February 7, 2002
Peer portfolio
DOUSING THE FLAME: Citing continued concerns for safety, plus rising costs and issues of liability, Texas A&M University President Ray M. Bowen said earlier this week there will be no Aggie Bonfire in 2002. The bonfire is a tradition associated with the school’s football program. On Nov. 18, 1999, 12 students were killed and 27 others were injured when the bonfire stack collapsed.
PAINFUL CUTS: The University of Arizona eliminated 128 jobs and 128 courses as part of its effort to meet the 4.5 percent budget cut for this fiscal year mandated by the Arizona Legislature in December. UA President Peter Likins told regents on Feb. 1 the job cuts were a mixture of unfilled faculty and staff positions and temporary positions. He said freshman-year courses and courses seniors require for graduation were exempted from cuts this time. The Arizona Legislature currently is looking at a budget deficit for fiscal year 2002-2003 that is estimated to be as high as $1 billion.
FIELD TRIP: An eight-person contingent from Michigan State University closed out 2001 and launched 2002 in New York City, providing volunteer assistance near Ground Zero. The group helped sort and package supplies; served meals; and distributed clothing, toiletries and non-prescription medicine at Ground Zero respite centers.
OLYMPIC SPIRIT: The University of Utah will be well represented at the upcoming Winter Olympics, but not necessarily in terms of athletic events. From student musicians to alumni dancers to faculty directors, the University of Utah’s College of Fine Arts will be a pivotal part of the 2002 Winter Games. Ute musicians will be part of the Olympic Spirit Band, dancers will perform at the opening and closing ceremonies, and an art show associated with the games will take place on the U of U campus.
PITTSBURGH PRIDE: The University of Pittsburgh has launched the Pitt 4 Life 2002 Blood Drive Program, designed to encourage faculty and staff to donate blood four or more times during the calendar year. Pitt, which annually ranks among the top Pittsburgh-area institutions in the amount of blood donated by its employees, is hoping that Pitt 4 Life will make a substantial contribution toward the Central Blood Bank’s daily need of about 700 units of blood.
Peer Portfolio is a look at what’s news on the campuses of the UW’s peer institutions.
