Stetson Cupola 1993-22-1

Fall 1993 Volume XXI No. 1 A Message from Rod Hansen, '72, Alumni Association President Alumni volunteers making a difference for university Between family, work, and vacations, a record number of alumni volunteers squeezed in a lot of hatd work for our alma mater this summer. Thirty-five members of the National Alumni Association Board of Directors met fot a day and a half planning conference in June. It was a great meeting, and we were glad to welcome several new members to the board. Now more than ever, the alumni of Stetson are involved in every aspect of the university. Our meeting covered everything from student recruitment to campus life to career services to fundraising. We discussed new ideas and a new philosophy for alumni events, how to improve Homecoming and Reunion weekends, and ways to help identify prospective students. You'll hear more about this as the year goes on. All this hard work adds up to more involvement by alumni in the future of the university. We need your help. As an association and a univetsity, we've accomplished a great deal, but there's more to be done. Be sure to read the article about how alumni can help recruit. Mike Fronk, our admissions chair on the alumni board, has a few tips for us; they will take very little time, but could make a big difference to admissions. Also, take the challenge. No, not for a soft drink, but for Stetson. Those who have never given, or not given recently, can have their gifts matched by a new challenge fund established by the Alumni Association Board. We all must take ownetship of the university, and part of our responsibility is to make a financial commitment to Stetson. Your participation, not the size of yout gift, is the key — it's an indication of your interest. (See pages 4 and 5.) To those of you who hosted or attended Off-to-School parties, thank you. It's impottant that students feel connected to alumni. The university appreciates our involvement in this impottant send-off fot new and returning students. And now a personal challenge to each of you: get involved. The alumni association needs you, and so does Stetson. Attend an alumni chaptet meeting. Give us the name of a high school standout in yout area. Attend Homecoming ot Reunion or both! Write a letter to me or the alumni office sharing your ideas. We want to hear from you! The Alumni Board heard a university update from President Lee, met the new provost, and discussed opportunities for the university and alumni association at the annual summer conference. (Photo by Kathy Burley) New faces, changes greet students in 1993^94 Stetson University begins its 110th year with some new faces in prominent places, changes in programs, and a redesigned cafeteria. Two new academic officers have joined the university. Dr. Eugene S. Lubot, provost, officially began his duties Aug. 1. Former vice president of academic affairs at Albright College in Reading, Pa., he is replacing Dr. Louis F. Brakeman, who has retired after six years. Business Dean Paul E. Dascher has been on the job since July 1. He replaces Dr. Bill Wright, who has returned to the classroom. "Dr. Lubot is an outstanding scholar with significant administrative experience. He will bring to the ptovost'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, and it is a great ptivilege to join this fine community." "I'm eaget to get to know our alumni, and to listen to their ideas about our common future," said Lubot. "It is our alumni who preserve our collective memory of Stetson's hetitage, and they also provide a source of fresh ideas for the future." Dascher sees alumni as a strong resource. "Experience is a fantastic teacher, and our alumni have it. We want to find ways for alumni to become involved, for the benefit of both students and faculty. We want to bring them back to campus both formally and informally, and hope to set up a mentoring program." He hopes to meet as many alumni as he can: "They ate out best representatives." The cutrent education division will split into three separate departments -- counselof education, teacher education and sport and exercise science, with an office of special projects in education added to the mix, according to Arts and Sciences Dean Gary Maris, '62. Perhaps the biggest change students will notice is the remodeled Commons, which will feature food islands that allow students more choices. New furnishings include booths, and the color scheme and lighting also have been improved.