Purdue Notebook

September 17, 2004

Appointments and promotions

– Bente Fein has been named director of development for the Department of Biology. Fein was previously director of development at the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation in Indianapolis.

– Jan Simon has been named host/producer for classical music at WBAA radio station. Simon was previously employed at XM Satellite Radio in Washington, D.C.

– Tony Vidmar has been appointed director of development for the departments of Computer Science and Physics. Vidmar was previously director of scholarship and endowment development at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho.

Campus activities

– Students may register for free weekly workshops in the Researching with Technology series. Workshops will be at the Digital Learning Collaboratory, Room B853, in the Hicks Undergraduate Library. The first workshop, which will focus on effective research strategies, is from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday (Sept. 17). The series is sponsored by Purdue Libraries. Online registration is required .

Faculty and staff honors

– Eldon Ortman, professor of entomology, will be honored Nov. 17 for his excellence in the industry during the 12th annual Entomological Foundation benefit dinner and dance. The annual dinner is one of the Entomological Foundation's largest fund-raising events and benefits foundation programs while paying tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding support and commitment to entomology. During Ortman's career his responsibilities included serving as department chair of entomology, associate director and acting director of Agriculture Research Programs, and professor of entomology with the Department of Agriculture Research Programs. His career also includes work with USDA/CSREES on pest management programs to enhance communication and interaction with the Land-Grant System and other agencies and stakeholders.

– Harland White, a member of the Purdue staff from 1945 until 1972, recently received the first Betty M. Nelson Recognition Award for Outstanding Service to Purdue Retirees. The award was established this year by the Purdue University Retirees Association to provide special recognition for individuals, departments and outside agencies that provide significant service to all Purdue retirees. Upon his retirement, White began meeting with then-Purdue President Arthur Hansen about creating an organization that would foster the bonds between the university and its retirees. The result was the President's Advisory Council on Retirees that was formed in 1975 and later became the Purdue University Retirees Association.

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