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CARNEGIE SCHOLAR

UCLA Law Professor Khaled M. Abou El Fadl was recently selected by the Carnegie Corporation of New York as one of 16 Carnegie Scholars, all of whom will study themes focusing on Islam and the modern world. The corporation, which was created by Andrew Carnegie in 1911, is concentrating on Islam over the next few years to make the field more central to American research and instruction. Recognized as one of the leading authorities in Islamic law in the United States and Europe, El Fadl will receive up to $100,000 over two years to complete the first systematic study of the theology and jurisprudence of jihad in Islam. The book that results from his project, “Reconstituting Jihad: From Making War to Constructing Peace,” is expected to become a comprehensive reference source for students of Islam, comparative religions, international law and policymakers.

GIFT OF MUSIC

The UCLA Library has acquired the A&M Records Collection, donated by company co-founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss. Founded in 1962 in Los Angeles, A&M became America’s largest independent record company. Its first release, the single “The Lonely Bull” by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, came out in August 1962. Led by the success of the Tijuana Brass, A&M revenue topped $50 million by 1968. “A&M is a legendary company, and we are deeply honored that Herb and Jerry have chosen to give this collection to the UCLA Library,” said University Librarian Gary E. Strong. The collection includes sound recordings, manuscript musical arrangements, promotional material, correspondence and photographs.

AFTER THEY LEAVE

Community service declines sharply during the years immediately after students graduate from college, according to a new national survey of former college students done by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA. Compared to their college days, alumni not only are less likely to engage in volunteer service, but also show less interest in community issues and in helping others. While 80.3% of the former students surveyed had participated in community service in the year prior to entering college, this figure declined to 74.4% by the senior year of college and to 68.1% six years after completing college.