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1. State Legislature Passes Higher Education Bill: Michigan Tech Receives 1 Percent Increase |
by Jennifer Donovan, public relations director
Michigan Tech will receive $49,028,200 from the state under the Higher Education Bill that just passed the Michigan House and Senate. That is approximately $200,000 less than the state appropriated to the University at the start of the past fiscal year, but 1.1 percent more than Michigan Tech actually received after the Governor was forced last June to make executive-order cuts and delay an August payment to balance the state budget. The University recently received that delayed payment of $4.5 million.
All of Michigan’s state universities are facing similarly small changes in the new budget compared to last year. The University of Michigan, Michigan State and Wayne State Universities received a 1 percent increase, as did Western Michigan University. The highest increase was 2.4 percent to Lake Superior State University.
Michigan Tech’s new state appropriation is approximately $1.4 million less than the Governor’s earlier estimate of $50,449,000, a figure Michigan Tech used to prepare its budget for this fiscal year.
“We’re disappointed that the appropriation fell short of original estimates, but it’s manageable with minimal impact on our faculty, staff and students,” said President Glenn D. Mroz. “It’s a lot of money, but it is a relatively small amount of our total budget.” State revenues account for less than 25 percent of the University’s total expenditures and less than 40 percent of its General Fund budget of approximately $120 million.
Mroz expressed concern about Michigan’s trend of shifting the funding of higher education to students and their families. “Corrected for inflation, state support for Michigan Tech has been essentially flat for 30 years,” he pointed out. Nationwide, state appropriations to public universities increased by 7.9 percent this year. “If this trend continues in Michigan, our economic competitiveness nationally and globally will be seriously impacted.”
The new state budget underscores the vital importance of alternative sources of revenue for universities, such as research support, philanthropy and enrollment growth, Mroz said. Michigan Tech has increased its research funding, philanthropic support and enrollment significantly over the past year, he added. |
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2. Nominations Open for the Alumni Association Awards |
Know a great alum or friend of the university? Here's a chance to help get them the recognition they deserve.
The Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2008 Outstanding Young Alumni Award, the Outstanding Service Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Honorary Alumni Award.
These awards are presented each August at the Alumni Reunion. Award descriptions and nomination forms are available at www.alumni.mtu.edu/awards/ or by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations, 487-2400 or alumni@mtu.edu . The deadline to nominate is Dec. 1. |
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3. Undergraduate Student Nominations Sought for the Pavlis Institute |
The Pavlis Institute for Global Technological Leadership is soliciting faculty/staff nominations of students from all disciplines to join the program. To be considered, the student must be an undergraduate with at least three years remaining before graduation.
The program involves a series of seminars, course work, practicums and a summer international experience all devoted to developing and honing leadership and communication skills. Scholarships are available to cover most, if not all, program-associated costs and a Certificate in Global Technological Leadership is pending state approval for students completing the program. Additional information about the program can be found at www.pavlisinstitute.mtu.edu .
To be considered, the nominated student must submit the application form, a letter of recommendation and a resume/information sheet. For admission in January 2008, application materials must be submitted by Dec. 1. For fall 2008 admission, application materials must be submitted by Feb. 1.
If you work with a student you feel would be an asset to and benefit from the program, please contact Paige Hackney at phackney@mtu.edu or 487-4371 to submit your nomination and to arrange for the application materials to be sent. |
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4. Volleyball Team to Hold Pancake Breakfast Saturday |
The Michigan Tech volleyball team will hold a pancake breakfast Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church.
Members of the university and community are invited. Cost is $3, and proceeds benefit the volleyball program. |
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5. Tickets On Sale for the Great Lakes Invitational |
by Ian Marks, assistant director of athletic communications
Tickets are now on sale for the 43rd Great Lakes Invitational hosted by Michigan Tech at Joe Louis Arena, in Detroit. Several great ticket options are available for both students and families.
Tickets are priced at $30, $24, $22, $15 and $10 and are available at the Joe Louis Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster retail locations, including Hockeytown Cafe in Detroit and Hockeytown Authentics in Troy. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.collegehockeyatthejoe.com or charged by phone at 248-645-6666. The Joe Louis Arena Box Office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Family Four Pack, which includes four general admission tickets to the GLI, four slices of Little Caesars pizza and four sodas, is available for only $44 and may only be purchased in advance by calling 313-396-7575.
Group rates are available by calling 313-396-7911.
Student tickets are available for $9.50 per seat by calling 313-396-7575.
All fans in attendance will be eligible to win a variety of prizes including hockey equipment, electronics, Zamboni rides and opportunities to watch warm-ups from the penalty box.
An exclusive “College Hockey Fan Rate” is offered through the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, the official hotel of College Hockey at “The Joe.” For reservations, call 1-800-228-9290. |
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6. "Sharing the Dream" to Feature Five Female Olympians |
by Wes Frahm, director of athletic communications and marketing
Five female Olympic athletes will be on the Michigan Tech campus Monday, Nov. 5, to give free clinics in their respective sports. Shannon Miller (gymnastics), Angela Ruggiero (hockey), Sheila Taormina (swimming), Cheryl Haworth (weightlifting) and Natalie Woolfolk (weightlifting) will all be part of the event, titled "Sharing the Dream."
The five athletes have each won national championships in their respective sports. Miller is America’s most-decorated gymnast, with seven Olympic medals including two golds. Ruggiero has played on three Olympic medal-winning women’s hockey teams including USA’s gold medal team in 1998. Cheryl Haworth has competed in two Olympic Games, gaining a bronze medal in 2000.
Sharing the Dream, which is co-sponsored by Keweenaw Memorial Medical Center and Michigan Tech, will be at the Student Development Complex. The evening’s schedule will be divided into two sessions, starting at 5 p.m. Participants will be able to pick clinics to attend.
The free event is aimed at area youth and open to the general public. The five athletes will speak at area schools during the day Monday.
The schedule of events is listed below.
Session I
*5-7 p.m., Angela Ruggiero (Hockey), MacInnes Student Ice Arena
*6:30-7:15 p.m., Sheila Taormina (Swimming), swimming pool
*6:30-7:15 p.m., Shannon Miller (Gymnastics), varsity gymnasium
*6:30-7:15 p.m., Cheryl Haworth/Natalie Woolfolk (Weightlifting), multipurpose gymnasium
Session II
*7:30-8:15 p.m., Sheila Taormina (Presentation), second-floor classroom
*7:30-8:15 p.m., Shannon Miller (Gymnastics), varsity gymnasium
*7:30-8:15 p.m., Cheryl Haworth/Natalie Woolfolk (Weightlifting), multipurpose gymnasium
The event will wrap up at 8:30 p.m. with a grand finale in the varsity gymnasium.
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7. CTLFD Workshops Nov. 12,13 |
Due to popular demand, the Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development will be hosting two additional offerings of the workshop "Making the Grade: WebCT and Electronic Grade Submission" Monday, Nov. 12, and Tuesday, Nov. 13. Both workshops will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Lunch will be available to those who register by Wednesday, Nov. 7.
To register for one of these dates, visit the online registration webpage at www.admin.mtu.edu/ctlfd/workshops/ or call the center at 487-2046. |
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8. Civil and Environmental Engineering Seminar Monday |
Professor Jeffrey S. Russell, chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present "ASCE Body of Knowledge: Preparing for the Future" Monday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. in Dow 642.
The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the American Society of Civil Engineer’s current plan for the future of civil engineering education, including its development of the second edition of the civil engineering Body of Knowledge (BOK), modified accreditation criteria, improved civil engineering curricula and licensure changes.
Russell is presently chair of the ASCE Committee on Academic Prerequisites for Professional Practice, which is charged with defining the future education requirements necessary to practice civil engineering at the professional level. |
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9. Proposals in Progress |
Patricia Heiden (Chemistry/SFI), “Nanotechnology Solutions to Enhance Durability of Natural Fiber Composites,” NSF.
Margaret Gale (SFRES), “Interactions of Fungi, Plant Nutrition and Growth,” USDA, Forest Service, Northern Research Station.
Brian Thelen (MTRI), “Persistent Sentinel,” GD AIS.
Craig Friedrich (MEEM/MuSTI), “EDM Fabrication of Prototype Tungsten Carbide Ion Thrusters,” Aerophysics Inc.
Jackie Huntoon (Grad School), Peter A. Larsen (VPR) and Chris S. Anderson (President’s Office), “Professional Preparation: A Strategy for Inclusiveness and Success in Graduate Application,” Council of Graduate Schools/Peterson’s.
Jason Keith (ECM) and Madeline Mercado Voelker (Educational Opportunity), “Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Alternative Energy,” NSF.
Gregory M. Odegard (MEEM/MuSTI), “Multiscale Modeling of the Effects of Degradation on the Properties and Failure of Biodegradable Polylactide Composites,” NSF.
Larry Sutter (MTTI) and Thomas Van Dam (CEE/MTTI), “TOPR No. 3: Development of Standard Operative Procedures for the Selection, Implementation and Maintenance of Field Application and Demonstration Projects,” CTLGroup.
Robert Shuchman (MTRI), “North Slope Water Characterization Pilot Project,” DOI/BLM.
S.K. Kawatra (Chemical Engineering/SFI), “GOAL I: Environmentally Benign Iron Manufacture with Hydrogen-Rich Renewable Reductants,” NSF.
S.K. Kawatra (Chemical Engineering/SFI), “Sustainable Production of Biomass-Derived Fuels from Paper-Mill Black Liquor,” NSF.
Yun Hang Hu (MSE/IMP), “Promoting Effects of Anions on Hydrogen Storage Reactions of Li-N Based Materials,” NSF (Energy for Sustainability: PD 08-7644).
Michael C. Roggemann (CISSIC), “Adaptive Optics Compensation in Deep Atmospheric Turbulence,” TREX Enterprises.
Jaroslaw Drelich (MSE/IMP) and Calvin White (MSE/IMP), “Mechanical Properties of Novel Resin-Fiber Composites,” Great Lakes Composite Institute.
Ossama Abdelkhalik (MEEM) and L. Brad King (MEEM), “Planets Surfaces Autonomous Navigation System-Instrument Design and Development,” NASA Headquarters-ROSES 2007.
Jeffrey D. Naber (MEEM/APSRC), “Graduate Student Research in Hydrogen IC Engines,” Argonne National Laboratory.
Karla Korpela (Educational Opportunity), “DAPCEP Two-Week Summer 2007 Program,” Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program.
Karla Korpela (Educational Opportunity), “DAPCEP Four-Week Summer 2007 Program,” Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program.
Keat Ghee Ong (Biomedical Engineering/BRC) and Rupak Rajachar (Biomedical Engineering/BRC), “A Remotely Controlled Vibrational Antifouling Coating,” NSF.
James R. Mihelcic (CEE/SFI) and John S. Gierke (GMES/SFI), “Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands: Nitrogen Removal and Sustainability in Decentralized Wastewater Treatment,” NSF.
Robert Shuchman (MTRI), “Remote Sensing of Color Producing Agents (CPA) in Puget Sound,” USGS.
Patrick E. Martin (Social Sciences) and Bruce Seely (Social Sciences), “IPY: Archaeological Perspectives on Resource Exploitation in Polar Regions,” NSF.
Theresa Ahlborn (MTTI/CEE), Thomas Van Dam (MTTI/UTC/CEE), Christopher Gilbertson (MTTI/CEE) and Karl Peterson (MTTI/CEE), “Bridges for Service Life Beyond 100 Years: Innovative Systems, Subsystems and Components,” University of Utah.
Kurtis G. Paterson (CEE/SFI) and Thomas Van Dam (CEE/SFI), “Developing Global Engineers Through Technological Development for Public Health Improvements in Tanzania,” NSF.
Fernando Ponta (MEEM/APSRC), “Collaborative Research: Modeling and Analysis of Vortex Wakes,” NSF.
Yun Hang Hu (MSE/IME), “Catalytic Activation, Spillover and Storage of Hydrogen on Transition-Metal/Metal-Organic-Frameworks,” NSF.
Jeffrey D. Naber (MEEM/APSRC), Stanislaw Szwaja (MEEM/APSRC), Qiong Zhang (CEE/APSRC) and Jeremy Worm (MEEM/APSRC), “Ignition, Kinetics and Combustion Rates with H2/CO/CH4 Fuel Mixtures for SI Engines with LCA for Biomass Resource Allocation and CO2 Impact,” NSF.
Abhijit Mukherjee (MEEM/APSRC), “Study of Interaction of Air and Water Droplets in Presence of Powdered Wax Inside Gas Distribution Channels of PEM Fuel Cells,” NSF.
Joseph Holles (CM/SFI), “Sustainable Hydrogen Production from Lactose Via Aqueous Phase Reforming,” NSF.
Michael C. Roggemann (CISSIC) and Christopher Middlebrook (CISSIC), “Iris Capture at a Distance,” Teledyne Corp.
Lesley Lovett-Doust (Provost/SFI), John W. Sutherland (MEEM/SFI), Chris S. Anderson (President’s Office/SFI), Mark S. Gockenback (Mathematical Sciences/SFI) and John L. Irwin (SoT/SFI), “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program in Sustainability,” NSF.
Jindong Tan (ECE/CISSIC), William Helton (Cognitive and Learning Sciences) and Amlan Mukherjee (CEE), “Pilot: Creative Learning and Training via Embedded Wireless Sensor Networks,” NSF.
Theresa M. Ahlborn (CEE/CSD/MTTI) and Yue Li (CEE/CSD/MTTI), “Center for Structural Durability at Michigan Tech,” MDOT.
Terry McNinch (MTTI), “RoadSoft 2008,” MDOT.
Laura Chavez (MTRI), “Linking Remote Sensing and Process-Based Models to Better Understand the Influence of Land Use and Climate Changes on Great-Lakes Ecosystems,” NASA.
Craig Friedrich (MEEM/MuSTI), “Development and Fabrication of a Molecular Sorter,” Marshall University.
Ulrich H.E. Hansmann (Physics), “Understanding Protein Folding and Assembly through High-Performance Computing,” Florida State University.
Ann Mayo Kiely (IRI/SFRES) and Karla Korpela (Educational Opportunity), “Keweenaw Youth Outdoor Recreation and Service Work,” Portage Health Endowment, Keweenaw Community Foundation.
John Sutherland (MEEM/SFI/P2A2), Jaime Camelio (MEEM/SFI) and John Gershenson (MEEM), “Collaborative Research: I/UCRC on Assembly Design and Manufacturing,” NSF.
Gregory M. Odegard (MEEM/MuSTI), “Fracture Characteristics of Dental Composites,” University of Illinois at Chicago.
Julia A. King (Chemical Engineering/SFI), “GOAL I: Development and Modeling of Electrical Conductivity and EMI/RFI Shielding Effectiveness of Carbon Filled Thermoplastic Resins for Aerospace Applications,” NSF.
Vladimir D. Tonchev (Mathematical Sciences), “Algebraic and Combinatorial Techniques for Code Synchronization, Group Testing and Codes for Multiple-Access Channels,” NSF.
Michael C. Roggemann (ECE/CISSIC) and Christopher T. Middlebrook (ECE/CISSIC), “Mirror-Based, Indirect-Vision Transparent Armor,” Army, TARDEC.
Spandan Maiti (MEEM) and Greg M. Odegard (MEEM), “Failure Behavior of Bulk Metallic Glasses: A Multiscale Modeling Approach,” NSF.
Jaime Camelio (MEEM/MuSTI) and Klaus J. Weinmann (MEEM), “Collaborative Research: A Generic Methodology for the Improvement of Sheet-Metal Stamping Processes Using Strain Closed-Loop Control Based on Process Knowledge,” NSF.
Jaime Camelio (MEEM/SFI) and Howard Qi (SBE), “Collaborative Research: Collaborative Enterprise Decisions Considering Interdependence of Uncertain Engineering and Economic Models,” NSF.
Juergen Bierbrauer (Mathematical Sciences), “NRT-Space and Quantum Codes,” NSF.
Jeremy Goldman (Biomed/BRC) and Ryan Gilbert (Biomed/BRC), “The Role of Interstitial Resistance in Experimental Lymphedema,” NIH.
Spandan Maiti (MEEM), “Mechanical Behavior of Single Cells: A Multiscale Modeling Approach,” NSF. |
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10. In the News |
Keweenawesomefest, a music festival organized by WMTU and held last February, is mentioned in a MetroTimes story, "Acts of State," by Leah Warshaw about "the statewide Michigan music scene."
Read all about it here: www.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=11968 . |
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