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September 15, 2000 JOURNALISTS: Here are two story ideas and select events from the Purdue News Service. To arrange interviews or campus visits, contact Jesica Webb, (765) 494-2079 or page her, (765) 743-4333-4117. Researcher sees benefits of Pork Checkoff Next week, (9/19-21) pork producers around the country are voting yes or no on the future of the Pork Checkoff, a program funded through the sale of hogs. The program supports pork research and has produced the widely recognized "Other White Meat" advertising campaign. Jeff Armstrong, head of the Purdue Department of Animal Sciences, knows the benefits of the Pork Checkoff. His research, which has focused on swine reproduction and ways producers can raise more animals more economically, is among research efforts funded by the program. He says Pork Checkoff funds have helped lead to advances in leaner pork and environmentally friendly hog farms. Among Purdue projects currently funded by the Pork Checkoff are studies in swine nutrition, meat quality and odor solutions. Anyone who has sold one or more hogs in the past year can vote on the program in person at any local Farm Service Agency office. CONTACT: Jeff Armstrong, (765) 494-4808. Sculpture to be unveiled at Purdue's vet school Journalists are invited to attend the dedication and unveiling of "Continuum," a new artistic landmark on the Purdue campus depicting the enduring relationship between humans and animals. At nearly 45 feet long and 9 feet tall at its highest point, the sculpture is a dramatic, interactive symbol of the school's mission to teach, research and practice the highest level of animal care. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 in front of Lynn Hall, located on the corner of Harrison and Marsteller Streets. "Continuum" begins with prehistoric cave drawings and progresses to show life-size animals of today and the ways in which the human-animal bond is nurtured by veterinary practice. The dedication ceremony will feature remarks from Purdue President Martin C. Jischke, artist Larry Anderson of Bonney Lake, Wash., and a special presentation honoring President Emeritus Steven C. Beering. Two of the models for the human figures in the sculpture will unveil their likenesses. Dr. Alan Beck, director of Purdue's Center for the Human Animal Bond, says our society has greatly elevated the level of respect for animals and their role as human companions. "It is very appropriate to demonstrate our appreciation of the value of the human animal bond through this new and dramatic piece of public art." CONTACT: Kevin Doerr, (765) 494-8216; Dr. Alan Beck, (765) 494-0854. Events • Tuesday, Sept. 19. 7 p.m.   Black Cultural Center's Cultural Arts Series: Play titled "Chocolate on the Outside." Fowler Hall, Stewart Center. Four African-American co-workers who set out for a team-building workshop retreat in the snow blown Appalachian Mountains, where they explore intraracial issues that afflict many African-Americans. CONTACT: Renee Thomas, BCC director, (765) 494-3091, rathomas@hfs.purdue.edu • Tuesday, Sept. 26.   The Harold L. Michael Traffic Operations Laboratory will be dedicated during a brief ceremony at 11:45 a.m. on Sept. 26 in Room 1113 of the Civil Engineering Building. Designed to educate new civil engineers in the field of intelligent transportation systems, the laboratory is the first of its kind in Indiana. Cristine Klika, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Transportation, will speak at the dedication ceremony. CONTACT: Karen Hatke, (765) 494-9310, kshatke@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page