Eudora driver wrecks after losing control of car

A Eudora woman was injured shortly before noon Wednesday when the car she was driving ran off U.S. Highway 24 just west of the Douglas -Leavenworth county line.

Olivia E. Conyers, 24, Eudora, told the Kansas Highway Patrol she thought a blown-out tire caused the wreck, the patrol reported.

Conyers was driving a 1998 Plymouth Neon westbound when the accident occurred, the patrol said. The car went out of control, crossed the highway and came to a stop in the ditch.

The woman was taken to Lawrence Memorial Hospital by ambulance, according to the patrol and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical. But LMH officials said they have no record of her being taken there.

Former KU administrator to give up Colorado post

A former Kansas University administrator has announced he will retire as dean of the University of Colorado School of Journalism.

Del Brinkman, who turns 65 this month, cited health concerns in a retirement letter last month. He had open-heart surgery in July, only six months after taking the Colorado job.

“This has not been an easy decision for me,” he wrote. “I am not one to walk away from a job before I feel I have made a positive impact.”

Brinkman joined the KU School of Journalism in 1970 and served as the school’s dean from 1975 to 1986. He then served as vice chancellor for academic affairs until he left KU in 1993 for a post with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in Miami. He joined the CU faculty in January 2001.

Brinkman and his wife plan to live in Indiana, his wife’s home state.

Lawrence Alliance recognizes champions of diversity

The Lawrence Alliance honored seven people for their achievements in 2001 by awarding them one of the group’s annual awards.

Thad Holcombe, Todd Moore and Donnis Tucker were awarded the Certificate of Merit for actions in accordance with The Lawrence Alliance friendship commitment.

The Lawrence Alliance awarded Jamie Smartt the Rainbow Award for her investments toward improving community diversity.

Gina Chiala and Kris Hermanson received the Grundy Award for the commitment to peace and justice.

Victor Glover was awarded the Weick Award for innovation and achievement in the promotion of individuality and diversity.

Humane Society to have tile-painting fund-raiser

The Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E. 19th St., is sponsoring a “Miles of Tiles” painting session from 11 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Amy Tramill, public relations coordinator, said people can paint a 6-inch-by-6-inch ceramic tile with an image of their pet. She said the animal shelter will glaze the tiles, which will be placed in the building’s lobby.

“People can honor their current pets or pets they’ve lost,” she said. “People are doing them in their own design, or they can have us design it for them.”

Tramill said a donation of $25 per tile is suggested. She said the money will be used for the shelter’s new addition, which will house a minimum of 72 dogs and cats.

“It’s a way for people to donate and also get something really nice out of it,” she said.

Tramill said the addition, expected to open next month, is badly needed because the number of stray animals people bring in to the shelter continues to increase. She said there is a waiting list nearly every day.

Office of Study Abroad removes ‘interim’ label

Susan Gronbeck-Tedesco has been named director of Kansas University’s Office of Study Abroad.

Gronbeck-Tedesco, who was appointed interim director in January 2001, replaces Margareta O’Connell, who served in the position 4 1/2 years before being removed.

At the time, Diana Carlin, dean of international programs, said only that O’Connell’s removal was part of a reorganization plan within the department. O’Connell said she wasn’t given a reason why she was removed.

Before becoming interim director, Gronbeck-Tedesco had served as assistant to the provost since 1996. She had served as assistant director for the Center for International Programs since 1990.