UNI technology program receives Qwest grant

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Foundation has received a $33,000 grant from the Qwest Foundation in Denver, Colo.

The funds will support construction of a modular technology lab at UNI, for students in the technology education teacher preparation program. The lab is scheduled to open in fall 2002.

"Todayπs holy grail for those teaching technology education in junior high and high schools is to be able to give students an understanding of how todayπs complex technologies work, whether it is a cell phone, airplane or virtual reality," said Charles Johnson, professor of industrial technology at UNI. "All students need this basic understanding so they can make good decisions about products and services, and make informed career choices. This lab will be used to show future technology education teachers how they can use table-top technology to provide maximum learning about technology in a small space."

Each module provides instruction and hands-on experiences on a different technology. Students cycle through the various modules over the course term.

Although many teachers nationwide have embraced modular technology education programs, few technology education teacher preparation programs have modular labs.

"Iowa's future success relies, in great part on the technological literacy of our young people," said Max Phillips, Qwest vice president for policy and law, explaining Qwest's interest in the project.

UNI's technology education teacher preparation program is the only one of its kind at a public Iowa institution. There are 80 students majoring in the program, making it the largest in the state and one of the largest in the country.

The new lab will be managed by Johnson and Douglas Hotek, UNI assistant professor.

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6/6/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Cheryl Faries, project coordinator, UNI Community Outreach Partnership Center, (319) 287-8164;

Gerri Perreault, director, UNI Leadership Studies Program, (319) 273-6898

Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations

Waterloo Neighborhoods Leadership Institute offered through UNI partnership June 18 - July 30

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC), in cooperation with UNI's Leadership Studies Program, will offer a Waterloo Neighborhoods Leadership Institute that will meet Tuesdays, beginning June 18. Sessions will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., through Tuesday, July 23, at the COPC Office, Room 409, KWWL Building, 500 E. Fourth St., Waterloo. Graduation will be Tuesday, July 30.

Institute topics will include leadership styles, conflict resolution, constructive meeting management, intercultural communication, motivating people, decision-making, roles in a group, and identifying personal assets and neighborhood assets.

The Institute is free and open to members of Waterloo neighborhood associations with preference given to residents of Waterloo's Consolidated Urban Revitalization Area. Meals are provided. Child care and transportation are provided upon request.

Cheryl Faries, project coordinator, said, "Leaders are made, not born. This training will empower people to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of others in their neighborhoods."

For further information, contact Cheryl Faries at 287-8164 or Cheryl.Faries@uni.edu

or Gerri Perreault at 273-6898 or Geraldine.Perreault@UNI.edu

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6/7/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Wendy Riggle, director, Girls State, (319) 222-1832 or (319) 273-7680

Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

Note to editors/news directors: The Girls State staff requests that reporters covering events check in with a staff member. Delegates are housed in Dancer Hall and meetings are at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, except for the Sunday afternoon opening ceremony and activities that will be in Russell Hall.

UNI to host 57^th year of Girls State activities June 9-14

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A week of educational political activities is scheduled for the 57^th session of the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, beginning Sunday, June 9, at the University of Northern Iowa. The session marks the 50^th consecutive year Girls State has met on the UNI campus.

More than 300 high school girls from around the state will learn about the workings of Iowa government. Carissa Overstreet of Bondurant, 2001 Girls State governor, will preside over the sessions and Wendy Riggle of LaPorte City, is the director of Girls State.

Gov. Tom Vilsack will address the delegates at 11 a.m. Friday, June 14, in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC). The Girls State governor will be elected Thursday, June 13. The inauguration of the Girls State governor and state officers will begin at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall of the GBPAC. National American Legion Auxiliary President Sherry McLaughlin of Vinton will install the officers.

Other speakers during the week will be Alan Feirer, Group Dynamics, at 6:45 p.m., Sunday, June 9; and Iowa State Senator Mark Ziemann of Postville at 1 p.m., and Kathryn Koob, former United States diplomat, at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 10. Representatives from the UNI Wellness Center and the Iowa Highway Patrol will speak Wednesday and Thursday, June 12 and 13.

All delegates are assigned to mythical Nationalist and Federalist parties in the state of Hawkeye. There also are four mythical cities called Ladehoff, Hanson, Hinderman and Young; and the mythical counties of Carr and Macrae. During the week, participants will attend party precinct and ward caucuses, elect candidates, and appoint election officials. City council members, mayors, county representatives, senators and state officers also will be elected.

Participants are sponsored by their local American Legion Auxiliaries.

NOTE: For a list of participants, please contact the Office of University Marketing & Public Relations at (319) 273-2761. ###