News

Astronomy prof. receives international praise

Astronomy Prof. Trinh Thuan's work dealing with the relationship between light and philosophy has won him international recognition. The French Academy in Paris honored Thuan with the Grand Prix Moron award, an award comparable to the Nobel Prize, for his seventh book "The Ways of Light: Physics and Metaphysics of Light and Darkness," Thuan said. According to a University press release, Thuan's book was published by a French publisher earlier this year and is expected to be published in English at some point. As an award that generally signifies outstanding achievements in philosophy, the Grand Prix Moron is given to an individual who in some way revolutionizes French literature, according to Astronomy Prof.

Concerns arise over U.Va. donor privacy

Several state organizations have raised concerns about the University's request to maintain donor anonymity, despite laws that such information is to be made public. At Monday's meeting of the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council, the University asked for the Council to make an exception concerning preexisting public policy, according to the Council's staff attorney Alan Gernhardt.

Reflecting on student courage

Gas leak forces O-Hillevacuation

Potential health threats prompted Charlottesville fire officials to evacuate two University buildings Monday afternoon when a gas leak was discovered near Observatory Hill Dining Hall and strange odors were reported near Medical Research Building 4 on Lane Road. Fire department officials arrived at O-Hill at 5:11 p.m.

StudCo allocation bill aims to decrease excess rollover in budget

Student Council passed a bill last night that aims to decrease the amount of rollover money left in the appropriations budget at the end of each calendar year.

IN remembrance

U.Va. Capital Campaign closes in on $1.5 billion halfway point

Recent reports from the University indicate the Capital Campaign is progressing more quickly than expected and will soon reach the halfway point to its goal.

New director to lead CUE

Following a nationwide search for a new director of the Center for Undergraduate Excellence, a search committee including faculty members and one student recently settled on a candidate from within the University community. Lucy Russell, former executive assistant to the provost, said she took the position because it offers an opportunity to work more closely with students. In addition to her "very good organization and managerial skills," Russell was chosen because "[she has] a passion for the undergraduate experience, research experience of her own -- both abroad and at home -- and a real interest and commitment to making more of these opportunities available to students," said J.

Drought dries up Va. counties

While the University and City of Charlottesville have been working to minimize water use, Gov. Tim Kaine announced yesterday that eight Virginia counties have been declared federal disaster areas in response to the drought plaguing much of the Commonwealth.

Virginia Republican leaders present plan for mental health reform

Republican leaders in the Virginia General Assembly?? introduced a threefold plan for mental health reform Thursday that draws upon recommendations from the ad-hoc panel that studied last April's shootings at Virginia Tech. "Clearly the focus on mental health has intensified since the Virginia Tech tragedy," said Del.

Cultivating the College's Curriculum

The world of higher education is rapidly changing. As news breaks and the world turns, new and different fields of study gain popularity among professors and students.

posters galore

SCPS offers new nonprofit certificate

Nonprofit professionals and volunteers alike can earn a certificate in nonprofit management beginning this semester through the University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Although the school has offered courses in nonprofit management for the past two years, the nonprofit certification program is new this semester, according to SCPS Program Director Barbara Kessler. To earn the certificate, students must take 35 hours of nonprofit-focused courses that are offered at SCPS, she said. Because there are no required classes, students determine their curriculum based on individual needs, Kessler said. "Our goal is for individuals to get the skill development they need," Kessler stated. Most classes are workshop style and are completed in one to two sessions.

Turner returns to U.Va. art department

Fall in Charlottesville brings changing leaves and homecomings. It seems fitting then that Elizabeth Hutton Turner, a curator of modern American art at The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., is returning to the University as a professor of modern American art in the art department. According to Turner, who received her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at the University, returning to Charlottesville creates "a certain sense of coming home."Now back on Grounds, she will begin teaching classes at the University in the spring.

Self-driving car serves as vehicle for engineers' success

A group of University engineering students and professors are taking part in a team effort to develop a self-driving car.

College deferment on rise

Like most of his classmates, first-year Engineering student Travis Meyer had a chance to recharge and unwind before starting classes at the University two weeks ago.

Students to plan African rail line

University Engineering students now have an opportunity to gain a new perspective in their field through a partnership with transportation company Bombardier Inc. in South Africa. According to Robert Swap, a leader of University programs in southern Africa, the Engineering School will work with students and faculty at numerous U.S.

Warner shares career advice with Darden students

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner visited the University Friday, giving advice to incoming Darden School students and discussing his career plans for the immediate future.? Warner was an unscheduled guest speaker at Friday's annual Career Discovery Forum at the Darden School.

Student victim of violent robbery

While waiting to meet friends in a parking garage on University Avenue early Friday morning, a University student was assaulted by two men and robbed. The student, who wished to remain anonymous, described being physically attacked and punched in the head several times before the assault ceased. "As I was getting hit, I took out my wallet and threw it, and they took the money," the student said. Following the attack, which occurred at about 1:15 a.m., the victim filed a police report within an hour. "We responded at about 1:42 [in the] morning," Charlottesville Police Sgt.

Music to my ears