News and Events

The Office of Human Resources’ Let’s Get Fit! Program has been a hit on campus. Let’s Get Fit! encourages employees to live healthier lives and improve their overall health by reducing stress and depression and promoting weight loss. Since the beginning of February, 108 participants have signed up and are already feeling healthier.

According to Julia Jamison, who spearheaded the program, participation results in increased mental acuity, productivity, and employee cohesiveness across departmental lines. With the stresses of work and the economy weighing on employees, Julia saw a need for relief by “shaking things up.” She added, “Exercise chases away depression, improves overall health, and even takes away the desire to smoke.”

Participants are asked to exercise at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes a session. The names of those who met this initial goal were entered into a drawing for t-shirts, entertainment passes, and clocks. Winners included: Maureen Bendoraitis, Jackie Blatcher, Genny Boesen, Mary Brown, Nirmala Connor, Monique Doyle, Rupert Evans, Dor Fitzgerald, Judy Hanacek, Noreen Heidelberg, Cassandra Ingram, Raven James, Ora Knox, Nancy McDaniel, Kathy Miller, Diane Nadler, Michelle Smith-Williams, Tanisha Turner, Tera Wagner, Sarah Wegley, and Shirley Zhang.

The program initially runs through April 30, but excitement is growing about continuing it long past that date – even if only on an individual basis. For more information or to join Let’s Get Fit!, contact Julia Jamison at ext. 7468.

Civil Service staff are invited to a Chat with the President on Monday, March 9, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. Attendees are invited to bring their questions and ideas to this frank, open conversation with President Maimon and other university administrators. Contact Penny Perdue, at ext. 4130, for more information.

Forget what Brangelina and Queen Latifah were wearing at Sunday’s Oscars. The real fashion will be on display this afternoon at the Civil Silver Service Anniversary Travelling Show Red Carpet Premiere.

The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors (note location change), as the stars of this winter’s show don the finest haute couture for the red carpet. GSU’s own Tony Labriola will fill Ryan Seacrest’s shoes as emcee (after putting orthopedic inserts in them).

At 4 p.m., the world premiere of the Civil Silver Service Anniversary Travelling Show takes place. The sale of popcorn and pop will benefit the Civil Service Scholarship Fund. Seating is limited.

The Pink Floyd Experience is coming to GSU’s Center for Performing Arts this Saturday at 8 p.m. – complete with psychedelic lights, a flying pig, and all of the band’s greatest hits.

GSU two-for-one tickets are available from at 10 a.m. on Friday until one hour before show time. The offer is good on regularly priced Mezzanine tickets, which normally cost $47 apiece. Tickets must be purchase in person at The Center’s box office. Call 708.235.2222 for details.

Three members of the university’s APICS Club took part in the Student Case Competition organized by the Great Lakes District of APICS (Association for Operations Management). CBPA students John Ivancicts, Jennifer Raday, and Katherine Schippits, addressed the topic The Lean Journey of Toyota Motor Corporation -- What’s Next?

The competition was held on February 20 and 21 in Oak Brook, Illinois. Approximately 25 midwestern universities took part in the competition. Although they didn’t secure first place, GSU’s team made a very strong and spirited presentation and was rewarded with a $500. The faculty advisor to the team was Dr. John Simon, and the team was financially supported by the Chicago Chapter of APICS.

Instruction in using Impromptu to access graduation information will be presented on Friday, February 27, at 11 a.m., in the ACS lab. Guest instructor, Jeanne Hagen, will discuss graduation rates, which will allow access to specific data such as the number of years to graduation, age, gender, and ethnicity.

The Office of the Provost recently hosted Dianne Bazell, Deputy Director of Academic and Student Affairs for the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). During Bazell’s visit, she attended presentations by each of GSU’s deans, discussed upcoming changes at IBHE, and toured the science labs in the E and F wings. IBHE has been a major proponent of the need for E & F wing remodeling for many years. Upon completion of her site visit, Bazell commended GSU’s staff for preparing what she called the “most well organized and useful campus visit” since she joined the IBHE staff.

The Center for Online Teaching & Learning will be offering a slew, a veritable plethora, of workshops for GSU faculty, adjuncts, and staff in March. Please review the schedule of classes in the Events section of the View and register today. Participants will learn everything they need to know to use online tools effectively.

For more information or to register, contact Eric Wignall.

In conjunction with the university’s Let’s Get Fit! program, the Office of Human Resources is sponsoring a seminar entitled Letting Go of Stress, on Monday, March 9, at 12:30 p.m., in room E1565. The session will be taught by GSU Chief of Police, Debra Boyd. All university faculty and staff are invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own (healthy) brown bag lunch to the event. For more information, contact Julia Jamison at ext. 7468.

A colloquium on Globalization and Education: the Immigration Nation will be held on May 1, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Governors State University. The purpose of the colloquium is to bring scholars, students, and community leaders together to engage in a dialogue about the beneficial impact of immigration in the U.S. and in our local communities.

The colloquium will include of thematic sessions consisting of panel sessions featuring scholars, students, and community leaders active in the immigration debate, and poster presentations.

Submissions of 250 to 500-word abstract outlining key points for either participation in a panel presentation or a poster presentation are requested in a variety of theoretical and disciplinary areas, including social work, education, political science, anthropology, and cultural studies. Abstracts will be due on March 23, 2009, and presentation selections will be based on these proposals. Presentations should be 20 minutes in length, allowing 10 minutes for questions from the audience.

For more information or to submit, contact Dr. Maristela Zell.

In recognition of National Social Work Month, the Social Work Student Organization is sponsoring presentations on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.

Speakers from three different social work fields will discuss the nature of their work. All social work students and faculty are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.

The Writing Center, in partnership with Title V Grant/Latino Center for Excellence, is currently offering writing tutoring and paper review by a Spanish language/English language writing consultant. Latino students interested in more information or wishing to access the services of the bilingual consultant should visit the Writing Center website or email a request for services.

The Anita M. Stone JCC, with the cooperation of GSU, will offer T.A.L.E. (The Adult Learning Exchange) enrichment classes for adults on campus from April 17 through June 12. All classes meet on Fridays. Morning classes, from 10 a.m. to noon, include Remarkable Remakes about great films and their remakes, Women Poets, Worldly Philosophers, and The American Idea concerning articles in the Atlantic Monthly. Afternoon classes, from 1 to 3 p.m., include Musical Musings and the Geography of Religion.

For more information, call 708.799.7650.

Friday, February 20 was marked by the first full GSU Board of Trustees meeting of the year. The full board meeting was preceded by meetings of the Human Resources and Academic Affairs Committees.

During the full meeting, Board Chair Lorine Samuels began her remarks by remembering former Board member Bill McGee, who passed away one year ago. Samuels went on to speak about the recent Commencement ceremony, noting that despite the continued success of our students and the university as a whole, that difficult budget times lie ahead. She noted, “Most of us have not seen economic challenges like these in our lifetimes. Still, GSU remains fiscally sound and much credit should go to the university’s budgeting process…the conservative course recommended by PBAC and our outstanding administrative team will allow us to continue our mission – providing the opportunities to educate our students – even when surrounded by economic upheaval.”

Chair Samuels also mentioned the continued progress of deferred maintenance projects and applauded the collaborative spirit witnessed during the university’s Presidential Inauguration celebration.  She concluded with a charge to the university community: “At GSU, we are hopeful because we know what can be accomplished when people of good will act together and never give up. In this new year, and during this university’s 40th anniversary, we need to stay true to GSU’s mission, and spirit.”

President Maimon followed Samuels, formally introducing new COE Dean Deborah Bordelon. She noted that Bordelon is the final addition to complete an exceptionally strong group of GSU deans. Dr. Maimon also mentioned her recent appointment to the board of the Will County Center for Economic Development and the selection of U.S. presidential historian Michael Beschloss as June’s honorary degree recipient.

Maimon mirrored Samuels’ comments by commending the Board, the administration, and those involved in the PBAC process for preparing GSU to meet current and future fiscal challenges. Recognizing the current economy, Maimon stressed that GSU is a master of its own fate. “We can still follow our strategic plan through strategic enrollment management and creating programs to fulfill our mission.” She stressed that GSU next steps involve “strategy, prudence, and common sense.” Also, on the financial front, the university Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s bond rating remained at a constant A-minus during the recent third review.

The President discussed how the new Economic Stimulus Package will help GSU students through increased Pell Grants, improvements to the work/study program, and a higher education tax credit.

The university is also making headway as it develops a relationship with the Chicago Community Trust. The Trust is looking to GSU to help fulfill our role as a unifying entity in the Southland and has tasked the administration with preparing a document focusing specifically on Goals 4 and 5 of the new Strategic Plan.

The Board approved several resolutions including:
Resolution 09-14: Award of an Energy Audit Contract
Energy Systems Group of Itasca, IL was awarded a contract to assess and recommend energy saving projects.

Resolution 09-15: Award of Contract for Road and Walkway Design
JJR, LLC of Chicago, IL was awarded a contract to develop drawings/specs, assist in the bidding process, and monitor construction of selected roadway, walkway, and lighting projects as part of ongoing deferred maintenance.

Resolution 09-16: Approval of Master Site Plan
The university’s Master Site Plan was approved to serve as a guide in the physical development of the campus.

Resolution 09-17: Authorization for the Sale of Certificates of Participation to Finance Deferred Maintenance Projects

Resolution 09-18: Approval of Student Fee Increases FY 2009-2010
The following student fee increases were approved:
- Technology Fee: From $10 to $17
- Undergrad Graduation Fee: From $40 to $50
- Graduate Graduation Fee: From $45 to $50
- Transcript Fee: From $5 to $10
- Late Payment Fee: From $60 to $100

Resolution 09-19: Approval for Termination of Relationship with ING Life Insurance Co.
ING Life Insurance will no longer issue 403 (b) annuity contracts for participants of GSU’s Tax Deferred Annuity Plan.

Resolution 09-20: Elimination of the Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies degree program will no longer be offered in the College of Arts and Sciences at the end of the Winter 2009 Trimester.

Resolution 09-21: Request for New Units of Instruction (RUNI)
- Bachelor of Science in Community Health
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Resolution 09-22: Honorary Degree Recipient Nominees
The Board approved the following names to be added to the list of candidates: Jerry Colangelo, Lawrence J. Furnstahl, and Dr. Roberta L. Noonan

Resolution 09-23: Release of Executive Session Minutes

The meeting continued with reports from the senate presidents, V.P. for Institutional Advancement Joan Vaughan, and Professor Marsha Katz representing the University Professionals of Illinois.

Faculty Senate President, Paul Blobaum, commended the work of the university’s Emergency Response Team to ensure campus safety. He noted unease from the faculty regarding the economy and job losses, but is glad that faculty and staff are involved in the budgeting process. Blobaum noted that the faculty’s primary concern moving forward is maintaining program quality and the appropriate allocation of university resources. He closed by mentioning the positive focus on reaccreditation-related self-study.

Student Senate President Adam Taylor delivered the bittersweet news that he would not be seeking another term as he will concentrate on student teaching prior to graduating in December. Chair Samuels commended Taylor on bringing new life to the student body and significantly increasing student participation in university events.

Kathy Miller, President of the Civil Service Senate, reported great success in the awarding of Civil Service Scholarships this term. She noted that seven scholarships were provided to employees or their family members.

Despite the current economy, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Joan Vaughan noted that the GSU Foundation will meet their goal of raising $430,000 during the current fiscal year. The Foundation’s portfolio has been affected by the economic downturn, but Vaughan assured that the Foundation was pursuing an aggressive effort to maintain full funding of its scholarships. She also discussed a resurgence of alumni association events.

Faculty member and UPI President Marsha Katz addressed the Board during the public comment period. She noted that the faculty contract negotiations had begun and expressed confidence that they would move along successfully with the assistance of a federal negotiator. She expressed concerns regarding the administration’s call for a hiring freeze and the proposed academic calendar changes.

Dr. Maimon recently surprised students, faculty, and staff in the cafeteria when she announced the Winter 2009 “Why Not?” winner.

The winner, Cassandra Morales Howell, suggested that popular campus events, such as convocation, be shown on the campus monitors and/or on a screen in an overflow room.

She was awarded $100 for her suggestion and was treated to lunch with President Maimon, Provost Hudak, and friends Joanne Smith and Mary Tracy of CHHS.

Cassandra is an Office Support Specialist for Addictions Studies and Health Administration and previously worked for the Family Development Center.

Two for one tickets are available for performances of Junie B. Jones and The Mikado this weekend at The Center for Performing Arts.

Buy one get one ticket free ticket sales are available for the 11 a.m. performance only of Junie B. Jones on Saturday, February 21. This sale begins on Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m. and ends one hour before the show. The regular ticket price is $10.50

Buy one get one free ticket sales are available for The Mikado in the mezzanine for the performance on Sunday, February 22, at 4 p.m. This sale begins on Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m. and ends one hour before the show. The regular ticket price is $42. There will be a free pre-show discussion of Gilbert and Sullivan and The Mikado at 3 p.m., in Engbretson Hall.

Call 708.235.2222 or visit the Center Box Office.

The Office of Financial Aid is offering three opportunities to get help navigating the complexities of the FAFSA forms and financial aid applications. Sessions will be held on Friday, February 20, Saturday, February 21, and Friday, February 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the ACS Lab (D2430).

FAFSA questions will be answered. How need is determined and what assistance is available will be explained. Students and parents are encouraged to attend. To complete FAFSA online during the workshop, W2s, 2008 federal tax returns, asset information, and U.S. Department of Education PIN # are required.

Excellence Awards Nominations for valued and exceptional faculty members or academic support professionals for academic year 2008/2009 are currently being accepted. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas: teaching/performance of primary duties, research/creative activity, and service.

Any member of the GSU community, including self-nominees, may submit a one- to two-page letter of nomination describing the nominee’s accomplishments. Nominations should reference specific examples of the nominee’s work that substantiates the nomination (SEIs, publications, creative works, substantive contributions, etc.).

Letters of nomination are due Wednesday, March 11, by 5 p.m., to the Excellence Awards Committee in care of Jill Stanley, Provost’s Office. Late nominations will not be considered. 

For complete information, contact Rebecca Wojcik, Chair of the Excellence Committee.

The fear of public speaking may be the most common of all phobias, but it is also one from which sufferers can overcome. Learn how to control fears and speak publically at a unique and powerful workshop, Find the Speaker in You: Overcoming Phobias of Public Speaking.

This workshop is presented by Christen Pudlewski Embry, Manager of Communications & Technology, at WT Glasgow, Inc. It will be held Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the GSU Kankakee Education Center. The registration fee is $40. For more information, call 815.935.2766.

GSU Alumni Tom Ramage was appointed president of Parkland College after a six-month stint as interim president. Dr. Ramage has a long history at Parkland, holding positions including chair of the Distance and Virtual Learning Department, associate vice president for Academic Services, associate vice president for Information Services, and vice president for Academic Services. 

Dr. Ramage received a bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from GSU in 1991.

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park celebrates Black History Month with a special Two for Tuesday presentation on February 16. Ancient Craft/Contemporary Art: Process, History, and Continuity in the Bronze Sculpture of Preston Jackson will be presented at 12:30 and 3:45 p.m., in D-1497. While nationally recognized, Jackson hails from Illinois and has created many memorable public sculptures and serves as a professor of sculpture at the Art Institute of Illinois.

For more information, contact Geoff Bates at ext. 4486. 

Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois is offering competitive, need-based financial awards to underrepresented minority students seeking master’s and/or doctorate degrees. More information is available at an information session on February 17, at 3:45 p.m., in room B1240.

Roosevelt University is sponsoring a performance by the Chicago College of Performing Arts Chamber Orchestra with guest conductor, Alexander Platt on Tuesday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m., at The Center for Performing Arts. Works by Haydn, Mozart, Saint-Saens, and Mendelssohn will be performed.

Joel Weinberger, son of David Weinberger, Assistant Director in the GSU Financial Aid Office, will be playing in the violin section.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Join Dr. Maimon for the first Chat with the President of 2009 on Wednesday, March 4, at 6 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. Issues will be discussed and refreshments will be served. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend.

King in Chicago, a documentary by Seth McClellen, GSU graduate and former adjunct faculty member, will be shown on Tuesday, February 17, at 10 p.m., on WTTW 11. This film is an expansion of the half hour program, The New Battle shown last year on PBS in Chicago.

King in Chicago played at 13 film festivals in 2008 and was shown in schools, including American University in D.C., Howard University School of Law, Loyola in Chicago, and Michigan State.

Being the first in a family to attend college can be both daunting and difficult. Join an open forum to discuss the problems, pitfalls, and pathways to success on February 17, from 5 to 6 p.m., in E-Lounge. The conversation is sponsored by the Academic Resource Center and the College of Arts and Sciences.

In tough times, finding new sources of money to fund important projects becomes even more important. As part of the Distinguished Lecture series, CAS and the Criminal Justice Society are sponsoring The Fundamentals of Grant Writing, Part II on February 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

Don’t worry if you missed Part I. This workshop offers plenty of important information and provides effective strategies for garnering funds. The workshop is taught by Ted Whitmer, Director of Development for Chicago’s CARC and an expert in development, strategic planning, donor cultivation, and foundation and government grants.

The workshop registration fee is $35. Contact Caron Jacobson at ext. 2136 to register.

The GSU Honors Program and the CAS Political and Justice Studies Program are sponsoring a Civic and Community Engagement Lecture Series beginning with a presentation by Dr. Quentin Young.

Dr. Young is the former Chair of Medicine at Cook County Hospital, a civil rights activist and coordinator, contributor to Chicago Public Radio, and CEO of Physicians for a National Health Program. His presentation, Empowering Community to Serve the Public Health, is on February 25, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

Additional lectures in the series include Bringing in the Community to Serve Juvenile Offenders by Sr. Catherine Ryan, Executive Director of Maryville Academy, on March 25; “Community Development” by Mary Houghton, President of ShoreBank and Chair of ShoreBank International, on April 1; and Promoting Civic and Community Engagement by the Honorable Abner Mikva, Federal First District Court Judge, on April 15.

The lectures in this series are free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 4578.

The Center for Online Teaching and Learning offers a hands-on workshop on podcasting on Friday, February 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, in room D2438. Learn how podcasting can support teaching and provide engaging alternatives for student assessment. Identify ways in which podcasts can aid education and how to create a podcast.

Please not that if you want to create a podcast, you will need to bring a microphone headset to the workshop. If you do not have one, you will still find the session helpful and will be able to use the material to set up a podcast later when you do have a headset microphone available.

To register for this workshop, email Jan Engle. 

Don’t worry if you missed the amazing show performed on Civil Service Day 2008. Everyone will have a chance to see the whole performance at the Civil Silver Service Anniversary Traveling Show Red Carpet Premiere. The movie of that incredible display of talent, complete with outtakes and bloopers, will be screened on Thursday, February 26, from 4 to 4:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall.

Join the cast for a pre-show red carpet event at 3:30 p.m. See the designer outfits, hear the juicy interviews, and get stars’ autographs.

Admission is free. Pop and popcorn will be for sale in the lobby. Proceeds benefit the Civil Service Scholarship Fund.

Learn the fundamentals of criminal profiling, its uses, and benefits in a three-day Profiling Techniques Workshop on Saturday, March 7, 14, and 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants will learn strategies for investigation and interview, offender personality description and post crime behavior, the importance of victimology in profiling and identifying criminal behavior, and how to construct a criminal profile and reconstruct a crime scene. Retired FBI Special Agents Timothy Eley and Eileen Schmidt, who have many years of experience in criminal investigation, teach the workshop.

GSU tuition applies for this two credit hour course for both degree and non-degree seeking students. For more information or to register, ext 3983 or visit the schedule online.  

Don’t worry if you missed the amazing show performed on Civil Service Day 2008. Everyone will have a chance to see the whole performance at the Civil Silver Service Anniversary Traveling Show Red Carpet Premiere. The movie of that incredible display of talent, complete with outtakes and bloopers, will be screened on Thursday, February 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall.

Admission is free. Pop and popcorn will be for sale in the lobby. Proceeds benefit the Civil Service Scholarship Fund.

GSU faculty and staff are invited to celebrated GSU Night at the Illinois Theater Center. On Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m., the evening begins with a wine bar and hors d’oeuvres reception. At 8 p.m., the curtain opens on the ITC production of Moonlight and Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson.

Tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis for GSU personnel and a guest. Call 708.235.2239 no later than February 28 to reserve tickets. The Illinois Theater Center is located in downtown Park Forest at 371 Artists’ Walk (adjacent to the Village Hall).

Understanding the current economic crisis and its impact on one’s assets and liabilities is the topic of a round table discussion sponsored by Human Resources and Prairie Trail Credit Union on Wednesday, February 18, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. Joining the discussion will be John Olson, AIG Retirement Representative. The event is free and open to everyone.

John Olson will also be available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Visitors' Center for one-on-one consultations related to retirement.

The Governors State University Library is offering free, computer and writing workshops to members of the community, students, staff, and faculty.

Among the topics covered in the one to two hour workshops are PowerPoint, scholarly publishing process, podcasting, Publisher, PhotoShop Express, blogging, APA style citations, formatting papers in APA style, and genealogy.

The workshops are free and open to the public. The workshop schedule is updated frequently and posted on the library website. Registration is recommended, but not required. Contact Helen Benos at ext. 7514.

The GSU community will celebrate the published works of its faculty and staff at the Faculty Authors’ Reception on Wednesday, March 11, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., on the Library Balcony.

All university faculty are invited to display their published works from the past year on this day and share their accomplishment with the GSU community. Work submissions are requested by March 5 to ensure their inclusion in the bibliography. Contact Helen Benos or Linda Ayala at ext. 7514. 

In observance of World Water Day, GSU and the Homewood Rotary Club will sponsor a public forum to call attention to the waters that cross borders and link communities. Shared Water – Shared Opportunities will be held from Wednesday, March 18, from 12:15 to 3 p.m., in Sherman Hall.

The forum is free and open to students, staff, faculty, and the community. Everyone is encouraged to join the discussion. 

The GSU community will receive an honest to goodness day off to honor one honest guy – President Abraham Lincoln.

The university will be closed on Thursday, February 12 in observance of Lincoln’s birthday. There will be no access to on campus facilities and university services, including food service, the bookstore, the fitness center, library, and ACS lab.

As part of the ongoing infrastructure upgrades, the Faculty Office Center will also experience a power shutdown and wings A-F will be without heat. All staff members visiting campus must check in and out with the Department of Public Safety. As a precaution, on campus computers should be powered down.

President Maimon was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED). The CED is a not-for-profit organization, funded primarily by the private sector, to attract and retain business investments and jobs in Will County. Over the years, the CED has been cited as one of the top 20 economic development organizations in the U.S.

“I’m honored to be selected as a CED Board member,” said Dr. Maimon. “One of the primary goals for  GSU, articulated in our strategic plan, is to serve as an economic catalyst for the region. My service on the CED Board will allow me to work with Will County leaders to fulfill that mission.”

The incentives to donate to the Campus Community Campaign continue to increase.

Spring is coming – we promise. And what a better way to spend a beautiful spring day than by exploring the cultural gem that is Chicago.

The Experience Chicago Tour will allow the winner to enjoy the best of the city, including:

1. A two hour cruise of Lake Michigan from Chicago Charters
2. A pass for four to the Chicago History Museum
3. The Chicago Chocolate Tour
4. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres at Quartino in River North

All employees are eligible to win prizes – those who donate receive even more chances. The Campus Community Campaign continues through March 16. Contact Joan Vaughan, Christine Radtke, Rosemary Hulett, or Jackie Small for additional information.

Voting for the student advisory referendum on the proposed 2009-2010 increases in student fees will be conducted online. Online voting continues through Monday, February 9. To vote, students must go to https://eballot.votenet.com/GOVST. The username is the student’s last name and the password is his/her student id number.

The Civil Service Senate is sponsoring a carnation sale just in time for Valentine’s Day. The ordering deadline is February 6 or while supplies last. The payment deadline is February 9. All orders must be prepaid. Delivery is on February 11. Carnations are only $1.25 each, six for $6, and a dozen for $12. Contact Mary Rothenberg at ext. 2239 to order your bouquet.

The Art of the Kuba, currently on exhibit at the Visual Arts Gallery, brings the intricate artwork of the Kuba to GSU. A Distinguished Lecture sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences featuring Prince Ngoloshang Mbecky of the Kuba Royal family enhances the exhibit. The prince will present video recordings of Kuba art and ritual in the current social and political setting on February 6, at 6 p.m., in Sherman Music Recital Hall. A reception will follow immediately after the presentation. The exhibit will also be open for viewing that evening until 9 p.m.

The Kuba Kingdom is currently part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo although it remains the sole surviving traditional court of the many that once flourished in equatorial Africa. The artwork on display is a combination of rich textiles, intricate beadwork, overpowering masks, and photographs.

The Distinguished Lecture, reception, and art exhibit are free and open to the public. The exhibit continues through February 17. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call ext. 4021.

The Office of Human Resources is sponsoring a Heart Disease Prevention Seminar on Monday, February 9, at 12:30 p.m., in the E-Lounge. This seminar is presented by the Cook County Department of Public Health and is part of the Let’s Get Fit! Educational Outreach Series. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own brown bag lunch to the event.

The next class in the series on using Impromptu, Identifying New Students, will be held on February 13, at 11 a.m., in the ACS Lab.

Participants will learn how to determine when students started in a particular program(s) and in a particular trimester or academic year. Age, gender, ethnicity, and other demographic information are also available for these students. Additional classes on other Impromptu topics will follow.

Be in the know with easy access to GSU's new Institutional Research website. This site has links to three very important data sources:

• Brand-new 2007-08 GSU Fact Book -- data on students, faculty, facilities
• Profiles of Academic Majors (10 years worth of student-related data)
• Enrollment Reports (the official numbers for the current and previous academic year)

Students can now save big on software at the Follett’s Bookstore. For a limited time, through March 6, GSU students can purchase a copy of Microsoft Office Professional 2007 for only $119.99 – an $80 savings. The Office suite contains Microsoft Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher. Visit the Bookstore today to pick up your copy. A valid student ID is required for discounted pricing.

GSU Alum Bob Sterba is a top cop. Mr. Sterba was recently named the new Police Chief for the village of New Lenox. His 32 years in public service prepared him for his new position. Mr. Sterba formerly served as the deputy chief in Palos Heights, and prior to that, was a detective, sergeant, and lieutenant.

Mr. Sterba is a 1994 graduate of the Interdisciplinary Studies program.

It is time for the nest Two for Tuesday with Geoff Bates, curator and director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. On Tuesday, February 3, at 12:30 and again at 3:45 p.m., in room D1497, Geoff will discuss Martin Puryear’s Bodark Arc and Mary Miss’ Field Rotation.

Monday, January 26, was the first day of Chinese Year 4707, the Year of the Ox. Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays.

At GSU, Chinese faculty sponsored a celebration at noon in E-Lounge on Tuesday, January 29. About 50 people, including Chinese students, staff, faculty, and guests attended the party. Provost Jane Hudak, Dean Ellen Foster Curtis (CBPA), Dean Eric Martin (CAS), and Dean Deborah Bordelon (COE) attended the party and greeted the participants in Chinese. Dr. Anthony Andrews from CBPA sang a song and MBA student Sydney Zhang performed a dance. Simin Li and Ruohuai Zheng, both MBA students, performed a duet, and MBA student Tang Yang sang and played the guitar.

The celebration was a joyous beginning to Chinese Year 4707.

The GSU Library recently added to its New York Times Bestseller collection. The Friends of the GSU Library provided the funds. With each new list, both the top selling fiction and non-fiction titles are added to the shelves and are available to students, staff, and faculty for a two-week checkout period. Community members with valid public library cards are also able check out these books.

The new additions include; The Limits of Power, Hot, Flat, Crowded, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, The Host, and, of course, Dewey. Visit the Library and check them out.

The Latino Center for Excellence is offering faculty information, feedback, and refreshments at an Open House for Faculty Development on February 5, from noon to 3 p.m., in A2133. Faculty are welcome to drop-in, learn more about the work of the Center, and how they can enhance their communication and teaching skills.

Contact Carlos Cantu for more information at ext. 4553.

The White House has a blog. The Pope has a blog. Professors and teachers at all academic levels use blogs to connect with peers and students and to assess student learning. With the use of existing blog resources, producing a blog is as easy as doing a search on the Internet or writing an email.

Learn how to create a blog. The Center for Online Teaching and Learning offers a hands-on workshop on academic blogging on Friday, February 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, in D2438 (ACS Lab). In this workshop, how blogs enhance education is identified and participants actually create their first blog.

To register, contact Jan Engle. 

Voting for the student advisory referendum on the proposed 2009-2010 increases in student fees will be conducted online. Online voting begins Monday, February 2 and continues through Thursday, February 5. To vote, students must go to https://eballot.votenet.com/GOVST. The username is the student’s last name and the password is his/her student id number.

Thirty students from GSU and Morton College may attend a three-day leadership retreat sponsored by the Title V Cooperative Grant/Latino Center for Excellence at GSU. Students must be current participants in a Center cohort program. There is no cost to the student.

Students will meet at the Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort from February 13 through 15 to be motivated and learn the leadership skills to motivate others. Programs will focus on academic excellence through student engagement, acquiring the skills and direction needed for personal and academic success, and understanding the need for leadership, pride, and education within a community.

“Our purpose is to produce able, educated student leaders who will help their families, schools, and communities in the future and serve as examples to other Latino students,” said Carlos Cantu, Interim Activity Director for the Latino Center for Excellence.

Limited space is available. Interested students who are also participants in the Latino Center for Excellence cohorts should contact Carlos Cantu at ext 4553. 

In this winter of near-constant snow and cold, Marlin Exton has shifted some of his housekeeping duties outside to help clear sidewalks and stairs and keep them safe for the rest of the GSU community. Marlin is also well-known on campus as GSU’s King of the Samba, an activity more suited to steamy tropical weather.

Marlin, in fact, is the King of Chicago Samba, following a 2007 competition for specialists in the Brazilian dance. His wife Vanyette, though, says she was surprised when Marlin turned his musical talents to dance. “I never saw him dance until three years ago.”

The Extons have been married 13 years and are parents of three daughters and one son. They’ve actually known each other since their time as classmates at Bloom Township High School. They didn’t start dating until years later when Marlin, who plays keyboards, was looking for a backup singer - who turned out to be Vanyette - for a musical group he was putting together.

Vanyette, an administrative clerk, has been at GSU for 10 years and now works in the nursing program. She formerly worked in the Science and Liberal Arts programs, and in the Provost’s Office. Marlin has worked as a building service worker for five years. The Extons work two different shifts so they don’t come to campus together. In warm weather months, they occasionally like to have lunch together at Pine Lake in University Park.

In 2006, Marlin formed a student-faculty ensemble, Mosaic, that borrowed from musical traditions from the many countries and cultures represented at GSU. That was when he first learned about the samba.

The couple are also active in their church in Munster, Indiana. Vaynette sings in the choir and Marlin plays keyboards in one of the church bands.

“GSU is such a diverse place, and I love that about it,” Marlin says. “People come here from all over the world for one purpose, to get an education. But everyone respects everyone else and learns from each other, too. And that’s really wonderful.”