Mitchell College’s Cat-In-The-Hat Ball will take place … · Web viewGuests will even get to meet the famous Cat-in-the-Hat, Things 1 and 2 and the Grinch themselves. The Ball

2010 Vocus Press Releases2/2/2010

Can city move beyond talk of mass transit?

Day, The

Last week The Day ran a story about Transit New London, the forum sponsored by New London Landmarks. ("New London development goals need to be clearly defined, planner suggests" Jan 30).

I would like to comment on the opening remarks of Mary Ellen Jukoski, president of Mitchell College. Dr. Jukoski spoke convincingly on the importance of good, efficient, affordable mass transit not only for Mitchell College students but also students at Connecticut College and the Coast Guard Academy. She noted that in her travels to academic institutions around the country she sees many students relying on train travel. Several times she expressed a willingness to work with others to bring better mass transit to New London.

Her remarks were a great way to start the forum. Now the question is, where do we go from here?

Published online http://theday.com/article/20100203/OP02/302039961 on February 3, 2010.

2/16/2010

Mitchell College’s Cat-In-The-Hat Ball will take place Feb. 26

Bulletin, The

Mitchell College will present its Annual Read Across Southeastern Connecticut activities in conjunction with the National Education Associations’ (NEA’s) Read Across America celebration on Wednesday, March 3.

The College will host its Annual Cat-in-the-Hat Ball on 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 in the college’s Clarke Center and Weller Centers. For more information on Read Across SECT or the Cat-in-the-Hat Ball, email [email protected] or visit the '9th Annual Cat-in-the-Hat Ball' event page on Facebook or call (860) 701-5015.

Open to the general public, admission to the event is five dollars per family or one new children’s book per family, which will be read and donated to a local classroom on March 3. Over 300 books were collected at last year’s event.

Guests will enjoy pizza, green eggs, Ooblick, as well as many other tasty treats, all included in the price of admission. Students, staff and faculty will be on hand; many in hats and costumes. Guests will even get to meet the famous Cat-in-the-Hat, Things 1 and 2 and the Grinch themselves. The Ball is a casual affair and guests are encouraged to wear a hat. The famous stovepipe hats will be sold at the event, as well as children’s books supplied by Bank Square Books.

A silent auction will make its debut at the event this year. Autographed sports memorabilia, gift cards and gift certificates, as well as Dr. Seuss memorabilia will be auctioned. All proceeds will support the costs of the growing event.

Nationally, the NEA celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday on the day of his birth, March 2nd, however the College will be celebrating it a day later to accommodate the College’s course schedule.

Spearheaded by the College’s Education Department, the regional literacy events continue to grow and it is expected that over 50 Mitchell College students, athletes, staff, faculty and friends will read throughout New London, Waterford and Groton classrooms on March 3.

The purpose of Read Across America, a National Education Association initiative, is to focus attention on how important it is to motivate children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills and to deliver the message about the joys of reading and the creative inspiration books provide.

When the NEA set out to create a one-day whirl of excitement around reading, the date March 2 practically leaped from the calendar. Why? Because it is the day that Theodor Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss, was born.

The Education Department at Mitchell College, under the direction of Diane Gozemba, department chair, Dr. Nancy Tolson, Children's Literature specialist, and Dr. Priscilla Embry, faculty supervisor of the Early Childhood Club, are working with the Mitchell College students to organize the February 26 Cat-in-the-Hat Ball and the March 3 Read Across SECT events.

Sponsoring this year's event are Bob’s Discount Furniture, Bank Square Books (Mystic), Citadel Broadcasting, Lesell Pharmacy (Bronx, NY) and Sodexo Dining Services.

Published on NorwichBulletin.com on Feb 15, 2010 (http://www.norwichbulletin.com/entertainment/familyfun/x1631831411/Mitchell-College-s-Cat-In-The-Hat-Ball-will-take-place-Feb-26)

3/7/2010

Open house shows learning center in action

Day, The

New London - Making bird feeders, planting seeds and making flowers out of tissue paper and pipe cleaners gave some 2- to 4- year-olds and their parents a taste of spring on a sunny Saturday at the Children's Learning Center's Open House at Mitchell College.

The event was both an effort to attract parents to enroll their children in the toddler and pre-school programs and to help Mitchell College students gain course credit.

"It's a community-building activity," said Ellen Cummings, the director. "It's for families who want to see the learning center in action."

Mitchell College students created and carried out the activities as part of their Family Involvement course.

Deshonda Willoughby, a junior, created an "ice exploration" activity in which small, rubber insects were frozen in cups of ice.

"The idea is to use different tools to get them out. It's a sensory exercise that builds fine motor skills and persistence in completing tasks," Willoughby said.

Other activities included a counting exercise created by senior Jazmin Powell in which kids got small squares of construction paper color-coded to match different fruits in a salad bowl of red apples, green apples and bananas. They had to be able to count how many pieces of each color they had, and take the corresponding fruit pieces.

"Kids love to be hands-on. They like cutting things up and mixing things, and they love to be able to eat what they've made because it's their creation," Powell said.

Lisa Benever took her son Marshall, 2, who is enrolled in the center's Tuesday toddler program. She said she liked the spring-themed activities because they were age-appropriate. "It gives them something to do, and it's getting them familiar with a school environment," she said.

Debbie Dunkerley and her husband took their daughter, Jenna, 2, who is in the toddler program, and their son, Jordon, 4, who is in the pre-school program.

She said she likes the family environment that the learning center promoted through the activities. "The kids love to come because they get to see their friends. It's lots of fun. They always have a good time," Dunkerley said.

The most popular activity seemed to be the planting exercise created by teacher Mamie Rock. Children could choose from seeds for summer squash, cucumbers, peppers and carrots to plant in recycled yogurt containers.

"Part of our curriculum is always about recycling," Rock said. "Within a few weeks, they'll begin to see green. It teaches them about time and nature. It's something they can take home and have the whole family take care of."

Cummings said she hopes this event and others being planned will help increase September enrollment.

"This year's enrollment is down a little bit from last year," she said. She said some parents have lost their jobs and have had to remove their children from the program, while others have moved to take new jobs.

Originally published at The Day Online on March 7, 2010

http://www.theday.com/article/20100307/NWS01/303079906/-1/NWS

3/7/2010

Hospitality and Tourism Students help out with upcoming CT Tourism Summit

Day, Thecronin

Organizers call event 'rallying cry for industry'

The region's multibillion-dollar tourism industry is revving up for another annual statewide summit on tourism this spring at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

David Quinn, a principal of the New London-based Quinn & Gellar marketing and design firm, says the May 6 event follows the success of last year's first Connecticut Conference on Tourism.

"The time is right for a rallying cry for the industry," he said. Quinn, whose firm is producing the second annual Connecticut Conference on Tourism, said the event's planned speakers and panelists will share their insights "to support an industry that is vital to our economy." He said the May event is designed to improve productivity and performance in the industry.

Despite a prolonged recession, tourism remains an integral part of southeastern Connecticut's overall economy, and this region's tourism attractions, including the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium, remain the state's leading tourism assets.

Tourism experts say the multibillion-dollar industry employs tens of thousands in jobs ranging from employment at restaurants and hotels to top executive positions at the region's two casino and entertainment complexes.

Connecticut's continuing budgetary problems also have led to steep cuts in state funding toward tourism.

This year's tourism summit is being held in conjunction with the Connecticut Commission on Tourism & Culture, the Eastern Regional Tourism District and the newly formed Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau.

The conference also includes the 13th annual Pineapple Awards presentations from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The awards are given to four individuals and businesses that have made major contributions to the region's tourism industry.

Nominations for the 2010 Pineapple Awards will be accepted through Friday, April 9. at the Mystic and Shoreline Visitors Information Center at Olde Mistick Village. Nominations forms and information can be found at www.CelebrateTourism.com/awards.

Quinn said this year's tourism conference will include a host of speakers covering tourism marketing trends and Web strategies, travel and leisure visitation data as well as discussion panels with state and regional industry experts. A networking luncheon also is planned, followed by an awards ceremony celebrating statewide recipients of the AAA Five Diamond and Four Diamond awards, which recognize the top achievers in hospitality and dining.

This year's conference will include event registration and some logistical planning provided by the tourism and hospitality department at Mitchell College in New London. In addition, 25 students from Mitchell's tourism and hospitality studies program are providing assistance with the overall development of the May statewide tourism summit.

Originally publised at The Day online on March 7, 2010

http://www.theday.com/article/20100307/BIZ02/303079946/1044

3/28/2010

Michael's Dairy opens April 1

Day, The

Michael's Dairy in New London will open its doors for the season on Thursday, April 1.

The dairy bar will again host monthly sock hops for families as well as live musical performances in the Local Flavor Acoustic Series.

Michael's Dairy has been in operation at the same location for more than 60 years, and is managed and operated by students in the Mitchell College Department of Hospitality and Tourism.

To view its event schedule and menu, visit www.michaelsdairynl.com, call (860) 443-2464 or become a fan on Facebook. Michael's Dairy is located at 629 Montauk Ave. in New London.

Originally published in The Day Online at http://www.theday.com/article/20100328/BIZ02/303289889 on March 28, 2010.

3/31/2010

A Sure Sign of Spring

Day, The

Michael's Dairy opens for the season Thursday, April 1, and a new flavor awaits local ice cream fans. Debuting this year is Buried Treasure, "blue-hued" vanilla ice-cream with swirls of marshmallow and chocolate-covered caramel sea shells and turtles.

Beyond sweets, Michael's will offer monthly sock hops for families, live music, and tastings all summer long. For details and to view the events schedule and full menu, visit www.michaelsdairynl.com or call (860) 443-2464.

Michael's Dairy is at 629 Montauk Avenue in New London. It is managed and operated by students in the Mitchell College Department of Hospitality and Tourism.

Originally published at The Day Online (http://www.theday.com/article/20100331/ENT04/303319957)

4/7/2010

Slow pace of adding train service in NL frustrates legislators

Day, The

Slow pace of adding train service in NL frustrates legislators

By Lee Howard

New London - It doesn't take long before discussion of expanded commuter rail service to the city begins to go off track.

Tuesday morning, state legislators told a gathering of commuter-rail advocates at The Exchange restaurant on Bank Street that the state Department of Transportation has promised to bring five more weekday Shore Line East trains into and out of the city by the end of next month.

But the DOT, contacted later in the day, had another story. Its spokesman, Judd Everhart, said the state had promised only four more trains and the schedule for implementation called only for the additional service to start sometime later this year.

"We are still negotiating with Amtrak on the new schedules and probably won't have anything official to announce for another week or two," Everhart said in an email response to questions.

Legislators during a breakfast meeting downtown told members of the Shore Line East Coalition, which has been pushing for more commuter rail service operating out of Union Station, said there has been no specific commitment to weekend service. After the meeting, legislators said the added weekday runs would include peak morning and evening hours.

But the local lawmakers said the DOT's planned new commuter trains - in addition to a previous run instituted in February - still fall far short of the 11 new weekday roundtrips that had been expected this year.

"We're as frustrated as all of you are," state Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, told the crowd of about 75. "It's all about the executive branch now. We have the legislation in place."

State Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, said scheduling of the trains has been challenging because of the need to make sure they don't interfere with marine commerce (trains are actually scheduled to cross bridges from opposite directions at the same time to avoid impeding river traffic).

The funding has been tricky as well, he said, because of the large subsidy required - $2.3 million, according to the latest Shore Line East numbers (based on a smaller number of trains than will run this year), with only about 10 percent of the total cost borne by commuters.

But Maynard agreed that the 22 train trips into and out of New London that DOT Commissioner Joseph Marie had promised by the beginning of the year - not to mention full weekend service - has not been delivered.

"We're getting half the promises they were committed to," he said. "We're not satisfied."

The DOT so far has added only one new train this year to the local commuter rail itinerary - and its departure at 5:53 a.m. hasn't been greeted with a large upsurge in ridership, according to legislators. The DOT said Shore Line East accounted for 466,000 "passenger trips" in 2008, the latest year for which figures were available, compared with 35 million riders on the Metro-North line that serves commuters between New Haven and New York.

DOT spokesman Everhart said the difference between Metro-North and Shore Line East is that the local rail lines are owned by Amtrak, while the tracks south of New Haven are owned by the state.

"It's difficult to add any service to that corridor," Everhart said.

Legislators suggested keeping the pressure on DOT Commissioner Marie, Gov. M. Jodi Rell and even Rell's chief of staff, Lisa Moody, to keep their commitments to expanded Shore Line East rail service.

"In fact, if you all want to march on the Capitol, I'll go with you," Stillman said.

Other legislators attending the meeting were state Rep. Betsy Ritter, D-Waterford; state Rep. Kevin Ryan, D-Montville; state Rep. Ed Jutila, D-East Lyme; state Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington; state Rep. Ernest Hewett, D-New London, and state Rep. Melissa Olson, D-Norwich.

Richard Caruso, co-owner of Caruso's Music and acting chairman of the coalition, hosted the meeting at which representatives of the tourism, real estate and educational community spoke about the need for regular commuter service into New London.

Caruso said better rail service would improve local real estate values, increase interest in tourism, attract more people and businesses to the region and lessen the transportation strain on Interstate 95, where traffic is already twice its projected capacity.

"If you can get people back and forth effectively at a low cost, it's a benefit," he said.

Rebecca DeVery, a sophomore at Mitchell College from Princeton Junction, N.J., said it costs her $160 every time she visits her family. "I'd like to be able to go home more often," she said, but the expensive Amtrak rates don't allow for this to happen.

Sean Corcoran, associate director of admissions at Mitchell, said he has lost several potential students who don't want to drive through various I-95 bottlenecks to get to the college.

But Stillman said without more regular commuters such as DeVery, any increase in Shore Line East service could be temporary. State Rep. Jutila said a "critical mass" is needed to ensure the commuter rail service's success, but he believes adding weekend runs is key to entice riders to try the train on weekdays as well.

"If we don't bump up the numbers on the train, I'm afraid we'll lose them again," Stillman said. "We have to prove that people will ride them."

Originally posted on The Day online (http://www.theday.com/article/20100407/BIZ02/304079960/-1/BIZ) on April 7, 2010

4/9/2010

New London: 'Gentle' paintings show off Bangladesh village

Bulletin, The

The traditions that steep the village of Barguna with colorful, celebratory festivals, and the lush, quiet nature the remote Bangladesh village is surrounded by, inspires the brush and emotions of Sunil Howlader, whose solo exhibit is currently at Mitchell College.

Titled “Destination Barguna: Memories of Bangladesh,” the exhibit will be on view until June 13 and is accompanied by a reception and artist’s talk on Thursday.

“His work is gentle,” the curator of the exhibit, Sharon Tripp Griffis, said. “When I was in hanging the show, people would come in and talk. It puts them at ease, they enjoy it — it relaxes their senses.”

Howlader, who resides in Mystic, first came to live in the United States in 2000 when he was selected as an artist in residence at the Griffis Arts Center in New London, where Griffis is the director.

He stayed for nine months and eventually settled here where he believed he would have more opportunity to become a well-known painter.

The exhibit features more than two dozen works in oil, acrylic and pastels, and his signature miniatures. His style, Griffis said, is marked by distinct brush strokes and a colorful palette that evokes an exotic place, expressed by the artist with emotion.

“Someone I know quite well said that his work is poetry in color, instead of words,” Griffis said.

Saturated colors that Americans aren’t familiar with are found in his artwork — rich ochres, deep reds and olive greens.

“The students are instantly attracted to the color,” said Migdalia Salas, the consultant on the cultural programming committee for Mitchell College. The committee seeks to expose its students to global cultures through exhibits.

Howlader has been videotaped by Griffis in his home studio, during which, at times, he speaks in his native language, so the rhythm and sounds of Bangladesh will be heard. His native food will also be served, so the taste and smell will complement the sights and sounds, creating a cultural environment that participants will be immersed in.

“It’s almost like being on a grand tour you’d like to take,” Griffis said of the way the reception will embrace Bangladesh culture.

“I believe art comes from culture,” Howlader said.According to Griffis, Howlader’s abstract backgrounds in his Bangladesh work is one of his distinguishing features as an artist. “He creates very deep, rich texture through his brushwork,” she said. “Up close you can see layer upon layer of color.”

The abstract backgrounds of his paintings symbolize nature, Howlader said. The abstractions help express an emotive environment he feels while viewing what he paints, rather than a documentation of the subject matter.

Howlader fondly describs the village in which he grew up, where the exterior of homes are made of bark and natural material and is situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal.

“At times, Sunil uses color as a form of temporal abstraction, with white symbolizing the future and dark blues and greens the past...” wrote his mentor Matthew Kercher in an exhibit catalogue. “ ‘Semiabstract’ most accurately describes his work,” Kercher continues. “While childhood memories provide the subject matter, abstract patches of acrylic wash surround and infuse them. Most compellingly, these abstract areas of wash belie a complex brush technique entirely Sunil’s own, and suffuse his paintings with a singular chromatic resonance.”

Originally published at Norwich Bulletin online (http://www.norwichbulletin.com/living/x1089262719/New-London-Gentle-paintings-show-off-Bangladesh-village) on April 9, 2010.

4/25/2010

A green product in the bag

Day, TheCronin, Anthony

It's called the "BeanAround Bag," and for eight Mitchell College students, it's the culmination of an innovative project that was part of their supply chain management class at the New London college.

Don Benoit, an assistant business professor at Mitchell, explains that he gave his students a unique challenge this past January: take a product from start to finish, from its conception to the retailing shelves, so to speak.

And they did. Superbly, Benoit adds.

"They have truly exceeded my expectations," says the college professor who has been teaching business-related subjects on the New London campus for a decade.

Benoit says the students came up with a strategy for the class. They wanted to design something that was, well, "green" in nature. And he says they wanted it to be useful - and beneficial to people.

So they began designing what would become the BeanAround Bag, a reusable bag made out of burlap bags that once contained coffee beans. Their uses are plentiful, and Benoit says the bag is similar in function and size to those reusable bags being offered by supermarkets and retailers for their customers.

Once they had their idea, the students were off and running with the concept. Local coffee roaster Ashlawn Farms in Lyme was very supportive, says Benoit. It agreed to donate its original burlap bags that had contained international coffee beans. Those bags - before the Mitchell students found a reusable use - served no real function after they arrived full of beans at the Lyme coffee roaster's shop.

With bags in hand, the work then began. The students had to first clean the bags, of course, then vacuum them thoroughly and cut them to size. Another Mitchell student, Kameron Mele, though not in the class, designed a logo and the "company" name ReBean. Then, a local artisan hand-sewed new handles on the bags, for convenience's sake. The burlap bags still include logos from their country of origin, which remains on the new BeanAround Bag.

Benoit says the bag, which retails for $12, was a popular item at several Earth Day-type events this past week. The students sold more than 20 of the bags at an Earth Day event this past week at Connecticut College, in fact. (Benoit says those interested in buying a bag can call him at (860) 701-5073 until the group starts up a website.)

The profit from each bag sold goes to Cup for Education, which is an organization that provides school supplies to rural communities in coffee-growing countries.

Benoit says he admires the students' dedication to the project, their energy, their enthusiasm and their commitment to do something "green." The students in the class include Erin Ryan; Ryan Wyld; Rob Luna; Racquelle Nash; Jerry Moore; Stevenson Dominique; Courtney Zaharie, and Ashley Bizzell.

"We've done some smaller (business-type) projects in the past," Benoit says, "but this is the first class project (of this magnitude)." Benoit says the supply chain management class is the first of its type at Mitchell, and it's part of the college's new marketing concentration.

In promotional literature touting the new BeanAround Bag, the students explain that they were "determined to create a product worth sharing with the world." The group envisions a distribution and sales network among the various local "green" events occurring around New London.

Benoit says he can take little credit for the project. "It's really all them," he says proudly. "They've done everything."

"These kids have really seized an opportunity," he says of their success with their new retailing venture.

Anthony Cronin is The Day's business editor.

Originally published on The Day Online at http://www.theday.com/article/20100425/BIZ01/304259951 on April 25, 2010.

4/29/2010

Women scientists describe their journeys to magnet school students

Day, TheStephen Chupaska

New London - Anne-Marie Lizzarralde, now a botanist researching microscopic plants at Connecticut College, didn't take any science classes her freshman year of college but later found they gave her a much wider view of the world.

"I studied German and classical mythology," she said. "I explored the rest of the college."

It's stories like Lizzarralde's that Science and Technology Magnet School of Southeastern Connecticut science teacher Denise Swiatek wanted her female students to hear during a two-part seminar this week devoted to women in science.

On Monday a group of 30 female students attended special science classes at Connecticut College and the Coast Guard Academy. On Wednesday, the same students attended a panel discussion with women scientists at the magnet school.

"I wanted them to hear about the variety in the professions," Swiatek said.

Swiatek added it was important for the students to learn about the different paths each of the scientists took in academic and professional careers.

Kimberly Blake, the head of the science and math department at Mitchell College, started her career as a lab tech, cleaning out rabbit and rat cages before returning to get school to get her master's degree and doctorate.

Katarina Midefort listed the different majors and careers, ranging from medicine to bio-tech, she tried before deciding on a career in the process chemistry department at Pfizer.

Midefort suggested that once students get to college, they should major in a subject that excites them and not worry if it leads them to a different place.

"Continue to explore, and you shouldn't panic," Midefort said.

Originally from Brazil, Karina Mrakovich, a professor of oceanography at the Coast Guard Academy, came to the United States on a scholarship and moved to both California and Oregon in the pursuit of degrees and jobs.

Mrakovich encouraged the students to take the next few years to "find out what they are passionate about,"

Julie Joshi, a researcher at Pfizer, took plenty of science classes at Connecticut College but also made time for the humanities and French classes.

"I actually ended up with a religious studies minor," Joshi said. "It definitely got me some interviews, because people wanted to know, 'Who does that?'"

Chloe Ware, a sophomore at STMS, said it was inspiring to hear the women's stories, and said now she isn't worried about "having a set major when (she) gets to college."

Jordyn Johnson, a sophomore, also enjoyed listening to the panel.

"I learned you don't have to hold back with deciding a major," she said.

Originally published at The Day online at http://www.theday.com/article/20100429/NWS01/304299413 on April 29, 2010.

4/29/2010

Mitchell College Presents 'Bye Bye Birdie'

Day, The

The Mitchell College Drama Society will be joined by staff, community members, and Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication students in the upcoming production of "Bye Bye Birdie," which runs April 30 through May 1 at the Clarke Center auditorium.

"Bye Bye Birdie," loosely based on the media circus surrounding Elvis Presley's draft into the army in 1958, first opened on Broadway in 1960.

The Mitchell College production will be directed by Drama Society faculty advisor Donna Moss Ogle, with musical and vocal direction by Suzanne Bartels and choreography by Zaria Stott. Additionally, Pam Puente, the resident costume designer for the Ivoryton Playhouse, will costume the cast. Puente will bring Broadway-era costumes to the Mitchell College stage for this production.

Performance dates are Friday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 1, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, May 2, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for faculty, staff, and children age 12 and younger, and $2 for Mitchell students with ID, with special rates for groups of 20 or more. Advance tickets can be purchased by e-mailing [email protected] (or [email protected]) or calling 860-701-5433. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.

The Mitchell College Clarke Center Auditorium is at the main entrance of Mitchell College off Montauk Avenue.

Originally published at The Day Online at http://www.theday.com/article/20100429/NWS01/304299337/-1/zip06details&town=Waterford&template=zip06art on April 29, 2010.

6/9/2010

Mitchell College Communication Program Receives Full Accreditation

eduactionnews.org

NEW LONDON – June 8, 2010 - The Connecticut Department of Higher Education Advisory Committee has unanimously approved the accreditation of the Communication bachelor program at Mitchell College.

One of the newer and most popular bachelor degree programs at the College, Communication was granted initial approval by the CDHE in May 2007. There were 46 students who were majoring in the program during the past spring semester. The program is organized into two concentrations: 1) Video Production, Performance, and Technology; 2) Interpersonal and Organizational Communication.

In March of 2008, Dr. Richard Lucas joined Mitchell as a consultant to complete the design and implementation of the program. Today, Dr. Lucas continues to implement and direct the program as Department Chair.

“Receiving final accreditation for our Communication program is exciting for Mitchell and for the students in our program. This nod of approval allows us to keep moving forward to bring new courses and programs to the campus,” says Dr. Lucas.

Already in the planning stages, Dr. Lucas is working towards creating a student-run internet radio station and adding new internship offerings with campus departments such as Sports Management, Hospitality and Tourism and Business Administration.

“The more we offer our students opportunities for cross-disciplinary application of their communication skills, the more desirable they will be in the competitive workplace,” says Dr. Lucas.

The 122-credit program combines coursework in communication, video and audio production, personal and professional relationships, information technology, critical thinking, problem-solving and conflict resolution. Internships encourage students to learn through fieldwork in career areas of special interest. Students assist as videographers, editors, photographers, and event managers for student publications, campus organizations and events.

Graduates will be suited for a diversity of careers including the areas of Independent Video/Film Production; Print and Broadcast Journalism; Radio/Television; Publishing; Advertising; Human Resources; Management; Marketing; Corporate Communications; and Graphic Design.

Mitchell College is a private coeducational independent college offering bachelor and associate degrees in 20 programs of study, as well as the Thames Academy post-graduate program. The College is dedicated to providing a challenging education in a caring and cooperative student-centered environment. Located on a 68-acre waterfront campus, Mitchell College's 940 students come from 27 states and three foreign countries.

Originally published at http://www.educationnews.org/pr_releases/92576.html on June 8, 2010.

7/1/2010

Sudents donate goods for food pantries, kitchens

Day, The

Local Students in grades 7 through 12 helped donate 478 pounds of food and diapers, and $186 in cash donations to Shoreline Food Kitchens and Pantries.

The donations were part of the Youth and Family Services' community service project on hunger awareness. As part of the two-week project, students worked at the pantry and soup kitchens and helped weed and water Shoreline Food Kitchens' garden.

The project was led my Mitchell College student and Youth and Family Services intern Brittany O'Neil.

Originally published in The Day on July 1, 2010.

7/10/2010

Mitchell College President Receives Honorary Doctorate from Connecticut College

New London Times

On Sunday, May 23, Connecticut College President Leo I. Higdon conferred an honorary doctorate of humane letters upon Mitchell College President Mary Ellen Jukoski during the 92nd Connecticut College commencement program.

Some of the highlights of Dr. Jukoski's leadership at Mitchell College, which began in 1995, include creating a four-year baccalaureate program that now enrolls 83 percent of students, overseeing major expansions of a residence hall, dining hall, academic success center, health center and classroom renovations, and diversifying and more than doubling enrollment to nearly 1,000 students.

The citation also notes the launch of innovative programs for students including a program that links financial aid awards to student community service, and the acquisition of Michael's Dairy, which provides a training ground for students in Mitchell's hospitality program.

Dr. Jukoski is the former chair of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region and on the boards of Chelsea Groton Bank and Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. She helped to unite schools, colleges and educational programs across the state and New England with the creation of the Southeastern Connecticut Consortium of Higher Education in 2000.

7/22/2010

Internships popular way to combat recession

Day, TheDaddona, Patricia

With or without pay, they help students prepare for a career

Phil Fritzsche of Stonington, a senior at Connecticut College in New London, is interning as a software engineer at Google in Manhattan, applying what he's learned to applications for global disaster relief.

"This is definitely what I want to be doing," Fritzsche said in a recent phone interview. "I think this summer has very much confirmed that for me. I like the fact that what I'm doing is going to have an impact."

Internships have taken on a new level of importance during this Great Recession, leading hundreds of students to seek out paid and unpaid internships this summer to sharpen career goals and even try to lock in potential future employers.

At Connecticut College, students who complete internships in the summer before their senior year "are twice as likely to have secured a job or admission to an advanced degree program when they graduate," said Caroline Gransee, a college media relations associate.

More and more colleges are requiring internships, said Mitchell College Career Center Director Dr. Catherine Erik-Soussi.

"Schools are looking more and more where their alumni, their graduates are going," she said. "We're seeing alumni coming back who have not been prepared to understand what it means to search for jobs. The economy is changing so quickly."

Connecticut College student Lindy Nash of Cranston, R.I., is working at MTV Networks International in New York City, handling a variety of public affairs campaigns globally.

"It's not necessarily the tools in marketing I'm learning, but how to carry myself in a corporate environment and work with people," Nash said. "So even if I don't continue here, I can take that to other places."

Ashley Sprague of Belle Mead, N.J., a student at Mitchell College in New London, will graduate this fall with a degree in event management and hospitality. This summer, she is an unpaid intern with the Mystic Marriott in Groton, where she has job-shadowed sales managers, served food and helped place orders for a banquet.

The internship "gives me a broader view of everything being done," she said.

Sprague "has learned an awful lot," said Eileen Milano, director of sales for Mystic Marriott. "She's definitely had the opportunity to see more than even people in the industry get to see."

"We really believe wholeheartedly in supporting the education process," added hotel General Manager Michael Allen, "especially in our own industry."

Connecticut College has 329 students in its rising senior class of 2011 participating in internships this year, a 2 percent increase over last year, said Gransee. Mitchell College has 105 interns for the year, said Erik-Soussi.

Three Rivers Community College in Norwich had 100 interns for the past academic year and 20 this summer, said Marjorie Valentin, Three Rivers' associate dean for continuing education.

Unpaid internships are associated with plans of study for college credit and 90 hours of work. At the end, students may get hired, explore employment options or simply clarify their interests, Valentin said.

"We've had a lot more companies calling us, and they're much more open to having internships - casinos, hospitals, local attorneys and manufacturers," Valentin said. "The way to find out if something is your passion is to explore that in the work force. It's a great opportunity for the students and for the college to make sure our curriculum is relevant."

Connecticut College students get a stipend of up to $3,000 if they complete their internship program. Mitchell College's internships are a mix of paid and unpaid programs.

Six interns at L&M

Along with college programs, about 600 young people are participating in internships through the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, said John Beauregard, its executive director. The agency is leveraging stimulus funding through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, as well as foundation donations, he said.

"Work experience is so important for young people, because this is our future labor force; these are the people who will drive our economy," Beauregard said. "(And) so many employers … require some level of experience from job applicants."

Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, one of the employers that participate in the workforce board program, has six paid internships this summer, said Michelle Landry, career development programs manager.

Formerly an intern at L&M, Emerald Littlejohn of New London is now an employee.

Littlejohn first clerked as an intern in 2007 and is now working during school breaks and summers while completing her degree at the University of Connecticut in psychology and allied health, she said. She's also job-shadowed professionals at L&M.

"It helped me nail my career aspirations down to being an emergency room physician," Littlejohn said.

Individual employers like Miranda Creative of Norwich also have developed their own internship programs. Hilary Bokoff of Norwich, a high school student at the Williams School, is the lead intern on a company project helping members of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut use online services like Google and Yelp, a smart-phone-based opinion and review site.

"Hilary's exceptional," said Creative Director Maria Miranda. "Her commitment as a nonpaid young person in the most beautiful summer on record to be in the office promptly at 9 o'clock until her job is done is wonderful. I have had no edits to her blog (and) she has been very professional about getting back to her clients."

"I wanted to get a taste for the field to see if I wanted to go ahead with it next year," said Bokoff. "I didn't want the summer to go to waste."

By Patricia Daddona, [email protected]

Originally published at The Day Online (http://www.theday.com/article/20100720/BIZ02/307209962/1018) on July 20, 2010

8/16/2010

N.L. Rotary Club honors Curtin and Jukoski

Day, TheCronin, Anthony

N.L. Rotary Club honors Curtin and Jukoski

by Anthony Cronin

The New London Rotary Club has named former city councilor Margaret "Peg" Curtin and Mitchell College President Mary Ellen Jukoski as honorary Paul Harris Fellows for their community and civic service.

Curtin and Jukoski, who are both Rotarians, also received the club's Distinguished Service Award for their dedication and work on behalf of a number of causes.

The Paul Harris Fellowship is named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary with three business associates in 1905. The honor is bestowed by a Rotary Club when it believes the recipient exemplifies Rotary International's motto of "service above self."

The Rotary Club of New London has long been active in a number of causes to help the city and its residents as well as support projects by Rotary International through the use of Rotary International Foundation grants.

To further support the foundation, the local club will make a $2,000 contribution on behalf of Curtin and Jukoski.

Curtin has served as both a city councilor in New London and as mayor. She also has served as undersecretary of State with the Office of Policy and Management. Currently, she serves on the New London Sports Commission, the Southeastern Connecticut Film Commission, the New London Economic Development Commission and the Southeastern Area Transit District.

Jukoski has been president of Mitchell College since 1995, and she has overseen the college's growth from a two-year institution to a four-year fully accredited college. During her tenure as college president, Mitchell's enrollment has almost tripled.

Jukoski has chaired the United Way campaign, served as secretary of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region and board member of Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and Chelsea Groton Bank.

She also is the recipient of the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award from the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

Originally published at http://vocuspr.vocus.com/vocuspr30/Main.aspx?Entity=Home on August 13, 2010.

8/24/2010

Mitchell College: More federal oversight 'no cause for alarm'

Day, The

Mitchell College: More federal oversight 'no cause for alarm'

School's financial health has stabilized since issuance of report in '09, president says

By Stephen Chupaska

New London - After receiving a less than acceptable score on a financial welfare test, the results of which were released earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Education, Mitchell College has been informed it must submit to additional oversight by the federal government.

For the year 2008-09, Mitchell scored a 1.0, which means its students are still fully eligible for Title IV grants. The school is considered to be financially responsible but "in the zone" for "additional oversight."

But college President Mary Ellen Jukoski said in a prepared statement Monday that since the report was compiled in 2009, the financial health of Mitchell College has stabilized and there is "no cause for alarm" about the well-being of the school.

Mitchell's score was a precipitous drop from the two previous years, when it earned a 2.6. on the scale that ranges from -1.0 to 3.0.

The Financial Responsibility Composite Score for each private institution of higher learning - ranging from universities to for-profit career schools - comes from the institution's viability, ability to borrow and profitability.

Jukoski said the low financial responsibility score was due to the "impact of the recession on Mitchell's endowment," which recorded a 25 percent loss in 2009.

"Since that time, our recovery has been strong and these prior losses have been significantly reversed within the last year," Jukoski said.

The college endowment is currently $4.9 million. The Day reported in November 2008 that it was $5 million.

Also, Kevin M.R. Mayne, senior vice-president at the college, said since one of the components of the score measures assets and liabilities, the mortgage the college took out to fund recent campus improvements also played a role in the lower score.

In order for a school's students to be eligible to participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs, such as Pell grants and work study, nonprofit and for-profit institutions must submit to an annual audit by the U.S. Department of Education.

"The score does not impact the disbursement of federal aid to Mitchell College, and families will see no change in how they receive their financial aid," Jukoski said in the statement.

Of the other local nonprofit colleges, Connecticut College score and the Lyme Academy College of Fine Art each scored a 2.2.

Michael P. Meotti, the state commissioner of higher education, said Monday he is "not concerned" about the future of Mitchell College and has already met with Jukoski about the lower score.

"We've known about this for several months," Meotti said. "We had a good conversation about what led to the drop."

For more information go to http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/datacenter/compositescores.html.

Originally posted on The Day Online at http://www.theday.com/article/20100824/NWS01/308249904/-1/NWS

Mitchell College's Press Release - http://www.mitchell.edu/press/financial-score.php

9/27/2010

Water rights to be topic of Mitchell College talk

Day - Online, The

New London - Joseph B. Treaster, a retired New York Times reporter and author, will be the Woodrow Wilson visiting fellow at Mitchell College Oct. 18 to 20 and will give a talk titled, "Water: A Human Rights Issue" at 7 p.m. Oct. 18.

The talk, which is open to the public, will take place at the college's Weller Center.

During his visit to Mitchell, Treaster will visit classes and discuss his experiences as a writer, financial analyst and foreign correspondent. Students will be assigned papers about the topics discussed.

"We are very lucky to have Mr. Treaster," said Quelia Quaresma-McHugh, assistant professor of history. "During his public lecture he will ask the community to consider and reflect upon an important, but seldom acknowledged contemporary human rights issue: safe access to clean water around the world."

The visiting scholar program is in its third year at Mitchell.

During his tenure at the New York Times and other publications, Treaster reported from more than 80 countries. He holds the endowed chair at the University of Miami in cross-cultural communications and writes a weekly column called "Water and the World" for Huffington Post.com, True/Slant.com and other outlets, and is a contributor to the Times and the Miami Herald. He is the author of, "Hurricane Force: In the Path of America's Deadliest Storm," "Paul Volcker: The Making of a Financial Legend," and the co-author of, "Inside Report on the Hostage Crisis: No Hiding Place."

9/27/2010

Colleges tilt curriculums to meet new career goals

Day, TheCronin, Anthony

Region's educators say students are increasingly looking to employment

The region's educators said Friday that their institutions of higher learning are offering more career-minded programs to better serve today's students - whether they're graduating for the first time or older workers looking for advancement opportunities.

The educators, participating in a Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut forum on education-industry partnerships, said today's students are technologically savvy and many are strongly career-

focused, often using experiences such as internships to give them a springboard into employment after their college graduation.

Michael Alfultis, campus director at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point, said the school has numerous programs, ranging from its business incubator to career-focused master's degrees, that are geared toward workplace success.

He said the university's bachelor of general studies program is often used by workers looking to get their bachelor's degree for career advancement. He also said the university offers master's programs in nursing, engineering and education that are often used by those already working who want to advance their career or educational levels, or gain specialized knowledge in those fields.

Mary Ellen Jukoski, president of Mitchell College in New London, told the forum at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich that her institution offers many programs where students "have the opportunity to have experiences in (career) fields," ranging from hospitality and tourism to business administration and criminal justice.

She said her college believes in offering its students programs and services that give them "a better understanding of what's out in the work force."

Jukoski also said educators want to learn from their business community about its current and future needs, so educational facilities can ensure that graduates better meet workforce and career needs.

Both Alfultis and Jukoski agreed that today's students, regardless of age, have to accept that learning never stops in today's rapidly evolving workplace.

"Lifelong learning today is a way of life," agreed Grace Jones, president of Three Rivers Community College, which co-sponsored the morning forum with the Liberty Bank Foundation.

Roger Brooks, dean of faculty at Connecticut College in New London, said technology is fostering big changes in the workplace and academia, as well. Increasing bandwidths can accommodate more and more digital information, and he said that wireless services are becoming ubiquitous.

John Beauregard, who heads the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, said the Friday forum was "an important dialogue" for all those in attendance, which included business leaders, academicians and political leaders, and he welcomed the growing partnerships occurring between local commerce and local educational institutions.

"It's about as important a dialogue as we can have in this region," he said. "We're going through some tough times right now, but I think we're recovering."

[email protected]

Originally published online at http://www.theday.com/article/20100925/BIZ02/309259899 on 9/25/10

9/27/2010

Expressiones reaches out to New London area

Day, TheCho, Jenna

Founders of cultural center make mark with language, art

New London - José Ulloa never paid much attention to the English lessons he received in school. He couldn't imagine why he'd ever leave Chile, his home.

Fast-forward a few decades, and Ulloa and now-husband Guido Garaycochea, a Peruvian native, are permanent foreign transplants residing in Groton. They moved to the area in 2003 when Garaycochea was invited to the Griffis Art Center in New London as an artist-in-residence.

"That's when we discovered that New London existed on the map," Garaycochea said in an interview in Spanish. "We knew Connecticut existed, but not New London. Once in New London, I fell in love with the area."

The two, who were joined in a civil union and later married, decided to stay. Today, Ulloa is a permanent resident and Garaycochea a U.S. citizen. They make a conscious effort to continue to improve their English, in part by reading The Day and The New York Times diligently with the aid of some five dictionaries stacked high on their night table.

Where most immigrants might prefer to remain tucked in the confines of their immigrant communities, socializing only in tight-knit, enclosed subcultures, Ulloa and Garaycochea have done the opposite.

They began branching out almost immediately, developing a network of friends who have helped them shepherd their latest project, Expressiones Cultural Center, to nonprofit success on a shoestring budget.

The center, which opened its doors at the former location of Mallove's Jewelers on State Street in August 2009, obtained nonprofit status in May. In the year since it opened, Expressiones has rolled out a series of programs ranging from art exhibits to poetry readings that regularly attract some 60 to 120 people.

The center has on exhibit art that was inspired by the work of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Next is an exhibit, opening Oct. 23, of the work of visiting Peruvian artist Toto Fernández.

"Sometimes, we think that art is what hangs on a museum wall," said Lyme resident Karen Horn, who has a number of Garaycochea's paintings and has befriended the couple. "But art really is what holds a community together, and builds a community. And they really do that in the center. They really bring the community in."

The center refuses to be boxed in. Look at it one way and it's an art gallery that grew out of the ashes of their short-lived Latins in the Borough, a diminutive gallery in Stonington Borough.

Approach it from a different angle and it's suddenly a lecture hall for films and guest artists and poets as well as a classroom for Spanish lessons, a classroom for free art lessons for home-schooled children and soon a classroom for free art lessons for lower-income Hispanic children.

"We wanted to see how we could develop this into not just gallery space that offers cultural events but ... into a cultural center that engages the community," Garaycochea said. "We wanted, above all else, to be a uniting force between the English-speaking world and the Spanish-speaking world."

Even the center's name, Expressiones, is a hybrid between the English "expressions" and the Spanish "expresiones."

'Sheer drive and determination'

If Garaycochea and Ulloa's ideas for the space sound ambitious, it's because they are. Consider, for instance, the fact that Ulloa, who teaches a Spanish class to a group of mostly retired English-speakers, last year took his students on a trip to Peru and next year plans trips to both Spain and Chile.

In its first year, Expressiones also began to collaborate with I-Park, an artists' retreat program in East Haddam, to bring Latin American artists to Connecticut a couple of times a year.

But the two have managed to deliver on their promises for the center through "sheer drive and determination," said Naomi Otterness of Ledyard, a friend and art collector.

"You rarely find people who are as hard-working as they are," Otterness said.

Garaycochea, who had lost both parents to cancer by the time he was 14, was raised by his two older brothers and went on to receive two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree. Ulloa, a former civil engineer, built from scratch the home where the two lived in the Ecological Community of Peñalolén, in the outskirts of the Chilean capital of Santiago.

"We're accustomed to working hard," said Garaycochea, who also teaches art at the University of Connecticut and Mitchell College.

The two have also caught breaks along the way. Helping fuel their success is a $10,920 subsidy they received from the city last year to help pay the store's rent as well as the generosity of friends who donated not only furniture for the store but also their time, painting and restoring the shuttered store to make it usable again.

When visitors to the center noticed the couple lacked enough chairs to seat everyone for the center's frequent poetry readings, lectures and film screenings, they donated enough money to pay for 40 new chairs.

"We have an easy time meeting people," said Ulloa, who in addition to running the center also works as a real-estate agent. "People always come bearing gifts. They always keep us in mind."

Appreciative of the help they've received, the two said it's only right to give back to the community by offering all events and art classes free of charge. The center charges a fee for only Ulloa's Spanish classes.

Now that they've seen fair success with their American audience, the two are focusing on attracting the harder-to-reach working-class Hispanic population, particularly the children of undocumented immigrants.

They know it won't be easy, especially when such immigrants prefer to remain under the radar. But Garaycochea said he wanted to ensure these immigrants didn't lose pride in their Hispanic heritage. He also felt a responsibility as an artist to share his passion for art.

"We want to mark their lives with art, enrich with art and culture the soul of the community," Garaycochea said.

Originally published online at http://www.theday.com/article/20100925/NWS01/309259929 on 9/25/10

9/30/2010

Marks named men's lacrosse, golf coach at Mitchell College

Day, TheKeefe, Gavin

24-year-old is former standout athlete at EL

Derek Marks never expected to be a college head coach this quickly, just two years out of Sacred Heart University.

Mitchell College announced Tuesday that Marks has been hired to coach men's lacrosse and golf.

"It was faster than I expected," Marks said Tuesday. "But I feel that I'm ready to take on the role and I'm prepared to take the program at Mitchell to the next level."

Marks, 24, has an athletic background, playing football and lacrosse at East Lyme High School, earning all-state honors and helping to lead both teams to state titles in 2003 and 2004, respectively.

At Division I Sacred Heart, he became the football program's all-time leading punter, achieving All-American second-team status. He still holds school records for yards per attempt for a season (39.8 in 2006) and career (38.4).

His college lacrosse career covered two seasons. He joined the Mitchell lacrosse program last year as an assistant before taking over the head coaching job.

He credits former high school coaches Gary Waters (lacrosse) and Andy Dousis (football) for giving him a firm coaching foundation.

"I personally had very good coaches," Marks said. "They taught me a lot. I plan to bring that to Mitchell."

Marks will have to make a quick adjustment to his new job. The Mitchell golf team is playing today in the Blazer Invitational at Westover Golf Course in Massachusetts.

"I have a passion for golf," Marks said. "It's something that I play very much and want to bring my skill and knowledge to the program."

Mitchell athletic director Maureen White welcomed the addition of Marks to the school's athletic staff.

"Derek is ready to take the next step in his coaching career," White said in a statement.

"The same qualities that helped him thrive as a two-sport Division I athlete - passion and commitment - will drive his success on the sidelines."

Originally published online at http://www.theday.com/article/20100929/SPORT02/309299863/-1/SPORT on 9/29/10

10/16/2010

Students to take part in disability mentoring day

Day - Online, The

New London - As part of National Disability Mentoring Day, college students in the state Wednesday will participate in a three-hour career mentoring workshop designed for students with disabilities.

The program is from noon to 3 p.m. at Pfizer Inc.'s New London office, with participation from students from Mitchell College, Three Rivers Community College, Connecticut College, University of Connecticut and other local universities.

The event is being coordinated by the Mitchell College Hiring and Retaining Students with Disabilities Advisory Board, which was formed after the college received a Johnson Scholarship Foundation grant earlier this year.

The group partnered with Pfizer and a host of career professionals, disability advocates, service providers and public and private employers to create the program. Workshops and discussions will cover topics such as interviewing techniques and a resume review as well as how to disclose disabilities to a potential employer and request necessary accommodations for a disability.

Students will also be able to network with individuals from participating organizations, including Comcast, Dime Savings Bank, Disability Network of Eastern Connecticut, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration, New London Public Schools and Reliance House.

For more information on the mentoring day program or on joining the advisory board, contact Amanda Ljubicic at (860) 629-6115 or [email protected].

Originally published online at http://www.theday.com/article/20101016/NWS01/310169919/-1/nws on October 16, 2010.

10/20/2010

'Top Model' judge speaks in New London

Day - Online, The

New London - Considering his background - former model, renowned photographer, "America's Next Top Model" judge - you'd think the question would have been an easy one for Nigel Barker.

His young son asked him, simply: "Dadda, what does it mean to be beautiful?"

Before a talk Tuesday night at Mitchell College, Barker recalled his reaction. "I really sort of stopped and struggled for a moment. It was nothing I couldn't answer. It just seemed such a complex response that I needed to have," he said.

Perhaps the answer was the age-old dad response: Go ask your mother?

"It wasn't ASK your mother - it IS your mother. To which he then looked at me, huffed and rode off on his bicycle," he said.

That inspired Barker to really analyze what was beautiful. What he came up with formed the basis for his new book, "Beauty Equation: Revealing a Better and More Beautiful You," and for his talk at Mitchell.

The lecture was sponsored by the college's chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success. It was part of a speaker series, and Tuesday's program was broadcast live to 239 colleges and was seen by more than 100,000 students.

When Barker tried to break down what defined beauty, he found the qualities all were more than skin-deep. They were elements ranging from compassion to confidence to charm, from health to honesty to humor.

"You may think, well, how does the inner beauty affect what I do, which is capturing the outer beauty," Barker said. "Ultimately, it's your story, your life, your spark, your energy, your motivation, your spontaneity that bring my pictures to life."

Barker told the students how to use those various qualities - confidence, say, or humor - to help them in situations like interviewing for a job or meeting a future in-law.

He talked, too, about the "power of giving back." Barker has found great satisfaction through his work with the Humane Society.

Barker, who starts shooting season 16 of the Tyra Banks-hosted TV series "America's Next Top Model" soon, spoke a bit about the show in an interview before his talk to students.

As for those sometimes dramatic photo challenges the models are put through, he said, "That's one of the things Tyra and I laugh about because people ask us all the time - 'Oh, come on, the photo shoots, they're way over the top. They're crazy.' Well, actually, they happen to all come from something either Tyra or myself or (runway coach) Miss J or (photo-shoot director) Jay Manuel or someone has actually been there for or gone through."

Barker can relate to what these contestants endure; he started his modeling career in the late 1980s on a similar show in England.

When it comes to judging on "America's Next Top Model," getting from the point where the panelists might disagree to the point where they all agree on which contestant to send home ... well, sometimes that can be an arduous journey.

"We try and discuss. I mean, we sometimes sit there for hours. It doesn't always end well, we go back and forth, back and forth. 'Let me present why this works, and why this doesn't.' We've had heated discussions," Barker said. "We've had people get up and leave. We've had it go on forever. We've had tears. You name it, we've had it all with the judges."

k. [email protected]

Originally published in The Day Online at http://www.theday.com/article/20101020/ENT02/310209837/1044/ENT

10/20/2010

Writer: H²O gets 'taken for granted,' but world in crisis

day

New London - Water may be "too simple" and "too much taken for granted," but it also poses one of the two biggest contemporary challenges for humanity, according to author, journalist and University of Miami communications Professor Joseph Treaster.

"The environment and water are the biggest stories of our lifetimes, and with climate change and population growth, it's going to feel like your backyard story," said Treaster, addressing an audience of Mitchell College students Monday.

Treaster, a former New York Times reporter, author of three nonfiction books and editor of 1H2O.org, the University of Miami's online magazine about the worldwide water crisis, gave a talk titled, "Water: A Human Rights Issue," as part of his three-day visit to the campus as its 2010 Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow. He will also be a guest in various classes during his stay.

Treaster showed slides of impoverished women and children from around the world drinking water from polluted-looking streams or carrying enormous basins of water on their heads as they walk through parched, hardscrabble landscapes. Much of the world, he noted, spends many hours every day just walking for water instead of in school or at a more economically productive enterprise.

"It's one of those grinding problems that goes on and on," he said.

The problem is more one of access than supply, he added, although world population growth will continue to intensify supply pressures.

About one-seventh of the world's population, or an estimated 1 billion people, live "without knowing where their next drink of water will come from," he said, adding that some experts put the number much higher, at 3 billion to 4 billion. Another 2.6 billion do not have toilets, which causes drinking water supplies to become polluted.

"That doesn't mean that they don't have good toilets, or that they don't have flush toilets. It means no toilets," he said. In some cases what suffices is a "flying toilet" - a plastic bag that's flung away after it's filled.

Directing resources and energy to solving the world's sanitation problems, he believes, is the most effective remedy to chronic poverty and health problems. With a reliable supply of clean water, he said, "you could reduce the cost of health care in much of the world" by half or more.

"It has enormous impact on economies and public health of countries," he said.

One of the most promising ways to increase supplies of drinking water, he believes, would be to promote agricultural practices that are less wasteful of water. About 75 percent of the world's public water supply is used to water crops, he said.

One sign of hope, he said, is a United Nations resolution adopted in July that establishes access to cleaning drinking water as a fundamental human right. The result of a decade of work by Catarina De Albuquerque, a Portuguese lawyer and U.N. specialist on human rights and water, along with others, having such a resolution compels governments and international groups to give priority to making investments in water infrastructure projects. The resolution's power was weakened, by the lack of universal support - 122 countries voted in favor, but 41 others including the United States and Canada abstained, and 29 others were no-shows.

Still, he sees the incremental step as reason for hope, and urged students to do what they could, by conserving water themselves, ending use of bottled water and supporting efforts to solve the world water crisis.

"Part of the reason I'm here is to get you to care," he said. "At least you'll be conscious of the problem, and start limiting your own use of water."

[email protected]

Originally published on The Day Online at http://www.theday.com/article/20101019/NWS01/310199872/-1/NWS