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KNOW KU

KU HISTORY:

One of KU's most recognized landmarks was unveiled on this day in 1924. The "Uncle Jimmy" Green statute that stands in front of Lippincott Hall, created by artist Chester French, honors KU's first law dean. James Woods "Uncle Jimmy" Green served as dean of the School of Law for 41 years. After his death in 1919, a group of law students and alumni, who referred to themselves as Green's "boys" commissioned the statue. French originally declined the request to create the statue but changed his mind after visiting KU and hearing stories of affection and commitment to "Uncle Jimmy." For more, see www.kuhistory.com.

RESEARCH MATTERS:

Recent graduate Erik Nelson, a cognitive psychology major, conducted research into why people engage in dangerous, behavior such as talking on a cell phone or sending text messages while driving. Every respondent in Nelson's survey admitted to driving while talking on a cell phone, and 72 percent admitted to sending text messages while driving. "Many people understand that talking while driving is a risky behavior. However, they still do it," Nelson said. "People tend to believe that their conversations are a little more important than they are." For more, or to listen to the original broadcast, visit www.researchmatters.ku.edu.

TOPONYMS:

The steam-tunnel repairs on the front lawn of Watson Library overlap the site of the first Snow Hall, the natural history building that opened in 1886. By the 1920s, the classroom and lab facility had deteriorated so badly that its stone walls had "quivering tendencies" in high winds, among other failings. New Snow Hall opened in 1930, and the old building was demolished. Its stone was saved and recycled to face the Military Science Building, completed in 1943. For more, visit www.buildings.ku.edu.

NOTABLE ALUMS:

Debbie Vickers started out as a page for NBC in Hollywood after graduating from KU in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in general studies. But she worked her way up to talent coordinator for the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" before hitting the big time in 1994 as executive producer for Jay Leno after he took over Carson's desk. The Wichita native plans on stepping down when Leno retires next year.

RESEARCH MATTERS:

Recent graduate Erik Nelson, a cognitive psychology major, conducted research into why people engage in dangerous, behavior such as talking on a cell phone or sending text messages while driving. Every respondent in Nelson's survey admitted to driving while talking on a cell phone, and 72 percent admitted to sending text messages while driving. "Many people understand that talking while driving is a risky behavior. However, they still do it," Nelson said. "People tend to believe that their conversations are a little more important than they are." For more, or to listen to the original broadcast, visit www.researchmatters.ku.edu.