E-Insight

May 2006

University News

CSU Names New Director of Athletics

President Larry Penley named Paul Kowalczyk, Athletics Director at Southern Illinois University, as Colorado State University 's new Director of Athletics.
Kowalczyk brings to his new post more than 20 years of experience, the last six as athletic director, and a long record of success in collegiate athletic administration. He will start at Colorado State on May 17.

"I understand the importance of a good, well-rounded education and will focus on building a successful athletics program on and off the field," Kowalczyk said. "I look forward to enhancing the existing spirit of excellence at Colorado State University and will work diligently to provide the necessary leadership, stability and support."

At SIU, Kowalczyk provided administrative leadership for 18 sports, 350 student-athletes and 75 full-time staff and coaches, and managed an annual budget of $7.5 million. He took over as SIU's athletics director in summer 2000 and led the school's transformation into a successful, nationally renowned athletics program. Under his direction, athletics at SIU achieved unprecedented success on and off the field.

New Deans Selected for Engineering, Liberal Arts

Colorado State University officials announced the permanent appointment of Dr. Ann Gill, current Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and Dr. Sandra Woods, Interim Dean of the College of Engineering. Both will officially become deans of their colleges this summer.

"The quality of experience, leadership and vision shown by Ann Gill and Sandra Woods are strengthened only by their exceptional commitment and dedication to Colorado State University. Ann and Sandy each have achieved great success for their colleges throughout their tenures and have done a great deal to advance the University's mission and goals," said Dr. Anthony Frank, Senior Vice President and Provost at Colorado State University. "It is clear they both have earned the confidence of faculty and staff and have very strong support from within their colleges based on the quality of their leadership."

Professor Endows Chair, Undergraduate Scholarships in Biochemistry

Dr. David E. Fahrney, a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology since 1970, has pledged $1.5 million to establish the David E. Fahrney Chair in Biochemistry and donated $50,000 to endow two undergraduate biochemistry scholarships. The endowed chair is the first for the department.

Dr. Fahrney, who has taught in the College of Natural Sciences for 35 years, will retire this year. His numerous awards include the College of Natural Sciences Teaching Award and "Favorite Faculty of the Year" - an award bestowed on him by Ingersoll Hall students. He has been nominated by the College for the University Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award.

"We are honored and humbled by David's generosity," said Dr. Rick Miranda, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. "He has given so much to our students and faculty and worked hard to transform the way biochemistry is taught to the next generation of scientists. These gifts will ensure that his contributions to our campus will persist long past his retirement."

In Memoriam: Dr. Charles O. Neidt, Acting President of Colorado State University from 1979-1981

Dr. Charles O. Neidt, Emeritus Academic Vice President, Colorado State University, died at his home on April 20, 2006. Dr. Neidt leaves a legacy of efficient academic administration and institutional growth, community service as a member of numerous philanthropic and charitable organizations in Fort Collins, as well as passionate avocations as a Colorado tree farmer and musician.

Dr. Neidt joined Colorado State University 's faculty as a full professor in the newly established Psychology Department in 1962. In 1969, he was appointed Academic Vice-President by then-President A.R. Chamberlain. Upon Chamberlain's resignation, Dr. Neidt was appointed Acting President.

Upon retiring from CSU in 1995, Dr. Neidt developed his avocation as a tree farmer on land he owned in Rist Canyon north of LaPorte and received numerous awards for outstanding forest stewardship. He also served as president of the Colorado Tree Farmers Association and coordinated a national Tree Farmers Convention in Fort Collins during summer 2004. He was actively involved in local philanthropic organizations in Fort Collins, including the Lions Club, Hospice of Larimer County and the Boy Scouts.

On Friday, June 9, 2006, a memorial service will be held in Fort Collins at Allnutt Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospice would be appreciated, in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526.