![Featured Image](https://vumc-reporter.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/reporter_90304_6.jpg)
Asli Ozdas, Ph.D.
Employee Celebration Month begins Sept. 7
There will be plenty to celebrate when Employee Celebration Month 2004 kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 7.
The five-week-long event, which honors Vanderbilt faculty and staff for their service, will begin with an entire day of festivities on Library Lawn.
“There’s something here for everyone — sporting events, campus tours, music and presentations from our own talented faculty,” said Susie Lyons, manager of employee programs.
Throughout the day of kickoff, a dunking booth will feature many administrators from the University and Medical Center. A $1 donation buys three chances to dunk Steven G. Gabbe, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine, C. Wright Pinson, M.D., associate vice chancellor of Clinical Affairs, and several others. Proceeds will benefit the Employee Assistance Hardship Fund.
Free hot air balloon rides will be offered during kickoff, as well as door prize drawings and entertainment by musical acts including Soul Incision and the Placebos. Kickoff will conclude with music and dancing featuring Sam Levine and City Lights, beginning at 7 p.m.
Throughout the month and until Oct. 9, a variety of free special events will take place, including an employee softball tournament.
Presentations on everything from how to save time and money, how to handle your teenager and how to bring creativity into the workplace will be offered.
Faculty, staff and students will also have opportunities to tour the Frist Center for Visual Arts during two free days, Sept. 25 and Sept. 30. Another cost-cutting event is the one-day sale at VU Bookstores, with an additional 10 percent off purchases made on Oct. 8.
Employee Celebration Month ends with Tailgate 2004 on Oct. 9, when Vanderbilt plays Rutgers.
“This is a time for all of us to celebrate our accomplishments and to celebrate each other,” said Lyons. “We are building a new culture of recognition and appreciation for all Vanderbilt employees.”
Below is a listing of events for Employee Celebration Month. This is not a complete list and some times, events and locations could change. Check online for frequent updates at www.vanderbilt.edu/employeecelebration. n
Week 1
Kickoff Tuesday, Sept. 7
7:30-8:30 a.m. Hot-air balloon rides (weather permitting)
9 a.m. Chancellor Gee welcome
Door prize drawing (must be present to win)
10 a.m. “Oh, Say Can You Sing” contest
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Administrative Dunking Booth
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Music by Soul Incision
Noon Chancellor Gee welcome
Door prize drawing (must be present to win)
Kenny Chesney ticket winners announced
Noon –8 p.m. Party Caricatures
2-3 p.m. Music by The Placebos
3 p.m. Chancellor Gee welcome,
door prize drawing (must be present to win)
3:30 p.m.. Jackie Corbin, Ph.D. (clogging demonstration)
4 p.m. Cake Walk
4:30-5:30 p.m. Music by Soul Incision
5:15 p.m. Chancellor Gee welcome,
door prize drawing (must be present to win)
5:30 p.m. The Arrhythmics (resident a cappella group)
6-7 p.m. Swing dance lessons
6-8 p.m. Hot-air balloon rides (weather permitting)
7 p.m. Chancellor Gee welcome,
door prize drawing (must be present to win)
7 p.m. Music and dancing featuring Sam Levine and City Lights
8 p.m. Cake Walk
Dunking Booth Schedule
$1 for three throws to benefit Employee Assistance Hardship Fund (Library Lawn)
10 a.m. Karen Dolan, registrar, Graduate School
10:30 a.m. Frank Gladu, director, Dining Services
11 a.m. David Posch, chief operating officer, Vanderbilt Medical Group
11:30 a.m. Jeff Kaplan, associate vice chancellor for Health Affairs
Noon Marilyn Holmes, manager, Health Plus Wellness/Fitness Center
12:30 p.m. Brock Williams, assistant vice chancellor, division of Student Life and Sport Operations
1 p.m. Steven G. Gabbe, M.D., dean, School of Medicine
1:30 p.m. Marilyn Dubree, director, Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer
2 p.m. C. Wright Pinson, M.D., chief medical officer and associate vice chancellor for Clinical Affairs
2:30 p.m. Jay Groves, administrative director, Kim Dayani Center for Health Promotion
3 p.m. Kevin Myatt, chief human resource officer and associate vice chancellor
3:30 p.m. Phyllis Ekdall, chief operating officer, Outpatient Clinics and Physician Practices, Children’s Hospital
4 p.m. Jim Jirjis, M.D., medical director/Adult Primary Care Center and assistant chief medical officer
4:30 p.m. Ken Browning, director, Plant Operations, medical administration
Wednesday, Sept. 8
Noon-1 p.m. “Golf 101” (116 Sarratt). Whether you are interested in learning to play golf, or getting back into the game, this session will give you information and options to get you onto the course. Vikki Valentine, PGA professional at The Little Course in Franklin, will discuss equipment, costs, learning and playing opportunities along with an extensive question and answer time. Four participants will win a complimentary 90-minute golf clinic at The Little Course.
5-9 p.m. Employee Softball Tournament (Campus Recreation softball fields)
Thursday, Sept. 9
7 a.m.-6 p.m. Career Choices and Connections Event (University Club). Vanderbilt Internal Job Fair for current employees of the University and Medical Center. Gather information, seek career counseling, guidance with interview and resume writing tips and other beneficial information for employees. Additional information: call Human Resources at 322-8304.
Noon-1 p.m. Ms. Cheap — Mary Hance (202 Light Hall). If you missed it last year, you have another chance to hear Ms. Cheap’s “Favorite Ways to be Cheap.” This is a fun-filled presentation on ways you can save your money and time. Don’t miss a special segment on how to face the holidays without breaking the bank.
3-5 p.m. Recognition Ceremony (Langford Auditorium). A special ceremony celebrating staff with 20–55 years of service. Service lapel pins and certificates will be presented and the 2004 Commodore Award winners will also be introduced. All are invited to support the 2004 honorees. Reception immediately following ceremony.
5-9 p.m. Employee Softball Tournament (Campus Recreation softball fields). Round two.
Friday, Sept. 9
Noon–1 p.m. “When a Show Tune Is More Than a Show Tune: Layers of Information in the American Musical.” (Sarratt 116) Nearly all of us are familiar with at least one or two musicals, but we are less familiar with the layers of meaning that composers often provide for us in the music for those shows — layers that offer much information about character or plot details. In this talk, James Lovensheimer from Blair School of Music will demonstrate how composers give information that we often remain unaware of. After exploring a few examples, we may never again hear a “simple show tune” in quite so simple a way.
6–9 p.m. Employee Softball Tournament (Campus Recreation softball fields). Championship games.
Week 2
Monday, Sept. 12
Noon “Historical Walking Tour of Campus” (meet on front steps of Kirkland Hall). If trees, paths, buildings, and sculpture could talk, what an interesting story they could weave of days gone by. Take this one-hour walk with Lyle Lankford into the past to link with Vanderbilt’s rich history as it has shaped our present and could possibly project our future.
Noon–1 p.m. “Make an Appearance.” (189 Sarratt) Kim Hunter of True Blue Salon will introduce participants to Aveda make-up while learning to enhance their individual features. Some from the audience will be chosen for makeovers including stylish hair cuts.
Tuesday, Sept. 13
Pre-registration for Fun Run/Walk. Donation of $5 goes to benefit VU employees through the EAP Hardship Fund.
6:30-8:30 a.m. – Children’s Hospital Sky Bridge
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Courtyard Café
3:30–5:30 p.m. – Medical Center North shuttle drop-off
5 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Health Plus/Memorial Gym
Noon-1 p.m. “Yes, Your Teen is Crazy.” (202 Light Hall). Michael Bradley, a psychologist and author of Yes, Your Teen is Crazy brings home the impact of adolescent brain changes on both teens and their parents. “What’s Really Going on Inside Your Teenager’s Head?” Neurological research has redefined the picture of how the adolescent brain functions, pretty much showing that “Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!”
4-5:30p.m. “Why Teens Really Are Crazy and How We Can Help” (512 Light Hall). Limited space. In this continuation of the previous session with Michael Bradley, we’ll talk about the challenges of contemporary American teen culture:
Drugs — the do’s and don’ts; Sex and Dating — what every parent needs to know; Violence — the bullies are everywhere, from the school yard to the dating scene; Plus: The Ten Commandments of Parenting Adolescents; The three top ways to earn your kid’s respect (and the three top ways to destroy it). E-mail susie.lyons@vanderbilt.edu for reservations or call 322-0698.
5-7 p.m. “Tuneful Tuesday” singer/songwriter night (Children’s Hospital Performance Area). Scott Chaney (Central Supply), Will Henghold (Dermatology), Mike Malone (Emergency Department), Lani Nash (Pediatric Pharmacy), and Todd Suttles (Student Recreation) will perform their original tunes.
Wednesday, Sept. 15
11 a.m.–1 p.m. “Fun Walk/Run” Three check points for start/finish – Stevenson Ctr., Flagpole at Alumni Lawn or 21st Ave. Cross Bridge on Peabody Campus. Your $5 donation benefits the EAP Hardship Fund. Entertainment and prizes all along the route.
Noon-12:30 p.m. Walking Club (MCN shuttle drop-off). The Health Plus Fall Walking Club begins.
Thursday, Sept. 16
Noon–1 p.m. “Real Estate 101” (116 Sarratt). Cliff Joyner, director of real estate for Vanderbilt, and Bert Mathews, will explain the basic real estate investment principles. Topics will include types of real estate investments, ways to invest and investment strategies, how you find investment opportunities, evaluation and financing of the deal, and typical pitfalls and deal killers. Door prize drawing.
Friday, Sept. 17
Noon–1 p.m. “Wellness Wheel” (189 Sarratt). Angie Antkowiak, health educator, will discuss “Your Personal Wellness Wheel: How Does Your Wellness Wheel Roll? Is your Wellness Wheel Flat?” This fun, interactive presentation will introduce you to the seven Dimensions of Wellness in the Wellness Wheel. You’ll also discover how each of these wellness dimensions interact, what your areas of strength and weakness are, and solutions to balance your Wellness Wheel.
Saturday, Sept. 18
11:30 a.m. Vanderbilt vs. Ole Miss (Away) Call 322-GOLD for more information.
3 p.m. “Family Movie Matinee” (Sarratt Student Center). Finding Nemo will be on the big screen and free to all VU employees and families. Enjoy the free popcorn and soft drinks provided by the Division of Student Life, Office of Student Activities Committee. Must present your Vanderbilt ID.
Week 3
Monday, Sept. 20
All day “Silver Salute” The Chancellor and other administrators will be congratulating employees and delivering balloons and cookies to staff celebrating 25-year anniversaries this year.
All day Faculty and Staff Golf Tournament Tournament will be a four-person, nine-hole scramble at McCabe Golf Course. Call between Sept. 6-10 to register for a tee time. For more information and to register, call 342-8186. Greens fee paid.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Smoothie King smoothie samples and five-a-day recipes (Courtyard Café) Sponsored by HealthPlus, Vanderbilt Nutrition Clinic and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
11 p.m.-1 a.m. “Night Owl Howl” (Langford Lobby) A party specifically planned for Vanderbilt’s night shift workers. There will be pizza, soft drinks, cookies and lots of music and fun. Special guest DJ’s, Vice Chancellors Mike Schoenfeld and David Williams. Free T-shirts and many door prizes.
Tuesday, Sept. 21
11 a.m.-1 p.m. “Fresh Fruit and Veggie Giveaway” (VCH Skybridge). Sponsored by Health Plus, Vanderbilt Nutrition Clinic and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
12 p.m. “Historical Walking Tour of Campus” with Lyle Lankford (meet on front steps of Kirkland Hall)
Noon-1 p.m. “ The Moral Problems We Face” (189 Sarratt) In this talk, John Lachs, Ph.D., Centennial Professor Philosophy, will try to identify the causes of the scandals of the last few years and of those still waiting to be uncovered. The remedy must take into account who we are and how easily we can be tempted; accordingly, it requires both individual resolve and institutional reform.
5-7 p.m. “Tuneful Tuesday” Gospel Night (Benton Chapel) Come hear the uplifting sounds of The Ross Brothers and TSU’s New Direction Gospel Choir.
Wednesday, Sept. 22
6:30–8:30 a.m. “Fresh Fruit and Veggie Giveaway” (Wesley Place Garage). Sponsored by Health Plus, Vanderbilt Nutrition Clinic and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m. “Nutri-Tainment: Follow Your True Colors”(Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Performance Area). Put a new spin on your five a day. See and taste cooking where we “kick it up a notch.” Sponsored by Health Plus, Vanderbilt Nutrition Clinic and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Noon-12:30 p.m. Health Plus Fall Walking Club (MCN shuttle drop off)
Thursday, Sept. 23
11 a.m.–1 p.m. Smoothie King smoothie samples and five-a-day recipes (Children’s Hospital Café). Sponsored by HealthPlus, Vanderbilt Nutrition Clinic and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
3 p.m. “Taste at Vandy” (Langford and nearby plaza). Local restaurant owners will bring a sampling of their favorite dishes for VU employees to taste. Participants include Café 1-2-3, Roly Poly Sandwiches, Ben & Jerry’s, White Trash Café, Bro’s Cajun Cuisine, Law School Cafeteria, SATCO, and others, $2 admission to benefit the Employee Assistance Hardship Fund.
Friday, Sept. 24
Noon–1p.m. Recipe Contest “Taste-Off” Health Plus is sponsoring a Recipe Contest finalists will showcase their tasty recipes at the recipe contest “Taste-Off” at the Children’s Hospital. Check out the Health Plus Web site link below for contest information, rules and instructions at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/ hpevents.htm#NationalFiveADayWeek.
Saturday, Sept. 25
12:30 p.m. VU vs. Navy (Away) Call 322-GOLD for tickets.
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. “Free Days at the Frist Center.” Exhibitions include: “Golden Children: Four Centuries of European Portraits from the Yannick and Ben Jakober Foundation; “Illusions of Innocence: The Child in Modern Photography;” “Suspended Animation: Works by Marilyn Murphy” and “ Spirit of a Nation: Highlights from the Hunter Museum of American Art.” The Frist Center is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Free admission to Vanderbilt students, staff, and faculty with Vanderbilt ID, children under 18 are free, general admission $8.50, and senior citizens (65+) are $7.50.
Week 4
Monday, Sept. 27
6:30-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. LifeFlight Open House (meet at VUH 2nd floor service elevators). Tour of helipad and LifeFlight helicopter.
7:30-11 a.m. “Coffee Break at Iris Cafe” Peabody College will host a coffee break at Iris Cafe, a new snack bar located in the Peabody Library. A free cup of coffee and a cookie will be available with a coupon. Coupons will be distributed at the Kickoff or call Susie at 322-0698.
Tuesday, Sept. 28
Noon-1 p.m. “Decorating Tips” (112 Sarratt). Tips on decorating from Mark Webber and Mike Whitler of Branches. The guys from Branches are back with us again this year, up to their usual antics, and promising to bring us up to date on all the latest floral trends for entertaining.
4-6:30 p.m. “Tuneful Tuesday” Rock night with a country twist. Soul Incision and very special guests Linda Davis and Billy Dean. Join us on Olin Terrace — fun, food and prizes will be plentiful.
Wednesday, Sept. 29
Noon–1 p.m. “Football 201” (202 Light Hall) If you want to know more about the game of football, this is the place to be. Vice Chancellor David Williams “plays” through a game to give you first hand experience of one of America’s favorite games. Door prize drawing.
7:30-10 p.m. You won’t want to miss a visit to Vanderbilt’s “mountaintop campus,” home to Dyer Observatory. It’s a great opportunity to find out what’s happening in our skies and in the field of space exploration. If the weather cooperates, you’ll have the chance to look through the Seyfert telescope for some awesome celestial viewing. Reservations required — e-mail nancy.dwyer@vanderbilt.edu or call 373-4897. See www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu for more information and directions.
Thursday, Sept. 30
Noon “Historical Walking Tour of Campus” with Lyle Lankford (meet on front steps of Kirkland Hall).
Noon-1 p.m. “Universal Health Care: Who Needs It?” (512 Light Hall). Larry Churchill, Ann Geddes Stahlman
Professor of Medical Ethics. It is well-recognized that the uninsured are vulnerable and disadvantaged in receiving
health services in the United States under our current policies. The objective of the session is to explore the various vulnerabilities of those who have insurance. Door prize drawing.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. “Free Days at the Frist Center.” The Frist Center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Free admission to Vanderbilt students, staff, and faculty with Vanderbilt ID, children under 18 are free, general admission $8.50, and senior citizens (65+) are $7.50.
Friday, Oct. 1
Noon-1 p.m. “Life-long Learning and the Pursuit of Personal Development” (Wyatt Center Rotunda). Brian A. Griffith, Ph.D., assistant clinical professor, department of Human and Organizational Development, Peabody College, will present an interactive, practical session addressing the need for life-long learning for ongoing growth and development. The workshop will help participants (a) identify areas of potential growth, (b) establish goals for personal development, and (c) construct a plan to achieve success in those areas.
Saturday, Oct. 2
6 p.m. Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State (Vanderbilt Stadium). Call 322-GOLD for tickets.
Week 5
Monday, Oct. 4
Noon-1 p.m. “Using Creativity at Work” (location to be announced). Whitney Ferre, from the Art House Gallery & Studio (a creative fitness center), is going to illustrate for you how using “creativity work-outs” can lead to innovative ideas and a new creative spirit at work. Door prizes will be awarded including a painting workshop at the Art House and a book on corporate creativity. For more information, visit www.creativefitness.citysearch.com.
Tuesday, Oct. 5
Noon–1 p.m. “Weekend Getaways” (189 Sarratt). Join Cynthia Kear from Belle Meade Vacations for a talk about fantastic long weekend getaways. Door prize drawing.
5-7 p.m. Tuneful Tuesday International Dance (location to be announced). Come see experience Salsa, Indian and Celtic dancers.
Wednesday, Oct. 6
Noon-1 p.m. “See the Bible with New Eyes: The Story of Adam and Eve” (Divinity School, room G-27). Amy-Jill Levine, Carpenter Professor New Testament Studies. We all know the story of Adam and Eve (Genesis 2-3): the creation of the first human, the creation of woman as “helper,” temptation and “original sin.” Is the story of Adam and Eve good news, or bad news, or a bit of both?
Thursday, Oct. 7
Noon-1 p.m. “Getting the Most out of your Home Digital Camera” (512 Light Hall). Anne Rayner, photographer, Medical Art Group.
Friday, Oct. 8
All day Present your VU faculty or staff ID and receive an additional 10 percent discount at the VU bookstores. This applies to most regularly stocked items at either location. The discount is not valid on textbooks, software, PDA’s, or special orders. Medical instruments are not eligible for employee discount, but will receive 10 percent Employee Celebration discount only. Valid today only.
Noon “Historical Walking Tour of Campus” with Lyle Lankford (meet on front steps of Kirkland Hall)
Saturday, Oct. 9
4-6:15 p.m. “Tailgate 2004” (Natchez Field). Vanderbilt vs. Rutgers football game. Free food, fun and games for the entire family. The winner of the “Oh, Say Can You Sing” competition sings the National Anthem to open the football game and the 2004 Commodore Awards winners are introduced at halftime. Watch for more information in campus mail or go to ww.vanderbilt.edu/ employeecelebration/tailgate.pdf.