Two Detroit educational programs that serve area children and teenagers were the thrilled recipients of a welcome gift from the School of Medicine last week. The school donated about 140 microscopes to both the Detroit Science Center and to Vista Maria, a regional residential and education center for abused and delinquent girls.

Rebecca Nielsen, the Science Center 's senior manager of educational programs, was at Scott Hall to accept the donation and take possession of 100 microscopes last Friday, Aug. 25. She said the microscopes will be excellent equipment for use with the center's extensive children's programs, including "Slimy Science" and "Creepy Critters."

Wendy Kearney, M.S.W., manager of volunteer resources, and Jennifer Blackburn, volunteer coordinator, both from Vista Maria, took possession of 40 microscopes on Friday, as well. The equipment will benefit the school, which service s the 178 14- to17-year-old girls who live at the center recovering from abuse and behavioral disorders.

Executive Dean Robert Frank presented the microscopes. He explained that, with the use of sophisticated technology and virtual learning, microscopes are no longer an important part of the medical curriculum. "I'm very pleased that this equipment will go to good use and help to support these truly worthy community resources," said Dr. Frank.