Sue McDaniel, Tech Topics student writer, 906-487-2343

You can reach us via e-mail at ttopics@mtu.edu The deadline for submitting information for Tech Topics is 5:00 p.m. the Friday before anticipated publication.

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MICHIGAN TECH MAKES US NEWS' TOP 50 PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Michigan Technological University has been included in the top 50 public national universities in US News’ latest “Best Colleges” rankings.

"We're extremely pleased to be listed among the best public universities in America"” Michigan Tech President Curt Tompkins said. "It's gratifying to receive recognition at the national level."

Another US News ranking underscores Michigan Tech's affordability, Tompkins noted.  The University ranked ninth out of 249 in the "least debt" category, which measures the debt students carry upon graduation.

"Unfortunately, it's become fashionable to bash colleges and universities for raising tuition. We’ve been accused of being insensitive to students and their families," Tompkins said. "Michigan Tech’s rankings in US News show that a top-quality education can still be very affordable."

MTU placed in the second tier in US News' "National Universities--Doctoral" category, which ranks the nation's 249 private and public universities that have a wide range of undergraduate programs, as well as strong graduate and research programs. They are scored on a variety of factors, including reputation, graduation rate, retention, faculty resources, alumni giving and more. The second tier includes universities ranked 52 through 129.

Seven of Michigan's 15 public universities are included in the "National Universities--Doctoral" category.

For more information on the US News "Best Colleges" edition, visit http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex.htm

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MOST DEPARTMENTS SUPPORT POST-LABOR DAY CLASS START

Most senators who polled their academic departments found that a majority of faculty who responded would prefer to start fall semester classes after Labor Day.

University Senate president Robert Keen had asked senators representing academic units to gather their constituents’ opinions on the issue. He chairs an ad hoc committee charged with developing an academic calendar that includes 14-week semesters.

At their Sept. 11 meeting, the senators' responses showed that the majority of faculty in 11 units supported a post-Labor Day class start, with two units backing a fall semester beginning pre-Labor Day. Other units had no consensus or hadn't been polled. A few senators reported that their faculty strongly backed having a week-long Thanksgiving break.

Senator Kelly Strong (SBE) reported on an MTU proposal being considered by Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation to use MTEC's state funding to expand the planned Advanced Technology and Design Complex. Strong expressed his personal reservations, saying that too many questions involving lease revenues and building ownership remain unanswered. He also questioned the need for enlarging the facility.

"We don’t need additional space," he said. "There is already incubator space available in the ATDC, and space for other types of businesses throughout the Copper Country."

"There are some businesses for which none of the existing space will work," he said later. "If it's possible that some state money could be used to equip high-tech incubator space for a spin-off company, that would be great. I would support that."

Since the Republic Bank building is no longer an option, the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation has been searching for an incubator site where it can nurture new businesses. Michigan Tech could offer a solution, Facilities Director Bill Blumhardt said later.

The University is proposing to build a $3.5 million Advanced Technology and Design Complex near the SDC, thanks to $1 million from Ford and $2.5 million from the US Economic Development Administration. The EDA grant will be awarded on the premise that the building be used for job creation. The building will also be used for graduate and undergraduate research and design activities.

The University is looking at creating as much incubator space as possible in the complex. So, MTU is planning to ask the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation to recommend to the Local Development Financing Authority (its parent board) to build a 4,000-square-foot addition to the planned Advanced Technology and Design Complex. The estimated cost would be $400,000.

This space could be owned by the Local Development Financing Authority, managed by the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation, and rented to local organizations that advise and support businesses. The rest of the building, built with EDA and Ford money, could also be managed by MTEC and leased to start-up companies and researchers. The revenues would support building operation and help fund the job creation efforts of the LDFA, MTEC and Michigan Tech, Blumhardt said.

Blumhardt said that plenty of building space is available in the Copper Country, but little of it can accommodate R&D or small-scale production. The Advanced Technology and Design Complex can do all of that. "We will have some great flexible space for a leaseholder," he said. "A researcher could set up a chemistry lab, a bio-tech company could set up the fume hood they need."

"The UPPCO and Republic buildings are just offices. This building will be able to handle small assembly, a wet lab, anything. And having the business service providers right there would be a big plus."

"Keep in mind that all that has happened is that the MTEC board has discussed this as one option among a variety of other incubator space options in the Houghton-Hancock area," said Peter Radecki, executive director of corporate services. "There have been no decisions made at this stage."

Senator Larry Sutter (Technology) asked that the senate look into the (much-beloved) season-day practice in which employees get extra time off between the Christmas and New Year's holidays. "It's hard to discuss because I feel like the Grinch that stole Christmas," he said. However, with most professional and clerical staff gone over the holidays and with buildings having little heat, it is difficult to do research, he said. Provost Kent Wray said that the administration was working on solutions. He noted that rooms can be heated if facilities staff are notified in advance. In addition, employees who are needed on the job during a season day can be given equal time off later.

The issue was forwarded to the Research Policy Committee.

The senate received a proposal from the Ad Hoc Committee on Threatening and Violent Behavior. Selfe said she was concerned about language describing a threat of violence as "any behavior that . . . could be interpreted by a reasonable person as causing physical or emotional harm to another individual." Some controversial class discussion topics could be construed by students as causing emotional harm, she said. Senator Debra Bruch (Fine Arts) said she had been subject to emotional harm at Michigan Tech and that it was important to include emotional harm in the policy.

The senate referred revised Conflict of Interest Procedures to committee and elected two new members to the Conflict of Interest Committee, Bruce Seely (Social Sciences) and Chris Williams (MEEM). Keen said that two new degree programs are under development: a BS in Computer Systems Administration in the School of Technology and a BS in Computer Systems in the Department of Computer Science.

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TAHTINEN: WE WILL PREVAIL

Dale Tahtinen reminded listeners at the Sept. 11 memorial dedication that this is not the first time America has faced an amorphous foe in a battle with no end in sight.

" President John F. Kennedy once said that America was engaged in a 'long, twilight struggle' in confronting another menace," said Tahtinen, the vice president for governmental relations. "We may well be on the threshold of yet another 'long, twilight struggle' against terrorism. It is an enemy whose membership transcends national boundaries. It lurks in the shadows, assumes false identities, and is very, very patient."

America is a democracy that tolerates differing philosophies, political beliefs and religions, Tahtinen told a crowd that included State Senator Don Koivisto, State Rep. Richard Brown, Sheri Davie (representing U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow), and numerous local and University officials. The events of one year ago were "a clash of the philosophical underpinnings of America with a form of zealotry, religious and political fanaticism that is alien to our beliefs."

Free societies everywhere are challenged by these fanatics, Tahtinen said. "But every challenge, as someone once said, is an opportunity in disguise." He told of the Connecticut House of Representatives, which, on May 19, 1790, was thrown into darkness during a solar eclipse.

"And the skies at noon turned to gray, then to a deep black, with threatening sounds from the sky. It was as dark as midnight," he said. Some representatives fell to their knees, others panicked and called for adjournment.

"But the speaker of the house, Colonel Davenport, gaveled the House back to order, and then spoke these words:

"The day of judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I for one choose to be found doing my duty. I wish, therefore, that candles be brought."

Americans are the kind of people who now ask that "candles be brought," Tahtinen said. "We will go about the business of our daily lives and do what we can to preserve, protect, and defend our precious Constitution.

"If we do that, I assure you, we will prevail over these forces of darkness and tyranny."

At the memorial dedication, Army and Air Force ROTC cadets opened the ceremonies by raising a flag that had hung over Ground Zero; they later lowered it to half-staff in honor of the thousands who died in the attacks. Local police and firefighters laid wreaths at the site in memory of their counterparts who perished on Sept. 11. And undergraduate Sharif Wilson placed a wreath below the flag in honor of his uncle LeRoy Homer, a copilot on United Airlines Flight 93, which went down one year ago in a Pennsylvania field.

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YOU'RE INVITED

PRESIDENT'S CONVOCATION SET FOR SEPT. 18

President Curt Tompkins will give the annual State of the University Address on Wednesdsay, Sept. 18, during President's Convocation at the Rozsa Center.

  The Academic Procession of faculty in academic robes begins at 2:45 p.m. at the Memorial Union and ends at the Rozsa Center. Convocation follows at 3 p.m. Awards will be presented to students, faculty and staff. Release time will be granted to MTU employees who attend.

"Everyone is invited to attend this annual observance to mark the beginning of our academic year," Provost Kent Wray said. "All members of the Michigan Tech community should be aware of University accomplishments and of our goals for the year ahead."

A reception with refreshments will follow Convocation.

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SUMMER SESSION HAS A NEW HOME

by Susan McDaniel

Beginning Oct. 1, Tim Collins, dean of the school of technology, will assume the responsibility of coordinating summer school. The position was formerly held by Chris Anderson, director of educational opportunity. "Since summer school is an academic function, I thought it better to have an academic officer responsible for summer school. Thus, the change," said Provost Kent Wray. "Chris Anderson has done a good job in coordinating the summer school, and I appreciate all that she has done. Tim Collins, as an academic leader, will bring a new perspective to what we offer in the summer and how it is offered. I'm looking forward to next summer's different look."

"This change is welcomed because it will allow me to turn my full attention to supporting the Youth Programs, Outreach and MultiEthnic Programs, and Conferences and Institutes areas, and hopefully concentrate a little more on building programs for women," said Anderson.

She added that Collins will be able to provide the focus and attention that summer session needs in order for it to better serve the students and, as a result, grow in terms of summer enrollment.

Collins will have his work cut out for him. One of the first tasks he will face is to begin integrating the summer session into the regular academic year.

This could open opportunities and possibilities for all departments of the University. Instructors could teach two semesters, then have the other off to conduct research or take classes or sabbaticals. This arrangement would be especially nice for researchers who depend on weather or other special conditions to conduct their research.

Another aspect is the sequencing of courses.  A series of courses could be taken consecutively and completed in three terms. "Students would be able to complete the sequence without a break. This way they would be able to complete the sequence while information is fresh in their minds," said Collins. "They would have a full academic year instead of two semesters of instruction and one to bale hay."

Collins said that people should expect the academic calendar to be revisited by the University Senate which will decide whether to support 14-week semesters or stay with 15-week semesters. The senators may explore the possibility of a longer summer session.

"There will probably be a year of laying ground work, as there is a lot of preliminary work to be done, but the following year we should be ready to roll," said Collins.

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WORKSHOP BRINGS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFICIALS TO MTU

"Expanding the Bridges of Possibilities," a workshop including representatives from six Michigan community colleges, will be held at Michigan Tech Sept. 19-21.

Winnie Black, senior vice president at Delta College, will be keynote speaker. She will discuss ways to help community college students transfer to and be successful at four-year institutions.

Officials from Bay de Noc, Bay Mills, Gogebic, Ojibwa, Delta and Northwestern Michigan community colleges will be on hand.

The event is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Career Development, the King-Chavez Parks Initiative, the Michigan College/University Partnership Program, Educational Opportunity, and Outreach and Multiethnic Programs. For more information, call Madeline Mercado Voelker at 487-2920.

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FORESTRY GRAD STUDENT RECEIVES LINDBERGH AWARD

A student in Michigan Tech's Peace Corps program has received a Lindbergh Grant to use 21st century biotechnology to study an ancient Incan fruit.

Kristina Owens, a student in the Loret Ruppe Peace Corps Master’s International Program in Forestry, was recognized by the Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation for her proposal to analyze the DNA of cherimoya (CHAIR-eh-MOY-uh). The subtropical fruit is grown throughout Bolivia, where Owens is now a Peace Corps volunteer.

About the size, shape and texture of a persimmon, the cherimoya looks a little like a fat, green pine cone. Its flavor has been described as a blend of pineapple, papaya, passionfruit, banana, mango and lemon. It may also have potential to boost the income of Bolivia's desperately poor farmers while preventing the erosion of their agricultural land.

Using Michigan Tech's DNA analysis equipment and expertise, Owens hopes to identify the genetic characteristics of cherimoya to develop better varieties of trees to suit different areas and climates. Because agricultural inbreeding can cause crops to lose important traits (such as disease resistance), Owens will be sampling DNA from both wild and cultivated trees.

In addition, she will survey farmers and orchard owners to determine how they view the role of the cherimoya within the larger farm system. "Technical solutions are only as valuable as the social understanding that allows for implementation of the technical strategy," she said.

The Lindbergh Foundation was created in 1977, 50 years after Charles Lindbergh’s epic New York-to-Paris flight. The foundation supports projects that converge with the Lindberghs' vision: a balance of technological advancement and environmental preservation. The maximum award is $10,580, the cost of building Lindbergh’s plane, "The Spirit of St. Louis," in 1927.

Owens applied for and received $9,716. Lindbergh Grants often support innovative ideas and young researchers, providing seed money for larger, long-term projects. The grants' reputation for identifying the best and brightest has made them extremely competitive.

"This was the 75th anniversary of Lindbergh's crossing, so the competition was especially stiff," said Glenn Mroz, dean of forestry and wood products. "It's noteworthy that Kristina won the award as a master's student, working for the Peace Corps in a remote region of foreign country. And she brought the problems of these people to the foundation.

"We're very proud of her for recognizing the problem and for finding a way to solve it," Mroz said. "It's very exciting to have graduate students who are that bright and that motivated.

"It's also exciting that our Peace Corps student volunteers can bring the resources of a major university to bear on an issue that confronts people in a small village in Bolivia."

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NEW WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE AVAILABLE

Now there is one more option for getting on the Internet at Michigan Tech.

RoverNet is the new wireless service offered by IT Telecommunications Services and supported by Auxiliary Technologies. RoverNet allows students, staff and faculty to "rove" to designated areas on campus and get online without having to plug in. By using a WiFi-certified 802.11b compliant wireless adapter in a laptop or PDA you can be online, read your mail, surf the web or even work and study seamlessly.

"This service has a lot of potential. Students working on a team project can get together in the MUB, bring a laptop along and be online researching their project," said Jarrod Karau, systems manger for auxiliary technologies. "In addition, faculty and staff needing to get work done aren't confined to their office anymore for computer access."

Current wireless locations include MUB Commons, MUB Penninsula Room, MUB Alumni Lounge, MUB Ballrooms, MUB Student Organizations Offices, DHH Campus Study Lounge, McNair West Study Lounge, McNair East Study Lounge, Wadsworth Campus Cafe, and the Study and Community Rooms on the ground floor of Wadsworth Hall.

"As a staff member, I see a lot of value in being able to take my laptop out of my office and going to the MUB Commons or the Campus Cafe to concentrate on work and get lunch," said Karau.

"Wireless networking has matured to a very useful, cost-effective technology. We will continue to expand the coverage of RoverNet to other public areas of campus. The library will be our next project," said Brenda Helminen, director of telecommunications engineering. "Also, it is very important that the MTU community have a conversation concerning the use of wireless technologies in our classroom and research areas. IT and Auxiliary Technologies will need guidance from the academic community before we undertake further deployment."

The cautious person may be concerned about security on wireless Internet. In reality, everyone should be. Data sent over wireless Internet is in the air for anyone to see if they know how. "We strongly encourage everyone to use secure protocols such as SSH, IPSec, and SSL when they are on the wireless connection. If your department has a VPN server, use that to encrypt your session," said Karau. "Wireless connections are safe as long as you take the time to make sure you're secured." If you are unsure if you have access to a VPN server, check with your systems support staff.

Service rates for faculty and staff are $15 per month, $60 per term or $120 per academic year. WiFi-certified 802.11b compliant network cards are available from the Campus Store main office. Sign-up and billing is being handled by IT Telecommunications, and support is handled by Auxiliary Technologies. For more information on the service, network cards, or locations see http://www.rovernet.mtu.edu or e-mail auxmaint@mtu.edu.

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GRAND OPENING FOR NEW DISTANCE LEARNING CLASSROOM

All members of the MTU community are invited to a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Distance Learning Lecture Hall, in MEEM 111, on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The ceremony begins at 11:10 a.m. and ends at 11:50 a.m. Following the event, refreshments will be served in the lobby.

Over a year ago, the Distance Learning Implementation Committee began planning for an additional classroom for the delivery of distance learning to MTU's corporate partners. The improvements were supported by distance learning tuition revenues from Michigan Tech's corporate partners.

The new classroom was renovated this summer and provides almost twice as many seats as the previously existing studio in EERC. In addition, it contains the latest technology for faculty use.

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TOMPKINS' EDITORIAL APPEARS IN DETROIT NEWS

President Curt Tompkins' editorial, "Higher Education Meets Special Economic Challenges," appeared in the Sept. 5 edition of the Detroit News.

In the editorial, Tompkins addresses the problems that state universites face without strong support from the state. "There is a drastic difference between being popular and being right. Higher education is vital to the future well-being of Michigan," said Tompkins. "I hope the political rhetoric will quiet and our next generation of leaders in state government will find the courage to do the right thing--keep state support strong for public higher education in Michigan."

You can read the entire editorial at http://www.detnews.com/2002/editorial/0209/05/a15-578458.htm

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JOIN MTU ALUMNI FOR A HOMECOMING COLOR CRUISE

The Keweenaw Chapter of Michigan Tech Alumni and Friends invites you to join them for a Homecoming Color Cruise aboard the Keweenaw Star at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, after the homecoming football game.

The cost is $25 per person, and appetizers and a cash bar will be provided.

To register, send your name, address, telephone number, class year (if applicable) and names of your guests along with your payment to Keweenaw Alumni, c/o Michigan Tech Alumni Association, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 by Sept. 25. You will receive a confirmation slip.

If you have any questions, call 487-2400.

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FACULTY MEMBER RECEIVES NEW FUNDING

Stanley Vitton (Civil & Environmental Engineering) has received $678,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation-Federal Highway Administration for a five-year project, "Aggregate Research for Pavements."

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MTU PRESCHOOL STILL HAS OPENINGS

The MTU Preschool still has openings in fall classes for children ages 3-5. Classes begin Monday, Sept. 9, but enrollment will remain open until all sections are filled. MTU Preschool is a nonprofit preschool open to the general public and is located in the Daniell Heights Community Building. For more information, call 483-4067 or 487-2720.

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STAFF COUNCIL TO SPONSOR LUNCH 'N' LEARNS

Staff Council is sponsoring a series of Lunch 'n' Learns this fall that will deal with 'hot topics' on campus.

From noon to 1 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 18, Brenda Helminen, director of telecommunications engineering will be sharing information about the new phone system. Cookies will be provided. Bring your own lunch and/or beverage. There is no charge for the session.

If you're interested in attending, please contact Becky Christianson at rwchrist@mtu.edu to reserve your seat no later than Friday, Sept. 13. Questions can also be directed to the same address.

The October lunch 'n' learn will feature Ingrid Cheney (Human Resources), assistant director for benefits, talking about benefits and the RSVP. The November lunch 'n' learn will feature Bill Blumhardt, director of facilities management, who will talk about facilities and campus buildings. Reservations for these sessions can also be made by contacting Christianson.

MTU TO HOST COLLEGE PROGRAM SEPT. 19

Michigan Tech will host more than 40 representatives from colleges, universities and the U.S. armed forces on Thursday, Sept. 19.

High school students and other interested persons are invited to stop by the Student Development Complex between 9 and 11 a.m. to talk with the representatives and learn more about higher education programs and college life.

For more information, contact the  Admissions Office, 487-2335, mtu4U@mtu.edu, or visit http://www.mtu.edu

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FOOTBALL HOME OPENER MOVED TO 1 P.M.

The kickoff time for Michigan Tech's football home opening game against Indianapolis on Saturday, Sept. 21, has been moved to 1 p.m. The game was previously slated to start at noon.

The change in schedule was made to avoid a conflict with Michigan Tech's Parade of Nations, which begins at 10:30 a.m.

"We're moving the game time in the spirit of cooperation with the Parade of Nations," said Athletic Director Rick Yeo. "We wanted to give our students and fans a chance to participate in both activities."

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DELL RECALLS BATTERIES

Dell has issued a recall of batteries that were sold with Dell Inspiron 5000 and 5000(e) notebook computers

To determine whether you have a battery that is part of this recall, and for instructions, you can go to http://support.dell.com/i5000battery

If your battery is part of the recall, Dell will send you a replacement battery, a box and instructions to return the affected battery. If you return your battery by Oct. 21, Dell will send you an additional battery, free of charge, and a $30 rebate coupon that may be used toward the purchase of any item or items sold on the Dell website (http://www.dell.com).

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 1-877-237-3355.

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SEND IN YOUR C2E2 PROPOSALS

The Century II Campaign Endowed Equipment (C2E2) Fund Committee is soliciting proposals for the fall semester. C2E2 guidelines are available on the web at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/rgs/research/c2e2/

Click on General Philosophy and Prerequisites for Submission for the PDF file. New this year is a C2E2 Cover Sheet that needs to be included with your proposal. Faculty wishing to submit a proposal for consideration this semester should do so by 5 p.m., Oct. 25. Send the original and eight copies to the Vice Provost for Research office. If you have questions, please call 487-3043.

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TEACHING AT TECH: ALL KINDS OF MINDS

by William Kennedy, Director

Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development

Dr. Mel Levine, professor of pediatrics at the UNC Medical School and director of the university's Clinical Center for the Study of Development and Learning, is a national leader in assisting educators in the design of effective accommodations for students with learning issues. From the vast and varied literature on human learning and years of clinical practice, Levine has gleaned important insights into how variations in mental processes impact human learning. Although his work has been applied mostly to primary and secondary educational settings, the findings are equally applicable to college and university teaching and learning.

Levine proposes that the most basic element in human learning is what he and his colleagues call the neurodevelopmental function. Examples of such functions include a student's ability to recall things previously seen or to retrieve chains of information. Levine holds that any single human mind employs an inestimable number of such neurodevelopmental functions which operate in combination depending on the requirements of the situation. The relative presence or absence, strength or weakness, of these basic mental functions in human beings explains variations in human learning. In Levine’s view, every person has learning "dysfunctions" as well as distinctive, individual learning strengths. When one or more of those neurodevelopmental functions, especially those required to accomplish most common school-related learning tasks, are weak or missing, we apply the label "learning disabled."

To get a handle on these complex processes, Levine has broken down the vast array of neurodevelopmental functions into eight systems. Levine argues that educators should become familiar with each of these systems and learn how various instructional and testing methods rely upon and impact the development of these systems in our students.

The eight systems include

* Neurodevelopmental functions associated with what Levine calls the attention control system direct and regulate the distribution of mental energy throughout the day. Students with dysfunctions in this system are often labeled ADD and are given a prescription for stimulant medications, and their teachers are asked to remove distractions from the classroom environment.

* The memory system determines the capacity and conditions for recall. Traditional classroom testing, which places an almost exclusive premium on short-term, rapid recall under stressful conditions, tends to exaggerate any deficiencies in this system; that is, many students who have trouble memorizing material for tests go on to live normal and productive lives.

* What Levine calls the language system determines a student's capacity to discern among language sounds, grasp vocabulary and effectively understand spoken or written language. Educational implications of weaknesses in this system are legion.

* The spatial ordering system determines a student's ability to discern patterns and grasp representations in space. Students with weaknesses in these systems frequently misplace things, have trouble getting organized for the day and may have trouble orienting themselves in unfamiliar circumstances according to Levine. Dysfunctions may manifest themselves as late or missing work submissions.

* The functioning of the sequential ordering system determines how well students are able to grasp ordered chains of information that underlie much of what is to be learned in school. Weaknesses reduce the student's capacity to perform mathematical operations; memorize phone numbers, algorithms or problem-solving protocols; or to understand the progression of events that culminate in an historical event.

* The motor system controls and coordinates physical movements. These functions profoundly affect the quality of handwriting, performance in sports and the ability to play an instrument. Interestingly, motor system deficiencies also profoundly damage self-confidence and social adaptation.

* The higher thinking system determines a student's ability to engage in abstract thinking and reasoning. Students with weaknesses in associated neurodevelopmental functions struggle when it comes to integrating facts and ideas into meaningful and coherent conceptual understandings. They do well on measures of lower order learning, but fall apart when the test measures broader comprehension and application.

* The functioning of the social thinking system determines how well students will get along with their peers and their teachers at school. The psycho-social stakes for peer acceptance or rejection couldn't be higher than in our nation’s school hallways, dorm rooms, classrooms and playgrounds.

Not surprisingly, a seemingly simple assignment, like asking a student to write the answer to an essay question in class, requires that most of these systems come together seamlessly. Next week we'll look into some of the remarkable pedagogical implications of Levine's pioneering work.

A SMASHING SHOW ARRIVES AT THE ROZSA

Submitted by University Cultural Enrichment

It's a relatively rare occurrence for a performer at the Rozsa to request that the seats in the first 12 rows of the theater be covered in plastic--black plastic to be exact, with plastic ponchos for the audience to use for protection. And would you believe that those front seats are the first to be sold? The one and only Gallagher, the original Sledge-O-Matic man, comes to the Rozsa for two performances on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22. The second show was added when the first show sold out in May. Tickets for the Sunday performance are on sale now at the Rozsa Center Box Office (487-3200), Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. or on line at http://www.tickets.mtu.edu.

Early arrivals may be rewarded with the appearance of this larger-than-life comedian in the Rozsa lobby. Gallagher likes to chat with the audience and sign autographs either before or after the show, and sometimes both. He may even pose for a picture with you. This is one of the very few shows at the Rozsa when flash photography is permitted, and if you forget your camera, he'll sell you one!

Old hand fans at Gallagher shows often turn up in raincoats and slickers, carrying umbrellas, even wearing goggles or windshield wipers on their eyeglasses, which they don't actually need until the hilarious grand finale of the show when the food storm picks up speed. Using a number of comical props and an occasional object, maybe an olive or two, flung into the audience, Gallagher theorizes, philosophizes and generally holds forth on life's contradictions and frailties for the first hour or so of his act. Nothing is sacred for this wacky comedian; his humor is outrageous, unpredictable and qualifies for the adult category. He gradually moves toward the mayhem of the famous grand finale, as he explores the aerodynamics of food and some basic laws of propulsion. "What are you oohing about?" he asks the audience as he launches Rice Crispies or Pepto Bismol or a few pies into the audience. "We're not eating this stuff; we're viewing it."

However, there is more to Gallagher than his watermelon-smashing bonanza. He's a clever comedian who delivers biting social and political commentary, and most of it hits home. He's a keen and original observer of human nature and the American scene. “My humor makes people think," he says. "I want people to look more closely at this country and their lives and see the humor and absurdity in it all . . . I don't have to make it up; the truth is funny enough."

Gallagher graduated from the University of South Florida with an engineering degree, so he should feel right at home on the Michigan Tech campus. Florida Living Magazine named him one of the top "100 Legends" of the state. Don't miss this living legend; his show is unforgettable.

Gallagher's two shows at the Rozsa are made possible by the James and Margaret Black Endowment and by the Michigan Tech Student Entertainment Board with an allocation of student activity fees through the Undergraduate Student Government. For further information contact the Great Events Series Office (487-2844).

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LEADING CORPORATE BOND INVESTOR TO VISIT TECH SEPT. 19

Stanford N. Phelps, one of the nation's leading experts on corporate junk bonds, will visit Michigan Technological University Thursday, Sept. 19, to meet with students and give a public lecture, "Distressed Bond Investing: The Case of Federal Mogul."

He will give his public talk from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in room 642 of the Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building.

Phelps is the chairman of S. N. Phelps & Company and Clear Springs Land Company, in Greenwich, Conn. Since 1974, he has been active as both a bond holder and as an advisor in the restructuring of more than 100 financially distressed companies in a variety of industries. Most recently, he has been involved with Federal Mogul, a supplier of parts to the automotive industry.

Federal Mogul, whose product line includes brake pads, is facing significant liability in asbestos-related lawsuits and has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As a result, the value of its corporate bonds has catapulted downward.

Phelps' strategy in the past has been to buy such "fallen angel" bonds at very low cost, e.g., 10 cents on the dollar, and then negotiate a better price through the bankruptcy courts, says Assistant Professor Dean Johnson, who teaches finance in the School of Business and Economics. Phelps is also known for his efforts to resurrect companies in trouble, reestablishing them as successful businesses.

Phelps comes to Michigan Tech thanks to the efforts of his new employee Holly Lehto, formerly of L'Anse. Lehto received a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in finance from MTU this spring.

Phelps hired Lehto after she appeared on the CNBC investment program "Squawk Box," where she represented Michigan Tech. The MTU team won the annual RISE Symposium in the Blended Portfolio Management category. The contest brings together teams of student investors from universities across the U.S. and Canada.

Over his 40 year business career, Phelps has held senior positions in commercial banking, investment banking and portfolio management. He has worked in the credit division and headed the restructuring/workout divisions at Citibank, was head of bond operations of the Wall Street investment banks F.S. Smithers & Co. and Drexel Harriman & Ripley, and served as president and chief investment officer of U.S. Life Advisors and U.S. Life Income Fund, where he managed a portfolio of $2 billion in fixed income investments.

Phelps is a graduate of Yale University and holds a MBA from Harvard Business School. He is also active in philanthropic activities for educational and religious causes.

ME-EM PRESENTS GRADUATE SEMINAR ON SCULPTURED THIN FILMS

Akhlesh Lakhtakia, professor of engineering science and mechanics at Pennsylvania State University, will present a seminar, "Sculptured Thin Films: Optics and Mechanics," on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 3 to 4 p.m.in MEEM 112.

NEW STAFF

Chris Buckman has joined the staff of Residence Life as a residence hall coordinator. He was previously employed as a community counselor in Green Bay.

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MTU NOTABLES

Retired professor Harley L. Sachs (Humanities) was awarded the judges pick blue ribbon for his short story, "Hillel and the Dragon," by The Oregon Alliance of Senior and Health Services. The short story was published in Volume 18 of REFLECTIONS, the OASHS anthology of prose and poetry written by senior citizens.

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CALENDAR—SEPTEMBER

Hispanic Heritage Month

14        Saturday

            9 a.m.--Parade of Nations Walk and Gawk--Dollar Bay

            8 p.m.--The Reduced Shakespeare Company--Rozsa Center

17        Tuesday

            7 p.m.--Women's Volleyball, Finlandia at MTU--SDC

18        Wednesday

            Noon to 1 p.m.--Staff Lunch 'n' Learn with Brenda Helminen

            3 p.m.--President's Convocation--Rozsa Center

19        Thursday

            3 p.m.--Seminar, "Sculptured Thin Films: Optics and Mechanics"--ME-EM 112

20        Friday

            3 p.m.--Women's Tennis, Ferris State at MTU--Gates Tennis Center

21        Saturday

            10 a.m.--Women's Tennis, Grand Valley State at MTU--Gates Tennis Center

            11 a.m.--Parade of Nations--Hancock Middle School to Dee Stadium

            1 p.m.--Football, Indianapolis at MTU--Sherman Field

            4 p.m.--Women's Volleyball, Ferris State at MTU--SDC

            8 p.m.--Gallagher--Rozsa Center

22        Sunday

            7 p.m.--Gallagher--Rozsa Center

27        Friday

            3 p.m.--Women's Tennis, Findlay at MTU--Gates Tennis Center

28        Saturday

            10 a.m.--Women's Tennis, Hillsdale at MTU--Gates Tennis Center

29        Sunday

            10 a.m.--Women's Tennis, Wayne State at MTU--Gates Tennis Center

MICHIGAN TECH POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Job descriptions will be available at 1 p.m. on Friday, or by e-mail at <JOBS@MTU.EDU>.

The following positions will be posted Friday, September 13, 2002, at 1 p.m. through noon, Friday, September 20, 2002, in the Human Resources Office.

Assistant Professor--Department of Physics

Research Engineer--Keweenaw Research Center

University employees are reminded to apply in writing prior to noon, Friday, September 20, 2002, to be considered as internal candidates for bargaining unit positions only. Applicants from the recall pool will be given first consideration for non-bargaining-unit positions only. Vacancy announcements are normally posted every Friday at 1 p.m. in the Human Resources Office. Complete job descriptions are available in the Human Resources Office or by calling 487-2280. More information regarding employment opportunities is available by calling the Job Line at 487-2895. Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer.

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