OCTOBER 23, 2008
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Author Raj Patel to discuss global food supplies
Raj Patel, agricultural scholar and author of the book Stuffed and Starved: the Battle for the World Food System, will address “The World Food Crisis: How did it get so bad and why should we care?” today, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m., in Cudahy Hall 001. The speech is free and open to the public.
Patel will also lead a discussion on the issues surrounding the world food crisis at Soup with Substance on Friday, Oct. 24, from noon to 1 p.m. in AMU 163. A light meal of soup, bread, and water will be served.
His visit is sponsored by the university’s Manresa Project, the Office of International Education and MUSG.
2. Exploding stars is topic of today’s Coyne Lecture
Dr. J. Craig Wheeler, professor of astronomy at University of Texas at Austin, will present “Exploding Stars in an Accelerating Universe” at 7 p.m. today, Oct. 23, in the Tony and Lucille Weasler Auditorium. As the Rev. George V. Coyne, S.J., lecturer in astronomy and astrophysics, Wheeler will explain how supernovae produce elements necessary for life, exotic compact objects like neutron stars and black holes, and the energy to drive the evolution of galaxies.
Wheeler specializes in the astrophysics of violent events: supernovae, neutron stars, black holes, gamma-ray bursts and the relation of these events to astrobiology. He has published approximately 200 papers in refereed journals and conference proceedings, and has edited books on supernovae.
3. Former chaplain to Desmund Tutu hosting retreat; presentations
Chris Ahrends, former chaplain to Desmund Tutu and the Center for Peacemaking’s peacemaker in residence, will conduct a retreat Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Chapel of the Holy Family, on the second floor of the AMU. Retreatants will reflect on the inner personal peace one needs to make outer peace in the world. The retreat is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended, but not required.
Ahrends will provide a series of presentations to discuss “Theory W,” an integrated approach to personal and group dynamics that empowers peacemaking, today, Oct. 23, in AMU 157, Monday, Oct. 27, in AMU 252, and Wednesday, Oct. 29, in AMU 254. All presentations are 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
Ahrends will also speak at a faculty luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 29, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in AMU 407. RSVP to Luba Aganina, office associate, Office of International Education.
4. Academic Senate approves new biology major
The University Academic Senate Monday recommended approval of a new biology major, Biology for the Professions, specifically designed for students in the College of Education planning to be middle and high school science teachers.
The new major will require six, three-credit biological sciences courses, plus an additional biology lab course and nine credits of electives in biological sciences. Students will also be required to take chemistry, mathematics and physics courses.
Dr. Peggy Bloom, vice provost for undergraduate programs and teaching, said the new major, in combination with required teacher preparation courses, would meet teacher licensing requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and provides a broader science background than the traditional biological sciences major.
The UAS also approved the elimination of the major in human biology. Both the new major and the decision to drop the human biology major must be approved by the university’s Board of Trustees. The items will be placed on the board’s December agenda.
In other business, Dr. Edward Inderriden, chair of the University Board of Graduate Studies, informed the UAS that a new specialization in computational sciences had been established within the Ph.D. program in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science. The current Ph.D. specializations in algebra, biomathematics, statistics and logic and foundations have been eliminated, as has the M.S. specialization in mathematics. The master’s specialization in computer science will now be a specialization in computational sciences.
The UAS also asked the Provost’s Office to further examine the report on faculty salaries submitted to the senate in May, specifically looking at the gap between Marquette salaries and the 60th percentile for the American Association of University Professors and at gender equity.
5. Engineering team honored for outreach efforts
The College of Engineering’s Outreach Team Tuesday received the 2008 Excellence in STEM Award at the annual sySTEM Now! (Strengthening our Youth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) here at Marquette.
Recognized in the education category, the team includes: Dr. Jon Jensen, associate dean for enrollment management; Jack Samuelson, coordinator of outreach programs; and Lori Stempski, administrative assistant. Jensen also noted the assistance of six past and current engineering students; Dr. Robert Weber, associate professor of mechanical engineering and Erin Richardson from Arnold & O’Sheridan Consulting Engineers who have helped with instruction and team building skills; and volunteer engineer James Jodie from CH2M Hill.
The award from the Engineers & Scientists of Milwaukee honors an institution “whose curriculum, individual activities and/or overall program demonstrates a unique approach and/or unparalleled commitment to promoting STEM awareness and improving the STEM competency of K-12 students.”
Opus Dean of Engineering Stan Jaskolski praised the efforts of the college’s outreach team. “We have dramatically increased our efforts to interest young students,” he said. “From our partnerships with area high schools through Project Lead the Way and mentoring to the wonderful weekend and summer academies developed by Dr. Jensen and his team, we are reaching literally hundreds of elementary, middle and high school students each year.” More information about the academies, including those offered this semester, is available online.
6. Tickets available for Wisconsin Public Radio broadcast
Kathleen Dunn, host of Conversations with Kathleen Dunn on Wisconsin Public Radio, will present a “Your vote, Your future” broadcast Thursday, Oct. 30. The broadcast will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. The first hour will feature a panel of guests from both major political parties, and the second hour will feature Marquette students discussing what has been happening on campus to get the vote out.
Guests will include:
• Matt Dambach, chair, Students for McCain, Marquette
• Dr. Kathleen Dolan, professor of political science, UW-Milwaukee
• Craig Gilbert, Washington Bureau chief, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• Nicholas Glaser, president, Young Americans for Liberty
• Mike Gousha, distinguished fellow in law and public policy, Marquette
• representative of Students for Obama, Marquette
Free admission tickets are available to members of the Marquette community. Tickets are available between noon and 11:30 p.m. in the Brooks Lounge, AMU. A limited number of tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Office of Public Affairs at 8-7491 for more information.
7. Libraries, electrical engineering and neuroscience to hold colloquiums
Raynor Memorial Libraries will host a colloquium Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. in the Raynor Library Beaumier Suites. Dr. Anees Sheikh, professor of psychology, will present “Healing Images: Connecting with Inner Wisdom.”
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering will hold a colloquium Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 3 p.m., in Olin Engineering Center 202. Dr. Ilya Koltover, project manager at Sigma Aldrich Chemical Corporation, will present “Rack that Power — Real World Examples and the Future of Sustainable Energy.” A reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. in room 204. For more information, call 8-6820.
The Integrative Neuroscience Center will host Dr. Chad Swanson, project manager and scientist at the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, for “Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of mGlu2/3 Receptor Agonists in the Phencyclidine (PCP) model of Psychosis,” Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Cramer Hall 004E.
8. Workshop to cover multivariate statistical methods
The Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science and the university’s Statistical Consulting Service will offer a free, four-week workshop on multivariate statistical methods beginning Friday, Oct. 31. The workshop will be held on four consecutive Tuesdays for those who are interested in learning techniques to analyze large dimensional data in chemistry, biological sciences, engineering and business. Participants are expected to have some mathematical background.
All sessions take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Cudahy Hall 412. To register, contact Dr. Naveen Bansal, professor of mathematics, statistics, and computer science, at 8-5290.
9. Applications for South Africa academic director due Nov. 1
The Office of International Education is accepting applications for academic director for the South Africa Service Learning Program for the 2009-10 academic year. The academic director resides in-country and works with a local resident director to facilitate the academic achievement of students enrolled in the program. The director is also responsible for co-teaching a grassroots organizations course, arranging guest speakers, co-facilitating in-country orientation, monitoring service learning and ensuring the general well-being and academic progress of students. The director should also conduct research while serving as academic director, and is encouraged to present a research agenda that is relevant to the program mission and goals.
Applications are due Saturday, Nov. 1.
Contact Terence Miller, director of the Office of International Education, for more information.
10. Flu shots available at Shoo the Flu, walk-in flu clinic
The Visiting Nurse Association and the Center for Health Education and Promotion/ Student Health Service will provide flu and pneumonia shots at Shoo the Flu, Oct. 27 and 28, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., first floor AMU. No appointment is necessary. Flu shots will cost $30 (EPO reimbursement at 100 percent and PPO reimbursement at 80 percent, by year’s end). Medicare part B and Medicaid will also be accepted. Pneumonia shots will cost $45 (no insurance reimbursement). Cash and checks will be accepted. Call the Center for Health Education and Promotion at 8-5217 for more information.
The Marquette Neighborhood Health Center will also provide flu vaccines (shots or nasal spray) at walk-in flu clinics, 1834 W. Wisconsin Ave. The flu shot is available to anyone two years of age and older. Cost is $40 for those without insurance. MNHC will bill MU insurance, which will cover the cost. MNHC can bill some other providers, as well. No appointment is necessary, but the vaccines will be administered first-come, first-served.
Dates for walk-in flu clinics:
• Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Call the Marquette Neighborhood Health Center at 8-8458 for more information.
11. Student artists featured at Artober event
The Black Student Council will sponsor Artober, a showcase of local college student musicians, poets, painters, spoken word artists, rappers, and hip hop artists, Friday, Oct. 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Marquette Place, AMU. Contact Anthony Nutting for more information.
12. Soccer teams hosting senior night; ROTC recognition
The women's soccer team will host West Virginia on Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. at Valley Fields, honoring its three seniors for Senior Night. A win against the Mountaineers and a win against Pitt on Sunday and will clinch a Big East Divisional Championship for the Marquette women.
The men’s soccer team will take on the Friars of Providence on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m. at Valley Fields. ROTC will host an information booth about the military science programs offered at Marquette. Tickets will be $2 for members of the United States Armed Forces who show a valid military ID.
13. Training session offered to prevent suicide
The Counseling Center will offer a free “Question, Persuade and Refer” suicide prevention training session Tuesday, Oct. 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in AMU 252. The training is a nationally recognized program that teaches attendees how to ask someone if he/she is suicidal and how to persuade the individual to accept a referral for counseling.
RSVP to the Counseling Center at 8-7172.
14. Break from a busy day with Centering Prayer
The Faber Center is providing opportunities for a few moments of quiet reflection during Centering Prayer every Monday, from 12:10 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Faber Center, Schroeder Complex 111.
Centering Prayer consists of responding to the Spirit of Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action within. It facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer — verbal, mental or affective prayer — into a receptive prayer of resting in God. It emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God.
For more information contact the Faber Center at 8-4545. No RSVP is needed.
1. Author Raj Patel to discuss global food supplies
2. Exploding stars is topic of today’s Coyne Lecture
3. Former chaplain to Desmund Tutu hosting retreat; presentations
4. Academic Senate approves new biology major
5. Engineering team honored for outreach efforts
6. Tickets available for Wisconsin Public Radio broadcast
7. Libraries, electrical engineering and neuroscience to hold colloquiums
8. Workshop to cover multivariate statistical methods
9. Applications for South Africa academic director due Nov. 1
10. Flu shots available at Shoo the Flu, walk-in flu clinic
11. Student artists featured at Artober event
12. Soccer teams hosting senior night; ROTC recognition
13. Training session offered to prevent suicide
14. Break from a busy day with Centering Prayer
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