June 2000: Vol. 79, No. 3June 2000: Vol. 79, No. 3 |
They said it |
|
MARJORIE AGOSIN On the need to find one's identity to return to one's origins: "It really implies 'to honor' what has been so savagely and so brutally lost. My work in the pursuit of memory has a lot to do with honoring the dead and the living."
On the politics of memory and its effect on her writing: "Memory is not factual. That is the task of the historian, of the political scientist. Memory, by nature, is ambiguous. Memory is deceitful. Memory changes."
On her Jewish parents' expulsion from Europe as the inspiration of two memoirs: "I started wanting to understand what happened to my family's world. What did they leave behind? How were they able to construct new identities in Latin America?" MARVIN KALB On former U.S. Secretary of State (and later UGA professor) Dean Rusk, who was a principal architect of the Vietnam War: "I thought he was a noble, decent, and honorable man—even though we disagreed profoundly on Vietnam and China. When I asked him, 'What was the miscalculation?' in Vietnam, he said, 'We never understood the tenacity of the North Vietnamese to get their way.' " RICHARD STOLLEY On current state of journalism: "The level of brutality in jounalism is somewhat alarming—especially, but not limited to, Washington. Many editors pride themselves on being hard-boiled, but perhaps a tad more empathy might serve readers better."
On privacy vs. right to know: "I now approach a fact that invades somebody's privacy with these questions: Is it true? Does it matter? Will other people, perhaps innocent people, be hurt by its publication?"
On the future of print journalism in a Web world: "It has dawned on me that the true beauty of magazines is that they are perhaps the least interactive source of information in the world." RITA DOVE On the origins of writing: "It begins with living—so intensely that you need to write home about it."
On the support she received from Stanley Lindberg, the late editor of the Georgia Review: "I cannot conceive of the beginnings of my career without thinking of Stanley Lindberg. Stanley was the first professional person to say, 'Send us some poems.' I felt this was a person truly interested in the future of literature in young people's writing." |
 The new UGA Alumni Club has 10,000-square feet of space, state-of-the-art conference rooms—and a beautiful view of the atrium dining area at the Atlanta Financial Center, which can be rented for alumni functions. |
Calling all Bulldogs! The new UGA Alumni Club held its gala grand opening on Feb. 26, and is now open for business.
Located in the South Tower of the Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead, the 10,000-square-foot space is leased by UGA's National Alumni Association, which makes the meeting, personal business, and social facilities available to alumni. UGA schools, colleges, and units may also use the club, which boasts a variety of meeting rooms—ranging from an intimate conference room that seats eight to a high-tech seminar room that can accommodate up to 75.
"The larger rooms offer the latest audio-visual equipment options, including 42-inch flat-screen monitors with VCR and DVD," says Celena Apple (BSEH '96), director of operations for the Alumni Club. "The seminar room is set up for video teleconferencing, and two other rooms allow audio teleconferencing."
The club also includes a beautiful hospitality lounge patterned along the lines of the Delta Crown Room at Hartsfield Airport. The lounge has four adjoining workstations equipped with telephones and modem lines.
Alumni in town for business or pleasure can use the Alumni Club as a waystation. President Michael F. Adams and Senior Vice President for External Affairs Kathryn Costello maintain offices at the club, along with NAA Executive Director Dave Muia (AB '74).
"This facility represents our commitment to Atlanta—which is not only the state capital and the economic center of Georgia, but also home to more than 90,000 UGA alumni," says Costello. "The University's presence in Atlanta is central to our aspirations for the future. If we are to continue building a better Georgia, we must be more involved in metro Atlanta, as well as in the rest of the state."
The Terry College of Business is using the Alumni Club for its monthly "Terry Third Thursday" breakfast speaker series for alumni and friends. Cost is $15.
The UGA Alumni Club is located at 3333 Peachtree Rd. NE in the heart of Buckhead, just a 30-minute ride from the airport via MARTA. For information about booking the club or attending events there, contact Celena Apple (404/266-2NAA or capple@uga.edu). To make reservations for the Terry College breakfast programs, contact Marie Garrison (706/542-3210 or mgarrison@terry.uga.edu).
ASO kicks off 2000-01 Performing Arts season
The Performing Arts Center's fifth anniversary season begins on a high note when the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra comes to Hodgson Hall on Sept. 24 with new music director Robert Spano making his Athens debut. The season includes
32 performances in seven series: Music Series I/II, Showtime, Dance Festival, Traditions, Ramsey Concert Hall Series, and Franklin College Chamber Music Series.
 Jazz Train performs Jan. 13, 2001. |
"The musical theme is one of looking forward to new artists and performances while enjoying return visits from some past favorites," says Timothy A. Bartholow, director of the Office of Performing Arts.
Besides the ASO, other returning acts include the Atlanta Ballet, guitarist Christopher Parkening, and pianist Philippe Entremont.
Subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets for individual performances go on sale to the general public on Aug. 21. Season subscribers may buy single tickets for individual performances on Aug. 7.
To charge tickets, call 706/542-4400. For the complete 2000-01 schedule, visit the Performing Arts Center Web site (http://www.uga.edu/pac/).
Changes taking place at VP level
Spring semester has been a time of organizational change with new vice presidents being named in services and finance and the vice president for research announcing his retirement.
 From Left: Henry M. Huckaby, Arthur N. Dunning, Joe Key |
Henry M. Huckaby, who worked for 20 years in state government, including four years as Georgia's top budget and finance officer, is UGA's new senior vice president for finance and administration, succeeding Allan W. Barber, who is retiring June 30 after 34 years of service at the University.
Arthur N. Dunning, a senior official of Georgia's state university system, is the new vice president for public service and outreach, succeeding S. Eugene Younts, who stepped down as vice president Dec. 31 after 28 years at UGA. Dunning will direct the nation's largest campus-based outreach program.
Joe Key, who led UGA into new frontiers of scientific exploration and invigorated research in the humanities and arts, will retire as vice president for research on Sept. 1, concluding 31 years of service. In terms of combined years at UGA, Barber, Younts, and Key have logged nearly a century.
Archbishop Tutu awarded Delta Prize
Archbishop Desmond Tutu is the second recipient of the 2000 Delta Prize for Global Understanding, an international award established by the University of Georgia with funding from Delta Air Lines.
Tutu will be recognized for helping end apartheid in South Africa and promoting reconciliation in its aftermath. "Archbishop Tutu is a living symbol of peaceful change and understanding," says Gary Bertsch, director of UGA's Center for International Trade and Security and co-chair of the Delta Prize program.
 Tutu is being honored for helping to end apartheid in South Africa and promoting reconciliation in its aftermath |
Tutu is scheduled to accept the award at a July 25 ceremony in Atlanta. A symposium will be held prior to the ceremony. Ali Mazrui, creator of the nine-part PBS documentary "The Africans," will give the symposium address. Tutu is the second recipient of the prize, which carries with it a $10,000 cash award. The inaugural prize went last year to former President Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter and the Atlanta-based Carter Center.
"Our aim in establishing the Delta Prize was to honor individuals or groups that successfully promote peaceful solutions to intercultural conflicts," says Betty Jean Craige, director of UGA's Center for Humanities and Arts and the other co-chair of the award program. "By showing the world that lasting peace requires justice, and by demonstrating how such justice may be achieved, Archbishop Tutu exemplifies the leadership the Delta Prize recognizes."
Nominees for the Delta Prize for Global Understanding are solicited from around the world. Selected University of Georgia students research the work of those nominated and prepare information for an international selection board that meets annually to choose the prize recipient.
ATO suspended for hazing-related death
On March 30, Alpha Tau Omega pledge Ben Grantham of St. Simons Island died in an automobile wreck in Oconee County that police and UGA officials have determined was related to hazing.
As a result, the University has suspended the ATO chapter, which has surrendered its charter. Criminal charges have been filed against four UGA students, including the driver of the vehicle in which Grantham was riding.
"This is a terrible tragedy," said UGA president Michael F. Adams. "If we learn anything in such a dark moment, it is that pranks and fun and foolishness are not always harmless. They can go horribly awry, and there is no turning back from the damage done."
Library launches Ga. Writers Hall of Fame
To recognize past and present Georgia writers for contributions to the state's literary heritage, UGA's Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library is seeking nominations from the public for the new Georgia Writers Hall of Fame. To be eligible, a writer must be either a Georgia native or have produced a significant work while residing in the state.
To launch the nomination process, a board of judges chose 12 Georgia writers for posthumous induction into the hall of fame: Erskine Caldwell, James Dickey, W.E.B. DuBois, Joel Chandler Harris, John Oliver Killens, Martin Luther King Jr., Sidney Lanier, Augustus Baldwin Longstreet, Carson McCullers, Margaret Mitchell, Flannery O'Connor, and Lillian Smith.
Nomination forms and selection criteria are available from the Hargrett Library and the hall of fame Web site (http://www.libs.uga.edu/gawriters/). November inductees' nominations will be accepted until Oct. 1. For more information, contact Susan Landrum (706/542-0626).
Russell Foundation pledges $3 million for library facility
The Richard B. Russell Foundation has given the UGA Libraries $3 million for a new Special Collections building, and agreed to assist in raising another $3 million from private sources. The facility is expected to cost $30 million and will be named in honor of Richard B. Russell (BL '18), who served in the U.S. Senate for 39 years.
Three special libraries will be located in the new facility: The Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, and the Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection.
'West Wing' and 'Sopranos' win Peabodys
Two new prime-time dramatic series—NBC's "The West Wing" and HBO's "The Sopranos"—and millennium offerings from ABC, ESPN, and NPR were among a record 36 winners of the 59th annual George Foster Peabody Awards, considered the broadcast/cable industry's most prestigious prize.
 |
Sherman (right) died May 2 after suffering a heart attack during a noontime basketball game. He had served as director of the Peabody Awards since '91. He was 47. |
The award winners, chosen from more than 1,200 entries of programs broadcast in 1999, were announced by UGA's Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, which has administered the Peabody program since its inception. The awards were presented on May 22 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, with Matt Lauer of NBC News' "Today" serving as emcee.
"It's highly unusual for two series to win Peabodys in their debut season," said the late Peabody Awards director Barry Sherman (see story below) in announcing the winners at the Freedom Forum in New York in April. "These two programs are indicative of the creativity, innovation and commitment to quality evidenced by all of this year's award winners."
Sherman and Peabodys were synonymous, says Nevins
The music came up and the film clip began with a voice-over: "Barry Sherman had an irrepressible spirit—full of life and energy."
For a moment, it was possible for the audience to imagine this was a segment from one of this year's Peabody winners.
Sadly, it was not. It was a poignant tribute to the late Barry Sherman, who died three weeks before this year's awards ceremony. Sherman's importance to the Peabody program and his popularity with Peabody winners were summed up best by Sheila Nevins, who received a personal award for sustained excellence at HBO.
"This would be a perfect day if Barry Sherman were here," said Nevins in accepting her award. "I would like to think of this as the George Foster Peabody/Barry Sherman award."
Nevins later told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Everybody's saying, 'Barry would have liked this,' or 'Barry would have liked that.' But you know what Barry would have liked? He would have liked to be here."
|
U.S. NEWS RANKS GRADUATE PROGRAMS AMONG THE BEST The College of Education ranks 26th among 187 graduate programs. Only two other public institutions in the Southeast—UVA and UNC-Chapel Hill—rank higher. U.S. News ranks five UGA education programs among the top 10 in the nation: secondary teacher education, counseling/ personnel services, and vocational/ technical programs each ranked fourth. Both elementary education and curriculum/instruction ranked seventh. The MBA program in the Terry College of Business ranks 48th out of the nation's 325 accredited graduate business programs. Only three other public institutions in the Southeast rank higher. The School of Law ranks 29th, tied with William and Mary and Washington University. The survey places UGA in the top 17 percent of the nation's 174 ABA-accredited law schools, among the top 11 public law schools in the country, and among the top four public law schools in the Southeast. |
University and civic leaders got a chance to tell U.S. Sen. Max Cleland why it's important for a proposed commuter rail line to be constructed between the state capital and Georgia's flagship university.
"Because 4,000 to 7,000 cars from metro Atlanta arrive in Athens every morning," said Athens-Clarke County Mayor Doc Eldridge (BBA '76).
"Because 11 students have lost their lives in automobile accidents on Highway 316 since I've been in office," said UGA President Michael F. Adams, who pointed out that 47 percent of the student body hails from metro Atlanta.
 President Adams told Sen. Cleland (left) and Gov. Barnes (center) that his interest in an Athens-to-Atlanta rail line stems, in part, from the fact that 11 students have died in Highway 316 auto accidents during his tenure. |
Cleland, who sits on the Senate's 25-member Smart Growth committee, was in Athens on April 28 to hold hearings on the problems of urban sprawl.
Gov. Roy Barnes, who flew to Athens by helicopter to join the panel, said smart growth is a product of strong infrastructure and intelligent planning.
"I never leave Atlanta without being amazed at the monumental screwups I see from the air," said Barnes (AB '69, JD '72). "If we neglect and allow nature to just take its course, we will become a state of strip malls and mistakes."
Stan Coley, president of the 316 Alliance, is afraid that's what will happen to Ga. 316 if the four-lane, Athens-Atlanta connector isn't upgraded to interstate status, thereby attracting high-tech industry to what would become Georgia's version of North Carolina's Research Triangle.
"We all know that the development of the University Parkway [Ga. 316] is our last chance to have a scenic, enjoyable drive between the state capital and our flagship university," said Coley (BSA '65, MS '70, PhD '76).
But Barnes cautioned the group not to assume that an Athens-to-Atlanta rail system would be successful simply because there's a need—owing to both the expense of constructing such a system and to America's love affair with the automobile.
"Number one, it has to be competitive," said Barnes. "People won't get out of their cars to sit in slow trains. We are not going to sink a lot of money into rickety, old, slow trains."
Transfer GPA rising to 2.5 (jr), 2.8 (soph)
UGA's Faculty Admissions Committee has recommended and President Adams has adopted stiffer criteria for admission of transfer students. The proposed change would raise the minimum GPA from the current standard of 2.3 to 2.8 for sophomores and to 2.5 for juniors.
"Because admission to UGA is competitive, attaining the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission—only consideration," says John Albright, senior associate director of undergraduate admissions. "The average GPA earned by the 1,834 students who transferred to UGA in fall 1999 was 3.07."
The admissions committee added two new demographic factors to the Total Student Index, which is used to evaluate applicants for the incoming freshman class who are not offered "first-notice" admission. The new factors provide a boost to students who are from economically disadvantaged counties or from low-performing Georgia public high schools.
"The idea," says environmental design professor Scott Weinberg, who chairs the committee, "is to offer a degree of reward to those who have done well despite difficult circumstances."
Additional factors considered in determining the TSI include extracurricular activities, immediate family alumni relatives, or being a member of a family where one or both parents didn't attend college. Race also continues to be considered, though a pending lawsuit has challenged that process.
Best known for her writings on political genocide in Chile, Agosin (AB '76) gave the keynote address for Women's History Month on March 3.
Kalb, a former CBS correspondent and two-time Peabody winner is associated with a Harvard center on press, politics, and public policy. His April 11 talk was sponsored by UGA's Center for Humanities and Arts.
In the first of two tours of duty at Life, Stolley covered the JFK assassination and obtained the Zapruder film. He was also the founding managing editor of People. He gave the inaugural Mingledorff-Lorimer Lecture in Print Media on April 3.
Poet Laureate of the U.S. from 1993-95, Dove gave the spring Charter Lecture on March 30.
