Student groups to hit Mall tonight for candlelight vigil

Student groups will join together tonight to honor victims of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia by holding a candlelight vigil on the UA Mall.

The Association of Sri Lankans at the UA is spearheading the effort and has contacted other student groups to join them at the memorial.

"We are having this vigil to honor the victims of the tsunami," said Suminda Hapuarachchi, president of ASLUA. [Read article]

Professors speak on distaster in Gallagher Theater

Four UA professors gathered yesterday to discuss the geological, political and social effects of the recent tsunami and earthquake, which hit Southeast Asia and Africa.

The Sumatra earthquake occurred due to shifting tectonic plates in the Indian Ocean, a problem that could have been avoided if a proper warning system were implemented in the region, said Susan Beck, professor of geosciences. [Read article]

A student was recognized last week by UAPD for his help in apprehending a suspect in a theft and trespass crime, officials said.

Andrew Blackwell, a business management junior, aided police by providing information to create a sketch of a suspect who was involved in a theft at Bear Down Gymnasium, 1428 E. University Blvd.

Blackwell, who is also a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, spotted the suspect at the gym after reporting the crime to UAPD. He immediately called police, who were able to apprehend the suspect and charge him for theft and trespassing, reports stated. [Read article]

A retired anthropology professor donated more than $1 million to help fund an archeology endowment in Asia.

UA professor emeritus Richard Diebold Jr., a former professor in the anthropology department from 1974 to 1992 and the Salus Mundi Foundation, which he heads, recently donated $1,020,000 to the UA anthropology department.

More than 80 percent of the donation is planned to fund the Je Tsongkhapa Endowment for Central and Inner Asian Archaeology, said John Olsen, head of the department of anthropology. [Read article]

This is not your typical college classroom.

It has a witness stand, a jury box and a judge's bench. There are lawyers, jurors, witnesses and a judge ready to carry out their duties, but this is not an actual jury trial.

Welcome to professor Thomas Mauet's Basic Trial Advocacy class at the James E. Rogers College of Law. Mauet is the Milton O. Riepe Professor and director of Trial Advocacy at the law school, where he teaches courses on evidence, pretrial litigation and trial advocacy. [Read article]

Mexican Art featured in UA union exhibit

The Union Gallery is featuring artwork by 24 artists from Sonora, Mexico, to present the message of Mexican-American and Hispanic solidarity and influence in society.

"Cuando Sonora Habla," or "When Sonora Talks," is featured in the Union Gallery on the third floor of the Student Union Memorial Center until Feb. 7.

Sponsored by Fundación México Art Committee and UA Union Galleries, the exhibit features 51 pieces and is designed to stress the important connection existing between Mexico and Arizona, said Chrissy Lieberman, senior coordinator for campus activities and curator of the gallery. [Read article]

Things you always never wanted to know