In his State of the University address, University
president Robert Bruininks identified eight academic
priorities for focused investment of new and existing
resources. The president also outlined the challenges
and opportunities for the University in a time of “fiscal
austerity.” The president's address, presented
October 2 to an audience in Coffman Union Theater, was
broadcast to other University campuses and locations.
Bruininks said the University will be seeking state
support for five of the interdisciplinary priorities:
biosciences and biotechnology; environment and renewable
energy; translational research in human health; healthy
foods, healthy lives; and brain development and vitality
over the life span. The remaining priorities—children,
youth, and families; arts and humanities; and law and
values in health, environment, and the life sciences—will
be supported through reallocation of existing resources
and private gifts. Read
more...
Kolthoff Hall upgrade tops IT legislative request
For years, “temporary” biology labs have
occupied a big chunk of Kolthoff Hall. As those labs
relocate to new biosciences facilities elsewhere on
campus, IT is poised to reclaim that space to meet the
need for additional chemistry research and teaching
labs. Unfortunately, Kolthoff's infrastructure is showing
its age. To meet new code requirements and provide a
healthy environment for faculty, staff, and students,
the building will require a new ventilation system and
other safety upgrades. This $24 million project—which
will help IT attract and retain the nation's best and
brightest scholars—is part of the University's
2004 legislative request.
We need your help to convince the legislature to fund
this important project. IT dean H. Ted Davis and Professor
Wayne Gladfelter, chair of the chemistry department,
will discuss the proposed Kolthoff Hall upgrade at an
IT legislation briefing on Wednesday, November 5, from
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in 101 Walter
Library. Faculty, alumni, students, staff, and friends
of the college are encouraged to attend the briefing
to learn more about the project and how they can help.
Refreshments will be provided.
Please register
for the briefing by November 1. Call 612-624-2323 or
800-862-5867 for more information.
If you can't attend the briefing but want to be an
advocate, join
the Legislative Network, a coalition of volunteers
who share a commitment to higher education and to the
University. The network keeps alumni and friends involved
in important University initiatives at the legislature.
Network members receive newsletters and informal mailings
and are invited to attend legislative forums or briefings.
Alumni, parents, donors, and anyone concerned about
Minnesota and higher education are welcome to participate.
New electrical engineering chair honors pioneer in
semiconductor technology
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
announces the establishment of the Robert and Marjorie
Henle Chair in Electrical Engineering. A recent gift
from David and Joan Henle is funding the chair to honor
David's parents.
After graduating from the University, Robert A. Henley,
Jr. (Electrical ’49, M.S. ’51) began a remarkably
productive 35-year career with IBM. Considered a pioneer
in semiconductor technology, Henle served as director
of the Advanced Silicon Technology Laboratory in the
IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center. He was an IBM
fellow, an Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE)
fellow, a member of the National Academy of Engineering,
and a recipient of the IEEE Edison Medal and the University
of Minnesota Outstanding Achievement Award. He died
in 1989.
Study abroad in Iceland
Summer 2004: The Learning Abroad Center,
the Department of Geology and Geophysics, the College
of Natural Resources, and the University of Iceland
are sponsoring two six-week science programs in Iceland:
Arctic Biology in Iceland: Life Under Extreme
Conditions or Geology of Iceland: Volcanoes,
Glaciers, and Plate Tectonics. The six-week
courses run concurrently with some joint lectures and
activities. Both programs combine intensive lectures
and lab work in Reykjavik and significant field research
on Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs,
geysers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. The programs
are open to all individuals; eligibility does not require
student or University of Minnesota status. Program fees.
Read
more...
Wanted: The Gopher
Those old U of M yearbooks hold precious memories for
University alumni. If no longer need your copies of
The Gopher or if you discover the yearbooks
at a garage sale, please consider donating them to IT.
The development team is creating a Gopher archive
and will add your donation to its collection. For more
information contact Phil Oswald at 612-626-9385.
Events
Computer science events
Fall 2003: The Cray
Lecture Series and the Unisys
Lecture Series are bringing several distinguished
speakers to campus this fall. The lectures are free
and open to the public. Call 612-625-4002 for details.
Monday, October 20: You're invited
to attend the Department of Computer Science and Engineering's
annual open house and technology forum. Schedule
of events includes industrial and research exhibits,
panel discussions, keynote address, and reception.
Fee: $40 for technology forum. Call 612-625-4002 for
more information and registration. 8:30 a.m.-6:30
p.m., EE/CSci
Building, McNamara
Alumni Center, Walter
Library.
Center for Supply Chain Research planning conference
October 23: The Center
for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) is sponsoring
a daylong conference as part of a planning effort
to establish an NSF Industry/University Collaborative
Research Center (IUCRC) at the University. The conference
will describe the IUCRC and its benefits to industry
in greater detail. Presenters include the director
of the IUCRC program at NSF.
CSCR is interdisciplinary effort by University faculty
who share common interests in the design, operation,
logistics, and economics of supply chains. The center
fosters collaborations among faculty from economics,
computer science, industrial engineering, operations
management, mathematics, and transportation The center
also aims to strengthen ties with industry through
collaborative research, student projects, and educational
programs, including seminars, conferences, and short
courses. 7:30 a.m., breakfast and registration;
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., conference. Room 1130, Mechanical
Engineering Building.Read
more...
Civil engineering open house and seminar
Friday, October 24: In conjunction
with its fall open house, the Department of Civil
Engineering is offering a two-hour seminar entitled
“An Insider's View of Light Rail: Engineering,
Economy, and Policy.” The seminar features a
panel of experts who will discuss the policy, planning
and engineering challenges of the Hiawatha Light-Rail
Project. Speakers include Hennepin County Commissioner
Peter McLaughlin; Vicki Barron, deputy design/build
manager for the Hiawatha Project Office; Rex Brejnik
deputy project manager for Parsons Transportation
Group; and Chuck Nelson, president of CNA Consulting
Engineers. Professional development credit is available
for the seminar. Registration is required, and a fee
is charged (included parking). For registration information,
contact Teresa Washington at 612-624-3745 or twashington@cce.umn.edu.
Fee is charged for the seminar; open house events
are free. For information call 612-625-5522. 1:00
p.m., seminar; 3:00 p.m., open house and reception.
Civil
Engineering Building.
2003 Homecoming and Parents Weekend
October 27—November 1: This
year's homecoming is bigger and better than ever,
with festivities scheduled throughout the weekend.
The Gophers will play the Indiana Hoosiers at the
Metrodome on Saturday, November 1. The game originally
had been scheduled for mid-October, but that date
was changed because of possible scheduling conflicts
with the Minnesota Twins and major league baseball
playoffs.
Other highlights include the first Spirit Night Auction,
on Friday, October 31, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McNamara
Alumni Center. Participants can bid on 100 unique
item, ranging from breakfast with Goldy Gopher to
a tour of Universal Studios in Hollywood. Proceeds
benefit student scholarships.
Saturday, November 1, begins with a series of fun
events held from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the Sports
Pavilion: the traditional homecoming breakfast buffet,
a great time for families; the Gopher Road Show, where
you can bring your treasured U of M memorabilia for
appraisal and possibly win a prize; and the UMAA Membership
Expo. Buffet tickets will be sold at the door: $7
adults; $5 UMAA members; $3 children ages 10 and under.
Then enjoy the homecoming parade, which will pass
by the Sports Pavilion at approximately 10:30 a.m.
For more information, visit www.alumni.umn.edu/homecoming.
Parents are cordially invited to join the homecoming
festivities, which include special
event planned just for them.
November 5: Find out about the University's
upcoming legislative request and how you can support
IT at the state capitol. Register
online. 6:30 p.m., 101 Walter
Library.
CDTL/IREE seminar: The Global Climate
November 7: Stephen Peck, president
of the consulting firm Fleche, Inc. and former vice
president of environmental research at the Electric
Power Research Institute, will be the featured speaker
at a seminar entitled “The Global Climate: The
Role of Technological Assumptions, Cost-Effective
Policies, and a Cost-Benefit Framework.” The
event is hosted by the Center for the Development
of Technological Leadership (CDTL) and the Initiative
for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) Policy,
Economics, and Ecosystems Cluster. Free and open to
the public. RSVP to 612-624-5747 or general
@cdtl.umn.edu. 10:30 a.m. - noon,
Digital Technology Center, 402 Walter
Library.
Dinner with the Dean
November 8 or December 9:
The IT Parents Organization (ITPO) invites all IT
students and their parents to attend the annual Dinner
with the Dean. It's a wonderful opportunity to
meet IT deans, faculty, and staff—the people
who are guiding your student's education and setting
college policies. The evening begins with a reception
and dinner in a relaxed setting, followed by a question-and-answer
session with a panel of IT experts. Learn about the
current events and achievements in the college. This
year the event returns to a beautiful campus setting
— newly renovated Coffman Memorial Union. This
popular ITPO event is always filled to capacity, so
register early. Cost: $35 per person (including students).
Register for November
8 or December
9. Call 612-626-8282 for more information. 5:30
p.m., Mississippi Room, Coffman
Memorial Union.
IT Public Lecture: Math at Top Speed: Breaking
Myths in the Drag Racing Folklore
November 20: Throughout his life,
Richard
Tapia has been involved in some aspect
of drag racing, either as a participant, support person,
or involved spectator. In this lecture, Tapia, a professor
in the Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics,
Rice University, will discuss the historical development
of drag racing and identify some of the myths surrounding
dragster speed and acceleration. He'll use his mathematical
expertise to identify mathematical frameworks for
studying and understanding these popular beliefs.
Cosponsored by IT Alumni Society and the Institute
for Mathematics and Its Applications. Free. 7:00
p.m., Room 100, Smith
Hall. Read
more...
