May 7, 1998

Indian astrophysicist to lecture on science and globalization Yash Pal, an astrophysicist turned television celebrity in India, will discuss "Science, Global Consciousness and Globalization" at 11 a.m. Monday, May 11, in Room 241 Compton Hall. Pal, who is visiting the University May 8-11, also will participate in a discussion on "Strengthening the Relationship Between Washington University and India" with Clark D. Cunningham, J.D., professor of law, at 2 p.m. Monday in Room 312 McDonnell Hall. Both talks are free and open to the public. A former professor at the Tata Institute for Fundamental Research in Bombay, India, Pal has had a distinguished career in cosmic ray research, high-energy particle physics and astrophysics. When India launched a massive space program in the 1970s, Pal was asked to head the Space Application Centre responsible for developing instruments for the payload. Click to see entire article

Brian Gualtieri (right), a senior and teaching assistant at the School of Architecture, inspects the craftsmanship of an 8- foot cubic structure co-designed by architecture freshman Jayme Streitfeld (left). Streitfeld and fellow freshmen Lauren Stern, Solana Rice, Lee Devore and Karen Budell created the cube to express "What's New" in the field of dance. The cubes, designed by students in Associate Professor of Architecture Jim Harris' studio to express different aspects of the "What's New" theme, are slated for display in several locations throughout the campus.

April Welcome '98 brings 1,107 students to campus A record-breaking number of visitors came to Washington University last month for April Welcome. A total of 1,107 admitted students attended the sixth annual event, up 24 percent from last year's numbers. In addition, 329 students attended Multicultural Celebration Weekend held April 16-19, an increase of 22 percent from last year. About 500 high school juniors also visited campus during April. April Welcome is a monthlong opportunity for admitted students to experience the University community and the St. Louis area. Of those who participate, about half will enroll at the University, said Nanette Clift, director of recruitment in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Click to see entire article

Trustees elect officers, new members; hear Proctor presentation At its spring meeting Friday, May 1, the Washington University Board of Trustees elected John F. McDonnell as vice chairman of the Board. He is the retired chairman of the board of McDonnell Douglas Corp. Re-elected were William H. Danforth as chairman and Clarence C. Barksdale and William M. Van Cleve as vice chairmen. Two new trustees were elected to the Board -- Floyd E. Bloom, M.D., chair of the Department of Neuropharmacology at Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, Calif., and Shinichiro Watari, secretary general, Cornes & Co. Ltd. of Tokyo. Click to see entire article

Commencement Week Calendar

The following are activities scheduled during Commencement Week, which runs May 7-16. For more information, call the Commencement Hotline at (314) 935-4355. Thursday, May 7 7 p.m. Freshman Floor Reunions. Return to where it all began to reminisce. Food provided by the senior class. Dormitory lounges. 9 p.m. Bedtime Story with Former Chan Dan. Relive a bit of freshman orientation by enjoying a bedtime story read by former Chancellor William H. Danforth. Graham Chapel. 10 p.m. The Last Rat Night ... Ever. Celebrate a favorite Thursday night tradition with friends at the Rat, plus karaoke in the Gargoyle. The Umrathskellar. Friday, May 8 9 a.m. Float Trip.* Rafting on the Meramec River. Buses depart from Mallinckrodt Center. Saturday, May 9 3 p.m. Six Flags St. Louis. Buses depart for the theme park from Mallinckrodt Center. Sunday, May 10 10 a.m. Senior Service Day. Spend a few hours giving back to the St. Louis Community through a Habitat for Humanity project. Buses depart from Mallinckrodt Center. 9 p.m. Senior Movie Night.* Esquire Theater, 6706 Clayton Road. 781-3300. Monday, May 11 5 p.m. St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game.* Buses depart from Mallinckrodt. Tuesday, May 12 9 p.m. Put on Your Dancin' Shoes!* Buses depart for InCahoots from Mallinckrodt Center. Wednesday, May 13 6 p.m. A Night on the Town.* Seniors can take advantage of discounts at establishments at Laclede's Landing, Soulard and the Delmar Loop. Buses depart from Mallinckrodt Center. 6 p.m. Black Senior Alliance Banquet. Join family and faculty for a special banquet. Orlando Gardens, 8352 Watson Road. For ticket information, call Student Activities at 935-5994. 7 p.m. Sever Institute Graduate Division of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Edison Theatre; reception follows in Bowles Plaza. Rain location: Schoenberg Gallery, Mallinckrodt Center. 7:30 p.m. University College Recognition Ceremony. May Aud., Simon Hall. Reception follows in Simon Courtyard. Thursday, May 14 11 a.m. Eliot Honors Convocation. Recognition ceremony for honor students, family and friends. Field House, Athletic Complex. 2 p.m. School of Engineering and Applied Science Recognition Ceremony for Undergraduates. Field House, Athletic Complex. 4:30 p.m. College of Arts and Sciences Recognition Ceremony. Field House, Athletic Complex. 5 p.m. School of Medicine Reception. Olin Hall Student Center. 8 p.m. Riverport Casino Night.* Catch the bus to Harrah's and Players Island casinos for discounts and free passes. Buses depart hourly from Mallinckrodt Center. 8 p.m. School of Art Recognition Ceremony. Graham Chapel. Friday, May 15 8:30 a.m. 137th Commencement. Brookings Quadrangle. (The order of exercises will be published in the next issue of the Record.) Saturday, May 16 6 p.m. One Day Reunion.* Alumni from the fifth through the 65th reunions gather for cocktail parties, a parade and dinner. Class of '98 Tent, Graham Chapel lawn. *Pre-registration required.