Posted: 25 Sep 2009 05:30 AM PDT

By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 7:13 AM Friday, September 25, 2009

OXFORD — Friends say the Miami University graduate who died this week after reportedly suffering from swine flu delayed getting medical treatment because she did not have health insurance.

News of Kimberly Young's death Wednesday, Sept. 23, came as a shock to those who knew the vibrant 22-year-old who was working at least two jobs in Oxford after graduating with a double major in December 2008.

Young became ill about two weeks ago, but didn't seek care initially because she didn't have health insurance and was worried about the cost, according to Brent Mowery, her friend and former roommate.

Mowery said Young eventually went to an urgent care facility in Hamilton where she was given pain medication and then sent home.

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Young's condition suddenly worsened and her roommate drove her to McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, where she was flown in critical condition to University Hospital in Cincinnati.

"That's the most tragic part about it. If she had insurance, she would have gone to the doctor," Mowery said.

Family members indicated that Young died from complications from the H1N1 virus, but the Ohio Department of Health, the Hamilton County Health District and the Butler County Health Department were unable to confirm she had been infected with the virus.

Bret Atkins, of ODH, said late Thursday afternoon that his department had not received a specimen yet to test for the H1N1 virus. If it is confirmed, Young would be the fourth Ohioan to die from the virus and the second from Butler County.

Young, known as "Kimi" to her friends and family, graduated from Elmwood High School in Wayne, Ohio, and earned a bachelor of arts in international studies and a bachelor of fine arts, while minoring in French and Spanish.

Miami grad recalled as a vibrant, exceptional young woman

Those who knew Kimi Young say she was a vibrant and exceptional person, in academics and as a friend.

The 22-year-old's death Wednesday from complications possibly caused by the swine flu, came after she suffered symptoms for several days but had nothing more than fever reducers to combat the virus, according to friends.

"I just can't believe this has happened," said Dr. Jeanne Hey, director of international studies at Miami and mentor to Young.

"She was just a presence on this campus. She organized trips. A lot of people knew her because she was so active."

Young, who studied French, Spanish and earned two degrees at Miami — international studies and fine arts photography, was an active member of the Students for Peace and Justice and the Association of Latin American Students.

The Wayne, Ohio, native was still in Oxford after graduating in 2008 because she wasn't able to find the right job. Hey said this past summer, Young was debating pursuing a graduate degree or working for a nonprofit organization.

"She had an incredible commitment to social justice," Hey said. "She was a person with a huge heart and a very free spirit as well. She really cared about people here and around the world."

Young traveled twice to Latin America to explore human rights issues, and helped organize the spring break trips as part of the Students for Peace and Justice, said Walt Vanderbush, club adviser and professor of political science and Latin American studies.

Vanderbush, who wrote letters of recommendation for Young, said she contributed greatly on the trips, taking photos and later making presentations in her classes.

Young lived in an off-campus apartment and had been working at least two jobs — four years at the Kofenya coffee shop and nearly three years at the Bagel & Deli, both on High Street in uptown Oxford.

At the Bagel & Deli, a memorial sign in the window reads, in part: "In a world where happiness comes with such a price, you made everyone richer by just being you. Life just isn't the same without you, friend."

Employee Mallory Naber said those who knew "Kimi" were devastated by her passing.

"It's been very hard for everyone who knew her," she said.

At a busy Kofenya coffee shop Thursday afternoon, Young's friends and co-workers wrote messages in a memorial book that will be given to her family. By the register, a small memorial consisted of candid photos and messages to Young, "the best barista."

Brent Mowery, a friend and former roommate, said Young was planning to move in October to join the arts scene in Philadelphia.

Mowery said he last saw Young the day before she got sick, about two weeks ago.

He said she was experiencing serious flu symptoms but didn't seek medical treatment because she didn't have health insurance.

"She was the most fun person to be with. The most energetic," he said. "Everyone will tell you she was just a great person. She was always out and about. As long as it was with people, that was the most important thing."

Steve Cupp, owner of the Vertigo tattoo parlor next door to the bagel shop, got to know Young while hanging out during breaks from work.

Food bank helps pet owners facing tough times - WTGV

Posted: 17 Sep 2009 04:53 PM PDT

Buy some ice cream, support hungry pets

Money's tight in this tough economy. One local woman noticed some people going through tough times were giving up their pets.

Pamela Smith loves animals, but four dogs is her limit. She says, "I think my calling is rescuing older cocker spaniels. I have three; they either go blind or deaf."

As any pet owner knows they can be expensive. While doing volunteer work at the Salvation Army she noticed something. "People are just dropping off their animals. They can't afford to feed them and it's breaking my heart."

Pamela owns Finer Arts Photography, in downtown Monroe, Michigan. She came up with an idea to use her great location to solve the problem she was seeing.

She set up an ice cream stand outside her photography studio and now the money she makes on the ice cream goes straight to buying pet food.

She makes the food available for free to anyone that asks. She hopes the pet food bank will help pet owners take care of their animals even though money is tight.

She told us, "No one has been taking it for granted like coming in and wiping me out." And the community has gotten behind the pet food bank.

While Pam can't take in every animal, she hopes her pet food bank can continue to get food to pet owners in need.

You can donate by buying ice cream or donating food at 20 South Monroe Street in downtown Monroe.

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College of Santa Fe Welcomes More Than 200 Returning Students ... - PR Newswire

Posted: 18 Sep 2009 07:04 AM PDT

SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- When the College of Santa Fe (CSF) welcomes students for the fall 2009 semester it will also mark the 150th anniversary of the school's charter. More than 200 students have enrolled for the fall semester, including 70 students for evening and weekend classes and more than 140 traditional students. Enrollment for traditional students remains open until the first day of classes, September 21, 2009.

This fall, students are enrolled in the college's well-known programs including those in fine arts, graphic design, theater, moving image arts, photography, creative writing, business and education. Students can earn a bachelor's degree as well as a Master of Arts in Education and an M.B.A. More than 32 CSF faculty members are returning to lead classes in each program, including David Scheinbaum, Steve Fitch, John Weckesser, Brad Wolfley, Hank Rogerson, Linda Swanson, David Grey, Gerry Snyder, Susan York, Carolyn Kastner, Matt Donovan and Mark Behr.

"When we talk about the things that make the College of Santa Fe special, we always start by talking about the faculty," said Paula Singer, chief executive officer of the Laureate Higher Education Group. "Our faculty are among the best and the brightest in their fields. But they stand alone when it comes to commitment to their students. We are proud to have them here as we start a new school year."

The college also announced that Laurence A. Hinz, senior vice president at Laureate Education, has been named interim president. Dr. Stuart Kirk, who served as president of the college for two years, has been appointed vice president of business and institutional development for Laureate's U.S. campus-based operations. Both positions are effective October 1, 2009. The college also announced that John Allen, faculty member of the CSF film department, has been named vice president for Academic Affairs.

"Stuart Kirk worked tirelessly on behalf of the students, alumni, and faculty at the College of Santa Fe," said Ms. Singer. "He was the champion of the traditions, the strengths and the future of the college. Thanks to his dedication, the doors of the college are open today."

Mr. Hinz has worked closely with members of the college, local city government officials including Mayor David Coss and City Councilors, and community leaders in Santa Fe, as well as representatives from the office of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and regulators on the plan that saved the college from closing.

"Larry's leadership and vision for a vibrant future for the College of Santa Fe, its students, faculty, alumni and community, has been the guiding force behind our efforts to save the college during the past two years," said Ms. Singer. "We are fortunate to have Larry at the helm, leading the college during this important time of rebuilding and growth."

In his role as interim president, Mr. Hinz will lead the college's growth into an international Center of Excellence in the teaching of the creative arts, music and film. Mr. Hinz will also be responsible for attracting a national and international student body to the campus, maintaining the college's high academic standards and building strong relationships with members of the local Santa Fe community.

Prior to moving into the interim president role at the college, Mr. Hinz held several senior management positions with Laureate Education, including domestic and international higher education management. He managed Laureate's University of Liverpool Online operation in Amsterdam and has led international expansion efforts for Walden University. Mr. Hinz earned his M.B.A. from University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business with a concentration in finance and public policy. He earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University with a double major in computer science and finance. Mr. Hinz serves on the Board of Directors of New School of Architecture and Design and has been active in raising money for cancer-related causes.

ABOUT LAUREATE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES

Laureate International Universities is a global network of 45 accredited campus-based and online universities offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than half a million students around the world. Laureate International Universities' students are part of an international, academic community that spans 20 countries and more than 100 campuses throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Laureate International Universities offers more than 130 career-focused, undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs in fields including engineering, education, business, medicine, law, architecture, health sciences, hospitality, culinary arts, and information technology. For more information, visit http://www.laureate.net.

SOURCE Laureate Education

Website: http://www.laureate.net

Arts Photography

Friday, September 25, 2009

“Reported swine flu victim remembered for her passion - Oxford Press” plus 2 more

“Reported swine flu victim remembered for her passion - Oxford Press” plus 2 more

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