1. College of Engineering receives $5 million gift for faculty chair

An alumni couple have donated $5 million to the College of Engineering to establish an endowed chair in electrical engineering, Opus Dean of Engineering Robert Bishop announced today.

V. Clayton and Beverly Lafferty, who now live in Minneapolis, are 1950 graduates of the College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences, respectively. Clay Lafferty, 85, grew up in Iowa and spent much of his professional career as the head of research and development at United Parcel Service. He holds several patents and created the hub system used to support the company’s package delivery and logistics business. He also developed the prototype for the smart pad used by the company for tracking and delivery confirmation.

“We’re proud of our Marquette educations,” Mrs. Lafferty said. “When we were able to begin contributing financially, we agreed education was one priority.”

Bishop said the couple’s generosity extended to all aspects of the college’s transformation, including endowing the Lafferty Professorship in Engineering and the Elizabeth and Ray Lafferty Scholarship Fund, named in honor of Clay Lafferty’s parents. They also contributed to the building fund for the college’s new Engineering Hall. The Micro Sensors Research Laboratory will be named in honor of the Laffertys.

Bishop said a search for the Lafferty Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is already underway, with a focus on “a scholar and educator with an international reputation” and expertise in smart sensor systems.

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2. Opening celebration for new engineering building is Friday

The College of Engineering will celebrate the opening of its new $50 million facility, Engineering Hall, Friday, Oct. 7, at 3 p.m. The campus community is invited to tour the building and hear speakers, including Marquette President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., and Opus Dean of Engineering Robert Bishop. The ceremony will take place in a tent south of Engineering Hall, 1637 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Engineering Hall was planned to illustrate engineering principles, according to Bishop. “This building is a form of art, combining function with aesthetics,” he said. “The details of the 115,000-square-foot building — from the exterior design and front canopy to the stained and polished concrete floors, from the LED lighting to the experimental green roof – are designed to display engineering.”

Bishop emphasized that Engineering Hall is not just a building — he called it a “platform for the transformation taking place inside.” He said, “Today’s engineers must be problem-solvers, creative thinkers, innovators. They need to understand business and be able to communicate. We’re changing the way we educate engineers and the new building reflects those changes. It’s organized not by departments but by the key engineering challenges we face as a global society — clean water, safe roads, efficient energy and healthy families.”

The new building is the first of a two-part initiative, with a 135,000-square-foot, $50 million second phase addition already designed and fundraising underway.

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3. Flu vaccinations available

Influenza vaccinations (injectable) will be available to students at several sessions beginning Wednesday, Oct. 5. This year’s vaccination is combined to cover both the seasonal and H1N1 flu strains. Cost is $20.

Flu clinics are:
• Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., AMU second floor lobby
• Monday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., AMU second floor lobby
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Cobeen Hall lobby
• Monday, Oct. 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., AMU second floor lobby
• Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., AMU first floor lobby

Clinics are administered by the Student Health Service in collaboration with the College of Nursing and Department of Human Resources.

The Marquette Neighborhood Health Center is also offering the combined influenza vaccine, both injectable (for ages 6 months and older) and nasal mist (for ages 2 to 49 years) for $40. Call 933-9100 for an appointment. Appointments are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and some Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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4. Challenges of religious pluralism to be discussed tonight

Dr. John Esposito, professor of religion and international affairs and Islamic studies at Georgetown University, will discuss the challenges of religious pluralism in the 21st century in part one of the Gathering Points lecture series. The lecture, which is sponsored by Marquette and Church of the Gesu, will take place today, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. in the AMU Ballroom.

Esposito is founding director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding in the Walsh School of Foreign Service. He is vice president and president-elect of the American Academy of Religion, a member of the E.C. European Network of Experts on De-Radicalisation, on the board of C-1 World Dialogue, and an ambassador for the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations.

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5. Torture and American democracy is topic of Klement lecture

"Reconciling American Democracy and Torture: From the Age of Contact to Abu Ghraib" is the subject of the Frank L. Klement Lecture, sponsored by the Department of History. Dr. W. Fitzhugh Brundage, William B. Umstead distinguished professor of history at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, will give the lecture at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 4, in Cudahy 001. Brundage is the author of The Southern Past: A Clash of Race and Memory and Lynching in the New South.

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6. Law lecture to address "Reality-Challenged Philosophies of Punishment"

The Law School will host its annual Barrock Lecture, Thursday, Oct. 6, at 12:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall. Robert Weisberg, Edwin E. Huddleson, Jr. professor of law at Stanford University, will present “Reality-Challenged Philosophies of Punishment.”

The theme of “American exceptionalism” has found perverse corroboration in the size of the prison population, according to Weisberg. At the same time, discourse about the “purposes of punishment” is thriving, with a recent revival of highly abstract theorizing about the nature and legitimacy of retribution, he says. In this lecture, Weisberg will describe the disconnection and recommend ways of overcoming it, stressing that the abstract theorizing must be more sensitive to what punishment means and what effects it has in modern America.

Register online.

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7. Language and bilingualism in early childhood learning is subject of lecture

The College of Education’s Tommy G. Thompson Lecture, “Language, Bilingualism, Cognition and Learning in Early Childhood,” will be presented Thursday, Oct. 6. Dr. Eugene García, vice president for education partnerships at Arizona State University, will deliver the lecture at 4:30 p.m. in the AMU Monaghan Ballroom. García researches effective schooling for linguistically and culturally diverse student populations.

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8. Chinese writer and media commentator to give Chalmers lecture

Jianying Zha, writer and media commentator, will deliver the Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences’ Allis Chalmers International Affairs Lecture, “Transformation in Modern China,” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in the Weasler Auditorium. Zha is the author of several books, including Tide Players: the Movers and Shakers of a Rising China and China Pop: How Soap Operas, Tabloids and Bestsellers are Transforming a Culture. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times and other magazines and newspapers.

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9. Education reform advocate to speak at Law School

Abby Ramirez, executive director of Schools That Can Milwaukee, will be a guest for “On the Issues with Mike Gousha,” Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall.

A former business executive, Ramirez has become a leading voice for education reform in Milwaukee. The goal of the organization she co-founded, Schools That Can Milwaukee, is to have 20,000 children in high-performing urban schools — public, charter and choice — by 2020. To do that, Ramirez and her organization work to identify schools where children are succeeding and attempt to replicate those models across the city.

Register online.

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10. Enjoy a free meal and new friends with Supper for 12 Strangers

All students are invited for an evening of conversation, networking and a home-cooked meal at Supper for 12 Strangers on Nov. 5, 6, 12 or 13. This tradition offers an opportunity for two to 12 students to dine at the home of Marquette faculty, staff or alumni for dinner and an evening of casual conversation. The “supper” can be as formal as a gourmet meal on fine china or as casual as pizza on paper plates. Register as a group of friends or go solo and make some new friends. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 26. For more information and to register, contact Libby Gard, engagement and external relations office associate, at 8-8440.

The event is sponsored by the Association of Marquette University Women.

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11. Nonviolence as philosophy of life to be discussed

“Gandhi’s Method of Social and Political Change” is the subject of Soup with Substance on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at noon in AMU 157.

Dr. Pravin Kamdar, professor of business and economics at Cardinal Stritch University, will lead a conversation that will emphasize the power of Ahimsa (nonviolence) as a philosophy of life. He will look at Gandhi's strategy and technique of Swaraj and Satyagraha, which were his ethical basis/spirituality for political and social change. Using Gandhi's ideas as a framework, he will share and exchange ideas of Dr. Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and César Chavez.

Soup with Substance is sponsored by the Center for Peacemaking, Campus Ministry and Multicultural Affairs. A light lunch of soup and bread will be served.

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12. Free depression screenings to be held Thursday

The Counseling Center is offering free, confidential depression screenings, in conjunction with National Depression Screening Day, Thursday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Holthusen 205. No appointment is necessary.

The pressures of college life can make students feel so down that it interferes with their ability to accomplish tasks or relate with others. Depression is common for college students, and symptoms may include sad mood, eating and sleeping problems, guilt or hopelessness.
 
Contact the Counseling Center at 8-7172 for more information.

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13. Career planning to be discussed over lunch

“Career Planning” is the topic for the Career Services Center’s monthly luncheon series, “On the Road to Your Career” Friday, Oct. 7, in AMU 157. The luncheon, which is sponsored by Kohl’s Corporation, will be held from noon to 12:50 p.m.

The luncheon is intended to help attendees create a career plan with action steps, whether they are just starting out or getting ready to graduate.

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14. Psychology faculty to present research

The Department of Psychology will host its second annual Diversity in Psychology Open House on Saturday, Oct. 15, in Cramer Hall 087 and the lower level lounge.

A lunchtime research poster session will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by research presentations by Drs. Alyson Gerdes, associate professor; Nakia Gordon, assistant professor; John Grych, chair and professor; and Debra Oswald, associate professor.

RSVP by Friday, Oct. 7, to Trish Johnson, administrative assistant, at 8-3487.

The event is supported by a 2011-2012 Marquette Excellence in Diversity Grant.

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15. Department of Chemistry holding colloquium

Dr. Jack Simons, professor of chemistry at the University at Utah, will present “The Wonderful World of Anions” for a Department of Chemistry colloquium. The program will be Friday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. in Todd Wehr Chemistry 121. Refreshments will be available beginning at 3:45 p.m.

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16. Study abroad in Kenya offered over winter break

The Les Aspin Center for Government will host a 10-day study abroad opportunity in Kenya over winter break. In this three-credit course, students examine the manner in which culture, values and identity shape global and domestic politics in a developing democracy.

Applications are due Monday, Oct. 10.

For more information, contact Meghan Lefeber, assistant director of the Aspin Center.

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17. Law School to hold information session

The Law School Office of Admissions will host an information session for prospective students Saturday, Oct. 8, in Eckstein Hall. The session will include information about admissions and financial aid, as well as panel of current students.

The session begins at 10 a.m., preceded by an optional tour. Register online.

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18. EMMAUS application deadline is Friday

The application deadline for Campus Ministry’s EMMAUS (Embracing Many Minds, All United in Solidarity), a partnership between Marquette and Casa Romero Renewal Center, is Friday, Oct. 7, at noon.

EMMAUS is a leadership program in which Marquette students serve as mentors to students at Carmen High School. EMMAUS works to equip local high school students with goal setting and decision-making skills, confidence and building strategies as they discover their paths for the future.

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19. Registrations being taken for School of the Americas vigil

The Center for Peacemaking is accepting registrations for students interested in attending the School of the Americas Vigil in Columbus, Ga. This year’s vigil is Nov. 17 to 21. Space is limited.

According to the Center for Peacemaking, thousands gather every year at Fort Benning, Ga., to commemorate the thousands of people who have been tortured and murdered by graduates of the SOA/WHINSEC and to change the system of violence that institutions like the SOA/WHINSEC represent. For more information email the Center for Peacemaking.

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