News

Despite expected challenges, AEPi looks to establish chapter on campus

Despite expected challenges, AEPi looks to establish chapter on campus

Alpha Epsilon Pi, the national Jewish fraternity, is taking steps to establish a chapter at the University for the fall of 2002.For several reasons, though, AEPi expects an uphill battle to establish itself on campus.A primary concern was the University's failure to recognize the existing fraternities, a policy that prevents the organizations from having on-campus housing for its members.AEPi would also have to compete with the eating clubs ? the hub of social life at the University.At Princeton's first official AEPi meeting on Sunday, March 3, regional representative for the national fraternity organization Shawn Luchaa attempted to assuage the concerns of those attending.He pointed to Harvard University as a place where AEPi thrives in a social environment comparable to the eating clubs ? emphasizing that the fraternity offers unique services such as an alumni network and insurance plan."With a dedicated Jewish community," added Luchaa, "AEPi will survive when other fraternities may not.

NEWS | 03/04/2002

Tilghman appointed state project co-chair

Gov. James McGreevey named President Tilghman a chair of Prosperity New Jersey yesterday. The decision to select Tilghman for the project ? which aims to improve the economy through partnerships with non-corporate organizations ? reflected a shift toward focusing on the links between education and business, McGreevey said."Education is economic development," he said in a statement."What we do in our schools today directly impacts our business climate and our ability to attract good jobs for our people tomorrow."Tilghman expressed satisfaction with McGreevey's decision."I am pleased to have been asked to co-chair Prosperity New Jersey and to work with institutions of higher education throughout the state to develop more effective relationships with business, with state government and with our local communities to help meet the demands of a changing economy," she said in a statement.McGreevey asked Tilghman to serve because he believed she would contribute in important ways to the project's work, said Richard Lee, a spokesman for the governor."The governor is elevating the role that education plays in Prosperity New Jersey, and he felt that Dr. Tilghman would be an excellent choice," he said.

NEWS | 03/04/2002

University names Marsh as new associate provost

Jed Marsh, former associate dean of the graduate school at Northwestern University, has been named associate provost at Princeton, the University announced Friday.Marsh will be in charge of special projects and institutional research on campus, Provost Amy Gutmann said.

NEWS | 03/03/2002

Three seniors win top prize in Business Plan Contest for MindSpeak program

A trio of seniors won the $5,000 first prize at this year's Business Plan Contest with their young software company, MindSpeak LLC.The University held the fourth annual contest in the Friend Center.

NEWS | 03/03/2002

Finn plans to apply expertise in role as Afghanistan ambassador

From Princeton to Kabul, University visiting lecturer Robert Finn GS '76 was nominated Thursday by President Bush to be the new ambassador to Afghanistan.Finn, who has had years of experience in Near Easten conflict, could have a pivotal role in the formation of an entirely new Afghan government."I am honored and pleased that the president has decided to nominate me for this position, and that if confirmed by the Senate, I will do my best to serve in this position," Finn said in an e-mail.He said he could not speak more on the subject.

NEWS | 03/03/2002

'First Fridays at Frist' draws LGBT community together

Between sips of coffee, the conversation at a table in Frist cafe last Friday ranged in subject from MTV commercials to Russian and Japanese literature to stand up comedy.But all these topics were linked by an unexpected theme.

NEWS | 03/03/2002

Afghanistan in a transition of politics and society

In Afghanistan, where the future has looked so bleak for so long, many are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.That beaming light is the prospect of a new government for all Afghan people, now that the socially oppressive Taliban regime has been deposed."We hope that the international community will assist not just in the reconstruction and rebuilding of Afghanistan but in the unity of the country," Mohammed Gardezi said at a press conference held at the University last Monday.Gardezi was Afghanistan's minister of agriculture until the creation of the interim government in December.He and Abdul Arazou, who is to be Afghanistan's interim government's ambassador to Iran, said the international community should not impose undue interference on Afghanistan's rebuilding.Gardezi, Arazou and other key figures in the rebuilding of the country met two weeks ago to discuss the country's security and viability at the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination's Workshop on Afghanistan, a part of the Wilson School.Nisama Danishyar, a cultural attach

NEWS | 03/03/2002

USG debates student feedback, participation in Ivy Council

Discussion at last night's USG Senate meeting centered on how the USG interacts with students and whether the University will continue to participate in the Ivy Council.After standard opening procedures, the focus turned to the feedback the USG has received in response to its new outreach program, which has included USG office hours and the direct solicitation of student feedback in some of the residential college dining halls.For the most part, feedback was viewed as anemic with some suggestions bordering on the outlandish, such as complaints about the University's plumbing system and an enforced cap on the number of books that professors could assign in classes.The lack of feedback could partially be ascribed to the recent implementation of the system, said Sonya Mirbagheri '04, USG vice president.Discussion then turned to the Ivy Council, an organization that allows students from Ivy League schools to meet twice a year to discuss common issues and solutions.During a heated debate that lasted nearly 30 minutes, USG treasurer Michael Kimberly '03 led the attack on future participation.

NEWS | 03/03/2002

University retirement funds hold steady after recent financial trouble

Two years ago it was commonplace for an investor to receive a financial statement touting the profits of a recent investment.

NEWS | 03/03/2002

Committee prepares to recommend next dean of school of architecture

The search committee for a new dean of the architecture school is expected to submit a recommendation to President Tilghman within the next month, committee members said this week.They declined to comment on specific candidates to replace Ralph Lerner, who announced his resignation in the fall.The New York Times has reported three possible contenders ? Charles Gwathmey, Sylvia Lavin and Mario Gandelsonas.Gwathmey, who redesigned Whig Hall and worked on McDonnell Hall, is a New York-based architect.

NEWS | 02/28/2002

Finding company in a window

Students with an urge to find out about real-estate in the Princeton area the middle of the night will be pleased by Prudential's twenty-four hour real estate information window on Nassau Street available at all hours of the day and night."I'm not actively looking for a house," said a well-dressed woman, who asked not to be named as she pushed buttons on the window.

NEWS | 02/28/2002

Finn GS '78 nominated as ambassador to Afghanistan

President Bush nominated University professor Robert Finn GS '78 as ambassador to Afghanistan yesterday.The Senate must confirm the appointment before it can take effect.Finn, a visiting lecturer in the Near Eastern Studies department, has a long history of diplomatic service.

NEWS | 02/28/2002

Winick to advocate AIDS education, remember loss of friend

They now deal with sensationalized romance and conflict, but reality TV shows were not always so superficial.

NEWS | 02/28/2002

Study discovers anti-viral potential in existing drugs

A new study by University molecular biology professor Thomas Shenk suggests that painkillers similar to aspirin are capable of inhibiting the reproduction of the human cytomegalovirus.HCMV is a member of the herpes family, and although it generally does not induce syptoms in a normal, healthy adult, it may in people with compromised immune systems.

NEWS | 02/28/2002

Shock advertising by student groups draws criticism on campus

This past week, members of the Organization of Women Leaders wore T-shirts with the line "We're not just hooters" next to a Hooters restaurant logo.

NEWS | 02/28/2002

Graduate students weigh benefits of unionization

While negotiations between graduate students who want to unionize and administrators at nearby campuses have escalated into walkouts and rallies, the possibilty of unionization does not appear to be on the horizon for Princeton graduate students.In recent weeks, graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University have scuffled with administrators over compensation, medical benefits and housing accommodation.The fear of creating rifts between departments, students and professors has helped to deter University graduate students from unionization attempts, though the possibility has not been completely abandoned."With Princeton planning to up its undergraduate admissions by the hundreds, we can expect there to be more pressure on professors, adjuncts and graduate students," said Elliot Ratzman GS."If the workload falls disproportionately on graduate students and adjuncts without appropriate compensation, then the stage may be set in the coming years for a unionizing effort."Princeton graduate students generally share the same wants as those at other universities ? higher compensation for teaching, better housing accommodations and health care plans that encompass dental and eye-care benefits, for example.Attentive and responsive action from the administration has helped to quell the grievances of University graduate students, keeping the situation from reaching the frenzy ensuing at some other schools, graduate students say."The [Graduate Student Government] at this point is not considering unionizing because we are trying to successfully address our concerns with a cooperative administration," said Lauren Hale GS, the press secretary for the GSG.Hale said President Tilghman and Graduate School Dean John Wilson are committed to dealing with housing, health and financial problems, as shown by the new housing accommodations in the Lawrence Apartments complex, expanded health benefits and the institution of fellowship funding and summer stipends for students."We've been the envy of other Ivy League graduate schools in terms of the care we've provided with all of our grad students," said Sandra Mawhinney, associate dean of administrative affairs for the graduate school."We are way out ahead of other places in providing dental and eye care," she said.

NEWS | 02/27/2002

Rotaract to establish Princeton chapter for community service

Rotaract, the worldwide organization of community service groups, will aim to uphold the University's motto of national and international service with its forthcoming Princeton chapter.Guided by its slogan, "service above self," each Rotaract chapter must orchestrate and complete two major community service projects each year, including one which fosters international understanding.During Rotaract's bi-monthly meetings members attend volunteer workshops and cultural activities, visit neighboring Rotaract chapters and host guest speakers.Activities on weekends include volunteering, social events and leadership workshops.Vice president of Princeton's Rotaract chapter Nada Siddiqui '04 said the society has several goals."It aims to increase members' understanding of the work environment and to encourage high ethical standards in business," she said."Sponsoring Rotarians often provide advice on overcoming business, vocational, and professional challenges," she added.Occasionally Rotaract also sponsors forums and seminars to provide further guidance to members.

NEWS | 02/27/2002

Baker '52 selected as Class Day speaker

Former Secretary of State James Baker '52 will deliver the keynote address on Class Day, senior class president Spence Miller '02 announced yesterday.Class Day, which will be held June 3, is an event in which students reflect on their undergraduate careers, while the University recognizes seniors for their accomplishments.

NEWS | 02/27/2002

Race matters in world viewed through 'specialized' eye

According to Michael Omi and Howard Winant in their book "Racial Formation in the United States," "every state institution is a racial institution."This assertion is necessary since it unveils the degree to which racial consciousness defines the contours of the African-American existence.

NEWS | 02/27/2002

Professors react to Bush's publication restrictions

President Bush announced Feb. 16 that the U.S. administration is taking measures to increase the security of scientific secrets ? a decision that could constrain academic freedom by limiting what professors can publish.After Bush's announcement, the U.S.

NEWS | 02/27/2002

Most Popular