Welcome to the UCR Alumni Association Electronic Newsletter!

In this issue:
The Press Room
Homecoming 2003
Alumni College in Italy’s Magnificent Lake District
Fitness Buffs: New Challenge Course at UCR!
Did You Know? 

The Press Room 
UCR Receives the Highest Number of AAAS Fellows in the United States!
For their work of scientific or social distinction, 13 faculty members at University of California, Riverside were named as 2002 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the highest number of fellows a single institution has received this year. Thirteen fellows is also the new record for UC Riverside; the university's previous record was 12 AAAS Fellows in 1997. The AAAS, founded in 1848, is the world's largest, general scientific organization. It publishes the prestigious peer-reviewed journal Science. Nomination for the AAAS Fellowship is considered a high honor and began in 1874. 

Highlander Presence in the World Series!
UCR Highlanders are making their presence known in the World Series.  Troy Percival (#40), pitcher for the Anaheim Angels, played at UCR from 1988-1991 and currently has the longest tenure in an Angels' uniform among pitchers (7 yrs.).  Percival was also named to four AL All-Star squads in seven major league seasons, which is the most selections by an Angels' reliever. 

Alumni parents, Tom Kennedy ’72 and Susan Pascoe Kennedy ’69 also have a special contribution to the World Series.  Their son, Adam (#2) is in his second year as an infielder for the Anaheim Angels!  Kennedy recently joined Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson and George Brett, among others, in hitting three home runs in a postseason game.  Tom also played for UCR, and is currently teaching sociology and history at Riverside's North High School.  Susan is currently an elementary school teacher.  Congratulations to our UCR alumni for bringing Highlander pride into America's pastime! 

UCR Chancellor France A. Córdova Honored
UCR Chancellor France A. Córdova will be honored as the first Latina chancellor in the UC system at a special reception to be held on November 9, 2002 at Raincross Square Convention Center, located at 3443 Orange Avenue in Riverside, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sponsors of the event include UCR Chicano Alumni and Chicano Educational Cultural Fund (CECF). For more information or to make reservations contact Estella Acuña. Click here for the event flyer.

UC Riverside Says Fond Farewell to Noted Musicologist, Philip Brett
Philip Brett, a respected member of the UC Riverside faculty for 10 years, died Wednesday (10/16) of cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was 64. Brett was one of the world’s leading authorities on music of the Elizabethan period, and particularly the work of the 16th century composer William Byrd. He was also a noted authority on the 20th-century British composer Benjamin Britten. In his studies, research and writing, Brett was the first to deal forthrightly with Britten’s homosexuality and its reflection in Britten’s music, as well as the broader issue of homosexuality among noted classical composers in general.

UC Riverside Will Host Five International Fulbright Scholars This Year
The University of California, Riverside has been selected to host five Fulbright Visiting Scholars for the 2002-2003 academic year. The scholars are five of approximately 800 outstanding foreign faculty and professionals the Fulbright Scholar Program will bring to the U.S. to teach and do research.  Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the program's purpose is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

Inland Hispanic Magazine Recognizes Alfredo Figueroa For Work With Youth  
Alfredo Figueroa ’75, director of Chicano Student Programs at the University of California, Riverside, received the Influential Latino of the Year award at the 5th Annual Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards, organized by “Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine.”  The award was presented at a black-tie gala reception at the Mission Inn Hotel Oct. 4. The awards were determined through a survey of the magazine’s readers and included nine other recipients. The award celebrates those who work toward the betterment of the community.

Homecoming 2003!
It's time to start thinking about Homecoming!  Many groups on campus are putting together activities and reunions and you won't want to miss out on all of the fun!  Homecoming 2003 will kick off with the Alumni Association's Awards of Distinction Dinner on Friday, January 31 followed by reunions, gatherings, and the big game on February 1!  To view all of the activities, connect with your classmates, or send us a message, visit the Homecoming page!  Message boards have been created for all of the activities, so you can post your ideas and suggestions!

Alumni College in Italy’s Magnificent Lake District
Alumni and friends are invited to share in an exclusive educational and travel adventure to “Italy’s Magnificent Lake District,” scheduled for April 21-29, 2003.  The lakes are nestled between the last slopes of the Alps, and are scattered with enchanting villages and historically old villas.  Besides the breathtaking beauty of the natural wonders, the Lake District also boasts ancient churches, a baroque palace, botanical gardens, art galleries and prestigious museums.  Private guides will highlight these regional landmarks, while discussion leaders selected from local communities will provide authentic insights into Italian culture and tradition.  Adventurers will travel through the cities of Baveno, Orta, Stresa, the Borromean Islands, Milan, Bellagio, and Tremezzo—an altogether spectacular compilation of natural splendor and cultural education.  This program includes first-class lake-view accommodations for seven nights at the Lido Palace Hotel, lake cruises, special dinners and receptions, and informative educational programs, all designed to make this experience as enriching as possible.  The excursion starts at $2,595 per person based on double occupancy.  Post-trip extensions are also available for the truly adventurous to explore Rome, the “Eternal City.”  Contact the Alumni Association to request a brochure or to be placed on the Association’s travel list.

Fitness Buffs: New Challenge Course at UCR!
It looks like something out of a Marine boot camp fitness program with high, log-like beams to cross and a variety of climbing points and ropes.  It is way cool and is located between the Student Recreation Center (SRC) and Aberdeen Drive.  The purpose of the full-scale ropes/challenge course is to promote team building.  Outside groups are welcome to experience the Team Excursions Challenge Program. 

Mark Oswood, Manager, Team Excursions, states, “We offer programs for youth (9 and above) and adults (no age limit).  We are open to all UCR groups, community groups, and businesses.  The cost varies depending on the length of program, type of program and type of group.“ For more information about the program contact Mark at (909) 850-3331.

Fitness-minded alumni can also purchase a membership at the SRC and use the center’s great fitness equipment and facility. The SRC offers a membership to UCR Alumni Association members. When used for three quarters the discount equals the cost of an annual UCRAA membership. For information about privileges and benefits of the UCR Alumni Association click here or hit any “join” button.

Did You Know?
August 1955 The big "C" on Box Springs Mountain is made with cement and equipment donated by the E.L. Yeager Construction Co. Surveying work was done by UCR students. At 132 feet long, it was the largest concrete block letter in the world at that time. That year's freshman class gave it its first golden coat of paint, a tradition followed in later years.