Stetson Cupola 1993-21-3

Spring 1993 Volume XX No. 3 Greenberg will leaves Stetson University $8 million An $8 million bequest to Stetson University ftom the late Archie Greenberg, philanthropist and investor, has withstood an initial probate court challenge ftom Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass., and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. 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 Coach Wilkes retires; Hipsher to lead Hatters For the first time in 36 years, Stetson will have a new men's basketball coach. Dr. Glenn Wilkes stepped down in eatly March, and will be succeeded by Dan Hipsher, former head coach at Wittenberg University, Ohio. Wilkes will continue at Stetson as a tenuted ptofessot in the Depattment of Physical Education. Hipsher leaves Division III Wittenbutg after four years with a 97-18 record. Before that he was an assistant for nine seasons at the University of Dayton. As head coach, Wilkes has a 551-436 (.558) career record. His last game was Stetson's 95-82 victory over Central Florida March 2. Wilkes ranks eighth in victories among NCAA I active men's basketball head coaches, and 23fd on the all-time list. Wilkes also ends his coaching career ranked first nationally, among active NCAA I coaches, in most games coached (987), most overall years (36), and most years at same school (36). He has been inducted into the Florida, Stetson, Mercer and Nike Halls of Fame. The 64-year-old Wilkes was named to the top basketball position at Stetson in 1957. As head coach and athletic directot, he helped the Hatter basketball and athletic programs move from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the NCAA Division I level. "Stetson University, the athletic department, and the basketball program will always be indebted to Glenn Wilkes for all of the dedicated and continued service he has provided throughout his long tenure here," said Director of Athletics Bob Jacoby. three-day hearing in mid-April, Circuit Judge Robert Rawlins, Jr., ruled that Gteenbetg was competent, and had reason to believe Brandeis mishandled the reporting of annuity payments. "Mr. Greenberg was a very special kind of person, who believed that Stetson University was a special kind of educational institution," said Stetson President Doug Lee. "He attached no sttings to his bequest, leaving it to the judgment of university officials to determine how best to use his gift to benefit students." "We are grateful that Mr. Greenberg's wishes, as expressed in his will, are to be followed. Many young people will profit from his unusual philanthropy," said Vice President for University Relations F. Matk Whittaker. The two other universities may yet appeal the ruling, but had not done so at press time. Gteenbetg, who died in June of 1992, a few days before his 93rd birthday, was a former hotelier with a history of investing money in tax-free gift annuities through various universities and other charities. Old friends and fun were focus of Reunion Weekend "It was fantastic! It was one of the best experiences of my life." Those were the comments heard at the end of Reunion Weekend 1993, April 16 - 18. Members from ten classes, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, and 1985, returned to campus for a weekend full of activities. A batbecue, class parties, class meetings, the All Alumni Convocation, President's Reception, dinners, and the Reunion Dance kept alumni busy. "I've never seen such enthusiasm on campus, and from all the classes," said Bob Brown, Class of 1943, from DeLand. "I saw some classmates I hadn't seen since graduation." This is the fourth year of the reunion program at Stetson. "We ate vety excited about this event," said Gary Meadows, executive director of the alumni association. "Each year we get a bigget ctowd. And, we have great volunteers who serve as class chairs, class secretaries, and class gift chaits. They all do an excellent job of keeping in touch with their classmates." Classes who celebrated a reunion in 1993 and those who will celebtate their reunion in 1994 (graduation years ending in a 4 or 9, i.e., 1949, 1954) will receive a special Reunion Cupola this summer. Those who would like to volunteet to assist with theit next class reunion, should call the alumni office at (904) 822-7480. Mark your calendar Feb. 25 - 27 Homecoming '94 For all classes! Reunion '94 For Classes'44,'49,'54, *59, '64, '69, '74, '79, '84, '89 April 22 - 24 Members of the Class of 1973 reminisce about the "good old days" at their 20th reunion. (Photo by House of Hatton Photography.) From the Alumni Fund Chair Participation is the key Stetson's fiscal year is drawing to a close! I am happy to report that as of May 1, 85 percent of the $700,000 Alumni Fund goal has been reached. On behalf of the alumni of Stetson, I want to thank each of you who have sent a gift this year to suppott the faculty and academic program of the university. To those of you who have not yet joined your fellow alumni in helping us reach our goal, I have a challenge. I will match any first-time givers and those who have not made a gift in the last few years, dollar for dollar, up to $ 5,000! Whethet or not you are in this category, I hope you will respond before May 31 so that we can work togethet for Stetson and reach our goal. Marty Davis, Class of 1980 Alumni Fund Chair