4/18/02
News Brief
Following are story leads and the University of Northern Iowa sources who can best address each of them. Feel free to contact the source directly.
"Early Show" on CBS Saturday, April 20, to feature UNI professor and playground safety
Donna Thompson, director of the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) housed at the University of Northern Iowa, will appear on the CBS "Early Show," between 6 and 8 a.m. (CDT), Saturday, April 20. She recently flew to New Jersey to be interviewed about a playground there. The segment is also expected to include footage of Andrew Kidd, an Indiana child injured on a playground who has worked with the NPPS for several years.
Thompson is also expected to speak about "Kid Checkers," a new program being launched by NPPS during National Playground Safety Week, April 22-26. Kid Checkers is a program aimed at getting children involved with helping to keep America's playgrounds safe. Designed to be used primarily by elementary aged children, Thompson said it will empower children to check for dangerous things on the playground before they use the equipment. She also can talk about a mini-study being conducted by NPPS in each state comparing how children and adults view the same playground.
Donna Thompson, director, National Program for Playground Safety, (319) 273-2416
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
UNI to host "Elite 8 Tournament" for Women's Collegiate Rugby Division II Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21
The UNI Wellness & Recreation Services Sport Club Program and the UNI Women's Rugby Club, will host the "Elite 8 Tournament" for Women's Collegiate Rugby Division II this weekend. Teams are scheduled to check in between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, in Room 155 of the UNI Wellness & Recreation Center. Games will be played Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21 on the intramural fields west of the UNI-Dome. Admission is free.
Game times:
Saturday, April 20
Pool A: 11:30 a.m. - UNI vs. San Jose State; 1:30 p.m. - Arizona State vs. Southern Connecticut
Pool B: 11:30 a.m. - Mary Washington vs. College of Charleston; 1:30 p.m. - U. of Minnesota vs. Cal State-Sacramento
Sunday, April 21
9:30 a.m. - Pool A vs. Pool B Consolation
11:30 a.m. - Pool A vs. Pool B Final
Two teams will advance to the national finals, to be played in Blaine, Minn., May 4-5.
Tim Klatt, assoc. director recreation & sport clubs, UNI Wellness & Recreation Services, (319) 273-7120
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
4/18/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kathy Gulick, director, University Health Services at UNI, (319) 273-6921
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Sole Power Day on UNI campus to be Thursday, April 25
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Sole Power Day, in its fourth year on the University of Northern Iowa campus, will be celebrated Thursday, April 25, on the Maucker Union Plaza.
Activities for UNI students, faculty and staff will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., except for free bike tune-ups, done by Europa Cycles, that will be offered until 4 p.m. There will also be bike helmets available for $7 from Arrive Alive, a Federal Grant Safety Program. UNI Public Safety staff also will be on hand to register bikes.
Participants have the opportunity to pledge, by signing their name on a large bed sheet, stating they will use "sole power" instead of driving a car when possible.
Other organizations that promote "sole power's" philosophy of living a healthy lifestyle also will participate in the event. Organizations include the Panther Pacers Running Club and the UNI Outdoor Recreation Program.
"Sole Power" is based on Ernest Callenbach's concept of the green triangle that states money, health and environment are all interconnected. This philosophy asserts that by doing something that will benefit one of those areas the individual inevitably benefits the remaining areas. Callenbach has authored "Ecotopia" and "Ecotopia Emerging."
For more information contact Kathy Gulick, UNI director of University Health Services, at (319) 273-6921.
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4/18/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Martha Reineke, professor of religion, (319) 273-6233
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
UNI Department of Philosophy and Religion to discuss media's portrayal of Muslim women
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Philosophy and Religion will host a panel discussion, "Nothing But a Burka? Muslim Women and the U.S. Media," Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Seerley 115.
The panelists are Shafiqa Fakir, graduate student in English language and literature; Salma Akbar, student in English language and literature; Susan Hill, associate professor of religion; and Martha J. Reineke, professor of religion. They will examine media stereotypes and misconceptions about Muslim women, and address the diversity of those women's lives and religious practices.
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4/18/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kevin O'Kane, UNI professor of computer science, (319) 273-7322
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2561
Upsilon Pi Epsilon to be formally installed at UNI
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), a computer science honorary society, will be formally installed at the University of Northern Iowa on Saturday, April 20.
Conducting the 3 p.m. ceremony in Wright Hall, Room 5, will be James R. Comer from the Department of Computer Sciences at Texas Christian University.
UPE was established at Texas A&M University in 1967. The organization now consists of chapters in various colleges and universities in North America and overseas.
UPE's mission is to recognize academic excellence at graduate and undergraduate levels in the computing sciences. The society is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). It is the only society for computer sciences. Among the students being inducted is (Name) from Hometown .
For more information contact Kevin O'Kane, professor of computer science, at (319) 273-7322.
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