LIGHT SPEED - SCIENCE FICTION: We’re counting down to the “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” premiere with UNT engineering expert and Star Wars super fan James Brauer who will explain what is real science and what is pure science fiction.
The Millennium Falcon flying through space at light speed is just a dream - for now.
“This possibility goes back to Einstein’s Theory of Relativity that time and distance aren’t as absolute as we might think,” said Brauer. “However, it’s still just a theory and we don’t have the science that must be developed before we can even start talking about the engineering. Due to some issues with how time would go wonky, a better approach might be traveling at super speeds through wormholes.”

GREAT GRADUATE: For years, the program/news/operations director of UNT’s university radio station KNTU has been the announcer for our commencement ceremonies. This year, he’ll not only be the announcer, he’ll be a graduate himself! This Friday, Mark Lambert will call his own name as the last candidate for graduation, then walk across the stage to receive his master’s degree. Congrats Mark!

AT-AT WALKERS - SCIENCE: We’re counting down to the “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” premiere with UNT engineering expert and Star Wars super fan James Brauer who will explain what is real science and what is pure science fiction.
The giant four-legged AT-AT Walkers used to transport Imperial ground forces stand more than 65 feet tall and have blast-proof armor, but Brauer says they have a major flaw.
“Yes, engineers could really create AT-AT Walkers. The problem is we would have to make them better than in the movie. They are meant to be a troop transport but they are just so slow that they don’t work well and aren’t efficient!”

FIRST DAY OF FINALS: Good morning, #UNT! Lucky the Squirrel says, "Good luck on your finals!"

Photo Credit: Keith Meline

UNT MOBILE APP: Great news, UNT! The new mobile app is available for download. Now, you can access everything you need from UNT while on the go. Get your grades, find your classes, learn about university events and contact faculty members − all in one place! Download now: http://mobile.unt.edu/

FIGHT FINALS STRESS: The absolute best way to fight finals stress: Hang out with UNT Counseling and Testing Services therapy dog Buddy! He’s waiting for love at Chestnut Hall.

WINTER DINING HALL HOURS: The semester is winding down and #UNT dining hall hours are changing! New hours at the UNT University Union begin Monday. See below for more!

WINTER SAFETY: While space heaters can be a fast and easy way to stay warm, they can also be a fire hazard. Make sure you’re being safe with them!

SPRING SEMESTER: Countdown to the Spring semester has officially begun! The first day of class is Jan. 17. Have you met with your advisor?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Or, should we say Scrappy Holidays? The University of North Texas wishes you and yours the happiest of holidays!

GREAT GRADS WANTED: Are you a graduating senior with a great story to tell? Do you know someone who is? Send them our way! UNT is looking for several December graduates to showcase. Specifically, those who have overcome tremendous odds, or those who have earned a degree despite an overwhelming life outside of school. If you know someone who matches this description, please comment below with their name and a short blurb about their story.

ONE MORE WEEK: Temperatures are dropping around UNT but you can leave your warm bed for one more week of school. We have faith in you!

PEARL HARBOR: Today we remember the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Did you know that the UNT Libraries' Oral History Program has a transcript of Army veteran Brandon Perkins discussing his experience at Schoefield Barracks with the 34th Combat Engineers during the attack on Dec. 7, 1941? To listen or request a transcript, you can contact the UNT Special Collections office at (940) 565-2766 or oralhistory@unt.edu.

HONORED ALUMNUS: On Nov. 21, Ernest Kuehne, Jr. (’66) was honored with an original portrait for his generosity to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. The portrait now hangs in the Scottish Rite House of the Temple Hall of Honor in Washington, D.C. Kuehne was awarded the Wings of Eagles Award earlier this year for his engagement, generosity and affinity toward UNT, and was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2014. He and his wife, Pam, are loyal supporters of UNT. He is also the first Texan designated in the Hall of Honor. “As time passes by on this campus, I hope I am remembered as a person who helped others achieve their dreams,” said Kuehne.

GRAMMY NODS: Among the Grammy nominations today were (clockwise from top left) UNT alumna Maren Morris who received four: Best New Artist, Best Country Song, Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance; John Beasley, whose father was a UNT music professor, with two: Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album and Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella; and UNT alumni Carmen Cusack who is principal soloist on the Best Musical Theater Album for "Bright Star"; opera singer Patricia Racette who sang on "Corigliano: The Ghosts Of Versailles," nominated for Best Engineered Album, Classical; and Snarky Puppy, nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
And, we're still finding out about UNT connections so there will be more updates!