UTutnews.utoledo.edu NEWSDEC. 14, 2009 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 17 First Solar VP to UT to graduate first address graduates PhD in Biomedical Dec. 19 Engineering

By Vicki L. Kroll By Jeffrey Romagni

r. David Eaglesham, vice president of fter successfully defending her Dtechnology and chief technical officer Adissertation, Archana Bhat will at First Solar, will speak at The University become the first graduate of UT’s joint of Toledo’s commencement ceremony doctoral program between the colleges of Saturday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. in Savage Engineering and Medicine. Arena. Originally discussed by the Medical In case of severe winter weather, the University of Ohio and UT prior to 2006, ceremony would take place Sunday, Dec. 20, the Biomedical Engineering Program is at 10 a.m. an example of one of the many positive There academic progressions made by the are 1,968 University following the merger of the two candidates for institutions. degrees from the The doctor of philosophy in biomedical colleges of Arts engineering is designed for students with and Sciences, either master’s degrees in engineering or Business in science fields and centers on several Administration, core course requirements in mathematics, Education, engineering and the biomedical sciences. Eaglesham Engineering, The curriculum also contains an entrepre- Health Science and Human Service, neurship component. Students take two Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and courses on intellectual property and strategic University College Degree Programs. There planning from the College of Business are 724 candidates for doctoral, education Administration and develop a business plan specialist and master’s degrees, and 1,244 to commercialize ideas born from their for bachelor’s and associate degrees. dissertation research. An honorary doctorate in science The curriculum also offers a PhD will be presented to Eaglesham during the program for MD students that are interested ceremony, which will be webcast live at Photo By Daniel Miller in pursuing a dual degree and careers as http://video.utoledo.edu. physician scientists. FEELIN’ FESTIVE: Student Mike Trimble bought a Santa figure from Sylvia Mutchler’s booth at the continued on p. 7 holiday craft show Friday in Rocket Hall. continued on p. 2

New look of UT homepage aims to

bolster brand, improve user experience

isitors of The University of Toledo’s the ability to highlight the many great things Marketing, University Vhomepage will find a new, streamlined happening at the University,” said Lawrence J. Communications and look to the site when they visit the page Burns, vice president for external affairs and Diversity Recruitment. Wednesday afternoon. And it’s one that interim vice president for equity and diversity. Among the new the Division of External Affairs hopes will “The flexibility of the layout and imagery features of the page resonate with perspective students. will allow us to adapt for any situation, are the integration of The new look of the page, utoledo.edu, while providing the users with an enhanced social media tools like was conceived in an effort to better integrate experience as they explore all UT has to Twitter, Facebook, the UT brand identity, while incorporating data offer.” UT journals, and collected about user habits and information The project was driven largely by the quick links to majors, needs. Division of External Affairs, which includes colleges and online “We have leveraged the power of the the Center for Creative Instruction, Enrollment applications. ‘More’ campaign in a way we hope gives us Services, Health-Care Marketing, University continued on p. 2 DEC. 14, 2009 NEWS UT Homepage UT Medical Center recognized PhD continued from p. 1 for high organ donation rate continued from p. 1

“Our research showed us that without a By Kim Harvey The University’s goal for the program doubt, prospective students visiting the site is to recruit at least six students per year were primarily interested in what majors we — a goal that UT is more than likely going offer, as well as how to begin the application to surpass, considering 18 students have process,” said Kathleen Walsh, director of enrolled over the program’s three-year Web development. “By modifying our layout, history. we were able to make these user priorities For her PhD, Bhat elected to follow more prominent, while showing the breadth of the entrepreneurial option, completing two opportunities available inside and outside the business courses and developing a business classroom.” plan to commercialize her research on Understanding that current members developing artificial bones. of the UT community are also a primary In her business plan, Bhat outlined the audience for the homepage, developers steps involved to develop a commercial integrated an “A-Z” link, through which users artificial bone product, which includes can quickly link to any page. development and testing, U.S. Food “While we encourage our faculty, staff and Drug Administration licensing, and and current students to utilize the myUT page manufacturing and funding. as their primary UT homepage, we know “It gives me great pride to be the first that often they, and some of our external graduate of the Biomedical Engineering audiences, need a way to rapidly find a variety Program,” Bhat said. “Coming from an of pages,” Walsh said. “We hope this tool engineering background would have made meets that need.” grasping the biological techniques difficult. “This page represents a great collab- However, the faculty and staff on the oration between Web designers, marketing Photo By Daniel Miller medical campus made learning easier.” professionals, communications strategists, Bhat has accepted employment as a Mark Chastang joined, from left, Kristen Calkins, Cindy Schneider and Norma Tomlinson to accept enrollment experts, diversity leaders and Silver Medals of Honor from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for increasing the postdoctoral fellow at the University of beyond,” said Tobin J. Klinger, senior director number of organs available for transplant. Carolyn Ruge of Life Connection of Ohio, far right, also California and will begin her research there for university communications. “It would not attended the ceremony. this month. have been possible without their hard work “Archana Bhat’s exceptional abilities and commitment to taking our Web presence point to great success in her new role and to a new level.” bright future as a biomedical engineering or the second consecutive year, The Tomlinson said. “It’s a compilation of team- “The UT homepage is the primary face to researcher,” said Dr. Nagi G. Naganathan, University of Toledo Medical Center work from everyone in the program — from the external community,” Burns added. “This F dean of the College of Engineering. has been recognized for its success in in- our staff, to our physicians, to organiza- is our primary landing page for prospective “It is worth noting that Bhat’s research creasing the number of organs available for tions such as Life Connection — working students, their parents, potential patients, our on artificial bone development will be transplantation. together at a time that is very difficult for alumni and the community, and we hope we continued by another gifted student, Members of the UT team, including donors’ families.” have created an exciting gateway to welcome Hoangha Dao, who joined the Biomedical Kristen Calkins, registered nurse and direc- UTMC, she continued, has made a them to The University of Toledo.” Engineering PhD Program this fall. Dao tor of trauma services, and Cindy Schneider, commitment toward best practices in organ has just been awarded a National Science registered nurse and transplant administra- donation by taking part in state and national Foundation doctoral fellowship for carrying tor, joined Mark Chastang, UTMC vice collaboratives on organ donation and apply- out this research.” president and executive director, and Norma ing those best practices. The medical center Main Campus Tomlinson, UTMC associate vice president was the first medical facility in greater tobacco policy vote and associate executive director, in accept- Toledo to enact policy and procedure based ing Silver Medals of Honor during a recent on cardiac death criteria. Go to https://my0.utoledo.edu/survey/ operational leadership team meeting on Carolyn Ruge, chief operating officer login.asp?hidSurveyID=77. Health Science Campus. of Life Connection of Ohio, which works Enter your UT e-mail user ID and The medals, given by the U.S. Depart- closely with local organ procurement and password and click on “submit.” ment of Health and Human Services, recog- transplantation programs, was on hand when nize UT’s success in increasing the number UT’s team received the medals. Choose which option you would of organs available for transplant. “Organ donation is an important part like the University to consider UT Medical Center was recognized for of the end-of-life process,” Ruge said. implementing: having eight or more eligible organ donors “There are roughly 25 organ donors each • Establish a tobacco-free campus; during a 22-month award period ending in year in northwest Ohio. People are usually • Designate four outdoor areas for April and for meeting one of three addi- surprised and think the number should be tobacco use; or tional criteria: improving donation rates, much higher. It could be if discussion about • No change from UT’s current policy increasing the number of organs donated organ donation and peoples’ wishes were affecting Main Campus, which per individual donor to 3.75 or higher, and addressed at times other than those of great prohibits tobacco use in buildings expanding clinical processes for recovering loss.” Bhat but allows it outdoors 30 feet from organs. Ohio citizens can get information about these structures. “As a transplant center, we strive to be donation and enter the state’s organ donor Deadline to vote: Friday, Dec. 18 good leaders in the area of organ donation,” registry at www.donatelifeohio.org.

2 YEAR IN REVIEW DEC. 14, 2009 2 0 0 9 YEAR IN REVIEW

JANUARY MARCH

• Dr. Patricia Komuniecki, professor and • Students show more than 1,000 signatures chair of the Department of Biological supporting a smoking ban on Main Sciences, starts her new job as vice Campus during a tobacco debate. provost for graduate affairs and dean of • Hundreds take swings at the Student the College of Graduate Studies. Classroom Annex, formerly known • The Main Campus Medical Center opens as the Sociology and Anthropology to treat employees who now have access Building, during a demolition party for to UT Medical Center physicians. the temporary structure that was home for • The $27 million renovated Memorial Field classrooms, departments and offices for House opens for classes spring semester. more than 40 years. • At the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity • Dr. Michael Rees, professor of urology, Day Celebration, President Lloyd Jacobs director of renal transplantation at UT announces the UT Guarantee scholarship Medical Center, and medical director of program will be expanded to include 15 the Alliance for Paired Donation, explains more cities. the world’s longest chain of kidney transplants made possible by altruistic • Administrators are asked to prepare 2010 kidney donors in the March 12 edition of budgets using 7 percent and 15 percent the New England Journal of Medicine. He reduction scenarios. appears on the “CBS Evening News With • UT’s enrollment rises for the sixth Katie Couric.” consecutive semester with spring’s 20,775 • Dr. Gold receives the American Heart a 5.4 percent increase from spring 2008 Association’s Legacy Life Award, across all campuses. which recognizes an individual who has • The Joint Commission grants the UT made a significant contribution to the Medical Center hospitals and clinics full organization’s mission to reduce death and accreditation for the next three years. disability from cardiovascular disease and stroke. FEBRUARY • The bookstore on the Scott Park Campus closes. • Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, Health Science • Senior Kylie Gamelier is the first UT Campus provost, executive vice president swimmer to compete at the NCAA for health affairs and College of Medicine Swimming and Diving Championships. dean, announces 30 positions will be She swims the 100 and 200 breaststroke eliminated at UT Medical Center. events at Texas Tech in Lubbock. • Emily Stinehart, a junior majoring in • Women’s Basketball Coach Tricia Cullop history, wins UT’s first Jefferson Award is named co-Coach of the Year in the Mid- for her community service work. American Conference. • A streamlined student portal goes live at • At a Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. myUT.utoledo.edu. Rosemary Haggett, Main Campus • The Office of LGBT opens to provide provost and executive vice president for programs and services for the lesbian, gay, academic affairs, shares data collected bisexual, transgendered and questioning on the College of Arts and Sciences by communities. the Learning Alliance, an external group • Ohio Sen. Ray Miller gives the keynote the University partnered with for an address at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assessment. Scholarship Benefit Dinner. • UT Medical Center ranks 45 out of 857 • Toledo guard Naama Shafir is featured U.S. hospitals in 2008 for its “door-to- in a USA Today sports story that said balloon” time with STEMI heart attack the freshman is believed to be the first patients, placing it in the 96 percentile. Orthodox Jewish woman to play a • Workers begin to take down the Army Division I scholarship sport in the United ROTC Center on Main Campus. States. 3 DEC. 14, 2009

• It’s announced UT will lead the • The University and the Hussain collaboration with BGSU and Owens, family establish the S. Amjad Hussain Terra and Northwest State community Endowed Professorship in Thoracic and colleges to create a unified program in Cardiovascular Surgery in honor of the renewable energy and sustainability to trustee and professor emeritus. augment science, technology, engineering and math degrees with a five-year $1.5 MAY million grant from the state’s Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program. Matching • UT offers a new online graduate-level funds from the participating schools brings certificate program in elder law. that total to more than $3 million. • There are more than 2,900 candidates for degrees from UT’s nine colleges for spring APRIL commencement. • Greg Smith, top assistant coach at Notre • The Joan and Julius H. Jacobson II Center Dame, is named head women’s volleyball for Clinical and Translational Research is coach. named in honor of the 1947 UT alumnus known as “the father of microsurgery.” • Trustees approve a $781 million operating budget for fiscal year 2010. The budget • Four Army Junior ROTC cadets at Detroit freezes undergraduate tuition and Northwestern High School receive full general fees for the third straight year college scholarships through the Army and and approves graduate tuition increases sign letters of intent to use them at UT. ranging from 2.5 percent to 7 percent. • President Jacobs outlines the role • More than 600 scientists, researchers, universities are being asked to play in educators and students attend the 52nd strengthening their regions during his Annual Conference on Great Lakes annual address to the community. Research; the event is hosted by UT and • The Board of Trustees approves a the International Association for Great resolution to create a School of Solar and Lakes Research. Advanced Renewable Energy. • A celebration marks the opening of the • More than 1,000 come to Savage Arena Heart and Vascular Center. to hear Nobel Prize-winning author • Belle and Allen, peregrine falcons that nest Toni Morrison give the Edward Shapiro on University Hall clock tower, have four Distinguished Lecture. chicks. • Gov. Ted Strickland appoints Joseph High, • Student-athletes earn a collective grade senior vice president of human resources point average of 3.157 spring semester, the for Owens Corning, to the Board of highest GPA since the department began Trustees. keeping records in 1991. • Baseball, women’s soccer and women’s • UT hosts the 2009 NCAA Division volleyball receive NCAA Public I Men’s Golf Championships at the Recognition Awards, which are given to Inverness Club. Jack Nicklaus speaks at programs that rank in the top 10 percent in the tournament dinner in Savage Arena. the nation in their respective sports when it Texas A&M wins the tourney on the final comes to academics. hole. • President Jacobs announces the University • A groundbreaking ceremony kicks off will lay off 100 employees to help fill a construction of the Fetterman Training $16 million deficit for the 2010 fiscal-year Center, a multipurpose athletics practice budget. facility to be connected to Savage Arena. • Dr. Azedine Medhkour, associate professor of surgery and neurosurgeon at UT JUNE Medical Center, performs free surgery on a 14-month-old boy from Algeria after • Sir Bruce Keogh, former cardiac surgeon seeing a plea for help from the child’s who serves as medical director of the mother on YouTube. UTMC plastic National Health Service in England, surgeons Drs. Marlene Welch, Timothy addresses nearly 200 candidates for Janiga and Brian Smith, resident, also degrees and graduate certificates during donate their services. the College of Medicine commencement ceremony. • The College of Business Administration receives $900,000 from the Kresege • Toledo posts one of the largest attendance Foundation toward constructing and increases in the country in the 2008-09 equipping the Savage & Associates men’s basketball campaign with its MAC- Complex for Business Learning and best 5,610 fans per game. The Rockets Engagement. rank 16th in the nation with their increase of 1,006 fans per game.

4 YEAR IN REVIEW

• The BP gas station at the corner of Dorr standards from the U.S. Green Building Street and Secor Road is razed. The Council. southwest corner of Main Campus is • Some 20,000 people attend the African- converted to green space. American Festival on Scott Park Campus. • UT signs an agreement with BottomLine UT hosts the two-day event that features Resource Technologies of Columbus, live jazz, a parade, food vendors, rides and Ohio, to serve as a consultant in the a health fair. transformation of its Scott Park Campus • Tarrah Beyster, an All-American at Oregon into a Campus of Energy and Innovation. State University from 1997 to 2000 who UT is the only university in the country was head coach at the University of to commit an entire campus to advancing Vermont, is named head softball coach. renewable, alternative and sustainable energies. • UT Medical Center is listed in the U.S. News & World Report for receiving a • A new Rocky logo is created in Get With the Guidelines Gold Sustained collaboration with the Collegiate Performance Award from the American Licensing Co. Heart Association for stroke care. • Construction crews replace the façade of • Art on the Mall draws some 15,000 to the Snyder Memorial Building with lannon juried annual event. stone taken from the demolished Army ROTC Center. The stone matches the • Dr. Thomas Switzer, dean of the Judith Gothic architecture of other buildings on Herb College of Education, steps down. Main Campus. • Trustees approve a faculty workload AUGUST policy. • Dr. Thomas Brady, chair, CEO and • UT Medical Center launches MedTV, founder of Plastic Technologies Inc., a monthly education program that begins his appointment as interim dean of showcases UT health professionals as the Judith Herb College of Education. they define health issues, risk factors and • A new vacation policy designed to prevention recommendations. increase parity between non-union • The Clean and Alternative Energy employee groups on all campuses, takes Incubator is recognized by Entrepreneur effect. Magazine, which states it is one of 10 • The University sets an institutional record incubators in the country that “caught our in fiscal year 2009 for sponsored-research eyes and might help you get your business funding, bringing in more than $70 started.” million. • Dr. Jerri Nielsen, best-selling author and • The College of Business Administration 1977 MCO graduate, dies June 23 at age is one of 12 new members from eight 57. She gained international attention in countries admitted to the Graduate 1999 when she developed breast cancer Management Admission Council. while serving as the sole physician at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. She • President Jacobs outlines a financial wrote about the experience in Ice Bound: adjustment that calls for a spring semester A Doctor’s Incredible Battle for Survival tuition increase, a university-wide at the South Pole. furlough program and some layoffs to fill the $8 million gap state cuts left in UT’s • Detroit’s WJR Radio and UT form a 2010 fiscal budget. partnership to produce a new program, “Environmentally Sound,” that debuts • UT establishes the Dr. John M. Howard June 25. The monthly, hour-long program Endowed Professorship of Pancreatic focuses on sustainability, the environment Surgery in honor of the MCO medical and alternative energy. pioneer. • John Nance, author of the best-selling • Xunlight Corp., a technology spin-off book titled Why Hospitals Should Fly — company from the University, makes its The Ultimate Flight Plan to Patient Safety first thin-film silicon solar module off and Quality Care, visits Health Science the production line. Some of the flexible, Campus for two days to give educational lightweight solar modules will be installed sessions. on the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation. JULY • Administrators prepare for the possibility of an H1N1 outbreak. • The renovated Memorial Field House receives a gold rating for Leadership SEPTEMBER in Energy and Environmental Design • The Canaday Center for Special Collections receives the Society of 5 DEC. 14, 2009 YEAR IN REVIEW

American Archivists’ Philip M. Hamer 54,000-square-foot expansion to Stranahan and Elizabeth Hamer Kegan Award for Hall. the exhibit and catalog titled “From • The collected papers of internationally Institutions to Independence: A History renowned peace scholar and educator of People With Disabilities in Northwest Dr. Betty Reardon are preserved in the Ohio.” Canaday Center for Special Collections. • President Jacobs lauches “Rocket Fridays” • Some 700 people attend the dedication of with a proclamation encouraging students, Veterans’ Plaza on Veterans Day. employees and community members to wear midnight blue and gold. • Dr. Nina McClelland, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since • A total of 23,064 students are enrolled August 2008, receives a contract extension for fall semester. The figure is a 3.3 through 2010-11 academic year and percent increase over last fall’s 22,324 interim is dropped from her title. and represents the seventh consecutive semester of enrollment growth. • The Main Campus community is asked to vote on tobacco use; the deadline to cast • The University, Toledo Public Schools and a ballot is Friday, Dec. 18. Health Science several supporting partners receive a $5 Campus banned tobacco use in 2008. million grant from the National Science Foundation for Leadership for Educators: • The women’s basketball team defeats New Academy for Driving Economic Revitali- Mexico, 62-56, to win the Holiday Inn & zation in Science. The program is designed Suites Express Midtown Thanksgiving to make K-12 science education more Tournament in Albuquerque. interesting by incorporating hands-on • Dr. Rees and the altruistic kidney lessons linked to renewable energies donor chain is the lead story in People industry and its environmental impacts. Magazine’s “Heroes of the Year” section • The Rockets zoom past the Colorado in the Nov. 30 issue. Buffaloes, 54-38, in the football home- opener televised nationally on ESPN. DECEMBER • UT begins preparing for its 10-year • The Confucius Institute holds its opening institutional accreditation visit from the ceremoney. Higher Learning Commission that will take place in 2012. • Senior safety Barry Church makes first- • Work begins on the Veterans’ Plaza team all-MAC for the fourth consecutive between University Hall and Memorial year. He is the first Rocket and only the Field House. third player in MAC history to earn first- team honors four times. • The College of Pharmacy breaks ground for its $25 million facility on Health • The College of Engineering celebrates Science Campus. $5 million in renovations to the North Engineering Building that will allow the • The Scott Park Campus of Energy and Department of Engineering Technology to Innovation is dedicated. A 100-foot wind move from Scott Park Campus to be with turbine and a 10-kilowatt solar array from the college’s five other departments on Xunlight are among the highlights. Main Campus. • Jon Meacham, editor of Newsweek and • U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, U.S. winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Biography for American Lion: Andrew Congresswomen Marcy Kaptur visit UT to Jackson in the White House, addresses announce a $20 million grant for Red Lion a capacity crowd in the Student Union Bio-Energy, which has a plant on Health Auditorium as part of the Edward Shapiro Science Campus. The University has been Distinguished Lecture Series. • The College of Business Administration is • Gov. Strickland announces UT has partnering with Red Lion to investigate • Best-selling humorist P.J. O’Rourke talks featured in the 2010 edition of Princeton been named a Center of Excellence in ways to transform agricultural waste into about “The Invisible Hand of the Market Review’s The Best 301 Business Schools. Advanced Renewable Energy and the useable fuels. vs. the Government’s Visible Fist” for Environment. • President Jacobs and Dr. Gold announce • Freshman wide receiver Eric Page is the College of Law’s Stranahan National more layoffs at UT Medical Center. • Faculty Senate votes to suspend the named first team Freshman All-America Issues Forum. • UT publicizes the Scholarly Savings institution’s attendance policy for the by CollegeFootballNews.com and Phil • The Minority Incubator celebrates its Account Program, which will make annual academic year due to H1N1 and flu Steele’s College Football Magazine. grand opening on the Scott Park Campus outbreaks. deposits of $2,000 into individual student • The Toledo women’s basketball team of Energy and Innovation. scholarship accounts beginning with overcomes a 19-point second-half deficit the successful completion of the eighth NOVEMBER for a thrilling 68-65 victory against No. 20 OCTOBER grade and for each successful year in high Dayton in Savage Arena. school. Students at partnering schools will • The College of Business dedicates • Dr. Gold gives the first S. Amjad Hussain be able to apply those funds toward tuition the Savage & Associates Complex for Visiting Lectureship in the History of at the University. Business Learning and Engagement, a Medicine and Surgery. 6 NEWS Dec. 14, 2009 Contract extended for UT athletics Soccer team director, now VP ranks second

By Tobin J. Klinger nationally in

he University of Toledo will continue to of our student- Jan. 22, 2002. Since that time, the Rockets team GPA in Thave a familiar face leading its Athletic athletes.” have won or shared MAC titles in football, Department for the next several years, while “We are men’s basketball, women’s basketball, 2008-09 elevating the role to a vice presidency. thankful for women’s cross country, men’s golf and President Lloyd Jacobs announced the opportunity women’s soccer. In that same span, UT has By Brian DeBenedictis Friday that Mike O’Brien, director of Dr. Jacobs, made three bowl appearances in football and athletics, has received a new four-year the Board of two NIT appearances in men’s basketball. or the fourth consecutive year, the contract and will be elevated to vice Trustees and In addition, women’s soccer advanced to FToledo women’s soccer team has been president and director of athletics. The the senior the NCAA Tournament in 2006, 2007 and recognized for having a top 10 team grade- extension runs through July 31, 2014. administration 2008, while men’s golf competed in the point average in the nation. “The landscape of Rocket athletics of Toledo have NCAA Championships in 2002 and 2004. The Rockets posted a 3.63 overall has changed significantly for the better given us and O’Brien UT women have qualified for the NCAA GPA during the 2008-09 academic year to under Mike O’Brien’s leadership,” Jacobs the support they Championships in either track or cross rank second among Division I programs, said. “As [he is] the architect of numerous have shown to The University of Toledo country a total of 10 times and made All- according to a release by the National positive and transformational efforts, we athletics program,” O’Brien said. “The staff America six times since 2002. Soccer Coaches Association of America. are thrilled that he will be with us for many and coaches at Toledo have been tremendous In the classroom, UT has produced Toledo was one of three Mid-American years to come.” to work with. In my seven years, I have overall department grade-point averages of Conference teams to rank among the top 10, During his tenure at UT, O’Brien been fortunate to be around student-athletes above a 3.0 in six of the last eight semesters. along with national leader Central Michigan has helped to foster record academic who have been successful academically, In the 2009 spring semester, UT student- (3.73 GPA) and No. 8 Kent State (3.52 achievement among student-athletes, while competing at a high level and athletes achieved a combined GPA of 3.159, GPA). brought about the renovation of John F. conducting themselves in a positive manner the highest in school history. More than one- UT also finished third nationally in Savage Arena/Charles A. Sullivan Athletic in the community. The number of alumni, third of student-athletes received at least a 2005-06, tied for second in 2006-07 and Complex, oversaw the construction of the donors and fans who have responded to the 3.5 GPA, with more than half earning a 3.0+ 10th in 2007-08. soon-to-open Fetterman Training Center, performances of our coaches and student- GPA, the 11th consecutive semester above Toledo has posted team grade-point hired top-tier new coaches in several key athletes has been outstanding. the 50 percent mark. averages above 3.0 in each of the last 16 programs, and gained a track record of “We have a lot of work to do as we O’Brien also has helped lay the grading periods. In spring 2009, the team significant success in fundraising. continue to improve the Rockets athletics foundation for future success for the carried a school-record 3.685 GPA, best “The profile of UT’s athletic program program, but due to the efforts of many, department. He secured significant funding among UT’s sports programs for the fifth has risen to new heights with Mike O’Brien progress has been made,” O’Brien added. for the Athletic Department’s capital time in the last eight semesters. at the helm,” Jacobs added. “Not only are “We look forward to continued success in campaign for the new Charles A. Sullivan On an individual basis, senior Ali Leak we enjoying new facilities and marquee the classroom and on the playing fields with Athletics Complex and Savage Arena was named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine opponents thanks to his efforts, he’s also our Rocket student-athletes.” renovation project, including a $5 million Academic All-District IV University placed a new emphasis on the academic O’Brien assumed the position as The gift from Chuck and Jackie Sullivan. The Division Team for a squad-record second achievement that is critical to the success University of Toledo’s 13th athletic director $30 million facility debuted last December. time.

First Solar VP continued from p. 1

UT News is published for faculty, staff and students by the University Communications Office weekly during the He joined First Solar in 2006 and is 2004, he served as chief technologist and academic year and periodically during the summer. Copies are mailed to employees and placed in newsstands on responsible for the technology road map and deputy associate director of chemistry and the Main, Health Science, Scott Park and Toledo Museum of Art campuses. UT News strives to present accurate, fair technology partnerships for the company materials science at Lawrence Livermore and timely communication of interest to employees. Story ideas and comments from the UT community are welcome. that has corporate offices and manufacturing National Lab in Livermore, Calif. He also Send information by campus mail to #949, University Communications Office, Vicki Kroll. E-mail: vicki.kroll@utoledo. edu. Fax: 419.530.4618. Phone: 419.530.2248. Mailing address: University Communications Office, The University of locations in North America, Europe and worked at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, N.J., Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606-3390. Southeast Asia. from 1988 to 2001, and taught as a lecturer First Solar is the largest thin-film in the Department of Materials Science at VICE PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR EQUITY AND DIVERSITY: Lawrence J. Burns The University of Toledo is committed to solar module manufacturer in the world. It the University of Liverpool in England from SENIOR DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS: a policy of equal opportunity in education, maintains the lowest manufacturing cost per 1985 to 1988. Tobin J. Klinger employment, membership and contracts, and EDITOR: Vicki L. Kroll no differentiation will be made based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual watt in the industry — 85 cents per watt. In Eaglesham is a fellow of the American ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Cynthia Nowak orientation, veteran status or the presence of 2008, First Solar posted revenues of $1.2 Physical Society. In 1994, he was named GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Stephanie Delo a disability. The University will take affirmative billion, an increase of $498 million over Outstanding Young Investigator by the PHOTOGRAPHERS: Curtis Brinkman, Daniel Miller action as required by federal or state law. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Chris Ankney, Kim Harvey, Emily Hickey, 2007. The company employs more than Materials Research Society and served as Matt Lockwood, Jeffrey Romagni, Jon Strunk, Kate Wente 4,000. that organization’s president in 2005. EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Laurie Flowers, Joanne Gray Prior to joining First Solar, Eaglesham He received bachelor’s and doctoral DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANT: Jason Ogurchak was director of advanced technologies at degrees in physics from Bristol University Read UT news at utnews.utoledo.edu and myut.utoledo.edu. Applied Materials in 2005. From 2002 to in England in 1982 and 1985, respectively. 7 DEC. 14, 2009 NEWS Professor honored with Toastmasters International Leadership Award

By Bob Mackowiak

uring the recent Toastmasters “I am truly humbled International Conference in by this recognition,” DToledo, Dr. Clinton Longenecker, Longnecker said. “I try UT professor of management, received to make people a priority the prestigious Toastmasters International in everything I do, and Communications and Leadership Award 2009 helping people is a for his significant contributions in leadership particular passion of mine and business communications. because I enjoy seeing Presented at the organization’s district the success people can conference in November, the award achieve when they are recognizes a business leader who has inspired and take action demonstrated outstanding communication toward their goals and and leadership skills as defined by dreams.” Toastmaster International, a nonprofit Lane said educational organization with more than Longenecker’s most 211,000 members in 10,500 clubs in 90 recent book, The Two- countries throughout the world. Minute Drill: Lessons “Dr. Longenecker is the recipient of this for Rapid Organizational award for the difference that he has made Improvement from in the lives of business leaders across the America’s Greatest Game, country as an educator, researcher, author, has helped numerous consultant and speaker,” said Toastmasters organizations and Dr. Clint Longenecker posed for a photo holding the 2009 Toastmasters International Communications and Leadership spokesperson Heather Lane. “He is business across the United Award with Toastmaster officers, from left, Lt. Gov. of Education and Training Vera Johnson, International Director Kristal Di- committed to helping others achieve their full States deal with economic Carlo, Lt. Gov. of Marketing Robynn Diamond, District Gov. Nancy Zychowicz and Area 3 Gov. and Fall Conference Chair potential and become successful as leaders.” challenges. Heather Lane, who is an alumna of the UT College of Business Administration.

Governor appoints three UT trustees In memoriam

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has appointed complete the term of Dr. Thomas Brady, Daniel E. Gribble, Perrysburg, died Dec. 5 at age 62. He was hired in 2005 three people to fill vacancies on the UT which ends in 2014. Brady resigned from the as a custodial worker in Environmental Services at MUO and one year Board of Trustees. board earlier this year to be considered as a Joseph Zerbey, president and general candidate for interim dean of the Judith Herb later joined Transport Services as a hospital aide, the position he held until manager of The Blade, will replace Rick College of Education, where he now serves. earlier this year. Stansley and David Huey, who both Baldemar Velasquez, president of Dr. James A. Hampton, Waterville, a longtime faculty member at MCO, completed nine-year terms in June. the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, died Dec. 7 at age 61. In 1986, he joined MCO as a researcher in Under the terms of the merger between AFL-CIO, will complete the term of Marvin pathophysiology and later began teaching classes in his specialty in the UT and the Medical University of Ohio, Himmelein, which ends in 2011. Himmelein College of Nursing and Department of Physician Assistant Studies. one person will be appointed to replace resigned this year for personal reasons. Hampton gained a reputation for making a difficult subject understandable two retiring trustees each year in order to President Lloyd Jacobs expressed gradually reduce the merged board to nine excitement at the selections, saying he was and was popular with students. He became a tenured professor in 2004 members. eager to work with all three new board and received the College of Nursing’s Prism Award for teaching excellence Linda Mansour, managing attorney members to help further the University’s in 2005. Hampton retired in 2007 after being diagnosed with amyotrophic for law firm Linda Mansour-Ismail, will mission. lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was named professor emeritus in the College of Nursing this year. In 2008, physician assistant and nursing students started the annual “Hampton on the Trail” run and walk to raise funds for the James Hampton Scholarship, which benefits students on Health Science Campus who excel in the Just a reminder: Paychecks to be pathophysiology course and exemplify Hampton’s attributes of character, distributed Dec. 31 honesty and integrity. Direct-deposit funds and paper checks will be available Thursday, Dec. 31. Beverly A. Reynolds, Toledo, a custodial worker in Environmental Services Employees may pick up paper checks from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Payroll at MCO from 1981 to 1998, died Dec. 7 at age 72. Office on the second floor of the Learning Resource Center on Scott Park Campus. Checks not collected will be mailed to individuals’ homes Monday, Jan. 4.

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