11/8/01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jean Gerrath, associate professor, UNI Department of Biology, (319) 273-7152

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

UNI speaker discusses conservation in Asia

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa College of Natural Sciences and Sigma Xi, a scientific research society, will present "Community-based Conservation in Asia," a lecture by Liette Vasseur at 3:30 p.m., Fri., Nov. 9. The event takes place in Room 115 of Seerley Hall.

Vasseur holds the K.C. Irving Chair in Sustainable Development at the University of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. She has developed projects that integrate local people into conservation management, and has given workshops on this subject in Canada and Asia. Recently she received the Patricia Roberts-Pichette Award in ecological monitoring, and is president-elect of the Canadian Botanical Association.

"While the cultures and political structures of these countries and institutions may be limiting factors to the implementation of community-based activities, these interactions are highly important to increase public awareness and community involvement in environmental matters," explained Vasseur. "The main goal is to integrate public education and community involvement into conservation activities to better protect the environment."

Her presentation is free and open to the public.

###

11/06/01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Connie Hansen UNI campus visits coordinator and SAA co-advisor, (319) 273-2281

Vicki Grimes, Office of University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

Fall 2001 University of Northern Iowa Student Alumni Ambassadors

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa has announced the fall members of the Student Alumni Ambassadors.

__(Name)__ of __(Hometown)__, a __(classification)__ majoring in __(major)__, is a member of __(UNI SAA)__.

Throughout the academic year, Student Alumni Ambassadors meet with current students, prospective students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and other university guests. The Ambassadors are involved in many events, including the annual New Student Bash, Panther PUSH, Family Weekend, Homecoming, working with university Preview Days, Panther Petals and leading campus tours.

The organization also is involved with community outreach with local elementary schools, the adopt-a-highway program and other community-based organizations.

"Our philosophy is that any time we are working with the community, we represent the university," said Connie Hansen, UNI campus visits coordinator and co-advisor to SAA, along with Sara Zubrod, UNI admissions counselor \ telecounseling supervisor.

To maintain membership as an Ambassador, students must hold a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The Ambassadors must attend meetings twice a month, conduct weekly tours, serve on one committee and assist at special events. The monthly time commitment is approximately 10 hours. The organization is jointly administered by the UNI Office of Admissions, the UNI Alumni Association and the UNI Foundation.

For more information, call the UNI Office of Admissions at (319) 273-2281.

To obtain a complete list of the student ambassadors, please contact the Office of University Marketing & Public Relations at (319) 273-2761.

###