College Breaks Ground for Integrated Science Center
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Feb. 10 for William and Mary's new Integrated Science Center, the first phase in the development of a science precinct at the College.

The project includes construction of a new building and renovation of adjoining Rogers Hall, creating new labs and offices for the departments of biology, chemistry and psychology. Instead of the usual ceremonial hard hat and shovel, banners representing the biology, psychology and chemistry departments were planted in the ground by department chairs Paul Heidman (biology), Constance Pilkington (psychology) and Gary Rice (chemistry).

The design of the Integrated Science Center will facilitate collaborative work on complex problems involving faculty from a wide variety of disciplines. The lab space is engineered to be flexible, adaptable and capable of quick reconfiguration to accommodate a succession of complex research challenges.

Hunter Andrews Fellow Announced
Journalist, editor and author Walter Isaacson has been named the 2006 Hunter B. Andrews Fellow in American Politics at William and Mary. The fellowship, in its sixth year, honors the late Virginia senator for whom it is named and brings notable journalists, politicians and academicians to campus each year to interact with students and faculty.

Isaacson began his journalism career at the Sunday Times of London and then the New Orleans, La., Times-Picayune/States-Item. In 1978 he joined Time magazine as a political correspondent, moving quickly through the editorial ranks to become national editor and editor of new media and then the magazine's 14th managing editor in 1996. Isaacson later became chairman and CEO of CNN before assuming his current position as president and CEO of the Aspen Institute.

Van Dover Named 'Outstanding Scientist'
Cindy Lee Van Dover, associate professor of biology, was named as one of two Outstanding Scientists in the state by Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Walter R.T. Witschey, director of the Science Museum of Virginia.

Van Dover, the only woman ever certified to pilot the deep-sea submersible Alvin, has led nine major expeditions to deep-sea vents. A marine biologist by trade, she came to William and Mary in 1998 and holds a Ph.D. in biological oceanography from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Massachusetts Institute of Technology Joint Program. In January and February 2006, she compiled and produced a series of programs showcasing the ongoing study of ecological systems in Antarctica. She transmitted the programs over the Internet as a podcast called “Via Antarctica.”

Three Receive State's Top Faculty Award
Melvin Patrick Ely, Newton Family Professor of History; Margaret Saha, Class of 2008 Professor of Biology; and David Lutzer, Chancellor Professor of Mathematics, were among 15 recipients of the 2006 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Awards administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. This is the highest honor the state awards to its college and university professors.

William and Mary is one of two institutions in the state to have three faculty members recognized. Since the annual awards program began 20 years ago, 29 faculty members at William and Mary have received the honor -- the most of any college or university in the state.

New BOV Member Appointed
The Honorable John Charles Thomas, a Richmond, Va., attorney and former justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, has been appointed by Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to serve on the Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary. He will fill out the unexpired term of former Delegate James Dillard.

Thomas, the first African-American to serve on the Virginia Supreme Court, was appointed to the post by Gov. Charles S. Robb. He is currently a partner with Hunton & Williams, an international legal firm headquartered in Richmond.

The new board member earned a B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1972, and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1975. Thomas's appointment -- which must be approved by the Virginia General Assembly -- will run through June 30, 2009.

Honorary Degrees:
Timothy M. Kaine, Doctor of Law
Shirley Ann Jackson, Doctor of Humane Letters
Virginia "Dinny" Forwood Wetter '40, Doctor of Public Service

Thomas Jefferson Awards:
Roy R. Charles Center Director Joel D. Schwartz was presented the Thomas Jefferson Award, the highest faculty honor, in appreciation of his personal activities, influence and leadership exhibited during his 25 years at the College.

Associate Professor of Marine Science Elizabeth A. Canuel
Received the Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award, which is awarded annually to a younger teaching member of the College community who has demonstrated the inspiration and stimulation of learning to the betterment of the individual and society as exemplified by Thomas Jefferson.

Paul A. Smith '06
A math major at the College, was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy, presented annually to recognize excellence in the sciences in honor of the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his math tutor, Professor William Small.

James Monroe Prize in Civic Leadership:
Catherine Schwenkler '06 received the James Monroe Prize in Civic Leadership for community service efforts that included implementing, organizing and raising funds for a twice-annual student trip to Reynosa, Mexico, to help build housing for deserving families. Closer to campus, Schwenkler has worked with several local schools and aid organizations to establish an English as a second language class for Latino immigrants, both adults and children.