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Political analyst Charlie Cook predicted a “photo finish” in this year’s presidential election during his visit to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Monday in which he also weighed in on challenges for Democrat Barack Obama and the choice of Sarah Palin as the Republican vice presidential nominee.

Ellen T. Ruff, president of Duke Energy Carolinas, comes to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ on Sept. 9 for the first in a series of talks this fall by experts in the field of science and mathematics. Ruff will discuss her company’s efforts to develop renewable energy, new nuclear and other types of power generation to create solutions for the energy problem facing Americans.

Elaine R. Durr, a sustainability consultant from Decatur, Ga., has been named sustainability coordinator at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, a new position created as part of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s sustainability master plan.

Technology upgrades, from video cameras in parking lots to new procedures for using library computers, have enhanced campus security as students return to the university for the start of the fall semester.

ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ President Leo M. Lambert welcomed employees to the new academic year on Aug. 25, 2008, with a speech that lauded past accomplishments while encouraging faculty and staff to "think beyond the walls of the campus" as leaders begin work on a new strategic plan for the school.

President emeritus J. Fred Young, retired professor John G. Sullivan and retired associate dean Lela Faye Coltrain Rich received ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Medallions on Aug. 25, 2008, in an annual ceremony that celebrates the highest honor a person can receive from the university.

Jaclyn Marie Tordo, a 2008 graduate of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ with a bachelor of arts degree with a major in human services, has received a premiere graduate scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation to help fund her studies in law and social work at Washington University in St. Louis.

The message was simple: “You complete us.” The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ School of Law welcomed its third class Aug. 7 with a day of orientation activities – faculty introductions, book purchases, formal portraits – for a group that brings the school to full capacity.