Admiral Joseph W. Prueher Former U.S. Ambassador to China

Former Ambassador to China Speaks on U.S. Foreign Policy
By Aidan Doherty
Editor-in-Cheif

Former U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and former Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command Joseph W. Prueher put forward a vision of U.S. foreign policy primarily concerned with the issue of stability, which he argued was in the best interests both of China and the United States. He argued that many military conflicts result from issues of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots,’ and that China, contrary to popular belief, has become a ‘have’ nation. He thus downplayed the idea that war with China was inevitable, and criticized the opposition of conflict and cooperation as the only possibilities for dealing with China as too simplistic.

Evidence of Grade Inflation at Pomona
By Jeff Horwitz
News Editor

While Dean of the College Gary Kates is unsure “if the rise is due more to academic merit or grade inflation,” it is hard to dispute that Sagehen transcripts are looking a little chubby. With almost 19 out of every 20 letter grades an A or a B in some form, the average Pomona GPA has risen to a 10.3 on a 12 point scale, or in letter terms, between a B+ and an A- average.

Pomona Endowment Still Alive and Kicking
By Susan Hoang
News Writer

Though much uncertainty remains in today’s economy, Pomona’s endowment has suffered only moderate losses in the last year. As of June 30, 2002, the endowment had lost $100 million, just under ten percent of its former $1.1 billion. The College remains largely unconcerned by the losses, as the Board of Trustees has, in recent years, attempted to diversify Pomona’s portfolio of investments. “Pomona College’s endowment performance was better than that of many other colleges and universities across the country during the last year. There is concern that a prolonged bear market and weak economy could ultimately cause problems for the College’s finances, but I would not say that we are concerned at this point about a ‘dramatic’ effect. If current conditions persist, however, it will be necessary to be very, very careful about expenditures,” Vice President and Treasurer of the College Carlene Miller said.

Oldenborg Changes Imminent
By Justin duRivage
News Writer

Current and former Oldenborg residents opened their mailboxes last week to find a questionnaire from the Oldenborg task force asking them to evaluate the center’s programming and facilities. The letter informed students that “Pomona College has recently set up a task force charged with rethinking the future role the Oldenborg International Center should play in the academic and residential life of the college.” Specifically, the task force questions such as “Should Oldenborg remain a dorm?” and “Where should Oldenborg be located on the campus?” implied that the college was considering radically changing the Oldenborg Center or eliminating its role as a dorm.