CWU News

Small Grants Promote Big Advancements at CWU

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:47:50

The Central Washington University Foundation selected 13 projects for 2013 funding through the Leonard Thayer Small Grants program. The funding is awarded to efforts at CWU that serve a large population, contribute to university and student needs, and promote the advancement of knowledge. Partial grant funding comes from the Leonard and Betty Thayer Endowment, and bears Thayer’s name in honor of his contributions and service to CWU and the Ellensburg community.

Projects awarded 2013 funding include:

Air Photo Database

Professor Karl Lillquist, geography, received a $2,000 grant to purchase historical air photos of Yakima County. The CWU Geography Department is using photos such as these to create a free online resource to help assess environmental changes in central Washington.

“The photographs will be useful on a variety of dynamic topics, including urban growth, farmland conversion, floodplain development, glacier loss, and river channel changes,” said Lillquist.

The Geography Department currently possesses complete air photo coverage of Kittitas County in 1954 and has plans to purchase photographs covering Benton, Grant, and Douglas Counties. Excluding film negatives in the National Archives, these are the only near-complete air photo sets of mid-twentieth century central Washington known to exist.

These photos will create “a detailed environmental baseline of central Washington circa the mid-twentieth century,” Lillquist explains. Comparing current photos to this baseline will “show everything from how glaciers in the mountains to urban growth in the valley floors have changed over 60-some years.”

There are approximately 300 photos of Yakima County that Lillquist hopes to obtain. The small grant will allow him to purchase approximately one-sixth of these photos, which cost thirty dollars each on average. The complete Yakima photo collection is estimated in value at $12,000.

CWU Employee Health Fair

Eric Scott, intramural sports and special events coordinator, received a $1,000 grant to establish “Wildcat Wellness at Work.” The project, based on the University of Nebraska’s wellness program, will address the health of CWU employees.

As Scott explains, the first stage will be “a health assessment fair.” The free fair, to be held quarterly for all CWU employees, will provide information and training for weight management and healthy eating habits as well as overall health screening (blood pressure, cholesterol levels, etc.).

Scott hopes that the fairs will help establish a coalition of health-related campus organizations, which will in turn improve and expand health services at CWU.

Cross-Campus Art Displays

Lola Gallagher, director of the CWU Publicity Center, received a $3,725 grant to install art objects in buildings across the Ellensburg campus. The art will come from CWU’s permanent collection and will help to promote the exchange of ideas and cross-cultural discourse.

CWU’s permanent art collection consists of pieces already displayed throughout campus along with others now in storage. “The goal is to get as many pieces as we can out of storage,” said Gallagher. “Many pieces were created by CWU alumni and faculty, which contributes to the university’s sense of history and place.”

Funds from the small grant will help move art pieces from storage into Bouillon and Hertz Halls. Gallagher states that she is aiming to stretch the funds as far as possible and will also seek to frame additional pieces, properly identify displayed artwork through better and more consistent labeling, and create a self-guided tour map of campus art.

Other 2013 Thayer Small Grant recipients include:

· Professor Anthony Diaz, chemistry, received $250 to present his findings on predicting the light-production qualities of phosphor materials at a Society for Information Display conference.

· Professor Levente Fabry, chemistry, received $1,000 to present on computational methods he is using to predict the biological effects of synthesized compounds at the 2013 International Conference on Proteomics and Bioinformatics.

· Professor Elaine Glenn, geography, received $1,000 to traverse the Trans-Siberian Railroad and conduct field research to update the curriculum for CWU’s World Regional Geography and Geography of Russia courses.

· Professor Janet Finke, language, literacy, and special education, received $1,200 to accompany a group of students to Macau, China and report on Macau’s effectiveness as a practicum destination for education undergraduates.

· Jonathan Betz, biological science support technician, received $825 to populate the CWU greenhouse with plants representing all of the geographic regions, ecosystems, and plant families of the world.

· Professor Matthew Novak, geography and Rob Hickey, professor of geography, received $1,000 to replace the outdated GPS receivers that the Geography Department uses for individual and classroom instruction.

· Professor Lucinda Carnell, biology, received $5,500 to purchase a blood analyzer for CWU’s Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab, part of an ongoing effort to establish a state-of-the-art lab and enhance Central’s ability to train students in the biological and medical fields.

· Professor Sharryn Walker, language, literacy, and special education, received $400 to purchase books for CWU’s Family Literacy Nights, which are free to all children ages 0-12 and provide a free book to each child who attends.

· Professor Martha Kurtz, science education, received $2,130 to support free community events that promote math and science education through lectures and hands-on activities.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu

Archer Named Interim Dean of CWU Graduate Studies and Research

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:45:11

Central Washington University Geography Department Chair Kevin Archer has been appointed interim dean of the university’s Office of Graduate Studies and Research. He began his new role on May 1.

“I think my role as interim is to be sort of like an outside consultant to get a sense of where we want to go in graduate studies,” Archer says. “Particularly as we move to [more private funding] of the university, we have to be more strategic in how we organize and promote graduate studies, and how we fund graduate assistants.”

Archer is establishing a task force to develop recommendations pertaining to the future of Graduate Studies and Research at CWU that, when completed, will be presented to Provost Marilyn Levine.

“I like to listen to people before I make decisions as to where we want to go in the future and make sure everyone has a voice and a chance to give input,” Archer added, “That’s important particularly for this interim role, where I’m trying to figure out what CWU faculty want from a Graduate Studies and Research Office, and how they see graduate studies at the institution.”

Archer received his bachelor of arts, in economics, and master of arts, in geography, from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and his PhD in geography and environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

A Seattle native, Archer joined CWU last September. Previously, he was chair of the Department of Geography, Environment, and Planning at the University of South Florida, where he started a PhD program.

“I’ve always been interested and passionate about graduate education because it’s graduate education that makes us a ‘university,’” Archer says. “I’ve always been a promoter of that [graduate studies].

While serving as dean, Archer will also continue his research into urban and regional development and policy, and the human relationship to the natural environment. He is also teaching one class during spring quarter.

Last fall, his textbook The City: The Basics was published. It is a study of cities and city life.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu

CWU Selects Lindsey Brown as New Registrar

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:16:51

Lindsey Brown has been named registrar at Central Washington University. Brown comes to CWU from Montana State University-Northern, where she currently serves as the Dean of Students and Registrar. She has more than eight years experience as a registrar at MSU-Northern and Southern Utah University, along with extensive information technology background and experience.

"I enjoy working with students and various offices on campus to facilitate change, and help students meet their educational goals," said Brown. "Every new project provides a new learning experience and wonderful group of people to work with."

Brown is a member of the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and SunGardHE Education Technology Association.

She is completing her doctorate degree in educational administration at Indiana State University. Brown received her master of education in adult and higher education from Montana State University.

A Washington native, she completed her bachelor of arts in computer science at Pacific Lutheran University.

Brown will begin her duties on July 1.

Registrar Services provides support, security, maintenance of records, and communicate information about enrollment services, records, academic evaluation, and degree completion.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu

CWU Professor Receives National Association For Sport and Physical Education Award

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:40:43

Steve Jefferies, Central Washington University physical education professor, received the Joy of Effort Award from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport.

The award honors Jefferies’ distinguished service, dedication, and commitment to improving physical education and sport. Jefferies teaches in CWU’s Department of Physical Education, School and Public Health and is a former NASPE president.

Mary Jo Sariscsany, NASPE past president, said, “The Joy of Effort [award] is given in recognition of those individuals who, by performance and style, have personified the concept that the effort made to enrich the goals and objectives of physical education and sport is a labor of love, inspired by commitment and dedication.”

Lynn Couturier, a fellow NASPE past president, added. “During his term, his sense of humor, boundless energy, and ability to ensure tasks were completed made him a very effective leader. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his presidency was the genesis of the idea for PE2020 as well as its implementation. The PE2020 initiative offered an opportunity for all voices to participate in defining the direction of, and developing solutions for, our profession’s next generation of professionals.”

Jefferies received the award during NASPE’s Hall of Fame Banquet during the 128th American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) National Convention last month in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jefferies is also well known for PELINKS4U.org for physical education teachers. The monthly e-magazine has been in existence for more than a decade and continues to be a valuable resource for current and future physical educators.

In addition, he has published more than thirty scholarly articles—including in the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Quest; and the International Journal of Physical Education—and has four books to his credit, as well as several DVDs. He has given more than eighty presentations at professional conferences and conducted more than fifteen workshops, clinics, and in-service trainings.

Jefferies has earned several other awards including the NASPE Presidential Award, AAHPERD Honor Award, and CWU’s Distinguished Professor Award for Public Service.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu

CTE's Jesus Christ Superstar a Rocking, Rousing Production

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:44:29

Jesus Christ Superstar, the record-setting rock opera written and scored by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice, was first staged on Broadway in 1971. Now Central Washington University's Central Theatre Ensemble resurrects this classic, charismatic tale of the last days of Christ, in a full-scale musical production.

Jesus Christ Superstar will be performed May 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m., and May 12 and 19 at 2:00 p.m. in McConnell Auditorium. There will be reserved seating for all ticket groups. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students, and $7 for CWU students with ID. Tickets may be purchased online at www.cwu.edu/theatre/tickets, by phone at 509-963-1429, or in person at the Welcome Center on University Way or the Wildcat Shop Customer Service desk in the Student Union Recreation Center.

Based on history and the Gospels, this 2013 telling of the masterpiece depicts the last week in the life of Jesus Christ, including the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the clearing of the Temple, the trial before Pilate, and the crucifixion.

The passionate depiction of characters, crisis, struggle, and tragedy through the medium of rock music has stunned and inspired audiences for decades. Jesus Christ Superstar is directed by Keith Edie, CWU senior lecturer, theatre arts-performance, with David Brown, as musical director, and Terri Brown, professor, musical theatre studies, as vocal coach.

Orchestra students from the CWU Music Department will be working with the Central Theatre Ensemble on the production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The production is recommended for audiences 16 years and older.

Parking at CWU is free after 4:30 p.m., and on weekends, except in specially designated spaces and residence hall lots.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu

CWU Theatre Arts Students Set the Stage for Success

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:41:19

More than 20 Central Washington University’s Theatre Arts students and graduates have found paid summer employment in regional and national theatre venues. The students, who range from sophomores to graduates, will tread the boards on the most prestigious stages in the Pacific Northwest, intern at Disney World, and even appear in the movies. The Theatre Arts Department, whose faculty are all working theatre professionals, places a premium on developing stage-savvy actors, directors, and technicians who can take advantage of the many opportunities in the field.

The following students are getting a head start on their professional careers:

Ballagan Theatre, Seattle
Michael Connolly, graduate, Les Miserable, from Ellensburg

Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Brandon Walker, senior, from Hoquiam

Seattle Children's Theatre
Carly Hutchison, choreography internship, senior, from West Seattle

Rain City Cinema, Seattle
Dustyn Moir, junior, has a role in an upcoming short film, MosaiXlogue from Hoquiam

Bellingham Theatre Guild
Joseph Sasnett, graduate, Sweeney Todd, from Ellensburg

Broadway Rose, Portland
Blake Cranston, sophomore, My Fair Lady, from Clackamas
Ryan Monaghan, senior

Virginia City Players, Virginia City, Montana
Brandon Peterson, junior, Fall City
David Connolly, graduate, from Ellensburg

Portland Area Theatre Alliance
Krista Chase, senior, year-long contract, Washougal

Leavenworth Summer Season
Trevor Williams, senior
Kaylene Jackson, sophomore, Everett
Jorie Jones, senior, Portland, Oregon
Nikki Delmarter, junior, Seattle
Nick Hyett-Schnell, sophomore, Renton
Megan Smith, junior, Ridgefield
Nick Tarabini , junior
Cherisse Martinelli, junior, Silverdale
Kylie Rose, junior, Kelso
Henry Van Leishout, junior
Natalie Copeland, junior, Seattle

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu

May 19, 2013

CWU Students Investigate “What is Happiness?”

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:45:45

Thursday, May 23, will be Happiness Day at Central Washington University. The event is a project for students in the university’s William O. Douglas Honors College class, “What is Happiness?”

“Happiness Day will create a positive atmosphere around campus by providing joyful and intellectually stimulating activities throughout the day,” said Natalie Lupton, who teaches the class and is a CWU Information Technology and Administrative Management professor.

Activities are planned for between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. throughout the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC). They will include guest speakers, music performances, bracelet making, video games, henna tattoos, caricatures by Central Washington Artists United, and outdoor activities, on the North Hall lawn, just north of the SURC, such as bocce ball and slacklining. Free giveaways are also planned.

At 6:00 p.m. in Black 152, the student Neuroscience Club will sponsor a showing of the movie “Patch Adams,” and host a discussion about the correlation between positive behavior and happiness.

“The mission of Happiness Day is to create a positive atmosphere at Central by providing fun activities and events around campus that students, faculty, and the community will enjoy,” Lupton added, noting the event is free and open to the public.

The class has actually spurred the inauguration of a Happiness Club on campus. Lupton said that Happiness Day may become an annual event at CWU.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu

Pictured are members of the Douglas Honors College students enrolled in the class

2013 SOURCE Preview Planned for Downtown Ellensburg

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:11:55

Central Washington University’s 2013 Symposium On University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE) will provide a free, public SOURCE preview Tuesday, May 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Prosody, on Fourth Avenue between Pearl and Pine Streets.

The preview will feature performances, presentations, and posters pertaining to anthropology, chemistry, geography, and film and video studies. Another preview will focus on biology and dance, as choreography will be used to represent certain biological processes.

The 18th annual SOURCE will take place in the Student Union and Recreation Center all day on Thursday, May 16. It is free and open to the public, and will feature more than 350 presentations, involving scholarly and creative works from nearly every academic unit on campus. The full program can be found here.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu

Secretary of State Visits/Honors CWU

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:06:00

Central Washington University was the only public institution in the state to receive a 2013 College Civics Micro-Grant. In honor of CWU’s accomplishment, Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman visited the Ellensburg campus on Monday, May 6, as part of her 2013 College Civics Tour.

See the KNDO TV story about Wyman's visit to CWU here.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu

Washington Secretary of State to Honor CWU

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:59:19

Central Washington University is the only public institution to receive a 2013 College Civics Micro-Grant. In honor of CWU’s accomplishment, Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman will visit the Ellensburg campus on May 6 as part of her 2013 College Civics Tour.

The $500 micro-grants seed “sustainable, long-term civic engagement and voter participation on campus.” The Associated Students of CWU and the university’s Center for Leadership and Community Engagement (CLCE) are using the funds to expand their on-campus voter assistance program.

“Receiving the College Civics Micro-Grant means Central can continue to offer interactive and educational events to help students understand and appreciate political and civic work,” said Jeanette Genson, CLCE program leader and co-coordinator of the voter assistance program.

Wyman will visit CWU to promote student participation in next fall’s elections and reasons they should be civically involved. Monday, at 12:30 p.m. in the SURC Theatre, she will speak about the importance of voting and giving back to the community.

“What happens at the local government level can affect us more directly than who we elect as our nation's president or to the U.S. Senate,” said Wyman. “Yet, there usually is a lower voter turnout in these elections compared to presidential elections.”

Prior to her speech, Wyman will meet and visit with CWU students in the SURC. Along with CWU visit, Wyman’s statewide tour includes 15 other colleges and universities.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu