Bruin Notes

Academic all-star

George Fox student Lia LaBrant is the only student from an Oregon college named to the 2005 USA Today All-USA College Academic Team. LaBrant, a junior from Vancouver, Wash., was one of 84 students recognized in the Feb. 17 issue of USA Today. She is one of 24 students receiving honorable mention.

In addition to pursuing a double major in biology and history, LaBrant conducts medical research at the University of Portland and Oregon Health and Science University. She also volunteers for several organizations, including a local hospice, the OHSU Emergency Room, and Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers). In 2002, LaBrant was one of eight students to receive a $20,000 first-place award at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.

LaBrant is the second George Fox student to receive recognition on the USA Today All-USA College Academic Team. In 1999, engineering student Juli Morse also received honorable mention.

New.edu

In January the university unveiled a new Web site that features a fresh visual design and improved navigation. The new site is lighter and leaner, with fewer graphics than before, which should reduce download time for most viewers.

“The George Fox Web site is the first introduction to the university for many people. We intentionally sought to create a site that engages readers and quickly connects them to vital information,” says Rick Johnsen, executive director of marketing and communications.

The launch of the site, georgefox.edu, capped a year-long process of research, consulting, and technology upgrades. Peterson & Co., a design firm in Dallas, Texas, created the design in collaboration with a George Fox advisory committee.

In coming months, the university will create designs for specific divisions, including admissions, athletics, and the university schools. These new designs will incorporate common elements of the new Web site but also contain distinctive features relevant to each area and its audience. Comments can be directed to Gloria Foltz, director of Web development, at gfoltz@georgefox.edu.