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President Zimpher: Thank you, George. I too would like to welcome Jim Masterson (Graduate Student Trustee reappointed on May 14) back to the table. I think that is a very wise selection. Congratulations. And Justin Shafer (new Student Body President)—I very much look forward to working with you, as we have already. So, welcome, both of you.
We have a few other new faces, whom I would like you to meet—the President of the UC Chapter of the AAUP, the American Association of University Professors, Sally Dunn, who is a Librarian in the College of Nursing; and the new Executive Director for the UC AAUP, James Thompson.
Sally and James, welcome. We are glad to have you here.
I would like to take a few minutes to thank the Board of Trustees for your participation in the inaugural ceremonies and the opening of MainStreet. We had a lot of friends of the UC family and guests on our campus over the weekend. It was an incredibly memorable welcome for me and if, of course, you have a sleepless night, you know that we video-streamed the entire inaugural ceremony on the web, and it came through loud and clear. Particularly the extraordinary performances of our CCM students, our band, and the original composition by Dean Lowry were very, very special.
George Schaefer, for your role and the official installation and other off-the-cuff remarks that entertained the crowd immensely; of course, Jeff Wyler, who went off script several times as the emcee; and Phil Cox, for your gracious introduction—I want to thank you all for your participation, your vote of confidence, and your guidance. Thank you.
Now, on with the good stuff. We have made it a habit of beginning these meetings by celebrating. UC's new baseball stadium officially opened on May 20. I threw out the ceremonial first pitch. I was told to aim for the catcher's head! I guess that was to keep the ball in the air, which it did.
UC archeologists have been busy amid all the fanfare surrounding the new movie Troy. Brian Rose and Jack Davis have been spreading the true story behind Troy, where UC has partnered in excavation for the last 15 years, and led excavations in the 1930s. Both Professors Rose and Davis were prominently featured in the Troy documentary shown earlier this month on the History Channel and on National Geographic television. UC's Troy expertise also has been featured in recent issues of U.S.A. Today, US News and World Report, on the BBC-online, and on the Discovery Channel, just to name a few.
Another UC faculty member in DAAP is working to bring into being a Website for school children to help them visualize what the real Troy was like.
The University of Cincinnati Branding Program won the National Grand Gold Medal from CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the institution of public relations and communications experts. This was a competition that included 18 universities from across the country. The Grand Gold Medal is the highest recognition, and it will be extended to the University of Cincinnati at its national meeting in San Diego in July.
I am happy to report that the University received praise from City Councilman David Pepper for the excellent collaboration between the University and the City regarding the Cinco de Mayo disturbances, also referred to as "Cinco de Stratford," that have been a challenge in the Stratford neighborhood in the past. UC passed out door-hangers to spread the word that rioters can be kicked out of college and can lose their financial aid. We think the door-hangers had some considerable effect.
We dedicated our first university-wide Habitat house on May 8, and launched a fund-raising initiative for future projects, so that this can become an annual tradition. This year's house is located on Winkler Street in Mt. Auburn.
Our College of Allied Health Sciences held the grand opening of its audiology clinic at Woodward Career and Technical High School. This clinic helps train Allied Health students, and will promote study in the health disciplines at this local high school.
Last week we joined our neighbors in breaking ground for the Calhoun Street Market Project.
And last, but not least, we have announced that Coretta Scott King will be the speaker for our Commencement on June 11.
Thank you, George.
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