| Chad Smith (ā04 Biology) is in the second-year of his masterās degree program in biology at Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and plans to graduate in winter 2008. His area of focus is reptile and amphibian ecology, and he is conducting a study of the hibernation ecology of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake in Michigan. Smithās work of understanding the snakeās ecology is critical for implementing successful management strategies for this declining species. |  |
| Courtney Pugh (ā07 English) along with Casey Chainee (ā07 English) and Jose Amaro (ā07 English) presented at the National Womenās Studies Association conference in late June. Julia Balen, associate professor of English, was the groupsā moderator. Their presentation focused on the novel, āReading Lolita in Tehranā by Azar Nafisi, and was heard and praised by 19 of the conferenceās attendees. Prior to this national event, the group presented at the Women and Gender Conference at CSU Fullerton in March. |  
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| Lupita Gutierrez (ā05 Art) recently joined 91³Ō¹Ļ as a graphic designer in the Communications & Marketing unit of University Advancement. In this role she will design University publications (including this edition of Current) and provide graphic support for advertising and marketing collateral for the University.
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| Tom Froelich (ā05 Business) is the new University Advancement database specialist at 91³Ō¹Ļ. He supports ongoing operational and strategic efforts for the Advancement team. He and his wife Mindy (ā07 Math) previously owned a custom embroidery company while attending classes at 91³Ō¹Ļ.
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| Christy Weir (ā05 Liberal Studies) currently is serving as the Deputy Mayor of the City of Ventura. Sheās been a member of the City Council since 2003. While attending classes at 91³Ō¹Ļ, Weir campaigned for a seat on the council. Her previous careers include teaching and publishing.
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