CINCINNATI STATE - Cincinnati State Technical and Community College will host an environmental awareness event for high-school students from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday.

Sponsored by Toyota Motor Corp., the event is an effort to introduce students to energy-related issues and the field of environmental engineering technology. Topics will include energy conservation, alternate sources of energy, hybrid vehicles, sampling techniques, groundwater issues and pollution prevention. For information, call (513) 569-1750 or (513) 569-1783. Lunch is included.

UC's family medicine department lands $2 million in training grants

U. of CINCINNATI - The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded the University of Cincinnati's department of family medicine $2 million in training grants over the three-year period. The funds will support the development of new education programs and the expansion of others.

All grant-supported projects involve the department's commitment to teach trainees about health disparities and cultural competence in the care of underserved people. The following UC doctors are implementing the new program: Orson Austin of Mount Healthy; Joe Kiesler of Hyde Park; Bruce Gebhardt and Doug Smucker, both of Wyoming.

Xavier assistant professor appointed to ethics commission

XAVIER - Ohio Gov. Bob Taft has appointed Xavier University assistant professor Ann Marie Tracey to the Ohio Ethics Commission, which enforces Ohio ethics laws. Her term runs through Jan. 1, 2010.

Tracey became a full-time faculty member in the Xavier Williams College of Business in August 2003. She is an assistant professor of legal studies, teaching law and ethics to both undergraduate and graduate business students.

Thomas More College accepts nursing credits from Good Sam

THOMAS MORE - Thomas More College and Good Samaritan College have announced an agreement between their nursing programs. Thomas More will now accept course credits for graduates from the Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science.

Good Samaritan College now provides a nursing program leading to an associate of applied science degree in nursing. Thomas More offers a bachelor's degree in nursing. The agreement will allow Good Samaritan graduates to move into the program at Thomas More with all of their credits transferring.

For information about Thomas More's nursing program, call (859) 341-5800. For information about programs at Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science, call (513) 872-2743.

Miami programs receive monetary awards

MIAMI U. - Four Miami University programs have been awarded a combined $698,718 by the Ohio Board of Regents for the Improving Teacher Quality Program. It's the largest amount going to one university, school officials said.

Kristina Goetz

E-mail kgoetz@enquirer.com