Three simultaneous exhibitions of contemporary printmaking – including new work by design academics Ken Hay and Michael Anderson and postgraduate Milos Rankovic – opened in Bradford and Leeds’ twin city Brno on May 6. Featured works include Eden (pictured) by senior lecturer Michael Anderson, which comprises images from the war in Iraq, believed by some biblical scholars to be the site of the Garden of Eden and the great flood. Hibrida II appears at the Bradford gallery, Cartwright Hall and Brno until June 26.

Professor Hay and his partner Seetha A are the UK selected artists in a Krakow photographic exhibition celebrating Poland’s entry into the EU. Artists’ personal impressions of all EU countries are displayed as lightboxes at tram stops across the city.

The kids are all right
2005 is the year of the volunteer, and the University’s access academy is seeking staff and students to help raise the aspirations and self-esteem of young people in local schools. Schemes include mentoring or e-mentoring, providing language support to refugee children and a model-making environmental project to redesign the Kirkstall valley area.

The deadline for applications is June 17. To apply visit the city and regional office. For more information see campusweb.

Treasure on campus
Tickets are now on sale for Leeds Youth Opera’s performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the University. The group provides a platform of excellence for young performers aged between 12-30 from schools, colleges and universities across the region and was recently described as a ‘national cultural treasure’ by the Yorkshire Post.

The Magic Flute is at the Riley Smith theatre from July 6-9. For more information see www.leedsyouthopera.org.uk or call the box office on 0113 224 3801.

Getting greener
The University dramatically improved its environmental performance in 2004, moving from fifth to second place in the HE sector according to Business in the Community’s eighth environment index, which lists the region’s top 100 companies for their environmental impact.

Professor of environmental management Adrian Macdonald said this was a tribute to the vision of the University environment team. Particular initiatives include a network of environmental co-ordinators across the University and separation of waste at source thanks to our new recycling bins.  

“It sends a message that Leeds can initiate rapid change and that the goal of a world-class university lies in our own hands,” Professor Macdonald said.

For more information and the full results see the Business in the Community website. For more information on the University's environmental initiatives see the estate services website.

Five live on campus
Five prominent Latin American women writers will discuss the changing role of women writers in the region at the ninth annual symposium on contemporary narrative held by the department of Spanish and Portuguese.

Albalucía Angel and Helena Araújo from Colombia, Luisa Valenzuela from Argentina, Edmée Pardo from Mexico and Adriana Lisboa from Brazil will speak on July 1 in the Michael Sadler building. For more information contact t.pitman@leeds.ac.uk or see www.leeds.ac.uk/spanport/whatson1.html

PVC pair appointed
The University has appointed two new Pro-Vice-Chancellors from August 2005. Professor Stephen Scott will take on the portfolio for staff and students and Professor Richard Williams will lead enterprise and knowledge transfer (a new portfolio). The five-year appointments follow a process of internal advertisement and interview.

Professor John Fisher continues as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for research and Professor Alan Pearman holds the learning and teaching portfolio. All four are members of the Vice-Chancellor’s advisory group.

Charity aims for a peak of achievement
Charity Heart Research is inviting staff and students to join the fundraising Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on June 18. The event takes walkers to the county’s highest points – Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside – and is suitable for all ages. Contact 0113 2347474 or email fundraising@heartresearch.org.uk

Vicki Blackall and Sharon Beckram thank all those who helped them raise almost £300 in the Leeds Race for Life last month on behalf of Cancer Research UK. For more information on Race for Life see www.raceforlife.org

The LGI Breast Cancer Research Action Group is raising funds by asking people to pay £1 to ‘think pink’ for a week beginning June 20. Wear a pink tie, pink undies, paint your nails pink or eat a strawberry pie – phone Johann on 0113 2611668 for details about how to get involved.

Wardens needed
Applications are invited from staff for the post of resident warden for the 2005/06 session. Wardens are responsible for the pastoral care of student residents and the maintenance of discipline.

There is an annual honorarium of £2,495 and other benefits. There are two vacancies at Bodington Hall and one at Leodis Residences, and the closing date for applications is June 20. For more information contact Ann Collier on a.collier@leeds.ac.uk.

Days of wine and races
Forthcoming senior common room events include:
- A social evening and art fayre in the SCR building on Wednesday June 8 at 7.30pm.
- A wine fair on Wednesday June 22 in the SCR building at 7.30pm
- A trip to Ripon Races, Monday July 4 leaving Parkinson steps at 5.15pm. Members and guests welcome, tickets and further details from Pat ext 34161

Ahead of the field
Congratulations to Dave Evans, supervisor groundsman at Weetwood, who won first place in the FA’s West Riding Groundsman of the Year contest. The award acknowledges the quality of football facilities at Weetwood, Bodington and Lawnswood – and Dave now goes forward to a national final.