12/11/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ella Sweigert, study abroad coordinator, Office of International Programs, (319) 273-7078
Melissa Barber, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
UNI ranked fourth in national study abroad rankings
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa is ranked fourth in the nation for the total number of students who study abroad among master's degree institutions, according to Open Doors 2002, the annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education. For the academic year 1999-2000, UNI had 577 students study abroad for credit.
"The increasing interest in study abroad is very good news for our nation," said Institute of International Education president Allan Goodman. "It shows that the next generation of leaders will have a greater understanding of the world around us."
The top 10 master's institutions with study abroad students include, in order: Elon University, 710 students; University of Saint Thomas, 682 students; James Madison University, 658 students; University of Northern Iowa, 577 students; California Polytechnic State University, 556 students; Truman State University, 502 students; Calvin College, 486 students; Villanova University, 449 students; Appalachian State University, 436 students; and Western Washington University, 418 students.
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12/11/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Michele Yehieli, executive director, UNI Global Health Corps, (319) 273-5806
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
UNI Global Health Corps receives award
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa Global Health Corps (GHC) has been named a Family Friendly Workplace by the Family and Children’s Council.
The GHC received the award for its commitment to women, children and families, and for its emphasis on wellness and a family-friendly environment.
About 80 percent of GHC clients are women and children, and include refugees, immigrants, minorities, the elderly, rural farm families, the homeless, and others with special public health needs. Since it began in 1996, GHC has served more than 30,000 at-risk clients.
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(Part of the EducatioNet series from the University of Northern Iowa)
For release during December 2002
Contact: Gwenne Culpepper, UNI Office of Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Physical Education teacher wants nation to re-evaluate gym class
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Lori Smith remembers, with little fondness, her days as a young girl in physical education class. "I have nightmares of my childhood phys. ed. class -- and I was one of the athletic kids. I remember those kids who got left out of the games, and how sad that was for them."
Now a physical education instructor at the University of Northern Iowa's Malcolm Price Laboratory School, Smith is determined to change the course forever. "I'll never teach the way I was taught. If every kid in my class can't at least attempt what I've planned, then it's not worth putting on my lesson plan."
So often, she said, K-12 physical education classes focus too heavily on team sports. There's little reason for this, especially once students reach high school. "Almost half the high school students in the nation don't participate in after-school sports programs, and only 1 percent of the population participates in team sports after age 24. The focus in physical education class needs to be on movement concepts and fitness activities that lead to personal wellness. We should be teaching students how to keep themselves healthy for life. That cannot be done with dodge ball."
Over the past 20-30 years, physical education has played a smaller and smaller role in the school day. Even though the National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends children get 60 minutes of physical activity each day, schools continue to cut the time allotted for physical education classes. "By doing this, we decrease the value placed on physical activity for our youths and adults," Smith said.
Smith, named the 2001 Iowa elementary physical education teacher of the year, says obesity in this country has reached epidemic proportions. "It's a societal phenomenon. Technology has made our lives easier, but it has also made us unhealthier. We no longer have to walk to work, or even get up to change the channel. As a result, we've become very sedentary."
She sites high use of computers and video games as another factor that increases the sedentary lifestyle.
Smith would like to see more schools doing what Price Lab does: offering quality daily physical education for students. "We are responsible for children's well-being, for teaching them how to take care of themselves. School is a primary place for doing that. And parents and families have to validate that role too, by modeling healthy active lifestyles."
She continued, "We've gotten to a point where we just want to take a pill for everything and we don't want to work hard. We're sedentary," Smith said. "But my concern is that if we continue with our sedentary lifestyles, we're going to see some severe health issues, like more people having heart attacks in their 20s and 30s."
Smith and her school are recipients of a $155,000 National School Fitness Foundation research grant that comes in the form of state-of-the-art equipment like universal weight machines, ellipticals and treadmills, and blood pressure and body-fat percentage assessment apparatus. During January, students in sixth through 12th grade will participate in special activities, all designed to teach personal wellness.
12/11/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lt. Col. Robert Stavnes, head, UNI Department of Military Science, (319) 273-6178
James O'Connor University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
University of Northern Iowa ROTC cadets receive awards
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The achievements of University of Northern Iowa Army ROTC cadets were honored during a recent awards ceremony on the UNI campus.
This year, recipients of the Department of the Army Superior Cadet award were: Cadet Benjamin Seibert, an English major from Waukee; Cadet Mariah Schweitzer, a criminology/sociology major from Grandview; Cadet Eric Chamberlin, a physics major from Waterloo; and Cadet Virginia Cortez, a psychology major from Traer. This award is presented annually to the outstanding ROTC cadet in each year of military science instruction. To be eligible for this award, recipients must be a regularly enrolled ROTC cadet, be in the top 25 percent of both ROTC and academic class standing, and have demonstrated officer potential. Seibert also received Cadet Honors. Schweitzer also received the Dean's List Award and the Platinum Medal Athlete Award. Cortez also received Cadet Honors.
The George C. Marshall Award was presented to Cadet Kathy Dykstra, a general studies major from Monroe. This award is given annually to the most outstanding fourth-year military science cadet who has demonstrated superior leadership and scholastic abilities. She also received the Dean's List Award, and the Platinum Medal Athlete Award.
The recipient of the Governor's Cup Award was Cadet Joshua Boesen, a business management major from Waterloo. This award is presented to the most outstanding Military Science IV cadet in each ROTC program throughout Iowa. The winner of this award must have demonstrated a superior level of leadership ability. Boesen also received a Dean's List Award.
Cadet Paul Horner, a criminology major from Clinton, received the Association of the United States Army Commendation Award. This award is given on the basis of the cadet's contribution to advancing the standing of the military science department through leadership. The award consists of a medal and certificate. Additionally, Horner received a Dean's List Award.
The Association of the United States Army also gave the AUSA Military History Award, by presenting two books to an outstanding cadet for excellence in the study of military history. The recipient of this award was Cadet Allan Hetteen, a history major from Coon Rapids, Minn. The AUSA Freedom Chapter Award, a certificate presented for distinguished leadership potential and motivation to serve the country was presented to the President of the AUSA Panther chapter, Cadet Dustin Kay, a leisure services major from Cedar Falls.
The Reserve Officers' Association Award was presented to cadets in each level of the Army ROTC program. The award is presented to cadets in good standing in all military aspects who have displayed outstanding potential to serve as an army officer. Freshmen receive a bronze medal, sophomores a silver medal and juniors a gold medal.
The Gold Award was presented to Cadet Cory Huinker, a management information systems major from Ossian. The Silver Award was given to Cadet Justin High, a health promotions major from Manchester. The Bronze Award was given to Cadet Thomas Slykuis, a criminology major from Knoxville. High also received Cadet honors and the Gold Medal Athlete Award.
The American Legion Awards are presented to cadets at each institution for general militaryand scholastic excellence. The recipients of this award must be in the top 25 percent of their class in academic and ROTC subjects and show outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character and citizenship. The recipients of the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Gold Award were Cadet Melanie Meyer, an English major from Kellogg; and Cadet Charles Davis, a psychology major Muscatine. Meyer also received the Dean's List Award. Davis also received Cadet Honors. The recipients of the American Legion Military Excellence Award were Cadet Paul Godson, a management information systems major from Waterloo, and Cadet Jared Gevock, a criminology major from Fairfield. Godson also received Cadet Honors and the Gold Medal Athlete Award. Gevock also received the Dean's List Award.
Cadet Brian Gienau, a management information systems major from Dunkerton, was presented with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award. This award is given annually to a cadet at each institution who has excelled in military science or an ROTC programmed activity; is in good standing, academically and militarily; and has demonstrated achievement and concentrated effort in military and academic subjects and/or demonstrated capability and diligence in a related activity of the ROTC program.
Cadet Joseph Earp, an education history major from Elkader, and Cadet Jared Parmater, a communications major from Vinton, were presented with the National Sojourners Award. This award is given to those who have contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within the corps of cadets on campus. The recipient must be a sophomore completing the second year of military science training, who has indicated a commitment to enter the advanced course, or a junior completing the third year of military science; be in the top 25 percent of the academic class; have encouraged and demonstrated the ideals of Americanism by deed and/or conduct; and have demonstrated a potential for outstanding leadership. Earp also received the Gold Medal Athlete Award and Cadet Honors. Meyer also received the American Legion Scholastic Excellence and Dean's List Awards.
Cadet Danielle Cooper, a general studies major from Cedar Rapids, received the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Award. The DAR presents this award annually to an ROTC cadet at each institution for outstanding ability and achievement. The recipient must be in the top 25 percent of the ROTC and academic classes; have demonstrated qualities of loyalty and patriotism, dependability and good character, and adherence to military discipline; and have leadership ability and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of ROTC training. Cooper also received the Duty, Honor and Loyalty Award as the cadet who had given the most time and effort to the ROTC program.
The recipients of the Military Order of the World Wars Award were: bronze (freshman) pendant winner Cadet Matthew Brus, a finance major from Denison; silver (sophomore) pendant winner Cadet Kyle Mahannah, a criminology major from Dubuque; and gold (junior) pendant winner Cadet Cory Goodall, an elementary education major from Delmar. The recipients of these awards must: be in good standing in all military aspects and scholastics at the time of their selection; have shown marked improvement in military and scholastic grades; and have indicated by grades, extracurricular activities or individual endeavor, a desire to serve his or her country. Mahannah also received Cadet Honors.
The Society of the War of 1812 Award was presented to Cadet Stacey Lyon, a political communication major from Independence. This award is presented annually to one outstanding cadet from each host institution and the recipient must be a sophomore in good academic standing and of high moral character. Additionally Lyon was presented with the Cadet of the Semester Basic Award for excellence throughout the year; Dean's List Award; and Gold Medal Athlete Awards.
The Retired Officers' Association Award (TROA) was presented to Cadet Andrew Kilgore, a criminology major from Saint Charles. The TROA ROTC medal recognizes outstanding ROTC cadets who show exceptional potential for military leadership. In addition to good academic standing and high moral character, the recipient must show evidence of a high order of loyalty to his or her ROTC unit, college and country, and demonstrate exceptional potential for military leadership. Kilgore also received the Gold Medal Athlete Award.
The American Veterans of World War II (AMVETS) Award was presented to Cadet Zachary Schlake, a math major from Luana. This award is made annually to a cadet for diligence in the discharge of duty and the willingness to serve. The recipient must be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the ROTC advanced course, and in good standing in all military aspects and all scholastic grades.
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Award was presented to Cadet John Burman, a history major from Hampton. The award is presented to a meritorious cadet enrolled in the first year of either the four- or two-year program, who shows a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, soldierly bearing and excellence.
The Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America Award was presented to Cadet Deborah Dykstra, a general studies major from Monroe. This award is presented annually to an ROTC basic course cadet who has excelled in a specific military science course or related activity. Recipients must: be enrolled as either an MS I or MS II cadet; be in the top 25 percent of their ROTC class; have accomplished a degree of excellence in military history, American history or a related course; and have demonstrated similar or related accomplishments reflecting the ideals of patriotism.
The United States Automobile Association Spirit Award was presented to Cadet Sheldon Klein, a management technology major from Dysart. This award is presented to an individual with tremendous leadership potential and true warrior spirit. Additionally Klein received the Platinum Medal Athlete and Dean's List Awards.
The Robert L. Hibbs Leadership Award is presented to the cadet with tremendous fortitude to lead under difficult circumstances. This year, it was presented to Cadet Timothy Page, a marketing major from Des Moines; Cadet Dale Hight, a criminology major from Cedar Rapids; and Cadet Jason Boesen, a general studies major from Waterloo.
The Shugart-Gordon Selfless Service Award is given for selfless service and the skill to keep fellow cadets trained and prepared to fight for the next objective. Cadet Michael Minard, a real estate finance major from Elkader; Cadet Adam Kilgore, a criminology major from Ankeny; and Cadet Blake Derouchy, a criminology major from Newton were recognized. Additionally, Minard and Derouchy received the Platinum Medal Athlete Award.
The Dr. M.B. Smith Award for Military Excellence is given in honor of past University of Northern Iowa professor, Dr. Smith, who avidly supported ROTC and was a World War II veteran. Those recognized were: Cadet Jenna Rang, a nursing major from Dubuque; Cadet Wade Welsh, a biology major from Alden; Cadet Jennifer Bruner, an engineering major from Oelwein; and Cadet Nic Jones, a management technology major from Altoona. Rang also received the Platinum Medal Athlete, and Dean's List Awards. Jones also received the Dean's List Award.
Additionally receiving the Platinum Medal Athlete Award was Cadet Brock Bockenstedt, a communications major from Dyersville. The award is given to cadets who score a perfect 300 on their APFT tests. The Gold Medal Platinum Athlete Award is given to cadets who score between a 290-299 on their APFT tests. Cadet Blake Derouchy, a criminology major from Newton also received this award.
Other individuals receiving Cadet Honors, not previously mentioned, were: Cadet Curtis Rubendall, a technology education major from Aurelu; and Cadet Justin Zevenbergen, a computer science major from Sioux Center. Rubendall also received the Platinum Medal Athlete Award.
Civilians also received acknowledgement from the Department of the Army for their key roles in supporting and promoting Army ROTC at UNI. The Commander's Award for Public Service was presented to: Greg Allen, of KCNZ Radio and Rebecca Klein. The Veteran Recognition Awards were presented to VFW Post 2208, Waverly; AMVETS Post 79, Waverly; American Legion Post 176, Waverly; and AMVETS Post 49, Cedar Falls.
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