Alcalá View 1990 6.5

Alcal&View UNIVERSITYOF SANDIEGO

Fungi way of life for Sr. Shaffer By Jacqueline Genovese To the average person, a fungus is a pesky, disgusting thing that grows on food that has been in the ·refrigerator too long. But fungi hold a special place in the heart ofUSD chemistry Professor Sr. Pat Shaffer. The 30-year veteran of Alcala Park believes certain fungi contain a genetic secret that could assist in the medical battle against leukemia and lymphoma. The National Science Foundation recently awarded Sr. Shaffer a $200,000 three-year research grant to help her discover that secret. The grant, which is the largest in- dividual research grant ever awarded to the College of Arts and Sciences, will allow the Los Angeles native to isolate the genes for two L-asparaginase en- zyme and define their size by subclon- ing, sequencing genes and analyzing the mRNA produced under various regulatory conditions. "The research could have broad applications," the avid cyclist says. "We all have the genes for a few fatal diseases within us, and this research will help us better understand our inherited background." It's not surprising that Sr. Shaffer will strive to help others through her re- search. She decided to study chemistry as a freshman at the San Francisco Col- lege for Women because she planned to aid the World War II effort by joining other women in chemistry labs. But fate intervened, and Sr. Shaffer, impressed by the caring attitude dis- played by her professors, joined the (Continued on page 2) Vol. 6, No. 5

. , ., ., , . Support groups sprout on campus

Three employee support groups have organized during the past year to meet the needs of specific employees.Those groups - Working Mothers Support Group, Bible Study Group and the Tuesday Lunch Bunch- have become a well-established part of the USD work scene. According to Human Resources' Calista Frank, each group grew out of a specific need on campus. "In each case, someone realized there was a need for some type of group, and they acted to see that something was done," she says. In the case of the Working Mothers group, it was Frank who spearheaded the effort on campus. "A lot of corpora- tions have this type of thing, and I think it is necessary because the reality in society today is that a large percentage of mothers work," she relates. "This February 1990

group gives moms an informal sound- ing board to voice their worries, con- cerns, joys and difficulties with other women who are in the same situation." The working mothers group meets once a month, usually every third Tues- day, for lunch at various off-campus locations. For more information call Frank at ext. 4594. Grace McElhaney, senior secretary in the athletic department, decided to form the Tuesday Lunch Bunch last year because her office was isolated from the rest of campus. "I wanted to meet more people, and I thought that the secretaries on campus could use a support group to help them meet people from various offices, and learn more about the university in a social setting," she says. (Continued on page 3) USD Employee Newsletter

Sr. Shaffer (Continuedfrompage 1) Society of the Sacred Heart and decided to dedicate her life to teaching. "One of the rewards of teaching is helping someone succeed who might not have succeeded unless you took the time to help," she says. "To be a good teacher, you can't think too much about yourself. You have to be giving and patient and take time with students when they really need it." The 61-year old nun takes time with her students in and out of the class- room. She has organized a group of second-generation Sacred Heart stu- dents - children of alumni she has taught in the past - and leads the groups in activities such as house-build- ing in Tijuana. "The students are al- ways curious to hear stories about their parents as students," she says with a laugh. "And often times it helps bring the parents and students closer together when the children realize their parents were kids once too." Although she has enjoyed sabbati- cals in England and Georgia and has had the opportunity to work and study at bigger name scientific institutions, Sr. Shaffer's eyebrows shoot up when she's asked if she ever contemplated leaving Alcala Park. "Why no," she says with a bemused smile, "this is home." New hires, promotions Welcome to the following employees who recently joined the USD community: Jeffrey Scott Burrow, unit leader, Banquets and Catering; Astrid Diaz, secretary, Graduate Admissions; Vicki Lynn Dickenson, secretary, Lawyers Assistant Program; Linda L. Dieter, secretary, Law School Admissions; Tammy Rae Ann Edwards, clerk, Un- dergraduate Admissions; Matthew Marlow Flores, clerk, Bookstore; Jan- netta Marie Galloway, clerical assis- tant, Controller; Brendan Carl Geraci, bindery technician, Printing and Duplicating; Tammy B. Glenn, secretary, Test Preparation; Michele Denise Harmon, secretary, Political Science; Melanie Hart Haskins, cleri-

Katie Euphrat, Jason Gammons and Veronica Burnell enjoy the puppet theater at the Manchester Family Child Development Center. Part-time child care now offered

Manchester Family Child Develop- ment Center Director Dr. Steven Gelb is a happy man these days. Not only is enrollment soaring at the center (there already is a waiting list for children who will be eligible to enroll in spring of 1991) but part-time slots, previously available only to children of students, now are available to children of employees as well. "We perceived a great need among the employees for part-time care, and with the help of the Parents' Advisory Council, we were able to facilitate a policy change," Dr. Gelb explains. Cur- cal assistant, Controller; Frank Brad- ley Holcomb, patrol officer, Public Safety; Susan Marie Maracle, clerical assistant, Bookstore; Julie E. Pate, Data Processing, Admininstrative Data Processing; Julianne Avey Richards, secretary, Athletics-Administration; Rafael Rojo-Sandoval, custodian, Grille; Barbara Jean Snyder, clerical assistant, Physical Plant; Martha Sue Storts, clerk, Bookstore; Michael Leonard Valdez, plumber, Building Maintenance; Dwayne Curtis White, clerk, Mail Center. Congratulations to the following employees who recently received a promotion or reclassification: Maria J. Barradas, from custodian I to custodian II, Custodial Services; Melissa Castro, from secretary I to secretary II, Graduate Admissions; Jill Ann Decker, from clerical assistant I to clerical assistant II, Controller; Melvin

rently three part-time afternoon spots are available. This policy change and good "word of mouth" advertising have helped the center's enrollment grow from 22 stu- dents in September to 33 currently. Al- though the center was built to accom- modate up to 60 kids, Dr. Gelb says he is concerned about the center's capability to handle any more children. "Right now we are not equipped to operate the other room of the center," he explains. "And I don't want to reach the point where we have to tum people away." M. Draper, from special services lead to custodian supervisor, custodial ser- vices; Kathleen Goldman, from cleri- cal assistant II to administrative execu- tive assistant I, Housing; Kelly A. Riseley, from clerical assitant II to ad- ministrative executive assistant II, Con- troller; Joanne P. Sakalaukus, from clerk to clerical assistant II, Controller; Judith M. Sandman, from clerical as- sistant I to administrative executive as- sistant I, Housing; Pedro G. Servin, from special services worker to special services lead, General Services; Jan M. Tuomainen, from clerk to clerical assis- tant I, Controller; Edwina I. Vil- Ian ueva, from clerk to clerical assistant I, Controller. Correction Eugenia Francesca Bell's name was incorrectly listed in the last Alcala View. She is a new media assistant in the Media Center.

r-----------------------------------------•-••-••-------------------•••---------------------------------------------··--, How are we doing? ' '

With the new decade upon us, it seems like the perfect time to evaluate the Alcala View. Love it? Hate it? Read all of it? Some of it? None of it? Your input is valuable and we would like to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire and send it to the Publications Office, DeSales Hall 274 by Feb. 28. Your comments will help us to plan revisions to the Alcala View for the new year. Results of the questionnaire will be shared with readers in the next newsletter. 1. I am: ____A member of the professional staff ____ A member of the faculty ____ An administrator ____other~-------~ 2. How much of each issue of Alcala View do you generally read? ____ All of each issue ____Most of each issue ____ Specific articles only ____ Generally don't read 3. Alcala View currently is issued 10 times annually. Is that frequency: ____About right ____ Not enough ____ Too often 4. Do you think Alcala View helps keep employees informed , about what is happening at USO?

Upcoming campus events Guest speakers at USO . New employee listing ..

.5 4 3 2 1 .5 4 3 2 1

.5 4 3 2 1 Passages ...... ... . ... . 5 4 3 2 1 7. What kinds of articles would you lli to see in the Alcala View? Examples of other types of articles might include: USO his- tory articles, photo pages, employee question/answer column, employee editorials.

8. Rate Alcala View in the following areas. A 5 indicates excel- lent; a 1 indicates poor. .5 4 3 2 1 .5 4 3 2 1 .5 4 3 2 1 .5 4 3 2 1 .5 4 3 2 1 Other__________________ 9. Would you be willing to contribute to the Alcala View? Yes____ No____ (If yes, include your name and what type of contribution you would be interested in, i.e. artis- tic, writing, etc.) 10. O.K. Here's your chance to tell us what's on your mind. Your comments, criticisms and suggestions are welcome. I think the Alcala View........ Writing ... Photography Design . Artwork Printing

5. Does the Alcala View help unite USO employees and make them feel like a part of a large family or community?

6. Below are some of the types of articles published in Alcala View. Rate your interest in each type of article. 5 indicates high interest. 1 indicates little interest.

11. I thought this survey was: ____ Useful ____ A waste of time Other______________

General campus news . Employee features . . . Employee benefits info

. 54321 .54321 . 54321

' L ••••••• •-••••••-••--•••••••-•••••••••-••••••••••••••••••••--••••••••••••••••••--••••••••--•••••---------••••••••--•••~ Support groups (Continued from page 1) McElhaney feels her group is par- hour Bible Study could be attended by both groups," Frank explains. The sessions are ecumenical in Passages Death Joe Ciesielski, professor, School of Law, on December 18.

scope and have enjoyed such a positive response that the group will meet every Wednesday starting February 7, instead of just once a month. Meetings take place in the Guadalupe Hall Con- ference room at noon. For more infor- mation call Sr. DiLorenzo at ext. 4485. Alcala View is published monthly September through July by the Publica- tions and Human Resources offices. The newsletter is distributed to all University of San Diego employees.

ticularly good for new employees, who often find it difficult to meet people out- side of their own office. The Tuesday Lunch Bunch meets on the fourth Tues- day of each month, usually in various offices on campus. For more informa- tion call McElhaney at ext. 4272. The lunch hour Bible Study, says Frank, is the result of the drive and energy of Campus Ministry's Sr. Car- lotta DiLorenzo. "She wanted to do something for the employees as well as the students, and thought this lunch

Classifieds How would you like to sharpen your speaking skills and have fun too? Join Toastmasters! Call Rick Seaman at ext. 4268 for more information.

Coming Up February 1990 9 Friday

14 Wednesday Play. "The Lady's Not For Burn- ing." A comedy by Christopher Fry. Master of fine arts production. 8 p.m., Sacred Heart Hall. Continues through Feb. 18. Fee. 231-1941. 15 Thursday Men's basketball vs. University of San Francisco. 7:30 p.m., Sports Cen- ter. Fee. 260-4601. 16 Friday Piano/Violin concert. Classical musicians Gerald Robbins, piano, and Haroutune Bedelian, violin, will present works by Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss and Musgrave. Sponsored by USD Fine Arts Department and Francis Parker School. Noon, Camino Theater. Free. 260-4681. Men's baseball vs. Cal State Northridge. 2 p.m., Cunningham Stadium. Free. 260-4601. 17 Saturday Men's basketball vs. St. Mary's College. 7:30 p.m., Sports Center. Fee. 260-4601 . Men's baseball vs. Cal State Northridge. 1 p.m., Cunningham Stadium. Free. 260-4601. 18 Sunday Men's baseball vs. San Francisco State. 1 p.m., Cunningham Stadium. Free. 260-4601. 20 Tuesday Institute for Christian Ministries workshop. "Luke and the Early Church." Dr. Florence Gillman, as- sociate professor of religious studies. 7-9:15 p.m., Serra Hall, 210. Fee. 260-4784. Men's baseball vs. U.C. Irvine. 2 p.m., Cunningham Stadium. Free. 260-4601.

22 Thursday Women's basketball vs. Loyola Marymount University. 7:30 p.m., Sports Center. Free. 260-4601. 23 Friday Lecture. "Technological Design and Political Culture." Langdon Win- ner, associate professor of political science, science and technology studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic In- stitute. 7:30 p.m., Manchester Con- ference Center. Free. 260-4644. Men's baseball vs. University of San Francisco. 2 p.m., Cun- ningham Stadium. Free. 260-4601. 24 Saturday Men's baseball vs. University of San Francisco, doubleheader. Noon, Cunningham Stadium. Free. 260-4601. Women's basketball vs. Pepperdine University. 7:30 p.m., Sports Center. Free. 260-4601. 27 Tuesday Men's basketball vs. Southern Utah State. 7:30 p.m., Sports Center. Fee. 260-4601. Send calendar items to Judy Bar- nes, Publications, DeSales 274 . Wanted Employees who wish to be trained to use IBM compatible personal computers. Ongoing training sessions are given by the Administrative Data Processing Office in dBASE III Plus, Word- Perfect, and DOS (Disk Operat- ing System). If you missed out on previous training sessions - or just want to review one of these programs - call Dorothy Thomas, ext 4653 and let her know what you are interested in.

Institute for Christian Ministries workshop. "Passing on the Catholic Spirit." Fr. John Shea. 9 a.m.-noon, Hahn University Center, 107. Fee. 260-4784. Men's baseball vs. St Mary's Col- lege. 2 p.m., Cunningham Stadium. Free. 260-4601. 10 Saturday Bicycle race. USD Associated Students ' Third Annual Grand Prix Bicycling Race. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., USD campus. Continues Sunday. 296-5165 or 260-4715. Institute for Christian Ministries workshop. "Storytelling and Adult Faith Formation." Fr. John Shea. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Salomon Lecture Hall, DeSales Hall. Fee. 260-4784. Men's baseball vs. St. Mary's Col- lege, doubleheader. Noon, Cunningham Stadium. Free. 260-4601. Women's basketball vs. University of Portland. 7:30 p.m., Sports Center. Free. 260-4601. 11 Sunday Institute for Christian Ministries workshop. "Understanding Jesus." Dr. Gary Macy, professor of religious studies. 7-9:30 p.m., Church of the In- carnation, Poway. Fee. 260-4784. 13 Tuesday Forum. "Accountability: A Report Card on the Media." Channel 39's Marty Levin will moderate. 7 p.m., Hahn University Center Forum. Recep- tion follows. Free. 260-4682. Open house. School of Nursing. Presentation by faculty on graduate nursing programs. 7-8:30 p.m., Hahn School of Nursing. Free. 260-4524.

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Publications Office DeSales Hall Room 274