Resistant Genes in Water
Deadline to Nominate
Season to Reconnect

Top EPA Scientist Hired
Going Back to School

New Tax Incentives
Virtual Focus Group

Antibiotic Resistant Genes Present in Water

CSU research has discovered northern Colorado water systems are carrying antibiotic resistant genes, a growing health problem around the world. Amy Pruden, an assistant CSU professor of civil and environmental engineering, and her team have discovered high concentrations of tetracycline and sulfonamide (commonly used antibiotics in people and animals) in populated or heavily farmed areas. For more information on CSU's discovery and the effects of the contaminates, visit CSU in the News.

Deadline to Nominate is November 30

The deadline is fast approaching to nominate a College of Engineering alum for the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award. The college honors former students whose accomplishments in their careers, service to industry and the public, and/or volunteer efforts have brought recognition to that individual, the College of Engineering, and to Colorado State University.

One person will be honored from each of the five academic departments, as well as one individual who graduated with an engineering science degree and one college-wide honoree. In addition, this year the college will be honoring a graduate of the last decade. Awards will be presented at our annual awards dinner on Saturday, March 31 (mark your calendars).

The deadline to nominate is November 30, 2006. Visit the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award site to nominate someone today.

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Top EPA Scientist Takes New Role at CSU

Bill Farland, the highest ranking career scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, will bring decades of interdisciplinary research leadership experience to Colorado State this fall as the new Vice President of Research.

One-third of Colorado State’s budget encompasses research. The university ranks among national leaders in research funding per faculty member; in 2004, Colorado State was ranked among the top five universities in annual growth of research grants.

"I’m pleased to be a part of Colorado State University’s outstanding research enterprise," Farland said. "I view this as the capstone to my long federal career. I’ve focused my career on science in service of the public, and I look forward to bringing that experience to Colorado State." To read more about Farland, view the complete story.

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Going Back to School is the Path for Many Alumni

Continuing one's education has been an important decision for many CSU alumni. If you are thinking of taking the next step in your education and career path, consider one of the several graduate degrees (from Masters to Ph.D programs) offered in the College of Engineering.

In March, the COE will host a prospective graduate students visit day, open to all individuals exploring the idea of going back to school. Read more about the event and how to register on the COE website.

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New Tax Incentives Signed into Law

On August. 17, 2006, President Bush signed into law new tax incentives for charitable gifts from donors who are 70½ or older. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 encourages financial support of charitable organizations across the United States.

Under the law, donors can make a lifetime gift using funds from his or her individual retirement account (IRA) without undesirable tax effects. These IRA gifts can be accomplished simply and without tax complications. Plus, donors can make the gift now - while living and able to witness the benefits of its generosity. For more information and how it applies to you, visit CSU's Advancement and Strategic Initiatives.

Regardless of your current retirement plan, Marianne Blackwell, Director of Planned Giving, is available to answer questions and assist in bequests, trusts or estate planning. Contact her at (970) 491-7862 or through email at mblackwell@ua.colostate.edu.

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Be a Part of a Virtual Focus Group

The college understands the importance and benefits of offering an interesting, user-friendly website, and in order to achieve this, COE staff are seeking feedback.

The website has several target audiences, all of which have different needs and interests. If you, our alumni audience, would like to offer suggestions on what you would like to see, contact Jeanine Simnick at supportengineering@colostate.edu. Ten individuals (with different backgrounds and interests) will be chosen to serve on a "virtual focus group." Commitment to the group will depend on the individual. If chosen, brief instructions on how to provide feedback will be sent in an email.

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