Inside Update

May 5, 2011
Announcements and news for ISU faculty and staff

News

It's graduation weekend
An estimated 3,367 students will complete an ISU degree this week, and many of them will participate in commencement events Friday and Saturday.

Regents wrap-up: Day two
Troxel Hall and the outdoor sports complex received final approval, faculty P&T awards were accepted, and executive search firms made their pitch to assist with the ISU presidential search during the state Board of Regents meeting April 28 in Ames.

Five questions for Jim Colbert
Why does Jim Colbert's wife call him a deranged elf? Find out more about "admiral" Colbert and his Skunk River Navy in the latest "Five Questions" feature.

Senate closes the books on 2010-11
The Faculty Senate closed out the academic year at its May 3 meeting, which included reports on promotion and tenure and ISU student-athletes' academic performance.

Take cover: Severe weather reminders
It's that time of year again. Learn how to protect yourself from tornadoes, lightning and flooding on campus and at home.

Mileage reimbursement default rate adjusted
Last week the state Board of Regents also approved a new mileage reimbursement rate when employees use a personal vehicle for work-related trips (100 miles or more), even if a university vehicle is available.

More news: Inside Iowa State

Announcements

The following announcements were added this week:
-- Sustainability is the topic of P&S Council's May 11 open forum
-- Faculty asked to select texts at UBS as soon as possible
-- Mixed paper recycling to be offered this month
-- MBA informational lunch is May 12
-- May schedule announced for rec facilities
-- Phased plus retirement program deadline extension approved
-- A new Investigator Handbook is available online
-- Volunteer for Iowa Special Olympics, May 26-28

See: Announcements

Appointment

-- Lisa Lorenzen, director of industry relations in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, to executive director of the ISU Research Foundation and director of the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, effective July 1. News release (PDF).

Around campus

Sustainable landscape design may be easier than you think
Ann Marie VanDerZanden, horticulture professor and co-author of the recently published book Sustainable Landscape Management: Design, Construction, and Maintenance, says small, simple landscape changes can greatly improve sustainability in your own backyard.

LeBaron Hilton chair will speak at symposium on obesity
Steven Blair of the University of South Carolina, the 2010-11 Dean Helen LeBaron Hilton Chair in the College of Human Sciences, will give the keynote address May 9 (7 p.m., North Central Prairie Room, Gateway Hotel) at ISU's "Origins of Obesity" symposium. His talk will focus on the role of physical activity in preventing and treating obesity. It is free and open to the public.

Fast may not equal good
A study by an ISU research team published earlier this month concludes that the U.S. apparel industry's "fast fashion" focus has resulted in diminishing returns on its market shares both at home and abroad.

Open houses/receptions

This week
-- Retirement: Walter Trahanovsky, ISU chemistry, May 5 (3-4:30 p.m., Hach Hall lobby)
-- Reception: Post-commencement, for all graduates and their families, May 7 (following commencement for two hours, ISU Alumni Center)

Next week
-- Retirement: John Mayfield, ISU genetics, development and cell biology, May 12 (1-3 p.m., Molecular Biology atrium)
-- Retirement symposium: Richard Larock, ISU chemistry, May 13 (noon-5 p.m.), May 14 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), 1352 Gilman

Upcoming
-- Retirement: Patricia Murphy, food science and human nutrition, May 26 (3-6 p.m., program at 4 p.m., courtyard of Food Sciences). Best wishes may be sent to Breanna Wetzler, 2312 Food Sciences, by May 15.

Details about these events are on the university calendar.

Arts and events

Big bugs swarm Reiman Gardens
Larger-than-life bug sculptures by artist David Rogers will be on display at Reiman Gardens May 7 through Sept. 4. The exhibition is part of the gardens' yearlong tribute to insects.

Spring plant sale is May 7
A large selection of house plants, hanging baskets, annuals and perennials -- many from the gardens of master gardeners -- will be for sale May 7 (8 a.m.-3 p.m., Reiman Gardens parking lot). Proceeds from the sale benefit numerous programs, including the Story County library book program, 4-H horticulture awards and community gardens.

More campus events
Talks, performances, athletic contests and other campus events are listed on the university calendar. Also, see the Arts and Entertainment page.

Submitting your news
Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by the Office of University Relations. Send Update news to inside@iastate.edu. For questions, call 4-7958.

Update Archives