Digest -- Daily news about U.Va.:
http://www.virginia.edu/topnews
http://www.virginia.edu/topnews/releases/headlines.html

Photo by Matt Kelly

Members of the Pep Band welcome students in August 2000.

Casteen flags band for unsportsmanlike conduct
Acknowledging that the U.Va. Pep Band’s halftime performance at the Dec. 28 Continental Tire Bowl ran afoul of NCAA and ACC sportsmanship principles, U.Va. President John T. Casteen III released a statement Jan. 2 vowing to re-examine and improve the group’s performances. (Top News Daily, Jan. 3-5)

Pegasus gets swifter
Rescuers call it the “golden hour” — the first 60 minutes after someone suffers a severe trauma, when odds are best that prompt emergency care will save that patient. That care will soon get a little more prompt for patients needing an airlift to the U.Va. Medical Center, thanks to a brand-new Pegasus. U.Va. has purchased a new Italian-made Agusta A109 Power helicopter and is billing it as the fastest med-evac ’copter in Virginia. (Top News Daily, Dec. 19)

Volunteers fill library's budget cracks
U.Va.’s library system was one of the first entities to bear the brunt of state budget cuts. But the pain has been dulled by the efforts of scores of volunteers who have pitched in to keep operations running — volunteers like three Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brothers who spent a fall afternoon shifting books from one floor to another at the Science and Engineering Library, clearing the way for renovations. “I’m simply amazed,” said University Librarian Karin Wittenborg. “The community’s wholehearted support for the library is keeping our spirits up in these tough times.” (Top News Daily, Dec. 13-15)

South Lawn budget set at $160 million
The South Lawn Project is continuing to take shape. The Buildings and Grounds Committee of the University’s Board of Visitors in December set a $160 million budget for the project and approved renovation plans for Rouss and Cocke halls. (Top News Daily, Dec. 20-22)