News briefs and announcements
President's open office hours for staff members
President Bill Cooper has set aside office hours each month through April for staff members to meet with him. No appointment is necessary.
Staff may visit Cooper's office in room 203 of Maryland Hall from 1-3 p.m. on the following dates: Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21 and April 18.
Richmond sets donation record with Hurricane Katrina blood drive
A University blood drive Sept. 12-13 on behalf of Hurricane Katrina victims set a record for per-capita donations to Virginia Blood Services. The drive also produced the largest single-location donation of blood to VBS this year.
Students, faculty and staff donated 228 units of blood and also collected money for American Red Cross Hurricane Relief. The University's Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils sponsored the two-day drive.
"This record-breaking and highly successful blood drive impacted the ability of VBS to supply local hospital needs of blood," said Nancy Deane, VBS director of public relations.
The University's student organizations are planning another, larger blood drive next spring in collaboration with other central Virginia colleges.
Crisis fund reaches nearly $5,000
Faculty and staff members have contributed or pledged $4,700 to a fund to aid Richmond students who are struck by a tragedy or ill-fated circumstances.
Initially, money from the new Crisis Relief Financial Aid Fund will go to students who hail from areas devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"Many have contacted the financial aid office looking for assistance due to Katrina's devastating impact on their lives," said Cindy Deffenbaugh, director of financial aid. The money will be used to assist students who have had to reapply for financial assistance mid-way through the academic year.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the fund can send a check made out to University of Richmond with Crisis Relief Fund in the memo line. Send it to Advancement Services in Maryland Hall.
Community kitchen gains help from University staff
Two University staff members have been working as operational consultants in the development of a new community kitchen for two local nonprofit organizations in Richmond.
"This kitchen will be a phenomenal asset to the central Virginia community," said Blake Widdowson, associate director of dining services/finance and retail enterprises.
Widdowson and Glen Pruden, executive chef, have been volunteering for several months on a joint committee of Central Virginia Foodbank Inc. and Meals on Wheels Serving Central Virginia Inc.
The two organizations will together raise money to build a state-of-the-art, 5,000- square-foot kitchen that will meet the growing needs of both groups. They agreed to combine resources, energy and effort to prepare meals for thousands of children, elderly and disabled residents in central Virginia.
McCulla fills new community relations post
The University has hired John K. McCulla as community relations coordinator, a new position designed to help the University enhance relations with business, civic and governmental groups in the Richmond area and beyond.
McCulla is a former partner in the global consulting firm Accenture, where he worked with clients in financial services and other industries. As lead recruiter for Accenture's consulting practice, he worked closely with the University, and he currently chairs the executive advisory council for the Robins School of Business.
"Richmond has a wonderful story to tell," McCulla says. "The University has an amazing richness and depth in its arts, sports, continuing studies and community service programs-all set in an environment of excellent academics and facilities. I'm looking forward to helping the University get this story out to the numerous and diverse communities in the greater Richmond area, as well as the communities we serve nationally."
Burhans Prayer Room dedicated
The Wilton Interfaith Center's interreligious prayer room has been named for Chaplain Emeritus David Burhans, who served the University for 30 years before retiring in 2004. The Burhans Prayer Room was dedicated by representatives of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh traditions on Nov. 2 and has been in use by groups and individuals for sacred prayer and practice since the beginning of the fall semester. For more information about the prayer room, please call the Office of the Chaplaincy at 289-8500.
Dining Services raises hurricane relief funds
On Oct. 5, 2005 University Dining Services participated in the nationwide "Dine for America" campaign. Tyler's Grill, Whitehurst, 8:15 @ Boatwright, Freshens and The Cellar donated a percentage of proceeds from selected menu items for the day. The Heilman Dining Center sponsored a faculty and staff luncheon featuring Gulf Coast regional cuisine and donated half the proceeds to the fund. The total amount raised was $1,050, which was donated to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief.
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