Botanist’s $350,000 gift establishes endowed chair Dinner raises funds for students in need Ca m p u s Update C Santa Cruz has appoint- cludes investigations of invasive Ued Ingrid Parker, associate plant species and the evolution-

matt fitt matt professor of ecology and evolu- ary interactions of plants and tionary biology, to the newly es- plant pathogens. Inauguration of set for June 6 tablished Jean H. Langenheim “It is such an honor to be eorge Blumenthal, culture of excellence, inquiry, Endowed Chair in Plant associated with Jean, who is a a professor of creativity, diversity, and public Ecology and Evolution. Parker real pioneer in plant ecology G is the first faculty and at UCSC service while developing solu- member to hold the since 1972, was named tions to the world’s most criti- endowed chair, es- tim stephens permanent chancellor cal challenges.” He pledged to tablished by a gift September 19, 2007, after work with staff, alumni, com- of $350,000 from serving as acting chancellor munity members, government Langenheim, profes- for 14 months. In his first officials, and campus sup- sor emerita of ecolo- gy and evolutionary address to the campus after porters to “accelerate UCSC’s Alumna and scholarship recipient Precious Ward (above) spoke biology. being appointed by the upward trajectory.” at UCSC’s Scholarship Benefit Dinner on February 9 about the The endowment UC Regents, he pledged to In a recent interview,* important role individual contributions play in the education of provides funds to “plan strategically and act Blumenthal recalled coming UCSC students. Now in its fifth year, the dinner has become an support and encour- important fundraising event providing undergraduate scholar- boldly” to advance UCSC’s to UCSC as a young profes- age research and Jean Langenheim and Ingrid Parker ships, internships, and research opportunities, as well as gradu- standing in the world. sor in 1972 and finding a teaching in the area ate fellowships. Many scholarship and fellowship recipients of terrestrial plant ecology and and evolution,” Parker said. “Here at UC Santa Cruz, place where “I could reach are students who might not otherwise be able to attend UCSC. evolution, including studies of “The endowment will provide Chancellor George Blumenthal and his wife, law professor Kelly Weisberg, follow- our faculty are making break- out to faculty from other dis- Emmy Award–winning actress and UCSC alumna Camryn Manheim human impacts on plants. valuable support for the projects ing his appointment by the UC Regents as the 10th chancellor of UC Santa Cruz throughs relentlessly. Our ciplines and learn from them. was the keynote speaker at this year’s dinner, which drew a crowd Parker joined the UCSC fac- of students who are working in students are exploring new I discovered the intellectual of 250 and raised $160,000. ulty in 1998. Her research in- plant biology on campus.” he formal inauguration of George Blumenthal ideas and opportunities at a stimulation that continues as UCSC’s 10th chancellor is scheduled for pace they’ve never before ex- to thrive here. Our faculty Friday, June 6, 2008. The ceremony, open perienced. Our graduates are are inquisitive and willing Omigod! Women don’t have lock on gift of gab T changing the world. Our pro- to put aside assumptions ho says women are the differences. But readers resisted to the public, will be held on UCSC’s East Field, grams are defining education or paradigms and think big Wchattier sex? Not psychology the news that the “chat gap” overlooking Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay. and reshaping the future,” he thoughts; students are not professor Campbell is all hype, and The inaugural celebration will feature a traditional told a capacity crowd at the just interested in learning but Leaper, whose “meta- Goodman’s column Music Center Recital Hall, in learning how to think.” analysis” of how men focused on the Frank Kofsky’s photos of Janis Joplin, John Coltrane, and Frank Zappa academic procession, the chancellor’s inaugural and women communi- jennifer mcnulty public’s reluctance address, musical performances, and a reception receiving two enthusiastic cate made headlines in to embrace scientific Archie Shepp, of which only standing ovations. Age of jazz and rock 36 have been published. for all attendees. (For more information and tickets, *The interview with Chancellor the U.S. and Canada findings. Blumenthal called the Blumenthal begins on page 8. for its myth-busting So why do people rolls on with gift of The gift also includes please visit inauguration.ucsc.edu) campus a “place that fosters a conclusion: Women cling to gender stereo- approximately 100 audio re- are no more talkative types? “It’s part of hu- photos, interviews cordings of interviews Kofsky than men. Campbell Leaper man nature to put conducted with these musi- The Washington things in categories,” CSC has received a gift cians, each approximately 30 Alumni Reunion Weekend, April 25–26, will include an Post was the first to write about said Leaper. “People want to an- Uof more than 1,000 photo- to 90 minutes in length. intellectual forum and reception with alumni wines the nonexistent “chat gap,” ticipate what’s going to happen. graphs of renowned jazz and The collection was donat- followed by Boston Globe It trips us up when we overapply rock musicians from the ed to the University Library’s

mong the events at this year’s New York Times editor Katy Roberts keppler speakers courtesy columnist Ellen Goodman, and our generalizations.” 1960s, taken by the late jazz Special Collections by Frank A Alumni Reunion Weekend will (B.A. politics, Kresge ’74) will be onassis foundation courtesy numerous other newspapers. Even though he approaches scholar and historian Frank Kofsky’s widow, Bonnie be an intellectual forum on innovation moderator. A reception featuring wines “It’s a sexy topic, and it snow- media interviews with some Kofsky. Kofsky, who has dedicated and education in a global society. by alumni vintners will follow. balled with the media,” recalled trepidation, Leaper believes it The collection includes it to the memory of John Featured speakers will be Innovation For more information on the forum Leaper. is important for academics to 35mm slides, prints, and Coltrane. The gift includes a donation of $8,000 from Nation author John Kao and historian and other Reunion Weekend events Leaper’s review of numerous work with journalists. “We need negatives of such recording studies of talkativeness, mea- to help people understand what artists as John Coltrane, Janis John Coltrane’s widow, Alice and political pundit Victor Davis and activities, please see page 24, sured by the overall number of we’re learning,” he said. “These Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Coltrane, to process and Forum speakers John Kao and Victor Davis Hanson (Cowell ’75) Hanson (B.A. literature, Cowell ’75). or go to: alumni.ucsc.edu/reunions words used by men and women, studies dispel some pervasive Ornette Coleman, and preserve the collection. revealed only inconsequential stereotypes.”

2 UC Santa Cruz Review / Spring 2008 UC Santa Cruz Review / Spring 2008 3 Research grants top Gift funds endowed chair in Sikh, Punjabi studies

Prof reveals, revels in NorCal kitsch tim stephens $100 million, again C Santa Cruz has received years, and the Sarbjit Singh Green campus ow does a 2,000-year-old tree at Big Basin Redwoods Ua gift of $367,000 from Aurora Endowed Chair in Sikh HState Park trace the history of imperialism? Who are the esearchers at UCSC at- Hardit and Harbhajan K. Singh, and Punjabi Studies provides an Town joins gown to fight climate change “Cave People” at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk? Why were two Rtracted $111 million in exter- through the Sikh Foundation, opportunity for students to giant white stone cats erected near Highway 17 in Los Gatos? nal grants and contracts to the to fund an endowed chair in learn more about Sikh religion, hancellor George Blumenthal joined Santa Cruz What is the real story behind the Greco-Roman-style Pulgas campus in the 2006–07 fiscal Sikh and Punjabi studies in the history, arts, culture and Ccity and county officials in pledging to reduce greenhouse Water Temple built on the San Francisco Peninsula? year. This marks the second year History Department. diaspora,” said Dr. Narinder S. gas emissions at their respective institutions and to encourage These questions and more are revealed in Local Girl Makes in a row that research funding The Sarbjit Singh Aurora Kapany, chairman and founder private, public, and nonprofit History: Exploring California’s Kitsch has exceeded $100 million. Bin Chen and Camilla Forsberg Endowed Chair in Sikh and of the Sikh Foundation. investment as part of the solu- Monuments, a new book by UC Santa “These research programs, received CIRM New Faculty Awards Punjabi Studies, established in “The gift will solidify UC guy lasnier tion to global climate change. Cruz historian Dana Frank. Blending aside from fulfilling the univer- for stem cell research. memory of the donors’ son, will Santa Cruz’s strength in South Blumenthal, then-Santa Cruz investigative reporting, historical sity’s mandate to increase knowl- be held by a distinguished mem- Asian Studies by creating an en- Mayor Emily Reilly, and Santa analysis, and personal anecdotes— edge, give our students the Forsberg, assistant professor of ber of the humanities faculty dowed chair that focuses on the Cruz County Supervisor Neal along with multiple plot twists and wonderful opportunity to learn biomolecular engineering. and will support research and world’s fifth largest religion, its Coonerty signed a Climate surprises—Frank focuses on four within a real-world environment teaching about the Sikh commu- history, and the history of the Chancellor Blumenthal signs the Action Compact at a ceremo- landmark Northern California sites to from global leaders, who can R A $600,000 gift from the nity from a global perspective. Punjabi area,” noted Georges compact while Mayor Reilly and ny in September. Blumenthal reflect on the culture and politics of bring the enthusiasm of discov- Gloria and Kenneth Levy “The Sikhs have been in Van Den Abbeele, UCSC’s Supervisor Coonerty look on. called the compact “a historic history. ery directly into the classroom,” Foundation will help fund an California for more than 100 dean of humanities. day for our region.” As Frank notes in the book’s pref- said Bruce Margon, vice chan- integral part of the Automated The Climate Action Compact grew out of the Climate ace: “This is not your usual local history book . . . it’s about cellor for research. Planet Finder now being built Solutions Leadership Summit held at UCSC in April. the unexpected ways in which larger historical politics are em- The single largest award, $18 at the ’s Two profs named fellows by leading science group bedded in the landscapes of everyday life.” million, was received for projects , under the di- UCSC, Zipcar steer Santa Cruz into car sharing carried out by the University rection of Steven Vogt, professor wo scientists at UCSC—, University Professor and chair of astronomy and astrophysics, CSC and Zipcar, North Affiliated Research Center of astronomy and astrophysics r. jones T America’s largest on-campus (UARC) located at the NASA at UCSC. The new telescope and Jin Zhang, professor of chemistry and biochemistry— U car-sharing service, formed a joint UCSC ranks among best in conservation research . will collect starlight on an 8-foot have been honored as 2007 fellows of the American partnership last year to provide hen it comes to conserva- Jacqualine Grant of Michigan Other major awards include: (2.4-meter) primary mirror and Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Zipcars to campus faculty, staff, tion research, UCSC ranks Technological University, used a direct it into a world-class spec- Faber was recognized for “contributions to our under- W and students, as well as communi- as the fourth most productive measurement called the Hirsch R A $5 million grant from trometer. standing of , , and the formation of Sandra Faber ty residents, as an environmentally friendly alternative to the institution in North America, index to gauge each institution’s the National Human Genome large-scale structure in the universe, and for scientific costs and hassles of keeping a car on campus. The partnership according to a study published research impact. The index bal- Research Institute as part of R Major funding from the leadership in the community,” according to a AAAS tim stephens continues UCSC’s commitment to providing sustainable in Conservation Biology. The ances the total number of publi- a four-year project to build a Gordon and Betty Moore statement. Zhang was recognized for his “distinguished transportation options, and grows Zipcar’s on-campus pro- study compared the performance cations against how often other “parts list” of biologically func- Foundation for the Thirty- contributions to the field of nanoscience and nano- grams to more than 50 university partners. of research faculty from 315 col- articles have cited those papers. tional elements in the human Meter Telescope (TMT), a joint technology, particularly ultrafast studies of nanomateri- Each Zipcar typically replaces up to 20 personally owned leges and universities in terms of Citations are a useful indica- genome. Under the project involv- als and their optical applications in energy conversion vehicles, reducing the need for additional parking spaces and the number of academic papers tion of respect. Each published grant, a team led by ing a U.S.- and biomedical detection.” Jin Zhang replacing older vehicles with new ones that have more strin- published and their subsequent article contributes an idea or a James Kent, associate hatch laurie Canadian gent pollution controls. impact in the field. finding to a field of study, and research scientist at team (UC, “We’re thrilled that we’re in subsequent researchers acknowl- UCSC’s Center for the California the top five,” said Stephen edge that contribution each time Biomolecular Science Institute of More campus food facilities certified ‘green’ Thorsett, dean of physical and they cite a paper. In general, the and Engineering, Technology, hree new campus locations earned “green” certifica- scott rappaport scott biological sciences. more innovative the finding, the will establish a Data and the Ttions in November from the Monterey Bay Area Green The study’s authors, led by more often it will be cited. Coordination Center Astronomer Steven Vogt, with Association Business Program: Porter/Kresge for the ENCyclopedia the dome of the Automated of Canadian Dining Hall, Cowell/Stevenson Of DNA Elements Planet Finder in background Universities Dining Hall, and University Catering. david menke david (ENCODE) project. for Research Crown/Merrill Dining Hall and in Astronomy), with UC’s par- Banana Joe’s Café were already certi- R Two five-year grants total- ticipation managed by UCSC- fied. In the works for future certifica- ling $4.5 million for stem cell based UC Observatories/Lick tion are Owl’s Nest Café, Terra Fresca, research from the California and College 9/10 Dining Hall. Observatory. Grants announced Three emeritus professors—(l–r) and John Dizikes of To be certified “green,” partici- Institute for Regenerative this year of $15 million for American studies and Virginia Jansen of art history—and a founding Medicine. The grants will design development and $200 librarian—Stanley Stevens—got together last fall to share their thoughts pants must be in compliance with support the research of Bin million for further develop- and experiences about the architecture, spirit, and evolution of McHenry regulations and meet standards for University Catering chef Chen, assistant professor of ment and construction will be Library. University Librarian Virginia Steel (far right) also gave an conserving resources, preventing Al Marquez digs into the Conservation biology research at UCSC includes influential studies of the role molecular, cell, and develop- shared equally between UC and update on the progress of the library renovation. pollution, and minimizing waste. contents of the compost bin. of sea otters in coastal ecosystems. mental biology, and Camilla Caltech.

4 UC Santa Cruz Review / Spring 2008 UC Santa Cruz Review / Spring 2008 5 Program’s color-coding some 40 million edits for the English-language site alone—to Founders Day celebrates the extraordinary The Jack Baskin School helps Wikipedia users estimate the trustworthiness of of Engineering capped off fitt matt each page. It then shades the text a year of 10th anniversary judge reliability in deepening hues of orange to festivities with a gala dinner signal dubious content. A 1,000- at the University Center in November. Jack and Peggy he online reference site page demonstration version is al- Baskin, pictured right, were Wikipedia enjoys immense ready available on a web page op- T guests of honor at the event, popularity despite nagging doubts erated by the program’s creator, which also featured a talk by Luca de Alfaro, associate professor about the reliability of entries David Haussler, professor of written by its all-volunteer team. of computer engineering. biomolecular engineering, on A new program developed at Other sites already employ his group’s investigations of user ratings as a measure of the human genome. reliability, but they typically depend on users’ feedback Developable areas in the CLRDP (outlined in white) comprise

about each other. This 28 percent of the Long Marine Lab site. way terry sociology at UCSC, one of 14 method makes the ratings Ancestry tests researchers who coauthored the More than 350 people celebrated the vulnerable to grudges and future development at the site article. “They are being marketed State agency OKs founding principles of UC Santa Cruz and raise red flags subjectivity. The new pro- of UCSC’s Long Marine Lab. the achievements of outstanding individu- as ‘recreational,’ but many people gram takes a radically differ- UCSC coastal plan The CLRDP for the als at a gala dinner October 18 at the ven as consumers embrace do not take these tests lightly.” ent approach, using the lon- “Marine Science Campus” Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz. Billed as Ecommercial genetic ancestry The tests raise serious ques- gevity of the content itself t a hearing in December, allows for the development of the beginning of a new annual tradition, tests to trace ancestral roots or tions about how societies define to learn what information is the California Coastal an additional 12 acres for new the event honored Alumni Achievement fill in gaps in the family tree, a race, and they can have pro-

A way terry A screen capture from de Alfaro’s test site useful and which contribu- Commission approved research and education facili- Award winner Gary Heit (right); astronomy team of researchers is urging found impacts in terms of per- shows the gradations of color indicating tors are the most reliable. UCSC’s Coastal Long Range ties, setting aside 72 acres of the professor Stanford Woosley, the Faculty Research Lecturer for buyers to use caution when in- sonal identity and the allocation degrees of content trustworthiness. “The idea is very sim- Development Plan (CLRDP), site for environmental restora- 2007–08; U.S. Rep. Sam Farr and his family, who received the terpreting test results. of resources, said Reardon. ple,” de Alfaro said. “If your a land-use blueprint for possible tion and preservation. Fiat Lux Award; and Chancellor Emeritus Robert Sinsheimer, The tests have significant The coauthors argue that the recipient of the Foundation Medal. UCSC aims to help with the contribution lasts, you gain repu- limitations, say the authors of an limitations of the tests make them problem by color-coding an en- tation. If your contribution is re- article titled “The Science and less informative than many realize. try’s individual phrases based on verted [to the previous version], Business of Genetic Ancestry They call upon the scientific com- contributors’ past performance. your reputation falls.” De Alfaro Examining the to Robinson’s Testing,” which appeared in the munity to better educate the pub- The program analyzes spoke about his new program last 1986 book Alumni Association to honor distinguished October 19 issue of Science. lic about the tests and to develop Wikipedia’s entire editing histo- fall at the Wikimania conference In Bad Faith: torment of Twain rappaport scott teacher, outstanding staff member “These tests promise more policy statements that clarify the ry—nearly two million pages and in Taipei, Taiwan. The Dynamics than they can deliver,” said Jenny limitations and potential dangers ark Twain is often of Deception n agroecologist and a and Multipurpose Reardon, assistant professor of of genetic ancestry testing. Mreferred to as America’s in Mark AGraduate Division director Room. The event is part of favorite humorist. But a new Twain’s have been selected to receive Alumni Reunion Weekend, book by American studies America, in two of the Alumni Association’s where hundreds of alumni and R Gary Lease, 67, a pro- professor Forrest Robinson which he highest honors for 2007–08. guests will gather to reconnect In Memoriam fessor and former chair of

carolyn lagattuta carolyn sheds fresh light on the talks about Forrest Robinson Stephen Gliessman, Alfred E. and participate in a variety the renowned author’s tormented the ways Heller of planned R Stanley Flatté, 66, a Department and former dean moral life. Clemens’s major fiction both Professor of activities (see professor emeritus of of the Humanities Division The Author-Cat: Clemens’s addresses and denies the moral Agroecology, Alumni News, whose work on wave propa- who was recognized inter- Life in Fiction (Fordham burden of slavery in American is the page 24). gation led to important nationally as an expert in University Press) is a culmina- culture. Distinguished jim mackenzie photos: Neuro- contributions in the fields religious and cultural history, tion of more than 25 years of “This is a book about a man Teaching surgeon Gary of atmospheric optics, ocean died January 4. research by Robinson on deeply troubled by what he Award winner, Heit received acoustics, and seismology, died November 4. Samuel Clemens, believes are his own and Bob the Alumni The families of Stanley Flatté, who is better known moral failures,” Hastings, Stephen Gliessman Bob Hastings Achievement R John Halliday, 71, John Halliday, and Gary Lease by his pen name, said Robinson. director of Award at the a member of the UC Santa have established or identified C Santa Cruz stands alone as a pioneer of sustainable Mark Twain. “It’s about guilt; he current students in the Division inaugural Founders Day event Cruz Foundation Board of memorial funds at UCSC that agriculture, and the campus took a moment last fall to honor A critical psycho- never got over the of Graduate Studies, is the in October (see photo and Trustees since 1988 who was honor these three individuals. UCongressman Sam Farr for his early and visionary support biography, the book fact that he lived in winner of the Outstanding Staff caption, above). Heit, a 1977 active in fundraising for the People wishing to make of its agroecology programs. Chancellor Blumenthal presented frames Twain’s work a slave culture as Award. Each will receive $500 graduate of Oakes College, was agroecology, marine sciences, contributions to these funds Farr with a certificate recognizing the congressman’s decades- in terms of major a child and was and be honored at the All- chosen for his development of and astronomy programs may contact Lynne Stoops at long support of the campus. Here, Farr stands next to a new American social issues, persuaded there was Alumni Reunion Luncheon on a treatment for neurological as well as graduate student (831) 459-1376 or by e-mail redwood sign installed at the Farm to honor his contributions. particularly slavery. nothing really wrong Saturday, April 26, from noon disorders such as Parkinson’s support, died December 25. at [email protected]. It is a belated sequel going on.” to 1:30 p.m. in the disease and chronic pain.

6 UC Santa Cruz Review / Spring 2008 UC Santa Cruz Review / Spring 2008 7