REMINDER: YOUR SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED | | |
1. This week, I attended the official installation ceremony of the University of Arizona's 23rd School president, Dr. Suresh Garimella. He gave an inspiring speech, and I was impressed by his vision for the university's future.
2. The University of Arizona School of Dance has performances scheduled through April and May; I have the schedule and an update on the great job director Duane Cyrus is doing with the program.
3. In Performing Arts, as we approach the end of the 2024-2025 Theatre Season here in Southern Arizona, there are still some great productions to catch this Spring in Tucson and Phoenix
4. In The Heavens, The James Webb Space Telescope has helped astronomers find evidence of oxygen in the oldest and most distant galaxy ever observed.
5. In Reaching High this week, I'm taking you back to Mt. Everest. Not the summit at the extreme elevation of 8,849 meters(29,032 feet), but the still high and more attainable base camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). I've done this trek. It is no easy walk in the park, but it is doable, and it is one you will remember your whole life.
6. In Wellness, I have a post from the latest Sensitive & Scientific: The Testing Newsletter that looks at the potential of using smartwatch technology to identify heart attacks and alert emergency services when detected.
| | Now, to this week's Flock. | | 1. University of Arizona: School President Installation Ceremony | | photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizon | | This past Tuesday, Dr. Suresh Garimella, a highly respected engineer and former president of the University of Vermont, was installed as the University of Arizona's 23rd school president. I attended the formal ceremony at Centennial Hall, where Governor Katie Hobbs and university officials lauded Dr Garimella. I was very impressed with Dr. Garimella's speech, where he presented his vision for the school's future, dedication to research, student development, and the university's role in the community. The formal installation concluded with the presentation of the university's ceremonial mace, a symbol of the president's role in preserving and protecting the university's mission. | | U of A is a 'true force for good,' President Garimella says during installation ceremony | | |
Much like the iconic saguaro cactus is a "keystone species" in the Sonoran Desert, the University of Arizona is a "keystone institution" for the state, U of A President Suresh V. Garimella said Tuesday during his installation ceremony.
Garimella spoke at a packed Centennial Hall, where community members and state dignitaries gathered for the formal installation of the university's 23rd president.
Garimella told those in attendance that the saguaro is a keystone species that helps hold the desert ecosystem together.
"They're exceptional, distinctive, unique and a force for good. As our friends the Tohono O'odham and the Yaqui have known for centuries, the Saguaro provides food from its fruit, nectar from its flowers for pollinators, shelter for woodpeckers and owls, and shade and protection for all," he said.
"I put to you that as the flagship land-grant, the University of Arizona is a keystone institution for our state, even predating statehood by decades."
Garimella emphasized the importance of three key focus areas for the university going forward.
"I propose we couple a sense of urgency with purpose built around three shared strategic imperatives: access and success for every student, research that shapes the future, and engagement with our communities to create opportunity together," he said.
…Garimella's speech harkened to Arizona's heritage, recalling the five Cs of Arizona that fuel the state's economy: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate. He proposed a new five Cs for the U of A: community, collaboration, culture, curiosity and "cactus and canyon," a reference to the university's unique geographical location.
Garimella called for the campus community to unite behind the university's mission, and he promised to be a source of clarity for the institution.
"From me, you will get an unwavering and disciplined focus on our North Star and our strategic imperatives," Garimella said, referring again to student success, university research and community engagement.
"Together, let us help this wonderful institution claim its place as a true force for good."
| | KGUN 9 : Suresh Garimella officially installed as UA President | | I was inspired by President Garimella's speech at his official installation ceremony on Tuesday to do some searching online to see what other statements he's made since arriving at the U of A last October. That led me to this post and video on the U of A website, where he reflects on his first 100 days at the university and shares his vision for the future of the institution. | | Thank you for a great 100 days | | |
Dear students and colleagues,
Just over 100 days after joining the University of Arizona, I am more impressed than ever with this community and the work you do every day. This is a special place with amazing people, and we will continue to do everything possible to support you, your goals, and our mission.
Please see this video expressing my thanks and my optimism for our future, as well as some important steps we are taking to ensure that we reach our potential as an institution and as a community.
| | 100 Days: Thank you to our U of A Community | |
2. Dance: U of A School of Dance
| | I have been impressed by the University of Arizona School of Dance director Duane Cyrus, since I first met him when he was appointed as the director in September of 2022. I featured him in the December 16th issue of the Flock that year. Since then, he has brought his artistry and energy to the School of Dance, promoting student success through scholarships, community outreach, and collaboration with other academic programs and professional dance troupes such as the prestigious Martha Graham Dance Company. The School of Dance has an active schedule of performances in the coming weeks, culminating with the MFA Thesis Concert on May 9th and 10th. I can attest that you will love these performances. | | April - May, 2025 School of Dance Performances | | | | |
Dance Springs Eternal
April 10, 2025 to April 13, 2025
April 17, 2025 to April 20, 2025
Venue: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Get ready for an electrifying spring performance with our spring mainstage production, “Dance Springs Eternal.” This concert features dynamic new works by our talented faculty and guest choreographers, showcasing a variety of dance styles that will invigorate and inspire. Experience the energy and passion of our dancers as they bring innovative choreography to life on the stage of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see fresh, cutting-edge performances that highlight the skill and artistry of U of A Dancers.
More Info & Tickets »
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Dance In-Process
April 22, 2025
Venue: Ina Gittings Dance Studios 124/130
Check out the many ways that dance students are investigating and shaping their craft. Dance In-Process provides a unique window into the creative process in an informal setting.
More Info »
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Emerge: Student Spotlight
May 1, 2025 to May 4, 2025
Venue: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Experience another opportunity in the spring to witness the creativity and talent of our students. Each semester brings a new set of young choreographers to the stage, offering fresh perspectives and innovative works that showcase the future of dance. This inspiring concert is more than just a performance; it’s a chance to see our students’ growth as visionary artists and collaborators. Be there to support and celebrate their creativity, passion, and dedication as they present an evening of captivating choreography that highlights their potential and artistry.
More Info & Tickets »
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MFA Thesis Concert
May 9, 2025 to May 10, 2025
Venue: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Experience the cutting edge of dance artistry and advanced research at our MFA Thesis Concert. This compelling event features the culminating works of our Master of Fine Arts candidates, who are pushing the boundaries of movement and expression. Through innovative choreography and thought-provoking themes, these graduate students showcase the depth of their research and the evolution of their artistic voices. Join us for an evening of groundbreaking performances that reflect the depth of inquiry and innovation inherent in the graduate-level experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation.
More Info & Tickets »
| | 3. Performing Arts: Theatre in Southern Arizona | | |
Broadway in Tucson
Alton Brown: Last Bite
Centennial Hall
April 9
| | Alton Brown Live: Last Bite, the famed foodist reflects on his decades in food media, presents several of his favorite culinary mega-hacks, sings some of his funny food songs, and in general offers a culinary variety show the likes of which human eyes have never seen. | | |
Broadway in Tucson
Mamma Mia!
Centennial Hall
May 20 – May 25
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A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads.
And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!
Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.
For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.
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Arizona Theatre Company
Bob & Jean: A Love Story
Tucson: March 23 – April 12
Tempe/Phoenix: April 19 – May 4
| | Lightning strikes and sparks fly when Bob and Jean meet in New York City, 1941. But their instant attraction is cut short as World War II drives the pair thousands of miles apart. While Bob is off to the Pacific as a bomb disposal officer, Jean is headed to boost troop morale as a USO actress. Is their connection strong enough to withstand the winds of war? Travel through their passionate, funny, sometimes desperate correspondence as they navigate battle, Broadway, and the complexities of the human heart. A new play written by Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated playwright Robert Schenkkan, “Bob & Jean: A Love Story” is a stirring and romantic world premiere that tells the remarkable story of an exhilarating courtship. | |
Arizona Theatre Company
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B
Tucson: May 18 – June 7
Tempe: June 14 – Jumne 29
| | Modern-day adventure awaits with the most iconic detective duo of all time reimagined as a gal-pal comedy in “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B.” Set in present-day London, depressed American divorcee Dr. Joan Watson moves in with the carefree and eccentric Shirley Holmes, only to find themselves entangled in a series of mysteries, all related to a cunning supervillain who remains one step ahead of them. This twist on Doyle’s cherished Sherlock Holmes characters delivers non-stop laughter inside a rollicking murder mystery that promises fun for everyone. | | 4. The Heavens: Oxygen Discovered in Most Distant Galaxy | | We live in a fascinating time with orbiting telescopes like the Hubble and its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope able to look at the formation of celestial objects further back in time than has ever been possible. | | Oxygen discovered in most distant galaxy ever seen: 'It is like finding an adolescent where you would only expect babies' | From: Space.com, By: Robert Lea, March 20, 2025 | | |
Astronomers have found oxygen in the farthest, and thus the earliest, galaxy ever seen. This marks the most distant detection of oxygen ever made by humanity.
This early galaxy, designated JADES-GS-z14-0, has 10 times the amount of heavy elements that would be expected in a galaxy that existed just 300 million years after the Big Bang. The findings indicate that this galaxy was already mature in the early universe, challenging theories of galactic evolution.
JADES-GS-z14-0 was discovered in 2024 by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST); its light had taken about 13.4 billion years to travel to us, equivalent to around 98% of the 13.8 billion-year-old universe's lifetime. The newly unearthed chemical composition of JADES-GS-z14-0 came courtesy of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).
"It is like finding an adolescent where you would only expect babies," team member and Leiden Observatory researcher Sander Schouws said in a statement. "The results show the galaxy has formed very rapidly and is also maturing rapidly, adding to a growing body of evidence that the formation of galaxies happens much faster than was expected."
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5. Reaching High: Everest Base Camp Trek
| | One of the best ways to experience the Himalayas is to trek to Everest base camp. I have made this trek. If one chooses, there are a few trails that reach higher and ones that come with a low risk of physical complications. You get to experience the overwhelming beauty and culture of the region without taking the extreme risks of attempting to summit the world's tallest mountain. It is an experience you will cherish your whole life. | | Everest Base Camp Trek vs. Climbing Everest: No, You Won’t Die! | | |
No Ropes, No Ice Axes, No Problem
Climbing Mount Everest (we’re talking the summit here) is a high-risk, high-altitude expedition requiring technical mountaineering skills, weeks of acclimatisation, and more than a small fortune. It involves ice walls, crevasses, oxygen tanks, and possibly being stuck in a tent during a blizzard for days.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp, on the other hand, is a challenging yet achievable adventure that requires solid fitness, determination, and a good pair of hiking boots. You’ll follow well-worn trails through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, passing through Sherpa villages, crossing high suspension bridges (yes, the ones with the prayer flags), and gradually ascending to 5,364m - an altitude where you’ll feel incredibly accomplished but hopefully not at death’s door.
The "Death Zone" vs. The "Tea House Zone"
Everest climbers eventually enter what’s known as the "Death Zone"- altitudes above 8,000m where oxygen levels are dangerously low and the human body essentially starts shutting down.
Everest Base Camp trekkers, however, stick to the "Tea House Zone" - a much friendlier place where you’ll end each day in a cosy lodge with a warm meal, hot tea, and (in most areas) Wi-Fi to update your social media with jaw-dropping mountain views. Instead of freeze-dried food and bottled oxygen, you’ll be feasting on hearty Dal Bhat and momos and exchanging trekking tales with your fellow adventurers around a fire.
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6. Wellness: Sensitive & Specific Newsletter
| | The following article from the most recent issue of Sensitive & Scientific: The Testing Newsletter examines the effectiveness of smartwatches in monitoring heart attacks and alerting emergency services if one occurs. The technology looks promising and could prove to be an effective tool for reducing heart attack deaths. Subscribe to the newsletter here. | | If you’re having a heart attack, could a smartwatch save your life? | | Surviving a heart attack is a function of getting help quickly. Unfortunately, that’s rare, because most heart-attack victims are alone when they happen. In the US, the survival rate is just 9.1%, resulting in 437,000 deaths a year. | | |
But what if your smartwatch could tell if you were having a heart attack - and even call an ambulance? That would be great - as long as the watch gets it right. Too many false alarms would put an undue strain on the first-responder system (and one’s nerves).
Last month, Nature published a preprint that looked at whether this idea would work. The study set out to demonstrate that AI-based monitoring of “unanticipated loss of pulse” at the wrist plus evidence of a fall was sufficiently accurate to support public adoption of the technology. To detect loss of pulse, smartwatches use photoplethysmography (sorry, I just had to use that word in a sentence!), which translates to measuring blood volume changes using reflected light. To detect a fall, the watch uses its accelerometer - the same gizmo that counts your steps. False positives were low (99.987% specificity, which corresponds to one false alarm roughly every 22 years), but sensitivity was also low, at 72.5%
Earlier work published in the journal Resuscitation estimated that this kind of system would save lives in at least 12% of cases. If everyone in the US had a smartwatch, that could mean saving 39,000 lives.
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credit: NASA, ESA,STSci, and hubble Space Telescope
Hubble sees galaxies galore
| | These Flock regulars are always here for you: | | Don't Be Shy: Share Your Stories! | | I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our third year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story. | | Subscriptions & Idea Submissions
Reminder: Your submissions are always welcomed. | | |
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Your fan and friend,
Beth
| | | The information and materials contained or referenced in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before beginning a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or care based on anything contained in this newsletter. | | | | |
