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Aube honored for international degree work

Jeffrey Aube, professor of medicinal chemistry and courtesy professor of chemistry, received an award June 27 from the American Association of University Administrators at its annual business meeting in Salt Lake City for his work in establishing a transatlantic undergraduate dual degree program in chemistry at KU. The program, officially referred to as "EU Atlantis Program: Transatlantic Dual Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, "is funded by the U.S. Department of Education in partnership with the European Commission. The Nikolai N. Khaladjan International Award for Innovation in Higher Education recognizes innovation and achievement in higher education worldwide.

Ablah awarded for public health efforts

Elizabeth Ablah

Elizabeth Ablah

Elizabeth Ablah, assistant professor of preventive medicine and public health, was the 2008 recipient of the Excellence in Public Health Teaching Award, presented annually by students in the master's of public health program at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita. The award is given to a faculty member who exemplifies excellence in public health teaching, encourages critical thinking, stimulates independent learning and demonstrates a willingness to provide additional assistance.

Shaw honored for service to journalism

Susanne Shaw, professor of journalism, received the 2008 Gerald M. Sass Award for Distinguished Service to Journalism and Mass Communication Aug. 8 at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication national convention in Chicago.

Shaw was recognized for her dedication to accreditation as executive director of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the agency responsible for the evaluation of professional journalism and mass communications programs in U.S. colleges and universities. Shaw has taught at KU's William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications since 1971.

Gentry receives teaching award

James K. Gentry, professor of journalism and former dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, was presented with the Media Management and Economics Division's Barry Sherman Teaching Award at the recent Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication national convention in Chicago.

The award recognizes excellence and innovation in the teaching of media management and economics. Gentry has been at KU since 1997.

Persinger to lead ceremonies, events

Charles Persinger

Charles Persinger

Charles Persinger, who helped organize the first Special Olympics USA National Games and many other events for the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau and Iowa State University Extended and Continuing Education, has been named director of university ceremonies and events at KU.

Persinger will help organize and coordinate high-profile universitywide events on the Lawrence campus, including Traditions Night, convocations and commencement. He will work to enhance noted off-campus events as well, such as the university's presence at the Kansas State Fair, KU in the Capitol in Topeka and the Wheat State Whirlwind Tour. Plans also call for Persinger to establish new activities such as public tours and to help units that represent KU at important trade shows and exhibitions. Persinger began July 21 and will report to Lynn Bretz, director of University Communications. He replaces Margey Frederick, who retired from the university in May after serving for 11 years in a similar position.

KU Bookstores name marketing director

Kelly K. Stazyk has been named marketing coordinator for KU Bookstores. She will oversee communications of programs, events, services and products offered by the bookstores.

Stazyk has previously edited a veterinary journal in Lenexa, served as director of marketing and resource development for the Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan and was a writer and editor at American Greetings. She received a bachelor's in mass communications with a focus in advertising, promotions and publicity in 2003 from Miami University.

Bernstein noted for service to teaching

Dan Bernstein, director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, was honored this month with the Fred S. Keller Award for Behavior Analytic Contributions to Education. The award is given annually by Division 25 of the American Psychological Association and recognizes Bernstein's work as an effective teacher and as a nationally recognized scholar of effective teaching practices. As part of the award, Bernstein gave an invited address titled "Behavioral and constructivist teaching and learning: Contradictory, complementary and congruent."

KUMC team earns ANGEL award

ANGEL Learning awarded a team from the KU Medical Center an ANGEL Impact Award for Excellence at its annual user conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. The award recognizes a joint School of Allied Health and Teaching and Learning Technologies Department project for improving the quality of online learning. The award-winning project uses ANGEL Learning software to incorporate instructional best practices into online courses and make online learning active. ANGEL Impact Award recipients are Lisa Bittel, professor and chair, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, School of Allied Health; Dave Antonacci, director, teaching and learning technologies; and Stephanie Gerald, teaching and learning technologies liaison to the School of Allied Health.

Sanchez heading leadership group

Sandra Sanchez, executive assistant to Karen Miller, dean of the schools of nursing and allied health, is serving as MANA de Kansas City's 2008 president.

Founded in 1974, MANA is a grassroots membership organization with chapters, individual members and affiliates across the country. MANA's mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service and advocacy. Its four national goals are to strengthen Latinas as community leaders, create vital Hispanic communities, advance public policy for an equal and just society and grow and sustain a healthy organization.

One of MANA's key programs is called Hermanitas, which encourages Hispanic adolescent girls to stay in school and pursue high academic goals. MANA expands these efforts to consider the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of Latina youth by providing accurate information, nonjudgmental counseling and skill building opportunities.

TOPONYMS:

Moore Hall, at 19th Street just west of Iowa, is headquarters for the Kansas Geological Survey. It is named for Raymond C. Moore, state geologist, KGS director and a distinguished professor of invertebrate paleontology at KU for more than 45 years. He joined KGS and KU in 1916 and was with the university until 1962. The modern brick structure was dedicated in February 1973. For more, visit www.buildings.ku.edu.