New Diplomat Scholars Program begins
The University has opened yet another door for international opportunities. Leonard H. Robinson Jr., president and chief executive officer of The Africa Society, kicked off U.Va.’s new Diplomat Scholars Program, designed to help mentor students who are considering pursuing international careers, by giving the keynote address at a dinner Sept. 20. In shaping U.Va.’s future, strong emphasis has been placed on strengthening programs, services and educational opportunities for U.Va. students and faculty interested in international affairs. (Sept. 21)

Rita Dove named Poet Laureate of Virginia
It’s official — Rita Dove, Commonwealth Professor of English, is Virginia’s Poet Laureate. Dove was sworn in Sept. 20 at the U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Charlottesville. The ceremony marked the beginning of her two-year appointment, which Gov. Mark Warner announced this summer. (Sept. 22)

Walking may help thwart dementia in elderly men
Simply stepping up the pace can be beneficial to one’s health, no matter how young or old. Research conducted by Robert D. Abbott, professor of biostatistics at the Health System, finds that elderly men who walk more than two miles a day are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease than those who are sedentary or walk less than a quarter of a mile a day. Abbott’s findings serve as more evidence that regular exercise provides benefits that are related to cognitive function later in life, in addition to lowering the risk for coronary disease, cancer and other diseases. (Sept. 23)

University addresses concerns surrounding recent racial incident
For those who may be unaware, a racially motivated incident occurred in September targeting a U.Va. student. Patricia M. Lampkin, vice president for student affairs, wrote a communitywide letter in an effort to ease the tension and feelings of mistrust within the University community. The statement, issued Sept. 23, asks that everyone consider this as an opportunity to improve, not tear down, the community. U.Va.’s Black Student Alliance also held a town hall meeting Sept. 23 to discuss efforts to develop a community response to such incidents. (Sept. 24-26)

Virginia’s married couples’ income declining
Just as the adjusted gross income for married couples in Virginia took a dip in 2001, the trend continued through 2002, according to a new study, “Spotlight on Virginia: Virginia Adjusted Gross Income, 2002,” co-written by John L. Knapp, a senior economist at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. State tax data showed only a slight rise of 0.5 percent in adjusted gross income, but when adjusted for inflation, couples’ income actually fell by 1 percent. (Sept. 27)