Law college ranked as Îtop tier' school in magazine

The James E. Rogers College of Law has again been ranked among the country's "top tier" law schools, according to a survey conducted by and published in U.S. News and World Report this week.

The college ranks 43rd in a field of 177 accredited law schools across the country and 20th among public law schools. Last year, the college was ranked 44th. The college is one of eight law schools in the western United States named in the top tier.

"We're always happy when others recognize the value of the education and training that we offer and the community we've created" Dean Toni M. Massaro said.

Arizona State University's College of Law was ranked 53rd, up from 59th in 2003.

The national magazine U.S. News and World Report has ranked higher education institutions for more than a decade and is considered the most exhaustive survey of its kind.

Details on how the UA fared in each category are available at usnews.com.

Science dean hits airwaves

UA College of Science Dean Joaquin Ruiz hopes that Hispanics in Tucson will get turned on to science by tuning into his new Spanish language radio show, "Science and Our Society."

The 25-minute program airs on KUAZ 89.1 FM and 1550 AM on Sundays at 2:30 p.m., and is part of Radio Universidad, a 22-year-old show that focuses on the culture and issues of the Hispanic community.

"We need to better connect with our Hispanic community and try to attract more Hispanic children to science," Ruiz said. "I believe this could be an effective medium to promote science to Spanish speakers in southern Arizona."

The format is flexible and allows for interviews, discussions and guest commentators. Topics include water, Mars, science policy, what it's like to be a scientist and science careers of the future.

Ruiz launched the show in October 2003 with Radio Universidad host and producer, Ana Romo-Lucero.

"We live in a scientific world and it is important for the Hispanic community to understand the scientific issues that surround that world," Romo-Lucero said. "I tell my daughter, ÎWhen you eat you are experiencing science, and when you travel you are experiencing science. Science is all around you and it is important to understand that it is part of your world right now.'"