Megan Gilge, Tech Topics editorial assistant, 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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TOMPKINS REVIEWS ACHIEVEMENTS, LOOKS TO THE FUTURE IN STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS

President Curt Tompkins outlined the university's accomplishments in his State of the University Address Wednesday, Sept. 17. Despite tough economic times, he said, MTU is on the road to achieving its goals and fulfilling its mission, preparing students to create the future.

With an increasing number of students on campus, rising retention rates and a growing Graduate School, the university is on track to reach its enrollment goals for 2010 .

There are 50 more undergraduates on campus than a year ago, and 84 more graduate students. Freshman retention is up to 81 percent, putting the university in reach of its 2008 goal of 85 percent.

"The University's strategic plan calls for an undergraduate campus enrollment of 6,000 by 2010," Tompkins said. "I am confident that we will achieve and probably exceed that target if we--recruiters, faculty, staff and alumni--all continue to work together."

At 775 students, graduate enrollment is at a record high and includes 223 new students chosen from nearly 2,000 applicants. The university is closer than ever to reaching its goal of 1,000 graduate students. "This accomplishment has been achieved through the efforts of the Graduate School, the Graduate Faculty Council, the academic departments and the graduate faculty," Tompkins said.

International enrollment is also at record levels, and more Michigan Tech students than ever are gaining a global perspective by studying abroad, with 214 students attending schools in 35 different countries. "The excellent education we provide on campus combined with international experience allows our graduates to compete for the best opportunities in the domestic and global marketplaces," Tompkins said.

He noted that MTU is launching distance-learning programs with Northwestern Michigan College, in Traverse City, and will be adding more BS in Engineering programs at other sites across Michigan. On campus, 26 new degree programs have been formed since 1991, many in areas other than engineering.

On the advancement front, giving to the Michigan Tech Fund in 2003-04 totalled $22 million, double the previous year. Looking forward, Tompkins said he expects the next major fundraising effort to focus on scholarships, fellowships, endowed chairs and professorships. "Building a permanent endowment is a vital necessity, not an option," he said.

He reviewed current and planned construction projects, including the $35-million Opie Library and Rehki Computer Science Hall now under way. The second phase of this project, estimated at $35 million, will renovate and expand Fisher Hall. Tompkins also noted that construction of the $3.5-million Advanced Technology Development Complex will be completed next spring and that the $31-million renovation of Wadsworth Hall is proceeding. Future projects are a new building for the School of Business and Economics, relocation of the Seaman Mineral Museum to the Keweenaw National Historical Park, a new child care center and expansion of the Memorial Union.

"We also expect to build a crosswalk over U.S. 41 connecting Fisher and Wadsworth Halls," Tompkins added.

The university's progress comes despite cuts in state support. "Our elected leaders and representatives made very difficult decisions during the budget process, and we can appreciate how tough those decisions were," Tompkins said. "Now, we need to have the state once again make higher education one of its highest priorities, to protect and preserve one of the best approaches to higher education in the nation."

In the 1960s, the state provided 75 percent of the cost of education at Michigan universities, with tuition making up the remaining 25 percent. In the last 40 years, state support has dwindled to 50 percent, shifting the burden to students. "It appears that higher education increasingly is being perceived as a private good rather than a public good," he said. "The uncertainties of our state's ability and willingness to support higher education continue to be of significant concern."

Because of budget reductions, "this past year was a time of extraordinary anxiety and stress for all of us," Tompkins noted. However, Michigan Tech has become an "increasingly agile and innovative university that is making its mark internationally as well as in the Upper Midwest," he said, due to the accomplishments of its students, faculty and staff.

"This is a remarkable institution with a wonderful history and set of traditions," he said. "Yes, 95 percent of our alumni say they would choose to attend Michigan Tech if they could do it all over again, and I too would choose to be a member of the Michigan Tech team if I could do it all over again."

The entire State of the University Address is located at http://www.mtu.edu/convo.

The site also includes "Points of Pride," which highlights the accomplishments of members of the MTU community.

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PARADE OF NATIONS THIS SATURDAY

This year's "Space-Fest" Parade of Nations promises to be bigger than ever.

Represenatives from more than 80 different countries are slated to march in the event, which begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Hancock Middle School, crosses the Portage Lift Bridge and ends at Dee Stadium.

"This is the biggest year we've ever had," organizers said.

Following the parade, international student groups from Michigan Tech will be selling their native cuisine at Dee Stadium, an event that always packs the building. Ethnic music and dance performances will be held throughout the afternoon.

This year, youngsters can also enjoy free pony rides outside the Dee.

The parade also features float and bicycle contests. Shuttle service for parade marchers is available from the Memorial Union between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

The "Space-Fest" Parade of Nations has brought NASA's Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory to MTU. The mobile lab will be open to everyone Tuesday-Friday, Sept. 16-18, from 3 to 5 p.m. MAEL will be set up by the Gates Tennis Center, near the Student Development Complex.

For more information, contact Educational Opportunity, 487-2920.

The parade is sponsored by MTU's Presidential Commission on Diversity, the NASA Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory, Wells Fargo, Designotype Printers, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Keweenaw National Historical Park, Michigan Space Grant Consortium, UPPCO, Mike Lahti, Down Wind Sports, General Motors Foundation, the cities of Houghton and Hancock and the Houghton and Hancock business districts.

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MTU WEATHERS FIRST WAVE OF COMPUTER WORMS, VIRUSES:

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO PREVENT FUTURE ATTACKS

by Dan deBeaubien, director, and Dave Hale, senior security specialist, IT/Distributed Computing Services

Internet systems have experienced a number of problems with worms and viruses over the past month. The e-mail virus known as "SoBig-F" succeeded in shutting down several educational institutions, government agencies and banks. Next, the "Blaster" worm was released, followed by the "Nachi" or "Welchia" worm taking down even more Internet systems, including the Navy's new secure network. The good news: Michigan Tech's network systems, so far, have managed to remain largely unaffected by these attacks due to campus network security equipment and the diligence of the campus system administration staff. However, a new wave is coming.

Although SoBig-F has not significantly harmed the campus e-mail system or network, its effects have been felt by many campus users, showing up as unwanted or confusing e-mail messages containing no body or a line asking them to see a nonexistent file attachment. Many users have received messages informing them that they have sent the virus-infected e-mail even though their system was not infected. These irritating messages have been caused by off-campus infected computers and poorly configured off-campus virus protection software.

How does SoBig-F work? Once running on a computer, the virus randomly chooses a recipient and forges a sender based on past e-mail messages. It then proceeds to send tens of thousands of messages by repeating this process. Few of these messages, if any, appear to come from the actual owner of the infected machine, making it difficult for users to track down the real sender.

Around a million SoBig-F infected messages have been blocked by campus e-mail virus software. When the virus was at its peek, 70,000 messages a day were blocked. To date, three computers have been infected. None are believed to have been infected via the campus e-mail system. The culprit appears to be mobile computers that were infected off campus and later attached to the campus network.

The Blaster and Nachi worms are another story. After their initial outbreak in August, the MTU network has seen hundreds of infected computers. Unlike SoBig-F, these worms spread by aggressively attacking computers with security vulnerabilities. While patches for these security holes exist, often users and system administrators don't get there in time. The result? Dozens of machines infected on the campus network and hundreds more on the university dormitory network (ResNet).

Due to campus firewalling, none of the computers that caught Blaster or Nachi on the MTU campus network were infected by attacks from the Internet. Computers were infected off campus and then attached to the MTU network, spreading the infection within seconds to other unpatched computers.

What can we all expect next, and what can we do about it? In the past week, several new vulnerabilities have been discovered, both in Microsoft Windows and within the MS Office Suite. In addition, security experts expect SoBig-F to be replaced by a more aggressive version dubbed "SoBig-G." New fixes are out for these problems, and work is underway to identify and patch susceptible systems. The campus firewall equipment and e-mail virus scanning systems have been configured to help block potential attacks from the Internet.

Unfortunately, the burden these challenges place on computer support staff is significant; several projects have been delayed while staff tighten computer security. While we continue to focus on avoiding major service outages due to worms and viruses, it is still possible that we may have to bear with an outage if it becomes necessary during a new outbreak.

What can users do? Laptop and other mobile computing users should always use up-to-date virus scanning software (available from Telcom Customer Service: free to ResNet users, $1 for off-campus student users, $5 for faculty and staff). Work with your departmental system administrator (or the ResNet consultants for students) to keep machines current with all security patches. Home computer users running MS Windows should be sure to regularly visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Home MS Office users should also check out http://officeupdate.microsoft.com.

Although it's frustrating for students, faculty and staff to be so attentive to security patches and virus protection, at this time it is essential. Our network and computer system stability depends on cooperation from all, and we thank everyone for their diligence.

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WE GET SEASON DAYS OFF AGAIN THIS YEAR!

Many Michigan Tech employees will get an additional four days off over the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

President Curt Tompkins has designated Dec. 26, 29 and 30 and Jan. 2 as season days, in addition to the regular holidays marking Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. (Including weekends, that 12 days in a row, but who's counting?)

Employees will be excused from work at regular pay. Those required to work during season days will be given equal straight time off to be arranged with their supervisor. Researchers and part-time employees should check with their departmental timekeepers on eligibility.

"I wish each of you a happy holiday season and look forward to continuing progress in the coming year," Tompkins said.

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GREENHOUSE GAS ELEMENTS BUILDING IN FORESTS: TREE ROOTS PROVIDE CLUE TO HOW FORESTS COPE

Researchers at Michigan Tech have received an $810,000 grant to continue one of the longest-running forestry field studies in the world. The three-year award from the National Science Foundation also includes funding for programs involving high school teachers.

Professor Kurt Pregitzer (SFRES) leads the project, which studies the unseen underground forest ecosystem.

The Michigan Gradient Study includes several experimental field stations in northern lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The researchers want to get to the root of how trees cope with increasing amounts of the greenhouse gases nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide.

Tree roots play a key role in processing the nitrogen and carbon for use as food. But the soil at the field stations now contains more nitrogen than the trees can use--a circumstance called nitrogen saturation.

Researchers have already found that excess nitrogen dissolves and is transported into ground and surface water.

"One concern is that more carbon and nitrogen are leaching out of the forest soil and into streams and lakes," Pregitzer said, which may have a negative effect on those aquatic systems. "We are trying to understand the mechanisms that control all of this."

For the first time, the project will involve school teachers.

Beginning next summer, the researchers will conduct workshops and training for secondary school teachers. These programs will use Michigan Tech's Ford Forestry Center, about 40 miles south of the main campus, and one of Pregitzer's test plots near Twin Lakes, about 30 miles west of campus.

"We will involve them in the research," Pregitzer said, "not only to give them a look at how we conduct the research, "but also to introduce them to the important policy issues involved--the effect of human activity on climate systems and forests."

The research team also includes Research Assistant Professor Andy Burton (SFRES), Don Zak, a faculty member at the University of Michigan, and Erik Lilleskov, a scientist with the USDA Forest Service North Central Research Station in Houghton.

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MTU FUTURETRUCK HEADS OUT TO CALIFORNIA FOR CHALLENGE BIBENDUM

Michigan Tech's FutureTruck team will join more than 100 other vehicles next week in California for the 2003 Challenge Bibendum.

The event, sponsored by Michelin and named for its Michelin man (known almost everywhere but in the U.S. by his real name, "Bibendum"), showcases the cleanest-running, advanced-technology vehicles in the world.

The challenge, centered at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway, will run Sept. 23-25 and will feature vehicles from the world's major automakers. This is only the second time that Challenge Bibendum has visited North America.

The 2003 Challenge Bibendum is the largest ever. Participating automakers include Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Freightliner, General Motors, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu Truck, Nissan, Peugeot, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and Volvo Truck. Some of the most advanced vehicles in the world will be joined by more than 35 Learning Center technology displays and top industry speakers from Europe, China and the United States, as well as more than 1,000 attendees from 30 countries.

The top three finishers in the 2003 FutureTruck competition were invited to participate. Teams from the University of California at Davis and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, are also bringing their SUVs to Challenge Bibendum.

Participants include 11 fuel cell vehicles, 18 hydrogen-powered vehicles and an even split between prototypes and production models.

"The 2003 Challenge Bibendum will be incredible," said Ron Musgnug, Michelin's North American project leader for the 2003 event. "The participation from the manufacturers, policymakers and leading technology developers from around the world has been phenomenal. Attendees to this year's event are sure to get a complete picture of the current situation and future promise for sustainable mobility worldwide as well as drive for themselves some of the most advanced vehicles in existence."

Bibendum will be a different experience from FutureTruck, said Associate Professor John Beard (MEEM), the team's advisor. While FutureTruck is an engineering competition for university students, "Bibendum gives the media the big picture of environmentally friendly vehicles," he said, from hybrids to hydrogen to bio-diesel.

The official kickoff for Challenge Bibendum will be on Sept. 23. Testing, press conferences, presentations, information booths and ride 'n' drives take place at the track on Sept. 24. The event culminates on Sept. 25 with a 100-mile road rally through the Sonoma Valley and across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco.

For more information on Challenge Bibendum, visit http://www.challengebibendum.com/ . To learn more about Michigan Tech's FutureTruck team, go to http://www.me.mtu.edu/~fcc/ .

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NICOLE BLOOM MEMORIAL SATURDAY

Friends and family of the late Nicole Bloom will gather for a memorial service this Saturday, Sept. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Dow courtyard. Bloom died in a fall at the Grand Tetons this past summer in Wyoming, after graduating from Michigan Tech in May.

The service, which includes the dedication of a tree in Nicole's honor, is open to the public. There will be a time for her friends to reminisce and reflect.

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JURGENSEN RECEIVES NATIONAL FORESTRY TEACHING AWARD

Martin Jurgensen, a professor in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, has been selected to receive the Society of American Foresters Carl Alwin Schenck Award.

"I'm just thrilled for Marty," said Glenn Mroz, dean of forest resources and environmental science. "He's consistently been a professor that students appreciate and respect. I think that's just payback for the respect Marty shows to students. He pushes students, challenges them, but remembers that they're young people who are just trying to do their best."

Jurgensen has been involved in the forestry profession for more than 35 years and has been teaching at Michigan Tech since 1970. He has received both MTU's Distinguished Teaching Award, in 2000, and its Research Award, in 1978.

The Carl Alwin Schenck Award is presented annually to forestry educators who show devotion to teaching students about forestry and set high professional and academic standards for students they teach.

"What I probably remember most about Marty's teaching are his exams," David Myrold, a former student and current associate department head at Oregon State University, wrote in nominating Jurgensen for the Schenck award. "They were both challenging and entertaining. When you finished a 'Marty exam' you were entirely spent. He required us to demonstrate our understanding and to synthesize the material we had learned, not just parrot back facts and figures."

"Without doubt, our time spent in Dr. Jurgensen's courses was the most influential in developing our skills in critical thinking, synthesizing complex ideas and communicating effectively as professional foresters," former students Deborah S. Page-Dumroese and Kasten Dumroese wrote.

"This recognition by SAF is richly deserved for his dedication to teaching," Mroz said. "We're proud of him."

Jurgensen is a Fellow in the Society of American Foresters and has authored or coauthored more than 140 publications on soil, carbon and nitrogen cycling, and forest management effects on woody debris. He received a PhD in Soil Science from North Carolina University, as well as a BS in Forestry and an MS in Silviculture from the State University of New York.

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GEM CENTER RECEIVES FUNDING FOR "KIDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE" PROGRAM

The GEM Center for Science and Environmental Outreach has received $4,892 from the Environmental Protection Agency for its Kids Make a Difference program, which will provide an opportunity and incentive for K-12 students, teachers and youth groups to develop projects that promote environmental education, community service and environmental enhancement. School classes and youth groups may select an environmental topic to study and teach others about, or they may design and implement an action project that will address environmental issues in their community. Students will share their projects through presentations to other students or by publishing an article in their local school or community newspaper or website. All participants will receive Earth Day Participation Award certificates in recognition of their efforts, and their names will be entered into a drawing for either an environmental education tool kit or an environmental education field trip.

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SPECIAL SESSIONS OF TIAA-CREF FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES HELD MONDAY, SEPT. 22

TIAA-CREF will present special sessions of its Financial Education Series on Monday, Sept. 22. MTU employees are invited to attend any or all of the following sessions:

Understanding Investments

9:30-10:30 a.m., Walnut Room, Wadsworth Hall

This seminar will focus on understanding investments. It will include a discussion of basic investment choices and review some simple strategies and concepts needed to make sound investment decisions, including the following:

  *diversification and asset allocation

  *establishing and prioritizing your goals

  *understanding basic types of investments

  *balancing risk and return

  *new savings opportunities

Mid-Career Workshop

11 a.m.-noon, Walnut Room, Wadsworth Hall

Planning for your retirement is an ongoing project. Changes in Social Security, additional investment choices and the impact of inflation over time are just some of the factors you'll need to consider when evaluating or re-evaluating your retirement plan. This seminar will focus on steps you can take today to ensure your financial security during retirement and will deal with the following topics:

  *How much should I save?

  *savings gap

  *balancing your retirement investment portfolio

  *how to invest for multiple priorities

  *ways to save

Retirement Distribution Flexibilities

1:30-3 p.m., Alumni Room B, MUB

This workshop is geared toward individuals who are three to five years from retirement. It's time to start planning!  There are many things you'll need to consider: the amount of income you'll need, where it's coming from and whether or not you need to save more to reach your goals. It's also a good time to begin learning about the range of income options available from TIAA-CREF and those that best fit your situation. This seminar will cover the following topics:

  *evaluating your retirement income needs

  *asset Allocation strategies

  *TIAA-CREF income options

  *taxes: how they may affect your retirement income

Individual Counseling Sessions

Individual counseling sessions will be available Sept. 22, 23 and 24.

You can register for the individual counseling sessions on TIAA-CREFs Web page at  https://ifs2.tiaa-cref.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/ARS .

If you have difficulty registering online, please contact Kandyce at 1-800-842-2044.

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IT ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR AMERITECH TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

SBC Ameritech is now accepting changes for the MTU listing in the December 2003 issue of their printed telephone directory.

The deadline to submit any changes or new listings to Information Technology is Sept. 26. Listings this year will continue to be $5/month.

If your department wishes to make changes to your listing or would like to add or delete a listing, please send your request to telcom-request@mtu.edu along with the account number to be charged.

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COSTUME SHOP TO HOLD CLEANOUT SALE

The fine arts department's costume shop will dispose of unneeded clothing and accessory items in a cleanout sale on Friday, Sept. 26, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on second floor Walker. All items will be priced at $1. Michigan Tech students, staff, faculty and their families are invited to rummage for items suitable for the Hobo Parade, Halloween and other occasions. Proceeds go to the University Theatre program. Call Fine Arts, 487-2067, for more information.

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BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY GROUP TO MEET MONDAY, SEPT. 29

BTAG will be holding a technology exchange on Monday, Sept. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. in M&M U115. Teams of students and business representatives will present topics such as wireless networking, security and enterprise resource planning implementation. There is no cost for this event, and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Mari Buche at mwbuche@mtu.edu or 487-3440.

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TEACHING AT TECH: DOING SOMETHING RIGHT

by William Kennedy, director, Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development

With good news in higher education circles being in short supply, I didn't want to miss an opportunity to point out just one of the great things happening at MTU. Two years ago, Provost Kent Wray convened a retention summit on campus to highlight the persistent declines in the percentage of students returning for their second year of studies at MTU. A number of targeted initiatives grew out of that summit, and some of them appear to be paying off.

Preliminary figures indicate that 5.2 percent more students returned for their sophomore year of study this year than in the fall of 2001. This year alone, that equates to more than 60 additional students choosing to stay at Michigan Tech. If we sustain this level of improvement, we will enjoy the benefits of having an additional 200 undergraduate students on campus at any given time. The budgetary implications of such an improvement are considerable as are the not-so-obvious but equally important public relations dividends.

So, who's responsible for this improvement? The short answer is everyone who has contact with our first-year students in and out of the classroom. All of these dedicated folks should receive a vote of thanks from the entire academic community. First, we should thank each and every one of the faculty members and GTAs who delivered high-quality, challenging, first-year course work to our students. We should especially thank instructors who took the time to get to know these students and made them feel at home at Michigan Tech. We should thank all of the advisors, counselors and faculty members who took the time to make sure that our first-year students succeeded in their new endeavor.

At the same time, we should thank Bonnie Gorman, associate dean of student affairs and director of first-year programs. She clearly deserves a great deal of the credit for the improvement in retention through all of her exhaustive efforts, efforts which range from our innovative and energetic orientation week and extend throughout the variety of activities which comprise the entire first-year experience. In student focus groups, first-year students give unfailingly high marks to Bonnie's state-of-the-art orientation program. Students regularly commented that the orientation program prepared them for what was to come in the classroom and helped them to initiate lasting relationships to sustain them through the transition from high school to college. Bonnie has clearly achieved the critical balance of impacting the heads, as well as the hearts, of our students.

We should also thank Shari Stockero, director of first-year math, for her efforts to improve the delivery of first-year math instruction. We should especially thank each and every one of the learning center coordinators and coaches who routinely provide all of our students with ancillary instruction and encouragement.

Finally, we should thank all of the folks involved with the whole range of extracurricular opportunities afforded to our students and to everyone involved with providing our students with a high-quality residential living experience.

The improvement in the retention rate is one sure sign that undergraduate education is alive and well at MTU.

GALA TO BENEFIT PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS

Submitted by University Cultural Enrichment

Enjoy a delicious strolling supper with wine, hors d'oeuvres, music and special entertainment at the first annual Friends of the Rozsa Gala celebration held in conjunction with the performances of "Singin' in the Rain." Scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 (so that theater-goers at either the 3 p.m. or the 7:30 p.m. "Singin' in the Rain" performance may attend), the party offers the perfect way to complete an outing to this classic American musical comedy.

Tickets to both the Gala and "Singin' in the Rain" are on sale at the Rozsa Center Box Office (487-3200, Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).

The proceeds from the gala will benefit the popular Class Acts program (the outreach series for area schools at the Rozsa Center, which serves thousands of students), as well as Great Events and Fine Arts programming at the Rozsa. In addition to support from the Friends of the Rozsa, the Class Acts program is also funded in part by the Copper Country Intermediate School District and the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs.

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PROFESSORS OF JAZZ CONCERT CANCELLED

Submitted by University Cultural Enrichment

The Saturday, Sept. 20 concert at the Rozsa Center by the Professors of Jazz at MSU has been cancelled as a result of other bookings on their tour which were cancelled by the host institutions. These cancellations made the tour to Houghton financially unworkable for them. They have, however, expressed interest in performing at the Rozsa during the 2004-05 season.

Any person who has already purchased a ticket may choose from the following refund options: a gift certificate good for tickets to another Great Events Series show, a check if tickets were paid for with a check or cash, or a refund to the purchaser's credit card company. Please let the Rozsa Center box office know your preference by e-mailing rozsa@mtu.edu or calling 487-3200 (Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).

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DETAILS ABOUT DEVON: HISTORY, IMMIGRANTS AND ARCHIVES

The general public, people of English and Cornish ancestry, and anyone interested in an introduction to Devon, England, are invited to a public lecture on Monday, Sept. 22., at 7 p.m. in Dow 641.

Jan Wood, county records archivist for Devon County, will present an illustrated slide talk about the history, landscape and industries of Devon. Often overshadowed by its better-known neighbor, Cornwall, the county of Devon is an equally important historic mining region and supplied a regular stream of immigrants to the mines and mining communities of the United States.

Wood will also talk about her work in the Devon County Records Office, the official municipal archives for the county. The archives preserve many important resources that document people and places in Devon. She is visiting the Copper Country on a personal research mission, seeking information about her ancestors in the Pryor family formerly of Houghton County.

The presentation is jointly sponsored by the MTU Archives, the Houghton-Keweenaw County Genealogical Society and the Keweenaw Kernewek, a local social organization comprised of descendants of English immigrants to this area.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by the Houghton-Keweenaw County Genealogical Society.

For further information, contact the MTU Archives at 487-2505 or via e-mail at copper@mtu.edu

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FOURTH THURSDAY IN HISTORY: TALES OF KEWEENAW SHIPWRECKS

Lake Superior has a long and illustrious history of maritime disasters, and the waters surrounding the Keweenaw Peninsula are home to many ships that never reached their intended destinations. Shipwrecks provide an important link to this maritime past, and their study tells us much about the early settlement and industrial history of Michigan's Copper Country.

Diver and maritime historian Brendon Baillod will provide details of local shipwrecks in an illustrated talk entitled "Ghosts of Gitche Gumee: Tales of Keweenaw Shipwrecks." The presentation will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Eagle Harbor Community Center.

The talk will highlight Baillod's historical research and diving experiences on some of the Keweenaw's more obscure and lesser-known wrecks. His research draws from many archival and primary sources. Baillod is secretary with the Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation, a nonprofit corporation organized for the purpose of furthering public awareness of Great Lakes marine heritage through education and research. The foundation promotes the conservation, study and responsible enjoyment of historic Great Lakes shipwrecks by divers and non-divers alike. He has presented similar talks at the annual Ghost Ships conference in Milwaukee, the Gales of November conference in Duluth and other maritime history gatherings throughout the Midwest.

The setting for Baillod's presentation will be one of the Keweenaw's earliest schoolhouses. The former Eagle Harbor School was built in 1872 to replace a smaller log structure. The two-story frame building saw continuous use as a school through 1956. Local residents recently renovated the schoolhouse for use as the Eagle Harbor Community Center.

The "Fourth Thursday in History" program is jointly sponsored by Keweenaw National Historical Park and the MTU Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections. Additional support for this event is provided by the Keweenaw County Historical Society.

This presentation is free and open to the public. For further information, including directions to this event, contact Keweenaw National Historical Park at 337-1104, ext. 250 or the MTU Archives at 487-2505.

CTLFD PRESENTS FACULTY SEMINAR THURSDAY, SEPT. 25

The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development (CTLFD) is conducting a seminar entitled "Honoring the Trust: Quality and Cost Containment in Higher Education" on Thursday, Sept. 25, noon-1:00 p.m. Lunch will be available at 11:45 a.m. to those who register by Monday, Sept. 22.

Participants in this faculty workshop will consider some of the central ideas of William F. Massy, president of the Jackson Hole Higher Education Group and professor emeritus, Stanford University. Massy argues that colleges and universities must improve the efficiency and quality of their educational delivery systems to remain affordable and to confront increasing challenges from alternative providers.

To register for this seminar, please contact the CTLFD, 487-2046, by Monday, Sept. 22.

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PHYSICS COLLOQUIUM THURSDAY, SEPT. 18

Assistant Professor Brad King (MEEM) will present a Physics Colloquium, "The Physics of Plasma Spacecraft Propulsion," Thursday, Sept. 18, 4-5 p.m, Fisher 139.

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MEEM GRADUATE SEMINAR THURSDAY, SEPT. 18

Dr. Frank Underdown, Jr., of the Keweenaw Nanoscience Center in Lake Linden will be speaking on nanomanufacturing on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 3 to 4 p.m. in MEEM 112.

NEW STAFF

Mary Witting-Smith has joined the staff of Residential Services as a food service helper. She is certified as a cosmetologist and was previously employed as a kitchen helper at Hancock Elementary. She lives in Hancock with her husband Kevin and her children Aaron, Cole and Lindsay.

Michael Labeau has joined the Department of Biology as a laboratory supervisor. He lives in Hancock with his wife, Heidi.

Renata Sommerville has joined the Admissions staff as a data analyst. She was previously employed as a quality engineer at Photronics-Austin. She received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Ohio State University and an MSE in Engineering Management from the University of Texas. She lives in Hancock with her husband, Jason.

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IN THE NEWS

Undergraduate Keith Klatkiewicz (Electrical Engineering) was mentioned in an article about Michigan Tech's FutureTruck that apppeared in the Sept. 3 issue of the Oconto Falls Herald. The truck was featured at the Oconto Fun Fest in a parade and Touch-A-Truck display, where people were invited to examine the truck. Klatkiewicz was available to answer questions.

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NEW FUNDING

Research Assistant Professor John Vucetich (SFRES) has received a $20,535 award from the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for his project, "Non-intrusive Assessment of Genetic Deterioration in the Isolated Wolf Population in Isle Royale National Park."

Professor Kurt Pregitzer (SFRES) has received a $30,000 award on a potential three-year project totaling $75,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service--North Central Research Station, for his project, "Measuring Belowground Processes."

Professor Martin Jurgensen (SFRES) has received a $25,000 award from the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service--North Central Research Station, for his project, "Linking Fiber Production and Soil Productivity to Intensity of Silviculture."

Assistant Professor Andrew Storer (SFRES) has received a $3,800 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service--Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, for his project, "Development of Detection and Monitoring Techniques for the Emerald Ash Borer."

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IN PRINT

Professor Karol Pelc (SBE) published a book, "Technology Strategies and Forecasts" (original title in Polish : "Strategie Techniczne - Prognozy"), at ATUT Educational Publishers, Wroclaw, Poland, in June 2003. His coauthor is W. A. Kasprzak (Wroclaw University of Technology).

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ON THE ROAD

Professor Karol Pelc (SBE) presented an invited lecture series on management of technology and quality at the L. K. Academy of Entrepreneurship and Management, Warsaw, Poland, in June. The lectures constituted part of the European MBA Program offered jointly by LKAEM and the University of Bradford, U. K.

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CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER

18--Thursday

  4-5 p.m.--Physics Colloqium, "The Physics of Plasma Spacecraft Propulsion"--Fisher 139

  3-4 p.m.--MEEM Graduate Seminar, "Nanomanufacturing"--MEEM 112

19--Friday

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

  7:30 p.m.--Coffee House Revisited--Walker 210

20--Saturday

  9 a.m.--Crazy Dog Triathlon--SDC Parking Lot

  11 a.m.--Parade of Nations--Hancock Middle School

  2 p.m.--Women's Volleyball, Saginaw Valley State University at MTU--SDC Gym

  7:30 p.m.--Coffee House Revisited--Walker 210

22--Monday

  9:30 a..m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.--TIAA-CREF Seminars

  7 p.m.--Details About Devon: History, Immigrants, and Archives--Dow 641

25--Thursday

  12-1 p.m.--Seminar, "Honoring the Trust: Quality and Cost Containment in Higher Education"

  7 p.m.--Tales of Keweenaw Shipwrecks--Eagle Harbor Community Center

26--Friday

  12:30-5 p.m.--Fine Arts Costume Shop Cleanout Sale--2nd Floor Walker

27--Saturday

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

  3 & 7:30 p.m.--"Singin' in the Rain"--Rozsa Center

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MICHIGAN TECH POSITION 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, Sept. 19, 2003, at 1 p.m. through noon, Friday, Sept. 26, 2003, in the Human Resources Office or at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/postings/

Assistant/Associate Professor--Biomedical Engineering

University employees are reminded to apply in writing prior to noon, Friday, Sept. 26, 2003, 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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