The 1990s at the University were filled with entrepreneurship, social justice and medical discoveries. Business was booming on the Corner as Bodo’s Bagels, now a staple of college life in Charlottesville, was set to open its doors in 1998. Mincer’s ownership was spotlighted as a family business. Students formed the Black Empowerment Association, delivering speeches in Maury Hall — now Warner Hall — and working with the Charlottesville community. Additionally, a University physician’s work had a national impact. In this decade, students, faculty, bus drivers and business owners alike shaped the bustling end to 20th century life at the University.
April 8, 1992
“‘Unfunniness’ reigns at University”
By Chris Wrike
Citing fraternity party restrictions and legal action against SNL skits as evidence, this humor column from 1992 claims the University is deeply “unfunny.” If an “unfunny” pledge is working the door at a fraternity party, beware, as there’s a good chance you’ll have to name a real brother to get in. The national chapter of Tri Delta sorority caught some flack as well for their lawsuit against the late-night comedy show for alleged “bad publicity.”
Feb. 13, 1995
“Merchant carries on Corner tradition”
By Robin Pinnel
Photo by Steve Finnie
Robert H. Mincer, Class of 1958 alumnus and owner of Mincer’s, took over the mom-and-pop college shop from his father in 1972, becoming the second generation of Mincers to own and operate the shop on the Corner. Dedicated to serving the Charlottesville community, Mincer volunteered for the American Red Cross and served on the board of directors of the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce.
Feb. 2, 1996
“Students call for Black Power”
By Dwayne Alicie and Leila Zwelling
The newly formed Black Empowerment Association and its governing body called for maximizing the economic, political and social potential of Black Americans in a speech to a crowd of over 100 students in Maury Hall, now named Warner Hall. The BEA highlighted the importance of not only working within University spaces, but also focusing on Black youth in Charlottesville by providing tutoring programs and study groups.
March 28, 1996
“UTS drivers put new spin on University student fashions”
By Leonard McCants
Photos by Leonard McCants
University Transit Service bus drivers display a fashion of nonconformity. As opposed to many students who dress similarly in unremarkable clothing, bus drivers are recognized for a creative and eye-catching sense of style. While they all wear the same blue polyester shirts, some drivers attempt a gothic look, others lean into their hippie inclinations and a few make the uniform look straight-up glamorous.
July 20, 1998
“Bodo’s nears opening after three-year wait”
By Chris Nehls
Photos by Tengku Bahar
Bodo’s Bagels was set to greet students with their third location in Charlottesville in the fall of 1998. After three years of eagerly waiting, University students will be within walking distance of some fresh bagels. Financial factors, like the notoriously high rents on the Corner, and creative considerations, including the murals painted by the owner’s daughter and the choice for a mahogany interior, contributed to the lengthy completion.
July 20, 1998
“University doctor discovers cause of brain disease”
By David Z. Rose
Photo by Jonathan Kwon
University physician Dr. Joel Trugman discovered that some children who had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, an incurable movement disorder, instead have a rare biochemical disorder that is treatable. As a neurologist, Trugman studies brain diseases and found that if children meet certain criteria to be re-classified, their disease can be treated with a cocktail of two drugs. Several of his patients have made significant progress, including a girl from central Virginia who could not sit up at 3 years old, but after Trugman’s discovery and her new diagnosis, she learned to run.
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