Newest vice president ready to step in By Sandy Johnstone Of the Emerjld If you see a man wandering around campus looking rather confused — but excited — around Nov. 1, point him toward Johnson Hall. It will probably be Wayne Kurlinski, the new vice president for University relations. After he finds his office, Kurlinski will begin to get to know the University, the people, programs and community. "I've got to get acquainted with the University," he says. "I have to learn about its problems and opportunities. I need to learn as much as I can as fast as I can." Kurlinski will meet with directors from the areas for which he is responsible, including alumni relations, the news bureau, community services, government relations, KWAX and the Museum of Art. He wants to find out what their problems are and what they think should be done about them. One item at the top of his agenda is examining the im age of the University. In the past. University relations functions have ap parently been working on the assumption that the Univer sity is well known outside of Oregon, but not appreciated inside the state. Kurlinski intends to question that premise. "The first thing to find out is what its repuation is in the state. What do people think and feel about the University?" he asks. "I don't know how well the University is known around the country. That also must be assessed. Is it getting the public attention it deserves?" To find out what people really believe, both in the state and beyond, Kurlinski says his office will do some public at titude research and analysis as quickly as possible. "If there is a lack of understanding that must be sorted out," Kurlinski says. Increased communication about higher education will be one way to explain the University. "The trend is to only talk about funding problems in higher education, not what it is doing to contribute to society, education and research," he says. "The University merits funding for the good of the whole state and society." A major research university can help attract industry to the area and it needs to inform people about how impor tant it can be, he says. "Higher education hasn't really done an effective lob bying job," he admits. "It has to get people at the grassroots level to know the values of a university. Parents and alumni are ambassadors who could help the institution if they are armed with informaton and motivated." But an inadequately funded university will be jess able to serve society. "It's a mistake to think you can replenish the University — that you can deplete it and always build it up," he says. "A University is a resource in so many ways. It is not just important to young people who want an education, but to all of society. "The general role of University relations it to get all those messages across — that people benefit from the University,” he says. "Now, more than ever, it is important to have this kind of function. It is not central to the mission of the University, but it is important in the sophisticated Continued on page 27 Wayne Kurlinski X HOW TO BUY TEXTBOOKS AND S/VE MONEY COME TO THE SMITH FAMILY BOOKSTORE. FIRST. Chances are you will find most of your books at half price. BRING THE TITLE AND AUTHOR’S NAME. It might take some time to find your books, but we will be glad to help you look, and the savings are worth the wait. RETURN BOOKS YOU DO NOT NEED. If you buy the wrong books or drop a class, you can return the books for a full refund. SELL YOUR OLD TEXTBOOKS. After you buy your textbooks, bring In your old books and the Smith Family Bookstore will buy them for a very fair price. SMITH FAMILY bookstore 768 East 13th-Upstalrs In the Smith Building, Next to the Excelsior. Eugene, Oregon 97401 345-1651. *20% Off EVERYTHING IN THE STORE We're pleased to offer our annual back to-school discount of 20% available September 22nd to October 1st. Check our great selection of drawing, painting, commercial and fine art materials for any art project. ♦SPECIAL SALE Reg. $41.00 78.50 9.95 4.75 7.95 Sale $17.00 39.25 5.50 3.35 5.00 Reform 4 Pen Set Koh-I-Noor Rapido 7 Pen Sets Platignum Lettering Sets - 6 Nib Strathmore Newsprint 18\24 50 Sheet Package 100 Sheet Package These prices effective September 22nd to October 1st. The 20% discount does not apply to special sale items. **ASK ABOUT OUR “PURPLE CARD” ' We offer a 10% discount to our regular customers called a “Purple Card" . . . when your cash purchases accumulate up to $100. you receive $10 free merchandise of your choice. Ask for full details and your Purple Card . . . and start saving today. ♦cash, check, bankcard only ♦♦Excludes custom framing and sale items. Hth Ave. COLES 1 liK Avc. V of O 142 W. 8th EUGENE 683-5232