Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20083min
Jeffrey Butler, professor of history emeritus, died on April 22 in Middletown. He was 85 years old. Professor Butler was born and raised in Cradock, South Africa. He saw active duty in World War II and was wounded outside of Florence in 1944 resulting in the loss of his left arm. After the War, Professor Butler completed doctoral studies at Oxford University and came to the United States in the late 1950s. Professor Butler joined the Wesleyan faculty in 1965 and served with distinction until his retirement in 1991. He was twice chair of the History Department and was a…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20087min
Pedro Alejandro, chair of the Dance Department, associate professor of dance, works with students for the production “No Eggshells/ Outside,” which premiers at 8 p.m. May 5 and 6 on the CFA Terrace. Alejandro is choreographing the performance.   Posted 05/01/08 For two days, Pedro Alejandro will convert the Center for the Arts concrete- and limestone-walled terrace into a green, grassy soft space. Alejandro explores the theme of eco-aesthetics in an upcoming performance titled “No Eggshells/ Outside.” The performance begins at 8 p.m. May 5 and 6 on the Center for the Arts Terrace (Rain date May 8). All participants…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20086min
Dining Services employee Vicky Ambro discovered a Wesleyan University Bulletin from 1893 at a flea market in Middletown. The issue announces the opening of the new gymnasium, later named the Fayerweather Gymnasium. Posted 05/01/08 While browsing through a flea market recently, Vicki Ambro came across a tanned paper publication with the words “Wesleyan University” across the top in an archaic gothic font. It turned out to be a Nov. 1893 issue of The Wesleyan University Bulletin, issue no. 13. “I couldn’t believe it. It was one of Wesleyan’s old newsletters and it was in such good condition,” says Ambro, who…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20085min
Posted 05/01/08 Richard l. Berke, assistant managing editor for news at The New York Times, will be the keynote speaker at a conference titled “Make Democracy Work,” on Saturday, May 3. The conference will run from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is being presented by the Wesleyan University Chapter of the Roosevelt Institution. The conference also features panel discussions and workshops designed to highlight important components of democracy that are often overlooked or taken for granted and give them both local and national perspectives. “We wanted to raise awareness about what democracy means and how it functions and fails…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20085min
Eighty Wesleyan University students were elected into the Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest academic honor society. They will be honored at a reception during Reunion & Commencement Weekend on May 24, 2008. Election to the society is based on the fulfillment of eligibility requirements, including a grade point average of 90 or above and the satisfactory completion of general education requirements prior to commencement. Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776, during the American Revolution. The organization’s Greek initials signify the motto, "Love of learning is the guide of life." The students join the ninth oldest…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20084min
A grant from the Connecticut Health and Education Facilities Authority will support  health and wellness programs for Green Street Art Center students. Posted 05/01/08 A grant from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) will provide program support and establish a health and wellness component for Wesleyan’s Green Street Arts Center. The $75,000 grant will be applied to the art center’s After School Program. The funds will allow the program to bring professionals in the fields of nutrition, health, exercise, and mental health to teach life-long health habits. As one of only 10 grantees out of a very competitive…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20084min
Posted 05/01/08 A new color will stand out against the traditional black and red regalia decorating Wesleyan University’s graduating class during its 176th commencement ceremony in May: Green. As a symbol of the university’s dedication to producing Reunion & Commencement Weekend with an eye toward increased sustainability, graduating seniors, graduate students, faculty and staff members and attending guests will have the opportunity to don green ribbons indicating their agreement to the Wesleyan Community Climate Commitment. The Climate Commitment was created as a result of Wesleyan President Michael Roth signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in November 2007.…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20085min
A new series of works by choreographer Ann Carlson, pictured above, will be part of the "Feet to the Fire" festival on May 10. Posted 05/01/08 The Wesleyan community will explore its environmental impact through an eco-arts festival called “Feet to the Fire” on May 10 that will feature food, music, art, theater and a premier by a world-renowned choreographer. Running from noon to 5 p.m. at Veterans Park in Middletown, “Feet to the Fire” will combine the variety of arts performances, interactive exhibits and a farmers market with food from Connecticut vendors. Exhibits coordinated by the Jonah Center for…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20084min
Posted 05/01/08 American philosophers with a background in virtue ethics will convene this summer at Wesleyan to explore Chinese philosophy. The six-week seminar, titled “Traditions into Dialogue: Confucianism and Contemporary Virtue Ethics,” will take place July 7 through Aug. 15 at the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies. The event is funded by a $128,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, an independent grant-making agency of the U.S. government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. Fifteen participants, all doctorates in philosophy, will receive stipends to support their attendance at the seminar.According…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20086min
Iwan Djanali is the recipient of a Hartford Area Business Economists scholarship. Posted 05/01/08 Iwan Djanali '09 says by studying economics, he's not only gained a firm understanding of the market, but also an understanding of people’s behavior. "Some of the best conversations I have had with professors and fellow economics students and friend, revolve around the world of economics; from crime to credit crunch, from pollution to public policy, from mini markets to money markets, I am always ready to offer my opinions as an economics student just about everything in life," says Djanali, who is majoring in economics…

Olivia DrakeMay 1, 20086min
At left, Deborah Sierpinski, administrative assistant in classical studies, medieval studies and archaeology, donates a quilt she made to Roslyn Carrier-Brault, co-chair of the Friends of the Davison Art Center Picnic and Auction 2008 and administrative assistant in chemistry. The quilt is one of several art and antique items up for bid at the auction-picnic, to be held May 17 at Wesleyan. Posted 05/01/08 Artist Samuel M. Green’s oil painting of a breezy shore is a masterwork, and its next home could be yours. The painting by the accomplished artist and professor emeritus of art at Wesleyan is up for…

Olivia DrakeApril 28, 20088min
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION: Wesleyan President Michael Roth speaks to the 102 attendees of the Wesleyan Employee Service Recognition Lunch for employees that have worked at the university for 20 years or more. The event, held inside Beckham Hall in the Fayerweather building, was coordinated by the Office of Human Resources. At left, Ilana Konerding, postal clerk at Wesleyan Station, celebrated her 23rd year at Wesleyan, and Rita Corsino, custodian in Physical Plant-Facilities, celebrated her 22nd year. Celebrating their 20-years plus are, from left: Gina Driscoll, associate director of development events; Vera Schwartz, the Mansfield Freeman Professor of East Asian Studies, chair…