What's New at UA | June 19 edition
UA confers 2,100 degrees
The University conferred about 2,100 associate, bachelor and graduate degrees earlier this month in E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. The graduates were cheered by thousands of family members and friends at the conclusion of each of the three ceremonies. GradFest followed, giving the graduates time to celebrate with colleagues, friends and family.
Each ceremony included remarks by a student speaker. The speakers were:
- Lucretia Foulk of Belle Center, a dance honors student in the College of Fine and Applied Arts
- Erica Portis of Akron, a nursing honors student, and
- Kyle Bohland of Freemont, a Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences honors student.
The university's School of Law conferred 137 Juris Doctor and six master's degrees on May 18 in E.J. Thomas Hall.
Stadium groundbreaking ceremony is held
Breaking ground for InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field are, from left, J.D. Brookhart, head football coach; Karen and Gary Taylor of InfoCison Management Corp.; Mack Rhoades, director of athletics; Dr. William F. Demas, chair of UA's Board of Trustees; Dr. Luis Proenza, University president; Don Plusquellic, mayor of the City of Akron; Tom Strauss, president and chief executive officer, Summa Health System; and Ted Curtis, UA vice president for capital planning and facilities management.
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Polymer dean elected to National Academy of Engineering
Dr. Stephen Cheng, dean of The University of Akron's College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), a global group of 2,421 senior professionals in business, academia and government who are among the world's most accomplished engineers.
The NEA citation states Cheng's election is "For the development of materials for liquid crystal displays and the elucidation of structure-property relationships in polymeric materials." His research focuses on polymers, liquid crystals, surfactants and micelles.
"Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer," NAE says. "Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice or education."
Cheng, also professor of polymer science at the university, is well known on the Akron campus, having joined UA in 1987 as assistant professor of polymer science. He was promoted to associate professor in 1991 and full professor in 1995. He was named the Trustees Professor of Polymer Science in 1998 and the Robert C. Musson Professor of Polymer Science in 2001.
"This election recognizes The University of Akron and its commitment to excellence in science and engineering," says Cheng, who has written more than 300 journal articles and drawn more than $18 million in research funding.
"Dr. Cheng and his work are known and respected worldwide," says UA President Dr. Luis M. Proenza. "We are pleased and proud that he has received this prestigious honor; it reflects his dedication as a talented researcher and teacher."
New TV ad reflects UA's energy
The University's newest television commercial showcases our dynamic learning environment and positions UA as a leader in innovation. Titled " Energy," the commercial unites images of students, faculty and researchers from many disciplines, as the spark of an idea flashes through the spot.
For many years UA has introduced its new TV ads through regional Super Bowl buys, which cost only a fraction a national ad. This annual event guarantees large audiences and is unique among television broadcasts in that the commercials are part of the game's attraction. The Super Bowl also falls just ahead of a series of University visitation days, when prospective students and their parents visit campus.
Report to the Community now on the Web
UA's 2006-07 report to the community, titled "Inventing the Future," is now available on the Web.
The report summarizes the University's recent achievements, its impact on the community and its services for students. It also includes letters from UA President Luis M. Proenza and Dr. William Demas, chairman of UA's Board of Trustees.
Emergency text messaging available
Students, parents, faculty and staff can sign up for the new Z-Alert service and receive emergency alerts on their cell phones or via e-mail or both. Alerts will be sent when campus closes or when a situation arises that affects safety.
Sign up instructions for parents only:
- Go to the ZipLine log-in page
- Click on the Z-Alert Text Messaging icon
- Follow the instructions from there
Sign up instructions for students, faculty and staff:
- Go to ZipLine and log in with your UANet ID and password
- Click on the Z-Alert Text Messaging icon
- Follow the instructions from there
The University is not charging for the Z-Alert service; however, recipients will pay text-messaging fees as prescribed in their service agreements. The University will use Z-Alert for emergency messages only. Recipients may unsubscribe at any time via ZipLine.
Even with Z-Alert, the University will continue to send emergency messages via e-mail.
