Anticipating centennial celebrations of William Faulkner's birthday that will be held in Oxford and at the University, the Register offers a rich array of articles on the writer's life and work. As toasts are raised and accolades given around the globe this year in memory of Faulkner, it is especially fitting that Oxford, the University, and the Center pay special homage to our native son and his work. No study of the American South and its rich culture can be considered without reference to William Faulkner. Our Encyclopedia of Southern Culture opens with the famed "Tell about the South" quote from Absalom! Absalom! and draws heavily on Faulkner throughout each of its 24 sections. Whether we explore "Literature," "Law," or "Folklife," Faulkner's narrative offers insights that are both thoughtful and enduring.

Faulkner's life intersected with memorable individuals in the Oxford community, two of whom we sadly lost earlier this year. Over the years Miss Bessie Sumners and Motee Daniels generously shared their memories of Faulkner and together they preserved an oral history of his life in Oxford. Our tributes to both in the Register reflect the affection felt by so many for these two dear friends.We also mourn the loss of others whose lives were associated with our Center over the years.

Hallie Goodman was a generous supporter of our Encyclopedia in its development. Hallie and her husband, William Goodman, were pillars of the Memphis cultural worlds to which they contributed throughout their lives. But Hallie's greatest gift was that of love for her children, grandchildren, and many friends whom we join in mourning her loss.

Chris Fullerton's death was especially hard to accept. An M.A. graduate in Southern Studies, Chris spoke at the Center's brown bag lunch the week before his death telling a large and enthusiastic audience about his dreams for building Rickwood Stadium in Birmingham into a national shrine for baseball lovers. Chris's warmth and love for his work were clear, and we know his spirit will live through Rickwood Stadium and through all of us who were privileged to have known him.

Finally, we mourn our dear friend Charley Jacobs whose powerful vocals and saxophone enriched our lives over the past 20 years. Charley and his famed Delta band the Tangents were a familiar sound in Oxford and at many of the Center's public programs. I will always remember his performance at a tribute to Alex Haley that we held in Oxford at the Hoka Theater. Charley stood on the stage in front of Alex and played an incredible solo concert with selections that ranged from blues and rock and roll to jazz, with a final tribute to Miles Davis. During the concert Alex turned to me and asked "Who is this incredible musician?" It was Charley Jacobs, whose life and music burned with an intensity that was truly unique.

We join Tom Verich and his fine staff in celebrating the addition of the Larry Brown and Willie Morris papers to their impressive Department of Archives and Special Collections. William Faulkner is probably smiling at the thought that the manuscripts and letters of his home state's finest writers will be housed beside his own. These impressive collections further establish the University's reputation as a major research center for students and scholars in the field of Southern literature.

We also congratulate Archives and Special Collections for acquiring the James Meredith papers. Meredith's gift and the impressive, moving ceremony that accompanied his gift signal an important new era for the University. During his remarks Meredith spoke of the healing process that brought him and his family back to the University where his important legacy in race relations will be preserved and celebrated. Meredith's remarks and those of Chancellor Robert Khayat underscore the historic changes that are occurring at the University of Mississippi.

We roundly applaud Chancellor Khayat's courageous decision to review the University's symbols and to move the institution boldly toward the next century with a focus on academic excellence. Earlier this spring University of Mississippi faculty endorsed his effort with a unanimous vote, and student leaders have echoed this support. Our Center is especially proud of the leadership that Chancellor Khayat brings to the institution, and we look forward to fully supporting his efforts to expand the University's tradition of academic excellence in the coming years.

William Ferris