Letter from Lloyd Katz to University of Nevada Las Vegas Board of Regents, June 8, 1973

NEVADA THEATRE CORP. GUILD THEATRE 8UILD1NC POST 0 F t ICE BOX 1160 LAS VEGAS. NEVADA 891C1 ( 7 0 2 ) 3 8 4 - 3 6 6 7 ; 3 8 2 - 8 6 9 6 June 8, 1973 Board of Regents U.N.L.V. Lag Vegas, Nevada Dear Regent: In early February I discussed with Dr. Baepler the estRblishnent of a Chair in Judaic Studies at the University of Nevada Las Vegas for the fall semester. This was to be funded by Mr. Hank Greenspan for a period of two years at $20,000.00 per year. It was to be in memory of his late father, Mr. Samuel Greenspan. Dr. Baepler said he would research the matter to determine the most suitable department into which chis program could be integrated. When, by the middle of March there was no progress despite repeated phone calls to get information, I did two things -- first, I determined on ray own that the Philosophy Department and its Chairman -- Dr. Travis -- were most anxious to have the program and secured a letter to that effect. Second, 1 then arranged to present this information to the Board oi Regents at their April uieetiflg. I am now convinced that had I not dens this, the program would still remain undiscussed. At the April Regents' meeting Dr. Baepler assured me that he would immediately finalize the arrangements with the Fhilosophy Department. i By the end of April when I heard nothing further from Dr. Baepler, I contacted Dr. Travis who informed me that Dr. Baepler instructed her not to do any recruiting and more specifically not to reconar.end a Dr. Piotkin, one of the candidates for the position in the program. Dr. Fred Piotkin was one of 10 applicants for the position in the Judaic Studies program. He is presently an Associate Professor in the English Department and in addition teaches a course in "Philosophy of Religion". Aside from his outstanding credentials his candidacy was attractive because his being the only local applicant would expedite the establisheent of the program with a minimum of delay. Because I was aware that Dr. Plotkin's contract was not being renewed in the English Department and that this situation might be "sticky ', I made it a point to discuss his application with Dr. Baepler in one of cur earliest conversations. He said he saw no problem about this sine? he would be considered for a different department. NEVADA THEATRE CORP. GUILD THEATRE BUILDING POST OFFICE BOX 1180 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101 ( 7 0 2 ) 3 8 4 - 3 8 6 7 : 3 8 2 - 8 8 0 8 Board of Regents -2- Early last week Dr. Baepler contacted me to advise that acceptance of the Judaic Studies program would be finalized at the June Regents' meeting. However, due to the lateness in the year he did not advise that it be launched in the Fall, but rather the following Spring. He further said he had under consideration a candidate for the position. Apparently, contrary to normal procedure, the Philosophy Department is being by-passed in the selection of the candidate since Ifcr. Travis has done no recruiting. In addition he said that the name of Samuel Greenspun could not be retained after the two years of funding. I have devoted an inordinate amount of time on this project with only one purpose in mind -- to broaden the programs of the University by helping to make possible a gift of $40,000.00 of which 1 suspect there are not too many. The unreasonable delays, foot-dragging, misrepresentations and apathy clearly indicate to me that the University administration for reasons of its own, is reluctant to attach to this gift the importance it merits. Accordingly I have advised Mr. Greenspun to withdraw his offer and research other cultural areas where his concerns and assistance will be respected. ccs H. Greenspun