New law clinic

Providing a regional resource for pro bono legal and technical help on a host of environmental problems -- ranging from lead poisoning to contaminated urban areas to agricultural and industrial pollution -- is the mandate of the School of Law's new Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic.

The clinic will train and mentor law, engineering and environmental studies students as they take their expertise into the community to tackle some of the area's intransigent environmental problems under the guidance of faculty experts.

"Currently there is no entity -- governmental agency, public interest organization or private individual or company -- to which St. Louis area citizens can routinely turn for pro bono legal representation on environmental problems," said Maxine I. Lipeles, J.D., director of the new clinic. "The Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic will fill this void, while providing a unique combination of legal, engineering and scientific expertise."

The law school will launch the new clinic officially Wednesday, Nov. 17, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, following a lecture by Robert Kuehn, J.D., visiting professor of law.

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'Harbison House' naming honors dedicated alumni

Suzanne S. and Earle H. Harbison Jr., an alumni couple who believe in "giving something back," have pledged $1.4 million to their alma mater to support programs in Arts & Sciences, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.

"Beyond their extremely generous financial support, the Harbisons have provided wisdom and hard work in their leadership at Washington University," Wrighton said. "Their lives as distinguished graduates reflect well on the University."

In recognition of these contributions, Wrighton has announced that the chancellor's residence at 6420 Forsyth Blvd. will be renamed the Earle H. Jr. and Suzanne S. Harbison House.

"I am very pleased that a prominent building on campus will bear the names of two of our most distinguished supporters," Wrighton said. "The Harbisons have done wonderful things for the University, contributing time, energy, talent and resources to advancing our ascent. They have made a major impact on Washington University and its students."

At a ceremony Friday, Nov. 5, Wrighton unveiled a portrait of the Harbisons by artist Gilbert G. Early commissioned for the occasion. Early is a 1959 graduate of the University's School of Art.

The Harbisons are longtime University supporters. Earle Harbison's involvement spans four decades, beginning with his tenure as president of the Washington, D.C., Alumni Club.

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Biomedical engineering gets new home

In recognition of The Whitaker Foundation's long-term support of Washington University's scientific research and education, coupled with the recent receipt of two major grants for the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton has announced plans to construct a building to house biomedical engineering research and teaching. Groundbreaking is set for the fall of 2000 with occupancy scheduled for fall 2002.

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Dorsey Ellis installed as Orthwein professor

Dorsey D. Ellis Jr., J.D., former dean of the University's School of Law, was installed as the William R. Orthwein Distinguished Professor of Law in a ceremony Nov. 3. The chair is the gift of William R. Orthwein Jr. in honor of his late father, an alumnus and a leader both in the law profession and the St. Louis community.

"In establishing this chair, Bill Orthwein enables us to share in paying homage both to his father, William R. Orthwein -- whose contributions were so important to the advancement of this region -- and to Dan Ellis, who led the effort to propel the law school to new heights," Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said.

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