Debel Named Trustee; Miller Reappointed Stage the 2011 John Bakos Memorial Goal- Gov

FEBRUARY 10, 2011 Volume 37, Number 10

Volunteers needed for goalball event Some 80 volunteers are needed to help Debel named trustee; Miller reappointed stage the 2011 John Bakos Memorial Goal- Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Dana Debel of Ann Arbor to the ball Tournament Saturday and Sunday, Feb. WMU Board of Trustees and has reappointed Ken Miller of Kalamazoo. 26-27. No previous knowledge of goalball Both appointments are for eight-year terms and were announced is necessary. Jan. 25. William Martin of Battle Creek is the trustee who is leaving The tournament is the Midwest regional the governing board. goalball competition sponsored by the Debel, director of state and local government affairs for Delta Air U.S. Association of Blind Athletes and Lines, served as a policy director for former Gov. Jennifer Granholm the Michigan Blind Athletic Association. from 2003 to 2007, primarily in the areas of environmental and energy Every year, it attracts the nation’s top teams, policy. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies Debel whose members include players from the and a master’s degree in business from Michigan State University. U.S. National Goalball Team. Miller, a Kalamazoo busi- Contact Mary Lou Brooks, volunteer Trustees to meet Feb. 24 ness leader, has been on coordinator, at [email protected] or WMU’s governing board (269) 387-3415 or (269) 744-7486, or Luke The WMU Board of Trustees will meet since 2002 and served as Thursday, Feb. 24, to elect 2011 officers, Patterson, tournament director, at lukusp@ its chair in 2008 and 2009. act on a differential tuition proposal and gmail.com or (269) 832-4930. He is principal partner in conduct a variety of additional business. Havirco, an investment Registration open for CPR classes The time and location of the meeting will be management firm, and The Office of Health Promotion and Edu- posted at www.wmich.edu/news when Miller owner of the Millennium cation is offering a four-hour training course they become available. That website also Restaurant Group. Miller earned bachelor’s that provides certification in child, infant will report information about another major and master’s degrees in business from WMU, and adult CPR; choking; and automated Feb. 24 event, the swearing in of WMU’s and received the WMU Alumni Association’s external defibrillation. newest trustee. Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009. The last two scheduled sessions are set for 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, and 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 11, in the Sindecuse Health Center. Renewed effort to boost STEM leadership statewide The course costs $40 for WMU students Michigan’s four flagship universities and nine top community colleges are embarking on and faculty and staff members and $45 for a newly expanded collaboration to accelerate statewide development of leaders in science, community members. Space is limited, technology, engineering and math—known as STEM programs. and pre-registration is required. Call (269) At a Feb. 3 kickoff event on the Lansing Community College campus, the institutions 387-3263 to register. Visit www.wmich.edu/ announced the reauthorization and expansion of the Michigan-Louis Stokes Alliance for healthcenter for more details. Minority Participation. In addition to remarks from leaders of alliance partners, the event included comments from National Science Foundation officials and displays of projects CMU wins spring blood challenge showcasing the work of STEM students. The University and local communities The Stokes Alliance is part of a national initiative named for an Ohio political figure who raised almost 71 percent of their 546-unit spent 30 years in Congress championing the causes of civil rights and social and economic goal in last month’s annual spring blood chal- justice. WMU, Michigan lenge between WMU and Central Michigan State University, the Univer- University. CMU took top honors, raising sity of Michigan and Wayne nearly 87 percent of its 257-unit goal. State University established Locally, cold temperatures during the the Michigan Stokes Alliance two-week challenge may have dampened in 2005, with support from the turnout; but the event collectively allowed National Science Foundation. the American Red Cross to bank 610 units The four universities com- of blood, enough to save 1,830 lives. mitted to significantly in- High schoolers invited to College Goal crease the number of under- represented minority students College Goal Sunday will be held from 2 graduating with degrees in sci- to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, in Schneider Hall Among the school presidents participating in the Stokes Alliance ence, technology, engineering for area college-bound high school students kickoff event were, from left: Mary Sue Coleman, U-M; Lou Anna and math. and their families. Simon, MSU; and John M. Dunn, WMU. (Photo by Harley J. See- “This effort allows us to The event is one of more than two dozen ley, courtesy of Michigan State University College of Engineering) capitalize on the fact that such events being held at sites around the the development of human state to help high school seniors fill out their capital is all about talent and helping talented young people contribute to our society in Free Application for Federal Student Finan- ways that tap their true potential,” WMU President John M. Dunn says of the initiative. cial Aid, or FAFSA, and submit it in time “Rep. Louis Stokes championed that idea during his years in public service, and the success to ensure eligibility for maximum benefit. we’ve seen over the past five years is a tribute to that vision.” “It is critical that high school seniors and Michigan’s newly expanded Stokes Alliance is positioned to accelerate workforce devel- their parents are aware of these College Goal opment in fields crucial to the state’s technology economy. During Phase I of the program Sunday events,” said Bryan Taylor, president (2005–10), award of baccalaureates in STEM fields increased by nearly 50 percent. In Phase of EduGuide. “Students must complete and II, a 100-percent increase is expected, as nine of Michigan’s top community colleges are file a FAFSA in order to secure financial joining the alliance. aid and should file by the March 1 priority The new institutional partners are: Grand Rapids Community College; Kalamazoo Valley date to ensure eligibility for federal and Community College; Kellogg Community College; Lake Michigan College; Lansing Commu- state programs.” continued on page 4 Administrator named to state council Penny D. Bundy, admissions director, has Around campus and beyond been appointed to serve on the statewide council associated with the ACT college en- Black History Month event slated Playwright is next in Frostic Series trance exam. Member- The contributions of African-Ameri- The Gwen Frostic Reading Series con- ship on the council puts can patriots will be the focus of an event tinues its spring 2011 season with a reading Bundy in a leadership from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, by accomplished WMU playwright Steve role relative to ACT in 158 Bernhard Center being held in Feffer, English, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. issues in Michigan. She conjunction with Black History Month. 17, in 105-107 Bernhard Center. started her three-year Vietnam veterans Glenn Charles and Feffer has received wide recognition for term this month. Buddy Hannah will share their experi- his plays and has won a number of national ACT is an indepen- ences during a talk covering their service playwriting awards. He teaches creative Bundy dent, not-for-profit or- and how the military impacted their lives. writing at WMU and in the University’s ganization that provides Both speakers are longtime residents Prague Summer Program, and serves as a broad array of assessment, research, infor- of the Kalamazoo community. The event chair for the Kennedy Center’s Ameri- mation and program management solutions will include refreshments and is being can College Theatre Festival’s National in the areas of education and workforce sponsored by WMU Army ROTC and Playwriting Program for Region Three. development. It is dedicated to helping First-Year Experience. Upcoming Frostic series readings are individuals attain their educational and March 15, with poet Nancy Eimers; March career goals through assessment programs Panel explores moral philosophy 31, with poet Richard Katrovas; and with solid research foundations. Moral philosophy outside academia will April 7, with poet Jerome Rothenberg. Bundy came to WMU in 2006 after accu- be examined in a panel discussion at 4 All readings start at 8 p.m. and are free mulating 19 years of recruiting and retention p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, in the Bernhard and open to the public. experience. Prior to joining WMU, she had Center’s Brown and Gold Room. The served Ball State University for 11 years, event is part of the Center for the Study Art show features folk tale images most recently as associate director of admis- of Ethics in Society’s spring season. Images of folk tales are brought to life sions for high school and college relations. Titled “Ethics for Everyone: Taking and depicted in a mixture of light and Moral Philosophy Outside the Academy,” dark in an exhibit of works by artist Nancy Prof produces new poetry collection the discussion will be wide ranging, cov- Stroupe on the second floor gallery of the Richard Katrovas, English, has completed ering university instruction, research by Health and Human Services Building. a new book, “Scorpio Rising: Selected Po- faculty, programming, compliance and Stroupe has taught English and general ems.” The book was published by Carnegie codes of conduct. studies at WMU and earned a master’s Mellon University Press The program also will cover how ethics degree from the University. Her exhibit and is scheduled to be can have an impact beyond university is titled “Once Upon a Time: Scenes from released this month. walls and other questions. Childhood—Folktales Revisited.” Culled from six Serving on the panel will be WMU’s The exhibit will be on display until previous collections, Michael Pritchard and Fritz Allhoff, March 14. The pieces in the display reveal “Scorpio Rising” is the philosophy; Jeff Dean, executive editor Stroupe’s perspective of the dark and light culmination of Katro- for academic and professional publish- sides of familiar folk tales. vas’s 35-year career. ing giant Wiley-Blackwell; and Jesse Viewing is open to the public from 8 Katrovas His early poems reflect Steinberg, director of the Environmental a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday a harrowing childhood Studies Program at the University of as well as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and on the highways of America as his parents Pittsburgh, Bradford. Saturday. fled the FBI, while his later works meditate upon his own American identity as he raises bicultural, bilingual daughters. Katrovas has written 12 books of poetry, Major events rescheduled after weather prompts cancellations fiction and non-fiction. He has been teach- Bad weather in recent weeks prompted Auditorium. Those planning to attend the ing at WMU since 2002 and is the founding cancellation of several major campus events, talk should register no later than Monday, director of the University’s Prague Summer most of which have now been rescheduled. Feb. 14, with Shawna Cassada at shawna. Program. A former Fullbright Fellow, he • The talk on “Changes and Challenges [email protected] or (269) 387-6059. has received numerous grants and awards. in Community Banking” by former Ameri- • The WMU Career Fair has been re- NSF division selects chemist as fellow can Bankers Association chairman Arthur scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sherine O. Obare, chemistry, has received C. Johnson will now take place at 5 p.m. Feb. 17, in the Bernhard Center Ballroom. an American Competitiveness and Innova- Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Schneider Hall’s Brown Recruiters from some 130 employers are tion Fellowship from the National Science expected to participate. Foundation’s Division • The meeting to gather input on and of Materials Research. share information about developing a more Volume 37 Obare, a WMU faculty Number 10 appropriate facility to house Archives and member since 2004, Regional History Collections has yet to be focuses her research on EDITOR: Jeanne Baron. CONTRIBUTORS: Tonya R. Durlach, rescheduled. Thomas A. Myers, Deanne Puca, Cheryl P. Roland and Mark E. nanoscale materials, Schwerin. GRAPHIC DESIGN: Tammy M. Boneburg. sensors and environ- WESTERN NEWS (USPS 362-210) is published by the Office Retirement reception mental remediation. of University Relations, Walwood Hall, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008- The retirement reception for Pamela Lib- Obare The ACI fellowship 5433, every other week during the fall and spring semesters eracki, admissions, that was postponed due program was established and Summer I session. Periodicals postage paid at Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5165. to inclement weather has been rescheduled in 2008 to identify and promote high-risk,

EWS for 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, in high-payoff research that is expected to lead

N POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Western News, Office of University Relations, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. 1040 Fetzer Center. to innovations and, thus, enhance American Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5433. competitiveness in the global economy. ESTER N DEADLINE: Items to be considered for publication should be Jobs ACI fellows are selected from among a submitted to the Office of University Relations by 5 p.m. Friday group of recent NSF awardees whose pro- the week preceding publication. Spring semester publication Current job opportunities at WMU are posals have already risen to the top via peer dates are Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24, March 10 announced daily on the Human Resources and 24, and April 21. Items may be submitted by mail, fax review and received funding. The selection to (269) 387-8422 or e-mail to [email protected]. Web site at www.wmich.edu/hr/careers- criteria also includes a demonstrated effort Please note that applications WMU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer at-wmu.html. to broaden the participation in scientific consistent with applicable state and federal laws. FEBRUARY 10, 2011 W FEBRUARY must be submitted online by the stated research by women, members of under- deadline. Complete application procedures represented minority groups and persons 2 are included with each posting. with disabilities. New aviation program takes off next fall International Space Station The latest training initiative for future Although jobs are not guaranteed to AT- focus of Engineers Week talk air-traffic controllers is scheduled to take CTI graduates, about 41 percent of FAA new “Design Challenges and Status of the flight this fall at the College of Aviation. hires over the past five years have attended International Space Station” will be the The college is home to the third-largest such a program. keynote topic when engineers from across aviation program in the country and is based To ensure students’ future success, WMU southwest Michigan convene at WMU Tues- at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, is integrating the AT-CTI training with its day, Feb. 22, for the 32nd annual Engineers Mich. It will be admitting a limited number existing four-year aviation programs. This Week Dinner. of students into its new air- will give WMU AT-CTI The keynote talk will be presented from traffic control program for program graduates the op- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. by Daniel P. Dennies, the 2011-12 academic year. portunity to follow multiple a metallurgical engineer and director of The program was devel- career paths without return- Southern California Operations for Engi- oped in partnership with ing to the classroom. neering Systems Inc. the Federal Aviation Ad- Tom Thinnes, manager His presentation will be preceded by a so- ministration and is designed of aviation recruitment and cial hour, dinner and awards ceremony from to prepare students to report outreach, says WMU plans 5:30-7:30 p.m. Registrations are required by directly to the FAA’s Okla- to focus on training control- Monday, Feb. 14, for the event, which is homa City academy and lers to work in towers, con- taking place in the Bernhard Center’s East bypass an initial five-week trol ground movement and Ballroom as part of National Engineering basics course. handle local traffic, but also Week Feb. 20-26. WMU was asked to join to offer specialized courses Dennies has participated in the Interna- the FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training so students get experience in all facets of tional Space Station project, and will discuss Initiative network last April, making it air-traffic control. the station’s systems and partners, assembly one of 36 schools in the nation to offer AT- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor status, and major design challenges. He has CTI training—the only one in Michigan. Statistics, the federal government employs more than 30 years experience in aerospace- Launched in 1990 by the FAA, AT-CTI aims about 90 percent of all air-traffic controllers. and aircraft-related industries. to help recruit candidates for terminal and In March 2009, the average yearly salary of Visit www.wmich.edu/engineer/eweek to air-traffic controller positions. U.S. air-traffic controllers was $109,000. register or obtain more information. Board of Trustees grants development, sabbatical leaves to 35 faculty members The WMU Board of Trustees granted 34 foreign languages; Kapseong Ro, mechanical and aeronautical leaves during its Dec. 17 meeting. David Lemberg, geography; William W. engineering; Silvia Rossbach, biological sci- Approved were a professional develop- Liou, mechanical and aeronautical engi- ences; Jana K. Schulman, English; Roger Y. ment leave effective spring 2011 for Kristin neering; Lisa Minnick, English; Mustafa K. Tang, accountancy; John A. Tanis, physics; Szylvian, history, and 33 sabbatical leaves for Mirzeler, English; Judy L. Moonert, music; Laura R. Van Zoest, mathematics; Maarten 2011-1. Sabbatical leaves went to: Mustafa Mughazy, foreign languages; De- Vonhof, biological sciences; Delores D. JoAnn L. Atkin, marketing; Nora Berrah, basri Mukherjee, economics; Amy Naugle, Walcott, University Counseling and Testing physics; Maira Bundza, University Libraries; psychology; John S. Petrovic, mathematics; Center; and Alan H. Wuosmaa, physics. Kuanchin Chen, business information systems; Sue Ellen Christian, communication; Service Janet L. Coryell, history; Cat L. Crotchett, The following faculty and staff members Management-landscape services; Lauralee art; Sime Curkovic, management; are recognized for 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and five Pierce Middleton, Sindecuse Health Center; Anthony Ellis, English; Robert Wall years of service during February. Robert D. Moon, Facilities Management- Emerson, blindness and low vision studies; 30 Years—Lewis D. Hamilton, Develop- building custodial and support services; Olivia Gabor-Peirce, foreign languages; ment Office. Patricia A. Thomas, Facilities Management- Richard A. Gershon, communication; Debra 25 Years—Douglas T. Alrick, information building custodial and support services; and Lindstrom Hazel, occupational therapy; technology; Carol J. Black, financial aid and LaTonja M. Wilson, counselor education Michelle Kominz, geosciences; Ashlyn K. scholarships; and Russell P. Northey, Facili- and counseling psychology. Kuersten, political science; David Kutzko, ties Management-power plant. 10 Years—William A. Emmert, Facili- 20 Years—Linda D. Baird, Development ties Management-transportation services, New economy to be discussed Office; Jeffrey M. Carr, Facilities Manage- and Kim Stevens, Extended University Thought leaders helping to move Michi- ment-maintenance services; Dorla S. Evans, Programs-Traverse City. gan forward will discuss “The New Econo- Development Office; Jan M. Prange, Facili- Five Years—Katherine Lawton Bates, my” from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, February ties Management-landscape services; and student activities and leadership programs; 17, in the Fetzer Center. The event costs $30 Alice Wheatley, Dining Services-Burnham. Denise J. Bowen, physician assistant; Scott and requires registration by Wednesday, Feb. 15 Years—Scott Austin, College of Avia- Garrison, University Libraries; Lynn A. 16. Visit http://hosted.verticalresponse. tion; Betsy Drummer, Haworth College of Mohney, Auxiliary Enterprises; Teressa J. com/534273/4d56a3bdf2 to register or Business; Christopher D. Jackson, biologi- Williams, institutional research; and Valerie obtain more information. cal sciences; Darrell D. Junkins, Facilities A. Young, WMU Bookstore.

Obituaries Joseph Shalom Ellin, Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be At Western News press time, funeral ar- emeritus in philosophy, made to Temple B’Nai Israel or the Fontana rangements were pending through the Janow- died Feb. 4 in Kalama- Society of Kalamazoo. iak Funeral Home. Keep checking www. zoo. He was 74. Nora H. Faires, pro- JanowiakFuneralHome.com for details. W

A renowned scholar, fessor emeritus of his- Jo Rachel Turner McLemore, a retired ESTER N Ellin joined the WMU tory, died Feb. 6 at her staff member, died Nov. 22 in Kalamazoo. faculty in 1962 and re- residence. She was 61. She was 84. N tired in 2004 after some A well-known social McLemore came to WMU in 1966 and re- EWS FEBRUARY 10, 2011 Ellin 41 years of service, but and cultural historian of tired in 1983 after 17 years of service. She was continued teaching after migration, Faires joined a secretary in the business and finance area. his retirement. He served as department chair the WMU faculty in Robert “Bob” F. Overmyer Sr., a retired and took on numerous other leadership roles Faires 2000 and had a dual ap- staff member, died Jan. 23 in Kalamazoo. while at the University. pointment in gender and He was 89. A memorial service and internment at women’s studies. She chaired the Canadian Overmyer was a public safety officer for Mountain Home Cemetery will be arranged Studies Imitative for eight years and retired almost 20 years, coming to WMU in 1967 in about a month by Harper Funeral Home in Dec. 12 after 10-1/2 years of service. and retiring in 1986. 3 On Campus with Kirk Sundling As WMU’s online presence has grown, so has Kirk Sundling’s career at the University. A staff member since 2008, Sundling recently assumed the Extended University Programs position of assistant director of online education. Online Education works with approximately 40 academic departments to support the development and delivery of online and hybrid courses and programs, ranging from general education courses to complete degree and certificate programs. “As the assistant director, I’m responsible for maintaining day-to-day operations,” Sun- dling says. “We coordinate course listings with departments, facilitate registration, and develop processes and systems to proactively meet departmental and student needs.” In addition, Sundling and other EUP staff members frequently provide training and information sessions to departments and instructors on the services EUP offers and the support processes in place to ensure high-quality online teaching and learning experiences. “I’m kind of a poster boy for what EUP provides because I was a nontraditional student,” he says. “I had my own lawn-service business and was going to cut grass for a living.” Instead, the Manistee, Mich., resident earned a business degree at West Shore Com- munity College through Davenport University, which set him on a career path that led WSCC in 2006 to make him the youngest recipient of its distinguished alumni award. He REBEL WITH A CAUSE became a marketing director, then a director of youth, family and volunteer ministries. (Photo by Jeanne Baron) “I was working with people of all ages and dealing with issues from birth to death. I felt I needed to hone my counseling skills, so I started WMU’s master’s program in counseling education” Sundling says. “I was taking night classes at the regional site in Traverse City and commuting three hours round trip from Manistee while working full time.” To eliminate the commute and help pay for school, he got a job in Kalamazoo and finished the degree here, serving EUP as a grad assistant along the way. Upon graduating, EUP hired him to manage its distance education classrooms. He was soon assigned additional duties in Online Education and this January, was promoted to his current post. “If there’s not a university near them, online courses are often the best option for people with families and full-time jobs and students with part-time jobs,” Sundling says. “The nontraditional student is becoming the traditional student, and we’re here to serve them.” Sundling chairs the Administrative Professional Association Events Committee and par- ticipates in WMU’s wellness programs, working out at least for an hour six days a week. He owns a 1500 Kawasaki Vulcan and also is a member of a motorcycle touring club. WMUK names Gordon Bolar general manager; hires underwriting manager The University’s public radio station, Jan. 31 after 11 years as general manager and 25 years of management WMUK 102.1 FM, has a new general manger 26 years at the University. WMUK also hired experience in the not- and underwriting manager. Anders Dahlberg Jan. 3 to fill the vacant for-profit sector. Gordon Bolar, WMUK’s development di- position of underwriting manager. Bolar had been rector, took the station’s helm, effective Feb. Bolar brings 16 years of public broadcast- WMUK’s development 1. He replaces Floyd Pientka, who retired ing experience to his new role, along with director since 2006. He joined the station after serving for eight years as Still time to help WMU win organ donor challenge Bolar development director at WMU is competing with 18 other colleges and universities in the Kalamazoo Institute Michigan in a contest to see which school can get the most people of Arts and public radio and TV stations to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry by Thursday, in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Anchorage, Feb. 24. Alaska. Led by the Student Nurses Association, this is WMU’s seventh Dahlberg is coming to WMUK from part- year competing in the event. The University registered about 72 time posts at WMU and Kalamazoo College. people in last year’s challenge. Anyone who wishes to give the gift of life while supporting WMU Renewed effort to boost STEM in the University Challenge can visit www.giftoflifemichigan.org/go/school and register to continued from page 1 become an organ donor. Select the “school/college” option when asked where you heard about nity College; Macomb Community College; organ donation, then choose “Western Michigan University” from the drop-down menu. Muskegon Community College; Washtenaw Community College; and Wayne County Creating artificial nose is nothing to sneeze at Community College District. The development of a very sensitive discuss “The Optoelectronic Nose: An Ad- During Phase I, alliance scholars engaged artificial nose that can be used to detect a venture of Molecular Recognition” during in opportunities such as a pre-first-year variety of substances at extremely low levels the free talk, as well as present a seminar program to prepare for rigorous curricula as will be the subject of a talk Tuesday, Feb. 15, for students, faculty and staff. incoming freshmen, undergraduate research by one of WMU’s Visiting Scholars. Suslick helped make the artificial nose, assistantships, and internships and coopera- Kenneth S. Suslick, a renowned chemis- an apparatus that has been used to detect tive education experiences. try and materials science and engineering small amounts of toxic industrial chemicals. Phase II will continue those activities, EWS N professor at the University of Illinois at It has also been used to discriminate subtle in addition to building collaborations with Urbana-Champaign, will speak at 4 p.m. differences in beverages and many other the new community college members of

ESTER N in 1720 Chemistry Building. Suslick will common substances. the alliance.

FEBRUARY 10, 2011 FEBRUARY 10, 2011 W FEBRUARY Volume 37, Number 10

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