2/12/01
Following is a list of story leads and the University of Northern Iowa sources who can best address each of them. Feel free to contact the source directly.
UNI's president, Robert Koob, will speak from noon to 1 p.m. at a meeting of the Cedar Rapids Kiwanis Club Wed., Feb. 14, at Elmcrest Country Club. He will discuss educational trends in Iowa.
Jane Larson, administrative assistant, president's office, (319) 273-6144
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
The state has seen a series of deadly house fires this winter. Dean Shoars, director of the UNI Physical Plant and the Department of Public Safety can discuss fire safety and give tips for keeping your home and family safe throughout the winter months, when equipment like space heaters and fireplaces see high use.
Dean Shoars, director, Physical Plant/Department of Public Safety, (319) 273-2582
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Every 10 years, UNI must apply for reaccredidation. As part of the process the university recently completed a mandatory self-study that is now available via the Web at www.uni.edu/vpaa/nca/. The publication gives an in-depth look at the university's strengths and areas that need improvement. Also included are plans to address those needs.
Reinhold Bubser, associate dean, College of Humanities and Fine Arts, (319) 273-2725
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
As part of a $382,000 grant to help create stronger Waterloo neighborhoods, the University of Northern Iowa is opening a Community Outreach Partnership Center. The grand opening will take place at the center, located on the fourth floor of the KWWL Building at Fourth and Franklin streets. A meeting of the center's committee begins at 4 p.m., and the public reception begins at 4:45 p.m.
Al Hays, director, graduate program in Public Policy, (319) 273-2910.
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Lang Hall, the oldest building on the UNI campus, was recently opened after a two-year renovation project. Part of that project included restoration of the beautiful historic murals outside the building's auditorium. The $8,000 process was an overwhelming success. “It's amazing that the huge offset cracks were repaired with no disturbance of the original plaster,” explains Mary Frisbee Johnson, head of the art department.
Mary Frisbee Johnson, head, Department of Art, (319) 273-2077
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
###
2/12/01
Following is a list of story leads for Black History Month, and the University of Northern Iowa sources who can best address each of them. Feel free to contact the source directly.
Named after renowned African American pianist, the George Walker Society (GWS) was founded at UNI in 1998, by Darryl Taylor of the School of Music faculty. Taylor says the group performs and interacts with the university and community to increase inter-racial communication and cultural awareness. Affiliated with the National Association of Negro Musicians, the GWS also presents guest artists, and sponsors the annual Minority Composers in Music performance competition.
Darryl Taylor, assistant professor, School of Music, (319) 273-5879
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Although this topic has received wide coverage in terms of law enforcement agencies who single out minority drivers for violations, there are related issues that receive little notice by non-minorities. Michael Blackwell, director of multicultural education, explains that racial profiling affects housing, education and community development for minorities.
Michael Blackwell, director, multicultural education, (319) 273-2250
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Founded in 1997, the Art Song Alliance (ASA) provides information about the contributions of African Americans to the tradition of Western art culture. Darryl Taylor, founder of the ASA and assistant professor in the UNI School of Music, defines art song as a short composition for solo voice with piano accompaniment, based on a poetic text. He says that while interest in art song has increased over the past two decades, the contributions of African Americans to this genre have been woefully neglected.
Darryl Taylor, assistant professor, School of Music, (319) 273-5879
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
According to Michael Blackwell, President George W. Bush's plan to provide religious institutions easier access to federal funding for social programs can be regarded as unconstitutional. “It warrants a critical look despite the fact that the church has been a central social institution among African Americans for centuries,” says Blackwell. “Does this plan minimize the government's responsibility to deal constructively with the poor and disadvantaged? I think so.”
Michael Blackwell, director, multicultural education, (319) 273-2250
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
###