by Lisa James Goldsberry (November 7, 2003)

� The October 7 issue of the Ottawa Citizen featured information about research involving UAlbany students. The article �Contagious Yawners More in Touch With Others: If Someone Yawns Back at You, You Know They�re Paying Attention� focused on research about yawning. According to the article, 65 UAlbany students watched videos of people yawning, laughing, or displaying neutral facial expressions while scientists observed them through a one-way mirror. They were then tested to find out how well they process information about themselves and others. A series of experiments in the mid-1980s by a psychologist named Robert Provine verified yawning�s infectious nature. The new research supports a link between contagious yawning and a person�s self-awareness and ability to empathize with others.

� The October 13 issue of The Buffalo News featured information on the attraction of UAlbany and other SUNY schools for out-of-state students. �Flocking to Campus: State Leads the Nation in Out-of-State Students Coming Here to Study, Observers Say This Provides a Bonanza of Energy and Talent� focused on efforts by the four University centers to take their recruitment efforts to the nation. According to the article, out-of-state students add diversity and boost the educational experience of all students.

� The October 25 issue of The New York Times featured quotes by RICHARD ALBA, a Distinguished Professor of Sociology. �The Germans Came, Now They Are Us: An Ethnic Queens Neighborhood is Melting Away Into America� focused on Ridgewood, Queens. According to the article, the descendants of German immigrants have continued to dissolve into the American mainstream, marrying non-Germans and raising their children with little ethnic awareness. The article discussed how, after two wars and the Holocaust, the term �German� is so toxic that no one wants to be identified as German. Alba was quoted as saying that �many families drew the conclusion that the best thing to do was to encourage their children to assimilate.�

� The October 30 issue of The Washington Post featured a profile of UAlbany alum JIM E. MITCHELL III (B.A.�80). �For Vocal GOP Legislator, A Challenge to His Agenda� discussed how Mitchell, a real estate lawyer, is challenging Ken T. Cuccinelli for his seat in the 37th Senate District in Fairfax County, Va. According to the article, Mitchell has been campaigning on several issues he would raise in the General Assembly, including lower class sizes, funding for public transportation, and reducing local real estate taxes by increasing cigarette taxes. After graduating from UAlbany, Mitchell earned his law degree from American University. He is president of Metropolitan Title and Escrow Co.