AUSTIN, Texas

Students around the globe will have the opportunity to participate in nine dynamic massive open online courses (MOOCs) to be offered by The University of Texas at Austin during the 2013-14 academic year. The courses will be deployed on the edX platform. EdX is an online nonprofit learning initiative founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in May 2012. In October the University of Texas System became the fourth partner in the edX consortium of leading colleges, universities and university systems. Other members include Harvard, MIT, the University of California at Berkeley, Wellesley College and Georgetown University. The University of Texas at Austin plans to deploy the first four MOOCs in fall 2013, followed by an additional five in spring 2014. Faculty and course development teams will use state-of-the-art approaches to build the content, assessments and technology for each course. “Our faculty is enthusiastic about this frontier, and I’m proud that The University of Texas is in the vanguard of blended and online learning,” said university President Bill Powers. “Innovations like this make it an exciting time to be in higher education.” These courses, which will be designed and taught by award-winning faculty members, are as follows:

Fall 2013 launch

Ideas of the Twentieth Century — Daniel Bonevac, College of Liberal Arts; Roy Flukinger, Harry Huntt Ransom Humanities Research Center Introduction to Globalization — John Hoberman, College of Liberal Arts Bench to Bedside: Introduction to Drug Development and the Commercialization Process — Janet Walkow, College of Pharmacy; Donna Kidwell, IC2 Institute; Alan Watts, College of Pharmacy Energy Technology & Policy — Michael Webber, Cockrell School of Engineering

Spring 2014 launch

Jazz Appreciation — Jeffrey Hellmer, College of Fine Arts Foundations of Data Analysis — Catherine Stacy and Michael Mahometa, College of Natural Sciences Mathematics and Effective Thinking — Michael Starbird, College of Natural Sciences Introduction to Embedded Systems — Jonathan Valvano and Ramesh Yerraballi, Cockrell School of Engineering Linear Algebra: Theory and Computation — Robert van de Geijn and Margaret Myers, College of Natural Sciences The courses will meet high standards and are designed to improve student success, said Steven Mintz, executive director of the UT System’s Institute for Transformational Learning, which works with the system’s 15 institutions to promote educational innovation and expand access to affordable, quality education. “We love the idea that people who have never been to college will get to see what a college course looks like,” Mintz said. “Hopefully, it will persuade them to pursue higher education.” The university plans to announce the specific start date for the fall courses this summer. The flexibility of MOOCs allows for a beginning and end date that is not bound by the traditional academic calendar year, which encourages a global classroom where anyone in the world can register and participate.   For more information, contact: Harrison Keller, Vice Provost for Higher Education Policy and Research, (512) 232-8277; Jaimie Lenhardt, Center for Teaching and Learning (512) 475-7917.

Patrick J. Valdez, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2013 at St. Luke’s Medical Center after a long illness.  Patrick was born in Eagle Pass, Texas on June 20, 1964, to Consuelo Valdez and Armando Valdez Sr.

Patrick attended William Horlick High School and graduated from Eagle Pass High School. While in high school Patrick enjoyed playing baseball, football, wrestling and other school activities. Following high school Patrick attended Texas A & M and earned his Bachelors Degree in Business Management from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. On October 9, 1993 he was united in marriage to the former Sandra Flores in Racine, WI Prior to his illness Patrick was employed as the Director of Operations at Ser Jobs For Progress in Milwaukee WI. Through his work he was involved with many community based organizations that served the underprivileged as it related to education, employment and training. Patrick along with his late brother Armando were founding members of the Racine Mexican Fiesta, raising funds that provided scholarships to minority students seeking higher education. Patrick had a kind heart and a passion for helping people. Patrick is survived by his wife, Sandra Valdez; mother Consuelo Valdez, father Armando Valdez Sr.; children, Jacob (Gabrielle), Justino, Isabella, Jolissa and Armando Valdez; granddaughter Lelani Valdez; mother and father in law Polly and Secundino (Cundo) Flores, sister-in-law Sylvia Banda, brothers –in-law Dino (Rachael) Flores and Jose Flores; niece Beth Ann (Jason) Douglas; nephews, Caleb (Daniella)Valdez, Sam (Angel) Valdez and Rio (Selina) Valdez, Joseph Valdez; great nieces, Anna Marie Douglas, Emma Valdez, Elliana Valdez; great nephews, Caleb Valdez Jr., Luciano Valdez; sister-in-law Elizabeth Valdez; aunts Mary Ayala, Esperanza Rodriguez, Josephina Rodriguez; uncles Jose (Elida) and Juan Antonio Sanchez; and many cousins and friends. Patrick was preceded in death by his beloved brother Armando Valdez Jr., grandparents, and other close relatives. Patrick was very loved and will be deeply missed by all of his relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 22, 2013, 12:00 P.M. at Assembly of God, 7311 S. 13th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154 with Rev. Juan Garay officiating. Interment will follow at Good Hope Cemetery, 4101 S. 43rd Street, Greenfield, WI 53220. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the Assembly of God from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 12:00 P.M. Memorials to the family have been suggested. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital, CVI Floor 7 and Floor 8 for their compassionate care. We are forever grateful. MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403 (262) 634-7888 Please send condolences to www.meredithfuneralhome.com

A father teaches self confidence and the freedom to choose who we are. To do what we can and to solve our problems the way we know. He also shows us how to appreciate life so we can find happiness in whatever comes our way. A true father works hard. He sacrifices for his family but seldom waits for a word of praise. A father like you is always there in mind in heart. Today we’re here thinking of you with love and pain this sad day. You’ve gone to heaven but we’ll always remember you dad. You were a blessing to this family, so in return we are here with many blessings for you in this farewell. We’ll miss you forever, someday we’ll see you again. Love you always, your beloved wife, son, daughters, grandchildrens and friends.

Queremos dar nuestras mas sinceras gracias a todos los que nos acompañaron a la despedida de el Señor Guillermo Martinez (Willie) que ya esta con el Señor Nuestro Dios. Gracias por su presencia, comida y flores y sus enfermeras y enfermeros. Y al Padre Pablo de Sacred Heart Church. Gracias y que Dios los bendiga La Familia Martinez