President Snyder, Provost Baeslack Congratulate Campus Community on Recent Accomplishments
To the Case Western Reserve Community:
As the new semester begins, we write to thank all of you for an outstanding fall term. The final months of 2009 were full of remarkable accomplishments among students, faculty and staff, and we are optimistic regarding still greater progress in 2010. Even maintaining the status quo requires significant effort and coordination, so we deeply appreciate your commitment to improving your already outstanding performance. Please know that your efforts are making a measurable, positive difference at Case Western Reserve.
One of the most striking examples of your passion for the university's work is reflected in your response to the federal government's stimulus package. These opportunities came in addition to existing grants, often with excruciatingly tight deadlines. Yet faculty seized the chance for additional research funding, and staff in our research offices rallied to enable submissions of these new requests. Case Western Reserve submitted 720 applications in all; as of the end of December, the university has won more than $76 million in new funding. These awards support training of students and scholars, as well as significant research in such areas as cardiovascular health and cancer therapeutics. We congratulate everyone who participated in this effort.
Meanwhile, our faculty also have demonstrated exceptional engagement in the academic alliances related to our strategic plan, Forward Thinking. Over the past several months, nearly 150 faculty from across the university have participated in planning groups focused on how best to advance their particular interdisciplinary effort. Those efforts resulted in the submission of two dozen proposals for research and curriculum development; later this month, the Office of the Provost will announce the recipients of $4 million in seed investments in their efforts.
Finally, no reflection on recent months would be complete without acknowledgement of the extraordinary regular-season record of our varsity football team. The Spartans went undefeated for the third straight year, and their head coach, Greg Debeljak, again was one of five finalists nationwide for Division III Coach of the Year. We would like to thank everyone who attended the team's games and who voted online for "Coach Debs." In addition, we applaud the women's cross country team, which finished 15th in the nation and had two athletes earn All-America honors. Several of our winter-season sports teams are doing particularly well so far, and we encourage you to show these athletes your support.
The months ahead will include budget system recommendations from a faculty-staff committee chaired by biology Professor Christopher A. Cullis, along with an administrative review of procurement services. Later this year, a faculty committee will issue its report on the SAGES program, and another committee will begin work on a plan to enhance internationalization efforts across the university. Please watch Case Daily for updates on these and other initiatives and, as always, we encourage you to contact us with your questions, comments and ideas.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Snyder
President
W.A. "Bud" Baeslack III
Provost and Executive Vice President
Campus News
The "Food for The Soul" program, scheduled to take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, invites campus members to read select poems written by Anisfield-Wolf Award winners or their own original poetry. Each selection should share how the reader sees King's legacy being demonstrated. Contact Colleen Barker-Williamson.
Reminder: All students, faculty and staff are invited to submit an original piece of writing to the Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. The deadline has been extended to Monday, Jan. 18.
The university will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
The Fulbright Program Web site provides information about application opportunities and university Fulbright scholars.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women has resources and information posted online for the campus community.
For Faculty and Staff
Benny™ prepaid benefits debit cards were recently sent to all employees who enrolled in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2010. The cards have been pre-loaded with the annual contribution amounts elected by participating employees. Once the card is activated, the entire elected amount is available. The debit cards can be used at doctors' offices and hospitals, as well as participating pharmacies, discount stores, department stores and supermarkets that can identify FSA-eligible items at checkout. Learn more about the FSA debit card. FSA-eligible expenses paid using the debit card are deducted from employees' account balances without the need to file a reimbursement claim. When eligible expenses are paid by any other method employees should continue to submit the reimbursement request form, along with appropriate expense documentation, to Meritain Health. Be sure to retain receipts for all purchases made using the debit card. Read more.
For Students
The Engineers Week 2010 committee seeks volunteers to assist with planning. This year's theme is "Gearing Up for the Competition." Several activities are in the works, including friendly competitions between faculty, staff and students. Contact Jane Backus.
The Cleveland Orchestra's Community Open House, taking place Monday, Jan. 18, at Severance Hall, will celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with several performances. Student volunteers will be offered tickets to upcoming Cleveland Orchestra concerts, subject to availability. Contact Sandra A. Jones.
Church of the Covenant will host a free brunch for students at 11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 17. Contact Eileen Viz.
Events
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week events
for Tuesday, Jan. 19:
- The "MLK Read-In" will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kelvin Smith Library. Sponsored by the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity.
- The "Share Your Dream: Creating a Community Quilt" project will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the Thwing Center atrium. Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.
- The "Prom Night in Mississippi" movie screening and discussion will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mandel Center. Sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning, the Mandel Center Student Leadership Committee and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
The Master of Science in Management program will host its "Operations Research and Supply Chain Open House" from noon to 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, at the Peter B. Lewis Building.
The CWRU Film Society's 35th Annual Science Fiction Marathon runs through Sunday, Jan. 17. Go online for details.
Et al.
Campus community members and groups are invited to share their academic and departmental accolades. Send announcements to Case Daily.
