David Rohwer's last day as the OIT Data Center Operations Manager will be Friday, May 29, 2009.� As a long-time IT employee with the university, Rohwer's knowledge, leadership and personality will be greatly missed.

After a brief time as a student employee, Rohwer began his full-time UA career as a computer operator in 1976, one of the first employees hired to work in the new Bunnell data center.� Before that time, the computer room was in the Duckering Building, where Telephone Services is currently located. Since the mid 1980s, Rohwer has managed the installation and upgrade of the university's core computer systems. In the early '90s, Rohwer played a key role in designing and transitioning into the new computer facility that still resides today in the Butrovich Building. This facility is home to the university’s computer systems, network and UAF supercomputers.

A forward-thinker, Rohwer has been leading the way for disaster preparedness, capacity planning and energy efficiency.�We hope that he will come back to work with OIT in the future to help guide the
path in these endeavors.�However, Rohwer is planning to spend the summer traveling and visiting family. And, if he gets a chance, he'll spend some time riding one of his many motorcycles.

Start Date: 05/15/09

Cost Analyst
SW Cost Analysis

Krishna Ganapuram comes to Statewide having completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2009 with a 4.0 GPA. This is in addition to a Master of Electrical Engineering from UAF in 2008, and a Bachelor of Technology from JNTU in Hyderabad, India in 2004.

As a student in the School of Management, Ganapuram was the Chief Information Officer for the Student Investment Fund. He was also Vice President for UAF Students in Free Enterprise club. He interned with the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation in their Investments department in 2008.
�
He enjoys learning piano, singing and playing volleyball.

Start Date: 4/27/09

Lead Technology Staff Development Specialist
Office of Information Technology

Gary Bender is responsible for developing and implementing instructional technology training for UAF faculty and staff. Previously Bender was a technology trainer and high school teacher. He was also an IS Net Tech with the UAF School of Education.

Bender grew up in Wilmette, Ill.,�Hanover, N.H. and Vienna, Va., near the District of Columbia.�He came to Alaska for graduate school in 1981 and�returned to�DC after receiving his degree in 1984. He returned to Fairbanks full time in the fall of 1986.

Bender received a Bachelor of Science in Geology through Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va.,�and a Master of Science in Geology as well as Alaska Teacher Certification though the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Bender's wife, Laura, is the Director of the Graduate School at UAF. They have two daughters; Brook is�a junior in college and Anne, a senior in high school.

Bender enjoys hobbies that center around guitar and music in general as well as reading, biking and travel. He volunteers with several local and statewide organizations.

Risk Manager Kari Forney�and her husband�Joe�welcomed a baby boy to the world.� His name is Jack William Timothy Forney, born�May 22, 2009, at 6:35 a.m. He weighed�6 pounds 12 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Kari is the Risk Manager for the System Office of Risk Services. Her�husband is currently deployed to Iraq. Welcome to the world, Jack, and congratulations to your parents!

The Transitions section is one of the most popular aspects of the Statewide Voice, allowing everyone an opportunity to meet new employees. However, we cannot publish information without your help. Please contact us with the name of any new employees or position changes in your department to see them listed in this section.