Vol. 34, No. 50 / March 31, 2003

Bookmark this: revised University Calendar of Events is here today

A new Web-based events system — the University Calendar of Events — makes its debut today (Monday, March 31). Click http://www.uwgb.edu/calendar/. Questions? Contact Janice Swiggum, Business & Finance, ext. 5068 or swiggumj@uwgb.edu.

Space Grant's Yingst wins NASA support for Mars work

R. Aileen Yingst of the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium has won a $153,950 grant from NASA to conduct a study that may provide clues about the origin and history of the planet Mars. Yingst, who is an adjunct assistant professor of Natural and Applied Sciences, will study information transmitted back during the 1997 Mars Pathfinder mission. At issue is whether variations represent actual differences in the rocks themselves, or whether they result from other factors such as weathering of the rocks by wind, water, or chemicals. For more, click http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/news/archive/2003mar.htm#nasa.

Gift of music: Recitals include professor's composition for (and about) students

Percussion students Tim Patterson and Ellen Simon will have an uncommon experience when they perform their senior recitals: They'll be performing a new composition written especially for them by their professor, Cheryl Grosso. "Neimos Duet" was written for and about Simon and Patterson. "Their individual personalities and relationship were the basis for the structure, thematic material, and temperament," says Grosso. Patterson's recital is at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, and Simon's is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12. They'll join in each other's recitals to perform the Grosso piece. Both recitals are in University Theater.

Student rally seeks to re-open English-only debate

UW-Green Bay Social Work students are spearheading an effort to re-open the English language-only debate in Brown County by organizing a public rally starting at 1 p.m. Saturday (April 5) at the parking lot on the corner of Pine and Monroe streets downtown. The march expressing opposition to the measure that made English the official language of Brown County will end at the steps on the south side of the Brown County Courthouse where County Executive Nancy Nusbaum, Nhia Cha Yang, an elected leader in the Hmong community, Dick Campbell, moderator of the Mayor's Hmong advisory board, and others will speak. The rally is sponsored by Social Work students and the Social Work Club, and is co-sponsored by the American Intercultural Center and the Residence Hall and Apartment Association. Organizers welcome rally participants.

English-only protest stems from a class project

The April 5 rally protesting the Brown County Board of Supervisors move in July 2002 making English the official county language started when the 38-member fall semester Social Policy Analysis class, taught by Lecturer Candy Conard, did an in-depth study of the English-only movement. They looked at it in historical and societal contexts, and consulted with sources including Nusbaum, Prof. Emeritus Donald Larmouth, a linguist; members of the county's Diversity Affairs Council; and others. Students voted to continue their inquiry in the spring semester class through a social action project, with on-campus education and the rally downtown. Look for the education table in the Cofrin Library concourse level alcove all week.

Church and state: HUS religious studies program gets positive pub

The Green Bay Press-Gazette religion page sang the praises of UW-Green Bay's religious studies program in an article published this past Saturday. Humanistic Studies Prof. Derek Jeffreys explains the philosophy behind such a program at a secular institution. If you missed it, it's archived at http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/news/archive/local_9301264.shtml.

Reminder: Candidates speak this afternoon at UW-Green Bay

UW-Green Bay is the place to hear candidates for Green Bay mayor and Brown County executive discuss the issues on the final day before Tuesday's general election. Mayoral candidates Dave Nennig and Jim Schmitt county executive Carol Kelso Len Teresinski will participate in the forum Phoenix Room A of University Union from 3 to 5 p.m. today (March 31).

Reminder: Opera's Estes here today

Bass-baritone Simon Estes will make two appearances on campus today (Monday, March 31). From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., he conducts a master class with 10 area vocalists in the University Theater. Observers are welcome, and Estes is expected to sing a few numbers at the outset. At 3:30 p.m., he will give an informal talk, "Reflections on Music and Spirituality," in the Heritage Room of the Union.

A word of thanks from 'lunch lady' Diane Romuald

LOG ONLine readers will recall that Diane Romuald, familiar to many as the kiosk "lunch lady" on the second floor of MAC Hall, lost her husband to an auto accident in February. Many faculty, staff and students chipped in for a gift and offered condolences. Diane offers the following message as a way to say thank you:

"I would like to thank each and every one of you who have helped me during the loss of my husband, Randy. You have touched my heart with all the things you've done for me and my family. The angel is a beautiful keepsake and your gift of money will help put a headstone on Randy's grave. Thanks to everyone who came to the wake, and to those who came but didn't stay because of the number of people in line, those who hugged me and got me through that first terrible week (and the first few days back at work). Thank you to everyone who stopped by my coffee cart at MAC Hall to talk to me. Thanks to all the people who said something and to those who didn't know what to say, but I knew that they wanted to. Thank you especially for keeping my family in your prayers — we sure needed them. Someone sent me a card that said: 'Keep your chin up... you can see Heaven easier that way.' So, with your help I can make it through this.
Love, Diane Romuald and daughters Carrie and Kelli"

Arguments this week in Supreme Court test of affirmative action

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments Tuesday in a key test case involving affirmative action and admissions criteria at the University of Michigan. A decision is expected later this year. A preview of this week's proceedings is archived at http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/mar03/129860.asp.

Minnesota has unique vantage point on Ward's state of the state message

Interesting reading on Wisconsin's budget crisis is the article "Be more like Wisconsin? Be careful what you wish for," from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 23 edition. It's a Twin Cities perspective on the economic-development message being spread by former UW-Green Bay faculty member and UW System official David Ward. Click http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/5453204.htm.

Banquet for women's basketball program is April 13

The season-ending banquet for the UW-Green Bay women's basketball team is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 13, at Brett Favre's Steakhouse in Green Bay (the same venue for the men's banquet this past weekend). Tickets are $20 per person. Call 465-2053 to reserve your place.

Women's basketball team caps best season ever with NCAA win

You know this already, but worth capturing here for the official record is the achievement of the Phoenix women's team in winning its NCAA Division I tournament opener over the University of Washington. The score was 78-65 in a game played March 22 in Eugene, Ore. The victory was the first at the D-1 tourney level for the Phoenix, who finished 28-4, and ranked as high as No. 16 in the Associated Press poll during the 2002-03 season. A recap of the Washington game is on-line at http://www.uwgb.edu/athletics/wbb/032203b.html.

Also, FYI, LSU plays on

The team that ended UW-Green Bay's dream season, LSU (in a hard-fought 80-69 game on March 24), is still alive in tournament play. The nation's No. 3 team scored a come-from-behind win vs. Louisiana Tech last night and will play Texas on Tuesday for the right to advance to the national semifinals. A description of the UWGB/LSU game is archived at http://www.uwgb.edu/athletics/wbb/032403.html.

Florence trip fostered ties in former Communist countries

Prof. Sarah Meredith, Communication and the Arts, and students Kathleen Covi, Kerry Kuplic, Amanda Tarras and Cathy Wilinski spent March 8-19 in Florence, Italy, participating in events aimed at fostering the arts, particularly in formerly Communist countries and among those countries and non-Communist bloc countries. The students were the only Americans among peers from Slovakia, Poland and Hungary — a select group of 23 students total — to participate in Project Euromuse, aimed at engendering musical communication among young people. Covi, a soprano, performed as part of an ensemble at the final concert. The event was organized by Prof. Egon Krak of the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Bratislava, where Meredith taught last academic year. The trip received support from the Office of International Education and Provost's Office, and a private donor.

Meredith also networked with former Eastern bloc colleagues

During the Florence trip, Prof. Meredith also was invited to the annual convention of the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation, aimed at providing networking opportunities among arts and educational organizations. Among the 200 attendees, Meredith and a Japanese representative were the only participants who were not from former Communist countries. Says Meredith, who has spent significant amount of time in some of those countries, "It's the new Europe."

Student Life receives grant for summer leadership program

The U.S. Department of Justice Drug-Free Communities Support Program, in conjunction with the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Green Bay Area Drug Alliance, has awarded a $500 grant to the Office of Student Life for L.E.A.D., a new weeklong summer leadership program for area high school juniors and seniors. L.E.A.D. (Leadership Exploration and Development) is one of 20 local initiatives selected to receive funding. L.E.A.D. is set for June 22-27, and space is still available. For more information about L.E.A.D., see the Web site at http://www.uwgb.edu/stulife/leadership/LEADindex.htm or call 465-2200 ext. 40 for a brochure.

Cole family among those being honored by YWCA

The family of Juliet Cole of the Institute for Learning Partnership is one of six local families being recognized at the YWCA Families of Distinction dinner this Thursday (April 3). Juliet and her husband, the late Clary Cole of the University art faculty, and their four sons were one of Green Bay's first African-American families. They moved to Nigeria (and Juliet worked in Saudi Arabia) before she returned here in 1998 to resume a leadership role in education and multicultural activities. The family's story was included in a March 24 Green Bay Press-Gazette article archived at http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/news/archive/life_9286689.shtml.

A good place to catch lunch on Wednesday

There will be plenty to celebrate at Wednesday's Cultural Fair in the Phoenix Room, but let's mention right up front that flat breads from four cultures — tortillas, pitas, Indian fry bread, and East Indian chapattis — will be available at lunch beginning at noon. Fillings will be provided to make fajitas, tacos, gyros, and Indian tacos, and curried vegetables will be provided for the chapattis. See you there.

More on Cultural Fair: performances feature UW-Green Bay talent

Here's a reminder that seven performing groups from campus and community, and a "fashion show" of costumes from various cultures will be on stage at the Cultural Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday (April 2) in the Union. A fashion show is scheduled for noon. Other performances will take place in half-hour time slots beginning at 10 a.m. They include UW-Green Bay student Juny Lee and company demonstrating break-dancing and hip-hop; Irish dancers from the Shamrock Club; Native American dancers with the Sacred Leader Drums; Hawaiian dancers from Pacific Sound; the UW-Green Bay Hand Drumming Ensemble; African dance troupe Nia, Inc.; and East Indian dancer Nandini Corea.

Thursday is big recruiting day for diversity at UW-Green Bay

About 100 high-achieving students from around the state are expected on campus this Thursday (April 3) for the 'Opportunity Knocks' program organized by Ron Morris and the Admissions Office. The daylong event for multicultural high school juniors and seniors will be filled with interactive information sessions, discussions about strategies for collegiate success, college tours and a keynote speaker (former Green Bay Packer Harry F. Sydney III). Local hip-hop/R&B radio station WILD 99.7 will provide entertainment over lunch (12:30 p.m.). The day will begin in the Phoenix Rooms with a welcoming ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

And Friday is 'Celebrating Success'

There's another big event planned for this Friday (April 4) in the Union. As many as 150 students and their parents are expected to attend Celebrating Success. The gathering spotlights multicultural students nominated by their high school guidance staff or administrators for their superior academic achievement and commitment to civic engagement. In addition, students who have successfully completed the Weekend Writers program (college-level research experience for high school multicultural students) will be celebrated for their achievements.

Look ahead to Powwow in mid-April

Put the 11th UW-Green Bay Powwow on your calendar for Saturday, April 12. It's at the Phoenix Sports Center, with grand entries at noon and again at 6 p.m. Growing attendance at the Powwow event led to its expansion in 2002 from an evening-only event. Admission is free.

Stock up now on student art

There's a sale of student art from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, (March 31 and April 1), with the Art Agency's spring sale in Phoenix Room C of the Union.

Top art seniors will exhibit work

Six students will open an exhibit of art works produced during their senior year with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday (April 6) in the Lawton Gallery. Artists are Brian Berggren, Appleton, small metal works; Vanessa Carr, Montfort, silk screen prints and an installation; and, all from Green Bay: Nicole Hrabik, lithographs and intaglio prints; Danica Oudeans, abstract paintings; Amie Sell, multi-media installation; and Amanda Tarras, metals and fiber works. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, through April 19.

Deadline today for NYC theatre tour

Today is the deadline to sign up for the Weidner Center's New York City tour scheduled for May 1-4. The shows "Movin' Out" and "The Producers" and Broadway and Manhattan sights and sounds are among the attractions. See the Weidner Center Web site at http://www.uwgb.edu/weidner/support/traveltours.html.

Want to honor someone? Friends of the Cofrin Library suggest the perfect gift

The Friends of the Cofrin Library are announcing a new way to honor a friend, colleague, family member or occasion: the gift of a book or books for the Cofrin Library. You can initiate the process with a donation toward purchase of a book for the Library. When the book arrives, a bookplate inscribed with the occasion and the names of the honoree and giver(s) will be placed in it, and the Friends of the Cofrin Library will notify the honoree of your gift. It's a great way to celebrate a retirement, promotion, work anniversary, graduation, or other milestone. Books also make lasting memorials. The Friends gift book program is being launched to coincide with National Library Week, April 6 through 12. If you'd like to explore honoring someone in this way, seek more information on the Friends Web site at www.uwgb.edu/library/friends.html. Note that the site is undergoing revision, so if the book gift program isn't there when you first try, it will be in a day or two.

Ombudsperson program

There's a presentation scheduled this Friday (April 4) at noon in the Union's Alumni Rooms. The topic is the who, how and when of the role of an "Ombudsperson." All are welcome to the program arranged by the Classified Administrative Support Committee.

H.S. group offers warehouse sale as fundraiser

We're all familiar with candy bar and pizza fundraisers. Maybe that's why this one stands out. The DECA business club at nearby Preble High School is raising money to go to Orlando in April for the national competition. With the cooperation of the Green Bay School District, they'll hold a warehouse auction and sale this Saturday (April 5), with everything from furniture and chalkboards to computers and lockers up for grabs. Proud Preble parent Jan Snyder has more details, if you're interested, at SnyderJ@uwgb.edu

'Dr. Humor' brings message to Green Bay

The Academic Staff Professional Development Programming Committee is inviting all on campus to take advantage of a free program from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 11, in the Union's Christie Theatre. UW-La Crosse Prof. Emeritus Stuart Robertshaw, nicknamed "Dr. Humor," will describe the work he started in 1987 to research the benefits of humor, and found the National Association for the Humor Impaired. He'll share with you what he has learned about the psychological and physiological benefits of humor as it relates to our profession and the necessity of taking care of ourselves. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required, to Kelly Kramp at krampk@uwgb.edu.

Subject will provide music before Native American film showing

Woodrow Wilson Webster, a 90-year-old Oneida elder, will provide music from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, prior to the Green Bay Film Society's Native American film evening at the Neville Public Museum of Brown County. Mr. Webster is the subject of the first film, "The Story of Woodrow Wilson Webster," by local Oneida filmmakers Joy Ninham, Jill Martus Ninham, and Michelle Danforth. The three will be present to discuss this second in a series of documentaries on Oneida elders. Also shown will be "Backbone of the World," directed by veteran filmmaker George Burdeau. Made on Burdeau's own Blackfeet reservation, a team of young Blackfeet filmmakers use documentary, experimental, and cinema verite strategies to join an ancient legend with the contemporary Native American experience. The UW-Green Bay Diversity Council and the American Indian Studies Program are co-sponsors.

Labor historian will speak at UW-Green Bay

Prof. Elizabeth Faue, a historian on the faculty of Wayne State University, Detroit, will speak on "Gender, Class and the Radical Imagination," at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11 in the Christie Theater. Faue has spoken and published widely on issues of labor and gender, and labor and the working class, and she is a contributing editor of the journal Labor History. For more on this Center for History and Social Change event, click http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/news/archive/2003mar.htm#faue.

Weight Watchers still waiting for you

Know someone who might be interested? They're six members short of the 20 they need for a full-fledged chapter. You'll have another chance to sign up this Wednesday (April 2) at noon in Alumni A of the Union. If anyone has any questions, call Aimee Monshead at 338-1928 or email aimeem99@msn.com.

Secretary of the Faculty and Academic Staff

Off-campus readers might not have seen this posting: the position of Secretary of the Faculty and Academic Staff will become vacant as of August 15, 2003, with the retirement of the current Secretary, Prof. Jerry Rodesch. The Academic Staff Committee and the University Committee are soliciting nominations for this position. A detailed description of the duties is available in the Faculty and Academic Staff Governance Office, CL 825.

Here's another one to get on your calendar: the picnic

UW-Green Bay Campus Employee Picnic
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Union plaza outside the Nicolet Room
Rainsite: Phoenix Rooms
(Note: This event is privately funded)

Brief

David Kieper, Information Services, presented a paper titled "Revolutionizing the IT Infrastructure at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay" at the 2003 Gateway Technology Solutions for Higher Education Conference held March 21 - 23 at the University of Arizona. The event was attended by approximately 200 information technology staff and faculty from schools across the country.

LOG ONline is prepared for University of Wisconsin-Green Bay faculty and staff by the Office of Marketing and University Communication. Employees may submit a Brief, a Publication, a news item, an announcement, or offer feedback; call ext. 2527 or e-mail us at Log@uwgb.edu.