News

Rainey concludes second term on BOV but remains active in Capital Campaign

Though Gordon F. Rainey's term on the Board of Visitors ended last week, his long record of service to the University is not yet over; Rainey will continue to hold the position of chairman of the University's Capital Campaign?. In addition to serving the University as a Board member for two four-year terms and chairing the Capital Campaign, Rainey also held the position of rector of the University from 2003-05 and previously served as president of the Alumni Association's Board of Managers. "In my opinion, Gordon Rainey is one of the most important volunteers in the modern history of the University," Bob Sweeney, senior vice president for development and public affairs, said, noting that Rainey has served on virtually every volunteer committee. Rainey "has taken the lead in forging two major University/industrial partnerships, each of them the largest of its kind in our history," President John T.

ISC discusses possibility of new chapter

Following a record-breaking spring recruitment, the University's Inter-Sorority Council is considering adding a new chapter. According to Sally Kline, assistant dean of fraternity and sorority life, "the main situation is that we had a wonderful turnout for sorority recruitment," noting that the most recent sorority pledge classes were larger than usual. "The chapters feel there is a lot of interest, and another group may best suit the needs of our population," Kline said. According to Stephanie Hobart, outgoing vice president of recruitment for the ISC, expansion will only be considered if sororities are showing signs that they are growing. "After this spring, with pledge classes of 40 girls, we're definitely showing that we're having growing pains," Hobart said, adding that now is a good time to start considering expansion to alleviate the growing house numbers. According to Kline, expansion is a complex and structured process.

Va. budgetdeficit rises to one billion

The commonwealth of Virginia may be almost $1 billion short of its expected revenue by June, according to the latest figures released by the governor's office, and that shortfall likely will impact the University. Revenue projections made last fall originally estimated that the shortfall for the budget year ending June 30 would be about $641 million.

University selects graduation speakers

Businesswoman Sheila C. Johnson and classicist Hunter Ridley Rawlings, III will speak during this year's Graduation Weekend, the University announced yesterday. According to Fourth-Year Trustees President Christine Devlin, Johnson will deliver her speech during Valedictory Exercises Saturday, May 17, while Rawlings will give the commencement address during Final Exercises Sunday, May 18. Rawlings is a visiting professor of classics at the University who formerly served as president of Cornell University and the University of Iowa.

University officials look into details of fire report

University authorities are continuing to investigate Housing-required power allocators possibly connected to a fire last Thursday in Metcalf dormitory. Last week, first-year Architecture student Beth Hughes said she reported a small fire near her room's power allocator at about 9:30 p.m.

U.Va. lacks minority leaders

The Board of Visitors Special Committee on Diversity discussed concerns that minority administrators continue to be underrepresented on Grounds at last week's meeting. According to Marcus Martin, assistant vice president for diversity and equity, there are currently eight senior administrative searches underway, and the University must take advantage of this opportunity to hire qualified minority candidates.

A view from the other side

William & Mary president resigns

Gene Nichol, former president of the College of William & Mary, resigned yesterday in response to the William & Mary Board of Visitors' recent refusal to renew his contract.

Ford speaks to Law students about Duke lacrosse outcome

Jack Ford, a former trial lawyer and award-winning anchor of CourtTV, addressed Law School students and faculty yesterday afternoon regarding the impact of the 2006 Duke lacrosse case on the institutions of law and media. In his speech, Ford described the case as a "defining moment" for both law and media, comparing it to Watergate and the O.J.

StudCo discusses proposals concerning CIOs

Student Council discussed a number of issues relating to contracted independent organizations at last night's meeting, including proposals to establish a CIO scholarship fund and to make the appropriations process more equitable for student groups. The first piece of legislation, sponsored by Vice President for Operations Catherine Tobin, suggested the creation of a Contracted Independent Organization Scholarship Fund, which would set aside a total of $2,000 to provide individual students aid.

NAE honors professor for life research

University Prof. John Hudson, the Wills Johnson Professor of Chemical Engineering, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering Friday in recognition of his work in the complexities in chemical and biological systems.

Heading to the Polls

Obama sweeps Potomac as students head to polls

Election buzz permeated Grounds yesterday as Virginians cast their votes in the Republican and Democratic primaries.

Housing to investigate dorm fire

Today, University Housing officials plan to investigate an incident that occurred in Metcalf dormitory last Thursday evening just before 10. First-year Architecture student Beth Hughes said she witnessed a small fire near her room's power allocator.

Hoo's for Hillary?

U.Va. seeks elite level of fundraising

Compared to its peer public institutes of higher education, the University "dominates" the world of fundraising, according to Bob Sweeney, senior vice president for development and public affairs.

Students call for course reform

Faculty and students in favor of a broader curriculum of international studies gathered on the steps of Old Cabell Hall Friday to voice their concerns about the scope of courses offered at the University. The demonstrators called for the University administration to offer more courses in international studies, languages and study abroad programs. At the start of the Internationalization Direct Action event, organizer Ryan McElveen, a fourth-year College student, announced the formation of a faculty-student commission to work with the University administration on the subject of internationalization.

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton visits class to discuss election issues

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke to Politics Prof. Larry Sabato's Introduction to American Politics class yesterday, addressing issues including energy efficiency, universal health care and more affordable college tuition. "I'm thrilled to be here at this extraordinary university," the senator from New York told Sabato's class, which gathered in the auditorium of Old Cabell Hall for a question-and-answer style discussion. Clinton began by reminding students of the importance of politics.

Candidates weigh in on economic diversity

Candidates running for Student Council offices met yesterday at a Hoos for Open Access forum to discuss what many candidates referred to as a need for a more socioeconomically diverse community at the University. Candidates running for the Council positions of president, vice president for administration and vice president for organizations were present at the forum, answering questions first from the forum's moderators -- Hoos for Open Access executive board members Josh Mitchell and Kimberly Diaz -- and then from members of the audience. When asked about the possible benefits of socioeconomic diversity at the University, second-year College student John Nelson, a VPA candidate, said University "students benefit from hearing other students' experiences from diverse situations and socioeconomic backgrounds." VPO candidate Brent Via, a second-year College student, added that socioeconomic diversity "can open up students' minds to a world other than their own." Isaac Wood, presidential candidate and third-year College student, concurred with his fellow Council candidates and added that he is also concerned about what happens to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds once they arrive at the University. "Current programs do a great job getting students from lower-income backgrounds to the University," Wood said.

Student reports offensive image

The bias reporting Web site Just Report It! received an account Thursday of an image discovered on a desk in a classroom in New Cabell Hall.