Open Line Faculty-Staff Newsletter for the Week of Sept. 4, 2012

Campus News  •  Noteworthy  •  In the News

Campus News

Puget Sound named to elite group in Colleges That Change Lives
The highly-regarded college guide Colleges That Change Lives has included Puget Sound among its list of 40 colleges nationwide that offer students life-transforming experiences. The book, published last week, describes Puget Sound as having a “smart, fascinating curriculum” and thoughtful professors who “earn shining endorsements” from their students. Hilary Oswald, writer of the fourth edition, extensively interviewed students, faculty, staff, and alumni, collecting detailed research data to assess the college, its academics, its cocurricular opportunities, and its outcomes.

Six professors receive 2012 Davis Teaching Awards
In 2003 the dean's teaching awards were named to honor Tom Davis, who served as dean of the university from 1973 to 1994. Faculty members in the ranks of instructor, assistant professor, and associate professor are eligible for the award. Congratulations to the six faculty members who received Thomas A. Davis Teaching Award for 2012:

• Greta Austin, religion
• Charles Hommel, math and computer science
• Kristin Johnson, science, technology, and society
• Kriszta Kotsis, art
• Leslie Saucedo, biology
• Stuart Smithers, religion and Asian studies

Kittredge Gallery opens with two new exhibits exploring the darker side of human nature
In the Large Gallery, the exhibition Dejection is an installation by mixed-media artist Jessica Bender that deals with the recent loss of her mother to terminal illness. Leather banners record the history of her illness through stitching, painting, and collage while other elements suggest spiritual energy and the effects of time on our relationships and memories. On view in the Small Gallery is a selection of photographs by Portland artist Susan Seubert, known for her mastery of historical photography techniques. The works in this exhibition were selected from her Phobia and Neurasthenia series, which investigate the psychological aspects of fear. A public reception opening the exhibitions will be held in Kittredge Gallery on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m. Dejection runs through Nov. 3, Nerve-Wrached: Photographs by Susan Seubert runs through Sept. 22.

Puget Pacer to benefit Kids Can Do!, Sept. 8
After a three-year hiatus, the annual 5K (3.1 mile) walk/run and silent auction will return on Sept. 8, 2012. Come and enjoy the beautiful Puget Sound campus while supporting the Community Involvement and Action Center’s very own youth mentorship program Kids Can Do! Bid on prizes from local and national donors at the silent auction, or lace up your running shoes and weave your way around campus. Or do both! Visit the Puget Pacer website to register online or for more details, including schedules and updated auction prizes.

Ski Level to Sea Level: Sound Policy Institute offers two weekend courses to campus and community members
Ski Level to Sea Level: Understanding Environmental Issues in Our Watersheds is a series of educational excursions and presentations presented over two September weekends to teach campus and community members about protecting the natural beauty of the Puget Sound region. The courses, running Sept. 14–16 and Sept. 28–30, include visits to Mount Rainier, Alder and Mud Mountain dams, and Eatonville rain gardens; a boat tour of Commencement Bay; a tour of a wood products mill; and talks by environmental leaders. Participate in one or both weekends. Cost is $45/weekend. Space is limited. Check out the news release for course descriptions and additional information.

Calling all faculty and staff filmmakers (and wannabe filmmakers)!
As we get ready to celebrate Puget Sound's 125th anniversary in 2013, all members of the Logger community are invited to create short videos that imaginatively celebrate the spirit of Puget Sound. Filmmakers (and aspiring filmmakers) of all levels welcome. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of celebrity judges and a viewers' choice popular vote on YouTube. Make a video yourself or team up with other members of your department. Contest details, entry forms, and more available on the 125th Anniversary Video Contest website. Grab your camcorder—or your cell phone—and get filming!

President Thomas moves Monday morning Diversions "office hours" to Tuesday
Faculty and staff members are invited to visit with President Ron Thomas during his open "office" hours at Diversions Cafe, every Tuesday between 8 and 9 a.m.—when he isn't traveling on university business. Say hello, shoot the breeze, and share a cup of joe with your favorite Logger administrator.

Noteworthy

In late September Professor of International Political Economy Mike Veseth ’72 will deliver the keynote address at The 38th Nederburg Auction, one of the world's top five wine auctions, offering rare South African wines and limited-edition wines not available on the open market.

Overheard: University of Puget Sound was mentioned in an episode of This American Life on NPR, in a feature called "Hiding in Plain Sight."

In the News

The Senior Scene newspaper ran a September story by Lucretia Berg, visiting clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy, about the CarFit event coming up on Sept. 18. (Look for details about CarFit in next week's edition of Open Line!)

Both Skyscrapers and Shadows, a photography exhibit by Associate Professor Andrew Gardner and his wife Kristin Giordano on display in Collins Memorial Library, and the two new shows in Kittredge Gallery by Jessica Blender and Susan Seubert made The News Tribune’s “Go” arts section.

The Seattle Times mentioned Puget Sound in an article about new rankings from Washington Monthly, a Washington D.C.-based magazine that ranks colleges on various “social good” criteria.

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