Walter Benesch , professor of philosophy and humanities, emeritus (1963 - 1997), has been selected to receive the 2002 Governor's Award for Humanities Scholar for outstanding intellectual contributions in the humanities. Benesch will be presented with the award at the 2002 Governor's Arts and Humanities Awards being held Oct. 25 in Anchorage.

Syun-Ichi Akasofu, IARC, has received the 21st Century Award for Achievement from the International Biographical Center of Cambridge, England.

The UAF Alumni Association has announced the recipients of the 2002 Alumni Awards. James C. Hayes is the distinguished alumnus, Curtis Thomas was recognized for community service and Vernon Bleich for professional excellence. Robby Giinther was noted for university support and Jeri Maxwell won the William R. Cashen Service Award. The awards will be presented at the Oct. 4 luncheon at the Princess Riverside Lodge from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information call 7081.

The UA Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2003 Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence. Nominations must be submitted on the official form and received or postmarked by Dec. 1. For more information or to obtain a nomination form visit www.alaska.edu/uafound/.

CRA recently received a $96,000 grant from the USDA for UAF and secondary school programs that promote the understanding of science and math through natural resources education. For more information visit www.uaf.edu/news/.

Wanda Chin, UA Museum, was recently elected president of the Western Museums Association, one of the six regional associations of the American Association of Museums.

The Second Annual TVC Faculty Development Conference will be held at the Downtown Center Saturday, Oct. 19 from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Keynote speaker Walter Benesch, UAF professor emeritus, will discuss "Why Teach" and 12 concurrent workshops are scheduled. For registration or more information contact Marjorie Illingworth at 1127 or ffmli@uaf.edu.

The UAF Office of Faculty Development has opened at 222 Bunnell Building. The new office houses the director, a meeting room, faculty development resources, tea and coffee. The meeting room is available for faculty meetings, brown bag lunches, training workshops and get-togethers. To reserve the room contact 5055 or facdev@uaf.edu.

The Arctic Transitions in the Land-Atmosphere System Project, in conjunction with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Joint Office for Science Support, has produced an Ivotuk site CD. The CD is a compilation of information and measurements made at the site on the North Slope, including data, pictures and descriptions from 1998 to June 2000. For more information contact Vanessa Carney at carney@ucar.edu.

The UA Foundation has announced the availability of privately funded scholarships for students attending a UA campus during the 2003 - 2004 academic year. There are nearly 55 scholarships available, ranging in amounts from $500 to $8,000. Students may apply for up to four scholarships and applications are due by Feb. 14, 2003. For more information or applications visit www.alaska.edu/uafound/.

UAF Dining Services recently announced the promotion of Dave Sikorski to general manager of Dining Services for NANA/Sohexho at UAF and Jeanie Winter to area general manager for UAF and special projects. James Stinson has been hired as the new manager for the Lola Tilly commons.

The Department of Residence Life has hired Teri Beasley as assistant director and Laura McCullough as the First Year Experience coordinator. Two new residence hall directors have also joined the staff—Mark Blair, Bartlett Hall, and John Napolski, Lathrop and Stevens Halls.

The UAF Women's Center is located in room 112 Eielson and is open Monday - Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Center offers resources, referrals and a library on women's issues. For more information stop by, call 6360 or visit www.uaf.edu/uafwomen/.

Submit your news and story ideas, sign up to receive electronic news releases, and browse the latest UAF headlines at the online newsroom at www.uaf.edu/news/.

UAF hockey's first CCHA home games of the season are against Ohio State Oct. 18 -19 at 7 p.m. at the Carlson Center. For more information call 5977 or visit www.uaf.edu/athletic/.

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. More than 1,000 new students arrived on campus during the first few days of the new academic year. As we reflect on that busy time, we must commend the commitment of many members of our faculty, staff and administration that has made a lasting impression on these new students and their parents.

According to the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction survey from fall 2001, students said they often received the “run around” when seeking information on campus. As a result, Residence Life implemented “Rev It Up.” More than 15 departments, clubs and organizations came together to welcome new students and their parents to campus. It was the third annual effort to provide a “one stop shop” to the newest members of the UAF family. Polar Express, Dining Services, Residence Life, Computing and Communications, Rural Student Services, the Business Office, Parking Services, University Police and many other departments were available to give students a jump-start on their first semester, providing the information and services necessary for a successful year.

This quality customer service continued throughout the Labor Day weekend with an extensive orientation program and several departmental open houses. Many departments were fully staffed during the holiday for continued service and information.

Most notable for the parents was the presence of several department directors stationed in the parking lot of the MBS complex meeting vehicles overstuffed with students’ belongings. The directors from Career Services, Wood Center and Student Support Services, along with other staff, helped unload and carry students’ belongings into their new homes.

Parents and students alike were also appreciative of the opportunity to receive academic advising, register for classes, pay fees and deal with financial aid during parents’ orientation. The condition of the campus also left a lasting impression. Facility Services has worked extremely hard in making the campus look great —even amid all the construction.

Our appreciation and thanks to all those who gave up their Labor Day weekend and worked hard for the good of UAF and its students. The strong commitment, partnership and collaboration among many departments have proven that teamwork does make the dream work.