2009 Diversity Awards Announced

Octavio Villalpando, associate vice president, Office for Equity and Diversity at the University of Utah announced today the recipients of the 14th Annual Equity and Diversity Awards. The awards are presented to outstanding individuals and organizations who have demonstrated sustained excellence in fostering leadership and a commitment to promote and enhance equity and diversity for students, staff and faculty at the University of Utah. Caitlin Cahill, Jannah J. Hurn Mather, Aretha M. Minor and Deidre Hughes Schoenfeld are this year’s award recipients.

Car Key Jams Teen Drivers’ Cell Phones

University of Utah researchers have developed an automobile ignition key that prevents teenagers from talking on cell phones or sending text messages while driving.

Utah Museum of Natural History Receives $5 Million from George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation

Spencer F. Eccles, chairman and CEO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, made an unexpected announcement today to 600 guests during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Utah Museum of Natural History. Mr. Eccles delivered the exciting news of the foundation’s $5 million last-dollar, “capstone” challenge grant just moments prior to program guests putting shovels into the ground.

Office of Sustainability Promotes Action on Environment

The University of Utah’s Office of Sustainability is pleased to announce that the Kennecott Utah Companies, Inc. will sponsor a two-day workshop, Fostering Sustainable Behavior, led by acclaimed environmental psychologist Dr. Douglas McKenzie-Mohr on March 31 and April 1. The Kennecott Utah Companies, Inc. cites this workshop as part of its commitment to sustainable development and long-standing support for education at the University of Utah and in the community.

FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE LECTURE: NANO-ENGINEERING, A TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION

Lecturer: Larry R. Dalton, George B. Kauffman professor of chemistry, University of Washington
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Aline Wilmot Skaggs Biology Building Auditorium, University of Utah

*FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*

U OF U COMMENCEMENT ON MAY 4 TO GRADUATE MORE THAN 7,100

Commencement ceremonies at the University of Utah will be held on Friday, May 4, at 9 a.m. in the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The class of 2007, comprised of 7,166 graduates, will receive degrees that morning. The procession of diverse students, who come from 75 countries, 48 U.S. states and 27 of Utah’s 29 counties, will begin at 8:30 a.m. Guests should plan to be in their seats prior to 8:30 a.m. Tickets are not required.

U Meteorologists Study How a Tropical Storm Grows

A burst of rising air, weak wind shear and ocean surface temperature all play an important role in the birth and strengthening of a tropical storm, according to a study led by University of Utah meteorologist Zhaoxia Pu.

Big Magnets, Big Molecules

Magnets strong enough to stop a heart pacemaker, wreck credit cards and yank tools from your hands will be used to probe the structure of big molecules in a $14 million facility that will be unveiled Friday, Sept. 8 at the University of Utah.

The Kresge Foundation Awards $800,000 Challenge Grant to Help Boost the College of Engineering Building Campaign

The Kresge Foundation of Troy, Michigan has awarded the College of Engineering a challenge grant of $800,000 to be allocated in March 2007 if the college succeeds in raising the remaining $2.8 million of its $45 million comprehensive campaign goal. The college-focused campaign announced in 2002, includes $30 million for construction of the new engineering building as well as $15 million for scholarships, research, programs, and endowment. Sky-rocketing increases in construction costs created the $2.8 million gap, primarily for equipment, furnishings, and other IT infrastructure. In response to the challenge, the college will appeal to its alumni, corporate partners, and friends.

Ph.D. = Piled Higher and Deeper?

To most folks, a Ph.D. means a doctorate, or a doctor of philosophy degree. But to Jorge Cham and his fans, it means “Piled Higher and Deeper,” which is the title of his comic strip about life – or the lack thereof – in graduate school.