Gallup/PKI Visualization Lab to Sponsor New Course This Fall

A first-of-its-kind class offered by the UNO College of Information Science and Technology (IS&T) in cooperation with the Gallup Organization will bring eight world leaders in the field of data visualization to Omaha to meet and speak with students. 

Gerald Wagner, a distinguished research fellow in IS&T and a cutting-edge visualization researcher himself, put the course together.  Dr. Wagner is calling it a "who's who of visual storytelling and data visualization."

The recently created Gallup/Peter Kiewit Institute Visualization Laboratory is sponsoring the class and will host the students and visiting speakers at the Gallup University campus near downtown Omaha. 

Currently, students may sign up for the course.  It is cross-listed for undergraduates in geography, management, information systems and quantitative analysis, journalism and fine art.  The course is also listed as an undergraduate/graduate class in psychology.  Graduate students in other areas may register for it as independent study.  The course had not been fully developed last spring when students registered for fall classes.

"Data visualization truly encompasses all of those fields," Dr. Wagner said.  "It's about making information useful and relevant in compelling ways.  Storytelling is a great way of thinking about what we do."

In addition to his position at UNO, Dr. Wagner was named a Gallup Senior Scientist earlier this year.  The Senior Scientists are an elite group of researchers, teachers and authors from a wide variety of disciplines.  He is also active in the Gallup/Peter Kiewit Institute Visualization Laboratory, which is under construction at Gallup University.  The 2,000-square-foot facility features the latest in hardware and software visualization methods and technologies, and brings together 10 Gallup employees and up to 10 UNO interns to work with Gallup clients.

"There is no other relationship between a university and a business like the one we have with Gallup," Dr. Wagner said.  "The support they have given has been exciting and progressive, and this class very much reflects that."

Dr. Wagner also said the course, which came together after discussions last spring, will not likely be repeated.  Guest speakers and the dates of their presentations are listed below.

Sept. 9

Phillip Ruhlman, chief information officer for the Gallup Organization. 

Sept. 16

John Pyrce, chief technology officer for AdvizorSolutions Inc.

Sept. 23

Clifford Alper, chief executive officer for the Analysis Factory Inc. 

Sept. 30

Bob Allan, chief story telling officer for Integrity Arts and Technology Inc.

Oct. 14

Lisa Strausfeld, partner with Pentagram.

Oct. 21

Ramana Rao, chief executive officer for Inxight Inc.

Oct. 28

Don Moyer, co-founder of Agnew Moyer. 

Nov. 4

Christian Chabot, chief executive officer for Tableau Software. 

Nov. 11

Stephen Pew, founder of Perceptual Edge. 

Nov. 18

Colin Ware, professor of computer science and director of the Data Visualization Research Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire.

For more information, students should see their academic adviser or e-mail Dr. Wagner at grwagner@mail.unomaha.edu. Classes begin Sept. 2.

Construction Under Way at University Library

Construction has begun on a new $6.8 million addition to University Library.  Named in honor of UNO alumnus Guinter Kahn, a major donor for the project, the new wing will add 31,000 square feet of study space.

The construction, which began Aug. 1, will extend the north side of the library toward Dodge Street and will provide seating for 428 additional users.

"This project is the beginning of a new chapter for us as a library," said Stephen Shorb, dean of University Library.  "We intend to make our facility a destination that will bring people to campus and also serve as a home away from home for the UNO community."

The addition is designed to support current learning styles that emphasize group work and interactivity, Shorb said.  Plans call for eight new group study rooms and a multimedia boardroom for student presentations.  Wireless Internet will be available, and special outlets and network ports will be provided for users with their own laptop computers.

Each of the library's three floors will have a unique atmosphere, Shorb said.  The lower level will connect to an outdoor reader's garden and will feature a browsing area for current issues of scholarly journals, the latter of which was recommended by UNO faculty.  The main level will place interactive study space around a central café lounge, where coffee and light meals will be available.  The upper level will be a visually appealing reading room with glass-paneled walls, specially lighted bookshelves and private study desks for graduate students. 

Nate Gieselman of Omaha-based Alley Poyner Architecture is the project's chief architect.  All of the building work is being overseen by Hawkins Construction Company.

The addition is scheduled for completion in 14 months and should be open to the public near the end of 2006.  Funding for the addition comes from private sources and is being coordinated by the University of Nebraska Foundation.  This includes a substantial gift from the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation directed at plans to make the library a state-of-the-art facility.

In addition to physical changes, University Library is undertaking other changes as well.  The library Web site at http://library.unomaha.edu/ has a new look and continues to be a work in progress.  Shorb said the goal is to fully reorganize its content and structure by the spring semester to make it easier for patrons to find and use what they need.

Fall hours for University Library are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

For more information, contact Shorb at 554.3740 or sshorb@mail.unomaha.edu.

UNO Listed Among Princeton Review's Best Midwestern Colleges

UNO has been selected for inclusion in The Princeton Review's new college guide, The Best Midwestern Colleges, released online last week.  Based on statistical information and surveys of college students and recent college graduates, the guide showcases top schools in 12 Princeton Review states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

UNO was recognized for being a university "in ascension," according to the university's "School Says" summary entry on academics in the princetonreview.com Web site.  Students provided the comment material.  More than 900 UNO students responded to The Princeton Review survey.

Also on the "Academics" page, another UNO student comment read "substantial efforts have been made and will continue to be made to make UNO a bigger and better university to attend in the coming years."

Listed in the "Student Body" section, a UNO student wrote the ". . . reputation of our school is changing from a 'Gee, well at least you are going to school' to a 'Cool, you're going to UNO' attitude."  In "Campus Life," a student called UNO student housing "amazing…apartment living, no communal bathrooms you share with an entire floor, no cinderblock walls or outdated cots."

Another comment in the "Campus Life" section noted that UNO stays connected to the metropolitan area by "hosting events throughout the year that encourage community turnout.  Some events are even complimentary for attendees, which highly encourages non-college students to attend.  My school frequently hosts open houses to inform all about the programs and activities that it holds."

Five other Nebraska colleges and universities were listed in The Best Midwestern Colleges – Creighton University, Doane College, Hastings College, Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  In the region, 158 colleges and universities received a listing.

"We're pleased to be listed and proud of the student comments about our university," said Wade Robinson, associate vice chancellor for student affairs at UNO.  "We hope having this information available to high school students and their families encourages them to visit campus and look at UNO for their higher education."

The Princeton Review launched its regional college guides several years ago in response to a growing trend for students to attend colleges and universities within two- to five-hour drives of their homes.  The regional guides focus on the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and West. 

Information in the guides includes data on admissions, financial aid, student body demographics and academics.  The regional guides, like the national one from The Princeton Review, also present an inclusive cross-section of academically outstanding colleges.

The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for its test prep courses, education services and books.  It is not affiliated with Princeton University or Educational Testing Service.  Princeton Review books are published by Random House.

Program on Health, Immigration and Mobility Aug. 30

The UNO School of Social Work will host a presentation titled "Historical Perspectives on Health, Immigration and Mobility in the U.S." Tuesday, Aug. 30.  The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 1 p.m. in the Milo Bail Student Center Dodge Room (third floor).

The speaker is Joseph P. Ferrie, an associate professor of economics at Northwestern University, a faculty associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a visiting scholar at the Ecole Normale Superieure (Paris).

Dr. Ferrie completed his Ph.D. in economics at The University of Chicago in 1992.  His first book, "Yankeys Now: Immigrants in the Antebellum U.S., 1840-60," was published by Oxford University Press in 1999.  His next book, "Moving Through Time: Geographic, Social, and Economic Mobility in the U.S., 1850-2000," will be published by Cambridge University Press in 2007. 

Dr. Ferrie's work recently has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Economist, and his research has appeared in The American Economic Review, The Journal of Economic History and The Journal of Economic Perspectives. 

His current research interests include immigration in the 19th century United States, the relationship between socioeconomic status and health, the impact of public water and sewer systems on health, and intergenerational mobility in the United States over the last 150 years. 

For more information, contact Sarah Eades at 554.3057 or seades@mail.unomaha.edu.

Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta to Assist with Money Management Workshop Sept. 10

Two Greek organizations at UNO, together with the Urban Financial Services Coalition of Omaha and the First National Loan Production Office, will present a free financial education workshop for citizens in the Omaha metro area Saturday, Sept. 10.

The event, "Money Management: A Path to Home Ownership," will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Omaha Small Business Network, 2505 N. 24th St., Suite 112.

Members of the UNO chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will be among the presenters for the workshop sessions, which will focus on:

- An introduction to banking services;

- How to choose and keep a checking account;

- How to keep track of your money;

- An introduction to credit;

- Why you should save;

- Learning investing basics;

- Knowing what you're borrowing before you buy; and

- Learning what home ownership is all about.

"This workshop is just one example of the many community service activities conducted each year by students involved in Greek life at UNO," said Corey Stutte, an adviser in Student Organizations and Leadership Programs at UNO.

The morning sessions will be followed by a complimentary lunch and a question-and-answer session from noon to 1 p.m.

Those who pre-register for the event will be eligible to receive a free 3-in-1 credit report that can be analyzed by a banking professional.  In addition, all registered attendees will be eligible to win one of three drawings for a prepaid Visa gift card in amounts of $75, $50 and $25.

The registration deadline is Sept. 5.  For more information, call 402.880.6100, or visit the Web at http://www.ufscomaha.org.

Put Money on Your MavCard for Use Across Campus

You can now put money on your MavCard – the official university ID for students, faculty and staff - for use across campus.

You can use the money on your card to make purchases at the locations listed below.

Food Court in the Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC)

Maverick Buffet in the MBSC

Food Cart at The Peter Kiewit Institute (PKI)

The UNO Bookstore (first floor of the MBSC)

The Convenience Store (first floor of the MBSC)

Selected vending machines across campus (with the card swipe)

- Pepsi machines

- Canteen (snack machines)

University Library print system, including copiers, printers and microfiche machines

Selected computer labs across campus

- Rooms 183, 300 and 304 in Arts and Sciences Hall

- Rooms 104 and 370 in the Durham Science Center

- Elmwood Room in the MBSC

- Room 158A in PKI

- Room 130 in the Strauss Performing Arts Center

Copier in Room 104 of the Durham Science Center

You can add funds to your account in person at the MavCard Services Office, located within the MBSC Business Office, during regular business hours by using cash, check, Master Card, VISA, Discover or American Express.  The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Funds also can be added to your account by using cash at one of the Card Value Centers on campus.  Card Value Centers are located at the south entrance to the MBSC, on the first floor vending area of Arts and Sciences Hall and on the first floor of PKI in the north vending area.

For more information, call MavCard Services at 554.2220, or visit the Web at http://mavcard.unomaha.edu.

Women's Studies to Host Welcome Back Reception Sept. 2

The UNO Women's Studies Program will host a welcome back reception Friday, Sept. 2.  The event will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in 311 Arts and Sciences Hall.  All members of the campus community are invited to attend.

The reception will include refreshments, brief introductions and a short program beginning at 3:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Karen Falconer Al-Hindi at 554.3834 or kfalconeralhindi@mail.unomaha.edu.

Tour the Library

Take your first step toward academic success with a 15-minute tour of University Library.

Tours will be provided upon request between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29, through Friday, Sept. 2.  Please inquire at the reference desk on the main floor, or call 554.2661.

Maverick Watch

Support your Mavericks by attending their home events.  Students are admitted free to all home athletic games with a valid UNO ID, including hockey.

At home this week...

Saturday, Sept. 3

Cross Country Invite

Chalco Hills, 8901 S. 154 St.

10:30 a.m.

Football vs. Northwest Missouri State

Caniglia Field

6 p.m.

For more information about UNO Athletics, visit the Web at http://gomavs.unomaha.edu/.

UNO Walkers Sought for Aids Walk Nebraska 2005 Team

Nebraskans will lace up their walking shoes to participate in AIDS Walk Nebraska 2005 Sept. 10 and 11.  This year, four walks will be held in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney and Scottsbluff.

In Omaha, the walk will be held rain or shine Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Heartland of America Park, 8th and Douglas at 1 p.m.  Walkers will help raise awareness of the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS in Nebraska and raise funds for local community-based AIDS organizations that provide HIV/AIDS care, prevention, education and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Students, faculty and staff can sign up to be on the UNO team.  A minimum of $25 is required to participate.

"The UNO Faculty Senate and the Staff Advisory Council encourage those who want to participate in this year's walk to join ‘Team Mavericks' – the official UNO walk team," said Frank Bramlett, assistant professor of English and team organizer at UNO. "You can register to walk, but even if you can't walk with us, you might consider donating online. Every dollar helps."

To register or for walk details, visit their Web site. Follow the prompts under "Registration" and sign up at the "Join an Existing Team" by designating "Team Mavericks."

Registration forms also are available in the UNO Faculty Senate Office, located in 105 Arts and Sciences Hall.

For more information about the walk, call Dr. Bramlett at 554.3313.

Yoga Sessions Set for This Fall in HPER

Campus Recreation and the Wellness Stampede will offer two sessions of Yoga instruction this fall.

All classes will be held Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in 231 Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building.  The cost per session is $15 for students; $20 for faculty, staff and community members; and $25 for non-activity cardholders.  The dates are listed below.

Session One

Sept. 19 and 26

Oct. 3, 10, 24 and 31

(Class will not meet Oct. 17.)

Session Two

Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28

Dec. 5 and 12

The instructor is Matt Pleggenkuhles, a certified instructor through the Omaha Yoga and Bodywork Center.  The sessions will cover short, deep relaxation; warm-up exercises; formal Yoga postures; and deep relaxation.

Individuals may sign up in 100 HPER.  For more information, call Campus Recreation at 554.2539.

Chair Massage Service Available in HPER This Fall

Are you looking for a way to reduce stress?

UNO students, faculty and staff can take advantage of a chair massage service on campus this fall.  A station will be set up on Fridays in 213 Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9.

Andrea Porter, a certified massage therapist, will administer the massages.  The cost is $10 for a 15-minute session.

To make a reservation, stop by 100 HPER.  Payment is due at the time of registration.  For more information, call 554.2539.

Season Tickets Available to UNO Department of Theatre Productions

Season tickets to the UNO Department of Theatre's 2005-06 production schedule are available for sale.  The cost is $40 for the general public, and $30 for UNO faculty, staff, students and senior citizens.

The 2005-06 season is as follows:

Homebody/Kabul by Tony Kushner

Sept. 22-25

SMASH by Jeffrey Hatcher

Adapted from An Unsocial Socialist by G.B. Shaw

Oct. 6-8, 12-15

Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht

Adapted by David Hare

Nov. 17-19 and 30, Dec. 1-3

Tartuffe by Moliere

Feb. 23-25, March 1-4

Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman

April 13-15, 19-22

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 554.2406, or stop by 315A Weber Fine Arts Building.

Members Sought for University Chorus

University Chorus, a mixed chorus of more than 70 singers, is seeking members for the 2005-06 season.  It is open to all students, faculty and staff.  The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 12:50 p.m. in 105 Strauss Performing Arts Center.

The chorus will present two concerts this fall, including a collaborative performance of Handel's Messiah with the UNO Concert Choir and the UNO Chamber Orchestra. 

For more information, contact Anthony Trecek-King, conductor, at 554.4944 or dtrecekking@mail.unomaha.edu.

UNO Concert Season Opens Aug. 30 with Trumpeter John Aley

Trumpeter John Aley will open the UNO Department of Music's 2005-06 concert season Tuesday, Aug. 30.  The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

Aley is a professor of trumpet at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music and principal trumpet with the Madison Symphony Orchestra.  He has performed and recorded with PDQ Bach, the American Brass Quintet and the Wisconsin Brass Quintet.  In addition, Aley has soloed with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra and on National Public Radio.

He received a master's degree from Yale University and a bachelor's degree from Wichita State University.  Aley also is an artist and teacher at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Mich., and the New England Music Camp in Sydney, Maine.

His Aug. 30 performance is being held in conjunction with the Brass Chamber Music Symposium.  Additional events featuring Aley include a brass master class Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 3 to 5 p.m. and a brass ensemble concert Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

The doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

For more information, call 554.3427.