As the news about the state’s financial deficit seems to worsen, I am reminded of the simple things we can do to be more cost-efficient and effective at home and at work. While individually these items might not make a big difference, when done by a large number of people, they do. I was brainstorming these ideas with Ken Petersen, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, and we came up with the following:
- Turn off lights, computers and coffee pots when not in use
- Go paperless -- think twice about printing that e-mail
- Keep better track of office supplies (what happens to all those pens, anyway?)
- Drink tap water or water from the water cooler in a reusable cup
- Cut out food at meetings and conferences (if the gathering is important enough or your presentation is exciting, people will come even without food)
- Turn down those thermostats (my father always said, "If you're cold, put on a sweater")
If you have additions to the list, please feel free to send them along to me.
Because this is the last Checking In before the holidays, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. Please remember to help others this Christmas, as so many are in need. Best wishes to you and your family.
Lindsay Olsen, an '83 KU graduate, Mary Birch, a '74 KU graduate and government relations coordinator for Lathrop and Gage, and Chancellor Hemenway talk at a recent Johnson County alumni event hosted by Lindsay and his wife Kathy. Hemenway spoke at the event about his recent decision to resign as chancellor on June 30, 2009. Read the message from the chancellor.
Kudos
Congratulations to KU Hospital, which received a Hospital of Choice award from the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. Read more from the Lawrence Journal-World.
Education
The 2008 School of Medicine Annual Report has arrived. Read it online.
Research
The Kauffman Foundation has given KU an $8.1 million grant to create the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovations. The gift is the largest ever given to a public university by the Kauffman Foundation. Read more from The Kansas City Star.
Congratulations to the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health K12 Program (BIRCWH) award recipients: Jennifer Klemp, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine; Christie Befort, PhD, assistant professor of preventive medicine and public health; Sarah Kieweg, PhD, assistant professor of mechanical engineering; and Heather Leidy, PhD, assistant professor of dietetics and nutrition.
Other Items of Interest
In light of David Adkins' departure, I have decided to reorganize the External Affairs office. David Cook, PhD, was recently named associate vice chancellor of a newly created Office of Outreach, which will include Continuing Education, Area Health Education Centers, Telemedicine and Rural Health. Cook was also named the new executive director of the Midwest Cancer Alliance. In addition, Amy Jordan Wooden was named associate vice chancellor of a newly structured External Affairs, which will oversee our communications, government affairs, special events and community affairs efforts. Congratulations to both David and Amy.
Community
This year's Holiday Giving program was a major success, as we "adopted" 478 children through Project EAGLE. Thank you to all of those who purchased gifts for the families.