In the news

Cul-de-sac properties sell at a premium

The cul-de-sac property was introduced to American neighborhoods in the 1950s, says Professor Robin Boyle, associated dean of the College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs at WSU. "I think it's fair to say that the suburbs through the 1950s, 60s, 70s and into the 80s were built around a cul-de-sac model," Boyle said. "The idea was that one could construct a suburban landscape with curvilinear streets that could only be accessed by the people living on these streets."

An improbable success

William Sanders Scarborough's autobiography sounds like an improbably novel, but his true story is available because of the work of Michele Valerie Ronnick, associate professor of Greek and Latin at Wayne. She uncovered a typed manuscript of Scarborough's buried in an Ohio archive. Scarborough was born a slave, learned to read and write secretly and went on to become one of America's foremost scholars of classics and president of Wilberforce University. "…in those days it was dangerous both to teach and to receive instruction," wrote Scarborough, "The penalty for the instructor was fine and imprisonment, and for the instructed one severe corporal punishment." Ronnick edited the autobiography that was recently published by the Wayne State University Press.

Dept. of Energy asks WSU to help it boost science education

The U.S. Department of Energy has asked Wayne State to assist in its effort to turn around a trend showing American students falling behind other countries in math and science. The program, titled "What's Next" expo, invites several classes of middle and high school students for hands-on, interactive experience with cutting edge technologies. College of Engineering Dean Ralph Kummler and College of Education Dean Paula Wood were on hand for the announcement and commented in the story.

WSU Distinguished Alumni and students to be honored at annual reception

The Wayne State Alumni Association will honor distinguished alumni and students receiving scholarships during its annual Leadership and Scholarship reception to be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28 at the Alumni House. The Homer D. Strong Award, the association's highest award, will be presented to Dr. Taylor A. Lewis, a senior pathologist at Quest Diagnostics. Angela Zemboy will receive the Recent Alumni Award. A photo of Lewis is included.

Royal wedding II: Why we love it

Alicia Nails, director of the Journalism Institute for Minorities at Wayne State, was quoted on the confirmed engagement and future wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. Nails supports the marriage with reservations even though she believes Camilla deserves some credit for not fitting the typical young, glamorous princess mold. She says, \"I just can\'t stand Camilla. I do respect that she\'s not trying to be something she\'s not.\"

Mark Stryker's Classical Highlights: A love affair with the harp

Composer James Hartway, a distinguished professor of music at WSU, has written about 10 works for the harp, including several solo works and a gaggle of chamber pieces of various shapes and sizes. He\'s recently composed a concerto for not one but two harps. The piece, \"Island Dances,\" will be given its world premiere Sunday by the Arianna Harp Duo and the Warren Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Daniels. Hartway is known for writing vibrant and eclectic music that pulsates with vernacular source material and rhythms.