Once again, our politicians have made the wrong move and sent the wrong message. Last Wednesday, Senate Bill 81 went into effect, creating what some have described as fear and confusion. There are three main downfalls to this bill. 1) Sheriffs can (and likely will) begin to act like immigration agents.
On June 28, Honduras was embroiled in a political crisis, specifically a – thus far – successful coup by the military, supported by both the judicial and the legislative branches of government. Progressive center-left President Manuel Zelaya was arrested and sent into exile by the military as a result of Zelaya’s attempt to push through a non-binding resolution calling for a referendum that would allow the constitution to be amended.
On July 10, Michael Pratt, the principal of the LDS seminary at Lone Peak High School was arrested by police. Pratt, who is married with three children, had alleged sexual relations with a 16-year old student. A Facebook group called “Pray for Brother Pratt,” boldly displaying the famous painting of Jesus cradling a lamb, was launched within hours of his arrest and features more than 350 members and 129 posts to the group’s wall.
Imagine seeing this advertisement in your local classified ads: “You know what you can get for $10,000? The best sales training money can buy! That’s right folks: just a few blocks north of BYU you and all your 19 to 26 year-old friends can sign up for the most glorious and profitable experience of your life – a mission for the LDS Church.
Six Ukrainian students from the Medical University of Bukovyna had the opportunity to observe U.S. medical practices for two weeks beginning July 6 through UVU’s nursing exchange program. Gary Measom, an associate professor in the nursing department, and Mina Wayman associate professor of nursing and chair of the Ukraine program at UVU, started the nursing exchange program two years ago at the suggestion of the mayor’s office of Salt Lake City The four medical students, one nursing student and one medical technology student were able to shadow medical professionals at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.
Whatever you may say about UVU students enrolled in the trade, technical, and skilled service professional programs, they’ve proved again that they are not to be messed with. UVU students recently returned home from the 45th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Mo.
Bruce L. Christensen and David P. Yells have been selected as deans for the 2009-2010 academic year. When UVU attained University status the School of Humanities and the school of Arts and Social Sciences split into two distinct Academic bodies. Bruce Christensen has accepted a one-year appointment as Interim Dean of the School of the Arts and will bring a wealth of experience as he spent seven years as dean of Brigham Young University’s College of Fine Arts.
James H. Davis, Ph.D., visited the school July 6-9 to collaborate on a business ethics research project and to assist in developing strategic objectives for the University’s Entrepreneurship Institute. Davis is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame where he teaches courses in strategic planning, change management, entrepreneurship and international management.
Director of the Center for Engaged Learning, Dr. Jack Christianson, is taking on additional responsibilities as he enters his new role of Special Assistant to the President of Engaged Learning, effective July 20. This new position will see his former responsibilities sustained and intensified with emphasis put on the development of new institutional strategies and external alliances.
UVU sociology major Aaron Wood has recently returned from a two-week delegation to Israel and Palestine during which he spoke with both Israelis and Palestinians regarding the ongoing conflict. The delegation, co-sponsored by Interfaith Peace-Builders (IFPB) and the National Peace Foundation (NPF), gave 16 American students the opportunity to travel through the conflict zone during President Obama’s visit to discuss the halt of illegal Israeli settlement and the reintroduction of peace negotiations.
