LMU Leavey Center named distributor for book on L.A. govt.
Loyola Marymount University's Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles has been named the sole distributor of the just released two-volume, 1,040-page reference work, "The Development of Los Angeles City Government: An Institutional History 1850-2000."
Published by the Los Angeles City Historical Society with a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, and support from others, including Loyola Marymount University's Bellarmine College, the work was undertaken to fill a gap in the historical record of urban development in the United States by examining all aspects of Los Angeles city government from 1850-2000.
The work, written by more than 30 prominent scholars, educators and administrators, includes how councils, commissions, departments and divisions came into being, and how factors such as population changes, intergovernmental relations and global influences have impacted Los Angeles city government.
"This work is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive history in this country because it covers a 150-year time period of a large, major city government," said Hynda L. Rudd, Project Director and retired Los Angeles City Archivist. "By using records from the Los Angeles City Archives the authors were able to trace the development and growth of our city from a pueblo setting to a major megalopolis.
LACHS and the work's board of editors chose The Leavey Center at Loyola Marymount University as the sole distributor because of its historical relationship with Los Angeles. "We were sure that they would carry out the spirit of the work in practice," said Doyce B. Nunis, Jr., member of the board of editors.
"This project strikes at the core of The Leavey Center's mission - to educate our students as community and leaders for action." said Fernando J. Guerra, Ph.D., director of The Leavey Center and associate professor of political science and Chicana/o Studies at LMU.
The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles was established in 1996 to assist students, the university, and the community at large to become agents for change that leads to social justice. Using Los Angeles as a laboratory for understanding the urban experience, the Leavey Center has become a university leader in producing highly regarded applied research; convening government and community leaders, students and the public to increase civic awareness and collective action; developing educational programs; and engaging undergraduates in socially-relevant research.
"The Development of Los Angeles City Government: An Institutional History 1850-2000" board of editors includes: Hynda L. Rudd, project director and retired Los Angeles City archivist; Tom Sitton, senior editor; Lawrence B. de Graaf; Michael E. Engh, S.J., dean of the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts at LMU; Steven P. Erie; Judson A. Grenier; Gloria Ricci Lothrop; and Doyce B. Nunis, Jr.
To purchase the two-volume reference work contact The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center at (310) 338-4565, or email: abeck@lmu.edu.
Thomas Aquinas named among top 21 Catholic colleges
Thomas Aquinas College of Santa Paula has been named one of 21 recommended Catholic colleges and universities in "The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College: What to Look For and Where to Find It, published by the Cardinal Newman Society.
According to Guide editor Joseph Esposito, "Thomas Aquinas is one of the very best liberal arts colleges in the United States. For more than 35 years, it has matched a superb Great Books curriculum with a strong commitment to Catholic Church teachings."
The culmination of two years of research and interviews, the Newman Guide recommends Catholic colleges and universities "which most faithfully live their Catholic identity and provide a quality undergraduate education." Each college profile examines the school's history, governance, Catholic identity, curriculum, student life and community.
Those recommended represent the top 10 percent of Catholic colleges in the U.S. based on Catholic identity and cover a wide range of institutions in terms of history, size, location and academic focus.
Colleges range from Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Md., the nation's second oldest Catholic college, to Wyoming Catholic College of Lander, Wyo., which opened in Sept. 2007.
Twenty of the colleges are located in the United States while one school, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, is in Ontario, Canada. Some were founded explicitly to meet the needs of Catholics seeking an authentic Catholic education while several have recently strengthened their identity and curriculum.
"These colleges and universities represent a unique perspective on higher education," said Esposito. "They are all impressive institutions, offering a wide range of choices from a Great Books curriculum to a degree in motor sports management. But what sets them apart from others is the day-to-day living of their Catholic identity." |