The world seems a much smaller place today. Many people treat a trip to another country the way our grandparents viewed a trip to the ‘big city.’ I am struck by the life of one of my former students, a Chinese physician now living in Los Angeles. His children spend the summer with their grandparents, much like many American children…except the trip is 14 hours and home is Hangzhou, China.

We live and work in an increasingly global community, and it is up to each of us to help create an environment in which every person is respected, valued, and appreciated. In CFS, we are committed to advancing diversity in the college to reflect the reality of the world in which we live.

In April, faculty and staff throughout the college explored the meaning of diversity at the first-ever “Celebrate Your Diversity” event. Sponsored by the CFS Multicultural Advisory Committee and organized by students in Juline Mills’ HTM 499 class, the event featured foods from around the world, live entertainment, and hands-on activities. The event was a huge success and a great opportunity for all of us to come together and celebrate our differences.

I invite you to visit our Web site to see more photos from the event (like those at right) and to read more about the college’s diversity initiatives.

Hail Purdue!
Dennis Savaiano
Dean

Bob and Joyce Miles have pledged $1 million from their estate to create a new fund that will help support CFS and the Center for Families. The gift, announced April 7 during the annual Felker Series, is just one among many the couple has made to CFS and the University over the years. Joyce is a 1965 graduate in CFS and Bob is a 1963 graduate in civil engineering. Read more about the couple's gift and the Center for Families.

Purdue’s Homecoming is September 22–23, and we hope you are making plans to attend. You can purchase football tickets in the CFS block online through Purdue Sports using the following instructions.

1. Click on the “Buy Tickets Online Here” box on the top of the page to access the online ticketing center.
2. Click on “Group Ticket Window” in the left toolbar.
3. Enter sign-in ID: FAMILY.
4. Enter member password: SCIENCE.
5. Once you sign in, follow the directions to purchase tickets.

This new system allows you to purchase your Homecoming tickets beginning immediately for a discounted rate of $32. Seats will probably be in the north end zone. Tickets are available in this block until August 18 or until sold out. Visit Purdue Sports to order your tickets.

Through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue and three other universities, the 2006 International Hospitality and Tourism Virtual Conference (IHTVC) will be held May 22–26. This is the third year for the conference and will feature presentations from several HTM graduate students. Visit the IHTVC Web site to register and participate in the conference.

Seniors in hospitality and tourism management are finding that industry experience and being active in their community pays off. According to HTM Professor Mick La Lopa, HTM seniors who have experience outside the classroom are getting jobs that start in the $50,000 range. Read full story.

Did you make a gift of stock to Purdue within the last six months? The University has received several recent gifts of securities for which the donor is currently unknown. If one of these stock gifts might be from you, please contact Renée Mullen, CFS director of advancement, at (800) 535-7303, (765) 494-7890, or rmullen@purdue.edu.

Child Development and Family Studies

Gail Melson, professor, will retire at the end of the 2005–06 academic year following a 33-year career at Purdue.

Consumer Sciences and Retailing

Alan Dubinsky, professor, will retire at the end of the 2005–06 academic year. He joined the faculty in 1999.

The CFS Multicultural Advisory Committee recognized Thelma Snuggs, assistant professor; Jungkun Park, assistant professor; and Rick Widdows, head and professor; for promoting diversity within CFS.

Thelma Snuggs, assistant professor, received a Service and Leadership Award from the Purdue Black Caucus. She served as the organization’s president this year.

The department and Rick Widdows, head and professor, received the Presidential Award from the Purdue Black Caucus for their efforts at promoting diversity.

CSR presented its 2005–06 departmental awards. Recipients are Bobbe Stephenson, teaching; Sharon DeVaney, research; and Alan Mehringer, service.

Jenn Zawisza, a junior in apparel design and technology, was selected as a 500 Festival Princess. She is one of 33 young women who will serve as ambassadors for this year’s 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500. Visit the 500 Festival Web site.

Foods and Nutrition

Three faculty members have been promoted to professor. They are James Fleet, Charles Santerre, and Dorothy Teegarden.

Connie Weaver, head and distinguished professor, received the 2006 Faculty Research Award from the Purdue Chapter of the Society of Sigma Xi. The award recognizes outstanding scientific research contributions.

Olivia Wood, associate professor, received the Mary L. Matthews Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching in CFS. In her 33 years at Purdue, she has won the award an unprecedented four times.

Hospitality and Tourism Management

Sheryl Kline was promoted to associate professor.

May 11: Foods and Nutrition Annual May Conference
May 13: CFS Spring Commencement
May 21: HTM Alumni & Industry Reception, Chicago
June 14–16: Home and Family Conference
September 22–23: Festive Friday and Homecoming

If you have a comment or question about a story, or if you would like to unsubscribe from CFS e-News, please contact us at cfsalums@purdue.edu. Thanks for reading!