University briefs

Trustee adds to $1 million gift to creative writing grant

UNC Board of Trustees member Sallie Shuping-Russell presented the creative writing department a donation that, combined with a grant from the N.C. Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust, will total $1 million.

Beginning in the fall semester of 2009, the gift will allow students to work and study alongside active writers in a program called "Living Writers."

This is the first gift received under new Chancellor Holden Thorp. The "Living Writers" course will be the only semester-length class offered on campus that is solely based on visiting writers.

UNC School of Public Health receives toxicology grant

The UNC School of Public Health received a $3.4 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help with the creation of the Carolina Center for Computational Toxicology.

The center will develop new methods by which scientists can predict the effect of drugs and chemicals released into the environment on people who might be susceptible to such climate disruptions.

PlayMakers to participate in Shakespeare program

PlayMakers Repertory Company, the professional theater company at UNC, has been chosen as one of 40 theater companies to participate in "Shakespeare for a New Generation," the largest Shakespearean tour in American history.

Chosen by the National Endowment for the Arts, their production will be directed by producing artistic director Joseph Haj.

The companies will perform live Shakespeare for middle and high school students at the Paul Green Theatre in UNC's Center for Dramatic Art on Sept. 24 to Oct. 12.