Parade, Statehouse Salute Highlight Saturday's Events Honoring Fiesta Bowl Champions

Bronco football fans throughout the Treasure Valley will have an opportunity to honor the fifth-ranked and undefeated Tostitos Fiesta Bowl champs Saturday afternoon with a parade and “Statehouse Salute” on the steps of the Capitol. The festivities will continue into the late afternoon and evening in conjunction with the Hawaii-Boise State men’s basketball game in Taco Bell Arena with a pregame autograph session with the members of the football team, a ceremony honoring the Broncos at halftime of the basketball game, and a postgame “photo opportunity” where fans attending the game will be able to take their pictures with the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl trophy.

Parade for Bronco Players and Coaches

The parade will begin at 3 p.m. It will include Boise State’s ROTC honor guard, the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band, the Harvey Neef Maneline Dancers, the Boise State Spirit Squad, and the 2006 Boise State football team’s coaches and players. Because of the cold weather and the day’s other scheduled activities, the parade route will be short — less than one mile — starting on the Boise State campus at the corner of Diploma and Capitol Boulevard, traveling north on Capitol Boulevard directly to the Statehouse.

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Frank Church Conference
Explores Global Warming

The 23rd annual Frank Church Conference on Public Affairs explores issues surrounding Global Warming. “Global Warming: Beyond the Inconvenient Truth,” will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 22 in the Student Union Jordan Ballroom. The conference is free and open to the public.

In addition to the daytime conference, former Vice President Al Gore will deliver the keynote address at 7 p.m. that evening in the Taco Bell Arena. Gore will not attend the conference itself. No tickets are required for the conference (except for the luncheon, which is sold out), but tickets are required for Gore’s sold-out address. read more

Television viewership for the Fiesta Bowl, which included the Beyond the Blue 30-second institutional spot prior to halftime, was 13.7 million people. Circulation of USA Today, which featured Boise State as the cover story on Dec. 8 was 2.3 million readers.

click here for a campus calendar of events

WHERE OUR CAMPUS MEETS THE WORLD

International Connections Luncheon Seminar Series

Cindy Salo, research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, will present “Nurturing the Mother Continent: Natural Resources in Senegal” from 12:30-1:30 p.m. today in the Student Union Lookout Room as part of the International Connections brown bag lunch series. Light refreshments will be available; those attending are welcome to bring their lunch.

Senegal is both a physical and a cultural crossroads. Occupying the western-most bulge of West Africa and previously the capital of French West Africa, it retains strong ties to France. Senegal is also physically and culturally located between the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Casamace, the Christian and animist southern region of the country. Summer monsoons in the Casamace support the large buttressed trees that we picture when we think of the tropics, but the rains drop off quickly over the next 200 miles, leaving the northern part of the country with a sparse covering of shrubby, thorny acacia trees. As a Peace Corps volunteer from 1989 to 1991, Salo lived in a Senegalese village on the northern edge of the monsoons. Returning to Senegal in 2002 on a Fulbright Fellowship, she documented the spread of mesquite trees, introduced from Central America and planted by the Ministry of Forestry and by Peace Corps volunteers.

For more information on the International Connections Luncheon Seminar Series, visit http://library.boisestate.edu/connections

JUST PUBLISHED

New Book Published by BSU’s History Center Looks at City’s Ethnic Past,
Encourages Downtown Walking Tour

A new book focused on Boise’s richly diverse past kicks off the new Boise City Walking Series, a guide celebrating neighborhoods best explored at three miles per hour. “Ethnic Landmarks” was published by the Boise City Office of the Historian, with support from Boise State's Center for Idaho History and Politics.

Boise began as a teeming immigrant city in the 19th century, when it was a major supply point for nearby gold mining camps. “Ethnic Landmarks” explores the immigrant city’s story as told through its richly historic architecture. Chapters focus on the city’s Chinatown, Spanish Village and Castle Rock areas, as well as enclaves inhabited by Jews, Germans, Greeks, Bohemians, Irish, Blacks and Basques. The stories of each of these ethnic groups are told through the buildings and alleys that dot the downtown landscape. read more

MORRISON CENTER

Discounted Tickets Available for “Aida” at the Morrison Center

Boise State employees can purchase discounted tickets for “Aida” through Jan. 31. The performance of the Elton John and Tim Rice musical will be at 7:30 p.m. March 21 in the Morrison Center.

Part of the Fred Meyer Broadway Across America series, “Aida” is a musical love story between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. Based on Verdi’s opera, “Aida” is an epic and classic tale of love, loyalty, betrayal and courage, with a Tony and Grammy award-winning score.

To order tickets, log on to www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/groupsales, enter the password “stateofidaho,” and follow the prompts to complete your order. Tickets will be mailed by mid-February.

GOINGS ON, SHINDIGS AND HAPPENINGS ABOUT OUR CAMPUS

Visual Arts Center Presents 'Here: Considerations of Place in Contemporary Photography'

The Visual Arts Center’s latest exhibition, “Here: Considerations of Place in Contemporary Photography,” will open Jan. 26 and continue until Feb. 20. The opening reception is from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 26 in Gallery One in the Liberal Arts Building and Gallery Two in the Hemingway Center. The exhibition and the opening reception are free and open to the public. Free parking for the reception is available in the lot between the Liberal Arts Building and the Special Events Center.
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Diverse Perspectives Series Takes a Look at
Gender Roles in Hip Hop

The Diverse Perspectives Series will continue with “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes” at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Student Union Barnwell Room and 10 a.m. Jan. 27 in Room 102E of BSU West. A special performance by hip hop artist Kritik and an audience discussion will follow the Jan. 23 screening. read more

Faculty Artist Series Features Concert by Linda Kline Lamar

The Faculty Artist Series will feature a viola recital by Linda Kline Lamar at 4 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Morrison Center Recital Hall. Admission is $5 general, $3 seniors, free to students of all ages and faculty and staff. The Faculty Artist Series is a presentation of the Department of Music.

'Chill- Out! Campus Solutions to Global Warming' Contest Seeking Entries

The National Wildlife Federation is hosting a contest called Chill-Out! Campus Solutions to Global Warming with our partners, the Earth Day Network, Campus Climate Challenge and the Society for College and University Planning. The purpose of the contest is to spotlight solutions to global warming on your campus and to share these with a national audience. In addition to grants and other prizes, winning campuses will be featured in a national broadcast on the week of Earth Day (1 p.m. April 18 MST). Students, faculty or staff can either submit a short written blurb on the contest entry Web site or a short video segment on the linked YouTube site. The entry form and instructions for hosting the Earth Day broadcast can be found at www.nwf.org/chillout or through the NWF campus ecology Web site at www.nwf.org/campusecology. Short essay blurbs are due by Feb. 9 and YouTube video entries are due by March 1.

For more information, contact Julian Keniry at the National Wildlife Federation, by phone at (703) 438- 6322, fax at (703) 438- 6488, or e-mail at keniry@nwf.org.

Nanotechnology Professor to Speak Monday

The Departments of Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering will host Alex Hamilton, a professor from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, who will speak on “Quantum Information Technologies.” The lecture will be held from 1:40-2:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in MEC-106 (Engineering).

For many years, it was thought that electronic devices that exploited the weirdness of quantum mechanics would remain at the sidelines of computing and communications technologies. In the past decade, it has been shown that the application of quantum physics to information technology may have revolutionary impact. Quantum information technologies promise completely secure communication in the form of quantum cryptography and an extremely powerful computer called a quantum computer. The challenge is that these technologies require the ability to control and manipulate the state of individual quantum objects (such as electrons, photons and atoms), which requires cutting-edge nanofabrication technologies, highly accurate measurements, and a deep understanding of quantum physics. This talk will discuss the present status and future expectations of QIT, focusing on semiconductor nanotechnology. For more information, contact Charles Hanna at ext. 6-4812 or channa@boisestate.edu.

Nursing Departments to Host Informational Session for Prospective Applicants

Current Boise State students interested in applying to the university’s nursing program are invited to an information session from 6-7 p.m. Feb. 7. The meeting will be held in Room 163 of the Science/Nursing Building, just west of the Education Building. Deadline for applying to the program for the 2006-2007 academic year is March 1.

Boise State’s nursing program is the largest in the state. As a premier school of nursing, Boise State is recognized throughout the Northwest for excellence in nursing education and a commitment to service. The program prepares students to become leaders in nursing, ready to provide caring, holistic and quality nursing services to diverse populations.

For more information, call 426-4143 or visit http://nursing.boisestate.edu.

WOMEN'S CENTER

Women's Center Seeks Mentors, Offers Spring Semester Luncheon Groups

The Boise State Women’s Center is looking for mentors for its Returning Women’s Mentoring Program. The program is designed to support women who are returning to school after being out for several years. Internship credit is available for mentors, and the center is also seeking women who are interested in being mentored.

The Women’s Center also offers returning women’s discussion group luncheons from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. every other Thursday, beginning Jan. 25. The free luncheons are held at the Women’s Center, and all women students and staff are welcome to stay for all or part of the luncheon. read more

Boise State Women's Center Seeks Nominations for Selland Award

Nominations are being accepted through Feb. 5 for the Larry Selland Humanitarian Award. The award was created in 1997 to honor the men and women of Boise State who best exemplify the caring nature, compassion and integrity of the late Larry G. Selland, former dean, executive vice president and interim president of the university. Selland was a tireless advocate for women and minorities. read more

BOOKSTORE

Score with Monday Madness Discounts at the Bookstore

It pays to support Bronco Basketball. You score with Monday Madness discounts at the Bookstore and Bronco Shop. The next Monday Madness discounts will be honored on Jan. 22 when customers will receive a 5 percent discount off regular-priced apparel for every three-point basket the Bronco men’s basketball team scores in the game Saturday against Hawaii (maximum of 25 percent). Monday Madness discount days follow Friday or Saturday men’s or women’s home conference games.

Bronco iPods Available at BroncoTEC

The latest iPod Nanos and iPod Videos etched with the Bronco logo are available at BroncoTEC. The iPods are completely re-mastered, boasting a longer battery life, and are available in a variety of colors including pink, blue, green, silver, black and white. Bronco iPods start at $149 and are available only at BroncoTEC, located across from Moxie Java in the Student Union.

Get your Tostito’s Fiesta Bowl Champions merchandise at the Bookstore and Bronco Shop!

Items include t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and outerwear. Visit the Bookstore and Bronco Shop or order online at www.broncoshop.com.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Stress Relief, Substance Abuse Programs Offered by Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness is holding a workshop on “The Joy of Stress Free Living” this month, and a parenting class on substance abuse in February and March. Both are free. To register, contact Wellness Services at ext. 6- 5686 or visit wellness@boisestate.edu.

“The Joy of Stress Free Living” is a highly interactive workshop designed to transform a stressful life into joy with various creative techniques of visualization, yoga exercises, deep breathing and meditation. Participants will be enlightened as they develop inner wisdom to understand the mind-body connection. Classes will be held from noon-1 p.m. Jan. 22 and 6-7 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Student Union Lookout Room.

“The Parenting Challenge” is an educational program facilitated by Drug Free Idaho. The goals of the program are to enrich family relationships, reduce substance abuse and its related problems among the family, and promote healthy environments that build resistance to social and personal dysfunction. Childcare will be available on a limited basis. Registration deadline is Jan. 26. Classes will be held from 5:15-6:15 p.m. every Thursday from Feb. 8-March 15 at the Boise State Children’s Center or the Student Union, depending on class size.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Employees Increase Donations to Charitable Giving Campaign

A heartfelt thank you goes out to BSU employees who contributed to the 2007 State Employees Charitable Giving Campaign.  “Your gifts will help make our communities and our world a better place,” said Cindy Anson, BSU’s campaign coordinator. “ This year Boise State University employees donated $38,097, an increase of $6,416 over last year’s giving.”

Anson noted that of those who donated, more than half donated .5 percent or 1 percent of their annual salary.  “Your generosity truly illustrates the campaign theme, United We Care,” she said.

Annual Boise State Survey Shows Idahoans Place The Most Trust in Local Government

Education, economy and growth are tapped as most important issues facing the state

Idahoans once again have the most faith in their local branch of government, according to the annual public policy survey conducted by the Social Science Research Center at Boise State. From an already low 27 percent last year, only 18 percent of this year’s respondents said they had the most trust in state government, while 43 percent felt most comfortable with their local governments. Local governments were also perceived as being the most responsive of all levels of government, with a 44 percent rating.

Once again, education was chosen as the top priority for most of the state’s residents. Twenty-seven percent of those polled listed it as their top concern, followed by 22 percent who listed the economy, and 21 percent who said they were concerned about growth. read more

ONCE AGAIN, LET'S DO LUNCH

University Dining Services Offers Commuter Meal Plan

University Dining Services would like to welcome all faculty and staff members back for a brand new semester!  With a new semester at hand, we want to remind you that you can sign up for a Commuter Meal Plan today.

Here are the plans:

BRONCO PLAN: $318 per semester (not including tax)
• 45 all-you-care-to-eat anytime meals in Table Rock Cafe
• $75 Bronco Food Bucks used in any retail food location on campus

BLUE PLAN: $243 per semester (not including tax)
• 45 all-you-care-to-eat anytime meals in Table Rock Cafe

ORANGE PLAN: $121 per semester
• 22 all-you-care-to-eat anytime meals in Table Rock Cafe

Get more info and sign-up today by calling ext. 6-1212 or visit the Information Desk in the SUB or the Payments and Disbursements office located in the Administration Building (credit cards are accepted).

Also, join University Dining Services as we present the GRAND RE-OPENING of Dawson’s 4.0 in the Multi-Purpose Building! The grand opening will be an exciting event with a new and fresh look and awesome offers. Dawson’s 4.0 will celebrate Monday, Jan. 29. And be sure to check out the new and improved Subway in the Education Building. Same great tasting sandwiches with a BRAND NEW look. We look forward to celebrating with you.

Jesse Jackson spoke to reporters before his appearance at Taco Bell Arena on Wednesday for the Martin Luther King Jr./Human Rights Celebration. Jackson talked about Boise State's Fiesta Bowl win and college integration. "We wouldn't have had that team without Martin Luther King's efforts," he said. MLK week events continue with a poetry slam workshop today, a poetry slam tonight and a Service Saturday event on Jan. 20. For more information, visit mlk.boisestate.edu. John Kelly photo

Marty Downey, a nursing professor and expert on holistic and complementary therapies, was quoted extensively in a story on the mind-body connection in medicine. The story ran in the Jan. 16 Thrive.

Molly Gribb, director of the center for environmental sensing and professor of civil engineering, co-authored an article titled “A small ion mobility spectrometer sensor for detecting environmental soil-gas contaminants,” that will be published in the January edition of the Journal of Environmental Monitoring. The front cover of the journal will feature a schematic of the subsurface sensor that is being developed at Boise State by a multidisciplinary team of faculty, staff and students in the college of engineering.

other news sources:
The Idaho Statesman - The Idaho Press Tribune - The Boise Weekly - The Arbiter - Boise State Radio