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The University of Northern Colorado is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the naming and dedication of its Michener Library this week with a variety of activities culminating Friday with a ceremony that will include a presentation by a Michener biographer.
The "James A. Michener Library: Dedicated for 40 Years" ceremony from 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, will feature a presentation by author Stephen J. May, whose 2005 book, Michener: A Writer's Journey, reveals how the aspiring writer became a Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling novelist. It's the only Michener biography that draws on his complete papers, which he donated to UNC shortly before his death in 1997.
Contrary to common belief, the library wasn't named after Michener because he contributed to the building's $5 million cost. When completed in May 1971, the new facility was named University Library. University officials' subsequent decision to name the library after a famous alumnus coincided with Michener's rise in popularity as a writer and his return to Colorado in the early-1970s to research and write Centennial.
Michener earned his master's degree from what was then known as Colorado State College of Education in 1937 and taught teacher education courses until 1941.
Friday's ceremony also will include an audio recording of Michener's speech at the Oct. 27, 1972, dedication and naming of the library, which was attended by more than a 1,000 people, and a slide show of the construction and history of the library, which at 235,000 sq. ft., is the largest building on campus..
In addition, UNC Professor of History Michael Welsh will speak on the role of libraries at the university, how they've changed over the years and how they'll continue to change.
Guided tours of the facility will be conducted at 2, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. and a reception in the library's Mari Michener Gallery will follow the ceremony from 4:30- 6 p.m.
The tours, ceremony and reception are free and open to the public. Free parking will be available in UNC lots L, M and Y west of Michener Library after 2 p.m.
Other celebration activities this week include:
In addition to commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original naming and dedication ceremony, the week's activities are designed to familiarize UNC students with Michener's place in literary history and why the library is named after him.
For more information, contact Kalen May, the celebration's coordinator, at 351-2601.
The current edition of UNC's Experts List is available on the University News and Public Relations website. The list is shared with reporters who are seeking sources to provide perspective on relevant topics. See examples of university coverage at the UNC in the News website.
News and PR staff also rely on the list in working with Academic Minute, a program that airs on radio stations across the country. The Academic Minute is open to faculty who would like to record a 100-second essay related to their area of expertise. Email Nate Haas for more about this opportunity.
If you'd like to be included in the UNC Experts List, fill out the online registration form.
If you're already included in the list and would like to make changes to your entry, send the revisions to Sara Regan via email.
Please help Payroll Services make sure your 2012 W-2 gets to the correct address in January by verifying that your mailing address is correct or signing up for an electronic version of your W-2. Instructions are available on the Payroll website.
Monday, Nov. 5, is the deadline for submitting nominations for UNC's 2012 Engaged Scholar Awards, which recognize and honor outstanding efforts and achievements made in the development and practice of community engagement on and off the UNC campus.
Categories of awards include undergraduate student; graduate student; faculty; staff (exempt and classified); and Weld County, regional, or global organizations having close partnerships with UNC. Nomination form and criteria
The awards, sponsored by the Center for Honors, Scholars and Leadership, will be presented at the sixth annual Engaged Scholarship Symposium on Nov. 13.
The University of Northern Colorado's 2012-13 Performing Arts Series, which features students in the School of Theatre Arts and Dance, continues Nov. 1 with the opening of the Tony Award-winning musical Parade.
Parade plays Nov. 1-3 and Nov. 6-10 at 7:30 p.m.; and Nov. 3-4 and Nov. 10-11 at 2 p.m. in the Norton Theatre in Gray Hall on the university campus. The production carries a PG-13 rating (contains adult language and mature themes). Free parking for Gray Hall can be accessed from 8th Avenue between 16th and 17th streets.
The rest of the series includes:
For performance descriptions, locations and ticket information, visit the series' website.
The GLBTA Resource Office can provide a panel of students involved in the GLBTA community to share their experiences with student organizations, classes and other groups on campus. Participation on a panel by other members of the campus community is welcome. To schedule a panel or for more information about being a panel member, contact German Duarte, 351-2906, or visit the GLBTA website.
