Volume 56, Number 32    April 20, 2009         

Tambor selected Alumnus of the Year
Actor Jeffrey Tambor has been named 2009 Alumnus of the Year. Since honing his craft on the stage at SF State, Tambor (B.A. '65) has enjoyed a successful career as an actor and teacher, earning six Emmy Award nominations in his nearly four decades in the industry.

Tambor will receive the Alumnus of the Year award at the University’s 108th Commencement exercises held Saturday, May 23 in Cox Stadium on campus.

In 1976, Tambor made his Broadway debut in the comedy "Sly Fox" alongside George C. Scott. After making a name for himself in New York and other regional theatre, Tambor began a successful career in television, appearing on shows such as "M.A.S.H.", "Taxi" and "Three's Company." More recently, Tambor appeared in the movies "Hellboy" and "Hellboy II." He also earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of George Bluth, Sr., and his brother Oscar on the television show "Arrested Development," for which he earned two Emmy nominations. Prior to that, Tambor earned four Emmy nominations for his role as sidekick Hank Kingsley on "The Larry Sanders Show." 

"Jeffrey Tambor's achievements as an actor are testament to his talent and dedication," President Robert A. Corrigan said. "In nearly four decades in the industry, he has won audience and critical approval and as a result showcased the value of creative arts education at San Francisco State."

Call for Welcome Days programs
Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit program/open house proposals for Welcome Days Aug. 19-21. The call for proposals is for events to be held Aug. 20: Academic Open Houses from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., student life/co-curricular Open Houses from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., touch of class sessions from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. and information workshops from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Program proposals are due April 30 and should represent the interests and concerns of first-time students, transfer students and/or their family members. For more information about Welcome Days, visit: www.sfsu.edu/~ospld/welcome/

Emergency Preparedness Week, April 21-23
SF State will focus on Pandemic Flu awareness and prevention during the spring semester Emergency Preparedness Week, April 21–23. In recent years the World Health Organization has been on alert for human-to-human transmission of an avian virus or "bird flu." To heighten public awareness, San Francisco State in partnership with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, will launch the "Infect Me Not" pan-flu prevention campaign. Planned exercises and events on campus will help faculty, staff and students prepare for a variety of emergency situations.
 
During Emergency Preparedness Week, look for the "Infect Me Not" posters to appear in all campus buildings and off site locations. The campus-wide mass notification system test and a test of the outdoor Emergency Alert Siren will occur April 23, as part of a pandemic flu exercise that activates the campus Emergency Operations Center. A blood drive sponsored by Blood Centers of the Pacific will operate Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along the Centennial Walkway. The University Police Department mobile command van will be on site to distribute free "Germ Stop Kits," along with pan-flu information and other emergency preparedness materials.
 
For more information about Emergency Preparedness Week and emergency preparations on campus, visit www.sfsu.edu/~upd/emergency

Dean of the College of Education candidate
Richard Navarro, professor of global issues in education and integrative studies at California State Polytechnic University, will be on campus Wednesday for a presentation and reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in HUM 587.

Panetta Congressional Internship deadline extended
The 2009 Panetta Congressional Internship Program application deadline has been extended to April 24. Faculty are encouraged to invite outstanding students to apply. Offered during the fall semester, the program is open to students who are appointed by the presidents of each of the 23 CSU campuses. Students majoring in any subject are eligible. Interns gain hands-on experience by working in the office of a U.S. Representative from the California delegation during the fall semester. Applicants must be in their junior or senior year, or in graduate standing by September, registered for Fall 2009 and in good academic standing.  Applications require: a letter of interest from the student applicant, an official transcript that demonstrates high academic achievement, a letter of reference from an SF State faculty member, evidence of community service experience and commitment to public service and a department chair signature. For application forms contact Adam Calmenson at ext. 8-3340 or abcsf@sfsu.edu

Academic Senate
The following is a list of action items from the April 14 Academic Senate meeting:

• Heard a report from the Student Affairs Committee and Eugene Chelberg, associate vice president for student affairs, on the establishment of a new student complaints and concerns Web site: www.sfsu.edu/~vpsa/complaints/
• Approved revisions to the enrollment management policy, #F02-111
• Approved revisions to the course repeat policy, #F08-248
• Approved a resolution in support of emergency preparedness at SF State
• Heard a proposal to revise the upper-division section of the written English proficiency policy, #S07-14, first reading. This item will return in second reading April 28
• Heard a proposal to revise the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) Course Criteria, #S08-14, first reading. This item will return in second reading April 28
• Heard a proposal to revise the religious holidays policy, #F00-212, first reading. This item will return in second reading April 28
• Heard a proposal to discontinue the minor in Family and Consumer Sciences program, first reading. This item will return in second reading April 28
• Heard a proposal to discontinue the Master of Arts in Social Science: Concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies program, first reading. This item will return in second reading April 28

Faculty nominations begin
University-wide faculty nominations for the following positions will begin April 10: Academic Freedom Committee; At-Large Academic Senator; Administrative Search Committee Pool; Honorary Degree Committee; CSU Academic Senator; and Post Promotion Increase Appeals Committee (PPI). To submit a ballot, visit the Academic Senate Web site or www.sfsu.edu/~senate/nominate/spring09/ For more information, visit www.sfsu.edu/~senate, call ext. 8-1264 or e-mail senate@sfsu.edu with "nominations" in the subject line.

Staff elections begin April 21
Staff Election for the Academic Senate Representatives (three positions) begins Tuesday and run through April 27. Visit the Academic Senate Web site for more information: www.sfsu.edu/~senate

This week in Insiders: Professor of Journalism Ken Kobre served as guest editor of The Digital Journalist, Philosophy Professor and Department Chair Anita Silvers presented a paper and Associate Professor of Creative Writing Peter Orner discussed his book.

Read Insiders: www.sfsu.edu/~news/cmemo/spring09/april20insiders.htm

This week in Newsmakers: Career Center Director Jack Brewer comments on the job market for this year's graduates.

Read Newsmakers: www.sfsu.edu/~news/cmemo/spring09/april20news.htm

Monday
Global warming and world hunger
Assistant Professor of International Relations Kathleen McAfee will present the lecture, "Slowing Global Warming and Relieving World Hunger: Must We Choose Between Them?," Monday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in HSS 361. The talk is part of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Faculty Research Series.

'Transcendence'
The SAFE Place will host "Transcendence," an event to raise awareness of sexual violence and celebrate strength and resilience of survivors of sexual assault Monday from noon to 2 p.m. in Malcolm X Plaza. For more information, contact Ismael de Guzman at ext. 8-1203 or ismael@sfsu.edu

Tuesday
Taking the pain out of PowerPoint
The Center for Teaching and Faculty Development (CTFD) presents "Taking the Pain out of PowerPoint" on Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in BH 333. The session, led by CTFD Publications Director Kelli Stanley, will help attendees unlock the program's potential. To register, call ext. 8-6456, e-mail ctfdreg@sfsu.edu or enroll online at http://power.sfsu.edu

Wednesday
Bike to School Earth Day
The Environmental Studies Department invites faculty and staff to walk, bike or take public transportation to work Wednesday as part of Bike to School Earth Day. The Colleges of Health and Human Services, Science and Engineering and Education will provide free food to all riders.

Informal writing workshop
Betsy Blosser, professor of broadcast and electronic communication arts, and Mary Soliday, director of writing across the curriculum (WAC), will lead a workshop to show how SF State faculty -- as well as faculty in other WAC programs nationwide -- teach using informal writing. The workshop will take place Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. in BH 333. They will also provide examples of how professors use informal writing to teach content, engage students in discussion and prepare classes for more formal assignments. To register, call ext. 8-6456, e-mail ctfdreg@sfsu.edu or enroll online at http://power.sfsu.edu

Thursday
CSU Institute for Teaching and Learning: Student Engagement in Learning
The Center for Teaching and Faculty Development will host the Webinar, "Student Engagement in Learning," Thursday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in BH 229. Ed Nuhfer, director of faculty development, CSU Channel Islands, will lead the CSU-wide Webinar on engaging students and promoting engagement in classes. Nuhfer will examine techniques such as knowledge surveys, brainstorming posters, reflective writing prompts and simple cooperative methods. To register, call ext. 8-6456, e-mail ctfdreg@sfsu.edu or enroll online at http://power.sfsu.edu

'The Bartered Bride'
"The Bartered Bride" is Bedrich Smetana's classic romp, which involves a Czech couple and their disapproving parents, resulting in a scheme involving the entire village, especially the marriage broker. The production includes 50 cast members, a 12-piece orchestra, 40 crewmembers and one dancing man in a bear suit. Professor of Theatre Arts Roy Conboy serves as stage director, with Associate Professor of Music Alissa Walters Deeter as musical director. "The Bartered Bride" plays Thursday-April 25 and May 1-2 at 8 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m. in McKenna Theatre, Creative Arts building. Tickets are $15 to $20. For details and tickets, call ext. 8-2467 or visit: http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/events/performing-arts/701

Coming Up
Adorno Ensemble: Bang on a Door(no)
On April 24 at 7:30 p.m., the Adorno Ensemble, SF State's new music ensemble-in-residence, pays tribute to renowned new music group Bang on a Can with works by David Lang, Julia Wolfe and Evan Ziporyn, plus San Francisco's Dan Becker, Ryan Brown and a premiere from Jonathan Russell. The concert takes place in Knuth Hall, Creative Arts building. Tickets are $10 general and $5 students and seniors. For details and tickets, call ext. 8-2467 or visit: http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/events/performing-arts/705

'The Expiration Date'
The Creative Writing and Theatre Arts departments present "The Expiration Date," a new play by graduate creative writing student Steven Salzman, April 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and April 26 at 2 p.m. El Teatro de la Esperanza, 2940 16th Street, Tickets are $5 to $10. For reservations and more information, visit sfsugreenhouse@gmail.com or call ext. 8-7605.

'Out of Exile' discussion
"Out of Exile: Narratives from the Abducted and Displaced People of Sudan" includes the personal stories of 17 Sudanese people abducted or displaced as a result of the conflict in Darfur and southern Sudan. A reading and panel discussion will take place April 25 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in HUM 133. The discussions will focus on the efforts of a variety of groups to help recognize and realize hope for Sudan, and for a world without genocide. Featured speakers include: Dave Eggers, Valentino Achak Deng, Craig Walzer ("Out of Exile" editor) and Martina Knee (SF Bay Area Darfur Coalition, Genocide Intervention Network), and will be moderated by Charlotte Hill (STAND/Genocide Intervention Network). This event is co-hosted by Voice of Witness, SF State Creative Writing Department, SF State Journalism Department, Genocide Intervention Network and the SF Bay Area Darfur Coalition. Suggested donation: $10-20 sliding scale. Copies of "Out of Exile" will be available for purchase. RSVP by April 20 to: mimi.lok@voiceofwitness.com

William Corbett-Jones 80th birthday concert
The College of Creative Arts celebrates Professor of Music William Corbett-Jones' 80th birthday April 26 at 3 p.m. with a concert. Corbett-Jones, a pianist who joined SF State in 1967, will perform with School of Music and Dance Director/violinist Jassen Todorov and San Francisco Symphony cellist Margaret Tait. The program includes works by Leclair, Mozart, Fauré and Brahms. Tickets are $25. For details and tickets, call ext. 8-2467 or visit http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/events/performing-arts/712

Obama, Europe and the future
The European Studies program will sponsor the panel discussion, "The Future of European-U.S. Relations in the Obama Era," April 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in SCI 270. The panel will include: French Consul General in San Francisco Pierre-François Mourier, Professor of International Relations Andrei Tsygankov and Associate Professor of International Relations Angelika von Wahl.

ImprovisAsians: The Art of Agency
ImprovisAsians: The Art of Agency is a three-day intercultural collaboration between Asian Improv aRts and SF State's World Music and Dance program, presenting panel discussions, lectures and performances exploring the traditions and hybrids in forming community. On April 29 at 7:30 p.m., in Knuth Hall, Creative Arts building, "Sound Come-Unity" returns as this year's grand-finale concert, with a host of faculty, students, alumni and community arts activists coming together for one-of-a-kind, improvised sound creations honoring the memory of SF State Dance Lecturer Alicia Pierce. All events are free except "Sound Come-Unity," which is $10 general and $5 students and seniors. For details and tickets, call ext. 8-2467 or visit http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/events/performing-arts/704

Storytelling and bilingual students
The Center for Teaching and Faculty Development will host the session, "What Does Storytelling Tell Us About Language and Learning of Bilingual Students -- Implications for Language Sciences and Children’s Education," April 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in HUM 473. Professor of Foreign Languages and Literature Masahiko Minami will explore how different languages signal meaning and the larger implications for teaching bilingual children and adults. To register, call ext. 8-6456, e-mail ctfdreg@sfsu.edu or enroll online at http://power.sfsu.edu 

Nicholas Samaras reading
Greek-American poet Nicholas Samaras will read from his book in progress, "Skiathos (Shadow of Athos)" April 30 at 7 p.m. in HUM 587. Samaras won The Yale Series of Younger Poets Award with his first book, "Hands of the Saddlemaker," and in 2004, was awarded a grant from The Lilly Endowment Inc. to attend the Athens Olympics and write new material.

'Still Dreaming…1968…'
The departments of Raza Studies and Sociology will co-present "Still Dreaming…1968…" April 30 at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 8 p.m. at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission St. The event will celebrate the role of artists in the student movements of 1968 and those who came before and after. The event will also feature live musical performances and presentations by SF State faculty. For more information, contact Ed McCaughan, Sociology Department chair, at ejmcc@sfsu.edu or ext. 8-1090.

For more upcoming events, see the University Calendar

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Last modified April 20, 2009 by University Communications.