Henna Art at the Multicultural Ball

The Multicultural Ball at the University of West Georgia wasn't all about music and dance.

It was about art too.

Bindu Malbari, of Elegant Henna of Atlanta, took to a table in a corner of the ballroom, where she amazed dance-goers with her beautiful designs.

Drawing the designs on skin is "like icing a cake," Malbari said.

This was the fourth year of the Multicultural Ball at the University of West Georgia. The ball is sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity.

Co-sponsors of the ball are: the African Student Association; Black Student Alliance; International Student Club; Latino Cultural Society; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Pan-Hellenic Council; Student Government Association; and Women of Diversity.

Get Fired Up for Midnight Madness on Tuesday

The UWG Athletics Department will hold its annual Midnight Madness event at The Coliseum on Tuesday Nov. 2.

The action begins at 7 p.m. with UWG's volleyball game vs. Montevallo.

After the game, all students will be invited to the front lawn of The Coliseum for complimentary food and drink.

During that time, The Coliseum floor will transition from a volleyball to basketball setup.

Free t-shirts will be given to the first 500 students in attendance as we allow everyone back inside the facility, roughly 20 minutes after the completion of the volleyball contest.

We will then “call this meeting to order” with an exciting program of about one hour that will encourage student participation on the floor and in the stands as we introduce our basketball squads to our students in a setting that is traditionally a lot of fun for all.

Let's cheer for our Volleyball Wolves and get fired up for a great season of men's and women's hoops!!

"These Shining Lives" Radiates Onstage at UWG's Townsend Center

The University of West Georgia’s theatre department will perform These Shining Lives on Nov. 10 – Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 13-14 at 2:30 p.m. in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts Richard L. Dangle Blackbox Theatre. There will be a community preview on Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. for $3.

These Shining Lives, a play by Melanie Marnich, is the radiant story of four workers at the Radium Dial Company in Chicago, Ill. during the roaring 20s, and their fight for justice and worker’s rights. Directed by UWG faculty member Dr. Amy Cuomo, These Shining Lives depicts the story of brave women and their underdog attempt to tackle corporate America.

The production features set design by Tommy Cox, and costumes designed by Alan Yeong. Students have also contributed to the set, with lighting design by Jamie Bray, media design by James Parker, and sound design by Michael Bryan.

For more information about These Shining Lives, and for ticket pricing, call 678-839-4722 or visit http://www.westga.edu/~theatre.

The Multicultural Ball at the University of West Georgia opened with a visit from a group of local drummers.

The Carrollton African Drumming Group warmed up the students just before the dance began at the Campus Center.

This was the fourth year of the ball, which is sponsored by the university's Office of Institutional Diversity.

Students provide their own entertainment too. The African Student and Association performed traditional dances and the Latino Cultural Association taught a few dance steps.

Salsa Dancing at the Multicultural Ball

Salsa Dancing at the Multicultural Ball 2010

Members of the Latino Cultural Society taught a few salsa steps during the Oct. 26 Multicultural Ball.

This was the fourth annual dance, sponsored by the University of West Georgia's Office of Institutional Diversity.

Belly Dancing at UWG's Multicultural Ball

Belly Dancing at the Multicultural Ball

Sanam Azeem taught students a few belly dancing moves during the Oct. 26 Multicultural Dance at the University of West Georgia.

This was the fourth annual dance sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity.

Dance Lessons at UWG's Multicultural Ball

What's a dance without a little merengue and bachata from the Dominican Republic?

Members of the Latino Cultural Society gave quick lessons in the two national dances.

It was the one-two, one-two of the merengue. For the bachata it was one-two-three and a little hop.

This was the fourth annual Multicultural Ball at the University of West Georgia, sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity.

Check the blogger later for more video of the Oct. 26 ball.

UWG's MULTICULTURAL BALL 2010

The Fourth Annual Multicultural Ball at the University of West Georgia was a hit, with music, food, a belly dancer and henna painting.

Among the student performers at the Oct. 26 dance were members of the African Student Association.

The ball, held at the Campus Center, was put on by the university's Office of Institutional Diversity.

Check the blogger for more video from the fun night.

Dickey to Speak to Touchdown Club

University of West Georgia head football coach Daryl Dickey will be the guest speaker for the Touchdown Club of Atlanta lunch meeting on Monday, Nov. 1 at Fox Sports Grill.

Lunch will start at noon, and will be followed by presentations of the Touchdown Club of Atlanta’s back, lineman, coach, and team of the week. Then Coach Dickey will give an inside look at Wolves football.

Since assuming the UWG reins in December 2007, Dickey has worked diligently to bring a new mindset to the program. At the core of that attitude change was to recruit and develop players who would be, in Dickey’s words, “program players.” As a result of that commitment, Dickey mentored very young football teams in 2008 and 09. Yet, despite the lack of victories, the Wolves maintain the type of strong work ethic and positive attitude needed to turn the program in the right direction.

For 2010 Dickey has a team with added maturity, bolstered by another strong recruiting class and a retooled coaching staff. It is a combination that should not only continue the improvement on the program’s foundation, but garner positive results on the scoreboard, as well. The Wolves currently are 3-5 overall, and 2-4 in the Gulf South Conference.

After his first season at UWG, Dickey added a second formidable task to his menu of duties. He was named UWG’s athletic director, a position he still holds as he also coaches during the 2010 football season.

Tickets for the luncheon are available to the public for $20.00 (this includes lunch, drink, tax, and tip). For information on the Touchdown Club of Atlanta, contact Lee Baker at 678-472-3147.

UWG Hosts Art Exhibit Featuring Irish Designers

The University of West Georgia’s Bobick Gallery will feature the work of Brian Cronin and Terry Monaghan on Thursday, Oct. 28 until Nov. 26. There will be a reception on Oct. 28 at 5-7 p.m., with a gallery talk by Monaghan at 5:30 p.m.

The exhibition depicts the work of two Irish-born artists residing in the United States: Monaghan, a graphic designer, and Cronin, an illustrator. Both artists utilize the tools and training of their profession to produce work driven by personal impulse, as opposed to client-based or commercial work.

Cronin, who lives in New York, studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. He has been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times Magazine, Virgin Atlantic, Penguin Books, The Washington Post, Fortune and Entertainment Weekly. He has also been published in many important illustration annuals.

Monaghan also studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, and currently resides in Carrollton, Ga. His work is about abstraction, process and articulation, and their role in how we perceive our experience. He combines color, shape relationships and references urban landscapes in his work. He has been featured in art shows at Alternative Entertainments in Dublin and the Cultural Arts Center in Carrollton. He has also exhibited his work in group shows including Eyedrum in Atlanta and the Art & Science Collaboration in New York.

All gallery events are free to students, faculty, staff and the public. This exhibition will coincide with the Department of Art’s Art Incend Week, which includes Carve on the Quad, Safe Treat, Anagama Kiln Firing, an iron pour and other exciting art-related activities at UWG.

For more information on the By Design exhibition, please contact Stephanie Smith, Gallery Coordinator, at slsmith@westga.edu or 678-839-4950.

Pace of Recovery Dismal, U.S. Chamber Economist Says

The economy is improving, albeit at a disappointingly lethargic pace, according to the chief economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Martin Regalia offered that assessment at the annual University of West Georgia Economic Forecast Breakfast on Tuesday.

"The good news is we're growing again. The problem is we're not growing fast enough," he said.

Regalia said the housing and job markets are the two weakest segments of the economy and that while there might be a hint of improvement in housing, unemployment is likely to remain painfully high.

"The unemployment rate is 9.6 percent and I think it is going to go up before it goes down," he said.

After sustaining millions of job losses, the economy has been gradually adding jobs, but not enough to make much of a dent in the unemployment rate.

The private sector needs to add about 300,000 jobs a month over an extended period to come close to replacing the ones that went away.

"You've got a long time until you replace all the lost jobs," Regalia said.

Most troubling is the number of people who are unemployed for long periods of time, Regalia said, because their skills can erode, making it even more difficult for them to find work when a recovery takes hold.

"What we are creating is a chronically unemployed segment of society," he said.

Many of those people have effectively stopped looking for jobs, and are not counted in the jobless rate figures.

The unemployment rate also does not account for the underemployed - people who are working part time but want to work full time.

In housing, recent government and banking industry efforts to slow or stop the rate of foreclosures might be good for those who are having trouble paying their mortgages, but ultimately are damaging to the financial system, Regalia said.

By blocking foreclosures, the process of getting those houses back on the market for others to purchase is delayed, which ultimately hurts sales, he said.

But he also acknowledged that the sale market is currently flooded with too much inventory.

Improving the real estate market is essential to reviving the health of the economy, Regalia said, because much of people's financial viability is tied to their home.

"The real key to getting [lost wealth] back is the housing market," he said. "We're not seeing the kind of wealth or income growth that would drive the economy."

The chamber has been politically active in the run-up to next week's elections, advocating for policies that it believes would boost economic growth.

As such, Regalia expressed support for repealing the recently passed financial reform law, repealing the health care overhaul and extending the tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of the year.

Those moves, he contended, would provide better visibility for businesses about where conditions are headed.

"There's a great degree of uncertainty and that's what is paralyzing the economy," he said.

International Education Week 2010

What is International Education Week? It is a great opportunity to learn about and celebrate new cultures. This year International Education Week is the week of November 15th , and here are the events planned:

Monday 11/15: *The Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures & International Student Club present Open Mic Night*.

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 p.m. Location: Cobb Hall Lobby.

Read from a favorite poem, book or essay. Perform a skit. Sing a song. Share your favorite words. Count to ten. It doesn’t matter what. All students & speakers of ALL languages are welcome.

Tuesday 11/16: *International Student Club presents* *Cultural Panel*

Time: 7:30 – 9:00 pm Location: TLC 1301

Sweden, Nigeria, China, Brazil, Turkey, Colombia, France, Ethiopia, South Korea, Hungary, St. Kitts, Ghana, Taiwan, Russia, Spain, Canada will spend 5 minutes each describing their country/culture

Wednesday, 11/17:* International Student Club presents Cultural Boardwalk*

Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: TLC Lobby

Ever wanted to learn about different countries? Come to the TLC Lobby & take a walk through a cultural boardwalk with displays showcasing interesting facts about different countries & cultures.

Thursday,11/18: *Latino Cultural Society & International Student Club presents Salsa Boot Camp*

Time: 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Location: University Suites Center

Come out for a demonstration and teaching of Latino dancing

Friday,11/19: *International Student Club presents* *Coffee Hour *

* *Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: Campus Center Ballroom 108.3

Come enjoy the company of international students & experience culture while enjoying coffee & a light breakfast.

*Try out a new International Cuisine everyday of the week at lunch from November 15 – 19 @ the Z6*

Disabilities Awareness Day at UWG

Disabilities Awareness Day at UWG

University of West Georgia students got a chance to experience new things this week.

Like making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

And tying shoelaces.

It was Disabilities Awareness Day on campus.

Making a sandwich meant wearing a blindfold.

And tying those pink sneakers meant putting on gloves.

It was a chance to walk in someone else’s shoes.

The Not So Scary Fairy Tales

The Townsend Center for the Performing Arts at the University of West Georgia invites you to take an adventure through a magical maze of fantasy and wonder. “The Not So Scary Fairy Tales” will run Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, Oct. 26, 28-29 with group tours beginning at 6:30 p.m. and running through 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 30, tours begin at 2:30 p.m. and run through 5:30 p.m.

Enter an enchanting land where fairy tales live once more in 12 interactive and unique rooms. Explore the realm of Beowulf, the forest home of the Star Maiden and the pirates’ ship from Treasure Island. Find out what’s bugging Chicken Little, Geppeto, and those crafty little pigs. Carefully cross the frozen land of the Snow Queen and enter the mine of the Seven Dwarves. And watch out for the Giant, lurking about the beanstalk.

All tours are approximately 25 minutes long, beginning in the lobby with Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage and winding through the Richard L. Dangle Theatre. Each fairy tale is complete with costumed characters and dazzling sets.

Reservations are encouraged to obtain the time slot that best suits your family.


“The Not So Scary Fairy Tales” is a community effort designed, costumed and built by children, teens and adults from the communities of West Georgia along with UWG students. The result is an exciting labyrinth designed for children, their families and the resident dragon.

David Manuel, technical director at the Townsend Center, is the designer and master carpenter. “We have worked hard to make the event accessible, both physically and visually, for all ages,” said Manuel. “The maze is carefully designed to accommodate all children, including those who need assistance or may be in a wheelchair.”

Each evening features a special activity at 7 p.m. in the lobby with prizes for the winners and a costume contest on Saturday at 4 p.m. Other activities are available in the lobby. Horton’s Bookstore will also be on hand to sell children’s books.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. If special assistance is needed, contact the patron services manager at 678-839-4722. Box Office hours are Monday- Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 678-839-4722 or visit www.townsendcenter.org.

"Fog Alert!"

A demonstration-lecture will be presented on Friday, October 29th, 2010, 7-8:30pm in the Math-Physics (Crider) Lecture Hall, at the University of West Georgia. Topics: bubbles, The Electric Pickle, electrified hot dogs, "Fog Alert!", burning steel, window pane pain, moth balls, the Bed of Nails, and more!

Free and open to the public; suitable for ages 6 years and up.

Presented by

Drs. Javier Hasbun & Ben de Mayo, Profs. of Physics.

Sponsored by the Departments of Physics and Continuing Education, and by the Georgia Space Grant Consortium-NASA

678-839-4087 or 678-839-4097

jhasbun@westga.edu or bdemayo@westga.edu

Band Auditions at the University of West Georgia

So you think you can play?

The University of West Georgia Bands is holding auditions for wind, brass and percussion during the final week in October. Two full concert bands play during the spring semester. The very best musicians selected are placed in the Wind Symphony, West Georgia’s top-performing band.

Students not selected are encouraged to join the Symphonic Band.

Both bands play a concert in March and another in April. The Wind Symphony also plays in a concert in December and tours with the ensemble to perform at local schools in the spring.

Pick up audition packets on the 3rd floor of the Humanities Building. Questions? Contact Dr. Cale Self, Director of Bands, at tcself@westga.edu or 678-839-6268.

Steely Honored by Library Group

Melvin Steely is pictured above, right, with former Georgia House Speaker Tom Murphy, center, and an unidentified UWG student in this 2001 photo.

Dr. Melvin Steely, Director of Georgia’s Political Heritage Program at the University of West Georgia and UWG professor emeritus of history, will be the 2010 recipient of the Georgia Library Association’s Charles Beard Library Advocacy Award. The award will be presented on Thursday, October 14^th, in Athens.

The Charles Beard Library Advocacy Award recognizes an individual not employed in a library who has made outstanding contributions to libraries and honors the memory of Charles E. Beard, Director of University Libraries at UWG from 1978 to 2004. Past recipients include Governor Zell Miller and Stephen Portch, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

Through his extraordinary determination to collect the papers and recorded comments of Georgia’s political leaders, Dr. Steely has made a tremendous contribution to documenting and preserving the political history of Georgia and has been a tireless advocate for the role libraries play in preserving unique collections.

“Almost three decades ago, Dr. Steely recognized the importance of preserving materials that were sometimes discarded or retained in private hands, and he also realized that current technology—first audio tape, later video tape, and then digital recording allowed the preservation of personal recollections of individuals who had contributed significantly to the realm of politics,” said UWG Dean of Libraries Lorene Flanders.

Georgia’s Political Heritage Program was officially born in 1983 with Steely’s series of interviews of former Georgia Senator Herman Talmadge and the decision by former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich to deposit his political papers in UWG’s Annie Belle Weaver Special Collections. Through Steely’s work, the program expanded to include interviews with Georgia governors, lieutenant governors, U.S. senators and congressmen, state legislators, and political activists.

In 2003, outgoing Georgia House Speaker Tom Murphy donated his papers and office contents.

In 2008, the state legislature honored the late Speaker, funding an $8 million library renovation to feature Murphy’s State Capitol office, associated exhibits, and a research room for scholars.

In 2005, Steely negotiated an agreement with Georgia Public Broadcasting to air a selection of interviews on the GPB website. Currently, UWG Special Collections is collaborating with the Digital Library of Georgia to digitize and upload the political heritage interviews to the DLG website for viewing.

For further information about Georgia’s Political Heritage Program, please contact Special Collections at (678) 839-6365.

Richards College of Business Honored Again

The University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business is an outstanding business school, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features the school in the new 2011 edition of its book, "The Best 300 Business Schools."

According to Robert Franek, Princeton Review senior vice president-publishing, "We are pleased to recommend UWG’s Richards College of Business to readers of our book and users of our site, www.PrincetonReview.com, as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn an MBA. We chose the 300 business schools in this book based on our high opinion of their academic programs and offerings, as well as our review of institutional data we collect from the schools. We also strongly consider the candid opinions of students attending the schools who rate and report on their campus experiences at their schools on our survey for the book."

“I am delighted to hear that the Richards College of Business has again been recognized as being among the Princeton Review’s 300 Best Business Schools,” said UWG President Beheruz N. Sethna. “This recognition is well deserved given the exceptional faculty, students, staff, programs and leadership in the college.”

"The Best 300 Business Schools: 2011 Edition" has two-page profiles of the schools with write-ups on their academics, student life, and admissions, plus ratings for their academics, selectivity, and career placement services. In the profile on the Richards College, the Princeton Review editors describe the school as having students who: "are a friendly and close-knit bunch." They quote from students attending RCOB who say “I have a group of about 10+ friends throughout my business classes, and we all help each other out with difficult questions and strive to help everyone achieve.”

In a "Survey Says . . . " sidebar in the profile, The Princeton Review lists topics that RCOB students it surveyed were in most agreement about. The list includes: "Students love Carrollton, happy students, smart classrooms, and solid preparation in general management." The Princeton Review's 80-question survey for the book asked students about themselves, their career plans, and their schools’ academics, student body and campus life.

The Princeton Review does not rank the business schools in the book on a single hierarchical list from 1 to 300, or name one business school best overall.

"The Best 300 Business Schools: 2011 Edition" also has advice on applying to business schools and funding the degree.

- 0 -

Flu Shots for UWG Students, Faculty and Staff

Help us keep our campus healthy! Flu shots are still available at Health Services. The vaccine which provides protection from H1N1, H3N2, and Types A and B influenza is free to students and is also available to current faculty and staff for $15.00. Please bring your UWG ID. Pay by cash (correct change only, please) or check. Please do not take the flu shot while sick. Thanks!

Fun Run for UWG

It was a beautiful October evening.

The children warmed up by running around the orange cones. Wolfie stopped by to shake paws and pose for pictures.

The traditional fall 5K Run for UWG Thursday began with a Tot Trot and a 1-mile run on the West Georgia campus.

The Tot Trot lasted only a few seconds. But that was OK with the kids. After the trot they lined up for cookies and punch, then ran some more.

The 1-mile run was chance to meet-up with friends, chat and warm-up for the big event.

This matters. It’s more than just plain fun: the run benefits the UWG Annual Fund.

Erroll B. Davis Jr. Announces Plans to Retire as University System Head

He Honors Commitment to Board to Serve Five Years as Chancellor Through June 30, 2011

Atlanta — October 7, 2010

Erroll B. Davis Jr.

University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr. announced to the Board of Regents today his plans to retire at the end of his current contract year, June 30, 2011. Davis has served as chancellor of the System’s 35 colleges and universities since Feb. 2006.

In his announcement, Davis noted that he had made a number of commitments when the Board of Regents appointed him in Dec. 2005 as the System’s eleventh chancellor. He promised the board a five-year commitment to the job, which will be fulfilled in Feb. 2011 and he promised Gov. Sonny Perdue that he would continue as chancellor until the conclusion of Perdue’s term in Jan. 2011.

“The advent of a new governor does mean that the University System chancellor needs to establish a long-term working relationship in order to be effective. It is therefore appropriate that I step down at the end of my contract year and allow my successor to establish this necessary relationship,” Davis said. “The opportunity to lead this great system of public higher education has been a tremendous experience with both challenges and rewards. The System has certainly made great progress in its stated goal of educating more Georgians to higher levels than in the past.”

Board Chair Willis Potts, in response to Davis’ announcement, said, “Chancellor Davis has been and is an impressive individual who has brought to the University System an extremely high level of experience and ethical leadership. The regents, the presidents, the state and, above all, our students, have benefited from his outstanding stewardship.”

During Davis’ tenure the System has seen a jump in enrollment from 259,945 students in fall 2006 to a preliminary 310,361 students in fall 2010, an increase of 50,416 students, or 19.4 percent. The USG’s annual economic impact on Georgia has grown from $10.4 billion in FY06 to $12.7 billion in FY09 and the amount of dollars generated from research, grants and contracts has increased $75.5 million, from $831 million in FY06 to $906.5 million in FY08.

The University System has also undergone significant budget challenges during this period of enrollment growth, as the economic recession took a toll on state revenues. When Davis began, the USG had a total FY06 budget of $5 billion, including state appropriations of $1.8 billion. The FY11 budget totals $6.7 billion with $1.92 billion in state appropriations, which includes reductions in state funding in FY09, FY10 and FY11 of $630 million.

Despite the budget challenges, under Davis’ leadership, the System made a number of major changes in both its academic and operational structures that have followed the blueprint of the board-approved Strategic Plan adopted in 2007.

The System’s core curriculum was completely revised in 2009, which includes the gradual elimination of the Regents’ Test. In 2008 the board supported a major expansion of physician education through Georgia’s Health Sciences University in Athens, Savannah and Albany. A focus on increasing the numbers of other health professions graduates also has intensified under Davis’ watch.

Students have seen improvements in the area of student advising and planning, with the rollout this year of two-year course calendars.

Efforts to increase the numbers of students enrolling in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) were ramped up and the USG was cited for its achievements in increasing the numbers of K-12, particularly minority, teachers it produces.

Operationally, Davis has stressed the need to establish a risk management process throughout the USG and in 2008 the board approved a system-wide ethics policy for all USG employees. In addition, Davis established a system-level human resources function that has addressed rising health benefit costs and established an Executive Leadership Institute to identify and train emerging leaders within the System.

Issues such as philanthropic giving, campus safety and emergency planning and response and energy conservation have all been addressed through special presidential task forces created under Davis’ leadership.

The regents also approved a complete overhaul of the process by which key facilities needs are identified and prioritized for annual budget requests, which went into effect in FY08 and has attracted $1.067 billion in funding for facilities over the past four fiscal years. The board also approved a Shared Services Initiative that to date has consolidated payroll and financial systems.

Prior to being named chancellor, Davis served as chairman of the board of Alliant Energy Corporation from 2000-2005, after joining the company in 1998 as president and chief executive officer. Prior to the creation of Alliant Energy, Davis served as president and CEO of WPL Holdings, from 1990 to 1998. From 1978-1990, Davis rose through the senior management ranks at Wisconsin Power and Light Company, starting as vice president of finance and ending as CEO and president. His career also includes corporate finance positions at Xerox Corporation and Ford Motor Company.

Plans to select the next USG chancellor will be announced at a future date.

Methabane Speech Cancelled

Tonight's speech at the University of West Georgia by author Mark Methabane is cancelled.

Write On….The Square

The Cherokee Rose Writing Project is hosting it’s first annual writing marathon to celebrate National Writing Day (Oct. 20). Write On The Square will take place Oct. 19, from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m.

The event will be at the Cultural Arts Center and Adamson Square. The public, as well as writing groups are welcome to attend.

Participants will venture out into the square and surrounding businesses to observe and write 10-minute increments, about each location. After the writing exercise is completed participants will return back to the Cultural Arts Center to share their writing with everyone.

Poetry in Spanish for Hispanic Heritage Month

POETRY IN SPANISH FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Members of the Latino Cultural Society read one of Jose Marti’s most famous poems Tuesday in front of the University Campus Center.

“Yo soy un hombre sincero…..” (A sincere man am I)

Marti, the 19^th Century poet, is Cuba’s national hero.

The readers were of Puerto Rican, Salvadoran and Mexican descent.

The message the LCS wants to get out:

“We all look different,” said Marie Sanjurjo, president of the club. “Every country has different shades of colors, of people. We are all descendants of different things. Indians. Africans. People don’t know these things. They need to know and understand.”

You don’t need to be Latino to join, which is one of the biggest misconceptions about the club, Sanjurjo said.

The poetry reading was part of National Hispanic Heritage month, which runs through Oct. 15.

Hungry for more? Stop by the Office of Institutional Diversity (Row Hall 217; Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). There is a display, Hispanic facts and DVDS to watch. Enjoy music and treats. For additional information, please call 9-5400.

“CARROLLTON COLLECTS” TO BE EXHIBITED AT UWG

The University of West Georgia’s Department of Art will be reviving its Carrollton Collects exhibition series in March 2011. Carrollton Collects chooses works of art owned by local citizens to exhibit. The exhibition includes the design of a catalog with attributions and a gala reception.

The upcoming exhibition will feature prints commissioned as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Art Project, a tangent of the Works Progress Administration of the 1930s. The WPA employed millions of citizens to carry out public service projects, including work for artists during the Depression. The art project, which was highly successful and historically significant, was intended to raise the spirits of citizens through a variety of art projects including art education, fine and graphic arts.

Authentic WPA prints are generally signed and dated in pencil below the image, including an edition number. The final verification will be a Federal Art Project embossed seal.

If you have WPA artwork in your collection or know of local collectors who may be interested in participating in this exhibition, email Stephanie Smith at slsmith@westga.edu, or call 678-839-4950.

Responsible Sexuality Committee Presents "The Codes Of Gender"

The University of West Georgia’s Responsible Sexuality Committee will be hosting a viewing of the documentary “The Codes of Gender: Identify and Performance in Pop Culture” and a panel discussion on Oct. 20, 7-9 p.m. in the TLC Room 1305.

The documentary, written and directed by Sut Jhally, depicts sociologist Erving Goffman’s analysis of contemporary advertising, which describes how America’s popular culture communicates ideas about masculinity and femininity. “The Codes of Gender” analyzes gender beyond biological differences and advertising beyond a medium that sells products.

A panel discussion led by faculty and students will take place after the viewing of the documentary. Attendees can submit questions on note cards to the panelists. The event is free and the community is invited to attend.

A preview of the documentary can be found here.

First Ever World Cup of Petanque at West Georgia

No English was the rule.

They spoke French. Spanish. German. Anything but English.

Another rule: have fun.

The boules were green, yellow, blue. Some were silver.

First there was a toss of the bouchon. That was the guide. Then they took turns tossing the boules.

The closest to the bouchon scored a point.

Scored seven points? You won!

The first ever World Cup of Pentanque (think bocce with a French accent) came to the lawn outside Foreign Languages and Literatures at the start of homecoming last week.

Some four dozen students and teachers came to play or watch.

Or just practice speaking something other than English.

Next year be ready, Petanque will be back.

With Flu Shots, Better Safe Than Sorry

Every year the flu season brings new and unpredictable results. Last year’s wave was no different, affecting record-breaking numbers of infected citizens. The H1N1 virus struck people all across the country. Perhaps no flu season in recent memory has been as hyped, leading to a shortage of vaccines, long lines of angry, frustrated citizens and the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years. These pandemics occur when a new influenza virus emerges and spreads across the world at a time when most people don't have immunity to that particular strain.

This year’s flu season may be as unpredictable as last year’s, but there’s no way of knowing exactly, as different strands of the virus may appear that may not be accounted for. The most important thing to do is make sure you get your seasonal flu shot. As a new flu season nears and student’s head back to school, the latest vaccine — which protects against three strains of flu — is expected to circulate in months ahead.

Flu shots are available at Health Services, where they are free for students and $15 for faculty and staff. They also have H1N1 shots, which are free for students, faculty, staff and families. A plan is in place for the Type A influenza vaccine, which is expected to be available at UWG in mid-October. This plan will include students, faculty, staff and their dependents, and the details of the plan will be distributed once the vaccine is on hand. Printed influenza information cards and posters are being widely distributed throughout campus, providing illness prevention suggestions. It is important to get your flu shot as soon as possible because there is no way of knowing what this flu season has in store.

Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February. Flu.gov reports that as many as 160 – 165 million doses of the vaccine will be available from licensed manufacturers in the U.S. during the 2010-2011 flu season.

Flu viruses are constantly changing, even within the course of one flu season. Experts must pick which viruses to include in the vaccine many months in advance in order for vaccine to be produced and delivered on time. Because of these factors, there is always the possibility of a less-than-optimal match between circulating viruses and the viruses in the vaccine. However, you can still try to stay ahead of the game by getting your flu shot today.

UWG 2010 Homecoming Experience

CARROLLTON, GA — The University of West Georgia walked away with a 31-17 victory in the second homecoming football game to take place in the stadium last week. The game was just one of the many festivities that took place during the school’s weeklong celebration.

Student organizations displayed banners and participated in a sidewalk chalk competition in front of the school’s UCC building. Homecoming on the Square had a successful turn out and was followed by a spirited Pep Rally. Other events included Yell Like Hell, and pre-game tailgating at the stadium.

CARROLLTON, GA — The University of West Georgia walked away with a 31-17 victory in the second homecoming football game to take place in the stadium last week. The game was just one of the many festivities that took place during the school’s weeklong celebration.

Student organizations displayed banners and participated in a sidewalk chalk competition in front of the school’s UCC building. Homecoming on the Square had a successful turn out and was followed by a spirited Pep Rally. Other events included Yell Like Hell, and pre-game tailgating at the stadium.

Social Media Specialist to Speak at UWG

Social Media & Interactive Specialist, Dana Jones will be speaking at the University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business for the annual Marketing lecture series on Oct. 4th at 5pm.

Jones graduated from UWG in 2008 and has since worked for Trio Media Group, a public relations and marketing firm keen on social media. She was a member and secretary of the American Marketing Association, a student mentor and a member of University of West Georgia’s UCA National Championship cheerleading squad.

Jones will discuss a “trio of things” that can help prepare students for life after graduation. She said, “Richard’s College of Business taught me so many great things about how to succeed after graduation. I am excited to go back to West Georgia and share what I’ve learned along the way!”

Other keynote speakers for the series include Carol Godfrey, Vice President of Marketing for Southwire; David Tanner, Marketing Program Manager for Wells Fargo and Don Rovak, Director of Ticket Sales for the Atlanta Falcons.

About Trio Media Group

Trio Media Group (www.triomediagroup.com) provides full service advertising, PR, interactive and social media services for a wide range of clients. Using an integrated marketing approach, they help companies get real results.

Don't Forget to Register to Vote

Attention, Georgia residents: you must be registered to vote by Monday, Oct. 4 in order to participate in elections on Nov. 2.

To register in Georgia, you must: be a U.S. citizen, be a legal resident of Georgia and the county in which you wish to vote, be 18 years of age or older on Election Day and not be judicially ruled to be incompetent.

If you are already a registered voter, remember that you may participate in early voting.

UWG Discussion to Examine Holocaust

The University of West Georgia is pleased to announce the first event of the semester in the History Department's speaker's series. Associate Dean Tim Schroer will present a 30-minute talk entitled "How Barbaric Were the Perpetrators? Killing and the Ethos of Self-Control Among the Perpetrators of the Holocaust" on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the TLC Room 1305. Followed by a question-and-answer session, the talk promises to lead to a fascinating discussion not only of the Holocaust, but the broader issues of civilization versus barbarism.

For more information call 678-839-6508.