Thomas Eisner, the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Biology, has received the 1996 Distinguished Service Award of the American Institute of Biological Sciences. The award is given annually to individuals who make "significant contributions in the service of biology, particularly in applying biological knowledge to the solution of human problems." In addition to conducting research, the society noted, "he also has served as an active proponent for the conservation of biological diversity and as a public educator."
William Foote Whyte, emeritus professor of industrial and labor relations, was presented with the Lester A. Ward award at the Oct. 17-20 meeting of the Society for Applied Sociology. Professor Ward was a leader of the movement to get sociology recognized as an important scientific discipline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Whyte's research in industrial relations and in agricultural research and development has always stressed how sociological knowledge can be put to practical use. His best-known book, Street Corner Society, originally published in 1943, with new editions in 1951, 1981 and 1993, has been translated into Spanish, Italian, French, German, Japanese and Chinese.
Donald H. Lein, associate professor of clinical sciences and director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, has received the 1996 Outstanding Service Award of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society. At the society's annual meeting Oct. 4 in Alexandria Bay, Lein was cited "in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement and improvement of veterinary medicine in New York State."
Claudia Lazzaro, professor and chair of the Department of History of Art, has been awarded an Ailsa Mellon Bruce Visiting Senior Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., and a residency at the Rockefeller Foundation Center in Bellagio, Italy.