Faculty, staff and students from Central Washington University and Highline Community College will participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking for a shared higher education center Monday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. on the Highline campus.

The event will include brief remarks by presidents Jerilyn S. McIntyre and Priscilla Bell, Sen. Karen Keiser and a student who has benefited from the convenient 2 + 2 partnership between Highline and CWU.

Through this creative partnership, time- and place-bound students from the Des Moines and SeaTac areas will have the opportunity to complete their first two years of study at Highline or other local community colleges and then pursue baccalaureate and master's degrees through CWU at the higher education center.

The 83,900 square-foot building will be located on the Highline Community College campus in Des Moines. The new center improves access to higher education while creating facilities that are cost effective. The two institutions will share classroom space and library, student services and fitness facilities.

The building will expand teaching, laboratory and office space for Highline and CWU programs. Seven distance education classrooms will expand course delivery options. Six computer labs, general classrooms and updated science labs will help prepare students to transfer into high-demand baccalaureate and master's degree programs. This coordinated provision of lower- and upper-division programs addresses the economic development needs of the South King County area.

The higher education center will become the permanent home for one of CWU's oldest centers on the west side. CWU-SeaTac, which was established in 1977 and has had five temporary homes and four names since that time, will be renamed CWU-Des Moines.

The Washington State House and Senate authorized $26.5 million for construction of this state-of-the-art facility in the state's 2003-2005 biennial budget, which was signed into law by Gov. Gary Locke earlier this summer. The first classes for the new center are scheduled to be held in fall of 2005.

Dr. Michael Launius, professor of political science, has been appointed to the two-year interim position of director of the office of international studies and programs. Provost David Soltz said the appointment is effective Sept. 2.

Launius was selected from a pool of eight candidates. He brings to the position more than 30 years of international and cross-cultural experience, including: service with the Peace Corps as an ESL instructor; years as an exchange professor in Seoul and China; and study in Japan and China supported by grants from NEH, Fulbright-Hayes and NSF.

Launius has been instrumental in developing CWU's Asia/Pacific Studies Program, has worked to build partnerships between CWU and a number of foreign universities, and has served on our ISPAC committee since his employment here in 1990. He has maintained an active international research agenda and has served as chair of the Political Science department and the Asia/Pacific Studies Program.

Richard Corona, Central Washington University vice president for business and financial affairs, has announced that Carmen Rahm has been hired as senior director for the university's information technology services effective Sept. 16.

"He is highly respected as a communicator and leader who can work collaboratively across an organization to solve IT (information technology) issues," Corona says. "After his visit to Central, he received strong support from the selection committee and those who attended the forums."

Rahm currently serves as chief technology officer/director of information technology at Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho.

He has more than 15 years of information technology management experience. In addition to his 14 years of service as a civilian working for the Navy, he has six years of undergraduate- and graduate-level teaching experience in business and management information systems and another five years of IT management experience working for private industry.

"I'm looking forward to working with the IT staff and customers at CWU," Rahm says. "We'll build a team which delivers technology support and services to faculty, staff and students that are second to none."

Rahm was selected from among those who applied during a nationwide search, screened by a university search committee comprised of faculty, staff and students. David Kaufman, interim dean of libraries and director of academic computing, chaired the committee. Rahm was one of five finalists interviewed for the job.

Gov. Gary Locke has appointed Central Washington University senior Matthew E. Schmitt, from Federal Way, Wash., to a position on the university's board of trustees for the 2003-04 academic year.

Schmitt, 21, is majoring in chemistry education at CWU. He also serves as chair of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and president of CWU's SAAC.

In addition, Schmitt participates in cross country and track at Central. Last season, as the school's top cross country runner, he placed 46th at the 2002 NCAA Division II West Region Championships.

Schmitt is a 2000 graduate of Federal Way High School, where he was a four-year member of the ASB, sophomore class president and member of the Principal's Cabinet. He is the sixth student selected to represent university students on Central's governing board.

Schmitt replaces student trustee Jennifer Hazen, whose 2002-03 term officially ended May 31.

Several years ago, the Washington state Legislature created a student seat on the governing bodies of the six state public universities and college. Each student trustee serves a one-year term. They are considered full-voting board members on issues, excluding personnel matters.

CWU PRESIDENT TO SERVE AS PLG MEMBER

The U.S. Department of Education's "Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention" has announced that Central Washington University President Jerilyn S. McIntyre has been selected to serve on its "Presidents Leadership Group" (PLG), a body of higher education presidents and chancellors who have made student substance abuse prevention a priority on their campuses.

Nine new members are joining PLG, representing a diverse group of campuses from around the nation. The PLG expansion marks the continued commitment by the Higher Education Center to highlight and promote the critical role of presidential leadership in collegiate alcohol and other drug prevention.

"I'm committed to supporting a safe and healthy campus environment here at Central because I believe preventing high-risk alcohol and drug use is one of my major responsibilities as a university president," McIntyre says. "It's an honor to be part of the Presidents Leadership Group."

New PLG members were selected based on their previous alcohol and other drug prevention efforts as well as their future plans for leadership in this area. The rigorous selection process required applicants to submit personal statements, letters of support from campus and community members and their institution's biennial review reports - a federal reporting requirement under the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations.

Officials from 45 campuses in 27 states now participate in PLG, which was formed by the Higher Education Center in 1997. That year, the six-member PLG published an alcohol prevention report urging college presidents to become more active leaders on this issue on their campuses and in their surrounding communities.

The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, with supplemental funding from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, offers training, technical assistance, publications, and other information to assist those who want to take an active part in changing the environment in which students make decisions about alcohol and other drug use.

CWU REMEMBERS WENDELL HILL

Former Central Washington University director of auxiliary services Wendell Hill died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at Royal Vista Care Center.

Hill, 75, was born in Holton, Kan., on May 15, 1928. He grew up in Atchison, Kan., and graduated from Atchison High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army before attending Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., where he received his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1954.

In December 1963, Hill and his family moved to Ellensburg and he began his 30-year career at CWU, where he became known as an advocate for people, especially his staff. Hill was also highly regarded for the positive relationships he developed with students and the partnerships he formed with other campus departments.

Hill was fundamental in the support of Business Week and served as company adviser for several years. He also was co-director of the Youth Conservation Corps, sponsored through CWU. Hill retired in 1993.

Before and after his retirement, he was involved in many community organizations and projects, including Ellensburg Welcome Mat, Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute and Kittitas County Fair Board. He was a past-exalted ruler of the Ellensburg Elks Temple and a member of Rotary.

Hill also enjoyed golfing and had a passion for the Yakima River. He was instrumental in the creation and organization of the Peace and Gourmet Float and the annual river clean up.

He is survived by his brother, Bill Hill; sister Cathy Hobelman; wife Shirley; children and grandchildren Rick (Wendy) Haberman, Eric and Brent; Mark and Shannon Hill, Jamie, Kevin and Carli; Todd and Kelly Hill, Melinda and Wendell Tyler; and Nathan Hill.

Donations may be made to the Royal Vista Resident Activity Fund or the CWU Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute or a charity of your choice.

CWU AWARDED ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA MEMBERSHIP

Central Washington University is laying claim to having the first National Alpha Lambda Delta chapter in the state.

"Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society that acknowledges academic excellence during a student's first year in college," Dr. Charlotte Tullos, CWU vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, says. "We hope that having a student chapter here will provide our freshman with the opportunity to establish lifelong friendships and work with other students who have serious academic interests."

Founded in 1924, Alpha Lambda Delta is one of the oldest and most prestigious honor societies in the nation. It now has more than 230 chapters across the U.S. and has initiated more than 650,000 student members.

Its mission is to encourage superior academic achievement, to promote intelligent living and a high standard of learning and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals in society. By inviting first-year students to become members, the honor society's goal is to encourage academic excellence throughout their university careers.

Stacy Klippenstein, director of university housing and new student programs, and Jack Baker, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, worked with a group of university sophomores and freshmen to achieve national Alpha Lambda Delta status for CWU during a yearlong process.

Eligible students will receive a letter inviting them to join during winter quarter and then be inducted during the spring quarter of their freshman year.

CWU PROFESSOR TO PARTICIPATE IN 'NATIONAL AIR TOUR'

A central Washington plane will be among 25 vintage aircraft from across the country participating in the National Air Tour, sponsored by the Aviation Foundation of America, Sept. 8-24. And, a Central Washington University flight technology professor will be one of the pilots.

Terri Sloan will help fly the 1929 Curtiss Robin airplane owned by Dick Pingrey of Selah. He needed an experienced pilot, who had time off during the summer and significant familiarity in flying "tail-dragger" aircraft, which can be tricky to land and takeoff, according to Sloan.

"I was the only one in the area that met all the criteria," she adds. "So, I will be sharing pilot duties on the Robin."

Two student pilots, Beth and Randy Finger, from Santa Rosa, Calif., Pingrey's daughter and son-in-law, will assist with flight navigation and in driving the chase van, tracking a plane with a top speed of 90 miles an hour, Sloan points out.

The tour is in celebration of the 100th anniversary of both powered flight and the Ford Motor Co., she says. Edsel Ford sponsored the tours from 1925 through 1931.

This year's tour will take the route planned for the uncompleted 1932 tour. It starts in Dearborn, Mich., and travels as far away as Kittyhawk, N.C., during the 22-stop tour.

You can follow the progress of Sloan and her fellow fliers at the tour's official Web site at www.nationalairtour.org.

Sloan adds that sponsors are also needed to help defray the expenses of the non-profit tour. Contributions are tax deductible. For information about sponsorships, visit the tour Web site or contact Sloan at sloant@cwu.edu.

SHARED LEAVE NEEDED

CWU employees may donate leave to a fellow employee who is severely ill or injured (or who is caring for a family member who is severely ill or injured) and who is off work and has exhausted all personal paid leave.

Teresa Rominger, College of Education & Professional Studies, is in need of shared leave:

You may donate annual (vacation) and sick leave in eight-hour blocks. A minimum balance of 80 hours of annual leave must be maintained, and excess annual leave (that over 240 hours) that will otherwise be lost may not be donated. No more than six days of sick leave may be given during a 12-month period and a minimum balance of 480 hours must be retained. The personal holiday may also be donated.

The shared leave donation form can be downloaded from the HR forms section of the human resources home page: www.cwu.edu/~hr/forms/hrforms2.htm or requested from the HR office by calling 963-1202. Requests to donate leave must be approved by your supervisor before forwarding to HR and are subject to approval by your department head and human resources.

CWU EMPLOYEES

New hires: Chery Callecod, Office Assistant II, Teacher Certification; Thomas Proulx, Baker, Dining Services; and Karl Sampson, Information Technology Applications Specialist III, ITS.

Job changes: Brenda Bland, Fiscal Technician II, Accounting; Shellie Snyder, Cashier II, Student Financial Services, Kara Moug, Office Assistant III, CHCI, Debbie Thomas, Secretary Senior, Athletics.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION BEGINS

Central Washington University's Discover Program, a new student orientation, continues this month with four more sessions, including one for transfer students.

This summer's Discover event, which started July 7-8, is expected to attract 3,000 students, parents and family. The program allows new students to register, begin the transition to college process, meet with faculty and staff, and learn about resources. The remaining two-day programs are July 10-11, July 14-15 and July 17-18. The day for transfer students is July 28.

CWU JOB OPENINGS

Searches are under way for the following positions. You can access the CWU home page (www.cwu.edu/~hr/jobs) or the Job Line at (509) 963-1562.

Faculty:

• Earth Materials/Mineralogy, Assistant Professor, 963-2801;
• General Chemistry, Temporary, non-tenure track, Lisa Stowe, 963-2811;
• Mathematics, Lecturer, Search Committee, 963-2103.

Exempt:

• Assistant Athletic Director for Business Affairs, Paula Romeo, 963-1914;
• Associate Vice President for Business & Financial Affairs, Shirley Sadler, 963-2323;
• HEP Project Coordinator, Rosario Estrella, 574-6800, ext. 3262.

Civil Service:

• Accountant/Accountant, Principal/Accountant, Senior;
• Food Service Manager A - Sous Chef, Aug. 12;
• Patient Services Representative, Aug. 11;
• Program Coordinator, Database Coordinator, Aug. 11.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
Retreat: CWU Board of Trustees, through Aug. 8

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8
Summer six-week session closes

MONDAY, AUGUST 11
Groundbreaking Ceremony: CWU-Des Moines Center, 11 a.m., Highline Community College

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
Summer second and full sessions close

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29
Football: CWU vs. Carroll College of Montana, noon, Tomlinson Field
Reception: Friends of Kamola, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Kamola Hall

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Soccer: CWU women vs. University of California, San Diego, 3 p.m., CWU field

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Ceremony: Grand Opening, Higher Education Building, Yakima

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Soccer: CWU women vs. Montana State-Billings, 3 p.m., CWU field

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Soccer: CWU women vs. Humboldt State, noon, CWU field

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Soccer: CWU women vs. Seattle University, 3 p.m., CWU field

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Volleyball: CWU women vs. Seattle University, 7 p.m., Nicholson Pavilion

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Football: CWU vs. Western New Mexico, 1 p.m., Tomlinson Field
Volleyball: CWU women vs. Northwest Nazarene, 7 p.m., Nicholson Pavilion

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Volleyball: CWU women vs. Warner Pacific, 7 p.m., Nicholson Pavilion

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Fall quarter classes begin

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Volleyball: CWU women vs. Saint Martin's, 7 p.m., Nicholson Pavilion