University Times

Sally Newman, executive director of Generations Together, an intergenerational studies program sponsored by Pitt's Center for Social and Urban Research, recently served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. The conference, which focused on "America Now and Into the 21st Century: Generations Aging Together with Independence, Opportunity and Dignity," attracted more than 2,250 people from throughout the country.

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Ten members of Pitt's Johnstown campus have received a total of almost $12,000 in University grants for special projects. Faculty scholarship grants were awarded to Jean James, elementary education; Peter Quinby, biology; Martin Rice, philosophy, and Sharon Stein, psychology.

Research expense grants were awarded to Steven Cook, geography, and Patty Derrick, English, while curriculum enhancement grants went to Monica Frolander-Ulf, anthropology; Paul Strzempka, classics; Stephen Tyson, fine arts, and David Willey, physics.

Quinby also received a $12,000 summer research grant from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and a $46,000 grant from Earthwatch.

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L. Keith Brown, professor of anthropology and former director of the Asian studies program in the University Center for International Studies, has been awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by the Japanese government. Brown, who is one of the few Westerners ever to receive the award, was chosen for his work in furthering Japanese studies and promoting academic exchange between Japan and the United States.

"The government of Japan is grateful to Professor Brown for his special commitment and extraordinary contributions to developing Japanese studies," the Japan Information Center in New York noted in announcing the award. "Professor Brown has trained many leading U.S. scholars on Japan during his more than 30 years of academic life." Gov. Tom Ridge has appointed Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Vijai Singh a member of the Mini-Grace Commission to study the management of current state government operations. The 17-member committee will report its findings to the governor and the General Assembly by Nov. 30.

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Jazz musician and professor of music Nathan Davis will be honored as a recipient of this year's Robert M. Frankel Award at City Theatre's annual benefit on June 10. The award, named after City Theatre's immediate past-president, recognizes excellence in the arts, whether as an artist or volunteer.

Davis also recently released a new CD, "I'm a Fool to Want You," on the Tomorrow International label. His book, "African-American Music in Society," was published earlier this year by Simon and Schuster.

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Ruth Carter, assistant director of Automated and Technical Services in the University Library System, has been appointed to a three-year term on the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) standards development committee.

NISO is the only group in the U.S. that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute to develop and promote technical standards for library, publishing and information services.

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George Klinzing, professor of engineering in the School of Engineering since 1966, has been appointed Vice Provost for Research, effective July 1. The vice provost for Research is a senior administrator who serves as the principal advocate for research both inside and outside the University.

Klinzing will replace Wilfried Daehnick, who is retiring from the position.

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Professor of geology Jack Donahue has been awarded the Rip Rapp Archaeological Geology Award by the Geological Society of America GSA. The award is annually given by the GSA to geologists who have made significant contributions to their field. Donahue was recognized for a lifetime of scholarly distinction in various aspects of geoarchaeology.

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Robert McCall, professor of psychology and inaugural director of Pitt's Office of Child Development, has been cited for his distinguished professional contribution to public service by the American Psychological Association. McCall was cited for his prolific research career in child development and his efforts to communicate his findings through the mass media.

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Several members of the School of Engineering faculty recently were honored with awards. The chemical engineering class of 1995 presented Taryn Bayles, visiting assistant professor, with a special recognition award in appreciation of her superior teaching and advising talents.

Another member of the department, Jack Tierney, professor emeritus, was selected by the local section of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for the McAfee Award for his many contributions to the field. Assistant professor of electrical engineering Hong-Koo Kim was honored with the 1995 Beitle-Veltri Memorial Award. The highest faculty award in the engineering school, the Beitle-Veltri award recognizes teaching excellence.

Also in the School of Engineering, Ilan Grave, assistant professor of electrical engineering, received a $5,000 Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities. He was one of 15 awardees from a pool of 156 applicants.

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On Pitt's Bradford campus, Leasa Maley was appointed manager of the Book Center; Jon Hackett was promoted to director of dining services, and Shirley Frederick to assistant director of dining services.

Ron Gigliotti, assistant director in the Office of Special Events, has been given the 1995 JCPenney Golden Rule Award, which recognizes outstanding volunteer service.

Gigliotti was recognized for his work with at-risk African-American children in the Beginning with Books/Read Together program.