News University of Northern Colorado

New Outdoor Speakers on Emergency Poles to Be Tested

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As part of UNC's layered emergency communication system, new speakers being installed on 24 emergency poles on campus will be tested throughout the day Wednesday, June 19.

The speakers, which produce audio levels similar to what's experienced at an outdoor stadium, are part of an upgrade to the emergency poles that also includes new phones and LED bulbs that have already been installed. The phones are linked to the UNC Police dispatch center in the event of an emergency. When emergency notification is needed, the speakers can be used, in addition to email, voice and text message, to alert campus.

For a map to locate emergency phones, consult the UNC map and select "Emergency Phones" from the list. To learn how to sign up for emergency alerts, visit the UNC Emergency Alert website.

UNC Gallery Exhibit to Honor Faculty Member's 47 Years of Service

Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A gallery exhibit opening June 7 and running through July 30 at the University of Northern Colorado will recognize a faculty member who is retiring June 30 after serving at UNC for 47 years.

The opening reception and retirement celebration for Dennis Morimoto will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 7, in Mariani Gallery in Guggenheim Hall, intersection of 8th Avenue and 18th Street. The reception is free and open to the public.

Morimoto, a photo imaging professor and director of the School of Art and Design, invited 15 photographers who studied with him while they were students at UNC to exhibit their work. "47, a Dennis Morimoto Invitational" promises to be a showcase of the photographic talent of his students during Morimoto's career at UNC.

The work of the following will be on display:

Eric Bakke
Stephanie Burchett
Clint Bush
Allison Dyer
Nick Eubank
Jim Gipe
Jeffrey Johnson
Barry LaPoint
Susan Nelson
Lys Olson
John Payne
Valerie Photogoddess (Santerli)
Dan Rioz
Kelly Smith
John Tonai

The exhibit will be on display at the Mariani Gallery June 7-July 30. The gallery is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-6 p.m.; and Thursday and Friday, noon-4 p.m. or by appointment by calling 351-2184.

Greeley: A Love Letter

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Before several entities joined forces for the May 24 launch of a campaign to change stereotypes and misperceptions about Greeley, author and UNC faculty member Laura Pritchett felt compelled to write a letter to the city that found a place in her heart.

Dear Greeley:

I'll be honest, Greeley, and acknowledge that before we met I didn't think I'd like you, but I didn't know much about you. You were that place with a Stampede thing once a year. And a university. But I decided to try you out. Kind of like a blind date that I could end early if I wanted to.

But Greeley, I am writing to let you know that I underestimated you. My year stint at UNC proved that. I came to be rather fond of you, and our time together turned out to be fantastic after all.

You showed me your Kress Theatre, where I loved to go after teaching to relax. You showed me your Union Colony Civic Center, which has seriously great acoustics and seems to emit echoes of all the dreams you have ever housed. Your downtown is funky and fun and your parks are beautiful.

You showed me the UNC campus, which is startlingly peaceful lit up at night under a deepening sky and snowflakes scattering. The same areas are hubbubs of chaos in the day, and I've never had so many doors held for me in all my life. In good weather, I sought out UNC's secret recesses, where I could sit in the sunshine and grade papers and be dive-bombed by the occasional aggressive jays, who wanted my sandwich as much as me.

When I was feeling low one day, you offered up your Lincoln Park to wander in.

When I was hungry, you gave me the Rio, Alberto's and Batter Up Cakes, a cute little pastry shop in a rock-walled basement. Indeed, I like that you feed me. Although I wish you'd use less water, it's true that you are Colorado's breadbasket. Corn, hay, sugar beets, wheat, milk, livestock. Your county is ranked in the top 10 in agricultural counties in the nation and your farmer's markets are clear evidence of how you excel in this regard.

Once, when I needed a night away, you offered up the Sodbuster Inn Bed and Breakfast, which had me worried because the named sounded, well, sod-buster-y. Instead I discovered a rather fancy-schmancy octagonal three-story Victorian. Lovely.

And speaking of old stuff, Greeley, I need to tell you that I like Horace. Once I even went to the archives at the Denver Public Library for no other reason than to look up his old letters, written in scrawly handwriting on fading paper. One reads: "Friend Meeker: You will have heard that we have a large sum of money for the colony—I believe nearly $30,000. [here] corn will grow, peaches ripen, and where grapes are not impossible." And in another: "Friend Meeker: Now as to Tom Beecher. He is the dearest, sweetest soul on earth, but utterly lacking in stability of purpose and clearness of comprehension." Ah, Horace. I'm glad you had stability of purpose.

Speaking of writing, you've had a lot of great literature produced about you. Or a town much like you. Or near you. Hal Borland's High, Wide and Lonesome, the ever-famous Centennial by James Michener, contemporary poetry by Lisa Zimmerman. Your wide plains and big skies inspire.

I like your Centennial Village, where I was accosted by the blacksmith for not knowing the temperature at which steel bends. I'm sorry! I didn't know! (And my kids are still talking about Rattlesnake Kate.)

I like your weirdo history: seashells and a petrified snake in the big weird Pioneer Fountain built in 1907. Potato Day. Your utopian dreams.

I like your people. You started out a homogenous lot that had an enormous influx of immigrants - and now you house folks descended from the Russian, German, Japanese, and Mexican populations, and anyone who has read Centennial can attest to, you are a hardy lot.

I like your contemporary life too, particularly your Art in Public Places. My favorite? The "Green Snapdragon II" thing, which I just stand and stare at from time to time. The statue of the guy reading the newspaper freaks me out. The two blond girls painted on the alley wall (visible from Grabo's) seem to be stargazing, and I like to look at them looking.

I worry about you sometimes, Greeley (because it is the case that when you become fond of something, you want to protect it). I worry that outsiders won't know of the little treasures you house.

In fact, I'll admit I have a crush on you. Thanks for showing me around and letting me into your vibrant heart. The date was a fine one indeed.

Laura Pritchett is an award-winning author and a member of UNC's English Department faculty, specializing in creative nonfiction, fiction and contemporary literature of the West. Her newest novel, set partly in Greeley, will be released by Counterpoint Press in 2014.

Related
Click here to learn more about "Greeley Unexpected," a campaign supported by the University of Northern Colorado to change outdated stereotypes and misperceptions about Greeley.

Summer at UNC: Classes, Community Events, Camps and More

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Northern Colorado this summer will offer more than 300 classes and a variety of community events along with academic, arts, music and sports camps for all ages.

Classes over six-, eight- and 12-week sessions begin May 20. Registration is still open. Visit http://www.unco.edu/summer for details.

Community events include:

The 79th season of Little Theater of the Rockies, featuring five shows, opening with The Fantasticks on June 13: http://www.arts.unco.edu/ltr
Concerts Under the Stars, free weekly outdoor performances beginning in July at Garden Theater: http://www.arts.unco.edu/calendar/concerts.html
See the online calendar for more events: http://calendar.unco.edu

Academic camps include:

The Young Child Program (ages 4 through entering fourth grade), Summer Enrichment Program (grades 5-10), and Leadership Enrichment Program (grades 11 and 12), http://www.unco.edu/cebs/sep
Frontiers of Science for rising high school juniors and seniors, June 16-July 26: http://mast.unco.edu/programs/fsi
Center for Integrated Arts summer institute: http://www.arts.unco.edu/ciae/
A complete list of academic, arts, music and summer camps, including those offered by UNC's Division I coaches and by national rugby programs is available at http://www.unco.edu/summerconf/ by clicking on "Find Your Conference."

Orientation, room rentals, lodging:

Throughout the summer, orientation for new freshmen, transfer students and parents will be held: http://www.unco.edu/orientation/
The university also offers affordable options for private gatherings such as family reunions, weddings and wedding anniversary parties. Indoor conference facilities and meeting rooms, beautiful outdoor wedding or party venues, catering services, dining rooms, convenience food outlets and a recreation center are among the amenities available. Details at: http://www.unco.edu/uc/events/
The university also offers nightly hotel-style accommodations during the summer in North Hall, a residence hall featuring suites accommodating up to four persons. Built in 2009, the spacious, air-conditioned suites include 2-3 bedrooms, a bathroom and a living area.

For more on summer housing, conferences and events, visit http://www.unco.edu/summerconf/

Governor Signs Bill at UNC to Create State Grant Program

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. John Hickenlooper signed the Advanced Industries Accelerator Act on Wednesday, May 15, in the Panorama Room at the University Center. The bill creates a grant program in the Colorado Office of Economic Development for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy and natural resources, infrastructure engineering, and information technology.

Visit UNC in the News for coverage.

Greek Tragedy Medea to Close Out Spring Performing Arts Series

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Northern Colorado School of Theatre Arts and Dance's spring Performing Arts Series, featuring the schools' top theater majors, wraps up the year May 2, with Medea, a Greek tragedy by Euripides.

Medea, directed by UNC Professor of Theatre Arts Mary Schuttler, plays May 2-4 at 7:30 p.m.; and at 2 p.m. May 5 in Langworthy Theatre in Frasier Hall, intersection of 9th Avenue and 17th Street.

It's rated PG-13 for adult language and mature themes.

For more information, including an overview of the production, visit the Performing Arts Series website.

For ticket prices, call the Performing and Visual Arts Box Office at 970-351-2200.

UNC in Photos: An April Retrospective

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A slideshow of events and activities on campus.

Geophysical Survey Scheduled for Campus This Week

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Trucks being used to conduct a geophysical survey as part of oil and gas development throughout Greeley by local company Mineral Resources Inc. are scheduled to work along roadways on and near campus this week.

Using a baseplate that's placed in contact with the ground, the trucks, owned and operated by Geokinetics, will generate vibrations that are described as similar to road construction by a roller or loaded forklift.

The acoustic waves created by the vibrations will reflect off geologic layers and the data they generate will be captured by sensors inside yellow boxes placed along roadways.

Employees of Geokinetics will be on campus several times during the month-long survey to download data from the sensors.

For more information, download a flier from Mineral Resources, the local company working with the city and UNC, in PDF format by clicking here.

Every Day is Earth Day This Week at UNC

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Northern Colorado is putting new meaning into "going green" and celebrating environmental awareness April 22-26, with each day assigned a different "green" theme, starting with Earth Day on Monday.

The week's events include:

Monday, April 22 - "Learn Green"
Earth Day Information Fair
10 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center (lower level, and west patio)
A variety of organizations will provide information about resource conservation and environmental awareness efforts on campus and in Greeley with eco-friendly give-a-ways.

Third Annual Boys and Girls Club Service Project
4-6 p.m., BGC's Jerry Pawl Unit (2400 1st Ave.)
Students, faculty and staff will provide information and excitement about environmental sustainability to local youths while helping plant gardens and prepare play areas for warmer weather. More Info

Tuesday, April 23 - "Think Green"
Movie: "Bidder 70"
7:30-9 p.m., University Center (Columbine B)
This free film screening features the true story of a young man who tried to throw a monkey wrench into oil and gas exploration on federal lands when he bid $1.7 million on 22,000 acres of land at a Bureau of Land Management oil and gas leasing auction with no intention of paying for or drilling on the land. His act of civil disobedience earned him two years in prison.

Wednesday, April 24 - "Eat Green"
Special Dining Facility Menu
5-9 p.m., Holmes Dining Hall, Tobey-Kendel Dining Room
Local cuisine and environmentally sustainable recipes will be on the dinner menus at UNC's dining halls.

Thursday, April 25 - "Buy Green/Buy Local"
Greeley Night Out
5-9 p.m., Downtown Greeley
Students will be encouraged to shop at locally-owned businesses and save money by paying just $5 for a dinner at the Rio, a cupcake at Batter Up Cakes and a movie at the Kress Cinema. More Info

Friday, April 26 - "Celebrate Green"
Thrift Store Prom
7-10 p.m., Campus Recreation Center
Prom-goers will wear their best second-hand garb and re-experience high school prom night, complete with a photo booth to capture all the wacky outfits.

Saturday, April 27 - "Live Green"
Bears PAY it Forward
9 a.m.-noon, University Center
Students, faculty and staff will be joined by community volunteers for this annual clean-up of some of Greeley's more neglected neighborhoods and UNC will celebrate its recent designation as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation with a special tree planting. More Info

Other "go-green" events for Earth Week at UNC include "Lunch Time Lights Out" and the "Tray-less Dining Incentive," with members of the campus community saving resources in dining facilities by eating lunch with the lights off and forgoing trays that have to be washed.

Student LEAF, UPC, SEA Club, Dining Services and Off Campus Life have collaborated to put together the week-long "Every Day is Earth Day" celebration.

For more information, visit: the Earth Week website.

Geophysical Survey of Area to Include Campus

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Mineral Resources Inc. and Geokinetics will conduct a geophysical survey throughout Greeley as part of oil and gas development in the area. In the coming days, they will place sensors (similar to those pictured here) in numerous campus locations to record data from trucks that will perform "acoustic wave" tests on city streets near the university.

The devices will be arranged in two-foot-diameter circles. In general, they will be placed next to trees, fences, signs and other locations to avoid interfering with pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Employees of Geokinetics will be on campus several times during the month-long survey to download data from the sensors.

For more information, download a flier from Mineral Resources, a local company working with the city and UNC in PDF format by clicking here.

Black History Month Featured Speaker Feb. 21

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Northern Colorado's celebration of Black History Month continues Thursday, Feb. 21, when motivational speaker Byron Embry, who President Barack Obama has described as "as dynamic as they come," will present "The Whistle that Changed America: The Murder of Emmett Till," from 7-8 p.m. in the University Center's ballrooms.

His presentation about the 1955 murder of a 14-year-old black youth from Chicago while he was visiting relatives in Mississippi, is free and open to the public. The incident brought the issue of violence against blacks by whites in the South to the attention of the rest of the nation and was an early impetus of the Civil Rights Movement.

Other upcoming Black History Month events include:

Africana Night Presentation - Feb. 25

Members of the Black Student Union will present "Living Out Our Dreams" at 7 p.m. in Lindou Auditorium in Michener Library.

Featured Lunch Films

Bring your own lunch to the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center and enjoy a Black History Month feature film from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Rosa Parks Story - Feb. 20
Ghost of Mississippi - Feb. 22
The Untold Story of Emmitt Till - Feb. 27

Other Activities

UNC's dining facilities on campus will feature soul food dishes during their lunch and dinner hours throughout the month of February.
Books related to Black History Month will be featured in a display in Michener Library during February.

All events are open to the public and free unless noted otherwise.

A map of campus is available at http://www.unco.edu/uncmap/. Parking is free after 5 p.m. weekdays in UNC parking lots. Before 5 p.m., paid parking is available by purchasing an hourly permit from an automated vending machine at most parking lot entrances. Parking is free on weekends.

Black History Month at UNC is sponsored by the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center, the Africana Studies program, Black Student Union, Black Women of Today, Black Men of Today, Michener Library and Dining Services.

For more information, call the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center at 970-351-2351.

Related: Read UNC Professor Hermon George's history of Black History Month (PDF).

UNC Celebrates Black History Month

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Northern Colorado will celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events and activities ranging from presentations and films to special menu items at dining facilities to a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the school's African American cultural center.

The celebration begins Jan. 31 with a presentation by UNC Professor of Africana Studies Hermon George about the national Black History Month theme, which recognizes the 150th anniversary of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington.

The presentation is from 3-4 p.m. in the Columbine B room in the University Center, intersection of 10th Avenue and 20th Street. A reception from 4-5 p.m. at the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center, across 10th Avenue from the UC, will follow George's remarks.

The rest of the month's events are:

Soul Food Night - Feb. 4

Enjoy free cultural food from 6-8 p.m. at the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center.

Black History Knowledge Bowl - Feb. 12

Students can "learn without lectures" at the Black History Knowledge Bowl from 4-6 p.m. in the lounge at Harrison Hall.

Black History Read-In - Feb. 13

Travis Boyce, UNC assistant professor of Africana Studies and Social Sciences, will host a read-in honoring Black Americans of the past and present from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Michener Library.

Marcus Garvey Cultural Center 30th Anniversary - Feb. 15

A celebration of the 1983 founding of UNC's Marcus Garvey Cultural Center will begin with an open house at the center, intersection of 10th Avenue and 20th Street from 3-5 p.m. and be followed by presentations and sharing of memories about the center from 5-6 p.m. in the University Center ballrooms with special guests former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and his wife, Wilma. Wellington Webb is a 1964 graduate of UNC.

Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Admission is free for UNC students and $10 per person for others. Tickets are required and available through the UNC Alumni Association at 970-351-2551 or www.uncalumni.org.

Keynote Speaker - Feb. 21

Motivational speaker Byron Embry, who President Barack Obama has described as "as dynamic as they come," will present "The Whistle that Changed America: The Murder of Emmett Till," from 7-8 p.m. in the University Center's ballrooms.

Africana Night Presentation - Feb. 25

Members of the Black Student Union will present "Living Out Our Dreams" at 7 p.m. in Lindou Auditorium in Michener Library.

Featured Lunch Films - Feb. 1-27

Bring your own lunch to the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center and enjoy a Black History Month feature film from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Glory - Feb. 1
Four Little Girls - Feb. 6
The Tuskegee Airmen - Feb. 8
The Rosa Parks Story - Feb. 20
Ghost of Mississippi - Feb. 22
The Untold Story of Emmitt Till - Feb. 27

Other Activities

UNC's dining facilities on campus will feature soul food dishes during their lunch and dinner hours throughout the month of February.
Books related to Black History Month will be featured in a display in Michener Library during February.

All events are open to the public and free unless noted otherwise.

For more information, call the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center at 970-351-2351.

Related: Read UNC Professor Hermon George's history of Black History Month (PDF).

Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb to Speak at UNC Cultural Center’s 30th Year Celebration

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Northern Colorado's Marcus Garvey Cultural Center will commemorate its 30th anniversary Feb. 15 with an open house and a celebration that will include featured speaker Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver and a UNC alumnus.

The open house from 3-5 p.m. at the center's home in the Davis House, intersection of 10th Avenue and 20th Street, will include presentations about the center and programs available to students. The event is free and open to the public.

At 5 p.m., the festivities will move across the street to the University Center ballrooms for an evening of cultural center memories, news from current students who use the center's resources and Webb's remarks.

Webb was a standout student and basketball player at UNC. He majored in Sociology, earning his bachelor's degree in 1964 and master's degree in 1971. He and his wife, Wilma, who will attend the ceremony, received honorary degrees from the school in 2009.

Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Entertainment will be provided by a UNC jazz band.

Admission is $10 per person and must be arranged for in advance through the UNC Alumni Association at 970-351-2551 or www.uncalumni.org. Admission is free for UNC students, but they still must register before the event.

Parking in UNC parking lots is free after 5 p.m. weekdays. Before 5 p.m., paid parking is available by purchasing an hourly permit from an automated vending machine at the entrance to most parking lots.

Established in 1982 to provide programs and other resources to support black students' pursuit of their degrees, the UNC cultural center is named in honor of Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr., a political leader, publisher, journalist and entrepreneur who was a staunch proponent of the black nationalism and Pan-Africanism movements in the early- and mid-1900s.

The center's anniversary celebration is part of UNC's observance of Black History Month. Information about other activities this month are at http://www.unco.edu/news/releases.aspx?id=4799.

'Beloved' Kicks Off UNC's Spring International Film Series This Week

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Northern Colorado's International Film Series starts its spring schedule this week with the 2011 French film Beloved showing at 7 p.m. today, Feb. 14, in Lindou Auditorium in Michener Library (Michener L110). The rest of the series is:

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (Sweden): Feb. 20-21, 7 p.m.
The Impossible (U.S.): Feb. 27, 7 p.m.; Feb. 28, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Saving Face (Pakistan): March 6, 7 p.m.; March 7, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Wallace and Gromit (Britain): March 13-14, 6 p.m.
Headhunters (Norway): March 27, 7 p.m.; March 28, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (U.S): April 3, 7 p.m.; April 4, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Hellgate (Thailand): April 10, 7 p.m.; April 11, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
My Best Enemy (Austria.): April 17, 7 p.m.; April 18, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
The Last Flight of Petr Ginz (U.S.): April 24-25, 7:30 p.m.

All films are shown in Lindou Auditorium. Non-English language films are shown in the original language with English subtitles.

Admission is free for UNC students and $3 for all others, unless special circumstances dictate a small admission charge for students or sponsorship of a film by another UNC entity allows it be shown for free to all. Parking is free in UNC lots after 5 p.m.

For more information about the IFS, including movie synopses, visit the series' website.

UNC's Spring International Film Series: 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest'

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The International Film Series continues this week with the Swedish version of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, showing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, and Thursday, Feb. 21, in Lindou Auditorium in Michener Library (Michener L110). The rest of the series is:

The Impossible (U.S.): Feb. 27, 7 p.m.; Feb. 28, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Saving Face (Pakistan): March 6, 7 p.m.; March 7, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Wallace and Gromit (Britain): March 13-14, 6 p.m.
Headhunters (Norway): March 27, 7 p.m.; March 28, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (U.S): April 3, 7 p.m.; April 4, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Hellgate (Thailand): April 10, 7 p.m.; April 11, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
My Best Enemy (Austria.): April 17, 7 p.m.; April 18, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
The Last Flight of Petr Ginz (U.S.): April 24-25, 7:30 p.m.

All films are shown in Lindou Auditorium. Non-English language films are shown in the original language with English subtitles.

For more information about the IFS, including movie synopses, visit the series' website.

UNC's Spring Faculty Recital Series Begins Jan. 28

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Faculty from the University of Northern Colorado's School of Music offer outstanding professional performances in intimate settings during the Artist Faculty Recital Series. The spring series kicks off Monday, Jan. 28, when John Adler, trumpet, and Gray Barrier, percussion, take the stage of the Hensel Phelps Theatre in the Union Colony Civic Center at 8 p.m. The schedule for the rest of the series is:

Tuesday, Jan. 29: UNC Faculty Composition
Monday, Feb. 11: James Hall, flute
Monday, Feb. 18: Nat Wickham, trombone
Tuesday, March 12: Diane Bolden-Taylor, voice

All recitals begin at 8 p.m. Monday recitals are in the Hensel Phelps Theatre at the Union Colony Civic Center. Tuesday recitals are in Milne Auditorium (room 2050) in Kepner Hall.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students, and are available through the Performing Arts Box Office at 351-2200.

MLK Day Celebration Jan. 21 to Feature March, Speakers; UNC Offices Closed

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Greeley's Jan. 21 celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. will include the traditional three-block march in downtown, live music, poetry and a keynote address by former NFL cornerback Wade Davis.

The celebration, in its 18th year, will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a march from the Greeley Chamber of Commerce at 902 7th Ave. to the Union Colony Civic Center at 701 10th Ave., where activities, including Davis' address, continue at 11 a.m.

Davis played briefly for the Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks before moving to the NFL Europe league, where his career was cut short by knee injuries after winning a league championship with the Berlin Thunder.

He entered the national spotlight this summer when he became the third former NFL player to speak publicly about what it was like to be a closeted gay man in the league.

Davis, a nationally recognized speaker, activist, writer and educator, currently works with youth 14-24 as assistant director of job readiness at the Hetrick-Martin Institute in New York City.

His writings have been included in The Huffington Post, The New York Times and OutSports.com, and he's appeared on NPR, CNN and BET. His autobiography, Interference, will be published later this year.

Davis will be available for pictures and autographs following the event.

The MLK Day celebration, sponsored by the city of Greeley and the University of Northern Colorado, is free and open to the public.

UNC Offices Closed for Holiday

UNC's administrative offices will be closed and classes will not be held on Monday.

The University Center will be open its normal hours as will be the Computer Commons in the center.

Tobey-Kendel Dining Room and Holmes Dining Hall will serve brunch and dinner instead of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Residence halls will operate normally.

To contact specific university departments for information about schedules and services available on MLK Day, visit http://www.unco.edu/contact.shtml.

MCB Entrepreneurial Challenge Semi-Finalists, High School Competitors Announced

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Providing Holiday Hope

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

From local children and families to victims of a natural disaster thousands of miles away, members of the University of Northern Colorado community took time out from the end-of-the-semester crunch to make the holidays better for others.

Here are just some of the efforts:

Giving Trees, one of the oldest and largest holiday traditions on campus, this year provided multiple gifts for 275 needy local children, courtesy of donations from UNC students, faculty and staff. Tags on special Giving Trees around campus were used to fulfill requests for gifts and clothing. The effort is coordinated by the Student Activities Office in cooperation with the local chapter of the Salvation Army.

The university community also supported Gifts for Little People, a program organized by the Cèsar Chàvez Cultural Center and two campus Chicano/a-based student organizations - Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán and Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority - to provide Christmas presents for dozens of disadvantaged children in Greeley.

For the fourth consecutive year, staff in the Graduate School participated in Greeley Transitional House's Adopt-a-Family program, providing wrapped Christmas presents for a family transitioning from homelessness.

Students in UNC's Honors and President's Leadership programs joined forces to write and send Christmas cards to U.S. military personnel stationed around the globe. PLP students also made Christmas ornaments for Children's Hospital and knitted and crocheted hats and scarves for distribution to the homeless by the Salvation Army and local fire departments.

UNC's chapter of the Association for Women in Communications' clothing drive collected coats, sweaters, warm clothing, blankets, hats, gloves, scarves and gift cards from Walmart or Lowes for residents of the East Coast affected by Hurricane Sandy.

In another long-standing tradition across campus, staff in offices with a colleague experiencing financial challenges during the holiday season organized collections of cash and gift cards, going to great lengths to keep the source of the help anonymous.

The newest holiday humanitarian project on campus took a similar approach. The inaugural Holiday Helping Hands was a joint effort of UNC's classified and professional staff councils.
Nominations by co-workers identified six employees whose holiday season would be improved with a little financial help.

"Some were facing serious health issues and others had lost their homes due to foreclosure," said Jessica Behunin, chair of the Professional Administrative Staff Council. "Some are having to miss unpaid time at work due to personal issues. And some had experienced significant car troubles. We felt sympathetic toward each situation, and decided to disperse the funds evenly."

Donations of cash and gift cards from colleagues were used to put smiles on the faces of the six recipients and their families, just in time for the holidays.

- UNC News Service

News University of Northern Colorado

New Outdoor Speakers on Emergency Poles to Be Tested

UNC Gallery Exhibit to Honor Faculty Member's 47 Years of Service

Greeley: A Love Letter

Summer at UNC: Classes, Community Events, Camps and More

Governor Signs Bill at UNC to Create State Grant Program

Greek Tragedy Medea to Close Out Spring Performing Arts Series

UNC in Photos: An April Retrospective

Geophysical Survey Scheduled for Campus This Week

Every Day is Earth Day This Week at UNC

Geophysical Survey of Area to Include Campus

Black History Month Featured Speaker Feb. 21

Africana Night Presentation - Feb. 25

Featured Lunch Films

Other Activities

UNC Celebrates Black History Month

Soul Food Night - Feb. 4

Black History Knowledge Bowl - Feb. 12

Black History Read-In - Feb. 13

Marcus Garvey Cultural Center 30th Anniversary - Feb. 15

Keynote Speaker - Feb. 21

Africana Night Presentation - Feb. 25

Featured Lunch Films - Feb. 1-27

Other Activities

More Than Reading Colorful Maps

Of Note

Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb to Speak at UNC Cultural Center’s 30th Year Celebration

'Beloved' Kicks Off UNC's Spring International Film Series This Week

UNC's Spring International Film Series: 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest'

UNC's Spring Faculty Recital Series Begins Jan. 28

MLK Day Celebration Jan. 21 to Feature March, Speakers; UNC Offices Closed

UNC Offices Closed for Holiday

MCB Entrepreneurial Challenge Semi-Finalists, High School Competitors Announced

Providing Holiday Hope