Engineering for the Americas The Engineering for the Americas program, continuing through this Saturday, is now being held at UM. The program offers engineering students from UM and institutions in North, South, and Central America the opportunity to meet and hear presentations by industry and academic leaders in the profession. It includes two one-week sessions: the first at UM and the second at the University of Rochester, the other primary partner institution, in June. Among the event's guest speakers and special guests are, from left, William Scott Green, senior vice provost and dean of undergraduate education at UM; Robert L. McCrory, Jr., professor of mechanical engineering, physics, and astronomy and vice provost, CEO, and director of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester; Don Slesnick, mayor of Coral Gables; Paul M. Horn, senior vice president and director of research at IBM; Thomas J. LeBlanc, UM executive vice president and provost; Kevin Parker, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Rochester; M. Lewis Temares, dean of the College of Engineering and vice president for Information Technology at UM; and Alejandra Collarte, international consultant.

Other funding partners in the new venture include The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, the School of Communication, and South Florida media operations. “This extraordinary support from Mr. Ansin and Ms. Sullivan will allow the workshop to reach out to a diverse group of students and provide them with the knowledge needed to succeed in the media of the future,” says Sam L Grogg, dean of the School of Communication. During the three-week-long session, the students will live on campus in one of the University’s residence halls.

The workshop participants are chosen from students who have shown an interest in journalism and new media and have been recommended by a teacher in their respective schools. From those nominations, the School of Communication’s workshop faculty will select up to 20 participants.

To learn more, click here.

The festival, now in its 56th year, is one of the top-rated outdoor exhibits of museum-quality fine art and attracts more than 100,000 people to view the works of more than 300 of the finest juried artists and craftsmen in the country.

A signature event on the South Florida cultural calendar, it is also known as the oldest juried fine art show. The Holtz Beaux Arts Festival of Art offers visitors the opportunity to meet and talk with exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and, for kids to create their own works of art.

To learn more, click here.

Call for proposals: research on ethics and community
The UM Ethics Programs announce the first of four annual cycles of grants for research on ethics and community. Sponsored by a generous gift from philanthropist and businesswoman Adrienne Arsht, the program seeks to foster research on contemporary moral issues with implications for public policy, professional practice, human rights, and related subjects. UM Ethics Programs expect to award from three to six Arsht Ethics Research Grants for as much as $50,000 each. A university-wide ethics review board has been formed to review applications. Faculty-student teams are requested to submit proposals.

Star of approval: Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps businesses and individuals protect the environment using energy-efficient practices and products. ‘Green’ machines help save the environment Being environmentally conscious means a lot more than simply planting a tree or riding a bicycle to the neighborhood grocery store instead of driving. It also means acquiring environmentally responsible products and adopting ecologically sound practices in the workplace. At the University of Miami, workplace habits that help save energy and minimize the impact on the environment are increasing. Through Business Services’ new contract with Lanier Worldwide, for example, the University’s copiers, scanners, printers, fax machines, and other office-related machines use water-based toners and low-impact consumables. In addition, old machines are recycled. Lanier is known for its “green” products that help save energy, such as copiers that “sleep” or power down when not in use. The majority of Lanier systems have earned the Energy Star, a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through energy efficiency.

For more information, including the full Call for Proposals and a list of ethics advisory board members, visit www.miami.edu/ethics and follow links for "Arsht Initiatives" and "Research," or e-mail ethics@miami.edu. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, February 21.

Also, attend the Ethics Programs' 15th Annual Dialogues in Research Ethics conference tomorrow, Friday, January 12, featuring Bonnie Kaplan, lecturer at Yale Center for Medical Informatics, adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and president of Kaplan Associates. Kaplan will discuss "Love, Guilt, and the Telephone: Research on Home Care Technology" beginning at 12 p.m. in the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building, Microbiology Conference Room 3109, on the medical campus.

Financial consultants to visit University this month
Need help with retirement plans? Two of the financial companies that are approved as official service providers by the University will be offering individual financial consultations this month.

Fidelity Investments will visit the Coral Gables campus on Tuesday, January 30, in the Max Orovitz Building's Human Resources conference room. A representative will be available on the medical campus on Wednesday, January 31, in the Human Resources Benefits Office. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-642-7131.

TIAA-CREF will be at the Coral Gables campus on Monday, January 22 and Tuesday, January 23, in the Max Orovitz Building's Human Resources conference room. A representative will be available on the medical campus on Wednesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 25, in the Human Resources Benefits Office. To schedule an appointment, visit www.tiaa-cref.com/moc or call 1-800-842-2003, extension 3522.

Call for faculty applicants: cancer research funding
The American Cancer Society (ACS) Institutional Grant is providing funds for meritorious cancer research that cannot be readily supported through other funding mechanisms. The primary purpose of the ACS grant is to provide seed funds for the initiation of promising new projects or novel ideas by junior faculty members. Applicants should be within six years of their first independent research or faculty appointment and must not currently hold any peer review funding. Two awards for $45,000 are available for a one-year period. Deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday, February 28, 2007. For guidelines and application forms, call 305-243-9528 or e-mail zrivero@med.miami.edu.

Driving forward: Leading UM scoring guard Jack McClinton hopes to drive through the Duke defense this Sunday at the BankUnited Center. UM men's basketball takes on Duke this Sunday Looking for the hottest sports ticket in town? Look no further. The Miami Hurricanes and the Duke Blue Devils square off in the BankUnited Center this Sunday, January 14. The game starts at 5:30 p.m., and some seats still remain. Tickets can be ordered by calling the ticket office at 305-284-2263, or purchase them online at www.hurricanesports.com. Baseball season tickets on sale now Coming off of a No. 5 finish at the 2006 College World Series, the most recognizable baseball team in college sports is primed for the 2007 season and will begin the hunt for their fifth national championship. Purchase your season tickets today and catch all of the excitement against ACC conference opponents Florida State, Georgia Tech, NC State, and more. All employees receive 50 percent off the regular season ticket price. Payroll deduction forms can be obtained via e-mail at akelley@miami.edu or by visiting this Web site. For more information or to order your tickets, call 305-284-2263.

SART seeking telephone advocate volunteers
The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is looking for warm, empathetic, and mature individuals to serve as telephone advocates for victims of sexual assault. If you are a faculty or staff member, an administrator, or graduate student interested in serving on this important team, call 305-284-5511.

Learn helpful business services tips at upcoming lunch sessions
UM's Travel Management, Document Services and Solutions, and Contracts Management Departments host three upcoming brown bag lunch sessions dedicated to helping UM employees properly utilize helpful business services. Travel Management will summarize some of the best methods for maximizing University and personal travel dollars and will describe some of the latest travel industry trends. Document Services and Solutions will present on UM's Lanier print equipment and the services that are provided at various business document centers on campus. Contracts Management will review the correct procedures for submitting a University contract to the Business Services department. Bring your lunch, and enjoy the presentations on the following dates:

• Wednesday, January 17, from 12 to 1 p.m., in the Lois Pope LIFE Center's seventh-floor breakout room on the medical campus.
• Friday, January 19, from 12 to 1 p.m., in the Dean's Conference Room on the Rosenstiel campus.
• Wednesday, January 24, from 12 to 1 p.m., in the University Center's second-floor Flamingo Ballroom on the Coral Gables campus.

For more information, call 305-284-1087 or 305-284-5550 or e-mail travel@miami.edu or tlmoore@miami.edu.

New year, new Wellness Center programs
The UM Wellness Center staff on the Coral Gables campus is offering first-time faculty and staff members a free fitness assessment and exercise plan during the first 30 days of membership. Those who have made a resolution to get in shape should stop by the Wellness Center membership office for more details. Don’t have enough time to exercise? Try the new lunchtime group exercise classes from 12 to 12:40 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Get in a good workout and feel energized for the rest of the afternoon. Remember, employees can receive 50 percent off the cost of a Wellness Center membership through the SHAPE UP program. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/wellness or call 305-284-8540.

Sing in the spring: UM choir opportunities await
Interested in singing in a UM choir? Sing in a Frost School of Music ensemble by
scheduling an appointment at the Choral Studies Office, in the Albert Pick Music Library, room 111, on the Coral Gables campus. Whether a debutant or a seasoned expert, there is a matching ensemble available. Learn more about the Women’s Chorale, Maelstrom, and Collegium Musicum. For more information, call 305-284-4162.

Walk off the holiday weight: join Walking ’Canes 2007
You can walk off those extra pounds you put on over the holidays when the Walking ’Canes program begins! All UM employees are eligible to participate and can register online from Monday, January 22 to Friday, January 26 at www.miami.edu/walkingcanes.

Once again, the top ten winners will have lunch with President Shalala, compliments of Chartwells. All participants who finish the program have an opportunity to win an iPod and other great prizes. So start the new year on the right step, and mark the calendar for Walking ’Canes.

For more information, call 305-284-5433 or e-mail wellnesscenter@miami.edu.

Reduce stress and relieve pain
Start off the new year feeling well. The Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Miller School of Medicine offers an acupuncture pain and stress reduction clinic to the University community. Treatments, offered on both the medical and Coral Gables campuses, can give you more energy, relieve pain, and help you stay calm. For an appointment, call 305-243-4751.

Register now for wine appreciation program
Discover how to get more out of wine with each sip. Share wine-tasting experiences with friends, colleagues, and clients. UM’s Wine Appreciation Program now offers a new four-week introductory wine appreciation course. This course is designed for wine aficionados, curious consumers, and business professionals who need to demonstrate familiarity with good wine as part of their social responsibilities. From sensory evaluations to food pairing, this class covers it all.

The next introductory Wine Appreciation Program is scheduled to begin Thursday, February 1. Register today with a loved one and receive a special couples discount. The February course will be followed by The Wines of France, beginning Thursday, March 29. Look for information on faculty-led trips to Argentina and Australia coming soon. For more information and registration, call 305-284-5800 or visit www.educationmiami.com/vino.

How to deal with difficult people
Don't regret hasty actions and decisions, practice the skills that can help individuals manage difficult people and situations intelligently. Be at the Professional Development and Training Office on Friday, January 26, beginning at 12 p.m. in the Max Orovitz Building, training room 138, for a Lunch and Learn session. To enroll, visit the Dealing with Difficult People CBL at www.miami.edu/netlearning, complete the online module, and then register for the session. For more information, call 305-284-5110 or visit www.miami.edu/development-training.

Communication skills for emerging leaders
Because people come into contact with various personalities and individuals with conflicting goals on a daily basis, the Leadership Academy is offering a three-hour seminar exploring leadership communication skills. Guided by the Employee Assistance Program, participants will learn about constructive communication within professional and non-professional relationships. This seminar has a CBL prerequisite. To register for the CBL, visit netlearning.miami.edu. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, January 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Dominion Parking Garage, room 155, on the medical campus. A session will be held on Tuesday, January 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Max Orovitz Building, room 139, on the Coral Gables campus. For more information, call 305-284-6604. For help with registration, call 305-243-3090.

Through January 28 Humberto Calzada: In Dreams Awake. Architectural settings that evoke both the Cuba of his birth and the odyssey of his exile dominate a 30-year retrospective exhibition of some 50 works by Miami painter Humberto Calzada. View the exhibit at the Lowe Art Museum on the Coral Gables campus. For more information, call 305-284-3535 or visit www.lowemuseum.org.

Today, Thursday, January 11 Baruj Salinas: Claros Del Bosque. The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies and Casa Bacardi host an exhibit of paintings by Baruj Salinas. The exhibit is a tribute to Spanish essayist and philosopher Maria Zambrano. Salinas received a degree in architecture from Kent State University in Ohio. After his exile from Cuba in 1959, he moved to Miami. In 1974 he moved to Barcelona, Spain, where he worked closely with painters of the stature of Miró and Tapies. The preview is from 7 to 9 p.m. in Casa Bacardi/Olga–Carlos Saladrigas Hall, 1531 Brescia Avenue. The exhibit continues through Friday, February 23. For more information and to R.S.V.P., call 305-284-CUBA (2822).

Thursday, January 25 Live Concert: The Fray. The Denver-based quartet's first single climbed into the top 10 on the Billboard singles chart and was streamed more than a million times on MySpace.com in one month. Their music is featured on television shows such as Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, What About Brian, One Tree Hill, and Bones as well as in HBO's summer promos. The group is currently nominated for 2007 Grammy awards for Best Pop Performance and Best Rock Performance by a Duo/Group. Show starts at 8 p.m. in the BankUnited Center with opening act MuteMath. Ticket price is $30.75 (plus applicable fees). To purchase tickets, charge by phone at 305-358-5885 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.BankUnitedCenter.com.

Friday, January 26 Live Concert: John Mayer. Mayer's third studio album, Continuum, released in September 2006, follows the multi-platinum Room for Squares (2001) and Heavier Things (2003) and marks his first turn as a producer. The show starts at 8 p.m. in the BankUnited Center with opening act Josh Rouse. Ticket price is $39.50 (plus applicable fees). To purchase tickets, charge by phone at 305-358-5885 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.BankUnitedCenter.com.

Tuesday, February 27 Blue Man Group. Blue Man Group is perhaps best known for their successful theatrical productions combining comedy, music, and multimedia artistry to create a form of entertainment that is totally unique. Thay have also recorded two albums: the Grammy-nominated Audio and The Complex, which became the musical basis for The Complex Rock Tour and Blue Man Group's live concert DVD. The group will perform at the BankUnited Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $85 (plus applicable fees), and are available at the BankUnited Center box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone at 305-358-5885, and online at www.Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.BankUnitedCenter.com.

Thursday, February 1 Touchdown at the LoweDown. Kick off SuperBowl weekend at Lowe Art Museum from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy tasty tailgate food, live music, and cocktails courtesy of Bacardi. Admission is $5 at the door, but is free for Lowe members. Lowe Art Museum is located at 1301 Stanford Drive on UM’s Coral Gables campus. For more information, call 305-284-3535 or visit www.lowemuseum.org.