David PesciSean McCann, professor or English, director, Center for Career Development, has an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal discussing the artistic bounty generated during the Great Depression in literature and film that hinged on issues of class differences and thwarted social mobility. McCann wonders if the current economic conditions will yield a similar outpouring from authors and film-makers.
In November, 2008, when all the first round early decision applications were in, the Wesleyan admissions’ staff knew the initial numbers were not a fluke. Applications from high school students seeking admission during the first early decision period at Wesleyan were up 34 percent from the previous year, 2007. Still, the admissions staff maintained cautious enthusiasm. “We were elated, but we also remained a bit guarded because, quite frankly, we didn’t know if the early decision increase would be followed by a decrease in overall applications, especially with the economy taking such a dramatic downturn,” says Nancy Hargrave Meislahn, dean…
In a Reuters article, Richard Grossman, chair and professor of economics, discusses at length the declaration of bankruptcy of the 150 year-old Lehman Brothers Holding Inc., and why that event marked a major turning point in American economic history.
Jeanine Basinger, chair and Corwin-Fuller Professor of Film Studies, discussed with CNN how the recession may be reflected in the content of upcoming films.
"Stan's Cafe: Of All the People in All the World, USA," is a installation and performance art exhibit that uses grains of rice to bring various comparative statistical data to life. The piece is part of the Feet to the Fire project and was recently profiled on WFSB 3 TV. It runs from Feb. 20 until March 3 at the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery.
First year men's head basketball coach Joe Reilly was profiled on NBC Channel 30. He speaks about the academic and athletc rigors at Wesleyan, and about carrying on the same profession as his father and brother.
About 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, the ground around Mount Redoubt has begun to shake and a smell akin to rotten eggs tinges the air. The last time this happened the 10,197-foot volcano erupted for five months, venting hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide gas and spewing ash into the air. Professor Johan Varekamp remembers it well. He was among scientists who analyzed the direct effects of the 1989-1990 eruption. The ash he examined was ejected more than 40,000 feet into the sky; the resulting ashfall covered nearly 8,000 square miles of the surrounding landscape. “As is often quoted in…
Pamela Tatge, director for the Center for the Arts (CFA) was a guest on the Faith Middleton Show, which is broadcast locally on National Public Radio affiliates. Tatge discussed the global arts events at Wesleyan.
Elizabeth McAlister in UK a reprint of the piece placed in South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Jonathan Cutler, associate professor of sociology spoke about the negotiations between the Teamsters and Sikorsky Aircraft that are heading toward a midnight deadline.
Jeanine Basinger, Chair and Corwin Fuller Professor of Film Studies, discusses in The Los Angeles Times what films Hollywood offered during the last great economic crash and how they contrast with what studios are screening now.
Time is running out to register for Musical Madness, a musical competition between classes sponsored by the Dean's Office. The deadline for is Feb. 12. All musical genres are welcome and prizes will be awarded for "Best in Class" and Best in Show." Participants will face a distinguished panel of judges that include Rob Rosenthal, professor of sociology, Sarah Lazare, associate dean of student academic resources, and Barry Chernoff, professor of biology and the Robert Schumann Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Performances will take place on Thursday, February 19 in Crowell Concert Hall at 7 p.m. An opening number…