"As an Institution that embraces diversity, we are using this opportunity to include a number of small, minority, disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses. The research community is especially invited to stop by and meet this segment of suppliers who offer opportunities to help meet federal subcontracting requirements," said Eddie Jackson, associate director of small business procurement services.

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Eddie Jackson at ext. 6597 or Kathy McAuley, strategic procurement manager in purchasing, at ext. 2577. 11/4/02

 

Save the Date: Women in Entrepreneurship Seminar Nov. 13

The Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship at Rensselaer's Lally School of Management and Technology will host a Women in Entrepreneurship Seminar Wednesday, Nov. 13. The event, titled "Risks Taken… Lessons Learned," will take place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Russell Sage Dining Hall. It will feature lectures, a question-and-answer session, and a panel discussion by successful local businesswomen.

Scheduled speakers include Mary Bayly '79, vice president of business development for the Saratoga Technology Accelerator; Sheila Talton, president of the change management service line for EDS; Keri Calagna '02, CFO for Tiercent Corporation; Jeannette Oppedisano '92, educator/author; and Alethea Snyder, president/cofounder of the Tech Valley Angel Network. For more information on the event, contact Jeanne Stefanik at ext. 8398 or stefaj@rpi.edu or visit the Web site at http://scte.mgmt.rpi.edu/womenseries.html. 11/4/02

Save the Date: Michael West to Speak at Faculty Recognition Event Dec. 5

The campus community is invited to attend the 2002 Trustee Celebration of Faculty Achievement program on Dec. 5.

Michael West '76, a science visionary who is at the center of the national debate over human cloning, will be the keynote speaker at the lecture that will kick off the event. West will speak at 4 p.m. in Room 308 of the Darrin Communications Center. For more on West, go to http://www.rpi.edu/dept/NewsComm/Magazine/sep02/feature1-1.html.

At 5:15 p.m., President Jackson and the trustees will honor faculty achievement during a reception at the Russell Sage Dining Hall. The lecture and reception are open to the entire campus community.
An invitation-only celebration dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the Heffner Alumni House. For more information, contact Pat Ullrich at ext. 6214 or ullrip@rpi.edu. 11/4/02

Blood Drive Nov. 19

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive in the Great Hall of the Darrin Communications Center on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You may sign up in advance or drop by on the day of the drive.

To sign up by e-mail, send a note to pasqua@rpi.edu with your name and the time that you would like to attend. You may request any 15-minute interval beginning at 11:30 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. Each appointment takes approximately 45 minutes. You will receive a e-mail confirmation of your appointment.

If you have any questions, contact Alyssa Pasquale, Alpha Phi Omega, at ext. 6516 or pasqua@rpi.edu. 11/4/02

Call for Video Works

Vertical Video is seeking video art submissions for upcoming shows in the stairwell gallery of Rensselaer' Folsom Library. Show themes are selected based on the work submitted. Artists are invited to submit works of any subject and genre; preference will be given to non-traditional, experimental work. No commercial works are accepted. The running time may not exceed 10 minutes. Artists should include an artist statement, brief description of the work, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

For more details, contact lanesa@rpi.edu. Send submissions on VHS to:

Vertical Video
Arts Department
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180-3590
Attn: Annmarie Lanesey

11/4/02

Benefits Fair Nov. 13
Mark your calendars for the ninth annual Benefits Fair hosted by the Division of Human Resources. The event, which kicks off the 2003 benefit and retirement year, will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Heffner Alumni House. All members of the Rensselaer community are encouraged to attend and meet with representatives of the various plans and programs available to Rensselaer employees.

The Benefits Fair also signals the start of the 2003 Open Enrollment period and Rensselaer's annual Wellness Program. Open enrollment will begin Wednesday, Nov. 13 and ends Wednesday, Nov. 27 . During this period, faculty and staff have the opportunity to change their health, welfare, and retirement benefit choices including medical, dental, flexible spending, and long-term disability. Contact Christine O'Grady, benefits specialist, at ext. 4094 for more information. 10/28/02

Researchers in Eye-Tracking Technology
A group is being formed for Rensselaer researchers interested in eye-tracking technology. According to Wayne Gray, professor of cognitive science, "eye tracking is emerging as the technology of choice in a number of domains. An organized special-interest group on this technology may help Rensselaer leverage our individual interests and expertise in this field to gain a competitive edge in obtaining private and government funding for our efforts."

Those interested should contact either Qiang Ji in electrical, computer, and systems engineering at qji@ecse.rpi.edu or Wayne Gray at grayw@rpi.edu. 10/28/02

Transitions
The Division of Institute Advancement has announced a reorganization. The Office of Corporate, Foundation, and International Advancement and the Office of Individual Gifts and Gift Planning have been merged into one group called the Office of Individual and Organizational Advancement. Bill Shumway, formerly director of corporate, foundation, and international advancement, has been named director of the new unit, effective Nov. 1.

"Bill is uniquely qualified to set the strategic direction for this new team, build ambitious goals, and resource this team to achieve results of historic proportions," said Terri Van Patten, assistant vice president for development and alumni relations. "I look forward to working with him in this role to move Rensselaer's "Fortune 500" prospects — including individuals, corporations, and foundations — to new levels of philanthropy for Rensselaer." 10/28/02