5, Volume Issue 9
Nov. 30, 2007
T wo UF Seniors Appl for Fulbright Grants y
Like most seniors, Lauren Bisson and Carla Groves have plans after graduation in May 2008, but those plans may be slightly different than the traditional college graduate. The students are applying for acceptance into the Fulbright student program, designed to give recent graduates, young professionals and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience. Bisson, who will graduate with a degree in biology, submitted a proposal to monitor the populations of giant Pacific octopus along the coast of British Columbia. Groves, who will graduate with a degree in marketing and human resources management, submitted a proposal to research brain drain out of New Zealand. Brain drain is the term used to identify young professionals who shift allegiance from their homeland to a different environment for better opportunities. Both students want to continue their studies on an international level and hope to do so through a Fulbright full grant, which will provide round-trip transportation, book and research Lauren Bisson, biology major, and Carla Groves, marallowances, and other expenses. keting and human resources management major, have Because there are a limited number of grants available to stu- applied for Fulbright grants to study abroad. dents in the United States, Bisson dense that information to just two pages and Groves each completed an intensive and make contacts in the desired counapplication process. Each applicant was try of study to form a partnership with required to do a substantial amount of See SENIORS, page 2 research to support her proposal, con-
Equestrian T eams Recognized for Achievements
Dr. DeBow Freed, president of the University, honored both the English and western equestrian teams Nov. 14 in the Alumni Memorial Union. In addition to dinner, a PowerPoint presentation featuring students' individual accomplishments and team honors was played. Freed, along with representatives from both of the programs, addressed and congratulated the students. Cynthia Morehead, instructor of riding and western riding team coach, urged students not to rest on their laurels. "What can I say... we've had a phenomenal year! We were regional champions in every class but one and had one rider in every class at nationals. That has never been done by another school. Findlay is a team with talent. I love the challenge of An impressive display of awards won by both the trying to make an equally competiEnglish and western equestrian teams decorated tive team this year." the room Nov. 14. Steven Brown, director and riding instructor of the western program, echoed those same sentiments. "I've been here forever but am still amazed every year of how the program changes. The teams have grown, and all for the better." Sandra McCarthy, director and English riding team coach, noted that "our school has the nicest horses and nicest facilities. The amount of interaction and support with the western program at nationals was very cool too." Janet Harms, head dressage instructor and team coach, summed it up best, "Congratulations on the successes of last year and best of luck this year." By Kim Haddix '07, M'08, Fostoria, Ohio
The mission of The University of Findlay is to equip our students for meaningful lives and productive careers.
T wo Seniors Appl for Fulbright Grants, Cont. y
(continued from page one) a working professional in their fields of study. The process also required each student to write a one-page personal statement. "To have completed the rigorous application process is commendable," said Marie Louden-Hanes, Ph.D., dean of undergraduate education. "We applaud their efforts." Bisson and Groves will find out in January if they have made it through the first cut in the application review process. Final decisions will be made later in the spring. The University has developed a good history with the Fulbright program, having hosted scholars on campus and sent UF faculty scholars to other campuses. Most recently, Murtala Bidmos, Ph.D., was on campus as a visiting specialist representing the Fulbright program "Direct Access to the Muslim World." Any senior scheduled to graduate in the fall of 2008 or the spring of 2009 who is interested in applying for a Fulbright grant is welcome to attend an information session from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 19, 2008, in the Alumni Memorial Union Endly Room. For more information, contact LoudenHanes at 419-434-4504.
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Cape, Ma Discuss the August 2007 Findla Flood y y
Findlay may be able to choose from two options to reduce the impact from future floods such as the one that struck in August 2007: reducing the hazard or lessening the exposure to risk. That was the message geologist Dr. Daniel May and geophysicist Cheryl Cape gave during their Nov. 15 presentation, "Flood Forecasting, Warning and Mitigation: A Look at the August 2007 Findlay Flood." The flood occurred because of a confluence of factors including unprecedented heavy rainfall of more than nine inches in 24 hours; limited infiltration of such a deluge because of local soil types; and the Blanchard River's route across ancient lake bottom and other glacial deposits. Given that the event has been termed a "100-year flood," some people feel comfortable that they will never see the likes of it again in their lifetimes, but May says that's a misinterpretation. "It simply means that the odds are 100:1 that this could happen in any given year," he explained. Cape gave an overview of the Blanchard watershed, which drains 770 square miles, as part of a nested set of systems that make up the Western Lake Erie Basin. The Blanchard River naturally has tremendous flow variations, ranging from a base rate of about 100 cubic feet per second (CFS) to flood spikes that normally reach 5,000 CFS but, in 2007, reached 10,000 CFS several times and exceeded 15,000 CFS at the flood crest. Given those volumes and little place for the water to go, the water spread out, reaching a width of a mile and a half in some parts of town on Aug. 22, with the Main Street bridge two feet under water. How can the community address the flooding problem? One way to reduce damage once a storm event begins is through improvements in the warning system, which the U.S. Geological Survey and National Weather Service have tried to address by adding four new rain and streamflow gauges to the single one that existed along County Route 140 at the time of the August flood. Individuals in floodprone areas will now have more time to protect some movable property. To reduce the hazard, one option is to build a flood control reservoir or reservoirs upstream, which would have to cover one square mile more than 60 feet deep. A second possibility is to divert the water, making it flow quickly through either or around Findlay -- probably not a popular option for Ottawa and other communities downstream. Such major projects require longterm commitment and investment, and are overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers. But Findlay can also -- either simultaneously or separately -- pursue other options promoted by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since 1968, to lessen risk by
Geophysicist Cheryl Cape and geologist Daniel May, Ph.D., recently gave a team presentation about the August flood in Findlay. It was the couple's first joint professional presentation at UF.
controlling development in the most heavily affected areas and/or preventing building in them. FEMA prepares flood insurance rate maps under NFIP guidance to both assist with flood damage when a flood occurs and to discourage development in floodplains by adding this cost to mortgages. NFIP also supports a community rating system for flood preparedness and adds requirements to "floodproof " structures by elevating them above the 100-year floodplain. They plan to offer a public version of the talk in the near future.
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Students Experience American T radition at Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon
Michael Reed, Ph.D., professor of TESOL and bilingual education, shares lunch with students including Doris Chang, Tina Hsing, Ashley Gong, Michelle Chiu and several others.
Four students visit after sampling a traditional American Thanksgiving meal. The Office of International Admissions and Services hosted the event and provided turkey, mashed potatoes, noodles and gravy. Other faculty and staff members brought a dish to share.
FYI is published by the Office of Public Information. Send story ideas to Brianna Patterson, public relations officer, at [e-mail] or call 419434-4345. All ideas are welcome. Advance notices of good photo opportunities also are welcome. Read FYI online at www.findlay.edu using KEYWORD: FYI.
Senior Jason Wilch, sophomore Joshua Thornton and senior Ray Ramirez, all graphic communication majors, listen as Thomas Harmon, instructor, teaches a design class.
Sophomore criminal justice administration major Jennifer Gentry and and sophomore nuclear medicine technology major Prescott Reser sing during the Concert-Chorale Christmas concert, "An International Christmas," Nov. 18. Philip Lucas, instructor in criminal justice, teaches juniors Jaclyn Lux and Noah Arca, both criminal justice administration majors, during a forensic science lab.
Photos by staff photographer Anne Risser Lee.
Pharmacy Students Educate Findla Residents y
Members of The University of Findlay's Academy of Student Pharmacists will offer free blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring the first Saturday of every month during the school year beginning Dec. 1 at the Findlay Village Mall. Anyone interested in having his or her blood pressure and blood glucose checked is welcome to stop in between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The monitoring station will be set up near the entrance closest to Tokyo Steakhouse. Approximately 15 students, supervised by a pharmacist, will perform the monitoring. According to club vice president Jenny Mason, the group's goal is to promote good health within the community by making people aware of their blood pressure and blood glucose levels, both of which can be indicators of diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The Academy of Student Pharmacists will also offer free blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 1 and April 5. Faculty adviser for the group is Marc Sweeney, Pharm.D., associate professor of pharmacy and chair of the department of pharmacy practice. For additional information, contact the School of Pharmacy at 419-434-5327.
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Fall Phonathon Exceeds Goal, Raises $50K
The University recently completed its fall phonathon campaign, with help from 31 dedicated students, and exceeded its goal. More than $50,000 was pledged toward the Annual Fund, which provides instructional supplies, library books and faculty and staff salaries, as well as student financial aid, laboratory equipment, Web site development and new learning technologies. Annual Fund contributions play a significant role in helping UF compete successfully for talented students, exceptional faculty and top-notch staff members. For more information about the phonathon, contact Kendall Richards, director of annual giving, at [e-mail].
UF Athletic Department is Model for Community Engagement Through Chili Cook-Off
The University of Findlay athletic department's involvement with the annual Chili Cook-Off to benefit Cancer Patient Services (CPS) is currently featured as a model for community engagement on the NCAA Division II Web site, http://diicommunity.org/. The NCAA encourages other schools to pursue similar activities and even gives site visitors a link to a full description of the event, including an extended description, associated costs, target audience and planning process. According to its Web site, "Division II is committed to developing students and communities by actively engaging in shared experiences. Through community engagement, we can direct the energy and spirit of winning studentathletes to positively change society -- as they change themselves." Through its community involvement, UF shows its commitment to improving both the community and its student-athletes. Held each winter in conjunction with a UF women's and men's basketball afternoon doubleheader, the Chili Cook-Off has been put on by the UF athletic department and CPS for the past seven years. A paid ticket to the UF basketball game that afternoon also serves as admission to the cook-off, held in the Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex. In addition to chili tasting, a sports auction is held.
Curtain Raisers Society Membership Drive
The annual membership drive for the Curtain Raisers Society for the Performing Arts at The University of Findlay is going on now. Curtain Raisers is a volunteer organization that supports the activities of the theatre and vocal music programs at the university. Membership in the organization provides opportunities to receive advance notices of performances throughout the year, invitations to special receptions and the annual Wall of Fame presentation each year, and early season discounts for SummerStock, as well as ushering opportunities and other behind-thescenes support activities. Membership dues provide special opportunities for performing arts students to learn from professional theater, television and movie artists who visit the UF campus, as well as provide funds for receptions, the Wall of Fame awards, and other support of the programs and students. If you are interested in joining Curtain Raisers, or to request a membership brochure, please visit www.findlay.edu, Keyword: Curtain Raisers, or contact administrative assistant Peggy Gartner at 419-434-4531 or [e-mail].