Gary Swanson, Westminster College director of audio-visual services, announced the College's plans to join in the celebration of International AV Week, Oct. 21-27.

Swanson said, "The audio-visual industry is an integral part of information communications technology that includes new media, projectors, high definition TVs, digital signage, and remote video; video and collaborative conferencing; interactive display, systems integration, and security systems. The industry's scope also includes presentation professionals, and lighting and staging for corporate events, entertainment, sports, and concerts. We applaud our colleagues around the globe, and will pause this week to spotlight AV technologies, services, and the impact they have on our everyday lives."

Dr. Jesse Mann, Westminster College dean of academic affairs, added, "Audio-visual resources find themselves at the intersection of information technologies and communication. Information must be communicated effectively, efficiently, and swiftly to be useful-audio-visual resource specialists play a key role in making this happen."

The College's Office of AV Services will celebrate with a number of projects including:

" On-site demonstration of high-definition television and state-of-the-art surround sound through a cooperative agreement with Dobil Labs of Pittsburgh
" Visiting elementary schools in western Pennsylvania to answer technology questions, assist with reading and science lessons, and demonstrate AV technology in the classrooms
" Giving gently-used College equipment that has become outdated or replaced to area K-12 schools
" Providing job information on the $55 billion worldwide AV industry
" Campus and community tours of the College's AV department, facilities, and Presentation Technology Museum
" Hosting Educational Technology roundtable discussions on a variety of educational technology issues
" Providing free training and demonstration of the College's Smart Classroom systems and other portable educational technologies

Contact Swanson at (724) 946-7188 or e-mail gswanson@westminster.edu for additional information.