Football Playoff Tickets Available

Tickets are currently on sale for UNO's second-round NCAA Division II football playoff game, set for 12:05 p.m., Nov. 25.

In the playoff, the Mavericks will host the winner of the Nov. 18 first-round game between North Dakota and Winona State. Kickoff on Nov. 25 is set for noon at Caniglia Field.

Ticket prices are $15 for reserved seats in the west stadium. General admission prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Fans may purchase tickets in advance in the athletic business office, located in the lobby of the Lee and Helene Sapp Fieldhouse or by phone at 554.MAVS (6287).

UNO Ranked 22nd by Institute for International Education

For the second year in a row, UNO has been ranked 22nd nationally among master's institutions in terms of international student enrollment for the 2005-06 academic year. It is the fifth consecutive year that UNO has either improved its rank or maintained that of the previous year.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) released the ranking information Nov. 13 in Washington, D.C. The rankings coincide with the national International Education Week celebration.

"The work being done at UNO has literally brought the world to Omaha," said Tom Gouttierre, dean of international studies at UNO and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. "International education builds understanding and opportunity for everyone involved."

For the current semester, there are 955 international participants at UNO. The five countries that are providing the greatest number of students are India (108 students), Saudi Arabia (100 students), China (97 students), Japan (70 students) and South Korea (65 students). In all, 111 countries - ranging from Azerbaijan to Zambia - are represented on campus. Top areas of study for UNO international students include management information systems, computer science, economics, international studies and business.

UNO established International Studies and Programs (IS&P) in 1973. Since then, UNO has developed an international reputation, in particular, for its Center for Afghanistan Studies and the Bethsaida (Israel) Excavations Project.

IIE provided the rankings after holding a press conference at the National Press Club that focused on international academic mobility, U.S. students abroad, and international students and scholars on U.S. campuses during 2005-06. Miller Crouch, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State; and Allan E. Goodman, president of the IIE, were the opening speakers.

For more information, call 554.3502.

ITS Announces Lotus Notes Storage Increase

Information Technology Services (ITS) announces an increase in the standard quota for individual Lotus Notes e-mail accounts. The quota has been increased 100 MB, from 500 to 600.

For more information, contact Dean Hayes, manager of ITS Customer Services, at 554.4357 or deanhayes@mail.unomaha.edu.

Library Copy Card Exchange Concludes Nov. 30

Remember the old library copy card - the green card with coins on it? The last day the library will issue vouchers redeeming the value of the old copy cards is Thursday, Nov. 30.

Check your coat pockets, desk drawers and billfolds, and turn those copy cards in for value on your MavCard. Any vouchers issued through Nov. 30 may be redeemed at the MavCard Business Office through Dec. 15. The office is located on the second floor of the Milo Bail Student Center.

For more information, contact the library circulation desk at 554.3206.

Vern Raburn to Be Honored Nov. 29 at Durham Lecture Series

The UNO Aviation Institute will host its annual Charles W. Durham Distinguished Guest Lecture Series Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the William H. and Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center. The featured speaker will be Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation Corporation.

A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m., followed by Raburn's lecture at 7:30 p.m.

Since its inception in 1998, Raburn has led Eclipse Aviation Corporation to achieve numerous advancements in its quest to change the way people travel. To date, the company has raised nearly half a billion in capital and has made significant progress toward the certification and delivery of its flagship product, the Eclipse 500 jet.

With more than 25 years of experience as a senior executive in the information technology industry, Raburn is a successful entrepreneur who has also helped to shape the course of the information technology revolution and the high technology industry. In the mid 1970s, Raburn opened one of the nation's first computer stores, the Byte Shop of Westminster. Shortly thereafter, he joined Bill Gates as one of the first employees at Microsoft Corporation. He served at Microsoft as president of the Consumer Products Division and was responsible for the company's entry into the retail channel.

During the past 25 years, Raburn has consistently taken companies to the highest levels of success. Following his tenure at Microsoft, he served as executive vice president and general manager of Lotus Development Corporation, where he played an integral role in the successful launch of Lotus 1-2-3. He has also served as chairman and CEO of Symantec Corporation and Slate Corporation. Prior to founding Eclipse, Raburn worked as president of the Paul Allen Group, overseeing high technology investments for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Raburn's passion for high technology is exceeded only by his love of aviation. Since he first learned how to fly as a teenager, he has accumulated more than 6,500 hours of flight time and has earned his multi-engine, instrument, commercial and rotary ratings. He holds type ratings in more than 15 aircraft types, ranging from WWII bombers to piston airliners to modern corporate jets. He serves on the board of directors of the Experimental Aircraft Association; the Executive Council to the FAA's Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC); and the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Presidential Advisory Board

The Charles W. Durham Guest Lecture Series and Scholarship Program was established by the Aviation Institute to thank Charles Durham for his inspiration as the lead co-founder of the UNO Aviation Institute. The Aviation Institute holds the Durham Lecture every year and presents the guest speaker with the William F. Shea Distinguished Contribution to Aviation Award. This award is given in honor of the Aviation Institute's founding director, William F. Shea, and is presented to those who have impacted the aviation industry during their varied aviation careers.

For more information or to receive free tickets to this event, call Vida Hill at 554.3424.

Nominations Sought for 2007 UNO Women of Color Awards

Organizations and individuals in the Omaha area are being asked to nominate women of color for the 2007 UNO Women of Color (WOC) Awards. The awards will recognize women of color for outstanding contributions in six categories - arts/humanities, business/entrepreneurship, education, community service, science and technology, and youth leadership. Nomination forms, which are available online at http://www.unomaha.edu/woc, are due Monday, Dec. 11.

"These awards recognize women of color who have done extraordinary work on their own in these categories, as well as mentoring others in these fields," said Sharon Ulmar, WOC committee co-chair and assistant to the chancellor in the UNO Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. "We encourage people from the metropolitan community to nominate women of color they believe should receive accolades for their selfless efforts."

Award recipients will be honored Wednesday, March 7, at the 2007 UNO Women of Color Awards Luncheon. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DC Centre, 11830 Stonegate Circle. The theme for 2007 is "Healthy Women."

The guest speaker will be Alabama physician Dr. Regina Benjamin. Known for her contributions in rural and family medicine, Dr. Benjamin attended Xavier University in New Orleans and was a member of the second class of Morehouse School of Medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and completed her residency in family practice at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. She also holds a master's in business administration from Tulane University.

After graduation, Dr. Benjamin chose to return to the region in which she grew up, starting a family practice in Bayou la Batre, Ala. Made famous from the motion picture "Forrest Gump," Bayou la Batre is a small shrimping village located along the gulf coast. After several years of moonlighting in emergency rooms and nursing homes to keep her practice open, she converted her medical office into a small rural health clinic dedicated to serving the large poverty-stricken population in her community. Like many others in the gulf coast, Dr. Benjamin had to deal with the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the town's only clinic.

In 1995, she became the first African-American woman, and the first person under 40, to be elected to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees. Dr. Benjamin also serves on the Board of Physicians for Human Rights. She is a 1998 Mandela Award Winner, a former Kellogg National Fellow, has been featured as ABC Television's "Person of the Week" and, in 1996, was chosen by "CBS This Morning" as "Woman of the Year."

A panel of judges from the WOC Awards Recognition Planning Committee will select the 2007 winners based on nominations submitted by Dec. 11. The committee is comprised of women from area schools – UNO, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Metropolitan Community College; local nonprofit businesses – Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, ICAN, Omaha Housing Authority and Omaha Community Action; and local for-profit-businesses – AHL Consulting Inc., State Farm Insurance, Journal Broadcasting Group, Wells Fargo Bank and Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society Inc.

Award recipients will be invited to participate in community speaking events, and to serve as role models and mentors for various university-related programs and activities.

To request nomination forms, call 554.2779 or send an e-mail to rmaley@mail.unomaha.edu. For more information or to access online nomination forms, visit the WOC Web site at http://www.unomaha.edu/woc.

Criss Library Catalog Downtime Set for Nov. 21

The Criss Library catalog will be down Tuesday, Nov. 21, starting at 1 p.m. for software upgrades. The downtime will last approximately five hours. Off-campus access to electronic resources will be affected.

"While the library attempts to schedule these routine maintenance tasks during intersessions and breaks, this is not always possible when working with our vendor. We hope the inconvenience will be minimal," said Karen Hein, director of library operations. Patrons may contact the Reference Desk at 554.2661 for assistance.

For more information, contact Hein at khein@mail.unomaha.edu or 554.2144.

Campus Security Offers Holiday Safety Tips

Campus Security would like to remind the campus community of some common sense safety tips to practice during the holiday season.

"With so many students, staff and faculty rushing to get shopping done or taking care of end-of-the-semester tasks, security issues may take a backseat," said Paul Kosel, assistant manager of Campus Security and traffic at UNO. "A few simple tips can make a big difference."

- When a person leaves his or her room or office, lock it up, even if it's only for a few minutes.

- Avoid leaving valuables or packages in plain view in a vehicle. Place them in the trunk or between the seats. When possible, do so before parking.

- During the holiday break, take valuables home from campus offices and residence halls.

- Anyone who is going to be working on campus late in the evening or when few people are around should consider advising Campus Security so that an officer can pay special attention to the area.

- Anyone entering a locked residence hall, apartment building or campus building should make sure the door closes completely. Strangers should not follow anyone into a secure building.

- Students who live on campus and are leaving town for the holidays should make sure they have someone keeping an eye on their residence and leave emergency contact information.

For more information, call Campus Security at 554.2648.

HPER Thanksgiving Hours Announced

The following hours will be observed in conjunction with the Thanksgiving holiday at the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building.

- Wednesday, Nov. 22
6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

- Thursday, Nov. 23
Closed

- Friday, Nov. 24
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, Nov. 25
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Sunday, Nov. 26
Noon to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 554.2539.

Thanksgiving Library Hours Announced

On Wednesday, Nov. 22, Criss Library will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the library will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23-24, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information, contact Gayle Roberts at 554.3213.

Donations Still Sought for 72nd Street Food Fight

This event has been designated a UNO spirit event.

Each year, many families in Douglas County go without a holiday meal. However, an annual event that started three years ago is working to help solve the problem.

UNO has joined forces with five Omaha organizations this holiday season for the third annual 72nd Street Food Fight, which will help stock the shelves of The Salvation Army's food pantry.

UNO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, the College of St. Mary, Omnium Worldwide Inc., Travel and Transport, and First Data Corp. will be competing against one another to collect the most food during the campaign.

At UNO, donations of non-perishable food items will be solicited through Thursday, Dec. 7. Donations will also be sought at future Maverick sporting events.

If able, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to pick up a few extra items for the Food Fight during the next few weeks while grocery shopping and bring them to campus. For convenience, blue barrels with the Food Fight graphic will be available in all campus buildings for food donations.

The Salvation Army is requesting the items listed below. No glass containers will be accepted.

- Canned meats
- Dry cereals
- Canned fruits
- Tomato products
- Dry boxed items
- Canned soups
- Canned vegetables
- Disposable diapers
- Hygiene products

Last year, more than 72,000 pounds of food were donated to this drive. In addition to its corporate partners, The Salvation Army would like to thank the "Food Fight" sponsors: HyVee and Payless Office Products.

To find out how your UNO organization can get involved in the Food Fight, contact Rita Henry at 554.2779 or John Jensen at 554.3382.

Annual Fall Scholastic Children's Book Fair Nov. 27-29

Wild about books? Like to share your treasures with others? Then come visit the UNO Library Friends annual fall Scholastic Children's Book Fair Nov. 27-29 in Criss Library!

Books for children of all ages, holiday titles, instructional materials, games, videos and toys will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale benefit Criss Library's juvenile book collection.

"It's always fun to come do some holiday shopping at the book fair," said Melissa Cast, education and reference librarian. "The book fair will also continue its support of local literacy efforts. Donations for the Open World Mission and the One World Community Health Center will be accepted." This summer, the Criss Library was recognized for putting more than 700 books in the hands of Omaha children.

The fair will be located on the main floor in the center aisle of Criss Library. Dates and times for the event are as follows:

- Monday, Nov. 27
5 to 9 p.m.

- Tuesday, Nov. 28
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Wednesday, Nov. 29
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Cast at mcast@mail.unomaha.edu.

"Leveraging Resources" Brown Bag Session Nov. 28

Faculty, staff and graduate students are invited to attend a brown bag session on "leveraging resources" Tuesday, Nov. 28. Sponsored by the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (SPR), the event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Milo Bail Student Center U mon hon Room.

Three expert project directors will talk about their success in maximizing grant funding and university resources to achieve their project goals. The speakers will include Alan Kolok, biology; Jack Shroder, geography/geology; and Rick Yoder, Nebraska Business Development Center.

Participants are invited to bring a lunch. SPR will provide beverages and dessert.

For more information, call SPR at 554.2286, or visit the Web at http://www.unomaha.edu/spr.

Maverick Watch

Go Mavs! Support your Mavericks by attending their home events.

Students are admitted free to all home athletic games with a valid UNO ID (MavCard) and game-day ticket. The spouses, significant others and children of students also are admitted free, except to hockey. At the game, students must present their MavCard to receive a ticket. Tickets will be available on the day of the game at each home event. For more information, call 554.MAVS (6287).

inPlay, located downtown at 15th and Cuming St., will offer free parking and shuttle service from its parking lot to the Qwest Center Omaha for all UNO home hockey games in the 2006-07 season. Shuttle service is available for all UNO hockey fans, but a shuttle ticket is required to receive free transportation. Tickets will be available for fans at the counter inside inPlay.

At home this week...

Tuesday, Nov. 21
- Men's Basketball vs. Missouri Western
Sapp Fieldhouse
7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 24
- Women's basketball vs. Colorado Mines (Howard Johnson Thanksgiving Classic)
Sapp Fieldhouse
6 p.m.

- Hockey vs. Notre Dame
Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St.
7:05 p.m.

- Men's basketball vs. Chadron State (Homewood Suites Thanksgiving Classic)
Sapp Fieldhouse
8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 25
- Football NCAA II 2nd Round Playoff
Caniglia Field
12:05 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices are $15 for reserved seats in the west stadium. General admission prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

- Women's basketball vs. Caldwell (Howard Johnson Thanksgiving Classic)
Sapp Fieldhouse
6 p.m.

- Hockey vs. Notre Dame
Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St.
7:35 p.m.

- Men's basketball vs. Quincy (Homewood Suites Thanksgiving Classic)
Sapp Fieldhouse
8 p.m.

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