Volume 25, No. 26, April 13, 2001

At mission control in Brookings Hall during Steve Fossett's summer 1998 flight, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton (right) checks the balloonist's progress.

WU mission control for Fossett's June attempt

The University will serve as mission control for Steve Fossett's quest to be the first person to circumnavigate the Earth solo by balloon, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.

He plans a June launch of his balloon, Solo Spirit, from Kalgoorlie, in southwestern Australia's historic gold fields, on a daring nonstop flight over the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere, a journey he estimates will take 15 days.

"Steve Fossett is a great adventurer, and we are pleased to be involved with his solo effort to circumnavigate the world," Wrighton said. "Our students and others involved in this exciting effort will have a rewarding learning experience and an association with a significant human achievement. Steve Fossett's efforts have enhanced interest in science, geography and technology. His spirit and determination inspire others and heighten interest in adventure and exploration. He has our support and best wishes for a successful mission."

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Hare-y business Last week. work crews installed the 12-foot tall, bronze "Thinker on Rock" by renowned Welsh sculptor Barry Flanagan, on the walkway just east of Mallinckrodt Center. The sculpture, a play on Rodin's famous "Thinker," is on loan from St. Louis' Gateway Foundation.

Former dean Virgil receives Eliot Society's Search Award

By Barbara Rea

Robert L. Virgil, Ph.D., former Olin School of Business dean and former executive vice chancellor for University relations, was given the Eliot Society's highest award at the group's 2001 banquet April 4 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

In presenting "The Search," as the award is known, James V. O'Donnell, president of the Eliot Society, praised Virgil's lifetime of distinguished service and dedication to the University. Virgil was given a silver replica of the sculpture called "The Search," which was created by Professor Emeritus Heikki Seppa and resides in the University's collection.

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton noted that "The Search" award is given to exceptional University citizens.

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James V. O'Donnell (left), president of the University's William Greenleaf Eliot Society, presents the 2001 Search Award to Robert L. Virgil at the group's banquet April 4 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Virgil has served in many leadership roles during his tenure with the University and is now leading the planning for its sesquicentennial commemoration.

Health-care benefit changes necessitate re-enrollment

Major changes in the University's health-care benefit plans will require all employees to re-enroll in health and dental insurance by May 31.

Beginning Monday, faculty and staff will receive an informational packet at their homes from human resources detailing these changes that take effect July 1. The changes include:

Ą The University will offer active employees two new health plans --CIGNA Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and CIGNA Point of Service (POS).

Ą Two current plans will be eliminated --Health Partners HMO and Alliance Blue Cross Plus Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).

Ą All dental coverage will be converted into one standard plan with BJC Dental.

(Note: Group Health Plan (GHP) and Alliance Blue Cross Excel PPO plans will continue to be offered without change in benefits.)

These modifications require that every faculty and staff member re-enroll in health and dental insurance (or waive health benefits) during the upcoming open enrollment period, May 1-May 31. If employees miss this deadline, their current health insurance will be defaulted to the Blue Cross Basic plan.

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