UD closes NASDAQ stock market

University of Dayton president Daniel J. Curran and executive director George Kell of the United Nations Global Compact will preside over the May 1 stock market closing bell to celebrate UD's Redefining Investment Strategy Education (RISE) VII Global Student Investment Forum, held March 29 - 31, 2007, on UD’s campus.

The closing bell ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1. Photos, video and audio will be available to reporters and editors, as follows:

• Video feed — The closing bell is available from 3:50 to 4:05 p.m. on uplink IA-6 C-band/transponder 17. The downlink frequency is 4040 vertical and audio 6.2-6.8. The feed also can be found on Waterfront fiber 1623.

• Audio Feed — An audio transmission of the closing bell is also available from 3:50 to 4:05 p.m. on uplink IA6 C band/transponder 24, downlink frequency 4180 horizontal. The feed can be found on Waterfront fiber 1623 as well.

• Photos — To obtain a high-resolution photograph, please go to www.nasdaq.com/reference/marketsite_events.stm and click on RISE market close.

• Webcast — A live Webcast of the NASDAQ closing bell will be available at www.nasdaq.com/reference/marketsite_about.stm.

Other participants in the ceremony include:

- Patricia Meyers, dean of UD’s School of Business Administration;
- David Sauer, executive director and program co-chair of RISE;
- Bob Froehlich, program co-chair of RISE and chair of Deutsche Asset Management;
- Dick Davis, member UD board of trustees;
- Robert Greifeld, president of NASDAQ;
- Saqr Ghobash, United Arab Emirates ambassador to the U.S. (Dubai stock market);
- Mark Campbell, director of college marketing and sales, The Wall Street Journal;
- Jeffrey J. Diermeier, president and CEO of CFA Institute;
- H.E. Chan Heng Chee, Republic of Singapore ambassador to U.S.;
- Christopher Burnham, vice chairman of Deutsche Asset Management.

RISE, the world’s largest student investment forum, brings together internationally renowned industry leaders to share their wisdom and outlook on the markets, economy, corporate governance, public policy and Federal Reserve perspective. This year, RISE VII drew more than 1,700 participants representing 218 colleges and universities from 58 countries.

For more information, contact Linda Robertson at 937-229-3257.

April 30, 2007 in Miscellaneous | Permalink

April 26, 2007

Shaping the future

The University of Dayton has named a seasoned advancement professional to lead its advancement division. Deborah Read, vice president for university development at the University at Albany, State University of New York, begins July 2.

The University of Dayton has tapped Deborah Read, vice president for university development at the University at Albany, State University of New York, to lead its advancement division.

She will bring nearly three decades of experience in fundraising, alumni relations and public relations to her new role as vice president for University advancement at Ohio's largest private university and one of the top 10 Catholic universities in the nation. She steps into the role in July.

''Deborah has served in top-level advancement positions at institutions ranging from nationally ranked research universities to a religiously affiliated liberal arts college. She's a consummate professional who inspires confidence. Using a collaborative style, she has built strong advancement programs on every campus where she has worked,'' said Daniel J. Curran, UD president. ''The University of Dayton's aspirations are high, and its momentum is strong. We are excited that she is joining UD at this pivotal point in our history."

The University of Dayton raised a record $158 million in its ''Call to Lead'' campaign that ended in 2002. UD, which attracted $28.8 million in gifts and pledges last year, ranks fourth among national Catholic universities, behind the University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University and Boston College, in its annual alumni participation rate. In May, UD's board of trustees is expected to approve preliminary priorities for another major campaign, but no goal will be set yet.

''This institution is truly well positioned for a successful new campaign,'' said Read in a phone interview. ''I felt a sense of enthusiasm throughout the campus community, great expectations for the future, with a sincere dedication and commitment to advance the University of Dayton to even greater levels of excellence."

Last year, the University at Albany, State University of New York, attracted $85.7 million in philanthropy.

Prior to joining the University at Albany in 2005, Read spent six years as vice president for university advancement at Northern Kentucky University, where she implemented a major marketing initiative and raised $51 million — $11 million over goal and nine months ahead of schedule.

Her career also includes serving for three years as vice president of advancement for Lebanon Valley College, where she chaired the college's first integrated marketing study, and a decade at the University of Maryland, where she last served as director of development during a $350 million campaign. The university received a national award of excellence for overall improvement in fundraising from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in 1996.

Upon graduating from the University of Maryland in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in government and politics, she began her career in advancement, working six years at the University of Maryland's System Administration, starting as assistant director of alumni affairs and ending as associate director of development. During her career, she also has served as director of finance on a congressional campaign and worked as a consultant for the American Association of University Consultants. She has served on the board of directors for CASE District II and has presented at various CASE conferences.

''It has been a privilege to dedicate nearly my entire career to the advancement profession — serving at wonderful colleges and universities. It has been a distinct pleasure to work collaboratively to dramatically enhance each institution, shape its future and impact the lives of the students we served,'' said Read, noting that her leadership style is collaborative. ''No one person is responsible for an institution's success -- engagement of the whole allows for great things to happen. I've been blessed by working with outstanding individuals."

The University of Dayton's rich history, committed faculty and loyal alumni attracted Read, but the integrity of UD sold her. ''You live the words on the Web site,'' she observed. ''The University of Dayton actually means what it says. The University is committed to graduating students who are thoughtful citizens of the world. There's great care and attention given to the university’s mission. I am honored and pleased to become a part of such a great university.”

Read and her husband Bob, a senior project manager with a commercial electrical contracting company in Northern Virginia, have three children: Victoria, 25; Sean, 20; and Catherine, 16. A Maryland native, she's looking forward to moving to the Midwest.

''I really enjoy this part of the country. I find the people to be very warm and welcoming,'' she said.

Read succeeds Fran Evans, who more than tripled annual philanthropic support during her 14-year tenure. In a part-time role, Evans will serve as senior philanthropic adviser.

April 26, 2007 | Permalink

April 24, 2007

Taking the hassle out of transferring to UD

Any college student interested in transferring to UD to complete his or her degree can receive more information during a free open house Saturday, May 12.

Any college student interested in transferring to the University of Dayton to complete his or her degree can receive more information during a free open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in Kennedy Union on UD’s campus.

Admission counselors and representatives from each academic division will be available to answer questions. Participants can learn about financial aid and take a tour of campus.

Students interested in applying to UD can learn about transfer admission and apply online. Applications also will be available at the open house.

To simplify the admission process, students may bring their official transcript in a sealed envelope. UD admission counselors will respond later with a credit evaluation.

Registeration is available online. For more information, call 937-229-4411 or 800-837-7433.

For more information, contact Sharon Wright at 937-229-5456.

April 24, 2007 | Permalink

April 20, 2007

UD's position on Building 26

What is the University of Dayton's position on Building 26? Studies by professionals are "clear and unambiguous," a UD vice president said at a public hearing. "Building 26 has lost its historical integrity."

(Editor's Note: In a public hearing on April 19, Thomas Burkhardt, vice president for finance and administrative services, outlines UD's position on Building 26, which it plans to tear down following an independent study that finds the heavily altered building ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Mark Epstein from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office convened the hearing in conjunction with UD. Here are excerpts of Burkhardt's remarks.)

Why we are here
• Thank you, Mark.
• I’m Tom Burkhardt, vice president for finance and administrative services for UD. Dr. Curran had planned to be here, but was asked by student leaders to meet with them tonight about the Virginia Tech tragedy.
• The University of Dayton is here to listen to public input about Building 26 and share the studies we've done that led to the decision to remove it, a decision supported by UD’s Board of Trustees' executive committee.
• We want to make sure we aren’t missing any important information about the building and will consider new information about the structure that might emerge from this meeting as we proceed.
• Further, we want to clarify how UD has engaged interested parties over the last two years and throughout our decision-making process.

Assessment of Building 26
• The studies by recognized professionals are clear and unambiguous. Building 26 has lost its historical integrity.
• It's not eligible for the National Register, as you will hear in the ASC Group report.
• It will cost about $3 million just to demolish the additions and replicate the façade only.
• We respectfully believe there is a better way to tell the story about the history that occurred here.

Public involvement
• From June 2005, when we acquired the building, we’ve had ongoing involvement from and communication with the preservation community and those with special ties to Building 26.
• A variety of interested parties have been invited to tour the building and provide input as early as July 2005.
• Prior to our hiring historical and architectural consultants, representatives from the preservation community were invited to conduct their own survey of the building.
• Consultant reports and architect reports have been shared with interested parties at various times.
• We created the Historical Stewardship Group, chaired by Dr. Vince Russo, to develop a lasting, significant and visible means of telling the story. Community members included in that group are Brady Kress, Dayton History; David Bohardt, Preservation Dayton; Bruce Langos, NCR; Jeff Bruce; and Debbie Desch Anderson.

The larger picture
• Building 26 is one piece of a historic large-scale development that will change the face of the University, the city of Dayton and the region.
• UD has stepped up to take the risk to clean up and develop the 49-acre brownfield that has sat vacant and unused for many years
• The University has obtained a complex array of federal, state and local support to prepare it for development; some of those funds must be spent soon or may be forfeited. We intend to move forward toward approval of the overall master plan for the Campus West project later this year.
• We have a strong track record of working with our partners on economic, community and neighborhood development projects – such as the Genesis project – that benefit the entire community.
• We take our community responsibilities seriously and value community input.

In conclusion
• At issue here is the question: how can we — along with our community partners and friends — find creative ways to remember what happened here and tell the story of how it affected the course of history?
• We believe our studies are sound, but we remain interested in hearing any new information that may arise tonight.
• We realize the course we’ve charted has not pleased everyone, and we respect those with a passion for this piece of history. However, our fundamental responsibility is to the University and the greater Dayton community.
• We hope we can all come together as partners following this meeting, and we invite those interested to help develop a lasting historic commemoration.

April 20, 2007 in Miscellaneous | Permalink

Leave your mom at home

As graduation nears, career pros are advising college grads not to take their parents to work. They say some parents are too involved in finding jobs for their kids, which could backfire.

They became known as “helicopter parents” a few years ago for their intense involvement in their college-age children’s lives. Apparently, they’re still “hovering,” even as their students head out into the job force.

A recent survey of more than 700 employers by the Collegiate Employment Research Institute, a national organization which studies the transition from college to work, found that parents are making calls to employers and sending in resumes on behalf of their children in increasing numbers.

Career service experts at the University of Dayton said parental involvement in job searches has become a trend.

“When parents get this involved, I think it hurts the students’ chances because they (employers) want to hire people who are independent and think on their own,” said Greg Hayes, executive director of career services at UD. “I would say to parents to stay involved with their son's or daughter’s career progress — not just what they’re doing in school, but to encourage them to schedule an appointment with a career adviser as soon as they get to campus. The sooner they come into our office, the better we can assist them."

What kind of activities do parents engage in with employers on behalf of their children? According to the survey:

• 40 percent obtain information on companies
• 31 percent submit resumes on behalf of their children
• 26 percent promote their sons or daughters for positions
• 15 percent complain to a company that doesn’t hire their child
• 12 percent make interview arrangements
• 9 percent negotiate salary and benefits
• 4 percent attend interviews

Mary Miller is a human resources professional at Delphi Corp. and the mother of a graduating college senior. She’s been encouraging her daughter, Maureen, to network with people they both know in her quest to find that first job, but that’s where she draws the line.

“It’s amazing. Some parents really cast a long shadow over their kids,” Miller said. “I’ve had kids in my own office who say they need to go home and talk to their parents about the job I just offered them. It really diminishes their potential to be independent, and I see it as a negative.”

Not all students have succumbed to the trend of parental involvement in their job searches. Tessia Pierce, a UD senior graduating with a degree in public relations, sees many of her peers being “herded” by their parents, but it’s an idea that’s very alien to her.

“I think a lot of parents won’t let their kids grow up, which inhibits their ability to function,” Pierce said. “It’s just a very strange concept to me. I’ve been very motivated to get jobs on my own because it makes me feel independent. My parents are there to support my decisions or offer some advice, but not to hold my hand. Some parents really need to let their kids go.”

Hayes offers these tips for graduating seniors — and their parents:

• Pay attention to local resources, such as the chamber of commerce
• Attend city job fairs
• Tap in to university career services offices. Most have reciprocity agreements to hook up students with job opportunities in their hometown
• Place a resume on file with university career services departments
• Schedule an appointment with career services for mock interviews
• Meet with a career adviser
• Attend college career fairs

Mary Miller agrees with these tips, and adds one of her own. “Create independence early on,” Miller said. “I’ve had parents call me about internships for their son or daughter during their college years, and I say ‘Have your kids call me.’ It sets a good precedent.”

For more information, contact Linda Robertson at 937-229-3257.

April 20, 2007 in Miscellaneous | Permalink

April 17, 2007

Baby boomers by air

The History Channel will feature UD history professor Janet Daly Bednarek June 15 when the "Our Generation" series examines how air travel affected the baby boomer generation.

The attention from The History Channel grew out of her 2003 book Dreams of Flight, which she co-authored with Michael H. Bednarek, her husband, about the history of aviation. Bednarek, a professor of history at UD, was interviewed frequently in 2003 during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight and continues to lend her expertise when people seek to understand the history and impact of aviation.

According to Bednarek, baby boomers’ views of airplane travel were dramatically different from previous generations because they were shaped by advances in jet technology, low-cost fares, television and spiced with a 1960s-era sensibility of romance and idealism.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, airlines went after the youth market, she said.

“From the beginning of air travel many believed that airplanes would help promote world peace, bringing people together. Similarly, the hippie-backpacker culture, much like the Peace Corps, believed that better international relations could come of Americans going out into the world to meet people and work with them on an individual basis. So, on an idealistic level, air travel to distant lands appealed to many young Americans,” she said.

The airlines also realized that once people started using air travel, they would be more likely to use it again, and it was easier in many ways to convince young people to take that first flight, she said.

Bednarek said with the advent of jet travel, flying became much more comfortable because it was faster, smoother and air conditioned. Airlines also worked hard to convince Americans that flying was safe, efficient and routine, she said.

Walt Disney’s popular television shows promoted travel to the Disney amusement parks and the growth of nature shows such as Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, created a desire to travel to more exotic lands, she said.

Bednarek’s work was also selected as one of 10 essays in the second annual Best Essays in American History 2007, which showcases the best American history articles published from the summer of 2005 through the summer of 2006.

Her essay, “The Flying Machine in the Garden: Parks and Airports 1918-1938” describes the early days of airports which were regarded as recreational areas, rather than as transportation hubs.

“Many people (sometimes thousands) would venture to the airport simply to watch airplanes take off and land,” she said, noting that in those days airports were often managed by city parks departments. Her essay traces the evolution of airports in Omaha and Minneapolis from parks to aviation centers.

The book, published by Palgrave Macmillan, was introduced at the national Organization of American Historians annual meeting in April.

For media interviews, contact Janet Bednarek at 937-229-2848 or Janet.Bednarek@notes.udayton.edu.

April 17, 2007 in Miscellaneous | Permalink

April 16, 2007

Tour Building 26

The University of Dayton is inviting interested members of the public to tour Building 26. An independent study finds it ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The University of Dayton will offer the public an opportunity to tour Building 26 at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 19.

Those interested should meet in the parking lot behind the building, which is located at the corner of Stewart Street and Patterson Boulevard. Richard Perales, University campus planning director, will lead the tour. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver of liability form because the building, which has been mothballed since 2001, is in poor condition.

The tour precedes a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. that night at the Kettering Family Education Center at Carillon Park. Mark J. Epstein, head of the resource protection and review department for the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, will chair the meeting, which is designed to solicit public input about a report by the ASC Group Inc. that finds the building ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places because it has lost its historical integrity.

The meeting, which will be led by a professional facilitator, will allow interested members of the public to offer their views.

For the report, click here.

April 16, 2007 in Miscellaneous | Permalink

April 11, 2007

A higher research Stander-d

Bernard Kouchner, co-founder of Doctors Without Borders, will discuss public health, human rights and international political involvement at this year's Stander Symposium. The symposium highlights student research.

Doctors Without Borders co-founder and former president Bernard Kouchner will deliver the keynote address at the University of Dayton’s year-end student research symposium at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, in UD’s Frericks Convocation Center.

Kouchner, currently the professor of public health at France’s Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, will discuss public health, human rights and international political involvement. A medical doctor, he also continues to promote universal access to medical care and the fight against AIDS.

Kouchner, the first person to challenge the Red Cross’s stance of neutrality and silence in wars and massacres, also has served in separate posts as France’s minister of health, social integration and humanitarian affairs.

Kouchner’s talk is part of the annual Stander Symposium, which celebrates academic excellence. More than 60 student presentations — including panel discussions and visual arts displays — and 260 student posters highlight the symposium.

UD student Matthew Gordon’s findings — combining supplier and retailer information creates a more seamless supply chain, better inventory control and customer service — are among the Stander Symposium research presentations. Gordon’s research received the top prize at the Association for Operations Management international conference.

“To grow at global speed, you have to be willing to give up and share knowledge to advance above the competition,” said Gordon who will take a consulting job in Chicago after graduating in August from UD’s MBA program.

All of the presentations, which showcase UD’s hands-on learning opportunities, take place Wednesday, April 18, at various campus locations. Click here for a complete schedule.

The Stander Symposium starts at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, in UD’s Immaculate Conception Chapel with a Red Mass, which traditionally calls upon the Holy Spirit for the gifts of wisdom, learning and creativity.

Later that evening, at 8 p.m. in the Victoria Theatre at 138 N. Main Street, UD music, visual arts, theater and dance students will hold a Celebration of the Arts. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Noble Carneys and Ebony Heritage Singers will perform as well. Herbert Martin, UD’s poet-in-residence, will host the event.

All Stander Symposium events are free and open to the public. Tickets, available through the Kennedy Union box office at 937-229-2545, are required for Kouchner’s talk and the Celebration of the Arts.

The symposium, in its 19th year, is named for former UD provost Bro. Joseph W. Stander, S.M., to honor his spirit of collaboration and education through community in the Marianist tradition.

For more information, contact Kathleen Webb at 937-229-4263. For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson at 937-229-3391.

April 11, 2007 in Speakers | Permalink

Dance meets nanotechnology at Stander

Dance meets nanotechnology down by the riverside during “Evening at the Stander: A Celebration of the Arts” an annual showcase of artistic student achievement 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 17 at the Victoria Theater.

A highlight of this year’s program is expected to be “Water Under the Bridge” a multi-media performance directed and choreographed by artist-in-residence Sharon Leahy, which focuses on rivers and incorporates some of the most cutting-edge science from the University of Dayton Research Institute’s Nano Engineering Science and Technology Laboratory.

“I want to show how the arts can connect to and elaborate on environmental issues,” Leahy said. The work integrates the perspective of UD’s River Stewards program, microscopic images from UDRI’s nanotechnology labs with dancers and the students of ArtStreet, a UD residence dedicated to the arts, she said.

The Celebration of Arts program is a showcase of scholastic work, featuring about 200 students from a variety of majors, performing in works ranging from opera to gospel music with excursions into dance and the visual arts.

Performing at the celebration will be the University’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Ebony Heritage Singers, among others. University poet-in-residence Herbert W. Martin will act as master of ceremonies.

According to Kathy Webb, dean of university libraries and co-chair, the event allows visual and performing arts students to show off their academic achievements in a professional setting.

The evening art celebration is part of the 19th annual Stander Symposium April 17-18, which highlights academic achievements of students through presentations, discussions and performances. Named in honor of former UD provost Joseph W. Stander, S.M., the symposium celebrates academic excellence, collaborations and many forms of intellectual, artistic, and spiritual growth.

The Celebration of the Arts is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required and is available through the Kennedy Union box office. With advance registration, vouchers for tickets will be available and must be exchanged for general admission tickets before the event at the Victoria Theatre. For more information go to http://stander.udayton.edu/or call the Kennedy Union box office at 937-229-2545.

April 11, 2007 | Permalink

April 10, 2007

New hotel looks to the future

Community and business leaders celebrated the official grand opening April 10 of the new Courtyard by Marriott at the University of Dayton, the first new hotel development in Dayton in more than 20 years and UD's latest economic development initiative.

“The University of Dayton is committed to Dayton’s future and its continued development. This beautiful new hotel is already serving sports teams, business travelers and University visitors, and complements this important gateway to the city and to the University,” said Daniel J. Curran, UD president.
“The City of Dayton is proud to have the University of Dayton as a major economic development partner in our community,” said Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin. “The ambitious projects UD has in store for property along Brown and Stewart Streets complement the development they are spearheading along the Edwin C. Moses corridor. The opening of the new Marriott Courtyard Hotel is just the latest enhancement to this part of the city.”

Part of the UD Arena Sports Complex, the four-story, 101-room riverfront hotel on Edwin C. Moses Blvd. is co-owned by UD and Concord Hospitality Enterprises and first opened its doors February 14 in the midst of a major winter storm.

Since then, the hotel has been “extraordinarily successful,” according to Mark G. Laport, president and CEO of Concord Hospitality Enterprises Inc.

"We opened with an unusually strong amount of reservations and have already seen three sold-out weekends, along with good weekday walk-in traffic,” Laport said. “A large number of groups have booked the hotel during summer months, and we have strong support from our local corporate clients."

"Concord is pleased with the acceptance of the hotel by the local community and we look forward to a successful partnership with the University of Dayton serving travelers and contributing to the community," Laport said.

Guests at the grand opening toured meeting rooms and guest rooms, including suites equipped with whirlpool baths and public areas for social and business gatherings. Many guest rooms have views of the Great Miami River and Carillon Park.

“Coupled with the beautiful sports complex the University has helped create nearby, this area is one of the most appealing destination points along Dayton’s section of Interstate 75,” McLin added. “We applaud the University of Dayton’s willingness to be active partners in our on-going community revitalization efforts.”

The multimillion-dollar Arena Sports Complex includes five athletic venues used by UD teams, including basketball, baseball and softball. The arena has hosted national, regional and local events and tournaments. The new hotel is expected to increase the appeal of the complex for additional sporting events.

In a national ranking issued last fall, the University of Dayton ranked third in the “extraordinary efforts” it makes to the renewal and revitalization of its surrounding community. The “Saviors of Our Cities” list recognizes the top 25 universities and colleges that are “exemplary examples of community revitalization and cultural renewal, economic drivers of the local economy, advocates of community service and urban developers, both commercially as well as in housing.”

UD, a private, Catholic university, owns the hotel in partnership with Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co., which constructed and manages the hotel. Concord, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., develops and manages 46 hotels in the U.S. and Canada.

For more information on the hotel, go to www.courtyarddaytonuniversity.com or the Marriott reservation line at 800-321-2211. Contact Penny Riggs, general manager at 937-220-9060.

April 10, 2007 in Miscellaneous | Permalink