ATEC Lecture Series to Host Design and Technology Innovator

Design innovator, computer scientist and educator John Maeda will explore “Turning STEM into STEAM” on Wednesday, March 4. It is the second installment of this year’s Arts and Technology Distinguished Lecture Series. The talk is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Edith O'Donnell Arts and Technology Building lecture hall.

Maeda has led an effort to turn STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) into STEAM by adding art. He is a former president of the Rhode Island School of Design and was named one of the “75 most influential people of the 21st century” by Esquire.

Staff and faculty tickets are available at a discount. Use the “ATEC2015” promo code when you order online.

Judy Snellings Retires After 34 Years at UT Dallas

Executive associate to the president Judy Snellings received a warm send-off last month when she retired after 34 years at UT Dallas.

Colleagues gathered Jan. 30 to bid her farewell. Relatives also attended, including two grandchildren. She looks forward to spending more time with her family in the months and years ahead.

Golfers to Raise Money for 3 University Scholarship Funds

The 22nd Annual UT Dallas Scholarship Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, April 30, at Firewheel Golf Park in Garland. Proceeds benefit the Betty and Gifford Johnson Graduate, Patti Henry-Pinch Undergraduate and Academic Bridge scholarship endowments.

The scholarships help undergraduates with research and travel expenses, allow graduate students to present their work at national conferences and help smooth the transition for first-generation college students. Over the years, tournament proceeds have helped raise the value of these endowments to nearly $500,000.

Faculty and staff members are invited to play. For more information, see the tournament registration page, or call the UT Dallas Office of Administration at 972-883-2213.

UT Dallas Police Department Salutes Year’s Top Officers

The UT Dallas Police Department honored the year’s top officers at a recent awards banquet. The honorees were (from left):

  • David Spigelmyer, Public Safety Officer of the Year.
  • Sgt. Kendra Penny, Supervisor of the Year.
  • Officer Somer Fernandez, Officer of the Year.
  • Police Equipment Control Technician Bruce Braley, Civilian of the Year.
Family members accepted the Telecommunications Officer of the Year award for Donna Shannon. She died Jan. 3 after serving more than six years in the UT Dallas Police Department, during which time she also won the UT System Police Life Saving Award.

Human Resources Forum Scheduled for March 4

The Office of Human Resources will host a forum on Wednesday, March 4, to share information on policy and procedure changes. Representatives will provide updates from all areas of HR, including benefits, employee services, employee relations, institutional equity, and organizational development and training. Attendees will be able to learn about new programs, ask questions and share feedback. The event will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in JSOM 2.115.

Wellness Challenges

  • Body Shred: Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in a free Body Shred class from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. The high-intensity interval training class is part of the Live Healthy North Texas 10-Week Wellness Challenge series. RSVP to [email protected] by March 10. The class will be in Student Union Galaxy Room C (2.602C).
  • Save the Date: UT System Physical Activity Challenge: Are you ready to take steps for a healthier, more energetic life? Stay tuned for more details on the 2015 UT System Physical Activity Challenge, run by the UT Benefits’ Living Well program. Registration opens March 2 and will run through April 10. The six-week challenge will begin April 6 and will end May 17.

Free Storm Spotter Training Class Open to Staff and Faculty

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety will host Skywarn, a free storm spotter training course, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. The training is open to all faculty, staff and students. The class will cover:
  • The basics of thunderstorm development
  • The fundamentals of storm structure
  • Identifying potential severe weather features
  • How to report information
  • Basic severe weather safety
Mark Fox, regional training officer with the National Weather Service, will lead the session, which will be in the Facilities Management Training Room (FM 1.502).

Student Union Dining Hall Spirit Fridays

Faculty or staff members who wear orange, green or UT Dallas-branded clothes on Fridays can eat at the Student Union Dining Hall for just $5 plus tax. The Dining Hall is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Researcher to Discuss Cognitive Aging Among the ‘Oldest Old’

The Center for Vital Longevity invites faculty and staff members to attend “Lessons from the Oldest Old: The 90+ Study,” a lecture by Dr. Claudia Kawas, a geriatric neurologist and researcher at the University of California, Irvine.

Kawas’ most recent work has focused on the cognitive and functional abilities of the oldest old. She is the primary investigator of The 90+ Study, which was featured in a special episode of the CBS News program 60 Minutes last year. Kawas’ presentation, which is the Jean and Bill Booziotis Distinguished Lecture, will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Communities Foundation of Texas, 5500 Caruth Haven Lane in Dallas. Registration is required.

Alumnus to Discuss Economic Impact of the Shale Revolution

Thomas Tunstall MBA’92, PhD’00, research director at the Institute for Economic Development at UT San Antonio, will speak at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 5, about the economics of shale.

The lecture is part of the Alumni Master Lecture Series, presented by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences in partnership with Omicron Delta Epsilon.

The event will be held in the TI Auditorium (ECCS 2.102) with a reception to follow. Register to attend before March 2.

Classes Designed to Guide Staffers Through Procurement Process

Procurement Management offers classes to help staffers handle purchasing orders and arrange employee travel plans. All classes are in the Administration Building’s Lone Star Conference Room (AD 3.104). Sign up online. Call Casey Lloyd at 972-883-2252 or email her for more information.

  • Travel Training, March 17, 1-2:30 p.m.; and May 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Procurement Training, April 9, 10-11:30 a.m.; and June 11, 10-11:30 a.m.

Nominations Sought for Awards Celebrating UT Dallas Diversity

The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement is seeking nominations through Monday, March 2, for the University’s annual Diversity Awards. The awards honor students, student organizations, staff, faculty and community members who have helped advance the University’s commitment to embrace and enhance diversity.

Nominees will be evaluated for outstanding accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity at UT Dallas and the broader community. See the nomination guidelines for details.

Office of Research Continues Training Series

Reminders

  • Free Self-Defense Class for Women, March 30-April 1, 5-9 p.m.
    The UT Dallas Police Department teaches women how to protect themselves with a system of self-defense tactics and techniques called the Rape Aggression Defense program. This free class is open to all female students, faculty and staff members. For further information or to register, email Sgt. Kendra Penny.