July 6, 2000/ Volume 20, Number 1
News Bureau | Calendar | II Info | II Archives
- No simple story behind American Indian on new dollar coin
- The United States has a new dollar coin, and a hip George Washington is making the pitch for it on television. But at least as intriguing as the dancing, snorkeling George is the choice of Sacajawea, a Lemhi Shoshone Indian, to grace the coin itself -- and how she has been "packaged for consumption" over more than a century, says UI education professor Wanda Pillow.
- Book traces evolution of piano from home to pub and concert hall
- These days if you want to listen to music, multiple options exist -- many at the touch of a button or two. You can turn on your radio, stereo or television; you can download music files on the Internet; or you can head down to the local music club or concert hall for a live-music fix. "But not so long ago, to hear music, you had to produce it yourself -- or get close to someone who did," says UI musicologist Stephen Zank.
Faculty/Staff Golf Classic is July 19 ... Computer workshops for kids ... P.O.V.' preview, taping of comments
The United States has a new dollar coin, and a hip George Washington is making the pitch for it on television.
But at least as intriguing as the dancing, snorkeling George is the choice of Sacajawea, a Lemhi Shoshone Indian, to grace the coin itself -- and how she has been "packaged for consumption" over more than a century, says UI education professor Wanda Pillow.
Sacajawea was the only woman and only Indian on the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-06 and has become probably the most famous member of the party besides Lewis and Clark. In fact, there are more U.S. statues dedicated to Sacajawea than to any other woman, Pillow noted.
One reason, she believes, is a symbolic value that goes beyond the role Sacajawea likely played. Starting around 1900, with the Indian wars over and the expedition centennial approaching, it became popular to portray Sacajawea as an "Indian maiden" who guided white men west, thereby aiding the cause of Manifest Destiny, Pillow said. "She was held up during the early 1900s as an enlightened figure, as someone who knew it was right to help open up Indian country to European-American settlement." One 1904 book even suggested a romance between Sacajawea and Clark.
The Suffragettes also saw her as a useful role model for women's equality. "Not only did she walk the trail with Lewis and Clark, but she did it with a baby on her back," Pillow said. Suffragette leader Susan B. Anthony, featured on the previous dollar coin, praised Sacajawea's "patriotic deeds."
In recent decades, Sacajawea no longer is portrayed as guiding the expedition, and most historians now discount that role, Pillow said. Now, however, in classrooms and popular history, Sacajawea and a black slave in the party named York serve the traditional notion of Manifest Destiny as important figures in a new multicultural version of the story, Pillow said. It's a repackaging of the story that still holds onto traditional and often misleading assumptions.
Pillow became fascinated with Sacajawea [spelled Sacagawea by the U.S. Mint and others] after seeing a public television documentary and reading several new books on the expedition. "I wanted to know how is it that she's captured our attention for so long when we know so little about her," she said.
Lewis and Clark mention her less than 70 times in daily journals over two years, Pillow noted, and most references are to gathering food or basic chores. She joined the expedition as a slave "wife" to a fur trader hired by Lewis and Clark. "While Clark's dog is listed on some of the expedition rosters, Sacajawea and York never are," Pillow said. As an Indian woman and a black slave, their status didn't change after the expedition, "nor did it change for their people for a very long time after that."
Pillow hopes the new coin will be used by educators to draw attention to complex issues, like United States-Indian relations, both past and present. She's concerned, however, that Sacajawea will still be seen in the "simple, romantic way" that Indians have been for more than a century.
These days if you want to listen to music, multiple options exist -- many at the touch of a button or two. You can turn on your radio, stereo or television; you can download music files on the Internet; or you can head down to the local music club or concert hall for a live-music fix.
"But not so long ago, to hear music, you had to produce it yourself -- or get close to someone who did," says UI musicologist Stephen Zank. And for much of the American middle class, the instrument of choice -- hands down -- was the piano. "Nearly everybody in America, allowing for our unfortunate distinctions in class, race or ethnicity, took piano lessons or knew someone who did," said Zank, one of 15 authors who contributed to the new book "Piano Roles: Three Hundred Years of Life With the Piano" (Yale University Press). In "Piano Roles," Zank relates the history of "The Piano in the Concert Hall."
Contrary to what people might expect, he said, piano concerts of the 18th and 19th centuries were actually very distant cousins to today's formal concert-hall events. In fact, the solo recital as we know it today didn't actually catch on until around the middle of the 19th century in Europe. Before that, programs of public performances featuring piano music consisted primarily of chamber music that included singers and other instrumentalists.
The early piano and its forerunners, Zank said, were designed for a variety of more intimate settings, including the home. By the late 17th century in London, the instrument could be found in public spaces as well -- most notably, as standard operating equipment for "public pub" concerts. The venue remained popular for quite some time, as evidenced by a 1765 advertisement for a "concert" by the Mozart children at the Swan and Hoope Tavern. Zank said the shows had a circuslike flavor and included stunts such as four-hand playing and "Papa Mozart's famous trick of placing a handkerchief so that his children could not see their hands as they played."
Not long after that, concerts by Bach, Haydn and others drew large enough crowds among more elite audiences to justify the construction of so-called "great rooms." Another popular venue of the day throughout the continent was the piano manufacturer's showroom. Zank said American piano makers copied the model and expanded on it in the 19th century, with Steinway and others opening substantial venues in New York in the 1860s and '70s.
Clearly one of the most popular and accessible instruments of the past three centuries, the piano does appear to be in somewhat of a decline -- or at the very least, in an evolutionary stage, Zank said. "Piano sales are down, although electronic keyboard sales are up. It's hard to know if we're coming quickly or abruptly -- or more slowly in a more dignified fashion -- to the end of the piano as an instrument of great cultural significance. It's difficult to imagine it will have the same roles in the 21st century that it had in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. But that in itself is quite fascinating, no?"
All workshops are in the Computing Applications Building. To register, contact Sue Gire before July 21 at 333-0378 or sgire@ncsa.uiuc.edu.
The public is invited to attend a screening of the documentary, "Live Free or Die," at 6:30 p.m. July 11, and then to react on camera to the film. Tapes of video letters will be sent to "P.O.V.," which will air some of them with the Sept. 26 national broadcast of the documentary.
Reservations are required for the screening and taping in the WILL-TV studios. To reserve a seat, contact Kate Dobrovolny at 244-5076 or kdobrov@illinois.edu.
The title of the documentary, "Live Free or Die," plays off the state motto in New Hampshire, where a local doctor's practice attracts anti-abortion protesters. The doctor also teaches a well-regarded sex-education class at the town's middle school. The film by Marion Lipschutz and Rose Rosenblatt shows how one doctor's actions test the values of an entire community.
The Office of Academic Human Resources, Suite 420, 807 S. Wright St., maintains listings for faculty positions. More complete descriptions are available in that office during regular business hours. The Employment Center lists the academic professional positions available on all UI campuses at www.uihr.uillinois.edu/jobs. Faculty job opportunity information is updated weekly and can be found on the AHR Web site at: http://webster.uihr.uiuc.edu/ahr/jobs/index.asp.
faculty
Agricultural and Consumer Economics. Professor and head. PhD in agricultural or consumer economics or a closely related field, with strong background in research, resident instruction or outreach education as well as demonstrated administrative skills. Available: Jan. 21. Contact Linda Pein, 244-2285, l-pein@illinois.edu. Closing date: Oct. 15.
Business Administration. Assistant, associate or full professor. PhD or DBA required. Preference given to individuals with research and teaching, experience and interest in business-to-business marketing, consumer behavior, supply chain management, marketing strategy and marketing research. Available: August 2001. Contact Bill Qualls, 265-0794 or wqualls@illinois.edu. Closing date: Nov. 15.
Business Administration. Assistant, associate or full professor (one or more positions). PhD or DBA required. Preference for at least one position will be given to individual with research and teaching experience and interests in competitive strategy, technology, innovation or entrepreneurship. Available: August 2001. Contact Joseph Mahoney, 244-8257. Closing date: Nov. 10.
Labor and Industrial Relations. Associate or full professor. PhD required in an appropriate social science discipline or professional area of study, and track record of substantial research and teaching accomplishments that warrants a tenure appointment at the UI. Available: August 2001. Contact Joe Martocchio, 244-4098 or martocch@illinois.edu. Closing date: Nov. 1.
Labor and Industrial Relations. Assistant professor. PhD required in an appropriate social science discipline or professional area of study. Applicants with experience should have a strong track record of research and teaching accomplishments. ABDs should demonstrate strong potential for conducting exemplary research and teaching. Available: August 2001. Contact Joe Martocchio, 244-4098 or martocch@illinois.edu. Closing date: Nov. 1.
Veterinary Bioscience. Assistant professor. Applicant must have DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited institution as well as PhD degree, as well as have demonstrated success in pharmacological research. Specialty board certification in the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology helpful. Available: Nov. 1. Contact Gary Koritz, 333-7981. Closing date: Sept. 1.
academic professional
Admissions and Records. Assistant to the director. Bachelor's degree required, plus 1 year's relevant experience. Master's degree and three years' relevant experience preferred. Valid driver's license required. Available: Aug. 14. Contact Page Melchi, 333-0302. Closing date: July 17.
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Assistant dean for administration. Master's degree and five years' relevant experience is required. Demonstrated leadership in financial and human resource management. Excellent communication, problem-solving and negotiating skills are required. Familiarity with the teaching, research and public service missions of a land grant university is preferred. Available: immediately. Contact Linda Pein, 244-2285 or l-pein@illinois.edu. Closing date: Sept. 1.
Anthropology/ITARP. Cultural resource archaeologist. Master's degree is required plus several years' relevant field experience, scientific and technical knowledge and a familiarity with Eastern Woodlands archaeology (Bachelor's level training will be considered with sufficient experience). Available: Sept. 1. Contact Janice Pankey, 244-4244. Closing date: July 15.
Broadcasting, Division of (WILL -AM-FM-TV). Coordinator, educational outreach. Bachelor's degree required with specialization in education, preferably early childhood, and two years' successful professional teaching experience required. Must have an Illinois driver's license and be able to work irregular hours. Experience in personal computers, including word processing, database, spreadsheet and Web content is desired. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Valerie Gadbury, 333-1070. Closing date: July 17.
Cell and Structural Biology. Research specialist in life sciences. Bachelor's degree in science required; applicants with advanced degrees will be given preference. Significant laboratory experience in molecular biology is essential. Experience in cloning large DNA fragments, animal tissue cultures or Drosophila molecular genetics are valuable. Available: immediately after closing date. Contact Joyce Woodworth, 244-6638. Closing date: July 30.
Chemistry. Computer assisted design specialist. Bachelor's degree required, plus knowledge and experience in the following areas are desirable: general and beginning organic chemistry and online course-management systems. Candidate also should have classroom teaching experience. Available: immediately. Contact Steven Zimmerman, 333-5071. Closing date: July 14.
Committee on Institutional Cooperation. Program administrator (learning and information technology). Bachelor's degree required. Experience in managing multi-faceted activities with many participants. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Merri Beth Lavagnino, 265-8006, mbl@cic.uiuc.edu . Closing date: July 24.
Continuing Education. Program coordinator. Bachelor's degree required. Understanding of urban and rural environmental issues, aptitude for research. Available: Aug. 1. Contact Fran Bell, 333-1462, frivera@illinois.edu Closing date: June 26.
Council on Teacher Education. Executive director. Applicants must have a doctorate in education or a related field, prior public or private school teaching experience and excellent oral and written communication skills. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Search Committee, 333-0963, ctesearch@mail.ed.uiuc.edu. Closing date: Aug. 1.
Crop Sciences. Research specialist in life sciences (tissue culture). Master's degree required, PhD preferred in genetics, plant physiology or related field with experience in tissue culture (embryo rescue) investigations. Available: Sept. 1. Contact Theodore Hymowitz, 333-9454 or soyui@illinois.edu. Closing date: Aug. 15.
Education. Assistant/associate dean for academic affairs. MBA or doctorate required in education (or a related field) and a history of success in setting and implementing academic policy. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Search Committee, 333-0963 or dean-search@mail.ed.uiuc.edu. Closing date: July 20.
English. Academic adviser. Master's degree in English, rhetoric or related field. Previous experience in advising student services, counseling, and related activities in a college or university setting is desirable. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Joan Maiden, 333-4321, maiden@illinois.edu. Closing date: July 15.
Extension, UI (state 4-H Office). Extension specialist/4-H youth development. PhD preferred. Master's degree required in education or a discipline related to human resource development. Experience conducting youth development education programs. Evidence of creativity and innovation in designing and implementing effective education programs for youth and adults in non-formal settings. Available: September 2000. Contact Judy Wilson, 333-9288, or wilsonj@mail. aces.uiuc.edu. Closing date: Aug. 6.
Fine and Applied Arts. Associate director, Krannert Art Museum. A bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. An applicant's credentials may be from a variety or combination of fields, and should reflect the particular strengths that the candidate would bring to the position. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Edward Sullivan, 333-1660 or rewilcox@illinois.edu. Closing date: July 24.
Foundation, UI. Regional director of development. Bachelor's degree required. Two to four years' experience in fund raising or the equivalent, preferably in higher education. A track record of successful major gift solicitations; and a commitment to collegial development work. Knowledge of capital campaigns and planned giving is a plus. Available: immediately after closing date. Contact Ron Herman, 244-0471 or hr@uif.uillinois.edu. Closing date: July 31.
Housing Division. Computer network administration specialist. Bachelor's degree required, plus three years' experience as network administrator using Microsoft NT. Available: Sept. 21. Contact Barbara Harned, 244-8490 or b-harned@illinois.edu. Closing date: Aug. 9.
Housing Division. Application development specialist. Bachelor's degree required in information systems, computer science, business or other related field, plus 3 years' experience in database design, strong working knowledge of Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Visual FoxPro. Knowledge of database-driven Web development would be a plus. Available: Sept. 21. Contact Barbara Harned, 244-8490 or b-harned@illinois.edu. Closing date: Aug. 9.
Illinois Library Computer Systems Office. Specialist, library systems applications support. Bachelor's degree required in computer science, information systems or a related field. two years' relevant experience and demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional growth. Experience in supporting a large online system involving either the DRA Classic intergraded library system or a relational database in Unix environment. Available: immediately. Contact Cheryl Brown, 333-9871. Closing date: Aug. 10.
Life Sciences. Academic adviser. Master's degree required and one year's experience or an equivalent combination of education (minimum of bachelor's degree) and experience. Demonstrated knowledge of and an interest in biology preferred. Training or demonstrated experience in advising, counseling or a related field in a college or university setting is preferred. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Academic adviser search committee, 333-6774. Closing date: July 7.
Microelectronics. Research engineer. Bachelor's degree required in an engineering field. Experience working with semiconductor device fabrication and processes is required. Candidate should have at least a rudimentary understanding of electrical and mechanical schematics and should be skilled at diagnosing and repairing electromechanical systems and instrumentation. Available: immediately. Contact Molly Tracy, 333-9699 or tracy@ece.uiuc.edu. Closing date: July 21.
Psychology. Research specialist in life sciences. Bachelor's degree in psychology, biology or related field required. Must have at least two years experience with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, genomic DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, and standard molecular biological techniques (e.g., Southern blotting). Available: immediately. Contact Barbara Hartman, 333-0630, blhartma@illinois.edu. Closing date: extended to July 14.
Special Education. Visiting specialist in education. Master's degree preferred in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education or related field (bachelor's degree required in these or related field). Experience working with Head Start. Sensitivity to and expertise in working with multi-cultural diversity. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Dawn Thomas, (800) 451-7927. Closing date: July 21.
Study Abroad, Office of. Coordinator of international projects. Bachelor's degree, proficiency in Spanish, experience working in or studying in Latin American and/or Spain and administrative experience in an educational institution required. Master's degree in an international and/or administrative field, knowledge of foreign university systems, clerical and computer skills, ability to understand and manage program budgets and proficiency in one or more foreign language(s) preferred. Available: July 14. Contact Nancy Wilson, 333-8307. Extended closing date: July 6.
Study Abroad, Office of. Coordinator of international projects. Bachelor's degree required with significant experience working or studying in the United Kingdom and Ireland and administrative experience in an educational institution. Available: July/August 2000. Contact Nancy Wilson, 333-8307. Closing date: July 6.
Supercomputing Applications, National Center for. System engineer. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field; equivalent experience and/or training may be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to current NCSA technologies. Two years' relevant experience. Experience with networked environments and a wide variety of software and hardware. Training in the management and support of individual technologies such as UNIX system administration. In particular, Linux and Windows 2000 systems are widely employed. Available: Aug. 21. Contact NCSA Human Resources, Search #6909-0003, 333-6085, career@ncsa.uiuc.edu. Closing date: July 21.
UI Online. Computer-assisted instruction specialist. Bachelor's degree with at least two years' experience in instructional technology or instructional design. Available immediately. Contact Iris Stovall, 244-5479 or istovall@uillinois.edu. Closing date: July 17.
Honors, awards, offices and other outstanding achievements of faculty and staff members
agricultural, consumer and environmental sciences
John W. Dudley, professor of plant genetics in the department of crop sciences, received the National Award for Agricultural Excellence from the National Agri-Marketing Association. Dudley's contributions to the science of corn breeding and genetics are manifested not only in publications and improved germplasm, but also in presentation of research through outreach and the education of researchers in plant genetics, breeding and pathology. The award honors individuals who have made agricultural advancements of lifetime historical noteworthiness and significance.
Nicholas J. Smith-Sebasto, professor of environmental education in the department of natural resources and environmental sciences, will appear in the October edition of "Who's Who Among America's Teachers." Teachers must be nominated by one or more of their current or former students to be honored. These students must be listed in "Who's Who Among American High School Students" or on the National Dean's List. These students only are allowed to nominate one exceptional teacher from their entire academic experience who has been most influential during their academic career. Only 2.5 percent of all college faculty members in the nation are honored in this way.
broadcasting
WILL-AM (580) reporters won five awards in the 1999 Illinois and Indiana Associated Press contests for broadcast news.
In the Illinois competition, WILL-AM reporter Dave Dickey won the "Best Documentary" and "Best Investigative Report" for his seven-part series about the economics of UI athletics.
WILL-AM "Legal Issues in the News" commentator Amy Gajda won "Best Editorial/Commentary" for her piece on white supremacist Matt Hale.
WILL-AM reporter Cheryl Uitti won second place for "Best Newswriting" based on a group of news stories submitted.
In the Indiana contest, Dickey was awarded an honorable mention for "Best Sports Reporting" for his series on the economics of UI athletics.
Dickey's winning series and Gajda's winning commentary can be heard via RealAudio on the WILL-AM-FM-TV Web site at www.will.uiuc.edu/.
education
University Primary School recently was granted accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This recognition has been achieved by approximately 7 percent of early childhood programs nationwide.
NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process by which early childhood programs demonstrate that they meet national standards of excellence. Child-care centers, preschools, kindergartens and before- and after-school programs are eligible to seek accreditation. It is valid for three years.
liberal arts and sciences
Richard Braatz, professor of chemistry, received the 2000 Donald P. Eckman Award. Given by the American Automatic Control Council, the Eckman award is presented to the engineer younger than 35 who shows the most promise and who has made significant contributions to the field of automatic controls. The award follows Braatz's selection to the editorial board of the Journal of Process Control.
Stephen Hartnett, professor of speech communication, has been awarded a $4,000 National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Fellowship to support work at the New York Historical Society, the New York Public Library Rare Books Room, The Morgan Library and the Museum of the City of New York. His project is titled "Executing Democracy: The Rhetoric of Crime, Justice and Capital Punishment in Antebellum New York."
Neil L. Kelleher, professor of chemistry, received one of six New Investigator Awards from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund for research in basic pharmacological sciences. Made as part of BWF's 2000 award series, the awards each provide $210,000 during a period of three years and will begin July 1. The fund is an independent private foundation dedicated to advancing the medical sciences by supporting research and other scientific and educational activities. BWF's emphasis is on the career development of biomedical scientists and on advancing areas in the basic medical sciences that are underfunded or have a shortage of qualified researchers.
Jonathan V. Sweedler, professor of chemistry and of bioengineering and in the Beckman Institute, received Indiana University's inaugural Gill Prize established to recognize a particularly noteworthy achievement in the fields of instrumentation and measurement science. Sweedler is internationally recognized for work on the analysis of ultra-small samples using the techniques of capillary electrophoresis, NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
-- INTERVIEW BY BECKY MABRY
JOB: Bill Fisher manages the three UI Animal Sciences swine farms, which produce about 10,500 hogs a year and employ 10 full-time employees and about 10 part-time students. Fisher grew up on a 1,000-acre ranch near Nowata, Okla., and earned a bachelor's degree at Oklahoma State University. He came to the UI for a master's degree in swine production in 1974. After finishing his graduate study he worked in private industry and in 1988 was hired by the UI. He and his wife, Connie, live on a UI farm south of Champaign and have three children, Rachel, 20, Frank, 17, and Stuart, 12. Connie is a librarian at the Champaign library. They keep a horse in a local stable.
The Moorman Swine Farm originated as a breeding farm for more traditional breeding research, but also in conjunction with ag engineering there is a lot of building research there. We've tried lots of different building styles and types, equipment and also done a lot of management research -- different ways of handling the animals.
And the Imported Swine Research Laboratory is dedicated to more of the biotech genetic work with swine. Developing transgenic lines and that kind of thing.
So we've hung our title on "the other white meat" for a good reason.
Martha Orr Friedman, 72, died June 21. Friedman was an associate professor at the UI and served as the history and philosophy librarian for 34 years. She also was the curator of the library's Lincoln Room. Memorials: Champaign County Humane Society or a fund to be established in her memory to support the UI's Lincoln Room.
Delitha F. "Dee" Feltz, 79, died June 20 at her home in Sullivan. Feltz was a secretary for the department of mechanical and industrial engineering from 1972 until she retired in 1980. Memorials: Moultrie County Senior Center.
William Dewey Green, 96, died June 22 at the Carle Arbours, Savoy. Green was an assistant chief accountant in the Accounting Division. He retired in 1964 after 20 years of service. Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church, Champaign.
Vernon L. Harris, 90, died June 29 at the Urbana Nursing Home. Harris was employed by the UI department of horticulture for 32 years. He also was in charge of ushering at the UI Assembly Hall and at Memorial Stadium.
Paul Guy Jones, 89, died June 21 at his Champaign home. Jones was a professor emeritus of theoretical and applied mechanics. He joined the UI faculty in 1937 and retired in 1973. Memorials: American Diabetes Association or the American Lung Association.
Bruce Delmar Nesbitt, 67, died June 20 at ManorCare Health Services in Urbana. Nesbitt first came to work at the UI in 1970 as a program director in the Housing Division. In 1973, he became the first director of the Afro-American Cultural Programs Office and stayed at the UI until 1997. Memorials: Bruce Nesbitt Scholarship Fund at the UI.
Albert H. Scheven, 87, died June 20 at his Champaign home. Scheven taught African languages at the UI from 1972 to 1984. Memorials: St. Jude's Catholic Worker House, Champaign, or Champaign Greater Community AIDS Project.
Sandy Lynn Seehusen, 36, died June 30 at her home in Champaign. Seehusen was a senior research programmer at the UI's Computing and Communications Services Office. Memorials: American Cancer Society or the Carle Hospice.
Robert R. Tucker, 68, died June 9 at his home in Chattanooga, Tenn. Tucker was employed by the UI for 31 years. He worked at Personnel Services, the Division of Operation and Maintenance and was a supervisor of Residential Custodial Operations in Housing when he left.