To the University Community:
More than two years ago now, I established a committee to develop a book that tells the story of CWU in photos and narrative, with special emphasis on the era since Sam Mohler's book, "The First 75 Years: A History of Central Washington State College." Judy Miller has overseen the work of the committee.
After much discussion, the committee recommended a format and general length for the book. Dr. Karen Blair of the history department and art professor Glen Bach each received release time to work on the project. Karen spent countless hours researching the university's story in the archives and through interviews with members of the university community past and present. From this work, she provided the textual material that would form the basis of the narrative for the book. Meanwhile, Glen began to collect photographs from the past and present from which he would draw those most appropriate to the story Karen uncovered.
As always in such a project, both Karen and Glen ended up with far more story than pages in which to tell it. That's where Jennifer Collier Jennings, a local free-lance editor, comes into the picture. She is now working with Karen's material to develop the shorter narratives that will form the basis of this five-chapter book with a series of appendices.
Working with Dr. Libby Street, Judy Miller, Patrick Lewis, the executive intern for the president's division, and others who are able to fill in gaps that emerge here and there, she puts the final touches on each chapter and passes it along to Glen who is doing the design work for the book.
Our plan is to have a book that is ready to go the publisher in late spring and ready for distribution by the beginning of fall quarter next year. During the next few months, many of you may get a phone call or an e-mail asking you to search your memory for a missing detail here or there or to confirm a date or a name. I appreciate the help many of you have already provided and that many of you will still provide. Our hope is to have a book that tells our story faithfully and with pride.
Sincerely,
Jerilyn McIntyre
President
HOLIDAY SEASON REQUIRES UNDERSTANDING, TACT AND SENSITIVITY
The holiday season is a time of joy and goodwill. But, in reality, all too often the holidays can cause stress for some people and isolation for others who may not share particular religious beliefs or holiday customs. In the spirit of respect, diversity and inclusion, Nancy Howard, director of the Office for Equal Opportunity, offers these suggestions:
- Respect others' moods. If you're a very happy holiday person, don't try too hard to bring others into that same realm. If a colleague doesn't seem to enjoy the holidays, he or she may have a personal reason for that attitude, and attempts at spreading the holiday spirit may actually produce the opposite effect.
- Be sensitive to other cultures and holidays. Not everyone in every office or department celebrates at the same time or in the same way. In planning to give out holiday cards, for example, wish people greetings that reflect their own beliefs.
- Learn about other religious and cultural holidays celebrated throughout the year. An excellent interfaith holiday calendar is available at http://www.interfaithcalendar.org. A calendar of cultural events and holidays compiled by the Washington State Department of Personnel is also available at www.dop.wa.gov/Employees/Diversity/WFDCalendar/default.htm.
- Remember that holiday decorations should be appropriate and maintain a level of professionalism to the work environment.
The holiday season can be a great time to show respect and build community if you follow these simple guidelines and respect the wishes and traditions of others.
CWU LEADS NCC WITH SIX ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS
Six CWU football student-athletes have been named to the Academic All-North Central Conference (NCC) Football Team. The Wildcats' six selections were more than any of the other eight football-playing members in the NCC.
A total of 27 student-athletes were selected to the Academic All-NCC team. Selected by a vote of the conference's nine sports information directors, the team had representatives from eight of the nine football-playing schools. The select group has a combined grade point average of 3.65.
North Dakota ranked second to the Wildcats with five selections, followed by four each from Augustana and Minnesota State; South Dakota, three; Nebraska-Omaha and St. Cloud State, two; and Minnesota Duluth, one. Western Washington failed to place a player on the squad.
Three offensive and three defensive players represented Central. Sophomore quarterback Mike Reilly (Kalispell, Mont.), senior wide receiver Josh Boonstra (Sedro-Woolley, Wash.) and redshirt freshman wide receiver Johnny Spevak (Edgewood, Wash.) were the Wildcats' offensive selections, while senior defensive end Phil Dougherty (Anchorage, Alaska), senior linebacker Chris Burch (Inchelium, Wash.), and senior safety Ryan Andrews (Lake Stevens, Wash.) were defensive selections.
Spevak had the highest grade-point average of the Wildcats' six selections with a 3.76 GPA. Dougherty, a double major in biology and food science and nutrition, owns a 3.71 GPA, followed by Andrews with a 3.63 GPA as a construction management major.
Boonstra, an exercise science major, and Reilly, a mechanical engineering technology major, both have 3.53 cumulative grade-point averages during their time at CWU. Burch was selected with a 3.34 GPA in physical education.
CENTRAL MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAMS HIGHLY RANKED
Already ranked atop the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) preseason coaches' poll, the CWU men's basketball has also been ranked 12th in the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches)/Division II Preseason Coaches poll.
The Wildcats, coming off a 15-13 season and their first NCAA Division II tournament berth since 2000-01, are one of just two GNAC teams ranked in the top 12. Seattle Pacific, the defending conference champion, is ranked fourth in the inaugural poll of the 2006-07 season.
Central's home opener is slated for Dec. 14 versus Walla Walla College.
Meanwhile, with a strong nucleus of returning players, including four returning starters, CWU's women's basketball team was picked second in the GNAC preseason coaches' poll.
Western Washington, which won the conference championship last season, is picked to repeat.
CWU AUGUST AND OCTOBER EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH HONORED
Chris Huss, accounting department reporting coordinator, and Jesse Days, Web developer, have been honored as the university's civil service "Employee of the Month" for August and October respectively. During recent surprise ceremonies, they each received a certificate and $125 from the president's discretionary fund, through the CWU civil service employee recognition program.
Those nominating Huss said:
- The words "exceptional ability and proficiency" definitely describe Chris! He has come up with many new ideas and procedures that have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of his department and all the departments on campus that use the FMS system.
Those nominating Days noted:
- Customer service is Jesse's strong point and he is very committed in providing quality web service across campus. Jesse has made great strides in improving the image of CWU by improving the websites that he is personally responsible for by insuring that they are "validated" and work correctly.
Initiated by the CWU civil service employee council, recognition goes to employees who foster a personalized environment that supports members of the university community as well as the mission of Central.
University students, faculty and staff, along with Ellensburg community members, are encouraged to make signed or anonymous nominations for employees of the month. Nomination forms are available from the CWU human resources office, employee council representatives and on-line at: www.cwu.edu/~hr/ec/.
Bob CARBAUGH and Chad WASSELL, economics, had an article published in the November-December 2006 issue of "Challenge, The Magazine of Economic Affairs." It was titled, "What to Do About Oil Dependency."
Lynne HARRISON, Campus-Community Coalition coordinator, Wellness Center, had an article, titled "Collaboration that Works: The Campus, Community, and Parents," published Nov. 9 in the online journal, "Net Results, NASPA's E-Zine for Student Affairs Professionals." The article focused on the collaborative approach employed by CWU and the Kittitas County community through the Campus-Community Coalition to communicate with parents regarding the dangers of and ways to reduce underage and high-risk drinking. NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) is a professional association for student affairs administrators in higher education and the leading voice for student affairs administration, policy and practice. With more than 11,000 members at 1,200 campuses throughout 29 countries, it is the largest professional association for student affairs administrators, faculty and graduate students.
Stephen JEFFERIES and Kirk MATHIAS, physical education, collaborated on two presentations for the annual convention of the Kansas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD). Jefferies delivered presentations titled, "Inactive and overweight kids: What can physical educators do?" and "Designing a physical education curriculum that makes sense." Jefferies was also the guest speaker at the KAHPERD banquet.
The National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inland Empire District held its annual voice student competition at Washington State University on Nov. 10. Linda MARRA and Diane REICH, music, attended both the district meeting and competition, where 22 Central students competed. A total of 108 students from 11 colleges and universities in Washington and Idaho took part in the competition, which was adjudicated by about 30 teachers and judged in divisions by age and gender. Five CWU students won awards. They were (with the names of their CWU voice teachers in parenthesis): Division IB (women age 19) Colleen OCHOCINSKI, third place (Reich); Division IIB (men age 19-20) Paul WALK, first place (Marra), Alex CAIN, second place (Vijay Singh); Division III (women age 21-22) Laura THORESON, first place (Reich), Jolene BELISLE, third place (Marra), and Andrea WALLIS, honorable mention (Reich). The winners received money to buy vocal music. Next year's competition will be hosted by CWU. There was also a teacher recital on Nov. 9. at which Reich and CWU graduate student Debra HARDY performed. Hardy is another of Marra's students.
Terry MARTIN, English, had poems published in the most recent issues of "Rosebud," "Stringtown," "Buckle" and "Windfall." In addition, she has poems forthcoming in "Flyway" and "Tundra: The International Journal of the Short Poem." This fall, she gave public readings from her new book of poems, "The Secret Language of Women," at the Jewel Box Theater in Poulsbo in September and at Oak Hollow Gallery in Yakima in October.
Sharon ROSELL, physics, and Society of Physics students Taylor KENDALL, Chris PARKER and Travis PETERSON presented four workshops, titled "Making Waves," to middle school girls at an Expanding Your Horizons conference at Yakima Valley Community College on Nov. 11. In addition, Rosell has been named chair of the nominating committee for the National Council of the Society of Physics Students. This will be her second year on this committee.
Carolyn SCHACTLER, (emeritus) apparel design, won the "Excellence in Design Development Using Draping Techniques" at the 2006, International Textile and Apparel Association conference in San Antonio, Texas, in November. She received the recognition in the faculty/professional category for her "AUTUMN LEAVES" gown. It is the second consecutive year in which she has won the ITAA award.
Todd SCHAEFER, political science, served as co-editor (with Thomas Birkland, SUNY-Albany) of a newly published reference volume, titled "The Encyclopedia of Media and Politics" by Congressional Quarterly Press in Washington, D.C. In addition to his editorial duties, Schaefer contributed entries for the work, as did Sarah BRITTO, law and justice; Robert FORDAN and Michael OGDEN, communications; and Robert JACOBS (emeritus), MANWELLER and Cameron OTOPALIK, political science; along with two CWU alumni, Gretchen (Wippel) THATCHER and Patrick GARMONG. More information about the book is available at www.cqpress.com/product/Encyclopedia-of-Media-and-Politics.html.
CWU EMPLOYEES
Civil Service new hires: Jeff Gladen, Information Technology Specialist 2, Information Technology Services.
Civil Service job changes: David Camarata, Electrician Lead - High Voltage, Facilities Management; Cathy Bonjorni, Food Service Supervisor II, Dining Services; Richard Elstrom, Custodian Supervisor, Facilities Management; Steve Mohr, Bookstore Supervisor, Wildcat Shop.
Exempt job changes: Joe Howell, Assistant Director - Education Opportunity Center, Education Outreach Services; Richard DeShields, Director, University Housing and New Student Programs, University Housing and New Student Programs; John Drinkwater, Senior Director of Campus Life and Student Facility Development, Campus Life.
To view current job openings at CWU, go to http://www.cwu.edu/~hr/jobs/index.html.
"SPHERES OF DISTINCTION" FUNDING PROPOSALS SOUGHT
During the 2005-06 academic year, President McIntyre funded projects that were submitted in response to a request for proposals in keeping with CWU's five spheres of distinction. For the 2006-07 academic year, similar proposals are now being sought that address one of the following "spheres" which were adopted by the Board of Trustees.
- Interdisciplinary Programs and Research
- Preparation of Professional Educators
- Programs and Activities Nurturing the Development of Students as Individuals, Scholars, Artists, and Citizens
- Activities Addressing Regional Needs and Enhancing Regional Resources
- University Centers
Proposals can be initiated by anyone, but should be submitted through the supervisory chain to the head of the division who will forward his or her priorities to the president for consideration. Proposal initiators may submit letters of support from within or outside their departments or units. Interdivisional proposals should be submitted simultaneously to all division heads whose divisions are involved for review.
Proposals should be submitted on the form available at www.cwu.edu/president and should reach division heads with all necessary signatures no later than Feb. 28, 2007. Proposal initiators are responsible for obtaining all necessary signatures prior to submission to their division heads. Division heads will select and prioritize proposals for submission to the president and, at the same time, will inform proposal initiators of the disposition of their individual proposals. The president will select proposals to be funded from among those forwarded to her by the vice presidents.
GETTING "A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING"
The Office of the Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs has a limited number of copies of the 2006-07 One Campus, One Book selection, Bill Bryson's, "A Short History of Nearly Everything," now available. If you would like a copy, visit Barge 304 at your convenience.
ETHICS SEMINAR SLATED
Depending on the situation and circumstance, the state ethics law can apply to employees, supervisors and family members. The law has defined ethical standards of behavior for state employees with the expectation that they will adhere to these standards. The law also requires continued ethics training and reminders to assist employees in applying ethical principles and guidelines.
As part of that ongoing training, an ethics seminar will be held on campus on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Led by Margaret Smith, internal audit director, it will enable employees to understand the state ethics law and its application, provide employees with references to the state and university guidelines, identify and discuss the ethical principles and values inspiring the rules, clarify the employee's roles and responsibility regarding ethical behavior, and provide guidance in applying ethical standards to work place situations
To register for the seminar, either send an e-mail to Brooklyn Alexander at alexanderb@cwu.edu or call ext. 2054.
NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR JACK KENT COOKE GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
CWU is eligible to nominate two students for the Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship program. Recipients of each of the 30 available scholarships may receive up to $50,000 per year for up to six years to cover tuition, living expenses, books and other required fees.
Eligible nominees must be seniors or recent alumni with grade point averages of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Current students must have attained senior status by this coming Dec. 31, while alumni must have graduated in May 2002 or since. In addition, nominees must plan to start their first full-time graduate or professional degree program in fall of 2007.
Students already enrolled in a graduate program, those who already have a graduate degree and students who have been previously nominated for the Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship Program are not eligible.
The selection criterion includes academic achievement and intelligence, unmet financial need, the will to succeed, leadership and public service, critical-thinking ability and a strong appreciation for or participation in the arts and humanities.
Applications forms and guidelines are available in the scholarship section at www.jackkentcookefoundation.org.
CWU faculty members are encouraged to contact qualified students and have them submit their applications to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.