July 11, 2002
1. PetCARE--treasure trove of silly to serious pet info
2. School's out, but children are still learning
3. Hats off to Yudof, and you're invited!
4. Gene therapy to combat hemophilia
5. Athletics director, deans named
6. Hands-on investment experience at UMD
7. U of M Happenings
8. Links
U IN THE NEWS
PetCARE--treasure trove of silly to serious pet info
To breed or not to breed? Can poinsettias kill your kitty cat? Where's the best place to keep a pocket pet? Which dog breed best matches your lifestyle? Answers to these questions and more about pets--yours or someone else's-- are but a click away.
"Animals are increasingly viewed as members of the family," says Beth Boynton, a community practice veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine. "People want information on health care for their pets just as they want it for family members."
That's what led to the creation of PetCARE (Companion Animal Resource Education), www.petcare.umn.edu, a Web site for owners and admirers of companion animals. The Minnesota State Board of Animal Health conceived the idea in 1996. The Minnesota Legislature funded the project, and veterinary professionals associated with the University of Minnesota Extension Service wrote the material. The result is a treasure trove of pet information, from silly to serious.
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Heather George
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One can find truly awful pet jokes ("What animal should you never play cards with? A cheetah."), dog- or cat-human age converters, and animal trivia. There's plenty of information on dogs, including behavior and health issues for each breed and a personality profile to guide humans toward the breed best for them. PetCARE offers material for young children, and the Junior Scientist section presents information suitable for school projects. The site also provides health, nutrition, vaccination, and training information.
Most helpful to site users, University veterinary professionals answer questions via e-mail within two business days. Pet owners send tremendously varied queries, everything from "What is the average life span of a cat?" to "My dog was diagnosed with this disorder, can you tell me all about it?"
When state funding priorities changed two years ago, the University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and Veterinary Teaching Hospital picked up the tab for maintaining the Web site. "PetCARE is an innovative way for the college to provide useful and accessible information to pet owners," says Jeffery Klausner, CVM dean. But like an adopted stray, the site needed some TLC. So Klausner asked Margaret Root Kustritz, a clinician in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and Heather George, a veterinary technician, to take over PetCARE. During the last year and a half, they have updated and expanded the site.
Soon, visitors will see a new design that includes more interactive elements, such as a featured pet of the month with story and photo. "We're also adding a section about pet loss and grief," George says. "We understand how pets are really part of a family." Also featured will be additional information on more than 30 cat breeds, pocket pets such as hamsters and gerbils, and exotic pets. According to George, once the major changes are complete, PetCARE will seek outside sponsors.
Since Root Kustritz and George took on the project, the number of visitors to the site has doubled. From July to December 2001, the site averaged 2,831 visitors per week--more than 400 daily. During that time, 15 percent of those visitors came more than once.
The key to PetCARE's success: solid information. According to Boynton, the site doesn't compete with the work of veterinarians by attempting to offer individual diagnoses of specific problems, but instead enhances it.
"We want to provide a reliable source of information where people can get answers to common questions right away," Boynton says. "The Web site covers general information, which frees veterinarians to address more specific health issues. With more information, pet owners can be proactive about their pets' care and not wait until their next vet appointment to find answers to their questions. It helps us be better vets and helps them be better pet owners."
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School's out, but children are still learning
It's hot and all you want to do is close the blinds, turn on the AC, and crawl on top of your bed to stay cool. Forget it, especially if you have a child. Instead, spend these dog days teaching him or her a thing or two about life.
In the course of a year, children spend only nine percent of their time in school. And parents have a huge influence on what kids learn the rest of the time, say educators with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Students become better learners when the adults in their lives read, study, ask questions, talk about education, and set long-term goals. The "All Parents are Teachers" program from the Extension Service has a number of ideas that parents can put to good use over summer vacation:
--Be a good role model by making your life the best example of the behavior and values you want your children to have. And remember that they're always watching!
--Use your brain. Let your children see you enjoying a book or balancing the budget. Talk about current events.
--Encourage your children to read, read, read. Schedule time for reading. Let your children read in bed before going to sleep. Read out loud to your children. And have them read to you--recipes, cereal boxes, the mail, and newspaper articles.
--Browse together. Subscribe to a magazine you all enjoy or check magazines out of the library.
--Open up--tell your children about a personal goal and how you plan to reach it. Ask about their goals and plans.
--Read about heroes. Read stories to children about successful people and how education helped them.
--Share your learning. Tell your children about anything you're learning.
For more tips from the "All Parents are Teachers" program, see www.parenting.umn.edu or contact an Extension Service county office; see www.extension.umn.edu/offices.
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Hats off to Yudof, and you're invited!
More than 5,000 people are expected to converge on Northrop plaza July 16 for free ribs, coleslaw, and corn bread. This event will be the University's Texas-style farewell to Mark and Judy Yudof. And you're invited.
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President Mark Yudof
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"Hats Off to Yudof" will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with remarks by Board of Regents Chair Maureen Reed and Interim President Designate Robert Bruininks at 11:45 a.m. In addition to the free-for-all barbecue lunch courtesy of Famous Dave's, there will be live music and fun activities.
"This celebration will be a way for University and community members to honor Mark Yudof and reflect on the many roles he played during his time at the University," says Reed. "Of course, the gathering will also include a Minnesota send-off with a little Texas flair."
"Hats Off to Yudof" volunteers will wear different hats--from a construction hard hat to a cowboy hat--to depict Yudof's roles over the last five years. Visitors can take photos of themselves in photo cutouts of Yudof in comical outfits as well as snap a picture or two with Goldy Gopher.
The search for a new president is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Yudof was officially named chancellor of the University of Texas system June 21, and his last day at the University of Minnesota is July 31.
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Gene therapy to combat hemophilia
University researchers are steps closer to a new treatment for hemophilia thanks to a three-year, $1 million grant from the National Hemophilia Foundation. Robert Hebbel, professor of medicine, and his colleagues will use the award for research in the development of gene therapy for hemophilia A, an inherited blood disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 males.
"We are pleased and honored to be selected by the National Hemophilia Foundation to receive their laboratory grant," said Hebbel. "These research funds will allow us to more rapidly develop our new gene therapy strategy and move closer to benefiting people with hemophilia."
Hemophilia A results in spontaneous bleeding due to the lack of coagulation factor 8 (FVIII) in the blood. Because hemophilia is such a severe disease, and because it is caused by absence of a replaceable blood protein, there has been a high level of interest in developing a gene therapy approach for its treatment.
Hebbel and colleagues have demonstrated that it may be possible to treat hemophilia A with blood outgrowth endothelial cells, or BOECs, as a vehicle for gene therapy. Their work was published in the January 2002 issue of Blood and may lead to eventual application of the therapy in humans.
"We are very grateful to the companies, chapters, and individuals whose generosity makes possible not only the funding itself, but, as a result, the better treatments and ultimate cure that we know this research will lead to," said Glenn Pierce, National Hemophilia Foundation president.
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Athletics director, deans named
Regents to vote on AD
After two full days of interviews with University administrators, coaches, athletics department staff, student athletes, faculty, and athletics boosters, Joel Maturi was announced as President Mark Yudof's and Interim President Designate Robert Bruinink's choice for the athletics director position. Maturi, currently director of athletics for Miami University in Ohio, has signed a five-year contract with the University. The contract will come before the Board of Regents for approval at its July 12 monthly meeting.
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President Mark Yudof (right) and Interim President Designate Robert Bruininks (left) introduce Joel Muturi as their recommendation for athletic director.
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"As someone who is returning to his home state, I find it comforting to know I am leaving the athletics department in such good hands," said Yudof. "Everyone we have spoken to, from people who knew Joel in Chisholm and at the University of Wisconsin to the people who currently work with him at Miami University, says he is a winner. I'm delighted that we were able to attract a person of Joel's character and caliber. He will lead the department to a new level and will do so with integrity and fairness to all student athletes."
Maturi, the sole finalist for the position, graduated in 1963 from Chisholm High School, where he played football and basketball. From 1968 to 1987 he worked at Edgewood High School in Madison, Wis., as a teacher, associate principal, dean of students, athletics director, and coach. In 1987 he became assistant director of athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and later rose to an associate director of athletics. In 1996 he became the director of athletics at the University of Denver, where he worked until moving to Miami University.
"He is a proven leader with a strong track record of success, having worked creatively with coaches and athletes in three major universities," says Robert Bruininks, interim president designate. "Joel understands how to build a successful program, athletically as well as academically. He also understands what the Gophers mean to Minnesota."
Maturi said his first priorities will include meeting with individual athletes, coaches, and staff members of the newly merged athletics department, focusing on continuing the smooth transition to one department, and attending to the department's financial condition. "I am excited about returning home, and I am not naïve to the challenges," he says, "Together we are going to make this department a model for how things should be done. We will work hard to speak as one voice, and we will be fiscally responsible and accountable.
Medical School dean recommended
Frank Cerra, senior vice president of health sciences, is recommending Deborah Powell as University of Minnesota Medical School dean. The recommendation goes to President Mark Yudof and the Board of Regents for approval July 12.
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Deborah Powell
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Powell, who currently serves as executive dean of the University of Kansas School of Medicine and vice chancellor for clinical affairs, is a board-certified pathologist. If approved, she would be one of just nine female deans among the 125 U.S. medical schools. Powell would also be the first dean in nearly 90 years to come to the position from outside the University.
"Dr. Powell has the experience, vision, leadership, and maturity of judgment critical for this medical school to reach its next level," said Cerra. "She is a highly respected and nationally known physician, scientist, and academician. I believe Dr. Powell's strengths and style will enhance the strong leadership and faculty of the medical school and the Academic Health Center. She has the tenacity and resolve to build on the six-year accomplishments of Dean Michael and to lead a medical school that is poised for greatness."
New Humphrey Institute dean
J. Brian Atwood was named dean of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. His appointment is effective Oct.1, pending approval by the regents July 12.
"Brian Atwood is a widely recognized leader in international development and a major contributor to reform initiatives in the federal government," said interim president designate Robert Bruininks. "He will bring an exciting vision and enormous energy to advancing the Humphrey Institute as an international center for scholarship, education, and service in the leadership, development, and management of public institutions."
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J. Brian
Atwood
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Atwood, 59, is currently president of Citizen's International, an enterprise that forms public-private partnerships to meet the social and economic needs of developing nations. From 1993 to 1999, Atwood led the U.S. Agency for International Development. During that time, he was the special presidential coordinator for Kosovo Relief Operations and led presidential missions to the West Bank and Gaza, East Africa during the Rwanda crisis, Haiti, and El Salvador. He has served as undersecretary and assistant secretary of state, taught international diplomacy and development at Harvard University and Hamilton College, and, from 1981 to 1982, was dean of professional studies and academic affairs at the Foreign Service Institute.
Atwood's selection is the result of an intensive national search. He replaces John Brandl, who returns to a faculty position after six years as Humphrey Institute dean.
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Investment experience at UMD
A new program in the University of Minnesota Duluth School of Business and Economics (SBE) gives students hands-on fund management experience and real world understanding of the financial market industry.
The goal of the new SBE Financial Markets Program is to better prepare students to make an immediate impact when they enter the workforce, thereby reducing the need for long and costly training programs. The program has allowed the school to form new and exciting strategic alliances with local members of the business community, specifically with Allete Corporation, US Bancorp, and Wells Fargo bank.
"Without the assistance of UMD alumni, the program would not have become a reality," said Chancellor Katherine Martin. "This program is one example of the experiential opportunities that students have at UMD."
Phil Rolle, Wells Fargo executive vice president and regional manager, is one of the alumni who has supported this program since its inception. Rolle was instrumental in obtaining the equipment students use in the Wells Fargo Financial Market Lab and responsible for orchestrating the first practicum session at Wells Fargo for UMD students last January.
For more information about the program, see www.d.umn.edu/sbe/finmarkets/index.php.
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U OF M HAPPENINGS
Learn how to plant a water garden, dig a pond, paint watercolors, or restore a wetland this July at the Environmental Horticulture Department's Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Or just take a summer break at the arboretum, which USA Today describes as one of the "10 great places to smell the flowers." Admission is free on Thursdays after 4:30 p.m. Through August 29, 5-8 p.m., you can enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and a special $2 Trumpet Creeper Tram Tour during "Thursdays in the Garden." For more information about classes or events at the arboretum, see www.arboretum.umn.edu.
Selections from "The Glenn C. Nelson Ceramics Collection," featuring works from Scandinavia, Korea, Japan, and the U.S., will be displayed through July 28 in UMD's Tweed Museum of Art. "One Lake, Many People: Document Superior," an exhibit by UMD alumni Carrie Kohlmeier and Cynthia Lapp that documents their bicycle trip around Lake Superior, will run through July 28. For more information about Tweed exhibitions, call 218-726-7823.
Individual tickets for Russia's legendary Bolshoi Ballet's performances of Swan Lake (Dec. 3, 4) will go on sale July 15. This troupe of 100 dancers and a full orchestra will also perform Nutcracker Dec. 6 and 7; tickets to this event and the rest of Northrop Auditorium's upcoming dance season will go on sale August 19. Northrop's dance season will include Sweden's Cullberg Ballet (Oct. 11, 12), Spain's Compania Nacional de Danza (Nov. 12), Garth Fagan Dance (Jan. 25), Martha Clarke's "Vienna: Lusthaus" (Feb. 4, 5), Brazil's Grupo Corpo (March 22), Twyla Tharp Dance (Mar. 28), and Germany's Stuttgart Ballet (Apr. 8, 9). For more information, see www.northrop.umn.edu or call 612-624-2345.
College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences and Minnesota Experiment Stations are sponsoring a free open house July 27. Bring the whole family for a day of wagon rides, cattle barn and green house tours, antique and modern farm equipment displays, climate change and food production exhibits, and much more. You can even bring soil samples from your garden or strange-looking weeds and plants for horticultural experts to analyze or identify.
For more information, see www.coafes.umn.edu/openhouse2002.
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LINKS
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University of Minnesota Alumni Association: Your membership makes a difference.
U of M Legislative Network: Read about the University's legislative request and how you can help.
University of Minnesota Systemwide Home Page
U of M E-News is a biweekly e-mail newsletter for alumni and friends of the University of Minnesota. The newsletter, a free information source prepared by University Relations, is designed to help alumni and friends stay connected to the University of Minnesota campuses in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Crookston, Morris and Duluth.
PRIVACY POLICY
© 2002 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
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