Monday, November 17, 1997
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 5
Apartments have long history
Former professor's gift used to build housing for retired KU faculty
By Sarah MacWilliams smcwilliams@kansan.com Kansan staff writer
Retired University of Kansas professor Elizabeth Cade Sprague left more than fond memories when she died in 1960. She left a home for retired faculty members.
Sprague, a professor of home economics from 1914 to 1914, left a $200,000 gift to the KU Endowment Association in 1958 to be used for retired faculty members, according to the University Archives.
The result was Sprague Apartments, a 10-unit complex behind Fraser Hall on 14th Street.
Construction started on the apartments in 1958. Sprague saw the building completed in early 1960 but died two months before the first tenants moved in.
"She was concerned with every detail of this building, from its conception until the bricks were laid,
and it must have given her deep satisfaction to see it materialize," Sprague's friend Viola Anderson said at her 1960 memorial service in Danforth Chapel.
Although Sprague funded the building, it is named for her sister Amelia, an artist whose paintings hang in the lobby of the building.
Daryl Beene, senior vice president of property for the KU Endowment Association, said that Sprague had been concerned about her fellow retired faculty.
"In the late 1950s, faculty members didn't have the benefits they do now, either through social security or retirement benefits from the state," Beene said. "A number of faculty at retirement age found they didn't have adequate funds to maintain the quality of life they had known. Mrs. Sprague felt she could contribute to that need."
Since then, retirement benefits have improved. Beene said, but the apartments have remained occupied and have a 24-person waiting list.
classified administrators, who can apply for two-bedroom or one-bedroom apartments. Beene said.
The apartments are strictly for retired faculty members or non-
He said that through the years, faculty members from a wide range of departments had lived in the building.
Residents can live in the apartments until their family doctor or health care provider determines that they no longer are able to live there because they need full-time medical care. he said.
"The intent is to let them live there as long as they can," he said.
The endowment association pays for long-term maintenance of the building.
Beene said that residents paid what was considered a market rent; but he would not comment about the exact cost.
Evelyn Schwartz, retired professor of education, taught at the University for more than 30 years. She has lived in the building since 1994
She said the residents came from all areas of the University, from biology to education.
"It's a nice group of people to be around, and we all enjoy it here," she said.
Physical activity, healthy snacks can help prevent holiday pounds
By Sarah Chadwick schodwick@kansan.com Kansan staff writer
Students going home for the holidays may come back to school with more than they bargained for — a few extra pounds.
Randall Rock, Watkins Health Center chief of staff, said one way to avoid gaining holiday weight was to plan physical activities.
"Whether it be football in the back yard or walking the plaza or malls, if you're going to consume those extra calories, plan some physical activity," he said.
Rock suggested tips for avoiding extra snacks at holiday festivities.
"Strategies would include sugarless gum so it's not so easy to pick up things and snack," Rock said. "It's a physical reminder not to eat. He also
said to eat a healthy meal before attending a holiday party where fattening snacks would be served.
Nancy O'Connor, nutrition educator at Community Mercantile Co-op, 901 Mississippi St, said that in addition to minimizing snacks, exercise was a necessity for preventing extra holiday pounds.
"Sometimes we get sloppy about exercise during the holidays," she said. "If you are traveling, throw your tennis shoes in a bag and get out for a walk. It also gives you a reason to get out of the house if you need it."
O'Connor said having the right mindset was important to losing weight.
"It a case of self-control," she said. "It's OK to indulge a little, but where most of us fall down is the amount. We should give ourselves permission for food, but exercise a little self-control."
When entertaining, hosts should be careful to serve healthy foods in addition to regular snacks, O'Connor said.
"Have all kinds of healthy alternatives," she said. "Serve crackers instead of chips, or fresh fruits and vegetables. A lot of us think we need to stock up on these fatty foods for if company stops by. If those things are there, you'll eat them no matter if company is there or not. The trick is to fill your house with healthy snacks."
Rock also suggested not pressuring guests into eating more food than they wanted.
"For the person trying to maintain weight loss or with diabetes, don't make them uncomfortable by pushing food on them," Rock said. "They know their limits. Let them make their own choices."
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