Jan. 22, 1998 Contact John R. Crosiar (541) 346-3135 EUGENE--The hearth area in Hendricks Hall, 1408 University St. at the University of Oregon, will be renamed the "Frazier Hearth" and dedicated to the memory of UO alumnus William Allen "Al" Frazier during a 10:30 a.m. ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The renaming of the hearth area acknowledges Frazier's accomplishments and commitment to the field of public affairs and gratefully recognizes his family's memorial gifts to the university, says Bryan Downes, professor and head of the UO Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management. Frazier, who died in January 1995 at age 59, was described by co-workers as "a good teacher," "a great listener" and "a very special person" who was respected for his communication skills and talents in conflict management, consensus building and community problem-solving. The hearth area, consisting of sofas and a fireplace in the departmental offices on the first floor of Hendricks Hall, was refurbished and dedicated to Frazier through a $7,500 gift from his sister, Jean Frazier Geist, and his widow, Joan Frazier. The hearth recognizes Frazier's distinguished career and his special talents in bringing people together for the civic good. His sister, widow, and daughter, Lorna, are expected to attend Tuesday's ceremony. Downes says the hearth renaming also acknowledges a $62,000 gift from the estate of Frazier's parents, William A. "Tex" Frazier and Margaret Bell Frazier, establishing the Al Frazier Endowment Fund to aid graduate students in public affairs and to support other educational purposes in the university's Planning, Public Policy and Management department. "The fund will encourage students in public affairs to work on team-building strategies so necessary to achieving resolution to society's complex issues," said Downes. Frazier was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, and in Corvallis, where he graduated from high school in 1954. He attended Oregon State University for two years, where his father was a horticulture professor, and then served four years in the U.S. Army. After earning a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1963 and a master's degree in public affairs in 1968 from the University of Oregon, Frazier moved to Rochester, N.Y., where he became associate planner in the Monroe County Planning Department in 1969. He held that position for 26 years until his death. -30- #P-2144/Special/eb