University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 10-21-2010

Supreme donors: Carrizo Oil & Gas President and Chief Executive Officer S.P. "Chip" Johnson IV, left, and Chairman of the Board Steven A. Webster, announced a $5 million gift from their company to the University last month.

University reports record year with $15.2 million in philanthropic support

UT Arlington has set records in annual philanthropic support, a reflection of the University’s renewed focus on private giving as a means of accelerating its progress toward becoming a major national research university. The University generated an unprecedented $15.2 million in new gifts and pledges in the 2009-10 fiscal year ending Aug. 31, up from $5.9 million the previous year.

The record year includes numerous milestones in UT Arlington’s maturing development program, including the largest cash gift in the University’s history. The $5 million gift from Houston-based Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc. of Houston will support College Park Center, which is under construction.

UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo credits alumni, individual, and corporate donors for strengthening the University’s philanthropy portfolio.

“Great universities, and great state universities more than ever, depend on the support of generous alumni and friends to enhance their academic and research profiles,” Spaniolo says. “UT Arlington’s star is rising in direct relation to increasing private support from our partners.”

Read more about philanthropic support.

TMAC celebrates: Congresswoman Kay Granger was the keynote speaker as TMAC celebrated its 15th anniversary Friday.

Fed agency awards TMAC $850,000 to move technology toward production

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has awarded TMAC at UT Arlington an $850,000 grant to improve the competitiveness of industries in an eight-state region by accelerating the transition of technology from research and development to efficient and affordable production.

TMAC, formerly the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, is the Texas affiliate of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership. UT Arlington holds the cooperative agreement with NIST to operate TMAC, a partnership that also includes UT El Paso, UT Pan American, the University of Houston, Texas Tech University, the Texas Engineering Extension Service of the Texas A&M System, and Southwest Research Institute.

“TMAC could receive up to $2.7 million during the next three years through the program,” TMAC Director Drew Casani says. He says subsequent funding is based on performance and availability of funds.

TMAC and UT Arlington are partners with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and its new technology transfer arm called TechComm.

Read more about TMAC's NIST grant.

Dam testing: Graduate student Varagorn Puljan collects field data from the Joe Pool Lake dam test section.

Soil treatment grant to lessen slope failures at local lakes' dam walls

Anyone who owns a home or business in North Texas knows how unstable the soil is. Cracks often occur in walls and ceilings. That soil expansion and contraction goes for the outdoors, too. The soil at Joe Pool Lake and Grapevine Lake dams has experienced the same cracks found in many North Texas homes.

Anand Puppala knows how to research and develop solutions to fix those cracks in the dams, though. The Distinguished Teaching Professor in civil engineering won a five-year, $493,000 grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study and shore up the cracks and related slope failures at the two dams.

Dr. Puppala says he and graduate students are treating the cracked soil and conducting long-term monitoring to measure how well the treatment has helped shore up the dams. The cracks along the Joe Pool Lake dam stretch for more than a quarter mile. Similar cracks can be seen at Grapevine Lake.

"Strengthening the soil is much less expensive than annual repairs of those dams, which can cost millions of dollars," Puppala says. "Millions of dollars in reconstruction expenses could ultimately be saved with this research, and more U.S. Army Corps of Engineer districts are interested in this research, which will open more research opportunities from the federal agency."

Author reviews Panhandle postcard tales for Friends of the Library meeting Friday

John Miller Morris, author of Taming the Land: The Lost Postcard Photographs of the Texas High Plains (TAMU Press, 2009), shares tales of the postcards, their photographers, and the Texas Panhandle at the next Friends of the Library meeting.

The free program is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library. RSVP to Betty Wood at bwood@uta.edu or 2-7421.

A postcard craze gripped the nation from 1905 to 1920, as the rise of outdoor photography coincided with a wave of settlement and prosperity in Texas. Hundreds of people took up cameras, and photographers of note chose some of their best work for duplication as photo postcards—sold for a nickel and mailed for a penny to distant friends and relatives. These postcards left what Dr. Morris calls a "significant visual legacy" of the history and social geography of Texas.

Morris is an associate professor of political science and geography at UT San Antonio. He specializes in the historical geography of the Southwest and is the author of three other books, including multiple award winner El Llano Estacado: Exploration and Imagination on the High Plains of Texas and New Mexico, 1536–1860.

Submit your nominations for Outstanding Academic Adviser

Nominations are being accepted for Outstanding Academic Adviser in the following categories: professional staff adviser, undergraduate faculty adviser, and graduate faculty adviser. Nominations should be submitted online by Jan. 24, 2011.

For 25 years, UT Arlington has recognized academic advisers who have made a difference in the lives of their students. Many advisers have been recognized nationally by the National Academic Advising Association for their commitment to helping students succeed. See the complete list of award winners.

For information about the nomination process, contact Delene Remmers in the Office of the Provost at 2-2737.

Alums of distinction Receiving awards at the Distinguished Alumni Gala on Saturday are, from left, Clifford Hahne, Robert Irish, James Ditto, Jean McSweeney, Ignacio Nunez, Nasser Ahmed Lozi, Thomas Rourke, and Greg Barron. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given by the University and Alumni Association. The annual gala also generates significant scholarship funds for students. Click on the photo for an excerpt from the gala festivities.

Still time this month to contribute to State Employee Charitable Campaign

Have you contributed to the State Employee Charitable Campaign? Your department representative will ask if you wish to participate this week and will have a charity guidebook. There are plenty of local and independent charities looking for your donation.

• Local Independent Charities of America

• Fund for Veterans Assistance

• Local unaffiliated charities (see charity guidebook)

• Christian community charities (see charity guidebook)

Payroll deduction is the easiest way to make a contribution. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference for your community and the world.

The 2010-11 campaign ends Sunday, Oct. 31. For more information, visit the UT Arlington SECC Webpage or contact Rosa Newman or Jake Allen at 2-5554.

Friday's Instructional Support Session concerns 'Test Construction and Grading'

“Test Construction and Grading” is the topic for the faculty Instructional Support Session, 1-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, in Room 101 of Trimble Hall.

This workshop covers the construction of all types of quizzes, tests, and exams. If you have previously felt tied to the textbook test bank, learn to do an even better job on your own. The three different grading systems will be covered. This should be especially beneficial for those who are new to teaching. All faculty, both full and part time, are invited to participate.

The session will be taught by Mary Lynn Crow, professor in the College of Education and Health Professions. Register for the free program by contacting Delene Remmers at 2-2737 or remmers@uta.edu. Handouts and light refreshments will be provided.

Serving with honor Earl Patrick, left, receives a plaque from Josie O'Quinn after his induction into the UTA Retiree Hall of Honor at the club's annual luncheon Monday in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Patrick is the club's past president, and O'Quinn is the current president.

Fourth Annual Fall Festival and Concert is geared toward family, fun

Faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to bring their families to the Fourth Annual Fall Festival and Concert from 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, on the E.H. Hereford University Center mall.

The event will be family friendly and will include a petting zoo, caricatures, bounce houses, wax hands, magicians, jugglers, face painting, a pumpkin patch, live music, games, a photo booth, cotton candy, and many more fun activities.

The annual festival coincides with Parent and Family Weekend and is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs. There is no cost to attend or participate. For more information, contact parentsweekend@uta.edu.

Halloween office decoration contest is coming; Oct. 26 signup deadline

It's time to come together as an office and show off your Halloween decorating skills. Judging for the Halloween office decoration contest is Friday, Oct. 29.

Signup deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 26. To register your office, contact Lexi Christoules in Campus Recreation at lexic@uta.edu or 2-3277.

All departments will receive a list of judging times Wednesday, Oct. 27. Awards will be given for overall winner, most spooktacular, best pumpkins, creative costumes, and best theme.

Volunteers needed for Halloween Casino Night

Volunteers are needed for Halloween Casino Night at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Help is needed with decorating, volunteer check-in, chip banking, blackjack, bingo, poker, and more. Sign up for Halloween Casino Night

Campus Recreation, Apartment and Residence Life, Housing and University Center, and EXCEL Campus Activities sponsor the event. For more information, contact Jeremy Roden at jroden@uta.edu.

Hungry for more chef Rick Bayless?

Get a second helping of chef Rick Bayless, the Maverick Speakers Series guest on Oct. 14. Watch this clip where Bayless talks of finding his culinary "home."

Safe Zone Ally Training

Participants in Ally Training will learn about heterosexual privilege, campus and community resources, and how to be supportive to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

After completion of the training, participants will receive a Safe Zone decal and resources and will be equipped with the tools necessary to:

• respond in an appropriate, affirming, and supportive manner to LGBT individuals

• know resources or where to find them

• examine their own attitudes, behaviors, and values and challenge others to do the same

RSVP early; space is limited. Include your name and the date of training you plan to attend. Noon-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, or Friday, Nov. 19, Room 303, Ransom Hall. Adria Villarreal, adriav@uta.edu.

Word 2007

Explore MS Word through templates, graphics, tables, columns, headers, footers, tables of content, and more. Free. 2-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, or 9-11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26, Room 123, Hammond Hall. See more OIT training classes.

Powerful Presentation Skills

Participants will learn how to develop and enhance their public speaking style and create compelling presentations. No matter what the subject, learn how to deliver the message with poise and power. Free. 9-11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. See a complete listing of HR training classes.

Employment Information

Check out 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.

Mav moves: Lamarcus Reed III, junior forward, jumps over Ryan Bruce, freshman guard, during a slam dunk contest at Maverick Madness on Friday night at the Maverick Activities Center. The two men’s basketball players showed off for the annual event that introduces the men’s, women’s, and Movin’ Mavs' teams.

Wright wins national wheelchair tennis title

Junior Malcolm Wright won the men’s Tier II title at the third annual International Tennis Association National Collegiate Wheelchair Championships on Saturday in Mobile, Ala.

Wright defeated freshman teammate Blake McMinn 6-4, 6-0 and 6-4, 6-1 in a best-of-three series in the finals.

Jeff Sale was runnerup in the Tier I competition, falling to Matt Farmen of Arizona 6-4, 6-3 in the finals, while the Mavs’ Willie Hernandez advanced to the finals of the consolation round before losing.

In the doubles competition, Sale and Hernandez advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated.

Golfers win Lone Star Invitational to cap fall

UT Arlington won the Lone Star Invitational at Briggs Ranch Golf Course in San Antonio on Monday to close out the fall season.

The Mavericks finished with a score of 855. Notre Dame was second, three strokes back. Senior Wes Worster and sophomore Paul McConnell led the Mavericks as they tied for third at 213, just two shots off the pace.

See complete results at golfstat.com. It was the final event for the fall season. The Mavericks resume competition Feb. 13-15, 2011, at the Battle at the Beach in Newport Coast, Calif.

Volleyball Mavericks seek to regroup on the road

After dropping two matches last week, the Mavericks hope to get back on the winning track as they hit the road for volleyball matches Saturday, Oct. 23, at Northwestern State; Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Stephen F. Austin; and Saturday, Oct. 30, at Sam Houston State.

The Mavericks lost 3-1 to Stephen F. Austin and 3-2 to Sam Houston State in a pair of home matches last week.

Koenig leads way at Chile Pepper cross country meet

Freshman Emily Koenig finished 23rd and the Mavericks were 19th overall in the 22nd annual Chile Pepper Festival cross country meet Saturday at Fayetteville, Ark.

The Chile Pepper meet featured 56 women’s teams and 469 individuals and is regarded as one the nation’s premier cross country events.

Maverick women’s and men’s teams will compete in the Southland Conference Cross Country Championships Thursday, Oct. 28, at Beaumont.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, utamovinmavs.com, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 21-24

Cabaret Doomed romances and personal identity in a changing world take center stage. $8 for faculty, staff; $11 general public. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Mainstage Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Theatre Arts, 2-2669.

Friday, Oct. 22

Garba Night Garba is a form of folk dance around a central lit lamp for one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, Navratri. $3. 7 p.m., Room 133, Maverick Activities Center. Hindu Student Council.

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 22-23

$2 Movie: Karate Kid An update on bullies and black belts. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Planetarium, 2-1183.

Saturday, Oct. 23

Astronomy Day The Planetarium is hosting Astronomy Day along with the National Space Society of North Texas. Toys, exhibits, handouts, and experts will be available to show you the wonders of the universe. Help NSS support space science and buy a ticket for their raffle. Prizes include an astronaut costume, just in time for Halloween. Everyone pays kids price. Noon-5 p.m., Planetarium, 2-1183.

Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball Exhibition game with Dallas Mavericks. Part of Parent-Family Weekend. Free. 1 p.m., Maverick Activities Center. Movin’ Mavs, dgarner@uta.edu.

Monday, Oct. 25

Faculty and Friends Chamber Orchestra Concert Features performances by faculty and students. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Tuesday, Oct. 26

Virginity Russian filmmaker Vitaly Mansky shows three young women who have a sought-after commodity—their virginity. Question-and-answer session follows. Part of the Fourth Russian Documentary Showcase in Texas, Images of Russia. Free. 5 p.m., Room 108, University Hall. Charles McDowell Center for Critical Languages and the Russian Culture Society, 2-2388.

Ongoing

Charting Chartered Companies: Concessions to Companies as Mirrored in Maps, 1600-1900 Exhibit focuses on maps and how they shaped the histories of chartered companies. Through Jan. 8. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays, Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 2-2179.

Gallery 76102: flats and rounds Artist Nicholas Wood works in hybrid forms of painting, drawing, and sculpture. 6-8 p.m. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth.

Jay Cantrell Exhibit Drawings and paintings by Dallas architect Jay Cantrell ('97 BS). Through Oct. 29. Gallery, Room 206, Architecture Building. Robert Rummel-Hudson, 2-2314.

Notations of Beauty and Loss Exhibit of large-format photographic prints features Kenda North, professor of art and art history. Through Nov. 13. Craighead Green Gallery, 1011 Dragon St., Dallas.

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

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