CAMPUS BRIEFS: Thursday, March 5, 1998

Princeton senior held for throwing firecracker Brasno, of South River, N.J., was charged with first-degree aggravated assault, simple assault, arson, causing or risking a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person, and possession of an instrument of crime -- a total of four felonies and two misdemeanors -- according to police He remained in custody last night at the Philadelphia Police Department's 18th District Headquarters at 55th and Pine streets. University Police arrested him after he allegedly threw a firecracker from high in the Palestra's southeast corner during the second half of the basketball game. Brasno has yet to see a bail commissioner. A University employee watching the game suffered minor wounds from the firecracker's sparks but did not receive medical treatment, police said. Another 10 fans were burned by the sparks. But detectives with the bureau said they doubted Brasno would be held on felony charges because the firecracker did not cause any major injuries. -- Maureen Tkacik Two students honored in 'USA Today' awards Two University students -- College seniors Daniel Goldberg and Lisa Jellinek -- received honorable mention in USA Today's All-Academic Team. The newspaper publishes this list annually in recognition of the academic achievement of 115 students who are chosen out of a pool of 1,194 applicants. Thirty-nine students tried out for the award this year. "It's really a tremendous honor," USA Today Education Editor Dennis Kelly said. "We look at the applicants very closely." The applicants had to show substantial achievement both in the classroom -- the cut-off for college students was a 3.7 GPA -- and in the community. Goldberg helped co-found Student Athletic Mentors, a mentoring program that brings together University student-athletes and area children. Goldberg noted that his community service program is more important then the academic award. -- Liz Goldhirsh