University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 11-30-2010

Hopeful tomorrow: The Hope Center in Freetown, Sierra Leone, received several helping hands from UT Arlington faculty members from engineering, nursing, social work, and athletics. The Africa Program served as liaison between the University and Restore Hope Sierra Leone.

University faculty members contribute to Hope Center in Sierra Leone

UT Arlington is playing a major role in a project to restore hope to tens of thousands of people in Sierra Leone in West Africa.

The College of Nursing, School of Social Work, College of Engineering, and the Athletics Department assisted the Africa Program in creating the Hope Center near Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. The center, which opened in November, is a project of Restore Hope Sierra Leone.

The Hope Center is an 11,000-square-foot building that contains a conference room, male and female dormitories, classrooms, computer lab, dental and medical clinic, and a guest house. The center provides health care and job skill training for families devastated by Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war that ended in 2002. The dormitories are for volunteers and study-abroad students.

“Orphans and street kids are the clinic’s priority," says Alusine Jalloh, director of the Africa Program at UT Arlington.

Dr. Jalloh coordinated faculty members to donate their time and expertise. Engineering designed the center's electrical systems. Social Work contributed to the educational curriculum. Maverick Athletics donated second-hand sports equipment. Nursing consulted with medical personnel.

The First Baptist Church of Arlington assisted with donations for the $1.2 million dollar Hope Center.

Learn how to overcome test anxiety, find help for final exams

Do tests make you sweat? Do Scantrons make you nervous? Find relief with help on subject matters and test taking right on campus.

Vicky Goins of Counseling Services offers tips on understanding and managing test anxiety at noon Wednesday, Dec. 1, in Room 303 of Ransom Hall. The program is offered through Student Support Services. Register for the class by e-mailing sss_uta@uta.edu or calling 817-272-3486.

Check out the college-based clinics and labs, such as the Math Clinic and the Writing Center. These programs are free.

Supplemental instruction and tutoring are offered through University College. Some departments have a list of tutors. Expect to pay a fee for tutoring.

Academic advisers are on hand to help with navigating the road to graduation.

Staying late to study? UT Arlington Police encourage students to avoid walking alone after dark. The Maverick Ride escort service is available from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. To request a security escort, call 817-272-3381.

Cyclists must follow traffic rules

Bicyclists and skateboarders are vulnerable when traveling around campus. With a wrong turn or right-of-way assumption, an accident happens quickly.

Cyclists are bound by the same traffic rules as motorists, says Assistant Chief Rick Gomez of the UT Arlington Police Department. That means cyclists must stop at stop signs and red lights instead of breezing through intersections.

Skateboards, scooters, and skates should stay off the street and on the sidewalk, he adds. Watch for vehicles turning into drives, and stop for traffic at intersections.

Learn more about bicycles, skateboards, and other modes of transportation at the Parking website. Click on Rules and Regulations on the right.

For other ways to get to class, check out the campus shuttle services and a carpool ride-matching program.

MyMav upgrade begins Friday afternoon

A MyMav system upgrade is set for Friday, Dec. 3. The system will be unavailable from 5 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6.

Geographic signing Lisa Ling signs her book for Chris Bass, sociology graduate student, after the journalist's lecture last Tuesday. Ling, who is the host of the National Geographic Explorer documentary program, spoke at Texas Hall as part of the Maverick Speakers Series.

Healthy eating through the holidays is topic of Food for Thought lecture

With all the food and parties, the average American gains 5-10 pounds during the holidays. Avoid the New Year's resolution to lose weight by keeping off those holiday pounds by following advice from dietitian Brie Woods at noon Wednesday, Dec. 1, in Room 213 of the Maverick Activities Center.

Memorial service Monday for psychology Professor Andrew Baum

A memorial service for Andrew Baum has been set for 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, in the Planetarium. A reception and visitation will follow in Room 303 of the Chemistry and Physics Building.

Dr. Baum died Nov. 22.

Baum joined UT Arlington in 2006 as the Jenkins Garrett Professor of Psychology in the College of Science and director of UT Arlington's Center for the Study of Health and Illness. His research on stress was featured in the 2010 issue of Inquiry Magazine.

Campus organizations collecting toys

Help a child or family during the holidays through toy drives.

Be an angel to a child in need for the Salvation Army Angel Tree project. To choose a child to sponsor, go to the Student Activities office in the lower level of the University Center. Gifts should be returned on Thursday, Dec. 2, to the UTA Volunteers office in Student Activities.

Toys are being collected for Community Partners of Dallas by Phi Alpha, a national honor society for social work students. New toys for children through age 18 can be dropped off at Social Work Building A through Friday, Dec. 10.

The SAC of Joy toy drive through Friday, Dec. 17 needs help providing toys for children confined to hospital rooms at Cook Children's Medical Center. The drive is sponsored by the Staff Advisory Council’s Outreach Committee. See the list of donation sites and the Cook Children’s Medical Center wish list at uta.edu/sac or contact Linda Olson at lolson@uta.edu.

Festive decor Mayra Aragon, psychology freshman, touches up decorations at the University Center Tree Lounge in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Departments and organizations decorated the trees, and the winner will be announced at 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 30, in the Palo Duro Lounge.

Discount available for 'The Nutcracker'

The Nutcracker, presented by the Metropolitan Classical Ballet, returns to Texas Hall for the 14th straight year with performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12.

Students, faculty, and staff receive a 50 percent discount on tickets, which are available at utatickets.com. The discount will be taken at checkout and is only available for the Saturday and Sunday performances.

Get tickets online for New Year's Eve Super Party in downtown Arlington

Tickets are available now for the More Than a Game New Year's Eve Super Party at the Arlington Museum of Art, located at 201 W. Main.

UT Arlington co-sponsors the event, which is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31. Seating is limited. For tickets, go to downtownarlington.org.

Live music is provided by FM, and the event is catered by A Sophisticated Affair.

It's not too late for a flu shot

Influenza immunizations are still available at Health Services. Cost is $15 for students, faculty, and staff. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Health Services Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, contact Health Services online or at 817-272-2771.

Dr. Ignacio Nunez

Arlington doctor, alumnus establishes endowed scholarships

Ignacio Nunez’s parents taught him the value of a good education long before he was a successful Arlington doctor or a UT Arlington Distinguished Alumnus.

Now, Dr. Nunez and his wife, Lynda, are honoring his mother with the Carmen Trujillo Nunez Pre-Med Scholarship at UT Arlington. A second scholarship named after Lynda Nunez’s mother also is planned. The endowment for both scholarships is $50,000, a combination of a $25,000 gift from the Nunez family and a $25,000 match from the University’s Maverick Match program.

Nunez has practiced obstetrics/gynecology in Arlington for 27 years. He graduated from UT Arlington with a bachelor of science in biology in 1975 and went on to attend UT Southwestern Medical School.

“My mother always told me that I was just as capable as anyone else, regardless of race or social standing," he says. "I believed her, and I have strived to see everyone through my mother’s eyes.”

Through Maverick Match, the University is using natural gas royalties to leverage major gifts. Philanthropic partners who make endowments of $25,000 or more see their contributions doubled.

The new endowment will provide a $1,125 scholarship for a pre-med student as well as a $1,125 scholarship for an English major. The second scholarship is called the Evelyn Anita Sawyer Ray Endowed Scholarship in English. Lynda Nunez graduated from UT Arlington in 1991 with a bachelor of arts in English.

Double duty: Dr. Jian Yang, assistant professor of bioengineering, will use a $200,000 grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas for a dual-imaging, dual-targeting nanoparticle system to diagnose and treat thyroid cancer.

Bioengineering researcher secures grant to better detect and treat thyroid cancer

A bioengineering researcher has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to work on creating better tools for determining where thyroid cancer is and treating it.

Jian Yang, a bioengineering assistant professor, says the research combines the use of nanotechnology and biofluorescent/biodegradable materials.

“It’s called a dual-imaging, dual-targeting nanoparticle system. This system combines magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence imaging for cancer diagnosis, magnetic targeting, and antibody-mediated targeting for cancer drug delivery,” says Dr. Yang, who is partnering on the grant with fellow bioengineer Kytai Nguyen. “Our intent is to find the cancer with high precision and treat it in a single setting.”

The two-year grant is the first awarded to UT Arlington to receive funding through the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2007 establishing CPRIT and authorizing the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services in Texas.

See more about Yang's research grant.

Outstanding Maverick Awards seek nominations of top employees

Students can nominate a great UT Arlington employee or team of employees for the Outstanding Maverick Awards, formerly known as the Outstanding Employee Awards.

Awards are based on criteria representative of the University’s mission and reflect characteristics of outstanding service and performance by individuals and teams.

More information, frequently asked questions, nomination criteria, and a nomination form are on the Outstanding Maverick Awards website.

Deadline for nominations is Monday, Dec. 6. The form may be submitted electronically, mailed to Box 19176, or faxed to 817-272-3361.

For questions or comments, call Linda Snowden or Ligia Munoz in Human Resources at 817-272-7091 or e-mail askhr@uta.edu.

Open registration continues

Open registration continues for the winter intersession and spring term for all new and returning students. Register early. The schedules of classes are online.

To determine if you need adviser clearance, check your portal page at uta.edu/mymav and click on Student Center, then Holds and Details. If your academic department requires advising, you will see an academic department services indicator, or hold. Check the list of academic advising offices.

Pink Floyd lights up the Planetarium The music of Pink Floyd fills the Planetarium this holiday season with songs from the band's top albums choreographed to stunning digital imagery. Showing at 7 p.m. are Dark Side Of The Moon, Saturday, Dec. 4, and Thursday, Dec. 23; The Wall, Saturday, Dec. 11; and Wish You Were Here, Saturday, Dec. 18, and Thursday, Dec. 30. Dark Side of the Moon includes classics such as "Breathe," "Money," and "Us and Them." The Wall features "Another Brick in the Wall," "Comfortably Numb," "Hey You," and "Run Like Hell." Besides the title song, Wish You Were Here top songs are "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "Welcome To The Machine." Also showing in December are Season of Light, Holiday Music Magic, and Spacepark 360. The $2 movies are The Last Airbender, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, A Christmas Carol, and Polar Express. Go online for the complete schedule.

Wednesday, Dec. 1

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Arkansas. Free with student ID. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Mindful Moments Take a break from stress of classes. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Room 235, Business Building. Health Services, Marie Bannister, 817-272-2771.

Trombone Choir Concert Features trombone students. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Thursday, Dec. 2

Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Bands present their final concert of the semester featuring the music of Philip Sparke, Alfred Reed, David Stanhope, and Jean Francaix. $3 student/senior, $5 general public. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Friday, Dec. 3

Bassoon Studio Recital Bassoon students perform. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Saturday, Dec. 4

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. UT Pan American. Free with student ID. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

UTA Symphony Orchestra Concert Final semester performance by the UTA Symphony Orchestra. $3 student/senior, $5 general public. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Sunday, Dec. 5

Choir Concert A performance featuring the University Singers and A Cappella Choir. $3 student/senior, $5 general public. 3 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Holiday Benefit Concert Music service organizations perform to benefit Mission Arlington. Admission is a canned good, gently used clothing, or other donation. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 817-272-3471.

Monday, Dec. 6

Visiting Artist Armin Vit, graphic designer and writer from Austin, is the visiting artist. He is co-founder of UnderConsideration, a graphic design firm and publishing enterprise. 12:30 p.m., Room 148, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History, 817-272-2891.

The Oresteia of Aeschylus Classic Greek tragedy. $5 with student ID, $15 general public. 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Hellenic Student Association. stephanie.stylianou@mavs.uta.edu.

Thursday, Dec. 9

Pre-Exam Jam Take a break from your strenuous schedule and re-energize your body and mind with this fun and challenging group exercise class. Water and healthy snacks provided. Free. All day, Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation, campusrec@uta.edu, 817-272-3277.

Mavs Book Club This month's book is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Free. 5:30 p.m., basement, Central Library. Mavs Book Club, Diane Shepelwich, dianec@uta.edu, 817-272-7521.

Friday, Dec. 10

Spa Retreat Join the Student Health Advisory Council for a day of relaxation as professional technicians help you unwind. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services, 817-272-2771.

Opening Reception for BFA Exhibition Reception and awards ceremony honors the graduating seniors whose work is on display in the "Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition." Free. 5 p.m., The Gallery of UTA, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History, 817-272-3110.

Friends of the Library Author Joyce Gibson Roach discusses her book Texas and Christmas. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Betty Wood, bwood@uta.edu, 817-272-7421.

Saturday, Dec. 11

Holiday Lights Parade Bring the family and friends. Free. 6 p.m., Founders Plaza at the Levitt Pavilion, downtown Arlington. Holiday Lights Parade.

Ongoing

Charting Chartered Companies The exhibition Concessions to Companies as Mirrored in Maps, 1600-1900 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. 817-272-2179.

Planetarium programs Season of Light and Holiday Music Magic are seasonal shows. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

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.

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

Top scorer: LaMarcus Reed leads the scoring for the men’s basketball team, averaging 16.3 points through the first six games.

Mav men win, travel to North Texas tonight

Junior LaMarcus Reed scored a career-high 22 points to lead the men’s basketball team to a 67-52 win over St. Edward's on Saturday at Texas Hall. It was the fourth straight win for the Mavericks, who boosted their record to 5-1 on the year.

Coach Scott Cross’ squad travels to Denton tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 30, for a 7 p.m. game with North Texas, which is also off to a good start this season with a 4-1 record.

Following tonight’s contest, the Mavericks face road games at Samford, Louisiana Tech, Texas Tech, Kansas, and Arkansas before returning to Texas Hall on Jan. 5 to take on Houston Baptist.

Women triumph, host Arkansas on Wednesday

Seniors Tamara Simmons and Shalyn Martin each scored 11 points to lead the women’s basketball team to its first win at home, 54-40 against Southeast Missouri on Saturday at Texas Hall. The Mavericks dropped a 59-55 overtime decision to Arkansas State in their home opener last Wednesday.

Coach Samantha Morrow’s squad, now 2-4 for the season, hosts Arkansas at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Texas Hall. The Mavericks also will be at home Saturday, Dec. 4, to face UT Pan American before playing at TCU on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

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