The Board of Regents will hold a public forum on the University Budget on June 17, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. The forum is open to individuals who wish to address the Board regarding the fiscal year 2010 budget for the University of Minnesota. For more information and details on how to sign-up, call the Board Office at (612) 625-6300 or visit the Board of Regents web site.

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance will host "Will Obama's Strategies Pay Off?" on Thursday, June 4, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. in the Humphrey Forum. President Obama is pursuing high risk domestic and national security policies. What are the possible consequences for American policy and politics? Humphrey Institute Senior Fellow Vin Weber, a former Member of Congress and leading national figure in the Republican Party, will discuss the new policies of the Obama Administration with Larry Jacobs, political scientist and director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. This event is free and open to the public.

The goal of this innovative, research-backed 10-month pilot project is to improve the health and projected life expectancy of people of all ages who live and work in the city of Albert Lea, Minnesota. Instead of focusing on a diet and exercise program, the project encourages the best practices of the world's longest-lived populations with strategies such as making it easier to get around on foot or by bicycle; encouraging the development of social networks; and providing healthier fast-food options, among others.

Please wish Lorna well in this new endeavor.

Join members of the Big Bang Book Club for a discussion of Rock, Paper Scissors: Game Theory in Everyday Life on Tuesday, May 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Grumpy's, 1111 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis. Game Theory in Everyday Life is a review of game theory and the math and logic behind conflict resolution. It's a bright, readable exploration of everyday situations as seen through the lens of science. All are welcome to listen and take part in this discussion of the implications of game theory.

The Big Bang Book Club is a monthly book club for non-scientists that relishes in folding arts and science into a heady brew. This event is sponsored by the Center for Science, Technology, and Public Policy; Magers and Quinn Booksellers; Secrets of the City; and Grumpy's.

May 27 | Election Technology Preview
10 a.m.–6 p.m., Humphrey Forum

What role does technology play in guaranteeing accurate and secure elections? How does technology influence ballot design? What are the latest developments in election technology? To learn more about the connection between technology and elections, please join us at the Election Technology Preview open house on Wednesday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Humphrey Forum. This hands-on event will allow visitors to try out the newest election technology systems, speak with vendor representatives, and provide feedback on voting machines. This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. Cosponsors are Common Cause Minnesota, Minnesota League of Women Voters, and Citizens for Election Integrity.

This is event is funded by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. No money was accepted from vendors.

Weber served in Congress from 1981 to 1993, representing Minnesota’s Second Congressional District. He currently is a managing partner for the Washington, D.C. office of Clark and Weinstock, a consulting firm providing strategic advice to businesses interested in the policy-making process of the legislative and executive government branches. He is actively involved in the Humphrey Institute Policy Fellows program and chairs the National Endowment for Democracy, a private, nonprofit organization created in 1983 to strengthen democratic institutions abroad. Weber also serves on the newly formed National Commission on Public Service, charged with improving performance and management in government agencies.

Positive feedback includes:
-"Excellent. Curious. Competent. Professional! A model 'support' unit that helps us achieve our mission across many dimensions. Exception."
-"Compstaff provides the level of service we need and does it with a smile and with enthusiasm."
-"Over the last couple of years, there has been major improvement in customer service attitude and quick response time. Thanks!"

Kudos to Will Bear, IT manager, and the entire IT team!

The Norway Peace Initiative and The Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights – U.S. Foundation present "Dialogue for Peace: Bridging Our Differences" on Tuesday, May 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium. Humphrey Institute Dean Brian Atwood will moderate a discussion with a distinguished panel of guests. Panelists include Ambassador Rolf Willy Hansen, former Consul General in Minneapolis and Norway's Ambassador to Syria; Imam Senaid Kobilica, president of the Islamic Council in Norway; Ms. Ingrid Vik, senior advisor, Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights; and Dr. Abdi Samatar, professor of geography and global studies, University of Minnesota. Also participating in the program are Carol Engebretson Byrne, president of the Minnesota International Center, and Janet Dolan, founder of the Norway House Minnesota Peace Initiative and a board member of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights – U.S. Foundation.

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reservations are required at www.norwayhouse.net. This event is co-sponsored by the Humphrey Institute and Minnesota International Center.

May 20 | Women and Politics Book Group
5 p.m., Freeman Commons

The Women and Politics Book Group, an initiative of the Humphrey Institute's Center on Women and Public Policy, will discuss Pauli Murray: The Autobiography of a Black Activist, Feminist, Lawyer, Priest, and Poet, written by Pauli Murray, on Wednesday, May 20, at 5 p.m. in Freeman Commons (205 Humphrey Center). All are welcome to attend. Click here for more information.

May 21 | Retirement party for Ann Markusen
3–4:30 p.m., Freeman Commons

Humphrey Institute faculty and staff members are invited to a reception in honor of Ann Markusen on the occasion of her retirement on Thursday, May 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Freeman Commons (205 Humphrey Center). During her tenure at the Institute, Ann has conducted research on economic development at the local, state, national, and international levels. She applied an innovative approach to studying the structure and conduct of such industries as the high-technology, steel, and defense sectors. Her research led to a better understanding of regional conditions and the prospects for job creation, income growth, and stability. Ann's most recent work has involved workers as decision makers and the effects of human capital on sustaining regional development. Using artists as a case study, she explored the special economic contributions of cultural industries, nonprofits, and community groups, documenting the creative economy’s role in local economic vitality. Please join us in congratulating Ann and wishing her well.

Sally's position at Tulane University will be as executive director of the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College Institute. Beginning January 1, 2010, she will hold the Newcomb College Endowed Chair and be a full faculty member in the Department of Political Science. The H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College was the first degree-granting college for women to be founded within a university in the United States.

We wish Sally the very best in this next phase of her career.