VOL. 23, NO. 17	MARCH 6, 1998

Schwartz

s Alfred Lerner Hall takes shape in the southwest corner of the Morningside campus, so too does the administrative infrastructure of the future student center.

  In an announcement that strengthens the University’s emphasis on student services, two positions have been created to maintain the new facility and its services. Both positions have been filled from within Columbia: Harris Schwartz, CC’59, is now executive director of Lerner Hall, stepping up from director of University Residence Halls, a position he held since 1969; and Linda Caruso has become executive director of dining and business services. She was formerly director of Dining Services.

  A search is still ongoing for the director of the Office of Student Activities, which once filled will complete the installation of the leadership team in Lerner.

  According to an announcement by Dean of Columbia College Austin E. Quigley and Vice President for Student Services Mark Burstein, Schwartz’s responsibilities include maintaining the facility and managing conference services. Caruso will manage the Columbia University Bookstore, other retail services in Lerner, University licensing agreements (such as insignia clothing) and will continue to oversee dining services on campus.

  Lerner Hall is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 1999, with the Columbia Bookstore planned to open several months before that. In addition to the bookstore, Lerner will have up to 1,500 square feet of other retail services. The center will also have a game room, a pool room and other recreational venues, which Schwartz will oversee. As was the case in Ferris Booth, staff from Columbia College will oversee programming for the building and student activities in Lerner.

Caruso

  Dean Austin E. Quigley said, “With staff from the College, Engineering and Student Services working together in Lerner, the facility will soon provide a central focus for undergraduate life at Columbia. The installation of a talented management team in Lerner is excellent news for Columbia students.”

  Burstein said: “The appointment of Harris and Linda really establishes the team we need to produce quality service in Lerner. Harris knows this place—he’s been here a long time and has an excellent track record of accomplishments. And Linda has a very strong background in the retail industry, and during the past few years at Columbia she has guided the improvement in dining services.”

  Burstein added: “I am most pleased that Harris and Linda have both demonstrated they possess a critical combination of professional skill and personal commitment to improving the lives of students at Columbia.”

  In other Student Services news, Fred Howe was promoted to director of dining services and will continue to report to Caruso; and Carolyn Smith has been named acting director of University Residence Halls.