Prior to its formal meeting Oct. 1, the Board of Trustees heard a special presentation by Raymond E. Arvidson, Ph.D., the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and chair of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences, on “Spirit and Opportunity: Mars Exploration Rover Mission.”
After a tour of the new Earth & Planetary Sciences Building, the board convened in a regular session to hear reports dedicated to “benchmarking” the University — in areas such as admissions, development and finance — with peer institutions, according to Chancellor Mark. S. Wrighton.
In his presentation, Arvidson gave first-hand reports on his experience with the two rovers that touched down on Mars in January. He discussed the highlights of these missions, and the involvement of University researchers and students in the operation of the rovers and the data analysis and interpretation of material collected.
In his report to the trustees, Wrighton reviewed the many accomplishments of the University since the board last met in May, including an outstanding freshman class of nearly 1,450, hailing from 49 states and 20 countries. Approximately 30 percent of the students are either minority or international students. They are split evenly between males and females and are the most academically talented students in the University’s history.
Trustee Sam Fox discussed the recent announcement of the Campaign for Washington University’s successful completion, raising $1,551,350,170 in new gifts and commitments to help accelerate the University’s ascent as a premier international institution of higher education.
He particularly noted the 165 new endowed professorships created during the campaign — more than doubling the 138 chaired professorships already in place.
Wrighton also reviewed preparations for today’s presidential debate at the Athletic Complex, including the transformation of this facility into a state-of-the-art television stage and studio for a town-hall meeting. He again noted that any tickets provided to the University by the Commission on Presidential Debates will go to students in a lottery system.
After Wrighton reviewed a number of transitions and appointments in his report, standing committee reports were provided by the following committees: audit, development/campaign update, educational policy and Hilltop finance.
In a programming change, the trustees divided into three groups to conduct breakout sessions on three critical topics — undergraduate admissions, alumni and development and University finance.
After presentations by John A. Berg, associate vice chancellor for undergraduate admissions; David T. Blasingame, executive vice chancellor for alumni and development programs; and Barbara A. Feiner, vice chancellor for finance, the trustees reconvened for a reporting session to review the information learned from the presentations and to deliberate on the challenges and successes the University has faced in recent and future years.
Moderating the admissions session was trustee Barbara Schaps Thomas, senior vice president and chief financial officer of HBO Sports. Moderating the alumni and development session were John F. McDonnell, retired chairman of the board of McDonnell Douglas Corp., and Julia Jane (J.J.) Stupp, chief financial officer of Data Search Systems Inc. and chair of the Alumni Board of Governors.
John H. Biggs, former chairman and chief executive officer of TIAA-CREF moderated the finance presentation.
After a vote on granting of degrees, the meeting was adjourned.