February 5th, 2010

Hopkins #5 in Total Money Raised in 2009

By Michael Szeto on February 5th, 2010

Despite a bad economy and continued job loss, Johns Hopkins jumped two places among the nation’s top fundraising universities, according to a survey released by the Council for Aid to Education on Wednesday.

The annual survey tracks the total voluntary donations made to universities. For 2009, Hopkins collected $433.39 million and ranked fifth in the nation, behind the University of Pennsylvania and ahead of Columbia University. Hopkins saw a drop in donations from $448.96 million in 2008. That year, Hopkins ranked seventh, behind UCLA and ahead of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Giving to the top 20 universities declined 11.8 percent from 2008. Other universities like Stanford saw a drop of 18.5 percent while Harvard’s fundraising declined 7.5 percent.

It is not unusual for donations to colleges and universities to decline during tough economic times and the economic situation of the past two years is no different.

“Historical patterns indicate that as the economy recovers, contributions will rise again. However, 2009 was a difficult year for colleges and universities and, indeed, also for the individuals and institutions that care about them,” said Anne E. Kaplan, director of the survey.

These are tough times for private universities with the combined decrease in fundraising and loss in endowment value. Yale, having to close a $150 million deficit, will conduct a round of layoffs, spending cuts, and salary freezes. Cornell laid off 150 people and lost 432 employees to buy outs. Princeton saw 145 employees retire early and eliminated 43 jobs all in an effort to cut the budget by $170 million over two years.

The fundraising rankings for 2009 and 2008 after the jump.
–Michael Szeto
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January 19th, 2010

Obama nominates Tabb

By Michael Szeto on January 19th, 2010

President Obama plans to nominate Winston Tabb, Johns Hopkins Dean of University Libraries and Museums, to serve as a member on the National Museum and Library Services Board according to a statement released by the White House Tuesday evening. Tabb oversees all the university’s libraries and the University’s two museums, Homewood Museum and Evergreen Museum. If confirmed by the Senate, Tabb would join 19 other presidentially appointed members who advise the Institute of Museum and Library Services on policy and practice. Tabb was nominated with Carla D. Hayden, a fellow Baltimore library director who serves as the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
–Michael Szeto
blogs.jhunewsletter.com

The White House’s biography on Tabb is after the jump.
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December 1st, 2009

Remarks of President Obama on Afghanistan

By Michael Szeto on December 1st, 2009

Remarks of President Barack Obama—As Prepared for Delivery
The Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan
United States Military Academy at West Point
December 1, 2009
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November 3rd, 2009

Brody Paid $1.1m for 2007-2008

By Michael Szeto on November 3rd, 2009

Former Johns Hopkins president Bill Brody received $1,105,833 for the 2008 fiscal year according to a Chronicle of Higher Education report detailing executive compensation at American universities. Brody, who has since left the University for the Salk Institute in San Diego, was once one of the highest paid university presidents, peaking at $1,938,024 in the 2006 fiscal year.

The Chronicle’s figure includes Brody’s pay and benefits which broke down to $950,352 and $155,481, respectively. He was the 18th highest paid university president overall. He was behind president Harold J. Raveche of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., who received $1,119,685 for the same period. However, Brody ranked 7th among universities the Chronicle considers “very high research universities.”

The University paid Brody $1,060,772 in the 2007 fiscal year, a significant drop from his all time high in 2006.

The title of “highest paid university executive” went to Shirley Ann Jackson, president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., who collected $1,598,247.

For perspective, 23 private university presidents reaped over $1 million in total compensation. Sister Janet Eisner, president of Emmanuel College in Boston received the least compensation at $7,166. A number of other university executives received no compensation but they mostly come from religiously affiliated universities.

The Chronicle also reported the University’s revenue at $3.7 billion and expenditures at $3.5 billion.

Nothing has been made public about president Ron Daniels’ compensation from the university.

–Michael Szeto
blogs.jhunewsletter.com

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October 27th, 2009

Harvard played by Hopkins

By Michael Szeto on October 27th, 2009

Hopkins will play the role of Harvard University, university officials announced Tuesday. From Nov. 2 to 4, the Homewood campus will play host to the film, “The Social Network,” which documents the founding of Facebook. The widely popular social-networking website was founded by a small group of Harvard students. A message from Dennis O’Shea of the university communications office with some logistics information is below.
–blogs.jhunewsletter.com

Film Shoot on Campus Next Week
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The Homewood campus will be a shooting location next week for a forthcoming feature film, “The Social Network.”

The Columbia Pictures release will be shooting two sequences on campus on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 2 and 3. The crew will also be on campus on Sunday to prepare for the filming and will be striking and leaving campus on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

All shooting will be outdoors, and primarily at night. The shoot has been scheduled to interfere as little as possible with normal activities. Shooting in the area of two residence halls will take place between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., when most students are still awake. Shooting in academic areas — primarily the Keyser and Wyman quadrangles — will take place after 10 p.m., after most evening classes are dismissed.

There will be one scene filmed during daylight hours, on the Wyman Quad (the lower quad) on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 2.

Johns Hopkins is pleased to host the filming, in part as an economic recovery effort in collaboration with the Maryland and Baltimore film offices. The film industry in Maryland has been hard hit by the recession, leaving many local industry crews without steady employment.

“The Social Network” is directed by David Fincher, who was nominated for an Academy Award as best director for his most recent film, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” The scriptwriter is Aaron Sorkin, best known as creator of television’s “The West Wing.”

The film is the story of the founding of Facebook. Much of that story took place at Harvard University; Homewood will be doubling for Harvard in the scenes being shot next week.

More information will be announced in Today’s Announcements as it becomes available.

Thanks in advance for your patience with any changes in normal activities that are necessary when the crew is on campus.

Sincerely,

Dennis O’Shea
Communications and Public Affairs

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October 17th, 2009

Deans’ Statement on the Passing of Miriam Frankl

By Michael Szeto on October 17th, 2009

Several university deans sent an email to the university Saturday afternoon about Miriam Frankl who passed away early Saturday morning:

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

It pains us deeply to inform you of the loss today of one of our own.

Miriam Frankl, a junior in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, died early this morning of injuries suffered Friday afternoon in a hit-and-run accident on St. Paul Street.

Miriam’s parents were with her when she died. They have told us they were greatly moved and comforted by the presence of so many of Miriam’s friends at the hospital with them last night.

Every student contributes in no small measure to the community we create together at Johns Hopkins. The loss of any student, particularly in so tragic and senseless a manner, grievously wounds us all.

We know that you join us in conveying the deepest sorrow and most sincere condolences of the entire Johns Hopkins community to Miriam’s parents and family. We have offered them any assistance the university can provide.

Likewise, we stand in solidarity with her many Johns Hopkins friends and her Alpha Phi sisters at this most sad and difficult time. We ask everyone in our community to volunteer support to anyone who may need it.

Our counseling center, chaplains and peer counselors are available to anyone who wishes to talk with them about this tragic event. You may make an appointment at the Counseling Center by calling 410-516-8278. Outside of normal hours, the counselor on call may be reached through Security at 410-516-7777. Information on peer counseling at A Place to Talk is at http://www.jhu.edu/aptt/ and information on campus ministries is at http://ww2.jhu.edu/chaplain/.

President Daniels and Provost Minor join us in expressing our deepest sympathies to everyone who loved Miriam and everyone she loved. We will provide you with information when it becomes available about funeral arrangements and an on-campus memorial observance.

Sincerely,

Adam F. Falk
James B. Knapp Dean
Krieger School of Arts and Sciences

Paula P. Burger
Dean of Undergraduate Education

Susan K. Boswell
Dean of Student Life

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September 14th, 2009

Obama to Hold Health Care Rally in College Park

By Michael Szeto on September 14th, 2009

President Obama will hold a rally at the University of Maryland in College Park to drive up support for his health care reform initiative. The details below:

This Thursday, President Obama will be coming to speak in College Park, MD. Following his major address on health reform to Congress last week, we’re at an important turning point in our push for real reform, and it’s critical that we seize this moment.

So we’re inviting folks like you to come and support him. Please join us — here are the details:

What: Health Reform Rally with President Obama

Where: Comcast Center
1 Terrapin Trail
College Park, MD 20742

When: Thursday, September 17th
Doors Open: 9:00 a.m.
Start Time: 11:00 a.m.

Last fall, when Swiftboaters and special interests attacked President Obama, folks like you came to his defense. We knocked on doors, talked to neighbors, and made our voices heard.

Now, we need to do it again. This time, he’s under attack by Washington insiders, insurance companies, and well-financed special interests who don’t go a day without spreading lies and stirring up fear. We need to show that we’re sick and tired of it, and that we’re ready for real change, this year.

Join us on Thursday to stand up for President Obama and publicly show your support for the big changes that the President is fighting for and that this country needs.

Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, so please arrive as early as possible.

RSVP today:

http://md.barackobama.com/PresidentCollegePark

Thanks,

Jason

Jason Waskey
Maryland State Director
Organizing for America

P.S. — All attendees will go through airport-like security and should bring as few personal items as possible. No bags, no sharp objects, no umbrellas, no liquids, no strollers, and no signs will be allowed into the venue.

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June 4th, 2009

Two Hopkins Alumni Nominated for Ambassadorships

By Michael Szeto on June 4th, 2009

President Obama plans to nominate SAIS alumna Anne E. Derse, left, for Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania.
Photo: Pier Paolo Cito / Associated Press

NEW YORK — The White House announced today that President Obama would nominate two Hopkins degree holders for ambassadorships. If confirmed by the Senate, the two would be the Hopkins alumni to be ambassadors under President Obama.

David Jacobson was an undergraduate at Hopkins and will be nominated for Ambassador to Canada. He currently serves as Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel. A lawyer, Jacobson earned a law degree at Georgetown University Law Center. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Jacobson served as Obama’s deputy campaign finance chair. A photo of Jacobson taken by Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times can be found HERE.

Anne Derse holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins’ SAIS . She has been a member of the Senior Foreign Service since 1981. Since May 2006, Derse has been the Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan. President Obama plans to nominate her for Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania. She received her undergraduate education at Macalester College.
–Michael Szeto
blogs.jhunewsletter.com

Information about the two from the White House:
David Jacobson, Nominee for Ambassador to Canada
Mr. Jacobson is currently serving as Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel. Prior to serving in the White House, Mr. Jacobson spent 30 years gaining expertise in the areas of complex commercial, class action, securities, insurance and business litigation as a partner at the law firm Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal LLP. While working as a partner at Sonnenschien, Mr. Jacobson also founded AtomWorks, an organization to bring together corporate, civic and academic leaders in order to foster nanotechnology in the Midwest. He also served as a member of CEOs for Cities, a national bipartisan alliance of 75 mayors, corporate executives, university presidents and nonprofit leaders organized to advance the economic competitiveness of cities. Mr. Jacobson received a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and was the Administrative Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal. He received his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University.

Anne E. Derse, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania

Anne Derse is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service since 1981 and has served as Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan since May 2006. As Director for Biodefense Policy at the Homeland Security Council (HSC) 2005-2006, Anne Derse helped develop the Implementation Plan for the U.S. National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza. Prior to that, She helped establish the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad in 2004-2005 as Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs. Ms. Derse worked as Executive Assistant in the Department of State’s Under Secretary for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs from 2003-2004. As Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) from 1999 to 2003, she led the USEU team managing U.S.-EU economic relations. She served as U.S. Commissioner on the Tripartite Gold Commission, adjudicating sovereign claims for gold seized by the Nazis and recovered by the Allies after World War II, while assigned as Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels 1997-1999. Ms. Derse helped coordinate United States’ participation in the 1996 APEC Summit as Economic Counselor and Deputy Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines 1995-1997. She served as Special Assistant for Asian Affairs to State’s Under Secretary for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs from 1993 to 1995. As Finance and Development officer and Deputy Economic Counselor in Korea 1989-1993, she helped establish the Presidents’ Economic Initiative, the Dialogue for Economic Cooperation and Treasury-Ministry of Finance Financial Policy Talks. She also served as trade officer in Singapore 1985-1988, staff assistant to the Counselor of the Department of State 1983-84, and as Vice Consul in Trinidad and Tobago 1981-1983. Ms. Derse received an MA from Johns Hopkins University and a BA from Macalester College.

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May 25th, 2009

Steele Talks About His Hopkins Expulsion

By Michael Szeto on May 25th, 2009

Johns Hopkins alumnus and Republican Party chairman Michael Steele talks to a group of high school students about his expulsion from Hopkins.
Photo: C-SPAN

LOS ANGELES — Michael Steele has gained a lot of attention early in his tenure as chairman of the Republican National Committee. He has said he wanted to bring hip-hop to the Republican Party, embarrassingly apologized to conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh and struggled to rebuild his party after electoral defeat.

However, speaking to high school students, Steele struck a serious tone and talked about his experience as an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins. The event was part of C-SPAN’s “Students & Leaders” program that gathered several notable Washington professionals to talk to students about their careers, education, and life story.

Steele graduate from Hopkins but not without obstacle. His freshman experience may not have been different from many of ours. (without the expulsion)

“I partied my behind off,” Steele said. “I heard there were classes, and some people told me I really should go. But I was having a good time. I was freshman class president. I knew most of my classmates by the end of my first week of school. I just networked the heck out of that bad boy. I was getting there. I was talking. I was grooving. I was having a ball.”

At the end of his freshman year, Steele received a letter from the university.

“You have failed to perform to the standards of the university and therefore you are invited not to return in the fall,” the letter said.

Steele’s single-mother told him that he would return in September but didn’t say how.

The young Michael Steele met with a University Dean who told Steele he was lazy, inattentive and showed no talent to show intellect. He suggested Steele go to another school because he was “not Hopkins material.”

The Dean scolded Steele further.

“You haven’t shown you can do this or have the desire to do this. You act like you don’t even want this. Your Mama’s threatened you but you haven’t threatened yourself to do this.”

Steele was allowed to come back to Hopkins under one condition. The dean required him to take four four-credit summer school courses at a local university and get an A in each.

The moral of his expulsion, the party chairman told the students, is perseverance. And, “recognizing you have the potential within yourself to achieve whatever it is you want to achieve. Sometimes you just got to push yourself to realize it.”

You can watch the full event Monday, May 25 on C-SPAN at 7 p.m. eastern. The clip of Steele talking about his Hopkins expulsion is HERE

–Michael Szeto
blogs.jhunewsletter.com

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May 6th, 2009

JHU Graduate Nominated to Homeland Security Department

By Michael Szeto on May 6th, 2009

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press
Tara O’Toole, far left, with presidential candidate Barack Obama at a roundtable discussion on nuclear non-proliferation in July 2008.

President Obama nominated Tara O’Toole to serve as under secretary for science and technology in the Department of Homeland Security. O’Toole received a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins and was a fellow in occupational and environmental medicine at the University. She was also a member of the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies and was its director from 2001-2003.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, O’Toole participated in a roundtable discussion on nuclear non-proliferation with then-Senator Barack Obama. She currently serves as CEO and director of the Center for Biosecurity at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
–Michael Szeto
blogs.jhunewsletter.com

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