Wes in the News » Campus Community News

Perkins ‘09 Awarded 2010 Rhodes Scholarship

David Pesci — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:41:12 +0000

Russell Perkins ‘09 was awarded a 2010 Rhodes Scholarship. Perkins, from Evanston, Ill., graduated with high honors from Wesleyan University in May. He majored in the College of Letters (COL) with a senior thesis titled “Violence in Adornian Aesthetics and the Art of Anselm Kiefer;” his advisor was Khachig Tololyan, professor of English, professor of letters. Perkins co-founded Wesleyan’s Center for Prison Education which offers Wesleyan courses at Connecticut’s Cheshire Correctional Institution. In addition to offering education for selected inmates, the program provides research and volunteer opportunities for Wesleyan students and faculty. A classical pianist and avid cyclist, he taught a small discussion workshop in philosophy at the Cheshire prison as an undergraduate. Russell plans to do the B.Phil. in philosophy at Oxford University.

Blakemore ‘65 at Memorial Chapel Nov. 3

David Pesci — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:11:51 +0000

ABC News Reporter Bill Blakemore ‘65 will deliver a presentation titled “The Psychologies of Global Warming” in Memorial Chapel at 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Blakemore has been reporting on climate change for the last several years. His talk will include “examples displaying different ‘psychologies, as well as manmade global warming’s place in the long history of narcissistic insults to humanity itself.’”

New Environmental Studies Linked Major Available

David Pesci — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:38:14 +0000

This semester, Wesleyan has begun offering a linked major program for Environmental Studies. Barry Chernoff, the Robert Schumann Professor of Environmental Studies, Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences, professor of biology and director of the Environmental Studies Certificate Program, explained the new major to interested students during a recent campus event.

The linked major program is the second major to a primary major. Students must complete all the requirements for graduation from their primary major in addition to those of ENVS as their second major. The basic information about the program can be found here.

Wesleyan Press Book National Book Award Finalist

David Pesci — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:06:40 +0000

Versed, a new poetry collection by Rae Armantrout published by Wesleyan University Press, is a National Book Award Finalist. There will be a reading of the Finalists’ work on Nov. 17 at The New School in New York City. On the following day, the winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony.

Wesleyan Press Book Wins American Book Award

David Pesci — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:36:47 +0000

My Vocabulary Did This to Me: The Collected Poetry of Jack Spicer, edited by Peter Gizzi and Kevin Killian, published by the Wesleyan University Press, is one of the winners of the 30th annual American Book Awards for 2009. The awards are presented by the Before Columbus Foundation and will be formally award on Sunday, October 11th, in New York City.

Red Sox Sign Drew Dominguez ’09

David Pesci — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:28:39 +0000

The Boston Red Sox have signed Drew Dominguez ‘09.Dominguez is the first Wesleyan baseball player signed by a major league team in 44 years. Dominguez was an All NESCAC Player this year and broke the Wesleyan single season hits record this year – a record Dominguez set last year. He will report to the A-level minor league Lowell Spinners after signing.

Commencement Speeches, Photos, Videos Online

Olivia Bartlett Drake — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:58:01 +0000

More than 730 students received a Bachelor of Arts degree May 24. (Photo by Bill Burkhart)

Wesleyan held its 177th Commencement Ceremony May 24. During the event, 732 students received a Bachelor of Arts; 61 received a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies; two received a Certificate of Advanced Study; 31 received a Master of Arts; and 16 received a Doctor of Philosophy. Ten other students will receive a Bachelor of Arts upon completion.

Commencement speeches, photographs and videos are now online in The Wesleyan Connection.
Commencement highlights:
http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/24/wesleyan-holds-177th-commencement-ceremonies/

Commencement Address by Anna Quindlen P’07:
http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/24/quindlen-p07-embrace-transformation/

President’s Remarks by Michael S. Roth ‘78:
http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/24/president-roth-asks-class-of-2009-to-help-shape-culture/

Senior Class Welcome by Ravid Chowdhury ‘09:
http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/24/chowdhury-09-leads-senior-class-welcome/

Honorary Degree Recipients remarks by Jennifer Alexander ‘88, Mark Masselli and Azim Premji ‘99:
http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/24/honorary-degree-recipients-speak-at-commencement/

Photographs of the ceremony:
http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/24/a-pictorial-glance-of-wesleyans-177th-commencement/

Video clips of the ceremony:
http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/24/commencement-on-video-clips/

Phi Beta Kappa Address by Joseph Fins ‘82:
http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/23/fins-82-delivers-phi-beta-kappa-address/

Message to the Wesleyan Community

David Pesci — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:44:11 +0000

Now that the danger has passed, the grief sinks in. There is a reflective mood on the campus, a feeling of pain very intense among those who knew Johanna Justin-Jinich well, and a sense of sorrow felt by the entire Wesleyan family.

At the same time, when Sophie and I went to the library on Sunday, it was full of students studying, reading, writing…and simply connecting with one another. The lacrosse team is practicing for the next round of the NCAA tournament, and the musicians are tuning up or just raising their voices in song. Students are turning in exams and professors are grading. The normal rhythms of our academic life are beginning to return.

But these rhythms return while we remember, while we work with our grief. Students are planning a celebration of Johanna’s life for this week, and we all, I think, take a bit more time to acknowledge what’s really important to us.

In that spirit I want to thank the people I work with here on campus, as well as the entire staff, faculty and students for their extraordinary efforts and cooperation during these difficult days. And I want to thank in particular our Public Safety Department and the Middletown Police Department. In the wake of this tragedy our emergency systems worked because people worked together.

I also want to express my gratitude to the extended Wesleyan family around the world for the hundreds of messages of support we received for our community and for Johanna’s family.

Michael S. Roth
President

Campus Security – Update 9:40 a.m. 5-7-09

David Pesci — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:07:28 +0000

Update 9:40 a.m. 5-7-09

IMPORTANT: This page has moved to a new location-please update your links and bookmarks to point to http://www.wesleyan.edu/newsrel/security/

Update 6:25 a.m. 5-7-09

The suspect in yesterday’s fatal shooting has not been apprehended. Based on the advice of local authorities, Wesleyan instructs all students to remain in their residences. Faculty and staff should not come to their offices unless otherwise instructed. We will be sending information soon in regard to food and other administrative services.

Please remain cautious. The police investigation continues, and we remain in contact with them about all developments. We will send information via the usual channels as it becomes available.
Update 10:20 5-6-09

We have recently received information from the Middletown police with pictures of the alleged gunman in the attack this afternoon, who has been identified as Stephen Morgan.

We remind students to stay indoors and to report any suspicious activities to the MPD (860 344-3200). We will send additional information as it becomes available. We plan to send another broadcast message at approximately 6:30 am.
Update: 7:10 p.m. 5-6-09

Based upon additional information found processing the crime scene, we would recommend Wesleyan students and Middletown residents remain vigilant. The suspect is at large and considered armed and dangerous. Students and the Wesleyan community are advised to remain indoors while Middletown Police continue this investigation.

Public Safety 860-685-3333
Middletown Police 911 or 860-344-3202

Update 6:47 5-6-09

Based on new information we have just received from Middletown Police, we are advising students to avoid large gatherings, return to their residences, and remain indoors for the rest of the evening. There is no reason to believe that the perpetrator of the shooting earlier today is on or near the campus, but we believe that the Wesleyan community could possibly be at risk. We realize that some students want to come together tonight to console each other, but such gatherings are not advisable at this time.

We will continue to provide updates to the campus community via e-mail as additional information becomes available. Meanwhile, please immediately report any suspicious people or circumstances to Public Safety at 860-685-2222.

Dean Mike Whaley
Vice President for Student Affairs

Update 6:00 p.m. 5-6-09

It is with deep sorrow that I write to inform you that Johanna Justin-Jinich ‘10 was killed by a gunman this afternoon at her job at the Red and Black Café on the corner of William Street and Broad Street. This is a devastating loss for Johanna’s family, friends, and for the entire Wesleyan Community. Our hearts go out to all those who grieve for Johanna, and we hope all can find comfort in the support of friends, teachers and classmates.

Staff from the Office of Behavioral Health can be reached in their offices until 9:30PM tonight and are always available via the 24 hour on-call system by calling: 860-685-2910.

We mourn together the loss of Johanna.

Michael S. Roth, President
Wesleyan University

Update 3:15 p.m. 5-6-09

This is an update of the emergency notification sent earlier this afternoon. A Wesleyan student was fatally shot at Red and Black Café this afternoon. The name of the student will be released upon notification of her immediate family. A gun was recovered at the scene of the shooting, however the suspect is still at large. Students, faculty and staff are urged to remain indoors while Middletown Police continue to search for suspect(s). All campus events scheduled for today, including Spring Fling, are canceled.

Michael Roth
President

Update 1:40 p.m. 5-6-09

Middletown Police has notified the University that a shooting occurred just after 1:00pm today in the area of Broad Street Books. The suspect has not yet been identified. Middletown Police have responded to the area. We advise students, faculty and staff to remain indoors until more information is available.

As more information is obtained the community will be notified via e-mail.

H1N1 “Swine” Flu Information

David Pesci — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:34:40 +0000

Wesleyan’s Emergency Management Website has the most recent updates for the campus community on the H1N1 flu strain, also known as “Swine Flu.” The site also has links to pertinent Wesleyan resource sites, as well as state and national sites of note. The Emergency Management site will be updated with new information as appropriate.