Inside UNLV UNLV Publications

9-2005

Inside UNLV

Diane Russell University of Nevada, Las Vegas, [email protected]

Cate Weeks University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute

Mamie Peers University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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Repository Citation Russell, D., Weeks, C., Harter, C. C., Peers, M. (2005). Inside UNLV. Inside UNLV Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/inside_unlv/11

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This Newsletter has been accepted for inclusion in Inside UNLV by an authorized administrator of Digital Scholarship@UNLV. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Managing Your Information Legislature Funds Many Requests Learn how to use the EQUUS System to update your Get more details on the record capital improvement directory information and make other changes. Page 2 funding and other noteworthy achievements. Page 3

Encore! The PAC celebrates 30 years with performances by groups News & Information for UNLV Insiders SEPTEMBER 2005 such as Black Watch. Page 3

TECH SAV V Y Canning Spam New system proves reliable at blocking unwanted e-mail By Mamie Peers | OIT Tired of wading through e-mail messages offering questionable med- ical products or a way to get rich quick just by providing your bank account information? The office of information technology’s new spam- filtering program helps you reclaim your Lotus Notes inbox. The easy-to-use Proofpoint anti- spam software should cut the amount of time employees waste sorting through unwanted messages. The system, which was introduced in July, is already getting rave reviews. When budget officer Georgia Stergios came back from 10 days off in August, Charles Leetch is among the four full-time drivers for UNLV/CSUN’s new parking shuttle service. she didn’t need to delete the 79 spam messages sent to her; Proofpoint man- aged it for her. “My inbox is so much easier to approach in the morning,” Get Taken for a Ride Stergios said. “No more messages from bogus Pay Pal, Target, or Citizens Free shuttle connects Bank senders.” campus and lots ‘The Ride’ Shuttle Pilot Program UNLV/CSUN’s shuttle program features 21-passenger Understanding The Digest buses on two routes. Proofpoint rates messages based By Cate Weeks | Marketing & PR Main Campus Route: These shuttles wind through the Thomas & Mack lots and on the likelihood that the message The thought of finding a parking then circle the campus clockwise entering the interior along key access is spam. The original subject lines spot the first few weeks of school roads. Pickups are scheduled approximately every 8-10 minutes, but may vary of these messages are preceded by is enough to send shivers down depending on weather and traffic conditions. a percentage rating such as “100% any employee’s spine, even on a spam…” You can then set your pref- hot August day. This year, though, Thomas & Mack Express: This shuttle circulates through the Thomas & Mack erences to quarantine messages staff and students can hop on free parking lots, dropping riders off near the Student Services Complex. It takes tagged as spam and manage the sys- air-conditioned shuttles to get from approximately four minutes to circle the lots. tem using the spam digest, which is their cars to convenient drop points Hours: Through Sept. 16, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Starting Sept. 19, 7 sent periodically via e-mail. around campus. a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays. Service is All Lotus Notes users by default “The Ride” shuttle program, a year-round, but on an abbreviated schedule during semester breaks. receive the digest, but this doesn’t joint effort by CSUN and UNLV Bus Details: The 21-passenger shuttles are air-conditioned and marked with mean that spam is being blocked parking services, was introduced university logos. All are equipped with wheelchair lifts. from your inbox. You will continue to Aug. 22 and is a vital part of the receive the digest as well as the indi- university’s strategy for addressing Get more details and view a map of the shuttle route at parking.unlv.edu/shuttle. vidual messages until you request that parking needs as enrollments soar the system block unwanted messages. and major new buildings take shape. To block spam, follow the instruc- “UNLV is becoming like many front lots to a greater reliance on off Maryland Parkway and behind tions at ccs.unlv.edu. major urban universities, where perimeter parking.” Beam Engineering. At the same time, Once you’ve told the system to parking is pushed away from the This summer, construction of a new lot was built off Naples Street block spam, scan your digest regu- core to perimeter lots,” said Tad the new student union, the new near the Campus Services Building. larly to ensure that Proofpoint has McDowell, director of parking ser- recreation center, and the Science, The net loss of about 1,100 spaces, not quarantined a message you want vices. “Our growth is only going to Engineering and Technology or just under 9 percent of the total to read. Messages in quarantine are accelerate the trend away from door- Building cut into some favorite lots > See Ride, Page 7 automatically deleted after eight days. Click “release” if you want a message taken out of quarantine. Get Connected You can also designate that the And help welcome students to sender of a message be added to campus just as these folks did last your “safe list” so future messages year. Rebel Connection, the event are automatically released to your designed to welcome and ori- inbox. Proofpoint features also let ent students to campus, continues you block specific domain names through Aug. 31. On Aug. 30 you and e-mail addresses. This is handy can listen to live music at the 11 when you’ve subscribed to an e-mail a.m. Rebel Welcome at the Alumni list you no longer want to receive. Amphitheatre or attend the Comedy Lounge at 8 p.m. in the MSU ball- More Info: Learn how to manage room. The final event will be the your spam through Proofpoint at i annual Premier UNLV celebration at ccs.unlv.edu or attend the Computing 5 p.m. Aug. 31 on North Field. There Resource Center’s spam seminars will be fireworks and the traditional in the third week of September. The lighted formation of the name UNLV. schedule for the 30-minutes sessions is posted on the site above. From The President New Year, New Challenges at UNLV By Carol C. Harter If you’ve been away from campus for any realize our plans. As we all can attest, our future UNLV President length of time this summer, you’ve probably also at UNLV is limitless — and will doubtlessly be The start of a new aca- noticed that the physical signs of transformation filled with amazing discovery, strong economic demic year is always excit- are everywhere. The telltale construction fencing and social development, and the most accom- ing as we welcome new and earth-moving equipment, as well as omni- plished, brightest students seeking out their and returning students to present orange traffic cones (which some have world-class education right here on our cam- campus, engage in new joked ought to be our state symbol in Nevada), pus. We are already well on the way to attaining programs and research herald the development of some eagerly antici- this dream — but the vision to get there extends projects, and celebrate our pated new facilities. beyond what state support can provide. shared school spirit with a host of events. But The new student union, student recreation On Sept. 15 at the annual state of the univer- this year finds us at a particularly interesting center, and Science, Engineering and Technology sity address, we will formally announce the pub- moment in the life of the university, with great Building currently under construction will not lic launch of UNLV’s first-ever comprehensive transformation and opportunity on the horizon. only physically transform campus, but will also campaign. Many of you have been involved in Following approval by the Board of Regents help to enrich campus life and opportunities the preliminary planning and cornerstone gift over the past year, a number of key degree pro- for learning, discovery, and community engage- phase of the campaign over the past four years, grams will be offered this fall — including the ment. Progress never comes without some pain, and we are deeply appreciative of your efforts. Ph.D. in chemistry, doctor of physical therapy, however, so we hope that you will be patient The campaign is an ambitious effort to expand master of public health, and master of science and understanding of some interruptions to typ- private support at every level of the university in aerospace engineering. The addition of these ical campus walking and parking routes. — for scholarships and student-centered oppor- programs and others will help UNLV continue Other transformational projects will take tunities, for endowed professorships and faculty to grow, both in diversity of academic offerings greater shape this year. For example, the Clark development, for special programs, new equip- and in research opportunities to address issues County public works department has begun ment, and even buildings. This support can help affecting our community and our state. a comprehensive study of traffic patterns sur- catapult UNLV to a new level of excellence, and Several new units coming on line are also rounding the university as part of the Midtown strengthen our role as a community resource. transformational, designed to deepen and UNLV initiative. This effort will be followed Your leadership as members of the UNLV strengthen our partnerships with community, as later in the year by some form of active traffic community will be critical to the success of well as with other agencies. These include our testing to assess the impact of potentially nar- this campaign, as it is to all of the transfor- School of Public Health; the Center for Health rowing Maryland Parkway. Campus forums mative efforts occurring on campus. As uni- Disparities Research, started with a $1.23 million focusing on the Midtown UNLV initiative are versity ambassadors in the community, all of grant from the National Institutes of Health; the also in the planning stages, with more informa- us play a part in the effort — but I hope you Public Lands Institute, dedicated to protection, tion to come soon. will take this occasion to find new ways to get conservation, and management of natural and When we talk about transformation and prog- involved. Please join us for the state of the uni- cultural resources; and the Center for Excellence ress at the university, we can usually all agree versity address on Sept.15 as we celebrate our in Women’s Health, started with a $300,000 grant that the single greatest impediment to reaching vibrant past and look toward an exciting future from the U.S. Department of Education. our goals is money — having the resources to together.

FOR THE RECORD The Inside Guide to Managing Your Employee Information Update your campus directory Getting Into the EQUUS System information by Sept. 9 iTo log into the system, find the EQUUS “quicklink” at facultystaffinfo.unlv.edu. You’ll need By Cate Weeks | Marketing & PR two key pieces of information to access your infor- Add this to your back-to-school to-do’s: Verify mation — your employee ID and PIN numbers. Your the information listed for you in the Employee employee ID number is printed on your paycheck Query and Update System (EQUUS), also some- stub and available from your department’s adminis- times called the Employee Self Serve system. trative assistant. If you cannot remember your PIN, This online database contains your personal call human resources at ext. 5-3504 to have it reset. contact information, including work and home addresses, pay rate, tax withholding information, nickname will replace the first name in the direc- and tenure status. If the contact information listed tory, so don’t enter the term of endearment your in EQUUS is wrong, it will be wrong in both the significant other calls you. printed and online employee directories. Add Your Cell Phone. The office information The deadline for changes to be made in time for screen has a field for your cell phone. This will not this year’s printed directory is Sept. 9. be printed in the directory but will be available to A common misconception on campus is that your department’s administrative assistants should Classified Information individual contact information for the directory they need to track you down. Barbara “Bobbie” Betts, an administrative is automatically updated when, for example, an Going on Sabbatical? The alternate address assistant in the history department, listens employee changes offices on campus. Employees screen is handy for faculty on sabbatical or who to a presentation during the classified staff must notify human resources of changes either leave for the summer. Once you return from afar, retreat that took place in the Tam Alumni through EQUUS or by filling out the personal data just click “no” in the “Use alternate address?” field Center during the summer. sheet available from the human resources office. and mail will be sent to your main address. “We hope that every employee will double- Lost Your Pay Stub? Print copies of past pay check their directory information as the semester information (pay stubs) and W-2 forms from EQUUS. gets under way,” said Matt Garland, salary admin- This feature is frequently used around tax time and istration manager, noting that many employees when employees are applying for mortgage loans. aren’t aware of EQUUS’ other features. What You Can’t Do What Else EQUUS Can Do No, you can’t give yourself a raise. Areas on New Direct Deposit Service. This fall pay- EQUUS that can’t be changed by users are indi- Diane Russell, [email protected] Editor: roll services is adding a direct deposit screen so cated as “inquiries” and include pay rate, hire Writers: Erin O’Donnell, Mamie Peers, Cate Weeks users can sign up or change their account informa- date, tax withholdings, and job title. That last one Photographers: Geri Kodey, Aaron Mayes tion themselves. The program will also expand so is somewhat misleading and actually refers to your that users can direct their pay to several accounts classification (i.e. “manager” or “director”) rather Inside UNLV welcomes comments and suggestions. through EQUUS. “This service makes it very easy than your exact title. Please e-mail [email protected] for employees to sign up for direct deposit from You also can’t add or change your own degree or drop a note to Inside UNLV at mail code 1024. their home or office computers,” said Debbie information, which requires verification. Human Inside UNLV is a monthlymonthly publication bbyy the offi ce of Jones, associate controller. resources will update this information once you Marketing & Public Relations. Hate Your Given Name? If those on campus provide the appropriate college transcripts. UNLV is an AA/EEO Institution. know you by a nickname, you can enter that on If the information in an inquiry screen is incor- the personal information screen. Just note that the rect, call human resources at ext. 5-3504.

Page 2 | Inside UNLV Legislature Comes Through on Many UNLV Funding Priorities By Diane Russell | Marketing & PR highlight of this session as far as UNLV is con- nance funding, from state capital improvement Substantial construction funding, raises for cerned,” Turner said. funds. The remainder will come from funds gener- employees, and a provision allowing universities ated by UNLV, Bomotti said, adding that much of to hold on to more of their research dollars were Record Funding the money is the direct result of President Carol C. among the items that made the 2005 legislative “With Chancellor (Jim) Rogers leading the charge Harter’s successful fundraising efforts. session a successful one for higher education and tremendous support from the governor and Among the UNLV projects to receive fund- in Nevada, according to the university’s chief Nevada legislators, the NSHE was able to secure a ing were Greenspun Hall, which will be home lobbyist. record level of capital improvement funding for pro- to the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. The Marcia Turner, UNLV’s director of governmental grams throughout the system,” Turner said. Legislature supported this project with an alloca- relations, said several items stand out as important A total of $91.8 million will be spent on capi- tion of just under $34 million for the project, which victories for UNLV and for the Nevada System of tal improvement projects at UNLV this fiscal year will be combined with a generous donation of Higher Education (NSHE). and next, said Gerry Bomotti, vice president for more than $26 million from the Greenspun fam- “Receiving legislative support for capital finance and business. The Legislature allocated ily, Turner said. This partnership will help ensure a improvement funding has to be considered the $63.9 million, which includes repair and mainte- > See Legislature, Page 8

THE REBEL LIFE Bravo! Encore! Encore! PAC celebrates 30th anniversary By Diane Russell | Marketing & PR Thirty years and still going strong. Back in 1976, UNLV’s Performing Arts Center, which celebrates its 30th season this academic year, was one of the few places in town where patrons could see something other than Strip-style entertainment. But that year Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall opened its doors. It, along with Judy Bayley Theatre, which opened in 1972, was the nucleus of what would become the Performing Arts Center. Over the years, the two facilities have been host to a variety of perfor- mances — some traditionally classi- cal, some not — ranging from plays starring students to performances by violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the amazing National Acrobats of Taiwan, and the comedic Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

30th Season Ballet Flamenco Jose Porcel will perform Sept. 28 as part of the Performing Art Center’s season of “Our Greatest Performances.” And, as the PAC begins its 30th season, titled “Our Greatest available there. Las Vegas and UNLV technical laboratory in the world.” Concert Hall Improvements Performances,” things show no signs hold up well in comparison, he said. Currently, UNLV, through both the Continuing a successful arts pro- of slowing down. “This is such an exciting time to College of Fine Arts and the Howard gram at UNLV, however, requires Concerts by such diverse groups as be here. The arts at UNLV are just R. Hughes College of Engineering, improving its performance ven- the Russian National Orchestra and on the brink of a potential that is offers a minor in entertainment engi- ues. Lori James, director of finance Rockapella will be complemented by vast,” said Henley, whose first con- neering. Koep predicted that a major and guest relations, has witnessed performances by the Ailey II dance nection to the PAC came when he in the field will be available by the the PAC’s development since 1980 troupe and by Broadway (and Cheers) was a UNLV undergraduate and end of this academic year. when she first worked there as an star Bebe Neuwirth. performed in a production of The usher while still a high school stu- On top of that, the College of Fine Threepenny Opera. “We are going to New Competition? dent. “We’ve had a couple of major Arts will present plays ranging from be an incredible artistic resource for Both Koep and Henley agree that renovations to Ham Concert Hall, the musical Carnival!; to the Scopes Southern Nevada in the years to plans for a new multimillion-dollar beginning with the redecoration of “monkey trial” play, Inherit the Wind; come, just as we have been for the performing arts venue downtown the lobby in 1999. That changed the and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer past 30 years.” will not hamper the PAC’s continued entire atmosphere in the lobby and Night’s Dream in the Bayley. The PAC’s development will con- development. made it a much more inviting place. And those lists don’t include per- tinue to be fueled by growth in the “I know that Southern Nevada is “We’re expecting a similar posi- formances slated for the PAC’s Black College of Fine Arts, said dean Jeff large enough to support more than tive reaction to our latest change Box Theatre or the College of Fine Koep, who also oversees the PAC. one successful performing arts cen- in the concert hall; just last month Arts’ Doc Rando Recital Hall or inti- “Our college has nearly tripled ter,” Koep said, adding that the other we installed new, more comfortable mate Paul Harris Theatre. its enrollment in the last 10 years,” center’s mission may be somewhat seats in a lush Rebel red.” Audiences can expect such diver- he said. “I believe it will continue to different from that of the PAC. “For Koep said he does not believe that sity and volume of programming to grow, which automatically means an instance, if it brings in Broadway UNLV’s emphasis on expanding its continue as the PAC enters its fourth increase in the arts at UNLV. I’m par- road shows for somewhat lengthy research programs bodes ill for its decade, say those most closely asso- ticularly excited about one facet of the runs, that’s different from anything arts programs. ciated with its operation. arts that is relatively new to UNLV — we’re doing.” “Some of the traditional research entertainment engineering.” As more art — be it theater, institutions such as UCLA and Continued Growth Entertainment engineering is, just dance, music, or visual art — is Michigan also have tremendous arts “As both our campus and our as it sounds, a melding of two dis- available in Southern Nevada, the programs,” he said. city continue to grow, you will also tinctly different disciplines, Koep appetite for such offerings will only Henley agreed, asking, “What see continuing growth in the arts at said. “We see entertainment engi- grow, Henley predicted. “I think great research university doesn’t UNLV,” said Larry Henley, director neering used all along the Strip, the patron is going to be the win- have great performing arts? Look of artistic programming and produc- whether it’s in a Cirque du Soleil per- ner,” he said, adding that with mul- at the websites of the great research tion. “Just think about the changes formance or the dancing waters at tiple performing arts centers, fans universities and you’ll find the arts that are going on both on and off the Bellagio.” will be able to indulge their tastes well represented there. campus. The Las Vegas we see today UNLV, Koep said, is in a unique more often. “Besides, without the arts, you is not the Las Vegas we will see in position to be a leader in this rela- “It will be important for the two don’t have well-rounded students — another 10 or 20 years. Our city is tively new field. centers to coordinate their schedules or a well-rounded community.” just starting to look like it will later “Not too many universities have somewhat,” Henley said, pointing this century.” launched entertainment engineering out that for both centers to present Ticket Information: UNLV fac- Henley often travels to other cities programs,” he said. “And the Strip a major symphony orchestra on the iulty/staff get ticket discounts. Call and takes note of the arts offerings will provide our students the best same night would be foolish. ext. 5-2787 or go to unlvtickets.com.

Inside UNLV | Page 3 New Faces Stories by Erin O’Donnell | Marketing & PR

of Grenoble in France and the University of Editor’s Note: Greenwich in England. Before joining Virginia Here, in place of the usual “Across Campus” section, we’re presenting “New Faces,” profi les of a Commonwealth, he worked for Reynolds Metals random sampling of some of UNLV’s newest employees. As the new academic year begins, take a Co. in Virginia. minute to learn about some of your new coworkers. “Across Campus” will return next month.

FOUNDATION Phil Hilliard BUSINESS “This includes researching educational systems Development officers Wenli Wang from other countries, understanding common for the UNLV Foundation Computers and fine arts traditions, and being aware of cultural attitudes have a new resource in their sound like polar opposite toward psychology, education, and medicine.” quest to identify potential fields of study, but not to This year Krach will supervise school psychol- donors to the university. Wenli Wang. In fact, there’s ogy students who work in both clinical and school- Phil Hilliard joins the an interdisciplinary aspect based settings conducting psycho-educational foundation this year as to nearly every stream of assessments. manager of prospect research she pursues. She said she was attracted to UNLV for her first research. It’s his job to investigate the interests of “One of my research faculty position by the rapidly growing size and corporations, foundations, and individuals and interests is information technology and perform- reputation of the educational psychology depart- determine their potential for giving to UNLV. Since ing arts, and Las Vegas is definitely the top site for ment. “All of the current faculty members in this 1995, the UNLV Foundation has raised more than my field studies,” said Wang, an assistant visiting department are excellent researchers and are work- $214 million for the university. professor of management information systems. She ing with me to develop a comprehensive research He comes to Las Vegas from Washington, D.C., comes to UNLV from Emory University in Atlanta, agenda,” she said. “Also, the College of Education where he worked for a nonprofit organization where she spent five years as an assistant professor has a strong relationship with the local school dis- that did research for the Department of Homeland in decision and information analysis at Goizueta trict, providing great research opportunities.” Security. “My focus was on researching vulner- Business School. abilities and threats to the nation’s critical infra- Wang doesn’t see using a computer as the ENGINEERING structures such as agriculture, transportation, antithesis of physical activity. Rather, she inves- and banking.” tigates how people can use technology to under- Daniel Cook That may sound like a long way from univer- stand their own bodies and their physical move- Engineering has tradi- sity fundraising. But with homeland security, his ments for mind-body fitness. tionally been the realm of research specialty was telecommunications and Economics is also central to Wang’s work. Her those who build bridges information technology, giving him a firm grasp past research has focused on the design of online and rockets. Today that list of electronic research methods that will be useful. auctions such as eBay, particularly how introduc- has grown to include roller And Hilliard said he’s well-versed in resources ing fixed prices can benefit both sellers and buyers coasters, sports venues, available to help the development staff target in auctions. and increasingly complex its fundraising efforts where they can be most Although Las Vegas’ rich scope of arts and Las Vegas attractions, and productive. entertainment played a part in her decision to UNLV is positioning itself to be at the forefront of “The energy and optimism of UNLV and the come to UNLV, Wang said the MIS program itself the new wave. UNLV Foundation were very appealing,” Hilliard was the biggest factor. “It is the warmth, care, To that end, this year the College of Engineering said. and research quality of the faculty members that has hired its first faculty member dedicated to the Hilliard’s wife, Tyra, also starts a new position attracted me the most.” field of entertainment engineering and design. with UNLV this fall as associate professor of tour- Assistant professor Dan Cook comes to UNLV ism and convention administration. E DU CATION from Virginia Commonwealth University where he taught joint classes in mechanical engineering G RADUATE Kathleen Krach and sculpture. Kathleen Krach spent “Artists need to be more technical and engineers Manuela Dokie two years working as a need to be more creative to be successful these After living “all over school psychologist in the days,” Cook said. “That’s what I want to teach my the world” for 25 years, Atlanta area after complet- students.” Manuela Dokie is ready to ing her doctoral degree at The university has been offering courses in stay put for a while. Texas A&M in 2003. Now, entertainment engineering for a few years. It will Originally from Germany, she is embarking on her be Cook’s job to further develop the program, Dokie married a military teaching career as an assis- an interdisciplinary effort between engineering man and also worked for tant professor of school psychology at UNLV. and the College of Fine Arts that will focus on the U.S. Army. Their last Among her major areas of interest and research technologies aimed at the entertainment indus- stop was El Paso, where Dokie was a research are bilingual education and working with children try. Graduates could be responsible for the next coordinator at the University of Texas, El Paso, for from multicultural backgrounds. breathtaking effects in Cirque du Soleil shows or eight years. “A school psychologist who works with bilin- the latest theme-park rides that combine elements When her husband retired from the service and gual or multicultural children needs to understand such as motion simulators and animatronics. they decided put down some roots, Las Vegas the impacts that diverse backgrounds and previ- Cook’s background is in metallurgical engineer- looked like the place to be. Not only does she ous educational experiences from other countries ing and materials science and engineering. He has have family in nearby Barstow, Calif., but also have on academic and social behavior,” she said. also held postdoctoral positions at the University Dokie said she was drawn by the university’s

FI N E ARTS television’s top prize for two Robert Benedetti acclaimed HBO movies — Miss For more than four decades, Evers Boys (1997) and A Lesson Robert Benedetti has lived the Before Dying (1999). The latter double life of an academic and an starred Don Cheadle, his former actor/producer. Now he is eager to student at the California Institute of share his expertise with theater stu- the Arts where Benedetti was dean dents at UNLV. of the School of Theatre. “After 30 years teaching act- Benedetti said the faculty is ing and directing, I took a 15-year what attracted him to UNLV first sabbatical in the movie industry,” and foremost. He was also drawn Benedetti said. “I was fortunate to the program’s creative focus enough to win several Emmys, and relationship with the Nevada a Peabody, and other prizes, and Conservatory Theatre, he said. make enough money to return to “I have a real emotional need to teaching in my golden years.” share what I have learned about He has also directed theater pro- the art of theater and film, and ductions across the United States to experiment in order to learn and appeared in such stage roles as more,” he said. “I hope to become King Lear and Falstaff, while his TV a better teacher than I was the acting career included roles on Hill last time around by focusing more Street Blues, L.A. Law, and Cheers. on individual students and their Professor Robert Benedetti, left, talks with actors Timothy Hutton and Elizabeth Pena on the As a producer, Benedetti won potential.” set of Aldrich Ames: Traitor Within. He acted in the movie and served as executive producer.

Page 4 | Inside UNLV New Faces momentum as a research institution. “I want to be part of the growth and cutting- edge environment that the UNLV research commu- nity and administrators have accomplished over the past few years,” Dokie said. “UNLV provided me the opportunity to join an excellent team of research administrators who share the same pas- sion for the work we do.” She joins a three-person team of senior research administrators. It’s their job to help faculty mem- bers submit proposals for externally funded proj- ects, including those for research, education, and training. After an award is made, they may also negoti- ate contracts and provide support by submitting modifications, extensions, and renewals through the life of a project.

HEALTH SCIENCES Chad Cross Chad Cross might be new to the UNLV faculty, but he’s no stranger to campus. Cross has been a statistician in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s office LIBRARIES at UNLV since 1999. in education, Johnson didn’t go straight into “My intention had Amy Johnson teaching. She became a nanny for a while and always been to return to academia full time after As an employee of the Las Vegas Clark- even cared for singer Marie Osmond’s children. working with the federal government for a few County Library District, Amy Johnson opened Johnson also worked in a few bookstores before years,” said Cross, director of the epidemiology & the world of books to young readers. Now she landing in library work. biostatistics program. “When this faculty position wants to show teachers how to spark a lifelong At the library district, Johnson started in in the School of Public Health became available, I love of reading. school outreach, visiting campuses to share became excited about the potential of the school Johnson came to UNLV this year as a library the library’s resources with children. (Her top and working with the faculty within it.” technician in the curriculum and materials three children’s book recommendations: Knuffle His goals include beginning a rigorous public library. Her primary role is to hire, train, and Bunny by Mo Willems, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse health research program to attract top graduate supervise student workers. She’s also pursuing by Kevin Henkes, and Strega Nona by Tomie students and making the School of Public Health a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction dePaola.) She spent another couple of years at the state’s premier research program. with an emphasis in children’s literature. She the Henderson District Public Libraries as a Cross never truly left the classroom, however, plans eventually to teach the subject at the col- teen specialist before coming to UNLV. whether as a student or a teacher. His long and lege level. In just the short time she’s been here, Johnson varied resume includes teaching positions at four “Libraries, especially the children’s depart- said, her experience of working on campus has other universities, and he taught part time in ment, are the perfect combination of working been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s so refresh- UNLV’s environmental studies department while with kids and helping them love the literature,” ing when you’re working hard in your job and at the EPA. He has five degrees spanning research Johnson said. also working hard in your education, to have interests from applied statistics to wildlife studies Although she earned a bachelor’s degree people understand that.” and even counseling. “I decided to take a few classes in counseling to become a better teacher,” he said. “I discovered that I really enjoyed the program, and so I pursued of physics. Both had previously taught at New field. My goal at UNLV is to help the industry and completed a master’s degree in marriage and Mexico Highlands University. develop, grow, and mature through teaching, ser- family therapy. The training has opened up com- vice, and research.” pletely new areas of research interest for me, such HOTE L The move to Las Vegas was a family affair. as substance abuse and trauma.” Hilliard’s husband, Phil, also is starting a new job Tyra Hilliard as manager of prospect research for the UNLV HONORS Meeting and event plan- Foundation. Maria Jerinic ning was Tyra Hilliard’s first career. Now, as an asso- LAW From New York City to ciate professor of tourism rural New Mexico, Maria and convention administra- Elaine Shoben Jerinic has always sought tion at UNLV, she’s help- A pioneer in legal educa- out the chance to work ing others learn about this tion has joined the faculty with honors students. booming business. But in of the Boyd School of Law. “I like the intellectual between, she took a detour into law. Elaine Shoben was the first climate,” said Jerinic, a vis- Hilliard started out planning meetings and woman to serve as editor- iting assistant professor working in convention and visitors bureaus. Law in-chief of the law review at in the Honors College. “I like to foster a love of school came next, but then so did something Hastings College of the Law, learning for the sake of learning.” unexpected. and she was among the first Jerinic will teach three sections of English While she was practicing law in Atlanta, she significant wave of women to enter law teaching. for honors students — a truly interdisciplinary had an opportunity to teach a hospitality law “There were many challenges when the great bunch. She said she enjoys helping advanced stu- class at Georgia State University, the school from majority of the students and faculty were men who dents make connections outside of their academic which she had earned her law degree. “I realized were unaccustomed to the changes brought by or research niches because she knows it can be then that I enjoyed teaching more than anything the dramatic growth of women in the profession,” difficult for them to find each other at a large else I was doing, so I made the move into full- Shoben said. “I lived through many of the growing university. time academia.” pains as the profession changed, but I am proud to It can also be a challenge to convince future At Georgia State her department chair suggested have been a part of the transformation.” scientists and researchers that they need good she would have a lot in common with a previous Her areas of research include employment law, communication skills as much as the liberal arts chair — Patti Shock, now chair of UNLV’s depart- remedies, and torts. Shoben said she has a spe- majors do. ment of tourism and convention administration. cial interest in experimenting with new forms of “I tell my students that they all need to learn to Hilliard went on to other academic posts, most instruction and in examining the role of legal edu- read well and communicate themselves,” Jerinic recently at George Washington University, where cation in shaping the character of the profession. said. “It may seem like you’re just studying a she was an assistant professor and director of the Shoben, who is married to Ed Shoben, dean of short story, but you’re also developing critical International Institute of Tourism Studies. But she the College of Liberal Arts, has been a professor thinking skills.” stayed in touch with Shock, and when the oppor- at the University of Illinois for the past 30 years. Jerinic taught part time in the English depart- tunity to come to Las Vegas arose, she jumped at it. At UNLV she is the Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman ment before receiving the full-time honors “The idea of working with her and the other fac- Professor of Law. appointment this year. She came to Las Vegas ulty in a program of this caliber was an opportu- “It is truly remarkable what the law school and a few years ago when her husband, Michael nity I just couldn’t pass up,” Hilliard said. its dean, Dick Morgan, have accomplished in so Pravica, joined UNLV as an assistant professor “The meetings industry is a relatively young > See New Faces, Page 6

Inside UNLV | Page 5 New Faces Continued from Page 5 short a time,” she said. “I remember expressing going to be a must once I get off training,” he said. lecture series on popular topics in astrophysics. skepticism that the small group who started the “I perked up my ears at orientation when I heard “I want to continue to do research and I’m school could get it up and running as quickly as about that benefit.” keen on starting teaching,” said Proga, a native of they planned, but they did exactly that. Now, just Poland. “I want to be with a group that will move a few years later, the school is attracting consider- PURCHASING forward everything I’ve been doing so far.” able attention for its success.” With a foot each in the worlds of astronomy and Anthony Nicolella physics, Proga said he’s eager to show physics stu- LIBERAL ARTS If you ask Anthony dents where the disciplines meet. “Astronomers Nicolella, a college campus tell stories and wave their hands,” he said. “To Mark Ashcraft is somewhat like a military train a good astronomer, it takes more than train- How do we do math base. They both cater to ing a good mathematician or physicist. You have to — and why does it make so young people, as students be a good storyteller.” many of us break out in a or recruits. They have their sweat? That’s the problem own versions of classrooms, UNIVERSITY Mark Ashcraft is trying to dining commons, dorms, COLLEG E solve. and sports fields. UNLV’s new chair of “Attitudes may be a little bit different, but over- Algerian Hart psychology specializes in all there are more similarities than differences It’s hard to imagine the study of mathematical cognition: how people between the two,” said Nicolella, new contract Algerian Hart ever runs out learn math, how they do it in their heads, and why administrator for UNLV’s purchasing and con- of enthusiasm. Part coach, so many have trouble with it. tracts department. part motivational speaker, “With schoolchildren in the U.S. showing very Nicolella recently retired with the rank of lieu- and ever an educator, he mediocre mastery of the math and science curricu- tenant colonel after 21 years in the U.S. Army. peppers his language easily lum, I think it’s important for us to understand His last post was Fort Irwin, Calif., where he was with words like “ecstatic” as much as possible about how people do math,” acquisition commander for the National Training and “champion.” Ashcraft said. “It would also be tremendous if we Center. He also served as the Army liaison offi- “I want to help create an environment that could discover the kinds of unfortunate experi- cer to the C-17 program at Wright-Patterson Air fosters value in diversity, student success and ences that set the stage for math anxiety, since it Force Base in Ohio and contracting officer for the empowerment, and discipline in scholarship,” can be such a barrier for so many people.” Defense Intelligence Agency in Huntsville, Ala. Hart said about his new position as an assistant Ashcraft comes to UNLV after 30 years as a pro- At UNLV, he’s responsible for preparing com- professor in University College. fessor and department chair at Cleveland State plex bids and requests for proposals for goods, ser- Diversity is a focus for Hart, who comes from University in Ohio. He’s looking forward to fur- vices, and construction projects. It’s also his job to Seattle Pacific University. “I was attracted by the ther developing his department’s two young Ph.D. make sure the university’s contracts comply with opportunity to better my career, and by the value programs in clinical and experimental psychology. legal and insurance requirements and university and priority given to diversity at UNLV,” he said, Las Vegas’ warm climate was alluring, too, after policies, and to resolve any disputes with vendors. adding that the climate was especially inviting Cleveland endured its snowiest winter ever last Nicolella said his transition to civilian and uni- after a decade in the Pacific Northwest. year. But as temps here topped 110 for weeks in versity life has been a smooth one. But he will In addition to teaching and coaching track and July, Ashcraft reflected on the trade he’d made: always cherish his two-plus decades in the Army. field, Hart was also active in community outreach “My wife and I were ready to live in a warmer “I met a lot of wonderful people and got a chance programs in the Seattle area that promoted diversity place — guess we found it, huh?” to travel all around the United States and Europe,” and tolerance. He was executive director of Game he said. “It was definitely a great experience for Time, a nonprofit group founded by former pro foot- PUBLIC SAFETY my family and me. It made me who I am today.” ball player Derek Sparks that helps young people Bruce Taylor overcome social problems to achieve their goals. SCI E NCES Coming to UNLV means overcoming a bit of lin- While training at a gering rivalry for this former college athlete. “I am California police academy Daniel Proga very ecstatic to be a part of the Runnin’ Rebel fam- for his job with the Riverside In popular culture, “black ily, although I was a staunch enemy as a student- County sheriff’s department, hole” has become synony- athlete of Long Beach State during the good old Bruce Taylor was struck by mous with oblivion. But a Big West Conference days,” Hart said. the assignment of a fellow handful of researchers have trainee. He worked not for learned that the intense URBAN AFFAIRS a local government, but for energy created at the lip of the University of California, Riverside. a real black hole can actu- JoAnn Kittrell “That sounded interesting. I thought I would like ally push matter away. And JoAnn Kittrell has a lot to the environment, and it’s not as fast-paced,” he said. it’s helping them learn more about efficient forms of be excited about. Taylor spent three years with the sheriff’s depart- energy. First, said the new director ment, then he and his wife started thinking about Daniel Proga, a new assistant professor of physics of membership services and coming to Las Vegas. As luck would have it, he saw at UNLV, helped develop the black hole wind the- underwriting for KUNV 91.5 that UNLV was hiring officers. He joined the uni- ory in 2000 as a National Research Council fellow at FM, she’s looking forward versity police in July. the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The theory to the new format enhance- After just a few weeks on the job, Taylor said showed that gas gets extremely hot as it circles the ments the radio station is planning. And, she said she the campus setting suits him. “It’s a big difference. drain of the black hole’s event horizon in an ever- also is enthusiastic about plans to develop original It’s more of a confined area, and that’s a little more tightening orbit, finally disappearing in a blast of local programming. comforting.” energy called accretion of materials. Then, once Greenspun Hall is built, there will be Law enforcement has been a second career for “The most energetic systems known to humans the move into new state-of-the-art digs, which she Taylor. In 2002, he capped two decades of service in are things like quasars and centers of galaxies, and said will be a wonderful move for KUNV, which the Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer. He spent they’re all powered by accretion,” Proga said. “It’s now is housed off campus. In Greenspun Hall, “in his last few years in the service working alongside the most efficient way to produce radiation.” addition to being more accessible to students, new the Marines at California’s Camp Pendleton, driv- Proga spent the last year as a researcher at digital technology will increase the station’s ability ing a hovercraft. Princeton University. UNLV’s physics program to provide more cultural and diverse resources to At UNLV, Taylor said he’s looking forward to tak- already has an excellent reputation, Proga said, and the UNLV and Las Vegas communities,” she said. ing advantage of the grant-in-aid program, which he hopes to continue building that, with the public as “KUNV is a dynamic, creative environment with offers low tuition rates to employees. “School is well as within academia. One of his goals is to start a enormous potential. I’m looking forward to help- ing grow this invaluable community service that UNLV provides.” Kittrell comes to UNLV with an extensive back- ground in broadcasting and fundraising. She was most recently a public information specialist with the Clark County School District where she was assigned to a nonprofit foundation that raised money for scholarships, teacher grants, and liter- acy and technology initiatives. And she has more than two decades of experience in corporate and broadcast communications. Getting more students involved at KUNV is a big goal, Kittrell said, and it can have a domino effect on the membership and underwriting that is the station’s lifeline. “As involvement grows, so does listenership. As listenership grows, member- ship grows,” she said.

Page 6 | Inside UNLV Submit Your News Spotlight On Accomplishments E-mail entries to inside.unlv.edu. Items should be no more than 75 words.

> Brent Mangus (Kinesiology) had a > Erika Engstrom (Communication > Tom Sharpe (Sports Education and > Anne Hein (Advising), Adam Sikula manuscript, “Will Caffeine Work as an Studies) and David Hassenzahl Leadership) with doctoral students Daniel (Urban Affairs), and Stan Miloykov Ergogenic Aid? The Latest Research,” (Environmental Studies) are co- Balderson and Darian Parker presented (Honors) wrote and received a Planning published in Athletic Therapy Today and authors with Danielle Jackson (M.A. two papers and conducted two work- Initiative Award for “Integrated College another manuscript, “Heads Up for Soccer Communication Studies, ‘05) of “Effects of shops at the Applied Behavior Analysis Advising Center Database System.” They Injuries! What You Need to Know” pub- Sex and Seating Arrangement on Selection International Convention. They were were honored at a reception in May. lished online at Contemporary Pediatrics. of Leader,” which appeared in Perceptual titled, respectively, “Toward a Behavior and Motor Skills. The article is based on Systems Approach to Postsecondary > An-Pyng Sun (Social Work) wrote > Krista Muis Jackson’s UNLV Undergraduate Research Coaching Certification,” “Washoe County a paper, “Program Factors Related to (Educational Award project. Public Schools Project SAVE: Development Women’s Substance Abuse Treatment Psychology) received and Implementation of a Behavior Retention and Other Outcomes: A Review the Dunlop Award for > Tom Pierce (Education) in conjunc- Systems Approach to K-12 Student and Critique,” which has been accepted best dissertation in tion with the Clark County School District Services Assessment,” “Using Behavior for publication in the Journal of Substance Canada this year. The and Mandalay Bay Inc. received the Systems Technology in Teacher Education Abuse Treatment. She also presented dissertation was titled Outstanding Collaboration Award from Programming,” and “Data Collection and “Individual Factors Related to Female ”Epistemic Styles and the National Institute for Urban School Analysis Using Computer Technology.” Substance Abuse Treatment Retention Mathematics Problem Solving: Examining Improvement. The award presentation and Other Outcomes” at the Council on Relations in the Context of Self-Regulated took place in Washington, D.C., in May. > Lois Helmbold Social Work Education’s annual meeting Learning.” She received the award from (Women’s Studies) in New York and “Relapse Prevention for the Canadian Society for the Study of > Gillian Silver (Alumni Relations) and hosted the annual Substance-Abusing Women” at the annual Education at its meeting in London, graduate student Lars Johnson recently SIROW (Southwest meeting of the Society for Prevention Ontario in May. presented a program at the conference Institute for Research Research in Washington, D.C. of the National Association of Student on Women) meeting of > Jeffrey Wedding, Linda Blair, Susan Personnel Administrators in Atlanta. women’s studies chairs > David M. Hassenzahl (Environmental Slaughter, and Diane Winslow (Harry The program, “Continuum to Affinity: A and directors. She also Studies) was invited by the Society of Reid Center) presented a paper, “A Mixed Student Engagement Case Study,” empha- had an article, “Women’s Studies in Sin Toxicology to serve as a guest panel- Bag: Prehistoric Research Results in Nevada sized strategic outreach programming to City: Reactionary Politics and Feminist ist on “Probabilistic Risk Assessment and California Along the Kern River 2003 extend and bridge the student transition Possibilities,” published in the National (PRA): Bridging Components Along the Expansion Pipeline Route,” at the 70th into the community. Women’s Studies Association Journal and Exposure-Dose-Response Continuum” at annual meeting of the Society for American contributed an article on the Depression of its July conference in Washington, D.C. He Archaeology in Salt Lake City in April. > Patrick Carlton the 1930s to the second edition of an ency- is one of 24 experts invited to advise the (Educational clopedia, Black Women in America. society as it develops standards and prac- > Andrew Nazarechuk (Tourism & Leadership) moder- tices for probabilistic risk assessment. Convention Management) conducted a ated a panel, “The > Stuart Mann (Hotel) received the inau- one-week executive management course Power of Oral History gural Anthony G. Marshall Outstanding > Patricia Cruz, Linda D. Stetzenbach, in April for the Hotel Association on the as Educational Education Leadership Award from the Amy K. Klima-Comba, and Vanessa island of Saipan, located in the northern Enhancement,” at a Educational Institute of the American L. Stevens (Harry Reid Center), along Marianas Islands. More than 40 managers joint annual conference Hotel & Lodging Association. The award, with Victoria A. Castro and C. Mark Ott from many of Saipan’s major properties of the Society for Applied Anthropology named for the renowned president of the (EASI/Wyle Laboratories, microbiol- participated. The program was coordi- and the Southwest Oral History Associ- educational institute and dean emeritus ogy laboratory, Johnson Space Center), nated by Northern Marianas Community ation in April; he also presented a paper, of Florida International University, recog- and Duane L. Pierson (habitability and College, whose president, Tony Guerrero, “Utilization of Oral History in Graduate nizes a lasting, influential, and innovative environmental factors office, NASA, is an alumnus of the UNLV Hotel College, Level Instruction,” with James R. contribution to educating and training in Johnson Space Center) presented a paper, and by Yoshimi Kodama, sales manager of Crawford (Educational Leadership). Last the hospitality industry. Mann received “Enhanced Detection of Fungi in the Aqua Resort and also a UNLV alumnus. semester Carlton completed a year as co- the award during the Stars of the Industry Spacecraft Environment,” at the 105th gen- president of the Southwest Oral History luncheon at the Las Vegas International eral meeting of the American Society for > Amy K. Klima-Comba, Joanne L. Association and assumed the office of Hotel & Restaurant Show in May. Microbiology in Atlanta. Henry, and Linda D. Stetzenbach, past-president for 2005-06. (Harry Reid Center), along with Gary M. > H. Scott Page and Amanda Brandt > Darrell Pepper King (Darling Marine Center, University > Joshua Delvalle (Public Safety) has (Harry Reid Center) presented the results (Mechanical of Maine), presented a paper, “Sampling been promoted to the rank of detective. of a hydrologic investigation in a poster, Engineering) with co- Methodologies for Monitoring Outdoor He now is in charge of background inves- “Rapid Ground Water Level Rise Near author Xiuling Wang Culturable Airborne Fungi from Five tigations, crime-scene analysis, and Yucca Mountain Following Storm Events: presented a paper on Locations on Hawai’i,” at the 105th gen- follow-up investigations. He first joined Localized Infiltration or Regional Runoff?” emergency response eral meeting of the American Society the department as an officer in 1996 after at the 2005 Devil’s Hole Workshop. The at the International for Microbiology in Atlanta. In addition, a stint as a member of the department’s study investigated the origin of the largest Conference on Energy, Stetzenbach, Klima-Comba, and King pre- student security unit. He also has worked recorded groundwater-level rise in Yucca Water, and Environment Systems in sented “Analysis of Cultivable Airborne as a state trooper for the Nevada Highway Mountain shallow alluvial boreholes. The Dubrovnik, Croatia. He also presented a Bacteria from an Altitude Gradient Patrol and received formal police train- rise was preceded by unusually heavy paper (co-authored by Wang) on model- on Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes ing from the Southern Nevada Law precipitation during the 2004-05 winter. ing indoor air dispersion at the Safety and (Hawai’i).” Enforcement Academy. They collect measurements of precipita- Security Engineering Conference held at tion and groundwater levels near Yucca the University of Rome. > James Cizdziel (Harry Reid Center) > Venicia Considine (University Mountain. wrote an article, “Caudal Fin Mercury as a College) has been admitted to UNLV’s > Xin Hu (Engineering), and Kevin Predictor of Fish Muscle-Mercury,” which Boyd School of Law. She will attend eve- > John A. Mercer (Kinesiology) published Houser and Dale Tiller (University appeared in Environmental Chemistry ning classes while continuing to work full a manuscript, “Kinetic Consequences of of Nebraska) won the 2005/06 Taylor this summer. He also wrote “Sources time as an academic adviser. Constraining Running Behavior,” in the Technical Talent Award from the and Concentrations of Hg and Se in Journal of Sports Science and Medicine along Illumination Engineering Society of North Compartments within the Las Vegas Wash > John Massengale (Kinesiology) and with Neil Bezodis, a visiting research stu- America for their paper, “Tuning the During a Period of Rapid Change,” which James Frey (Emeritus, Sociology) will be dent from the University of Bath; UNLV Fluorescent Spectrum for the Trichromatic appeared in Environmental Monitoring and featured in an upcoming television docu- physical therapy student Mike Russell; Visual Response: A Pilot Study.” This Assessment. He collaborated with scientists mentary, The Sociology of American Sport, USC physical therapy student Andy Purdy; award recognizes outstanding application from Northern Arizona University and the which will be aired on national educa- and UNLV graduate kinesiology student papers published in LEUKOS, the journal Southern Nevada Water Authority. tional television channels. David DeLion. of the Illuminating Engineering Society.

> Ride $350,000 will be funded through insti- test. They must also have a physi- and left-hand turns onto busy streets, Continued from Page 1 tutional and general improvement fee cal exam and pass a pre-employment McDowell noted. funds as well as other nonstate funds. drug and alcohol test. “Because this is a new system, we spaces available last fall, will be off- The system will operate year-round, expect to make some adjustments set by unused parking, primarily in Schedule Announced with abbreviated schedules during to our routes and timing in the next the Thomas & Mack lots. The shuttle system is being devel- downtimes. “We expect ridership to few months,” he said. “We will rely “Even during peak usage times last oped both to accommodate the vary- fluctuate dramatically, especially in heavily on rider feedback to further fall, we had more than 3,200 empty ing hours of the student body and between classes,” notes McDowell, develop the service.” stalls around campus,” McDowell to drop riders within a short walk of who previously oversaw a shuttle sys- In the next few years, McDowell said. Projections are that more than their offices or classes. Initially the 21- tem at the University of Nebraska. hopes to see more buses added. Once 600 spaces will be empty at any given passenger shuttles will run 7 a.m. to During peak times, three buses will the route is established, parking ser- time this fall. 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Starting Sept. 19, run the entire campus route, while one vices will evaluate the needs for infra- CSUN purchased the fleet of five the system will be extended Monday- bus will circle the Thomas & Mack structure enhancements, such as shel- new buses at a cost of $285,000. Thursday until 10:30 p.m. lots, dropping passengers off near the ters at the stops. “In developing our Former CSUN President Henry The system is being staffed by four Student Services Complex. The fifth shuttle program to serve the campus, Schuck originated the plan for the full-time drivers, a full-time shuttle bus will be kept in reserve for servic- UNLV has been able to draw from the bus purchase. CSUN leaders and supervisor, and 12 student drivers. ing. Main campus shuttles reach stops models used at other institutions,” he the UNLV administration have since All drivers must obtain commer- every 8-10 minutes, with the entire said. “We’re hopeful that the system worked together on the operations cial licenses, a five-week process that route taking 24 minutes. The shuttle’s will be as well used here as it is on plan. Annual operating costs of about includes a written exam and driving clockwise route avoids speed bumps so many other campuses.”

Inside UNLV | Page 7 Campus Scenes Photos by AARON MAYES UNLV Photo Services

(At left) George Stelutto, UNLV professor and director of the music festival, conducts during a rehearsal.

(Below) Zade Nahhas of Athens, Ohio, concen- trates on his solo effort.

Maggie Dwyer of Denton, Texas, puts in some practice time at the Las Vegas Music Festival. Summer on Campus Summer at UNLV is anything but dull. In addi- tion to the usual classes, there are a variety of special events. Two of those this summer were events for high school students, the Las Vegas Music Festival (above and right) and the Summer Advanced Gifted Education (SAGE) Academy (bottom photos). The music festival drew 120 students from around the world to the UNLV campus for two weeks in August. Professional musicians from the Julliard School, the Eastman School of Music, and the New York Philharmonic worked with the lucky teens. SAGE, sponsored by the Honors College and the Division of Educational Outreach, brought 31 of Clark County’s most gifted high school students to campus for three weeks. The students participated in three courses, creative writing, international relations, and Shakespeare’s stage.

SAGE students Justin Galli, left, and Aruhn Venkat, right, consult with SAGE coordina- tor and UNLV professor Daniel Villanueva.

SAGE participants John Nardone and Catherine Crockett spend some time in the computer lab.

> Legislature the Legislature agreed to consider state employees,” Turner said. of summer classes for nursing stu- Continued from Page 3 awarding another $14 million to the > Grant funding — Changes will dents at UNLV. “This is tied into the project during the 2007 session to allow UNLV to keep more of the state’s continuing efforts to ease the state-of-the-art facility for the faculty cover furniture, fixtures, and equip- indirect cost recovery funds asso- nursing shortage here in Nevada,” and students who are part of the col- ment, he said. ciated with federal grants. Before Turner said. The Legislature also lege, she said. “Another legislative decision that the Legislature acted, UNLV was allocated $771,497 to fund a Ph.D. is very positive for UNLV is one allowed to keep only 75 percent of nursing program. Currently, it is dif- Student Services Addition allowing us to use state funds for the those funds. Beginning in fiscal year ficult to find enough qualified pro- Another project that UNLV offi- lease-purchase of facilities — some- 2006, universities will be allowed to fessors to teach nursing students, she cials were thrilled to receive funding thing that has not been possible in keep about 94 percent. That num- said, explaining that this program is for was the addition to the Student the past,” Bomotti said. “This may ber drops to 92 percent in fiscal year intended to help rectify that situation. Service Building, Turner said. prove particularly useful to the uni- 2007. However, Bomotti said, the Although the 2007 Legislature will That project, which had been versity as it pursues the Midtown expectation is that it will increase to not convene for another 17 months, on the capital improvement fund- UNLV project.” 100 percent in fiscal year 2008 and Turner said it’s not too soon for her ing request list for nearly a decade, then remain at that level. and other system lobbyists to begin received $9 million. UNLV has com- Other Successes > Dental School — Lawmakers preparing. mitted to providing another $1 mil- Other important successes at the allocated more than $3.6 million, “I am really looking forward to lion toward the $10 million project, Legislature, according to Turner and which, when combined with tuition continuing to work with our UNLV Bomotti said. Bomotti, included: and fee revenues, will fund the addi- and NSHE legislative teams and Funding in the amount of $15.8 > Employee raises — Employees tion of the fourth year of students to with Nevada’s lawmakers between million was allocated for addi- received a 2 percent cost-of-living raise the dental program, bringing it to its now and the next session,” she said. tional construction costs associated July 1 and will receive a 4 percent cost- full enrollment of 300 students. “And, as quickly as things move, with the Science, Engineering and of-living raise July 1, 2006. “I think this > Nursing programs — More February 2007 will be here in the Technology Building. Additionally, shows our legislators’ appreciation of than $175,200 will help fund the cost blink of an eye.”

Page 8 | Inside UNLV