Name recognition: Director of the Wellness Center Norm Parsons, left, and UM President Donna E. Shalala, right, present Patti and Allan Herbert with a commemorative photo of the Wellness Center at last Thursday’s dedication ceremony.

“Patti and Allan have a truly special connection to the University of Miami and a love story to match.  They embody the true meaning of a ’Cane and now their names will forever adorn the entrance to the Wellness Center,” said UM President Donna E. Shalala. “Their gift is another testament of their dedication to their alma mater.” 

The Herberts, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year, are pioneer South Florida residents. They experienced the Art Deco era, World War II, and South Florida’s post-war boom. They met and fell in love while attending the University in the 1950s. In 2004, to commemorate their love, they established an endowment for the “Love Bridge” outside the University’s Wellness Center. To date 180 bricks have been personalized and more are available for alumni or friends of the University, with a minimum donation of $500. The bridge not only serves to honor their University-found love, but proceeds from the sale of personalized bricks on the “Love Bridge” support the ’Canes Health Assessment and Motivation Program (CHAMP) endowment established by the Herberts to bring a stronger sense of health and fitness awareness to the University community.

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James Carville and Mary Matalin visit tomorrow
Mary Matalin is a Republican strategist who served as former assistant to President Bush and counselor to Vice President Cheney. Her husband, James Carville, is a Democratic strategist and former senior advisor to President Bill Clinton. Together they are America’s favorite odd couple. Attend “All’s Fair: Love, War, and Politics,” as they share their experiences in the world of top-level political campaigning during a visit on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the BankUnited Center. A 'Cane Card is required for entry. The event is presented as a part of Dialogue for Democracy, a dynamic calendar of events focusing on issues pertaining to the upcoming presidential election.

Beautiful setting: Four Fillies Farm, a community built for UM faculty, recently opened a pool and whirlpool, clubhouse, tennis court, playground area, and nature path.

Four Fillies Farm filling up
In the midst of the Village of Pinecrest, a University of Miami community is emerging.

After welcoming its first residents at the beginning of the year, Smathers Four Fillies Farm—built for University of Miami faculty—now has 20 of its 30 single-family homes occupied, with the 21st family scheduled to close next month. The development recently opened new amenities: clubhouse, pool and whirlpool, tennis court, playground area, and nature path. These areas were the site of a festive gathering in August, when Provost Thomas J. LeBlanc hosted the annual picnic for new faculty members.

Four Fillies Farm is also living up to its promise to be a green community: four homes have already been officially certified as green by the Florida Green Building Coalition. This designation mirrors the site’s natural ambience; the homes are situated on 11 acres in the center of the lush 32-acre site, which includes some of South Florida’s most spectacular native plant life and fruit groves, with the remaining 21 acres left intact and maintained by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens.

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Free shuttle service to early voting site
Due to new voting technology and a record turnout, long lines are expected at polling sites for the November 4 election. To avoid these lines, individuals may go to early election sites now through Sunday, November 2 to cast a ballot. For information on Miami-Dade locations, click here. For information on Broward locations, click here. To help students, faculty, and staff take advantage of early voting, the University will be providing free shuttle service to the Coral Gables library election site. Shuttles from Stanford Circle on the Coral Gables campus will be running today, Monday, October 27 through Friday, October 31 from 12 to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, November 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bruce and Friends Saxophonist Dave Koz played “Over the Rainbow,” vocalist Monica Mancini sang “Moon River,” and University of Miami alumnus Bruce Hornsby performed “That’s Just The Way It Is.” The sound of music filled UM’s BankUnited Center on Thursday when the concert Bruce Hornsby and Friends was held as part of the Frost School of Music’s Festival Miami.   Hornsby’s concert was part of the festival’s “Creative American Music” week, which celebrated a new Frost School program of the same name that is backed by the artist. During the concert, the Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter shared the musical spotlight with a few of his famous friends, including Patti Austin, Koz, Steve Miller, Mancini, Tom Scott, Ricky Skaggs, and fellow UM alums Will Lee and Jon Secada.   Top: UM President Donna E. Shalala presents a ’Canes jersey to bassist Lee, left, with Frost School Dean Shelton “Shelly” Berg and Sebastian the Ibis onstage. Middle: Secada belts out a tune. Above: Hornsby performs with the Frost School’s new Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, which debuted at the concert.

Faculty Senate meeting
There will be a Faculty Senate meeting on Wednesday, October 29 at 3:30 p.m. at the McLamore Executive Education Center, third-floor dining room. All faculty members are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/FacultySenate.

Register today for the Global Business Forum; early registration ends October 31
On January 15 and 16, UM will host its inaugural Global Business Forum, featuring prominent thought leaders who will share ideas with hundreds of attendees representing businesses and organizations from around the world. Titled "Harnessing the Power of the Connected World," the forum will present an unparalleled opportunity for two days of knowledge-sharing on the Coral Gables campus. Scheduled keynote speakers include:

• Michael L. Ducker, president, international, FedEx Express
• Muhtar Kent, president and CEO, The Coca-Cola Co.
• Frances Aldrich Sevilla-Sacasa, president, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management
• Arun Sarin, former CEO, Vodafone Group
• Donna E. Shalala, president, University of Miami
• Jim Skinner, vice chairman and CEO, McDonald's Corp.
• Jack Welch, former CEO, General Electric Co.

In addition to the keynote sessions, there will be panel sessions hosted by the University's School of Business Administration, School of Architecture, School of Communication, School of Law, Miller School of Medicine, Frost School of Music, and Graduate School. These sessions will focus on how our increasingly connected world impacts areas such as health care, biotechnology, customer interaction, sustainability, and intellectual property.

Seating is limited and registration will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is available through October 31 and is $500 for members of the UM community (alumni, faculty, staff, and students) and is $750 for non-members. After October 31, the registration increases by $250. For more information, visit www.bus.miami.edu/gbf.

R.S.V.P. for Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program information forum
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program is hosting an information session for prospective applicants from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11 at the CAS Art Gallery located in the Wesley Center on Stanford Drive. The 30-credit program taught by leading faculty members offers convenient evening class hours. The number of credits taken each semester is flexible and courses are offered in all semesters. To confirm attendance, e-mail mals@miami.edu or call 305-284-6731. For more information, visit www.as.miami.edu/mals.

Enhance your skills with free computer software training
The End User Support group offers free software training to UM employees. Courses include Microsoft’s Office applications such as Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook. Training is also offered for Adobe’s popular Photoshop and InDesign applications. To preview upcoming courses and to register, visit eustraining.miami.edu or call 305-284-2944.

Online opportunities for nursing contact hours
The Professional Development and Training Office has purchased access to HealthStream, an extensive online contact hours library, for UM nurses. This library contains topics in the following areas: critical care nursing, cultural competency, disease states, emergency nursing, career advancement, obstetrics nursing, oncology nursing, patient care basics, perioperative nursing, pharmacotherapy, and special populations.

Get unlimited access to this library until May 15, regardless of when you join the program. If you fail to complete any training within the first 90 days, your department will be charged a $35 fee. In order to receive contact hours credit, self‐report all training in ULearn by May 15, 2009. In order to gain access to this library of courses, you must complete two computer-based learning modules in ULearn. These modules are Contact Hour Library–Module I and Contact Hour Library–Module II. Visit ULearn to access these modules. Access to this Contact Hours Library is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Racing for the Cure With downtown Miami awash in pink, members of the University of Miami Bahamian Students Association were part of the UM contingent that took part in the 13th Annual Miami/Fort Lauderdale Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on October 18. More than 15,000 people, many of them breast cancer survivors, turned out for the 5K race that helps raise money to fight the disease.   Above: Association members, from left, C.J. Williams, treasurer; Alana Rodgers, vice president; Trenton Davis, a high school student; Brittny Major; Ezzard Rolle, president; UM employee Claudette Alexander, advisor; and attorney Jessica Elliott pose for a snapshot prior to the race.

Brush up on office etiquette
In today’s modern workplace, office etiquette is more important than ever. How you present yourself may make as big an impression as your technical skills. As part of an Audio Conference Lunch and Learn Series for administrative support professionals, the Professional Development and Training Office (PDTO) is offering "Etiquette for Today’s Office." Discover what is and isn’t appropriate for business, how to handle difficult people with tact and finesse, how to avoid common dining etiquette faux pas, and how to effectively communicate. The session will occur on Thursday, November 6 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. in the Dominion Parking Garage, PDTO training room, suite 155. To register, visit ULearn. For more information, call 305-243-3090. This is a brown-bag lunch-and-learn session. A snack (chips) and beverages will be served.

Need to hire student employees?
Current students are still looking for part-time opportunities, both as part of the Federal Work Study Program or as University assistants. Please make sure to complete the Request for Student-Employee Form.

In the Garden Gala supports Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Saturday
Attend the kick-off event of South Florida’s fall social season–the In the Garden Gala benefit for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center on Saturday, November 1. This year's event, which will be at the Grand Ballroom at the Miami Beach Convention Center and includes 1,000 philanthropic, community, and business leaders from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, will raise more than $1.5 million for cancer research.

A highlight of the gala is the presentation of the Caroline W. Halpern Award, given to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity through volunteerism in support of Sylvester. The 2008 award will be presented to Joan and J. David Sheiner. Individual tickets are priced from $500. To learn more about underwriting opportunities, sponsorships, or to purchase a table and tickets, call 305-243-9088 or visit www.sylvester.org.

PMP exam preparation course begins November 17
Register now for this fast-paced course designed to fully prepare attendees for the Project Management Institute's International Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. The course utilizes the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and covers all areas of the PMBOK and more. Students will work through sample exam questions and will be assigned homework for further reinforcement of topics presented in class. Registrants receive a PMBOK guide, class workbook, and examination preparation guide. The PMP Exam Cram is also included. This course will be held at the Blue Lagoon Office Complex and enrollment can be made by calling 305-284-2150 or by e-mailing mmaduro@miami.edu. The course costs $1,995.

The University proudly presents A Dialogue for Democracy, a dynamic calendar of events focusing on issues pertaining to the upcoming presidential election that will engage, educate, and entertain members of the UM community and general public. Thursday, October 30 Elections: Real and Unreal. Attend the screening of a documentary and a fictional film that take a distinctive look at the election process, both real and unreal. The screenings are free and open to the public and take place at Bill Cosford Cinema. First, attend Street Fight at 7 p.m.; this documentary takes a look at the 2002 mayoral race in Newark, New Jersey, which included dirty tricks, police assaults, and threats to anyone who voted against the incumbent. Afterward, attend a screening of The Last Hurrah at 8:30 p.m., starring Spencer Tracy, Jeffrey Hunter, and Bob Sweeney in a story about the celebrated mayor of a New England city who is about to begin his fifth and likely last campaign. These screenings are part of the Presidential Film Series and presented by the School of Communication. October 31-November 2 “Migrants and Migration: Immigration and Notions of Citizenship in a Changing World.” This interdisciplinary conference includes sessions, roundtables, and interactive programs featuring global immigration experts. Speakers include professors and immigration officials from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Madrid, and institutions throughout the United States. Sponsored by Africana Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, History, International Studies, and Latin American Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences; the Joint Program on Law, Public Policy, and Ethics at the School of Law; the Haiti Research Group-CLAS; and the Interuniversity Institute for Research and Development. Events occur on October 31 at 4 p.m. in the School of Law, room E352, and November 1 and 2 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Glasgow Hall, School of Architecture. Wednesday, November 5 through Saturday, November 8 “Race, Ethnicity, and Place.” This annual interdisciplinary conference fosters dialogue on a range of issues related to the racial and ethnic transformation of places. Spearheaded by UM geography professor Tom Boswell and associate professor Ira Sheskin, this year’s conference will feature workshops, poster sessions, paper submissions, panels, and lectures for theoreticians, practitioners, and students from across the country. Visit rep-conference.binghamton.edu for event locations and registration information. Presented by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Open Enrollment continues through
Friday, November 7
Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to enroll in medical, dental, flexible spending, and short-term disability benefits for coverage beginning January 1, 2009.  It is important that you actively enroll in your 2009 benefits during Open Enrollment. If you had coverage in 2008 but do not elect coverage for 2009 via myUM, you’ll be placed in the Aetna HRA plan. Take the time to review the literature, attend the annual Benefits Fair, and also attend an information session. The decisions you make now could have a significant impact on you and your family's well-being. Below is a list of useful links for Open Enrollment.  You can also find helpful information at www.miami.edu/benefits/2009.

• Open Enrollment Guide
• Medical Premiums
• Medical Plan Examples
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Dental Premiums
• Calendar of Events

Attend an Open Enrollment information session
Open Enrollment information sessions are being held at central locations on each of the main campuses. A member of the Office of Benefits Administration and an Aetna representative will walk you through your 2008 benefits options and answer any questions you may have. Attend a session on:

• Today, Monday, October 27 at Rosenstiel Auditorium from 9 to 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 28 at the School of Business Administration Storer Auditorium from 9 to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., or 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; or at the Mailman Center for Child Development, eighth-floor auditorium from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. or 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 29 at the Mailman Center for Child Development, eighth-floor auditorium from 9 to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., or 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; or at the School of Business Administration Storer Auditorium from 9 to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 30 at the School of Business Administration Storer Auditorium from 9 to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., or 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 31 at Rosenstiel Auditorium from 12 to 1 p.m. or 2 to 3 p.m.

Flexible Spending Account Lunch-and-Learn information sessions
WageWorks will be the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) administrator for 2009. FSAs are valuable benefits to you and your family. Learn how to get the most out of your Health Care and/or Dependent Care FSA next year. Remember, FSA pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for everyday expenses such as doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, day care, and more. Topics include a discussion regarding approved health care and dependent care expenses, how to use the new WageWorks Visa debit card, FSA deadlines, how to file claims, and more. If you are interested in attending one of the sessions below, R.S.V.P. by e-mailing benefitsrsvp@miami.edu. Lunch will be served.

myUM computer lab assistance
Benefits Administration staff will be available during the dates/times below to help faculty and staff enroll for their 2009 benefits online via the myUM system.

Weight Watchers at Work: new 12-week session at the Coral Gables campus
The next Weight Watchers at Work 12-week session begins Friday, October 31 at the Coral Gables campus. Two sessions will be held every Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the School of Communication, room 2055. To enroll, pay by Friday, October 31 at any of the sessions. The cost is $123 for new members and $109 for continuing members. The price is pro-rated for those who join later. First-time registrants who attend all 12 weeks are eligible for total reimbursement (this is a taxable benefit). Second-time registrants are eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement (taxable) for perfect attendance. For more information, e-mail mariesvbd@yahoo.com or sheri.lee@miami.edu.

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

Target Practice Executive Vice President and Provost Thomas J. LeBlanc, left, coaches Yanai Tyrell as she aims for a bullseye at the Dunk Tank during the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science open house for faculty, staff, students, and their families last Saturday, October 18. Rosenstiel School Dean Otis Brown perches on the plank in anticipation of another drop in the drink as part of the fun and philanthropy that made up the day's activities. More than 200 people attended the event and toured several labs and facilities, including the school’s hatchery on Virginia Key. A lunchtime fundraiser catered by Parties by Pat raised $1,526 for the United Way campaign. Participate in the Business Services online silent auction Excellent holiday gifts are now available at the Business Services silent auction Web site. Participating is easy, fun, and benefits the United Way. UM employees, staff, and students can browse auction items and take advantage of the opportunity to obtain great items such as airplane tickets, hotel stays, restaurant certificates, an mp3 player, cameras, and more. Act soon, bidding ends on Monday, November 10 at 5 p.m. Halloween Boo-ffet on October 28 The School of Education United Way lunch returns this year as the Halloween Boo-ffet, and this fundraising favorite promises to serve up all of the gastronomic goodness and sweet treats of years past. The lunch occurs on Tuesday, October 28 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Whitten University Center's Flamingo Ballrooms A-C. The $8 ticket price includes a complete lunch and chances at great door prizes. For more information, contact Marissa Stevenson at mstevenson@miami.edu. Division of University Advancement hosts United Way lunch Participate in a Best Costume Contest and a Pumpkin Decorating Contest during a lunch benefit hosted by the Division of University Advancement. Enjoy pizza catered by Big Cheese for $5 and join in the fun for a good cause. The event takes place on Friday, October 31 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Gables One Tower, suite 300. United Way raffle for great prizes The Division of Continuing and International Education is selling tickets for a United Way raffle. Enter to win any of the following prizes: two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami; two premium tickets to a Miami Heat home game during the 2008-09 season (game to be determined); two tickets to So You Think You Can Dance? at the American Airlines Arena on November 16; two open tickets to a Miami Heat home game during the 2008-09 season in the 100 level (based on availability); and a gift certificate from Joanna’s Marketplace for one complimentary loaf of bread per week for twelve weeks. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Office of Professional Advancement located in Allen Hall, room 111, or by downloading a raffle ticket here. Winners will be chosen on Friday, October 31 at 10 a.m. in room 101 Allen Hall. All proceeds benefit the United Way. For more information, call 305-284-5800 or e-mail erodriguez@miami.edu. Basket bargain: The Purchasing Department invites individuals to particpate in a gift basket raffle for the United Way. Tickets are $1. Big, beautiful basket benefit The Purchasing Department invites individuals to participate in a United Way raffle of assorted gift baskets. Tickets are $1 and prizes will be given for first-, second-, and third-place drawings. Pick up tickets at the third-floor of the Max Orovitz Building or call 305-284-5368. A brand-new car: Honda Fit raffle Feeling the pinch at the pump?  Enter for your chance to win a new, fuel-efficient Honda Fit. The School of Education will be selling the $20 tickets for this community-wide raffle until Monday, November 3. Obtain tickets in the Merrick Building, room 312;, e-mail mstevenson@miami.edu for complete details.  Editor's Note: e-Veritas will include submissions for United Way fundraising events or sales in the Monday edition only. Send items to e-veritas@miami.edu.

Spinning politics “We're in silly season right now. Obama's trying to run out the clock, McCain has got to swing at the fences.” Casey Klofstad, assistant professor of political science, on Joe the Plumber, media coverage, and this year's presidential campaigns. The Miami Herald October 17 Business before politics “They aren't converting anyone to communism because they don't believe in it themselves.” Michael Connolly, professor of economics, on China typically staying out of politics in countries where it invests. Last week it was announced that China will become a member of the Inter-American Development Bank, which will increase the nation’s economic presence and influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Los Angeles Times October 24 Researching cancer's mysteries “We believe strongly we have found some bad genes in the Bahamas, and in such isolated island populations, the genes are passed on.” Judith Hurley, a UM breast-cancer specialist and lead author of a Bahamas study that hopes to solve the mystery concerning high breast cancer rates earlier in life for Bahamian women. The Miami Herald October 18

Today, Monday, October 27 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Grand Rounds. Lee Kaplan, chief of the Division of Sports Medicine, will present “Articular Cartilage: What Are the Current Treatment Options?” in the Lois Pope LIFE Center’s seventh-floor Apex Center from 4 to 5 p.m.

Today, Monday, October 27 Biology Departmental Seminars. Dale Hedges, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, presents “Determinants of Human Retrotransposon Activity.” To arrange a time to meet with Hedges, please contact his host, Patricia Buendia, at 305-284 3523. The seminar will take place at 12:20 p.m. at the Cox Science Center, room 166.

Tuesday, October 28 Cell Biology and Anatomy Seminar Series. Shu Wu, assistant professor of clinical pediatrics in the Division of Neonatology at the Department of Pediatrics, presents “CTGF in Lung Development and Remodeling” at 12 p.m. in the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building, fourth-floor auditorium. For more information, call 305-243-6691 or e-mail naviles@med.miami.edu.

Tuesday, October 28 Cardiology Grand Rounds. Ray E. Hershberger, professor of medicine in the Cardiovascular Division, will present “The Genetics of Dilated Cardiomyopathy” from 12 to 1 p.m. at University of Miami Hospital, South Building, first-floor Seminar Center A&B. For more information, call Yanay Tabraue at 305-243-1998 or e-mail ytabraue@med.miami.edu.

Tuesday, October 28 “Neuromuscular Diseases: From Gene Mapping to Pre-Clinical Research.” The Miami Institute for Human Genomics presents Mayana Zatz, professor of genetics and director of the Center for the Study of the Human Genome at the University of São Paulo’s Institute of Biosciences, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lois Pope LIFE Center seventh-floor auditorium. Lunch will follow.

Tuesday, October 28 Tribal Arts Society Lecture. Zena Pearlstone, research associate at UCLA, will present “Kachina/Katsina: Tradition, Appropriation, Innovation of Hopi Supernaturals” at 7:30 p.m. at the Lowe Art Museum. Admission is $10; free for Tribal Arts Society members and students. For more information, call 305-284-4246 or e-mail l.chapin@miami.edu.

Wednesday, October 29 Conversations About Cancer Seminar. Maria Restrepo, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Monica Yepes, assistant professor of clinical radiology and breast imaging and a member of the Breast Cancer Site Disease Group at Sylvester, present “Important Breast Health Education Every Woman Should Know” from 1 to 2 p.m. at Sylvester at Deerfield Beach. Attend and participate in a free mammography raffle. Reservations are required by calling 1-800-545-2292.

Wednesday, October 29 Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute Lecture. Mark T. Ziolo, assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at The Ohio State University, presents “NOS1 and NOS3: The Yin and Yang of Nitric Oxide Regulation of Cardiac Contractility” from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Clinical Research Building, conference room 1179.  For more information, call Yanay Tabraue at 305-243-1998 or e-mail ytabraue@med.miami.edu.

Thursday, October 30 Creative Writing Reading Series: Mia Leonin and Walter K. Lew. UM's Creative Writing Program presents a reading featuring two award-winning authors: Mia Leonin and Walter K. Lew. Leonin, who writes fiction and non-fiction, is a recipient of the Academy of American Poets Prize, a Money for Women Grant by the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, a Florida Individual Artist Fellowship, and a Green Eyeshade Award for theater criticism. In 2007 she was selected to be a fellow in the National Endowment for the Arts/Annenberg Institute on Theater and Musical Theater. Lew, a poet, tranlsator, and scholar of Korean literature, is a finalist for the PEN Center USA Poetry Award and has received fellowships and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, and Association for Asian Studies, among others. Attend the free event at the Wesley Center beginning at 5 p.m.

Thursday, October 30 Sacred and Magical Trees Tour. Take a tour at 5 p.m. beginning at the half-moon stone bench in the Gifford Arboretum. Listen to stories of trees on the tour and hear stories about their magical qualities, including the tree that can bring bad luck if you dream about it, the tree that can sense when you are lying, or the tree that should be visited when searching for a good husband, along with many more fun stories. Enjoy the cultural importance of tropical trees, including many new ones you may know little about.

Friday, October 31 through November 2 “Migrants and Migrations: Immigration and the Changing Notions of Citizenship in a Changing World.” Respected academics, lawyers, advocates, community activists, and politicians will present at this three-day conference, which is sponsored by the Africana Studies Program, in conjunction with the Departments of History, International Studies, Modern Languages and Literatures, and American Studies, as well as the Latin American Studies program. For more information, contact Professor Edmund Abaka at e.abaka@miami.edu.

Friday, October 31 Dialogues in Research Ethics Series. Paul Braunschweiger, chair of the UM Animal Care and Use Committee, presents "Promoting Integrity in the UM Animal Care and Use Program" at 12 p.m. in the Clinical Research Building, first-floor conference room. Lunch will be served. No R.S.V.P. is required. For more information, call 305-243-5723, e-mail to ethics@miami.edu, or visit www.miami.edu/ethics.

Friday, October 31 Medical Education Grand Rounds. The Department of Medical Education Grand Rounds series sponsored by the Educational Development Office hosts Morton Levitt, clinical professor of Biomedical Science at the Miller School of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Levitt will present “Medical Education for the ‘Echo Boomer’ Generation” at 12 p.m. in the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building, fifth-floor auditorium. For more information, please contact Tanyika Stephenson at 305-243-7482.

Monday, November 3 Open House 2008. University of Miami Hospital hosts an open house featuring guest speakers Pascal J. Goldschmidt, senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Miller School; William W. O’Neill, executive dean for clinical affairs; Marc E. Lippman, Kathleen and Stanley Glaser Professor and chair of the Department of Medicine; and Anthony M. Degina, CEO of UMH. The event occurs in seminar rooms A, B, and C beginning at 5:30 p.m. To R.S.V.P., e-mail jjurado2@med.miami.edu or call 305-243-1960. Refreshments will be served.

Monday, November 3 Project SHARE Seminar. The Developmental Center for AIDS Research and the Miami-Dade County Health Department present a seminar facilitated by Willy Prado, associate professor of epidemiology and public health. Prado will present on his successful randomized trials of a parent-centered intervention in preventing substance abuse and high-risk behaviors that can lead to HIV in Hispanic adolescents. The event occurs from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Rusty Pelican (lunch will be served). To R.S.V.P. and for further information, call 305-243-6430 or e-mail Tkuper@med.miami.edu.

Tuesday, November 4 Cardiology Grand Rounds. Antony Y. Kim, assistant professor of medicine, pathology and pediatrics in the Department of Medicine at The University of Chicago, presents “Endocardial Thrombosis: Are All Endothelial Cells Created Equally?” The event occurs from 12 to 1 p.m. at University of Miami Hospital, South Building, first-floor seminar center, A and B. For more information, call 305-243-1998 or e-mail ytabraue@med.miami.edu.

Tuesday, November 4 D-CFAR Grand Rounds. The Miller School of Medicine Developmental Center for AIDS Research presents its Grand Rounds seminar “Immunopathogenesis of HIV Infection:  Current Concepts, Questions, and Investigative Approaches.”  The presenters are Savita Pahwa, physician, and Helena Schmidtmayerova, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The seminar will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building, third-floor auditorium.

Wednesday, November 5 “What the President Didn't Know: Lessons from the Cuban Missile Crisis.” Michael Dobbs, author of One Minute to Midnight, discusses his book at 7 p.m. at The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies, Casa Bacardi. The event is free and open to the public, but seating capacity is limited. For more information, call 305-284-CUBA (2822).

Wednesday, November 5 2008-2009 Gail F. Beach Memorial Visiting Lectureship Series. Andreas S. Beutler, assistant professor of medicine and hematology/oncology for the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, presents "Chronic Pain: Gene Therapy to (Epi-) Genomics” from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Lois Pope LIFE Center, seventh-floor Apex Auditorium. For more information, call 305-243-7108.

Wednesday, November 5 through November 8 32nd International Conference: Miami Neonatology 2008. The Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, hosts its 32nd annual international conference at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa, Miami Beach. The topics presented will be of primary interest to neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians, respiratory therapists, and nurses involved in the delivery of perinatal care. For additional information on the conference, visit neonatology.med.miami.edu/conference . For registration, call 305-243-5808 or e-mail eravelo@med.miami.edu.

Wednesday, November 5 Conversations About Cancer Seminar. Christine Savage, assistant professor, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, presents “Common Auto Immune Diseases” from 1 to 2 p.m. at Sylvester at Deerfield Beach, 1192 East Newport Center Drive, suite 240, Deerfield Beach. Reservations are required by calling 1-800-545-2292.

Wednesday, November 5 A Conversation With Cheryl Little. The School of Law Center For Ethics and Public Service presents The Lawyers in Leadership Award to Cheryl Little, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. Refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m. followed by the presentation and interview at 4 p.m. at the Alma Jennings Foundation Student Lounge. To R.S.V.P., call 305-284-3934.

Thursday, November 6 Author and American Scholar Andrew G. Bostom. Attend a lecture by Andrew G. Bostom on his new book The Legacy of Islamic Antisemitism: From Sacred Texts to Solemn History. Bostom is an American scholar and associate professor of medicine at Brown University Medical School. The event occurs at the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Admission is free for students with a valid 'Cane card, and regular admission is $7. Refreshments will be served. To R.S.V.P., e-mail ccjs@miami.edu, call 305-284-6882, or fax 305-284-5274.

Friday, November 7 Seminar Series. Michael J. Smerdon, Regents Professor
of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, presents “DNA Repair in Chromatin: Searching for the Key to Get In” at 12 p.m. in the Gautier Building, room 118.

Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 Sixth Annual Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Conference. This year’s conference, which will be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Coconut Grove, features nationally recognized leaders in pediatric traumatic brain injury, pediatric spinal cord injury, and less common types of brain injury in children. Topics all along the continuum of care will be covered, including injury prevention, acute trauma, neurocritical care, neurosurgical management, basic neuroscience, acute and long-term rehabilitation, and school re-entry. The first day is capped with complimentary sailing and cocktails at the famous Miami Shake-A-Leg Center and Water Sports Program. Visit this Web site for more information on this year’s conference.

Friday, November 21  2008 Trauma Update Seminar. Registration is now open for a one-day seminar presented by the Joan K. Stout R.N. Nurses Training Program. The seminar  is designed to provide a practical update that teaches a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to the care of critically ill and injured patients. Hands-on workshops on clinical skills and treatment emphasize the assessment and management of the trauma patient. Topics to be covered include traumatic brain injury, hypothermia for brain and spinal cord injuries, airway and chest tube management, and transfusion and pain management guidelines in trauma. A unique perspective on lessons learned from the battlefield will also be presented. This program is designed for nurses, nurse practitioners, prehospital personnel, medical students, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists who provide care to trauma patients. The seminar will be held at the Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education, which is located in the Clinical Research Building, Broad-Bussel Auditorium, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is approved for a maximum of 6.5 continuing education credit hours for nurses, respiratory therapists, and physical therapists and seven hours for paramedics. The registration fee is $125 and includes all learning materials and lunch. Groups of three receive a $25 per person discount. Register online at this Web site. For more information, call 305-243-6491 or e-mail gcrmence@med.miami.edu.

Through November 3 Festival Miami. Celebrate another year of Festival Miami, the beloved annual music extravaganza now in its 25th year, with an exciting and innovative lineup of concerts. For more information on Festival Miami, click here.

Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2 The Exorcist. Arguably the scariest motion picture ever made, The Exorcist was unleashed on an unsuspecting American public in 1973. The film quickly became a nationwide sensation, leading to religious boycotts, fainting, and a huge box office return. Oscar nominee Linda Blair plays Regan MacNeil, a 12-year-old who is possessed by the devil. After exhausting all other practical options, Regan’s mother, Chris (Ellen Burstyn), acknowledges the supernatural nature of her daughter’s condition and recruits Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) to stage an exorcism. Aided by the mysterious Jesuit exorcist Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), Father Damien must confront not only the supernatural phenomena in front of him, but also his own inadequate faith. 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 Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 8:30 p.m. For more information visit, www.cosfordcinema.com.

Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2 Night of the Living Dead. George Romero’s 1968 film is a low-budget, homegrown classic that has since become one of the most influential horror films of all time. The plot is simple: seven people secluded in a Pennsylvania farmhouse face relentless attacks by reanimated corpses seeking to eat their flesh. The group tries to keep their sanity as the living dead keep trying to enter the house. Radio news reports tell of the plague taking over the eastern United States, while the ever-decreasing band of survivors rapidly loses ground in the battle to both keep peace with one another and stay alive. 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 Friday at 9:15 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. For more information visit, www.cosfordcinema.com.

Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2 The Lost Boys. This 1987 film follows the story of newly divorced mother, Lucy, as she moves her sons to her father’s house in Santa Clara, California—“the murder capital of the world.” Her teenage son, Michael, quickly falls in with the town’s bad kids: a bike-riding, Jim Morrison-worshipping gang of blood-sucking vampires. Her younger son Sam and his buddies, the Frog brothers, are the only ones who recognize the signs of vampirism in Michael, and they plot to battle the legions of the night before they take over the entire town. Starring Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Jason Patric, Dianne Wiest, Barnard Hughes, Kiefer Sutherland, and Jami Gertz. 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 Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 6:45 p.m. For more information visit, www.cosfordcinema.com.

Saturday, November 8 through November 22 Vernacular Photography in Miami: This Is Wynwood. UM presents an exhibition of contemporary vernacular photography at the Wynwood Project Space. In October, the Art Department distributed disposable cameras to residents of Wynwood. The cameras were returned to a drop-box at the gallery, the film was developed, and the resulting images constitute the exhibition. The exhibition presents Wynwood through the eyes of those who live and work in the neighborhood. An opening reception takes place Saturday, November 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. with a closing reception on Saturday, November 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit is curated by Carsten Meier, a photographer who exhibits internationally and who joined the Art Department in 2008. For more information, e-mail logan@miami.edu or visit www.vernacular-photography.com.

Sunday, December 7 Choral Studies Program Holiday Dinner. The Choral Studies Program at the Frost School of Music presents its 16th annual Holiday Dinner. The gala banquet is filled with music to celebrate the holiday season, with more than 200 talented student singers accompanied by harp, brass, and percussion performing throughout the evening and creating a musical night to remember. The event takes place at the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island (Parrot Jungle), Watson Island, beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m. The dinner and program begin at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call 305-284-4162 or e-mail littacecchi@miami.edu.