Friday Night Lights

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MDT

For three University of Northern Colorado employees, "Friday Night Lights" isn’t just a TV program. It’s how they refer to officiating high school football games, an avocation that allows them to stay involved with a sport they love, work with young athletes and operate as a team away from the university.

At UNC, Scott Schuttenberg directs the Campus Recreation Center and its programs, Sam Penn oversees Information Technology’s Technical Support Center and Brad Sharp manages IT’s Desktop Support functions.

On most Friday nights and some Saturday afternoons from September through November, they’re the core of a five-person crew that enforces the rules and maintains order on high school football fields as close and as big as Greeley, Fort Collins and Longmont, and as far away and small as Holyoke, Wray and Burlington.

As members of the Colorado Football Officials Association (CFOA), they are certified by the Colorado High School Activities Association to officiate all levels of junior and senior high school football.

Schuttenberg, who has been officiating for eight years and is director of the 65-member local chapter of CFOA, conducts weekly training sessions during the season and pre-season clinics in the summer. He recruited Penn to become an official three years ago. The two then recruited Sharp, who is in his second season.

They admit that they’re not in the game for the money. They each receive $55 for a high school game and a $6 meal allowance if travel to an assignment occurs during a normal meal time. They ride together to those assignments, with the driver receiving mileage reimbursement, but they’re not paid for their travel time, which can be six hours roundtrip to places like Burlington, and the hours and hours of training also happens on their own time.

Rather, they say, they simply enjoy staying close to the sport they all played in high school, working with the kids and meeting the challenges of working well as a team during the unique, emotionally-charged atmosphere found only at high school football games.

"These student-athletes are learning and growing through their thoughts and actions on the field, and being part of that is the most enjoyable aspect of officiating to me," Penn said. "That and being part of the energy and adrenaline levels that you feel on the field from the players, coaches and other officials."

Schuttenberg agreed, saying, "I considered coaching as a way to stay involved in the sport and work with kids, but the time commitment for that is prohibitive. Officiating is a great alternative that doesn’t require as much time."

The three also agree that their roles at UNC and on the football field complement each other.

"Situational awareness is something that’s critical in both my role as an official and as a manager," Penn said. "On the field, you have to be aware of the actions of players, coaches and other officials at all times. That’s helped me in my job as a manager by heightening my awareness and utilization of alternative communication methods in varying situations."

Sharp echoed those sentiments.

"I think I’ve learned to communicate better and listen better from officiating," he said. "Plus, it used to be that members of my family would only call me when they needed help with their computers. Now they also call wanting help understanding football rules."

Of Note

- According to Schuttenberg, 16 of the 65 officials he’s responsible for are either UNC alumni, such as Penn and Sharp, or current students.

- UNC has three alumni who became National Football League officials. Ben Dreith (BA-50) spent 30 years as referee (1960-1990) and worked two Super Bowls. The late Pat Haggerty (BA-51, MA-53) served from 1965 until 1992 and worked three Super Bowls. Jim Saracino (BA-76) worked NFL games as a field judge from 1995 until retiring after the 2008 season. He worked one Super Bowl.

- Story by Gary Dutmers

Faculty Move In

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Associate Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications Lee Anne Peck, one of six University of Northern Colorado faculty members participating in the university’s Faculty in Residence program, shares her impressions from the first nine weeks living among 362 students, any of whom are welcome visitors to her apartment – whenever her door is open.

"Hi, Professor Peck!" I hear from the outside hallway as I sit inside my laundry-room-turned-office. I can’t see who has just passed my open apartment door with a greeting, but I answer with a "Hello!" As I sit in my apartment, I can hear the voices of students in the lobby, joking loudly with the resident assistants on duty. I can hear a music student practicing piano scales and balls clicking on the pool table in the next-door game room.

Welcome to my world as a faculty in residence. I’m now in my ninth week of living in the new North Hall on West Campus. I leave my faculty-in-residence apartment door open most mornings and evenings–afternoons, too, if I am "home." This adventure might not be suitable to some faculty members, but I’ve come to love it.

Last spring, UNC’s Housing and Residence Life office asked interested faculty members to apply for the newly created Faculty in Residence program. Eighteen people applied, and six of us were chosen; four of us live in residence halls on West campus while two of us live on Central Campus. Our contracts run through July 2010 with the opportunity to stay for the next school year.

According to Housing and Residence Life literature, FIR program goals include the following:

- To increase outside-of-classroom interaction between faculty and students

- To provide role models for students as they explore their studies

- To showcase the approachable nature of the faculty who teach at UNC

Because the program is in its infant stages, our duties as FIRs are somewhat flexible – but we are expected to be involved in hall programming for about 10 hours per month. Each FIR also has a budget to create our own unique programming for the students – be it a social or academic program. We live in our apartments free of charge and get 50 meals a semester in the dining halls.

So, what have I done so far? I have conducted an Academic Success seminar at the beginning of the semester; I have painted doorstops with my fellow residents. I have held a "Grey’s Anatomy" TV party, and I watch "Glee" most Wednesday nights with students who live in my hallway. I have given advice on English composition papers. And I have baked cookies – lots of cookies, which are always very appreciated by the residents. Next week, I am the honored judge for the hall’s Halloween costume contest.

Eleven resident assistants – all quirky and lovable, hall director Erin Dewese and I live with 362 student residents. One of my dogs is allowed to live with me, and Dewese and her husband have a dog and are expecting a baby in March. As Dewese said, "We’re just one happy family at North"

And why is my office in the laundry room? It’s a fabulous space, and I don’t need a washer and dryer. Using the laundry facilities down the hall is free – plus, I can receive a cell-phone text message when my clothes are finished.

About the Faculty in Residence Program
The Faculty in Residence Program started this school year and is expected to continue for another year. It’s funded through a reallocation made possible by residence hall restructuring that included eliminating the assistant hall director position.

"It gives students an opportunity to interact with faculty outside of the classroom," said Jenna Finley, director of UNC Residence Life.

The faculty members have done a number of events for students such as documentary nights, weekly creative writing groups and trips to Rockies games, among others. They have the freedom to create events based on the interest of themselves and the students, as well as their field of expertise.

"Encouraging this contact and having some academic programming in the halls influences student’s connection to the university," Finely said.

2009-10 Faculty in Residence
- Mary Angeline, instructor of English and chair of the Rosenberry Writers Conference, is housed in Snyder Hall.

- Matt Birnbaum, assistant professor and faculty member of Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership program, is housed in Harrison Hall.

- Lyda Ellis, instruction librarian and assistant professor of University Libraries, is housed in New South Hall.

- Diane Gaede, associate professor of Recreation and Tourism, is housed in Bond Hall.

- Lee Anne Peck, associate professor of Journalism and Mass Communications, is housed in New North Hall.

- Gary Swanson, Mildred S. Hansen Endowed Chair in Journalism, is housed in Lawrenson Hall.

Student to Share Stories of Istanbul

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Letisha Brown knows that her trip to Turkey over the summer has, and forever will, enrich her life, but now she wants to share with others how they can take the reigns and find the study abroad experience that will enrich their lives.

Brown is a senior majoring in Africana Studies and is a member of the McNair Scholars Program, which provides undergraduate research opportunities designed to prepare eligible juniors and seniors for graduate school.

She will share her story about her trip, which included seven weeks of study at Bogazici University in Istanbul, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the University Center in Columbine A.

Brown will discuss how it felt to be immersed in a non-English country, why she was interested in studying abroad, the importance of taking advantage of international travel opportunities, the classes she took and the people she met, and the resources on campus that will help students accomplish their study abroad goals.

"I’ve benefited in many ways from my experience at Bogazici University," Brown said. "I was able to push my limits as a student and succeed academically in a setting that is unlike any other that I have ever dealt with. It taught me to see my world, or the Western world rather, through different eyes. It was a beautiful campus, and I had a beautiful experience."

She initially heard about Bogazici University through UNC Professor of Africana Studies George Junne, who is also an adjunct professor at the Turkish university during the summer.

According to Joe Tort, study abroad and exchange coordinator for UNC’s Center for International Education, UNC has several connections with Bogazici University and is pursuing a formal agreement with it.

The CIE offers over 400 programs in 50 countries, but sometimes, as in Brown’s situation, a student wants to attend a university that doesn’t have a formal partnership with UNC.

In those cases, Tort said, the CIE will make sure that the credits at the desired university abroad will transfer back to UNC and that it’s a government-accredited body within the host nation.

"We haven’t had a strong connection with Bogazici, so by going there it definitely opened more communication between UNC and them," Brown said of her role in helping facilitate establishment of a formal partnership.

The CIE provides multiple ways for exchange students, both those from abroad and from UNC, to share their experiences. Students can participate in a speaker bureau or submit their blogs and photos to CIE’s website.

For more information about study abroad experiences at UNC, visit http://www.unco.edu/cie/.

- Christina Romero

Bringing the World Together

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Although Gene Aitken retired from the University of Northern Colorado in 2002 after teaching in the Jazz Program for 27 years, he still hasn’t stopped teaching.

Aitken received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Emeritus Award at the Honored Alumni Reception on Oct. 9. The emeritus professor was recognized for his international work and dedication to the arts.

Aitken travels to the Middle East through American Voices, a nonprofit performing arts organization that creates nationwide training programs in countries emerging from conflict and isolation.

American Voices provides a 10-day intensive program with instructors who emphasize in different areas of the arts and teach everything from how to play an instrument to learning music theory. The organization also donates music, instruments and accessories to musicians overseas, with the help of local business.

Aitken started with American Voices in 2006. He said the first goal of American Voices was to bring people of different backgrounds, culture and religious beliefs together through the arts.

"There’s something about making a significant difference in the lives of very deserving and wonderful people that makes one think of how very fortunate we are in America, and how much more we need to do to help musicians in other countries," Aitken said.

In an earlier project with the organization SAYOWE (South East Asia Orchestra and Wind Ensemble), Aitken worked with youths of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and said he discovered that music can bring people together and enrich their lies beyond what we can imagine.

"These students will be the countries’ leaders in the years to come and if we can get them while they are students then we have a chance to bring the world closer together," Aitken said.

Other Honored Alumni
- Alena Watters, Creative Achievement Award
- Brian M. Davidson, Young Alumni Award
- Frank and Betty Ottesen, Honorary Alumni Award
- Randy Watkins, Distinguished Alumni Service Award
- Tim Jorstad, Distinguished Alumni Award
- Randall Zila, Distinguished Alumni Award
- Sharon Lee Parker, Distinguished Alumni Award
Read the stories of the other honored alumni

’Kruizin’ with Klawz’ Takes Homecoming Back to the ’50s

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Students, faculty and staff at the University of Northern Colorado will be taking a trip back in time to the 1950s with this year’s homecoming theme, "Kruizin’ with Klawz." Homecoming week is Oct. 4-10. Here’s what’s in store.

Sunday
The women’s soccer team kicks off Homecoming week with a match at 3 p.m. Sunday at Jackson Field against the University of Wyoming. At 5 p.m. on the Turner Green there’ll be a Root Beer Float Social with live music.

Students will be passing out cards with blue and gold ribbons attached to promote the spirit of homecoming. Homecoming shirts will also be available in the Student Activities Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Short-sleeved yellow shirts are $10 and long-sleeved blue shirts are $15.

Monday
At 3 p.m. fraternities, sororities, residence halls and various student clubs and organizations will be hanging their banners for the Banner Contest, one of many events during the week in which groups of friends and teams from residence halls, Greek organizations and student clubs compete for Spirit Week points. The team with the most points at the end of the week will take home the coveted Spirit Stick in recognition of their exemplary demonstration of school spirit.

At 8 p.m. the University Center Ballrooms will be turned into the UNC Comedy Club, featuring Jeff Dye from the popular TV show "Last Comic Standing." Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be available.

Tuesday
At 6 p.m. in the UC Ballrooms, students can sing their hearts out at Bear Sync, a lip sync competition in which contestants can dance and use music in keeping with the Kruizin’ with Klawz ’50s theme. Winners earn points for their team in the Spirit Week competition.

Wednesday
Also in the spirit of Kruizin’ with Klawz, Dining Services will offer a 1950s-inspired menu, serving everything from tomato soup, popular salads of the ’50s and meatloaf, to burgers and chili dogs just like at the drive-ins. The Homecoming Kick-off Dinner will be served 5-7 p.m. at Holmes Dining Hall and Tobey-Kendal Dining Room.

At 8:30 p.m. in the UC Ballrooms, students can play Bingo at "BINGO Night – It’s not just for Grandma." A variety of prizes include an iPod at this event provided by the Center for Peer Education.

Thursday
Thursday will start out with UNC’s annual food drive - Cans to Candelaria - from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campus and community members can drop their non-perishable food items and cash off in front of Candelaria Hall in the parking lot for the benefit of the Weld Food Bank. The drive is another chance for teams to earn Spirit Week points.

At 8:15 p.m. the men’s ice hockey team will play the University of Colorado Buffaloes at the Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave.

Friday
The focus of Friday’s events will be on alumni when members of the class of 1959 will be welcomed back to campus for their 50-year reunion. The day will start with the Alumni Association 50 Year Reunion Breakfast Social – "Stay Classy UNC!" at 9 a.m. in the Panorama Room of the University Center. The continental breakfast is complimentary for registered alumni and their guests.

At 10 a.m. the alumni will embark on a bus tour of UNC followed by the Reunion Luncheon and Pinning Ceremony at 11:20 a.m. in the Panorama Room at the UC. The guest speakers at the ceremony include President Kay Norton, head football coach Scott Downing and head women’s basketball coach Jaime White. Lunch is $15 per person.

At 4:30 p.m. the Honored Alumni Awards Ceremony and Banquet will be begin. Dinner will be served along with a cash bar present in the U.C. Ballrooms. Dinner is $30 per person. Eight individuals will be recognized and awarded:

- Allan "Gene"Aitken, Distinguished Emeritus Award
- Alena Watters, Creative Achievement Award
- Brian M. Davidson, Young Alumni Award
- Frank and Betty Ottesen, Honorary Alumni Award
- Randy Watkins, Distinguished Alumni Service Award
- Tim Jorstad, Distinguished Alumni Award
- Randall Zila, Distinguished Alumni Award
- Sharon Lee Parker, Distinguished Alumni Award

For more information on Homecoming Week events for alumni, call the UNC Alumni Association at 351-2551 or visit http://www.uncalumni.org/events/.

Also on Friday, at 8:30 p.m. a free pep rally, bonfire and fireworks display will happen in Doubenmier Field adjacent to Bishop-Lehr Hall. The Residence Hall Association and Student Activities Office are sponsors of the event.

Saturday
Saturday is Homecoming Day, complete with a parade, tailgating, the homecoming football game, closing ceremonies and the annual homecoming formal dance.

Don’t forget to get up early for the Homecoming Pancake Breakfast at 9 a.m. on the lawn of Snyder Hall. Call Student Activities, host of the event, at 351-2871 for more information.

At 11 a.m. friends, family and the Greeley community can gather anywhere along the parade route to watch the Homecoming Parade. The parade begins on 10th Ave. and 19th St. near the Visitor’s Center on Central Campus and includes floats, bands, cheerleaders, dancers and more. The parade route can be found at www.unco.edu/homecoming.

UNC fans can gather in the northeast corner of the parking lot at Nottingham Field from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the Athletics and Alumni Association tailgating event. In addition to giveaways, entertainment and visits from the UNC cheerleaders and marching band, burgers, brats and beverages catered by Jackson’s All-American Sports Bar will be available. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 10 and under, and $5 for UNC students and faculty, and can be purchased at the gate.

At 1:35 p.m. it’s the Bears versus the Vikings from Portland State in the traditional homecoming game at Nottingham Field. Homecoming royalty will be introduced at halftime, and winners of Spirit Week awards will be announced.

Homecoming will come to an end with the annual Homecoming Formal 9 p.m. to midnight at the UC in the Panorama Room. Admission is $1 or two cans of food for the Weld Food Bank.

For more information on Homecoming Week, contact UNC’s Office of Student Activities, 351-2871.

- Christina Romero

UNC President Optimistic in Annual Fall Address

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MDT

University of Northern Colorado President Kay Norton spoke to a crowd of about 400 who attended her annual state of the university address Thursday, Sept. 24, at the University Center.

In her speech, Norton exuded optimism amid the current economic backdrop and acknowledged the challenges and opportunities present at UNC in a new environment where many unknowns exist.

She alluded to building on the university’s strengths as a leader, from its pedigree as an authority in education to its future role informing education policy through the Education Innovation Institute and the campus community’s ability to work together - noting increases in new freshmen (12 percent), graduate enrollment (5 percent) and total enrollment (2 percent).

"If universities are to thrive in this new environment, we must see possibilities rather than merely problems," Norton told the audience. "We must develop the flexibility to take advantage of emerging opportunities and to respond to rapidly changing needs without compromising who we are."

She added: "We must invest our energy in the individual success of our students, in research that advances human understanding, and in connecting with the community around us."

The university’s strategic financial planning to date and under way will guide decision-making as increasing pressure mounts on an overburdened state budget.

"We must develop the capacity to make good decisions given any circumstances," Norton said.

A transcript of Norton’s address is available at http://www.unco.edu/pres/pdf/StateUniversityAddress2009.pdf. View video of the speech at http://www.unco.edu/pres/sou2009.html.

Teacher Training without Borders

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MDT

For a group of 20 teachers and school administrators from rural areas in Central America and the Dominican Republic, a professional development program at the University of Northern Colorado goes far beyond helping them improve their teaching techniques.

That’s because the teachers sometimes teach in facilities without electricity or plumbing. Some of them don’t even have a classroom to teach in; their classes meet outside, which can be a problem during the rainy season.

The 20 are part of the Cooperative Association of States for Scholarships program, an initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development and coordinated by Georgetown University, to improve the academic skills and practices of teachers in rural areas in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

UNC is one of four U.S. colleges selected to offer the highly specialized program. At UNC the CASS program operates as part of the School of Teacher Education with the support of $168,000 in USAID funding and collaboration with the Hispanics Studies Program, Extended Studies, Housing and Residence Life and the Sponsored Programs and Academic Research Center. The program is in its second year at UNC and has been funded for next year.

"Teachers and administrators in rural areas of these countries frequently struggle with a lack of supplies, electricity and bathroom and classroom facilities," said Professor Madeline Milian, who directs the program at UNC. "So, in addition to learning subject content and teaching techniques, they learn how to identify funding resources, write grants and organize community projects to help improve infrastructure and supply basic needs."

The program incorporates classroom instruction, practicum experiences at local K-12 schools, mentorship opportunities with teachers and administrators, and volunteer activities with local community agencies such as Head Start and United Way. Participants also work on their English speaking and reading skills. Some of them had never used a computer before starting the program, so technology also is included in the curriculum.

The six-month-long program gives the participants ample time to become part of the campus community, Milian said, noting that although they were the only residents of Lawrenson Hall when the program started in July, once students began returning for fall semester, they soon had many new friends.

The visitors recently entertained some of those new friends and other members of the campus community with songs and dances from their countries at the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center’s annual 16 de Septiembre celebration, which this year also commemorated Hispanic Heritage Month.

CASS participants will return to their countries in December with new understandings of teaching techniques, enhanced academic skills, materials to use in providing professional development for their colleagues and action plans to implement in their schools and communities to assist in the improvement of services offered to children and their families.

Sandra Guerra, an English teacher from El Salvador, is already looking forward to sharing what she’s learning in the program.

"I’m learning new techniques and information that I can show my colleagues how to teach better and do a better job for our students," Guerra said. "It was also wonderful to share experiences with and learn from teachers from our neighboring countries."

Miriam Feliciano, a fifth-grade teacher from Guatemala, echoed Guerra’s sentiments.

"In addition to learning many new things to share, I’ve also learned to be humble because I now know that there is still a lot to learn," she said.

Milian noted that the group’s time at UNC will pay big dividends.

"We figured out that as a group, they serve about 10,000 students," Milian said. "The impact of the program is far-reaching."

- Gary Dutmers

A Shared Passion for Weather

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Sometimes a person’s passion for something can be passed on to another person. For one family with ties to UNC, a special interest in meteorology has been passed on to different generations.

Cousins Anders Nelson and Rebecca Uchyn are both interested in meteorology. Rebecca is a first-year meteorology major at UNC and Anders, a UNC alumnus, works as a weather forecaster for KGWN, a CBS station in Cheyenne, Wyo.

The two have more in common than UNC and their interest in meteorology, though. They’re related to Mike Nelson, chief meteorologist for KMGH Channel 7 in Denver. He’s Anders’ father and Rebecca’s uncle.

But unlike Mike, they didn’t have a passion for meteorology at a young age.

While majoring in Communication Studies at UNC, Anders interned at Greeley radio station KFKA, helping with the morning news and serving as color commentator for the station’s broadcasts of UNC Bears football games. He started out as a sportscaster at KGWN, but his growing interest in meteorology led him to his current position as a weather forecaster. Now he’s looking forward to studying meteorology as a graduate student in the spring.

After accompanying her uncle to work, Rebecca realized how much she was interested in meteorology. She said Mike’s passion for it rubbed off on her, but she also enjoys meteorology because it is important to everyday life.

"It’s one of those things that is applicable to everyday life," Rebecca said. "Everyone wants to know what the weather is."

UNC is one of two schools in Colorado that have an undergraduate meteorology program. The UNC program also has an American Meteorology Society Student Chapter, which hosts events and guest speakers such as Mike Nelson.

The program also maintains a business relationship with Channel 7, which has a video camera atop the University Center that’s used periodically for Channel 7’s weather segments.

According to Paul Nutter, assistant professor of Meteorology, the relationship between UNC and Channel 7 is beneficial for both parties. Students receive professional experience by interning at the station and the station their services and skills as well as those of students who volunteer to work the station’s Weather Travel Line, which is used to inform commuters about the weather and traffic.

For more information about UNC’s program in Meteorology, visit http://esci.unco.edu/met/aboutmet/.

- Christina Romero

Summer Stories

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Three University of Northern Colorado students share their unique summer experience: one who overcame her disability to climb two Colorado fourteeners, another who worked on legislation in a U.S. senator’s office and the third who worked with an L.A. movie production company.

Climbing Colorado’s backcountry
With her CamelBak fastened, some trail mix in her bag and some good company, Kylene Quigley reached the summits of two Colorado fourteeners at the end of July.

The partially blind sophomore Sports and Exercise Science major climbed with a friend when the weather included bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine. Near the summits, Quigley encountered some snow and steep grades, making the climb harder than usual.

But for Quigley, challenges and being active is nothing new. She has been a competitive swimmer and kick boxer and has a list of things she wishes to accomplish in her life, including backpack camping, more climbing, a 6k run and maybe even a triathlon.

What most people don’t know about Quigley is that she has Stargardts, a rare genetic eye disease. It causes her central vision to be scrambled and affects her peripheral vision, depth perception and her ability to see colors and details. She reads Braille and uses a high-powered magnifying glass for textbooks or audio books.

When asked to describe her experience this past summer, Quigley has no trouble providing a colorful description.

"The most amazing part about climbing the mountain is standing on the summit and looking around at a 360-degree view of the world," Quigley said. "You feel so insignificant and it’s such an amazing feeling. It really puts things into perspective. You feel how small you are and how vast the world is and how beautiful everything is."

Quigley enjoys the challenges and conquering things that other people don’t expect her to do.

"Not only was it a personal achievement, but it was also something that I think kind of was representative for all disabled people," Quigley said.

Quigley’s future career goals include going to graduate school in the Orientation and Mobility program so she can work with people who are blind and visually impaired.

Working at the Capitol
Matthew VanDriel traveled to Washington, D.C., and worked a 10-week summer internship with U.S. Senator Mark Udall. VanDriel, a senior, is working on a triple major, studying political science, business and economics.

Other than focusing on health care and education issues, VanDriel also talked to constituents over the phone, wrote letters and researched bills, legislation and voting history.

While the work was rewarding, VanDriel’s daily walk to work proved to be inspiring.

"In those five minutes I would walk by the Library of Congress, the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court, and then walk into our building," VanDriel said. "The feeling I got from that walk is hard to describe, but it was hard not to feel excited and motivated to go work for your country after making that walk."

VanDriel hopes to continue working in public service after graduation.

Behind the scenes in Hollywood
In Los Angeles, Carleen Endres is one step closer to her career goal of becoming a film or TV director or producer. She was one of 45 students nationwide to be awarded an internship by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation from an applicant pool of about 1,200.

For two months Endres interned for The Hatchery, a production company. Her assignments included assisting with an upcoming holiday movie titled "Christmas in Canaan," written by Kenny Rogers and starring Billy Ray Cyrus. The movie will air on the Hallmark Channel.

Her other assignments ranged from reading scripts, treatments or books to writing a summary and commentary of what she read. She also researched different projects, which included researching actors and actresses.

Endres said the most challenging part of the internship was the move. But the distance gave her a taste of real life.

"For one, you kind of get out of your element so you’re really out on your own and figuring out your way around," Endres said. "You have to make a way for yourself, but it’s a great experience to go out and work with people in the industry."

Endres has applied for other internships in California and will be completing her degree at UNC through online courses. She expects to graduate in May.

- Christina Romero

Historical Accounts

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MDT

UNC alumna and current Trustee Carlotta LaNier, a member of the "Little Rock Nine" who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, this week released her book of memoirs, "A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School."

LaNier will be on campus Sept. 3 for a book signing and presentation at Michener Library (more info here). The following is an excerpt from LaNier’s book (which also includes a foreword by President Bill Clinton, who presented LaNier with the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award, in 1999):

Chapter 1: A Different World

Featured Stories for UNC

Friday Night Lights

Faculty Move In

Student to Share Stories of Istanbul

Bringing the World Together

’Kruizin’ with Klawz’ Takes Homecoming Back to the ’50s

UNC President Optimistic in Annual Fall Address

Teacher Training without Borders

A Shared Passion for Weather

Summer Stories

Historical Accounts