Liesel Wildhagen On the Job

As staff associate in the UI's Center for Advanced Study, what are your
responsibilities?
I'm connected with the George A. Miller Committee programs, and work
closely with Jeanie Taylor, the center's associate director. A lot of my
time is spent helping people get their proposals for the MillerComm series
in shape. People are encouraged to talk to me before the deadline so I can
work with them. For instance, if they're thinking of an April event, I
would know if it conflicted with Moms Day. Or, if necessary, I could steer
someone to other resources on campus they hadn't considered.
      Once an event is scheduled, I make sure the setting, the production
and publicity is in place. I also attend every event.

What exactly is the Miller Committee?
The committee is supported by a bequest of George A. Miller, who was a
professor of mathematics at the UI from 1905 to 1931. The university
trustees earmarked the funds to bring people to campus to enhance the
offerings of the university. This is accomplished through the work of the
George A. Miller Endowment Committee. The committee, which consists of six
faculty members appointed by the vice chancellor for academic affairs and
provost, meets twice a year and gives funds to the MillerComm Series,
sponsors visiting professors and scholars, and funds special projects. The
committee also runs a competition for the annual Beckman Institute speaker.

One of the most visible efforts of the committee is probably the MillerComm
series. What's the purpose of the series?
MillerComm is a series of free, interdisciplinary public events with a
scholarly component, geared toward a reasonably educated audience. They're
not graduate-level seminars - they're not that esoteric. We try to bring in
the best of the best. They're supposed to be on compelling topics, of
interest to our campus community, presented by a good communicator in a
manner that makes it accessible to a wide public. MillerComm events are not
just talking heads - although we have our share of those; they could be
poetry readings, musical presentations or lecture-performances.

How many MillerComm events take place each year?
Approximately 30.

Who determines which events MillerComm will sponsor?
Proposals are submitted by campus units, and the final selection is made by
a committee of 15 faculty members and academic professionals. This year,
the committee is chaired by Marie Banich.

What does MillerComm support of an event include?
It provides funding and staff support, but co-sponsoring units have to
provide in-kind funding. The Miller Committee also can provide additional
support related to direct costs, such as honoraria, transportation, food
and lodging for the visitor.

What do you enjoy most about the kind of work you do?
I get to know a lot more of the campus. It's like going for another degree,
given the variety of things I listen to that I wouldn't otherwise go to. I
also appreciate knowing that the people who come here bring a lot to the
students.

Of all the visitors MillerComm has brought to campus, do you have special
favorites?
Robert Jay Lifton, professor of psychiatry and psychology at City
University of New York, who spoke on "Bearing Witness: Holocaust and
Beyond," was wonderful. Other stand-outs include Chris Mhlanga, a musician
and instrument-maker from Zimbabwe; John Seely Brown from Xerox PARC; the
musical group Ensamble Gurrufio de Venezuela; Illinois State Poet Laureate
Gwendolyn Brooks; former Ms. magazine editor Robin Morgan and former
Cherokee Nation chief Wilma Mankiller; writers Philip Levine, Robert Olen
Butler and Jean Auel. There are just too many.

With all the events you help plan and set up, there's probably room for
things to go wrong. What's the worst - or craziest - thing that has
happened?
We've had a few late speakers. And we've had some cancel at the last minute
- because of a snowstorm ... or they might get all the way to Chicago, but
then have to turn around and go back for some reason. The craziest thing
was when I met Robin Morgan. I went up to her and hugged her and said, "I'm
glad you'rehere." But I hugged the wrong person. I confused her with one
of our French professors.

For information about the MillerComm '96 Series, call the hot line,
333-1118. A World Wide Web site also is coming soon.