Personal Mention
NBC Learn, the educational arm of NBC News, has posted a "Science Behind the News" video on crowdsourcing that features Luis von Ahn, associate professor of computer science. View it at http://www.nbclearn.com/sciencenews/cuecard/60495.
Katharine "Kit" Needham, senior business adviser for Project Olympus, is one of five finalists for the 2012 Athena Award. Sponsored by Athena International, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting, developing and honoring women leaders, the award honors individuals and organizations that assist women in reaching their full leadership potential. The awards luncheon is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 24 at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The emcee will be Sally Wiggin of WTAE-TV.
Martin Aurand, architecture librarian archivist, will be a panelist in a discussion titled "The Architecture of Homewood: Hidden Gems" from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Carnegie Library Auditorium, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Homewood. In addition to Aurand, panelists include author and historian John M. Brewer Jr., architect Christine Brill and preservation architect Terry Necciai. The discussion, sponsored by Creative Local, will be moderated by Chris Moore of WQED.
To celebrate Independent Film Week (Sept. 16-20, 2012), English Professor David R. Shumway will discuss the works of legendary filmmaker John Sayles at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18 at the Peters Township Public Library. Sayles, considered the very model of the contemporary independent filmmaker because he raises the funds for his films himself, was the focus of Shumway’s latest book. In “John Sayles,” Shumway writes about how Sayles has used his freedom to write and produce films with a distinctive personal style and clearly expressed political opinions. A book signing reception will be held following a discussion. To register for the event, contact the library at 724-941-9430 or programs@ptlibrary.org.
Obituary:
Dave Maloney, former men’s basketball coach (1975–1983; 87-84 overall record), alumni relations director and director of development for Carnegie Mellon, died on Sept. 3 in Oklahoma City. He was 71. Maloney led the Tartans to the Presidents' Athletic Conference Championship and the NCAA playoffs in 1977 and was named the Pittsburgh Basketball Writers Coach of the Year. Maloney left Carnegie Mellon in 1993 to become head of fundraising for the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center and soon after became OU’s vice president for development. During his tenure OU received the Circle of Excellence in Educational Fund Raising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. In 2004, Maloney was honored as Oklahoma's Outstanding Fundraising Professional by AFP, the American Fundraising Professionals organization. Maloney retired from the university in 2006, but continued to work part-time as a consultant. He is survived by his wife, Roberta, two daughters, Denise and Kelly (Lynch), son-in-law Gary Lynch and two grandchildren.
“Coach Maloney had a tremendous impact on Carnegie Mellon University and the men’s basketball program. The entire athletics family is saddened to hear of his passing,” said Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation Susan Bassett. “Coach Maloney returned to campus in February 2011 to be recognized with the 1976-77 team he led to the conference championship and NCAA tournament. His passion for the university and the men he coached was apparent, and we are grateful we had the opportunity to celebrate his outstanding achievements with the Tartans.”
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9 at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 10 at St. Eugene's Catholic Church. Read the full obituary.