News Archive

(12/21/04)

Students of the Month Named

Caption: Miami Middletown Students of the Month for fall semester are: (from left) Angela Polachek, Creed Perry, Bettie Haney and Lisa Mcguire.

Miami University Middletown has named its Students of the Month for the 2004 fall semester. They are: Lisa McGuire, Angela Polachek, Creed Perry and Bettie Haney.

Lisa McGuire of Middletown was named Student of the Month for September. The first year nursing major was nominated for her involvement in the American Heart Walk, Student Nurses Association, Campus Ambassadors, Phi Theta Kappa and student government, while maintaining a high grade point average.

Angela Polachek, a senior from Middletown majoring in botany and English literature, was nominated for her service as president of the campus' Botany Club, which she helped organize and revitalize.

She maintains a high grade point average while working both on and off the campus. She was Student of the Month for October.

Creed Perry of Franklin was named Student of the Month for November. A senior majoring in social science and history, he is a non-traditional student who is "respected and admired by other students for what he has accomplished."

Bettie Haney of Middletown was named Student of the Month for December. An early childhood education major, Haney was nominated for her work at the campus' information desk, where she was able to assist students, faculty, staff and members of the community with a "kind and compassionate spirit."

The Student of the Month award is given in recognition of students who make a significant contribution to the campus either in or out of the classroom.

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(12/21/04)

Public comment invited; Self-study completed

In preparation for Miami University's periodic accreditation review, the university has completed an extensive self-study. Its accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, is seeking comments on Miami from the public and from Miami faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

The self-study report and comments received will be studied by the 12 members of the HLC's evaluation team prior to its site-visit to the Oxford, Hamilton and Middletown campuses Jan. 31-Feb. 2.

"Hundreds of faculty, staff and students generously contributed information and insights during the two-year self-study process. The resulting report celebrates our many strengths and identifies key areas to address as we continue to pursue our aspirations," said Paul Anderson, chair of the accreditation steering committee and professor of English.

Other members of the accreditation steering committee are faculty and staff members Sara Butler, Cheryl Evans, Raymond Gorman, Dennis Roberts, Jerry Stonewater and John Williams.

The self-study report may be downloaded from www.muohio.edu/accreditation. For information on submitting a comment to the HLC by the Jan. 7 deadline, go to the same site.

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(12/20/04)

Fitness Programs Start in January

Rejuvenate yourself in 2005 by joining one of Miami University's heart-healthy fitness courses! Starting in mid January, the following classes are scheduled to begin:

Pilates: Escape the usual exercise routine and try something new! Pilates is a series of controlled movements that focus on strengthening and sculpting your body. Enjoy tighter abs, long, lean limbs and an uplifted gluteus! This class runs on a Monday/Wednesday schedule, starting January 19 at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $95.

Step Aerobics: Step aerobics is a blended routine consisting of 30 minutes of step routines and 30 minutes of upper and lower body strengthening. Routines are set to popular music and designed to improve overall fitness. Bring your weights and lots of water! Classes run on a Monday/Wednesday schedule, starting on January 19 at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $45.

Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a gentle exercise focusing on fluid, circular movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. Programs integrate mind, body and spirit while increasing flexibility and muscle strength. Sessions run on Thursdays with beginner class starting at 6:00 p.m. and intermediate class starting at 7:30 p.m. Both classes begin on January 20 and the cost is $65.

Yoga: Enjoy an exercise program designed to increase energy levels, endurance and flexibility. Learn how proper breathing and movements can relieve stress from your body. Your instructor modifies positions to enhance the benefits for both beginner and intermediate yoga students. This class will be held on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. beginning on January 18 and the cost is $69.

Tae Kwon Do: Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art, characterized by its fast, high and spinning kicks. It's a great workout for the whole family and promises to improve your mental discipline, self-confidence and general fitness. This class will be held on both Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tuesdays begin at 5:30 p.m. on January 11 and the cost is $69. Saturday sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. on January 15 and cost $65.

Young adults are welcome to join in the fun. Class sizes are limited so register early!

For more information or to register, log onto www.mid.muohio.edu/conted/ or call the Office of Continuing Education at 513-727-3300. Miami University Middletown is located at 4200 E. University Blvd.

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(12/20/04)

Campus Community Center Fund Tops $1 Million

Miami University Middletown announced today that nearly $1.2 million toward construction of the new Campus Community Center has been raised. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2006.

The campus' goal is to raise $2.5 million of the project's $5 million cost through donor support, with the balance of the funding coming from state capital appropriations.

"We are very grateful for the support of individuals, businesses, and foundations that has moved us so close to our goal," said Dr. Michael Governanti, Miami Middletown's Executive Director. "We hope that their support will motivate others in the regional community to come forward and help us raise the remaining $1.3 needed to complete the project."

The one-story structure, designed by Michael Schuster Associates of Cincinnati, will be built onto the southeastern corner of Johnston Hall, with dual entrances for the community and student wings. Approximately one third of the 21,600 total square feet of the Center will come from renovation of existing facilities.

"Our current facilities - in Johnston Hall and Verity Lodge - are inadequate and outdated with limited access," said Governanti. "Since Hawk Haven, our student union area, was created 23 years ago the campus enrollment has doubled, and we are hosting an increasing number of campus and community events."

The Center will be fully handicapped accessible and networked with up-to-date telecommunications and audio-visual equipment with internet access for meetings, seminars, workshops and special events. The community wing of the Center will feature a large multi-purpose room, two adjacent meeting rooms, and a catering kitchen.

Also included in the Center are a food court, recreational and meeting spaces, and performance areas, as well as new offices and meeting areas for student affairs, student government, and other student groups.

To date, major donations have come from individuals, foundations and businesses throughout the regional community.

"From the regional perspective, the Center will be an integral part of our public service mission," said Sherry Pieratt, the campus' Director of Development. "Community businesses and organizations increasingly rely on campus facilities for a variety of functions including meeting space for public and private organizations, cultural events, community forums, seminars, workshops and training classes."

Governanti noted the importance of the Center as part of the educational mission of Miami Middletown. "The Campus Center will be a place for formal as well as informal gatherings," he said. "Students, faculty and staff can come together to share a meal or have a cup of coffee in an informal setting while exchanging ideas. A great deal of education includes that kind of engagement in addition to what happens in the classroom."

A committee of more than 40 community leaders and volunteers has been leading the fund-raising efforts for the new construction. Heading the committee is Honorary Chairperson Mrs. Barry Levey, joined by Operating Chairpersons William and Patricia Schaefer and Roland P. Ely, Jr. The Steering Committee includes Mike Dickerson, Mary Jane Palmer, David and Carole Schul, Perry Thatcher and Richard Slagle.

"This Campus is probably one of the best things that ever happened to this community," said Ely, retired first vice president and senior trust officer at First Financial Bank. "It's time to bring it up to date a little bit. This is the time for everyone in the community to give back for the benefit of the school and the community."

For more information on the new center, including how to make a donation, call Miami Middletown's Office of Development at (513) 727-3463.

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(12/07/04)

Scholarship Applications Due January 31st

"Applying for scholarships can seem to be a daunting task, but if you break it down to a step-by-step process it doesn't take that much time and effort," said Blitz Team member Diane Cantonwine. "If you think of the money that you might be awarded, it's really worth doing."

Miami Middletown has scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, ethnicity, high school attended, county of residence, age and many other factors.

"Just because you didn't apply for a scholarship when you first came to Miami Middletown doesn't mean that you shouldn't try for one now,' said Ben Filla of the Blitz Team. "If you've done well in your classes here and have proven that you are a committed student, then that is only going to help you."

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