A Match Made in Medicine Miller School of Medicine seniors joined their counterparts across the country last Thursday celebrating Match Day, the national rite of passage in which fourth-year medical students find out where they will continue the next three to seven years of their residency training under the eyes of seasoned physicians. Match Day is accomplished through a complex and competitive process (especially for specialties such as dermatology, neurological surgery, otolaryngology, and orthopaedic surgery), administered by the National Resident Matching Program. Many weeks earlier, Miller School seniors and about 15,000 other U.S. fourth-year medical students applied to their residency program choices. Above: Miller School Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt gives Nehaben Patel the envelope that reveals her preliminary residency year will be spent at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. Read more.

More than 50 million people participated in 2008, as lights went dark at the Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House. Even Google went dark. Earth Hour 2009 will be even bigger, with more than 1,760 cities in 80 countries participating.

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Shalala, Veneman co-chair groundbreaking maternal health campaign
Two of the nation’s most accomplished champions for women, girls, and global health will co-chair an advocacy campaign to improve maternal health and save the lives of women and newborns globally, the White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) and CARE have announced.

University of Miami President and former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Donna E. Shalala is teaming with UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman to co-chair Mothers Day Every Day, a campaign launched by CARE and WRA for greater U.S. leadership to advance safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth around the world.The bold but achievable aim of Mothers Day Every Day is to generate the political will and action toward the key Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality by 75 percent by 2015.  Hundreds of thousands of lives can be saved each year through basic, low-cost interventions.

Shalala and Veneman are leading a powerful bipartisan Advisory Committee for Mothers Day Every Day along with campaign founders Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE, and Theresa Shaver, president of the Global Secretariat of the White Ribbon Alliance.“Political will is needed and now is the time,” Shalala said. “Empowering women, beginning with a healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth, is a key to greater overall global health, self-sufficiency, economic growth, and peaceful sustainability.”

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Actor Martin Sheen narrates One Water for television
Award-winning actor Martin Sheen has completed the narration for a television release of One Water, a feature-length film produced by faculty at the University of Miami. Sheen, best known for his portrayal president of the United States on the popular television series West Wing, has been a longtime advocate for peace and the poor. According to Sheen, “Future wars will be fought over water but, even now, the poor people of the world are victims of the water crisis.”

One Water, which focuses on the scarcity of potable water and how people throughout the world are dealing with the issue, is a collaboration among the School of Communication, College of Engineering, and Frost School of Music. It was filmed in 14 different countries over six years. The television version of the documentary is being distributed worldwide by Lightworks Program Distribution. Sheen’s narrative was recorded in Los Angeles with Sam L Grogg, dean of the School of Communication, on site and the co-directors of the film, Sanjeev Chatterjee, vice dean of the school and executive director of the Knight Center for International Media at the School of Communication; and Ali Habashi, director of UM’s Arnold Center for Confluent Media Studies, on line from the UM campus in Coral Gables. Grogg had worked with Sheen in the past on the film version of the award-winning play Da. “Martin has a great heart,” Grogg noted, “and One Water was a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate again.”

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Candidate forum scheduled for March 31
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum on campus in anticipation of the upcoming general biennial election and special municipal referendum election.

The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m. at the BankUnited Center’s Hurricane 100 Room, and is sponsored by long-time Chamber Trustee Colliers Abood Wood-Fay, in addition to the University of Miami Student Government.

All candidates for City Commission have been invited to participate in the forum, which will also include a discussion on the five proposed Charter Amendments. Michael Williams, veteran reporter and anchor for CBS-4, will moderate a question-and-answer session, preceded by opening statements from the candidates. The Candidate Forum, hosted by Chamber’s Business and Government Affairs Committee, will allow Coral Gables residents and businesses to be more informed about current issues in our community. The event is free and open to the public. The forum will be later televised on Coral Gables Television, Channel 77. For more information, call 305-446-1657.

e-Veritas to unveil new look, richer content
A new and improved version of the twice-weekly faculty/staff newsletter e-Veritas will soon debut, offering a richer blend of news, features, sports, event and lecture listings, benefits information, and arts and entertainment updates. The new Web-based publication will also feature a variety of stories that were previously delivered in the print version of Veritas, which is no longer being produced in order to cut costs.
 
“With this new e-Veritas, we’ll be able to deliver a dynamic mix of content to our employees in an online publication with a more engaging graphic design,” says Jacqueline Menendez, vice president for communications.
 
Employees will still receive an e-mail in their inboxes every Monday and Thursday that will contain the latest highlights of the publication and will link to it online. Submissions should still be e-mailed to e-veritas@miami.edu.

Online News Association partners with School of Communication
The Online News Association, the world’s largest membership organization of digital journalists, has announced a partnership with the School of Communication to co-sponsor the Online Journalism Awards (OJAs), emblematic of the best in online journalism. The OJAs, first awarded in 2000, are the only comprehensive set of prizes honoring excellence in digital journalism. In the fall, the School of Communication will begin offering an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism.

In August, the University will host a panel of industry-leading journalists and new media professionals who will choose the OJA winners from among finalists in 13 categories. The University will use its state-of-the-art resources—including video—to highlight award winners and their work during the judging process and the awards ceremony, and to continue to share best practices throughout the industry. Winners will be announced at the Online Journalism Awards Banquet, held the final night of the ONA’s annual conference in San Francisco from October 1-3.

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School of Law hosts Chinese law symposium this weekend
The International and Comparative Law Review will host a symposium on emerging issues in Chinese law on Saturday, March 28 from 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The live speaker series will feature several speakers discussing Chinese media regulation and intellectual property law, as well as other speakers addressing important issues in Chinese law. 

Speakers include Stephen Everhart, professor of law at Stetson University College of Law; Julia Yarbough, Emmy-award winning journalist and co-anchor of the NBC 6 evening news; Wei Lou, professor and director of technical services at Washington University School of Law; and area attorneys who focus on international law. The symposium will be held at the School of Law, Room E-352. A free catered lunch will be provided in the Student Lounge. There is no charge for attendance.  To RSVP, e-mail UMICIR@gmail.com.

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Fiscal Wake-Up Tour The United States is in the worst recession since the Great Depression, and if policies aren’t enacted to deal with the long-term effects of a soaring deficit, rising health care costs, and the dangers to U.S. entitlement programs, future generations will face undue burdens. These were among some of the key points on which a panel of experts agreed during a discussion Monday on the fiscal challenges faced by America’s youth. “We’re headed for bigger deficits and third-world nation status” unless reforms are introduced, said David M. Walker, president and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and former comptroller general of the United States.   Walker was one of four panelists who spoke to an audience of about 200 students at the Storer Auditorium, providing them hard figures on what will drive future budget deficits and proposing solutions to the financial crisis, such as forgoing tax cuts, cutting back on spending, and adopting rules for fiscal accountability.   The panel was a scheduled stop of the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour, which is visiting cities nationwide to foster dialogue about the U.S. economy. Moderated by UM President Donna E. Shalala, the panel was also the kick-off for UM’s Budgetball Series of events on the challenges facing young people. The panel included a Q&A session, with President Barack Obama posing the first question, which Shalala read from an e-mail he sent to her. The series culminates with a fast-paced Budgetball Tournament on April 18.   Above: Panelists included, from left, Isabel Sawhill, senior fellow and director of the Budgeting for National Priorities project at the Brookings Institution; Andrew Biggs, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute; Walker; and Robert L. Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, which presented the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour. Standing is President Shalala. For more information on the Budgetball Series, click here.

Ford Motor Company demonstrates new developments
In conjunction with the University of Miami’s Green U program, the University community is invited to the Ford Forum and Drive Event on Fuel Economy with Brett Hinds, Ford’s advanced engineering and development manager, on Tuesday, March 31 at Storer Auditorium. Learn more about Ford’s near-, medium-, and long-term sustainability plans; the 2010 Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan; the role of the EcoBoost engine; Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids; and the company’s commitment to working with environmental stakeholders.

Light refreshments will be served at 9 a.m., and a presentation and open discussion will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. To RSVP, e-mail kcapezzuto@miami.edu.

April is Donate Life Month
You have the power to save lives by registering to be an organ/tissue donor. Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency and the Department of Motor Vehicles will be on campus next to the Alamo on the Miller School campus on Tuesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. JMH/UM employees will have the opportunity to renew their driver's licenses on site. For more information, call 305-243-1087.

Attend the Travel Fair in April
Travel Management is hosting its annual Travel Fair on Tuesday, April 14 at the Miller School campus in the Louis Pope LIFE Center on the 7th Floor and Tuesday, April 21 at the Coral Gables campus in the Whitten University Center, Lower Lounge, both fairs are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in the raffle to win exciting prizes such as airline tickets, hotel stays, and dinners at local restaurants. The fair features the authorized travel agencies, hotels, car rental companies, and other UM vendors. For additional information, call 305-284-1087, e-mail travel@miami.edu, or visit the Web site at www.miami.edu/travel.

HIV and Women Scientific Program
The Recovery Act of 2009 has increased funding available for research and will reduce the burden on existing research funds. Attend a meeting on the DCFAR’s HIV and Women Program on Friday, March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Clinical Research Building, room 989. The meeting, which will include lunch, will focus on developing research topics and networking connections with other investigators, connecting Research Working Group leaders to develop collaborative research applications, and nominating key scientists to present at the DCFAR HIV and Women 2009 Summer Conference. The HIV and Women Scientific Program consists of collaborative research projects on HIV and women that will be developed using a behavioral medicine approach. Multidisciplinary projects that utilize the behavioral, laboratory, and clinical cores, and that facilitate mentoring by including senior and junior investigators to increase the potential success of applications are encouraged. To RSVP, call 305-243-2103 or e-mail svamos@med.miami.edu.

UM basketball celebrates 2008-09 season Join Head Coach Katie Meier and the UM women’s basketball team as they celebrate the 2008-2009 basketball season at the 2009 Women’s Basketball Banquet on Thursday, April 2 at Monty’s in Coconut Grove. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and awards at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $45 per person.  RSVP by Monday, March 30 by calling the Hurricane Club at 305-284-6699. For more information, visit this Web site.

Summer camps
Looking for a way to keep your children off the couch over the summer? Summer camp opportunities at UM can help children develop character, learn valuable life skills, make new friends, and discover new interests. UM’s Coral Gables campus hosts a wide variety of activities for children of all ages.

From athletics to Magic Camp, from music and theatre to computers, take advantage of fun and educational camps. UM also offers programs for high school students looking to earn college credits while exploring possible career paths. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/community and select the Summer Camps link.

Play golf for a good cause
The graduate student organization SPORT (Sport Professional’s Organization for Research and Training) is holding its 4th Annual Golf Classic on Tuesday, April 17 at the Palmetto Golf Course. The cost is $65 for those who register before the event, $70 for those who register on the day of the event. Proceeds from the tournament will go to the Dan Marino Foundation. For more information or to register online, visit this Web site. 

Communicating for Results Seminar sponsored by EAP
This course, offered through the Professional Development and Training Office in partnership with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), helps anyone who supervises others to build their communications skills by focusing on active listening skills. These skills are the essential foundation for supervisory functions of delegation, feedback, and empowering staff.

To participate, complete the corresponding online CBL prior to enrolling in the course. To register for the sessions, visit uLearn and follow the instructions to log on. For more information, call 305-243-3090 or 305-284-5110.

• Miller School of Medicine campus: Thursday, April 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155.
• Coral Gables campus: Thursday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Max Orovitz Building, room 139.

Hurricane aquatics swimming camp
Join Randy Ableman, UM head diving coach, and Christie Shefchunas, head swimming coach, for the 2009 Hurricane Aquatics Summer Sports Camp. Both are four-time All-Americans in their respective sports who have coached Olympians, NCAA Champions, and All-Americans.

In its eleventh year at the University of Miami, the camp will be based at the Whitten Center on the Coral Gables campus. Providing specific instruction in the areas of swimming, springboard diving, and trampoline, the camp instructors are not only some of the world's finest athletes, but are also safety-certified. The instructors' experience, combined with various water and field group activities, will result in a fun, rewarding summer experience. The camp is for 5- to 12-year-olds and runs for eight weeks during the summer, starting the week of June 8 (ending July 31). The camp begins daily at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.; after-care is available for an additional charge.

Weekly tuition for Hurricane Aquatics is normally $225, but a $50 discount is available for UM employees, making the cost only $175 per week. Call 305-284-4713 to receive your promotion code. For more information, visit www.hurricaneaquatics.net to the camp registration page.

Working in a team environment
Working effectively in a team environment is essential to accomplishing strategic goals. In this course, learn to identify the elements of a high‐performing team, stimulate innovative thinking and collaboration on group projects, delegate tasks effectively within your team, and evaluate yourself in a team environment. This session will be held Thursday, April 15 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Professional Development and Training Office in the Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155.

Complete the corresponding online CBL prior to enroll for the live session. To register for the CBL and the live session, visit uLearn and follow the instructions to log on. For more information, call 305‐284‐5110 or 305‐243‐3090.

Taking Charge When You’re Not in Charge: Leadership Skills for Dynamic Assistants
As the responsibilities of administrative professionals expand, so do the opportunities to take charge and make an even bigger impact. You can influence and motivate others even when you don’t have direct authority. As part of an audio conference Lunch and Learn Series, the Professional Development and Training Office is offering this audio conference to help participants discover techniques to direct and set expectations and achieve goals, present ideas in ways that get attention and support, and effectively handle disruptive behavior. To register for the session, visit uLearn and follow the instructions to log on. For more information, call 305-243-3090 or 305-284-5110. This is a brown bag lunch and learn.

• Coral Gables campus: Wednesday, April 15 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
• Miller School campus: Thursday, April 16 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

New Web site on UM’s response to economic crisis
With the nation still mired in an economic downturn, the University of Miami has set up a new Web site that provides information on the institution’s financial picture and the ongoing actions it is taking to deal with the crisis. The site, www.miami.edu/umresponds (which can also be accessed from the “Quick Links” on the UM home page), includes all of President Donna E. Shalala’s letters to faculty and staff, students, parents, and alumni since late last year on how the crisis is impacting the University and measures being taken to address the situation. It also includes links to financial wellness resources and a list of conservation tips to help cut University costs. Over time, more information will be added to the site.

Annual Bioethics Conference set for April 3
The Florida Bioethics Network's annual spring conference is scheduled for Friday, April 3 in Miami Beach and will feature presentations on geriatrics, medical humanities, and pandemic preparedness. The conference will also feature a panel presentation on clinical futility and the rollout of the Florida Bioethics Network's new guidelines for ethics committees. The program will be held in conjunction with the UM Ethics Program's 17th annual "Florida Ethics: Debates, Decisions, Solutions" conference, a gathering that has emerged as the largest community bioethics conference in the nation with upwards of 400 attendees annually.

Nurses, physicians, social workers, psychologists, guardians, and lawyers can earn continuing education credits for attending. All UM faculty and staff may attend for free but must register. For more information, including a program and registration form, visit http://www.miami.edu/ethics or send an e-mail to ethics@miami.edu.

The Launch Pad presents MOMentum
MOMentum is an initiative by The Launch Pad at the University of Miami to assist moms—and dads—in developing the skills and network to take a leap into entrepreneurship. The Miami Children’s Museum will host a monthly speaker series to educate and enlighten South Florida entrepreneurs‐in‐training. The speaker for the kickoff event is Marla Brock, founder of PlanetZee, an online travel company that provides families with the tools and information they need to research, plan, book, and experience travel. The event takes place at Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, on Saturday, March 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. Free admission for moms. Children’s admission is $12. Exciting activities will be provided. To RSVP, call 305-373-KIDS (5437), ext. 142, and for more information, visit www.TheLaunchPad.org.

Richter Library computers unavailable
Due to student testing, the computers in the Richter Library Information Commons will be unavailable today, Thursday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, March 27 from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Friday, April 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.  For more information, visit this Web site, call 305-284-6466, or e-mail brittons@miami.edu.

Participate in the Miami Corporate Run
Join Sebastian the Ibis as he attempts to complete his tenth consecutive Corporate Run/Walk. The 5K event (3.1 miles) will take place on Thursday, April 30 beginning at 6:45 p.m. at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. Information regarding the event and the runner’s release form are on this Web site. (Note: Please read all the information carefully as there are important changes to this year’s event.) Rally coworkers, family, and friends, and support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information, e-mail Leo Ramos (Miller School of Medicine employees) or Angie Ramos (Coral Gables and Rosenstiel campus employees). You may also call 305-284-LIFE (5433).

Human Subjects Protections Program Series: “Vulnerable Population in Research”
Register now for a brown-bag lunch seminar on Tuesday, March 31 from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Human Subjects Research Office, Dominion Tower, 12th-floor conference room. This program is intended to inform researchers and any others who have an interest in research at the University about a broad range of subjects pertaining to human-subjects protections. Seminars are presented on a monthly basis by experts who either work directly in the field of human-subjects protections or have experience in certain aspects of human-subjects protections. These seminars are presented in an informal manner with the expectation of interactions with participants. Registration is required through ULearn. For questions, please email ResEDU@med.miami.edu.

10th Annual Zubrod Memorial Lecture and Cancer Research Poster Session
Submit abstracts now for the upcoming 10th Annual Zubrod Memorial Lecture and Cancer Research Poster Session to be held on Friday, May 8 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Diagnostic Treatment Center, second-floor conference center. Abstracts are due before Friday, April 3.

The goal of the event is to provide a competitive stimulus for creativity in research and an opportunity for the exchange of ideas. Faculty, predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees, residents, and medical and graduate students are encouraged to participate by attending the lecture, presenting a poster, or viewing the posters of their colleagues. For poster submission guidelines or more information, e-mail ddames@med.miami.edu or call 305-243-2287.

Golf tournament benefits UM Center for Liver Diseases
The third annual Dennis M. Sutton Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 4 at the Westview Country Club in North Miami. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the UM Center For Liver Diseases. The funds will be used for research in the field of hepatobiliary and patient care programs. Each golfer will receive the “Claws To Go” gift package from Joe’s Stone Crab. Sponsorships are available. If you would like to learn more about the golf tournament, e-mail hightides78@bellsouth.net or call 954-593-7364; or e-mail angelique@miami.edu or call 305-243-5606. 

Hello, Dolly! back where it belongs at the Jerry Herman Ring Theater
Where else but the Jerry Herman Ring Theater could Hello, Dolly! belong—on the stage where composer, lyricist, and UM alum Jerry Herman, A.B., ’53, got his start.

Don't miss this production of Hello, Dolly!, an ebullient and irresistible story featuring one of the most fabulous and memorable characters of the American musical theatre stage: Dolly Gallagher Levi. Featuring such beloved songs as Hello, Dolly!, Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Ribbons Down My Back, Before the Parade Passes By, Elegance, It Only Takes A Moment, and So Long, Dearie, Jerry Herman’s Tony Award-winning musical promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the theatre's season.

Tickets go on sale starting Monday, March 30 at 12 p.m. Box office hours are from 12 to 5 p.m. on weekdays and two hours before each performance. Performances run from April 22 - May 2. For more information or to charge tickets by phone, call the box office at 305-284-3355. To learn more about the theatre, click here.

Coral Gables Wine and Food Festival Supporting the International Bronchitis Center
Today, Thursday, March 26, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians will be hosting the Coral Gables Wine and Food Festival benefitting the International Bronchitis Center within the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at UM and the American Lung Association.

Join honorary chairman Marc Buoniconti, development advisor for the International Bronchitis Center and president of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, for a sampling of culinary creations from more than 30 of South Florida’s exclusive dining destinations. The festival will be held on "restaurant row" in historic Coral Gables (100 block of Giralda Avenue). The VIP Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and the street festival kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets for regular admission are $50; VIP tickets are $150. For tickets, call 1-800-LUNG-USA or visit the Web site.

Retirement planning assistance in April
Worried or confused about your retirement plan?  Three of UM’s approved retirement vendors will visit in April to help with financial questions about your retirement plan.  Employees are encouraged to schedule a meeting with a retirement consultant.

A representative from Fidelity Investments visits the University on April 16 at the Coral Gables campus and on April 1, 2, and 15 at the Miller School campus. To schedule an appointment, visit the Web site at www.fidelity.com/atwork/reservations or call 239-560-0701.

A representative of TIAA-CREF visits the University on April 6 and 7 at the Coral Gables campus and on April 8 and 9 at the Miller School campus. To schedule an appointment, visit the Web site or call 866-842-3357, extension 261304.

A representative from the Lincoln Financial Group visits the University on April 27 at the Coral Gables campus, on April 28 on the Miller School campus, and on April 29 at the Rosenstiel campus. To schedule an appointment, call 305-245-7332 or e-mail Theresa.Yong@LFG.com.  

Also, don’t forget that you can contact LTSave for UMatter free investment advice at 877-587-2832.

Travel safely with all the necessary vaccinations
The Department of Medicine is opening a travel medicine and adult vaccination clinic at UHealth of Coral Gables (Daystar Health Center) at 5513 Merrick Drive. The clinic offers a full range of information about travel preparation, vaccinations, and preventive treatments. UM/Aetna Medical plan members are eligible for free travel vaccinations. The guidelines by which vaccines are covered under the UM/Aetna plans are those recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To view a list, visit www.cdc.gov/travel.  Those with other coverage are encouraged to check with their insurance providers to determine benefits. Appointments can be made with Michael Holzer, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, by calling 305-284-TRAVEL (8728).

Visit a UHealth Nutritionist
There’s no better day than today to take a look at how the way you eat can improve your health.  Employees who have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, are over or underweight, have food allergies, or suffer from limited food intake would benefit from an evaluation with a registered dietitian. Aetna members are eligible for three visits with a UHealth Registered Dietitian on campus at the reduced UHealth specialist copay.  For an appointment, call 305-243-6831. 

New T. Rowe Price Recordkeeping System
Faculty and staff who have a University of Miami Retirement Plan with T. Rowe Price will receive a notice at their home address with regard to a new T. Rowe Price recordkeeping system that will be implemented on April 2.  This transition will give all participants more flexibility, choices, and convenience when planning and reviewing their retirement options. Please visit the T. Rowe Price Web site to view your account and the tools and information that can help you make better choices for your future. If you have any questions, you can also contact T. Rowe Price at 1-800-922-9945.

Save money on prescriptions through retail pharmacy discount programs
Saving money on some health care expenses is as easy as using generic drugs whenever possible and taking advantage of discounts offered by major retailers. Retail pharmacies including Kmart, Wal-Mart, Target, and Publix offer special discounts on prescription medications through discount pricing programs. For example, Publix offers a 14-day supply of select antibiotics free of charge. We encourage you to investigate these programs before purchasing prescription drugs. HRA plan members should click here to view a special note on discount prescription purchases.

Free annual skin cancer screening with a UHealth dermatologist
Through the free UMatter Preventive Care Benefits, employees and dependents enrolled in a UM/Aetna medical plan are eligible to receive one free annual skin cancer screening with a UHealth dermatologist (on the Miller School of Medicine campus at the Edelman Building, UMH, and UMHC/Sylvester, and on the Coral Gables campus at Daystar and JMH South).  Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in this country. More than one million people in the U.S. develop skin cancer each year. Take advantage of your free cancer screening, and learn the facts about skin cancer prevention and some of the steps you can take to help decrease the incidence of skin cancer. Make an appointment today at 305-243-3729. 

Dermatology services available at UHealth Coral Gables practice
Dermatology services are now available at the UHealth Coral Gables Practice (Daystar). George Elgart, professor and vice chair of education at the Miller School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, is available twice per month to provide care to University staff, students, and others.  The UHealth Coral Gables Practice accepts many insurance plans. Appointments and additional information are available by calling 305-243-6704. Annual free skin cancer screening appointments for UM employees and their dependents insured with AETNA are also available by calling 305-243-3729.

If you have questions about any of your UMatter benefits, visit www.miami.edu/benefits/ask and complete the online form.

Las Artes de Mexico closing lecture and reception tomorrow Attend the closing reception and lecture for the Las Artes de Mexico exhibit tomorrow, Friday, March 27. Attend a closing lecture from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Storer Auditorium titled "Children of the Plumed Serpent: A Thousand Years of Art and Ritual in Southern Mexico" presented by John Pohl, curator of Arts of the Americas, Fowler Museum, UCLA. The lecture is free and open to the public. Afterward, enjoy a reception from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Lowe Art Museum featuring light fare by Talavera and Corralejo Tequila cocktails. Admission to the reception is $10, but is free for Lowe members. For more information, visit the Lowe Museum Web site. For more arts and culture events at UM, visit UM Presents.

Friday, March 27 Concert Jazz Band performs with Sam Rivers. The Frost Concert Jazz Band, under the direction of Dante Luciani and with special guest Sam Rivers, will perform at 8 p.m. at Gusman Concert Hall on the Coral Gables campus. Rivers is an 83-year-old multi-instrumentalist who began gaining notice in the jazz world as a member of Herb Pomeroy’s legendary big band in Boston in the '50s. He also played with the Miles Davis Quintet. Tickets: $15 donation. For more information, call 305-284-5813.

Friday, March 27 through Saturday, March 28 The Pervert's Guide to Cinema. Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek delivers a passionate, funny, and extremely provocative three-part lecture on his favorite topic: the movies. Utilizing clips of everything from the psychosexual nightmare worlds of David Lynch and early Joan Crawford melodramas to Tarkovsky’s Soviet sci-fi epics and Walt Disney cartoons, Zizek delves into the hidden language of cinema, uncovering what movies can tell us about ourselves. Admission is $6 for all UM alumni, faculty, and staff, and is free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens at the Bill Cosford Cinema on Friday at 9 p.m., and Saturday at 5:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29 Waltz with Bashir. This acclaimed animated film begins one night at a bar, as an old friend tells director Ari Foldman about a recurring nightmare in which he is chased every night by 26 vicious dogs. The two men conclude that there’s a connection to their Israeli Army mission in the first Lebanon War of the early '80s. Ari is surprised that he can’t remember a thing about that period of his life. Intrigued by this riddle, he decides to meet and interview old friends and comrades around the world to discover the truth about that time and about himself. As Ari delves deeper and deeper into the mystery, his memory begins to reemerge in surreal images. Admission is $6 for all University of Miami alumni, faculty, and staff, and is free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens at the Bill Cosford Cinema on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Friday through Monday, March 27-30 Arteamericas. The Lowe Art Museum will offer a glimpse into its collections and programs during the Arteamericas 2009 Art Fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Hall A. Miami's leading Latin American art event will display art in its many forms—painting, sculpture, conceptual art, multimedia, and installations. Visit the Lowe Web site and sign up to be on its e-mail list to receive one free day pass to the art fair.

Saturday, March 28 An Evening of Chamber Music. The Frost School of Music’s Distinguished Professor of Keyboard Performance Paul Posnak will be joined by the Boston Symphony’s principal cellist, Jules Eskin, and virtuoso clarinetist Ethan Sloane from the College of Fine Arts at Boston University for an evening of chamber music. The trio will perform works by Beethoven, Bruch, and Brahms. The concert takes place at 8 p.m. at Gusman Concert Hall. Tickets are $30 general admission and $25 for all UM faculty and staff with a ’Cane Card. Student tickets will be available at the door. For tickets and information, call the Miami Civic Music Association at 305-271-8449 or visit www.miamicivicmusic.org.

Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, March 29 Das Rheingold. In the words of the prestigious German weekly Die Zeit, the stage production of Wagner’s Rheingold by La Fura dels Baus “quite possibly shows us the path that musical theater will be taking in the future.” There’s no doubt about it: the city of Valencia is setting new accents in 21st-century opera not only with its spectacular new theater designed by Santiago Calatrava, but with its visually transfixing production of Wagner’s Ring, staged by Carlos Padrissa and his theater group La Fura dels Baus. The Barcelona-based Fura blends music, dance, acrobatics and technology into unforgettable stage events of sometimes raw but always captivating power. Admission is $18 for all University of Miami alumni, faculty, and staff, and is free for students. General admission is $20. The opera screens at the Cosford on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Sunday, March 29 La Leyenda de la Ne Huala. In this story, the old abandoned house located on Street of Nahuala number 7 is possessed by an evil spirit, the Nahual, that took over the spirit of the house cook. Now the Nahuala is waiting for the soul of an innocent child to revive and gain full power. This legend turns into reality when the spirit of the Nahuala takes Nando in the presence of Leo, who must transcend all his fears to rescue his brother. In his journey inside the bewitched house, Leo will face dangers and supernatural beings, and we will discover that not everything is what it seems: The house holds terrible secrets that pose not only of great danger for Leo and Nando but also for the calmness of the city of Puebla. Admission is $6 for all University of Miami alumni, faculty, and staff, and is free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens on Sunday at 5 p.m. For more information visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Sunday, March 29 From Generation to Generation. The 2008-2009 concert season of the University of Miami Choral Studies Program continues at Gusman Concert Hall featuring the Frost Women’s Chorale and the Frost Chamber Singers, performing Baroque and 20th-century choral music. The Frost Women’s Chorale will pair sacred works of Handel, Pergolesi, Schütz, and Hasse with pieces by Vaughan Williams, Orbán, and Stroope inspired in the tradition of folk music.  The Frost Chamber Singers will present two cantatas of Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, one of which is believed to be receiving its first performance in nearly 300 years. The conclusion of the program ranges from an early motet of Aaron Copland to a traditional Nigerian folk song. The event occurs at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 305-284-4162, e-mail littacecchi@miami.edu, or visit www.music.miami.edu/choralstudies.

Monday, March 30 Opera-In-Progress by Stamps Series Visiting Artists. The Frost School of Music continues the Stamps Family Distinguished Visitors Series with Anthony Davis, Dafnis Prieto, and Charles Koppelman: In Conversation, discussing the genesis and development of their opera-in-progress, Revolution of Forms. The opera examines the rise and fall of Cuba’s national art schools. The work is presented through the eyes of architect Ricardo Porro, who helped design these schools.The talk will take place at 8 p.m. in Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall on the Coral Gables campus. Admission is free. To RSVP, call 305-284-4940. In addition, excerpts from Revolution of Forms will be performed on Tuesday, March 31 at 8 p.m. by composer/jazz pianist Davis, composer/percussionist Prieto, and featured guest artist tenor Thomas Young at Gusman Concert Hall. The performance is free and open to the public, and no RSVP is required. For more information and directions, visit music.miami.edu or call 305-284-4940.

Thursday April 2 Duets and Other Things: A Faculty Composition Recital by Ferdinando DeSena. Performers at this free recital include musicians from the Florida Philharmonic, Ibis Camerata, Mimesis, New World Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, and the New World School of the Arts, as well as faculty, students, and alumni of the Frost School of Music. They will be playing a program of new compositions by Ferdinando DeSena, a music theory and composition faculty member. The concert will also include a bonus R'n'B set performed by Fred DeSena and Uptown Revue. The event takes place at 8 p.m. in the Clarke Recital Hall; all are welcome.

Thursday through Sunday, April 2-5 Calypso Dreams. An intimate portrait of some of the true Calypsonians of Trinidad and Tobago, in performance and conversation, shot over three years in Port of Spain, Trinidad, this documentary includes such legendary Calypsonians as Lord Pretender, Lord Kitchener, Relator, Lord Superior, Brigo, and others. Admission is $6 for all UM alumni, faculty, and staff, and is free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens on Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 9:15 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Friday through Sunday, April 3-5 Medicine for the Melancholy. A man and woman wake up together after a night of drinking, neither knowing the other’s name. Introductions are finally made, and the could-be couple spends the day traversing the city of San Francisco by foot, bike, and taxi. First-time feature director Barry Jenkins takes this basic idea and makes a thoughtful, stylish film that feels at once entirely natural and well-crafted. Admission is $6 for all University of Miami alumni, faculty, and staff, and is free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens at the Cosford Cinema on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5 Rocknrolla. Lenny Cole, a London mob boss, puts the bite on all local real estate transactions. He’s helping Uri Omovich, a Russian developer. As a sign of good faith, Omovich lends Cole a valuable painting, which is promptly stolen. While Cole’s men look for the canvas, three local criminals steal money from the Russian using inside information from his accountant. Admission is $6 for all University of Miami alumni, faculty, and staff, and is free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens at the Cosford Cinema on Saturday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Tuesday, April 7 The Times of Harvey Milk. By turns humorous and tragic, this documentary chronicles the life and death of Harvey Milk. The first openly gay politician in the U.S., a neighborhood activist, and a symbol of gay political achievement, Milk was—for many—a martyr to his cause. Panelists include Christian Gay, M.A. ’06, Film and Queer Studies, School of Communication; Gema Perez-Sanchez, Modern Languages and Literatures, College of Arts and Sciences; and Elizabeth Schwartz, J.D. ’97, attorney and family mediator. The event is presented as part of UM Ethics Programs’ Eighth Annual Environmental Ethics Symposium and co-sponsored by The Launch Pad. The screening takes place at 6:15 p.m. at the Bill Cosford Cinema on the Coral Gables campus; snacks will be provided at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/ethics or call 305-284-5926; visit www.com.miami.edu; or call 305-284-2872 or e-mail alumni@miami.edu.

Wednesday, April 8 Arts Networking Night. Join the Toppel Career Center for an opportunity to network with professionals and UM students who are interested in the arts. The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the CAS Gallery. RSVP to Ali Rodriguez at 305-284-1819 or alrodriguez@miami.edu.

Tuesday, April 14 One Water. Filmed in 15 countries, narrated by UM President Donna E. Shalala, edited and scored by UM faculty, and supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, this documentary probes the global fresh-water crisis and makes a compelling case that access to clean water is a basic human right. Panelists include Sanjeev Chatterjee, vice dean of the School of Communication, executive director of the Knight Center for International Media, and writer/producer/director of One Water. The event is presented as part of UM Ethics Programs’ Eighth Annual Environmental Ethics Symposium and co-sponsored by The Launch Pad. The screening takes place at 6:15 p.m. at the Bill Cosford Cinema on the Coral Gables campus; snacks will be provided at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/ethics or call 305-284-5926; visit www.com.miami.edu; or call 305-284-2872 or e-mail alumni@miami.edu.

Saturday to Sunday, April 18-June 14 UM Student/Master of Fine Arts Exhibitions. Spring has returned and nature beckons discovery and exploration–even in art form. The annual two-part UM Student/Master of Fine Arts Exhibitions are viewable at the Lowe Art Museum. Also on view, UM's Faculty Exhibition, featuring Carsten Meier’s Naturell. A preview and reception for the juried student exhibition and Naturell, will be held Friday, April 17 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening will be highlighted with a special lecture by Meier. A preview reception for the MFA exhibition, on view from May 14-June 14, will be held Wednesday, May 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. Both receptions are free and open to the public. Regular admission to the Lowe (not including special events) is $10; $5 for seniors and non-UM students; and is free for Lowe Art Museum members, UM students, faculty and staff, and children under 12 years of age. For more information, call 305-284-3535 or visit www.lowemuseum.org.

Thursday, April 23 Frost Salsa Orchestra concert. The Frost School of Music and WDNA-FM invite guests to a special concert by the Frost Salsa Orchestra, directed by Alberto de la Reguera. Special guest performers will include Frost School Dean Shelton “Shelly” Berg (piano), Greg Gisbert (trumpet), and Chad Bernstein (trombone). The Frost Salsa Orchestra, founded in 1993, includes 19 instrumentalists and seven singers and has a library of more than 100 big band arrangements that range from traditional salsa to Latin jazz and fusion. The concert takes place at 8 p.m. at Gusman Concert Hall. Donation: $15 to benefit WDNA-FM and the Frost School of Music. For more information, call 305-284-5813.