lions pride
Former Law School Dean Brings Experience as Innovator to Newly Created Post
David W. Burcham, former dean of Loyola Law School, was named to the newly created post of provost and executive vice president of Loyola Marymount University on Jan. 11. Victor J. Gold, professor of law and former associate dean at Loyola Law School, was named interim dean and senior vice president of the law school.
As provost, Burcham oversees all aspects of LMU's internal operations, encompassing 400-plus faculty and 8,900 students spread out over seven colleges and schools, including the law school.
"I view the faculty and students as LMU's greatest strengths and most important assets," Burcham said.
In a letter to the campus community announcing the appointment, President Robert B. Lawton, S.J., said LMU has experienced significant growth and expansion during his tenure. Lawton cited an increase in endowment of 70 percent, from $237 million to $403 million, along with an increase of 30 percent in full-time tenured faculty, and the doubling of square footage of building space. In addition, Lawton pointed out, the university is conducting its largest capital campaign ever, with the goal of raising $380 million by October 2011 - the centennial year in LMU's history.
"This growth has brought much more complexity in both internal and external matters and has necessitated the need for the creation of the provost position. While I focus on increasing our external visibility and enhancing our many relationships, Provost Burcham will use his proven leadership skills to move LMU forward internally. He and I will work collaboratively in our parallel efforts to take advantage of the opportunity and energy a centennial gives us. The year 2011 will be a proud turning point in our history," Lawton wrote.
As dean of the law school for eight years, Burcham oversaw the launch of innovative programs, including the Business Law Practicum, Center for Juvenile Law & Policy, LL.M. degree in International Legal Practice, London IP Institute, Tax LL.M. program and other vital initiatives. The school's faculty increased by almost 15 percent, and its endowment more than doubled. Programs established include the Center for the Study of Law & Genocide, the Civil Justice Program, the Distinguished William J. Landers Lecture on Prosecutorial Ethics, the Fidler Institute on Criminal Justice, the IP Special Focus Series, the Journalist Law School and the Sports Law Institute. Burcham also oversaw the creation of the National Civil Trial Competition, one of the country's preeminent mock trial events.
Gold's tenure as associate dean for academic affairs from 2000-2005 saw an increased focus on Loyola Law School's national stature, a drive to recruit top-notch professors and an emphasis on faculty research. He is considered one of the nation's top experts in evidence law, and he teaches and writes primarily in the areas of contracts, evidence and remedies.
"Professor Gold is an extremely capable leader who cares deeply about the law school," Burcham said of his colleague. "He will continue to enhance the academic excellence of LLS."
A national search for a permanent dean of the law school is underway.
Mission Day Events Focus on The Service of Faith
Faculty, staff, students and special invited guests from around the United States gathered on campus on Jan. 30 to examine the meaning of a central element of Loyola Marymount University's mission - "the service of faith." That phrase was the theme of the university's annual Mission Day symposium.
"On Mission Day, we explore all the ways in which we live the 'service of faith,'" said Robert V. Caro, S.J. Caro is vice president for mission and ministry, and he served as chair of the planning committee.
Margaret O'Brien Steinfels, co-director of the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, New York, gave the keynote address. She drew a connection between faith and mission. A university community, she said, must be knowledgeable about matters of faith because the notion of service of faith is rooted in a religious concept. The religious foundation, she added, is also why people may find it difficult to discuss the meaning of "the service of faith," since personal religious beliefs are involved.
Steinfels spoke about the service of faith in terms of the human body.
"Could it prove to be like the appendix, a vestigial organ having no real function - or the pituitary gland that governs and balances the whole body? That's what today's discussion comes down to," Steinfels said.
Rev. James Heft, S.M., president of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC, Patrick McCormick, professor of religious studies at Gonzaga University, and Michelle Murray, assistant vice president for student development at Seattle University, also spoke at panel sessions. LMU faculty, students and staff members served on the panels. Murray commended the LMU community for its commitment to the service of faith, as evidenced by organizations and activities such as the Catholic Studies program, Christian Life Communities for students, retreats, liturgies and service trips.
New Vice President for Undergraduate Education Is Appointed
Rae Linda Brown was named the new vice president for undergraduate education on Jan. 30. Brown has been director of undergraduate studies in music and associate professor of music at the University of California, Irvine.
Working with the academic deans, vice presidents and the student affairs management team, Brown will have administrative leadership in all areas of undergraduate education, including planning, delivery and assessment. The directors of the Honors Program, Study Abroad, the National and International Scholars Program, the Academic Resource Center and the Encore Program will report to her.
Brown earned a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Connecticut, a master's degree in African American Studies from Yale University and a doctorate in musicology, also from Yale. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Ford Foundation/National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship and the University of California President's Fellowship, Postdoctoral Scholar. She also served for a year as an American Council on Education Fellow at Pomona College, where she worked directly with the president and senior administration.
Brown will begin her duties on Aug. 1, 2008. Until then, Professor Ricardo Machon will continue to serve as the interim vice president.
LMU Debate Student Named Top Speaker at Oxford Debate Competition
Kevin Kiley, a graduate student in the School of Education at Loyola Marymount University, was named Top Speaker after preliminary competition at the Oxford Union Debate Society's Intervarsity competition at Oxford University in November 2007. The event was limited to 140 invited teams representing the world's finest student speakers.
"Being named top speaker was a nice surprise. It was very a competitive tournament, and I felt honored to be able to do so well," Kiley said.
After preliminary rounds, teammates Kiley and Alexander Schwab, also a graduate student in the School of Education, progressed to the finalist competition. The team won its quarterfinal round, but was eliminated from competition in the semifinal round on a split decision. Schwab was named Top Speaker at the Yale Debate Tournament in October 2006.
"This was my first time debating in the British parliamentary style, and my coaches, Jay Busse and J.J. Rodriguez, were great at preparing me to adapt to the British style," Kiley said. "I owe a great debt of gratitude to the coaches."
Busse is director of debate and associate professor of communication studies in the College of Communication and Fine Arts, and Rodriguez is assistant coach of the team.
The tournament is among the world's largest and most prestigious competitions for collegiate debaters. The team's accomplishment represents LMU's best showing at the Oxford Union event.
Education Intern Program Awarded $944,500
The California Department of Education in November 2007 awarded the School of Education its fifth grant in five years.
Loyola Marymount University was awarded a $944,500 grant for the Education Alternative Certificate Intern Program. The intern program is a collaborative partnership LMU and public school districts, including Los Angeles and Lennox. It serves to recruit and prepare new K-12 teachers so they can promote high achievement and social justice in schools with some of the most diverse student populations in the community and those with exceptional needs.
"The LMU Intern Program focuses on providing the resources necessary so our students can succeed," said Edmundo Litton, program director and chair of specialized programs in urban education in the School of Education. "The interns who complete this program develop into moral, intellectual, responsible and caring leaders, collaborate across all communities and truly respect and value all individuals."
The grant will be used to support new teachers by providing funds for instructional supplies, professional development and support from mentors or university personnel.