 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Photo by BEN RUEHLMANN Scottish-born entertainer Stevie Starr kept the crowd of students and their families oohing and ahhing over his incredible esophageal talents Saturday night during Wesleyan’s annual Parents and Family Weekend in the Marlin Grille. |
Using decorative garden clippers to cut the blue ribbon, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Chemistry Betty Jefferson Harris officially unveiled the Cellular and Molecular Biology lab in Blocker Hall Oct. 4. The lab, dedicated in her honor, was created by knocking down the wall between Classroom 210 and the computer lab in 211. The result was a spacious room that will help advance the campus. The addition of a larger lab will allow more students to enroll as well as more courses to be offered.
"The class had to be limited to 10, with seniors given preference," said Jefferson Harris. "We've needed the lab for some time," said Professor Thomas R. Fanney, chair for the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. "We needed to expand for years." Faculty, alumni and friends of Jefferson Harris came to the dedication, which proved to be a proud moment for the college as well as for the students that Jefferson Harris taught.
Please see Dedication, page 3
 |
| Tim McDermott |
Tim McDermott, vice president of College Advancement, tendered his resignation Oct. 15. McDermott played an integral part in fundraising for the campus through the relationships he established and maintained with past and current faculty, staff and students.
A graduate of the Brown University school of medicine, McDermott joined the Wesleyan staff in August 1999. “He was fun to work with, a great person,” said Cathy Craft, director of annual giving. “The staff enjoyed working with him while he was here.”
McDermott placed a great deal of emphasis on getting the alumni more involved with the campus community and believed that they played a vital role in the advancement of the college.
“He had a lot to do with the events of this past Homecoming,” said Craft. “I believe the fireworks were his idea.” In a statement released Oct.16, President William T. Greer Jr. announced McDermott’s resignation, “effective immediately.”
“We appreciate all that Tim has done to further the College's fundraising effort and building of relationships with important constituencies, including trustees, alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends,” said Greer. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
The Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees has given approval for funding to explore the option of building additional residence halls to accommodate the growing number of students on campus. With Executive Committee recommendation and the full Board's approval, concepts from various architectural firms are being reviewed concerning possible layouts for a new residence hall. Most of the ideas under consideration deviate from the existing Village setup of the current halls.
While most Lake Wright students are content with their hotel lodgings, the need for additional housing cannot be ignored. "None of us are happy with Lake Wright accommodations indefinitely," said Bruce Vaughn, director of business operations for the college. "A lot can happen between concept and reality." One concept being considered is apartment-style units, which would include four single bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and living area and laundry facilities. The entire structure would house 125 to 150 beds.
But don't start packing just yet. The only funding that has been approved is that which would aid in the exploration of building options, not any actual building plans. Due to building permits and environmental tests, the building process will not happen overnight. The permit process alone is estimated to take about 18 months. And if the costs outweigh the benefits, the project may not become reality at all.
Please see Village IV, page 2
Site created and maintained by Linda De Rosa.