1. Consortium awarded $2 million grant for older adult health care

The Wisconsin Geriatric Education Center, housed in the College of Nursing, has been awarded a five-year, $2 million grant from the United States Health Resources and Services Administration to help ensure that older adults throughout Wisconsin have access to quality healthcare. Stacy Barnes, College of Nursing, is director of the WGEC. One hundred percent of the $2,050,868 total grant award is financed with federal funds.

Similar to the nation’s population trends, Wisconsin is experiencing unprecedented growth in the number and proportion of older adults. Individuals aged 65 and older are projected to increase more than 90 percent by 2030 and the state’s oldest citizens (age 100-plus) will almost quadruple in the same period. Despite national and state population trends, healthcare workforce studies reveal that no health care profession has the minimum projected number of trained personnel necessary to meet the unique healthcare needs of older adults.

The WGEC consortium will focus its efforts on improving patient care and safety for Wisconsin’s older adults by training health professions students, faculty and practitioners in Wisconsin, with emphasis on Milwaukee and Dane counties.

The WGEC will develop, implement and evaluate several new educational interventions during the five-year grant period. It will:
 
•  Train students from non-dental health disciplines about geriatric oral health issues
•  Train health professionals how to integrate palliative care practices into geriatrics
•  Develop and evaluate new injury-related geriatrics curriculum
•  Train health profession students about evidence-based standards and practices for depression
•  Provide health profession students with clinical geriatric training in hospitals and clinics
•  Provide ongoing interdisciplinary continuing education opportunities to health professionals

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2. Dr. Azar Nafisi, Iranian author, to speak about power of literature

Dr. Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books, will present "The Republic of the Imagination: The Power of Literature to Liberate Minds and Peoples” for the Allis Chalmers Distinguished Professor in International Affairs Lecture series Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Nafisi is visiting professor and the director of Cultural Conversations at the Foreign Policy Institute of Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. She is best known as the author of the national bestseller Reading Lolita in Tehran, a portrait of the Islamic revolution in Iran and how it affected one university professor and her students. The book has spent more than 117 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into 32 languages and has won many literary awards.

Nafisi has also conducted workshops in Iran for female students on the relationship between culture and human rights, has lectured and written extensively in English and Persian on the political implications of literature and culture, as well as the human rights of the Iranian women and girls and the important role they play in the process of change for pluralism and an open society in Iran.

The lecture is sponsored by the Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences.

For more information, contact Dr. Richard Friman, professor of political science and Eliot Fitch Chair for International Studies, at 8-5991.

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3. Nationally known journalists to discuss whether entertainment is eclipsing news

The Diederich College of Communication will host a student-produced Centennial Seminar for the Burleigh Lecture Series on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m., streamed live to the Johnston Hall student lounge and available on Time Warner Cable’s Wisconsin on Demand afterward.

A live roundtable discussion of nationally known journalists will discuss “Is Entertainment Eclipsing News?” Panelists include:
• Bill Burleigh, Jour ’57, chairman, retired president and chief executive officer of The E.W. Scripps Company
• Dr. Sybril Bennett, professor of media studies at Belmont University and Emmy Award-winning television news journalist
• Quiana Burns, Emmy Award-winning journalist with The Last Word on MSNBC
• Dr. Pamela Hill Nettleton, assistant professor of journalism at Marquette
• Kimberly Schwandt, Emmy Award-winning White House producer at Fox News
• Ben Tracy, Comm ’98 and Grad ‘04, Emmy award-winning CBS News correspondent
• Baratunde Rafiz Thurston, web editor at The Onion
• Gideon Yago, writer and former correspondent for MTV News and CBS News.

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4. Former Gonzaga president to present Ciszek Lecture

Rev. Robert Spitzer, S.J., president of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith and the Spitzer Center for Ethical Leadership and former president of Gonzaga University, will present “What is Contemporary Physics Saying about Creation and God?” for the 2011 Ciszek Lecture. His lecture, Monday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium, will be based on his recent book, New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy.

Ciszek Lecture speakers are selected from the many authors represented in the Ciszek Catholic Spirituality Collection in the Raynor Memorial Libraries, a collection of books and DVDs on Catholic devotional literature, meditations, catechisms, apologetics, conversion stories and works on lay and religious vocation.

The lecture, free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus at Marquette, Raynor Memorial Libraries and the Department of Theology.

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5. Research forum to cover gender, class and race

A campus research forum on gender, class and race with Dr. Jeanne Hossenlopp, vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School, will be held Wednesday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to noon in Raynor Library Beaumier Suites BC.

The forum is part of a series to create a campus-wide research agenda that builds on the university’s strengths. Individuals who are interested in scholarship in areas such as women and gender studies, sexuality, race and ethnic studies, class and related areas are encouraged to attend and be prepared to give a brief overview of their research interests.

Meeting content will include:

• Gaining awareness of the strengths and resources that currently exist
• Identifying gaps that should be addressed and suggestions about to how to address them
• Determining potential areas of collaboration and how they might be supported
• Developing a plan for next steps to move a research agenda forward

RSVP to Jennie Schatzman, office coordinator of research and sponsored programs, at 8-7225.

A follow-up forum will be held Thursday, April 28, at 3 p.m. in Raynor Library Beaumier Suites BC.

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6. External perceptions survey being conducted

The Office of Marketing and Communication, working with the Offices of the Provost and of the Senior Vice President, has retained SimpsonScarborough, a higher education market research firm, to conduct a survey of how the university is perceived externally. This is a continuation of ongoing survey work, undertaken periodically by OMC, and will be used to provide baseline information about Marquette’s reputation with key constituents. Its findings will help guide the university’s future marketing work. Multiple audiences will be contacted, including prospective undergraduate students, alumni, business and community leaders, as well as faculty and academic leaders at other U.S. colleges and universities. The study will be completed by May 2011. For more information contact Tricia Geraghty, vice president of marketing and communication, at 8-3423.

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7. Marquette University Chorus invited to perform for Paradise Lost in Chicago

Distinguished Concerts International in New York City has invited the Marquette University Chorus and director Mark Konewko to participate in a performance of Eric Whitacre’s Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings on Tuesday, March 8, at 2 p.m. in Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre.

“The Marquette University Chorus received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers and the exceptional recommendation given by Mr. Konewko’s choral colleagues,” said Dr. Jonathan Griffith, artistic director and principal conductor for DCINY. “It is quite an honor just to be invited to perform in Chicago. These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support.”

The performance is open to the public. Tickets cost $40.

Thirty-nine Marquette students will spend about 10 hours in rehearsals over a three-day residency leading up to the performance.

Whitacre will be the guest conductor for this special concert, which is a prelude event to the American Choral Directors Association National Conference that begins Wednesday, March 9.

For information about providing financial support for the students’ trip, contact Konewko at 414-881-5551.

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8. “Careers in Social Change” to be discussed at webinar

A “Careers in Social Change” webinar will be held tomorrow, Feb. 22, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Zilber 370. Mrim Boutla, co-founder of The More Than Money League, and Katie Kross, EDGE associate director and author of Profession and Purpose, will discuss resources, information and best practices for partnering with others on campus and beyond to help changemakers translate their education into careers that will build a better world. The program will address how to connect students and alumni with the resources and insights they need to compete for opportunities in corporate social responsibility, social enterprises and nonprofits. No registration needed.

The program is sponsored by the Office of the Provost’s Social Entrepreneurship Initiative.

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9. Symphony orchestra and blind Incan pianist to perform

Pianist Hwaen Ch’qui, a blind Incan pianist and three-time Tanglewood fellow, will present a free master class in which he will briefly perform and discuss ways to improve piano technique tomorrow, Feb. 22, at 4 p.m. in the Varsity Theatre.  

Ch’qui will also perform with the Marquette University Symphony Orchestra at a free concert Sunday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. in the Varsity Theatre. Ch’qui will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” followed by Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major.  

The performances are sponsored by the Office of Student Development Music Programs.

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10. Korieh to give lecture in conjunction with Haggerty exhibition

The Haggerty Museum of Art will host a lecture by Dr. Chima Korieh, assistant professor of history, Wednesday, March 2, at noon at the museum.

Korieh will present ”Through a Glass Darkly: African Popular Arts as History” in conjunction with the Hollywood Icons, Local Demons: Ghanaian Popular Paintings by Mark Anthony exhibition, which consists of paintings for three different plays. Ghanaian master artist Mark Anthony is acclaimed for his signage-inspired paintings that attract audiences to itinerant theatrical performances or “concert parties” by local musicians and actors. This exhibition of Anthony’s work consists of sets of paintings for three different plays: Some Rivals Are Dangerous; In This World, If You Do Not Allow Your Brother to Climb, You Will Not Climb; and When A Royal Dies, We Take Him Home. Each set portrays key scenes from the plays, including tales that reflect the social pressures brought about by rapid change and globalization, designed to attract attention and promote discussion as people walk or ride by.

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11. Psychology, biology and chemistry seminars this week

The Department of Psychology will hold a colloquium Thursday, Feb. 24, at 3:30 p.m. in Cramer Hall 104J. Dr. Darren Wheelock, assistant professor of social and cultural sciences, will present “Need not apply: Employment restrictions for ex-felons and racial inequality in the labor market.”

Dr. Stephen Downs, Wehr professor of biological sciences, will discuss “Sex and the Oocyte” Friday, Feb. 25, at 3:15 p.m. in Wehr Life Science 111. Refreshments will be served at 3 p.m. For more information, call the Department of Biological Sciences at 8-7355.

Dr. Bill Poirier, professor of chemistry and joint professor of physics at Texas Tech University, will present “Quantum Dynamics of Hydrogen Interacting Exohedrally with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.” This Department of Chemistry colloquium will be Friday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. in Todd Wehr Chemistry 121. Refreshments will be available beginning at 3:45 p.m.

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12. Workshop to address “Using the discussion forum in D2L”

The Center for Teaching and Learning and the Instructional Media Center are holding “Using the discussion forum in D2L” Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 28 and March 1.

The workshop is part of a series focusing on e-teaching subjects and skills that are useful in online and hybrid (combined online and face-to-face) teaching. The series combines the subjects formerly offered in the separate e-teaching and hybrid workshops.

Each workshop will be offered twice a week, on Monday and Tuesday, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Raynor 320H:

March 7 and 8 — Producing and using digital images
March 21 and 22 — Video and audio production
March 28 and 29 — Web 2.0: web pages, timelines, storytelling; wikis and blogs, etc.
April 4 and 5 — Using clickers
April 11 and 12 — Same time technology: Skype, Live Meeting, etc.
April 18 and 19 — What librarians can do for you
May 2 and 3 — Social media; Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

Registration is suggested, but not required, at 8-7305. For more information contact Dr. Dave Buckholdt, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, at 8-0268.

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13. Pan-African heritage to be celebrated this week

The Office of Student Development Multicultural Affairs is sponsoring a series of events in celebration of Pan-African heritage:

• “Soup with Substance: Black Migration,” Wednesday, Feb. 23, noon, AMU 227 —Activist and community organizer Reuben Harpole will speak about the process of black migration to Milwaukee and other areas of Wisconsin. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Patrick Kennelly, associate director for the Center for Peacemaking, or D.J. Todd, coordinator for intercultural programs in the Office of Student Development.

• “Career Café: Speed networking,” Thursday, Feb. 24, 12:30 p.m., AMU 157 — co-sponsored by Career Services, the networking session will be an opportunity to meet Marquette alumni who work in the greater Milwaukee area. Bringing business cards is recommended.

• “I Love My Hair,” Thursday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m., AMU Monaghan Ballroom — Professionals, academics and students will discuss the social implications of living in a society not accustomed to cultural hair and hairstyle.

• “Brew City Stomp Down,” Feb. 26, 6 p.m., Varsity Theater — Marquette’s 12th annual rhythmic stepping and movements show is sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Tickets are $15 and available in the AMU Brooks Lounge. Proceeds benefit scholarship funding.

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14. Free healthy cooking demonstrations offered

The Employee Wellness Program and Sodexo have partnered to offer a free Healthy Cooking Series of three demonstrations to teach how to cook tasty and healthy meals in minutes.  

The series includes “Flavorful Stir-Fry Variations” Feb. 24, “Mediterranean Salmon” March 10, and “There’s No Time, Healthy Breakfast” April 7. Sessions will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in AMU 163.

Contact Amy Melichar at 8-5217 to register for any of the demonstrations. Space is limited.

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15. Faber Center hosting lunch with homeless; Retreat for Busy People

The Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality will join guests of Repairers of the Breach, a day shelter run for and by the homeless, to share a light lunch and Scripture reflection Friday, Feb. 25. Participants will leave as a group from the Faber Center, Schroeder Complex 111, at 11:45 a.m. and return to campus by 1 p.m. Transportation is provided. All faith traditions are welcome. RSVP to Ellen Blonski, administrative assistant, by Thursday, Feb. 24.

The Faber Center is also offering a Retreat for Busy People that will begin with the opening prayer service Thursday, March 3, from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in the AMU Chapel of the Holy Family. This six-week retreat involves meeting weekly with a retreat director at a mutually convenient time. Register by Tuesday, March 1, at 8-4545.

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16. Kick-off event for energy and climate policy conference to be held

Students for an Environmentally Active Campus is hosting a kick-off for Power Shift on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. in Cudahy 114. Power Shift is a weekend national conference in Washington, D.C., of youth leaders about change on energy and climate policy. Another session will be held Wednesday, March 2, at 7 p.m. in Cudahy 137.

Information provided will also include the opportunity to register for the conference, which is open to the entire campus community.

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