colleagues, came up with an electronic game they appropriately call “Chem Mystery” to test students’ ability at more familiarity (identifying chemicals). They should have a chance to do it more, be a kind of chemical sleuth if you will.” But the lab provides a less than adequate solution because of the high cost of some chemicals and because some chemicals are hazardous. “You can’t give the deadly poisons, you shouldn't give the carcinogenic compounds and you worry about them identifying unknown chemicals. The object of the game is to find out said. who poisoned Professor Sir Con E. Um, an imaginary scientist who dies from some sort of chemical that is slipped into his nightly medicine. Seven suspects have been created in So Dr. Walker and a few other WSC chemistry professors entered a long list of chemicals in the computer together with all of their identifying features, things such as melting point, boiling the computer and each had a shot at the professor, including such notables as nephew Cal C. Um and his brother Ray D., and a former student named Jan Stein. ; The game requires that students run a number of tests on the medication professor Um took and match the characteristics of the chemicals with library research on known substances. That information, Dr. Walker said, should make it somewhat evident who did the poisoning and how. What the students don’t know is that while they are running the tests the computer is keeping track of how they solve the mystery in order to show WSC re- searchers how students do chemical Walker thought or spilling or burning,” that said, “For students years should I’ve hav: he point, whether they were solid, liquid or gas, solubility, and then tests that the chemist could The students must couple they get from the computer included 41 perform. the results with thick chemistry texts to come up with the exact substance, and the experience closely resembles what happens in the working world, said Dr. Walker. ‘It simulates a lab, a lab with no dangers associated with it,” he said. The chemistry professors started using the idea as a part of regular classroom study and soon noticed that the computer availability of the chemicals and tests changed the way students did their analysis. So they divided the class into two groups--one was told it didn’t matter how analysis. Dr. splashing many tests they ran while the other group was instructed to find the substance in the fewest tests possible. A computer program kept track of what tests the students ran and how often. Dr. Walker said, “Students in the one group would run every single test and then sit back and try to figure out the chemical. But (in the other group) we see students almost scrupulously trying to figure out the most efficient way to solve an unknown.” Curious as to how students from any discipline would go about identifying unknown chemicals the WSC chemists created “Chem Mystery,” gathered donations so they could offer such things as textbook scholarships, free dinners, ski passes and movies as prizes and invited students campus wide to find the chemical that ended Um. Dr. Walker said, “We had students from business who signed up, from allied health, from computer science and from all kinds of areas beyond just our chemistry majors. In fact, they gratifying to note the close association and warm regard which continues in the hearts of so many of the family. During meetings in Prove, Cedar City and St. George, our discussions centered on how alumni could help the college in its legislative efforts. As a result of these meetings, Bob DeBoer, my assistant for Government Relations, noted: As the college's liaison with the state legislature as well as local and national governmental 7 are a significant force in the development of most institutions of higher education. Weber State College is no exception. A fact of 1e to from und. from rters e inyllars quip- our ue of With ls of le to f exed to pro- istry, e at- w int opd for e oplence d ap- duly ine of iditor = life is that those who have received an education frequently find it necessary to leave the area of the “Old Alma Mater” to pursue their careers. This somewhat complicates the task of keeping in touch. One way to address |this condition is through the establishment of alumni chapters in areas where sufficient numbers of grads live to make the approach practical. Weber State has, during the past five years, established chapters in a number of areas throughout Utah and the United States; and in the years ahead we plan to form additional chapters. As president of Weber State College, I have tried to visit each of the alumni chapters and have asked members of the college administration, faculty and staff to arrange to visit chapters whenever they are in a chapter location on college business. During fall quarter of this year, Val Lofgreen, alumni president, Dean Hurst, WSC vice president for College Relations, Robert DeBoer, assistant to the president for Governmental Affairs, and Edie Hester, director of Alumni Relations and Special Services have joined me in visiting alumni within the state of Utah and around the country. The purpose of these visits was to update former students living far from the Weber State Campus happening at the college on what is and to see how we can best serve their needs. representatives, WSC President Rodney H. Brady In a visit to Southern California alumni, Dean Hurst told them: Institutions of learning are often referred to as one’s ‘alma mater’ and indicative of such a relationship is the continuing maternal concern for one's offspring as reflected in the institution's support of alumni associations. Hopefully, during a_ student's association with Weber State there will also develop, either through the classroom, one’s friends, or collegiate programs, a corresponding filial relationship of concern and support for the college as alma mater. The alumni chapter program, then, is designed to foster and encourage a continuing relationship between the college as alma mater and all former students as her childrem. In my personal association with alumni throughout the country, it is track of the tests they ran, but were led to believe it was more for computer security. ‘If I asked for volunteers to do a research project no one would sign ip,” he said. The contest ended Nov. 9 and over 50 students sleuthed their way through the computers, leaving data trails behind. Dr. Walker has collected the information and hopes that it will give him a better idea of what students want and need to know in terms of chemical research. : He noted that the college has already made some adjustments in course offerings based on preliminary information, and predicts even further change. Dr. Walker said, ‘Through research such as this we can see what would be more beneficial to teach. It will have some significant long reaching effects on courses we offer.” were scmewhat of a minority.” President Brady encourages alumni chapter by Dr. Rodney H. Brady President, Weber State College The students were told that the com- puter was keeping I am always looking for a strong stimulant to help lobby Weber's cause. As these groups openly discussed what could be done to promote Weber, it was very evident that we have just begun to tap a great activity resource in these loyal alumni fans. In our meetings with chapters in the east coast, Edie Hester and I again discussed with our alumni the great need the college has for assistance in recruiting top-quality students from all areas of the nation and the ways our alumni can assist with this. We also} mentioned that they could lobby their own senators and congressmen on issues related to higher education as a whole, which would benefit Weber State College. These visits to alumni throughout the nation will continue to keep us abreast of the achievements of our graduates and will keep those far away ‘ip to date with developments Neber State Campus. on the Couple donates real estate he education program’ has received a $96,700 gift in the form of a real estate contract from a West Valley, Utah, couple. The full amount will be paid over 25 years in monthly installments with principal and interest earnings going to the School of Education teacher education program. Dr. Roger C. Mouritsen, director of the master of education program at WSC, arranged for the gift from Estel L. and Leah Wright. Mr. Wright recently retired as Chairman of the Board of American Savings and Mrs. Wright is a former educator in secondary schools and higher education. Both were prominent in real estate and the development of the West Valley area. WSC Development Director Don Spainhower said, ‘This gift is the first of its kind at WSC. The real estate contract has been assigned to the WSC Foundation and installment payments will be transferred from the Foundation to the college. Over $3800 annually will be available to supplement the teacher education budget to enhance the students’ education.” ; Gifts of this kind are encouraged when the Foundation or the College assumes no encumbrances. The donor receives an immediate tax deduction tor the amount of the contract in most cases and the deduction can be carried over for five additional years _ if necessary. roe ox com- = dagger * and alae cloak puter game at Weber State College is giving some students a real-life test at identifying unknown chemicals and providing educational research at the same time. Dr. Edward Walker of the chemistry department, together with a few of his suppifts, page 3 “CheMystery” aids research A iring f the January 1985 5 Ht Weber State College COMMENT