July 28, 2014

In the Spotlight

Technology's future effects on society to be discussed at Purdue summit

Will superintelligent computers hundreds of times smarter than humans help us solve difficult problems such as the causes of cancer or climate change, or will they decide we're all just raw materials they need to consume in order to expand? Will industrial robots free us from mundane and poor-paying factory jobs, or will they displace workers and trigger a world-wide depression?

These are the types of questions to be discussed at an upcoming technology summit at Purdue, "Dawn or Doom: The New Technology Explosion." The Sept. 18 event will explore whether technology is advancing faster than our ability to understand, regulate or control it, and what can be done about this situation.

Faculty and staff news

Baer to serve as interim comptroller

Linda Baer, assistant comptroller for Payroll Services, has agreed to serve as interim comptroller, effective Aug. 6.

CSSAC accepting nominations for Excellence Award

The Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee is now accepting nominations for the CSSAC Excellence Award, which recognizes clerical and service staff members who perform at outstanding levels. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Aug. 8.

Purdue to hold open house for new academic guest housing on campus

Purdue will hold an open house on Friday (Aug. 1) to highlight a new on-campus housing option for academic guests. The housing option is being offered through a joint venture between the Office of the Provost, Housing and Food Services and the Purdue Research Foundation.

Office supply exchange scheduled for Tuesday

Purdue Surplus Store will host an office supply exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday (July 29) in Stewart Center, Room 302.

This week's 'Thumbs Up' recipients

"Thumbs Up" gives faculty and staff the chance to recognize others on campus for a job well done.

* Purdue Today would like to hear about those people whose hard work and commitment contribute to the success of the University as well as make Purdue a wonderful environment within which to work. To submit an item for "Thumbs Up," click here.

General news

University launches flagship entity for global affairs

The University recently launched Purdue International Inc. (PII), a nonprofit organization that will serve as the flagship entity for Purdue's global affairs programs.

Spero Energy receives $150,000 in funding from NSF

A Purdue Research Park-based company whose one-step, patent-pending technology could improve the efficiency of alternative fuels and the production of fragrance products has received funding from the National Science Foundation.

Team USA attains three gold medals, one silver medal at International Biology Olympiad

The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) has announced that Team USA was awarded three gold medals and one silver medal at the 25th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) in Bali, Indonesia.

Summer students enjoy cookout
with President Daniels

President Mitch Daniels joins students to take a "selfie" during a cookout he hosted Thursday (July 24) at Westwood, the Purdue presidential residence. The students had participated in "Think Summer" activities. Also in attendance were Kirk Cerny, president and CEO of the Purdue Alumni Association; Frank Dooley, associate vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs; Julie Griffith, vice president for public affairs; William E. Sullivan, chief financial officer and treasurer; Debasish "Deba" Dutta, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost; and Gerry McCartney, CIO, vice president for information technology, and Oesterle Professor of Information Technology.

People

Appointments, honors and activities

Appointments and promotions, faculty and staff honors, alumni honors, student honors, and rankings.

Purdue team advances to American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics national student paper conference

For the second consecutive year, a Purdue team has won the team division of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Region III student research paper conference.

Family Promise of Greater Lafayette wins Purdue award

Family Promise of Greater Lafayette has received the 13th annual Inspiring Families and Building Communities Award.

Purdue sports

Single-game football tickets on sale

The Purdue Athletics Ticket Office has announced that single-game football tickets are now on sale as well as a number of special ticket deals for selected home games.

Fall football camp dates announced

Boilermaker fans are encouraged to check out Purdue football's preseason camp practices, which begin Aug. 4.

Former Boilermaker greats to sign autographs after alumni game

Purdue basketball fans will have the opportunity Saturday (Aug. 2) to obtain their favorite Boilermakers' autographs at an autograph session following the Alumni Game. The session will take place around the Mackey Arena concourse.

For more information on Purdue sports, go to www.purduesports.com.

Events

• This week's events
• Events for the next four weeks
• Ongoing series and opportunities
• Deadlines for faculty and staff

• Retirement reception to be held for PUFD's Diana Hardy
  
• Indy International Wine Competition at Purdue July 30-Aug. 1
  
• Science on Tap talk will delve into the mystery behind menstruation
  
• Mothers, daughters invited to learn about engineering
  
• Open house set for new IU Health Lifeline crew quarters at Purdue Airport
  

Sites of Interest

• Purdue Newsroom
• Momentum Makers
• 5 Students Who ...

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