MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
March 20, 1984
A special meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Wednesday, March 20, 1984, at 6:00 p.m. at the
University Meeting Center.
Present were Messrs. Allen, Craigie, Lipman and Reynolds; and Drs.
Coleman and Nemuth. Absent were Mesdames Bemiss, Thalhimer and
Whittemore; Messrs. Cotten, Farinholt, Grey, Ludeman, Morris and Smith;
and Dr. Gayle. Also present Drs. Ackell, Hall, Wilson and Woods; Mess-
rs. Bruegman and Guerdon; Ms. Barnes and Mrs. Price.
Following dinner, Dr. Ackell introduced Dr: Dana B. Hamel, Vice
President of the Southeastern Universities Research Association, Inc.,
and Interim Director of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facil-
ity.
Dr. Hamel stated that the primary purpose of SURA is research in
nuclear science. The training of graduate students will be emphasized
in an effort to help the United States regain its leadership role in
the field of nuclear science. Research in medicine and industrial
applications is a natural ancillary activity at electron accelerators.
Pending Congressional approval, this facility will be built in Newport
News, Virginia during the period of 1984-1990 at a cost of $200 million
with an annual operating cost of $18 to $20 million.
Dr. Hamel also reported on the proposed Center for Private/Public
Initiatives which was passed and funded by this session of the General
2
Assembly. The Center will serve to foster partnerships between educa-
tion and business. It will also assist in special projects in indus-
trial development. A primary mission of this center will be to develop
tracks from public schools to the community colleges to train craftsmen
to work at the electron beam accelerator facility when it is completed.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
