Dave Hall, grounds and special events manger, stands in front of an old elm tree planted along College Row. Wesleyan once had hundreds of elms on its property, and now only a few remain. The rest have fallen prey to old age or disease.   Posted 09/09/05 When Dave Hall takes a daily stroll across Wesleyan’s campus, he has no destination in mind. He simply enjoys the luscious landscape. It is, after all, his masterpiece. As manager of Wesleyan’s grounds and events, every tree, shrub, flower garden and grassy knoll is part of his canvas. “Most people walk through campus…

Abigail Hornstein, assistant professor of economics, studies corporate performance.   Posted 09/09/05 Abigail Hornstein has joined the Economics Department as an assistant professor. Hornstein received her bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and history; her master’s degree in economics and international business from New York University Stern School of Business; and her Ph.D in economics and international business from the New York University Stern School of Business. Her dissertation examined the capital budgeting decisions of multinational enterprises. She examined U.S. firms in the 1990s to determine if effective capital budgeting is associated with where a firm invests. “I found that effective…

  At top, Ricardo Morris, director of the Green Street Arts Center, is developing classes for the center’s fall semester. At right, Morris enjoys a snack with participants of the Free Lunch Program inside the center in Middletown’s North End.   Posted 08/17/05 When Ricardo Morris taught English in public schools, he refused to let his students simply read “Beowolf.” The class would feast, dance and listen to 10th century music – all before opening the epic narrative. His unconventional teaching methods, however, weren’t appreciated beyond the classroom. “I was sent to the principal’s office far more than any of…

Steven Stemler, a new assistant professor of psychology, will teach Psychological Statistics this fall.   Posted 08/17/05 Steve Stemler has joined the Psychology Department as an assistant professor. In an era of increasing specialization, Stemler says he admires Wesleyan for recognizing the importance of training undergraduate students to value the diversity of knowledge accumulated across different fields of study. “There is a tremendous value to studying such topics as classical languages, hard sciences, social sciences and the arts simultaneously,” he says. “I believe that a liberal arts education results in a well-rounded person who will be capable of seeing broad…

Heather Minetti, adult fitness program coordinator, climbs Last Dollar Pass at 11,000 feet during a trip from Telluride, Colorado to Moab, Utah this summer.   Posted 08/17/05 Q: How do you apply your love for exercising and fitness enthusiasm into your position as the Wesleyan Adult Fitness Program coordinator? A: I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Wesleyan community. Here, we are surrounded by a very diverse and interesting staff and an administration that actively supports and views opportunities for personal wellness as a benefit that should be available to all. Within walking distance from all corners…