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UCLA COLLEGE

Faculty in the UCLA College recently rejected a proposal for a diversity requirement for undergraduates. Of the 1,262 faculty members eligible to vote on the issue, 249 (20%) voted, 141 against the measure and 108 for it. A two thirds majority was required for the proposal to pass. Although uncertain why faculty rejected the proposal, Professor Raymond Knapp, chair of the College's GE Governance Committee that worked on the proposal, noted that much misinformation circulated via e mail among faculty before the online vote. Robin Garrell, chair of the College's Faculty Executive Committee (FEC), said that some faculty "felt that the definition of diversity being used was overly broad." Others felt that since many existing GE courses already have a diversity component, it shouldn't be required, she said. "They felt that making it a requirement is just public relations." So far, the FECs in the schools of the Arts and Architecture, and Theater, Film and Television have yet to decide to put the proposal up for a vote.

UCLA-VETERANS AFFAIRS

Can curry spice halt Alzheimer's disease? That's what a new UCLA Veterans Affairs study with genetically altered mice suggests. A dietary staple of India, where Alzheimer's disease rates are reportedly among the world's lowest, holds potential as a weapon in the fight against the disease. The study suggests that curcumin, the yellow pigment in curry spice, inhibits the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and also breaks up existing plaques. The UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center will begin human clinical trials to further evaluate curcumin. Details are available at www.npistat.com/adrc/treatment.asp.

ANDERSON and LAW SCHOOLS

Kelly Perdew, who has an M.B.A. and a law degree from UCLA, is the latest winner of the popular NBC show, "The Apprentice." The software entrepreneur charmed billionaire host Donald Trump with his personable ways, quick wit and organizational skills, applied during the competition_s final challenge when he organized a benefit polo match. Perdew, 37, plans to further his education working at the side of The Donald on a New York City development project. "Mr. Trump's Rolodex is a Who's Who," Perdew told a TV Guide columnist. "I don't care how old you are—there is a lot to be gained from a year of living in that world, networking with those people and learning from Donald Trump himself."