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Olivia DrakeJuly 8, 20142min
Following the principles of permaculture, the student group WILD Wes (Working for Intelligent Landscape Design at Wesleyan) has transformed the West College Courtyard — once an eroded hillside with compacted soil and diseased trees — into complex ecosystems that provide food, attract insects and requires minimal resources and maintenance. The students also are working on a terraced garden near Summerfields. Follow the group's progress on their blog. Pictured are summer blooms, berries, bees and other bugs thriving in the garden on July 8. (Photos by Olivia Drake) (more…)

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Olivia DrakeJuly 7, 20142min
"Hollywood Icons: Audrey Hepburn" is the theme of Wesleyan's Summer Film Series, sponsored by the College of Film and the Moving Image (CFILM). All four films, featuring Oscar-award winning actress Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993), take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in July. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the accompanying "Posters From the Collection" exhibition in the Rick Nicita Gallery. All films will begin with an introduction by Marc Longenecker, CFILM programming and technical director. All films are open to the public and are free of charge. The films include: Roman Holiday on July 8; Sabrina on July 15; Breakfast…

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Olivia DrakeJuly 7, 20142min
Professor Lori Gruen is the co-editor of a new book titled Ecofeminism: Feminist Intersections with Other Animals and the Earth, published by Bloomsbury Academic in July 2014. Gruen is chair and professor of philosophy, professor of environmental studies, and professor of feminist, gender and sexuality studies. She also co-coordinates Wesleyan Animal Studies. In this 288-page book, leading feminist scholars and activists introduce and explore themes central to contemporary ecofeminism. Ecofeminism: Feminist Intersections with Other Animals and the Earth first offers an historical, grounding overview that situates ecofeminist theory and activism and provides a timeline for important publications and events. This…

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Olivia DrakeJuly 7, 20142min
Ron Jenkins, professor of theater, is the author of a new book titled Saraswati in Bali: a Temple, a Museum and a Mask, published by the Agung Rai Museum of Art, Peliatan, Ubud, Bali, in July 2014. Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, through whom the Balinese symbolically link their tangible (sekala) and intangible (niskala) worlds. The Balinese celebrate Saraswati at an annual festival. In a July 7 Jakarta Post article, contributing writer Jean Couteau explains that instead of trying to “understand” Bali like anthropologists would, "often reifying it or losing themselves in abstruse concepts of dubious 'universalist' value, Jenkins presents it 'in action.' In Saraswati in…

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Olivia DrakeJuly 3, 20144min
Lovers of vintage doo wop, rhythm and blues and rock ’n’ roll attended a night to remember when Wesleyan's 88.1 FM WESU Middletown presented the "WESU 75th Anniversary Doo Wop Extravaganza" on July 12. The fundraising concert, held at the Middletown High School Performing Arts Center, was a celebration of 75 years of community radio. Headlining the show was Jay Siegel’s Tokens, the legendary group that recorded the mega hit, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." They’ll be joined by The Super Girls Group, featuring original members of some of the greatest female groups of rock ’n’ roll, including:  Louise Murray of The Hearts & Jaynetts (“Lonely Nights” and “Sally…

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Olivia DrakeJune 30, 20142min
In March, the Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship awarded three student-led social ventures with a Seed Grant. Student representatives from each group received $5,000 in unrestricted startup funds as well as trainings, advising, mentoring, incubator workspace, and other resources from the Patricelli Center. This summer, the students are putting their grants to good use. (more…)

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Olivia DrakeJune 26, 20146min
Dozens of major maintenance projects are underway this summer at Wesleyan. According to Roseann Sillasen, project manager for Physical Plant-Facilities, the renovations will affect several buildings on campus. The Davison Health Center is receiving a window restoration and solarium window replacement. The project includes restoration of existing wood sashes with new insulated glass to match current historic profiles. Several wood-framed student homes are receiving upgrades. 132 High Street, 84 Home Avenue, 118 Knowles Avenue and 10 Fountain Avenue are receiving kitchen and bathroom renovations, electrical upgrades, interior paint, floor finishes and porch work. The Sign House, at 64 Lawn Avenue is…

Olivia DrakeJune 25, 20141min
Ashraf Rushdy, professor of English, professor of African American Studies, has agreed to serve as academic secretary for a two-year appointment beginning July 1. The academic secretary facilitates academic decision-making and supports faculty governance, provides advice and support to the Executive Committee of the faculty, the Academic Council and its committees, and the standing committees of the faculty. He also provides parliamentary advice, helps to administer faculty elections, and informs the faculty on matters related to the academic program and faculty responsibilities. Rushdy will be replacing Tom Morgan, professor of physics, who has served as academic secretary since 2003. Rushdy previously served as academic secretary in 2010-2011…