August 22, 2006

Students Fill Classrooms, Residence Halls as a New Academic Year Begins

A crowded Quad, bustling classrooms and hallways and residential halls filled to capacity greeted Boise State students this week as the 2006-07 academic year began. Although the number of students taking classes this semester won’t be official until Sept. 1, Boise State’s enrollment, the largest in Idaho, is expected to be in the neighborhood of 18,500.

Boise State’s rising popularity is reflected in the fact that its six residence halls — home to a record 1,144 students in shared and single rooms — are full and the five university-owned apartment buildings are near capacity. Thanks to the addition of the seven-building University Square apartment complex and Keiser and Taylor halls in 2004, Boise State increased its campus housing capacity by 63 percent.

And not only are there more students living on campus than any time in the university’s history, but the quality of students is also on the rise. For example, 10 National Merit Scholars are enrolled at Boise State with five students in each of the past two years. Another program that is attracting many of Idaho’s best and brightest is the Capital Scholars program. In the first group of Capital Scholars, which provides scholarships to Gem State students in the top 10 percent of their high school class, 18 of the 39 students chose to attend Boise State. The second cohort of Capital Scholars awarded 60 scholarships for enrollment in the fall of 2007.

In addition, the new semester features 51 new faculty members and expanded degree and program offerings. They include a Ph.D. in geosciences, Idaho’s first and only Executive MBA program, and master’s degree programs in hydrologic sciences and educational leadership.

 

 

Alan Heathcock
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"Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder has been selected as the debut book in the First-Year Student Reading Program. About 2,000 of the university’s new, degree-seeking academic students are being asked to read the book. Faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to participate in the reading program. see related story>>

Ada County Initiates Mosquito Abatement
In an attempt to slow the spread of West Nile virus, Ada County will begin an aerial insecticide spraying plan that will start tonight, weather permitting. The plan was scheduled to begin Monday evening, but was postponed because of inclement weather.

"We are following all state and federal laws as it relates to the use of the chemical Dibrom to control the adult mosquito population," said Ada County spokesman Rich Wright in a memo to Boise State’s Office of Communications and Marketing. "The pesticide that the State Department of Agriculture has prescribed for this operation is safe for humans, pets, fish, water and other insects larger than mosquitoes when used in the concentration that will be sprayed across 50,000 acres of Ada County. We do not anticipate any adverse impacts on people or the environment as a result of these aerial spraying operations. However, it would be prudent for students [and others on campus] with chemical sensitivities to safeguard themselves from any potential exposure. While the EPA has deemed this product safe, Ada County suggests these individuals take the same precautions they normally would where chemicals are concerned." 

To see a detailed map of the aerial spraying zones in Ada County click here>>

PARKING /
Parking Near Stadium to be Restricted Aug. 24-25
 Because of Boise School District meetings in Taco Bell Arena this Thursday and Friday, a portion of the parking lot on the west side of Bronco Stadium will be blocked off from university parking and reserved for meeting participants. Campus motorists should also expect extra school bus traffic those two days. Parking will also be affected campuswide on Aug. 31 because of the Boise State football team’s opening game that evening. Details on parking for Aug. 31 will be provided in next Tuesday’s Update. read more>>

ON CAMPUS /
Police Conduct Drills in Taco Bell Arena Tomorrow
The Boise Police Department Crowd Intervention Team will be doing drills in Taco Bell Arena tomorrow from 1-4 p.m. There will be 30 police officers in full gear, and 10 police cars and a utility trailer parked by the arena. The campus community should not be alarmed by these activities. This is a training exercise only. For more information, contact Bob Seibolt at ext. 6-3226.

FIREFIGHTERS /
Boise State Offers Extended Academic Deadlines for Firefighters
Boise State will offer extended academic deadlines for admission, registration and fee payment for firefighters working to stop wildfires throughout the West. The deadline for students who can present proof that they have been employed as firefighters will be extended through Sept. 8. Firefighters who are interested in taking advantage of the extended deadlines should call the Office of Enrollment Services; families of firefighters may make the arrangements for them.

Boise State is encouraging firefighting students to return to campus as soon as possible and to work closely with their professors to catch up. Class work for firefighting students will not be waived, but faculty and staff have been made aware of the firefighters’ unique situation and will work with them to make the most out of their classes. For more information and to make arrangements for classes, call the Office of Enrollment Services at ext. 6-2384 or e-mail mhiemstr@boisestate.edu.

GIVING BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY /
Broaden Your Horizons at Volunteer Expo 2006
The Volunteer Services Board will offer a chance to get more involved with the community during the Volunteer Expo 2006. The Expo will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 6 in the Student Union first floor and Jordan Ballroom D. Admission is free.

The Volunteer Expo is a unique event in the Treasure Valley, giving students, faculty and community members the chance to meet representatives from more than 50 local community service agencies. Potential volunteers can learn more about the community’s non-profit organizations and sign up to become volunteers.

Volunteer Services adviser Mahi Takazawa said that the expo is the biggest volunteer fair for non-profits in the Treasure Valley. "It’s a convenient means to find out how you can help in the community," he said. "It’s a shopping mall for volunteering."

The event is co-sponsored by the Boise Weekly, the Boise State Service-Learning Program and the United Way of Treasure Valley Volunteer Center. For more information, contact Yolanda Juarez at ext. 6-4240 or vsboutreach@boisestate.edu.

Ceramic Sculpture by David Furman. Furman was a featured presenter at last year's Visiting Artists and Scholars Lecture Series

ARTS /
Visual Arts Center Receives Grant to Fund Visiting Artists and Scholars Lecture Series
The Visual Arts Center at Boise State recently received a $4,400 grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts to fund the 2006-07 season of the Visiting Artists and Scholars Program. The program is a lecture series that will bring nationally and internationally recognized visual artists to Boise State for public lectures and workshops. The events serve the public, the local and regional arts community and the university community.

The commission’s selection panel cited the diversity of the artists in the program and the use of community partnerships. Previous speakers include Richard Vine, managing editor of Art in America magazine; sculptor Glenn Williams; printmaker Jennifer Sturgill; ceramic artist David Furman and many more.

The fall speakers are Marie Watt and Annette Lawrence, and the spring 2006 lineup includes Evan Holloway, Meridel Rubenstein, Eleanor Moty and Yukiya Takakita. read more>>

BOISE STATE RADIO /
Radio Series Features Idaho Musicians Performing Live
The summer concert series at Redfish Lake returns to the air with Music From Stanley. The one-hour, weekly series will be heard on KBSU-FM from 1-2 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 26 through Nov. 3.

Music From Stanley is an eclectic mix of local musicians, produced and hosted by Ryan Peck. Artists to be featured include: Jeremiah James, Steve Fulton and Christine Thomas, Douglas Cameron, Darren Smith, David Andrews, Becca Gourley and Kelly Martin, Bill Coffey, Pinto Bennet, Stella, Jimmy Bivens, Rebecca Scott and Debbie Sager, Ned Evett, Josh Ritter, Rosalie Sorrels, and Jonah Shue. The program features live performances and interviews with the artists. read more>>

    Jade Bar-Shalom
    

REMEMBRANCE /
Memorial Service at Boise State for Founder of Program to Send Books to Israeli Children
A memorial service for Jade Bar-Shalom, co-founder of the international Books for Israel program, will be held from 3-4 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Student Union Jordan A and B Ballroom. Rabbi Dan Fink of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel will speak. The free event is sponsored by the Boise chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma national criminal justice honor society at Boise State and is open to the public. Free parking is available in the Student Union visitor lot and along Bronco Circle.

Attendees are encouraged to bring one book suitable for children in grades K-12 to donate in memory of Bar-Shalom (no flowers, please). Those who wish to do so may include a note of condolence, which will be mailed to the Bar-Shalom family, and/or inscribe the flyleaf of the book with an appropriate message.
read more>>

STUDENT ACTIVITIES /
'Mountains Beyond Mountains' Question of the Week Contest
Question of the Week is a first-year based student reading contest sponsored by Albertsons Library and the Boise State Bookstore. Using the book, Mountains Beyond Mountains, by Tracy Kidder as the reference point, new questions will be posted on the library Web site every Monday morning. The final question will be posted Nov. 6.

Weekly winners will be randomly selected from appropriate responses the following Monday starting Aug. 28. The winners’ names will be posted on the Web site, and they will be sent e-mail notification of their prize. On Nov. 16 a grand prize winner will be selected from all appropriate entries sent in over the 12-week period. Boise State students should go to http://library.boisestate.edu/reference/SGBA/MBMQ.htm to submit the answer to this week’s question by e-mail.

Bronco Welcome Activities Continue Through September
Bronco Welcome back-to-school activities will continue until Sept. 8. Events include barbecues, concerts, festivals and chances to learn more about Boise State and college life. This week’s schedule includes the On-Campus Student Job Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday in Student Union Jordan Ballroom D. Free. Students can learn about and apply for on-campus employment at this second annual fair. Visit http://career.boisestate.edu or call ext. 6-1747. For the complete Bronco Welcome schedule click here.

Student Leaders host Annual ASBSU Meet and Greet Aug. 30
Get to know new and returning student leaders during the annual ASBSU Meet and Greet from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 30 in the Student Union Jordan Ballroom A and B. This is a chance for faculty, staff, administration and the community to talk to elected and appointed ASBSU officials while enjoying free food. For more information, call Taylor Newbold at ext. 6-1147 or media@boisestate.edu.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright
Barrel Chair, 1937
natural cherry wood with an upholstered leather seat
Herbert Johnson House
now on display at Boise Art Museum

Boise Arts Museum Offers Free Admission to Students
Boise Art Museum once again is partnering with Boise State to provide the university’s students with opportunities to experience world-class visual art exhibitions and educational programs, free of charge. Beginning this week, all current Boise State students with a valid student ID card will receive free admission to BAM through August 2007. BAM will host a free reception at 5 p.m. on Oct. 3 for Boise State students, faculty and staff, to introduce newcomers to the museum and provide information about the partnership.

The partnership expands on a pilot program initiated in 2005 that allowed Boise State students to visit BAM for free during the 2005-06 academic year. The current partnership has been expanded to offer free admission for an entire year, enabling students to visit two of BAM’s summer exhibitions that normally include higher admission prices for college students — "Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful" through Oct. 22 and "Chuck Close Prints," scheduled for display May through August 2007.

Students must present their current BSU student ID card at the time of admittance to BAM in order to receive free admission. The benefit does not extend to faculty or staff. However, faculty and staff members accompanying pre-scheduled student groups will be admitted free of charge. All class and group visits must be scheduled with BAM’s Education Department at least two weeks in advance.

ALBERTSONS LIBRARY /
Albertsons Library Announces Fall Schedule
With the start of the fall semester, the Albertsons Library returns to regular hours this week. read more>>

'PieceWorks' Quilt Show Now on Display
Albertsons Library invites you to stop by the second floor gallery space to see this year's PieceWorks quilt show. You may view the quilts any time during library hours. PieceWorks is a campus quilting group who meet Fridays at noon in the Student Union Building to discuss and share their quilting projects. For more information about the group contact Sandi Smith, ext. 6-1572 or Gloria Ostrander-Dykstra ext. 6-3650.

JSTOR Collection Now Available
Albertsons Library has announced the purchase of a Boise State online campuswide subscription to the entire JSTOR collection. Many Boise State faculty have requested access to JSTOR for their own research and for use by students in their classes. JSTOR offers researchers the ability to retrieve high-resolution, scanned images of journal issues and pages as they were originally designed, printed, and illustrated. The journals archived in JSTOR span many disciplines, including history, economics, political science, education, ecology, business, mathematics, music, and language and literature. For more information contact Peggy Cooper, coordinator of Collection Development, at Albertsons Library at ext. 6-2311.
read more>>

PERSONAL HEALTH /
HWC Services Offers Tai Chi Classes on Tuesdays
Students, faculty and staff are invited to tone up and tune in during "Tuesday Tai Chi" classes on the Quad starting Aug. 29.  Take a few minutes, up to an hour, to enjoy the calming rejuvenating practice of the ancient martial art of Tai Chi. This class will be taught by Jeffrey Vik. The classes are free and will be taught near the Quad on the grass near the library from noon-1p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 10. For more information contact Carol Pangburn at ext. 6-3089 or Christina Berg at ext. 6-2752.

CAMPUS CRIME /
Weekly Crime Log
Boise City Police and Campus Security present the weekly crime report. read more>>

Henry Charlier
Associate Professor of Chemistry

  • Boise State faculty member Since 2000

  • Doctorate in biochemistry from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1997; B.S. in chemistry and biology, from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1991
  • Research includes the study of alcohol dehydrogenase, carbonyl reductase
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute postdoctoral training fellowship (1997-1998)
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse Individual postdoctoral training fellowship (1998-2000)
  • More than $1.3 million in research grants, including funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute and Mountain States Tumor Institute
  • 15 publications, four presentations and 21 abstracts at national and regional meetings
  • "Inhibitors of Carbonyl Reductase for Treatment Using Anthracyclines," provisional patent pending

There will be a farewell reception for Jay Hayes from University Dining Services from 2:30-4 p.m. on Sept. 1 in the Barnwell Room at the SUB. Jay served as general manager at Boise State for the past three years. He was instrumental in leading the food service team through the transition when Aramark took over the account from Fine Host Corporation in 2003. Jay is moving on to new opportunities at Aramark including assisting with the opening of the fall semester at Eastern Oregon University. Jim Emmons will serve as the interim general manager until Hayes' permanent replacement is found. Please join us in thanking Jay for his service to Boise State and wishing him well.

Ken Brauchle, director of the Center for Professional Development presented as part of an invited panel at the Department of Defense Worldwide Education Symposium held in Orlando July 18-20. The session was titled “Academic Research in DoD Voluntary Education." The conference is held every three years and was attended by 1,700 military and university educators from around the world.

President Bob Kustra and housing director Jeff Hale were quoted in an Aug. 17 Idaho Statesman story on the fact that all residence halls are filled to capacity, which Kustra mentioned in his State of the University address. Channels 6 and 7 also covered the State of the University address, focusing on the need for a community college (Channel 7) and the first-year reading program (Channel 6).

Christopher Hill, anthropology, recently had two books published. The first, "The Merrell Locality and Centennial Valley, Southwest Montana: Pleistocene Geology, Paleontology and Prehistoric Archaeology," was published by the Montana Bureau of Land Management. It provides a fascinating prehistoric glimpse of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, including species such as camels, saber tooth tigers and wooly mammoths. The second, "Geoarchaeology," explores the history and theory of geoarchaeology. It was published by Yale University Press.

Greg Raymond, Frank Church professor of international relations and director of the Honors College, delivered a lecture titled "Hegemony and Preventive War in International History" in the Oxford Union of the University of Oxford, England. He also participated in the August 2006 Oxford Round Table on History as a Guide to the New International Order, which was held at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford. The Oxford Round Table is a colloquium comprised of a small group of leaders from the public and private sectors of the United Kingdom and various other countries that is held periodically to consider contemporary public policy issues.

 

 

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