Blood drive June 22-23

Summer’s arrival this month brings an opportunity to receive a free summer treat: a coupon for a pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream. All you need to do is turn out for the ASUCD Blood and Marrow Drive June 22 or 23.

BloodSource bloodmobiles will be stationed alongside the Quad from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Prospective donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, and to eat before donating. And remember to bring a photo ID.

Science adviser post

Chancellor Linda Katehi is passing along an e-mail from the American Association for the Advancement of Science soliciting nominees to be the next science and technology adviser to the U.S. secretary of state.

The new adviser will succeed Nina Fedoroff, whose three-year term is coming to an end. Fedoroff, a Penn State plant scientist, is president-elect of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Alan I. Leshner, the association’s chief executive officer, said the State Department post requires a confluence of skills and traits, including diplomatic and interpersonal skills, interest and willingness to travel for the sake of science diplomacy, and stature in science and technology sufficient to deal at high levels of government and the scientific community.

MyUCDavis going once, going twice

Still teaching with the MyUCDavis course tools? Leaving Davis for the summer? Simplify your return to campus this fall by moving your materials to SmartSite before you go.

Under a long-standing plan, the MyUCDavis course management tools are being retired, in favor of SmartSite — and faculty are advised to start the transition, if they have not already done so.

The MyUCDavis course management tools will not be available for any new courses after Summer Session II. However, faculty will retain archival access to their material on existing MyUCDavis course sites.

Only the course tools are being retired; the MyUCDavis Web portal, and the standalone, online grade submission process, will remain in place.

SmartSite training (click on “Workshop & Training Schedule”). Or send an e-mail to trainers@smartsite.ucdavis.edu.

For support help, contact the IT Express Computing Services Help Desk at (530) 754-HELP (4357).

Alumni association awards

The Cal Aggie Alumni Association is taking nominations for its annual awards, including the brand-new “distinguished friend.”

Executive Director Richard Engel said the alumni association established the “distinguished friend” category as a means of recognizing nonalumni who have made significant and lasting contributions to UC Davis.

All the other awards are for alumni:

• Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award — For service to and support of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association, the UC Davis Foundation and the university.

• Distinguished Achievement Award — For exemplary and outstanding performance and achievements since graduation.

• Emil M. Mrak International Award — For distinguished work outside the United States.

• Outstanding Alumnus(a) Award — For graduates at the midpoint of their careers, who have displayed outstanding achievement, promoted innovative change and made outstanding contributions professionally, to the community and to UC Davis. This award is for alumni who do not spe¬cifically qualify for the Distinguished Achievement Award or Young Alumnus(a) of the Year Award.

• Young Alumnus(a) Award — For alumni who are no older than 35 or who received their first degrees within the past 10 years, and have made outstanding contributions professionally, to the community or to UC Davis.

• Aggie Service Award — For exemplary Aggie Pride and dedication to UC Davis through personal commitment of time and energy, volunteerism and leadership, for the purpose or effect of furthering the Cal Aggie Alumni Association or UC Davis.

In his announcement, asking for nominations, Engel said: “We depend on you and others close to the university to submit the names of individuals whose notable accomplishments bring distinction to them and to the university.

“You all know remarkable alumni and friends; however, they can only be recognized for their excellence and service if you nominate them. Please feel free to discuss the awards with your colleagues and encourage their participation in the nomination process.”

The nomination packet and more information are available online. Nominations are due by Aug. 2, and the 2011 awards program is scheduled for Feb. 5.

For more information, contact Jennifer Thayer, (530) 754-9098 or jsthayer@ucdavis.edu.