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September 2009


(09/29/09)

MUM Sponsoring Essay Contest for GED Students, Graduates

To recognize and encourage students who earn a GED to pursue their educational goals, Miami University Middletown is sponsoring Write Now! This project offers current GED students and 2009-2010 GED graduates in Butler, Warren, Preble and Montgomery counties the opportunity to write an essay and earn one of five $100 awards for educational purposes.

Participants will attend a writing workshop on National Make a Difference Day, October 24, 2009 at 9 a.m. Attendees will meet members of the MUM community, listen to a student panel presentation and work on their essays in a small group led by English faculty. Lunch will be provided.

A recognition ceremony will be held in January where winners of the award will be officially announced and several writers will have the opportunity to read their essays. Write Now! is sponsored by Miami University Middletown with generous contributions from the Middletown Community Foundation and Middletown Rotary.

Participants are encouraged to register by October 17. Contact Dr. Marianne Cotugno at (513) 217-4098, mcotugno@muohio.edu, for more information on how to register.


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(09/28/09)

Miami Middletown to Welcome Indonesian Delegation on Sept. 30

A delegation representing Indonesia will visit Miami University Middletown on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The visit to MUM is an extension of the Indonesians' visit to Middletown as Middfest International's featured country this year.

The delegation will be led by Dr. Totok Suprayitno, education and cultural attaché from the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Accompanying him will be a medical delegation from Jakarta and officials from the Indonesian Consulate in Chicago.

While at Miami Middletown the group will visit a classroom and take part in discussions on academic collaboration and nursing programs.


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(09/28/09)

Miami Regionals represented in State-to-State Half-Marathon

Miami Middletown's interim dean, Dr. Jeanne Hey, and Miami Hamilton Grant Coordinator, Amy Lamborg, wore their Miami Regionals colors as they successfully completed Sunday's State-to State Half-Marathon in Oxford. Congratulations to both runners!

Hey and Lamborg are currently in training to compete in a full marathon in Richmond, VA on November 14.


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(09/24/09)

Seeking Medical Care for H1N1 Flu — Update (9/24/09)

As the Student Health Service continues to see students with H1N1 flu, it is important to remember that if you develop flu symptoms (cough, congestion, fever) and the following conditions occur, you need to seek medical care either with your personal physician or, for Oxford students, at the Student Health Center (529-3000):

  • A history of asthma or other chronic respiratory disease
  • A temperature of 102 Fahrenheit or 38.8 degrees Celsius
  • Flu symptoms that seem to get better and then become suddenly worse
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Decreased desire or ability to take fluids
  • You should go to the emergency room for the following:

  • Increased breathlessness or difficulty breathing
  • Mental confusion
  • If a roommate or friend exhibits any of these signs, please encourage them not to wait to seek help. If you become ill and have a history of asthma or any other chronic respiratory disease, you should seek medical care right away. We also recommend that you contact your family and your medical specialist.


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    (09/23/09)

    Flu Prevention and Care — Update (8/27/09)

    Dear Miami Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents,

    By now you know that flu can be spread easily from person to person. While global health officials are predicting high incidence of flu with the return of students to schools and campuses, at Miami we are taking steps to slow the spread. We need your help to accomplish this.

    We are working closely across campus and with the Butler County health department to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution. In all decisions, Miami is following guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control http://www.flu.gov. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.

    For now, we are doing everything we can to keep the university operating as usual. Here are a few things you can do to help:

  • Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective. Hand sanitizer stations have been distributed at the entrances to residence and dining halls.
  • Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
  • Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). The flu may last up to 7 days. Don't go to class or work if you're ill. Ask a friend to bring meals to your room.
  • Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm .

  • Miami will provide vaccinations according to health department guidelines, based on availability. We strongly urge those for whom vaccines will be provided, to take them.

    It is important for students who have temperatures of at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius with a cough and/or sore throat to call the Student Health Service for an appointment (529-3000) to see a clinician. Students who have flu symptoms but also have chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, or heart problems also should call for an appointment.

    For those who do become ill, the CDC has specific recommendations regarding the use of anti-viral medication. These recommendations also can change, according to the biology of the virus as well as other factors. Miami will dispense anti-viral medication based on these recommendations and the clinician's assessment.

    Again, the university will monitor this closely and making pertinent information available as we receive it. We strongly recommend that students and parents monitor the student health service Web site, www.muohio.edu/health. A Frequently Asked Questions document is among information you can click on for details.

    If this year's flu season becomes more severe, we may take the following additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus:

  • Allow students, faculty, and staff at higher risk for complications to stay home. These students, faculty, and staff should make this decision in consultation with their health care provider.
  • Find ways to increase social distances (the space between people) in classrooms such as moving desks farther apart, leaving empty seats between students, holding outdoor classes, and using distance learning methods.
  • Extend the time sick students, faculty, or staff stay home or in their residence. During severe flu conditions sick people should stay home for at least 7 days, even if they feel better sooner. Those who are still sick after 7 days should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
  • Suspend classes. This decision will be made together with local and state public health officials. The length of time classes should be suspended will depend on the goal of suspending classes as well as the severity and extent of illness.

  • Students who are studying abroad should follow recommendations from the university at which they are studying and should visit www.cdc.gov/travel for further health information while studying abroad.

    For the most up-to-date information on flu, visit http://www.flu.gov , or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

    We will notify you of any additional changes to Miami's strategy to prevent the spread of flu on our campus.

    Sincerely,


    Gail Walenga
    Assistant Vice President, student health and wellness

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    (09/22/09)

    Twelve Receive Miami Middletown Scholar Incentive Awards

    Miami University Middletown has announced that 12 area high school graduates have received Scholar Incentive Awards for 2009. The Scholar Incentive program provides a $1,500 scholarship to one newly admitted student from each of 9 area high schools. The student with the highest GPA among those admitted to Miami Middletown from each school automatically receives the award.
    Recipients of the 2009 Scholar Incentive Awards are:
    Kristin Baker, daughter of Doug and Robin Baker of Monroe. Kristin graduated from Monroe High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and tennis team. Kristin also received the Jesse Mayabb Scholarship Award.
    Ashly Bange, daughter of Paul and Mary Bange of Carlisle. Ashly graduated with Distinction from Carlisle High School where she was a member of the band and received the Award of Merit.
    Daniel Joseph Brooks, son of Stan and Melissa Brooks of Middletown. Daniel graduated from Middletown High School where he was a member of Honor Roll, Spanish National Honor Society, Young Life, Varsity volleyball and Varsity soccer. He received the Greater Miami Conference All-Academic Award, Middletown High School All-Academic Award, Middie Star Recognition and Volleyball Coach's Award for Dedication.
    Tiffany Callihan, daughter of Janey Callihan of Franklin and Denver Whitaker of Whitesburg, Kentucky. Tiffany graduated from Franklin High School where she was a member of National Honor Society, Muse Machine, Link Crew and Spanish Club. She received the Swiss Star and an Academic Letter. Tiffany graduated in the top ten percent of her class.

    Michael Alan Disher, son of Matt and Claudine Disher of Trenton. Michael graduated from Edgewood High School where he graduated with High Honors. He was a member of the Varsity Jazz band and a PSEOP student earning 26 credit hours at Miami University Middletown.
    Courtney Edwards, daughter of Karen and Wayne Edwards of Liberty Township. Courtney graduated from Lakota West High School where she was a member of the Scrapbook Club, National Honor Society and Family Community Career Leaders of America. Courtney received the President's Education Award, Ohio Award of Merit and graduated with High Honors receiving a 4.0 G.P.A. She volunteered at the Fairfield Animal Care Center.
    Tashina Rose Johnson, daughter of John R. and Gwinette Johnson of Oregonia. Tashina graduated from Lebanon High School where she was a member of Honor Roll. She is a member of the drama team at her church.
    Carrie Hoit, daughter of Doug and Tina Hoit of Middletown. Carrie graduated from Madison High School and D. Russell Lee Technology Center where she was a member of Honor Roll. Carrie received an Honors Diploma and ranked in the top ten percent of her class. She attended cosmetology school and earned 15 credits as a PSEOP student at Miami University Middletown.
    Lauran Marling, daughter of Mike and Victoria Mahan of Liberty Township. Lauran graduated as Salutatorian from Lakota East High School where she was a member of the Multicultural Club. She received the Honors Award and Perfect Attendance.
    Whitney Pergram, daughter of Monroe and Barbara Pergram of Owingsville, Kentucky. Whitney graduated from Preble Shawnee High School where she was a member of the French Club, National Honor Society, Student Senate, a Student Body Representative, People to People Student Ambassador Alumni, Chief Editor of the Arrow Messenger, Rotary Club, Varsity tennis, Varsity cheerleading, Thespian, 4-H and Drama Club. She received the Rotary Honors Scholars Award, Scholar Athlete Award, Reagent Board Scholar and National Thespian Society inductee..
    Frank Thomas Sabo, son of Frank and Rita Sabo of Middletown. Frank graduated from Middletown High School with an Honors diploma. He received the Academic Achievement Award, Award of Merit, Presidents Award of Excellence, Verity PTO Scholarship, Harry & Ethel Brakeman Scholarship, Isidor A. Casper Scholarship and the Laureate Beta Kappa Chapter Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship for Perfect Attendance.
    Erica White, daughter of Russell and Rhonda White of Germantown. Erica graduated as Valedictorian from Valley View High School where she was a member of High Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Interact Club, Spanish Club, Drama Club, Muse Machine, Project Charlie and Marching, Concert and Pep Band. She received the Perfect Attendance Award, La Sertoma International Service Award and Girl Scout Silver Award.

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    (09/11/09)

    Free Fridays Season Starts with King of Jesters

    Miami University Middletown's Fantastic Free Fridays series begins its tenth season on Friday, October 2 with a performance at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. by Alexander, King of Jesters .

    Recommended for all ages, Alexander packs many facets of audience appeal into one show: daring stunts, mind-bending sight gags, dazzling visual spectacle, musical capers and physical feats. Added to this are vibrant colors, audience interaction and lavish costumes.

    Other Fantastic Free Fridays fall performances are: Miami University Steel Band (10 a.m. on October 23), Henny Penny by Artreach Theatre (10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on November 6) and Maidens IV (10 a.m. on December 4).

    A generous donation from the Bever family of Oxford is again helping to support the Fantastic Free Fridays program.

    Fantastic Free Fridays performances are open to the public. Groups interested in attending the October 2 performance should contact Susan Joyce, music faculty member at Miami University Middletown, at joyces@muohio.edu, or by voice mail at (513) 727-3415.


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    (09/10/09)

    Miami Middletown to Host Racial Profiling Discussion

    Miami University Middletown will observe Constitution Day on Sept. 17 by hosting an open forum on racial profiling. This panel discussion will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Room 142 of the Campus Community Center. This event is free and open to the public.

    Panel participants will include: Middletown NAACP President Dora Bronston, Middletown Police Officer Eric Crank, City of Middletown Law Director Les Landen and Attorney Hilary Lerman. Miami Middletown Political Science Professor Mel Cohen will moderate the program.

    "I believe that dialogues such as this are one way of educating ourselves and ensuring that the Constitution becomes a meaningful part of our everyday lives," said Dr. Cohen.

    Constitution Day commemorates the day that the U.S. Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. Citizens are encouraged to learn more about the U.S. Constitution and government on this day.


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    (09/01/09)

    Miami Middletown Downtown September Events Scheduled

    In September, Miami Middletown Downtown will host a book club, a concert, a writing group and an open mic night. All events are free and open to the public.

    On Friday, September 4, the First Friday Concert Series will feature New Horizons II from 12 - 1 p.m. This singing trio repertoire includes standards and oldies from a wide variety of musical genres. The First Friday's Noontime Concert Series is sponsored by the First Methodist Church of Middletown. For more information, contact Mary Ellen Clinard at meclinard@hotmail.com.

    Cancelled: On Wednesday, September 16, the Booking It! Non-Fiction Book Conversations group will meet at 5 p.m. to discuss Lone Survivor: the Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell. In June of 2005, Luttrell led a four-man team of Navy SEALs into the mountains of Afghanistan on a mission to kill a Taliban leader thought to be allied with Osama bin Laden. On foot, the team encountered two adult men and a teenage boy. A debate broke out as to whether the SEALs should summarily execute the trio to keep them from alerting the Taliban. Torn between considerations of morality and his survival instinct Luttrell opted to spare the Afghanis' lives. About an hour later, the Taliban launched an attack that claimed nearly a hundred of their own men but also the lives of all the SEALs except Luttrell, who was left wounded. For more information, contact Barbara Roberts at (513) 727-3337.

    On Saturday, September 26, the Illuminati Writing Group will meet at 2 p.m. This casual writing and workshopping group is for all levels and genres of writing. Peer critique and writing exercises will help you polish your craft while having fun with other local writers. New attendees must RSVP to Michelle Lawrence at illuminati@muohio.edu.

    On Saturday, September 26, the monthly open mic night will be held from 8 - 10 p.m. All ages, experience levels and types of performers (singers, musicians, writers, actors, etc.) are encouraged to join the fun. For more information, contact Kip Moore at wmoore@coxohio.com.

    Miami Middletown Downtown is a multipurpose activity center designed to bring the campus and community together by providing flexible space for workshops, lectures, seminars, meetings, cultural events and more. For more information on any of these events or other upcoming events at Miami Middletown Downtown call (513) 727-3200.


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