Media Watch (Jan. 3-10, 2005)

"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.

President Walter Harrison, who serves as chair of the NCAA’s Committee on Academic Performance, was featured in a Hartford Courant college sports column, and was interviewed by more than 30 newspapers across the country. He discussed NCAA efforts to develop measures to make colleges and universities more accountable for the academic performance and graduation of their student-athletes. (Hartford Courant, Jan. 9)

Susan Coleman, associate professor of finance at the Barney School of Business, was interviewed for a story about what businesses should expect during the 2005 state legislative session. (Hartford Business Journal, Jan. 10)

A New York Times article on youngsters running up debts by using the text messaging service on their cell phones featured some cautionary advice from Meredith Negri, 18, a freshman at the University of Hartford. She admitted that a lot of text messaging goes on during classes, despite professors telling students to put their phones away. (New York Times, Jan. 8)

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s “Rush Hour Classics” concert on Jan. 6 at The Bushnell featured performances by two local pianists, Margreet Francis and Gary Chapman. Francis is a faculty member of The Hartt School and Chapman is a Norwich native who studied at The Hartt School. (Hartford Courant, Jan. 7)

Patti Said, a former University of Hartford professor, was profiled in the Shore Line Times. She serves as the executive director of the New England Cognitive Center, where she is developing learning techniques, including some that she hopes will slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. (Shore Line Times, Madison, Jan. 7)

Jennifer Schlosberg, a University graduate, was featured in a story about the Birthright program, which provides free trips to Israel for young American Jews who have never traveled there before. (Washington Jewish Week, Jan. 6)

Carl F. Alsing, 98, of Somers, former dean of the university’s College of Engineering, passed away on Dec. 21. He became assistant professor in 1959, chairman of the Department of Electrical Engineering in 1970, and dean in 1971. He was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of electrical engineering upon his retirement. (The Republican, Dec. 31)

Boston Red Sox great Rico Petrocelli will be this year’s featured guest at the University of Hartford’s 2005 Hot Stove Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 22. The Hot Stove Dinner is an annual fundraising event for the men’s baseball team at the university. (Hartford Courant, Jan. 7; Newington Town Crier, Jan. 6)

Srixon Sports announced they have signed PGA Tour standout and University of Hartford alum Tim Petrovic. Petrovic, a three year veteran on the PGA Tour, will play with Srixon's I-302 irons, carry a Srixon Tour bag, wear a Srixon hat and glove, and play with a soon-to-be-released Srixon prototype golf ball. (BunkerShot.com golf magazine, Jan.6)

Other News

Central Connecticut State University’s School of Technology has been approved by the state to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering technology. (The Herald, New Britain, Jan. 7)

A consultant’s report said Three Rivers Community College in Norwich has the programs and recognition to undertake a $6 million fund-raising campaign to assist its relocation and expansion. (The Day, New London, Jan. 4)

Larry Schilling, executive director of architectural and engineering services who was in charge of the billion-dollar UConn 2000 building program, resigned from the University of Connecticut, effective Dec. 31, after being put on administrative leave. (Hartford Courant, Jan. 7)

A 2002 survey of recent graduates by student loan company Nellie Mae found that the average student loan burden for a bachelor’s degree was $18,900, up 66 percent from five years earlier. (Hartford Courant, Jan. 5)

The University of Maryland will create a research center to study how people become terrorists, what motivates them to strike and how communities cope with their threat, using a $12 million grant announced by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. The university will lead the fourth Homeland Security Center of Excellence. (Washington Post, Jan. 10)

The family of Sean Fenton, 20, one of four Yale University students killed in a 2003 crash on Interstate 95, is suing the state and two construction companies, claiming their actions contributed to the highway accident. (Newsday, Jan. 9)

The discovery of fire and building code violations in recently built student housing complexes at the University of Connecticut has prompted legislators to propose changes in the laws governing the inspection of state buildings. A bill has been drafted that would allow local building inspectors to inspect state building projects. (Journal Inquirer, Jan. 8)

WNHU, the radio station of the University of New Haven, will later this year begin offering six hours a day of National Public Radio programming. The contracts between WNHU and Connecticut Public Broadcasting, Inc. have not yet been signed, but students, DJs and other activists are protesting the move. (New Haven Advocate, Jan. 6)

Yale University has asked for and received the resignation of Florencio Lopez-de-Silanes, 38, a professor at the university’s School of Management and director of the International Institute for Corporate Governance, citing “financial misconduct and irregularities.” He will be placed on unpaid leave until June, when his resignation would take effect. (Boston Globe, Jan. 10)