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Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton has announced the establishment of the Lynne Cooper Harvey Distinguished Chair in English, to be designated for a faculty member in the American Culture Studies Program in Arts and Sciences.
"This is a terrific match between a distinguished professional in American media and a distinguished chaired professorship in American culture studies," noted Wrighton. "Angel has been an inspiration to us all at Washington University, and we are so pleased now to have an endowed chair that celebrates this link."
Lynne Cooper Harvey, known as "Angel" since childhood, is one of the most influential women in American radio. In 1997 she was inducted as the first producer in the Radio Hall of Fame, one highlight in a brilliant career in collaboration with her husband, Paul Harvey. She is credited with shaping the way American audiences receive radio and television news.
As producer of the program "Paul Harvey News," Angel Harvey's influence has been felt for more than 35 years. Today, "Paul Harvey News" still holds the No. 1 spot for audience ratings. It is carried by almost 1,500 ABC network affiliates and more than 400 stations abroad.
Other nationally aired and highly successful programs she has developed and produced include the four-minute radio segments called "The Rest of the Story" and two television programs, "Paul Harvey Comments" and "Dilemma." The latter is generally viewed as the prototype for today's talk show format. In fact, Angel Harvey is responsible for introducing a number of stylistic and programmatic changes that are commonplace today, such as the humorous "kicker" and the addition of news features within a newscast.
Harvey earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in English from Washington University. An active and involved member of the University community, Harvey is a Life Eliot Patron of the William Greenleaf Eliot Society and an ardent advocate for the development of the University's American Culture Studies Program. For her efforts on behalf of the University, she received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1997. In 1998, Harvey was awarded an honorary doctorate in humanities.
"Angel Harvey is a superstar graduate of Washington University," said William H. Danforth, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "She is a very accomplished individual who, with her husband, Paul, has educated and enlightened millions of Americans. This generous gift will continue to educate young people for generations to come."
The gift is part of the Campaign for Washington University, which seeks to raise $1 billion in gift support by mid-2004. To date, the effort has raised $676 million.
