University selects
'star' physicist for
fall convocation
James Gates has gained
notoriety for his scientific
speeches to non-scientists
BY EVA SYLWESTER
NEWS REPORTER
The University has changed the
format of its annual fall convocation
ceremonies and has selected physi
cist James Gates to speak at the
Sept. 25 event.
In 2002, the University initiated the
New Student Convocation, an event
to welcome new students on the Sun
day afternoon before classes start.
This meeting was in addition to the
older Convocation, generally held in
October and intended for the whole
University community, said Karen
Sprague, biology professor and vice
provost of undergraduate studies.
Sprague said the decision was made
last Hiesday to merge the two events
for fall 2005, due to low student atten
dance at Convocation.
“The goal is to combine the best fea
tures of both programs,” Sprague said.
Faculty members’ donning of
graduation-style caps and gowns is
one feature that will carry over from
Convocation. The event will also in
clude music and the introduction of
new faculty members.
Both ceremonies have traditionally
emphasized the presence of a visiting
speaker. Gates is the John S. Toll Pro
fessor of Physics and the director of the
Center for String and Particle Theory at
the University of Maryland.
Gates said he first spoke about
science to non-scientists in 1988
Laure Wimer | Senior photographer
Physicist James Gates will speak at
the University's convocation ceremony in
September.
when the department chair asked
him to give a public speech at a de
partment-hosted celebration called
Super Physics Day.
“My first response was, ‘You’re
crazy. It cannot be done,’” Gates said.
Despite his initial trepidation, the
talk was well-received and Gates
has since given many other such
speeches. Gates has had an espe
cially busy year because of events
taking place around the world in
honor of the United Nations-en
dorsed World Year of Physics 2005.
Gates said that over years of public
speaking, he has discovered how to
GATES, page 7
FREE POOL
TIL 10PM
TIL CLOSE
SON ©MON
$7 CAP BOMBS
$2.25 PABST
Wednesday
$2.25 6ushi Dolls
1 99 WEST BPOADWAY • 683-3154
022418
It's All About You!
Duck's Village is Leasing for Fall:
3 * "f
Great Apartments
(Newly Refurbished 1, 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms)
Great Prices Jnt'Y~
(Individual Bedroom Leases)
Great Location
(lust past Autzen Stadium)
Lots to Do After Studying!
Pool, Spa, Volleyball & Basketball
Rec Room, Fitness Center, Computer Lab
AND SO MUCH MORE!
tsrow Ave
* i.7200
www.ducksvillage.com
Models open M-F 8-5 & Sat 9-3
iiiL«aa&y3L
Session c2mer
**>!» Junt5^
/) eSU^iJ3,
’at tie Uo
8radliation,
*UQay tithe
lRe:orraadit0
8reW*dcn„
, *es*ion (
Oli pD >-.
Can sp,
8 sUima
UO Bookstore Book Buyback Online
CHECK CURRENT PRICES OF YOUR TEXTBOOKS, BEFORE YOU SELL THEM BACK.
http://uobookstore.com/coursebooks/CCRA
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
BOOKSTORE