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©2004
The Regents of the University of California
 

YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW

TOP SCIENCE STORIES

This month's issue of Discover Magazine lists two separate discoveries by UCLA researchers in its ranking of the top 100 science stories of 2004. Julio Licinio, a professor in residence at NPI, found that the bodies of overweight people suppress the hunger hormone ghrelin. Also ranked among the top 100 was the work of Paul Thompson, a UCLA associate professor in residence of neurology, who led an imaging study that created a stunning look at damage inflicted on the brain by methamphetamine abuse.

SAY IT IN SPANISH

For the first time, Campus Human Resources (CHR) co hosted a retirement planning seminar for employees whose primary language is Spanish. The pilot program, given with Housing and Hospitality Services (HHS), was held Jan. 4 for more than 150 participants, primarily from UCLA Dining Services. Employees learned about financial and retirement planning, how UC pension plans work and how to take an active role in planning for a secure retirement. Retirement planning can be difficult for anyone to understand, but especially for someone with a language barrier, said CHR benefits counselor Robert Larriva. Nina Purtell, HHS manager of payroll/personnel, who speaks Spanish, assisted Larriva. Associate Dean Fernando Torres Gil of the School of Public Affairs opened the seminar. Spanish speaking retirement counselors were also on hand to talk about the advantages of participating in the 403(b) plan.

BON VOYAGE

The universitywide Office of the Education Abroad Program (EAP) has appointed three UCLA faculty members as directors of study centers in Paris, Tokyo and Lyon, France. English Professor Robert M. Maniquis will lead the EAP study center in Lyon while Professor Efrain Kristal of comparative literature, Spanish and Portuguese is bound for Paris. Professor Michael K. Bourdaghs of the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures will lead the EAP study center in Tokyo. The new directors will serve in their positions from July 2005 through June 2007. Detailed information about faculty opportunities with EAP is available at //eap.ucop.edu/faculty.