More news of Yale people

Remembered

Frederic M. Richards, a Sterling Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (MB&B), died at his home in New Haven on January 11. He was 83 years old and had been on the Yale faculty since 1955. Richards was known for an important 1958 experiment involving the reconstitution of an enzyme. In 1963, he founded Yale's MB&B department and led the university into the new field of molecular biology.

Appointed

Computer science professor Paul Hudak will be the new master of Saybrook College in the fall. Hudak, who has been at Yale since 1982, specializes in programming languages and computer music. He also plays jazz piano and coaches the Hamden High School girl's lacrosse team.

 
The School of Drama has appointed Joan Channick '89MFA, formerly the managing director of New Haven's Long Wharf Theatre, as an associate dean. Channick, who has taught part-time at the school for nearly 20 years, will focus on student life issues, including recruiting, financial aid, and post-graduate placement.

 
Penelope Laurans, an associate dean of Yale College, has stepped in as acting master of Jonathan Edwards College. Music professor Richard Lalli '80MusM, '86MusAD, was scheduled to become master in January, but he suffered a brain hemorrhage in December and is undergoing therapy and rehabilitation. Laurans, who is also a special assistant to President Richard Levin, is a longtime fellow of JE.

 
Political science chair Frances Rosenbluth has been named deputy provost for faculty development. Among her responsibilities will be faculty diversity efforts and the nurture of junior faculty. She succeeds Judith Chevalier '89, who is returning to teaching at the School of Management. Emily Bakemeier has been promoted from associate provost to deputy provost for humanities and social sciences.

 
Nancy Yao Maasbach '99MBA has been named executive director of the Yale-China Association, an independent nonprofit engaged in health and education programs in China. Maasbach, most recently an executive at the Council on Foreign Relations, is a former vice president of Goldman Sachs who has worked in Hong Kong and Taiwan. She will start her new job in July.

Because Handsome Dan, like Santa Claus, can't be everywhere, the athletics department recently hired a new helper:  Boola, an upright, humanoid bulldog who made his debut at a basketball game on January 23. All four undergraduates who auditioned to wear the new costume and perform as Boola will share the job.