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‘Re-imagining Ireland’ |
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Photo
by Andrew Wyndham
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The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities is hosting an international
conference and festival in May to “re-imagine” Ireland,
a country that is known today for its high-tech industry as
well as its pastoral setting. Ireland President Mary McAleese
will give the keynote address at the conference, which will
explore the relation between global economics and traditional
culture. See story. |
Health plan stretches
to cover rising costs
By Elizabeth Kiem
With
U.Va. employees braced for the third consecutive year of stagnant
salaries, news that they will be charged more for monthly health
insurance has met with some concern. But while the freeze on salaries
reflects a state budget crisis, the benefits situation mirrors a
national trend.
Virginia
is not alone in experiencing higher prices for hospital fees and
prescription drugs and for increased consumer use of those services
and medicines. Last year, average premiums for employer-provided
health care rose anywhere from 13 to 27 percent, according to commissioned
studies.
For
employees of the commonwealth — but not U.Va. employees —
that spike translated to an increase in 2003 premiums to $33 per
month for individuals and $272 per month for families.
In
contrast, U.Va., the only state agency with an independent health
plan, set monthly premiums for 2003 at $17 for individuals and $206
for families. The benefits included in the plan have been amended
slightly but are still rated above the state’s premier Key
Advantage Plan by actuaries and consultants. Full
story.
Dudley steps down from PR post
By Anne Bromley
Not
many people would have the courage to take up running at 60. Louise
Dudley did. Nor would many contemplate signing up for a Latin course
when they retire. But Louise Dudley plans to.
Both
of these endeavors reflect what many at the University have come
to know as Dudley’s trademarks
– speed and a desire to learn new things. Add to that her reputation
for honesty and evenhandedness with the news media and you begin
to get the picture of who she is.
“After
years of working with Louise on both easy and tough stories I can
say this about her — she knew her stuff,” said Carlos
Santos of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “And when she didn’t
know the answer, she knew who did. She was good on deadline. It
was hard to get her flustered. She was accurate. She was too careful
to speak in colorful quotes, but she had a vast knowledge of the
workings of U.Va. and especially of the Board of Visitors. She made
my job easier, and I’ll miss her.”
Santos held what he considers the ultimate compliment until last.
“I could hardly tell when she was spinning a story.” Full
story.
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