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The Campus Voice: Breaking the Silence
On Sunday, Sept. 15 Greta Neubauer and Ian Stewart discussed the role of the media in the conversation about sexual assault on college campuses on WRMC. "How do we talk about sexual assault on college campuses? Who is represented in media coverage? Should this conversation look differently?" They were joined by Cailey Cron '13.5 of middbeat.org, Kyle Finck '14 of the Middlebury Campus, Kristina Johansson of It Happens Here.
Updated: Community and Country React
As Kyle Finck reported for the Campus earlier this week, "a 2,977 flag memorial was ripped out of the ground in front of Mead Memorial Chapel shortly before 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 by a group of five protestors claiming that the flags were on top of a sacred Abenaki burial site." This coverage supplemented middbeat's original post, featuring the photograph above by middbeat's Rachel Kogan. Both the community and country were quick to react through word and action. A group of about ten students began replanting the flags in front of Mead Memorial Chapel by 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening; Anthea Viragh captured the photograph below from the reaction. Our upcoming issue (Issue 112, Number 2) will feature a story, gallery and podcast about these students and their effort to replace the memorial. Late Wednesday evening, middbeat stated that Anna Shireman-Grabowski ’15.5 had "come forward to confirm her involvement in disposing of the American flags." The alternative news source posted the following statement by Shireman-Grabowski: Today I, along with a group of non-Middlebury students, helped remove around 3,000 American flags from the grass by Mead Chapel. While I was not the only one engaged in this action and the decision was not solely mine, I am the one who will see you in the dining halls and in the classroom, and I want to take accountability for the hurt you may be feeling while clarifying the motivations for this action. My intention was not to cause pain but to visibilize the necessity of honoring all human life and to help a friend heal from the violence of genocide that she carries with her on a daily basis as an indigenous person. While the American flags on the Middlebury hillside symbolize to some the loss of innocent lives in New York, to others they represent centuries of bloody conquest and mass murder. As a settler on stolen land, I do not have the luxury of grieving without an eye to power. Three thousand flags is a lot, but the campus is not big enough to hold a marker for every life sacrificed in the history of American conquest and colonialism. The emails filling my inbox indicate that this was not a productive way to start a dialogue about American imperialism. Nor did I imagine that it would be. Please understand that I am grappling with my complicity in the overwhelming legacy of settler colonialism. Part of this process for me is honoring the feelings and wishes of people who find themselves on the other side of this history. I wish to further clarify that members of the local Abenaki community should in no way be implicated in today’s events. Nor can I pretend to speak to their feelings about flags, burial sites, or 9/11. Today I chose to act in solidarity with my friend, an Indigenous woman and a citizen of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy who was appalled to see the burial grounds of another Indigenous nation desecrated by piercing the ground that their remains lay beneath. I understand that this action is confusing and painful for many in my community. I don’t pretend to know if every action I take is right or justified—this process is multi-layered and nuanced. I do know that colonialism has been—and continues to be—a real and destructive force in the world that we live in. And for me, to honor life is to support those who struggle against it. Please do not hesitate to email me or approach me if you wish to discuss this in person. On Thursday morning, President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz released the following statement to the Middlebury College Community: Yesterday, on the 12th anniversary of the horrific attack on our nation on September 11, 2001, a group of Middlebury students commemorated the loss of nearly 3,000 lives by placing American flags in front of Mead Chapel as they have done a number of times in the past. Sadly, a handful of people, at least some of them from our campus community, this year chose to desecrate those flags and disrespect the memories of those who lost their lives by pulling the flags from the ground and stuffing them in garbage bags. We live in an academic community that fosters and encourages debate and discussion of difficult issues. It is also a community that requires of all a degree of respect and civility that was seriously undermined and compromised by this selfish act of protest. Like many of you, I was deeply disturbed by the insensitivity of this act. Destruction of property and interfering with the rights of others to express themselves violates the standards of our community. The College has begun a disciplinary investigation of this incident. There is always something to learn from differences of opinion. In this case, the disrespectful methods of the protesters overshadowed anything that might have been learned from the convictions they claimed to promote. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior. On Thursday evening, a second protester named Amanda Lickers released a statement on Climate Connections, stating that she helped remove the flags from the grass. Lickers gave her reasoning in the posted statement: i am a young onkwehon:we, a woman, a member of the turtle clan and the onondowa’ga nation of the haudenosaunee confederacy. i have been doing my best to be true to the responsibilities i have inherited through the gift of life, and the relationships i must honour to my ancestors and all our relatives. for over 500 years our people have been under attack. the theft of our territories, the devastation of our waters; the poisoning of our people through the poisoning of our lands; the theft of our people from our families; the rape of our children; the murder of our women; the sterilization of our communities; the abuse of our generations; the uprooting of our ancestors and the occupation of our sacred sites; the silencing of our songs; the erasure of our languages and memories of our traditions i have had enough. yesterday i went to occupied abenaki territory. i was invited to middlebury college to facilitate a workshop on settler responsibility and decolonization. i walked across this campus whose stone wall structures weigh heavy on the landscape. the history of eugenics, genocide and colonial violence permeate that space so fully like a ghost everywhere descending. it was my understanding that this site is occupying an abenaki burial ground; a sacred site. walking through the campus i saw thousands of small american flags. tho my natural disdain for the occupying colonial state came to surface, in the quickest moment of decision making, in my heart, i understood that lands where our dead lay must not be desecrated. in my community, we do not pierce the earth. it disturbs the spirits there, it is important for me to respect their presence, their want for rest. my heart swelled and i knew in my core that thousands of american flags should not penetrate the earth where my abenaki brothers and sisters sleep. we have all survived so much – and as a visitor on their territories i took action to respect them and began pulling up all of the flags. i was with 4 non-natives who supported me in this action. there were so many flags staking the earth and their hands helped make this work faster. this act of support by my friends, as settlers, tho small was healing and inspiring. we put them away in black garbage bags and i was confronted by a nationalistic-settler, a young white boy who attends the college demanding i relinquish the flags to him. i held my ground and confiscated them. i did not want to cave to his support of the occupying, settler-colonial, imperalist state, and the endorsing of the genocide of indigenous peoples across the world. it is the duty of the college of middlebury to consult with abenaki peoples and repatriate their grounds. yesterday i said no to settler occupation. i took those flags. it is a small reclamation and modest act of resistance. in the spirit of resilience, in the spirit of survival Throughout Thursday and Friday, the story gained national attention with various articles appearing on the Addison Eagle, Burlington Free Press, Business Insider, CBS, Daily Caller, Fox Nation, Indian Country Today Media Network, Inside Higher Ed, Times Argus, University Herald, and WCAX, in addition to a number of blogs, such as Breitbart. Many articles were filled with comments, condemning the protestors' actions. Further, WPTZ posted a video about the incident, while both the Huffington Post and Addison County Independent reached out to the College and community for additional comments. Amanda Scherker wrote for the Huffington Post: That said, Middlebury does not seem to have proof that the memorial had been placed on top of a burial site. "It has never before been suggested that this is a Native American burial ground," Sarah Ray, the school's director of public affairs, told The Huffington Post via email. Zach Despart at the Addison County Independent published the "Abenaki Response": Don Stevens, chief of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, called the vandalism “disgusting,” and believes the protestors were acting to promote their own political beliefs. “We didn’t know anything about this and if we had we certainly wouldn’t have sanctioned it,” Stevens said. He said that Abenakis do not publicize the locations of their burial sites in order to protect them, and that he has no knowledge of any such sites on the Middlebury campus. Stevens said that even if the site of the memorial had been a burial site, the American flags placed in the earth would not have been a desecration. “Our burial sites honor our warriors and their bravery,” Stevens said. “Putting flags in the earth to honor bravery would not be disrespectful.” Stevens served in the U.S. Army; his father fought in Korea and his son served in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. On Friday evening, the College announced a series of events on "protest and civility" planned for next week. The announcement states, "the occasion for these meetings is the destruction of the 9/11 memorial earlier this week, but our larger purpose will be to consider together the responsibilities we have as an academic community to treat one another with respect and tolerance, even as we pursue political and social agendas that sometimes divide us." The various sessions are as follows: Professor of Religion Larry Yarbrough on Monday, Sept. 16 at 8:00 p.m. in the Mitchell Green Lounge at McCullough Social Space Professor of American Studies and Director of the Center for the Comparative Study for Race and Ethnicity Roberto Lint Sagarena on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 12:00 p.m. in Carr Hall Lounge Professor of Religion James Calvin Davis on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in Carr Hall Lounge Chaplain Laurie Jordan on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Scott Center Professor of Environmental Studies Rebecca Kneale Gould on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. in Coltrane Lounge Professor of Political Science Erik Bleich on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 8:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Green Lounge at McCullough Social Space Professor of Economics and Faculty Director of the Middlebury Center for Social Entrepreneurship Jon Isham and Professor of Geography Kacy McKinney on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the Scott Center On Monday, Sept. 16 Ben Kinney ’15, co-president of College Republicans, wrote to the Campus, "I just got an email from Public Safety that two boxes containing all of the stolen flags were just dropped off at their door anonymously." On Monday, Sept. 23 the Student Government Association Senate released the following statement: We condemn the method of protest utilized on September 11th outside of Mead Chapel. We believe it was highly disrespectful, destructive and in violation of the the Student Handbook’s policy on respect and community standards. We support the administration’s decision to pursue disciplinary action. Many members of our campus community, including members of the SGA, have lasting and painful memories from that horrific September morning in 2001. These members viewed the protest as a highly offensive act. Whatever one’s feelings towards American policy and this country’s history, the lives lost on September 11th were those of innocent individuals. The Senate also condemns the disrespectful, hateful and violent speech exchanged in the wake of the 9/11 flag protest. Much of this speech came from outside of the campus community. But some discussions on campus included unnecessarily malicious and personal attacks. This practice is also disrespectful, destructive and in violation of the the Student Handbook’s policy on respect and community standards. Protest as a practice encourages valuable debate. Protest enables the exchange of critical ideas, the altering of opinions, and, eventually, change and progress. But as with all things, there are lines that one should not cross. We, as leaders of the campus community, want to foster a forum for productive exchange and dialogue. The protest on September 11th has absolutely no place in this forum. It is our hope that the student body will rise above the malicious actions and speech that have permeated our campus in the last two weeks and create an environment that fosters effective and respectful discourse in our community. Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. - Martin Luther King Jr.
Students Replant Memorial Flags
Following a midday protest, in which five individuals removed a temporary memorial commemorating the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, students gathered on Wednesday evening to replant flags in front of Mead Memorial Chapel. Additional coverage regarding both the protest and response will continue throughout the next week. (Campus/Anthea Viragh)
Fall 2013 Convocation
On Sunday, Sept. 8 first-year students gathered in front of Mead Memorial Chapel for convocation in the late afternoon. (Campus/Paul Gerard)
Overseas Briefing
As part of the Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs’ conference on the “Politics of Fresh Water: Access and Identity in a Changing Environment,” my geology class at the University of Jordan recently spoke to Arabic students at Middlebury regarding the country’s limited water supplies and resource management. As the discussion focused primarily on the scientific aspects of this environmental crisis (and was incomprehensible for anyone who does not speak Arabic), I wanted to briefly describe Amman’s water situation on the human scale, or as it affects the city’s residents on a daily basis. As opposed to an underground infrastructure for water’s distribution, most apartments and homes in Amman rely on a delivery system and large rooftop storage tanks. Water trucks continuously refill these tanks based on a set schedule depending on where one lives within the city. I’ve heard and read that Amman’s wealthier areas receive water both more often and on a more regular basis than the city’s poorer districts. A greater concern, however, is whether these poor residents can afford water at all. A 2009 article in Geoforum found that the majority of poor residents pay much more than the base “lifeline” rate implemented to assist them; in reality, they are paying three to ten times this rate due to larger families and sharing amongst neighbors. This quarterly tariff sits on top of an initial investment of anywhere from $282 to $2,820 dollars for a storage tank, electric pump and necessary piping. Although most residents participate in a rationing schedule to ensure water’s presence throughout the week, it’s certainly possible for the supply to run out before the next scheduled delivery. Private water tankers and bottled water allow the city’s wealthy to supplement their supply; however, these options remain somewhat inaccessible for Amman’s poor. No matter one’s income, many tend to worry about water quality even more than its quantity. The authors of the aforementioned article note, “37 percent of respondents believe some level of treatment is necessary to improve water quality or have switched to bottled water for drinking purposes.” Between quantity and quality, therefore, Amman’s residents are plagued by water (in)security. I’ve been quite fortunate throughout the past month and a half in Amman; my building receives water deliveries fairly regularly, and I’ve yet to run out of water. I ensure this by restricting my water usage as much as possible, taking showers every other day and postponing my laundry until absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, I recently experienced my first day without access to water when my host family accidentally turned off the water valve in my apartment. While this is a far cry from genuinely running out of water, my water security had suddenly disappeared for the first time in my life. I had never considered water’s importance when using it in the past; I realized it enabled life, but didn’t think of its necessity in performing daily functions. Without water, you can no longer flush toilets or wash your hands; you’re cooking ability is limited and the dirty dishes pile up. You realize how thirsty you are and recall water’s unique ability to quench that thirst unlike anything else. Endlessly apologizing, my host family switched on the valve the next evening and ensured that water was flowing in the kitchen and bathrooms. I have yet to view water the same way since. GREGORY WOOLSTON '14 is the online manager for the Campus and is currently studying in Amman, Jordan.
The Campus Voice: McKibben
On Saturday, Jan. 26 Schumann Distinguished Scholar and co-founder of 350.org, Bill McKibben sat down in the WRMC studio with News Editor Bronwyn Oatley to discuss divestment, the media, the relationship between money and happiness and using his own body as a tool for social experiments. This interview is the first of a new weekly series, in which the Campus and WRMC will team up to bring newsmakers onto the airwaves every Sunday afternoon.
Into the Woods
Students took to the stage this past weekend in a production 0f Stephen Sondheim's and James Lapine's Into the Woods at the Town Hall Theater on South Pleasant Street in Middlebury. Into the Woods is a musical retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, following a vibrant cast of traditional folklore characters whose paths and stories intertwine when wondering around the forest. Performances from Thursday to Sunday evening were sold out early in Winter Term; Wednesday's open dress rehearsal was similarly crowded. Students receive academic credit for the production, which was directed by Doug Anderson with musical direction by both Carol Christensen and Tim Guiles.
Liveblog: Panel on the Endowment
Following Sunday evening's discussion on divestment by Schumann Distinguished Scholar Bill McKibben, the Campus Current is back with another liveblog from McCullough Social Space, starting at 7:30 p.m. Tonight will feature a "wide-ranging panel [discussing] the ongoing debate over whether environmental and social concerns should influence investment policies of college and university endowments." The panel will include Charlie Arnowitz ’13, Ralph Earle, Alice Handy, Mark Kritzman, Vice President for Finance Patrick Norton, and McKibben. The event will be moderated by David Salem '78. Additional information on the panelists is available on a website devoted to the discussion. According to the press release, "It will focus on two questions: what factors should the college’s board of trustees consider in determining whether to place restrictions on how Middlebury’s endowment is invested, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using divestment as a means of addressing climate-related concerns?" The Campus Current will provide a liveblog below, but a live stream is also available online. Additionally, the Campus will be providing detailed analysis of the panel in Thursday's issue. With Additional Reporting and Photography by KATHRYN DESUTTER and CHARLOTTE GARDINER ----- 9:33 - Salem thanks the audience, and smooth jazz begins playing as the audience continue the discussion amongst one another. Signing off from the McCullough Social Space. Thanks for reading! 9:32 - Salem concludes the panel, reminding the audience that he has done his best to maintain neutrality. Salem admits that he has heard things that “don’t ring true to me.” He encourages audience members to use the website to continue to investigate the facts. 9:30 - As McKibben speaks, there is snapping in agreement from the audience. Salem gives Earle the final word, who confirms McKibben’s assertion the investment field “is an exercise in masochism.” He continues, “The missing piece — not just in the US, but globally — is government [action] against climate change.” McKibben then jumps in and confirms the need for action at the governmental level. 9:28 - McKibben continues, “There is no $420 million cost at stake here. We’ve found out tonight that less than 1% of our endowment is invested in the top 200 companies we’re targeting here.” Handy interrupts and asks McKibben to remember that due to the commingled investment, more than just Middlebury’s 1%, or $9 million dollars, is at stake. After a brief interjection from Kritzman to support Handy’s argument, McKibben again takes the mic to quote the “Middlebury Divestment Reader” that was distributed by student volunteers at the start of the forum, and available for download below. 9:24 - A student asks what solutions would be more effective than divestment, and if it’s feasible for Middlebury to spend the amount currently invested in fossil fuels and arms manufacturers “directly on its values.” Kritzman fields the question: “I apologize for trying to interject some of the science and rationality into the conversation.” He continues by elaborating based on the historical example of tobacco. 9:20 - This is followed by a request for Handy and McKibben to address the differentiation between divesting from fossil fuel companies and arms manufacturers. McKibben begins by thanking Liebowitz for providing numbers on the College’s endowment and highlighting that less than 1% of our endowment is invested in arms manufacturers, and in combination with investment in fossil fuels, the amount in question remains less than 5%. Handy emphasizes that investment is in commingled managers, which presents broader implications of the issue before McKibben injects that there are other places to find $900 million. "That's the beautiful thing about Capitalism." 9:17 - Another student then asks Norton about the potential effect of divestment on need-blind admissions. Norton echoes Kritzman’s findings that the loss that would come as a result of SRI would have a “devastating” impact on the College from a long-term perspective. 9:15 - Teddy Smith '15 askes Handy if she would be willing to work with students to better understand the endowment. Handy’s reply is short: “Absolutely.” 9:14 - "That was about three and a half minutes," Salem says before moving onto the next question. 9:13 - Jay Saper ’13 asks the panelists and the audience to recognize that those most affected by climate change and violence are not present. Saper walks along the first row of chairs, naming parties and individuals not present — ranging from the Palestinian people to a student from Sandy Hook elementary — and highlights their absence at the forum. "There is a cost to death. The cost is unimaginable." 9:11 - Fernando Sandoval Jimenez '15 asks how many clients need to support a move to SRI in order to enact the policy completely? Handy responds by saying it would take an agreement by all clients. 9:07 - Earle responds first and confirms Kagan’s assertion of the risk of opportunity cost. According to Earle, if divestment turns out to be an ineffective strategy, then there is an enormous opportunity cost of the money and energy expended on divestment campaigns. McKibben follows Earle, stating: "It's by no means a silver bullet, it's one thing we need to do!" McKibben, citing Professor of Economics Jon Isham’s research, laments the lack of a price on carbon to motivate investors. 9:00 - Max Kagan ’14 directs a question toward McKibben and Earle, asking about potential downsides to divestment, primarily within the framework of opportunity costs and the historical record of divestment in the tobacco industry, Sudan and South Africa. He released an op-ed in the Campus with similar points in November. 8:59 - Salem then solicits questions from the audience and requests that the questions be limited to approximately one minute. He also encourages audience members to consult online College materials for answers, and also to share remaining questions on the forum’s website. 8:57 - Kritzman then presses McKibben for the “scientific outcomes” of divestment. McKibben again uses the historical anecdote of South Africa to draw a parallel. 8:54 - Salem quiets the audience before moving the panel onto questions, which will be posed among one another before being posed by the audience. For the first question, Arnowitz presses Handy to elaborate on the aforementioned “creative solutions” that Investure could employ in a divestment strategy. When Handy answers in somewhat vague terms about Investure’s model, Arnowitz presses for specific solutions. Handy’s response: “I don’t have an answer for that.” 8:52 -"It's hard to imagine how we could live with ourselves otherwise," he concludes. McKibben receives a standing ovation by approximately one-third of the audience. A letter from Steyer is distributed to members of the audience. 8:51 - McKibben, in citing personal friend Tom Steyer, manager of a hedge fund of over $20 billion, argues that “this [divestment] can be done, is a good investment strategy, and that divestment is a way to make yourselves heard." 8:47 - McKibben emphasizes that “endowment return is not the only financial indicator to worry about” when considering the funding source of the College. McKibben cites donations as one of several other sources of revenue. He continues in discussing his pride in the College’s pledge to carbon neutrality, but argues that “it makes no sense to green the campus without also greening the portfolio.” 8:44 - "My car gets more than 50 mpg, and the Arctic melted last summer.” 8:42 - “Our hope is not that we can bankrupt Exxon … but we do believe that history shows that divestment can change the course!” McKibben cites the liberation of South Africa, which fell victim to a strong divestment movement in the 1980s, and eventually repealed apartheid. 8:41 - McKibben reiterates many of his points from Sunday evening: “These industries are different — the flaw is the business plan.” A few students snap throughout the many of McKibben's remarks. 8:40 - McKibben proposes that the College pledge, in the course of the spring semester, not to invest new money in fossil fuel companies, and over the next five years, taper the investment to zero. He proposes that the same policy be adopted for arms manufacturers. McKibben acknowledges Norton’s reference to “inter-generational equity” and explains his view that it is “morally wrong” to invest in companies whose missions “ensure that students will not have a planet” to inherit. 8:37 - McKibben begins by explaining that he is nervous. When he remarks about his own “low net worth,” several members of the audience chuckle and snap. McKibben then thanks Arnowitz, to more applause, before requesting that the audience not applaud or interrupt so he can remain within his time limit. 8:35 - Salem now introduces McKibben, the sixth and final panelist. He challenges McKibben to propose a process that the board of trustees could employ if the board chose to embrace divestment. 8:34 - Earle concludes by urging critical thinking. “This is a multi-generational problem that will not be solved overnight,” says Earle. 8:33 - Earle then proposes steps that colleges and universities might take: 1) Encourage proxy voting that would require environmental expertise on the board of energy companies. Earle warns, “you [currently] can’t vote if you’re not a shareholder.” 2) Encourage collaborative research and use of resources to develop sustainable technologies. 3) “What can students do?” He suggests a pledge to never buy a vehicle that consumes less than 50 mpg. He then suggests that students shift their own consumption from coal to renewables. “Find out how your utility generates electricity. If it’s from coal — fire them!” 8:30 - 'It’s my view that the entire fossil fuel industry is too large a target, and I advocate a more specific strategy directed primarily at the greatest [firms] that impact climate change, namely coal.' 8:29 - Earle advocates for the use of funds toward purchasing “vast supplies of inexpensive natural gas,” which has half the warming potential of coal. 8:27 - Earle announces that he is “in complete agreement with 350.org’s goals.” However, he immediately clarifies that “I don’t think that divestiture from fossil fuel stocks will be effective in reducing climate change.” Earle cities divestment from the tobacco industry and the Sudan as not having a large impact. He further argues that the world's largest fossil fuel companies aren’t publically traded. 8:25 - Salem then introduces Ralph Earle, asking for his reactions to what he has heard thus far; in particular, he highlighting Arnowitz’s opinions of the importance of student input. 8:23 - Kritzman closes with the advice that “well-intentioned investors should measure these two approaches and decide which they believe to be most effective." 8:21 - Kritzman then shows a slide that assumes a $1 billion portfolio invested in the S&P 500, EAFE, the Developed World and the entire world over a period of 5, 10 and 20 years. A table of these factors demonstrates the cost of socially responsible investing, culminating in a $420 million loss if the $1 billion was invested worldwide over 20 years. 8:18 - "I hope you're following. I know it's hard to concentrate when it's so exciting." 8:15 - "An inarguable mathematical truth that socially responsible investment is costly." Kritzman follows his statement that “it’s pretty simple to estimate the costs,” and introduces a (very) text-heavy slide which utilizes a “Monte Carlo simulation." 8:14 - Kritzman explains the channels through which socially responsible investing has an economic impact. Socially responsible investing can raise a bad company’s cost of capital, draw attention to a "bad" company’s "bad" behavior, and in drawing attention to this company, may persuade it to reform. 8:11 - “At the outset, let me just say that I do not have a view as to whether you should restrict your investment universe or not, but I have a view that you should at least understand the consequences of these two choices when you make that decision." 8:10 - Salem then introduces Mark Kritzman, who loads a visual PowerPoint presentation to accompany his response. Kritzman explains that he will outline the cost of socially responsible investing. 8:09 - Arnowitz urges students to remember that "every student's voice is legitimate" and "not [to] demonize other community members." Rather, student must focus on "the most effective way to steer this debate." Arnowitz concludes to an enthusiastic applause. 8:07 - Arnowitz cites the SGA student survey, which has surveyed almost 50% of the student body. According to collected data, 40% of respondents thought divestment was a “very or extremely important issue.” Arnowitz cites several other stats that demonstrate student commitment to the issue of divestment. Here is the full breakdown of numbers provided by Arnowitz following the panel: Based on the SGA’s recent survey, which as of 3:00 this afternoon had 1,031 respondents, around 45% of the student body: 63% of respondents think the College should apply the principles of socially responsible investing to its endowment. 14% are opposed and 23% have no opinion. In terms of prioritizing SRI, 28% think it’s not particularly important, 32% think it’s somewhat important, 40% think it’s very or extremely important. In terms of divestment, students favor a diversity of approaches. 38% support divestment from arms and the top 200 fossil fuel manufacturers. 10% prioritize fossil fuels. 12% prioritize arms manufacturers. So total of 60% support some kind of divestment, 15% don’t support divestment, 25% have no opinion. 8:05 - Salem introduces Arnowitz. He thanks the organizers for including a student on the panel and acknowledges that many parties affected by these decisions are not present at the forum, to which a few audience members snap in agreement. Arnowitz continues, “We insist that student views be at the table and that students’ views be taken into account.” 8:03 - Handy discusses constraints, such as the required 8 percent return (5 percent to cover spending and 3 percent to cover inflation). She then acknowledges the added pressure of Middlebury’s duty to its students, faculty and staff, as well as its desire to be “a perpetual institution.” Handy concludes, “our number one priority is to support all of our clients to work together to make the world a better place.” 7:58 - Handy states that Middlebury has about $6 million invested in explicitly sustainable companies, and another $20 million in a manager that uses ESG criteria. 7:58 - “Divestment would require a buy-in by all of our group.” 7:57 - Handy explains that Investure strives “to provide a service level comparable to that of any individually-managed investment office.” She tells the audience that “we [Investure], like everyone here, want to leave the world a better place, and believe that we can provide our clients with the resources to continue their missions.” 7:55 - Handy will speak next, discussing why Investure relies on commingled funds to meet clients’ needs, what constraints govern the management of Middlebury’s endowments, and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria that Investure employs. 7:54 - Norton adds that his financial role is to provide for the education opportunity of both current and future Middlebury students. He concludes by asking the trustees to consider the implications of divesting from fossil fuels, as the energy companies occupy a “large portion of the investment space.” 7:51 - Norton continues in explaining that since 2005, Middlebury has contracted with Investure to manage the College’s portfolio. He states that the College decided to contract with Investure for the promise of “access to investment opportunity comparable to large endowments.” 7:50 - Norton explains that the role of the College endowment is two-fold: 1) It is used to support the education of current Middlebury students, which was $50 million for FY 2013. 2) It is used to support the education of future Middlebury students. This is done by creating future generational equity, which aims to maximize returns, with a return objective of at least 5% plus inflation to ensure preservation if not positive gain. 7:47 - Salem begins the panel by asking Norton four questions: “Why does the Colelge have an endowment? Who decides how much is spent and on what basis? Why does the College delegate to Investure? What are the key elements of Investure’s mandate to the College?” 7:45 - Salem announces that the forum will last for approximately 100 minutes. The first half will be a series of questions posed by the moderator to each panelist in turn. Each panelist will answer in approximately 5-7 minutes. The panelists are then encouraged to “cross-examine” each other. 7:44 - Salem acknowledges that the “tools of my trade [are] tedious at best and maddening at worst — including many of us that manage money for a living.” He urges the audience to “base your views on primary sources, search aggressively and endlessly for facts contrary to your evolving thesis and defend at all costs ‘the illimitable freedom of the human mind.’” 7:41 - Salem takes the podium and thanks Liebowitz, the panelists and the audience. He jokes that the recording of the forum should contain the warning, “viewer discretion advised.” Salem requests that the panelists and the audience “leave for another day the scientific challenges that lie at the heart of the global debate about climate change … to important to be taken up — yet alone resolved — by tonight’s panel.” 7:38 - Liebowitz discusses decorum, and asks that “no one does anything to interfere with anyone’s ability to see or hear this discussion.” He then welcomes the moderator, David Salem ’78. 7:36 - Liebowitz welcomes and thanks the audience for attending. He explains that this is the first of a series of discussions about divestment, an issue of “great interest and importance,” and he expresses his pleasure that “the College is taking a leadership role.” Liebowtiz cites other examples of student involvement in the creation of institutional policy, such as the establishment of study abroad sites and the retention of winter term. He mentions that “several student groups raised questions regarding Middlebury’s endowment” throughout the fall. 7:33 - McCullough has continued to fill, but there are still many open seats throughout the auditorium. All panelists are on stage, conversing. Various seats throughout the auditorium are reserved for displaced peoples, a silent protest of sorts. The crowd quiets as the panelists sit down and President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz takes the podium. 7:18 - McCullough Social Space is slowly filling up. Ushers are checking IDs at the door if you're planning on coming. Some individuals are wearing "DIVEST MIDD" shirts. Upon entering, many attendees were given a pamphlet entitled "The Middlebury Divestment Reader," compiled by 350.org. [A Note About Liveblogs: Although we do our best to accurately present events and quotes, the instant nature of liveblogging sometimes leads to errors in our reporting. If you feel like you have been misrepresented or misquoted in our coverage above, please do not hesitate to contact the Campus.]
Let Freedom Sing!
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Departments of Music, Theater and Dance organized the 15th annual "Let Freedom Sing!" celebration in Mead Memorial Chapel at 8:00 p.m. With light snow falling, many took part in the Candle Vigil and Peace Walk from the Davis Family Library to the Chapel before beginning the evening's colorful celebration. The event honored the American Negro spiritual and the words of Rev. Dr. King with performances by the MLK Spiritual Choir and the MLK Dance Ensemble. Students and faculty, including Twilight Artist-in-Residence Francois Clemmons, read excerpts from the Rev. Dr. King's speeches, danced to the beat of Ugandan drums and sang of freedom, love and "having a dream." The event was only one of many celebrating the civil rights leader, with a keynote address by the Promised Land radio series host Majora Carter, a performance by Verbal Onslaught at 51 Main and a day of service around the local community.
Liveblog: Midd Does the Math
The Campus Current will be liveblogging "Midd Does the Math" beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Mead Memorial Chapel. The event, which is sponsored by Divest for Our Future, will feature Schumann Distinguished Scholar Bill McKibben. Middlebury is the latest of many stops for McKibben, who traveled around the country on his Do the Math tour throughout the fall of 2012. "Come join us for a night of education AND fun (in the true spirit of J-term)," Divest for Our Future writes. "We can promise that there will be a LOT of energy!" The event comes only two days before Tuesday's panel on the College's endowment; the Campus will provide a subsequent liveblog at that event, beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. With Additional Reporting and Photography by KATHRYN DESUTTER and CHARLOTTE GARDINER ----- 11:40 - For additional coverage and photographs from "Midd Does the Math", MiddBlog's Luke Whelan just posted about the event. 9:48 - Signing off from the Mead Memorial Chapel, but we'll be back on Tuesday evening for what will certainly be an interesting discussion. Additional coverage and analysis will be available in this Thursday's issue. Thanks for reading! 9:46 - After discussing the nature he has witnessed in each state on his Do The Math tour, McKibben stresses that community will be essential in winning this fight at Middlebury. "We will do what needs to happen ... Middlebury will show the rest of the country and the rest of the world a path forward from a very difficult place." This conclusion prompts a standing ovation from a majority of the audience. 9:41 - He continues, "When you come to get arrested, will you wear a necktie or dress?" McKibben wants to make a strong point, and remove the "radical" nature that is associated with the divestment movement. “There is nothing — and I mean nothing — radical in what we’re talking about here." 9:38 - McKibben speaks about the tools of influencing people to change through the political message sent by divestment. “Our goal is to find the other currencies — the currencies of movements, passions, experience, creativity.” 9:36 - McKibben asks students to complete the post cards, which were placed in the pews throughout Mead Chapel prior to the event. The postcards are pre-addressed to the board of trustees, and simply say "DIVEST MIDDLEBURY" on the front. 9:35 - He introduces a final video message from Jason Scores, economics professor at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. “We’re very proud that students have taken the lead to demand this change, and we’re very proud that many faculty are standing with them, too,” says Scores. 9:32 - McKibben asks for a freeze on new fossil fuel investments and to wind down existing fossil fuel investments in five years. "I think Middlebury will provide leadership." He continues, "If you’re going to green your campus you’ve got to green your portfolio." 9:30 - McKibben introduces a video from Desmond Tutu, who speaks about divestment's impact in ending South African apartheid. Tutu mentions the suffering of the African people due to climate change “even though they’ve done nothing to cause the situation.” He says, "Once again we can join together as a world and put on pressure" in solving climate change. 9:28 - "I think it would be a big mistake not to do this," Steyer concludes. 9:27 - McKibben introduces Tom Steyer, a friend and professional investo, to the stage. He speaks about his belief in climate change, and emphasizes its urgency. "We’re going to hit a nonlinear progression where things are going to get much worse, much faster," Steyer states. Steyer admits that he quit his job at the end of 2012 to become a "pain in the ass." He stresses urgency and openness: “It’s about dealing with the issue openly and confronting it. We’re actually going to have to accept the problem. I have been an investor for 30 years – I know that this will be very difficult for the institutions ... and [I know] that they can do it." 9:19 - Elder expresses gratitude to President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz for organizing Tuesday’s panel on the College’s endowment. Audience members snap in agreement. As the program approaches the 1.5 hour mark, some students begin to leave. 9:17 - Elder reflects on flipping through the physical archives of the Campus in the special collections of the Davis Family Library. “In 1978, the College faculty voted to divest from all companies involved in South Africa. And then for 8 years, nothing happened,” says Elder. He speaks about the history of the divestment campaign during the 1980s at the College. Elder describes how members of the group “Students Against Apartheid” met with the Board of Trustees, and finally, they voted to divest from South Africa in July of 1986. (Three months prior, in the Campus' annual April Fools' issue, the headline quipped that the college had divested from the South Africa; perhaps, we'll revisit the idea in this year's April Fools' issue.) 9:12 - McKibben introduces Professor Emeritus John Elder, who states that “nothing could be more important” than the ongoing discussion. McKibben drinks one of the Otter Creek beers used in the analogy described below. 9:10 - We're moving onto what the audience can do: dinvestment. McKibben explains that 'we can't avoid using a certain amount of carbon in the way our society is set up, but it is wrong to profit from it.' He makes a similar statement about assault rifles. 9:07 - McKibben sets up an active analogy between the 2 degrees Celsius limit and the 0.08 limit on Blood Alcohol Content. As students pass bottles of Otter Creek Brewery ale onto the stage, McKibben describes how he could probably drink three or four and still remain below the legal limit. “The problem is that the fossil fuel industry are absolute party animals,” says McKibben. "Even with all this beer ... the fossil fuel industry continues looking for more." Three cases of Keystone Light, with 30 cans in each, are loaded onto the stage. McKibben explains that the fossil fuel industry is analogous to the copious amount of Keystone. 9:04 - McKibben speaks in between words from a video of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson. The crowd laughs as McKibben pokes fun at Tillerson’s claim that the effects of climate change can be softened if we “move around crop production areas.” 9:01 - "They’ve stifled every rational effort … to put a price on carbon.” McKibben describes BP’s development of the slogan “Beyond Petroleum” and their subsequent decision to sell off the sustainable divisions of the company. 8:59 - McKibben explains that major progress in renewable energy is inhibited by “the basic fact that the fossil fuel industry cheats.” While Middlebury cannot dump its trash in the middle of Rt. 125, the fossil fuel industry can "pour their waste out for free." 8:55 - The good news: "There's plenty we can do ... and it's by no means impossible." McKibben discusses recent improvements in Germany and China as great examples (i.e. solar panels and hot water heaters on top of buildings in Chinese cities). "They have exerted more political will." 8:53 - “I want you to get a sense of who your brothers and sisters are in this fight,” says McKibben. He shows pictures submitted to 350.org from citizens around the globe who have been affected by climate change. One picture shows citizens of Haiti affected by a flood holding a sign stating, “Your actions affect me." Additional photos are available on 350.org's Flickr. 8:49 - Following Klein's film, McKibben introduces another special video from Canadian indigenous activist Clayton Thomas-Muller. He praises Middlebury's efforts, but the video cuts out about midway through. 8:45 - McKibben pays tribute to author and activist Naomi Klein, who is currently working on her movement titled “Idle No More” in Canada. McKibben introduces a video recorded by Klein, a board member of 350.org, filmed specifically for "Midd Does the Math". Klein challenges students to take action: "We need you to provide a strong, coherent message. There is no doubt in my mind that others will follow." 8:40 - McKibben introduces three numbers: 2°C, 565 gigatons of carbon and 2795 gigatons of coal, oil and gas. Do the Math provides explanation: "We can burn less than 565 more gigatons of carbon dioxide and stay below 2°C of warming — anything more than that risks catastrophe for life on earth. The only problem? Fossil fuel corporations now have 2,795 gigatons in their reserves, five times the safe amount. And they’re planning to burn it all — unless we rise up to stop them." McKibben continues in saying, "These companies are a road force. They're outlaws against the laws of physics. If they carry out their business plan, the planet tanks." 8:37 - “What we have to talk about tonight is how to keep things from getting totally out of control. All we’re talking about tonight is avoiding calamity — complete calamity.” 8:35 - "You guys are on the front lines ... so let's get to work." McKibben mentions his popular article from Rolling Stone, which gained ten times more likes on Facebook than an article about "hot, ready and legal" Justin Bieber from the same issue. He jokes that it may have been due to his own "soulful stare." 8:33 - McKibben continues by showing photos of community members arrested during the aforementioned protests in Washington D.C. In an adjoining cell block was 72-year-old Gus Speth; McKibben recalls him stating, "I've been in a lot of important positions in this town, but none of them seem as important as the one that I'm in now." 8:28 - “I’m way more nervous than I’ve been … here I am with my neighbors and friends. I’m in a place where I am so deeply hopeful we can maange to get the right thing done, because it’s our community.” He continues, “None of us should have to be here tonight — not on a rational planet.” 8:26 - McKibben takes the stage to large applause. 8:25 - Isham introduces a video from environmental activist Van Jones. He speaks about the history of 350.org, its impact around the world, and the actions taken by the organization to promote awareness of climate change, including the 2011 protests regarding the Keystone Pipeline. 8:21 - Professor of Economics and Chair of the Environmental Science Department Jon Isham comes onto the stage. "How are you Middlebury? Are you ready to do the math?" Isham, who is currently teaching a winter term course titled “Social Entreprenuership in the Liberal Arts,” speaks to the crowd about the complexities of building a world of social justice. “It’s time to carve out our own piece of history,” declares Isham. 8:20 - Neubauer introduces Ellie, a student from the University of Vermont. She speaks to the crowd about the divestment movement at UVM: “We feel responsible to keep the culture at UVM as pure as we can.” After Ellie concludes, Stuart leads the audience in a 'mic-check,' earning loud applause and snaps from the crowd. 8:18 - Greta Neubauer ’14.5 of Divest for Our Future and Molly Stuart ’15.5 of the Dalai Lama Welcoming Committee take the stage. After a moment of silence for the Abenaki people, each student discusses her reason for divestment: Neubauer would like to divest in order to prevent climate change, while Stuart were like to divest in order to stop violence. “Now is the time to take this powerful step,” Neubauer says. 8:13 - May Boeve ’06.5, executive director and co-founder of 350.org, and Phil Aroneanu ’07, U.S. campaign manager and co-founder of 350.org, introduce the event; they tell the story of starting 350.org at the College. “We left a couple things undone — one of them was divesting,” says Aroneau. "Middlebury needs to divest.” Boeve reminds the audience that tonight is the eighth anniversary of the founding of the Sunday Night Group. 8:07 - Musician Max Godfrey '14 has joined Alpenglow on stage. Together, they sing an original song entitled “Susquehana Drill Town,” based on their collective experiences in Cooperstown, N.Y. Cooperstown is located on the Marcellus Shale, a region rich in methane deposits and ripe for hydraulic fracking. 8:00 - Alpenglow thanks the audience and improves their usually lackluster audience banter with a joke from violinist Elori Kramer ’13.5: “We were told if we played here, Bill McKibben would tweet about us.” Will you be tweeting about Alpenglow, @billmckibben? 7:54 - Community members have begun to file into Mead. While the center pews are largely full, plenty of space remains available on the sides and upstairs at the Chapel. Alpenglow’s stripped-down performance has set a calm, reverent mood. 7:47 - As promised, Alpenglow has taken the stage to warm up the crowd for McKibben. This is there second time the band is on stage in as many nights, having performed on Saturday evening as well. The stream of students has slowed; most listen quietly to Alpenglow. 7:36 - Doors have opened and Mead Chapel is slowly filling up. The Chapel is dimly lit with a large sign behind the stage reading 'DIVEST MIDD.' So far only students have been allowed in; community members will be permitted beginning at 7:45.
Alpenglow Plays Mead Chapel
Alpenglow, a five piece folk-band with origins at the College, performed for a large crowd in Mead Memorial Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 19. Burlington-based singer Maryse Smith opened the concert at 7 p.m. before Alpenglow played both new and old songs for more than an hour. The concert was one of many this weekend, with Max Godfrey and Elias Alexander and Stoop Kid performing at 51 Main on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you missed Alpenglow's performance, you can watch their Tin(ier) Desk Concert, filmed in the Old Stone Mill early last week.
Alpenglow Sets Stage for Concert, New Album
Alpenglow, a five-piece folk band formed in Vermont, will perform in Mead Memorial Chapel at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19. The band features students Graeme Daubert ’12.5 and Elori Kramer ’13.5. Peter Coccoma '12, Kenneth Root and Colin Weeks complete the group. This is the band’s second concert in a month’s time. Their first concert introduced a Kickstarter campaign, which was designed to fund their debut album. Now, their second performance on Saturday will celebrate the band’s successful fundraising over the past 25 days for their album. “We’re really grateful for everyone at Middlebury because we get to see who all the backers are, and the majority of them are students at Middlebury and it’s really endearing,” Coccoma said. “It’s very positive, and [it] gives you a lot of energy to keep going.” Daubert and Coccoma began sharing their respective rock and folk songs with one another in the fall of 2010. Kramer soon added another folk component, followed by Root on percussion. By semester’s end, they were performing at the Old Stone Mill’s M Gallery. “I think when [the individual members] came together, that was the beginning of the sound,” Daubert said. Alpenglow quickly earned local praise and recognition. “So they pretty much win, hands down, for the best new local band,” Seven Days’ Dan Bolles wrote following the Waking Windows festival in Winooski. “Yep. The five-piece outfit has a sprawling indie-folk sound that fans of bands such as Fleet Foxes and the Low Anthem could eat with a spork.” GCFM Productions added: “My advice is to speak with your friends quickly between songs, because you won’t want to while they’re playing.” After performing at various venues throughout Vermont and New York, as well as releasing two tracks online, Alpenglow began recording an album at Burlington’s Signal Kitchen in the fall of 2012. Although beneficial for both exploring and developing their sound, production has been costly. “The recording is almost finished, but there is still a lot of post-production work to be done, and we need to compensate all those involved for their time and energy,” Alpenglow writes. “$6,000 to record mix, master and press the album is the bare minimum to get this album out there.” The band turned to Kickstarter, an online funding platform through which donors, or backers, can provide monetary assistance to “kickstart” creative projects. Campaign times are limited – 30 days in Alpenglow’s case – and funding is only received if all or more of the requested funds are pledged. If projects are unable to reach this goal within the timeframe, pledges are returned to backers. “We thought we set it a little high,” Coccoma says. “And we were like, ‘I don’t know if we can do it, but if we work really hard, and we have thirty days, and we just network like crazy, maybe we can pull it off.’” Nevertheless, Alpenglow’s debut album was quickly funded. Backers received almost daily updates during the first five days as the $3,000, $4,000, and $5,000 dollar marks were reached. On New Year’s Day, less than ten days after starting the campaign, the project was successfully funded. “Within six days, we did the whole thing and it was just kind of a shock,” Coccoma says. “It was definitely significantly faster than we anticipated,” Kramer added. Backers had incentive to fund the project and ensure its success. As is the case with most Kickstarter campaigns, Alpenglow will send various prizes to its backers based on pledge level. Most backers have donated $15 or $20 dollars, earning them either a digital or physical album two weeks prior to its expected release in May. There have also been two $500 dollar pledges, which earns those two donors a personal concert with friends from the band. “Right now we’re just really focused on getting this first album done and making sure it’s what we want,” Coccoma says. “So far we think it’ll represent us really well.” Pledging has slowed since the campaign’s successful funding, and the pledge amount now sits just above $7,000. If Alpenglow reaches the $10,000 mark by Tuesday, Jan. 22, they have promised an additional song to backers as a special thank you. Listen to the Campus' complete interview with Alpenglow, or play either Track #1 or Track #2.
Cyrus Chestnut Returns
On Friday, Jan. 11 jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut returned to Middlebury with bassist Eric Wheeler and drummer Billy Williams as the Cyrus Chestnut Trio. They performed for a nearly sold-out audience at the Mahaney Center for the Arts Concert Hall at 8 PM. "Virtuosic and playful, pianist Cyrus Chestnut's hard swinging, soulful sounds have become a staple in the jazz community," the program notes. After calling Middlebury "home," Chestnut led his trio in an original concert for crowd.
College Awards Tenure to Seven
On Thursday, Dec. 20 the News Room announced the promotion of seven faculty members to associate professor, as well as three faculty members to professor: Seven members of the Middlebury College faculty have been promoted to the rank of associate professor without limit of tenure. The board of trustees, at its meeting in December 2012, accepted the recommendations of President Ronald D. Liebowitz and the board’s educational affairs committee in promoting: Catherine Combelles (biology), James Fitzsimmons (anthropology), Eliza Garrison (history of art and architecture), Nadia Rabesahala Horning (political science), Kareem Khalifa (philosophy), Caitlin Knowles Myers (economics) and Lynn Owens (sociology). The seven promotions from assistant professor to associate professor will take effect July 1, 2013. Catherine Combelles is an embryologist and reproductive biologist who joined the Middlebury faculty in 2004 after completing two years of post-doctoral training in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. A graduate of the College at Charleston (B.S. in biology), University of Hawaii at Manoa (M.S. in zoology), and Tufts University (Ph.D. in cell, molecular and developmental biology), Combelles has published over 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals such as “Human Reproduction,” “Cryobiology” and “Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.” In recommending her for tenure, President Liebowitz noted that Combelles is known as “an innovative and responsive teacher” whose “cutting edge work on oocyte development” could have a profound impact on the reproductive behavior of women. (An oocyte is a cell from which an egg or ovum develops.) James Fitzsimmons, who earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in anthropology at Harvard University, is recognized as an international authority on ancient Mesoamerican culture. His book “Death and the Classic Maya Kings” (University of Texas Press, 2009) reconstructs royal mortuary rites and expands upon our understanding of Maya concepts including the afterlife and ancestor veneration. Credited for creating at Middlebury “a vital program in archaeology where none existed before,” Fitzsimmons is proficient in Spanish and Maya hieroglyphics, and has working knowledge of the Chortí Maya, Yucatec Maya and Nahuatl languages. He came to Middlebury as a visiting faculty member in 2005, and was named assistant professor in 2007. Eliza Garrison, with her research interests in the art of the Carolingian and Ottoman Empires and the historiography of medieval art, has filled an important gap in the curriculum of the history of art and architecture department since her arrival at Middlebury in 2005. Her recent book, “Ottonian Imperial Art and Portraiture: The Artistic Patronage of Otto III and Henry II” (Ashgate, 2012), is described by one reviewer as a “tour de force of research.” Garrison organizes the department’s annual Christian A. Johnson Symposium and its newly created lecture series, “Matter and Memory: Topics in Art History.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in medieval studies and history from Smith College, and both a master’s and doctorate in art history from Northwestern University. Nadia Rabesahala Horning has made critical contributions to the curriculum of the political science department, as well as to the programs in environmental studies and international and global studies, through her teaching, research, and expertise in African politics and international relations. And her soon-to-be-published book, “Conservation Politics in Africa: Forests, Farmers, and Foreigners,” is an examination of forest conservation on the community level and the national level in three developing countries: Madagascar, Tanzania and Uganda. The recipient of fellowships from the Mellon Foundation and World Wildlife Fund, Horning graduated from George Mason University (B.A. in international studies and M.A. in international transactions), and from Cornell University (M.A. and Ph.D. in comparative politics). Kareem Khalifa joined the faculty in 2006 after earning his master’s and doctorate in philosophy at Emory University. In promoting Khalifa, President Liebowitz said, “The courses you teach, from Introduction to Modern Logic to Theories of Scientific Method, underscore the importance of philosophy in a liberal arts education.” In addition, outside reviewers see Khalifa as “a scholar who is making an impact on his field” through his “lucid writing and carefully reasoned articles.” In 2012 the Northwestern University graduate (B.A. in philosophy and mathematics) was a fellow at the National Endowment for the Humanities’ summer institute on experimental philosophy. At Middlebury he has served on faculty council, community council, the diversity dissertation fellowship committee and the task force on interdisciplinary innovation. Caitlin Knowles Myers, an economist specializing in applied microeconomics, graduated from Tulane University (B.A. in economics and Latin American studies) and University of Texas at Austin (Ph.D. in economics). Myers’ groundbreaking work on discrimination in the marketplace – research conducted with the aid of Middlebury students – demonstrates her “deep engagement with data,” “clarity of argument” and “the broad-reaching power of economic analysis,” said President Liebowitz. Her research findings resulted in coverage by the Washington Post, National Public Radio, MSNBC and Slate.com. Among the courses she teaches at Middlebury are Economic Statistics, Urban Economics and Deconstructing Discrimination. Her students commend her ability to “present complex material in lucid, elegant terms.” Lynn Owens is a sociologist whose 2009 book, “Cracking Under Pressure: Narrating the Decline in the Amsterdam Squatters’ Movement” (Penn State University Press), is an insightful analysis of a social movement in Europe that lost its strength. The book analyzes why the movement declined, how it occurred and what its effects are. Owens, who joined the Middlebury faculty in 2007, holds a bachelor’s in sociology from Florida State University, and both a master’s and doctorate in sociology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities award and a Mellon Foundation grant, Owens teaches courses on social movements, sociological theory, environmental sociology, globalization and crime and deviance. In addition to granting tenure to the above members of the faculty, the board of trustees in December promoted three associate professors to the rank of professor. They are Anne Knowles (geography), Kathryn Morse (history) and Jacob Tropp (history). The appointments to full professor will take effect July 1, 2013.
New Strategy for Diversification
President Ronald D. Liebowitz and Dean Shirley Collado with Williams' Michael Reed at LADO's Presidents Forum in September 2012. (Courtesy/Lee Wexler) The Middlebury College News Room posted the following press release earlier today: Three liberal arts colleges ― Middlebury, Williams and Connecticut College ― have joined together to launch a new strategy to increase diversity among faculty. These institutions will lead a three-year project, known as the Creating Connections Consortium (C3). Supported by a $4.7 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, C3 will implement its strategies to accelerate recruitment of faculty with historically underrepresented backgrounds (first-generation college students, or students who have succeeded despite societal, economic or academic challenges). A fourth institution will join Connecticut College, Middlebury and Williams to lead the initiative in year two of the project. Working with the other 23 member colleges of the Liberal Arts Diversity Officers Organization (LADO), C3 will formalize a reciprocal relationship between these institutions and Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley. For years relatively isolated liberal arts colleges have struggled to find ways to hire and retain diverse faculty. At the same time research universities have faced a similar dilemma trying to recruit diverse graduate students from liberal arts colleges, where a lack of underrepresented faculty mentors reduces the likelihood of these students choosing to pursue careers in academia. “We recognize now that trying to do this alone doesn’t solve the problem. Middlebury, Williams, Connecticut College and the other LADO schools are all committed to creating a more diverse faculty. Studies have shown that the quality of education is enhanced with a greater diversity of ideas and perspectives that come with a diverse faculty,” said Middlebury College President Ron Liebowitz. “Now we have a strong, effective, multi-faceted strategy rooted in collaboration, and we’re very grateful to the Mellon Foundation for recognizing its potential.” “Liberal arts colleges and research universities do not typically work with one another,” he added. “By bringing these two types of institutions together and sharing our resources, we’re creating a clearer and wider pathway to the professoriate for underrepresented groups.” The C3 project includes the following strategies: Networking: C3 will host an annual summit at a LADO college where underrepresented students from LADO institutions will meet with doctoral candidates from Berkeley and Columbia to learn firsthand about research and challenges they face in the academic environment. Faculty from LADO schools will conduct mock interviews and discuss current employment opportunities with these graduate students. Cohorts of Postdoctoral Fellowships on Liberal Arts Campuses: Three to four two-year post-doctoral fellowships on three to four LADO campuses will allow talented faculty members to immerse themselves in the liberal arts environment with strong support from their cohort and faculty mentors. Internships for Undergraduates: Underrepresented students from LADO campuses may apply for eight-week summer research internships at Columbia and Berkeley, working closely with a faculty mentor of a similar background. Faculty Exchange Program: All LADO schools will explore exchange opportunities so that underrepresented faculty members from the university partners can provide lectures, collaborate in research, and possibly serve as visiting faculty across LADO campuses. Adding New Partners: C3 plans to add a third research university partner by 2014 as a step toward raising the number to five once the program is well established. Assessment: The C3 initiative includes a partnership with the Center for Institutional and Social Change at Columbia Law School. The Center will provide assessment strategies for C3 colleges and university partners and help identify ways to implement successful recruitment and retention practices so they become routine at the participating institutions. A detailed description of C3's strategies is available here. Administrators at Columbia and Berkeley expressed their enthusiasm for the C3 project and the opportunities it creates. “UC Berkeley is pleased to be part of this innovative program to improve diversity in the academy at all levels,” said Anthony Cascardi, Irving and Jean Stone Dean of Arts and Humanities at Berkeley. “We believe this multifaceted approach can become a valuable model for many other liberal arts colleges and research universities across the United States.” “The Graduate School is thrilled to join this inventive partnership with Berkeley and LADO colleges,” said Carlos J. Alonso, dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and vice president for graduate education at Columbia. “In a tough job market, C3 will allow us to forge new relationships with first-rate liberal arts colleges to expand and redefine teaching and scholarly opportunities for Columbia’s graduate students, while also opening paths to Columbia for a wider range of talented underrepresented scholars. The faculty exchange program boldly pledges our collective commitment to diversity in higher education.”
Alpenglow Plays the Gamut Room
On Sunday, Dec. 9 Alpenglow played for a large crowd at the Gamut Room and Performance Space. Alpenglow consists of students Graeme Daubert '12.5 and Elori Kramer '13.5, joined by Peter Coccoma, Kenneth Root and Colin Weeks. Their sound has been likened to that of the Fleet Foxes, Grizzly Bear and the Low Anthem; however, feel free to make your own comparisons after listening to "Solitude" above. Some of their music is available for download online, while they are just launching a Kickstarter campaign to complete their first album.
Once Upon a RIDDIM
On Saturday, Dec. 8 RIDDIM World Dance Troupe presented two performances of "Once upon a RIDDIM" to sold-out crowds at the McCullough Social Space. Co-Directors Julianna Mauriello '13 and Kelsanah Wade '13 prepared their 28-member troupe for the biannual production. Large crowds were treated to sixteen pieces, nearly all choreographed by different members of RIDDIM; the dances were tied together through fairytale-like themes, sets and costumes. Hannah Stonebraker's '13 "Take Care" is available for viewing above; she was joined in the dance by Anna Baratta '15, Elise Cabral '16, Marea Colombo '13, Caitlin Duffy '15, Danielle Gladstone '13, Sarah Lusche '13, Julianna Mauriello '13 and Annie Powers '15.
ISO Debuts "Translingual" Publication
Middlebury's International Students Organization recently published its inaugural issue of Translingual, a biannual journal featuring photographs from around the world and writings in nine different languages (in addition to the English translations). Editor-in-chief Winnie Yeung '15 explains, "[O]utside of language classes, we recognize a need on campus for a platform for experimentation, imagination, and expression in different languages ... With the plethora of of writing and artwork, not only will you find a variety of styles, but also a variety of perspectives."
Burka Fitting at Ross
On Wednesday, Dec. 4 artist Marie Rim engaged students in her latest project, "Burka Fittings Across America." With a mirror and billboard set up outside of Ross Dining Hall, Rim asked passersby if they wanted to try on and look at themselves in a burka. "Through sensory means, the project explores otherness, embodiment, and empathy, as well as, the meanings Americans associate with the burka," Rim says.