MIDDBRIEFS

Author: Katie Flag

Environmental Council sponsors "mini grants"

The Environmental Council recently issued a new challenge to Middlebury College faculty and students, daring members of the College community to design creative ways to advance campus sustainability - with $100 in hand. The challenge is part of a new twist on the Council's Campus Sustainability Grants program. The Council - with at least $1,000 to invest this spring - is inviting proposals for "mini grants" - projects costing no more than $100 apiece, intended to enhance environmental awareness and sustainability on campus.

Previous environmental grants have funded the Yellow Bikes program, the compost-heated College greenhouse, sustainable College gardens, biodiesel research and outreach and studies in paper alternatives, among other projects. This year's suggested grant projects include programs to reduce paper use on campus, increased sustainability education opportunities in the commons, efforts to make the campus more bicycle-friendly and programs to measure energy use, track data and recommend retrofits where necessary.

More information - including grant applications and further suggestions for 2005 grants - is available at the Environmental Affairs Web site. One-page grant proposals are due on March 4 by 5 p.m. to Connie Bisson in the Environmental Affairs Office.


USA TODAY honors Middlebury senior

Middlebury College senior Dena Simmons was recently recognized by USA TODAY for her scholarship and leadership on and off campus. The All-USA College Academic Team program honors 60 undergraduates every year for outstanding achievements in and out of the classroom. Simmons was named to the Third Team and was featured in a February edition of USA TODAY. Over six hundred students applied for the program.
The USA TODAY program places tremendous weight on students' original academic or intellectual projects. Simmons was recognized for her efforts in founding MIX, a cultural outreach program for Vermont elementary schools.

"I am honored to have received this award the represent the school that I love so much," said Simmons. "I would not have been able to do it without the constant support and guidance Middlebury has offered me."
Criteria for the academic team were developed in consultation with the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the American Council on Education. A panel of educators was assembled to selected winners.


"Keepin' it Live in '05" carnival takes the stage

With "Keepin' it Live in '05" as its theme, the Middlebury College Winter Carnival kicks into high gear tonight with a fireworks display over the College's Center for the Arts (CEA). The display marks the beginning of the 82nd annual event - the oldest and largest student-run carnival in the country. The carnival is scheduled to take place today through Saturday.
Following this evening's 7 p.m. fireworks, a cultural gala with a musical theme will provide activities for all ages throughout the CFA. The event will feature High Road, a Burlington-based Celtic band, the GT/VT Breakers and Riddim performances.

Tomorrow, students can escape from the cold to enjoy a Dance Movie Marathon in Dana Auditoriaum. Tomorrow night, on-campus performers will compete in an Island Calypso Jam-boree, and the Winter Carnival Ice Show will take place Friday night at 7 p.m. in Kenyon Arena. The "Broadway on Ice" event will feature guest skates, the Middlebury Figure Skating Club and College student, faculty and staff skaters.
Nordic and alpine ski races are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Middlebury College Snow Bowl in Hancock and the Rikert Ski Touring Center in Ripton. Visiting teams include those from Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Dartmouth, Harvard, St. Lawrence, St. Michael's, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont and Williams. Snow Bowl festivities will include an outdoor barbeque on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The Carnival will conclude on Saturday night will a "Strangers in the Night" gala in Nelson Arena.