A&S faculty treat graduates and guests to the UM Experience during Alumni Weekend 2009

The Audrey R. Finkelstein Experience provides lifelong learning and nostalgia

Dozens of alumni and University of Miami guests will have the opportunity to relive their college days by enjoying stimulating discussions with interesting faculty and fellow students at this year’s Audrey R. Finkelstein UM Experience on Friday, November 6, during Alumni Weekend. This educational program sponsored by Finkelstein, ’38, features some of the University’s most fascinating faculty and lecture topics. Interim dean for the College of Arts & Sciences Jacqueline E. Dixon and Laurence Kalkstein, research professor in the Department of Geography and Regional Studies, are featured in the program, which also includes talks about stem cell research and studies in successful aging. The A&S lectures are:

9 - 10 a.m. Maximizing the Impact of the Stimulus Plan

President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), referred to as "the stimulus plan," on February 13, 2009. What will it mean for science, technology, education, and infrastructure? Hear from Jacqueline E. Dixon, noted scientist and interim dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, and Rudy Fernandez, vice president for government relations and chair of UM’s Stimulus Working Group, how the stimulus funding stands to impact our community, our nation, and our world.



10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Weather and Human Health: Present Realities and Future Possibilities

Weather is responsible for thousands of deaths in the United States each year. Excessive heat kills more people than hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, and blizzards combined, and this has major implications if the Earth warms, as many expect over the next century. Learn about the work Laurence Kalkstein, research professor in the Department of Geography and Regional Studies, has been doing with the National Weather Service to develop sophisticated warning systems that can alert meteorologists, health practitioners, and other stakeholders of impending negative health outcomes from extreme weather.


Almost 3,000 alumni from around the country are expected to join current students, faculty, and community members to celebrate the University of Miami’ Homecoming 2009 miami.edu/homecoming festivities. For more information visit, miami.edu/alumniweekend or call the University of Miami Office of Alumni Relations at 305-284-2872 or toll free at 1-866-UMALUMS (862-5867), or e-mail alumni@miami.edu, subject line “UM Experience.”

November 4, 2009