4
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009
CRIME
Teenagers murder home supervisor
BY CAROLYN THOMPSON
Associated Press
LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Two teenage residents of a western New York group home threw a blanket over a supervisor, beat her to death and then fled in a stolen van after one of them fell under suspicion for stealing, police said Tuesday.
The teens blindedsi 24-year-old Renee Greco on Monday night as she played cards with other residents of the state-licensed home, Lockport Detective Capt. Richard Podgers said. Greco was supervising five 17- and 18-year-old boys by herself when the two teens attacked her with objects taken from the home's basement, police said.
The pair, Anthony Allen and Robert Thousand, both of Rochester, were caught early Tuesday after buying bus tickets in Buffalo. They pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Tuesday morning on murder, robbery and burglary charges.
A third teen, whose name was not released, was taken into custody with them, but was not part of the plot and was not charged.
"What's sad about this is the fact that you have a young girl who devoted her life to trying to make their lives better," Lockport Police Chief Lawrence Eggert said. "She's kind of considered their mother figure ... trying to give them a better life, and this is her reward."
Allen, 18, was just a week away from being released and was afraid he would be caught for stealing $160 from the home's office over the weekend, Podgers said.
"He decided he was going to go AWOL. He had had enough," Podgers said. "I don't believe she saw it coming. They formulated a plan and carried it out."
Podgers described Allen as the ringleader. Allen got the weapons, which authorities declined to describe, and enlisted Thousand, 17, to help, he said.
After attacking Greco, the teens broke the door to an office, took money and the home's van and then drove to Buffalo, about 30 miles away.
Thousand will be represented by a public defender. Allen will be assigned a lawyer Wednesday.
CAMPUS
Gray-Little plans increased focus on research, funding
BY HANNAH DECLERK
hdeclerk@kansan.com
Bernadette Gray-Little will become the 17th chancellor at the University August 15 after Chancellor Robert Hemenway steps down June 30. Gray-Little is now the executive vice chancellor and provost at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She spent a few minutes with The Kansan to discuss her plans and how it feels to be a Jayhawk.
Q: Why did you choose the University of Kansas?
A: Before I was even offered the position I tried to make an assessment of it. I decided that KU has a great reputation when it comes to diversity. It is a university that has a wide range of academics whose areas of diversity are consistent with experience. It is also a university where people want to be better than they are.
Q: What are your plans for the University and do they differ
Bernadette Gray Little, selected to become the University's 17th chancellor, addresses members of the media May 30. Gray-Little, executive vice chancellor and provost at UNC at Chapel Hill, will begin her duties August 15.
Chance Dibben/KANSAN
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A: Many of the plans do not differ but are a continuation. I am not going to do 'this and this' but I have many ideas. One thing I want to focus on is the graduation rate of undergraduates. I want to figure out the factors about why they are not graduating, and then look and support and focus. Another important idea is to improve the University's research profile. I want a full range of research on campus and support increasing the research. I also would like to raise additional money for the research.
Q: How do you plan to interact and connect with students?
A: Excellent question. With the variety of groups you have to pay close attention. There are going to be organized ways such as open conversations with the students from time to time. I am also open to suggestions from students about ways for interactions. I want the students to know that I want to get to know the students.
Q: How does it feel being not only the first female chancellor, but also the first African-American chancellor at the University of Kansas?
A: I recognize it is different and important. The University has made a statement in a way and it is being appreciated. When I was in Lawrence the other day eating lunch I had many delighted women come up and congratulate me. To them, it is great
Q: I understand you are coming in from the University of North Carolina. Are you going to become a Jayhawk basketball fan?
A: Absolutely. How could I not? I think people may see me cheering for the Jayhawks and never talk to me again.
A: Feels good. I have had a wonderful welcome. Everyone is open and positive with care and love for the University.
Q: How does it feel to be an official Jayhawk?
Edited by Ross Stewart
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