WSU Magazine Spring 2011 : Page 4

WEBER WATCH john kowalewski , university communications w s u n e w s & e v en t s new coaches brookings fellow Economics professor John Mbaku has been named a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the influen-tial Brookings Institution — a nonprofit think tank based in Washington, D.C. Nominated by a current Brookings Fellow, Mbaku will spend the year advancing his research on issues surrounding water rights in Africa, especially the con-tentious debate surrounding access to the Nile River basin. A native of Cameroon, Mbaku is a leading expert on African economic issues. a daughter’s tale Hundreds of students and members of the community flocked to cam-pus to hear Alina Fernández, the exiled daughter of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Fernández shared her experiences growing up in Cuba, both before and after the revolution that brought her father to power. She recalled watching cartoons on TV when the program was abruptly replaced by revolutionaries who took control of the airwaves. As an adult, she actively opposed her father’s government, eventually fleeing Cuba in 1993. Today she is a radio host and outspoken critic of Cuba’s Communist regime. Tom Peterson, PhD , has been se-lected as the new head coach for women’s volley-ball. Among the most decorated volleyball coaches in the western United States, Peterson brings more than three decades of collegiate expe-rience coaching men’s and women’s volleyball. His teams have twice won NCAA Division I national champion-ships, with the Penn State University men (1994) and Brigham Young University women (2004). Bethann Shapiro Ord brings 21 years of coaching experience to her new role as head coach of the wom-en’s basketball team. She spent the past four years as an assistant coach for the University of Louisville. During her tenure, Ord helped the Cardinals reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament three times, including an appearance in the 2009 NCAA championship game. giving kids a smile Dental hygiene students and faculty teamed with local dentists to help give 75 children reason to smile. As part of the Give Kids a Smile Day activities, area youth from low-income households received a free dental screening and cleaning at WSU’s Dental Hygiene Clinic . Dentists donated their time to perform fillings, extractions and root canals on site, and offered vouchers for more-extensive follow-up procedures. Patients also received a free toothbrush, paste and floss along with instructional materials on how to take better care of their teeth. wsu magazine | spring 2011 4

Weber Watch

John Kowalewski, University Communications Brookings Fellow Economics professor John Mbaku has been named a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the influential Brookings Institution — a nonprofit think tank based in Washington, D.C. Nominated by a current Brookings Fellow, Mbaku will spend the year advancing his research on issues surrounding water rights in Africa, especially the contentious debate surrounding access to the Nile River basin. A native of Cameroon, Mbaku is a leading expert on African economic issues. A Daughter’s Tale Hundreds of students and members of the community flocked to campus to hear Alina Fernández, the exiled daughter of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Fernández shared her experiences growing up in Cuba, both before and after the revolution that brought her father to power. She recalled watching cartoons on TV when the program was abruptly replaced by revolutionaries who took control of the airwaves. As an adult, she actively opposed her father’s government, eventually fleeing Cuba in 1993. Today she is a radio host and outspoken critic of Cuba’s Communist regime. New Coaches Tom Peterson, PhD, has been selected as the new head coach for women’s volleyball. Among the most decorated volleyball coaches in the western United States, Peterson brings more than three decades of collegiate experience coaching men’s and women’s volleyball. His teams have twice won NCAA Division I national championships, with the Penn State University men (1994) and Brigham Young University women (2004). Bethann Shapiro Ord brings 21 years of coaching experience to her new role as head coach of the women’s basketball team. She spent the past four years as an assistant coach for the University of Louisville. During her tenure, Ord helped the Cardinals reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament three times, including an appearance in the 2009 NCAA championship game. Giving Kids a Smile Dental hygiene students and faculty teamed with local dentists to help give 75 children reason to smile. As part of the Give Kids a Smile Day activities, area youth from low-income households received a free dental screening and cleaning at WSU’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. Dentists donated their time to perform fillings, extractions and root canals on site, and offered vouchers for moreextensive follow-up procedures. Patients also received a free toothbrush, paste and floss along with instructional materials on how to take better care of their teeth. Growing WSU Davis A second building at Weber State University Davis is one step closer to reality, as Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert has signed legislation that will provide funding for its construction. Plans are to build a 120,146-square-foot building that will primarily include classrooms and laboratories to expand offerings for high-demand programs at WSU Davis. Space will also be provided for student support needs, food services, and the Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering and Science. The Stars of Physics Two physics professors were honored this spring for their passion for science and teaching. Adam Johnston was named the University Science Educator of the Year by the Utah Science Teachers Association, in recognition of his work in mentoring current and future public education science teachers. Johnston also was named the 2011 John S. Hinckley Fellow at WSU, an award that honors faculty who excel in teaching, scholarship and service. John Sohl was named the 2010 Utah Engineering Educator of the Year by the Utah Engineers Council. Sohl was recognized for his engineering work with WSU’s High Altitude Reconnaissance Balloon for Outreach and Research and his work mentoring students on a variety of applied-physics and engineeringrelated projects. WSU Trivia for $500 Who is Ken Jennings? That’s the answer to the clue: WSU students had a chance to match wits with this record-setting “Jeopardy!” champion when he visited campus in April. Jennings, who won more matches than any champion in the history of the syndicated game show, competed against three students in a Jeopardy!-like demonstration in the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater, complete with podiums and clickers. Jennings was stumped by the Final Jeopardy! Clue: The last player selected in the 2010 NFL draft. The correct answer: Who is WSU's Tim Toone?

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