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November 11, 1999 Tackling the Physics of Football UNOPA Announces First Stipend Recipients Budget Request Suggestions Expanded Speakers Bureau Topics Span Range of Interests

Physics professor Tim Gay lectures a class in front of the watchful camera of ABC's World News Tonight. The segment will likely air Nov. 11 or 12. Professor Gay Has Mighty Momentum Tackling the Physics of Football By Kelly Bartling, Public Relations Husker fans are learning more this season than they bargained for. Newton's Third Law, for instance. And force, trajectory, projectile motion, conservation of momentum, gyroscopic motion, work and energy. It's all there, these laws of physics, on HuskerVision, where University of Nebraska­Lincoln professor Tim Gay has used Husker football to illustrate physics via a series of 45-second physics lessons for 76,000 fans at Memorial Stadium. Not only has Gay raised the physics I.Q. of Husker fans this season with his five-going-on-six HuskerVision home game spots, but soon he'll be educating the world. ABC World News Tonight noticed his football physics lessons and was on campus last week filming a segment for World News. For Gay, the physics and football spots let him combine two of his passions into a brief, albeit large, class that is entertaining and educational. "I have a passion for physics and I enjoy teaching all aspects of it," Gay told ABC correspondent Bob Jamieson during an interview Nov. 5 in his physics classroom at Brace Hall. "That's the one thing besides football that I really love." HuskerVision producer Jeff Schmahl and intern Michaela Dowd approached the physics department this fall, seeking someone to do the 45-second physics and football pieces, and Gay, a football fanatic, was the obvious choice, Dowd said. "I like football because it's fast and because of its interesting strategy and tactics. It's like a military campaign," Gay said in his interview. "And it really gives athletes an opportunity to show off what they can do." "And it's physics in action...?" Jamieson suggested. "And it's physics in action," echoed Gay, a former tackle for CalTech. Beginning with the first home game, Gay has been featured in his HuskerVision spots with players like Eric Crouch, Adam Julch, Tony Ortiz and Dan Hadenfeldt, giving examples of physics as applied to football. A wobbly pass, he illustrated, has insufficient force and is affected by air resistance that wouldn't have occurred in a perfect spiral. Lesson: force, resistance and drag. A punt needs sufficient trajectory to get the proper projectile motion. A helmet distributes the force to lower the pressure impact to a player's head. And the energy expended by an offensive line could lift a pickup truck. Lesson: work and energy. Gay's lessons are becoming more popular on the big HuskerVision screen as fans, students and players come to recognize his tall, lanky frame, his bow tie and his enthusiasm. He's gaining fans on his own, including several who have stopped him on and off campus to ask questions about physics or offer suggestions. "Football is a manifestation of physics and it's something people can relate to," Gay told Jamieson. "At first I was worried fans wouldn't like it or they wouldn't be interested. But these Nebraska fans are the best fans in the world. They have made it successful." Gay said fans and the university community enjoy hearing and seeing a message that promotes the university as an academic leader in a fun way. He said the physics tapes will be made into videos to possibly share with high schools, to interest students in science. Gay said he will be able to judge the success of the physics outreach project through continuing feedback. "If at some point a student came up to me and said 'This football and physics really interested me' and 'this is why I am here,' then I'll know I have succeeded, Gay said. While the ABC World News team was editing the piece from hours of tape filmed Nov. 4-6, along with the Texas A&M game Nov. 6 and Gay's HuskerVision spot that day, indications were that it will be aired on ABC World News Tonight Nov. 11 or 12.   Fundraising Efforts Allow Group to Recognize Achievements UNOPA Announces First Stipend Recipients The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office Personnel Association awarded its first stipend awards Nov. 9 to 17 members of its association who have completed the Professional Standards Program. The PSP is a certification program encouraging educational office professionals to pursue professional growth through continuing education, training, professional activity and experiences. There are nine levels of PSP certification "The PSP program promotes professional growth," said Jeanne Andelt, who chairs th PSP committee for UNOPA. "It's a great way of providing opportunities and incentives for members to continue to improve our skills." Many of the 208 local, state and national education office personnel affiliates have programs where stipends, or monetary awards, are provided by employers for members making PSP certifications. While the University of Nebraska Administration has been supportive of UNOPA and the PSP, they have not been able to provide monetary support, Andelt said. Last year, UNOPA's PSP committee began raising money for a PSP endowment. This makes the UNOPA awards unique in that they may be the only such organization in the nation raising their own funds to provide for the stipends. Through various fund-raisers, beginning last year, UNOPA members began an effort to earn $50,000, to create an endowment to continue the PSP stipends each year. So far, they have earned over $9,000, awarding $1,830 to the 17 PSP recipients Nov. 9 at an award luncheon. The remaining $7,500 will be invested in an endowment fund. At a minimum, the members studying for their PSPs had four years of work experience, took five courses of continuing education (in computers, information systems, management and business administration, human resources, sociology or psychology, for example), had inservice training and responsibility within the organization. After 17 courses, they can earn their Certified Educational Office Employee designation. Or they can continue on to earn a degree. UNOPA was formed in 1963. Of its 200 members, 19 have earned PSPs. They are affiliated with the National Association of Educational Office Professionals and the Nebraska Educational Office Professionals Association. Receiving the awards were: Associate professional: Sandy Lineberry, Nebraska Forest Service; Linda Pence, registration and records; Jan Schinstock, Great Plains Regional Center for Global Environmental Change. Advanced I: Jean Williss, libraries; Lola Young, Housing/Cather-Pound-Neihardt. Advanced II, CEOE: Jeanne Andelt, Nebraska Forest Service; Kathy Bennetch, Horticulture; Jeanette Fisher, University Services; Debbie Hendricks, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Shirley Horstman, Research Complaince Services; Betty James, agricultural leadership, education and communication; LaRita Lang, Office of Extended Education and Outreach; Sheila Perry, Journalism; Marcia Rowley, dean's office, College of Engineering and Technology; Sandy Watmore, vending/transportation services. Bachelor's degree, CEOE: Luise Berner, educational administration. Master's degree: Lorraine Moon, Water Sciences Laboratory Senate Approves Memorial to Varner Budget Request Suggestions Expanded By Kim Hachiya, Public Relations The Academic Senate voiced its appreciation for the leadership and contributions of the late Woody Varner by authorizing a contribution to the NU Foundation in his memory. Senators voted unanimously to memorialize the former NU president at its meeting Nov. 2. Varner died Oct. 30. In other business, the senate heard from David Brinkerhoff, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, who spoke in lieu of Chancellor James Moeser, who was attending Varner's funeral, and Rick Edwards, senior vice chancellor, who was ill that day. Brinkerhoff said discussions regarding budget requests are ongoing. Some items had been added to the list first announced in October, he said. Now on the list, which is fluid and subject to change are: o Faculty/staff salaries: $19.5 million over the biennium; $700,000 to increase university contribution toward retirement; $500,000 to increase graduate teaching assistant stipends. Upon questioning, Brinkerhoff noted that review of graduate research stipends is under way to see if they also need to be enhanced. o Research Challenge Fund: $10 million. This would be a state matching fund availabe only if certain research funding target goals are reached. o Services to Nebraskans: $2 million for the delivery of extended education; $500,000 to address the stresses of communities and families. o Access to Educational Opportunities: $1 million for need-based scholarships and $1 million for merit-based scholarships. o Core Faculty Strengths: $1.5 million to add 20 new faculty lines; $1 million for diversity enhancements through opportunity hires and programming efforts. o Public Works: $575,000 to contract with Lincoln Electric System for power plant maintenance o Child Care: $500,000 to support child care for faculty, staff and students. Brinkerhoff said input is still necessary and welcome as this list is distilled into a final list to be sent to Central Administration. Among questions posed to Brinkerhoff were concerns about the security of the MYNULOOK data warehouse system, that some professors said seemed to be unsafe and porous to prying eyes. He said that steps are being taken to shore up the system's firewalls and to ensure security. The senate also heard reports from the Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Women and the Chancellor's Commission on the Status of People of Color. Michael Knisely, reporting for the latter group, asked the senate to remember that recruiting of students and employees of color is not solely the province of admissions and human resources. He said that a commitment by the colleges and faculty would help aid this effort. He added that a report is being written to outline the findings of the Diversity Summit held earlier this fall. Agnes Adams, reporting for the UNL Benefits Committee, said the decision to increase employee contributions for health insurance rather than cutting benefits was the consensus of the UNL committee this year. She said the committee hoped that when considering changes in benefits, all university employees support priorities that benefit the most people rather than small segments. She said that urging the university to increase its contribution to retirement packages by .5 percent is such a priority. And, she said, if the university would put more money into the NUFlex account, employees would have more options in deciding how to make benefits allocations. Speakers Bureau Topics Span Range of Interests Now in its fifth year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Speakers Bureau provides speakers for civic, community and professional organizations across Nebraska. The bureau's 14 distinguished experts speak on a variety of timely and interesting topics, and tailor their presentations to suit any organization's needs. The service is free. Last year, more than 100 presentations were given in communities throughout Nebraska. Organizers estimate that nearly 4,000 people were reached during the year. Speakers Bureau members are the university's ambassadors, said Chancellor James Moeser. "We have so many experts and a wealth of knowledge to share," he said. "I hope those in leadership positions in their clubs and organizations will take advantage of our Speakers Bureau service." Speakers Bureau members were chosen by the chancellor's cabinet to serve one-year terms. For more information about the service or to schedule a speaker, contact the office of public relations by phone at (402) 472-8396 or by mail at 202 Canfield Administration Building, Lincoln, NE 68588-0424. A list of members and a description of their presentations follows. Charles Henry Bethea, executive director, Lied Center for Performing Arts. In "The Statewide Stage," he looks at new programs that go beyond the traditional stage and audience, merging the two in a variety of locations. "Where have All the Arts Gone?" examines the issues involved in devaluing the influence of certain performing arts and educational programs. In "There's No Business Like Show Business" Bethea shares anecdotal and interesting stories of arts and entertainment. Stephen Buhler, associate professor of English. "All the World's a Screen: Shakespeare in the Video Age" examines how the famous author's works continue to pour from both screen and stage. In "The Bard's Classic Countdown: Shakespeare-Inspired Music," Buhler performs two of his own popular musical settings for Shakespeare's sonnets. "Why and Wherefores: Our Rediscovery of Shakespeare" examines the reasons behind Shakespeare's re-emerging popularity. Kenneth Dewey, professor of meteorology, High Plains Climate Center. In "Heat Waves to Blizzards: Climate and Weather of the Great Plains" Dewey examines weather types, causes, myths, realities and the history of weather events through the use of illustrations and photographs. "The Science of Storm Chasing" profiles actual cases through the use of still and video photography, and shows an inside look at tornado research conducted by the National Severe Storms Laboratory. "El Nino, La Nina, and Climate Variability" tells how a strong El Nino and La Nina can pack a climatological one-two punch second only to the change of seasons as a shaper of Earth's weather. Steven Dunbar, founding director, J.D. Edwards Honors Program in Computer Science and Management. "Beyond the 'Heads-down' Computer Programmer" covers the plans for the new J.D. Edwards program. "Teaching and the Technological Revolution" details one educator's experiences and how students react to the use of technology in the classroom. "The Paradox of Teaching: Skills for the 21st Century" explores the values that a university education provides and how they connect to the skills that a modern society needs. Alan Frank, professor of law. "Let's Work it Out: The Benefits of Mediation" explains how mediation works and the benefits of avoiding a trial. In "The Law of Marriage and Divorce" Frank takes the audience through a hypothetical situation to describe the answers the law provides for often complicated situations. Rita Kean, professor and chair, textiles, clothing and design. In "A Nebraska Treasure: Quilts from the James Collection," Kean tells how NU's International Quilt Study Center traces America's history from the late 1700s to the present. Nancy Mitchell, professor and department head of advertising. "Inciting Violence: The Role of the Media" asks whether blaming the media is an oversimplified answer to a difficult social problem and invites discussion on the role and responsibility of media professionals, government and private citizens in relation to violence in the media. "Shaping Political Images in the Media" investigates how politicians are portrayed, including negative political advertising, and suggests ways people can become more discriminating consumers of advertising and news. "Have We Come a Long Way, Baby?" examines how women, people of color, and older adults are characterized in advertising, and explores the social impact of such portrayals. Charlene Porsild, assistant professor of history. In "Women in Nebraska: Hidden in History," Porsild uses humor to discover the variety of contributions made by the women who helped shaped Nebraska's history. "The Klondike: Myth, Legend, and Reality" uses historical photographs, maps, and slides to transport listeners to 1898 when men, women and families followed myth and legend in the "Last Great Gold Rush." In "Canadian History: Why Should Americans Bother?" Porsild outlines the differences between the two countries and examines the importance of Canada in U.S. domestic and foreign policy. John Rupnow, professor of food science and technology. "Guru or Gourmet: The Science of Food" provides examples of how chemistry, microbiology, physics, and psychology are involved in processing, preserving and developing new food items. "'It Must Have Been Something I Ate': Issues in Food Safety" gives an overview of the causes of recent outbreaks including E. coli, salmonella and listeria. Anna Shavers, associate professor of law. "Shifting Global Demographics: Perspectives on Immigration and our Legal System" discusses whether the U.S. legal system and society are prepared to meet the challenges posed by the increasing presence and impact of new immigrants. "Gender Issues in the Law - National and International Implications" examines the historical treatment of women in the American legal system and legal systems around the world. "The Future of Affirmative Action: Does it Have One?" examines affirmative action laws in terms of traditional legal remedies and the language of the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, as interpreted by U.S. Supreme Court opinions. Lt. Col. Richard Tracey, U.S. Army, professor of military science. "U.S. Army Peacekeeping Doctrine" provides insight on how leaders and planners in the Army conceptually approach these peacekeeping operations and execute the missions in countries like Somalia and Bosnia. In "Developing Leadership: The ROTC Model" Tracey describes how ROTC training is about discipline and responsibility, the very foundation of leadership, and how the purpose of this training is to develop young men and women into future leaders not only of the Army, but also of the nation. Barbara Trout, associate professor of textiles, clothing and design. "Insights to Color Through Contemporary Quilts" describes how quilts are more than bedcovers and how they've become works of art valued for their design and meaning. Quilts from the university's International Quilt Study Center are featured. "American Basketry: Function and Aesthetics" traces the dynamic development of art basketry and the experimental approaches and processes in this flourishing art form. "20th Century Women's Dress: Was it Really Modern?" asks what constitutes truly modern women's apparel, while tracking the evolution of dress as we reach the 21st century. James Van Etten, professor of plant pathology. "Phenoms of the Viral World" focuses on a new family of very large viruses that infect certain green alga and are present in fresh water worldwide. These viruses have 30 times the genetic information of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Van Etten's presentation focuses on how this finding may impact our lives. Sylvia Wiegand, professor of mathematics and statistics. In "Women in Their Prime: The Math Factor" Wiegand discusses female historical figures and the trend toward more women studying mathematics. "The Value of 'n:' Turning Math Skills into a Career" covers the diverse field of mathematics and the wide-ranging careers possible for those with math skills.

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