News Briefs

DPS Sgt. Gary Hicks and Officer John-Mark Branch participated in late March in the World Police and Fire Games in Adelaide, Australia. More than 8,000 competitors represented law enforcement and fire response agencies from 60 countries at the biennial event. The two U-M officers competed in track and field events. Hicks, a U-M alumnus and former track letterman, earned a bronze medal in the 400-meter hurdles. Each officer paid for the trip expenses through fundraising activities, private donations and personal funds.

Neubacher Award nominations sought

Established in October 1990, the James T. Neubacher Award is a memorial to Neubacher, an alumnus, Detroit Free Press columnist and advocate for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The award is presented to a faculty or staff member who promotes acceptance and awareness of people with disabilities, advocates for their civil rights or removes barriers to full participation. Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Equity, it includes a stipend provided by the Office of the President. The deadline for nominations is May 15. The award is presented in October during Investing in Ability Week. More information and nomination forms are at www.umich.edu/~hraa/neubacher or by calling (734) 936-1402.

English classes available to international community

English classes for the families of international faculty, staff and students are offered by the U-M Northwood Community English Language program. Registration for winter semester is underway for children's, teens and adult classes. Native speakers of English are also invited to participate as volunteers. For more information call 764-9998 or e-mail northwood@umich.edu.

Plant operations units merge

Plant Building Services and Ground and Waste Management in Plant Operations have merged into one unit, named Plant Building and Grounds Services, announced Richard Robben, executive director of Plant Operations. The new unit will be managed by John Lawter, former associate director of Grounds and Waste Management. The merge will improve collaboration and resource-sharing for customers and provide additional growth opportunities for unit employees. One program expected to grow is Employees Working Out of Classification, which provides opportunities for custodians to cross-train during summer months in grounds areas.

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