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NEWS IN BRIEF

Deadline for white pages updates June 13

All KU departments and divisions are being asked to update their entries in the administrative offices section, or white pages, of the KU directory by June 13.

Department representatives should review relevant sections of the 2007-08 directory and note all pertinent references. Photocopy all relevant pages and mark deletions, additions and other updates in red ink.

Each department and division should also send its central e-mail address, which will be printed in the administrative listings, i.e., finearts@ku.edu or chemistry@ku.edu.

The name, phone number and e-mail of the department representative making the changes should be included on the pages and sent by campus mail to Evie Rapport at University Relations by 5 p.m. June 13.

Changes may also be sent by e-mail to erapport@ku.edu. For changes to individual listings in the blue-bar pages, faculty and staff should contact their department's personnel-related staff representative. For more information, contact Rapport at 864-8869 or erapport@ku.edu.

Student Housing named 'employer of the year'

The Department of Student Housing was recently named employer of the year by Cottonwood Inc. Cottonwood helps individuals with developmental disabilities find employment. Janet Ackley, supervisor of custodial and housing maintenance, took part in a radio interview May 8 on KLWN with Hank Booth, a member of the Cottonwood Foundation Board of Trustees. They discussed the award and how Cottonwood and the housing department have established and maintained a working partnership over the years.

Watson Library to install new service desk

KU Libraries is adding a service desk to Watson Library to draw attention to new and existing resources.

The desk, which will be installed during summer break, will replace the temporary service desk on the main level of the library. This is the first phase in a concerted effort to improve staff visibility and create a more welcoming environment for library patrons. The improvements are being made in response to user needs expressed in a recent survey.

Lorraine J. Haricombe, dean of libraries, said making patrons feel at home can lead to further engagement with library staff and services. Plans for Watson Library's third floor, one of the highest trafficked areas in the library system, include new carpeting, furniture and an expanded user workspace. The installation is funded by private and public funds earmarked for facilities.

NOTABLE ALUMS:

Debbie Vickers started out as a page for NBC in Hollywood after graduating from KU in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in general studies. But she worked her way up to talent coordinator for the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" before hitting the big time in 1994 as executive producer for Jay Leno after he took over Carson's desk. The Wichita native plans on stepping down when Leno retires next year.