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The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center at the University of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ announced the winners of its first annual Ally of the Year Awards, presented to campus activists and allies who advocate for the GLBT community. The four recipients are: ß Ally of the Year—Brenda J. Allen, associate chair and associate professor of the communication department, for integrating GLBT issues in teaching and research ß Department Ally of the Year—Student Academic Services Center, for anti-homophobia achievements in policies and courses

The Center of the American West at the University of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ has received a $330,000 grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to support the center's work tracking changes in the region. The grant is the largest in the center's 11-year history. "The Hewlett Grant is a wonderful vote of confidence in the center," said history Professor Patricia Limerick, co-founder and chair of the center. "The Hewlett Foundation shares our belief that the West urgently needs clear, productive conversation about its past, present and future."

Editors: A schedule of reading locations, times and volunteer readers is attached. The nation will celebrate what would have been the 96th birthday of famed children's author Dr. Seuss with Read Across America Day on Thursday, March 2. The University of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ Office of Community Relations, along with the Â鶹ӰԺ Valley Education Association and the Foundation for Â鶹ӰԺ Valley Schools, is planning local events to celebrate the day.

The University of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ Office of Community Relations and Moe's Broadway Bagel are sponsoring a book drive at Moe's Â鶹ӰԺ stores, Feb. 28 through March 3, in connection with Read Across America Day on March 2. Anyone who brings in a new or slightly used children's book to any of the three Â鶹ӰԺ stores will receive a free bagel and cream cheese. The offer is limited to one bagel per customer per day.

John Bally will discuss the birth of stars, the formation of planets and the origin of the solar system during his live astronomy show "Formation of Planetary Systems" at CU-Â鶹ӰԺ's Fiske Planetarium on Friday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. For centuries, astronomers have theorized about how the Earth and Sun formed. "But now, for the first time in history, we are beginning to understand the birth of stars and planets," said Bally, an associate professor in the astrophysical and planetary sciences department at CU-Â鶹ӰԺ.

Four University of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ students will put their stomachs to the test for the sake of science in early March by flying an experiment on NASAÂ’s KC-135 aircraft known as the "Vomit Comet" from HoustonÂ’s Johnson Space Flight Center.

Philosophers, educators and community leaders will discuss the effects of consumerism on nature, developing countries, local communities and individual well-being at the 24th annual Bertram Morris Colloquium. "The Ethics and Politics of Consumerism" will be held on the University of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ campus the week of March 13-18.

What do a magician, star-crossed lovers, a ghost, three witches and a gossiping wife have in common? Shakespeare, of course, and the performance of, "Boy Meets Girl Meets Shakespeare." The show will be performed at Eaton High School for students and faculty at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 29, incorporating scenes from "The Tempest," "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Macbeth" and "Taming of the Shrew."

The International WomenÂ’s Alliance at the University of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ will hold its 25th annual International WomenÂ’s Week March 5-10. This yearÂ’s theme is "The Political Economy of Violence: Women of Color Resisting Militarization, State Terror, and Violence in Our Lives." Questions and issues on unemployment, increases in the military and prison budgets and racism and sexism in health care will be addressed through a series of workshops, films, lectures, theater performances and art exhibits.

University of Colorado at Â鶹ӰԺ Professor Anne Costain will give the final lecture for the spring ChancellorÂ’s Community Lecture Series. Professor CostainÂ’s lecture, "Media Portrayal of Feminist Protest," is on Tuesday, Feb. 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel at The Academy, 970 Aurora Ave. in Â鶹ӰԺ, completing the spring series titled "Women in the Field."