November 2006
In this issue
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities receives 2006 Tekne Award
- New panels displayed in atrium area
- Human resources fall conference award winner
- Avian flu pandemic planning presentation
- Flu shot clinic Nov. 29
- 2006 Minnesota Vision Award recipient honored
- 2006 National College Fair
Upcoming events
New employees
Submit an item to The Chronicle
News and notes
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system receives 2006 Tekne Award
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system has received a 2006 Tekne Award for developing Minnesota Online, the system's gateway to more than 4,700 course sections and 100 programs offered via the Internet. The Tekne Awards recognize Minnesota's technology users and developers in innovation, development, education, commercialization and management of technology in Minnesota. They are presented each year by the Minnesota High Tech Association and Minnesota Technology, Inc., in partnership with LifeScience Alley.
Award judges selected one recipient from a pool of three finalists in each of 17 categories. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities was the recipient in the Technology User category: "Innovative application of products or services resulting in dramatic business improvement or market advantage."
Gary Langer, associate vice chancellor, academic innovations; Joanne Chabot, deputy chief information officer; Linda Baer, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs; and Ken Niemi, vice chancellor, chief information officer; display the Tekne Award received at the 2006 Tekne Awards Oct. 26 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
"This year's recipients have truly proven their leadership and dedication to technological development," said Kate Rubin, president, Minnesota High Tech Association and Minnesota Technology. "This ultimately improves the quality of life for Minnesotans and helps secure Minnesota's place as a global player in technology-based markets."
New panels displayed in atrium area
Students and faculty from across the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system are featured in colorful new panels facing walkways on the second and third floor atrium of Wells Fargo Place outside the Office of the Chancellor areas. The panels spotlight a wide variety of classes and activities on the campuses, plus a state map showing locations of the 32 colleges and universities. They are mounted inside wood frames that were installed as part of the remodeling project.
Human Resources fall conference award winner
The Human Resources Fall Conference was Oct. 9-11 at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. Every year, awards are presented to individuals or teams within the system who have demonstrated consistent outstanding service in Human Resources. Nominations for the awards come from presidents, vice presidents and deans as well as human resources staff. The selection committee is made up of human resources staff from the institutions, including former recipients. Among this year's recipients is Chris Dale, system director for Labor Relations. Chris was recognized for his outstanding work in labor relations with significant and repeated successes in arbitrations, outstanding communication in keeping management well informed and for promoting cooperation among campuses.
Avian flu pandemic planning presentation
Laura King, vice chancellor and chief financial officer, made a presentation on avian flu pandemic planning at the October Board of Trustees meeting. All of the system's colleges and universities have completed their plans, which will be reviewed periodically and updated as information and conditions change.
The Office of the Chancellor is also planning for employees at Wells Fargo Place. Division discussions will be conducted in the future. Personal planning for families and households also is very important.
In ordinary emergencies, institutions are geared toward rapid, safe return to service for the facility, students and staff. A pandemic flu event could affect operations for days, weeks or even months. The highest priority is to address the safety of the students and staff. National health officials continue to monitor the patterns of occurrence worldwide. National and state preparedness efforts are continuing.
More personal pandemic planning information
Flu shot clinic Nov. 29
A flu shot clinic at Wells Fargo Place for Office of the Chancellor staff is being offered as follows:
Date: Nov. 29
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 4th floor, World Trade Room
Flu shots will be available with no out-of-pocket cost to all state employees who present their State of Minnesota Health Plan member ID card. If you do not bring a valid card, the cost is $20 (cash). If you can't make this date or are at a different location, clinics are being held at selected agencies throughout Minnesota from Nov. 27 through Dec. 13. Employees may attend any available state agency flu shot clinic, with the exception of the correctional facility sites. Clinics are on a walk-in basis, so no appointment is needed. Please keep in mind, if you attend a clinic at another agency, you may have to check-in at security or an information area. You also can receive a vaccination at your primary care clinic or from MinuteClinics in the Metro area (www.minuteclinic.com), free of charge when you present your State of Minnesota Advantage Health Plan member ID card.
In the news
October 31, 2006 - Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system receives a 2006 Tekne award for Minnesota Online
October 18, 2006 - Fall enrollment rises slightly at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Upcoming Events
Fall Development and Marketing and Communications Conference Nov. 1-3
The annual Fall Development and Marketing and Communications Conference will be hosted Nov. 1-3 by the Office of the Chancellor Development and Public Affairs divisions at Wells Fargo Place.
The three-day conference will encompass a wide variety of presentations and workshops, including sessions on the recent Economic Impact Study by Paul Anton, writing for the Web, a report on demographic trends from Clarus Corp., new communication tools for reaching students, a Government Relations team panel discussion on the upcoming election and more.
Interested Office of the Chancellor staff are welcome to attend any of the presentations.
View conference agenda and registration information
2006 Minnesota Vision Award recipient honored
Chancellor James McCormick, right, presented the 2006 Minnesota Vision Award to Winona businessman Harland Knight, second from right, at the 11th Annual Minnesota Development Conference awards ceremony Oct. 5 in St. Paul. Winona State University President Judith Ramaley, left, joined Knight and his family members at the ceremony. In addition to his business accomplishments, Knight has been an entrepreneur and strong advocate for community service, economic development and eduation throughout southeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issues the Minnesota Vision Awards at its annual Minnesota Development Conference to recognize Minnesotans who seek new ways to innovate and who bring an entrepreneurial spirit to their development activities.
2006 National College Fair
An estimated 25,000 high school seniors from around the region attended the annual National College Fair Oct. 24-25 in Minneapolis. More than 300 higher education institutions from across North America participated in the event. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities had a strong presence at the college fair, hosting an entire corridor in the center of the convention hall filled with booths highlighting our state system institutions.
New Employees
Stephanie Gibson
Stephanie Gibson has joined the Office of the Chancellor as an office and administrative specialist, principal, working as a part of the Chancellor's Office team to provide administrative executive support for Chancellor McCormick and the Government Relations staff. She previously worked for UST, Inc., in Woodbury as an administrative assistant for 10 years. Stephanie and husband, Paul, have two sons, Zachary, 14, and Brady, 10. Stephanie enjoys spending time with family, watching movies and reading.
Hallie Smith
Hallie Smith has joined the Office of the Chancellor as an office administrative specialist, principal, working as a part of the Chancellor's Office team. She provides administrative executive support for the Leadership Council and other constituency groups. Prior to becoming a member of the Office of the Chancellor, Hallie served as an Administrative Assistant for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for four years. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and sociology from Lakeland College. Her interests are reading, walking, biking, cooking and sewing.
Shane Zhang
The Office of the Chancellor ITS group is pleased to welcome Shane Zhang. He is joining the Web application development team as a Java/Web analyst, where he will lead the technical implementation of several Web projects. Shane has master's degrees in physics and computer science. Shane has been a programmer/analyst for a number of large companies in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years, with previous experience in Houston, Texas.
Lynne Goldetsky
Lynne Goldetsky has joined the Office of the Chancellor as an office administrative specialist, senior, working for the Center for Teaching and Learning. Prior to becoming a member of the Office of the Chancellor, Lynne served as an office manager for more than nine years at Central Presbyterian Church. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota with a focus in business administration, sociology and psychology.
Past editions of The Chronicle are archived at www.chronicle.mnscu.edu. If you have a question you would like The Chronicle to answer, or other comments and suggestions for the newsletter, send an e-mail to Paul Berger at paul.berger@so.mnscu.edu.
For more system announcements from the Office of the Chancellor, visit the System Gateway home page.
