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May 14

Volume 48, No.32
Honorary Degree: Richard N. Goldman Alumna of the Year: Wesla Whitfield Presidential Medal: Thomas Ehrlich Calling all faculty--Don your regalia and line up
'Rites of Passage' Academic Senate agenda Kelley retirement party Honor Vic Rowen and help student activities
Academic Senate resolution How universities partner with their communities Reprographics for you Invest in the future with bonds
Film Finals Correction Academic Senate Action New Federal Express regulations; postage increase
SFSU Web Server Statistics University-wide Committe Election Results Spring 2001 Directory: Student Services Building


Honorary Degree: Richard N. Goldman

Richard N. Goldman, noted Bay Area philanthropist and chairman of Goldman Insurance Services, will receive the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters at SFSU's 100th Commencement exercises, which will be held May 26 at 12:30 p.m. at Cox Stadium. Each campus of the California State University nominates recipients of honorary degrees; the degrees are formally bestowed by both the CSU and the individual campus.

Goldman is perhaps best known as the co-founder, along with his late wife Rhoda, of the Goldman Environmental Prize, a yearly award that honors a grassroots environmental activist from each of the six populated continental regions. Through the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, Goldman supports research and programs that have a positive impact on a variety of communities--especially those in the Bay Area.

A $1 million gift to SFSU in 1997 by Goldman created the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Chair in Jewish Studies and Social Responsibility. The endowed chair, one of three at SFSU, will allow the Jewish Studies Program to hire a leading scholar who will research the intersection of Jewish tradition and thought with ethical dilemmas and questions in areas such as health care, education, business, politics and the environment. The endowed chair is the first ever devoted to Judaism and social responsibility.

"Richard Goldman backs causes and programs that he believes in," said SFSU President Robert A. Corrigan. "His decision to endow a chair in Jewish Studies and Social Responsibility here at the University remains one of the greatest compliments San Francisco State has ever received. We want to honor him as a great friend of this University, but even more we want to recognize the genuinely global impact of his philanthropy and his determination to address issues that are of concern to all mankind."

The Goldman Fund also established the Diplomat-in-Residence program at SFSU. In 1998, the program brought Ambassador David Fischer to campus to teach classes in international relations and act as a resource for students and faculty.

Goldman serves as a community representative of the San Francisco State University Foundation Inc. and on the board of the Jewish Studies Program. He has also served as a member of the President's Advisory Board for more than 20 years.

Alumna of the Year

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Alumna of the Year: Wesla Whitfield

Renowned jazz and cabaret singer Wesla Whitfield has been named SFSU's Alumna of the Year for 2001 by the San Francisco State University Alumni Association. Whitfield, who earned a bachelor of arts in music from SFSU in 1972, will receive her award at the May 26 Commencement exercises. She will also sing the national anthem a capella at Commencement.

"Wesla Whitfield's story is one of amazing talent, dedication, perseverance and strength," SFSU President Robert A. Corrigan said. "She has achieved national stature as a jazz and cabaret vocalist, yet has maintained her Bay Area and San Francisco State connections. Ms. Whitfield provides true inspiration for San Francisco State students and embodies the outstanding quality of education offered in our music department. It is an honor to welcome her back to campus to receive this award."

Whitfield, 53, has brought her smooth jazz vocals to venues across the United States and beyond for more than 25 years. While at SFSU, she began singing in Bay Area clubs, bars and even restaurants as a singing waitress -- all the while supporting herself as a paralegal and computer programmer. After graduating, she performed with the San Francisco Opera for four years before deciding to focus on jazz, blues and cabaret performing.

While walking home from a rehearsal in 1977, Whitfield's life was changed forever. Two adolescent boys grabbed her and flashed a gun. She was shot several times, paralyzing her permanently from the waist down. Undeterred by her disability, the Santa Maria, Calif., native persevered to tour nationwide and garner praise from critics at the New York Times, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Village Voice and San Francisco Chronicle. Her repertoire includes songs by the likes of Billie Holiday, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and George and Ira Gershwin.

Whitfield lives in San Francisco with her husband Michael Greensill, who is also her accompanist and musical arranger.

"The Alumni Association is tremendously pleased that Ms. Whitfield is being honored this year," said Rita Harrington, president of the SFSU Alumni Association. "The career that she has built with her wonderful talent and her determination has been an inspiration to so many."

The annual Alumnus of the Year award is given to former SFSU students who have gained recognition for significant contributions to their field of work.

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Presidential Medal: Thomas Ehrlich

Thomas Ehrlich, a senior scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in Menlo Park, will receive the San Francisco State University Presidential Medal for his long commitment to community service learning in higher education.

Ehrlich, who until last year was a Distinguished University Scholar, based at San Francisco State, will be awarded the medal during Commencement exercises on May 26. The award honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the University and the city of San Francisco that will have long-lasting and widespread benefits for SFSU students and faculty.

"Thomas Ehrlich's deep commitment to university service learning programs has helped San Francisco State University become a national model in this area," said President Robert A. Corrigan. "Even more, Thomas Ehrlich has galvanized hundreds of universities across the country to take up civic engagement as a vital part of their educational mission. Thanks in large measure to his imagination and determination, American higher education is giving many more students hands-on experience in community settings . As a result, our students are poised to continued to care about their communities long after they leave campus."

Ehrlich, who was president of Indiana University from 1987 to 1994, joined SFSU in 1995 after his retirement from Indiana University. Provost at the University of Pennsylvania from 1982 to 1987, Ehrlich was dean of the Stanford University Law School in the 1970s. He also served as the first director of the International Development Cooperation Agency and the first president of the Legal Services Corporation.

Currently chair of the American Association of Higher Education, Ehrlich is the former chair of the Campus Compact Executive Committee. In addition, Ehrlich serves on the boards of Bennett College, the Center for Civic Education, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the Corporation for National Service, the Public Welfare Foun-dation and the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. He is also a trustee for the University of Pennsylvania.

Ehrlich, who was instrumental in promoting service learning in the undergraduate curriculum throughout the California State University system, is the author or editor of eight books. His most recent work, "Civic Responsibility and Higher Education," is a collection of essays from national leaders on their work to infuse higher education with civic responsibility among college students. The essays provide both philosophy and working examples of innovative new programs to promote civic responsibility in c olleges and universities across the country. His other books include "The Future of Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector in a Changing America," edited with Charles T. Clotfelter (1999); "The Courage to Inquire" (1996); and "International Law and the Use of Force," written with Mary Ellen O'Connell (1993).

A Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude graduate of Harvard in 1956, Ehrlich received his law degree from Harvard in 1959.

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Calling all faculty--Don your regalia and line up

For all faculty who plan to participate in Commencement on May 26:

The lineup will be at noon, by the Centennial Village next to the road by the Student Services Building. The processional for graduates begins at 12:15 p.m. It is imperative to line up no later than noon to guarantee a seat in the staging area and allow Commencement organizers to obtain an accurate count of the number of faculty participants.

If you have any questions, call Norma Urcuyo-Siani at EXT 8-6141.

'Rites of Passage'

Faculty and staff are invited to honor retiring faculty at the annual "Rites of Passage" celebration to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday in the University Club.

The event will be hosted by President Robert A. Corrigan and Provost Thomas La Belle. Faculty are invited to attend either as an emeritus honoree or to congratulate and celebrate with colleagues and friends. Please see the page that accompanies this week's issue of CampusMemo for a list of 2001 emeriti faculty.

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'Rites of Passage'

Faculty and staff are invited to honor retiring faculty at the annual "Rites of Passage" celebration to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday in the University Club.

The event will be hosted by President Robert A. Corrigan and Provost Thomas La Belle. Faculty are invited to attend either as an emeritus honoree or to congratulate and celebrate with colleagues and friends. Please see the page that accompanies this week's issue of CampusMemo for a list of 2001 emeriti faculty.

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Academic Senate agenda

The Academic Senate will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

The following items will be included on the agenda: a proposal on intellectual property and procedures for the development of online instructional materials; the proposed discontinuance of master of arts in creative arts: concentration in interdisciplinary arts and concentration in creativity and arts education; a proposed statement of concern regarding the leadership of CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed; and the election of chairs for standing committees 2001-2002.

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Kelley retirement party

The College of Science and Engineering will hold a retirement party for Dean James Kelley on May 23. It is open to the campus community and will run from 4 to 7 p.m. in the University Club.

In lieu of gifts, the College of Science and Engineering is accepting donations for the James C. Kelley Scholarship Fund. Dean Kelley has graciously offered to match all donations. For details, contact Sherri Ng at EXT 8-1571.

Geosciences Professor Ray Pestrong will serve as master of ceremonies for the event and is looking for volunteers to share photos, memories and stories about Kelley. If you have something good, contact Pestrong at EXT 8-2080 or rayp@sfsu.edu .

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Honor Vic Rowen and help student athletes

A tribute to Vic Rowen will be held June 16 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco to establish the Vic Rowen Endowment for Athletic Scholarships.

The event begins with dinner at 7:30 p.m., followed by dancing to the Vernon Alley Trio. Tickets must be purchased by May 21.

For more information, contact Doug Hupke at EXT 8-1193.

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Academic Senate resolution

In light of the cultural, racial and ethnic stereotypes of China and Asian-Americans employed by individuals on college campuses and in various media outlets as a result of the recent "spy plane incident," the Academic Senate passed a resolution on April 24 condemning these expressions of cultural and racial hostility--expressions that are contrary to the academic mission and goals of SFSU.

The resolution read, in part, that it is resolved "that the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University condemn the recent expression of cultural or racial hostility heard and seen in the media," and that the Senate applauds "those articles and editorials in the media that have condemned these expressions."

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How universities partner with their communities

On June 7, David Maurrasse presents "Beyond the Campus: How Colleges and Universities Form Partnerships with Their Communities," an event held by the Com-monwealth Club. A reception begins at 4:45 p.m. followed by the presentation at 5:15 p.m.

The event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, located at 595 Market St., 2nd floor. Tickets are $6 for nonprofit employees and $9 for the general public. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (415) 597-6705.

In most cities in the United States and Canada, the local college or university is the largest employer. The role of the university and its relationship to the community has been a highly debated topic among educators, administrators and local business leaders.

David Maurrasse, through an in-depth study of four schools, including SFSU, offers a passionate appeal for community partnerships. Maurrasse's presentation will offer more than a simple explanation of the problems at hand; it offers a road map for both the university as well as local businesses to work together for the good of their community.

David Maurrasse is assistant professor in the Department of International Public Affairs at Columbia University.

Maurasse will also give a brown-bag lunch presentation from noon to 1 p.m. in the same location.

For more information, visit: www.tmcenter.org.

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Reprographics for you

Departments considering leasing or purchasing a photocopier are encouraged to sign up with the campus' Reprographics Program. Open enrollment ends June 30, so now is a good time to learn more about the photocopier program.

The program offers digital copiers, a full maintenance service and all supplies for 4.5 cents a copy. The cost of paper is not included. Printers and fax machines are also available.

If you are interested in learning more about the program and would like to meet with the representative, please contact Haro Kagemoto, Procurement & Contracts, at EXT 8-2547.

The Human Resources Department invites employees to take part in the annual National Savings Bond Campaign. Employees have the opportunity to purchase savings bonds through payroll deduction. Bonds are known as one of the safest and most widely held securities in the world.

For a savings bond deduction form, visit Human Resources in ADM 252. Information also is available on the Human Resources Web site: www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww , or call Wanda Humphrey, payroll officer, at EXT 8-2628.

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Invest in the future with bonds

The Human Resources Department invites employees to take part in the annual National Savings Bond Campaign. Employees have the opportunity to purchase savings bonds through payroll deduction. Bonds are known as one of the safest and most widely held securities in the world.

For a savings bond deduction form, visit Human Resources in ADM 252. Information also is available on the Human Resources Web site: www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww, or call Wanda Humphrey, payroll officer, at EXT 8-2628.

Film Finals

The Cinema Department presents the 41st Annual Film Finals Show at 7 p.m. Friday in McKenna Theatre. The show features a wide variety of student films and videos, including animation, experimental films, documentaries, narratives and creative combinations of those genres.

Tickets are $7 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the Creative Arts Box Office or by calling EXT 8-2467. For details, call EXT 8-6507.

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Correction

In the Grants & Contracts section of the May 7 issue of First Monday, the "Welcome Back" grant from The California Endowment for $2 million should have been credited to Jose Ramon Fernandez-Pena, Health Education, not Mary Beth Love. First Monday regrets the error.

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Academic Senate Action

The next meeting of the Academic Senate will be held Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Nob Hill Room of the Seven Hills Conference Center. All are welcome to attend.

Visit the Academic Senate Web site: www.sfsu.edu/~senate

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New Federal Express regulations; postage increase

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SFSU Web Server Statistics

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University-wide Committe Election Results Spring 2001

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Directory: Student Services Building

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