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Texas voters say yes to new fund to boost UT Arlington,
other emerging research universities

On Nov. 3, Texas voters adopted Proposition 4 by a margin of 56.7 percent to 43.3 percent in final, unofficial returns posted on the Secretary of State's Web site. The constitutional amendment creates a new National Research University Fund and moves about $500 million in the former Higher Education Fund to the new fund. As of September 2011, UT Arlington and six other emerging Texas research universities will be able to draw from the new fund to enhance research activity after meeting several criteria established by state lawmakers.

The initiative is part of legislative efforts to boost the number of Tier One universities in Texas. UT Arlington already looks like a national research university in many respects and is aggressively working to ramp up annual research expenditures, cultivate more private support for programs, and attract more high-achieving students and nationally recognized faculty.

Stem cell research: Dr. Liping Tang and his colleagues have discovered a way to create adult stem cells.

Bioengineer discovers method for increasing
adult stem cell production

Researchers at UT Arlington have discovered that implantation of medical devices such as catheters leads to the creation of 200 times as many adult stem cells than previous methods of harvesting.

Liping Tang, a bioengineering professor, says the discovery shows that the adult stem cells created are multipotent, meaning they have numerous functions. The discovery/technology has a patent pending.

"In our research, the stem cells recovered could be reinserted into the same person who manufactured them to help fight disease," Dr. Tang says. "Those adult stem cells also can be used for tissue engineering and stem cell therapies."

Tang and his colleagues presented their findings at the Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Antonio earlier this year.

Read more about stem cell research by Tang's research team.

HUB vendors, Super Bowl champ on campus today

Check out everything from pens and paper to laptops and a Super Bowl champ at the Historically Underutilized Business Vendor Fair—aka HUB Super Bowl III—from 9-11 a.m. today, Thursday, Nov. 5, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The fair offers faculty and staff a great way to preview firms available to do business on campus. Take time to meet more than 50 HUB groups who compete for your department's business.

Have your picture taken with former NFL wide receiver Cedric James, a Kennedale native and TCU graduate. James played for the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys and was a member of the 2005 Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. There will be door prizes and giveaways.

Contact Jean Carlton at 2‑2140 or carlton@uta.edu for more details.

Order tickets by mail for events with authors Jeff Shaara, Garrison Keillor

Order tickets by mail for two free events featuring best-selling author Jeff Shaara and A Prairie Home Companion creator Garrison Keillor this month at Texas Hall.

Shaara is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, while Keillor is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.

Shaara is the author of the World War II trilogy that includes No Less Than Victory, which was released Tuesday. He also has written books on the Civil War and World War I.

Keillor is the creator of A Prairie Home Companion, the popular National Public Broadcasting radio program, and the author of a new novella, A Christmas Blizzard. He rescheduled his appearance after canceling an Oct. 7 event at Bass Hall.

Jeff Guinn, former Fort Worth Star-Telegram book editor and a best-selling author, will interview the authors on stage, followed by question-and-answer sessions with the audience and book signings.

To request two tickets, send a self-addressed and stamped envelope to Star-Telegram Author Series, P.O. Box 1870, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, Attn: Melinda Mason. Send a separate envelope for each author, but you may include more than one return envelope in one single letter of request. Be sure to indicate the event for which you are requesting tickets.

Wizard of Oz wins for Halloween The Wizard of Oz theme did the trick for the Halloween office decorating contest as the College of Business (top) and the University Center Operations/Apartment and Residence Life offices tied as overall winners. Other winners included Best Theme, The Shorthorn; Creative Costumes, Department of Political Science; Best Pumpkins, Trinity House; and Most Spooktacular, Department of Communication.

Classes, book clubs and writers groups needing more than two tickets should call Melinda Mason at 817‑390‑7579.

Their appearances are part of the Evening with an Author Series, sponsored by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram with the Katrine Deakins and Helen Littauer Trusts and UT Arlington.

Asian Heritage Month celebration includes traditional, modern

In the wake of successive typhoons in the Philippines, Asian Heritage Month includes two events, "Night at the Market-Lion and Dragon Fest" and "Most Awesome Extreme Challenge," to benefit the victims of September's devastating storms.

"Night at the Market-Lion and Dragon Fest" features food, games and the traditional Lion and Dragon Dance. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The "Most Awesome Extreme Challenge" is similar to the ABC reality TV program, "I Survived a Japanese Game Show." Students compete in sumo wrestling and other challenges for team points. Winners will receive trophies and medals. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Visit www.uta.edu/multicultural for online team registration.

Other Asian Heritage Month events include the movie "Ghandi" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday Nov. 5, in the Rio Grande Ballroom, and Asian Arts and Crafts at noon Friday Nov. 6, in the Student Congress Chambers.

Nursing faculty honored for excellence

Three nursing faculty members have received national recognition for their outstanding achievements.

Associate Dean Beth Mancini is among the inaugural fellows of the American Heart Association in the area of Quality of Care and Outcomes Research.

Barbara Raudonis, the Myrna R. Pickard Professor in Nursing, has been selected a fellow of Palliative Care Nursing by the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.

Distinguished Teaching Professor Mary Lou Bond has been named as a faculty mentor in the National League for Nursing Johnson & Johnson Faculty Leadership and Mentoring Program.

Read more about the honors at the School of Nursing's news site.

Fellowships, grants available from President's Sustainability Committee

The President's Sustainability Committee offers faculty fellowships on sustainability in the curriculum along with two grants for faculty, staff and student projects related to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Empowering the border Laura Treviño speaks on "Community Empowerment along the U.S.-Mexican Border" Wednesday before a packed room in the Central Library sixth floor parlor. Treviño is associate regional director for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Colonias Program of the Center for Housing and Urban Development at Texas A&M University. The Center for Mexican-American Studies and OneBook presented the lecture.

Faculty fellowships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for one semester will be awarded to support development of modules on sustainability for existing courses, laboratory exercises, service learning exercises, field trips, development of new courses or development of other curriculum products.

Travel Support Grants of up to $500 for one event will be awarded for students, faculty or staff to attend conferences, seminars or workshops.

Sustainability Speaker Grants of up to $500 for one speaker will be awarded to support speakers who address sustainability and environmental stewardship.

For more information, contact Jim Grover in the Department of Biology at grover@uta.edu.

University Club to feature new once-a-month specials

After receiving feedback from the campus community, Dining Services will discontinue weekly specials at the University Club. Instead, the Davis Hall eatery will feature new specials on the first Thursday of every month.

This week's Southwest Fiesta special completes the weekly specials. New specials will begin Dec. 3 and will change every month.

Check the University Club Web site for menus and hours.

Deadline Friday for new medical technologies research proposals

The deadline is Friday, Nov. 6, for research proposals to develop medical technologies in critical health care areas. Details are posted at Collaborative Research Funding Program in Medical Technologies.

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say: Essential Communication Skills

Do you struggle to find the right words or to get your point across? Learn the skills to speak clearly and effectively. Participants will learn about communication styles, assertiveness, non-verbal communication and other tips that will educate and empower. 9 -11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. See the complete list of training classes.

Food for Thought: Nutrients

Find out about the six essential food nutrients, including why you need them and how much you need. Estimating your energy requirements and tips for healthy food selections will round out this fun, educational session. Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 11, Room 101B, Maverick Activities Center.

Can't Find the Money to Invest in Your Future?

Saving just a small amount each week could make a big impact on your retirement future. Consider these small actions to produce big savings: cooking vs. eating out, use coupons, rent videos vs. going out to movies and bring lunch to work. It's quick and easy to sign up for one of the UT Saver Voluntary Retirement Plans. Visit www.utretirement.utsystem.edu.

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop CS4

Maneuver through Photoshop's layout by using the tool bar, file menu and color palettes. Bring an image into Photoshop and be amazed at how you turned a dull photo into a masterpiece by scaling, adding text, saturating and more. Register to attend. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17, Room 311A, Ransom Hall. See the complete list of OIT training classes.

Employment information

Check out UT Arlington employment opportunities at www.uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2‑3461 or TDD 2‑8139 or e-mail employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Double play: James Patin (left) and Jeff Sale won the doubles title at the National Wheelchair Tennis Championships. Patin also won the Tier II singles crown.

Wheelchair tennis team
wins national championship

Jeff Sale and James Patin won the national championship in doubles competition in October at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's National Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Mobile, Ala.

Individually, Patin won the national championship in Tier II for novice players, and Sale finished in the top five in Tier I for advanced players.

Women's cross country finishes
third at conference meet

Sophomore Jennifer Carey led the women's cross country team to a third-place finish at the Southland Conference meet Saturday in Corpus Christi. She finished 11th overall in the individual standings.

The men's team finished seventh as junior Zach Zura led the Mavericks, finishing 30th overall.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi won the women's title while Lamar won the men's division.

Volleyball closes home season

UT Arlington wraps up the home portion of its volleyball schedule with matches against Sam Houston State tonight, Thursday, Nov. 5, and against Lamar on Saturday, Nov. 7.

With a goal of raising $3,000, the volleyball team successfully raised $3,263.99 for breast cancer awareness with its "Dig Pink" campaign. See athletics.

Movin' Mavs host tournament Nov. 13-15

The Movin' Mavs host a National Wheelchair Basketball Association College Division Tournament with four games Nov. 13-15. The weekend also includes the Second Annual Jim Hayes Memorial Tournament. Admission is free. Check for details at www.utamovinmavs.com.

Thursday, Nov. 5 Volleyball UT Arlington vs. Sam Houston State. $2 faculty, staff. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. www.utamavs.com.

Thursday, Nov. 5 Woodwind Quintet Recital The CAT 5 Woodwind Quintet featuring Danilo Mezzadri, Anna Pennington, Jonathan Holden, Heidi Lucas and Kim Woolly performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 2‑3471, music@uta.edu.

Thursday, Nov. 5 and Friday, Nov. 6 Small Paintings, Big Ideas Paintings of senior and advanced art students are exhibited. Purchase by cash or check, and checks should be made payable to the artist. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Gallery West, Studio Arts Center, 810 S. Davis Dr. The exhibit will close with a reception and art sale from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday.

Friday, Nov. 6 Downtown Arlington Farmers Market Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, organics and unique food products provided by local vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 215 E. Front St. 817-303-2800, info@downtownarlington.org.

Friday, Nov. 6 Movie: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Free popcorn. Free with UTA ID. 8 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. 2‑2963, excel-traditions@uta.edu.

Saturday, Nov. 7 Volleyball UT Arlington vs. Lamar. $2 faculty, staff. 4 p.m., Texas Hall. www.utamavs.com.

Monday, Nov. 9 Downtown Arlington Music Mondays The lunchtime concert features Music Department faculty and students. Free concert and lunch. 12:15 p.m., First Baptist Church sanctuary, 300 S. Center St. 2‑2439, walvoord@uta.edu.

Monday, Nov. 9 Late Night Jazz Sampler Students and faculty perform. Free. 8 p.m., Room 115, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-3471, music@uta.edu.

Tuesday, Nov. 10 Food, Inc. This documentary film addresses the complex issues surrounding food. Admission is free, but canned good donations for Mission Arlington are encouraged. 7 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center.

Tuesday, Nov. 10 Fall 'Cello' Bration Cello studio members perform. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 2‑3471, music@uta.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 Evening with an Author: Jeff Shaara This literary series spotlights Jeff Shaara, author of a trilogy of books on World War II. A question-and-answer session with the audience and book signing are planned. Tickets required. Free. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. Maggie Estes, 2‑1299, mestes@uta.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 PostSecret Creator Frank Warren Author Frank Warren created the blog phenomenon PostSecret Project, a collection of highly personal and artfully decorated postcards mailed anonymously from around the world, displaying the soulful secrets we never voice. $5 students, $10 faculty/staff/alumni, $20 general public. Tickets at www.utatickets.com or Student Activities, B-140, E.H. Hereford University Center. 7:30 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. 2‑2963, Excel-entertainment@uta.edu.

Through Nov. 14 Faculty Biennial X This art exhibition showcases recent work created by Department of Art and Art History faculty. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, The Gallery at UT Arlington, Fine Arts Building.

Through Nov. 27 The Getty Sketchbooks Internationally acclaimed architects' sketchbooks for the Getty Villa/Museum renovations. Free. Architecture Gallery, Architecture Building.

Through Dec. 22 Selected 2D Works Five accomplished artists from the Fort Worth area share their works at Gallery 76102. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Through Dec. 31 UT Arlington Planetarium programs The fall schedule includes new shows IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System; Unseen Universe: The Vision of SOFIA; Microcosm: The Adventure Within; and Two Small Pieces of Glass. Returning favorites are Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Seven Wonders, Rock Hall of Fame 1 and the $2 movie. Check the Planetarium Web site for the schedule. Contact the Planetarium at 2‑1183 or planetarium@uta.edu for tickets.

Through Jan. 9 Everything Is Interrelated Special Collections' fall exhibit features "Alexander von Humboldt and Our Nineteenth-Century German Connections." Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. See Special Collections.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar)

Editors: Jim Patterson, Teresa Newton Web Developer: James Barberousse Photographers: Beth McHenry, Robert Crosby Executive Director for University Publications: Mark Permenter Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing: David Johnson Vice President for Communications: Jerry Lewis Published by University Communications © 2009 The University of Texas at Arlington

MavWire is published by the Department of University Communications on Mondays and Thursdays (except for holidays) during the fall and spring semesters, and on Wednesdays during the summer. To submit items for possible inclusion in MavWire, e-mail mavwire@uta.edu. Items must be received three working days before distribution. Inclusion of events and activities in MavWire does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by the University. Read the MavWire Guidelines. MavWire welcomes any non-employees of UT Arlington who would like to subscribe.