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Briefs................October 20, 1997

Campus Town Meeting with Chancellor Mark Emmert
Wednesday, October 22, 4-6 p.m., Konover Auditorium, Dodd Center Chancellor Emmert will host an open meeting for all members of the University to discuss topics of importance to the University community. After his presentation, he will be joined by senior members of the administration for a question-and-answer session. If you would like to suggest a topic for the Chancellor to include in his presentation, call Art Brodeur at (860) 486-5663.

Be prepared for flu season with campus health services
Faculty and staff will be offered flu shots October 29-30 for the discount price of $5. The shots, courtesy of and administered by nurses from Student Health Services, will be given from noon until 4 p.m. on each of the two days, at the Asian American Cultural Center, now located in a temporary building between Hall Dormitory and the William Benton Museum of Art. Appointments are not necessary. Students can receive the shots at no cost.

Flu season runs from October through February or March. The symptoms of flu include the sudden onset of high fever (101 degrees or more), muscle aches, headaches, and a dry cough. It is very contagious.

Last season's outbreak was serious, although it is too early to tell how bad the season will be this year. Health professionals expect this season's flu to again be the "A-type" flu, the same strain as last year.

Foreign languages fellowship announced in honor of Mead
The Northeast Conference of Foreign Languages has announced the creation of a teacher fellowship, named in honor of Robert G. Mead Jr., who taught Latin American literature at UConn for 35 years.

The fellowship will provide support to attend the Northeast Conference for those who would not otherwise be able to participate and a year's membership in the recipient's state language association. It is open to teachers who have 20 years' experience of full-time teaching, at least half of the teaching load in a foreign or classical language, including English as a second language, and who hold a current appointment at a Northeast Conference region school, college, or university.

Applicants should send a resume, a letter explaining their wish to attend the conference, and a letter of recommendation to Elizabeth Alexander, Northeast Conference, Dickinson College, P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013.

UConn band director remembered for his enthusiasm
Allan E. Gillespie, director of bands at UConn for 25 years and former associate dean of the School of Fine Arts, died October 11, at the age of 71. A memorial service was held Sunday at the Storrs Congregational Church.

A native of Minto, N.D., Gillespie was a Mansfield resident. After joining UConn in 1956, Gillespie expanded the band program from 36 to several hundred students. He also directed the wind ensemble and two concert bands.

Gillespie organized the annual regional and all-state music festivals through the Connecticut Music Educators Association, and gained national recognition as a music educator.

Gillespie, who retired in 1989, taught conducting, and served as director of musicals for the dramatic arts department; associate dean; and acting department head. He received the distinguished faculty award and the president's award for meritorious service.

David Maker, an associate professor of music who worked with Gillespie first as a graduate assistant and later as associate director of bands, says "He was much loved by all his students. He was very enthusiastic, and very considerate of all his students." Maker recalls an anecdote in which Gillespie said, "'Don't they understand? It's not about the music, it's about the people.' I think that really sums up what he was about."

Gillespie is survived by his wife, Patricia Wheeler Gillespie, a professor emerita of allied health, and two sons. Memorial contributions may be made to the Allan E. Gillespie Band Scholarship Fund, School of Fine Arts, U-128, Storrs, CT 06269.