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1. Kanwal Rekhi Talks About Entrepreneurship in Hard Times |
by Jennifer Donovan, public relations director
Hard times can actually be the best of times for would-be entrepreneurs, says Kanwal Rekhi, a Michigan Tech alumnus, advisor and supporter who became a highly successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Rekhi will give two public presentations at Michigan Tech on Wednesday, March 4.
The first, at 10 a.m. in Memorial Union Ballroom A-1, is titled "Branding of India." In it, Rekhi will discuss the rise of India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies based on a burgeoning tech-oriented middle class. Despite that fact, prosperity is bypassing many of India's 1.1 billion people, particularly residents of rural areas. Solutions to India's education and health-care needs are elusive, requiring the cooperation of Indian and US entrepreneurs and institutions of higher education.
"Entrepreneurship in Hard Times" will be Rekhi's afternoon presentation, scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. at the Advanced Technology Development Complex on Sharon Avenue at Garnet. Rekhi will describe what he calls "the entrepreneurial journey" and explain why a bad economy can be a good thing for someone who wants to become an entrepreneur.
Rekhi himself was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Venture magazine in 1987. He co-founded TiE, an Indian-US entrepreneurs' association that promotes wealth creation through entrepreneurship.
Rekhi founded Excelan, a pioneering computer networking company and one of the first to commercially develop the TCP/IP protocol. In 1989 Excelan merged with Novell, where Rekhi served as executive vice president, chief technology officer and a member of the board of directors.
He will be on campus from March 2 to 5, meeting with faculty, students, Michigan Tech SmartZone representatives and the University's Board of Control. The Michigan Tech Fund is sponsoring his visit.
Born in Pakistan, Rekhi emigrated to the US from India. He has long had close ties to Michigan Tech. Graduating in 1969 with a master's degree in electrical engineering, he has served on the President's International Advisory Board. He received an honorary doctorate in business and engineering from Tech and the Board of Control Silver Medal for outstanding service to the University.
Rekhi and his wife, Ann, contributed $5 million toward the computer science building next to Fisher Hall. It bears their name, Kanwal and Ann Rekhi Computer Science Hall. |
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2. Black History Month Concludes on a Note of Service, Poetry, Cuisine and Song and Dance |
A host of events is scheduled for this last week of Black History Month.
At noon on Thursday, Feb. 26, Lt. Col. Otha Thornton, a former leader of Tech's Army ROTC program, will speak on the role of African Americans in the military.
Thornton earned a master's degree in rhetoric and technical communication from the University in 2001. He was commissioned in 1990 and serves as director of human resources at the White House Communications Agency and also as presidential communications officer.
Beginning at 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, G. S. Giscombe will read poetry and host a reception in Walker 134.
Giscombe, described as a "major figure in contemporary African American letters," is the author of several books of poetry, including his latest, "Prairie Style," copies of which will be available for purchase and signing.
Giscombe also wrote a memoir, "Out of Dislocation," and is the editor of "Mixed Blood," a poetry journal. He teaches at the University of California at Berkeley.
The concluding event for Black History Month is "African Night," which includes a dinner featuring African cuisine in the Memorial Union Ballroom, at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28. As well, at 8 p.m. there will be a performance at the Rozsa that will feature African dance and music, including the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts.
Tickets for African Night, for both dinner and the performance, are $10 for students and $15 for nonstudents. They are available at the Rozsa Box Office, the Memorial Union, and Fisher Hall.
Other presentations by faculty and students include:
* Noon, today, Memorial Union Alumni Lounge A—"Tales from Lesotho: An Account of a Former Peace Corps Volunteer," by Professor Blair Orr
* Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 25, Memorial Union Ballroom B1—"Taking Inventory: Africa's Mineral and Agricultural Resources and Their Impact in Today's Global Economy," by undergraduate Haki Kiema
* 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, Memorial Union Ballroom B1 and B2—"Beats of Africa: African Drumming and Dance Lessons," by undergraduates Nana Manteaw and Kingsley Iduma |
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3. Michalek to Serve Accreditation Agency |
Assistant Provost Donna Michalek, associate professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics, has been appointed an engineering program evaluator for the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
The Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET will assign her to evaluate a technical engineering or related program for new or renewed accreditation.
"This will also be valuable to our department in preparing for our ABET accreditation visits," said Department Chair Bill Predebon.
Michalek has been leading the University's Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), an ongoing process of continuing accreditation.
"I think my experience with AQIP will be a great benefit to my serving as an ABET evaluator," she said. "I would like to work toward integrating these two accreditation processes at Michigan Tech in the future."
Two other MEEM faculty, Associate Professor Michele Miller and Professor Sheryl Sorby, are also ABET engineering program evaluators. |
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4. Help Needed for Family Fun Day |
Donations are needed for Family Fun Day, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 14.
The event features food and activities for the whole family, including use of the SDC swimming pool and ice arena, the Nordic ski trails, the Gates Tennis Center and the Memorial Union's bowling alley and billiards tables.
Registration forms for the occasion will be sent out by campus mail soon.
In the meantime, organizers are seeking donations for prizes. If your department has items to spare, such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, note pads, etc.--or if you would like to make a personal donation--contact Diane Garrow at 487-3458 or dfgarrow@mtu.edu , to arrange a pickup.
Family Fun Day is sponsored by Staff Council, the SDC and the Memorial Union. For more information, contact Staff Council member Allyson Jabusch at 487-2316 or amjabusc@mtu.edu . |
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5. From the Benefits Office: Reminders, Hints for 2009 Health Insurance |
submitted by the Benefits Office
The Benefits Office has provided the following tips for utilizing Michigan Tech's health insurance plans.
1. Aetna Mail Order Rx: Directions on how to utilize Aetna's Mail Order RX, as well as information about the program, are available at our website, www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/TechSelect/index.shtml . Click the link Aetna Mail Order FAQ's.
2. If a claim needs to be submitted to Aetna manually, you can download the necessary form at the above website by clicking on the appropriate claims form link. The provider does not need to fill out the provider section of this website as long as the documentation accompanying the form includes the following information: patient name, date of service, provider billing tax ID and address, and procedure/diagnosis codes.
3. For those who have chosen the HuskyCare HSA plan and would like to order another set of debit cards or a book of checks, please contact Aetna at the phone number located on the back of your debit card.
4. Wellness/preventative visits: Each plan allows for one annual physical covered at 100 percent. These visits must be billed by the provider as a routine visit. If the claim is sent with a diagnosis, copays and/or deductibles will apply. As in the past, if a wellness visit/lab becomes a diagnosis, the plan no longer pays 100 percent but would apply your copay and/or deductibles. This also applies to members who are eligible for a colonoscopy covered at 100 percent (those over the age of 50).
5. If you have specific coverage questions or claims issues, please contact Aetna directly at the customer service number located on your medical ID card.
Since there were many changes to the Michigan Tech health plans, including a new carrier, Julie Edgar from Aetna will conduct more campus forums in March to provide more information and to answer questions from the campus community. |
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6. "The Dining Room" Showcases at McArdle Theatre This Week |
One of the seminal plays of modern American theater will be staged this week in Michigan Tech's McArdle Theatre as the Tech Theatre Company presents A.R. Gurney's "The Dining Room," Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 25-28, at 7:30 p.m. The director is Roger Held.
First produced in New York City in 1981, "The Dining Room" is
a witty comedy-plus-drama that showcases Gurney's remarkable talent for character, finely tuned dialog and pinpoint insight into human relationships--in this case, family values, assumptions and lifestyle changes that occur across generations.
The New York Times called the play "funny and rueful and, by the end, very moving."
Director Held said the Tech Theatre Company--faculty, students, and staff who form the production company for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts--chose the play because it is relevant to the lives of everyone in attendance. "We're investing in plays that make a difference," Held said about this and upcoming performances by the company.
Michigan Tech's production is designed by Mary Carol Friedrich (lights and costumes) and Kalen Larson (stage setting). The production is staged in the round with a cast of ten, led by actor Dennis Kerwin. Sound design and original music are by Jose Cordero-Medina, a senior in audio production and technology. Stage manager is Frank Sopjes, a junior in theatre and entertainment technology.
Tickets, available at the door and in advance (487-3200 or www.tickets.mtu.edu ), are $10 general, $5 students, and free for Michigan Tech students. |
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7. Choreographer, Dancer Mama Yeye to Share African Dance, Storytelling, Drumming |
Mama Yeye, a dancer, choreographer, playwright and teacher, will
visit Michigan Tech Sunday through Wednesday, March 1-4, to present free hands-on workshops on African dance, Yoruba storytelling and Sekere drum building. All events are open to the public free of charge.
Her visit will begin at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, with "African Dance for Beginners" in McArdle Theatre. As Mama Yeye says, "Everyone loves the drums. Now learn how to move to the rhythm. Mama Yeye gives you the basics so you can move, dance, sing and enjoy yourself."
Raised in a Yoruban family in Philadelphia, Apetebii Yeye Olori
Oriyomi--"Mama Yeye"--takes her artistic inspiration from the variety of ethnic rhythms, tastes, sounds and voices of the African diaspora that have been part of her life, ranging from West Philly to Nigeria, New Orleans, New York City, Jamaica, and Atlanta, her new home base. She delights in teaching the arts of Africa because it is an opportunity to create positive change. She uplifts the Yoruba code of "Iwapele," which means good character, and has presented workshops for many colleges, universities and theater conferences throughout the country.
The events are sponsored by the Visiting Women and Minority Scholar Series, Institutional Diversity and Visual and Performing Arts. More information is available from Patricia Helsel in Visual and Performing Arts, helsel@mtu.edu .
Mama Yeye's schedule follows:
* Sunday, March 1, 8 p.m.: African Dance for Beginners, McArdle
Theatre. "Learn the fundamentals to move your mind,
body and spirit into polyrhythmic dances from the African diaspora."
* Monday, March 2, noon: Open Discussion, "Issues and
Opportunities as an African-American Artist," McArdle Theatre
* Monday, March 2, 7 p.m.: Sekere Drum-Building Workshop. Participation will be limited to the first 25 to sign up. Get free tickets from Visual and Performing Arts, 487-2067.
* Tuesday, March 3, 4 p.m.: New Afro-Caribbean Dances, McArdle Theatre. "Allow your mind and body to travel across the oceans through dance to places like Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and Trinidad." Don't miss it!
* Wednesday, March 4, 10 a.m.: Yoruba Storytelling, Rozsa 120 (Choir Room). Join the Modern Theatre History class (FA 3821) session, open to all.
* Wednesday, March 4, noon: African Dance for Everybody, McArdle
Theatre. This is the final chance to join Mama Yeye to learn and enjoy African dance. |
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8. Free Youth Tennis Open House Monday at the Gates |
submitted by Kevin Kalinec, manager, Sports and Recreation
A free youth tennis open house will be held for children ages 5-17 on Monday, March 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gates Tennis Center.
There is no need to register; just show up and find out what tennis is all about . . . having fun! This event is the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids (and maybe even well-behaved parents) to the lifetime sport of tennis.
Activities will include
* free introductory lessons;
* Quickstart tennis demonstrations;
* mini-tennis;
* target practice for prizes;
* drawings for prizes; and
* registration for spring programs.
Racquets will be available, but if you have one, please bring it along. |
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9. Industry Executive to Talk at ME-EM Seminar |
This week's speaker for the ME-EM Graduate Seminar Series is Ed Bryan, an IBM leader who has 20 years of experience in business and information technology.
Bryan is the director of IBM's Software Group Solutions for the Industrial Sector.
He will speak on "Taking Product Development Global," scheduled
for 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, in MEEM 112.
Bryan's responsibilities include strategy, research and development, business development, product support and software solutions.
His session at Tech will outline IBM's approach to "improve collaboration, reduce integration costs and speed up the product development cycle."
His presentation will also address the "pain points" in the product life cycle faced by companies in the industrial sector.
Bryan earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Portsmouth University and a master's degree in project management from George Washington University. |
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10. Geologist Talks About Earthquake Risk Management |
Amod Mani Dixit, an engineering geologist and geotechnical engineer, will speak on "Earthquake Risk Management in South Asia: Achievements and Challenges," at 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, in Dow 642.
Dixit is executive director of the National Society for Earthquake Technology in Nepal.
He will address the successes, challenges and tasks ahead for earthquake risk management at the national, regional and global levels.
Dixit studied at the Leningrad Mining Institute, the Asian Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.
For more information, contact Assistant Professor Zhanping You (CEE) at 487-1059 or zyou@mtu.edu . |
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11. Sports in Brief |
What's Happening This Week in Athletics
All times are eastern. Home events are italicized.
Wednesday, Feb. 25
Huskies Drive Time, 7:30-8 a.m., on Mix 93.5 FM
Thursday, Feb. 26
* No. 16 Women's Basketball at Lake Superior State, 5:30 p.m., live on Mix 93.5 FM
* Men's Basketball at Lake Superior State, 7:30 p.m., live on Mix 93.5 FM
Saturday, Feb. 27,
* Nordic Skiing hosts NCAA Central Regional
* No. 16 Women's Basketball at Saginaw Valley State, 6 p.m., live on Mix 93.5 FM
* Men's Basketball at Saginaw Valley State, 8 p.m., live on Mix 93.5 FM
Sunday, Feb. 28
* Nordic Skiing hosts NCAA Central Regional
Last Week's Results
Hockey (5-22-7, 1-18-7 WCHA)
Feb. 20--No. 15 Minnesota Duluth 4, at Michigan Tech 1
Feb. 21--at Michigan Tech 2, No. 15 Minnesota Duluth 2, OT
Women's Basketball (20-5, 17-3 GLIAC)
Feb. 19--at No. 16 Michigan Tech 84, Findlay 47
Feb. 21--No. 5 Hillsdale 98, at No. 16 Michigan Tech 91
Men's Basketball (12-13, 9-11 GLIAC)
Feb. 19--No. 1 Findlay 64, at Michigan Tech 36
Feb. 21--Hillsdale 64, at Michigan Tech 56
Nordic Skiing
Feb. 21--Michigan Tech fared well at American Birkiebeiner in Hayward, Wis.
Men's Tennis (2-1, 0-0 GLIAC)
Did not compete
Women's Tennis (9-5, 5-4 GLIAC)
Did not compete
Top News of the Week
Women's Basketball Clinches Ninth GLIAC Title
With Thursday's (Feb. 19) win over Findlay, the Michigan Tech women's basketball team clinched its ninth Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship. It was the second consecutive North Division title for the Huskies, who also reached the 20-win mark for the 13th time in the program's 34 years.
1,000-Point Nights for Springborn and Stream
For the second straight year, Michigan Tech had two players reach the 1,000-point milestone on the same night. Junior Sarah Stream and senior Robby Springborn both scored their 1,000th career point during last Saturday's (Feb. 21) doubleheader vs. Hillsdale. Stream tied a career high with 24 points and finished the game with 1,023 career points. Springborn scored eight points to run his career total to 1,002. Last year, both Catherine Rottier and Tim Strom reached the 1,000-point plateau on the same day--a Jan. 17 doubleheader vs. Wayne State.
Hockey Gets Week Off Before Final Home Games
The Michigan Tech hockey team will have a weekend off before hosting Minnesota in the final series of the regular season, to be held March 6-7. Michigan Tech fell to Minnesota Duluth 4-1 Friday, Feb. 20, before posting a 2-2 tie on Saturday, Feb. 21. The team has tied the WCHA record for most ties in league play with seven. The seven ties are also the most in school history.
Nordic Skiing to Host NCAA Central Regional
Michigan Tech will host the NCAA Central Regional Championships Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Michigan Tech Nordic Training Center. Currently, the Huskies are poised to send six skiers (three men and three women) to the NCAA Championships, the most in school history and the maximum allowed to qualify from one school. |
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12. In the News |
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Keweenaw NOW featured a story on Tech TEA (Taking Education Abroad), the student group raising funds for building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan through the Central Asian Institute, founded by author Greg Mortenson. To read about Tech TEA, which was named after Mortenson's book, "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time," and to view some great photos, visit http://keweenawnow.blogspot.com/2009/02/mtus-tea-group-to-raise-funds-for-greg.html . |
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13. Used Cardio Equipment For Sale |
Sports and Recreation has two Stairmaster steppers and two Quinton treadmills for sale at $500 each.
For more information, call 487-2975.
University property may only be transferred between departments; it may not be given or sold to individuals. |
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