Werner Seligmann, Distinguished Professor of Architecture and former dean of the School of Architecture (1976-1990), received the 1998 Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the American Institute of Architects. The Topaz Medallion is the highest honor bestowed by these organizations to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to architectural education and whose teaching has influenced a broad range of students.                               —JUDY HOLMES

In April, 10 sixth-graders from Syracuse's Seymour Elementary School participated in the first SU Shadow Day. Paired with SU undergraduates, the children attended classes, experienced Schine Dining, and visited other campus hot spots. SU Shadow Day is the brainchild of Kamika Dunlap '99, a sociology major in The College of Arts and Sciences. When Associate Dean Charles Barletta of Syracuse University Continuing Education decided to financially back SU Shadow Day, Dunlap's idea became a reality. "I hope these young students use this experience to empower themselves to make college a part of their future plans," Dunlap says.             —NATALIE A. VALENTINE

Syracuse University is one of 50 colleges and universities across the country selected to pilot "Alcohol 101," an interactive CD-ROM program intended to reduce the harm associated with excessive drinking among college students. When students log onto the program, they "enter" a virtual party, where they can click on characters placed in social situations involving decisions about alcohol use and misuse, and then witness the positive or negative outcomes of those decisions. "Alcohol 101" also prompts users to participate in numerous multiple-choice games and learn about real-life campus tragedies involving alcohol misuse.The "Alcohol 101" project has a built-in research component that provides an ongoing opportunity to gather information about college drinking patterns, the results of which could support future, more focused education and prevention programs.                               —KRISTEN REIDT

A study conducted by SU's Office of Greek Life found that membership in a Greek-letter organization has a positive impact on student retention and little impact on academic achievement.       The study, commissioned by Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw, sought to compare over time the grade point averages (GPAs) and retention rates of Greek versus non-Greek students. In addition, it attempted to determine if the semester of recruitment (fall versus spring) for Greek-letter organizations has any impact on GPA and retention.       The SU study differed from other Greek system evaluation efforts undertaken across the country because of its methodology. Two groups were selected for the study: first-year, full-time students who entered SU in Fall 1991 and participated in Fall Rush, and first-year, full-time students who entered SU in Fall 1993 and participated in Spring Rush.       After controlling for variables such as financial need, SAT scores, admission rating, and college choice, the study found that Greek students consistently have a 90 percent or higher retention rate, while non-Greeks have a retention rate of about 70 percent.       The study also found that while students may see an initial negative impact on their GPAs during the period they join Greek systems, their GPAs are not adversely affected when viewed over their entire college careers. In addition, the study showed that the time of year during which a student is recruited into the Greek system has little influence on GPA or retention.       These findings are consistent with previous national research that found neither a positive nor negative impact on academic performance as a result of Greek membership.             —KRISTEN REIDT and             SUZANNE WILSON DAVIS

Responding to a petition signed by nearly 1,000 students, Syracuse University extended the hours of Archbold and Flanagan gymnasiums to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during the academic year. The program, called "Late Night at the Gym," was developed after a group of first-year students found few social alternatives to activities where alcohol is served.       In addition to open recreation, most evenings have some sort of theme. Past themes have included a half-court basketball shootout, a "Jawsfest" pool party, and a double-dutch jump-rope clinic.       An average of 110 students has been coming to the gym each evening as an alternative to going to bars or parties where alcohol is being consumed.             —JEFFERY CHARBONEAU