March 2005

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For a complete listing of Cornell news and events visit our News Center.

NEW DEAN
A national search has resulted in the hiring of Brenda Tooley, acting dean of Colorado College, as dean of the college and vice president for academic affairs effective July 1. Tooley is in her sixth year in the Colorado College dean’s office, including five years as associate dean. She is already familiar with One-Course-At-A-Time, as Colorado College pioneered the Block Plan. Dennis Moore retires at the end of the school year after 18 years as dean.

ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENTS
The college is developing five exciting new academic initiatives. The health sciences initiative is designed to be a model for preparing well-rounded, compassionate health care professionals. The Cornell Fellows Program has just launched and pairs distinguished alumni with students who will complete internships that have a transforming effect on their future careers. The economics and business department is developing a distinctive program that blends economic theory with practice in business and public policy. Cole Library will be on the leading edge of an emerging trend in higher education with a “learning exchange” that fully integrates academic support services in the library. And the Distinguished Alumni Visitors initiative will draw on a wealth of alumni expertise.

CORNELL, RIVERSIDE SHARE 'BIG LOVE'
Cornell students and Riverside Theatre professionals have teamed up for “Big Love,” their fifth collaboration since 1996. Performances ran March 16-19 on campus, and then move to the Riverside stage in Iowa City March 24-April 10.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED
Cole Library and The Commons allow wireless access to students, faculty and staff using laptops or handheld devices. A grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust opened Cole Library to wireless computer users; renovations that created a coffeehouse at the Rathskeller snack bar brought wireless access to The Commons.

SPRING BREAK
15 Cornell students are spending spring break (March 24-April 3) building houses for Habitat for Humanity in Lexington, Va., on the 4th annual Alternative Spring Break service trip.

WOMEN'S STUDIES TURNS 20
The Second Annual Feminist Symposium, sponsored by the Women’s Action Group, and several guest lecturers have helped the women’s studies program mark its 20th anniversary. The next issue of the Cornell Report will bring readers up to speed on the program.

ANNUAL FUND UPDATE
With three months remaining in the fiscal year, Cornell needs an additional 1,500 alumni gifts to maintain its 40% alumni participation rate, which is used by foundations to determine who receives funding. In addition, organizations that rank colleges – such as U.S. News & World Report – consider participation rates to determine alumni satisfaction. Cornell students will be calling alumni in April to enlist their participation in giving. A convenient and secure giving option also is available online.

NOMINATE AN ALUM
Cornell continually seeks nominations for alumni awards. The categories — Distinguished Achievement Award, Leadership and Service Award, and Young Alumni Achievement Award — are outlined online. Take a moment to fill out an online recommendation form.

NEWT GINGRICH TO CAMPUS
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will speak May 13 in King Chapel to launch the health professions initiative at Cornell. His 2003 book, “Saving Lives & Saving Money,” describes his vision of a 21st-century system of health and health care that is centered on the individual, prevention-focused, knowledge-intense and innovation-rich. Gingrich founded the Center for Health Transformation and serves with former Sen. Bob Kerrey as co-chairman of the National Commission for Quality Long-term Care. 

STUDENT SYMPOSIUM
Ninety-five students are scheduled to give 75 presentations at the Ninth Annual Student Symposium on April 9. This will be the largest symposium, with students delivering their research findings in poster displays and oral presentations. The symposium, which originated as a way to spark intellectual conversation and growth on campus, is one of the premier events at Cornell.

IRAQ PERSPECTIVE
Leland “Lee” Bowie ’61, an expert on Middle East history, spent 10 months working with the Baghdad city council to build a democracy after the U.S. invasion of Iraq. He will speak about his experience in a campus visit April 18.

MUSICIANS HEADED FOR ITALY
Nearly 50 student musicians will perform in cathedrals and concert halls in Rome, Florence and Venice during the Term 9 course “Music in Europe.” Professors Martin Hearne and Lisa Hearne, directors of the Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Singers, have prepared a program primarily featuring music from the Americas, including works by Copland, Gould and Grainger. The ensembles will present a send-off concert April 24 during Golden Alumni Weekend.