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1. Reminder: TechSelect Open Online Enrollment Now Available |
TechSelect online open enrollment will be available for benefit-eligible employees through Dec. 3.
All employees are encouraged to attend a forum on the new benefit plan. A schedule is available here: www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/ttoday/previous.php?issue=20081029&id=6588&nav=1#4 . For more information on the new benefit plan, visit www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/TechSelect/index.shtml . |
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2. Help Support Maintenance of the Michigan Tech Trails |
by Mike Abbott, director, Sports and Recreation
We are incredibly fortunate to live in an area with such active and involved trail supporters. The proof is all around us in the many terrific trail systems we all enjoy. Every one of those trails is worthy of our support, and anyone who has volunteered in Copper Harbor, Chassell, Swedetown, Maasto or elsewhere in the area deserves our thanks. Almost every weekend you can find one or more organized trail crew opportunities, and each of them is critical to the continuation of our growing tradition of great trails.
At Michigan Tech, we have intentionally not called for volunteer work days this year out of respect for the numerous other worthy opportunities. We have, however, completed the addition of another 10 kilometers of ski trails that will open this year. Those trails are almost ready for snow. What remains to be done is a fair amount of walking the trails, throwing the very few remaining rocks and sticks off to the side and cutting the more numerous roots that are sticking up through the trail surface. Dispersal of some of the brush remaining from the harvest operations, especially behind Royalwood, is another task that needs to be tackled.
If you find yourself looking for an unorganized opportunity to help, or if you'd like to organize a small group yourself, please contact me at mdabbott@mtu.edu . I have purchased 10 pairs of loppers for cutting roots that are available at any time, and I can direct you to trail segments that need the most attention. Thanks goes out to many of you who have already walked and lopped on your own.
Again, thanks to all who support our growing trail network, no matter how or where. The Keweenaw is a better place to live due to your efforts. |
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3. "Seascape" Opening This Week in McArdle Theatre |
submitted by Visual and Performing Arts
Edward Albee's comedy "Seascape" opens this week in McArdle Theatre (Walker), with performances Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 6-8 and Nov. 13-15, at 7:30 p.m. "Seascape" features two couples who meet by accident on a beach: one of them human and the other from a completely different world-a pair of giant sea lizards who swim ashore and stay to chat.
A real beach and ingenious sea-creature costumes, plus an array of special sound and lighting effects, bring "Seascape" vividly to life in this Visual and Performing Arts production.
The talkative sea lizards signal one of Albee's favorite themes: "As difference increases, reality fades." Albee's groundbreaking plays, which include "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" "The Zoo Story" and "The American Dream," focus on communication among characters quite different from one another. In "Seascape," that includes people and lizards, and men and women.
As director Roger Held (Visual and Performing Arts) puts it, "Seascape" shows the difficulty and triumph of contact, of understanding, and the "how" of communication, as the humans decide what to do about frightening new creatures who happen to speak to them in perfectly civilized English.
The lizards, who've reached an advanced stage of evolution, are debating the possibility of life out of water. They're excited by their first contact with land life, their first chance to ask urgent questions about what it's really like. The humans, by contrast, are as stolid, ordinary and inarticulate as can be imagined. The result? One critic calls it "humorous, eloquent and warm, with emotional and intellectual reverberations that linger long after the play has ended."
The seashore provides a perfect situation for a play like this, Held observes. A seascape is dangerously exposed and always in flux, the land and water constantly shifting--everything shaping everything else. What better landscape to represent the human condition? "The shore looks simple but is actually complex, composed of a variety of rocks, shells, sands and plants clinging tenaciously to a constantly changing environment. Some animals on the beach are soft, and give with the flow, while others are hard-shelled to survive the shocks. Some are both at different times. Animals on the shore have to be wary and adaptable, as conditions change from warm and reassuring to wild and threatening."
Capturing all this on stage is the job not only of the four actors, but also of Michigan Tech's designers of scenery, costumes, lighting and sound effects. The six performances are a final exam for student designers and technicians, many of them majors in theater and entertainment technology or audio production and technology, whose creative solutions to the play's many technical and artistic challenges will be on display.
Tickets for Tech Theatre Company productions are available from the Rozsa Box Office (487-3200), www.tickets.mtu.edu , or at the door an hour before curtain time. Tickets are free to Michigan Tech students, $5 for non-Michigan Tech students and $10 for the general public. Audience members are encouraged to come early; performances start promptly at 7:30 p.m. |
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4. The Musical Feast of Three Mo' Tenors to Raise the Rozsa Roof |
submitted by the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
"Dynamic," "exuberant" and "vocal fireworks" are only a few of the phrases used to describe the incredible vocal stylings of Three Mo' Tenors--a trio of classically trained African-American tenors. Three Mo' Tenors will perform at the Rozsa Center Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Director Marion Caffey conceived and choreographed this stunning display of vocal prowess specifically to showcase some of the most gifted (and often unrecognized) singing talent the stage has to offer. This brilliant New York-style production features the cast of James Berger, Ramone Diggs and Duane Moody performing an amazingly wide range of music, from opera to jazz to R & B to spirituals, all delivered with astonishing breadth and flair. Finding black tenors with the natural capability to move seamlessly from one distinctive musical genre to another wasn't easy. "Not many people can do what the show requires," says Caffey. "Out of 40, maybe one or two will actually fit the bill."
The production is simple but loaded with attitude and style--it's obvious Caffey understands the seductive power of raw talent. The group has traveled the world, thrilling patrons everywhere with their virtuosity and seemingly effortless ability to move a crowd to tears, then joyously raise it to its feet. Three Mo' Tenors has captivated audiences since 2001, when RCA released the original live recording of the show and when it was televised by PBS's "Great Performances."
Don't miss one of the most spectacular and unforgettable events of the season! Join us for the joyous noise of Three Mo' Tenors--they'll lift your spirits and leave you wanting Mo'.
This event is sponsored by the James and Margaret Black Endowment.
Tickets are $25 and $20 for the general public, and $20 and $15 for Michigan Tech students (ID required). To purchase tickets, contact the Rozsa Box Office at 487-3200, the SDC Central Ticket Office at 487-2073, Tech Express (Memorial Union) at 487-3308 or go to http://tickets.mtu.edu . No refunds, exchanges or late seating, please. |
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5. CTLFD Workshop Nov. 13 |
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development is conducting a workshop, "Why Active Learning Works: Insights from Cognitive Neuroscience," on Thursday, Nov. 13, from noon to 12:55 p.m. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Monday, Nov. 10.
Leading cognitive neuroscientists and researchers from the artificial-intelligence community are offering evidence-based conceptions of brain functioning that provide intriguing insights into the reasons that active-learning practices are so effective in producing deep and durable learning. These valuable perspectives provide new ways of thinking about teaching and learning and can provide a basis for rethinking our current practices. In this session, we'll review some of this work and talk about how it can be put into practice in our teaching.
To register for this workshop, contact the CTLFD, 487-2046, or visit www.admin.mtu.edu/ctlfd/workshops . |
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6. SBE Accounting Candidate Seminar Wednesday |
Ikseon Suh, from Southern Illinois University, will present a seminar, "The Effects of Audit Committee Expertise and Recognition vs. Disclosure on Chief Audit Executives' Tolerance for Financial Misstatement," tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 10-11 a.m. in Fisher 101.
Suh is a candidate for an accounting faculty position in the School of Business and Economics. |
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7. MSE Seminar Friday |
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Kevin C. Baker, from William Beaumont Hospital, in Royal Oak, will present an MSE seminar Friday, Nov. 7, from 3 to 4 p.m. in M & M 610, "Bearing Materials in Orthopaedic Surgery." Baker is the supervisor of Orthopaedic Research Laboratories and director of the Biomaterials Section in the Department of Orthopaedic Research. |
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8. Michigan Tech Notables |
For the second consecutive year, the Michigan Tech orientation schedule booklet has been named the Outstanding General Brochure (one- or two-color category) in the 2008 National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) Publications Media Showcase Awards. Created in the Center for Orientation, Mentoring, Parents and Academic Student Success (COMPASS), the booklet was designed by the center's graphic designer, undergraduate student Greg Maino (Humanities).
The Publications and Media Showcase embodies the NODA spirit of sharing ideas and recognizes the outstanding work of orientation professionals for the mutual benefit of all association members. The showcase creates an opportunity to recognize, highlight and exhibit outstanding achievement and professional accomplishment in publication and marketing efforts.
The booklet and award were displayed at the NODA National Conference in Boston from Friday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 2. |
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9. Job Postings |
Staff job descriptions are available in the Human Resources Office or at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/postings . For more information regarding staff positions, call 487-2280 or email jobs@mtu.edu .
Faculty job descriptions can be found at www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/facpers/facvac.htm . For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.
Staff Job Postings
11/04/08-11/10/08
Office Assistant 5
Vice President for Research
UAW internal and external posting
11/04/08
System Administrator II
East Engineering Computing Network/Civil and Environmental Engineering
Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer. |
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10. Sports in Brief |
What's Happening This Week in Athletics
All times are Eastern, and home events are italicized.
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Huskies Drive Time, 7:30-8 a.m., live on 93.5 FM
Thursday, Nov. 6
women's basketball at UW-Milwaukee, 8 p.m., live on Mix 93.5 FM
Friday, Nov. 7
volleyball hosts Grand Valley State, 7 p.m.
hockey at Wisconsin, 8:07, live on Mix 93.5 FM
Saturday, Nov. 8
cross country at NCAA Great Lakes Regional, 10 a.m. (at Big Rapids)
football at Northwood, noon, live on Mix 93.5 FM
volleyball hosts Ferris State, 4 p.m., live on Mix 93.5 FM
hockey at Wisconsin, 8:07, live on Mix 93.5 FM
Last Week's Results
Hockey (2-4, 1-3 WCHA)
Oct. 31: at Michigan Tech 4, Alaska Anchorage 2
Nov. 1: Alaska Anchorage 2, at Michigan Tech 1
Football (7-3, 6-3 GLIAC)
Nov. 1: at Michigan Tech 32, Tiffin 28
Volleyball (17-9, 10-4 GLIAC)
Oct. 31: at Northern Michigan 3, Michigan Tech 1 (25-21, 25-17, 24-26, 25-20)
Nov. 2: at Michigan Tech 3, Urbana 1 (25-13, 25-20, 19-25, 25-11)
Cross Country
Did not compete
Top News of the Week
Huskies Eke Out Seventh Win
Michigan Tech overcame an 11-point deficit in the final 5:35 to defeat Tiffin, 32-28, Saturday, Nov. 1. The Huskies are now 5-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less, with winning scores of 26-21, 39-36, 30-28, 31-28 and 33-28. The 2008 squad has become the 10th team in the program's 86-year history and just the third since 1976 to win seven games. Tech, which still has playoff hopes, will travel to Northwood Saturday, Nov. 8, for its final regular season contest.
Hockey Splits with Anchorage, Preps for Badgers
The hockey team will travel to Madison this weekend, Nov. 7-8, for a pair of WCHA games against Wisconsin. The team split a pair of matches last weekend against Alaska Anchorage. The Huskies scored a pair of power play goals in a 4-2 win on Halloween. Sophomore Jordan Baker scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season Saturday, Nov. 1, in a 2-1 loss to the Seawolves.
No. 7 Women's Basketball to Open 2008-09 Campaign
The Michigan Tech women's basketball team, which has been ranked as high as No. 7 in NCAA Division II preseason polls, will open its 2008-09 campaign with an exhibition contest at NCAA Division I UW-Milwaukee Thursday, Nov. 6. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m. (ET).
Volleyball Set for Final Week of Regular Season
The volleyball team will close out the regular season with a pair of matches at home. Tech will host Grand Valley State Friday, Nov. 7, and Ferris State Saturday, Nov. 8. Tech is currently tied for second in the GLIAC North Division standings with a 10-4 league record. GVSU is 14-0 in the conference, and FSU is also 10-4.
Cross Country Headed to NCAA Regional
The cross country teams will take part in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship Saturday, Nov. 8, hosted by Ferris State. The men's race will go for 10-kilometers, while the women's is scheduled for 6K. |
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11. On the Road |
Professor Barry D. Solomon (Social Sciences) was invited to speak on "Alternative Products, Methods and Strategies to DDT for Disease Vector Control: Toward a Cost-Benefit Analysis" at the Stakeholders' Meeting to Review the Interim Report for the Establishment of a Global Partnership to Develop Alternatives to DDT, held in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 3-5. The meeting was sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme, which is the secretariat for implementing the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
A cohort of biomedical engineering students and faculty traveled to St. Louis recently to participate in the annual fall meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society. Students were accompanied by faculty members and advisors Rupak Rajachar, Ryan Gilbert and Michael Neuman.
The following podium presentations were made:
* undergraduates Eli Vlaisavljevich and Logan Janka, Assistant Professor Keat Ong and Assistant Professor Rupak Rajachar: "Bioactivated Magnetoelastic Materials for Use as Tunable Coatings for Implantable Biomaterials"
* undergraduates Logan Janka and Samantha Jang-Stewart, Alex Hembolt (alumnus), Ong and Rajachar: "Bioactivated Magnetoelastic (ME) Materials for Use as Antimicrobial Coatings in Percutaneous Biomedical Devices"
* undergraduate Jared Cregg, postdoc Han Bing Wang, A. Hurtado and M. Oudega (Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University), Professor Michael Mullins (Chemical Engineering) and Assistant Professor Ryan Gilbert "Migration of Schwann Cells into PLLA Channels Containing Aligned, Electrospun Fibers"
* graduate student Laura Walz and department chair Michael Neuman: "Large Surface Area, Low Mass Heat Flux Sensor for Therman Tissue Perfusion Measurement"
* A. Hurtado, Wang, Cregg, Mullins and Gilbert: "Axonal Guidance Conduits Containing Aligned PLLA Fibers Implanted into the Transected Adult Rat Spinal Cord"
The following poster presentations were made:
* undergraduates Natalie Hartman and Carli Wendland and Rajachar: "Novel Woven Silica-Collagen Fiber Scaffolds for Interfacial Tissue Engineering"
* undergraduates Matthew Rausch and Sherri Weisman, David Taft (alumnus) and Gilbert: "Developing Coating Techniques to Apply Drug Carrying Silica Sol-Gels to Neural Electrodes"
* graduate student Eric Minner, Gilbert and P. Popovich (Ohio State University): "Hydrogel System Delivers Gluathione and Interleukin-10 to Mitigate Secondary Injury Following Spinal Cord Damage"
* Minner, Gilbert and undergraduate Matthew Pap: "Positively-Charged Dextran Decreases Gelation Time of Agarose/Methylcellulose Blend"
* undergraduate Sarah McIntyre and Gilbert: "Application of a Laminin-1 Gradient to Aligned Microfibers to Enhance the Rate of Directed Neurite Outgrowth"
* Wang, Cregg, Hurtado, Oudega, Mullins and Gilbert: "Axonal Guidance Conduit Containing Aligned Electrospun PLLA Fibers Direct in Vitro Neurite Outgrowth" |
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