Yale Bulletin and Calendar

September 28, 2001

Volume 30, Number 4

Talk by philanthropist surgeon
to open United Way appeal

Yale will officially kick off its annual United Way Campaign on Wednesday, Oct. 3, with a special presentation by Yale trustee Dr. Benjamin Carson '73, a noted neurosurgeon and philanthropist.

Carson will talk about the spirit of public service -- from volunteering to donating -- and how it can positively affect people's lives. His presentation will begin at 5 p.m. in Luce Hall, 34 Hillhouse Ave. A wine and cheese reception will follow. Those who plan to attend must call (203) 432-5660 in advance or register online at www.yale.edu/learningcenter.

The University has set a goal of $500,000 for this Tercentennial-year campaign, according to Laura Freebairn-Smith, director of the Organizational Development and Learning Center, who is chair of the fundraising drive.

"The campaign is one way to continue the University's long tradition of community service," Freebairn-Smith says. "Donations to the United Way can help change the lives of children, the elderly and other needy citizens of Greater New Haven. Yale employees can be a part of the most successful Yale United Way campaign ever and a part of New Haven's compassionate and caring community by making a pledge."

Last year's campaign raised $342,000 from staff and faculty contributions. As in past years, employees can contribute easily to the campaign by having their donations deducted from their paychecks in installments.

Carson, head of the pediatric neurosurgery department at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution and an associate professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, was chosen to help launch this year's campaign because of his own dedication to helping the disadvantaged. He and his wife, Lacena, a 1975 graduate of Yale College, founded the USA Scholars Fund, a national program that makes annual awards to students in grades 1-12 who have the highest marks in their schools and participate in community activities or demonstrate human concern.

In addition, Carson reaches out to disadvantaged youth in television appearances, speaking engagements, books and one-on-one conversations, urging them to use their intellectual potential to achieve success. In his autobiography, "Gifted Hands," the alumnus describes his own early life of extreme poverty, low self-esteem and poor academic performance, as well as the changes he made to earn admission to Yale and then medical school at the University of Michigan.

All employees will soon receive Yale United Way Campaign pledge forms in the mail. For further information about the drive, visit www.yale.edu/learningcenter.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Yale will proceed with Tercentennial celebration

Peabody's insects inspire fascination in scholars far and near

Talk by philanthropist surgeon to open United Way appeal

Service of Remembrance

J. Lloyd Suttle is appointed deputy provost

Benefit concert to help families of tragedy's fallen

Convocation to celebrate Yale's long tradition of theological education . . .

Grant supports professors' study of dwindling voter turnout

Panelists share experiences on matters of gender

Famed Bolshoi Theatre ballerina describes a life devoted to dance

Forest management certification program is launched

Students win grants for environmental research around the world

Insects are special of the day on Peabody Museum menu

Remembering the struggle

Trumbull Lecture will examine 1828 treatise on liberal education

Employee Day at the Bowl

Campus Notes