Lauren RubensteinProfessor of Economics Richard Grossman provided an "expert view" on the question "Will Japan's economy rebound under Abenomics and resume its growth?" in an issue of SAGE Business Researcher on "Doing Business With Japan." Japan's economy has performed poorly during the past two decades, and many wonder if it will ever "recover its former glory." Grossman took the affirmative view, arguing "there is good reason to believe that Japan will emerge from its funk and achieve growth rates similar to those of its counterparts in the developed world." He writes that the prospects for success depend on the effectiveness of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's…
Olivia DrakeA new musical, directed by visiting associate professor of theater Kim Weild, runs Oct. 22-Nov. 15 at the Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn. Inspired by true events, Indian Joe tells the unlikely story of a homeless Native American and a Texas beauty queen who never should have been friends. He’s looking for a fight. She’s looking for a cause. As they stumble toward friendship, both ultimately overcome fear and prejudice to discover that there’s more to family than what you see. From the streets of Waco, Texas to the streets of New York City, it’s a uniquely American story with a progressive…
Wesleyan's Women in Science (WIS) gathered at the Van Vleck Observatory on Oct. 8 for "Starry Night," an evening of stargazing, conversation and hot chocolate. Participants used the Astronomy Department's 16-inch Fiducia telescope to view the night sky. (Photos by Ryan Heffernan '16) (more…)
On Oct. 3, Joseph Siry, the Kenan Professor of the Humanities, professor of art history, received the Wright Spirit Award in the Professional category from the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy at its annual conference this year in Milwaukee, Wis. A prolific scholar of the venerable architect, Siry has written several books and scholarly articles about Wright. He also has contributed to the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy in many ways over the years, as a lecturer, panelist and contributor to the group's magazine. A citation read at the ceremony by Scott Perkins, a conservancy board member and director of preservation for…
The Office of Equity and Inclusion sponsored a day-long writing symposium on “Words after War: Storytelling for Life, Business and Politics” Oct. 10 in Usdan University Center. The symposium, which was open to military veterans, Posse Veteran Scholars, Wesleyan students and community writers, provided thoughtful, diverse conversation and writing about conflict and how to bridge the veteran/civilian divide. More than 45 people registered for the event. The symposium featured panel discussions and breakout workshops with authors. Participants learned valuable and practical writing techniques and left with a newfound sense of empowerment and inspiration in producing art that builds community, makes an…
Artwork by Keiji Shinohara, artist in residence, is on display at Roger Williams University through Oct. 28. After two separate showings at Odakyu Shinjuku Art Salon in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan and Art Zone-Kaguraoka in Kyoto, Japan, Shinohara’s "Color Harmony/ Color Woodcut" exhibit comes to a close at Roger Williams' SAAHP Exhibition Gallery. Shinohara describes his work as “employing ancient methods, while diverging from tradition by experimenting with ink application and different materials to add texture,” thus creating what he calls “a fusion of Japanese aesthetic and Western modernism.” "Color Harmony / Color Woodcut" focuses on his perception of different landscapes. The aim, he says,…
Pumpkins, peppers, beets, tomatoes and thyme are still growing at Wesleyan’s Long Lane Farm this October. The student-run organic farm is devoted to allowing students a place to experiment and learn about sustainable agriculture. In addition to weekly meetings, students run work days every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Long Lane students also seek to foster good relationships with local farmers.
The College of the Environment will host its annual Pumpkin Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at the farm.
In this issue of News @ Wesleyan, we speak to Joan Ecklund, registered nurse and nursing coordinator in Health Services. Q: Joan, how long have you worked in Wesleyan’s Health Services? How has your role here changed over the years? A: I am celebrating 30 years at Wesleyan this month. I started out in a temporary position and slowly started to work more hours through the years. I am currently the Nursing Clinical Coordinator in Health Services. I work to keep the daily operations flowing smoothly as well as working with students to assist with their health care needs. Q: Did you…
The Office of Human Resources reported the following new hires, transitions and departures for September 2015: Newly hired Max Sass was hired as a men’s basketball intern in the Department of Athletics on Sept. 1. Laura Pierce was hired as a women’s basketball intern in the Department of Athletics on Sept. 1. Adrian Blackadar was hired as a men’s soccer intern in the Department of Athletics on Sept. 1. Prashanie Silva was hired as senior budget analyst in financial planning on Sept. 3. Marek Mikunda was hired as program coordinator in Upward Bound on Sept. 14. Lee Maes was hired as a volleyball intern in…
Shellae Versey, assistant professor of psychology, is the author of an article titled "Managing Work and Family: Do Control Strategies Help?" published in the August 2015 issue of Developmental Psychology. In this study, Versey questioned "How can we effectively manage competing obligations from work and family without becoming overwhelmed?" Versey examined control strategies that may facilitate better work-life balance, with a specific focus on the role of lowered aspirations and positive reappraisals, attitudes that underlie adaptive coping behaviors. Data from the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS II) was used to explore the relationship between negative spillover, control strategies, and…
Astronomy magazine has an in-depth feature in its October issue on Wesleyan's astronomical history and the restoration of its century-old, 20-inch refractor telescope, just in time for the Van Vleck Observatory's centennial observation this spring. Telescopes like Wesleyan's 28-foot-long, two-ton refractor had once been cutting edge, and a source of pride for dozens of American universities. But as they "staggered into obsolescence" over the past half century, institutions have had to make tough choices about whether to renovate or retire them. In 2014, Wesleyan hired Chris Ray and Fred Orthlieb of Pennsylvania to give its refractor a second life. The story traces the history…