Greetings,
While we all take for granted that Central Washington University has always had a significant economic impact within Kittitas County, that impact has now been quantified to a certain degree. The university recently contracted with ECONorthwest, the largest economics consultancy in the Pacific Northwest, for an economic impact analysis based on audited financial records for fiscal year (FY) 2006, which was the most recent data available at the time of the survey. The results were derived using established models and data collected from CWU, the state of Washington, and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Among the findings is that CWU was the largest employer in Kittitas County with 1,481 employees on staff during FY 2006. That was more than the next four employers combined. In addition, CWU was responsible for economic activities that generated, directly and indirectly, 3,083 full- and part-time jobs and $127 million in personal income within the county.
Every $1 million spent by CWU in Kittitas County generated economic activity sufficient for another $410,000 in income within the local economy. In one specific instance, CWU spending and activities related to construction were associated with approximately 35 percent of local construction sector employment, 20 percent of local wholesale and retail sector employment, and 18 percent of local service sector employment.
In addition, economic activity attributed to CWU produced approximately $702,000 in local sales and use tax revenues in FY 2006, which was 17.9 percent of the county's total tax collections.
While these figures are impressive, they capture only a part of the university's local impact. Through research and service in the public interest, cultural enrichment, contributions to the community's diversity, and educating the state's citizens, the university contributes immeasurably to the quality of life in the county and the state.
We have prepared a publication containing a full report on our findings, which also includes the impact CWU plays in the statewide economy along with more about our cultural contributions to the county and state. I would encourage anyone interested to take a look at it. The story is even more impressive than the brief information provided above.
The role that Central plays in the life of our community is a tribute to the contributions of each of our valued employees, our students, and our alumni and friends. As we look forward to the next academic year, I especially want to thank each of you for your part in Central's success.
Sincerely,
Jerilyn S. McIntyre
President
CWU TOP STORIES
CWU IN THE THICK OF THE NATIONAL "BATTLE OF THE CORPORATE BANDS"
A group with CWU connections can lay claim to being the "Best Corporate Band in the Pacific Northwest." The Dave Rawlinson Band was one of eighteen corporate bands, and the only one from the Pacific Northwest, that has been invited to compete in regional finals, which where held in Los Angeles, California; Nashville, Tennessee; and Austin, Texas. Those bands were all vying for the title of "Best Corporate Band in America" in the 2007 FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands competition.
The Dave Rawlinson Band will take part in the Los Angeles regional in July against five other corporate bands for the right to compete in the finals of the seventh annual event, which will be held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland in October.
Rawlinson, a professor of Information Technology and Administrative Management (ITAM), is the group's songwriter and vocalist and plays both acoustic and electric guitars. He's joined by Robert Lupton, a fellow ITAM professor, percussionist and vocals; graduate student Caspar van Haalen, bass; Bob Pieters, maintenance custodian, electric guitar and vocals; and alumnus David McMahan, percussion, anvil, and vocals. To hear a sample of their music and learn more about the band, visit www.rawlinsonband.com.
2007-08 DISTINGUISHED PROFESSORS HONORED
Three Central faculty members were officially awarded the university's 2007-08 Distinguished Professor awards at the annual Honor's Convocation on June 8. They are: Drs. Jeffrey Dippmann, philosophy, Distinguished Service Professor; Peter Saunders, economics, Distinguished Research Professor; and Gerald Stacy, English and humanities, Distinguished Teaching Professor.
A first-generation college graduate, Dippmann says he was fortunate to have had the opportunity to earn a doctorate and, subsequently, obtain tenure at Central, which led to his view that service is "a natural responsibility in order to bring those opportunities and the knowledge gained to others."
Dippmann has mentored first-year students in Davies Hall; served on the Faculty Senate; directed Central's Asia/Pacific Studies program; been a member of the Provost's Task Force on Interdisciplinary Programs; and served with the university's Tsunami Relief Fund campaign.
Dippmann is also president of the regional chapter of the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature, and treasurer of the Association of Regional Centers (ARC), a consortium of institutions focused on the infusion of Asian Studies into the undergraduate curriculum.
Saunders says, "I have two passions in my professional work: teaching and research. Research helps me to be a better teacher as it keeps me current in my areas of expertise. Central has been a wonderful place for me to work. I have always found support among my colleagues and from CWU's administration for my research."
Saunders' research focuses on policy-related economic issues and linkages between our country's agricultural sector and the economy as a whole. He has published extensively in refereed journals, presented papers at numerous national and international conferences, and has been invited by the editors of prestigious domestic and international journals to review articles submitted for publication.
In tandem with his passion for research are his enthusiasm for teaching and his devotion to his students' success.
Stacy's tenure as an English and humanities professor has been guided by his zest for knowledge, zeal for imparting it, "a vibrant sense of discovery, and an abiding love of language." Stacy has taught 21 different courses, ranging from Shakespeare to the Bible to British Novels to advanced composition since joining Central's English department in 1995. He has also served as the lead teacher for Douglas Honors College freshmen
"I teach because I absolutely love it," says Stacy. "Since I've taught so many outstanding students during my tenure at Central, I want to help other deserving students work toward a degree in English."
To that end, he has earmarked his $2,500 award for the distinguished professorship to be used as match for all donations to the English department's scholarship fund.
CENTRAL WOMEN'S RODEO CLUB HAS BANNER YEAR
With an all-around ranking of fourth in the nation, the Central women's rodeo team sent students Kayde Jo Davenport, Goldendale; Jaclyn Ferguson, Centerville; Cheryl Brown, Ridgefield; and National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Northwest Region Student Director, Sadee Shelton, Ellensburg, to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, June 10-16.
"In the eleven years that I have been adviser for the Rodeo Club, this has been the most successful year, especially for the women's team," said Kay Davis, who accompanied the team to Wyoming. "They dominated the region, and two of our contenders (Ferguson and Shelton) will be back next year."
At the finals, Davis was honored as the NIRA Northwest Region Coach of the Year, while CWU's annual Todd Anderson Memorial Rodeo was named the region's 2007 Rodeo of the Year.
NEW AVP FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES NAMED
Dr. Tracy Pellett has been appointed as CWU's new associate vice president for undergraduate studies. He will assume his new responsibilities beginning July 9. Dr. Pellett was selected from a pool of three strong finalists for the position, according to Dr. David Soltz, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
Pellett earned his Ed.D. in pedagogy and curriculum from Brigham Young University, his M.A. in teacher education/motor learning from Ball State University and his B.A. in physical education/health from Carthage College. Most recently, he has served as a tenured professor and executive director of University Assessment at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Pelett is a nationally recognized authority on assessment, according to Soltz, who was recently a keynote speaker at an assessment conference sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
"Dr. Pellett's knowledge and experience will continue our strong support of undergraduate studies and curriculum and move us forward in program review, assessment, and accreditation," Soltz adds.
NEW DIRECTOR NAMED FOR DWC CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP
Dr. Jesse Nelson has been selected as the new director of CWU's David Wain Coon Center for Excellence in Leadership. Since fall 2004, Nelson has served in the Center for Teaching and Learning at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
A Washington native, he earned an M.B.A. from Oregon State University, worked in the Student Affairs Division at the University of Utah and completed a Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies at Indiana University. Throughout the years, Nelson's commitment has been to improving student success and strengthening the university experience. Nelson, will be joined by his wife Kristie, and sons Nathan, seven, and Hunter, three, when he begins his new responsibilities in August.
"EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH" FOR MAY RECOGNIZED
Terri Stevens, secretary supervisor, English, has been honored as the university's May civil service "Employee of the Month." During a recent surprise ceremony, she received a certificate and $125 from the president's discretionary fund, through the CWU civil service employee recognition program.
Those nominating Stevens said:
- "She performs a vast array of tasks while being almost constantly interrupted by faculty and students wandering into the office."
- "Nothing is too small or large for Terri. She's been a tremendous asset with training student employees, with helping faculty with equipment, travel, forms, and room accommodations. Terri has helped take over the 'look' of the department by managing the bulletin boards that display key information about class schedules and requirements so that they are both attractive and functional."
- "Terri is extremely dependable and reliable. She is always here even when she doesn't feel good. She is aware of all deadlines, meets them promptly and thoroughly, and with the size and complexity of our department, that's quite a recommendation."
Initiated by the CWU Civil Service Employee Council, the award recognizes university civil service employees who foster a personalized environment that supports the university community as well as Central's mission.
University students, faculty and staff, and members of the Ellensburg community, are encouraged to make nominations for the Employee of the Month award. Nomination forms are available at the CWU human resources office, employee council representatives, and online at: www.cwu.edu/~hr/ec/.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO GO BOATING AT THE COLUMBIA CUP
On July 28, Central's Office of Alumni Relations will host its inaugural event at the Columbia Cup hydroplane races in the Tri-Cities. A maximum of 100 people will be able to see Saturday's races from the comfort of the luxurious Columbia Voyager, a U.S. Coast Guard Certified dinner/sightseeing tour boat. Beginning at 1:15 p.m., participants will enjoy a leisurely cruise to a private viewing area to witness four heats of racing, including the vintage hydros, plus the air show, while enjoying fabulous food and refreshments. A return to the dock is slated for about 5 p.m. Tickets are just $20. For tickets call ext. 2752 or go online to www.cwu.edu/~cwualum and click on events.
SHARED LEAVE DONATIONS ARE NEEDED
The following individuals are in need of shared leave: Don Allen, Information Technology Services; Imal Mohamed, Registrar Services; Randy Parks, Business Auxiliary Custodial Services; Adrienne Grasher, Dining Services; and Kerry Green, Information Technology Services.
CWU employees may donate leave to a fellow employee: 1) who is suffering from or has a relative or household member who is suffering from an extraordinary or severe illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition; or, 2) who has been called to service in the uniformed services; and, where the fact of either 1) or 2) has caused or is likely to cause the employee to take leave without pay or terminate his or her employment.
You may donate annual (vacation) and sick leave in eight-hour blocks. A minimum balance of 80 hours of annual leave must be maintained. Excess annual leave (that over 240 hours) that will otherwise be lost may not be donated. A minimum balance of 176 hours of sick leave must be maintained. All or a portion of your personal holiday may also be donated.
Shared leave donation forms can be downloaded from the forms section of the Human Resources home page at www.cwu.edu/~hr/forms/shared_leave_donation_form.doc. Forms may also be requested from the HR office at ext. 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.
DON'T LOSE VACATION LEAVE!
Classified and exempt employees who accrue annual leave (vacation) will lose hours in excess of 240 hours on the first day of the employee's leave anniversary month (see below). For example: if your leave anniversary month is June, your annual leave balance as of June 1 must be at or below 240 hours. If your annual leave balance exceeds 240 hours after your accrued time for May is added in, any hours above 240 will be erased from your record.
Leave balances and your leave anniversary month are printed on your pay stub/advice. The leave balance that appears on the paycheck of the 25th day of the month is your leave balance as of the 16th of the month. It includes your accrual for the previous month and any leave taken between the 1st and the 15th of the month. It does not include the current month's accrual, nor does it include any leave taken after the 15th of the month.
Please resolve any questions regarding possible loss of vacation before reaching the 240-hour maximum. It is your responsibility to monitor your leave balances and know your leave anniversary month.
LEAVE ANNIVERSARY MONTHS:
Classified staff - The first day of the month of the employee's most recent date of hire into state service.
Exempt Employees - The first day of the month in which the employee began his/her latest period of continuous employment in a vacation leave eligible position at CWU.
Questions concerning leave balances and anniversary dates should be directed to the timekeeper in your department. Policy or procedural questions may be directed to Human Resources at ext. 1202.
Christina BARRIGAN, theatre arts, has been awarded one of the three College of Arts and Humanities Summer Scholarship/Creativity Grants and will be traveling to Costa Rica to participate in "Flauta Revisada," a digital re-imagining of Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Under the direction of the Institute for Digital Performing Arts (IDPA), the production team will use new technology that will allow all scenery and many of the characters to be digitally projected. The production will premiere in San Jose, Costa Rica in July, travel to Mazatlan, Mexico in August for additional performances, and then to Austin, Texas for September shows.
History graduate student Rachael BIRKS won this year's Phi Alpha Theta Northwest Region "Best Overall Paper" prize for an extract from her master's thesis, "Dancing Cubanidad: Reconfiguring National Identity Through Fidel Castro's Cultural Project, 1959-1973." Funded by Phi Alpha Theta, Birks will next present her paper at the July conference of the Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association which will be held in Honolulu.
Dr. Jackson S. HORSLEY has been named as the new physician/medical director of Central's Student Health Center, where he has worked part time since 1989. Horsley has also served as medical program director and assistant professor of health education for the CWU paramedics program.
Brenda HUBBARD, theatre arts, will star in "House and Garden," which will be staged Sept. 4 through Oct. 14 at the Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland. In it, two interlocking plays are performed simultaneously on two separate stages with a single cast that dashes madly back and forth (and up and down stairs) to make their entrances and exits. In "House," a luncheon is being prepared. In "Garden," a midsummer maypole fete is in the works. Shuttling between the two involves a highly comic series of catastrophes and intertwined relationships.
Nathalie KASSELIS-SMITH and Stella MORENO, foreign languages, completed the translation from English to Spanish of "Postales de Michoacán," which is a section of the book "Because I Don't Have Wings: Stories of Mexican Immigrant Life" by Philip GARRISON, English. The translated section was published in the Spring 2007 issue of "Ventana Abierta," a literary journal from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in which the poems "Archivos de Etiqueta" and "Transigencias" by Moreno were also published.
Amy MUMMA, World Wine Program director, was chosen as president of the professional jury for the second International Wine Women Awards that was held in Paris, France on June 14. Mumma, winner of the Professional Wine Woman 2005-06 award, was the only American selected to serve on the panel, which was charged with choosing the 2006-07 Professional Wine Woman winner. The Wine Women Awards is an international contest intended to recognize women's growing influence and vital role in the wine business.
Scott ROBINSON, theatre arts, received the 2007 College of Arts and Humanities Distinguished Chair Award.
Vijay SINGH, music, served as the guest conductor the Clark County School District Jazz Honors Choir in Las Vegas, Nev., May 8-12. The select group of high school students rehearsed and presented a program of various vocal jazz repertoire including two arrangements by Singh. The school district is one of the largest in the U.S., with 38 high schools serving more than 60,000 students. This was the second consecutive year Singh was invited to conduct.
Michael J. SMITH, theatre arts, will star in the world premiere of "Kosher Lutherans" at the University of Wyoming Summer Theatre. The play is about an infertile Jewish couple who find a young pregnant girl from Iowa who is willing to let them adopt her out-of-wedlock baby. The only problem is the girl doesn't know that they're Jewish. The production runs July 10-14.
CWU EMPLOYEES
Civil Service new hires: Kimberly Jellison, Office Assistant 3, Civic Engagement; Brandon Markwell, Custodian 1, Business Auxiliary Custodial Services; Elizabeth Bryson, Communications Consultant 2, Public Relations & Marketing; Tina Conley, Program Assistant, Financial Aid/Student Employment; Rebecca Severin, Secretary Senior, Department of Finance & Operations & Supply Chain Management; Treva Nemeth, Fiscal Technician III, Student Financial Services; Pete Cusumano, TV/Video Equipment Operator II, Multimedia Technology & Instructional Support; Brenda Reagan, Human Resource Representative III, Human Resources.
Civil Service job changes: Charlie Pringle, Information Technology Specialist 4, Facilities Management.
Exempt new hires: Christine Frankenfield, Assistant Director, Annual Giving, Development.
To view current job openings at CWU, go to http://www.cwu.edu/~hr/jobs/index.html.