Media Watch (Nov. 5–12, 2007)

"Media Watch" is a round-up of recent stories in the media about the University of Hartford, as well as significant stories about other local and peer institutions and news about trends and issues in higher education.

The Hartford Business Journal reported the awarding of a $250,000 National Science Foundation grant to Ingrid Russell, professor of computer science at the University of Hartford, and Zdaravko Markov of Central Connecticut State University. Russell, who will be the lead principal investigator, and Markov will begin developing and testing artificial intelligence teaching materials. They will work with 20 other scholars from a variety of universities on the integration of research and education involving applications to network security, game playing, computational chemistry, robotics, vision, pattern recognition, data mining and more. (Hartford Business Journal, Nov. 12; HartfordBusiness.com, Nov. 6)

The University’s Nov. 10 conference on women and peace building received coverage in the Sunday Hartford Courant and in other local media. “Building Peace: Women Making a Difference” featured an international panel of women peacemakers and workshops highlighting the roles women are playing in peace conflict resolution at the local, national and international levels. Donn Weinholtz, professor of educational leadership, ENHP, was interviewed by WTIC-AM 1080 and WWUH (91.3 FM) about the event. (Hartford Courant, Nov. 11; WTIC Nov. 9; WWUH Nov. 9)

“PostDec,” a major exhibition at the Joseloff Gallery based on the Pattern and Decoration movement of the 1970s and '80s, was previewed in the “Cal” section of the Hartford Courant. The exhibit, which opened on Nov. 9 and runs through Dec. 23, features internationally recognized artists and includes monumental paintings, sculpture and installations that explode with color, pattern, and texture. The preview in the Courant was accompanied by an image of one of the pieces in the show by artist Jesse Lambert. (Hartford Courant, Nov. 8)

The University of Hartford was mentioned in a Hartford Advocate piece about colleges and universities that are “going green.” The article noted that the University of Hartford has a number of green initiatives in place, including solar panels, new electrical generators, and composting. In addition, the article mentioned CETA’s Clean Energy Institute, which works with companies to develop and implement green technology. Barry Lubin, faculty advisor for the institute, said that faculty and students are working with the Milford company LiteTrough in its efforts to build a concentrated solar collector. “We’re a resource without an ulterior motive,” Lubin said. “We’re not looking for pay, we’re looking for information we can use in teaching courses and promoting renewable energy.” (Hartford Advocate, Nov.8)

Darryl McMiller, assistant professor of political science at Hillyer College, was interviewed by NBC 30 for a story on how Connecticut candidates have been using YouTube and other Internet programs to reach minority voters. (NBC30, Nov. 5)

Katie Lansdale, associate in violin at The Hartt School, who was in Conway, Ark., in September in the artist-in-residence program at the University of Central Arkansas, returned to UCA for another performance in late October. Stephen Feldman, assistant professor of cello and the faculty sponsor for the Lansdale residency, said, “her solo concert and chamber music recital with UCA faculty was inspiring for everyone who heard them, and her work with students was engaging and exciting.” (The Log Cabin Democrat, Conway, Ark., Nov. 5)

As the 2007-08 basketball season got under way, WTIC-AM 1080 sports commentator Scott Gray had some strong words of praise for both the men’s and women’s teams and their coaches, Dan Leibovitz and Jennifer Rizzotti. You can hear Gray’s Nov. 8 commentary by clicking on the "play" button below.



Courtesy CBS Radio Inc. and Station WTIC
(WTIC-AM 1080, Nov. 8)

The Hartford Courant ran an article about how Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dan Leibovitz is trying to build a championship attitude within his team, from which titles can come. The article was accompanied by a photo. (Hartford Courant, Nov. 6)

Brian Glowiak ’07 was featured in The Herald of New Britain about his role as co-captain of the Hartford men’s basketball team. “I accept my role. I know my job is to come in the game and make shots,” he said. “We haven’t had a winning record since I’ve been here, and that’s my main goal this year, whether it’s five minutes or 30 minutes.” Head Coach Dan Leibovitz was also quoted in the article, saying, “He’s a likable guy and the kind of person you want in your program.” (The New Britain Herald, Nov. 7)

University of Hartford alumnus and professional golfer Patrick Sheehan was one of a record 25 players who secured a 2008 PGA Tour card at the season ending Nationwide Tour Championship. “Last year I didn’t have much confidence and just kind of got run over,” Sheehan said. “But I got off to a good start this year with a second-place finish and just kind of carried it through. It’ll be nice to get back with some friends on the regular tour.” Sheehan will rejoin former University of Hartford teammates Jerry Kelly and Tim Petrovic on the PGA Tour. (Hartford Courant, Nov. 5)

Other News

In the last school year, a new report from the Institute of International Education found that international students' net contribution to the U.S. economy was nearly $14.5 billion – up $1 billion from the previous year, the largest increase to date. "These are foreign people buying an American product, and the Department of Commerce says international education is our fifth-largest service export, bigger than medical services," said Allan Goodman, president of the institute. "It's a huge factor in a lot of cities.” (New York Times, Nov. 12)

Presidents at 12 private universities received more than $1 million in compensation in the 2005-06 school year, the most recent period for which data on private institutions is available, up from seven presidents a year earlier, according to an annual survey of presidential pay to be released today by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The number of private college presidents earning more than $500,000 reached 81, up from 70 a year earlier and just three a decade ago. (New York Times, Nov. 12)

Despite college administrators' concerns that hovering parents keep students from learning to manage their own affairs, "students who report frequent contact with their support system are, overall, more engaged" in college, says George Kuh, director of the National Survey of Student Engagement. Students very often in contact with a parent or guardian were more engaged on a number of measures, says the 2007 study. Those students report higher satisfaction, more deep learning activities and greater gains on desired outcomes such as learning on their own and learning to work with people from different backgrounds. (USA Today, Nov. 5)