Lee establishes chair for arts collaboration

A $1.5 million gift to Washington University from philanthropist E. Desmond Lee will establish an endowed professorship to foster collaboration among arts institutions in St. Louis, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton has announced.

"I continue to be inspired by the deep commitment of Des Lee to the improvement of the St. Louis region and to the institutions that guide it," Wrighton said.

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Maki named VADC
design architect

Fumihiko Maki, an internationally renowned architect and winner of the Pritzker Prize, has been selected as design architect for Washington University's proposed Visual Arts and Design Center (VADC). Maki proposed RMW Architects + Design of San Francisco to serve as project architect.

Maki, who once taught at the School of Architecture, and Harish Shah, a principal of RMW Architects and a 1973 graduate of the architecture school, will work on conceptualization of the center so that a budget can be defined and fundraising for the project can begin. Shah and RMW have collaborated with Maki in the past, most recently on the Yerba Buena Gardens Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

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Mudd, Shepley halls coming down, but revered names live on in other buildings

The University's Board of Trustees last week approved the demolition of two buildings on campus. Preparations to take down Seeley G. Mudd Hall and Shepley Residence Hall began Thursday, June 11, and Shepley began to come down Friday, June 12. Bellon Wrecking and Salvage Co. of St. Louis will take down Mudd Hall; Aalco Wrecking Co. Inc. of St. Louis is dismantling Shepley Residence Hall. Both buildings will be razed by wrecking ball. The demolitions are expected to be completed by Aug. 1.

The decision was made following a careful and lengthy analysis of the cost of renovating these buildings to accommodate modern technology and to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. In both cases, it was determined that demolition would be more cost effective than renovation.

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Apartments help make room for record class

Washington University, with a rising reputation and increasing popularity among the nation's college-bound students, will welcome a record-breaking freshman Class of 2002, numbering more than 1400, in the fall.

"The incoming freshman are a great and multi-talented group of students who will have a wonderful impact on Washington University," said James E. McLeod, vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "We are delighted with the response of applicants and with the number of students who want to be part of this University community."

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