JACKI SPIES

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Gift to UNC earmarked for sustainable energy

By JACKI SPIES | March 21

UNC officials announced last week that the school received $150,000 to create an initiative that will focus on sustainable energy, the environment and economic development. Progress Energy - a company based in Raleigh - donated the money to form the Center for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economic Development at the University. Located in the Carolina Environmental Program, the center will use the funds for an initiative focusing on society's response to increasing energy demands while improving the environment.

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Dean Dome labeled a target

By JACKI SPIES | February 23

After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, major office buildings and financial districts throughout the country implemented security measures to avoid future havoc. More than four years later, a UNC landmark has been added to the growing list. The Smith Center, which seats more than 20,000, recently has been deemed a potential threat to homeland security. The Department of Homeland Security has granted the University $50,000 to increase security measures at the home of the men's basketball team, which also doubles as a concert venue.

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Vaginal health session opens paths to understanding

By JACKI SPIES | February 16

The taboo topic of vaginal health literally stared about 20 students in the face Monday evening as a diagram of the female organ was sketched across a blackboard in Gardner Hall. If the visual representation didn't grab their attention, the lively discussion kept them on their toes. Mindy Steinberg, an education counselor for sexuality at the Center for Healthy Student Behaviors, led a seminar called "Everything Your Vagina Would Want You to Know." Questions about vaginal health were answered and popular myths about contraceptives were quelled in an open and comfortable manner.

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Sons see funds add up to honor father

By JACKI SPIES | January 31

The lyrics in UNC's fight song "I'm a Tar Heel born, I'm a Tar Heel bred" embody the dedication Joe Burton Linker had to his alma mater. The 45 years he spent at the University, beginning in 1919, and the legacy he left behind are now being recognized with a professorship in the department of mathematics. The position was established by two of his sons as part of the Carolina First Campaign - the University's $2 billion fundraising effort that began July 1, 1999.

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Christian holy text rife with holes

By JACKI SPIES | January 24

College students are no strangers to the accidental mistakes and typos that can find their way into a term paper. But over time mistakes and errors can make their way into even the most revered religious texts, said Bart Ehrman, chairman of the department of religious studies, in an exploration of the Bible on Monday afternoon. The audience of almost 100 assembled to hear Ehrman read and answer questions about his newest book, "Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why."

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Wetzel, 68, UNC scientist and researcher

By JACKI SPIES | April 28

Robert G. Wetzel, an esteemed UNC scientist known for his innovative research on lakes, died April 18 after losing a five-month battle with lung cancer. He was 68. Wetzel joined the School of Public Health’s Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering in 2001. He also served as a faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum in ecology. “He brought great notoriety to the University,” said Cass T. Miller, chairman of the department.

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Digital storage may be in UNC libraries' future

By JACKI SPIES | April 26

Stacks of novels and academic journals line the shelves of the University’s libraries. Members of the campus community can access those works easily if they want to further their research. Modern academics, however, live in a world of digital technology. And as time progresses, University leaders are questioning the role that printed publications will play in the future of education.

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Officials discount hazard concerns

By JACKI SPIES | April 21

With every advance in the world of technology, officials say, UNC students are plugging more high-powered equipment into their residence hall rooms. And the increase in energy consumption is forcing officials to look at safe ways to keep up with students’ demands. “We now have more and more demand for the use of electricity in our residence halls,” said Larry Hicks, director of the Department of Housing and Residential Education. “This definitely adds to the power needs of a building.”

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Officials continue to seek fire's cause

By JACKI SPIES | April 19

The flames of the fire that broke out Friday morning in Ehringhaus Residence Hall have been extinguished, and residents of the damaged suite have moved into different rooms on campus. But questions still linger as officials try to determine the cause of the fire. Larry Hicks, associate director of the Department of Housing and Residential Education, said the investigation is ongoing.

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Cuts may drain research funding

By JACKI SPIES | March 31

North Carolina is renowned for its commitment to scientific research. The famous Research Triangle Institute’s headquarters, where scientists pursue new advancements in science and technology, is stationed in the state. In addition, the state’s public and private universities collaborate on a regular basis to improve residents’ quality of life. Such research initiatives now could face drastic reductions as UNC officials review the effects of a proposed 4 percent cut in state-appropriated funding.