Banquet Will Honor Asian American Leader

L. Ling-Chi Wang, director of Asian American studies at UC Berkeley where he is also on the faculty, will be recognized at a May 21 banquet of the UCSB Asian American Faculty and Staff Association. The banquet, at which Wang will speak, is from 6-9 p.m. in Corwin Pavilion; tickets range from $15 to $30. Reservations are requested by Wednesday, May 15, and should be made with Vince Aihara (x8377).

HONORS & AWARDS

Stephen Bigelow, assistant professor of mathematics, has been invited to address the International Congress of Mathematics when it meets this summer in Beijing. It is unusual for a scholar who received his Ph.D. in 2000 to be given such a prestigious platform at the quadrennial gathering.

Amr El Abbadi, professor of computer science, has been appointed director of the Education Abroad Program center in Cairo, Egypt, from 2002-03. He will also teach at the American University in Cairo.

Carlos G. Levi, professor of materials, has been awarded the Humboldt Found-ation's Research Award for Senior Scientists. One of 150 such awards to foreign scholars that recognize a lifetime of achievement, Levi's prize is worth more than $60,000 and includes six months or more in Germany.

Catherine R. Nelson, Serials Department librarian, was recognized for "excellence of performance" and outstanding contributions in her work with the library's computer software systems and in serials with receipt of the Nyholm Award.

Phillip Walker, professor of anthropology, is president-elect of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists. He becomes president of the professional group in 2003-04, then past president for another year.

Chancellor Henry T. Yang was saluted as "Educator of the Year" (post-secondary level) at last month's Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce-sponsored awards banquet. The event, Goleta's Finest: A Celebration of Community, also recognized six others with ties to UCSB.

IN MEMORIAM

Kermit Seefeld, professor emeritus of education, died in his sleep on April 11; he was 91. The former instructor and chair of the Industrial Arts Department, when UCSB was known as Santa Barbara College, transferred to the Goleta campus and taught until retirement in 1977. He served 31 years on the faculty. He is survived by a brother, Milton, a daughter, Joanne Rapp, and a son, Kip Seefeld, plus seven grandchildren.