The program’s keynote speaker, Andrew Marshall, editor of Nature Biotechnology, will speak on "The Evolution and Future of Biotechnology." Marshall will discuss the scientific, technological, business, and commercialization aspects of biotechnology.

Registration fee is $25; free for students with ID. To register, go to https://www.alumni.rpi.edu/secure2/alumnievents/biotech1023.asp. For more about the program, go to http://www.alumni.rpi.edu/biotech.html. For more information, contact Raj Bawa ’90 at (703) 582-1745 or Kathy Kinsey, alumni relations, at ext. 2832. 9/22/03

Campus Invited to Dr. A’s Retirement Reception

After 18 years as medical director and 45 years of history with Rensselaer, Dr. Robert Athanasiou ’62 (“Dr. A”) is retiring on Sept. 30. The Division of Student Life will host a farewell reception for Dr. A on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 3-5 p.m. in the Rensselaer Union, room 3202. Campus is invited. “We will greatly miss his wisdom, caring, and quick wit,” said Katrin Wesner, health systems manager. “We all wish him and Barbara the best as they move to Florida.” To read about Dr. A, see the March 26 Polytechnic. 9/22/03

Let's Go Red! Golf Tournament Oct. 6

The annual Let's Go Red! Golf Outing to benefit Rensselaer athletics will take place on Monday, Oct. 6 at the Edison Club in nearby Rexford. Tee-off time is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The cost to play is $150 and there are a variety of other sponsorship opportunities available. To sign up, or for more information, contact Eric Schofield at schofe@rpi.edu or ext. 8824. 9/22/03

Rensselaer's Second Annual Vendor Fair Oct. 8

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Small Business Procurement Services and Purchasing will host Rensselaer's second annual Vendor Fair. The fair will provide an opportunity for Rensselaer's faculty and staff to learn more about Rensselaer's preferred vendors and the products and services they provide. The fair will take place at the Heffner Alumni House between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Faculty and staff will be eligible to win door prizes.

A number of Rensselaer's suppliers, including Staples, Sprint PCS, Nextel, Accent Furniture, SciQuest/HigherMarkets, Business Environments by Ras, Xerox and others, will be represented at the fair.

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Eddie Jackson, associate director of small business procurement services, at ext. 6597 or Kathy McAuley, strategic procurement manager in purchasing, at ext. 2577. 9/22/03

Athletics Staff Named

Director of Athletics Ken Ralph has announced several new hires in the athletics department.

Amanda Brown has been named athletic trainer. Brown is a 2002 graduate of Springfield College, where she earned a bachelor's of science degree in athletic training with a minor in health studies. She earned numerous athletic training honors while at Springfield, including the Weisbrod Award, the Provost Award and the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association (EATA) Carl Krein District I Scholarship. Brown, who spent last year as an intern in Rensselaer's sports medicine department, is certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, by the American Red Cross as a CPR/first aid instructor and water safety instructor, as well as by the YMCA as an aquatics instructor. In addition to her experience at Rensselaer and Springfield, Brown has worked as the aquatics director at the Waterford Town Pool. She is currently working toward a master's in science in health education from Sage Graduate School.

Beth Conroy also has been named athletic trainer. Conroy is a 2003 graduate of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where she earned a bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in sports medicine. While in college she was inducted into several honor societies and earned several accolades, including the Paul Tsongas Award and the Excellence in Biology Award.

Michelle Stratz ’99 has been named the assistant coach for the cross country and track & field programs. A 1999 graduate with a degree in environmental engineering, Stratz is a former member of Rensselaer’s cross country and indoor and outdoor track & field teams. A three-time relay record-holder, she captained all three teams as a senior. Academically, she earned the Caird Prize for Environmental Engineering, the Senior Design Project Award, a Rensselaer Academic
Citation, a Founders' Award for Excellence and the General Electric Faculty for the Future Award. Stratz also has a master's of science degree in environmental engineering and science from Stanford
University.

Miles Nolan has been named the head coach of Rensselaer golf team. Nolan has been the head professional at Hoosick Falls Country Club since 1994. Nolan has named Sam Lacey captain of the 2003 team. A senior from Ithaca, N.Y., Lacey is a four-year varsity performer. Assisting Lacey will be Hoosick Falls native Matthew Benkoski, a junior management major. Benkoski is a three-year varsity performer for the Engineers. Last season the golf team finished fifth of seven teams at the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) Championships and 10th of 17 schools at the ECAC Tournament. 9/22/03