On March 9, EKU alumnus Vic Hellard was posthumously awarded the Bert T. Combs Award for Excellence in Kentucky Government and Politics. The award was presented to his widow, Ellen Hellard, second from left, by Dr. Joe Gershtenson, director of EKU’s Center for Kentucky History and Politics; Judge Sara Combs; and President Glasser. Hellard served from 1977 to 1995 as director of the Legislative Research Commission.

EKU’s seventh annual Earth Days in the Cumberlands celebration throughout April includes a wide variety of educational programs and hands-on activities designed to heighten awareness about environmental issues in the Commonwealth and beyond.

Dr. David Gale, dean of EKU’s College of Health Sciences, has been selected to serve on the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association.

Gale’s appointment as program administrator representative/public member on the Commission runs from June 1, 2006, through May 31, 2009.

EKU English Professor Christine Delea has published her first full-length book of poetry, “The Skeleton Holding Up the Sky,” which placed first runner-up for the 2005 Main Street Rag Poetry Book Award.

An EKU group is working in conjunction with Lexington-based EnviroSmart to make recycling cell phones and used ink cartridges easier for Central Kentucky residents.

Residents of Telford Hall now have easier access to food and drink items. On hand for a ribbon cutting for the new convenience “store” in Telford were, from left, Larry Puscizna, Dining Service Director; Telford RA Tagan Citty; Dr. Jim Conneely, Vice President for Student Affairs; President Glasser; Steve Gallup, Senior Food Service Director; Telford RA Jessica Brewer; and Kenna Middleton, Director, University Housing.

Janna Vice, professor and associate dean of EKU’s College of Business and Technology, was honored as Outstanding Researcher at the recent Association for Business Communication Southwestern United States Conference, held in Oklahoma City.

EKU’s Writing Project will host a conference for educators about “Confronting our Classroom Challenges.”

For more than 50 years, Berea photographer Warren Brunner has skillfully documented Appalachian life.

His collection of coal mining photographs will be on display in the Grand Reading Room of the Crabbe Library March 20-April 28. Brunner will speak about “Mining Appalachia” at a reception on Thursday, April 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Grand Reading Room. The public is welcome to view the exhibit at the reception or during regular Library hours.

The reception will also include a book signing for “Missing Mountains,” which was published by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC) in 2005 in the wake of a tour of eastern Kentucky by several celebrated authors. Brunner’s photography is featured in the book.

A group of senior EKU nursing students will help facilitate a program for high school students about the dangers of impaired driving.

The EKU Concert Choir and University Singers, under the direction of Hunter Hensley, will present their first concert of the semester on Thursday, March 23, at 8 p.m.

Staff members of The Eastern Progress won both on-site deadline competitions and took home 14 other awards at the Kentucky Intercollegiate Press Association annual convention Feb. 24-25 in Lexington.

EKU’s Career Services will host its Spring Job Fair on Wednesday, March 22, in the Keen Johnson Ballroom.

Members of the EKU volleyball team checked out the official class ring collection unveiled March 7. Three free class rings were awarded during the event, which showcased rings designed by a committee of EKU students, alumni, faculty and staff in collaboration with Jostens.

EKU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program has named four students to the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.

Three students were honored at the recent Mock Trial Regional Competition hosted by Bellarmine University.

EKU sent two teams to the competition, which also included 20 other teams from schools such as Bellarmine, Centre, Western Kentucky, Sullivan, Ohio State, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama-Birmingham, the University of Cincinnati, Ohio Northern University, Union College and Middle Tennnessee State University. The EKU teams finished second and tied for eighth place.

EKU’s College of Justice & Safety will host its Career Day on April 6.

Jim Marsh, general manager for the Arlington Association, is featured in this ongoing series designed to allow EKU leaders to discuss their roles as well as campus issues. Marsh, who joined the EKU staff in December, 2003, holds a bachelor of science degree in hospitality management from Florida State University.