Civil rights giant Julian Bond to address 139th Commencement

Julian Bond, one of the nation's most respected civil rights leaders, has been selected to give the Commencement address for the 2000 graduation ceremony at Washington University, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. The University's 139th Commencement will be held May 19 in Brookings Quadrangle. During the ceremony, Bond will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree.

"Julian Bond has been a key player in the struggle for civil rights and peace for 40 years," said Wrighton. "At the beginning of a new century of American life, it is fitting that we honor him for his contributions as we look forward to the work that still needs to be done. We look forward to hearing a commencement message from a seasoned and thoughtful politician, professor and writer who never fails to raise tough issues. I know that we will all be challenged and moved by what he has to say."

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Go Bears

After 24 months, two national championships and 62 consecutive wins, Washington University's women's basketball team can finally lay claim to the longest winning streak in NCAA women's basketball history.

The 61st straight win, a 61-38 victory over Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Friday night, Feb. 18, in Pittsburgh, broke the NCAA women's all-divisions record of 60 straight wins, held by Division III Capital University in Ohio. The Bears made it 62 Sunday against Emory University.

"We are very proud of the record and the attention it has given to this team and Washington University," said Bears head coach Nancy Fahey. "While our ultimate goal remains winning the national championship, we'll take just a little bit of time to enjoy this."

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Going national

An educational program developed by a Washington University professor to expose senior learners to international cultural and social issues has evolved into a 26-city national program offering older adults the opportunity to interact with some of the world's most respected Russian and Chinese scholars.

Max J. Okenfuss, Ph.D., associate professor of history in Arts & Sciences, is director of the program, which is titled "The Peoples of Russia and China: Facing the Dawn of a New Century." The program was given its premiere in St. Louis last year and is being launched nationally this month.

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Research support effort ongoing; new posts boosts redesign process

The Research Support Services Assessment Project (RSSAP), under the direction of Theodore J. Cicero, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research, continues to strengthen research administration support services for faculty and department administrators. As part of the ongoing effort, the vice chancellor's office will hire an associate vice chancellor for research administration.

This person will lead the redesign of the research administration process, including planning and implementation, to support faculty research efforts. Responsibilities will include building and maintaining relationships with central research areas, academic departments and faculty.

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