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Wednesdav. August 21. 1974
University Dally Kansan
Shankel Advises Course Flexibility
Former Microbiology Prof Is Executive Vice Chancellor
By RICHARD PAXSON
Kansas Staff Reporter
Del Shakel, executive vice chancellor of the University of Kansas, recently urged new KU undergraduate students
It can be said that Shankel speaks with the voice of experience. After graduating from Walla Walla College in Washington in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in English, he attended medical school for one and one-half semesters.
After he was drafted in 1952, Shankel attended an Army
nationals school. He said it was there that he gained his
life experience.
"I decided at age 7 or 8 to become a physician, which is "little early to make that decision," Shankel said. "But after a short time in medical school, I decided it wasn't the thing for me."
Shankel received his Ph.D. in bacteriology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1959. He came to KU in 1969.
University when he became acting chairman of his department in 1964.
Shankel had his first administrative experience in the
"After I became assistant, and later associate, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, I began to think that the job was worth it."
When Dean George Waggoner went on sabbatical in 1973, Shankel became actuarian dean of the college. He was appointed executive vice chancellor by Chancellor Archie R. Dvkes in January.
"I put quite a bit of hard work into whether I would accept the position," Shankel said. "I decided that I could not have to do that."
Shankel is chief administrative officer for internal matters on the Lawrence campus. His position parallels that of William O. Rieke, executive vice chancellor of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
"Most of the time I enjoy administration," Shankel said,
Shankel has taught general microbiology, general
biology, microbial genetics, radiation biology and Western Civilization honors discussion at KU.
He said he planned to teach some graduate research courses and direct some senior projects this fall. He has 17 years of experience as a professor.
Shankel's research interests include the genetic effects of radiation and chemicals, especially ultraviolet light, on
Shankel is an avid KU sports fan and played intramural football, also enjoys golf, ice skating, travel and photography.
Working with a professor in England under a NATO Cooperative Research Grant, Shankel is currently attempting to find methods of reducing the number of cell mutations in humans.
"The University environment is very stimulating, and this job is very challenging," Shankel said. "The University has a great past and, I think, a great future. I think it's going to help determine the direction the University will take."
Bremner's Style Lively, Literate
Most students who have taken classes from John B. Brenner, professor of journalism, remember them. Whether they were a child or an adult, fusion is irrelevant. They remember them:
"Bremner's teaching style is unlike anything I've ever seen," one student said. He paces, jumps, screams or cries, and throws his stuff across the desk as he drench out the window, crying for belm.
"Every teacher that's any good had to be some kind of ham," Brenner said recently. "You have to keep students interested, entertained and alert."
Bremner uses his dynamic teaching style to illustrate many important ideas, but especially the beauty and importance of the English language.
"What a language," Brenner says to
point out the beauty of a particular word
of grammar.
"I'm interested in the language because, unlike most other human beings, God gave me language."
Words convey ideas, Bremner tells his students over and over. To have clear ideas, language must be clear or persuasive or heaves. he says.
Bremner, who grew up in Australia, said he had studied Latin, Greek, French, Italian, Hebrew and American. Hebrew was the hardest to learn, he said.
Part of the reason that Bremner's teaching style is so distinctive is that he insists on small classes. He said that with a large class, his students would have to give more lectures.
"You can over-organize a class," Bremner said.
He said he used "planned spontaneity, careful casualness.
"Teaching is like a stream of consciousness." he said.
Bremner spent 13 years in school after high school. This was because he was studying different disciplines—philosophy, theology and journalism.
Schools he attended were Saint Aloysius' in Sydney, Australia; St. Columbia's in Australia; and Propaganda Fide in Rome; All Hallow's in Dublin; Columbia University; the University of Denver; and the University of Iowa. He was a Jesuit priest for about 25 years.
In addition to the University of Kansas, Bremner has taught at the University of San Diego and Texas Tech.
then there's the magic word game of headlines."
Bremner has written a book about headline writing, called "HTK." The initials stand for "heard to kum," a slug copy of the title of which headlines haven't been determined.
Bremner has taught classes in rhetoric and composition, American literature, creative writing, critical writing, inference, and persuasion. He said that editing was his favorite class.
In his introduction to the book, Bremner stresses the importance of "magic word games." He states that every headline writer must be delighted by the gymnastics
"I think it's the best course I know to help students with their writing," he said. "And
John Bremner Ponders a Student's Reply Kaman Photo by SUSAN MEAI
Welcome to another exciting season of University Theatre
Major Production Series
"DON GIOVANNI"
by Mozart
April 11, 12, 19, & 20*
"GODSPELL"
October 18, 19, 20,* 25, & 27
"RIGHT YOU ARE IF YOU THINK YOU ARE"
by Luigi Pirandello
November 20, 21, 22, 23, & 24*
'THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES'
by John Guare
March 21-29
"THE MADWOMAN Or CHAILLOUT"
by Jean Girardoux
February 14, 15, 16*, 20, 21, & 22
- indicates a 2:30 p.m. matinee
All other productions in the series begin at 8:00 p.m. in the University Theatre, Murphy Hall
"PEPSI THRENODIES"
by
ERIC ANDERSON
October 3-12
by
ZORILLA
November 7-16
William Inge Theatre Series
BY David Willis Jan. 30-31, Feb. 2-9
"PIMPLES"
"DON JUAN TENORIO"
various Authors December 9& 10
"COLLISION COURSE"
"AN EVENING OF ONE ACT PLAYS"
Various Authors
Eph. 26,28; March 1,8
"AN EVENING OF PUPPET THEATRE"
at the hand of Terry Asla
April 3-5
of word games, acrostics, anagrams,
intrigramming and literacy
crossword puzzles
K.U. Theatre for Young People
Bremner said many of his better students were those who had been exposed to literature and language in their childhoods. He said that because of his parents and his schools, he read Shakespeare and Dickens in grade school.
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES"
October 5, 10:00 a.m.
University Theatre, Murphy Hall
Bremner said he thought there were too many students in college today. A lot of students would be better off learning a trade in a technical school, he said.
All William Inge Theatre presentations begin at 8:00 p.m. in the William Inge Memorial Theatre, Murphy Hall
For further information, contact the University Theatre Box Office, Murphy Hall...864-3982
"You can be a better plumber if you go to university or be a plumber. "Bremner said. "You can be a plumber."
"REYNARD THE FOX"
February 1, 2:00 p.m.
University Theatre, Murphy Hall
Bremner said he was interested in sports because in Australia participation in sports was less common than in the school and college he played cricket, rugby, tennis, track, swimming and basketball.
"I'm old-fashioned enough to believe in learning for the sake of learning," Brenner
But Bremner said he didn't train university should be merely a trade school
Bremers' students can expect to have to answer many questions about sports. In addition to identifying Jacques Chirac, Casper Weinberger and Byron White, students must recognize Vyanne Goolagong, Jim Riyun and Moses Malone.
He has played golf since he was 13. It is his favorite sport—both for participation and enjoyment.
But above and beyond everything else, Bremner is a teacher.
"I like to talk," he said. "I like to think that somewhere along the way I’ve picked up a great way of getting
Home of the Aztec Calendar
The Aztec calendar reminds you that memorable dining in centuries-old tradition awaits you at the Aztec Inn. We invite you to share our proud heritage.
WELCOME BACK KU STUDENTS
Dine with us in the leisurely atmosphere of Old Mexico. Dine at the Aztec Inn.
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday—Closed Monday
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
11 a.m.-Midnight Friday-Saturday
807 Vermont 842-9455
Edward and Naomi Roste invite you to stop in soon.
Advertise in the Kansan Call 864-4358.
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