LaTeX Workshop

LaTeX is a mark-up language that mathematicians and other scientists have been using for decades to create scientific documents.  If you have ever wanted to curse at Microsoft Equation Editor, LaTeX is for you.  It allows you to write your reports as fast as you can type.

Workshop on how to use LaTeX

When:  Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 1:30 PM and again at 2:30 PM

Where: 245 Science Center

Bring your laptop to follow along.  Let Dr. Birgen know if you are thinking about coming.

May Term Special Events

May Term on campus can be a lot of work and a lot of fun.  The Special Events committee has planned several events in the past and we would like your input on what you might be looking for this year.  In particular, if there is enough interest in camping, there is money in the budget for tents.

Kayaking

We have rented kayaks from Crawdaddy and kayaked from Cedar Bend to downtown Waverly.  This is not white-water kayaking, but more like a quiet river float.  There are some islands and inlets to explore on the way.

Camping

We could camp in Cedar Bend or many other county campgrounds in the area.  For those of you who think sleeping on the ground is crazy, you could leave at bed time.

BBQ

This is a very simple activity because food service can provide a BBQ for us if we give them a week's warning.  Everything is provided except transportation.

Awaken the Dreamer Retreat

At the Upper Midwest Honors Council conference a week ago, we heard a talk by some students from Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.  They have incorporated Awaken the Dreamer/Changing the Dream into their curriculum at the college.  They have offered to come to Wartburg and have a retreat for the Scholars Program in the Fall.  This is an introductory video.

Please let us know if you are interested by filling out the questionnaire.

Out of Contact

The Scholars Director is heading away from Iowa for some family time and will be unaccessible from April 23, 2013 through April 27, 2013.  Please try not to have any emergencies during this time.

Back from UMHC

We had a great, educational time at the UMHC Conference in Duluth.  Travel was a bit exciting,  but it was worth the long drive and led to discussion of Boreal Forest on the way home.

Three Scholars and two Birgens

Three Scholars and two Birgens

The view outside my hotel window Friday AM.

The view outside my window 24 hours later.

Part of a presentation by students from Mt. Mercy on their Awakening the Dreamer experience.

Conference Theme Voting

Help us decide on a theme for the 2014 UMHC Conference to be held at Wartburg College.

Recommended PodCast

Before finals I suggested a web site for my Pre-Med students to download podcasts to listen to while they are traveling over Tour Week and May Term.  Of course, I posted during a very busy time in their lives, so here it is again:

Dr. Dawn Motyka is a medical doctor where I grew up and every Saturday morning she has a radio show on the local public radio station.  She then posts the show on the web site (you can use iTunes to subscribe too).  She talks about recent medical research, alternative medicine, and people call in with questions.  Sometimes when she is going to be out of town, she has full-shows with guests about specific topics.  You can access all her shows on the archive.  I have learned a lot about medicine over the years I have been listening to the show and I find the discussion to be well thought out and researched.  She is also good at making the distinction between research and her own thoughts.  You are welcome to listen to one hour for a Scholars Culture Point although I warn you that most students who do this continue to go back and listen to more.

So, if you have a long flight, bus ride, or car ride coming up I encourage you to load a few on your favorite MP3 player, especially if you are interested in medicine or medical research.