GEORGE THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WASH I NG T ON DC OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • WASHINGTON, DC 20052 PHONE 202-994-6460 • FAX 202-994-9025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Matthew Nehmer August 7, 2003 (202) 994-6467; [email protected] Robert Moll (202) 994-2492; [email protected] GW TOPS WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL'S RANKING OF GRADUATE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS WASHINGTON - GW's School of Business and Public Management (SBPM) has topped the Washington Business Journal's 2003 list of graduate business management programs. The Journal published the list in its "Industry Focus: Education & Training" section as part of its July 18 - 24 issue. The list will be republished in the Journal's annual "Book of Lists," which features industry leaders throughout the metropolitan Washington area. The Journal ranked programs according to enrollment. In academic year 2002 - 2003, GW's graduate business management programs were 2,255 students strong, nearly 700 students greater than Strayer University, the second-highest ranked school. The University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business rounded out the top three schools with 1,258 graduate business management students. "GW is popular because of its student-centered culture, and the broad number of specialty areas available in its large graduate program," said Debra Sheldon, associate dean for graduate programs at SBPM and professor of accountancy. "Students can study general management in one of GW's four M.B.A. programs, or concentrate in accountancy, finance, information systems, project management or tourism administration through GW's specialized master's degrees. Students in GW's core M.B.A. programs benefit from these broad options because they can elect to specialize in areas, some of which are taught in only a few business or management schools nationwide. And by maintaining rigorous admissions standards, G W ensures that students in all of its master's programs in business or management have a challenging and rewarding experience." The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the premier accrediting agency for degree programs in business administration and accounting, previously recognized GW among the top five accredited schools for the highest enrollment of full time master's students. It also recognized GW as the top accredited school for part-time students enrolled in master's degree programs. Today, more GW students are enrolled in specialized master's programs in business and management than in all of the school's M.B.A. programs (full-time, part time, accelerated and executive) combined. GW's School of Business and Public Management prepares students for professional management careers. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master's programs, provides rich opportunities for students in the school's core bachelor of business administration, master of business administration and doctoral programs. GW's undergraduate program in business has been ranked among the top 50 for three consecutive years by US News & World Report, and its full-time M.B.A. program has been ranked among the top 65. For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org. -GW- GEORGE THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON DC OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • WASHINGTON, DC 20052 • PHONE 202-994-6460 • FAX 202-994-9025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Eric Solomon August 7, 2003 (202) 994-3087; [email protected] GW GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT STUDENT NAMED D.C.'s BEST FIRST-YEAR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER WASHINGTON - Elizabeth Baker, a secondary education graduate student in The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD), recently received The District of Columbia First Class Teacher Award as the best first-year high school teacher for 2002-2003. A teacher of both English and English as a second language (ESL) at Bell Multicultural Senior High School, Baker was recognized for excellence during what is widely regarded as the most overwhelming year for an educator. "I am very excited about receiving this award," said Baker, who will graduate from GSEHD in December when she takes the Praxis exam. "While many new teachers are being lured to the suburbs, this award shows that there are exciting opportunities for both students and teachers here in the District." Baker graduated from Kent State University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in political science, after which she worked for Common Cause, a lobbying organization for campaign finance reform. Baker's next job working on education campaigns for the Advertising Council pushed her in the direction of teaching, a profession in which she had always been interested. She then joined AmeriCorps, where she worked for an after-school program in Silver Spring, MD. Convinced that she wanted to be a teacher, Baker applied and was accepted to GSEHD's competitive and innovative Urban Initiative (UI), a two year master's degree program designed for candidates new to the field of teaching. The UI program includes a full-time, full-year internship at the District's Cardozo High School, a professional development school and allows students to work toward dual licensure. Baker pursued both transition special education and ESL. "Liz's background, motivation and drive are similar to other UI graduate students," said Maxine Freund, GSEHD professor of special education and principal investigator. "The program attracts people who are interested in addressing social justice and equity issues within an urban school setting. After a year-long, full-time internship our graduates command a sophisticated understanding of the teaching and learning process as well as the administrative issues integral to teaching." "Baker was quick to prove her success in the classroom," said Bell Principal Maria Tukeva, who described Baker as the "most industrious teacher" she had ever seen. "Unwilling students have been motivated and inspired by her 'leadership by example' to perform to the highest level of their abilities." - more - - 2 - I I I As part of the nominating process, Tukeva highlighted Baker's instructional skills and her interaction with stJdents as well as with parents, faculty, staff and the community. In addition to the application from the school principal, Baker was required to undergo classroom observation and write a personal essay describing how she deals with the challenge of vying for students' attention in the midst of 21st century technology. "My joy as a teacher is to see students excited, engaged and living up to their unique potential," said Baker. "My epiphany came this year when one student replied, 'Ms. Baker, no teacher ever really believed I could do it before. Thank you."' The First Class Teacher Award program was launched by Sallie Mae in 1984 to honor the nation's outstanding first-year teachers. Sallie Mae ceased its program in 2000, but recommended that the program be continued on a statewide level, which led to the Washington, D.C., Office of Teacher Affairs taking over the program. Every D.C. public school may participate in the District of Columbia First Class Teacher Award program. Baker received a memento from the superintendent and a $1,500 cash award. For additional GSEHD information, contact Abby Strunk at (202) 994-4519 or [email protected]. For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org. -GW- GEORGE T HE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WASHINGT O N D C OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • WASHINGTON, DC 20052 • PHONE 202-994-6460 • FAX 202-994-9025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Matthew Nehmer August 15, 2003 (202) 994-6467; [email protected] GW OFFICE OF STUDENT AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES FOR 2003-2004 ACADEMIC YEAR New Positions for Keith Betts, Helen Cannaday Saulny, Peter Konwerski, Johnnie Osborne, Michael Peller, Laura Taddeucci Downs and Michael Walker WASHINGT ON - The George Washington University Office of Student and Academic Support Services (SASS) announces organizational changes for the 2003-2004 academic year. "This new lineup comprised of several GW long-term professionals is sure to make the SASS team even stronger," said SASS Senior Vice President Robert Chernak. "Further enhancing the student experience and customer service is a top priority with us, and these people have the experience, perspective and cooperative spirit to help us achieve lofty goals in these challenging times." Individuals taking on new roles include: • Keith Betts moves from executive director of alumni relations to a newly established position as senior executive director of SASS strategic initiatives and special consultant to the senior vice presiqent. Betts will be working on initiatives to continue and further develop the University's commitment to excellence in all aspects of the student experience. Betts will create and direct a SASS Research Center, engage in SASS strategic planning and develop a comprehensive plan to enhance student-alumni connectivity. • Helen Cannaday Saulny is being promoted to assistant vice president for SASS. She comes to this position after 19 years of service to GW. Cannaday will have administrative oversight of student activities, Marvin Center and University Conferences, the Multicultural Student Services Center and Intercultural Programs, Summer Youth Programs and the Licensing and Trademarks Program. • Peter Konwerski moves from his position as executive director of the Marvin Center and Student Activities Center to a new leadership role as assistant to the senior vice president and executive director for administrative partnerships. In this capacity, Konwerski' s responsibilities will include developing university-wide collaboration between academic and administrative units, which will enhance campus customer service and student satisfaction. He also will oversee division-wide grant management efforts and manage various leadership training and development programs, including the Presidential Administrative Fellowship. - more - - 2 - • Johnnie Osborne will assume the position of associate vice president and chief financial officer for SASS. In this role he will continue overseeing budgeting, finance and personnel administration of SASS. • Michael Peller is assuming a new role with SASS as managing director for Marvin Center and University Conferences. Coming from the executive vice president and treasurers' office, Peller will develop and manage University Conferences, which includes oversight of the Marvin Center. His focus will be to enhance customer service and revenues. • Laura Taddeucci Downs is the newly appointed executive director of the Student Activities Center. In this role she will continue to oversee Colonial Inauguration, spirit programs, community service, Greek Affairs, student organizations, leadership development and special events. • Michael Walker is being promoted from his role as senior assistant dean of the Community Living and Learning Center (CLLC) to associate dean of students. One of Walker's prime areas will be directing services to accommodate the needs of GW's graduate and professional students. The Office of Student and Academic Support Services oversees all aspects of student life at GW, from undergraduate orientation activities at Colonial Inauguration to athletics and recreation. Other departments include undergraduate admissions, Dean of Students, Career Center, Counseling Center, CLLC, Disabled Student Services, Student Health, International Services Office, Marvin Center and University Conferences, Mount Vernon Campus, Multicultural Student Services, SASS Financial Services, Student Activities Center, Student Financial Assistance, Spirit Programs, University Police, Licensing and Trademarks, Summer Youth Programs, Greek Life, Office of Community Service and the Lerner Family Health & Wellness Center. Located four blocks from the White House, The George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the nation's capital. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study as well as degree programs in medicine, law, engineering, education, business/public management and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of 20,500 undergraduates, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 140 countries. For more information about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org. -GW- GEORGE THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON DC OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • WASHINGTON, DC 20052 • PHONE 202-994-6460 • FAX 202-994-9025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONT ACT: Eric Solomon August 18, 2003 (202) 994-3087; [email protected] GW WELCOMES COMEDIENNE WHOOPI GOLDBERG TO HEADLINE COLONIALS WEEKEND 2003 OCTOBER 17-19 Weekend of "Fun, Fun, Fun" Also Includes The Beach Boys WASHINGTON - The George Washington University has inked Comedienne Whoopi Goldberg to headline this year's Colonial Weekend 2003 celebration. Goldberg will perform live on Friday evening, October 17 at 9:30 p.m. in the GW Smith Center, 600 22nd Street, NW. Goldberg has a unique show planned for the GW community, which will include audience participation. Tickets are $36 for adult general admission and $26 for students/youth. You may purchase tickets at the TicketMaster outlet in the Marvin Center or on gwired.gwu.edu/tickets. Cash, check, credit card or Colonial Cash will be accepted. "I think we have definitely put together one of the best weekend headliner entertainment combos in the University's history," said Senior Vice President Robert A. Chernak. "Interest should cut across the generational line of students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff who are expected to partake in Colonials Weekend." Goldberg is executive producing and starring in an upcoming television show, "Whoopi," which debuts on NBC this fall. In addition, she is a widely regarded star of many top movies and television credits, awards and accomplishments. Her efforts also have been related to various social causes worldwide. In 2002, she became one of a very elite group of artists who have won Grammy, Tony, Golden Globe and Academy Awards. The Colonials Weekend celebration also includes a nearly sold out performance by The Beach Boys on Saturday, October 18, at 8 p.m. in the Smith Center. Limited tickets also are still available through TicketMaster. Colonials Weekend is a new GW tradition - created in 2002 with the merger of Alumni Weekend and Family Weekend. The Colonials Weekend events (October 17-19) are a partnership between the Office of Student and Academic Support Services, the Office of Parent Services, the Office of Advancement and the Office of Alumni Programs. All have helped bring the students, staff, faculty, alumni and families together to celebrate the campus community. Last year, Colonials Weekend featured comedian Jay Leno. For a complete calendar of events and more information, please visit gwired.gwu.edu/parents/ or www .gwu.edu/alumni/cw For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org. -GW- GEORGE THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WAS H I NG TO N ID C OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • WASHINGTON, DC 20052 • PHONE 202-994-6460 • FAX 202-994-9025 FOR IMMEDI1A TE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Lindsay August 20, 2003 (202) 994-1423; [email protected] GW VIRGINIA CAMPUS'S FHWA/NHTSA NATIONAL CRASH ANALYSIS CENTER OFFERS FREE CERTIFIED CHILD CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS TO PUBLIC AUGUST26 WHAT: The George Washington University Virginia Campus's FHWA/NHTSA National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) is offering free child car seat safety checks as a service to the community. The child safety seat checks will take approximately 30 minutes per child seat. Please bring your child and the child's seat. WHEN: Tuesday, August 26, 2-6 p.m. WHERE: The George Washington University Virginia Campus 44985 Knoll Square, Ashburn, Va. (Old PSI Net Building at University Center off of Rt. 7, one mile west of Rt. 28) COST: Car seat safety checks are free and open to the public. BACKGROUND: In the United States, the majority of child injuries and fatalities that occur during motor vehicle crashes result from misuse, poor installation or non-use of Child Restraint Systems (CRS). As part of the NCAC, members of the Hyundai/Kia Automotive Safety Research Laboratory (ASRL) conduct in depth analysis of design and usability issues surrounding today's CRS devices. Education of parents to properly select and install child safety seats in their vehicles remains the most effective method to improve the safety of children traveling in passenger vehicles. Public safety seat fitting clinics instruct parents on how to properly select and install CRS devices in their vehicles. The ASRL was established in March 2003, on GW's Virginia Campus, to conduct research in automotive safety to advance the state of the art in crashw orthiness and biomechanics engineering. The safety problems addressed by the ASRL research team are of benefit to the entire safety community, yet they emphasize problems of particular interest to Hyundai-Kia R&D. While Hyundai-Kia's goal is to continually provide further safety for all passengers, of particular interest to Hyundai-Kia and the ASRL is child safety. The NCAC is a world-renowned research center devoted to the advancement of automotive safety. As a part of the civil and environmental engineering department within GW's School of Engineering and Applied Science, the NCAC also produces top-notch graduate students in transportation safety engineering. Please call Nick Tamborra at (703) 726-3551 with any questions or to schedule a child safety seat check for a later date. For more information on the NCAC, visit www.ncac.gwu.edu. For more news about the GW Virginia Campus, visit www.gwvirginia.gwu.edu/news. For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org. -GW- GEORGE THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON DC OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • WASHINGTON, DC 20052 • PHONE 202-994-6460 • FAX 202-994-9025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Eric Solomon August 20, 2003 (202) 994-3087; [email protected] GW PROFESSOR WILLIAM CHAMBLISS IS RECOGNIZED FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SCHOLARLY CONTRIBUTIONS TO CRIMINOLOGY WASHING TON - William Chambliss, professor of sociology at The George Washington University is the recipient of the American Society of Criminology's (ASC) Edwin L. Sutherland Award, in recognition of his contributions to the field of criminology. "William Chambliss is one of the most prolific scholars in the field of criminology and criminal justice," said ASC President John Laub. "Chambliss has taken strong positions about crime and criminal justice and in doing so he has become the foremost authority on conflict theory and what he coined as 'state-organized crime.' Whether or not one agrees or disagrees with Professor Chambliss' s position, I believe the discipline of criminology is much richer because of his presence." The Edwin H. Sutherland Award, established in 1960, recognizes outstanding contributions to theory or research in criminology on the etiology of criminal and deviant behavior, the criminal justice system, corrections, law or justice. The distinguished contribution may be based on a single outstanding book or work, on a series of theoretical or research contributions or on the accumulated contributions by a senior scholar. "This is the highest recognition that the ASC grants and I'm very excited to receive this award," Chambliss said. Chambliss' areas ofresearch are criminology and the sociology oflaw. He has served as president of the ASC and the Society for the Study of Social Problems. He has received numerous awards for his work from professional associations, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the crime and deviance division of the American Society of Criminology and the Bruce Smith Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. "This award is further testimony to Professor Chambliss' stature in the field and to his position as one of GW's leading scholars," Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Dean William Frawley said. "His accomplishments in criminology continue to bring visibility to GW as a whole." The ASC is an international organization concerned with embracing scholarly, scientific and professional knowledge concerning the etiology, criminology prevention, control and the treatment of crime and delinquency. This includes the measurement and detection of crime, legislation and practice of criminal law, as well as the law enforcement, judicial and correctional systems. Its members include practitioners, academicians and students in the many fields of criminal justice. For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org. -GW - GEORGE THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON DC OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • WASHINGTON, DC 20052 • PHONE 202-994-6460 • FAX 202-994-9025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Lindsay August 20, 2003 (202) 994-1423; [email protected] GW DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE ANNOUNCES 2003-2004 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WHAT: Performance schedule of The George Washington University Department of Theatre and Dance for the 2003-2004 academic year. WHEN: "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward Wednesday, October 8- Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, October 12, at 2 p.m. An improbable farce in three acts, "Blithe Spirit" tells the story of an author who receives a ghostly visit from his late wife, who makes things quite uncomfortable for him and his current wife. "The Apple Tree" by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick A joint production with GW's Department of Music Wednesday, November 5 - Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 9, at 2 p.m. From the songwriting team of "Fiddler On the Roof' comes three one-act musicals about men, women and a little thing called temptation. "Danceworks" with Guest Artist Choreographer, Jennifer Nugent Wednesday, November 19-Saturday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. A concert featuring choreography by guest artists and faculty. "Cat on a Hot Tin Roor' by Tennessee Williams Wednesday, February 25 - Saturday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, February 29, at 2 p.m. In a plantation house, the members of a family are celebrating the 65th birthday of Big Daddy. However, the mood is somber, for a number of old evils poison the gaiety. "How I Learned to Drive" by Paula Vogel Wednesday, March 31 - Saturday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 4, at 2 p.m. A funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival as seen through a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. "Danceworks" Wednesday, April 21 - Saturday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. A concert featuring choreography by guest artists, students and faculty. WHERE: The George Washington University Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre, Marvin Center 800 21st Street, NW, Washington, D.C. (Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro Station, Blue and Orange lines) TICKETS: Tickets may be purchased individually for each performance or for the full season at a discounted rate. For more information on the full-season discount, please call the Promotions Office at (202) 994-6178. Individual tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets; call (202) 432-SEAT (7328) or visit GW's Ticketmaster on the ground floor of the Marvin Center. For more information, visit the Department of Theatre & Dance at www.gwu.edu/~theatre. For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org. -GW- GEORGE THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON DC OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS• WASHINGTON, DC 20052 • PHONE 202-994-6460 • FAX 202-994-9025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Lindsay August 25, 2003 (202) 994-1423; [email protected] GW VIRGINIA CAMPUS'S FHWA/NHTSA NATIONAL CRASH ANALYSIS CENTER TO OFFER FREE CERTIFIED CHILD CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS TO PUBLIC BY APPOINTMENT ASHBURN, Va. - Free certified child car seat safety checks are being provided by appointment on The George Washington University's Virginia Campus. The service is administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC). Appointments must be made at least one day prior to the child safety seat check. Interested parties should contact Nick Tamborra at the NCAC at (703) 726-3551. The child safety seat checks will be conducted free of charge on GW's Virginia Campus at 44985 Knoll Square in Ashburn (the old PSI Net building at University Center off of Rt. 7, one mile west of Rt. 28). For additional directions, please visit www.ncac.gwu.edu/directions.html. The child safety seat checks will take approximately 30 minutes per child seat. Registrants should bring their child and the child's seat. "Research shows that many child injuries and deaths in automobile crashes could be prevented by making sure child safety seats are used, and used correctly," said Nick Tamborra, research scientist at the NCAC's Hyundai/Kia Automotive Safety Research Laboratory (ASRL). "With the support of Hyundai/Kia we are working towards improved child safety in vehicles by conducting important research and educating parents about proper selection and installation of child safety seats in their vehicles." NHTSA recommends that children ride in age-appropriate child safety seats until they are large enough to safely use adult restraints. Having a certified car seat check is one of the most effective means of improving the safety of children traveling in passenger vehicles. The ASRL was established on GW's Virginia Campus in March 2003 to conduct research in automotive safety to advance the state of the art in crashworthiness and biomechanics engineering. Hyundai/Kia is committed to improving child safety through research, and the safety problems addressed by the ASRL research team are of benefit to the entire safety community. While Hyundai-Kia's goal is to continually provide further safety for all passengers, of particular interest to Hyundai-Kia and the ASRL is child safety. The NCAC is a world-renowned research center devoted to the advancement of automotive safety. As a part of the civil and environmental engineering department within GW's School of Engineering and Applied Science, the NCAC also produces top-notch graduate students in transportation safety engineering. For more information on the NCAC, visit www.ncac.gwu.edu. For more news about the GW Virginia Campus, visit www.gwvirginia.gwu.edu/news. For more news about GW, visit www.gwnewscenter.org. -GW-