SACUA changes leaders

After two years of serving on the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs and one year as its chair, Louis D'Alecy gave up his gavel yesterday to new chair William Ensminger.

Although D'Alecy, a professor of physiology, rarely used the gavel himself, the ceremonial gesture signified an end to an eventful year as chair.

D'Alecy gave a one-word description of the job: consuming.

"The idea of it being a half-time appointment grossly underestimates the amount of time that could be invested," D'Alecy said.

But besides taking on a major commitment, D'Alecy said, his term has been rewarding.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Internal medicine Prof. William Ensminger receives a ceremonial gavel from outgoing SACUA chair and physiology Prof. Louis D'Alecy. Ensminger now chairs the faculty's governing body.

"It was exciting when the principles of governance were distributed to all three campuses," D'Alecy said. "Also, the re-consideration of M-Care steerage, and the near closure of the grievance policy were notable."

Former SACUA chair Thomas Dunn, a chemistry professor, described D'Alecy as "tough" and "straightforward."

"I think he built the relationships with the administration in a positive way," Dunn said.

D'Alecy read the 1995 statement he prepared as a SACUA candidate in front of the Senate Assembly, the faculty's governing body, yesterday. In it, he described the University's responsibility to be an academic institution and not a corporate "money-maker."

Ensminger, a professor of pharmacology, will officially take the SACUA reigns on May 1 and will delve into many of the issues D'Alecy has been discussing.

"I think my primary responsibility is to bring closure to a lot of issues which Louis has brought close to fruition," Ensminger said.

Although D'Alecy said another SACUA term is probably not in his future, he does plan to stay involved in faculty governance.

"I'm probably going to be involved in the AAUP (the American Association of University Professors) and I'm still serving in the medical school," D'Alecy said. "I feel that being involved is part of one's professional responsibility."

04-21-98