Eek! It’s a mouse and other SPH happenings

(Sunday)

It’s a mouse! (mice)

First, a disclaimer. I believe in the value of mice for pre-human experiments. That being said, I don’t want mice anywhere near my office – and that’s where they are.

The Dean’s Office is on the ground floor of Rosenau, and there’s been a lot of construction and disruption of habitats (including those of faculty, staff and students) over the past few years. Earlier in the spring, we found a couple mice in our office, caught them, cleaned up and thought it was over. The other day, Mae thought she heard that special rustling sound. Later that day, I opened my closet door, and there was a mouse looking straight at me. Ok, “that’s it,” I said, “we’re getting serious!” Later in the day, one un-baited humane mouse trap was delivered.

Somehow, the idea that a mouse would willingly sidle into a metal crate seemed absurd. So, my husband and I returned with peanut butter to bait the trap and plastic bags and cleaning supplies (mice aren’t very neat). A couple hours later, we left. Saturday night, we returned. Two mice were in the crate. And for anyone who’s ready to write a mean dean story – let me disclose that we freed the mice outside. However, I was determined to rid my office of anything that could provide the slightest interest. Another couple hours were spent re-baiting traps (now two), and throwing away anything even remotely implicated. Among other things, mice seem to like shredding paper.

I started going through a box of CD’s just in case mice like Bruce Springsteen. And guess what popped out? Another mouse, this one much quicker than we are and now loose in my office. In case anyone wonders why I’m working (Sunday) at home, you know! I’ve returned tonight to see where things stand.

Students returning! It’s wonderful. They’re wonderful.

Felicia Mebane, PhD, MSPH, Assistant Dean for Students, and her team have been hard at work getting ready for fall term. Welcome back students! The Executive DrPH students were here this weekend, and we’re glad to have them. The atrium just isn’t the same without students. Welcome back students. I look forward to interacting with you.

SPH video

Last week, Ramona DuBose, Director of Communications, and David Hardy and colleagues from TakeOne! Productions, were hard at work on a School of Public Health video to tell the story about the exciting work going on here. They interviewed many students, staff and faculty. I’m looking forward to the product. I’m so enthusiastic about our amazing faculty, staff and students and the outstanding work they do. We have needed a better vehicle to tell our story.

A thought for the day in closing

It’s the summer Olympics, and a lot of great athletes are giving their all to win medals.

There are a lot of wonderful athletes here too. Read about students training for the NYC marathon and the cause they’re supporting.

Marian Wright Edelman said, “you’re not obligated to win. You’re obligated to do the best you can every day.” Words to live by.

It’s been a crazy week. Fortunately, there’s been a slight break in the weather, and it’s pretty bearable. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the triathlon at Meadowmont.

Happy Monday, Barbara