8/12/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Steve Carignan, director, Gallager-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, (319) 273-3665

Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

UNI's GBPAC realizes unprecedented growth

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Since last year's inaugural season, ticket sales at the University of Northern Iowaπs Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center have increased by 43 percent -- a rarity in the business.

"A significant increase like this is unprecedented in the performing arts," said Steve Carignan, director of the GBPAC. "Through an aggressive marketing campaign, community support and staff sacrifices, the Gallagher-Bluedorn has established itself as a cultural catalyst for the Cedar Valley."

It comes at just the right time. "We knew we had to increase our revenue from off-campus sources in the face of the state's ongoing budget crisis and cuts to the university," said James Lubker, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. He explained that the GBPAC was facing a potential $200,000 deficit due to the state budget crisis, which affected funding at the university. "The center's staff was committed to breaking even despite the falling economy. We often worked 60- to 70-hour weeks."

Carignan said the increase in revenue is attributed to both ticket sales and the doubling of sponsorships and donations. More than 25 business in the Cedar Valley sponsored performances, defraying the cost to the GBPAC. "It's exciting for the community," said Carignan. "Our research shows that patrons attending 'Artist Series' shows at the center generated more than $2.5 million for the Cedar Valley economy over a period of nine months, in restaurants, shopping and hotels."

Although the 2001-2002 season was clearly a success, Carignan is cautious about the future. "Ticket sales, so far, are strong for next season. But we don't yet have a cash reserve to deal with future adversity. That's the next step."

For more information about GBPAC sponsorship, tickets or shows, call (319) 273-SHOW, or visit the Web site, http://www.uni.edu/gbpac.

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8/12/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Lt. Col. Robert Stavnes, head, UNI Department of Military Science, (319) 273-6220

Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

Note to editors/news directors: A 300 dpi JPEG image of Robert Stavnes is available at http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/newsroom/photos/stavnes.jpg

Iowa native to head UNI Department of Military Science

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Lt. Col. Robert Stavnes, a Postville native, has been named head of UNI's Department of Military Science. He succeeds Lt. Col. Michael DePuglio, and assumed duties Aug. 1.

Stavnes holds a B.S. in journalism from the University of Iowa, and an M.S. in general administration from Central Michigan University.

He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, The Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. Previously stationed in Hohenfels, Germany, Stavnes has served the U.S. Army worldwide, including tours of duty in Bosnia, Macedonia and Washington, D.C.

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8/12/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Note to editors/news directors: Darrell Taylor will escort interested media representatives through the exhibition Monday, Aug. 26, by appointment. Photos from this exhibition are available at

http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/newsroom/photos/Lyon.jpg

http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/newsroom/photos/Oransky.jpg

http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/newsroom/photos/Rosenthal.jpg

Contact:

Darrell Taylor, acting director, UNI Gallery of Art, (319) 273-3095

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

University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art to present 'Residue of Silence,' opening Aug. 26.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa ≠ "Residue of Silence," an exhibition of recent work by three Minnesota artists, will be presented by the University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art from Monday, Aug. 26 through Friday, Sept. 20. Featured will be works by Joyce Lyon, Howard Oransky, and Francisca de Beurges Rosenthal. The artists will lecture at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, in the Kamerick Art Building Room 111, followed by an opening reception.

"Residue of Silence" connects three different yet related points of view in a multidisciplinary investigation of memory and the Holocaust, according to Darrell Taylor, acting director of the UNI Gallery of Art. "Joyce Lyon's work involves both images, made as large-scale oil stick-on-paper drawings, and text in framed panels. Howard Oransky layers fragments of images and text on canvas and transparent fabric. Francisca de Beurges Rosenthal's mixed media sound installation, "SH'MA (Listen and Understand)" is audio-recorded survivors' memories that emanate from sculptural chairs, in juxtaposition with found objects and wall text. The three artists have collaborated in such a way as to create a seamless sharing of exhibition space."

The exhibition will next travel to Cabrillo College in California.

The exhibition, lectures, and opening reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The gallery is located at the corner of Hudson Road and West 27th Street, on the main floor of the Kamerick Art Building. For more information, call (319) 273-3095 or visit www.uni.edu/artdept/gallery.

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