Stetson Cupola 1989-17-2

VOLUME 17, NUMBER 2 USPS 990-560 WINTER 1989 Homecoming to focus on international ties; honor classes of 1939 and 1964 So, you haven't seen your freshman roommate since graduation? And, how's that professor who made your life miserable your junior year when you were planning to have fun? Is the fraternity house still the same? Now's the perfect time to renew those friendships and visit your alma mater. Join more than 1,000 other alumni on campus March 3, 4 and 5 for Homecoming 1989: "Stetson Around the World." More than 25 activities, from the Reunion Dinner (entertainment by the former members of the Stetson "Mad Hatters") to a 25th anniversary open house for the study abroad program, are planned for Homecoming weekend. The theme was chosen because of Stetson's strong international ties—180 Stetson alums live abroad. "Stetson will use this opportunity to honor alumni whose careers have involved service throughout the world. These alumni have served as missionaries, diplomats, international entrepreneurs, Olympic officials, and in many other fields," said Gary Meadows, executive director of alumni programs. "The program will recognize international students, both past and present," Meadows said. There are 68 foreign students currently studying on campus. Opportunities exist for Stetson students to study at any of the four foreign universities in Spain, Germany, France and England. New events include a 25-year reunion reception, a Friday night reunion dance co-sponsored by the "S" Club, and open houses in all academic buildings for alumni, students and faculty. There are plenty of opportunities to spend time with old friends and catch up on what's going on at Stetson. Registration forms were mailed January 12. You didn't receive one? Call the Alumni Office at (904) 734-4121, ext. 346. Trustees pledge $1.7 million to stimulate alumni giving To increase support for faculty salaries and the academic program, Stetson's Board of Trustees has personally pledged more than $1.7 million as a challenge gift. "The purpose of the challenge is simple: to set an example for others to follow," said Mark Hollis, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "By initiating the challenge gift for all alumni and other donors, the trustees hope to position Stetson to be among the top ten universities of its kind in the nation," Hollis continued. The challenge was initiated to encourage others to contribute to the Annual Fund, at any dollar amount. The goal is to double, from 20 to 40 percent, the number of donors who participate in Stetson's Annual Fund program. "Compared to 15 similar institutions, Stetson's current percentage of donor participation ranked 15th," said President Lee. "This Annual Fund Challenge gift from our Board of Trustees represents an unprecedented commitment to academic excellence at Stetson University." The Trustee challengers are: Mark and Lynn Hollis, J. Hyatt and Cici Brown, Doyle and Mildred Carlton, Dennis McNamara, Pat and Patricia Wilson, and an anonymous donor. A challenge gift represents a minimum pledge of $125,000 for the Annual Fund, which can be paid over five years. Other challengers to date are: Murray Sams, a member of the College of Law Board of Overseers; Florida Power Corporation; Sun Bank of Volusia County; and the St. Petersburg Times. The St. Petersburg Times is targeting their challenge gift to College of Law alumni to encourage their participation in the College of Law Annual Fund. Remember anyone? Here are the Senior Senators from the Class of '64 as pictured in the Hatter. Leadership program to offer classes; begin implementing ideas This year the Hollis Leadership Development Program will employ a full-time director, begin the first regular leadership class, offer a Winter Term course, and continue 1988 activities. "Exploring Leadership: Choice and Responsibility," the first leadership course to be added to the curriculum, will be taught by Dr. Ellen Smith. "It introduces students to the study of leadership in the broadest sense," explained Dr. Charles Vedder, interim director, and professor of sociology. Dr. Peter Heine, assistant professor of management, taught "Leadership and the Community" during Winter Tenn. "The students not only had a valuable experience in terms of learning about these organizations, but had an emotional experience in helping to provide needed human service to the community," said Dr. Heine. The Hollis Leadership Development Program was established with a $1 million gift from Mark and Lynn Hollis in September 1986. The program will continue to sponsor the Hollis Book Feast, and a post-commencement workshop for faculty; reactivate the Woodrow Wilson Vising Fellow program; and will continue to implement other recommendations of the task force.