Manuevering around the Homewood campus was particularly tricky this summer as construction crews set to work tearing up roadways, ripping down walls, and laying new brick in the area surrounding Levering Hall. The effect of their efforts, I have to tell you, is absolutely transforming. Gone are the cars, trucks, and asphalt that used to clutter this pedestrian-intensive area. In their place: an expansive brick plaza, lush new sod, curving walkways, and dozens of new benches that will together create the feel of a whole new "mini-quad" that's bounded by Gilman Hall to the north and Garland Hall to the south. (Hard to visualize? Check out an artist's rendering of the makeover at www.jhu.edu/gx/info/render.html).

As I stood on the Gilman promenade one gorgeous morning in August, looking down at the construction crews and bulldozers below, I got to thinking how different -- yet in some ways, similar -- the scene would have been 200 years ago, just northeast of where I stood. In the summer of 1802 there may not have been any rumbling of machinery, but the clang of hammers would indeed have filled the air as workers labored to complete Homewood House, the grand Federal-style mansion that sits adjacent to today's Milton S. Eisenhower Library. Standing on the mansion's front steps and looking south, owners Charles Carroll Jr. and wife Harriet would have had a dramatic view stretching all the way to the bustling Baltimore harbor.

The story of the building of Homewood House is a fascinating one -- replete with mystery and personal tragedy -- and is the subject of an exhibit opening later this month at this museum. If you find yourself in or near Baltimore during the fall, you'll want to visit the exhibit. And while you're at it, spend some time exploring the "new" Homewood campus. For all of us here at Hopkins -- students, professors, staff, visitors -- there's never been a nicer time to linger.

Earlier this summer we were thrilled to learn that our February 2002 cover story, "Trials and Tribulation," captured a grand gold medal in the "best articles" category in the annual contest sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. That special report was also part of the package that earned us a silver medal in CASE's "higher education reporting" category. We also brought home a gold in "staff writing" and a bronze in the overall "general interest magazine" category.

-Sue De Pasquale

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