NEWS IN BRIEF: New masters at Sid

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Sid Richardson College has chosen new masters to replace Gordon and Susan Wittenberg, whose five-year term ends this year. Associate Professor of Electrical and Computational Engineering John Bennett and his wife Penelope will assume the role of masters this summer.

Originally, the list included three candidates, but one had to withdraw from consideration for personal reasons.

The Masters Selection Committee issued the list to Vice President for Student Affairs Zenaido Camacho and President Malcolm Gillis, who also gave recommendations. The final choice was submitted to the Board of Trustees, who approved the decision.

David Goetz, a member of the selection committee, said the process of choosing was long and difficult, but that SRC members are generally happy with the results.

"[The committee] narrowed it down to two really, really good candidates, and from there, it took a lot of discussion and arguing, a lot of hard work. I think everyone is satisfied," Goetz said.

Jeremy Martin, another committee member, expressed regret to see the Wittenbergs' term end but is excited about the new masters.

"Most everyone is sad to see the Wittenbergs go after five great years, but we're also excited because the Bennetts have come highly recommended," Martin said.

Martin also pointed out that many are enthusiastic about the Bennetts because SRC has a fairly weak connection to the engineering department through associates.

"Having such a strong professor in engineering is very important," Martin said.

Both Goetz and Martin indicated that no single factor led the committee to choose the Bennetts over the other candidate.

Rather, the committee evaluated the professors to "see who has the best fit."

"We're extraordinarily excited to have [the Bennetts]," Michelle O'Hara, the new SRC president, said.

This item appeared in the News section of the March 22, 1996 issue.

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