Olivia DrakePosted 05/01/08 Wesleyan is the recipient of a new $1.4 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The four-year grant will help Wesleyan fund and enhance its undergraduate science education. The Wesleyan Hughes Program, directed by Professor of Biology Michael Weir, will support curricular development, student and faculty research, and outreach to local middle and high schools. Support of undergraduate summer research and introductory courses in the life sciences will be major components of the program. "We wish to incorporate into our curriculum new ways of thinking from neighboring disciplines such as mathematics and computer science to add…
Nietzsch Factor co-captain Philip Benjamin 09, left, watches teammate Karl Nagy '09, right, reach for a flying disc during an Ultimate game. Wesleyan has had Ultimate teams since 1975. Posted 05/01/08 They play seven to a team, run continuously across a turf field, intercept passes and block their opponents and score in an end zone. Although their game could be considered a hybrid match of soccer, football and lacrosse, all it really takes to play is one piece of equipment a flying disc. The club sport, known as Ultimate, dates back to 1975 at Wesleyan and has grown more…
Sally Grucan, head of cataloging at Olin Library, lends her expertise to campus projects such as the Media Database, Departmental Collections Catalog and a new digital repository. Posted 05/01/08 Q: Sally, when did you start at Wesleyan?A: December 5, 1983. I have always worked for the library but my first office was a makeshift space in the Science Tower now the Exley Science Center while Olin was being renovated and expanded.Q: As the head of cataloging, what is your main objective?A: Its all about access to information. Whatever the library can do to connect students, faculty, and…
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. Greens 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…
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 peoples 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…
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…
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…
Posted 05/01/08 A new color will stand out against the traditional black and red regalia decorating Wesleyan Universitys graduating class during its 176th commencement ceremony in May: Green. As a symbol of the universitys 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.…
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 Wesleyans Green Street Arts Center. The $75,000 grant will be applied to the art centers 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…
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 organizations Greek initials signify the motto, "Love of learning is the guide of life." The students join the ninth oldest…
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…
Jeffrey Schiff, professor of art, is a Guggenheim fellowship recipient. Posted 04/21/08 Jeffrey Schiff, professor of art, was awarded a 2008 Guggenheim Fellowship by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. According to the foundation, the "fellowships are appointed for stellar achievement and exceptional promise for continued accomplishment." Schiffs fellowship was awarded in the "Fine Arts" category in recognition of his work in sculpture. The program provides funds to permit fellows to work with "as much creative freedom as possible." The fellowships are without conditions or stipulations, allowing recipients the liberty to spend the awarded funds in the way they…