University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 05-10-2010

Dionex establishes $1 million endowment for chemistry chair

Dionex Corp., a California-based company focused on the science of chromatography, has established a $1 million endowment to create the Hamish Small Chair of Ion Analysis in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Small invented suppressed ion chromatography, the technique by which most ions are analyzed today. The endowed chair is funded through a $500,000 Dionex gift, which is being matched with UT Arlington natural gas royalties through the Maverick Match program.

"Hamish Small is one of the giants of modern analytical chemistry," says Christopher Pohl, senior vice president of research and development and Dionex senior science officer. "We at Dionex wanted to honor his many contributions to analytical chemistry by permanently endowing a chair named in his honor and feel that The University of Texas at Arlington is a perfect setting for such an honor."

President James D. Spaniolo calls the Dionex endowment "a testimonial to the excellent research being conducted in the College of Science."

Pamela Jansma, dean of the College of Science, notes that the Dionex gift is the company's first such endowment and is particularly noteworthy because of the company's multinational presence and work with many academic organizations.

"UT Arlington has the leading ion chromatography research group in the world, so the endowment is a natural fit," Dr. Jansma says.

The Hamish Small Chair, when filled, will be the second endowed chair in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Professor Daniel Armstrong holds the other, the Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry.

Getting pinned: Pam Stadler, left, pins her daughter, Cheyenne Dempsey, at the fall 2009 Bachelor of Science in Nursing pinning ceremony. The tradition for College of Nursing graduates is held prior to Commencement exercises.

Pinning, commissioning ceremonies highlight Commencement week

Commencement ceremonies Thursday-Monday, May 13-17, include some long-standing traditions.

The College of Nursing pinning ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, at two locations. Nursing graduates choose a friend, family member, significant other, or nursing mentor to pin them with the UT Arlington nursing emblem. The ceremony for Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates is at 11 a.m. at Fielder Road Baptist Church. The ceremony for the RN to BSN graduates is at 2 p.m. at Texas Hall.

Military science graduates become U.S. Army officers during their commissioning ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 15, in the Lone Star Auditorium at the Maverick Activities Center.

The College of Engineering's procession of graduating students begins at Nedderman Hall and ends at Texas Hall. The regal parade starts 10 minutes before each of the two commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 15.

More than 3,100 UT Arlington students are expected to earn degrees. Read more about Commencement online.

Going for distance: Dr. Michael K. Moore, senior vice provost and associate professor of political science, received one of four Gold Best Practices Awards last week at the U.S. Distance Learning Association national conference in St. Louis.

Moore wins international award for distance education teaching

For the fourth consecutive year, a UT Arlington faculty member working with the Center for Distance Education has won an international award from the United States Distance Learning Association.

Michael K. Moore, senior vice provost and associate professor of political science, has been awarded one of four Gold Best Practices Awards of Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching.

"Dr. Moore's online version of Political Science 2311, first offered in 1997, is perhaps the longest running and best known online class in the state," says Pete Smith, associate vice president for distance education. "More than 4,500 students from around Texas, the United States, and abroad have enrolled in the class."

Dr. Moore, who has taught at UT Arlington since 1992, has presented his experiences in course development and teaching at numerous conferences, as well as sharing the materials with regents, legislatures, and international educational audiences as far away as France and South Africa. He has authored several detailed white papers and presentations on his students' experiences online, including a study that compared the traditional and online learning outcomes of students enrolled in the course.

The United States Distance Learning Association, founded in 1987, is the nation's leading distance learning organization. Its international awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs.

Maverick Celebration Dallas Morning News columnist and UT Arlington alum William McKenzie ('79 MA), top, delivered the keynote address Friday night for the Maverick Celebration at Levitt Pavilion. McKenzie, a 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner for editorial writing, urged graduates to "never give up." Guests were treated to a fireworks display along with music from the UT Arlington Festival Band and Micky and the MotorCars.

Wednesday is last chance to register for summer's activities fairs

Departments, groups, and organizations are invited to provide information for the 2010 New Maverick Orientation activities fair, which is on the first day of each two-day orientation program this summer. The fair is a great way for incoming freshmen to learn more about the resources and involvement opportunities available to them.

Activities fair dates are June 10, 14, 17, 24, and 28; July 8, 12, 19, 22, and 29; and Aug. 2 and 5. Groups must be present at all dates. Set-up time begins at 1 p.m. The fairs are 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The deadline to sign up for the activities fair is Wednesday, May 12. Space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Space may fill up prior to the deadline. After Wednesday's deadline, space will be allocated only if available.

More information and registration are online.

Campus steam shutdown scheduled to begin Monday, May 24

It's that time of year again when the Thermal Energy Plant must shut down steam service to the campus to complete inspection and repair requirements of the system components. Steam outage begins at 1 a.m. Monday, May 24, and ends at 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 26. It was determined that this time period would cause the least disruption for campus functions and activities.

Buildings will be without hot water and steam. Electrical power, air conditioning, and cold water service will be available.

If you have questions concerning the buildings or equipment affected by this outage, contact Larry Harrison in the Office of Facilities Management at 2-3458.

MAC, PE Building set limited hours during intersession

Hours at the Maverick Activities Center and the Physical Education Building will change for the summer intersession.

The buildings are open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday May 17-June 4 except for Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, when hours are 5-10 p.m. See the pool schedule online. The buildings are closed Saturdays and Sundays May 15-June 6.

During the summer, the buildings will be open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, closed on Saturday, and open 2-10 p.m. Sunday.

Summer schedule begins next week for MavWire

Today's issue will be the last Monday MavWire until Aug. 30. Keep up with campus activities throughout the summer on Thursdays as MavWire will be published once each week.

Making Wise Health Decisions

Throughout your life you will have to make health decisions for yourself and your family. The decisions you make will influence your overall well-being as well as the quality and cost of your care. In general, people who work with their doctors to make health decisions are happier with the care they receive. Learn how to improve your skills for making wise health decisions.

Get Organized: Keys for Everyday Office Success

If your office is a mess and you are drowning in your to-do list, then this class is for you. Participants will learn how to manage paperwork, how to eliminate clutter, and will discover the benefits of organization. 2-4 p.m., Thursday, May 13, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. See a complete list of HR training classes.

Employment information

Check out the UT Arlington employment opportunities at 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.

Southland Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships begin Friday at Maverick Stadium For the first time since 2006, UT Arlington will host the Southland Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships Friday-Sunday, May 14-16, at Maverick Stadium. Preliminary running and field events begin at 10 a.m. Friday. Finals will be held Friday for both women and men in the hammer, javelin, and the 10,000 meters. Saturday's schedule begins at 9 a.m. and includes more preliminary running and field events with finals slated for women and men in the long jump, high jump, shot put, and 3,000-meter steeplechase. Sunday's field event finals begin with the women's pole vault at 10:30 a.m. followed by finals for women and men in the discus and triple jump with the men's pole vault starting at 2 p.m. Running event finals begin at 5 p.m. Last year, the Maverick men's team finished second, losing by 1/2 point. The women finished third. The last championship for the men came in 2007, when the Mavericks won by a single point. The women last won in 2001 at Maverick Stadium, capping a run of four straight titles. All-session passes are $15 for adults and $10 for youth. Single-session passes are $10 for adults and $5 for youth. Children 6 and younger are admitted free. Students from Southland Conference universities are admitted free with student ID.

Wednesday-Thursday, May 12-13

Underexposed VIII The Student Film Video Organization presents its spring film festival with more than 50 films by UT Arlington students. Tickets are available 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in Room 157 of the Fine Arts Building or at the door. $7 for one night, $12 for two. 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at the Studio Movie Grill in Arlington, 225 Merchants Row in the Highlands, and at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13, at the Magnolia at the Modern in Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St.

Friday, May 14

Graduation Party All recent graduates (fall '09 and spring '10) who sign up as Young Alumni members will receive young alumni swag, while supplies last. Claim your swag early at utaya.org/GradJoin. Faculty and staff are invited to join in the celebration. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. BlackFinn American Saloon, Arlington Highlands.

Friday-Sunday, May 14-16

Baseball Lamar. $2 faculty, staff. 6:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Clay Gould Ballpark. utamavs.com, 2-2261.

Through May 15

Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition BFA graduating students show their works. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. uta.edu/gallery, 2-5658.

Through May 31

Timpani: New Works Artists Carol Benson, Susan Harrington, and Chris Powell use disparate media in this art exhibit. Free. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center. 2-5988.

Ongoing

Downtown Farmers Market Arlington's downtown farmers market features locally grown produce and locally made baked goods, arts, and crafts. Co-sponsored by UT Arlington Dining Services. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays, 215 E. Front St.

Planetarium Shows this week include One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure. See the complete Planetarium schedule. $4 faculty, staff. planetarium@uta.edu, 2-1183.

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