Ferrari’s portrait painted by former student
Chancellor Michael Ferrari said he sat motionless longer than he ever has in many years as his portrait was painted by former student, Vilas Tonape.

Ferrari said this was a creative project that was more about the artist than the subject.

Tonape came to TCU in 1994 from India and earned his masters in fine arts.

Tonape said the art department’s faculty were like a family to him, always open to new ideas and expressions.

“I have been in love with TCU since the moment I got here,” Tonape said.

Tonape said Ferrari’s gaze is his most dominant feature, and it tells a lot about the chancellor’s power of observation.

“I hope that part of Ferrari’s character will be seen in his portrait,” Tonape said.

Ron Watson, art department chairman, said he suggested Tonape to the chancellor for two reasons. Tonape is a very good portrait painter, Watson said, and has experience with the portrait style. Since Tonape is also a graduate, Watson said, it was a good opportunity to use his talents.

“He was enthusiastic to do this,” Watson said.

Jim Woodson, a painting instructor, said portrait painting is like another style of painting in that you start with the general outline first, then move to more specific details. Parts of the subject that aren’t normally seen in passing are caught when details are closely observed, Watson said.

“This starts as a general form, and suddenly, with minor changes, it’s (Ferrari),” said Woodson.

— Sarah Chacko

Zan Holmes honors campus with ideas about diversity
The Rev. Zan Holmes, a noted public speaker, said Thursday he is working toward promoting equality and strengthening community ties through his public speaking.
Holmes was the keynote speaker at a student forum Wednesday night in Ed Landreth Hall and at a breakfast Thursday morning.

Holmes said working toward equality is important and that even if results are not immediately seen, it does not mean everyone should not try.

“We don’t always see the fruit ourselves,” Holmes said. “Sometimes we just have to plant the seeds for someone else to see the harvest.”

In recognition of Black History Month, a Martin Luther King Jr. committee, which consisted of faculty, staff and students invited Holmes to educate the campus about breaking down diversity barriers, said Phyllis Bodie, assistant director of the Student Center.
“We wanted to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.,” Bodie said. “His struggles were not just for black people, but for all people.”

Cyndi Walsh, director of the Leadership Center, said Holmes’ speech was important because all schools should strive toward increased diversity.

“I think he was very insightful and inspirational,” Walsh said. “It’s nice to have a resource to help renew our goal (of increased diversity).”

Rev. John Butler said welcoming Holmes was an honor.

“We truly have a role model with us for these two days,” Butler said. “He lives the vision we talk about in our community.”

— Lara Hendrickson