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The Wesleyan Connection's Achievements 2007
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Posted 11.20.07 |
Sultan Speaks at Plant Science Symposium in
Japan
Sonia Sultan, professor of biology, was one of 12 U.S. plant scientists
invited to speak at a joint U.S.-Japanese symposium on the role of
phenotypic plasticity in plant responses to global climate change in Nikko,
Japan in October. Her talk was titled "Phenotypic plasticity in response to
environmental changes: Scaling from the molecular to ecosystem levels." The
meeting, sponsored jointly by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the
Japanese Academy of Sciences, brought together plant scientists working at
the cellular, leaf, whole plant and ecosystem levels to work toward an
integrated understanding of plant development and function under changing
environmental conditions.
Yohe Speaks on Climate Change
Gary Yohe, the Woodhouse/Sysco Professor of Economics, spoke to the
Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance and Investment of the Senate Committee
on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs in Washington Oct. 31. Yohe was
elected to serve as one of eight members of the standing Committee on the
Human Dimensions of Global Change of the National Research Council. He has
also made several presentations on the economics of climate change
including: Environment Expo, sponsored by Northeast Utilities in Berlin,
Conn. on Oct. 3; the Governor's Climate Change Task Force on Oct. 9; and at
a public forum sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection on Oct. 9. He gave a featured talk at a day long retreat on
climate change sponsored by the Connecticut Business and Industry
Association in Middlefield, Conn. on Oct. 26. He also gave a featured talk
at a symposium on "Our Climate Matters" sponsored by the League of Women
Voters in Chicago on Oct. 20.
Lang Elected to Jewish Research Academy
Berel Lang, visiting professor of philosophy and letters, has been elected a
Fellow in the American Academy for Jewish Research. The academy represents
the oldest organization of Judaic scholars in North America. Fellows are
nominated and elected by their peers and thus constitute the most
distinguished and most senior scholars teaching Judaic studies at American
universities.
Hornstein Presents Paper on Information Sharing at Financial Conference
Abigail Hornstein, assistant professor of economics, co-presented a paper at
the Financial Management Association conference Oct. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla.
She and Minyuan Zhao from the University of Michigan spoke on "Do Corporate
Expenditures Reflect Information Sharing? Multi-Unit Firms, Inter-Unit
Coordination, and Corporate Capital Budgeting Decisions."
Rodriguez Speaks on Political Oppression
Francisco Rodriguez, assistant professor of economics and Latin American
Studies, presented a talk at the Lunches on Economic Policy Series at the
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, on Oct. 29. He
presented the paper "The Price of Political Opposition: Evidence from
Venezuela's Maisanta." |
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Posted 11.05.07 |
Patton Receives Environmental Award for Land
Battle Efforts
Peter Patton, vice president and secretary of the university, professor of
earth and environmental sciences, received an award from the Connecticut
Fund for the Environment (CFE) and Save the Sound. Patton was noted for his
long-term commitment to preserving wetlands and forested areas throughout
the state. Patton is a hydrologist and has served as a scientific witness
for the CFE. He has been involved with the organization for 20 years and has
served on its board. On a regular basis, Patton has been an expert witness
in land battles. His efforts have preserved vernal pools, including Dead
Man's Swamp, the largest forested flood plain on the Connecticut River. The
CFE and Save the Sound presented Patton with a plaque during a ceremony Oct.
21 in Westport, Conn.
O'Connell Invited Speaker at Women in Science Symposium
Suzanne O'Connell, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences
and director of the Service Learning Center, spoke at the Pioneering Women
in Science and Discovery Symposium, honoring the life and revolutionary
scientific contributions of Marie Tharp Oct. 15 at Columbia University.
O'Connell spoke on "Women of the Academy and the Sea, Sixty Years of
Progress." O'Connell is a marine sedimentologist and has worked on
ocean-drilling vessels crossing both the polar circle and equator.
BioBlitz Committee Honored for Planning Efforts
The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District awarded its 2007 Special
Merit Conservation Award to the Middletown BioBlitz Steering Committee,
which includes Wesleyan faculty and staff. The commitee was honored for its
"monumental effort" that went into planning the event, held in June 2007.
The Connecticut River Costal Conservation District presented the award
during its 60th annual meeting Oct. 24 in Middletown. Members of the
steering committee include Valerie Marinelli, administrative assistant for
the Environmental Studies Certificate Program; Barry Chernoff, director of
the Environmental Studies Certificate Program, the Robert Schumann Professor
of Environmental Studies, professor of biology; Suzanne O'Connell, associate
professor of earth and environmental sciences and director of the Service
Learning Center; and Michael Singer, assistant professor of biology.
Kannam Elected to YMCA Fund Board
Tom Kannam, vice president and chief investment officer, was unanimously
elected to the volunteer-based YMCA Retirement Fund Board. John Preis,
president and CEO of the fund said, "I am looking forward to the tremendous
value that (Kannam) will add in the years ahead." The YMCA Retirement Fund
is a not-for-profit church pension fund, organized and operated for the
purpose of providing retirement and other benefits for employees of YMCAs
throughout the United States.
Rodriguez Chairs Macroeconomics Session, Keynote Speaker at UN Conference
Francisco Rodriguez, assistant professor of economics, Latin American
studies, attended the Latin American and Caribbean Economics Association (LACEA)
meetings in Bogota Colombia, Oct. 4-6, where he chaired a session on
Macroeconomics and Growth. He also co-presented his papers, "Are capital
shares higher in poor countries? Evidence from Industrial Surveys" nd "The
price of political opposition: Evidence from Venezuela's Maisanta." He was
among a group of 50 economists at the conference invited to attend a
breakfast with President Alvaro Uribe Oct. 6. On Oct. 19, he was one
of two invited keynote speakers at the "Economic, Social and Environmental
Consequences of the Liberalization of Trade in North Africa and the Middle
East" conference organized by the University of Lyon and the United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa. The conference was held in Rabat, Morocco.
Rodriguez's talk was titled "Growth, Trade, and Development: The Role of
Poverty Traps."
Rutland Speaks at Energy Conference in Switzerland
Peter Rutland, professor of government, presented a paper titled "US energy
policy towards the former Soviet Union" at a conference titled "Energy and
the Transformation of International Relations" at the Center for Security
Studies, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, October 26-27. |
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Posted 10.16.07 |
Lucier to Receive Honorary Doctorate of Arts
for Contributions to Society
Alvin Lucier, the John Spencer Camp Professor of Music, is the recipient of
the Honorary Doctorate of Arts at the University of Plymouth in Plymouth,
U.K. He will receive the degree during the Dartington College of Arts'
Annual Awards Ceremony on Nov. 10, 2007. Lucier was chosen for achieving
great distinction in his professional life and making outstanding
contributions to society at large.
Collins Speaks at Two Mathematics Conferences
Karen Collins, chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department,
professor of mathematics spoke during two conferences last summer. She spoke
on "Core-indicator graphs," at the CanaDAM 2007, the 1st Canadian Discrete
and Algorithmic Mathematics Conference, May 28-31 in Alberta, Canada and on
"The Distinguishing Chromatic Number and Wreath Products," at the Bled '07
6th Slovenian International Conference on Graph Theory, June 24-30 at Lake
Bled, Slovenia.
Gil-Ordonez Named Classical Label's Artist of the Week
Angel Gil-Ordonez was named the Artist of the Week by classical music label
Naxos. Naxos is releasing a 46-minute CD this month with music directed by
Gil-Ordonez and his Post-Classical Ensemble. The recording is titled "The
Plow that Broke the Plains/The River" and music was written by Virgil
Thomson.
Gillmor Plenary Speaker at Science Conference
C. Stewart Gillmor, Professor of History and Science, Emeritus, will be a
plenary speaker during the Smithsonian Institution's upcoming conference
Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in Washington DC. The conference, titled "Making Science
Global: Reconsidering the Social and Intellectual Implications of the
International Polar and Geophysical Years" will examine the impact of
science, society, and culture of the International Polar Years of 1882-83
and 1932-33, and the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58, as well as
how historical perspectives might be useful for those involved in the
current IPY in 2007-2008. Gillmor, who is one of four speakers at the
conference, will present his paper, titled "Eclosion, Synthesis, Conjugacy
and Symmetry: Lessons from the History of Polar Research." His presentation
is also part of the History of Science Society's 2007 Annual Meeting Nov.
1-4 in Arlington, Va
Willis Speaks at University of Puget Sound
Janice Willis, professor of religion, spoke on "Who, Then, is my Neighbor?
An Ethics of Interrelatedness," Oct. 9 at the The University of Puget Sound.
She was the invited speaker at the university's fall Swope Endowed Lecture.
One of the earliest American scholar-practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism,
Willis has published numerous essays and articles on Buddhist meditation,
hagiography, women and Buddhism, and Buddhism and race. She has studied with
Tibetan Buddhists in India, Nepal, Switzerland and the U.S. for four
decades, and has taught courses in Buddhism for 32 years.
Student Featured for Canoe-Building
Gus Seixas '10 was featured in the Oct. 10 Middletown Press for
hand-building Native-American-style canoes. Seixas creates boats by dropping
burning wood into a fallen tree and scooping it out with a tool.
Wesleyan Press Dance Studies Book Honored
Gay Morris's A Game for Dancers: Performing Modernism in the Postwar Years,
1945-1960 received the Society of Dance History Scholar's prestigious de la
Torre Bueno Prize. Morris's book was published by Wesleyan University Press
in 2006.
The de la Torre Bueno Prize is awarded annually to a book published in the
English language that advances the field of dance studies. Named after Jose
Rollins de la Torre Bueno, the first university press editor to develop a
list of titles in dance studies, the Bueno Prize has recognized scholarly
excellence in the field since 1973.
Navaratri Festival Featured on WNPR
Wesleyan's annual Navaratri Festival was mentioned on National Public
Radio's "Where We Live" on Oct. 5. Since 1976, Navaratri has been an annual
event at Wesleyan, and fuses Indian and Western music. It focuses on
dialogue between artists from North America and South Asia with diverse
experiences and ideas. |
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Posted 10.02.07 |
Rodriguez Elected to Venezuelan Association
Francisco Rodriguez, assistant professor of economics and Latin American
Studies, was elected for a three-year term as member of the Council of the
Venezuelan Studies Section, Latin American Studies Association.
Hanson, Masami Make Presentations at Economics Workshop
Michael Hanson and Masami Imai, both assistant professors of economics,
attended the Third Annual Workshop in Macroeconomic Research at Liberal Arts
Colleges on August 7-8 at Smith College in Northampton, Mass. Hanson
presented his paper, "Threshold Estimates of Asymmetries in the Taylor Rule:
Evidence from the Greenbook Forecasts" and acted as a discussant. Imai
presented his paper "Related Lending and Financial Development Conference."
Cohan Invited to Speak at Cell Culture Conference
Fred Cohan, professor of biology, will be an invited speaker at the 11th
International Conference on Culture Collections, sponsored by the German
Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures in October. He will speak on
bacteria ecotypes, discovering and naming them. Cohan also was invited to
speak at the Darwin Symposium 2009, The Advancement of Evolutionary Thought,
sponsored by the University of Chicago. He will speak on "The Origins of
Microbial Diversity."
Bonin Participates in UN Policy Roundtable, Global Competitiveness
Conference
John Bonin, the Chester D. Hubbard Professor of Economic and Social Science,
professor of economics, attended the United Nations University-World
Institute Development Economic Research Conference, titled "Southern Engines
of Global Growth: China, India, Brazil, and South Africa," in Helsinki,
Finland, Sept. 7-8. During this event, he chaired two sessions and
participated in a policy roundtable. He also attended the International
Conference on Global Competitiveness and Taiwan's Financial Sector Reforms
Sept. 27-28 in Taipei, Taiwan, where he presented a talk titled, "Bank
Privatization: Lessons from Transition Economies for East Asia."
Nascimento Directs Play Based on Short Stories of Famous Playwright
A performance directed by Claudia Tatinge Nascimento, assistant professor of
theater, ran at the Ohio Theatre in New York, N.Y. Sept. 6-30, and at the
Yale Summer Cabaret July 5-14. Titled "Pornographic Angel," the play is
based on the short stories of Brazil's most acclaimed playwright, Nelson
Rodrigues. The 80-minute play, based on a new English translation, presents
a glimpse into the psyche and desires of Rio de Janeiro's middle-class in
the 1950/60's. Nascimento's incorporated dance and traditional Brazilian
songs. |
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Posted 09.17.07 |
Juhasz Makes Presentation at Eye Movements
Conference in Europe
Barbara Juhasz, assistant professor of psychology, recently returned from
the 14th European Conference on Eye Movements in Potsdam, Germany. The
conference, held Aug. 19-23, brought together scholars from all over the
world who use eye movement recording as a paradigm to investigate many
diverse topics, such as reading, web usability, visual perception and
clinical applications. Juhasz spoke at the conference and chaired a session
on reading, a position usually reserved for senior members of the field.
Royer Receives Geochemistry Award
Dana Royer, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences,
received the "Ebelmen Award" by the International Association of
Geochemistry (IAGC) for a "Geochemist of particular merit and outstanding
promise who is less than 35 years old." This is the inaugural year for the
award.
Rutland Teaches Summer Classes in Russia
Peter Rutland, professor of government, taught comparative politics for the
Eurasian Political Science Network in Moscow, Russia July 16-26. The 15
participants were doctoral students and assistant professors from
universities across Russia and four other post-soviet countries.
Rayack Attends Conference on Using Statistical Analysis at Liberal Arts
Colleges
Wendy Rayack, associate professor of economics, attended the Mellon Workshop
on Statistical Consulting at Reed College in Portland, Ore. July 25-27. The
conference focused on users and suppliers of statistical advice at liberal
arts colleges. Specifically, the conference explored various models for
consulting structures given the increasing use of statistical analysis among
liberal arts students, faculty and administrators.
Imai Speaks at Economic Conference in Hong Kong
Masami Imai, assistant professor of East Asian Studies, professor of
economics, presented "Ideologies, Vested Interest Groups, and Postal Saving
Privatization in Japan" at the Third Annual Asia-Pacific Economics
Association Conference in Hong Kong July 25-26. |
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Posted 09.06.07 |
Plous Awarded Psychology Citation
Scott Plous, professor of psychology, received a Presidential Citation from
American Psychological Association Division One, The Society of General
Psychology. The citation was awarded for his "unique work to unify
psychology across specialty and national boundaries" through his
introduction to the website, www.socialpsychology.org. Plous maintains the
Social Psychology Network, one of the largest Internet sites devoted to
psychological research and teaching. The online resource contains more than
14,000 links related to psychology.
Sultan Presents on 'Eco-Devo' at European Conference
Sonia Sultan, associate professor of biology, traveled to Uppsala, Sweden,
in August to speak in a European Society for Evolutionary Biology symposium
on her research on plant ecological development or 'eco-devo.' This new
interdisciplinary field examines how individuals respond developmentally to
different environmental conditions.
An invited overview article about the importance of eco-devo data for
understanding these critical biodiversity issues will appear in the November
2007 issue of Trends in Ecology and Evolution.
Wesleyan ranked 7th in 2007 NCSA Collegiate Power Rankings
The National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) ranked Wesleyan
University 7th among NCAA Division III universities in the 5th Annual NCSA
Collegiate Power Rankings.
NCSA's Collegiate Power Rankings rate colleges and universities
comprehensively based on student-athlete graduation rates, academic strength
and athletic prowess of the university. Wesleyan University is in an elite
group of less than 6 percent of colleges and universities across the nation
to make it on NCSA's Top 100 for 2007.
GLSP Instructor Named to Connecticut Supreme Court
Graduate Liberal Studies Program (GLSP) instructor Barry Schaller, an
appellate court judge who has taught three GLSP courses over the past four
years, has been nominated to the Connecticut Supreme Court by Governor Jodi
Rell. He is 68 years old, and so will be required to retire in two years at
age 70, at which point he hopes to teach GLSP courses again. |
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Posted 07.11.07 |
Organic Long Lane Farm Partners with Area
School
Wesleyan's Long Lane Farm and students were mentioned in a June 25
Middletown Press article titled "Farming for the Community." The farm has
begun a community partnership through a high school internship program,
providing food and teaching at the city's summer lunch program and raising
the city's awareness of food related issues. Long Lane farm is strictly
organic and explores unconventional farming techniques.
Wesleyan Sponsors Massive Middletown Event
Wesleyan was one of several local sponsors of The Tastes, Sights & Sounds of
Middletown, held in the city's downtown and Riverview Center July 6-7. A
fireworks show concluded the event. Wesleyan also supplied free parking for
event attendees. |
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Posted 06.20.07 |
Senior Wins Wesleyan Sandwich Naming
Contest
Tom Volgenau '08 was the winner of the Wesleyan's Official 175th Anniversary
Sandwiches naming contest at Neon Deli. Volgenau received the most votes for
his sandwich names through an online poll.
Volgenau named a deli meat sandwich the "John Wesley Whopper," and the
vegetarian sandwich "The Methodist's Mouthful."
Wesleyan Staff, Faculty Promote
Alternative Transportation Near Wesleyan
Several Wesleyan staff, faculty and their families have joined the
budding Transportation Alternatives Middletown, a community-based group
dedicated to improving the quality of life by promoting a safe, pedestrian
and bicycle friendly town, and by increasing public transportation
alternatives in Middletown.
Beth Emery, head coach of women's crew; John Elmore, art director for the
Center for the Arts; Shane Grant, facilities coordinator for the Green
Street Arts Center; Veejay Pinch, professor of history; Yonatan Malin,
assistant professor of music; Steve Machuga, director of administrative
systems; Fred Ellis, professor of physics; and Shawn Hill, desktop support
specialist for science and math, have all participated in at least one of
the group's activities. |
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Posted 06.04.07 |
Seniors Present Gift to Wesleyan
Seniors Anda Greeney, Alison LeBlanc and Peter Harris present a check for
$18,142.75 raised by the Class of 2007, to Wesleyan on May 24. More than 95
percent of the senior class participated in the Senior Class Gift. Doug and
Midge Bennet donated an additional $5,000.
Alrutz Honored as College Coach of the Year
Ken Alrutz, head tennis coach, received the United States Professional
Tennis Association New England division 2006 College Coach of the Year Award
during the USPTA Annual Spring Convention in Brewster, Mass. Alrutz has 17
years of head coaching experience.
"Singing Pictures" Wins Several Honors at Film Festivals
A film titled "Singing Pictures," co-directed by Akos Ostor, professor of
anthropology and professor of film studies, was won several awards at recent
screenings. "Singing Pictures" won the Jury Award at the International
Festival of Ethnological Film in Belgrade, Serbia; the Best Documentary
Independent Short at the 31st Annual New England Film and Video Festival in
Boston; the Sponsor Award at the Eyes and Lenses IV - Competition of
Ethnographic and Anthropologic Films in Warsaw, Poland.
Wesleyan Faculty, Staff Honored on Campus
Trees, benches and artwork were installed and named in May.A tree was
planted and a bench installed near 318 High Street in honor of Barbara-Jan
Wilson, vice president for University Relations. A bench was installed in
memory of Teresa and Juan Roura-Parella. Juan is professor of romance
languages emeritus, and the bench is located near the Wasch Center for
Retired Faculty. In addition, artwork by Wesleyan artists was placed in the
Wasch Center in honor of, and created by, J. Seeley, professor of art; Bill
Burkhart, university photographer; and Joe Reed, professor of English and
American Studies emeritus. |
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Posted 05.16.07 |
Students Embrace Jewish Community
Matthew Johnson '07, Ari King '09, William Leuchter-Mindel '07, Molly
Shuster '07 and D'or Seifer '10 took part in the Wesleyan Jewish Community
Adult Bnei Mitzvah Celebration April 28. By attending, they are honored and
accept Jewish Law.
University Magazine Receives Gold Award
Wesleyan Magazine, created by the Office of Public Affairs, received a gold
medal in the annual Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
national competition. Wesleyan received one of four gold medals awarded from
among 129 entries in the 30,000 to 70,000 circulation category.
Student's Documentary Accepted into Film Festival
A film directed and produced by chemistry graduate student Laure Dykas was
accepted into the Independent Features Film Festival in New York. Animal
Rescue Katrina is about the struggle of courageous animal rescue volunteers
who worked tirelessly in New Orleans, Plaquemines Parish, and the
Mississippi Gulf coast to save the animals left behind during the evacuation
of the Katrina storm.
Senior Plays Role in Stephanie Daley, None of the Above
Halley Feiffer '07 is playing the role of "Rhana" in a movie titled
Stephanie Daley by RedBone Films. Feiffer also is acting in a commercial
production of None of the Above due to come out in September in New York
City.
Wesleyan in Top 10 List for Appealing to Black Students
Wesleyan was named one of the top 10 colleges for African-Americans by Black
Enterprise Magazine. The list was created to target schools that would be of
interest to black students. |
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Posted 05.02.07 |
2 Seniors Awarded Environmental Award
Kevi Mace '07 and Sally Smyth '07 received the Robert Schumann Environmental
Studies Distinguished Award in April. Established in 2007 by a gift from the
Robert Schumann Foundation, this prize is awarded to an outstanding senior(s)
who demonstrates excellence in Environmental Stewardship through their work
at Wesleyan or the greater Middletown community as well as demonstrates
academic accomplishment.
President Bennet Honored by Chamber of Commerce
Wesleyan President Doug Bennet and Midge Bennet were honored during a recent
Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce breakfast. More than 500 chamber
members were in attendance. Bennet spoke about his goals at Wesleyan and how
they were accomplished.
"This city will always be your home," said Middletown Mayor Sebastian N.
Giuliano.
6 Students to Become Mellon Mays Fellows
Six Wesleyan students will join the 18th Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow
cohort. These students, all from the class of 2009, are William Franklin,
Devaka Gunawardena, Julius Hampton, Jason Harris, Amber Jones and Katherine
Rodriguez.
Students to Build Clean Burning Stoves for Less Fortunate
Wesleyan's student group, Wesleyan Without Borders, was recently featured in
The Middletown Press for discussing ways to help less-fortunate people in
faraway lands. The group, led by Kimberly Greenberg '07, will travel to
Urumbamba, Peru in June with a mission to build 60 to 80 clean-burning
stoves over a three-week period. |
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Posted 04.17.07 |
Lemert Lectures, Works with
Students at Flinders University
Charles Lemert, the Andrus Professor of Sociology, recently delivered a
public lecture, a master's class comprising four three hour sessions, and
departmental seminars and lectures as a visiting professor at Flinders
University in Adelaide, Australia. He also worked extensively with
postgraduate students and faculty in the university's Social Sciences
Department.
Shelton Receives Economics Award in Amsterdam
Cameron Shelton, assistant professor of economics, received a Wicksell Prize
for his paper "The Information Content of Elections and Varieties of the
Partisan Political Business Cycle" at the First World Meeting of the Public
Choice Society held in Amsterdam April 1. The Wicksell prize is given to the
best paper presented at the conference that are written entirely by authors
under 30.
Men's Assistant Lacrosse Coach Honored by National Organization
Wesleyan men's assistant lacrosse coach Rick McCarthy was honored recently
as Division III men's assistant lacrosse Coach of the Year. The award, given
by the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association was awarded during
the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association's annual meeting in
Baltimore, Md.
Ballinger '07 Presents Research at Child Development
Meeting
Ariel Ballinger '07, who is majoring in psychology and neuroscience and
behavior, presented her thesis research project at the 2007 Meeting of the
Society for Research in Child Development, held in Boston March 29 to April
1. Ballinger's poster presentation, co-authored with Hilary Barth, assistant
professor of psychology, was titled "Counting, Estimation, and Approximate
Nonverbal Arithmetic in Young Children."
Speisman '07 1st Place Winner in BrainDance Competition
Brittany Speisman '07, who is majoring in psychology, won the first place
award for her research paper in the college division of the 2007 BrainDance
Competition sponsored by the Institute of Living in Hartford. Her paper
examines the association between post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic
physical conditions in a nationally representative sample of adults.
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Posted 04.02.07 |
Former Wesleyan Coach Turns 100
Norm Daniels turned 100 March 25. Daniels was born March 25, 1907 in Detroit
and spent 39-years coaching Wesleyan football. Between 1942 and 1948, he led
his team to 28-straight wins. More than 40 family members attended his
birthday bash at Heritage Commons, an assisted-living facility where Daniels
lives about a mile from the Wesleyan campus.
Student Selected as a Panelist for Theater
Festival
Jessica Posner '09, was a panelist at the Humana Festival in Louisville,
Ky., on March 30. Produced annually by the Tony Award Winning Actor's
Theatre of Louisville, this festival presents seven new plays by American
playwrights as well as forums and panels on theater. Posner spoke on a panel
about Wesleyan's involvement with "365 Plays in 365 Days," which she
co-produced.
Wesleyan Raises Funds for Special Olympics
A seven-member team from Wesleyan raised $1,783 during the seventh annual
Penguin Plunge March 3 in Middletown. The money was donated to the Greater
Middletown Special Olympics. Participants, otherwise known as "Penguins"
raised money for Special Olympics athletes by collecting money from their
sponsors by telling them they will run, jump and dive into the chilly waters
of Crystal Lake. The Wesleyan team won the city's "Rockin' School House
Award" for their efforts. |
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Posted 03.16.07 |
Senior Awarded DAR Nutmeg Award for Service
Jesse Nasta '07 is this year's recipient of the Connecticut DAR Nutmeg
Award. The award honors outstanding local historians and teachers who add
zest to history. In the fall of 2003, Nasta studied the history of the
African Americans buried in the Vine Street Cemetery and then led fellow
students on a tour of the cemetery. Then they all helped restore and reset
headstones and revitalize the property. He was recognized for his leadership
March 17.
WesPress Book Receives Award
A book published by Wesleyan University Press received the Popular Cultural
Association's Susan Koppelman Award for edited feminist books in American or
Popular Cultural studies on March 8. The book is titled Daughters of
Earth: Feminist Science Fiction in the Twentieth Century, and is edited
by Justine Larbalestier. The award is given for best anthology,
multi-authored, or edited book in feminist studies in popular culture.
Foundation Awards Environmental Efforts
Wesleyan's Long Lane Farm and the Jonah Center for Earth & Art are both
recipients of a Rockfall Foundation environmental grant. The farm and center
for earth and art are both run by student and faculty volunteers. The
Rockfall Foundation gave out 14 environmental grant awards this year,
totaling $19,850 "to establish, maintain and care for parks and forests or
wild land for the use and enjoyment of the public."
Students Volunteer at Wellness Center
Wesleyan students were cited in the Middletown Press March 8 for
volunteering at the Oasis Wellness Center in Middletown. The center has been
a part of the Community Health Center for the past 10 years, and has
provided several services for people with HIV and AIDS. |
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Posted 03.02.07 |
Gordon Honored for Animal Facility Management
Ron Gordon, manager of animal facilities, was named the 2007 "TurnKey
Facility Leader of the Year" from Animal Lab News. The Facility Leader of
the Year Award recognizes a laboratory animal professional who exhibits
outstanding leadership and promotes the highest standards in the care and
use of laboratory animals. |
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Posted 02.16.07 |
Professor Speaks at Meeting in Costa Rica
James McGuire, professor of government and Latin American studies, gave an
invited lecture on "Democracia, politica, y mortalidad infantil en Costa
Rica" on at the Centro Centroamericano de Poblacion of the Universidad de
Costa Rica in San Jose, Costa Rica, Jan. 31. On Feb. 1, McGuire was
interviewed on the weekly television news show "Economia y Sociedad" in San
Jose, about the causes of rapid mortality decline in Costa Rica, where life
expectancy is now longer than in the United States.
Student Accepted to Study with Elite Opera Singer
Sara Nikolova '08, who is studying in Italy this semester, auditioned for
Carlo Bergonzi, one of the most prominent opera singers in Italy and was
subsequently invited his master class. She could study with Bergonzi until
the end of March and then perform at a concert in Parma. Nikolova's studies
abroad have been centered at the University of Bologna.
Professors Discuss Seizure Research on Evening News
Laura Grabel, the Fisk Professor of Natural Science, professor of biology,
and Janice Naegele, chair of the Biology Department, professor of
neuroscience and behavior, were featured on Connecticut's News Channel 8
(ABC affiliate) Feb. 13 discussing embryonic stem cell research. "The first
aim is to try and figure out how to start out with an embryonic stem cell
and get it to differentiate toward becoming a neuron," Graebel said on the
newscast. |
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Posted 02.01.07 |
Professor Speaks on Capitalism at Conference
in China
Peter Rutland, chair of the College of Social Studies, attended the eighth
annual Global Development Network conference in Beijing, China from January
12-17. The conference brought together 600 scholars and practitioners from
105 countries. Rutland presented a paper to a plenary session comparing the
transition to capitalism in Russia and China. Also, on Jan. 12, he lectured
on Russian energy policy at the School of International Studies, Renmin
University in Beijing.
Tennis Teams Raise Breast-Cancer Awareness
Wesleyan's Tennis Teams were featured on NBC 30 in a story titled "A Test
for Life." The teams, under the direction of head coach Ken Alrutz,
dedicated their fall seasons to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
They hoped to heighten awareness, provide educational material and raise
money for the cause. A video clip of the NBC coverage and photos of the
event are online at:
http://www.cefale.com/Komen_Event/. |
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Posted 01.20.07 |
Professor Becomes President of Jonah Center
Barry Chernoff, the Robert Schumann Professor of Environmental Studies and
director of the Environmental Studies Certificate Program, has been elected
president of The Jonah Center for Earth and Art. The Jonah Center wants to
transform the neck of land at the confluence of the Mattabesett and
Coginchaug Rivers in Middletown into an innovative educational facility and
a major tourist destination.
Green Street Assistant Director Named to National Arts Organization
Lex Leifheit, assistant director of the Green Street Arts Center, has been
named to the Emerging Leaders Council of Americans for the Arts. Americans
for the Arts is an organization with more than 5,000 members that provides
dedicated research, professional development, advocacy, visibility, and
partnership opportunities as part of a strategic plan to inform and affect
arts practice and policy in America. There are 16 people on the Emerging
Leaders Council, from a wide array of arts organizations around the country.
Professor's Article, Sketches Appear in Poetry Magazine
Twelve Illustrations and an article by David Schorr, professor of art,
appear in the December 2006 issue of Poetry Magazine. In the article, Schorr
explains how an obsession with a few faces turned into a lifelong affair
with literary portraits. Hart Crane, David Hockney and John Ashbery are some
of the portraits published in the magazine.
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Editor's Note: The Wesleyan Connection will
list achievements awarded in 2007. To be included on this list, e-mail
newsletter@wesleyan.edu. |
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