September 1, 2001

Tops in toys

Since his arrival at Toys “R” Us in January 2000, after serving as chairman and CEO of upscale toy retailer FAO Schwarz, John Eyler has made sweeping changes.

Dick Erickson, 1935-2001

Dick Erickson, ’58, was a Husky Hall of Fame rower who coached the Husky varsity crew for 20 years and spent nearly four decades serving the UW athletic department.

Emmett Watson, 1918-2001

Emmett Watson, ’42, spent more than 50 years as an outspoken Seattle newspaper columnist chronicling life in his native city.

Inspiration on a whim

On a whim, Lester J. Wilson, who enrolled at the University of Washington in 1909, wrote "Bow Down to Washington."

Bragging rights

With four Nobel Prize winners on our faculty, the No. 1 ranking among public universities receiving federal research dollars, and one of the top 15 undergraduate programs among public universities, there is a lot to be proud of.

Brotman Awards

Two UW units were recognized for their contributions to education and to diversity as the Office of Minority Affairs Instructional Center and the Interdisciplinary Writing Program collectively won three 2001 Brotman Awards.

Microsoft gift

In a major departure from its normal giving practices, Microsoft Corp. has made a $7.2 million contribution to a new home for the University of Washington’s nationally ranked Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Aid for Williams

Former Husky safety Curtis Williams is being weaned from a ventilator, which has assisted his breathing since his spinal injury during a football game last October.

Young Dawgs

Fresh off an impressive 11-1 season capped by their 2001 Rose Bowl victory over Purdue, a young group of Dawgs will strive to stay on top.

TAs on strike

Citing a stalemate in contract negotiations, the teaching assistants union at the University of Washington went on strike June 1.

Budget deficit

The University of Washington is facing a “significant budget deficit” of $25 million, says its chief budget officer, despite raising tuition to its maximum level for undergraduates.

Turning off TB

UW Pathobiology Professor David Sherman announced that he was able to interrupt the function of a TB gene that allows the bacterium to go dormant.

Arsonists strike

Arsonists burned down Merrill Hall, part of the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, May 21, causing $4.1 million in damage and destroying offices, research facilities and the center’s library.

Greek thoughts

As a companion to our tour of Greek Row, two alumni debate the value of fraternities and sororities.