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| Title | Houstonian, 1998 |
| Contributor (LCNAF) |
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| Date | 1998 |
| Description | This edition of the Houstonian, published by the students of the university in 1998, is the official yearbook of the University of Houston. |
| Subject.Topical (LCSH) |
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| Subject.Name (LCNAF) |
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| Subject.Geographic (TGN) |
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| Genre (AAT) |
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| Language | English |
| Type (DCMI) |
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| Original Item Location | LD2281.H745 H6 v. 64 1998 |
| Original Item URL | http://library.uh.edu/record=b1158762~S11 |
| Digital Collection | Houstonian Yearbook Collection |
| Digital Collection URL | http://digital.lib.uh.edu/collection/yearb |
| Repository | Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries |
| Repository URL | http://info.lib.uh.edu/about/campus-libraries-collections/special-collections |
| Use and Reproduction | In Copyright |
| File Name | index.cpd |
| Title | Spring |
| Format (IMT) |
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| File Name | yearb1998112.jpg |
| Transcript | B•I•G S•W•I•T•C•H T•R•A•D•I•N•G places BRENDA TAVAKOLI When Chet Gladchuk woke up on Feb. 10, his day "started as a flashback — I overslept and was late to class." Pretty typical student stuff, but Gladchuk's student days are far behind him. His blast into the past was all a part of the "Big Switch," where two students and two administrators switch jobs for a day. UH System Chancellor/UH President Arthur K. Smith and Gladchuk — high-profile, busy administrators — trudged through rainwater and lugged around heavy backpacks in an attempt to experience a day in the life of two UH students. The UH Student Foundation, an organization which works to foster better student-alumni relations, sponsored the program, dubbed "The Big Switch." Winners were chosen through a raffle which garnered around $400 in ticket sales. The raffle winners, Spencer Lightsy, senior political science major, and sophomore business major Stephen Brown, traded places with Smith and Gladchuk, respectively. Both students opted to wear suits, ties and light-colored shirts. Conversely, the administrators donned casual duds; Smith chose a navy nylon sweatsuit with Nike tennis shoes. Gladchuk wore a T-shirt over a long-sleeved shirt, slacks and casual shoes. Smith's day was "very busy with a lot of meetings from 8:30 until noon with no free time," according to Lightsy. He met with UH administrators and discussed campus issues. The experience "gave me a different perspective," including a better understanding of why student fees are raised, Lightsy said. "I understand why they need to raise the fees. When there's less money given from the state and the cost of education is going up, there's a problem." Smith and Gladchuk started the day with a few games at the University Center Games Room and then breakfasted with some student-athletes at the American Cafe. Then each administrator lived the life of his student double, at least until lunchtime. "I went in Professor Wlezien's public policy class. He was lecturing and having a discussion on rational choice theory. I was very impressed with his ability to capture the attention of the class," said Smith. Smith then received academic advising as to whether he "should seek to be a political scientist or go to law school. If I had more time, I'd be a basketball player," he added. Brown, who took over Gladchuk s job, called his day "very interesting. I didn't really know what goes on at that department. There is more to it than sports. It is like a corporation." He even made the phone call that canceled that day's baseball game due to the rain. Gladchuk also encountered unexpected challenges. "In going to class I had no reason to believe I would teach the class when I got there." Both Gladchuk and Smith called the day a fun experience. They ended the day by lunching at Eric's restaurant with Brown, Lightsy, representatives of the Student Foundation and guests. UH System Chancellor/UH President Arthur K. Smith plays a game of pool before having breakfast. Smith traded places with senior political science major Spencer Lightsy. 146 February |