New logo revealed
SPSU has had two logos for a number of years representing the University: the “flame” logo and “Georgia’s Technology University” logo.  Each sends a different message, creating an inconsistent image and limiting our branding opportunities. Realizing that the image of the University and how we present that image were at stake, the decision was made to pursue the development of a new and exclusive logo.

Last week that new logo was unveiled to the campus. The new logo colors are more in line with SPSU’s traditional color scheme and the icon portion uses a polygon, specifically a hexagon.  The polygon represents the multi-facet aspects of a polytechnic education and, if one were to slice a hornet’s nest into a cross section, one would find a system of hexagons.  Certainly, the logo uniquely represents SPSU, and does so simply, the way a graphic identity should.

The new logo has been designed so that each department can accommodate it into their own needs without distracting from a central identity for the university. If you haven’t already, be sure to review the usage and design guidelines at http://spsu.edu/identity/. If your department needs additional logo information or would like to order business cards and name tags, contact Laina Pond at ext. 7456.

Help us change the name
In recognition of SPSU’s newly launched logo, the Polytechnic Gazette is looking to change its name. If you have a great suggestion for the new name of the e-newsletter, please send it to pr@spsu.edu by Wed., Apr. 23. The employee with the best idea will receive a special gift and will be recognized in the next issue of the e-newsletter. Good luck!

SPSU Teacher of the Year
Dr. Betty Oliver, English, Technical Communications & Media Arts professor, has been named the SPSU Teacher of the Year for the 2007-2008 academic year. She has been selected because of her passion for teaching, attention to detail, and the success she has brought her students and the university over the years. Dr. Oliver will present a public lecture at 3 p.m. on Wed., Apr. 30, in M100. This event continues our recent tradition of a public presentation in the spring as a part of the role of SPSU's Teacher of the Year. A reception will follow Dr. Oliver's presentation.

Awarding Excellence in Career and Counseling Services
The Georgia College Counseling Association has honored Phyllis Weatherly, director of the Career and Counseling Center, with the Clinical Program of the Year award. Phyllis was selected for the award based upon her professional leadership, outstanding professional contributions, her graduate student meritorious service, and her advocacy for college counseling. She was instrumental in coordinating and implementing a clinical program for the University System of Georgia called Crisis Response Training. The objective of the program is to teach counselors or their equivalents how to respond in a crisis situation on campus. This includes knowing how to assess individual and group related needs, ways to improve existing plans and procedures, developing protocols, and exploring ways to activate the Crisis Network for any kind of campus crisis that may occur. Congratulations Phyllis!

Saying goodbye in CSE
For 16 years, Dr. Mike Murphy has been involved with Computer Science and Information Technology at SPSU. He will be retiring at the end of the academic year. In recognition of his distinguished career as well as his service to SPSU, CSE will be hosting a retirement reception Tue., Apr. 22 from 5- 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. All are welcome to attend.

SSAC All Academic Team
The Southern States Athletic Conference has announced that 11 SPSU student athletes have been selected for the 2007-2008 All Academic Team. The award winners all earned a 3.25 GPA or higher. The honorees are: Aneta Bruzgul and Kristina Slezeviciute from the women’s basketball team and Ethan Carney, Daniel Carroll, Brett Ernst, Ryan Genovese, Andrew Gleason, Rick McRae, Donald Menezes, Damion Overstreet and Jacob Street from the baseball team. Each winner will receive a certificate from the SSAC and their names will be posted on the conference website at http://www.ssacsports.com/.

Planning for Success
A full-day retreat was held on Mar. 3, for the Construction Management Advisory Board and faculty. The event, held at Villa Christina, focused on how to reconfigure the structure and scope of the committees to meet the challenges that face the Construction Management department of SPSU. Currently, the department is the largest accredited program in the southeastern United States, offering both a Bachelor’s of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Construction Management.

Speaker set to discuss the UN Security Council
On Thur., Apr. 17, the Social and International Studies department and the Social and Community Building Committee invite you to join them in welcoming a very special guest lecturer. Professor Theodore Christakis of the University of Grenoble & Paris Institute of Political Studies will be speaking. A professor of International Law, Christakis will be discussing threats to peace and whether or not the UN Security Council is helpful or helpless. All are welcome to attend. The discussion begins at 12 p.m. in room J-101.

.

Volume 1, Issue 6
April 16, 2008