Lamont Weekly Report – September 24, 2004

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
P.O. Box 1000, 61 Route 9W Palisades, New York 10964

<> REPORT SUMMARY <>

– Letter from the Director –
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<> LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

The highlight of the week, of course, was the transfer of ownership to Columbia University of the Western Legend, this past Monday. This transaction was characterized by extremely contrasting events - a harrowing 5-6 hours spent by Paul Ljunggren and Al Walsh in lawyers' offices downtown overseeing last minute wire transfers of colossal amounts of cash and the wonderful and happy celebration that we all shared here at Lamont. We were overjoyed to see representation at this event not only from the leadership of CU - David Hirsh our Executive Vice-President for Research - but also from NSF - Jim Yoder, the Director of the Division of Ocean Sciences and his deputy Mike Reeve.

Most importantly I should report that at the LDEO ExCom meeting this morning there was unanimous support for the proposal to name the new vessel Marcus G. Langseth, after the legendary LDEO marine geophysicist who died in 1997 after a more than a forty-year-long career at the Observatory. We will, in the coming weeks, be seeking approval from both President Bollinger and the National Science foundation for this choice.

Last Saturday seems a long time ago - perhaps you will remember it because of the torrential downpours from the remains of Hurricane Ivan. It was also the day for Columbia's 250th celebration Community Day on the Morningside Campus. Heroic Lamonters populated one of the exhibit tents with Open House-like displays - and despite the highly inclement conditions put on a great show that was praised by many visitors including David Hirsh and Lee Bollinger. I thank all who helped with this - especially Tim Harwood - it was a long and tiring day, but the visibility that we gained for the Observatory was important. Thank you.

I am pleased to announce that Maya Tolstoy has been elected to the University Senate, for a tenure that will extend through 2006. Many congratulations Maya.

I leave for London tomorrow (Saturday) night. I am co-chairing a joint NSF/ESF meeting on the marine mammal issue on Monday and then attending a US Marine Mammal Commission workshop though Wednesday and flying back late that night so I can participate in the CU Earth Institute retreat all day Thursday. So I will see you all next Friday…………….doubtless a few pounds heavier from all the warm beer and meat pies that I will find it necessary to consume in the pubs of old London town.

Have a great weekend,

– Mike
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