Trachtenberg mulls new book

Already a published author, University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg is digging through his files in hopes of returning to print.

Trachtenberg, who has previously published three compilations of his speeches and writings, is looking through his collection of correspondences for printable material.

“I’m fussing around with the possibility of writing a book,” he said in a recent interview. “Mostly what we’re doing is going through files.”

Trachtenberg was quick to point out that he has yet to commit himself to a book or publisher.

He said, “I haven’t got a book yet … First you write a book, then you look for an agent, then the agent looks for a publisher.”

Previous books by Trachtenberg have focused on higher education and the management of universities. He is the author of two compilations of his speeches, “Reflections on Higher Education” and “Speaking His Mind.” In addition, he co-edited a book entitled “The Art of Hiring in America’s Colleges and Universities.”

His newest project focuses mainly on letters he has sent or received.

“They are people I have written to in several years … friends, relatives, alumni, students, letters to the editor in The Hatchet,” Trachtenberg said. “Some of the letters are poignant letters I’ve written to people in the face of tragedy. They run the full gamut.”

-Robert Lintott

Thurston Hall to undergo assessment

Engineers will begin a six-to-10 week assessment of Thurston Hall’s exterior this week to determine how much it needs to be repaired. The building, located at 1900 F St., was built in 1929 and is GW’s largest residence hall.

Starting the week of Nov. 15, teams of workers will use mobile scaffolding and suspend themselves from the building’s roof to inspect its window frames, sills and brick fa?ade, according to the University. Inspections will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“The goal of this work is to complete the survey and assessment process as quickly as possible, without significant disruption to residents,” Tracy Schario, director of Media Relations, said in a written statement.

In an interview Sunday, Schario said she was unsure what kind of construction work would be performed during reading days and final exams. Finals begin Dec. 14. Thurston’s 1,030 freshman residents were informed about the construction Sunday, Schario said.

“It’s hard to predict that far out,” said Schario.

-Michael Barnett