EXCHANGE To the editor, from the editor, including what we hope we're doing with this special issue.

AROUND THE POND Charlayne Hunter-Gault addresses Commencement '98; Professor Nancy Folbre is a genius; we look in on the Graduate Student Lounge, etc.

BRANCHES OF LEARNING David Buchanan of community health studies provides keynote thoughts for our special issue; Dean Stephen Gehlbach on the campaign in PHHS; the "Deans' List" of faculty honors.

HERE IN THIS CITY A nine-page report on alcohol and alcohol education at UMass.

SWEET ENSNARING MEAD A shot of context, please: our brief history of drink, commencing with Odysseus.

INCORRIGIBLE, IRREPLACEABLE: THE DRAKE A former downtown bar remains a fixture in student memory.

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT DRINK From tingling taste buds to hard-working liver, it's physical process we're talking here.

HUB OF HOSPITALITY A small but significant feature of a campus institution: the Faculty Club bar.

BOOKS "Addiction studies" in three recent books from UMass Press.

PERFORMING ARTS "What the hell good have we got? Why should we stay sober?" Senior Alex Sherker's play, Coyote Gets Sober.

EXTENDED FAMILY June reunion, several young alumni with drink-related vocations, and other family business.

GREAT SPORT Alcohol and athletes: coaches and educators express cautious optimism about the relationship at UMass.

NORTH 40 In our soberest memoir to date, our colleague Thom Kendall offers the reflections of a frat boy who made it.

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