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SHSU Update for Week of Jan. 20

Professor Writes About Murder in the Northwest

A recent issue of Geospatial Solutions magazine features an article about tracking a serial killer in Spokane, Washington, and it has a Sam Houston State University connection.

The article in the Nov. 2001 issue of the magazine was co-written by Mark Leipnik, a professor in the Department of Geology and Geography and the GIS Lab Director of the Texas Research Institute of Environmental Studies at SHSU.

Leipnik follows the case of suspected serial killer Robert Lee Yates who is accused of a string of murders that began in Spokane in 1997.

According to the article, a Homicide Task Force which was comprised of members of the Spokane Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff's Office had worked cooperatively with the Spokane Geographic Information Systems Office to geopgraphically profile the serial killer, based on "body disposal" locations. Using their maps, GIS analysts narrowed down a possible residence of the killer, helping detectives to focus their investigation which led them to Yates. Ironically, Yates himself was using a GPS unit to locate isolated disposal sites and prepared gravesites.

The article is condensed from one of several chapter-length case studies in Leipnik and Donald Albert's forthcoming book, "Law Enforcement Geographic Information Systems." The article is located on the Web at http://www.geospatial-online.com/geospatialsolutions/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=1297.

Continuing Education Lists Spring Lineup

Registration is underway for the following Continuing Education courses at Sam Houston State University:
  • Introduction to Computers - Feb. 25-April 22
  • Microsoft Word - Core Level - Feb. 26-April 23
  • Microsoft Access - Core Level - April 29-June 17
  • Microsoft PowerPoint - Core Level - April 20-June 18
  • Exploring the Internet in a Day - (offered twice) March 23 and April 13
  • Spanish, Level I - Feb. 19-May 2
  • Spanish for Medical Personnel - April 6-27
  • Intermediate Genealogy - Feb. 21-April 4
  • Interior Decorating - April 4-25
  • Bridge II - March 21-May 23
  • Beginning Yoga - Feb. 25-April 8
  • Paralegal Certificate Course - March 9-April 21
  • Country and Western and Ballroom Dance - Call for dates and times
In addition to the courses listed, online weather and climate courses are now available.

Several partnership-training courses are available such as those in A+ Certification, Newtwork+ Certification, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Certified Internet Webmaster Training in partnership with Quick Strike Training and Certification. AutoCAD courses are also available in partnership with Unicad, Inc.

For further information, see the Office of Continuing Education webpage or call 936.294.3701.

Counseling Center Offers New Group Services

The SHSU Counseling Center has expanded its group services to offer students several new programs during the spring semester.

The groups are available only to university students and are provided at no charge. All groups meet at the Counseling Center, located across from the Lee Drain Building, next to the Farrington Building.

The new group offerings include: study skills, stress and anxiety management, anger management, depression management, women's relational group, personal issues, and a new directions group for students who are trying to abstain from using alcohol and/or drugs.

For additional information on the groups and on other services provided by the Counseling Center, students can stop by the Center or call 936.294.1720.

New Sorority Arriving on Campus

Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority will join Sam Houston State University's current student organizations during its campus colonization on Jan. 24-27.

Tri Sigma will be the university's fourth National Panhellenic Conference women's fraternity.

"SHSU is very excited about the growth of our sorority system," said Amber Van Roekel, student activities program coordinator. "We are pleased that Sigma Sigma Sigma accepted our invitation to join our campus."

Tri Sigma's colonization is open to all female undergraduates, who have a high academic performance, an interest in leadership opportunities and a desire to serve the campus and community through philanthropic activities. Students interested in the colonization process should contact Van Roekel in the Office of Student Activities at 936.294.1761.

University to Close for MLK Holiday

Sam Houston State University employees and students will have a holiday Monday (Jan. 21) in observance of the birthday of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. Classes will resume Tuesday morning.

SHSU Update

Please send information for the SHSU Update to the Office of Public Relations at SHSU. For electronic access to SHSU news see the public relations Web page Today@Sam.

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SHSU Media Contacts: Frank Krystyniak, Julia May
Jan. 20, 2002
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu


This page maintained by SHSU's Office of Public Relations
Director: Frank Krystyniak
Communications Coordinator: Julia May
Located in the SHSU University Advancement Building
Telephone: 936.294.1836; Fax: 936.294.1834
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