| Belmont Partners with WOW to 'Feed My Starving Children'
 In the spirit of the Christmas season, Belmont University is partnering with the top companies in Christian music to sponsor a “food packaging event” benefiting the non-profit hunger-relief organization, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). Minnesota-based FMSC delivers food around the world to malnourished children in schools, orphanages, refugee camps and hospitals.
EMI Christian Music Group, Provident Music Group and Word Entertainment have long collaborated in the marketing and distribution of annual WOW compilation projects, which feature many of the top current songs in Christian music. This year the companies extend their alliance through a charitable event called “WOW Shares.” Hundreds of employees from each of the three companies, along with Belmont University employees and students, have signed up to work in shifts packing specially formulated meals in assembly-line fashion. Each FMSC meal provides key nutrients a child needs to survive and thrive.
Lilly Endowment Extends Butler ‘Brain Drain’ Grant by $375,000
 Programs that are placing more Butler University students in Indiana-based jobs and internships have received an additional $375,000 in funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.
The grant extends many campus initiatives originally funded through a $750,000 Partnerships for Educational and Career Opportunities (PECO) grant awarded by the Endowment in 2003.
Both grants are part of Lilly Endowment’s efforts to shrink the “brain drain” of college-educated individuals from Indiana’s workforce.
Butler used its initial five-year PECO grant to strengthen the number and nature of internship and job opportunities with Indiana employers and improve student job search and interview skills.
 Under the 2003 grant, Butler developed relationships with more than 6,000 employer contacts and local partners – fully three times the number originally projected. These relationships have generated record numbers of Indiana-based internship and full-time employment postings at Butler, Dowd said.
Butler also used grant funds to establish the Summer Brain Gain Program, which provides on campus housing to students interning in Central Indiana during summer months. Participants learn about Indiana career opportunities, network with alumni and area employers and become acquainted with local social and cultural opportunities, in the hopes that they will seek work in the region later.
According to Jackie Dowd, Butler’s Manager of Employer Development and project director for the grants, numerous Butler graduates who participated in PECO-funded programming have been offered full-time employment with a company after interning with the same firm. Some 42 students in Butler’s 2007 graduating class — including some originally from other states — stayed in Indiana as a result of having an internship with an Indiana organization, she added.
The grant has dramatically improved how Butler serves students during their internship and career search, Dowd said. “We’ve developed new strategies to communicate and market student internship or employment opportunities university-wide among department secretaries, internship coordinators and numerous faculty and staff members.”
New York Times Publishes Story on Quinnipiac University's Green Initiatives
In a Nov. 14 story, The New York Times outlined Quinnipiac University's green initiatives planned for the new York Hill Campus, including wind turbines, solar panels, a green roof terrace, rainwater collection and hybrid car power hookups. The story also quoted University president John Lahey, junior Kelsey Ives and sophomore Jeremy Studer.
To read the New York Times story, click here.
Drury University Develops Research Tool to Retain Math and Science Majors
 Drury University has received $368,000 from the National Science Foundation to develop a set of inventories designed to help colleges and universities retain their math and science majors.
“For decades, U.S. educators have been wringing their hands as the numbers of American math and science students continues to decline,” says Don Deeds, Drury professor of biology. “But rather than blame the students, we as educators have to find a way to keep those students who like math and science engaged and interested while attracting new students. These inventories we're working to develop will, hopefully, help educators develop techniques to improve our math and science education.”
The Drury inventories will allow instructors and administrators to judge the effectiveness of the curriculum they're currently using and allow them to develop courses that more effectively reach students. The data the Drury professors collect could eventually help universities identify those science and math students who need the most attention. This would assist in eliminating potential problems that might cause a student to change majors or dropout.
Right now, Drury professors Charlie Allen-Mathematics, Bruce Callen-Physics, Don Deeds-Biology, Scott Sigman-Math and Computer Science and Mark Wood-Chemistry are working to develop the inventories. They hope to have the inventories ready by 2010.
Numerous universities, such as the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. and Prince William Sound Community College in Valdez, Alaska, have already pledged to use the inventories and will report their findings back to Drury's five professors developing the inventories to provide data that will inform their research.
Social Entrepreneurship Program at Elon Recruiting for Second Class
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| Sophomores Ashley Kelly and Ben Donnelly take part in a retreat this fall for the inaugural class of Social Entrepreneurship Scholars. |
From protecting the environment to working with young children, 14 sophomores in the Social Entrepreneurship Scholars Program at Elon University this semester are learning the challenges – and joys – of organizing programs for local agencies. And they hope to share their lessons with the next cohort of scholars selected from applications now being accepted.
The program focuses on merging scholarship and service-learning to respond to needs in the local community. Open to rising sophomores, scholars participate in course work, service-learning, seminars, workshops, and service trips that engage them in understanding the problems of the local community.
For the full press release, please click here.
Ithaca College Takes Two National Sustainability Awards
 The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) has announced the winners of its annual Campus Sustainability Leadership Awards, with two of the six honors going to Ithaca College. The college itself is the recipient of an institutional award, while senior Sarah Brylinsky has won the Student Sustainability Leadership Award.
Each year, AASHE presents four Campus Sustainability Leadership Awards to institutions that have made the greatest overall commitment to sustainability as demonstrated in their governance and administration; curriculum and research; operations; and campus culture and community outreach.
A charter signatory to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, Ithaca College was cited for adopting sustainability as a core value, for its support of sustainability in the classroom and for its outreach in the surrounding community.
In addition to the institutional awards, AASHE annually honors two students. Sarah Brylinsky was this year’s recipient of the Student Sustainability Leadership Award, which is presented to an undergraduate who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting campus sustainability.
Campus Welcomes Growing Number of International Students
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Jianyun Meng, director of Valpo's Confucius Institute, plays the erhu during the Celebration of International Cultures earlier this fall.
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Since Jia Zhang left her home in China to study at Valparaiso University, she has found everything she wanted as a graduate student: a place where people cared about her, a place where she could build friendships, a place that supported her academic goals and a place where she could make a difference.
"This is a school that takes pride in diversity," said Zhang, who is enrolled in Valparaiso's English studies and communication program. "A lot of activities and seminars are held to establish connections between international students and native American students. They offer international students like myself a good chance to fit in while still having our own identity."
Walking across Valparaiso's campus is a daily lesson in the increasing globalization of the world thanks to an increasing enrollment of international students like Zhang. This fall, the institution shattered its previous record for international student enrollment with students from China, Saudi Arabia, India, Brazil, Zimbabwe and 50 other nations taking undergraduate and graduate-level classes.
Holly Singh, director of international students and scholars, said this fall's enrollment record – with international students now making up more than seven percent of Valparaiso's student body – reflects the University's commitment to incorporating international education throughout its academic program and campus life.
"You can't run away from the knowledge that we live in a global world," Singh says. "Our students are constantly exposed to that globalized world and have to think about what that means for how they will live in the world."
U.S. students benefit from the diversity international students bring to campus, says Singh, who believes that seeing students from China, Saudi Arabia and other countries encourages many to learn more about those nations and their cultures.
Singh said the sharing of cultures is one of the most important benefits for Valparaiso's campus and the surrounding community, noting that a number of local families host international students and provide a first-hand experience with life in an American family. Having regular conversations with international students also serves as a bridge for students who aren't able to participate in one of Valparaiso's many study abroad programs.
"Not all American students can afford to study abroad or fit a semester abroad into their academic plans, but we can help bring the world to them on campus," Singh said. "For first generation students and students getting ready to study abroad, the opportunity to interact with students from many different countries is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the world and its people."
Belmont Breaks Ground on New Pharmacy/Health Sciences Building
 Belmont University broke ground today on an estimated $30 million building that will become the permanent home for the Belmont School of Pharmacy. With an anticipated completion date of June 2010, this new structure, together with the Inman Center, will provide a consolidation of all the University’s health science studies—pharmacy, nursing, social work, occupational therapy and physical therapy—on the campus’s northeast corner.
Designed by Earl Swensson Associates with construction to be done by R.C. Mathews, the 90,000-square-foot building will continue the innovation for which Belmont University has become known, containing top-notch laboratories for both student and faculty research. In addition, the facility will emphasize integrated, “hands on” experiential learning components through medical simulation spaces and a licensed, state-of-the-art pharmacy.
French Engineering Program Being Launched
Valparaiso University is starting its second international engineering program and has established a partnership with one of France's leading engineering schools to prepare students for leadership in an increasingly global business environment.
The Valparaiso International Engineering Program-French (VIEP-French) is a five-year program that combines a major in one of four engineering disciplines (civil, computer, electrical or mechanical) with a minor or major in French while also providing an opportunity for students to study and work in France for a year.
The new program in France is modeled after VIEP-German, launched in 2003. Since that time, Valparaiso engineering students in the program have completed cooperative education placements with top German companies and laboratories, including Germany's national center for aeronautics and space research and Bosch, a leading global manufacturer.
Dr. Eric Johnson, Brandt professor of engineering and a former resident director of Valparaiso's Reutlingen Study Center in Germany, said that engineers who are both technically skilled and culturally aware are increasingly valuable as more companies manufacture and sell products around the world and employ teams of engineers with various nationalities.
While many engineering schools offer international experiences to students, Dr. Johnson said that they are primarily short-term experiences whose goal is to simply introduce students to another culture and allow them to visit foreign engineering companies.
Nine Colleges, Universities Launch Historic Alliance
 Nine colleges and universities including Hampton University have formed a new educational partnership -- The Interlink Alliance. Members of the alliance have pledged to work cooperatively in three key areas: faculty development, student leadership and an African-American male initiative that engages and motivates prospective college students as early as middle school. The alliance includes small, medium and large institutions, all with different characters.
The Interlink Alliance includes Ohio University in Athens, Ohio; Spelman College in Atlanta; Hampton University in Hampton, Va.; Wilberforce University and Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C.; North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C.; South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C.; and Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va.
Among outcomes members have discussed so far are increasing the number of students earning graduate degrees, increasing campus diversity at all institutions, and sponsoring faculty and student exchanges that foster deeper understanding of cultural perspectives on educational policies, laws and resources.
Iraqi Journalist Spending Several Weeks Working With Elon Students
 Ahmed Fadaam, an Iraqi artist and public radio reporter, is working with Elon University students for several weeks to help them understand the effects of the war on his country and the people who live there.
Fadaam is best known for his award-winning radio stories on “Ahmed’s Diary”, which depict his experiences in Baghdad on NPR. He credits his background in fine art as giving him the tools to become a successful journalist. He explained that the curiosity and attention to detail he used as a figurative artist, when he worked with clay, marble and stone, carried over to his career in reporting. “The more you work, the more details you create,” he said. “I think it’s relatively the same.”
He is spending several weeks at Elon, where he is creating a sculpture to thank the university for hosting him and allowing him to speak in classes. Tom Arcaro, professor of sociology at Elon, arranged Fadaam’s visit and found a nearby space for him to work. The sculpture represents the plight of most women in the Middle East as they struggle to escape the tyranny expressed against them by their culture. Fadaam said he has enjoyed getting his hands into clay and creating again, as he works on this project, but his mind is never far removed from thoughts of his family in Syria and his people in Iraq.
Fadaam pushes for an open channel that will establish a forum for each society to talk to each other, away from government interferences, people to people, individual to individual. But this would require the Americans taking the time to get to know Iraqi culture first-hand and the Iraqis taking the time to get to know the true American culture first-hand.
“How can we understand life if we know nothing about each other’s cultures?” he said. “If you don’t understand how they think, how can you deal with them?” He urged the students to learn more about how Iraqis think, live life and face their current problems.
Debate08 Shines International Spotlight on Belmont
 While the physical signs that Belmont University hosted the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate disappeared last week, the impact of the international spotlight continues to be overwhelmingly positive. According to Nielsen Media Ratings, more than 63.2 million homes nationwide tuned in to view the Town Hall debate on Tues., Oct. 7, the largest television audience of the three presidential debates held this fall. In addition, the university received more than 5,200 media hits Oct. 3-10, the days leading up to and following the debate. Television broadcast coverage alone brought in an estimated $21 million of publicity value for Belmont University, according to media tracker NewsPowerOnline.com.
 Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “I am thrilled that Debate viewers were able to see— and visitors to our campus were able to experience—the capability, dedication and spirit that Belmont students, faculty, staff and alumni possess. The public perception and reputation of Belmont has risen to a new level, and now the world knows the kinds of things to expect from Belmont University. We were honored to have this opportunity to participate so directly in such a vital element of our nation's governing process, and we know that the benefits to the university of hosting the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate will be both immediate and long-lasting."
The smallest university to host a presidential or vice presidential debate this year, Belmont is currently celebrating a record enrollment of 5,023 students this fall as compared to the more than 11,000 at Ole Miss, Washington University in St. Louis or Hofstra University, the other debate sites. USA Today political writer Chuck Raasch noted, “Belmont University in Nashville proved that small places with big ambitions could be world-class stages.”
School of Nursing Hosts Simulation Conference
The Belmont University School of Nursing hosted nursing faculty and hospital educators for a special training conference in hands-on simulation. The First Annual Simulation Conference: Empowering Nurse Educators in Tennessee, was sponsored by a grant from Partners Investing in Nursing’s Future (PIN), a national initiative to address the nation’s nursing shortage. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and The Tennessee Center for Nursing also partnered with Belmont to create the conference.
Dr. Debra Wollaber, Belmont professor of nursing, said, “We know that nursing faculty and hospital staff educators need more hands-on training. Through this grant, we are able to provide training that is vital to educators, allowing them to use available technology to its fullest capacity.”
The conference training ranged from using technology in clinical settings to critical care, including simulation exercises with life-like mannequins that could talk, cough and sneeze. The simulation conference was an important strategy for one of PIN’s main goals, which is to increase the supply of qualified nurse educators and enhance the skills of current faculty to meet the current needs.
Kathleen A. Donnelly Center for Undergraduate Research Opens on Troy Campus
The Sage Colleges' Kathleen A. Donnelly Center for Undergraduate Research officially opened this week on the Russell Sage College campus in Troy. Named for Kathleen A. Donnelly, PhD, Professor Emerita Chemistry, the Donnelly Center aims to support the pursuits of undergraduate research. Donnelly was a major force in supporting undergraduate research at Russell Sage College and was responsible for the college’s National Conferences of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) participation from 1990 until her retirement in 2008. During that time dozens of Sage students attended NCUR all over the country to present their research. The Center will oversee Sage's participation in NCUR for both the Albany and Troy campuses.
Gibson to Travel to Germany as a Fulbright
LaShone M. Gibson, assistant to the president and director of diversity initiatives at the University of Evansville, has been named a 2008 Fulbright Scholar.
Gibson was one of 24 individuals nationwide (and the only person from Indiana ) selected to be part of the U.S. – Germany International Education Administrators Program. The group is spending three weeks in Germany, participating in a seminar on German higher education and society. The seminar was designed specifically for U.S. university administrators whose responsibilities have a direct relation to international exchanges in higher education.
During her time in Germany, Gibson will attend briefings, selected government appointments, campus visits and cultural events. The itinerary includes meetings in Berlin, Frankfurt, and other cities in eastern and western Germany. The program consists of two parts: A general introduction to Germany and its system of higher education and a program portion in which participants split up in small subgroups enabling them to focus on their individual professional interests as they relate to the seminar.
Gibson’s specific research project while overseas will examine initiatives geared toward the internationalization of business schools at German colleges and universities.
AP Education Writer Justin Pope Cited Elon University as a "Handsome, Up-and-Coming College"
For the complete story, please visit the Charlotte Observer Web site.
PLU Fleet on the Move to Green Power
 Pacific Lutheran University’s fleet of automobiles and maintenance vans are on the move. They are, of course, moving up and down campus, providing transportation as part of Campus Safety’s “Safe Ride” program, or moving groundskeepers and maintenance workers (plus all their equipment!) around campus.
The PLU fleet is also on the move – moving away from gasoline and towards becoming a largely electric or gasoline-electric hybrid service vehicles. It is a move by the university to continue to live up to its stated mission to “care for the earth.”
The university now utilizes three hybrid Prius vehicles – one used by Campus Safety, and two used by the office of Admission. Of the 15-or-so vehicles utilized by facilities management, many of the worst gas-guzzlers have been retired, with all-electric vans and grounds carts in their place. According to Dave Kohler, director of facilities management, in recent years, this emphasis has cut the average age of the PLU fleet by half, so now the average is about eight years old.
University Launches Mentoring Program with ESPN
 Quinnipiac University has joined with the Disney and ESPN Media Networks to launch a student mentoring program beginning this fall.
The program partners seven ESPN employees in management-track positions from the company's affiliate sales and marketing division with one junior or senior from the University's ALANA (Asian, Latino, African and Native American) program. Mentors will provide a forum for students to ask questions, learn about real-world issues and receive advice for achieving life goals.
"Diversity is a priority for Disney and ESPN, so working with Quinnipiac's ALANA group made sense for us," said David Preschlack, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing, Disney and ESPN Media Networks. "Our capacity to serve our consumers and fans is facilitated by having voices internally to reflect an ever-diversifying audience. Our hope is that this is not only a valuable experience for the participants, but will help us identify top performers and create a talent pipeline for the future."
Students who complete a successful mentorship program are eligible to apply for one spot in ESPN's annual internship program for students interested in marketing, sales or media. The program also gives employees an opportunity for professional development.
Students will meet personally with their mentors at least twice per semester, in addition to regular communication by e-mail and phone. Mentors will invite students to ESPN offices in Bristol, Conn., to learn about a real-world working environment and experience "a day-in-the-life." Mentors also will serve as advisers, providing feedback on resumes and cover letters and conducting mock interviews with students to prepare them for attaining internships and full-time positions after graduation.
Transfer Trend Gives Boost to Sage College’s Enrollment
The Sage Colleges are experiencing something that was anticipated and planned for -- a surge in the number of transfer applications coming from community colleges. It's a welcome trend and understandable considering the increasing number of students entering community colleges.
Dick Naylor, The Sage Colleges Director of Articulation Programs, has been informally tracking the numbers, and this year transfer applications were up anywhere from 12 percent to 60 percent depending on the community college.
There are three reasons for the increase in transfers, according to Naylor: more first generation college students, the economy (community colleges are less expensive) and community college curriculums have become more attractive. In some cases, Sage faculty and community college faculty informally work to tie together curricula in order to make the transfer process more seamless for students. In many cases, students automatically go from being sophomores at community colleges to juniors at Sage.
Belmont University Hosts Town Hall Presidential Debate
On October 7, Belmont University in Nashville hosted the Town Hall-style Presidential debate in its Curb Event Center. Belmont was one of 16 sites nationwide under consideration to host one of this year’s debates. This was the first time a Presidential debate was held in Tennessee. For a recap of the event in photos, please visit.
Simmons Alumna Gwen Ifill Moderates Vice Presidential Debate
 Simmons College graduate Gwen Ifill, one of the nation's most respected journalists, was chosen to moderate the 2008 Vice Presidential debate, by the national Commission on Presidential Debates. Ifill graduated from Simmons in 1977 with a major in communications.
It is the second time that Ifill, the highly respected senior correspondent for PBS's "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" and moderator and managing editor of "Washington Week," has been chosen by the non-partisan debate commission to moderate a vice presidential face-off. In 2004 she was chosen to guide the questioning of vice presidential candidates John Edwards and Richard Cheney.
About her alma mater, Simmons College, Ifill was quoted in a guidebook for parents: "Simmons gave me the opportunity to be a leader, to take charge and express myself. I think it made me stronger and more certain of my ability to do whatever I put my mind to. The whole atmosphere encouraged me to try different things, to expand my outlook."
Ifill has received numerous honorary doctorates and is the recipient of several broadcasting excellence awards, including honors from the National Press Foundation, Ebony magazine, the Radio Television News Directors Association, and American Women in Radio and Television.
Record Enrollment for Drury's College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
Drury University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies set new all-time records for student enrollment in fall 2008. CGCS tallied 3,040 students taking 29,730 credit hours. That's 8 percent growth in all CGCS undergraduate classes.
Online courses saw a bigger growth trend, with a 21 percent increase as compared to fall 2007 enrollment numbers. CGCS features a blend of seated and online classes at nine campuses around the Ozarks.
Students are also able to take Drury courses in Cuba, Republic and Ozark. Those multiple campuses helped Drury's College of Graduate and Continuing Studies achieve those record numbers says Parris Watts, dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies.
“Even during uncertain economic times and high gasoline prices, Drury's College of Graduate and Continuing Studies strives to make it convenient for adult students to achieve their educational goals,” Watts says. “With nine campuses, three new course delivery locations and numerous online degree programs, we are continuing to meet the educational needs of individuals within communities throughout the southwest, southern and mid-Missouri areas.”
Over the summer, Drury's College of Graduate and Continuing Studies signed an articulation agreement with Ozarks Technical Community College that allows students to obtain an associate's degree from OTC's Richwood Valley campus in Ozark and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Studies from Drury's CGCS with all classes taken either online or at the Richwood Valley campus. Drury's Master's in Education program features the largest number of students of any graduate program. There are 400 students seeking an advanced degree in education.
Chinese Studies Program Receives Grant
 Pacific Lutheran University has received a $200,000 grant from the Freeman Foundation to continue work begun in 2002, when it gave $786,000 to broaden and strengthen the PLU Chinese Studies Program and enrich Chinese studies in local elementary and high schools.
“The follow-up grant competition was by invitation only, indicating that PLU was among the most successful of the 84 institutions that shared the original $100 million from the foundation,” said Greg Youtz, primary author of the grant and a member of the Chinese Studies Committee.
“We are enormously pleased to have been funded for the second round and are excited to continue our work begun six years ago.”
With a match from the university, the grant will provide $300,000 over three years for Chinese studies education for PLU faculty and local-area high school teachers, continue the enhancement of China-based curriculum in classrooms, and support China workshops here and travel tours to China.
The funding will also support scholarships for PLU students who study in China and for public programming on China in the South Sound.
“We hope to increase the number of PLU faculty and local area teachers who have expertise on China and who develop research and curricula on China,” Youtz said.
“We will also develop new school exchanges between high schools in the area and Chinese high schools and strengthen the understanding of Chinese language, culture and strategic importance in the modern world.”
Quinnipiac University Develops 'Green' York Hill Campus
 Quinnipiac University is committed to building one of the most environmentally friendly campuses in America, announced President John L. Lahey, who unveiled the University's $4 million sustainability plan for its new York Hill Campus.
"The new York Hill Campus will reflect our renewed commitment to preserving the environment and educating our students about these issues," Lahey said.
The 250-acre York Hill Campus will feature two major initiatives that use renewable energy sources to produce electricity and make the campus more sustainable. A wind garden composed of 42 vertical-axis wind turbines will generate about 84,000 kilowatt hours per year. These wind turbines, each approximately 40 feet high, will be built into a garden area complete with stone benches that will provide an area for student gathering and reflection.
The second initiative includes placing 1,232 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of the 475,000-square-foot Crescent residence hall that will convert energy from the sun to electricity and generate about 250,000 kilowatt hours per year.
President Lahey also announced that a new student affairs position, an environmental coordinator, will be appointed and whose responsibility will be to educate students, faculty and staff about environmental issues and encourage projects that help protect and preserve the environment.
Debate08 Emphasizes Green Efforts in Support of Broader Belmont Environmental Initiatives
 Celebrations surrounding Belmont University’s hosting of the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate this fall won’t merely be colored in red, white and blue as the university dedicates its efforts to make the event a healthy shade of green as well. Staff members involved in welcoming more than 3,000 campaign workers and media to campus in October are working on a number of ideas to ensure Debate08 promotes environmental sustainability as a vital aspect of good citizenship and an important part of any event planning.
Several debate-related programs are planned for students and the community to provide insight into the politics of the environment, including Dr. Kelly Tiller’s address on “Economics and the Environment: The Biofuel Controversy” and Peter Kareiva’s talk on “Conservation Strategies that Work.” In addition, to curb paper output, the university is creating an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) for visiting media to use, placing materials like press releases, contact lists and background information on a one gigabyte flash drive rather than using printed pieces.
 The EPK will be inserted into a polypropylene bag that is made of recycled materials and is fully recyclable. Plus, the bag itself can be re-used, eliminating the need for plastic bags at grocery stores and other outlets. Identifying tags placed on the bags will use hand-made seed paper, which can literally be planted like normal seeds when removed from the bag. Some paper is being used for Debate08 letterhead, but it is being manufactured chlorine free, lignin free and acid-free by Domtar Cougar who are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. In addition, all of the generators being used to power the Media Filing Center will be using an environmentally friendly biodiesel blend.
Alumni Chapters Honor Elon's Spirit of Service
 Beginning next month, members of Elon University’s Alumni Chapters will continue their commitment to service by volunteering around the country as part of national Make A Difference Day.
These events benefit numerous charities nationwide. Boston alumni will volunteer with Cradles to Crayons, a program that serves low-income or homeless children by providing them basic essentials to be safe, warm and ready to learn. D.C. alumni will volunteer with Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN), helping developmentally and physically disabled children stretch and exercise. New York-area alumni will help fix up a city public school through the New York Cares program. The school serves 400 students with developmental, emotional and learning disabilities, including autism. Also Baltimore-area alumni will participate as a team in the Susan G. Komen Maryland Race for the Cure, a 5k run or walk to benefit breast cancer research.
"Charting Your Journey" Program Open to Sophomores
Sophomores can now apply online for a new program that offers Elon University students the opportunity to discover who they are, where they want to go in life, and how to achieve their goals. "Charting Your Journey" includes a retreat, dinners and a one-credit hour course with a group of 10 classmates led by faculty and peer leaders.
Elon is collaborating with a national leadership development company, New Mountain Ventures, to offer the innovative program. Students will learn to identify their strengths, be alert to opportunities, take measured risks, set goals and think strategically, and practice the art of reflection and renewal. These skills will help students align their core identity with their professional and personal goals, especially in the context of their remaining years at Elon.
PLU Dean Says Travel Broadens Perspectives
 At a time when the United States is no longer the 800-pound gorilla, it’s time for future leaders graduating from college and universities to take stock of what they can offer the world, according to PLU’s new business dean.
At least that’s what James Brock, the dean of PLU’s School of Business, plans to talk about Wednesday night when he kicks off the State Farm MBA Executive Leadership Series.
Brock, who joined the School of Business last month, said that he will draw heavily on ideas expressed in Fareed Zakaria’s new book The Post-American World.
“I agree with his ideas, mainly that the U.S. is not lagging behind the rest of the world, but that the rest of the world is catching up rapidly,” he said.
In his travels, Brock added that he has also seen the same attitude that Zakaria comments on in the book.
“It’s not so much that many folks across the globe are angry at the U.S., but that they are indifferent,” he said. “We still have this thought that we are the Promised Land, the land of the greatest. But when I’ve met people around the world and prodded them, asked them if they could be anywhere tomorrow, where would they want to go?
“The answer is usually not the U.S. It’s France, New Zealand or Thailand,” he said.
But, like Zakaria, Brock said there are some leadership traits that graduates can offer the world, if they are willing to appreciate and encourage other cultures.
“Integrity of character is important,” he said. “And a preference for diversity, respect and technical savvy.”
That’s why programs such as J-term are so important, he said. Brock served 11 years as the dean of business at Sigmund Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. That university has a successful study abroad program where students spend a semester in London, he said. After the students returned, they were changed, he said.
“They realize they can do this,” Brock laughed. “”It just opens up a world of possibilities for them, quite literally.”
UE Receives $7.85 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
The University of Evansville is pleased to announce its receipt of a $7.85 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., for Phase II in the continued development of its Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana.
The grant – which follows a five-year, $15 million grant awarded in 2003 – will allow the University to expand the ways in which it serves students, faculty, and the Indiana business community as they strive toward global success.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Endowment for this opportunity," said UE President Stephen Jennings. "In its first five years, the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana has created countless opportunities for our students, our faculty, our community, and the state of Indiana that would not have been possible without the generous support of the Endowment.
"Because of this generous grant, we have been able to offer global internships to our students; we our faculty opportunities for global scholarship, and our community the chance to hear from figures like Vicente Fox, Carol Moseley Braun, Ben & Jerry, and Steve Forbes. And today, I’m pleased to say that this is only the beginning!"
Through the Institute, UE has been able to support experiential learning opportunities for students to include internships in places like Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Korea, England, China, and around the world. The Institute also developed and delivered global business development programs,, created a Global Scholars program for faculty pursuing international scholarship; organized a Tri-State Trade Mission to Malaysia and Japan (led by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel and Jennings) to explore trade possibilities between the Tri-State, Malaysia, and Japan; and hosted an International Speaker Series to allow students, faculty, and the community to hear about global business issues firsthand, from those most intimately involved.
"Clearly, we believe the University of Evansville has made wonderful progress in its goals to launch the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana. These advancements have helped students learn much about how business works in the global and interconnected economy we see today," said Sara B. Cobb, Endowment vice president for education. "We think the university faculty, students and graduates – plus the whole regional community – have benefited from the knowledge learned and experiences gained through this initiative. We are pleased that this work will continue."
In Phase II, the Institute will expand its Global Assistance Program to aid businesses seeking help in their global business endeavors. Phase II also will see an expansion in Asian Business Initiatives, including the development of programs specifically addressing business success in this important region. And the University will enhance its Global Business Innovation, offering additional support for entrepreneurship
"The initial grant from the Endowment, provided a transformative opportunity for the University of Evansville," said Robert Clark, director, Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana "It has engaged us in experiential learning and community outreach in an unprecedented way.
"Phase II will allow us to continue expanding those enrichment opportunities to our campus, and to the entire Southwestern Indiana business community, and to continue preparing the Indiana business community for global success."
The $7.85 million grant has a life of five years.
Hamline University Minneapolis Celebrated
 Hamline University officially cut the ribbon on its new educational site, Hamline University Minneapolis, at a grand opening celebration.
Hamline University Minneapolis, located at 1600 Utica Ave in Saint Louis Park, at the juncture of I-394 and Highway 100, includes eleven classrooms that are outfitted with the latest in instructional technology. It also offers a business/student services center and computer lab, a student lounge, faculty and staff offices, and a bookstore. Master’s classes in business administration, nonprofit management, and public administration are offered at the new location, as well as at Hamline’s campus in Saint Paul. The new site is also offering some courses developed for the adult working professional in the field of education.
“This new site broadens our ability to serve the needs of professional and graduate students. It is a major presence for Hamline University,” said Dr. Linda Hanson, president of Hamline University. “At the same time, we are not new to business education. We have a strong history of providing practical, relevant, and innovative programs for working professionals in business, nonprofit management, and public administration. Our programs—both here and at our St. Paul campus—equip students to be effective leaders in their companies and organizations.”
UE to Increase Nursing Enrollment, Scholarships in Face of National Nursing Shortage
Beginning next year, the University of Evansville’s Department of Nursing will create more scholarships – and expand its student capacity – in an attempt to help battle the nation’s nursing shortage.
Enrollment in the 2009-10 freshman nursing class will be increased to 40 students, up from the current maximum of 25. And, thanks to the generosity of contributors to UE’s U●Envision 2010 Campaign, each of those students (and each of the 40 students in classes to follow) will be eligible for new National Need for Nurses Scholarships that total up to $72,000 each over the course of four years.
"Through recent investments in our nursing program, including the construction of a new, state-of-the-art simulation lab, the University of Evansville has demonstrated a commitment to educating quality nurses," said Lynn Penland, dean of UE’s College of Education & Health Sciences. "The decision to expand our student body and scholarship availability is our attempt to make that quality education both accessible and affordable to a larger population – and, in doing so, to bring more quality nurses into the health care system!"
BusinessWeek Ranks Belmont University College of Business Administration’s Ethics Program No. 8 Nationwide
BusinessWeek magazine has named the Belmont University College of Business Administration’s ethics program as one of the top 10 university programs in the country. Belmont appeared on the magazine’s Undergraduate Specialty Program Rankings at No. 8, outranking many top business schools. Belmont’s program is directed by the Center for Business Ethics.
Belmont’s Center for Business Ethics seeks to bring people together in the discussion of business ethics, to help empower business leaders to face the current crisis in business ethics and to educate ethical business leaders for a better society. It will play a vital role in the national dialogue on ethics as Belmont hosts the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate on Oct. 7, 2008. In conjunction with the debate, the center will present four dynamic events as part of its Ethics Leadership Speakers Series.
Samford an Integral Partner in $3.9 Million Health Improvement Grant
Samford University's McWhorter School of Pharmacy is an "integral partner" in a program to fight diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity in west Alabama funded by a new grant of up to $3.9 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The five-year grant to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) for its Strategic Alliance for Health Program will begin Sept. 30, with approximately $360,000 awarded for the first year. Sowing Seeds of Hope, a Perry County program, and the Health and Wellness Education Center of Sumter County are other integral partners in the program.
Samford's pharmacy school, in collaboration with the university's Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Department, has worked for more than five years to improve the health of people in Perry County, which has no hospital or emergency room, and west Alabama. On occasion, Samford's Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing also has been involved.
The school involves students and faculty members to operate free weekly diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction clinics and Walk for Wellness programs. Two years ago Samford began a program of having four pharmacy students reside in Marion, the county seat, for a month at a time to volunteer in the Perry County Health Department and in local pharmacies and doctor's offices.
"The programs provide meaningful preventive medical services to the people of Perry County and invaluable clinical experience for our students," said Dr. Charles Sands III, interim pharmacy dean who has worked in the program four years.
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) recognized the program earlier this year by presenting the pharmacy school one of its eight national Crystal Apple Awards for providing "quality experiential education in an exemplary patient-care clinical teaching environment."
Major Discovery Program to Help UE Students Find Their Path
Amanda Schapker doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life.
Like all college students, the University of Evansville student has interests. She has hobbies. But she is still trying to figure out how all of those things converge into a single career path.
A unique new program at the University of Evansville just might help her discover the answer.
"Our Major Discovery program was created this year, for students who don’t exactly know what major they want," said Lora Becker, director of UE’s Major Discovery program. "The program’s name has kind of a double-meaning – we want the students to discover their major, but we want them to make some major discoveries about themselves and their lives along the way, as well."
At the beginning of the 2008-09 academic year, 44 UE students were enrolled in the Major Discovery program; 22 of those students were freshmen. As part of the new program, each of the students has a faculty academic advisor to help focus their search for a major.
Each student also has the opportunity to take part in a new Discussion class, called Journeys and Discoveries, geared toward uncovering their major interests through discussion, readings, and activities.
"Really, our goal is not to tell students, ‘Pick your career,’ or, ‘Pick your job,’" Becker said. "We’re focusing on their major interests – the classes that speak to you. Because if you are passionate about what you are studying, you will be able to find a job in that area after graduation."
Belmont, Zipcar Partner to Bring Car Sharing to Campus
 Belmont University and Zipcar, the world’s largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, announced a joint partnership to provide Zipcars on campus to Belmont faculty, staff and students as an environmentally friendly alternative to the costs and hassles of keeping a car on campus. The partnership continues Belmont’s commitment to invest in sustainable solutions on campus and marks Zipcar’s entry into Nashville.
Two self-service Zipcars (a Toyota Matrix and a Mazda 6) will be available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all staff and students aged 18+, with gas, maintenance, insurance and reserved parking included.
Belmont Tops 5,000 with Record Fall Enrollment
Belmont University enrollment stands at 5,023 students at the end of the registration period, marking an increase of five percent since last year and a rise of 69 percent since 2000 when the school enrolled 2,976 students. As part of its Vision 2010 plan, the university established a goal to surpass the 5,000 mark in enrollment and has now met that goal two years ahead of schedule. The Belmont student body currently comprises 817 graduate students and 4,206 undergraduates, representing record enrollment in both categories.
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “What is unusual about our growth is not just the growing enrollment numbers, but also that the students entering Belmont are better prepared academically and are being successful here and graduating at a significantly higher level. This points to the strength of our programs and the dedication and talents of this university’s faculty and staff.”
Drake's Entering Class Tops 900 for Second Consecutive Year
 Drake University has enrolled more than 900 first-year students in each of the last two years, far exceeding its enrollment goals for both years.
These large entering classes have helped increase undergraduate enrollment to 3,516 and total enrollment to 5,668 this fall -- the highest since the early 1990s.
This fall's entering class consists of 902 first-year students, down slightly from last year's entering class of 924 -- the largest class since 1988. The 2007 and 2008 entering classes are far bigger than the entering class of 2006, which had 781 students.
"We're pleased with our enrollment gains and that there is such a high level of interest in a Drake education," said Drake President David Maxwell. "The quality of our programs and faculty remain attractive in a competitive marketplace."
Valparaiso Enrollment Highest in 25 Years
Buoyed by a record enrollment in programs for graduate and law students, fall enrollment at Valparaiso University is the highest in 25 years.
A total of 3,980 students are enrolled, the highest total since 4,190 were enrolled in 1983. Included are 499 students enrolled in graduate programs, an increase of more than 100 compared to the record 392 enrolled last fall, and 596 students in the School of Law, topping the school's previous high of 572 in 2003. Enrollment in undergraduate colleges totals 2,885, including 816 new students.
A record number of international students is included in the enrollment total. There are 245 students with U.S. student visas registered this fall compared to 157 a year ago.
Valpo Campus Volunteers Help Community
 On Sept. 20, the students, faculty and staff of Valparaiso University helped several community organizations during the second annual VU Day of Caring.
Approximately 170 students, faculty and staff volunteered to participate.
The VU volunteers participated in projects such as caring for gardens at Taltree Arboretum, painting at Spring Valley Shelter, helping in the kitchen at Valparaiso International Center, making over the Porter County office of A Positive Approach to Teen Health, and landscaping and painting at Reiner Community Center.
Significant Grant Boosts Ithaca College Environmental Studies Efforts: HSBC Awards $500,000 For Scholarships, Community Outreach, Academic Development
 Ithaca College’s leadership in environmental and sustainability education and operations will get a significant boost with the assistance of a three-year, $500,000 grant from the HSBC in the Community (USA) Inc. Foundation. Awarded to the Environmental Studies Program, the grant will fund a number of noteworthy initiatives. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of HSBC Bank USA, N.A., part of one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations.
“This grant is an acknowledgment and affirmation of Ithaca College’s status as a frontrunner in the areas of environmental studies and sustainability,” said Ithaca College President Thomas R. Rochon. “It will allow us to take some important next steps in enhancing the academic component of these programs and further developing our partnerships and other outreach efforts with like-minded organizations and institutions locally, regionally and nationally.” Read more.
LEED-certified Science Building at Susquehanna has State's Investment
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today awarded $4 million in state funds to Susquehanna University to help construct a new 75,000-square-foot, LEED-certified science building that will house biology, chemistry and earth and environmental sciences. The investment in Susquehanna is the second largest gift to the university in its 150-year history. Read more.
Nursing Education at Evansville Gets Boost from Grant
The University of Evansville has received another boost in its efforts to respond to the nationwide nursing shortage, thanks to the generous support of Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED). This week, WIRED awarded a two-year, $180,000 grant to UE’s Department of Nursing. The purpose of the grant is to enhance nursing education - through additional simulation experiences, through increased nursing class size, and through the recruitment of nursing students from underrepresented groups. Read more.
Ethical and Professional Development Recognized at Drake Law School
Drake University Law School officials recently accepted the E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award from the American Bar Association at the ABA's annual meeting in New York City. Associate Dean Russell Lovell and Professor of Law and Director of Legal Writing Melissa Weresh accepted the award at an Aug. 8 luncheon attended by approximately 350 attorneys. Jim O. Stuckey, chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism, presented Lovell and Weresh with a $3,500 check for the Law School along with a certificate that said: "In recognition of outstanding achievement in the design and implementation of a model professionalism program." Read more.
Belmont School of Pharmacy to Study 71 Drugs in its First Research Project
The Belmont University School of Pharmacy (BUSOP) announced recently the launch of the school’s first research study, a project to investigate the stability of liquid forms of several drugs previously only available in solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules). The study contract grant of $157,000 is with Galipot, which manufactures SyrSpend SF™, the sugar-free syrup suspension agent for the drug’s active ingredients. The research project will involve numerous Belmont pharmacy faculty members in evaluating 71 different drugs over the next two years. Liquid forms of drugs are vital to the treatment of infants, children and patients whose illnesses prevent swallowing. Read more.
Drake Rated in Top Five Nationally in 'Great Colleges to Work For'
 Drake University is rated in the top five nationally for institutions of its size in 11 categories in the “Great Colleges to Work For” survey released today in the July 14 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education. The survey results can be viewed online at the Chronicle Web site. The 11 categories include Confidence in Leadership, defined as “Leaders have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for institutional success.” An article about this category appears in today's issue of The Chronicle under the headline “At Drake, Leadership by Example is Effective.” Read more.
Westminster College Named One of “Utah’s Best Places to Work”
The Department of Workforce Services recently named Westminster College as one of “Utah’s best places to work” during the 2008 Utah Work/Life Award ceremony on July 16, 2008. Westminster was presented the Utah Work/Life Award in the medium-size business category, along with eight other organizations. The Work/Life Award recognizes and honors companies that are creating exceptional workplaces by effectively addressing employee work/life needs and striving to provide a culture of equity and opportunity. The medium business category includes companies with 50 to 500 employees. Read more.
Higher Learning Commission Extends Drake's Accreditation
 Drake University's accredited status has been continued by the Higher Learning Commission without any need for follow-up reports or focused visits. Having fully met the accreditation standards of the commission, Drake is scheduled to have its next comprehensive team visit in 2017-18. The commission's action follows a comprehensive self study by the University and a three-day site visit last February by a team of nine consultant-evaluators. Read more.
North Central College Receives $100,000 Wal-Mart Grant to Prepare First-Generation Students as Teachers
North Central College is one of only 20 colleges across the country selected by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to receive the Wal-Mart College Success Award—a $100,000 grant that will help North Central launch a new program preparing first-generation college students for post-graduate success as teachers.
The highly selective award, intended to help institutions with a proven commitment to educating first-generation college students, will fund recruitment activities and scholarships for students who enroll in North Central College’s new Teach First initiative. The program will provide academic and financial support and career counseling for first-generation college students who pursue careers in education. Read more.
UE Department of Nursing Chosen for National CPR Study
Nursing students at the University of Evansville will have the opportunity next year to help test new approaches for teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to future health professionals.
UE was one of nine nursing programs selected for the study, sponsored by the National League of Nursing, Laerdal, and the American Heart Association. Together, the three groups and the selected nursing schools will investigate how best to teach CPR to nursing students across the country. Read more.
Sage Offers Flexible Option for Graduates Interested in Medical School
Christina Yerdon’s college advisor told her to forget about medical school. Her grade point average was too low. She accepted what she saw as her destiny and went on to earn two master’s degrees and work as an acute care Nurse Practitioner in a Central New York hospital.
But the desire to become a full-fledged physician never waned so several years later she’s going back to medical school by way of The Sage Colleges’ new Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program. Frequently, additional science courses and labs are required before individuals are prepared to apply to medical school, which is why 12 New York State schools offer a “post-bac, premed” program, The Sage Colleges being the newest among them and the only one in the Capital Region that results in a Certificate in Post Baccalaureate Premedical Studies from the New York State Education Department. The certificate confirms students who complete the program have met premed requirements. Read more.
 Simmons College Welcomes New President
Simmons College today welcomed Helen Drinan, a respected New England leader, as college president.
Drinan has been a member of the Simmons College Board of Trustees since 2003 and board chair since 2007. She replaces Susan Scrimshaw, who stepped down from the presidency to undertake other work in higher education administration and public health advocacy. Simmons Board of Trustees vice chair Steve Jonas said Drinan will serve a two- to three-year presidency, as the college fills key staff positions and continues its forward momentum toward nationally recognized excellence. Read more.
Passports in Hand: More Than Half of Drury Grads Have Studied Abroad
 This year, 51 percent of 2008 May graduates have studied abroad, compared to the 41 percent of last year's May class that studied abroad. “These numbers are definitely above the national average,” says Michael Thomas, associate dean for International Programs.
“There is a growing interest in studying abroad, and these numbers confirm that interest,” says Thomas. Junior English and writing major Jason Loeffler is currently studying abroad at Regent's College in London, England. “The study abroad program at Drury was one of the biggest selling points about the school, because I've always wanted to go specifically to London to study for a term.” Read more.
Belmont to Seat Its First Class of Pharmacy Students
 The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) informed the Belmont University School of Pharmacy (BUSOP) this morning that the new program has reached another significant benchmark toward full accreditation. The announcement confirms that BUSOP will officially be able to seat its first class of 75 newly admitted students in August 2008. ACPE is the official regulatory body that accredits all colleges of pharmacy in the United States. BUSOP continues on track for full accreditation, which is awarded to a new program once it has graduated its first class and met all ACPE standards for accreditation. Read more.
Legal Ethics and Professionalism Earns Award at Drake Law School
 Drake University Law School has been selected as a 2008 recipient of the American Bar Association's Gambrell Professionalism Award. In announcing the annual award, the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility recognized Drake Law School for its implementation of "an innovative and integrated approach to teaching legal ethics and professionalism." "We do offer an outstanding program in professionalism and ethical and professional development, and it's just terrific to be recognized for it by the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility," said Drake Law School Dean Benjamin B. Ullem. "This is something to celebrate." Read more.
ABA Grants Provisional Accreditation to Elon Law School
The Elon University School of Law has been granted provisional accreditation by the American Bar Association, substantially meeting ABA standards for curriculum, faculty, facilities, funding, library and admissions. The ABA approval, achieved at the earliest possible date under accreditation guidelines, means that Elon Law graduates may take bar exams in any U.S. jurisdiction and may practice professionally with full rights after passing the bar. Read more.
Be Unique: Scranton Adds Individualized Majors
 A new Individualized Major being offered at The University of Scranton beginning in the fall of 2008 will allow a select number of students to more definitively match their areas of study to the expertise of faculty. While offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, the Individualized Major is interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary in nature, drawing upon faculty from academic areas throughout the university. For example, a student interested in Asian Studies could take relevant courses in business, world languages, art history, history and economics. Read more.
Sage Takes a Step Towards Greener Energy
 The recent purchase of Green-e certified National Wind Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) through Juice Energy, Inc., has marked the beginning of The Sage Colleges’ move towards “green” power. As of May 1, 2008, Sage has purchased renewable energy (wind power) equal to 10 percent of its total annual electricity usage. This purchase supports the development of renewable energy generation and reduces Sage’s carbon footprint by approximately 382 metric tons of CO2 per year. That is equivalent to taking 81.3 cars off of the road annually. Read more.
Westminster Breaks Ground on New Science Center
After years of planning, today Westminster finally broke ground on its new Meldrum Science Center. Generous support from John and Ginger Giovale, Pete and Cathie Meldrum, the board of trustees, and Westminster science alumni have made it possible to move forward on this critical initiative. This event highlighted the first step in the construction of the $25 million, state-of-the-art facility that will be Utah’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified science building. Read more.
Arcadia Names Dean to Graduate Studies College
Dr. Michael Berger, Academic Vice President and Provost at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa., has announced the appointment of Dr. John R. Hoffman, Professor of Biology, as the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. As Dean, Hoffman will coordinate existing graduate degree and certificate programs and provide leadership for the creation of new ones, as well as perform duties normally associated with the head of a graduate studies office. Read more.
 Belmont Wins All-Academic Conference Trophy
For the sixth time in its seven year history as an Atlantic Sun Conference member institution Belmont University has earned the conference’s All-Academic Trophy, the league office announced Friday. Further cementing its reputation for achieving athletic and academic success, Belmont saw an astounding 161 of its 229 student-athletes receive All-Academic honors. Consequently, Belmont established a new conference standard for percentage of its student-athletes reaching All-Academic status at 70.31 percent. Read more.
Sage Adds Online Master’s in Effective Autism Treatment
Only a handful of colleges and universities in the United States offer master’s degrees in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), a treatment for autism identified by the United States Centers for Disease Control as being effective in the education and treatment of individuals with autism, and The Sage Colleges’ Sage Graduate School is now among them. Read more.
Sage Announces Interim President
The Board of Trustees of The Sage Colleges has named Dr. Susan C. Scrimshaw Interim President. She will assume the post on August 1, replacing retiring president Dr. Jeanne Neff. “We are fortunate and privileged to welcome a well-respected and accomplished leader like Dr. Susan Scrimshaw to the Sage community. She is an award-winning, internationally recognized public health scholar, and we know her life experiences and wealth of knowledge will enrich our community,” said Michele Vennard, chair of the board of trustees of Sage. Read more.
Butler Hosts Students, Educators from Hong Kong
The two professors and 15 students had traveled a long way – about 8,000 miles – and at their first stop in Indianapolis, they watched as little kids jumped up and down to the tune of "YMCA," played bingo and learned basics of music education.
When it was over, they considered it time well spent.
They'd come from the Hong Kong Institute of Education to Butler University as a part of an ongoing collaborative effort to observe how music is taught in grades K-12. From May 15-27, Dr. Tim Brimmer, associate professor of vocal jazz, music education and technology, took them to, among other places, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Jordan Academy of Dance, the Butler Community Arts School and classrooms where Butler alumni are teaching music. Read more.
Hampton President Inducted into Business Hall of Fame
 Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey was inducted into the Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame on May 15 at the Norfolk Marriott, Norfolk, Va. Proceeds from this black-tie dinner and awards ceremony benefit Junior Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads. Harvey was chosen because he demonstrates business excellence; courageous thinking and actions; visionary, innovative leadership; and community involvement. He has chosen career paths in both business and education. Harvey has been the president of Hampton University for 30 years and has also been 100 percent owner of a Pepsi-Cola Bottling plant in Houghton, Mich., for 25 years. Read more.
University Center at Pacific Lutheran Earns LEED Silver
 PLU recently learned the University Center reached silver-level certification in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. “It makes you feel good; we’re not creating more problems for the world,” said John Kaniss, construction projects manager who oversaw the renovation. Even before the project began, the university decided the $14 million renovation would comply with LEED standards. The university is proud to achieve the silver rating, Kaniss said. According the council’s Web site, which lists registered green buildings across the nation, the UC is the first student center on the West coast to achieve the rating, added Mischelle Devine-Nunner, senior assistant for construction management and LEED accredited professional. Read more.
Westminster Recognized For Outreach to First Generation & Underserved Students
Center for Student Opportunity recently announced they will feature Westminster College in their 2008 College Access & Opportunity Guide, a new publication which highlights national colleges and universities committed to access, opportunity and success for traditionally underserved students.
According to the center’s website, colleges and universities selected for inclusion in the 2008 guide demonstrate an exceptional commitment to college access and retention, and are profiled in light of programs and opportunities they present for first-generation, low-income and minority students. Read more.
Butler Students Rally for a New School in Uganda
There will be a new school in Uganda this fall, thanks to the work a group of Butler students did during the 2007-2008 school year. The Power of Children, a campaign started by the Butler chapter of Ambassadors for Children, has raised more than $40,000 to build the primary school for 350 children ages 4-14 in the Wakiso District of Kampala, Uganda's capital city. From June 9-21, seven participants from Butler will travel there to begin construction. Read more.
 Williams to Lead College of Business Administration at Butler
Butler University has named Dr. Chuck Williams to be its next dean of the College of Business Administration (CBA). Williams succeeds Richard Fetter, who served as the CBA dean for seven years before being appointed Butler’s interim provost in July 2007. Russell Kershaw, associate dean of academic programs for the CBA, has been serving as interim dean. Read more.
Westminster College Creates Great Salt Lake Institute
Westminster College is pleased to announce the creation of the Great Salt Lake Institute (GSLI), an organization that endeavors to increase the appreciation and understanding of Great Salt Lake, with interdisciplinary emphases on research, education, commerce and the environment. Read more.
Butler’s Pharmacy & Health Sciences Get Bigger, Greener
 Butler University broke ground today, Thursday, May 8, on a $14 million addition to its pharmacy and health sciences building. The addition, which is funded in part by a $25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., will allow Butler’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to recruit more pharmacy faculty and accept more transfer students. It also satisfies the University’s goal to become a 'greener' campus. Read more.
Elon Law Recommended for Provisional Approval
The Accreditation Committee of the American Bar Association has recommended provisional approval for Elon University School of Law, and a final decision will be made June 6-8. The Accreditation Committee's recommendation came during its April 18 meeting in Portland, Ore., and will be passed along for a final decision by the ABA's Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. The Council will meet June 6-8 in Seattle, Wash. Read more.
Grant Supports Environmental Research at Pacific Lutheran University
 With a $90,000 grant, the Environmental Studies Program at Pacific Lutheran University intends to provide students and faculty members with more opportunities for research and creative projects. The program received the funding from the Wiancko Charitable Foundation in early December. The program’s faculty determined the money would support annual student-faculty research and creative projects, a mini-grant program, and provide for a faculty workshop in May and a summer research retreat. Read more.
University of Evansville President Stephen Jennings Elected to Chair ICI Board of Directors
The Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) this month elected University of Evansville President Stephen Jennings as chair of its Board of Directors, for a one-year term beginning July 1. Thirty-one independent colleges and universities in Indiana comprise the ICI, including the University of Evansville, the University of Notre Dame, Butler University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Valparaiso, and Depauw University. Jennings’ appointment, which occurred at the board’s spring meeting, is “a great honor,” he said. Read more.
Ithaca College To Formally Dedicate Sustainable Home For School Of Business
 The new “green” home of the Ithaca College School of Business will be formally dedicated on Thursday, April 24, as the Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise. The name represents the support provided by Mrs. Park for the construction of the building—which will serve as a model of sustainability in action—as well as the school’s commitment to becoming a leader in producing business graduates who not only achieve financial and professional success, but also promote social justice and environmental stewardship. Read more.
Hamline Launches School of Business
Hamline University—Minnesota’s first university—is proud to announce the formation of the Hamline University School of Business. The school will offer premier programs in business administration, nonprofit management, and public administration, as well as a host of new, comprehensive undergraduate programs. Read more.
Valparaiso to Offer Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Valparaiso University College of Nursing is revising its advanced degree programs and will begin offering a doctor of nursing practice, a degree that will prepare nurses for the highest level of nursing practice and leadership. Dr. Janet Brown, dean of the College of Nursing, said offering the DNP puts Valparaiso at the forefront of a new national movement in nursing education. Read more.
 Ithaca College Selects Thomas R. Rochon as Eighth President
The Ithaca College Board of Trustees has announced the unanimous selection of Thomas R. Rochon as the eighth president in the institution’s 116-year history. Rochon, who has served since 2003 as executive vice president and chief academic officer for the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, will officially begin his duties in Ithaca on July 1, 2008. He succeeds Peggy R. Williams, who will be retiring after 11 years as Ithaca’s president. Read more.
Smaller Schools Can Benefit from Foundation Dollars, Too
 The decision of Harvard University, and other institutions such as Northwestern University with substantial endowments and national or international “brand names,” to utilize more endowment income to keep their educations affordable for students from low- and middle-income families is to be applauded.
 Pacific Lutheran Center for Public Service Receives Silver Spoon Award
PLU’s Center for Public Service was among five organizations to be awarded a Silver Spoon Award by the Emergency Food Network on March 18.
Given annually, the award honors the volunteers and organizations that are key to ending hunger in Pierce County. This is the first time PLU received the award. Read more.
 BusinessWeek Calls Elon's MBA Program One of the Nation's Best
The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business is featured as one of the nation's top programs in “The Best B-School,” a new book from BusinessWeek.
The book spotlights Elon's part-time MBA program for its range of resources such as an integrated curriculum, executive speakers and hands-on learning opportunities. Read more.
InsideHigherEd.com Puts Belmont in Top 2 of Its NCAA Bracket
 Teams standings determined by athletes' academic performance InsideHigherEd.com—an online source for news, opinion and jobs for all of higher education—released today its own picks for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Bracket and selected Belmont University to make it all the way to the Championship Game. InsideHigherEd.com based its selections in each round by awarding wins to the team with the strongest academic performance using the athletes’ academic standing, enrollment continuity and graduation rates as key factors. Belmont finished this tournament bracket second, behind only Davidson, outscoring such academic power players as Duke, Xavier and Cornell along the way. Read more.
Simmons School of Management Makes "Global Top 100" List for Educating Students in Corporate Social Responsibility
The Simmons School of Management in Boston is one of the top 100 business schools in the world in the integration of social and environmental issues into its MBA program, according to the Aspen Institute’s 2007-2008 edition of “Beyond Grey Pinstripes,” a biennial survey and alternative ranking of business schools. The Simmons School of Management was ranked 32 on the Institute’s Global Top 100 Schools. Read more. |
