Monday, March 17, 2008

Quote of the Day
"Humor is reason gone mad"
- Groucho Marx

Hot Topic
01. Old Sneakers Wanted for Earth Day

Topics of the Day
02. Computer Science Lecture: Human Coordination of Robot Teams
03. This Week on The Drexel InterView
04. ELAM Panel Discussion: "Meet the Leaders"
05. Another Chance to Win Cash: New Deadline for Essay Contest
06. Public Lecture in Picture Gallery: Art and Architecture in the Republic of Georgia
07. Public Lecture and Exhibition: Japanese Prints from The Drexel Collection™
08. Retirement Planning Individual Conferences
09. Free Concert Tickets at Kimmel: French Pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard
10. Benefits Buzz: "Medical Leave Options"
11. Game Developers Lecture: "Effective Networking in the Game Industry"
12. Information Session: Business Travel Forms
13. Special Discounted Rates for Drexel Employees: Liberty Mutual Auto and Homeowners Insurance
14. Second Annual Technology Expo
15. Drexel News Media Watch

 
Old Sneakers Wanted for Earth Day

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Community Alumni Network at Drexel University (CAN DU) invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to donate unwanted athletic shoes (in any size, shape or form) to be recycled into playground surfaces.

Donated athletic shoes will be collected at the Earth Day Educational Fair on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Quad (Between Market and Chestnut and 32nd and 33rd Streets).

Rain Date: Thursday, April 10.

Sneaker donors will receive a complimentary bottle of FRED (a new bottled water product) as a thank-you for their thoughtfulness and eco-friendliness.

For more information about Earth Day events, visit http://www.drexel.edu/ia/alumrel/association_candu.asp.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
Computer Science Lecture: Human Coordination of Robot Teams

The Department of Computer Science will host Dr. E. Vincent Cross of Auburn University in a lecture, "Human Coordination of Robot Teams Using Effective Multimodal Interfaces," as part of the Computer Science Colloquium Series today, March 17, 2008, at 11 a.m. in room 153, University Crossings (32nd and Market Streets).

To effectively supervise robots, humans use interfaces that maximize the collaboration between man and machine. Two user interfaces have been developed that allow an operator to monitor and interact with each robot through multiple modalities. The interface design is based on User-Centered Design principles (UCD) and game design. The interface design also possesses aspects of security interface design.

Approved under the authority of Stephen W. Director, Provost

 
This Week on The Drexel InterView

The Drexel InterView™ is hosted by Dr. Paula Marantz Cohen, distinguished professor of English at Drexel University.

On DUTV (Drexel University Television):

Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 8 p.m.
The Honorable Gwendolyn A. Faison (above left), mayor of Camden, N.J.

All programs on DUTV air first on Tuesday at 8 p.m., repeating on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings at 10 a.m. DUTV can be seen throughout Philadelphia on Comcast Cable channel 54 and in West Philadelphia on channel 62. On the Drexel University City Main Campus, DUTV can be seen on channel 33.

On WYBE:

Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.
Daniel DeJesus (above right), artist and rock cellist

All programs on WYBE air first on Sunday at 5 p.m., repeating on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. WYBE can be seen on channel 35 and on cable channel 34 in the Greater Philadelphia area.

For more information about The Drexel InterView™, visit http://www.drexel.edu/thedrexelinterview.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
ELAM Panel Discussion: "Meet the Leaders"

The Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program for Women, a core program of Drexel University College of Medicine's Institute for Women's Health and Leadership, will present, the WMC/MCP Trust Fund Meet the Leaders Program on Monday, April 14, 2008, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Queen Lane Campus of the Drexel University College of Medicine.

The program will feature a panel discussion (above left to right), featuring Eve Higginbotham, M.D., senior vice president for academic affairs and dean, Morehouse School of Medicine, Ruth Katz, JD, MPH, dean and Walter G. Ross Professor of Health Policy, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Dr. Lisa Staiano-Coico, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, Temple University and Sharon Turner, DDS, JD, dean and professor, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

The panel will be followed by an informal discussion about career paths, opportunities and experiences.

The event is free and open to students, faculty and staff. Students of the College of Medicine are encouraged to attend.

RSVP by March 28 to Laura Lynch by calling 215-255-7309 or emailing Laura.Lynch@DrexelMed.edu.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
Another Chance to Win Cash: New Deadline for Essay Contest

The Drexel Publishing Group has announced a second round of submissions for the Essay Contest sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. The new deadline is April 15.

Students in all majors can win $100 prizes and have their writing considered for publication in a new anthology produced by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Contest categories are: Social Science and Humanities; Science and Math; Graduate Student Essay.

Students may enter and win in more than one category. There are multiple prizes in each category.

Full guidelines are available at http://www.drexel.edu/coas/engphil/drexelpubgroup.asp.

For more information, email pg@drexel.edu.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
Public Lecture in Picture Gallery: Art and Architecture in the Republic of Georgia

Dr. Pamela Cardwell, adjunct faculty, Department of Visual Arts, will present a lecture, "Art and Architecture in the Republic of Georgia," on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 6 p.m. in the Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery on the third floor of the Main Building (32nd and Chestnut Streets).

Dr. Cardwell researched and photographed art and architecture of the former Soviet republics with the support of a 2007 Fulbright grant.

The Caucasus country of the Republic of Georgia is bordered by Turkey in the west, Russia in the north and Azerbaijan and Armenia in the south. It is a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and as such, its art history shares the history of both the Middle East and Europe.

As one of the first Christian countries, and because of its independence of character, Georgian architecture, medieval painting, cloisonné enamel art and manuscripts developed into unique and sometimes surprising forms as they exist today in museums and working monasteries.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

For more information, call Jacqueline M. DeGroff, curator, The Drexel Collection at 215-895-0480, or email drexelcollection@drexel.edu.

Also, visit http://www.drexel.edu/drexelcollection.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
Public Lecture and Exhibition: Japanese Prints from The Drexel Collection™

Rare Japanese prints from the Edo Period, donated to the University by founder Anthony J. Drexel's son-in-law, James W. Paul, Jr., will be on display in an exhibition in the Rincliffe Gallery on the third floor of the Main Building (32nd and Chestnut Streets) from Friday, April 4, 2008 through Friday, May 16, 2008.

Drexel alumna Andrea Good, '07 was inspired to create the exhibition when she learned of the Japanese woodblock prints in an art history class, "Japanese Art and Culture," with assistant professor of art history, Dr. Pia Brancaccio.

Woodblock printing was first used in Japan during the 6th century, but became popular during the Edo Period (1615-1868) when book production was encouraged. Stories performed in the popular Kabuki Theater were taken from Japanese history, mythology or everyday life. These prints were made of scenes performed by Kabuki actors.

On May 7 at 6 p.m., Dr. Brancaccio will give a lecture on the exhibition in the Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery, third floor, Main Building (32nd and Chestnut Streets).

The lecture is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Jacqueline DeGroff, Curator, The Drexel Collection, by calling 215-895-0480 or emailing drexelcollection@drexel.edu.

Also, visit http://www.drexel.edu/drexelcollection.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
Retirement Planning Individual Conferences

Human Resources, with TIAA-CREF, will host individual investment education conferences from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 3201 Arch St., Suite 360, and on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at the HR Conference Room, first floor, Bellet Building (1505 Race Street). Reservations are required.

Scheduling information and dates are available on the Drexel University and DUCOM Web sites in calendar format. Click on one of the links below.

Drexel University: Retirement Plan at http://www.drexel.edu/hr/benefits/IE-IndividualConf.html
DUCOM: Retirement Plan at http://www.drexel.edu/admin/hr_hs/benefits/InvestEducation.html

For more information, email Rhianna Pearl at pearlr@drexel.edu.

Approved under the authority of Adele T. Barbato, Senior Vice President for Human Resources

 
Free Concert Tickets at Kimmel: French Pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard

The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society will present piano virtuoso Pierre-Laurent Aimard (above) on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 8 p.m. in the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (260 South Broad Street).

Aimand was hailed as Instrumentalist of the Year in 2006 by Musical America Worldwide. He is widely acclaimed as a significant musical voice in the repertoire of the past and is a key figure in the new world of music. Aimard will perform the "Art of the Fugue" by Bach, as well as works by Carter, Schoenberg and Benjamin. Last year, Aimard's seven concerts at Carnegie Hall were sold out.

For more information and free tickets while they last, call 215-569-8587 or email sgrody@pcmsconcerts.org.

Approved under the authority of James Tucker, Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services

 
Benefits Buzz: "Medical Leave Options"

Human Resources will host "Medical Leave Options" today, March 17, 2008, from 3 to 4 p.m. in room 116, Korman Center (33rd Street between Chestnut and Market Streets).

The next Benefits Buzz session, "Flexible Spending Accounts," will be held on Monday, March 24, 2008 at the same time and location.

Benefits Buzz is an informal weekly meeting for answering questions and providing information about Drexel benefits. Human Resources representatives will be available to present information and answer questions from faculty and staff.

For more information, email Trish Mahon at pam82@drexel.edu.

Approved under the authority of Adele T. Barbato, Senior Vice President for Human Resources

 
Game Developers Lecture: "Effective Networking in the Game Industry"

Drexel Game Developers Group will host a talk "Effective Networking in the Game Industry," today, March 17, 2008 at 2 p.m. in room 149, University Crossings (32nd and Market Streets).

Darius Kazemi, president of Orbus Gameworks, will explain how effective networking is the key to breaking into and staying ahead in the game industry. Networking is a valuable way to make lifelong friends and open up new opportunities. In this session, attendees will learn how to approach anyone, how to make themselves memorable in an industry full of memorable people and how to increase the value of their contacts over time.

For more information, email president@drexelgamedev.org.

Orbus Gameworks is a start-up company that is building gameplay data metrics tools to help developers keep track of their players' actions in-game.

Approved under the authority of James Tucker, Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services

 
Information Session: Business Travel Forms

The Comptroller's Office, Procurement and the Office of Research Compliance and Administration will host a training session on business travel and expense policies on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, from 10 a.m. to noon at Geary Auditorium B, New College Building (245 N.15th Street).

Faculty and staff members responsible for business travel and expense reporting are encouraged to attend. Visit http://www.drexel.edu/depts/compt/apps/travel_training.html to register for this session.

For more information, email the Accounts Payable Office at accountspayable@drexel.edu or call 215-895-2840 or 215-895-1462.

Approved under the authority of Thomas Elzey, Senior Vice President for Finance

 
Special Discounted Rates for Drexel Employees: Liberty Mutual Auto and Homeowners Insurance

Human Resources will host Auto and Homeowners Insurance Individual Conferences with representatives from Liberty Mutual on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in room L34, College of Law Building (3320 Market Street), and on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the HR Office on the first floor of the Bellet Building (1505 Race Street).

Liberty Mutual offers substantial discounts on auto and home insurance to Drexel employees.

Special Offer: The first 50 employees who receive a no-obligation quote from Liberty Mutual sales representatives during the month of March will receive a $5 Starbucks gift card. No purchase is necessary. Limit-one card per customer.

For registration/contact information, click on one of the links below.

Drexel University: LibertyMutual at http://www.drexel.edu/hr/benefits/libertymutual.html
DUCOM: LibertyMutual at http://www.drexel.edu/admin/hr_hs/benefits/LibertyMutualDUCOM.html

For more information, contact Rhianna Pearl at pearlr@drexel.edu.

Approved under the authority of Adele T. Barbato, Senior Vice President for Human Resources

 
Second Annual Technology Expo

University Procurement, IRT and COM-IT will host the Second Annual Drexel University Technology Expo on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, in Behrakis Grand Hall (32nd and Chestnut Streets). Attendance at this event is a necessary prerequisite for any department that has been approved or is seeking funds for the purchase of hardware in their FY 2009 budget proposals.

Technology vendors will be on campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. displaying hardware, software and other technology related items including: printers, PDA’s, copiers, cell phones, classroom technology, accessories and peripherals. Vendor products will be consistent with preferred IRT and COM-IT standards. Representatives from University Procurement, IRT and COM-IT will also be present to provide useful information and guidelines.

In addition to the technology expo, staff members from IRT, COM-IT and the University Procurement Departments will conduct two technology buying workshops. The workshops will provide useful information on technology issues and trends, technology purchasing “do’s and don’ts” and required policies and procedures for all types of technology purchases.

One workshop will be held just before the opening of the fair at 10 a.m. and the other will take place immediately following the expo at 1:30 p.m. in room 2020 MacAlister Hall (33rd and Chestnut Streets).

For more information on the event and to sign-up for the technology buying workshops, call the University Procurement Office at 215-895-2876 or send an email to procurement@drexel.edu .

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
Drexel News Media Watch

A voter-registration rally with Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes held in the Quad on Thursday was featured on KYW-TV (1060) and KYW-AM (1060) newscasts March 13, 2008. John Lloyd, chairman of the Drexel Dems, commented on students’ use of the Web site to organize political events.
StoryLink - KYW-TV (1060)

An Associated Press story about MAD Dragon Records’ contract with Ryko Distribution continues to be syndicated. The story was published in The News Journal (Wilmington, Del.) on March 14, 2008, and The Courier-Post (Cherry Hill, N.J.) and The Daily Local (Chester, Pa.) and on the Web site of KYW-TV (CBS-3) on March 12. Marcy Wagman, director of the music industry program in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Terry Tompkins, assistant professor in the music industry program, and students who staff the label are featured in the story.
StoryLink - The Courier-Post
StoryLink - KYW-TV (CBS-3)

A front-page Philadelphia Inquirer story published on March 13, 2008, notes Drexel’s research in developing a system to help prevent anesthesia awareness. Dr. Jay Horrow, chairman of the Drexel University College of Medicine’s Department of Anesthesiology, is quoted in the story. An accompanying photograph features Dr. Kambiz Pourrezaei, professor, and Kurtulus Izzetoglu, doctoral degree candidate, both in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems.
StoryLink - The Philadelphia Inquirer

The University’s celebration for the College of Law’s latest milestone — receiving provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association — was featured on a WPVI-TV (ABC-6) newscast March 12, 2008.

Drexel’s construction plan is featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal on March 14, 2008.
StoryLink - The Philadelphia Business Journal

Drexel’s record number of freshman applications received is noted in the Philadelphia Business Journal on March 14, 2008.
StoryLink - The Philadelphia Business Journal

Dr. Shawkat Hammoudeh, professor of economics and international business, is quoted in a Philadelphia Inquirer story published March 14, 2008, about gas prices. The story was syndicated on RedOrbit.com.
StoryLink - The Philadelphia Inquirer

An interview on the job-search process with Selina Poiesz, a senior majoring in communication, was broadcast on WCAU-TV (NBC-10) on March 13, 2008.

Dr. Joseph Mason, associate professor of finance, commented on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” on March 13, 2008, and several Bloomberg broadcasts March 12 and 13 on a Bush administration plan to overhaul the regulatory system.
StoryLink - National Public Radio

City Paper published in its March 13, 2008, “Lost and Found” section a story about Darfur activist Abdelgabr Adam written by Gilbert Flores, an undergraduate majoring in English, and Marisa McStravick, an undergraduate majoring in communication.
StoryLink - City Paper

Dr. Joanne Getsy, associate professor of medicine in the Drexel University College of Medicine and medical director of the Drexel Sleep Center, commented on WCAU-TV (NBC-10) on March 12, 2008, about a study linking cell phones and sleep problems.
StoryLink - WCAU-TV (NBC-10)

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

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End of DREXEL DAILY DIGEST, Monday, 17 March, 2008