Olivia DrakeApril 6, 20102min
The Wesleyan Film Studies Department and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are hosting the 2010 Independent Filmmaker Series through April 29. The series features a different film and guest speaker every week. The program consists of a diverse array of films and speakers which showcase the very best in contemporary independent cinema. All shows in the series begin at 8 p.m. in the Center for Film Studies' Goldsmith Family Cinema. They are free of charge and open to the public. April 8: Writer/director Courtney Hunt will speak after a viewing of her film, Frozen River. April 15:…

David PesciApril 6, 20101min
The Wesleyan Argus will host a speakers series during April that will feature outstanding alumni in journalism. The first event, "Investigative Journalism and its Future," will be presented by Jennifer B. Kim, business reporter for The Boston Globe at 4 p.m. April 9 in Allbritton 311. Other presentations, all of which will begin at 4 p.m., include: - “Behind the Glossies: The Filtering of Fashion from Conception to Publication” by Michelle McCool ’95, Fashion Director, Cosmopolitan, April 16 in Allbritton 311. - “History is News That Stays News:  How News Writing Impacts the Historical Record” by Gerard Koeppel ’79, Author, Bond of Union: Building…

Olivia DrakeApril 6, 20101min
This summer, Wesleyan's Project to Increase Mastery of Mathematics and Science (PIMMS) will offer professional development workshops on alternative energy technologies for Connecticut science teachers. On March 25, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) awarded PIMMS a contract to design and administer the workshops under CCEF’s Learning for Clean Energy Innovation (LCEI) program.  Two workshops will be held at Wesleyan, and others will be held at other locations around the state. In addition to administering the workshops, PIMMS will update the program’s solar energy lessons, incorporating operating data from solar panels on schools and other buildings and explaining the important links between energy…

Cynthia RockwellApril 6, 20103min
Vibraphonist, composer and Adjunct Associate Professor of Music Jay Hoggard ’76,will perform in the 32nd annual Playboy Jazz Fest, held at the Hollywood Bowl on June 13. Performing as a member of the latest version of emcee Bill Cosby’s “Cos of Good Music” band, Hoggard will be playing with NduguChancellor, Dwayne Bruno, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Gross and D.D. Jackson. The invitation to join the band wasn't really a surprise for Hoggard. He has worked with Cosby before, including on the soundtrack to the Cosby TV show. “When Dr. Cosby calls, I drop everything and I’m there,” says Hoggard. Currently taking…

Olivia DrakeApril 6, 20102min
Q: Michelle, when did you come to Wesleyan? A: I arrived on campus in August, 2007 to work as a development officer in University Relations. Q: What department are you part of? A: Major gifts. We solicit financial gifts of $100,000 and higher. Q: How many alumni do you generally work with? A: Around 225 alumni and parents. For the most part, we do maintain relationships with the same individuals. Q:  How do you encourage alumni to support Wesleyan during these economically difficult times? A: I think last year was more of a challenge than this year appears to be.…