Stetson Commons 1993-4-3

Commons A Newsletter for Parents of Stetson University Students Spring 1993 Volume IV No. 3 Chinese scholar Named new provost DR. EUGENE S. LUBOT, a specialist in Chinese history, will become the new provost of Stetson University Aug. 1. Lubot is academic dean and vice president of academic affairs at Albright College in Reading, PA. As provost, he will be the university's chief academic officer, replacing Dr. Louis F. Brakeman, who is retiring after six years. "Dr. Lubot is an outstanding scholar with significant administrative experience. He will bring to the provost's office many new ideas and a creative approach to academic leadership," President Doug Lee said. "I am tremendously excited by the opportunity to serve as provost at Stetson," said Lubot. "The university enjoys a well- deserved reputation for academic excellence and support for students." He may also teach. Lubot, 50, has been at Albright, a private liberal arts college about half the size of Stetson, for 12 years. He also taught and directed Asian Studies at Wheaton College. He holds a master's degree from the University of South Carolina and a doctorate from Ohio State University, and studied advanced Chinese at Columbia University. Michael Sabine — Photo by Chris Carlson Michael Sabine named National Truman Scholar MICHAEL E. SABINE of Longwood, a junior political science/history major, is one of 60 national 1993 Truman Scholars. The awards, for more than $30,000 per recipient, are presented nationally by The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation on the basis of academic achievement, leadership capabilities, and promise for public service. Sabine expects to specialize in public policy in graduate school. "Michael is an exceptional person who combines strong academic commitment with involvement in his community," said Dr. Wayne Bailey, chair of political science. Greenberg will gives Stetson $8 million AN $8 MILLION bequest to Stetson University from the late Archie Greenberg, philanthropist and investor, has withstood an initial probate court challenge from Brandeis and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical universities. The gift is the largest single bequest in Stetson's history. Brandeis and Embry-Riddle claimed Greenberg was incompetent and suffering from an insane delusion when he dropped them from his will in October of 1981, and left Stetson the bulk of his estate. After a three-day hearing in mid-April, Circuit Judge Robert Rawlins ruled that Greenberg was Ccompetent, and had reason to believe Brandeis mishandled payments for annuities. "Mr. Greenberg was a very special kind of person, who believed that Stetson University was a special kind of educational institution," said President Doug Lee. "He attached no strings to his bequest, leaving it to the judgment of university officials to determine how best to use his gift to benefit students. Many young people will profit from his unusual philanthropy." The two other universities may appeal the ruling, or activate a civil suit, claiming annuity payments should have been distributed to them while Greenberg's affairs were being handled by a court-appointed guardian, a part-time Stetson employee. Florida law required the guardian, with court supervision, to conserve Greenberg's assets; income from his many tax-free gift annuities built to $8 million. No distribution of funds could be made without court approval, which the other universities did not seek. After his death, a memorial service was held at Stetson, and as his will directed, Greenberg's ashes were scattered on campus. Jobs there when Students start early IN SPITE OF a sluggish economy, Stetson graduates are finding jobs, particularly if they start early and have realistic expectations, says Dawn Rodak, Career Services. "Most students who started their job search early, at least at the beginning of their junior year, have job offers now or are in the third interview stage with an offer in view." With the Institutional Research Office, she has just surveyed December 1992 graduates and plans a similar study of May grads. Of the 39 percent who responded, one third are going to graduate school, some with part-time jobs. Of the 60 percent who went immediately into the job market, 68.8 percent have full- time employment and 31.3 percent part-time. Rodak says the service sector is strong, especially sales work. She expects health care and related fields to remain stable this decade and perhaps get stronger as the Clinton health plan develops. Rodak has noted more interest in service organizations such as the Peace Corps, and encourages students to look at the non-profit sector. "I'm seeing more small and medium companies recruiting and hiring," Rodak said. "They call about openings, and we use the computer (resume service) to match their needs to students and fax them resumes. Students should consider these smaller firms." Key skill areas for student job seekers: - Foreign languages and a knowledge of other cultures. - General technical skills such as the ability to use computers. "They make liberal arts students more marketable." - Good communication skills, oral as well as written. Rodak encourages students to use electives for speech and communication. Internships, work study, and volunteer work are pluses, giving students work experience in their field. For your calendar Summer Term 1993 June 8-July 27 Summer Commencement July 31 Fall 1993 Semester Residence Halls Open: New Students Aug. 27 Returning Students Aug. 29 New Student Orientation Aug. 27-31 Classes begin Sept. 1 Convocation Sept 1 Family Weekend Oct. 22-24 Thanksgiving Holiday Nov. 25-26 Classes End Dec. 3 Final Exams Dec. 6-10 Winter Commencement Dec. 12 Christmas Break Dec. 11 to Jan. 3,1994