UTwww.utnews.utoledo.edu NewsSEPT. 22, 2008 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5 Retired Irish leader UT gives ‘Extreme’ educational gift to visit University By Matt Lockwood By Jim Winkler don’t even know what to say to you.” arlier this year when Dr. Iognaid G. “I Those were the words from a O’Muircheartaigh retired as president clearly emotional Jackie Frisch as Larry E of the National University of Ireland in Burns, vice president for external affairs, Galway, he vowed to continue to contribute was introduced at a news conference last to education. week to announce The He will do would provide her 11 boys with full tuition just that during scholarships. a two-week stay Many in Toledo have become familiar in Toledo start- with the Frisch family’s story following ing Wednesday, its selection for the ABC show “Extreme Sept. 24, as the Makeover: Home Edition.” University’s third “We believe that our gift will not only president emeritus serve this generation, but it is also the foun- in residence. dation for improving the quality of life for He will meet the next generation,” Burns said. with trustees, Jackie and her husband, Aaron, a senior administra- O’Muircheartaigh Toledo firefighter, have three biological tors, faculty members, students and com- children and have adopted five boys from munity groups. an orphanage in Haiti and three more boys O’Muircheartaigh was president of from here in Toledo. Photo by Daniel Miller NUI for eight years, during which time Producers from the show approached AT HOME: The Frisch family posed for a photo with two local builders, left, who helped construct continued on p. 2 the University about providing the gift a few their new house for ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” weeks ago. “I talked it over with Dr. [Lloyd] were watching on monitors in a production To take full advantage of the tuition Jacobs and after about two minutes we trailer when Ty Pennington, the show’s host, scholarships, the Frisch boys will have to Pharmacy College decided to do it,” Burns said. “We believe told the family about the scholarships. maintain a 3.0 grade point average at UT it was the right thing to do for a family that “It was a very emotional scene that and file for available state and federal need- receives $1 million clearly values education and serving its reaffirmed our decision,” Burns said. “I’m based funds. gift for construction community.” not sure how they will edit the program, but The Frisch’s ranch home in north The gesture also should earn UT some it would be a great way to end it.” Toledo was demolished and replaced with By Charisse N. Montgomery national exposure when the episode is Two of the Frisch boys are 18 and at a more-than-4,000-square-foot, five-bed- he UT College of Pharmacy received a scheduled to air in November. the news conference told Burns they would room, five-bath home worth an estimated Tlead gift for its new building — a Burns and other UT administrators see him next year. $500,000. $1 million donation from Discount Drug Mart Inc., an Ohio-owned and operated retail pharmacy. The gift will provide $200,000 in scholarship enhancements and build eight state-of-the-art laboratories for pharmacy students in the new 54,000-square-foot pharmacy building set to be completed on UT’s Health Science Campus in 2010. “Discount Drug Mart’s generous gift will have a tremendous impact on pharmacy students and the future of pharmacy educa- tion in Ohio,” said Dr. Johnnie L. Early II, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “This contribution will help to enhance PICNIC ON THE MALL: Posing for a photo education and advance patient care at The last week at the President’s Backyard BBQ continued on p. 3 were, from left, seniors Lauren Miller, Linda Mierzwinski and Noelle Zalar. The event was held in conjunction with the opening Things you need to celebration of the renovated Memorial Field know … p. 8 House. See photos on page 4. Photo by Jack Meade Photo by SEPT. 22, 2008 NEWS Director to read poem at Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

By Jon Strunk Dr. Jim Ferris, Ability Center of fessor of communication, said that while Greater Toledo Endowed Chair in Disabili- strides have been made over the last 50 Poems With Disabilities ty Studies, will read his poem titled “Poems years with the impetus generated from the By Dr. Jim Ferris With Disabilities” Thursday, Sept. 25, at disability rights movement, work done by the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., disabled artists too often is viewed through I’m sorry — this space is reserved for poems with disabilities. I know it’s one of the best spaces in the book, but the Poems with Disabilities Act requires us to make all reasonable accommodations for poems that aren’t normal. There is a nice space just a few pages over — in fact (don’t tell anyone) I think it’s better than this one, I myself prefer it. Actually I don’t see any of those poems right now myself, but you never know when one might show up, so we have to keep this space open. You can’t always tell just from looking at them, either. Sometimes they’ll look just like a regular poem when they roll in — you’re reading along and suddenly everything changes, the world tilts a little, angle of vision jumps, focus shifts. You remember Photo by Daniel Miller your aunt died of cancer at just your age Ferris and maybe yesterday’s twinge means as part of a larger event celebrating artistic the lens of pity rather than on its own something after all. Your sloppy, accomplishment by people with disabilities. terms. fragile heart beats “The arts are our highest expression of The Kennedy Center event, which is a little faster what it means to be human, and disability is presented by the disability arts organization and then you know. a key part of what it means to be human,” VSA arts, may help to change that. You just know. Ferris said. “Disability arts are part of the “It’s important to dispel the mistaken And the poem tapestry of human experience that has been idea that disability means incompetence,” is right left mostly unexplored.” he said. “Crip artists are producing work where it Ferris, who directs the UT Disability that is as good if not better than anything belongs. Studies Program and is an associate pro- else out there.”

Irish leader Construction on UTMC heart center continued from p. 1 affects traffic patterns he earned a reputation as an outstanding the role universities can play in the new By Kim Harvey fundraiser, political liaison and consensus- knowledge-based economy, and how univer- builder among faculty and staff, and helped sities can become more student-centered are onstruction on the Heart and Vascular “We’ve posted yellow and blue signs that propel the 153-year-old university into particularly relevant for faculty and staff at CCenter at The University of Toledo will direct traffic accordingly.” one of the best in Europe, with world-class The University of Toledo.” Medical Center is altering traffic patterns on Construction of the Heart and Vascular research centers in biomedical sciences and Ireland, part of the European Union Health Science Campus. Center will take place on the first floor of regenerative medicine, information technol- since 1972, now has one of the strongest As of Friday morning, traffic that UTMC’s northwest corner. “We’re erecting ogy and human rights, and state-of-the-art, economies in Europe, thanks to embrac- usually enters through the west entrance a construction barrier between the patient student-centered teaching, research, sport ing the global economy, developing strong near the emergency department was being registration area and the construction area to and recreational facilities. And the universi- ties between business and education, and re-routed to the east entrance. The emer- keep noise at a minimum,” Sheets said. “But ty has earned a reputation as one of the best benefiting from an educated work force and gency entrance will remain open during the with any construction site, a certain amount places in Ireland at which to be a student. links to top-notch universities. projected six months of construction. of noise is to be expected.” He was a faculty member for 37 years at the UT’s other presidents emeritus in “The west entrance is heavily used by The Heart and Vascular Center will be 14,500-student university. residence were Drs. David Adamany, former our patients and visitors, so traffic may be a an $8.5 million, 20,000-square-foot facility “I am extremely delighted that Dr. Temple University president, and Dr. Carol bit congested at times,” said Richard Sheets, housing new cardiovascular labs, a cardiac O’Muircheartaigh is visiting us,” President Cartwright, longtime Kent State University project manager in the Physical Plant. rehabilitation clinic and physician offices. Lloyd Jacobs said. “His insights into how a president who is now Bowling Green State university relates to its surrounding region, University interim president. 2 NEWS SEPT. 22, 2008 President emeritus headed to Zayed Dept. of Energy grant to help researchers University in United Arab Emirates create biofuels more efficiently

By Jon Strunk By Jon Strunk Dr. Daniel M. Johnson served Dr. Sasidhar Varanasi, professor of developed a catalyst that will allow the Johnson, UT president as president of The chemical engineering, and Dr. Patricia Re- native yeast to ferment both sugars, which, emeritus and Distin- University of Toledo lue, associate professor of bioengineering, depending on the biomass, will increase guished University from 2001 to 2006. are the recipients of a $500,000 grant from ethanol production by 30 percent or more. Professor of Public During that time, he the U.S. Department of Energy to improve “Others have tried genetically engi- Policy and Economic developed strong ties the efficiency of the production of ethanol neering yeast to enable it to convert both Development, has been with the metropoli- from biomass to create more environmen- sugars; however, these engineered yeasts are selected as provost, tan region, increased tally friendly fuels. patented and not widely available,” Varanasi chief operating officer funding for research, Using a multi-step process, Varanasi said. “Our process will allow us to use and chief academic launched an effective and Relue are creating the ethanol for biofu- unmodified, native yeast.” officer of Zayed Uni- capital campaign, laid els out of poplar wood, switchgrass and corn Varanasi has been conducting biofuel versity in the United the foundation for the stover, the leftover stalks and leaves that research at UT for three years and has Arab Emirates. UT Science and Tech- remain once the corn has been harvested. partnered with SuGanit Systems, a com- Zayed Univer- nology Corridor, and “Unlike corn starch, biomass hydro- pany housed in UT’s Alternative Energy sity was established in initiated the success- lysis leads mainly to two different kinds Incubator. Three different patents have been 1998 by the fed- ful merger between of sugars: glucose and xylose,” Varanasi licensed to Suganet in that time. eral government of the the University and the explained. “Glucose is very easy to convert “The efficiency of creating ethanol is United Arab Emirates Johnson Medical University of into ethanol simply by using native yeast. key for cellulosic ethanol to be a cost-ef- as an English-medium Ohio to create the third This grant is to further our work in de- fective replacement for gasoline,” Varanasi university based on the U.S. educational largest university in the state. veloping a method to also convert xylose said, “and the research we’re doing at UT model, with campuses in Abu Dhabi and UT President Lloyd Jacobs said the loss and generate more ethanol from the same is an important part of perfecting that Dubai led by a single administration. to the University and northwest Ohio would amount of biomass.” efficiency.” Johnson will assume his new post in be Zayed University’s gain. Varanasi said he and Relue have October after he and his wife, Elaine, move “Dan has been such a driving force for to the United Arab Emirates. this University and for northwest Ohio; he “Dr. Johnson will oversee the op- leaves having helped create a tremendous erations of the university, the academic foundation from which the University, the Pharmacy programs, the campuses in Abu Dhabi and city and the region will build. Dan and continued from p. 1 Dubai, the work of the deans, and ensure Elaine will be greatly missed in the Toledo ZU’s outstanding faculty are employing community, but I am excited for their new the best practices in our various programs,” opportunity.” said Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, vice presi- “Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the dent of Zayed University. “His significant most creative and dynamic cities in the leadership experience will be a great asset world in a country that is strategically locat- in facilitating and maintaining a produc- ed between the East and the West,” Johnson tive, professional environment that will said. “I’m excited by the challenging mis- maximize the learning opportunities for sion of the university and the opportunity to students.” help bring the best in U.S. higher education Zayed University, which recently re- to this important region of the world.” ceived initial accreditation from the Middle He added, “I am deeply gratified by the States Commission on Higher Education, confidence that has been placed in me by started the search for the new provost earlier the leadership of UAE’s Ministry of Higher this year. Education and Research.”

College of Arts and Sciences roundtable participants named, interviewed Photo by Terry Fell CHECK IT OUT: Announcing Discount Drug Mart’s $1 million gift last week were, from left, Diana By Tobin J. Klinger Boodjeh-Burke, daughter of Parviz Boodjeh, founder, chairman and CEO of Discount Drug Mart; Tom McConnell, chief financial officer of Discount Drug Mart; and Dr. Johnnie Early, dean of the hile the Learning Alliance is still ing faculty representatives from the College College of Pharmacy. Wapproximately one month away of Arts and Sciences and across campus, from commencing the facilitated roundtable administrators, community members and University of Toledo,” President Lloyd nationwide. Parviz Boodjeh, founder, discussions regarding the College of Arts a student. A list of members is available at Jacobs said. “Discount Drug Mart’s support chairman and CEO of Discount Drug Mart, and Sciences, work is under way in prepara- myut.utoledo.edu. of medical research and training strengthens completed his bachelor of science degree tion for what University leaders are calling a According to Haggett, preliminary the University’s impact on local health care in pharmacy at the University in 1954. In “transformative exercise” for the institution. interviews with the participants are the and will foster greater synergy among the 1969, he founded Discount Drug Mart. Dr. Rosemary Haggett, Main Campus first step of the process and have begun, as health science disciplines.” The College of Pharmacy has posted provost and executive vice president for representatives from the Learning Alliance Comprised of 68 retail stores through- more than a 90 percent on-time graduation academic affairs, last week announced the visited Sept. 15-17. out Ohio, Discount Drug Mart ranks eighth rate and a 100 percent placement rate for its names of 33 roundtable participants, includ- continued on p. 5 in retail sales among retail drug store chains graduates. 3 SEPT. 22, 2008 NEWS English lecturer to hold book signing Sept. 25 at UT Bookstore

By Jacob Corkins

Dr. Deborah M. Coulter- her books, Coulter-Harris was working in writing and performing on a weekly radio Harris, lecturer in the UT De- her office one day last April when the phone show for Ireland’s national news RTÉ. partment of English, will read rang with good news. Completing her PhD in British litera- excerpts from her new books “A publisher called me and the man ture with a minor in linguistics from UT and sign copies Thursday, asked, ‘Do you have any books you want in 1995, Coulter-Harris also has an MS in Sept. 25, at noon in the Student published?’ I said, ‘As a matter of fact, I business and human relations from Abilene Union Bookstore on Main Cam- have two,’” Coulter-Harris said. Christian University and received her BA in pus. She also received word that both books English from Fitchburg State College. She is Stone Keeper, A Collec- are being examined by the bookstore Barnes an honors graduate in the Russian language tion of Poetry and Plays and & Noble for possibile nationwide distribu- from the Defense Language Institute in Writers Crossing Boundaries: tion. Monterey, Calif., and a graduate of the Ca- Writing the Real World are her “When stuff like this happens, I don’t reer Analyst Program at the Sherman Kent first major collections of poetry question it, I just give it up to fate,” Coulter- School of Analysis at the CIA. and plays, and writing theory, Harris said. At UT, Coulter-Harris has coordinated respectively. Stone Keeper Works included in Stone Keeper the Shapiro Essay Revision Contest, as well includes her play loosely based are “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon”; as performed in UT theatre productions on the war in Iraq, “The Hang- “Charmed Like a Snake, I’m Sure,” a fic- as Olive in “The Women of Lockerbie” in ing Gardens of Babylon.” Both tional drama about the CIA during the 9/11 2005 and as Lady Isabella Bird and Joyce in books were published by Linus crisis; “Freed From the Plough and Other “Top Girls” in 2007. Publications Inc. in 2008. Innocent Tales”; and the “Dirt Road,” her She said that the University and the In Writers Crossing Bound- first poetry collection. leadership in the English Department have aries: Writing the Real World, Coulter-Harris said “Charmed Like a been very inspiring. “The English Depart- Coulter-Harris has drawn upon Snake, I’m Sure” is “a traditional play about ment here is just fantastic, and I love work- a variety of professional experi- fictional characters and events between July ing here,” Coulter-Harris said. “Dr. Sara ences to create a logical process Photo by Daniel Miller and Christmas 2001 at the Central Intel- Lundquist [associate professor and chair of Coulter-Harris and her new books for teaching students research ligence Agency, when Dr. Mysteria tries to English] exemplifies what a leader should and analysis in writing. career. The book also includes a reader with uncover the reason her superiors are editing be, and Dr. Barbara Schneider, director of The book details her personal devel- writing prompts for use in the classroom. out Osama Bin Ladin’s location from her the composition program, is also fabulous opment as a professional writer and how “Young writers think there’s only one reports. The mystery has a surprise ending, and has been most welcoming to me.” improving writing skills helped her through- way to write, but they don’t realize that after which Dr. Mysteria is ordered to fol- “I’m a writer, it’s what I do,” Coulter- out her career in the corporate world, the [writing] is used in more than just creative low a dangerous mission.” Harris said, adding that she plans to write military, the media and in the CIA. writing and basic research; it is used in Coulter-Harris also had published an- sequels to her play, “Charmed Like a Snake, Writers Crossing Boundaries contains a literary and political analysis, business writ- other poetry collection, “Dirt Road,” while I’m Sure,” and a screenplay in hopes that 12-step pyramid designed by Coulter-Harris ing and journalism, in almost every career spending time in Dublin, Ireland, acting at they will be turned into a movie. as a guide for research and analysis, with choice employment,” Coulter-Harris said. the Abbey and Gates theatres with award- writing samples taken from her professional While waiting to find a publisher for winning actor Gabriel Byrne, as well as

HISTORIC RETURN: The UT community celebrated the return of the Memorial Field House last week. Bob Nichols, former coach of the men’s basketball team, spoke during the program, which included a balloon release and unfurling the American flag. Students, faculty and staff had a chance to check out the building’s $27 million, 145,000-square-foot renovation. The Field House will open for classes in January. Photos by Jacke Meade Jacke Photos by 4 NEWS SEPT. 22, 2008 Celebrate right to read at Banned Books Vigil More recycling to start on Health Sept. 25 in Honors Program Student Lounge Science Campus By Shannon Wermer By Jacob Corkins losing Books Closes Possibili- he University of Toledo Recycling “Cties” is this year’s theme for the TDepartment has purchased a new 11th annual UT Banned Books Vigil, which vehicle and ordered more bins to expand the will take place Thursday, Sept. 25, on The recycling efforts on Health Science Campus. University of Toledo’s Main Campus. The improved recycling program on UT faculty members, students and Health Science Campus is slated to begin librarians, a local author and newspaper edi- Oct. 1 and will include bins for glass, alumi- tor will give short presentations from 9 a.m. num and paper, just like on Main Campus. to 6 p.m. in the Honors Program Student A $41,982 grant from the Ohio Depart- Lounge in Sullivan Hall Room 2010. ment of Natural Resources made purchasing “The theme of shutting off intellectual the new bins possible, along with a new inquiry by denying access to books simply recycling vehicle. and powerfully reflects the purpose of the “The old truck had a lot of problems; American Library Association’s Banned the new one is a big improvement and nice Books Week, which began in 1982,” said to use,” said Jeremy Sterling, recycling Dr. Paulette D. Kilmer, UT associate profes- and moving supervisor, who added the new sor of communication. vehicle is “road-worthy and reliable.” “The ALA and dozens of other orga- Diana Ganues, director of environmen- nizations have united to sponsor Banned tal services, said the vehicle will be used for Books Week to remind people that although recycling pickup for both campuses, as well most take it for granted, reading is the as helping to move items between offices. bedrock of democracy,” Kilmer said. “If we As for the new containers, they soon Photo by Terry Fell cannot read freely, we cannot think freely.” will be placed on Health Science Campus In the fourth week of September every and will be preceded by an advertising push year, the American Library Association, the Brian Hickam, assistant professor of general • 4:30 p.m. — “When Censorship Goes to promote awareness about recycling and Book Sellers of America and hundreds of libraries; Soft: The Case of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn the location of the new receptacles, Ganues other sponsors of Banned Books Week have and the Publication of One Day in the Life • Noon — “We Are Strangers” by Warren said. inspired citizens across the nation to plan of Ivan Denisovich” by Dr. Larry J. Connin, Woodberry, Toledo author; The department also has made a events celebrating the power of books to adviser for the Honors Program; commitment to promote recycling during change minds and make a difference. • 12:30 p.m. — “Banning Porn: Censorship • 5 p.m. — “I’m With the Banned” by football games; Ganues said placing and la- “Our event is called a vigil because or Emancipation?” by Dr. Renee Heberle, Michael S. Miller, editor of The Toledo Free beling recycling bins around the Glass Bowl when we started we conducted a 24-hour associate professor of political science; Press and UT alumnus; will be a priority. read-a-thon at Thackeray’s Books,” Kilmer • 1 p.m. — “Beyond 1984: Government • 5:30 p.m. — “George Carlin — Dirty said. “Thackeray’s no longer exists, but the Censorship, Distortion and Double Speak” Words or Dirty Minds?” by Dr. Richard need to be vigilant, to be watchful, remains by Dr. Carter Wilson, professor of political Knecht, professor of communication, and compelling. The battle for the First Amend- science; Arts and Sciences ment is never won.” Dr. David Tucker, associate professor of Topics and speakers for the daylong • 1:30 p.m. — “And You Thought It Only communication. continued from p. 3 Took Two to Tango: Banning Books for vigil will be: Door prizes from UT offices and local Homosexual Content?” by Dr. Sharon “We are thrilled to have this effort un- merchants will be given every half hour, and • 9 a.m. — Welcome from Dr. James Benja- Barnes, associate professor of interdisciplin- der way,” Haggett said. “We are hopeful that light refreshments will be served. min, professor and chair of communication, ary studies; these facilitated discussions can be a trans- Sponsors who contributed door prizes and Dr. Marcia Suter, associate professor formative exercise, not only for the college • 2 p.m. — “Devils in America (Still): and food include Barry’s Bagels, Bassett’s and director of library services; but for the whole University. The College Arthur Miller’s The Crucible” by Dr. Glenn Health Foods, Curb’s Candles, Dunkin’ • 9:30 a.m. — “Banned Poetry” by Dr. Sara of Arts and Sciences has an integral role in Sheldon, assistant professor of interdisci- Doughnuts, Glacity Theater Collective, Lundquist, associate professor and chair of the education of all our students, regardless plinary and special programs; People Called Women, the Westgate Rite English; of major, and in the University meeting its Aid Pharmacy, The Toledo Free Press, UT • 2:30 p.m. — “Jeopardy!” to be hosted by mission. That means what’s good for Arts • 10 a.m. — “Nazi Germany” by Dr. Larry Applied Organizational Technology, UT Hickam; and Sciences is good for the University.” Wilcox, professor of history; Career Services, UT Bookstore, UT-MCO The first facilitated roundtable discus- • 3 p.m. — Keynote presentation, “John Credit Union, UT Starbucks, and the UT • 10:30 a.m. — “The Power of the sion is set to occur Tuesday and Wednesday, Steinbeck and the Vietnam War” by Dr. Tom Theatre and Film Department. Pen(Itentiary): Imprisoned Writers Around Oct. 21 and 22. Barden, director of the UT Honors Program Hickam and Dr. Linda Smith, senior the World” by Dr. Mark Denham, associate and professor of English; professor of political science; lecturer of the UT Honors Program, helped • 4 p.m. — Dr. K and the Independent Col- Kilmer coordinate the event. • 11 a.m. — “Anti-Intellectualism and the legian Players present “Literary Indictment” For more information, contact Kilmer Check out Ban” by Dr. Ben Pryor, associate professor with Josh Martin, managing editor, as the at 419.530.4672 or paulette.kilmer@uto- and chair of philosophy and co-director of judge; Dave Hochanadel, editor, as the ledo.edu. UToday the Law and Social Thought Program; prosecutor: Kevin Galambos, director of Don’t forget to bookmark UToday • 11:30 a.m. — “Banned and Censored photography; Jason Mack, sports editor; and at myut.utoledo.edu. Rock ’n’ Roll and the Ohio Connection” by Kilmer; 5 SEPT. 22, 2008 NEWS UT research suggests new way of programmed cell death

By Jim Winkler

team of UT College of Medicine Aresearchers has uncovered preliminary evidence of a new signaling pathway that controls cell death in a highly lethal form of brain tumor called glioblastoma that is very difficult to treat. Their findings about the process, which they call methuosis, appeared in the June issue of a major cancer research journal, Molecular Cancer Research. The joint lead authors of the paper are Dr. Jean Overmeyer, research associate pro- fessor of biochemistry and cancer biology, and Aparna Kaul, predoctoral student in the biomedical sciences graduate program. Dr. Erin E. Johnson, a 2005 PhD graduate of the former Medical College of Ohio who is now a fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health, and Dr. William A. Maltese, professor and chairman of biochemistry and cancer biology, are co-author and corre- Photo by Jack Meade sponding author, respectively. Aparna Kaul, left, Dr. William A. Maltese and Dr. Jean Overmeyer posed for a photo in front of a This cover image was taken in the UT Advanced Microscopy and Imaging Center Cells in the body die by the millions poster that outlines their research findings. on Health Science Campus. every day. The process, called apoptosis, is part of a genetic program that controls the ture and disintegrate. This is very different mer from the National Cancer Institute. Ras, before a therapy based on stimulating body’s natural defense against cancer; cells from the process of apoptosis, where the cell “All of our experiments have been done methuosis will be practical.” that accumulate irreparable genetic damage shrinks. in cultured cells,” Maltese noted. “There- The image selected by the journal for kill themselves off so they do not develop The UT scientists have not studied fore, we must be cautious not to overstate its June cover is a picture of a cell undergo- into tumors and to make room for new ones. the process in animals, so they don’t know the significance of our results until we ing methuosis taken with the multiphoton But sometimes the process gets out of what would be the fate of the cell fragments. can replicate these findings in an animal confocal microscope in the UT Advanced whack. If too many cells die too soon, the Most likely, they would be engulfed by model. Even then, we must identify small Microscopy and Imaging Center on Health result can be a neurodegenerative illness macrophages and other inflammatory cells, molecules that can mimic the effects of Science Campus. like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases. If similar to what happens to apoptotic cells, a cells with mutations live too long, they can process called phagocytosis. become malignant cancer cells. “The cancer cells basically drink One way to treat cancer is to reactivate themselves to death by internalizing fluid,” the apoptosis death program. This is typi- Maltese explained. “Macropinocytosis, cally done with radiation or chemotherapy. sometimes called ‘cell drinking,’ has a However, some tumors like glioblas- normal function in cells of the immune toma carry genetic mutations that make system, where this process is used to sample them very resistant to apoptosis, which has antigens in the environment. In the case of prompted researchers to search for differ- the glioblastoma cells, macropinocytosis has ent death pathways that might be exploited, not been previously described as a normal leading to the identification of alternative process. For some reason that we don’t yet death programs like necrosis and autophagy. understand, activated forms of the Ras pro- The new studies by the UT team tein can trigger this process in an extreme indicate that methuosis may be still another way, ultimately resulting in the death of OFFICIAL DEDICATION: unique process by which cells die. the tumor cell. Hence, the name methuosis, Jennifer Rockwood, director It appears that methuosis starts with a which means ‘the process of drinking to of the First-Year Experience signal transmitted by the active form of the intoxication.’” Program, spoke last week at Ras oncoprotein, a cancer gene. Normally Identifying and regulating signaling the official unveiling of the active Ras stimulates cell growth, but in pathways of cell death may lead to new dis- diversity mural, “Recovering glioblastoma it does the opposite, causing coveries and more targeted cancer therapies, Hidden Pasts: Public Portrai- ture,” in Rocket Hall on Main cell death. Signaling events downstream according to Maltese. Campus. She was chair of the from Ras, which the researchers are work- “Our study raises the possibility that if committee that was charged ing to define, trigger the formation of we can understand the signals that trigger with making the mural a macropinosomes, which are large vesicles this new form of cell death, we may uncover reality. UT alumnus Andrew that carry extracellular fluid into the cell via new molecular targets for therapy of these Maurer designed the mural, a process called macropinocytosis. As long devastating tumors, which are hard to treat which reflects the University’s as the Ras signal continues to be transmit- because they are resistant to drugs that mission statement to empha- ted, the macropinosomes accumulate and cause cell death by apoptosis.” size “human diversity, respect for individuals and freedom of become progressively larger and eventually The research was supported by a four- expression.” fill up the entire cell, causing the cell to rup- year grant that Maltese received last sum- Daniel Miller Photo by 6 NEWS SEPT. 22, 2008 UT student accepted to four juried art shows

By Jacob Corkins s a young artist, it is hard to be ac- Acepted into a juried art show, but the talent of Helen Grubb, University of Toledo student majoring in printmaking with a minor in drawing, has turned more than a few heads. This summer, Grubb decided on a whim to apply to numerous art shows, not really expecting to hear anything. But she was surprised when she was accepted into four of them. “I was kind of shocked and very happy,” said Grubb, who will have four separate pieces in art shows at the Hoyt Mid-Atlantic Juried Exhibition 2008, New Castle, Pa.; Simply Drawn: An Exhibition of Monochro- matic Drawings, Kennesaw, Ga.; 2008 Juried All-Media Exhibition, Palos Verdes, Calif.; and the 73rd Annual National Juried Art Exhibition, Cooperstown, N.Y. With a background in printmaking, drawing and painting, Grubb chose to prac- tice monotype, a combination of the three that seems to create a unique impression on both paper and its admirers. The blend of abstract colors, patterns from print and sketching molds the paintings into beautiful insights of human emotion. Photo by Daniel Miller The distinct style allows Grubb to fully ART ZONE: Helen Grubb posed for a photo in her work area at the Center for the Visual Arts. express the complexity of light and control. “My artwork deals a lot with the ideas of order and control. It’s a constant struggle at the Center for the Visual Arts is important Electrophysiology Program at UT Medical juried. “Art isn’t the easiest career field to get or balancing act. I’m intrigued by messes; because it’s small; the individual attention I Center. She said drawing anatomy is com- into; you need be able to work hard and have they’re uncontrolled and a person’s mess received helped me grow as an artist.” pletely different from her usual work in that a lot of self-motivation.” shows a lot about them,” Grubb said. Grubb also has worked as a medical it is so structured and needs to be precise. Grubb is looking to apply to graduate She added that it was in part being at UT illustrator for her father, Dr. Blair P. Grubb, In order to be successful as an artist, schools while working on her next body of that allowed her talent to flourish. “Working professor of medicine and director of the she said, you need to put your work out to be work and graduation in spring.

UT News is published for faculty, staff and students by the University Communications Office weekly during the academic year and periodically during the summer. Copies are mailed to employees and placed in newsstands on the Main, Health Science, Scott Park and campuses. UT News strives to present accurate, fair and timely communication of interest to employees. Story ideas and comments from the UT community are welcome. 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 Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606-3390.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: Lawrence J. Burns SENIOR DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS: Tobin J. Klinger Editor: Vicki L. Kroll ASSOCIATE Editor: Cynthia Nowak Graphic Designer: Liz Allen The University of Toledo is committed to PhotographerS: Terry Fell, Jack Meade, Daniel Miller a policy of equal opportunity in education, Photo by Daniel Miller Contributing Writers: Jacob Corkins, Kim Harvey, Megan Lewis, employment, membership and contracts, and Matt Lockwood, Jon Strunk, Shannon Wermer, Jim Winkler no differentiation will be made based on race, LET IT RAIN: Dr. Patrick J. Lawrence, associate professor of geography and planning, talked about Editorial Assistants: Laurie Flowers, Joanne Gray color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual UT’s new quick-draining, native vegetation demonstration rain garden during a dedication ceremony Distribution assistant: Brett Novak, Jason Ogurchak orientation, veteran status or the presence of a disability. The University will take affirmative last week. Located between Parking Lot 10 north of the Glass Bowl and the on Main action as required by federal or state law. Campus, the garden will collect and filter storm water runoff from a 30,000-square-foot area and Read UT news at www.utnews.utoledo.edu and myut.utoledo.edu. help prevent it from draining directly into the river, Lawrence said. 7 SEPT. 22, 2008 NEWS

Things you need to know …

Below are some important facts that may impact your work life at The University of Toledo. Visit myUT.utoledo.edu for additional details.

• Open enrollment for health-care benefits will begin Wednesday, Oct. 15. Human Resources will be mailing appropriate forms to your home. • If you have moved during the last year, you need to make sure that your current address is on file with Human Resources. Updates can be made at myUT.utoledo.edu by clicking “self-service.” • Informational sessions regarding health-care benefits are being scheduled. Look for details in UT News and UToday.

Race to benefit Victory Center

he Student Academy of the American programs at no cost as a result of individual TAcademy of Physician Assistants donations, grants and fundraising events. (SAAAPA) at UT and practicing northwest “SAAAPA is looking to surpass the Ohio physician assistants are sponsoring success of last year’s race with many more the Second Annual Race for Victory — 5K participants and is anticipating generous run/3K walk Saturday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. at donations to such a valuable organization in Swan Creek Preserve Metropark. our community,” Hebeler said. This is one of many events UT students Last year, more than 100 people partici- are planning for National Physician Assis- pated in the Race for Victory, which raised tants Week, Oct. 6-12, to help raise aware- $2,500, she said. ness of the physician assistant profession. Pre-registration for the Race for Victory SAAAPA member Kim Hebeler is the event is available online at the UT-SAAAPA Web chair and is being assisted by committee site at http://hsc.utoledo.edu/depts/stuaff/ chairs Betsy Szynkowski, Maggi Bulla, Eric stulif/saaapa/2008race_for_victory until Romp and Laurie Lynch. Oct. 2. Monetary donations also will be ac- Hebeler said all net proceeds from the cepted online and on race day. event will benefit the Victory Center, a local Local businesses have donated prizes organization that supports and educates and gift certificates that will be awarded to cancer patients and their families by provid- the overall race winner and winners from ing programs and services in northwest each age/gender group. In addition, door Ohio and southeast Michigan. Programs and prizes will be given away during the awards services include massage therapy, healing ceremony. touch, yoga classes and support groups. For more information, contact Hebeler Cancer patients and their families are able at 508.922.8064. to participate in and benefit from these

In memoriam Julia Brooks LaRue Orwig, Ottawa Hills, who served on the board of the former MUO Foundation from 1999 to 2007 and the UT Foundation for another year, died Sept. 13 at age 57. William F. Prebe, Sylvania, who taught business economics at UT for many years, later as an associate professor, died Sept. 12 at age 86. In 1971, he was the Edwin R. Hodge graduate lecture speaker in the College of Business Ad- Rock-It Back to UT for Homecoming ministration. A longtime employee of Dana Corp., where he was promoted to economist in 1969, he also taught international business at BGSU. He Several events are planned to psyche up for Toledo’s football earned his bachelor of business administration degree from UT in 1949 and game against Ball State Saturday, Oct. 4. did graduate work in marketing as well as attended the UT College of Law. Look in next week’s issue of UT News for more information. 8