Western Michigan University ScholarWorks at WMU
College of Arts and Sciences news College of Arts and Sciences
Spring 2007
Insider Vol. 8 No. 2 Spring 2007
College of Arts & Sciences
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A Publication for Friends of the College of Arts and Sciences Spring 2007 • Vol. VIII, No. 2
Faculty Tech Profile Profile 2 GeoWall brings learning to life 3
Student PROFILE News and Events Graduate students in the news. 4 12 Bronco Biodiesel hits the streets. Names & Faces New Chemistry Building Opens Rave reviews from alumni, faculty and students. 6 11 Buy an Element Fund-raiser in progress. STAFF PROFILE 10
Tech Profile GeoWall Brings Learning to Two from College Named Life for Geosciences Teaching Excellence Winners
we are adding to our collection.” The GeoWall allows for students to actually see 3-D representations that would typically have to be imag- ined by the student. The GeoWall is an eight foot by six foot rear-projection passive stereo wall, which examines subsurface models in a 3-D environment. Images are projected onto the screen from separate projectors. The user wears ap- propriately polarized glasses, and can see the image in three dimensions. The GeoWall was introduced in a physical geology class during the fall 2006 semester when students first viewed the GeoWall to help them understand certain topics. GEOS 1000 students (from left) Megan Murray, Timothy Hiller and Cheryl Peters view 3-D “This really helped students to images of the Mars Rover Expedition. The GeoWall allows students to use stereo-pair images in understand tough Geosciences top- three dimensions to view the surface structure of mars. ics that revolve around a 3-D visual perspective such as plate tectonics, n the first day of class a multi-dimesional systems,” explains mineral structures, and more,” notes good visual imagination Christopher Jones, Geosciences Jones. “The next step this semester used to be a requirement graduate student and teaching assis- is to include the GeoWall within the Oat the Department of Geosciences tant. “The students have a hard time physical geology lecture and then ex- at Western Michigan University. It understanding and visualizing our 3- tend it to Earth studies classes to help used to be that students and profes- dimensional world using 2-D pictures students get a better visual of what is sors relied on the 2-D representations in classes and labs. We resolve these being discussed in class.” through maps and profiles that were issues by bringing the 3-D capabilities The future is here. Now, instead occasionally enhanced by physical into the classrooms. We now have in of relying on their student’s imagina- models. tions, faculty may use the GeoWall to Today, the The GeoWall is an eight foot by six foot rear- produce accurate visualization for the GeoWall, an projection passive stereo wall, which displays discussion. eight foot by six subsurface models in a 3-D environment. “Visualizing in 3-D is something foot rear-pro- that geoscientists are inherently good jection passive at, but this can prove difficult for stereo wall, is being used to visualize, place a series of 3-D pictures from the someone without that particular back- understand, interpret, and test three- surface of Mars taken from the Rover; ground. This is where the GeoWall dimensional geologic maps. a picture of the global distribution of comes in. I personally think that the “The GeoWall system provides earthquake centers throughout the GeoWall will help with the instruc- 3-D visualization that allows stu- globe; volcanoes; crystal structures, tion of all Geoscience courses,” adds dents to comprehend and understand and a live heart, all in 3-D. Every day Jones.
Faculty ProfileTwo from College Named Teaching Excellence Winners
rs. Irma M. Lopez, field of African studies professor of Spanish, and is the creator and and Suhashni “Sushi” supervisor of WMU’s DDatta-Sandhu, associate professor study abroad program of political science, have received in Cape Town, South the WMU Alumni Association Africa. She teaches in Teaching Excellence Award. Lo- the area of interna- pez and Datta-Sandhu will be the tional and compara- first faculty members honored for tive politics, and her teaching since 2001, when the last offerings include a WMU Alumni Association Teach- popular course called ing Excellence Award was presented. Dr. Irma M. Lopez, professor of Spanish, and Dr. Suhashni Women in Develop- That program, which began in “Sushi” Datta-Sandhu, associate professor of political science, ing Countries. 1966, has extended the honor to have received the WMU Alumni Association Teaching Excellence A former student Award 131 faculty members. In 2006, the who has since gone on new program was launched and will to a career in film pro- honor up to three full-time faculty ing abroad for language study, and duction praised Datta- members each year. infuse in them an appreciation for Sandhu for her ability to “convert WMU Interim President Di- Mesoamerican cultures. the casual academic passerby” and ether H. Haenicke presented the A former student who has gone send him or her away “inspired, awards to Lopez and Datta-Sandhu. on to a doctoral program at Harvard enthralled, or otherwise changed for The teaching award carries a said the program changed his life the better” by taking her course. one-time cash prize of $2,000 and a and played a key role in the career “Dr. Datta-Sandhu has an subsequent increase in base salary. path he has chosen. uncanny enthusiasm, a flair for “These awards celebrate teach- “Her ability to communicate Socratic argument, a vast wealth of ing, which is the core mission of with students on many levels, knowledge and a genuine passion our University,” says Dr. Katherine generate and share enthusiasm for for what she teaches,” he wrote. “Dr. Joslin, professor of English, chair of the study of language and culture, Datta-Sandhu’s class was not about the awards committee and a 1997 and support students’ interests in in- regurgitating a curriculum; it was recipient of the Teaching Excellence terdisciplinary research is what truly about changing a local perspective Award. distinguishes her as an outstanding to a global one, and understanding Lopez, a faculty member since teacher and mentor,” the student our lives, relationships and notions 1994, is an expert on Mexican wrote. in the broader context of world and literature and Latin American Lopez earned her bachelor’s gender history.” women writers. She teaches a full degree from Weber State Univer- A native of Kenya, Datta-Sand- range of Spanish language and sity in 1987, her master’s from the hu first joined the WMU faculty in literature courses, with two-thirds University of Utah in 1989, and her 1970 as an instructor in the Col- of her teaching at the advanced doctoral degree from the University lege of General Studies. She earned level. Lopez, who directs WMU’s of Kansas in 1994. She was a teach- both her bachelor’s and master’s study abroad program in Queretaro, ing assistant at Kansas for five years degrees from WMU in 1969 and Mexico, also was praised for her before joining the WMU faculty. 1972, respectively, and her doctoral ability to engage students, overcome Datta-Sandhu, a faculty mem- degree from the University of Nai- any fears they have about travel- ber since 1970, is an expert in the robi in 1979.
Student Profiles Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors play a vital role in communi- cating the messages of the College of Arts and Sci- ences to students, parents, faculty, administrators and donors. Their role is to act as goodwill ambas- sadors on behalf of the College and the University.
n the fall of 2006, the College of Arts and Sciences implemented Panther Deng its first-ever Student Ambassadors Duot Iprogram. Students were selected from Panther Deng Duot nominations for their academic achieve- took an unorthodox ap- ments and social involvement at the proach to a typical stu- Student Ambassador Will Johnson (right) ponders the myster- University. Student Ambassadors rep- ies of astronomy at Major Excitement, the College of Arts and resent the College of Arts and Sciences dents’ chronological life. Sciences informational event for undergraduate students and at a variety of events, many targeted at He went back-packing parents. recruitment and retention. Among the through Sudan Africa first, events they attended this year were Ma- then began his academic University and double majoring in Biol- jor Excitement, Homecoming, Com- career. ogy and Biomedical Science. mUniverCity, Senior Visitation Day, Originally from Sudan, Africa, he “Today there has been a great and others. was forced to abandon his village of change in my life. I am progressing with Student Ambassadors play a vital Duk when a militia fighting for the my education, I live in a better place, role in communicating the messages Christian minority attacked and set the I feel safe and more secure than ever of the College of Arts and Sciences to village on fire. before.” students, parents, faculty, administra- “I was confused during the attack tors and donors. Their role is to act as and ran in a different direction from my il ohnson goodwill ambassadors on behalf of the parents,” says Duot. “I never saw them W J College and the University. again since that attack took place.” Wil Johnson didn’t always want to Meet the five outstanding students Feeling helpless and hopeless, Duot be the physics major he is now. Up until the summer before attending WMU, who were selected as the first Student gathered all he could and went in search Will had plans to attend Western as a Ambassadors and see what makes them of help, in search of existence. music major. so special. “On my journey I spent several “My experience at WMU has been days in a jungle where I could only hear nothing short of fantastic,” says John- the lion’s roar while I was on son. “Studying physics at Western has the run for my own life.” been very rewarding given the small While in the jungle, as number of physics students at WMU. he suffered alone, without the There is a high degree of personal atten- support of parents, he learned tion toward each student.” that suffering is the best teacher Shortly after settling into Western’s and necessity is the mother of groove, Johnson began to explore the invention. university’s organizations and stumbled After coming to America upon the Sunseeker Solar Car team, through a refugee camp, Duot where he had a hand in the develop- Panther Deng Duot (left) chats with a visitor to the College is taking advantage of his ment of the car. of Arts and Sciences Celebration of Research and Creative golden opportunity where he In the spring of 2006, Johnson Grants reception. Duot received his own $500 award at the event. is attending Western Michigan was awarded the Lee Honors Col-
lege Undergraduate Research Award and member of the Lambda Pi Eta, says, “The school is small enough that for preliminary research in molecular Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Kappa I have not felt lost, and large enough physics for work that would be done in Phi Honor Societies. that there are always new people to the summer of that year. Working as an meet. Both in the upper-level classes intern in 2005 at Western’s Accelerator in my major area and as a member of Facility under the guidance of Professor Sara Stuart the Lee Honors College, I have had the of physics Nora Berrah certainly helped Sara Stuart is a senior presently ma- opportunity to take classes with a small develop the skills and knowledge to joring in Public History. She is a part of number of students,” Timmins notes. receive an award of that caliber. the history honors fraternity Phi Alpha “This has allowed me to get to know Theta, and has enjoyed helping to revi- both my professors and other students talize the organization by taking on the at the university, many of whom have Lindsay Martin vice president and treasurer positions. gone on to share several of my classes Lindsay Martin graduated in De- Stuart accepted an intern- cember 2006. Martin majored in Public ship with the State of Michi- Relations and was involved in such gan’s Historical Museum in the student organizations as COMMA (the state’s capital in Lansing, Mich. student communication organization) At the facility, she was involved where she served as president. Martin with cataloging collections and also participated in School of Commu- absorbing the deep and rich nication projects like COM Day and museum atmosphere. COMMA’s Tailgate at the Tower during Stuart also has some vol- Homecoming unteer work under her belt (at weekend. the Michigan State University Just like Museum’s Collections Facility) many of the as she helped clean and catalog Sara Stuart (left) and Jaime Timmins braved the cold students pres- collections. to lend a hand at Major Excitement after spending the morning greeting high school seniors and their parents on ently at WMU, Future plans involve, visitation day. this was not her “…graduating in the Spring first choice for of 2007 and either attending graduate and to become good friends.” schooling. school or entering the big world of the In addition to her classes and “My fresh- adult workforce,” according to Stuart. research at Western, Timmins is a man year I Lindsay Martin gradu- member of the Bronco Marching Band attended Grand ated in December 2006 aime immins Drumline. She works part-time at Valley State from the School of Com- J T Webster’s in the Radisson Plaza Hotel in munication. Jaime Timmins hails from South University and downtown Kalamazoo, and taught the Lyon, Mich. and is majoring in envi- then transferred marching band percussion at Hartford ronmental studies and biology, with a to Western, where I began classes late High School in the fall. In her free time, minor in chemistry. August 2004,” says Martin. “Western she plays with a competitive indoor seemed to be, and was, a much better Timmins earned the Medallion percussion ensemble called Great Lakes fit for my personality and interests. The Scholarship from Western Michigan Percussion. great, lasting relationships were a very University and the Robert C. Byrd Timmins plans to take one or two satisfying factor in the switch.” scholarship from the state of Michi- years to work between her undergradu- Another way Martin made friends gan. In addition to these awards, since ate and graduate studies because she is and built relationships was through the beginning college, she has been awarded unsure exactly what degree she wants many organizations she led or was a the Undergraduate Creative Activities to pursue. “In the meantime,” she says, part of, including: member of the board Award, membership in Western’s Chap- “I will be gaining some valuable job ex- of directors for the Intercom/Profes- ter of Phi Beta Kappa, and membership perience and marrying my high school sional Women Communicators of Ka- in the Golden Key International Honor sweetheart to whom I recently became lamazoo, Student Ambassador for the Society. engaged.” College of Arts & Sciences, member of Timmins “has found Western to be PRO (Public Relations Organization), a good fit for her academic needs.” She
Names and Faces: People in the News, on the Move
Sport: Settlement Houses to program chair all three times the Olympics,” has been com- that WMU hosted the annual Mahendra Lawoti, assistant Michael Barcelona (Chemis- pleted and was screened by meetings (the most recent be- professor in the Department try) recently was reappointed Maccabi USA/Sports for Isra- ing three years ago). of Political Science, has been to the Michi- el. The film explores the ways elected the gan Envi- Jewish women challenged president of ronmental ethnic and gender barriers and A cooperative of indepen- the Associa- Science Board shaped American sports and dent booksellers has chosen a tion for Nepal by Gov. Jen- society and achieved athletic children’s book written by Ja- and Himala- nifer M. Gra- excellence. The film has been net Ruth Heller (Gender and yan Studies nholm. The cited in an article in “History Women’s Studies) a Western (ANHS) for MESB was Michael News Network,” circulated Michigan University part-time 2006-2009. established Barcelona Mahendra nationally. instructor, as one of its picks The asso- in 1992 to Lawoti for summer 2006. “How the ciation brings provide sound scientific and Moon Regained Her Shape” together technical advice to the Gov- was selected as a Book Sense scholars and others interested ernor on matters affecting the Zoann Snyder (Sociology) was Pick, a monthly and seasonal in Nepal, Tibet, the Hima- protection and management awarded the 2006 Outstand- selection of eclectic new books layan areas of North India of Michigan’s environment ing Alumna Award from the chosen by independent book- (Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and natural resources. School of sellers. Himanchal Pradesh, etc.), Natural and Bhutan, North Pakistan Social Sciences and adjacent mountainous at Wayne State areas. ANHS is centered in Third Coast Writing Project College (in William Merrow and Deb the US, but its membership has been awarded a $15,000 Nebraska). Stoyanoff (Mallinson Institute is worldwide. Members are grant by the National Writing The award for Science Education) have from North America, East Project (Berkeley, Calif.). The is based been named recipients of Asia, Oceana, Africa, several award is being used for ongo- Zoann Snyder on career WMU 2006- European countries and the ing work with K-12 teach- achievements of alumni who 2007 “Make Himalayan area. ers in exploring multimedia are nominated by faculty at a Difference” (especially digital storytelling) Wayne State. Snyder gradu- Awards. as a writing and thinking ated with a B.S. in Criminal process that can support learn- Make a Dif- Justice from Wayne State Col- Ellen Brinkley (English) ing across the curriculum. ference is a lege in 1985. will travel to New York as a Last year TCWP worked with campus wide new member of the College more than 1,300 teachers peer-to-peer William Merrow Board’s English Academic from southwest Michigan program that Advisory school districts through the recognizes Thomas Van Valey (Sociology) Committee. summer programs on campus staff mem- has received “TheMarvin Ol- Brinkley has and school-based profes- bers for their sen Award for Distinguished done some sional development programs. accom- Service” which is given at contractual The young writer’s summer plishments College Board program brought more than the annual meeting of the and daily work and now 90 students and their parents Michigan Sociological Asso- investment ciation. Van Valey has been a of energy Deb Stoyanoff Ellen Brinkley is joining this to campus. group which member of the MSA for more and creativ- provides guid- than 25 years, has served as ity. It features semiannual ance regarding CB programs president and vice-president, and annual awards that go to focused on English. Brinkley A documentary film byLinda and been an elected member non-faculty employees who is director of the Third Coast Borish (History), entitled of the Council for nearly provide exceptional services to Writing Project at Western. “Jewish Women in American 10 years. He also served as the university.
Names and Faces: People in the News, on the Move
have contributed funds to ship in the professional fields NPR broadcast the interview create this program with the of geography and education. nationally and usually posts Onaiwu goal of encouraging profes- It is named for an Australian its book reviews on the web Ogbomo, sional growth of majors, as geographer and public servant (www.npr.org
Names and Faces: People in the News, on the Move
Education: A Multidisci- plinary Effort to Bridge the Professor Susan Pozo (Eco- Individual Actor and System nomics) was cited in an article Perspectives.” The project appearing on the front page will run for two years and of the “Wall Street Journal” involves planning a national entitled “Migrants Money is multidisciplinary conference an Imperfect Cure for Poor for researchers interested Nations.” In this article they in studying and promoting cite research on the impact change in higher education. of remissions undertaken by Professor Gene Freudenburg, chair of Pozo and her co-author and From left, Wilson Warren, Fred Dobney, and Lynne Heasley have earned the Department of Math- a $250,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant to develop ematics, recently published WMU gradu- workshops for teachers. “Algebraic Theory of Locally ate Cata- Nilpotent Derivations.” This lina Amuedo Susan Pozo book explores the theory and Dorantes. munities.” The project was application of Pozo also has funded at the requested level Department of History locally nilpo- been awarded a Fulbright (approximately $225,000). faculty Fred Dobney, Lynne tent deriva- Scholar grant to study the im- It is funded under the NEH Heasley, and Wilson War- tions, which pact of emigrant remittances program, “Landmarks of ren, together with collabora- is a subject in South America. American History: Workshops tor Richard Roosenberg of of growing for School Teachers.” Tillers International, have interest and earned a $250,000 National Gene importance Endowment for the Humani- Freudenburg not only Joe McKean (Statistics) gave a ties grant to develop work- among those two day workshop on “Robust Fritz Allhoff (Philosophy) shops for history and social in commutative algebra and Nonparametric Methods for will serve as part of a team studies teachers. The team algebraic geometry, but also in the General Linear Model’’ which will study ethical issues expects to attract participants fields such as Lie algebras and at the U.S. Army Conference related to human enhance- from around the country. differential equations. on Applied Statistics 2006, ment and nanotechnology as Their innovative project, “The Research Triangle Park, N.C. American Farm in U.S. His- a result of nearly $250,000 It was conducted jointly with tory: The Policy, Technology, in grants from the National Jeff Terpstra of North Dakota Amy McGinnis (former MFA and Landscapes of Everyday Science Foundation. The State University. English student) has won the Life” will result in a series of grants will fund collaborative 2006 Holland Prize for her teacher workshops during July research between Dartmouth poetry collection “Cut River,” 2007, using the properties of College and Western Michi- gan University for the next which will be published by Chemistry faculty Elke Schof- Tillers International. Tillers three years. Logan House Press. fers, John Miller, Don Sch- is an organization located on reiber, Steve Bertman, and historic farm properties just Michael Barcelona participat- southeast of Kalamazoo dedi- ed in Chemistry Day at the cated to “preserving, studying, Charles Henderson has Elizabeth Kerlikowske, a cur- Kalamazoo Valley Museum. and exchanging low-capital received a National Science rent Ph.D. student in English, The event attracted 1,700 visi- technologies that increase the Foundation award of $97,011 will have her poetry collection tors and proved to be quite an sustainability and productiv- for a project titled: “Fa- “Dominant Hand,” published opportunity to help the pub- ity of people in rural com- cilitating Change in Higher by Mayapple Press. lic understand the roles which
Names and Faces: People in the News, on the Move
chemistry plays in their lives. of Flint’s Jewish community and attitudes toward learning Children and adults were able with the saga of this iconic course content. The article to make their own biodiesel, boom-and-bust city. Earlier appeared in the Instructional Vladimir Pintro (Philosophy) make slime, and participate in this year the book was named Communication journal— of Haiti is the second WMU many other experiments. a finalist for an Independent Communication Education. graduate and one of fewer Book Publishers Award. than 100 students world- wide to receive a 2006-07 Gates Cambridge Scholar- Robert Vann (Spanish) was Associate Professor J.D. ship, one of the world's most awarded $2,000 from the The Mallinson Institute for Dolan (English) published a prestigious awards in higher Haenicke Institute for Global Science Education is pleased feature article in the Janu- education. Pintro completed a Education for a site visit in to note that Betty Udongo, ary/February 2007 issue of master’s degree in philosophy March 2007 to the University doctoral student from Ugan- Details magazine. The article in July 2006 from WMU. of Lleida in Spain. da, participated in a panel chronicles the rise and fall discussion on “The Education of the International Pool of Girls in the Developing Tour, which was founded by Kevin Trudeau, an infomer- World,” on Sept. 26, 2006, at Western Michigan Universi- cial giant (and a convicted Sisay Asefa (Economics) Wayne State University. This ty’s Ethics Bowl team placed felon). Dolan's research often ninth among 32 teams at the recently was invited to par- event was sponsored by the involves pool; his feature 2007 Intercollegiate Ethics ticipate in the International United States Mission to the article “Pool, a Love Story,” Bowl National Championship Conference on the State of United Nations and moder- was published in Esquire and in February. The students par- Affairs in Africa. Asefa also Gershem Bolton ated by , the reprinted in Best American ticipating were Natalie Kaftan moderated a plenary session wife of the US Ambassador to Sports Writing. of DePere, Wis.; Shawn on the “State the UN. Myers of Jackson, Mich.; of Economic and Jennifer Praner of Battle Develop- Creek, Mich. ment,” and Robert C. Ulin (chair, An- presented Jocelyn Steinke (Communi- thropology) has had a second a paper on cation) has been elected to the work translated into Chinese. the “Political rank of American Association The article, which Ulin was Sisay Asefa Paul Economy of for the Advancement of Sci- asked to write after ence Fellow. Steinke is being Ricoeur’s death, was origi- Poverty and honored for distinguished nally published in English in Food Insecu- contributions to the public Anthropologi- rity in Ethiopia and the Horn understanding of science cal Quarterly. is published regularly by the of Africa,” at the International through research on media Dr. Guoqiang Western Michigan University Conference on the State of representations of women in He of Sun Yat College of Arts and Sciences. Affairs in Africa (ICSAA), in science. Sen Univer- Editor/Layout...... Cheri Bales Writers...... Scott Nimer, Boston. sity is the Abagail Smith, Mike Sliwka, translator (he Amanda Tyner was a visiting Robert Ulin Submit information for School of Communication professor at the Insider to: Nora Faires (chair, Canadian faculty members Chad Ed- WMU). He Cheri Bales Studies Initiative) received a wards and Autumn Edwards also translated Ulin’s book 3302 Friedmann Hall State History Award from the and graduate student Qing (Understanding Cultures) College of Arts & Sciences Historical Society of Michi- Qing published an article on which is published in Chinese Western Michigan University gan for her co-authored book the influence of computer- with Peking (Beijing) Univer- Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5308 “Jewish Life in the Industrial mediated word-of-mouth sity Press. It is the ninth best Phone (269) 387-4578 Promised Land, 1855-2005,” communication on student selling academic book in the Fax: (269) 387-3999 a study intertwining the story perceptions of instructors Peoples Republic of China. [email protected]
Staff Profile Brenda Brewer
the college atmosphere was “right up her alley. “I’m a people person. I like dealing with people,” Brewer said. She spends time with graduate-level students, particularly, guiding them in their future career decisions. Over the years, Brewer has developed compas- sion and patience which she feels helps her with her job today. When comparing the Depart- ment of History with other depart- ments on campus, Brewer says she enjoys the advantage of having both an undergraduate and graduate director. The Department of History Brenda Brewer, office coordinator for the Department of History, has been with the University for recently recruited three Ph.D. appli- more than 18 years. cants—something many departments on campus do not have the resources ime has really flown by,” of History. Being the office coordina- available for. Brewer feels that they is the phrase Depart- tor, her main responsibilities for the look for the best which allows for ment of History Office department include handling the flexibility. “TCoordinator Brenda Brewer uses most budget and any financial matters as Brewer has been married for 29 often to describe her 18 years at West- well as hiring students each semester years and has three children. With a ern Michigan University. to work in the department. strong faith in God, Brewer and her Brewer be- husband have been pastoring for two gan her career at “All people deserve the same treatment no and a half years. She plans to con- Western Michi- matter what their status may be.” tinue her work at WMU for at least gan University —Brenda Brewer another five years. She also is a happy in the Provost’s Department of History grandmother who plans to spend Office where more time with her grandchildren she worked for when she can. two years after moving to Kalamazoo “Every job I’ve had has prepared Upon her retirement, Brewer from Battle Creek. She had originally me for the next,” Brewer said. plans to fully commit herself to minis- applied to the College of Fine Arts, And Brewer has really “appreci- try. but was recruited to the Provost’s Of- ated the opportunity to advance Throughout Brewer’s life and ca- fice. She then was offered a position and work with faculty and staff,” at reer experiences, she offers this advice in the Dean’s Office of the College of WMU. to others: “Do unto others as they do Arts & Sciences where she remained “I like the climate and atmo- unto you.” Brewer said, “People can for 12 years. sphere. I really like the people,” get caught up and forget their starting For the past five years—since Brewer said when describing what point. She is a firm believer in the ad- her position with the Dean’s Of- she enjoys most about being a WMU age that “all people deserve the same fice—Brewer has been working with staff member. treatment no matter what their status the largest department in the College Brewer has always had a love for may be,” and tries to educate others to of Arts and Sciences, the Department working in hospitals and schools, so realize this as well.
10 Donor Relations
Starting this month, please be expect- ships, student travel, faculty research partments, please complete this form, ing a friendly phone call from a West- support, and new equipment for and return it to: ern Michigan University student to classrooms, as well as to provide fund- Western Michigan University discuss support for the College of Arts ing to the Mock Trial program, the WMU Foundation Office and Sciences annual fund. Annual Fort St. Joseph Open House and Field 1903 W. Michigan Avenue fund gifts may be designated to any School, and the Chemistry Building Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403 department, program, or scholarship, Open House. I would like to contribute $______to: or to the greatest need of the college. The amount of the gift is not the (select one) Your generosity is greatly appreciated most important aspect of giving back. _____ WMU College of Arts and Sciences or by the students, faculty and staff. The percentage of alumni who donate WMU Department of ______During these difficult budget to WMU is very important and is times, these funds are imperative considered in criteria used for national Please indicate level of affiliation based on this to the success of our college and rankings—which will in turn increase contribution: (select one) programs. These funds will provide the value of your WMU degree. Each _____ Founder $1,000 or more temporary funding to programs until gift makes a difference no matter the _____ Benefactor $500-$999 permanent funding can be allocated. size. _____ Partner $250-$499 _____ Affiliate $100-$249 These annual fund dollars allow us Thank you once again for your _____ Friend $10-$99 to take advantage of current oppor- support and interest in the College of tunities for student travel, research, Arts and Science. To learn more about Payment Method: (select one) scholarships, recruiting, and retention the development priorities in the Col- _____ Check (to “WMU Foundation”) of our top faculty. These funds are a lege of Arts and Sciences, or to make _____ Credit card (check one) critical source of operating revenue to a donation, please contact Nicklas ____Mastercard McLaren ____Visa support short-term goals and ideas. at (269) 387-4399 or at Account #:______Last fiscal year, our annual giving [email protected]. program rose over $120,000 in sup- If you would like to make a tax Expiration Date:______port of our college. That support has deductible contribution to the College allowed the college to provide scholar- of Arts and Sciences or one of its de- Signature (required):______Fund-raiser for Chemistry Scholarships To raise funds for student scholarships, the Western Michigan University Department of Chemistry has developed a unique funding opportunity—purchase an element. Elemental Fund Key Mounted prominently in the main foyer of the new chemistry building is a large scale $10,000 (Precious metals) periodic table mural. Donors are recognized by a plaque mounted on the element $5,000 (Biochemically sponsored. Elements may be sponsored at the levels indicated in the table at right by contact- essential, bulk) ing the Department of Chemistry at (269) 387-2846 or via e-mail to Michael Barce- $1,000 (Biochemically lona at [email protected]. Please visit the Department website at www. essential, trace) wmich.edu/chemistry/fundraiser.htm to check availability of specific elements. $1,000 (Noble gases) $1,000 (Transuranics) $1,000 (Predicted, unnamed) $500 (other) Sold
11 News & Events Doctoral Student Interviews Renowned Latin American Writer
speaking world, the Premio Cervantes. Habra has developed a great interest in Vargas Llosa and has published several refereed articles on some of his novels. On Oct. 19, she was granted an interview from Vargas Llosa in Georgetown where he is currently teaching as a Visit- ing Professor. She was able to discuss several points relevant to her thesis and address specific questions that he graciously answered in detail. This meeting was stimulating and useful for a better understanding of his work. For her doctoral dis- sertation Habra has chosen a Department of Spanish doctoral student, Hedy Habra (left), after her interview with Mario Vargas Llosa combined critical approach, at his home in Georgetown. which consists of the linking of the function of the visual to the edy Habra, a doctoral student in the Depart- concept of “small worlds” which ment of Spanish, recently received a Fellowship stem from characters’ fantasies. Vargas Llosa transforms his for Dissertation Completion and is writing her characters into producers of short films, which multiplies H Mario Vargas Llosa the levels of interpretation and sheds light on the fictional doctoral thesis on the narrative of , one of the foremost Latin American contemporary writers. plot, inducing reader’s involvement in the interpretation and On the Nobel list for decades, Vargas Llosa is one of the recreation of the text. She feels that meeting Mario Vargas leading exponents of the Latin American “Boom” along- Llosa was instrumental in improving the depth and quality side Gabriel García Márquez, Carlos Fuentes and Julio of her research and insights on his complex narrative. Cortázar. For more about Habra or Vargas Llosa, visit one of the His work has been translated into 32 languages. An following websites: award-winning essayist, novelist and playwright, Vargas • www.hedyhabra.com Llosa’s novels cover a wide range of genres, from historical • http://www.mvargasllosa.com/ (Vargas Llosa and political narratives to novels with lyrical or humor- Official Website) ous overtones. He has just been granted the Maria Moors • http://www.mvargasllosa.com/distin.htm Cabot Prize from Columbia University for his exceptional (Awards and Distinctions) journalistic achievements. Vargas Llosa is also a recipient • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Vargas_ of the most prestigious literary award in the Spanish- Llosa (English and other languages)
12 News & Events
alamazoo citizens could breath cleaner air, ride more efficient public Ktransit and see their tax dollars stretched further, as city buses begin using a Western Michigan University fuel product gener- ated from one of the least-used sources of biodiesel—waste grease from restaurants. The City of Kalamazoo an- nounced Oct. 13 it will begin pi- loting Bronco Biodiesel in Metro Transit buses. Bronco Biodiesel is the brainchild of a group of WMU faculty members who secured development funds in 2006 through the President’s In- novation Fund. They will produce Sarah Hill (Anthropology) John Miller (rear) and Steven Bertman (Chemistry), project co-directors of the as much as 100,000 gallons of the Bronco Biodiesel pilot project. product by recycling restaurant trap grease through a facility at the Kalamazoo Wastewater reduce engine maintenance costs, and it is safer to use and Reclamation Plant. Bronco Biodiesel is expected to be in full transport. production by summer. Bronco Biodiesel will make fuel for city fleets from The move could make Kalamazoo the first community trap grease, a substance that accumulates under commercial in the continental United States to use trap grease as a fuel kitchen sinks. If commercial traps are not properly main- source and could tained, they discharge grease establish a model for “Brewing biodiesel from such waste could have into city sewer lines, where a alternative energy a positive effect on city sewer and water rates messy accumulation becomes a use and university/ by preventing costly maintenance and clean-up costly problem for city mainte- community coop- problems.” nance workers. eration that other —Sarah Hill, WMU “Brewing biodiesel from cities can emulate. Professor of Anthropology such waste could have a posi- The city expects to tive effect on city sewer and begin using the fuel in about a quarter of its 20-bus fleet water rates, by preventing costly maintenance and clean-up early in 2007. problems,” says Sarah Hill, WMU professor of anthropolo- “This is a model of biodiesel production that could be gy who also is a project co-director. “What’s now a headache exported to any municipality,” says Steve Bertman, WMU for the city is an opportunity for Bronco Biodiesel.” professor of chemistry and co-director of Bronco Biodiesel. John Miller, WMU associate professor of chemistry is “This is an effort that’s complementary, not competitive with the third project director for the initiative. He says the city/ other biodiesel production. We’re using trap grease, a source university partnership will put Kalamazoo ahead of the game for fuel currently not being used. Right now, those are BTUs in building a sustainable urban environment. “We’re using down the drain—literally.” a simple, low-tech process to make a biodiesel product that Biodiesel, a proven renewable fuel, can be made from meets all the quality standards that exist for such fuels,” says any fat or oil. It burns more completely than petroleum Miller. “We think using biodiesel widely is inevitable, and diesel, emits fewer noxious by-products and significantly this is the kind of effort that will serve as a national model. lowers greenhouse gas production. Its superior lubricity can We’re delighted with the support the city is showing.”
13
From the Dean Come Visit the New Chemistry Building! Chemistry Building Opens
n January 26, the university and our college When you visit the new building, and I hope that you sponsored the grand opening for our new Chem- do visit, you will notice the remarkable mural located in Jan. 8 to Rave Reviews istry Building—a building that will enhance and the lobby area. The mural artists are Amy Baur and Brian Oenrich the academic lives of our students, staff, and faculty. Boldon of In Plain Sight in Okemos. I’m told that for this Obviously, a facility such as this one could not have come mural they “integrated high-resolution photography with into being without the hard work and dedication of a great traditional architectural materials of ceramics and glass,” but number of people, and in this space, I would like to thank whatever they did technically, Amy Baur and Brian Boldon just a few of these important benefactors and contributors. achieved visually a genuine triumph and achievement. I would like to thank first our former president,Judi Finally, I would be absolutely remiss if I did not thank the Bailey, who initiated this project. I would like to thank faculty of the Department of Chemistry and their fearless Dennis Vovos, Kevin Boyer, and Chris Bremer from the leader Mike Barcelona for their consultation, inspiration, Architecture firm of Holabird and, in and Root in Chicago for their “If you should like to visit the Chemistry Building, some cases, sensational design work. Our don’t hesitate to contact our office, and we will be perspiration Construction Contractor, Miller- happy to arrange a tour.” in helping Davis in Kalamazoo, —Dean, Thomas Kent bring to and especially Michele completion this classroom facility that will help the Wreggelsworth from department enhance its already outstanding service Miller-Davis, literally to our students. All of these people and many more worked overtime to deserve our sincere appreciation. complete the build- As you may know, the new Chemistry Building ing. At times, the will be employed exclusively for classroom instruc- worksite looked like tion, and the location of the building, directly adja- a beehive with two cent to our library, is especially pleasing. Dedicated or three shifts work- to the dissemination and the creation of knowledge ing around the clock, about the physical and material world, our new so Miller-Davis has Chemistry Building stands right next door to a certainly earned our building dedicated to the preservation of knowledge sincere gratitude for and the nonmaterial or metaphysical world of ideas their tremendous and human thought. This union of the concrete and effort and devotion the abstract, the union of our Chemistry Build- to this project. The ing dedicated to the concrete investigation of the Civil Engineering firm material world linked and conjoined physically and Fishbeck, Thompson, symbolically with a building dedicated to the pres- Carr and Huber in ervation of ideas is, it seems to me, especially fitting Grand Rapids also and proper. performed yeoman So, this sensational new facility will serve us all work to help complete Nearly 4,000 WMU students enjoy the classroom facili- wonderfully well and make our campus environ- ties each semester. The new instructional facility replaces the building on time. McCracken Hall, which was built 58 years ago. ment a better place to learn, to work, and to visit. I need also to thank And if you should like to visit the Chemistry Build- our Campus Facilities ing, don’t hesitate to contact our office, and we will Group—Bob Beam, David Dakin, Evie Askin—and many be happy to arrange a tour. others who worked tirelessly here on campus to coordinate and to guide both the conception and the construction of the new building. Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
14
Come Visit the New Chemistry Building! Chemistry Building Opens Jan. 8 to Rave Reviews
estern Michigan University’s new state-of-the- education class or to fulfill other course requirements. art Chemistry Building opened for classes Jan. The building includes a large signature artwork in 8, attracting rave reviews campus wide and in the lobby honoring the role of science in generating Wthe community. new knowledge. The mural, “Knowledge Made Matter” The $28.5 million building has classroom technol- created by Okemos, Mich., artists Amy Baur and Brian ogy including built-in teaching podiums with document Boldon, is based on the Periodic Table of the Elements cameras, DVD players and computer projection on dual and is attracting donors who are “buying” elements to screens. The technology allows instructors to cater to support a student assistance fund. (See Donor Relations, students who page 11 for information on solve problems purchasing an element.) visually as well Other features in the as those who building include a main-floor solve problems auditorium and two large numerically, lecture halls, small conference both benefiting rooms, instructional labo- from a deeper ratories, a student lounge, a understanding teaching assistants briefing of chemistry, room and spaces dedicated says Michael for use by student organiza- Barcelona, tions. Faculty offices are in chair of WMU’s nearby Wood Hall and can Department of be accessed by a second-story Chemistry. enclosed walkway. “Students Through improved video and audio technology, students have access to lab demos and —Courtesy University Relations walk into this broadcasts in the new main floor auditorium. building for classes, and they are simply awestruck by what they find. We have the capability to broadcast lab demos and lectures anywhere in the world, and we can receive broadcast materials that will materially improve our ability to deliver modern science education,” Barcelona says. “With its focus on visual learning, energy efficiency and safety, this building will be a learning resource for decades to come.” Nearly 4,000 WMU students enjoy the classroom facilities each semester. In addition to chemistry, biochemistry, science, engineering and health studies majors, the new labs and classrooms serve In addition to chemistry, biochemistry, science, engineering and health studies majors, the new labs and classrooms serve students who take chemistry as a general education class or to fulfill students who take chemistry as a general other course requirements.
15 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID KALAMAZOO MI PERMIT NO 478
College of Arts & Sciences Office of the Dean
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5308
Office of the Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5308. MI Kalamazoo, University, Michigan Western Sciences, & Arts of College Dean, the of Office
Communications and Events, Cheri Bales, by e-mail at [email protected], fax at (269) 387-3999, or mail to: to: mail or 387-3999, (269) at fax [email protected], at e-mail by Bales, Cheri Events, and Communications
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