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Media highlights for the week of Dec. 10-30, 2005
A sampling of NAU programs, professors, students, staff and alumni appearing in the news
A year of discovery in Flag science community
In a detailed study of the drought that began in 2000 and either ended or paused last year, scientists from Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona in Tucson and Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico say the dry spell wasn't necessarily any drier than the last severe one on record, which primarily hit the Southwest and peaked in 1956. But it was hotter, on average a single degree Fahrenheit hotter, and that difference stressed the forests and paved the way for unprecedented bark beetle infestations. Northern Arizona University was also chosen by the Department of Energy to head a regional climate research institute. The regional institute will bring in $10 million over five years. NAU professors Bruce Hungate and George Koch, professors of biology, will run the center and determine funding for projects in the 13 Western states under NAU's region, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/30/2005
Skiing in deep backcountry
Alec Hornstein runs what could be Utah's most underrated backcountry ski tours, drawing fewer than 300 skiers a winter. He deploys a pair of Mongolian-style yurts under the wind-swept peaks of the Tushars, formed by a series of spectacular volcanic eruptions over millions of years. With a marketing degree from Northern Arizona University, Hornstein has held a collection of jobs—But none of the jobs has been as satisfying as running tours in the Tushars.
Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, MA), 12/30/2005
[this clip also appeared in The Salt Lake Tribune]
Averill brothers open The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Sean and Brian Averill recently completed their first project—The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The Averill name has long been associated with hospitality in the Flathead Valley. Now, the association has been established by a new generation. Both Sean and Brian grew up in Bigfork and graduated from Bigfork High School. Brian received his degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Sean received a degree in business from the University of Montana. Together, the men have an ideal combined background for hospitality.
West Shore News/Bigfork Eagle Publications (Lakeside, MT), 12/29/2005
Editorial: Relief from money woes lets schools shine
In Flagstaff, both the Flagstaff Unified School District and Northern Arizona University benefited mightily this past year from budgets that were not barebones affairs. The fact that both institutions came through with solid years of achievement and progress speaks to the quality of the personnel. At NAU, a cumulative three-year tuition hike of 60 percent provided the extra cash for an overhaul of the university's image and marketing programs, a revamping of the counseling system aimed at improving retention and graduation rates, and better community outreach. And, like FUSD, NAU avoided staffing cuts for the first time in years. The atmosphere on the Mountain Campus was noticeably more upbeat. Construction on three new academic building proceeded on schedule, Web course enrollment ballooned, and administrators proposed a new master plan calling for four parking garages and a hotel/conference center in partnership with the city.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/29/2005
New water institute involves three AZ schools
The new Arizona Water Institute will bring together water-related research done at Arizona's three state universities. Organizers say they hope the institute will make Arizona the premier state for water science by combining the efforts of the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University.
Water Technology (Latham, NY), 12/29/2005
UA professor to head Water Institute
Originally conceived as the Arizona Virtual Water University, the Arizona Water Institute will unite the state's leading experts in all areas of water research. Northern Arizona University specializes in forest-related water research.
Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, AZ), 12/29/2005
Blaine housing issue bleaker
Blaine County isn't alone in the housing crisis. In Flagstaff, Ariz., a premiere college town as well as resort, the inability of $50,000-a-year faculty members at Northern Arizona University to buy a typical $310,000 home has prompted NAU and other businesses to develop affordable housing to attract and retain professors.
Idaho Mountain Express (Sun Valley, ID), 12/28/2005
Chandler lures firm with calm weather
The Chandler City Council recently approved plans for a huge data processing company based in Georgia to build on 15 acres immediately north of the twin Wells Fargo buildings at Price and Queen Creek roads. The Chandler deal was in the works before Katrina, but lack of natural disasters here was a lure. The chance of an earthquake is almost nil in metro Phoenix, said David Brumbaugh, director of the Arizona Earthquake Information Center at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Metro Phoenix is in the very low risk seismic zone 1, compared with Yuma, which is ranked 4, the highest risk, along with parts of California. 'Phoenix is about the lowest zone you can be in,' Brumbaugh said.
The Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ), 12/28/2005
Dr. Joe Shirley?
Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr.'s staff has thrown him a party to celebrate his receiving an honorary degree from Northern Arizona University for giving the Dec. 16 graduation address. While honorary degrees are par for the course with such speaking engagements, Shirley's deputy chief of staff said in a press release, 'We as a nation have earned respect and friendship of other nations and people around the world.' Shirley earned a master's degree in social work at Arizona State University in 1978. 'President Shirley has contributed to this through his support of programs and policies which build our social and economic strength,' Isabelle Walker said, alternately referring to him as 'Dr. Shirley.' Navajo Nation elections are in November.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/28/2005
Flagstaff economy held steady in 2005
It looks like 2005 treated Flagstaff well, economically speaking. Some hotels expected their April revenues to be up about 70 percent over 2004, and the overall expenditure, based on these hotel revenues, was expected to equate to about $300,000 total spent in Flagstaff businesses, said Ronald Gunderson, professor of economics at Northern Arizona University.
The Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ), 12/28/2005
[this clip also appeared in the Arizona Daily Sun]
Year in review: NAU turns over new logo in 2005
Out with the gold and royal blue. In with the navy blue and sage green. Thus began in late February what Northern Arizona University said would be more than just the institution taking on new colors and a new logo. It was the start, they said, of a new commitment to undergraduate education, with the pine tree and mountain resembling the crests and shields of Ivy League schools. 'It will explain why we are different," NAU President John Haeger told a standing-room only crowd at the unveiling in Ashurst Auditorium. "We are not U of A or ASU."
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/28/2005
To Irish fans, game is a family affair
Chuck Pillon of Phoenix is counting the hours until the game. 'I am Irish all the way; I love those Irish,' said Pillon, 72, who attended graduate school at the South Bend, Ind., university in the 1960s, then served for years as an administrator at Northern Arizona University.
The Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ), 12/28/2005
'U CAN 2' A pathway to a medical profession
There is a tremendous need for doctors, nurses, pharmacists and physical therapists throughout the reservation. Veronica Granger, daughter of Billy Tsosie and Marie Tsosie, graduated from Tuba City High School and continued her education at Northern Arizona University, earning a bachelor's degree in nursing. She now works at Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation as a registered nurse in the recovery room and short stay surgery unit. She has been a nurse for five years. She acknowledged that obtaining a BSN as a single parent was difficult, but definitely attainable. Looking back over the experience, she said, "It can be done, if you have the desire and the will."
Navaho-Hopi Observer (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/28/2005
Editorial: Despite housing worries, Flagstaff thrived in '05
The city's largest employer, Northern Arizona University, has also turned the corner, with new buildings going up on the Mountain Campus at a record pace, enrollment stabilized and a hotel/conference center planned in partnership with the city.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/27/2005
NAU freshman running for mayor
Despite just beginning a college career, a Flagstaff teen is already trying to change the political landscape. NAU Freshman Paul Riley is running for mayor while juggling a full load of classes. "Paul is pretty confident Flagstaff is ready for a new face, even if his face looks pretty young. He's not the average candidate, only 19 and a fulltime student.
12 News KPNX-TV (Phoenix, AZ), 12/27/2005
You're never too old to learn
A half dozen students in Northern Arizona University's educational leadership program recently graduated with master's degrees and a new appreciation for the value of learning throughout life. And they became fast friends in the process. "This has been such a great opportunity for working people to further their education and careers," said Maria Herriage, Goodyear's fire marshal and one of six graduates in the educational leadership master's program at NAU's West Maricopa center.
West Valley View (Litchfield Park, AZ), 12/27/2005
KHS South gets new administrator
John Venenga, who was in his fifth year as an assistant principal at Kingman High School North, took over as interim principal of KHS South. Venenga picked up a master's in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University in 1999
Kingman Daily Miner (Kingman, AZ), 12/24/2005
WV beauty queen remembers 1986 runway walk
Nineteen years ago, Kari Wilson Rambo was still very pleased to be serenaded with "Here she comes, Miss Western Maricopa County." For proof of her pleasure at beating 14 other contestants, one needn't look any further than the very first photograph on the very first front page of the first issue of the West Valley View, published April 16, 1986. Rambo's title came with a $2,500 scholarship. "Back then, you could pay for a whole semester at one of the state universities for $400, so $2,500 was a big draw for me to get involved," she said. "My tuition had already been paid for by an academic scholarship, so the pageant money bought my meal tickets and books and pretty much everything else for the whole four years I was in college." In 1990, Rambo graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor of science in speech and hearing science.
West Valley View (Litchfield Park, AZ), 12/24/2005
Christmas memories still made at Infinia
Staff at Infinia, least expensive senior residence home, tried to make another happy memory for the senior home's residents during the center's second annual Christmas party. During the party, a handful of nursing students from Northern Arizona University also arrived with a donation for the residents and the facility: a large TV, DVD and VHS player on a roller-cabinet that was filled with movies. The group did their clinicals during fall semester at Infinia. "We just fell in love with this place and we wanted it to be something all the residents can participate in," said sophomore Allyson Frias. "It's on wheels so that way it can go anywhere." The budget for the gift came from student, faculty and local business donations, she said.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/23/2005
Ex-miners tap a new vein
When the San Manuel copper mine closed in 1999, its 1,700 displaced workers—many of whom had only known mining until then—were forced to find other jobs. "They offered all kinds of package deals" when the mine closed, said Jerry Kyle. "I said, 'Doesn't this state need teachers?' And they couldn't hardly argue," Kyle said. He went to school, getting the second two years of his four-year degree at Central Arizona College, through an agreement the college had with Northern Arizona University to train teachers. Kyle said he was the only man in his student group, which had 13 women.
Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, AZ), 12/22/2005
Football Roundup: ASU opens '06 season with NAU
Arizona State has added Northern Arizona to its 2006 football schedule, facing the Lumberjacks at home in the season opener on Aug. 31, school officials announced yesterday. NAU, an NCAA Division I-AA school, replaces New Mexico State, which notified Arizona State early this month that it was pulling out of its scheduled contest at ASU.
Tucson Citizen (Tucson, AZ), 12/21/2005
[this clip also appeared in The Arizona Republic]
Does the Arizona Board of Regents meet rural needs?
Some rural Arizona representatives say they are disappointed that Governor Janet Napolitano did not select a rural resident to fill a seat on the Arizona Board of Regents, but one of the appointees, former US Senator Dennis DeConcini, says he feels he can adequately represent the needs of rural Arizonans. Last week, the governor appointed DeConcini and former Del Webb president Anne Mariucci to serve eight-year terms, replacing Chris Herstam and Jack Jewett, whose terms expire in January. In a statement today, Northern Arizona University President John Haeger said he believes both ABOR candidates will serve Arizona well. "The DeConcini name is synonymous with Arizona. His knowledge of the state and higher education issues make him an excellent choice. Anne Mariucci's impressive resume speaks to the business acumen and leadership she will bring to ABOR," he said.
Navaho-Hopi Observer (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/20/2005
Shrewd strategy fuels Bush policy efforts
The Bush administration is using a savvy strategy to sidestep opposition to its environmental policies while remaining within the law, a new book co-written by a Northern Arizona University professor asserts. His victory is all about Republicans presenting a unified front, using terms like "common sense" to describe sweeping proposals and timing legislation to coincide with sweeping wildfires in California and Oregon, Northern Arizona University political science professor Jacqueline Vaughn and former NAU professor Hanna Cortner write in a new book, "George W. Bush's Healthy Forests, Reframing the Environmental Debate." Vaughn's a political scientist specializing in environmental policy who teaches her students to study the strategy behind political wins and losses.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/20/2005
NAU considering building affordable homes
NAU says Flagstaff's lack of affordable housing is affecting their ability to recruit professors. Unviersity president John Haeger says he's considering building 600 affordable apartments and homes right on the campus.
12 News KPNX-TV (Phoenix, AZ), 12/19/2005
State's smaller cities experience affordable housing problems
Several small cities in Arizona are facing housing affordability problems that could hold back growth and hurt their economies. The problem is severe in Flagstaff, where Northern Arizona University wants to build its own affordable housing to try to attract and retain workers. The university wants to team with a developer to put up 600 homes and apartments on school land. Unless the university can build housing and control prices, it will have little ability to compete for the best professors and staff,'' said John Haeger, the university's president. Northern Arizona University might join other big employers in Flagstaff to develop housing with below-market prices and rents.
Brehm News West Publishing Co Inc (Bullhead City, AZ), 12/19/2005
Arizona's smaller cities experiences affordable housing problems
Several small cities in Arizona are facing housing affordability problems that could hold back growth and hurt their economies. The problem is severe in Flagstaff, where Northern Arizona University wants to build its own affordable housing to try to attract and retain workers. The university wants to team with a developer to put up 600 homes and apartments on school land. John Haeger, the university's president, says that unless the university can build housing and control prices, it will have little ability to compete for professors and staff.
KVOA-TV (Tucson, AZ), 12/18/2005
Editorial: Kudos to NAU grads, but not to their debts
As NAU prepares to award degrees today to more than 2,000 students as part of its winter graduation ceremonies, two different numbers come to mind: $1 million. That's the lifetime earning gap between those with a bachelor's degree or higher and those with just a high school diploma. $17,900. That's the average loan debt for an NAU student upon graduation.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/18/2005
NAU grads Valley-bound
Nearly 2,000 students became ex-NAU students yesterday at the 2005 Fall Commencement ceremonies. The Skydome was packed with the family and friends of the 1,900 new alums.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/18/2005
Mint to state on quarter: Think small, put ideas in writing
Think small and put those ideas in writing, U.S. Mint officials said Wednesday as they provided ground rules and tips to a new commission appointed to help design Arizona's state quarter. Two of the commission members are from Flagstaff. They are state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and NAU researcher James Bowie. 'I definitely have some ideas as well,' Bowie stated in an NAU newsletter. 'But I see my job on the commission as assessing what people in the state would value and trying to get some good designs based on that. The Grand Canyon is probably the most well known aspect of Arizona, but can you depict that on a small quarter?'
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/16/2005
Food In Our Genes
I firmly belief in the desirability of a move back to local sourcing of our food needs, and am keen to work towards it because it seems to provide better options for defending biodiversity, protecting small-scale agriculture products, maintaining local cultures and also of course, ensuring better diets that promote health and well-being. I recently found outstanding support for this position from Professor Gary P. Nabhan, Director of the Center for Sustainable Environments at Northern Arizona University and author of Why Some Like It Hot, a serious examination of the new field of evolutionary gastronomy. It is based on the scholarly erudition of a geneticist but told with a narrative verve that makes it accessible to all and a stimulating read.
Slow Food (online), 12/15/2005
Navajo president to speak at NAU fall commencement
Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. will deliver commencement addresses at Northern Arizona University's fall graduation exercises Friday. He also will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters from NAU.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/15/2005
Land's heritage is basketball
For 28-year-old Ross Land, currently an assistant coach for the Lumberjacks, the most significant accolade the sport could bestow on him came on Sept. 16 when he was inducted into NAU's Athletic Hall of Fame. "I was blown away," said Land, who lives in Arizona with his wife of three years, Meesha, and 2-year-old daughter, Jayla. "When you find out the news, you don't even know how to react, and at my age I didn't even expect that. To be recognized as an individual in a team sport is pretty amazing."
Chico Enterprise Record (Chico, CA), 12/14/2005
Napolitano picks commission on state quarter
Coin collectors, state officials, educators and an elementary school student are among 22 Arizonans selected by Gov. Janet Napolitano to serve on a new commission to help pick Arizona's entry in the U.S. Mint's 50 State Quarters Program. Northern Arizona University researcher James Bowie of Flagstaff was appointed to the commission.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/14/2005
[this clip appeared in other newspapers across the state]
Renewing Salmon Nation's Food Traditions
Chinook salmon, loganberries, camas bulbs and wapato roots. These are among the icons of Salmon Nation. Their tastes anchor residents to the region and its longstanding cultural traditions. Yet according to those most knowledgeable about Northwest foods, these foods might not be around for future generations to enjoy. "We want to draw attention to the fact that many foods that have been mainstays for generations or even millennia are today at risk," says Gary Nabhan, the director of the Center for Sustainable Environments at Northern Arizona University and a pioneer in seed-conservation efforts and the study of indigenous foods.
TidePool (online), 12/14/2005
Industry Demand Pushes Schools To Keep the Numbers Up
Some schools are boosting technology to supplement instruction. [Northern Arizona University] added new high-tech tools to its 30-year-old engineering college building in Flagstaff as part of a recent $18-million remodeling and expansion. "It now has exposed mechanical and building systems so the building itself becomes a student learning tool," says Thomas Rogers, professor and past chairman of the school's construction management department. "We set up classrooms with the latest technologies for long-distance deliveries. We are very lucky that technology has given our faculty members more time to pursue scholarly endeavors."
Engineering News Record (Online), 12/12/2005
Job Web site gives recruiters sporting chance
Some college athletes leave school and sign multimillion-dollar contracts to play professional sports, but most aren't so lucky. The vast majority of former college athletes comes in the form of someone like Wendell Tull, a basketball player at Northern Arizona University in the early 1990s who, upon graduation, had to go out and find a job just like everyone else. Tull ended up working in admissions for Arizona State University, but left as director of enrollment at ASU Polytechnic last year. His experiences as a college athlete coupled with his work in admissions led him to create a nonprofit aimed at finding jobs for graduating student athletes. College Recruitment Team is a job service that allows former student athletes to post their resumes free of charge.
Biz Journals (online), 12/12/2005
Arizona's immigration proposals to get more aggressive
The passionate debate over Arizona's immigration woes will get more aggressive in the coming year as state lawmakers facing re-election campaigns feel pressure to fix problems long thought of as the sole province of the federal government. "(Republicans) know this is an issue they can gain traction on," said Fred Solop, a political science professor at Northern Arizona University. "They are going to push it."
Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, AZ), 12/10/2005
[this clip appeared in several newspapers across the state]
Board appoints Vlahovich as first deputy county administrator
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors has appointed Jim Vlahovich to the position of deputy county administrator, a newly created position. He has his master's degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University.
Sierra Vista Herald (Sierra Vista, AZ), 12/10/2005
Greenland Point project honored
At the Down East Resource Conservation and Development Council's annual awards luncheon, Linda Marie Golier was named Earth Team Volunteer of the Year. Golier is a Northern Arizona University graduate student who was a summer intern with the Vacationland Resources Committee. Her work over 10 weeks interviewing tourism-related groups and businesses helped shape the work ahead for the committee's ongoing efforts to develop marketable package itineraries.
Bangor Daily News (Bangor, ME), 12/10/2005
Guest column: Tips for running in cold weather
The third in a series of guest columns by Jack Daniels, dubbed the "world's best coach" by Runner's World Magazine. He is the head running coach at the Center for High Altitude Training at NAU.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/10/2005
Letter to the Editor: NAU hockey coach deserves recognition
NAU is a great university, with a great student body and great coaches who will be with this coach who is making their sports program better.
Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), 12/10/2005
Women battle for television coverage
With a few exceptions, women's sports struggle to find a television audience and, when they do, it is almost always predominantly male. So why don't women tune in during the Sunday afternoons when their husbands and sons make up those coveted demographics? There is the issue of social currency, where men watch SportsCenter and scour the box scores so that they can speak casually with other men. "It's all part of social roles, too," said Northern Arizona University sociology professor Doug Degher, who teaches a class on sports and gender. "If you look at something as banal as Thanksgiving dinner, women are in the kitchen, it doesn't matter if they're liberated or not." Degher notes that many of the athletic women he sees have male role models - and wear the licensed apparel of a men's team. Women, even athletes, can be less concerned with making a statement than watching great competition. Degher said he often hears that the skill level of women's sports is not as high. "The issues of interest that were linked by gender are now defined by ability," he said.
USA Today (McLean, VA), 12/10/2005
[this clip also appeared in a few regional newspapers across the nation]
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