice or someone else’s opinion of you?’ I’ve adhered to her advice ever since.”

“New Mexico in Focus” Features Author Michael Benanay, Political Fight for 2008 Latino Vote

Michael Benanay, author of “Joshua and Isadora: A True Tale of Loss and Love in the Holocaust” which was published to coincide with the 60th Anniversary of the creation of the state of Israel, joins David Alire Garcia for an interview and discussion of his book and the grandparents whom inspired it on this week’s “New Mexico in Focus,” airing on KNME-TV, channel 5, at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20. The episode will repeat on Sunday, June 22 at 6:30 a.m.

Co-Hosted by David Alire Garcia, Managing Editor with the New Mexico Independent, and Albuquerque Journal columnist Gene Grant, “New Mexico in Focus” takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic, health, education and arts issues and explores them in-depth, with a critical eye to give them context beyond the "news of the moment."

Alire Garcia will also talk with peace activists and co-founders of the Muslim-Jewish Peace Walk, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb and Abdul Rauf Campos-Marquetti.

Then political consultant Whitney Cheshire and Associated Press reporter Heather Clark will join Grant and and regular panelists Margaret Montoya from the UNM School of Law and UNM School of Medicine, and Weekly Alibi columnist Jim Scarantino to discuss the current fight between the Republican and Democratic parties for the Latino vote in the 2008 election and debate the results and potential New Mexico implications of the recent California decision ruling on same-sex marriage.

The producers of “New Mexico in Focus”are Kevin McDonald and Kathy Wimmer. Closed Captioning of “New Mexico in Focus” has been made possible by a gift from Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs.

Media Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1812; e-mail: etodd@knme.org

Tune In to UNM Live Online

Welcome to the multimedia UNM experience. UNM Live is an ongoing series of online interviews, discussions and lectures developed by the University Communication and Marketing Department (UCAM). It’s available to listeners through iTunes, RSS feeds or on the UNM Live Web site at UNMlive.

Photo: Jon Boltz, Media Technology Services videographer, preps for a Weekend Wonk recording.

The podcast was created to serve the UNM and New Mexico communities by providing round-the-clock access to UNM’s educational and cultural resources. “I hope the podcast will bring our events and expertise to more people and get students throughout the state excited about college life,” said Sari Krosinsky, UCAM communication associate.

Current content includes:
- “Archimedes Revealed,” a lecture series on the recovery of a 10th century manuscript that includes the only surviving copies of three key works by Archimedes
- poetry and fiction readings
- Indigenous Nations Library Program lectures
- Faculty Acknowledgement lectures
- expert discussions of current affairs
- recurring series: Geek Talk and Weekend Wonk

“Geek Talk started after a UNM Live interview with Continuing Education Instructor and local blogger Mark Hinton,” said Benson Hendrix, UCAM public relations specialist. “Mark had recently written ‘Windows Vista Solutions,’ and I wanted to have him as a guest. We hit it off really well and had a great give and take, and as a result I asked him to be my co-host on a tech-themed podcast.”

Jerry Shea’s humorous video blog “Weekend Wonk” ranges over many topics, including teaching, aging, literature, running and music. The wonks began when Matt Cone, a former student, asked Shea to write a blog for macinstruct.com. Shea, a professor emeritus of English, regularly cracks up the technicians during recordings.

UNM Live also offers a chance to share video and audio with the UNM community. Any UNM faculty, staff, student, department or program may contribute content.

For those who are already creating video or audio, e-mail unmlive@unm.edu to find out how to get content posted on UNM Live. For those new to podcasting and vodcasting, Media Technology Services offers a variety of recording services. Call 277-9009 or visit mts.unm.edu.

St. Pierre Supports Student Veterans

Starting college can be a life-changing experience. Many students at UNM face the additional challenge of adjusting to civilian life after serving in the military. As Veteran Affairs certifying official in the Office of the Registrar, Lee St. Pierre verifies that students meet the requirements for veterans’ financial aid benefits – and helps them understand how to get through the process. There are currently about 555 student veterans using benefits.

Photo: Lee St. Pierre

A disabled Vietnam veteran himself, St. Pierre said, “That’s part of my passion for helping vets.” Having faced the challenges of getting back into civilian life and navigating college, he wants to guide others. “A lot of them don’t know what they have in benefits.”

Since joining UNM 15 months ago, St. Pierre has helped smooth the financial aid application process for veterans. Until last fall, students had to visit the Veteran Affairs office in downtown Albuquerque to file paperwork and get a certification letter for financial aid. Now, they can file with St. Pierre right on campus.

He recently became advisor to the newly created Student Veterans of UNM (see related story on page 2). St. Pierre said the group will provide a good way for veterans – many of whom are nontraditional, older students with families – find peers for social and academic support, including study groups.

St. Pierre recently built a new – and final – home, and now spends much of his time off on landscaping and working on the house. He has lived in New Mexico for two years, at first working at the Department of Labor helping disabled veterans find employment.

He said there are many on and off campus willing to help veterans. “New Mexico is a very vet friendly state.”

“After Vietnam, people couldn’t separate the war from the soldiers,” he said, adding that people in New Mexico today are making an effort to separate supporting the troops from political views on the war. He said doing that and being sensitive to the different experiences and needs student veterans have can help them through the transition to college life. If students need more help, St. Pierre can refer them to available resources.

Get Fit This Summer with EHPP

Summertime encourages us to be more active and refine our wellness goals.
The Employee Health Promotion Program, a Human Resources benefits program, is available to staff and faculty and provides support this summer with the following services. Visit hr.unm.edu and see the menu under EHPP for more information.

Exercise Physiology Lab: Monitor fitness goals and risk factors with EHPP’s comprehensive physical fitness assessments. After testing, an exercise physiologist will review your results and answer questions. Blood draws for fasting glucose and cholesterol are also available. The next blood testing is Aug. 7. For more information and costs call 277-2658.

Tobacco Cessation: Interested in kicking the habit? Contact Rhonda Miranda, 277-4996 or rmirand1@unm.edu, to receive resources, support and limited free nicotine replacement therapy.

Nutritional Counseling: Learn about managing personal nutrition. Contact EHPP’s Registered Dietitian Shelley Rael, 272-3989 or shelrael@unm.edu, to set-up consultations for nutritional guidance.

Fitness Classes: Establish a fitness routine in EHPP’s summer classes with qualified instructors. The summer schedule, May 19-Aug. 8, can be found at hr.unm.edu under EHPP, Fitness. Call 277-3116 for more information.

EHPP Summer Chair Massages: Enjoy an outdoor chair massage on Mondays under the trees on the north side of the Student Union Building. Massages will continue at the Nursing and Pharmacy Lounge on Tuesdays and at the Basic Medical Library Lounge on Wednesdays. Massages are offered 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at all locations and are $10 for 15 minutes. EHPP also provides onsite chair massages. Call 272-4460 to schedule.

Art for Health: Heat up creativity during summer session, June 12-Aug. 21. This open studio offers materials and guidance for the amateur and professional to de-stress and return to work more productive. Contact Eli Maurx, 272-4460 or emaurx@unm.edu.

Presentations: Special presentations include “Stretching for Stress Reduction,” presented by Cheri Villarrael on June 24 at noon, and “Defending Your Wellness,” presented by Rhonda Miranda on July 29 at noon. Sign-up at Learning Central, Learning Central.

Catastrophic Leave: Past, Present, Future

The catastrophic leave program will soon be revised to better serve eligible staff requests. The program, first implemented in 1993, was intended to provide salary and benefits continuation for eligible staff members who have exhausted all paid leave due to personal or immediate family catastrophic illness or injury.

Initially, individuals impacted by a catastrophic illness or injury solicited donations from other employees. Specific donations were made directly to the person in need. Unfortunately, this method did not cover all of the requests received.

In 2003, the policy was changed to require a yearly donation of at least eight hours of annual leave (pro-rated for part-timers). This allowed the university to accumulate a pool of donations from which eligible staff members could request additional paid leave in the event of a catastrophic illness or injury. Yet again, the needs of employees exceeded the program’s donations.

On July 1, the catastrophic leave program will change once again in an attempt to bring the program out of its current deficit and provide future sustainability. Present records indicate that 4,773 employees have donated 38,067.84 hours. This year we allowed additional donations and that resulted in further funding of $28,299.79 totaling 1,185 additional hours.

The policy changes include:
· Clarifying the definition of catastrophic leave
· Moving the medical review and approval function to Employee and Occupational Health Services
· Allowing employees to donate more than eight hours of annual leave
· Requiring one year of employment as a regular staff member to be eligible
· Limiting the catastrophic leave benefit to exclude parents and grandparents
· Decreasing the physician recertification period from 520 hours to 173.33 hours
· Reducing the benefit to care for a family member from 1040 hours to 520 hours

We hope that these changes will allow the program to return to solvency and assist us in helping our colleagues during times of catastrophic need.
To view the complete policy updates, visit Catastrophic Leave.

By Helen Gonzales, Vice President for Human Resources

UNM New Employee Orientation 2.0 Coming July 7

Studies have shown that new employees are more likely to stay with an organization if the on boarding process is one that is effortless, effective, and engaging. In order to ensure this process is smooth for new UNM employees, we have revamped orientation to be more comprehensive, have more information that new employees want to know, and have more time for questions.

Not only are new employees at the University facing a new environment and culture, there are a number of vital tasks to complete for success at UNM.
New Employee Orientation, or NEO 2.0, is designed to give new employees the information and access they need to become more productive, faster.

NEO 2.0 includes...
Foundations and culture of UNM and HSC, Banner Self Service, Lobo Energy, Parking and Transportation Options, Safety at UNM, Insurance Benefits, Employee Wellness, Lobo Card, Mini Tour, HSC Badge, General Human Resources Information, and much more! For more information, visit the New Employee Portal at NEO Welcome.

NEO 2.0 will be offered every Monday, beginning July 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information contact the Employee and Organizational Development office at 277-1555.

Recent UNM Graduate Dies in Spain

Former University of New Mexico student and May 2008 graduate John Smeltzer passed away Friday in Barcelona, Spain following a heart attack. Smeltzer was in Spain and traveling abroad following a faculty-led program that ended May 25. A native of Chicago and an adopted New Mexican, Smeltzer is the son of Mera Wolf. He was a graduate of Albuquerque’s Highland High School. At UNM, he earned his Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science, French, Spanish and European Studies, with a minor in Economics.

Photo: John Smeltzer

“We are terribly saddened to learn that one of our recent graduates, John Smeltzer, died while traveling in Spain,” said UNM President David J. Schmidly. “John was a popular, involved young man and an extraordinary student. His death has come as a great shock to all on campus who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to John's mother, Mera Wolf, and his family and friends.”

An outstanding student, Smeltzer was recently awarded the Clauve Outstanding Senior Award honor given to UNM’s finest students in academics, leadership and citizenship. UNM awarded Smeltzer the Clauve Outstanding Senior Award at the 2008 Recognition Reception in early-April.

The Clauve Award is presented to seniors who have performed well academically along with significant contributions to the general welfare of the campus community through their involvement in student organizations and activities. Smeltzer was honored along with five other Clauve Outstanding Senior Award recipients.

In 2007, Smeltzer served as the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society President, Lambda Lota Tau Literature Honor Society Vice President, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Chairman for the UNM Model UN Conference and the UNM World Affairs Delegation Public Relations Chair.

In addition to his positions, Smeltzer was been a member in the UNM Honor Student Advisory Council, Amnesty International, American Civil Liberties Union and UNM International Affairs Committee. Smeltzer volunteered his time as the UNM Campus Organizer for African Spring Book Drive.

During 2006, Smeltzer served as the Secretary to the Golden Key International Honor Society, UNM Study Abroad Association and the Treasure to UNM World Affairs Delegation and the UNM Committee on Foreign Affairs. He also served as the Chairman to the Rules’ Committee for the UNM Model UNM Conference.

Smeltzer began participating in UNM campus activities in 2005 serving as the UNM Study Abroad Association vice president and the UNM World Model United Delegation secretary.

Smeltzer also worked in the Office of International Studies where he left an indelible mark in the office.

"John Smeltzer was an integral part of the Office of International Studies and Programs at for two years, serving as an office assistant while pursuing his degrees," said Tom Bogenschild, director, Office of International Studies. "His contributions to international education at the university were profound and lasting. John was beloved among our staff and across campus.

"His dry wit, compassion, and intellectual curiosity were trademarks. Before he left for Spain he made it a point to stop by to say goodbye even though he was in a rush to get packed for the trip. We are reeling from this loss, and our hearts go out to others who knew and loved John as we do."

Athletes Serve Albuquerque Students

UNM athletes in basketball, football, soccer and track and field have made a commitment to partner with students from Highland High School in support of what they hope will be an annual event, the “Student to Student Backpacks for Student Success Program.”

Last year, Albuquerque Public Schools served more than 3,000 students in Title 1 Schools in need of school supplies. Beginning this week, UNM athletes enrolled in a Research Service Learning Course, Urban Problem Solving, will join with APS, Office of School/Community Relations to begin sorting school supplies by grade level and preparing backpacks for students in elementary and middle school. The supplies and backpacks were donated by Character Counts and were delivered to the UNM Football complex last Friday.

A goal to prepare at least 800-1,000 backpacks this week to help meet the APS deadline of July 26 has been set by the athletes. They have also begun planning a celebratory event that will take place at the UNM PIT on July 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where the backpacks will be distributed to students from all over the city.

The athletes have recommended to the Research Service Learning Program and APS to have counselors, Health Care Providers, ROTC and any available athletes to support and encourage grade school children to stay in school, set goals and follow their dreams.

APS Highland High School service learning students are hosting drop off boxes at various Wal-Mart locations throughout Albuquerque to accept additional donations of specialty school supplies such as graphing calculators and general school supplies for K-12 students.

The 2008 APS School Supply Drive continues through July 25. School supplies can be dropped off at All metro-area Wal-Mart stores and New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union locations.

Supplies needed for elementary students include: small backpacks, boxes of 24 crayons, boxes of 10 markers, watercolor sets, boxes of colored pencils, #2 pencils, scissors, erasers, glue sticks, wide-ruled spiral notebooks, folders, rulers, highlighters, red pens, pencil bags, wide-ruled notebook paper and white glue.

Supplies needed for middle and high school students include: large backpacks, erasable pens, #2 pencils, highlighters, markers, box of 24 colored pencils, erasers, scissors, college-ruled notebook paper, college-ruled spiral notebooks, 3-ring pocket folders, rulers, protractors, compasses and glue sticks.

For more information on the school supply drive, call the APS Service Center at 855-9040.

New Mexico Territorial Brass Band Opens Greg Johnston Summer Concert Series

History buffs, rock & roll and bluegrass music fans as well as solar energy enthusiasts will revel in this year's eclectic Greg Johnston Summer Concerts line-up. The first of three summertime concerts is scheduled for Friday, June 20 at the University Honors Plaza. The New Mexico Territorial Brass Band will cap off Staff Appreciation Week with a mix of music popular before and during the American Civil War during a noontime concert.

Photo: The New Mexico Territorial Brass Band

The University Honors Plaza is located southeast of the SUB and south of the Student Health Center. As part of Staff Appreciation week, free ice cream bars will be provided.

The New Mexico Territorial Brass Band is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of the first generation of the American brass band tradition.
The ensemble uses antique and reproduction instruments and wears authentic nineteenth century clothing to capture the sight and sounds of this dramatic era.

The band’s musical repertoire contains more than 100 songs including popular ballads like Aura Lee, Lorena, and When Johnny Comes Marching Home. The band provides dance music of the era, including Sunny Hours Waltz, Blondinette Polka and Mountain Bell Schottisch.

Patriotic songs abound, including Battle Hymn of the Republic, Hail Columbia, and America. The work of Stephen Foster is featured prominently. Many of the band’s arrangements are taken directly from the archives of Union and Confederate regimental bands. The band is involved in three types of performances: educational, historical reenactment, and musical entertainment.

The summer concerts were named the Greg Johnston Summer Concerts last year in honor and recognition for Johnston’s work as founder of the concerts on behalf of the Work+Life Committee. The concerts provide staff with a new and unique way to enjoy their lunch hour once each month during the summer.

Johnston, who worked in the University Communication and Marketing Department as a Sr. Communications Specialist, passed away in 2007 after a brief battle with cancer.

The concerts are sponsored by the Office of Institutional Advancement, Division of Student Affairs and UNM Staff Council’s Work+Life Committee.

Other concerts will be held Friday, July 18 with a yet-to-be-named rock band, and also Friday, Aug. 17, featuring the Squash Blossom Boys. Each concert begins at noon at the University Honors Plaza.

For a complete Staff Appreciation event schedule visit:
Staff Appreciation

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

Anderson School Adds Flexibility to West Side Classes

Students in the Anderson School of Management's Professional Masters of Business Administration Program (PMBA), launched in 2006 at the Intel facility in Rio Rancho, will graduate in December 2008. For the past two years Intel as been a key factor in the success of this program by offering classroom space to the PMBA students.

At the completion of this program the Anderson School, in conjunction with UNM West, will begin serving a broader segment of the West Side population by offering graduate management education courses in a more flexible format.

Anderson and UNM West will continue to offer core graduate level classes each semester on the West Side. Each class will meet one night per week from 5:30 - 8:15 p.m. Upon completing the MBA admission requirements, students may begin the program in any semester and will pay the same tuition as students attending MBA classes on main campus.

Two thirds of the MBA program - the 11 core classes - will now be offered at UNM West located at 2600 The American Road, Suite 250 in Rio Rancho. Students will select and complete fifteen credit hours from one of the 11 MBA concentrations offered on main campus.

The program is directed toward students who need the flexibility of controlling their own schedule and setting their own pace of graduate education. Students may take as few as one class per semester or may accelerate their program by taking classes both on the West Side and on main campus.

This new flexible format of graduate management education shows the commitment by the University of New Mexico and the Anderson School of Management to serving students on the fast-growing West Side. Students interested in an MBA can find more information on the Anderson School web site at http://mba.mgt.unm.edu/.

For more information please contact Alistair Preston, Anderson School of Management, Director of Extended Programs, at (505) 277-2525 or alistair.preston@aes.com.

Media Contact: Leslie Venzuela, (505) 277-7117; email: venzuela@unm.edu

Staff Artists Display Talents

Discover the diverse talents of UNM staff at the “Staff As Artists” exhibit, held June 16-20 at the John Sommers Gallery, second floor of the Art & Art History building. An opening reception will be held Monday, June 16, 4:30-6 p.m. Part of Staff Appreciation Week, the show is sponsored by UNM Staff Council. Past exhibits have included book art, drawing, painting, photography, pottery, quilts, sculpture and more. Monday’s reception features a performance by harpist Kathy Wimmer.

Jeremy Gibson and Kat Heatherington participated in the show for the first time last year.

“It’s a good opportunity for people to see another side of the people they work with,” Heatherington said.

Last year’s exhibit was also the first time Gibson had publicly shown his work. He said having his art seen encourages him to keep doing it. He was working on a new piece for the current exhibit a couple of weeks before the show’s start.

Heatherington is submitting “The Hydologic Cycle,” a drawing that explores the cycle of rainfall and replenishment of water in the desert.

Student artwork covers the walls and even dots the ceiling in her office. Heatherington, graduate academic advisor in the Department of Art & Art History, said she’s fortunate that students are willing to loan art that she can look at all the time. She also tries to support students’ art by attending their shows.

Gibson is an arborist in the Physical Plant Department. He said enhancing the natural beauty of trees is its own art form.

In photography and drawing, he leans toward portraiture, particularly hands and fDavid Brookshire. “I try to challenge myself by picking those kinds of subjects, looking at human emotions and expressions,” he said.

Heatherington’s art, often addressing interactions with the natural world, comes from an organic process. “I make a mark and see where it takes me,” she said.

The “Staff As Artists” exhibit will be open Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and Friday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu

Implementation of Summer Hours: Compressed Workweek to Save Employees 20 Percent on Commuting Costs

In a move that can save interested staff as much as 20 percent on commuting costs this summer, the University is offering staff members the option of working a compressed work week. To ease commuting costs during the traditionally slower summer session, UNM will offer staff members the option of working a compressed workweek. The program, available June 16 through Aug. 15, 2008.

It will provide most full-time employees on main campus the opportunity to work a four-day workweek by extending their workday to 10-hour days.

Due to mission-critical operations, employees on 24/7 operations and those at the Health Science Center will have the opportunity on a limited basis. More information on HSC summer hours will be issued from the Executive Vice President for the Health Sciences Center office.

In order to provide continuous service, University offices will remain open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other units, such as the libraries, must maintain their published operating hours. Employees may be asked to take alternating days off to accommodate these schedules.

While individual work schedules will be determined by department managers, staff who work eight hours or more per day are required to take a one-half or one-hour unpaid meal break during the work day (UBPPM 3300 Paid Time, section 6.1).

In observance of Independence Day, employees will work regular shifts the week of June 30, with the holiday observed on Friday, July 4.

The program is optional as some employees may not be able to extend their workday due to family care or other issues. Additionally, some managers may not be able to meet the obligations of their units on the basis of a four 10-hour day workweek. However, managers are encouraged to allow employees this opportunity during the summer.

If you have any questions, speak with your manager or supervisor.

KNME-TV Presents Documentary on Artist Glenna Goodacre

“Clay Masher: The Sculpture of Glenna Goodacre” will be airing on KNME-TV, channel 5, throughout June and in early July. As told by her friends, her family, her subjects and herself, KNME profiles this internationally renowned Santa Fe artist as a part of its Notable New Mexican documentary series.

With her winning smile, the twinkle of her blue eyes and an indomitable spirit, Glenna Goodacre has, for over a quarter-century, sculpted life into clay - resulting in works of art that are both epic and intimate. From her first sculpture of her 5-year-old daughter, to the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC, to the Sacagawea Golden Dollar, Glenna has won admiration from thousands of fans by creating art that opens eyes and hearts to a shared human experience.

Each year the Albuquerque Museum Foundation celebrates individuals for their achievements and contributions to New Mexico. This program will be shown on the following dates:

* Monday 6/16 at 9:00 pm
* Wednesday 6/18 at 8:30 pm
* Thursday 6/19 at 10:00 pm
* Saturday 6/21 at 7:30 pm – Simulcast in HD on Ch. 35
* Sunday 6/22 at 6:30 pm
* Tuesday 6/24 at 10:00 pm
* Sunday 7/6 at 6:30 pm

Partial funding for this production was provided by Anne and John Marion. “Clay Masher: The Sculpture of Glenna Goodacre” was produced by Paula Matteucci.

Green Building Issues in Albuquerque Highlight This Week’s “New Mexico in Focus”

The Gold Street Project, the result of a challenge issued by Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez to developers for high density, environmentally friendly, “green” buildings in Albuquerque’s main traffic corridors, was delayed when some area residents argued that the proposed project is too large for their neighborhood. This week, KNME’s “New Mexico in Focus” examines the issue with Gold Street residents for and against the project, as well as developers and city planners. “New Mexico in Focus” will air Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m. on KNME-TV, channel 5.

Co-hosted by David Alire Garcia, managing editor, New Mexico Independent, and Albuquerque Journal columnist Gene Grant, “New Mexico In Focus” takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic, health, education and arts issues and explores them in-depth, with a critical eye to give them context beyond the "news of the moment."

Joining in the Gold Street Project debate this week are Michael Dickson and Doug Peterson from the Environmental Planning Commission, Gabriel Nims, executive director of 1000 Friends of New Mexico, and City Planning Director Richard Dineen.

Then, guest panelist Marjorie Childress, reporter for the New Mexico Independent and blogger for M-Pyre (m-pyre.blogspot.com) will join co-host Gene Grant and regular panelists Margaret Montoya from the UNM School of Law and UNM School of Medicine, Scott Darnell, Communications Director for the Republican Party of New Mexico, and Jim Scarantino, columnist for the Weekly Alibi to continue the discussion of the Gold Street Project, the role that sexism played in Hillary Clinton’s failed run for the Democratic Party nomination for president, and New Mexico’s ranking in the new “Kids Count” data report.

The Producers of “New Mexico in Focus”are Kevin McDonald and Kathy Wimmer. Closed Captioning of “New Mexico in Focus” has been made possible by a gift from Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs.

Media Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1812; e-mail: etodd@knme.org

KNME to Present Documentary on The Musical Adventures of John Donald Robb"

During the months of June and July, public television station KNME Channel 5 is presenting "The Musical Adventures of John Donald Robb." Part biographical sketch of an adventurous musician, and part modern-day exploration with ethnomusicologists and folklorists who look to our musical past for greater cultural understanding, this 30 minute documentary revives and celebrates New Mexico’s disappearing folk music traditions.

The late John Donald Robb loved and composed all kinds of music, but his passion for the songs of everyday folk is what he is remembered for most. Roaming the countryside of the Southwest during the ‘40s and ‘50s, Robb recorded and transcribed over 3,000 Hispano folk songs, the largest collection of its time.

This KNME production on Robb airs in June and July on the following dates:

Monday, June 16, 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18, 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 19, 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 21, 7 p.m. (simulcast in HD on Ch. 35)
Sunday, June 22, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 6, 6 p.m.

You can also watch the documentary of John Donald Robb online now at Musical Adventures of John Donald Robb.

"John Donald Robb was an adventurer who had traveled the world - Asia, Europe, South America - but found a niche playground for himself here in New Mexico,” explains Kelly Kowalski, KNME producer / director. “A stern, wealthy and well-educated lawyer in New York City, he accepted mid-career a position at the University of New Mexico as Dean of Fine Arts in the late ‘40s.

"Music was always his passion and he found himself composing everything from sonatas to operas, as well as delving into cutting edge electronic music during the second half of his life. But his greatest legacy is a vast and unique archive of Hispano folk music that he recorded mostly in the ‘50s -‘70s, a transitory time in New Mexico when the old culture began to clash with the new."

The Musical Adventures of John Donald Robb features:

Jack Loeffler - Writer, Radio Producer and Aural Historian
Enrique Lamadrid - Director of Chicano Hispano Mexicano Studies, UNM
Charles Briggs - Anthropologist, University of California, Berkeley
Brenda Romero - Ethnomusicologist, University of Colorado, Boulder
Juan Romero - Ethnomusicology Student, UNM
Folk Musicians - Cipriano Vigil, Frank McCulloch, Aaron Eichwald, and Jose Abeyta

This program is made possible with major funding from Sanford N. McDonnell Foundation, New Mexico Arts, a division of the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Produced and directed by Kelly Kowalski, KNME; edited by David Leach, with videography by Robert McDermott and Paige Thomas.

Temporary North Campus Road Closure Announced

According to the University of New Mexico Parking and Transportation Department, Tucker Road from Camino de Salud to Yale Boulevard will be closed from Monday, June 23 until Thursday, July 31.

For more information, please contact the UNM Parking and Transportation Department at 277-1938.

Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu

Center for Southwest Research and Office of the State Historian Sponsor Lectures

The UNM Center for Southwest Research and the Office of the State Historian are sponsoring a series of summer lectures based on scholarly research into the CWSR and state records center archives. Hosted in conjunction with the Office of the State Historian, the lectures will be given at Zimmerman Library on the UNM Campus in the Willard Reading Room, and at the State Records Center and Archives and other locations in Santa Fe.

Monday, June 16 - 2 p.m., Willard Reading Room, Zimmerman Library, UNM

“Franciscan Friars in NM, 1957-1985: Unexplored Territory,” Jack Clark Robinson, OFM: PhD Candidate, University of California, Santa Barbara

Tuesday, June 17 - 12 p.m., Yucca Room 2022, State Records Center and Archives, 1205 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe

“The Ortega Papers from Chimayó: Records from 200 Years at the Plaza del Cerro”

Don Usner: Photographer, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Tuesday, June 17 - 5 p.m., Santa Fe Complex, 632 Agua Fria Street; 3 p.m., Open house/ workshop

“Reconstructing the 17th Century Palace of the Governors”
Roy Wroth: Urbanist, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Friday, June 20 - 2 p.m., Willard Reading Room, Zimmerman Library, UNM

“A Cultural Mapping and Place Name Study: Valles Caldera”
Molly Charlyn Padgett: Independent Scholar, Jemez Springs, New Mexico

Monday, June 23 - 12 p.m., Yucca Room 2022, State Records Center and Archives, 1205 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe

“Dean Jett Correspondence: New Mexico’s Ties to World War II History”
Ruth Michelle Quintana: Graduate Student, Public History, New Mexico State University

Tuesday, June 24 - 3 p.m., Willard Reading Room, Zimmerman Library, UNM

“Governor Tomás Vélez Cachupín and the New Mexico Pueblos: Did the Governor Recognize Aboriginal Claims in his Grants to the Pueblos of Zia, Jemez, Santa Ana and Cochiti?”

James E. Dory-Garduño: JD Candidate, University of New Mexico Law School

Wednesday, June 25 - 3 p.m., Willard Reading Room, Zimmerman Library, UNM

“The Alianza, the Black Berets, and Community Activism”
Federico A. Reade, Jr., PhD: Independent Scholar, Albuquerque

Thursday, June 26 - 12 p.m., Yucca Room 2022, State Records Center and Archives, 1205 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe

“Purging Mixed Blood Wars: Treaty-Making, Treaty-Breaking, and Reciprocal Captive-Taking in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands (1848-1853)” Robert F. Castro, PhD: Assistant Professor, Chicano/a Studies, California State University, Fullerton

Friday, June 27 - 12 p.m., Yucca Room 2022, State Records Center and Archives, 1205 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe

“White Caps and Black Hands: Social Movement Protest in New Mexico”
David Correia, PhD: Assistant Professor, Geography, University of Maine, Farmington

The Office of the New Mexico State Historian (OSH) Scholars Program offers financial incentive to eligible applicants to conduct research at New Mexico archival repositories. Questions regarding the lectures and Scholars Program should be directed to Dr. Dennis P. Trujillo, 505-476-7998, dennis.trujillo@state.nm.us.

Research Fellowships were awarded through the Office of the State Historian and funded through the Commission of Public Records and Dr. Rose Ruth and Dr. Arthur Ellison. The lectures are sponsored by the Commission of Public Records, Office of the State Historian and the Center for Southwest Research at UNM.

Physical Plant Begins Fifth Phase of Eight-Year Water Upgrade Project

The University of New Mexico is now working on the fifth phase of a multi-phase project that began eight years ago that enhances the domestic water system on campus. Construction is in progress in front of the La Posada dining hall and is expected to end the last week of September at Redondo and Yale Boulevard.

The overall goal of the project is to strengthen the university’s domestic water system and provide additional water pressure for fire hydrant and building fire sprinkler systems. In order to provide adequate pressure to the campus, the university will also be taking over two water lines from the city of Albuquerque.

Construction for the residence halls and the duck pond, high traffic areas for students during the semester, has started and is expected to be completed in late July, before students return for the start of the fall semester.

The other areas of campus scheduled for construction include the pedestrian walkway from Smith Plaza west to beyond Mitchell Hall, which will be completed in early September, and the Yale Mall area, stretching from north of the Duck Pond south to Redondo Drive, which is expected to be finished in late September.

In order to make sure there is no damage to the Mother Earth Fountain in Yale Mall, the construction team will bore underneath the fountain and pedestrian intersection, while barricading the fountain and providing a pedestrian pathway in the area.

The first phase involved replacing the water pipes and pumps on the edge of campus. Following projects then involved connecting the ring of pipes to the interior of campus, like the spokes of a wheel. This project dovetails with the UNM Water Master Plan, developed by WH Pacific, the same company responsible for the design of the current phase of the water project.

The construction project will also replace the steps on the west side of Smith Plaza with a ramp. This, in addition to other construction changes, are designed to make the campus more accessible by fire engine, should the need arise.

“Everyone understands the need for this project and how much we have already strengthened UNM’s water delivery capabilities. This helps ensure that adequate water flows and pressures will be available for fire fighting, should the need arise,” UNM Physical Plant Department project manager Maria Probasco said.

Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu

UNM Receives Energy Efficiency Award from EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given The University of New Mexico an Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) award for reducing energy use on campus by 20 percent. “Combined Heat and Power,” also referred to as cogeneration, is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source.

By installing a cogeneration system, an energy facility can increase operational efficiency and decrease energy costs, while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

UNM was rewarded for its natural gas-fired CHP system at the Ford Utility Center. This system is part of UNM’s major energy infrastructure project and supplies approximately one-third of the energy demand for the campus and produces steam to help meet the heating, cooling and hot water needs of UNM students, staff and faculty.

“Whether at home or at work, being energy-efficient is a smart environmental and economic strategy,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “EPA is pleased to recognize committed organizations like the University of New Mexico that are making CHP and other green technologies a fundamental part of how they do business.”

Since 1999, EPA has given the Energy Star CHP Award to recognize organizations and institutions that install exceptionally efficient CHP systems.

EPA's CHP Partnership seeks to reduce the environmental impact of power generation. EPA works closely with energy users, the CHP industry, state and local governments, and other stakeholders to support the development of new projects that have significant energy, environmental, and economic benefits.

Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu

UNM Legal Organizations Hosting Native American Water Rights Symposium

This week the Utton Transboundary Resources Center and the American Indian Law Center, Inc. at the University of New Mexico School of Law will host “The Future of Water Rights: The Winters Centennial – Will Its Commitment to Justice Endure,” a symposium on Native American water rights from Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 12 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya on Santa Ana Pueblo.

100 years after the 1908 Winters vs. United States Supreme Court decision, affirming tribal water rights claims to the Milk River in Montana over competing claims of later settlers, many Native American Tribes still have inadequate water for their domestic, economic, cultural and spiritual needs. Developing additional water resources necessary to fulfill tribal rights, while not reducing other necessary uses of water in the same area, will be a future concern for the federal government.

These are a few of the examples of the current impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Winters case:

· How the Pueblos upstream on the Rio Grande utilize their water will greatly influence Albuquerque’s future water supply.

· Unresolved tribal rights to the Colorado River add to other uncertainties, such as rapid growth and climate change, faced by water managers in the water-short states of Arizona California, Colorado Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

· Massive litigation (costing hundreds of millions of dollars) has been under way for decades in almost every western state, prosecuted largely to quantify reserved water right claims.

Yellowstone’s geysers and other geothermal features are protected by an agreement, premised on the reserved rights doctrine, between the National Park Service and the State of Montana.

Celebrate Staff Week Set for June 16-20

The fifth annual Staff Appreciation Week kicks off Saturday, June 14, with the Staff Picnic at the Rio Grande Zoo, starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at ticket offices at the Pit, UNM Bookstore, Basic Medical Sciences Building Cashiers office, and all branch campuses. The price includes zoo entrance, food, music, face painting and a complimentary shuttle to the zoo leaving at 5:30 p.m. from UNM's Q Lot, near the Children's Campus.

Events continue June 16-20, celebrating the contributions of staff to the university’s mission of advancing student success, research, healthy communities and public service.

Staff Appreciation Week is sponsored by UNM Staff Council. All events except the Staff Picnic are free. Some events require Lobo ID. Door prizes will be awarded at each event.

Event Schedule:

Monday, June 16
UNM administrators serve a pancake breakfast sponsored by Human Resources, 7:30-9 a.m. in Student Union Building ballrooms B and C.

The Staff As Artists exhibit opens with a reception 4:30-6 p.m. in the John Sommers Gallery on the second floor of the Art and Art History Building. The exhibit continues through Friday.

Wednesday, June 18
Trade books, music and movies at the Book Exchange, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the SUB Santa Ana room and Health Sciences and Services Building rooms 168 and 169.

Thursday, June 19
Staff are invited to an ice cream social, tour and music at University House starting at 11:30 a.m.

Friday, June 20
Concerts start at noon, with the Greg Johnston Summer Concert at the Honors Plaza, main campus and Music on the Plaza at the Health Sciences Center Plaza.

Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu

UNM School of Engineering Awards Honor Outstanding Students, Faculty and Staff

The UNM School of Engineering recognized 24 outstanding students, faculty, and staff at their 2008 Annual Awards. Several faculty members received awards for teaching and research at junior and senior levels, and the Harrison Faculty Recognition Award honored innovative community service on a societal, national or local level.

Photo: Students, faculty and staff gathered for the School of Engineering's annual awards ceremony near Hodgin Hall.

Outstanding students were selected from each department in the School of Engineering and awards were given on the basis of grade point average, research and service to the school. Staff Awards were given for attitude, performance, contribution and initiative.

Here are the engineering awards and their recipients:

Faculty Awards
Senior Faculty Research Excellence
Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Assistant Professor Plamen Atanassov

Senior Faculty Teaching Excellence
Computer Science Associate Professor David Ackley

Junior Faculty Research Excellence
Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor and Director of Image Analysis and MR Research for the Mind Research Network Vince D. Calhoun

Computer Science Assistant Professor Jared Saia

Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence
Civil Engineering Assistant Professor Susan Bogus Halter

Harrison Faculty Recognition
Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Andrea Alberto Mammoli

Student Awards
Chemical and Nuclear Engineering
Travis R. Conant – Outstanding Graduate Student
Bryan S. Chapman – Outstanding Senior
Marta A. Cooperstein – Outstanding Junior

Civil Engineering
Molly C. McCuskey – Outstanding Graduate Student
Keith D. Echternacht – Outstanding Senior
Mario Munoz – Outstanding Junior

Computer Science
James L. Horey – Outstanding Graduate Student
Dennis Paiz-Ramierz – Outstanding Senior
Andrew S. Othling – Outstanding Junior

Electrical and Computer Engineering
Pramod A. Jamkhedkar – Outstanding Graduate Student
Gregory E. Smith – Outstanding Senior
Stephen C. Tomany – Outstanding Junior

Mechanical Engineering
Jason J. Sanchez – Outstanding Graduate Student
Matthew A. Burmester – Outstanding Senior
Douglas H. Bruch – Outstanding Junior

Staff Awards
Outstanding Support Staff
Anna Raquel Roybal – Electrical and Computer Engineering

Outstanding Administrative/Professional Staff
Lourdes McKenna – Computer Science
Susan Pinter – Chemical and Nuclear Engineering

Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu

Emergency Repair Construction Taking Place on Cornell Mall

The Cornell Parking Structure and Welcome Center is undergoing construction to repair faulty concrete on the northwest end of the structure at Cornell Mall. This construction project is expected to last until Friday, June 13 and will affect patrons of the parking structure who will use the elevator.

First floor access to the elevator will be closed until the project is finished. Visitors must use the stairs from the second floor to reach the ground level and access Cornell Mall.

Handicapped people driving into the structure will be accommodated with parking spots on the ground floor level outside of the parking structure.
For more information about the project, contact Robert Garman at 277-6798, or Dong Glenn, 277-4230.

Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu

Lobo-WiFi Debuts

Lobo-WiFi is on its way. Information Technology Services will begin to consolidate wireless network access next week by renaming the UNM_Wireless_Guest connection to Lobo-WiFi. The name change will feature additional services including secure e-mail.

Uniform access should be complete when students return for the Fall 2008 semester when all wireless network services will be available via the single Lobo-WiFi connection.

The wireless network continuous improvement project is in its second year. Many high-traffic common indoor and outdoor areas not previously covered by wireless network service now have coverage. High Priority areas - determined by student polling include areas such as the Duck Pond, Smith Plaza, Yale and Cornell malls, which were completed in June 2007.

When the wireless improvements project is completed in 2009, the main campus will have as complete coverage as possible with one uniform connection.

Improvements are being made in part by a donation from the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union.

More information is available at http://its.unm.edu/wireless.

Additionally, search 'FastInfo' for answers to network services questions. For questions about the wireless project or other network plans or e-mail network@unm.edu.

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

UNM ITS Security Administrator Earns CISSP Certification

Certification requires completion of 10 information security domains

University Information Security Administrator Jeff Gassaway, in the office of the Chief Information Officer, has achieved Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification. The CISSP designation is conferred upon qualified information assurance professionals by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, (ISC)², following the candidates’ demonstration of competence.

Photo: Jeff Gassaway

Gassaway completed 10 information security domains, also known as the of the (ISC)² CISSP® Common Body of Knowledge. Some of the areas included: Access Control, Application Security, Cryptography, Information Security & Risk Management, Legal, Regulations, Compliance & Investigations, Operations Security and Telecommunications & Network Security.

As the first accredited information security credential, the CISSP certification provides information security professionals with not only an objective measure of competence, but a globally recognized standard of achievement as well.

Gassaway started working in ITS as a student consultant in the Pods in 1996, while completing his Bachelor's degree at UNM. He joined the ITS staff in 1999 and has been working in IT security since that time.

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

Bank of America / Larry Ahrens Golf Tournament Tees Off June 20

26th annual golf tourney proceeds to benefit UNM’s Presidential Scholarship Program

The Bank of America/Larry Ahrens Golf Tournament will celebrate its 26th year benefiting the University of New Mexico Presidential Scholarship Program (PSP) on Friday, June 20 at the University of New Mexico Championship Golf Course. The tournament features a pair of shotgun starts beginning at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Last year the tournament celebrated its 25th anniversary, and with a generous donation to that effect, Bank of America helped UNM raise more than $90,000. Since its inception in 1976, the PSP has offered tuition-free education to more than 2,550 scholars, made possible by more than $9.5 million in gifts from donors. The tournament continues to be the single, biggest one-day fundraiser at UNM.

The tournament format consists of a 4-person Red-White-Blue scramble, limited to one “A” player (handicap of nine or less), and a combined handicap of each team of at least 43. Interested participants may form their own team, play as an individual or pair and be assigned to a team.

Team prizes will be awarded for first through fourth place teams, a.m. and p.m. flights, and first through third place prizes for women’s teams. There will also be a number of skill and random drawing prizes. The per player entry fee of $125 includes green fees, cart, range balls, drinks, snacks, breakfast, lunch and a post-tournament awards dinner.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available at various levels including: prize or product sponsorships; Hole Sponsor ($300); Birdie Level sponsor ($1,500); Eagle Level sponsor ($2,500); and Leaderboard Level sponsor ($4,000).

For more information on sponsorships and benefits or to register, call (505) 277-5688. Interested participants may also register online at Bank of America/Larry Ahrens Golf Tournament.

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

UNM Professor Elected Chair of the United States Square Kilometer Array Consortium

The United States Square Kilometer Array (USSKA) Consortium has elected UNM Department of Physics and Astronomy Associate Professor Patricia Henning as vice chair. The USSKA Consortium consists of U.S. universities and research institutes that are studying and prototyping technologies under development for the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), a next-generation international radio telescope for the 21st century. Henning’s three-year term begins July 1, 2008.

Photo: Patricia Henning

The SKA, with its vast increase in sensitivity beyond any existing radio telescope, will study the early Universe, including the emergence of the first stars. It will also track galaxy evolution through time. Eventually, the SKA will revolutionize many areas of astronomy, including the study of extra-solar planet formation, and make unique contributions to fundamental physics through strong field tests of gravity using pulsars and black holes. For more information visit: http://www.skatelescope.org/.

The USSKA is a partner with other members of the international consortium, including teams from Australia, Canada, China, Europe, India and South Africa, working to realize this transformational new telescope. For additional information about the USSKA Consortium visit: http://astrosun2.astro.cornell.edu/research/projects/ska//main.shtml.

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

Parking and Transportation Services Adding Biodiesel Buses to Fleet

There are four new biodiesel buses in the shuttle fleet run by the University of New Mexico Parking and Transportation Services (PATS) Department. The Thomas Built ‘Safe-T-Liners’ have 30 or 48 seats and are already in operation around campus.

“Biodiesel was an obvious choice” says Alexander A. Aller, Manager, Public Transit Operations. “Right now, all of our large shuttles are alternatively fueled with either biodiesel or compressed natural gas. Although we have a small fleet, we are pleased to contribute to efforts that reduce carbon dioxide emissions, dependence on foreign oil, and the pace of global warming.”

What has been the reception given to the new vehicles as they hit the routes in and around campus?

“Generally, very favorable,” Aller said. “We could have continued maintaining our existing fleet, but older vehicles are far less reliable and more expensive to operate and maintain. Plus, the publicized overall environmental footprint associated with biodiesel is notably smaller than fossil fuel.”

With the new, cleaner vehicles already in use, the Parking and Alternative Transportation Department staff is helping to strengthen the university’s commitment to sustainability while planning for the future needs of UNM staff, faculty and student.

“The plan is to keep these buses running for the next ten to 15 years to meet the changing needs of the University Community,” Aller said. “Operating safely, efficiently, and effectively with minimal energy usage is at the top of our agenda.”

Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu

Primary Wrap-Up, Tom Udall Interview on This Week’s “New Mexico in Focus”

“New Mexico in Focus” to air on KNME-TV, channel 5, on Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m.

With the conclusion of the New Mexico primary season on Tuesday, June 3, the stage is now set for the 2008 general election. The Democratic and Republican candidates have been selected and will face off for the plethora of open seats available in New Mexico this year.

This week KNME’s “New Mexico in Focus” will look back at the New Mexico primary election and visit with U.S. Senate candidate and Democrat Tom Udall as he prepares to face Republican hopeful Steve Pearce to replace longtime outgoing New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici. “New Mexico in Focus” will air on KNME-TV, channel 5, on Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m.

Co-hosted by David Alire Garcia, managing editor, New Mexico Independent, and Albuquerque Journal columnist Gene Grant, “New Mexico In Focus” takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic, health, education and arts issues and explores them in-depth, with a critical eye to give them context beyond the "news of the moment."

This week’s episode will include a complete wrap-up of the day at the primary polls, which included some surprising results at the end of the day. Alire Garcia gets reaction to the election from Lt. Governor Diane Denish, Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colon and Republican Party Chairman Allen Weh. After, Alire Garcia sits down with Udall to discuss his run for Domenici’s United States Senate seat.

Then, guest panelist Michael Coleman, Washington, D.C. reporter for the Albuquerque Journal, will join co-host Gene Grant and regular panelists Margaret Montoya from the UNM School of Law and UNM School of Medicine, Scott Darnell, Communications Director for the Republican Party of New Mexico, and Jim Scarantino, columnist for the Weekly Alibi to analyze the key rDavid Brookshire in the 2008 election, including the Udall-Steve Pearce contest for U.S. Senate

The producer of “New Mexico In Focus” is Kevin McDonald. Closed Captioning of “New Mexico in Focus” has been made possible by a gift from Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs.

Media Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1812; e-mail: etodd@knme.org

Mind Research Network's Vince Calhoun Receives Research Award

Vince Calhoun, director of Image Analysis and MR Research for the Mind Research Network, has been awarded the University of New Mexico School of Engineering’s Junior Faculty Research Excellence Award in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Photo: Vince Calhoun

Calhoun has been a faculty member with UNM’s School of Engineering since 2006, building his research program to include 10 graduate students, five software engineers and three post docs.

Calhoun was recognized by UNM specifically for his work developing techniques to integrate complex brain imaging data to better understand both the healthy and disordered human brain.

Junior Faculty Research Excellence Award winners are nominated by their
departmental chairs and selected by the SOE’s administrative committee, which
includes the SOE Dean, two Associate Deans and the Chairs from all five academic departments.

“This kind of recognition is great fuel for research,” Calhoun offers. “It reaffirms
for those within and outside of the process that the work we are doing at the Mind
Research Network and UNM is vital and valued. I very much appreciate the confidence of UNM’s School of Engineering senior faculty in my research endeavors.”

The Mind Research Network is dedicated to discovering clinical solutions for the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness and brain disorders. For
information on the Mind Research Network or Calhoun’s research, call (505) 272-5028 or visit: http://www.mrn.org/.

Media Contacts: UNM - Luke Frank, (505) 272-3679; e-mail: lfrank@salud.unm.edu or MRN - Dolores González, (505) 925-4747.

Fueling for Fitness Class Set for June 12

Fueling Your Fitness - Nutrition for Exercise, a class taught by Shelley Rael, sr. clinical nutritionist, Employee Health Promotion Program, will teach participants how to properly “fuel” for your exercise. The class will be held Thursday, June 12, from 12 to 1 p.m. in rm. 1007 at the UNM Business Center located at the southeast corner of Lomas and University.

The class, which is open to all faculty/staff and UNMH employees, works for the “recreational” exercisers or the endurance exercisers.

Topics include: How should you eat and drink to feel your best during exercise while still promoting weight management?; Learn how to eat prior to exercising, how to hydrate during exercise; and what to eat following exercise so you don’t feel hungry hours later.

Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up via Learning Central. In the subject line enter - Health Education - EHPP. Class attendees are welcome to bring a lunch.

For more information contact Rael at 272-3989 or 272-4460 or shelrael@unm.edu.

Important Note: There is no paid parking at the Business Center. There are self pay parking meters for use on the east side of the building for $1.60/hour or you are welcome to WALK for improved health and wellness.

DIRECTV to Launch MountainWest Sports Network Aug. 27

24-Hour network dedicated to Mountain West sports to be available nationwide

DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider will launch the MountainWest Sports Network - The Mtn. on Wednesday, Aug. 27. The move will provide fans from across the country access to Mountain West Conference sports, including UNM, in time to kick off the Mountain West Conference's 10th anniversary season.

"We're very excited that DIRECTV will allow college sports fans across the nation to get unprecedented coverage of their favorite Mountain West team," said Craig Thompson, MWC Commissioner. "Our fans and alumni have been asking for more accessibility to The Mtn., and the DIRECTV launch of the network in August will give them all of the games, news and analysis they've been wanting."

"DIRECTV and The Mtn. will be sports fans' ticket to the best of Mountain West Conference football and basketball along with a wide array of other sports-related programming," said Dan Hartman, senior vice president, Programming, DIRECTV, Inc. "We welcome The Mtn. to our industry leading line-up of sports programming and look forward to serving its passionate fans nationwide."

The Mtn. will be available on channel 616 on DIRECTV CHOICE and above packages for the states servicing Mountain West Conference institutions (Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and the designated market areas of Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego). Customers throughout the remainder of the country will be able to access The Mtn. with a subscription to DIRECTV's Sportspack.

The Mtn. will broadcast 30 live regular-season football games this season, including six triple-header Saturdays. The network also will telecast over 100 men's and women's basketball contests this season in addition to its comprehensive array of news, features, original programming and analysis on MWC teams, coaches and players.

"Having The Mtn. available nationally on DIRECTV beginning August 27 is an important milestone in the short history of the network and marks the culmination of a tremendous team effort," said Kim Carver, vice president and general manager of The Mtn.

UNM Undertaking Internal Audit Risk Assessment

The university’s Internal Audit Department is asking managers throughout the institution to take a web-based assessment survey to determine any potential risks they see in relation to these five major categories.

* Strategic Risk – affects the organizations ability to achieve its goals.

* Financial Risk – may result in a loss of assets.

* Operational Risk – affects an ongoing management process.

* Compliance Risk – affects compliance with externally imposed laws and regulations as well as with internally imposed policies and procedures concerning safety, conflict of interest, etc.

* Reputational Risk – affects an organization’s reputation, brand or both.

The Internal Audit Department will rank and average the response to determine the risk in each audit area. This will give the department a sense of the areas of risk in the various operating units of UNM. The department will use this survey to help set priorities for the annual audit plan and for future plans.

Managers who receive the survey are asked to complete it and turn it in within the next two weeks. Anyone who has questions or concerns about the survey should contact the Internal Audit Department at (505) 277-5016.

Media Contacts: Susan McKinsey, (505) 277-1807; e-mail: mckinsey@unm.edu or Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu

Zipcar Membership Now Available for UNM Departments

Membership accounts for Zipcar, a national car-sharing service that launched at the University of New Mexico in January, are now available to UNM departments. Previously UNM departments could register with Zipcar, but the mechanisms needed to meet UNM’s billing requirements were not in place. Now, departments can sign up for a departmental account, manage their own users, and pay with their p-cards.

“Zipcars are going to be a great resource for departments that do business outside of campus,” said Cynthia Martin, Parking & Transportation Services Program Planning Manager. “Zipcars are ideal for departmental purposes because the vehicles come with insurance and gas included in the rates and they are available whenever you need them.”

Zipcar rates start at $9/hour or $66/day and come with gas, insurance, and 180 free miles. To utilize Zipcars, membership is required. For individuals the annual membership fee is $35/year, but for departments it is $100/year. Under departmental membership, departments can approve as many people as they want under their account.

“Zipcar memberships for departments are a little bit different from individual accounts,” Martin said. “The annual membership is higher, but all of the benefits apply and departments can assign an administrator to their Zipcar account to manage as many users as they assign.”

Department Zipcar account administrators not only approve and deny membership, but can also monitor who used the department Zipcar account, what date it was used, and for how long a Zipcar was checked out. To sign up users under a departmental account, a driver’s license and Zipcar approval are needed.

To register for a department Zipcar account visit http://www.zipcar.com/unm and click on “my department’s interested in opening a new account for workplace driving.”

For information contact Danielle Gilliam, dgilliam@parking.unm.edu, 277-0461, or Blair Slocum at bslocum@zipcar.com.

Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; email: bhendrix@unm.edu

Lifeguard Air Emergency Services Celebrates 25 Years

Lifeguard, New Mexico’s first hospital-based helicopter and fixed wing air emergency transport service, is celebrating 25 years, June 14, with a gathering of crew members and others who have made Lifeguard such a successful air emergency service. Lifeguard Air Emergency Services is a program of University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), with medical direction from UNMH’s Department of Emergency Medicine.

Photo: The King Air E-90, pictured, is one of the most reliable turbo-prop aircraft in civilian aviation. Lifeguard uses two Beechcraft King Air E-90 aircraft for lifesaving transports. Photo courtesy of Jim Erekson.

Dedicated to providing excellence in critical care transport to all hospitals in New Mexico and surrounding states, Lifeguard is comprised of flight nurses and flight paramedics that represent the highest level of expertise in the transportation of critically ill or injured patients.

Lifeguard is primarily called to serve the more rural areas of New Mexico and regularly flies to other states such as Texas, Colorado and Arizona.

Lifeguard uses two Beechcraft King Air E-90 aircraft for transports. The King Air E-90 is revered as one of the most reliable turbo-prop aircraft in civilian aviation. Access to two aircraft allows Lifeguard to do two flights simultaneously to fulfill demand.

Albuquerque-based Seven Bar Flying Service owns and operates the aircraft. Seven Bar’s full-time certified staff pursues an ongoing, proactive maintenance program and its pilots meet stringent standards that exceed those of the commercial airline industry.

With 25 years, Lifeguard has a proud history. It was the first program in New Mexico and the second in the nation to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services and as one of the oldest air emergency services in the state, it has accrued an unsurpassed safety record.

Media Contact: Lauren Cruse, (505) 272-3690; e-mail: lcruse@salud.unm.edu

UNM Center for Development and Disability Staff Gives Back with Team Building Exercise

This spring, the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability (CDD) collaborated with the Albuquerque Community Bike Recycling Program for a staff development day focused on team building by contributing to the community.

Photo: The CDD staff and faculty worked in small teams to clean and repair small-to-medium sized bikes.

The Albuquerque Community Bike Recycling Program is a not-for-profit volunteer group that refurbishes donated, used bicycles, making them safe and then distributing them to families who may find themselves in financial hardship. The program also teaches bike safety, bike maintenance and the overall health benefits of bike riding.

After receiving the appropriate instruction, CDD staff and faculty worked in small teams to clean and repair small-to-medium sized bikes. Large and small group discussions conducted throughout the day focused on team building lessons learned. By the end of the day, 96 bikes were refurbished and ready to be distributed to children in the community.

The CDD, established in 1990, is New Mexico’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service. These centers are authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to build the capacities of states and communities to respond to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Center is designated by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), and is one of a national network of University Centers for Excellence that is coordinated by and receives core funding from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD).

Funding for other programs and projects is obtained through state contracts, federal grants and private funding. There are 61 centers located in every state and territory, which function as a national network of programs.

For more information visit the Center for Development and Disability.

Media Contact: Lauren Cruse, (505) 272-3690; e-mail: lcruse@salud.unm.edu

Mohamed El-Genk Appointed Editor of International Journal of Process Systems Engineering

Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Regent’s Professor Mohamed El-Genk has been appointed as the subject editor for energy systems processes of the newly formed International Journal of Process System Engineering. Inderscience Publishers will produce and distribute the journal. El-Genk says the journal will give readers a good general understanding of the processes involved in various engineering and industrial systems.

Photo: Regents' Professor Mohamed S. El-Genk

He says this journal will be different in that it will accept articles about the processes involved with different systems rather than more narrowly focused articles about one element in a process. He will select and work with potential authors on review and contributed papers about the processes involved in energy systems and sustainability.

El-Genk’s own area of expertise involves a range of research including space and terrestrial nuclear power systems, nuclear reactor design, thermal hydraulics and safety, nuclear fuel and fuel cycle, advanced cooling of electronics and computer microchips, natural and mixed convection and change-of-phase heat transfer, advanced energy conversion and micro-channels flow. Of particular interest is his space systems research and he is the founding director of the Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies at UNM.

Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu

UNM’s Comadre A Comadre Program Benefits from Grant

The University of New Mexico’s Comadre A Comadre program in the College of Education was recently awarded a $25,000 grant by the Central New Mexico Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fund its “Partnering with Community to Raise Awareness about Breast Health and Breast Cancer Among Hispanic/Latina Women” program.

This new grant effort will be spearheaded through Comadre A Comadre which will provide free breast health education classes to Hispanic/Latina women on the importance of early detection and link them with the proper community resource to ensure free or lost cost mammograms, expeditious and proper follow-up in the early detection and screening for breast cancer.

According to the 2007 New Mexico Facts and Figures published by the New Mexico Department of Health, the most common cancer among New Mexico Hispanic/ Latina women is breast cancer. Yet, Hispanic/Latina women are most likely to never have a mammogram. Similarly, women whose annual household income is less than $15,000 are more than three times as likely to never have a mammogram, while women with healthcare coverage are twice as likely to have mammograms.

Hispanic/Latina women often face barriers to treatment, including transportation problems, language obstacles and unfamiliarity with the hospital systems, all of which contribute to significantly poorer health outcomes.

“We are very grateful to the CNM Affiliate of Komen for the Cure, their sponsors, and its board members for this grant opportunity. We feel it is very important to not just educate women about the early detection of breast cancer but to ensure that they know that these low-cost or free screening services are available and to link them expeditiously” said Elba Saavedra, research assistant professor and Comadre director.

Comadre A Comadre, which is housed in CoE’s Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences area, is committed to empowering the lives of Hispanic/Latina women and their loved ones through advocacy, education, information, resources, and support about breast health and breast cancer.

The grant couldn’t have come at a better time as the Susan G. Komen Foundation is prepares for its annual “Race for the Cure” on June 15 at Balloon Fiesta Park. Interested participants can register for the 9th Annual Komen Central New Mexico Race for the Cure at: 9th Annual CNM Race for the Cure. Click on “Race for the Cure” for more details. The deadline to register online is June 10.

For information about the Comadre A Comadre program or the “Race for the Cure,” contact Saavedra at (505) 277-3243.

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

Changes to ITS Groupwise System Postponed

Changes to the ITS GroupWise system, which were scheduled for today, have been postponed until Monday, June 9, 2008 to give users additional time to prepare.

The changes are:

* All users, including those using Mac and Linux, must upgrade the latest version of the GroupWise software (7.0.3). After June 9, previous versions of GroupWise will not be able to log in to the ITS system.

* The ITS GroupWise system will begin automatically emptying e-mail items from your respective trash folder that have been discarded for more than seven (7) days.

Learn more about these changes at ITS GroupWise System Announcement and download the latest software at: ITS Announcements.

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu