1. Marquette license plates now available

A special Marquette University license plate is available to Wisconsin drivers beginning today, June 7. The license plate features the MU monogram on the left side of the plate and the words “Marquette University” at the bottom. Friends of the university will also have the option of personalizing their plates.

Those ordering non-personalized Marquette plates will pay a $15 fee when plates are issued or re-issued, which happens about every 10 years, in addition to the normal registration fee. For personalized plates, a $15 annual fee is required, in addition to the normal registration fee. Marquette personalized plates can have one to six characters and can be purchased at any time, regardless of an individual driver’s assigned renewal month. The availability of the personalization request can be checked by e-mailing the Department of Transportation.

2. Nearly $300,000 grant to address biodiesel ignition and pollutants

Dr. Scott Goldsborough, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has been awarded a $299,999 grant from the National Science Foundation and Argonne National Laboratory to investigate how the molecular structure of biodiesels affects their ignition behavior and formation of pollutants. These features are important for optimizing engine operation and fuel economy, and for reducing emissions.

The project, “Ignition and pollutant chemistry of next-generation biodiesels,” will focus on experiments involving different biomass materials and different fuel processing techniques, including synthetic molecules designed for cold weather use.

Goldsborough will collaborate with research groups across the country and in Europe, including the Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the United States Department of Agriculture's National Center for Food and Agricultural Research, Reaction Design, Ford Motor Company and the National University of Ireland Galway.

3. International course development grant proposals due June 16

Proposals for five course development grants in international studies, $2,500 to $3,500, are due June 16.

Marquette has been awarded a two-year grant under the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language program to strengthen its Middle East and North Africa studies program. The UISFL Program is run by the Department of Education and provides funds to improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages.

Marquette’s project is designed to increase the number of students studying Arabic, increase the number of students studying abroad in MENA countries and expand course offerings. The priorities are to emphasize technology in the classroom, extended collaboration across the university, and increase co-curricular programming supported by local organizations in the Milwaukee community.

Grants are available for:

• new course development — two $3,500 awards available
• short-term study abroad program development — one $3,500 award available
• existing course content infusion — two $2,500 awards available

For more information contact Terence Miller, director of international education, at 8-7289.

4. Conference to be held for communication faculty at Catholic universities

The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Social Communication and Marquette will host “Power to Transform the World” July 19-21 for faculty teaching media and communication in America’s Catholic colleges and universities. The conference will offer faculty an opportunity to discuss their work and that of their students in light of the tradition, mission and identity of their institutions.

Each day has a different focus:
• July 19 — combines reflection on the uniqueness and charisms that shape the identity of the institutions with presentations on how communication programs extend this identity into the community through service learning and other programs.

• July 20 — centers on ethics as a common base and the teaching strategies for ethics.

• July 21 — looks to the future: where can we go from here?

Each day begins with a keynote speaker and respondents, followed by panels or paper sessions.

Marquette employees can attend all sessions for free, and meals for $20 each. Call University Special Events at 8-7431 to register.

Cost is $200 per person for all others. Registration deadline is Monday, June 21.

5. Conference on philosophy in the Abrahamic traditions scheduled

Marquette University and the University of Denver will co-host a Philosophy in the Abrahamic Traditions Annual Summer Conference Thursday and Friday, June 24 and 25.

The conference provides a formal occasion and central location for philosophers and scholars of the Arabic / Islamic, Jewish and Latin Christian philosophical traditions of the Middle Ages to present and discuss their work in medieval philosophy.

All sessions will be held in the Raynor Library Beaumier Suites.

There is no cost for Marquette employees and students. Cost is $50 at the door for all others.

6. CPS hosting session about accelerated undergraduate degree

The College of Professional Studies will host an information session about its accelerated undergraduate degree for prospective adult students Tuesday, June 8, from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., in Cudahy 414. The session will cover bachelor's degree programs; Saturday, weeknight and online course options; the accelerated eight-week sessions from September through May; the application and admission process; and financial aid.

7. Future Milwaukee applications due June 16

The Future Milwaukee Leadership Program is accepting applications through Wednesday, June 16, for its 2010-11 class. Sessions will begin in September and run through May 2011, primarily from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every other week on Monday evenings. Tuition for the 22-session program is $1,800, with limited financial aid available. Applications are available online.

Each year, Future Milwaukee participants work in teams with area nonprofit organizations on major projects, ranging from fundraising initiatives to comprehensive marketing communication plans.

Since 1978, Future Milwaukee, which since 2005 has been housed in Marquette University’s College of Professional Studies, has been building a diverse group of ethically based leaders among all sectors of the Milwaukee community.

8. Farmers’ market is destination of Wednesday wellness walk

The Employee Wellness Program will lead a walk to the Westown Farmer’s Market every Wednesday this summer, weather permitting, beginning at noon in front of Zilber Hall. The market is located on Michigan Street between Third and Fourth streets — approximately a 10-minute walk one-way. An Employee Wellness representative will lead the walk down and participants are welcome to walk back at their convenience. The farmers’ market runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday throughout the summer. For more information, contact Mandi Richter, wellness coordinator, at 8-4581.

Marquette is a sponsor of the farmers’ market and the free River Rhythms concert series, which is held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Père Marquette Park.

9. Bicycle commuters receive coupons and prizes this week

Marquette is one of more than 200 workplaces participating in the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin's Commuter Bike Challenge during Bike to Work Week, June 6 to 11.

Individuals who bike to work at least once during the week and log their trips online will receive a coupon from Emery's Third Coast Cycling, Triathlon and Fitness. The Sustainability Task Force and the Employee Wellness Program are offering prize drawings of $75, $50 and $25 gift certificates to Wheel and Sprocket to participants.

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and its partners are offering free coffee and snacks every morning along major bike routes. Participants can stop at these "commuter fueling stations" to find out more about bike commuting and even have a mechanic do a basic bike check-up.

For more information and for a free Milwaukee Bike Map, contact Mandi Richter, wellness coordinator, at 8-4581.

10. Haggerty Museum holding summer art sessions for adults and children

Registration is open for the Haggerty Museum of Art summer workshop for adults and camps for children.

Adults attending “Drawing in the Galleries/Class for Adults” will be taught drawing techniques in pencil while studying the unique styles of artists including Picasso, Chagall, Dürer and others. Emphasis will be placed on learning the elements of art and closely observing works from the collection as means for developing drawing style. The workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays June 23 and 30 and July 7 and 21. Cost is $150. Marquette employees and their families receive a 10-percent discount. Space is limited. For information or to register by Thursday, June 17, contact Lynne Shumow, curator of education and community outreach, at 8-5915.

At “Art Insiders — People/Places/Things,” campers will be introduced to a variety of materials and processes, special guests, events and walking trips through the museum’s collection and around campus to provide the subject matter for visual journals the students will create using a variety of media. Session 1, for ages 9 to 12, will be June 28 to July 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Session 2, for ages 6 to 8, will be July 19 to July 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $150 for each session and space is limited. Marquette employees and their families receive a 10-percent discount. For more information or to register, contact Lynne Shumow at 8-5915.

11. Marquette’s sexual violence project needs online votes

A project of the Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2010 Planning Committee is in the running for a $5,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant. Funds from the grant would help support SVAW 2010 programming efforts.

Supporters of Marquette’s proposal, "Create a campus that cares about ending sexual violence," can vote once a day during June.

12. Easy Pass deadline is June 23

The deadline to participate in the Easy Pass payroll deduction program is Wednesday, June 23. The Easy Pass offers unlimited Milwaukee County bus rides, including Freeway Flyers and special event shuttles, to the Bradley Center, Miller Park and other locations.

The program cost is $210 per quarter and can be deducted before taxes to save money. Sign up between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Union Station, AMU, for passes that will be good during July, August and September. Those who wish to drop must also do so in Union Station by June 23.

13. TIAA-CREF representatives available for financial counseling

TIAA-CREF consultants will be available to faculty and staff for individual and confidential financial counseling sessions from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, in AMU 362 and Thursday, June 10, in Raynor Library Study E. The session can include overall financial advice, asset allocation, retirement income options, diversifying financial portfolios and learning about mutual funds, brokerage, life insurance and annuities.

Call 1-800-842-2005, ext. 255674, to schedule an appointment.