Focus EMU Online: People

The following are news briefs about important activities and events happening at Eastern Michigan University.

Former NOW president to speak March 31: Political activist and former National Organization for Women (NOW) president Patricia Ireland will visit Eastern Michigan University March 31, as part of "Defying Boundaries," a month-long series of events celebrating Women's History Month.

Ireland

Ireland culminates Women's History Month with her motivational speech, "Are We There Yet? Women and Political Leadership," which deals with women, equality and feminism. The event, made possible by the Olga Madar Endowed Lectureship, is scheduled for 7 p.m., in 201 Pray-Harrold, on EMU's main campus in Ypsilanti. The event is free and open to the public.

As the longest serving president of NOW (1991-2001), Ireland directed nationwide programs on equal opportunity, including initiating the Women-Friendly Workplace Campaign, a national, proactive project aimed at stopping sexual harassment and other workplace abuses through public education and public pressure.

Widely recognized as a key player in improving social and economic conditions for women in the United States and around the world, Ireland is adept at helping people recognize the connections among women's rights; civil rights; disability rights; and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.

Faculty Development Center announces summer institute: The Faculty Development Center is accepting applications for a summer institute on the "Foundations of Cooperative Learning." The Institute is scheduled May 9-13, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The principal outcome of this institute will be the ability of faculty to incorporate cooperative learning strategies into their college classes. There are 20 slots available. Preference will be given to full-time faculty and lecturers. An honorarium of $1,000 will be paid to all who complete the requirements. Please complete an application and return by Wednesday, March 30, 5 p.m. Applications will be peer-reviewed. Call 487-0020, extension 2114, or e-mail aavp_fdc@emich.edu.

General education workshops: General education workshops are designed to help faculty understand the new General Education Program so that they can begin to prepare courses for the program. The focus is on how to conceptualize courses for an outcome-based curriculum. Workshops are scheduled Tuesday, March 29, 9-10:30 a.m., 217 Halle; Friday, April 8, 9-10:30 a.m., 217 Halle; and Thursday, April 14, 12:30-2 p.m., 217 Halle. R.S.V.P. to Gale Brandau at gale.brandau@emich.edu.

WEMU offers early-bird incentives for pledge drive: WEMU 89.1 FM, Eastern Michigan University's National Public Radio station, will begin its spring on-air pledge drive Friday, April 1, 6 a.m. However, there are some special incentives to entice listeners to contribute early online and reduce the $115,000 goal. One incentive is the chance to win a trip for two to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival April 22-24. The package includes airfare, accommodations and festival tickets. Every online contribution of $125 or more will go into a drawing for the trip. The winner will be announced between 7-7:30 a.m. on "Morning Edition" April 1. Call Mary Motherwell, 487-2229.

Jazz dinner/dance benefit scheduled April 9: Eastern Michigan University's Jazz Studies Program will present a Jazz Benefit Dinner Dance for the Al Townsend Scholarship Saturday, April 9, 6:30 p.m., McKenny Union Ballroom. The Couriers are a local big band led by Al Townsend, formerly solo trombonist with the Gene Krupa Orchestra. This year's theme is "Back to Basie." Music by the great jazz musician and bandleader will be featured throughout the evening. Tickets are $50, which includes food, or $25 for dancing only (starting at 8:30 p.m.). For reservations, contact Jill Hunsberger, 487-0277, or jill.hunsberger@emich.com.

Walk for Women's Athletics scheduled April 16: The Fourth Annual Walk for Women's Athletics is scheduled Saturday, April 16. Registration begins at 9 a.m., Bowen Fieldhouse, with the welcome ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds from the Walk will benefit female student-athletes at EMU and will go directly toward scholarship assistance as well as the athletes' wellness. This year's walk will start and end on main campus. A silent auction also will be a part of the day's festivities and include team warm-ups, weekend vacations, health club vouchers and more! For more information or to register, call Eric Seidelman, 487-7859.