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(11/02/06 12:00am)
Author: Ben Salkowe The College's decision to establish a professorship in honor of the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist has set students, faculty and administrators in an impossible debate over the merits of honoring an individual with a far-reaching and controversial record of legal opinions. Disagreement over the decision has transformed the traditionally uneventful, behind-the-scenes choices made in naming a chair into a campus-wide concern.Students and professors opposed to the new chair last week called the professorship everything from a lapse in the College's support for diversity to an act of "symbolic violence," while President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz defended the decision to accept the professorship. "I recognized, of course, that some faculty colleagues, if in the position to do so, would not choose to endow a professorship in honor of William Rehnquist," wrote Liebowitz in an e-mail, "but as President, it would be foolish and appear overly political and even small-minded to reject the opportunity to honor a former Chief Justice."Students countered that there was no way around the political nature of a professorship in honor of Rehnquist, because either act, accepting or rejecting the opportunity, would have carried political overtones."It is impossible to be neutral when dealing with political figures such as Rehnquist, rejecting the opportunity for this professorship is just as political as accepting it," said Sarah Moberg '07, president of Feminist Action at Middlebury, and Morgane Richardson '08, president of Women of Color, in a joint statement on Tuesday.Faculty opposed to the professorship explained the impact of the late Chief Justice's legal decisions on the lives of American minorities, women, gays and lesbians were also too great to avoid the political nature of a professorship in his honor. "This is about real people's lives," said Laurie Essig, assistant professor of sociology. "To frame these [issues] as political is to dismiss the people who point them out."Charles A. Dana Professor of Political Science Murray Dry said in an interview that he did not see how any former Supreme Court justice could be considered an inappropriate name for a professorship and disagreed with those who criticized the new chair based on Rehnquist's rulings."What would the new principle be that would somehow say that it would not be right to have a chair named after a former Chief Justice?" asked Dry. "It would be too broad."But those opposed to the new chair said the critical issue was the signal that the announcement would send to members of the community whose lives had been impacted by Rehnquist's decisions. "After all that the College has done to respect the rights of minority and diversity groups, naming a professorship after someone who consistently disrespected these rights was a step backwards," said Tamara Vatnick '07, co-president of the Middlebury Open Queer Alliance. "In the history of the College, rejecting the chance to honor a Chief Justice would seem strange, but in the current context I don't think it was the best choice."The Commitment to DiversityOpponents of the professorship honoring the late Chief Justice said early this week that the action threatened to undermine the College's commitment to institutional diversity and tolerance, making minorities, women, gays and lesbians feel less secure about Middlebury's support for their rights."Since Middlebury has been making a concerted effort to address issues of diversity in creative ways, it is quite stunning that a professorship has been named after a person who has systematically ruled against those who have historically occupied a very fragile perch with respect to issues of franchise," said Sujata Moorti, associate professor of women and gender studies."It's one of those things where I think the College should have stood up and put its money where it's mouth is," said Professor of Russian Kevin Moss. But Dry said that Rehnquist's decisions were based on respectable interpretations of the Constitution on issues with extremely difficult legal arguments or either side. He noted that Rehnquist was not the lone dissenter in many of his controversial decisions."I think that [people] fundamentally make a mistake by assuming that judges are simply politicians in robes," said Dry. "I believe some of the faculty collapse the distinction between constitutional legal questions and political questions."Opponents of the professorship agreed that Rehnquist's decisions were based on Constitutional interpretation."I think he was a respectable scholar," said Vatnick, "but that's not the first thing that anybody thinks about him." Vatnick said people were more likely to identify Rehnquist, and therefore the College's new chair in his honor, with his more controversial rulings. Just as President Liebowitz suggested it would have been a mistake to reject the professorship, Vatnick said that the College, by creating the chair, had missed an opportunity to make an important statement."I feel like Middlebury has had the chance to be a leader in making a political statement so many times since I've been here," said Vatnick, who noted the debate two years ago over allowing military recruiters on campus despite Congress's discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell recruiting policy, as an example of the College's reluctance to make a political stand."Instead they go along, or decide to wait and see what other colleges are going to be doing," said Vatnick. "But if we're producing future leaders, the administration should be leading by example and taking a stand on these issues."Essig added that the new chair could also make minorities, gays and lesbians within the community feel less secure."There are all sorts of ways of making someone feel insecure, you could punch them in the stomach or you could name a professorship after a justice whose decisions made many people in this country feel less secure," said Essig. "When you name a professorship after someone like [Rehnquist], you commit an act of symbolic violence against people. You make them feel insecure, as if they've been punched in the stomach." What's in a name?The debate over the Rehnquist professorship has brought unusual attention to the decisions made in naming a new academic chair. The vast majority of the College's endowed professorships carry the names of wealthy donors and former faculty. But the newly created Rehnquist professorship brought to the list a widely-recognized name with many controversial opinions."It's unusual to have a chair named for some one who has an identifiable record that gives anybody a vested interest in whether there's a chair in that name or not," said Allison Byerly, vice president for academic affairs and professor of English.Professor of History Jim Ralph, who will be the first holder of the Rehnquist professorship in American history and culture, said in accepting the position that he considered the late Chief Justice's position in American government, but also Rehnquist's love of Vermont, his visit to Middlebury and his concern with "pursuing the past.""That doesn't mean that my political sympathies align directly with his," said Ralph. "These professorships, one of the great things is that there were donors out there who gave money to endow this professorship and there's no expectation that you pursue a particular line of inquiry and that's one of the ways that we all benefit as an institution.""The affiliation does signal an uncritical engagement with the title," said Moorti. "Surely as scholars in a liberal arts institution that prides itself on inculcating critical thinking skills, one has to wonder why a particular title was given and what kinds of cultural politics such naming practi
ces facilitate and erase.""If I were the one who was offered that chair, I would probably have refused it," said Moss. Faculty and students opposed to the chair said across the board they appreciated the dialogue that had launched after the announcement, but wish it had happened before the decision was made."The fact that there's a sort of public conversation about this, to the best that Midd can be and the best that we can be as people, that's good," said Essig. "Too bad we didn't have this conversation before the announcement."But administrators said the College does not consult with the community in evaluating naming requests by donors. "There isn't any point in the process in which we explicitly ask people 'What do you think of a chair named for this individual?' because there's usually private discussions," said Byerly."Those are all decisions that faculty will oftentimes not get involved in, because they never know what happens," said Sunder Ramaswamy, acting dean of the faculty and Frederick C. Dirks Professor of International Economics. "All these decisions are between donors, College advancement, [the] President and [his] staff, and then the final dotted line has a signature and the announcement is made public last week."Liebowitz's e-mail suggested that those taking a stand against the professorship were overlooking the Chief Justice's many years of service."Unfortunately, the academy has become so politicized," wrote Liebowitz, "that the endowing of a professorship in support of someone who served on the United States Supreme Court for 33 years, and many as Chief Justice, can draw protest from those who don't agree with his record."Additional reporting contributed by Scott Greene.
(11/02/06 12:00am)
Author: Julia McKinnon Alluring scents of cinnamon, apple cider, spicy jambalaya and curried lentils floated down Weybridge Street as the sun dipped behind the Adirondacks last Thursday night. For three days, students peeled, chopped, sautéed, stirred and baked in preparation for a fall feast at Weybridge House to feed 70 hungry students.The feast was a relaxing addition to an intensive week of lectures and activities that were part of the "Teaching the Environment Symposium," which accompanied a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Middlebury Mountain Club (MMC).With this event, Weybridge House residents were granted a chance to work together as an entire house to plan this event. "Everyone pitched in," said Sam Collier '09. Before dinner, students convened outside to introduce themselves and to discuss the various dishes. Then, after a moment of silence, the crowd shuffled into the house, where mountains of food and pots of hot cider awaited. "Just being in this room gives one a great sense of being in a community and the spiritual renewal that goes with that," said Nathan Blumenshine '08, as he bit into a piece of home-baked bread and settled into a couch in the living room.Amidst the din of chatter and eating, the Lemon Fair String Band, comprised of student musicians, performed playful bluegrass tunes."It's a nice break from the self-indulgence of relying on College staff," said Jason Kowalski '07, whose frisbee doubled as a dinner plate. "It's more fun to depend on your friends."Weybridge House residents were particularly pleased with the stampede of ravenous undergraduates who showed up for the feast."It's a great chance to share with a bigger community at the College," said Ashley Asmus '09. "It's the best way to see that we've cooperated this year," said Ceurvels. "Everyone split up duties. I made Spanikopita and Curry Lentil Dip. It's the idea of people sharing things, sacrificing personal space and time to make some kind of greater productivity."Though preparing the feast took time away from students' book work, the hands-on experience of cooking and organizing Thursday's menu provided a lesson in itself. Himali Singh Soin '08 explained that the work put into the preparation of food and drink was a tribute to the importance of local communities."Weybridge [House] focuses on communal living and living in the most sustainable way possible, using the least amount of resources. The feast is an opportunity to show the community what we're doing," said Singh Soin, who prepared an enormous tub of green salad with lemon garlic dressing for the feast. "Music and food is what brings people together."At the feast, many students discussed the symposium and exchanged stories about outdoor escapades."It [the symposium] was ultimately a time to reflect on learning experiences in the environment and how the environment is taught in the classroom-and how it ought not to be just taught there but in the field," said MMC President Caitlin Littlefield '07.5. About the feast, she added, "I think that all connects to the whole theme of environmental education not only because cooking is, well, experiential learning, but also because it involves reconnecting with your neighbors and paying attention to where your food comes from, and being thankful for that."Littlefield collaborated with MMC members to organize the week's events, which commenced on Monday with a lecture by Chet Bowers, who spoke about environmental education. On Tuesday, Mead Professor Biology and Environmental Studies Steve Trombulak spoke about the importance of studying natural history.On Wednesday evening Atwater Commons Dean Scott Barnicle introduced speaker Willem Lange as a bartender, Outward Bound instructor, taxi driver, high school English teacher and storyteller, now a regular commentator on Vermont Public Radio (VPR). Lange shared stories about his outdoor education adventures that had the audience laughing out loud.The week's events culminated at Mead Chapel on Friday night, where Bill McKibben, Middlebury's scholar in residence, writer and local global warming awareness celebrity, delivered an insightful speech entitled "On Loving a Damaged Planet.""Bill McKibben's speech drew from all over," said Littlefield. "Alumni from the Boston area, locals who read about it in the paper, students and parents, etc. He spoke of the irreparable damage we're doing to our planet, but placed that all in the context of experiencing life in the mountains and nature - and being humbled by those experiences."
(10/26/06 12:00am)
Author: Leslie Lim The College announced its four nominees for the coveted Thomas J. Watson Fellowship in mid-October. The four seniors nominated were Dalal Al-Abdulrazzak, Jamie Henn, Vani Sathisan and Carolyn Barnwell. As one of 47 institutions participating in the fellowship program, the College selected the nominees out of 31 applicants this year for the grant, which allows for independent study and travel outside of the United States in the year following the fellow's graduation from college."We were blessed with an overabundance of applicants who met the criteria beautifully, and who had developed meaningful and creative project proposals, so our deliberations were by no means easy," said Karen Guttentag, the associate dean of Student Affairs. Guttentag headed the selection process this year, but credits Arlinda Wickland, director of fellowships and scholarships, with establishing the Watson Fellowship and its traditional popularity with the senior class at the College. Guttentag attributes the College's success with the Fellowship because "we have a Watson Culture." She explained that many students drawn to Middlebury exhibit the characteristics of independence, leadership and creativity that the Watson Fellowship seeks.Like many of her fellow applicants, Sathisan looks forward to the possibility of expanding her prior leadership experience with a Watson grant. "A Watson Fellowship will enable me to further pursue my interest in the use of theatre as an informal system of moral education, empowerment and socialization in the development of peace," she said.The Watson Fellowship offers students the chance to propose their own projects in order to explore a theme, issue or question they have been passionate about studying. It is completely self-designed and allows students to test their aspirations and abilities, gain a broader perspective beyond their home country's borders, and become a part of the international community. The fellowship awards $25,000 to cover one year of travel and related expenses. Additionally, an amount equal to 12 months' payment of federal and institutional student loans supplements the fellowship, easing the financial burden on the fellow. Uniquely, the Watson Fellowship does not base its endowment on G.P.A. but on other traits like passion and capacity."The open-ended nature of the Watson makes it a unique and almost unreal grant," said Barnwell. "While I believe money is not what's most important, Watson Foundation funding would allow me to pursue some of the things that are most important to me."The College's four nominees proposed projects with topics ranging from youth climate activism to the use of theatre in transforming conflicts, and the nominees will be undergoing preparations for further selection rounds. Applications will be sent to the Watson Foundation by Nov. 7, and sometime between November and February a representative of the Foundation will come to campus to conduct a one-hour interview with each candidate. The final 50 recipients of the Watson Fellowships will be announced in mid-March.Applicants were required to submit a transcript, resume and five-page proposal outlining their project, its development, its goals and why they were passionate about the said topic. A five-person committee, representing a wide range of academic disciplines, evaluated the applications. This year, the committee was comprised of Associate Professor of History of Art and Architecture Pieter Broucke, Associate Professor of Sociology Ted Sasson, Mead Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Steve Trombulak, Lecturer in English and Film and Media Culture Don Mitchell and Guttentag. There was a selection of 11 semi-finalists who stood before the committee for 15-minute interviews, before the final four were chosen.Recent recipients of the grant include Stephanie Morales '05 and Bennett Konesni '04.5. One fellow, Alison Shapiro '06, is currently on her journey of Painted Ladies: A Cultural Exploration of Women and Tattooing, traveling through Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, India, Morocco and Tanzania. She is currently blogging about her adventure on permanentmarkers.wordpress.com/.
(10/26/06 12:00am)
Author: Justine Katzenbach Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki '08 has infiltrated the Middlebury College rock music scene with a new and unconventional sound - the fiddle. Tirrell-Wysocki, a joint Theatre and English major from Canterbury, N.H. has performed in folk concerts around New England since he was a child. Now, bringing his traditional folk background to the College music scene, Tirrell-Wysocki accompanies James Riley '08.5 on guitar, Brian Harris '08 on bass and Max Obata '09 on drums, in the popular new group Dawn's Basement. Don't miss their upcoming show on Nov. 11th in Pearson's Lounge. The Middlebury Campus: The fiddle is such a unique sound. What originally drew you to learning this particular instrument?Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki: I made a deal with my parents when I was eight: they would allow me to stop taking classical piano lessons if I picked up another instrument. Some fiddlers played for a square dance at my school, and I was so taken by the relaxed, have-a-good-time attitude so important to fiddle music that I knew this was going to be my instrument. Within a few weeks, I was taking lessons at the fiddler's house, a little cabin in the middle of the woods with no running water. It was perfect.TC: Has the fiddle always been an integral part of your life? When did you first begin playing and how has your musical career grown? JTW: Soon after I started taking lessons, my teacher and her fiddling husband were kind enough to let me start playing gigs with them. At first I was compensated in maple milkshakes, but gradually I began making money and establishing a reputation for myself in the surprisingly extensive fiddling community of N.H. After a couple years of lessons, I discovered the glory of Irish music and began playing solo gigs in that genre, but still returned to the dance scene whenever possible. It was a great opportunity for me to meet lots of interesting and eccentric people and you could certainly say it has been an integral part of my life since my first lesson. TC: You are currently playing in the band Dawn's Basement. How does a traditional folk instrument affect the sound of a rock band? JTW: Strangely, for sure! That's part of why we're excited about our sound. With a ten-year background in Celtic music, it's almost impossible for me to break out of that mindset completely, so even if I'm taking a solo in a song like "Freebird" or "My Girl," it has an unavoidable Celtic flavor. Since that flavor creeps into anything we play, our more familiar rock and funk songs are enhanced and made more interesting, at least in my opinion, by the Celtic feel. It also works the other way around. Take your typical Irish fiddle tune, possibly centuries old, and add a guitarist who grew up on Phish, Radiohead and Dave Matthews, then add a bass player with a strong background in funk and rock. Top it off with a drummer who is versatile enough to jam on just about anything, and you get a new interpretation of the fiddle tune that is much more exciting and accessible to people who may not be familiar with the traditional style. TC: What are some past accomplishments that make you most proud?JTW: I've played gigs that range from three-year-old birthday parties to governor's inaugurations to nursing homes. I think the most satisfying have been the occasions where people from several generations were enjoying the music together. When you can look out and see little kids dancing next to college students, young parents and middle-aged and elderly couples, it really makes you feel like you're reaching people in an important way. However, playing for a party-crowd of peers and friends is a real blast, and I think those have been my favorite shows. TC: What attracts you most to folk music and to the folk music culture?JTW: The laid-back attitude. I have a great deal of respect for people who play in orchestras and read complicated music note for note, but I could never do that. I love the freedom of fiddle music and I take advantage of it by rarely playing a tune the same way twice. Plus, I believe there is an inherent beauty in Celtic music that I've never felt to such a degree in any other genre. TC: What are the biggest challenges face fiddlers?JTW: Aside from our instrument having no frets and an annoying tendency to squeak at the worst times, the fiddle is a rare instrument in mainstream popular music. Fiddlers who want to play for a mainstream audience have to break out of the traditional folk mold, which many people would pass over without a second thought. When you start replacing electric guitar solos with electric fiddle solos, people start to realize just how versatile the instrument is. TC: Is music merely a hobby or do you plan on pursuing it professionally?JTW: I cannot think of a better way to make a living than rocking out with your friends and getting paid for it. I intend to pursue my career in music as far as it will take me. A musician for whom I have a lot of respect introduced me to this George Bernard Shaw quote, "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."
(10/12/06 12:00am)
Author: Leigh Arsenault Nine-year-olds growing up in low-income communities are already three grade levels behind their peers in high-income communities. Half of them will not graduate from high school. They are seven times less likely to graduate from college. These are the facts Teach For America corps members use to define their challenge. The national teacher corps of recent college graduates, now in its 16th year, believes it can expand educational opportunity in the United States by recruiting outstanding recent college graduate to serve two-year teaching commitments in low-income communities, before these future leaders go on to become doctors, lawyers, businessmen or, in many cases, career educators.Serving as a member of the Teach For America corps is no small undertaking, but one that nearly 80 Middlebury students have pursued since the program's inception. Next week four Middlebury alumni return to campus to participate in a panel discussion and dinner, "Why I Teach For America: Middlebury Alumni on the Corps Experience" that will take place on Friday, Oct. 20th in Redfield Proctor Dining Room. "Once you do decide to make the commitment, and once you have begun your two years in the corps working for kids who have been overlooked by too many others, you will realize the strength, the perspective and the unbelievable capacity for love those years will give you," explained Lauren Guza '05, now in her second year with Teach For America. Teaching English as a second language to ninth through twelfth graders at a high school in south-central Los Angeles, Guza said she is inspired by her experience and dedicated to the success of the program. When asked what the most fulfilling aspect of her time has been, she exclaimed, "My students!" "I get to hang out with rooms full of kids who challenge me, need me and make me laugh like nobody else can," said Guza. "There are a thousand little moments that make every day feel important - seeing James lose his tough-guy façade long enough to get giddy about his first passing grade on a quiz, watching Gladys's excitement at a Tuesday night slam poetry performance, dancing raggaeton with my ESL students during passing periods."Teach for America corps members often find themselves leaving prestigious colleges and universities, only to be placed in schools situated amongst poverty and distress. Coming in on emergency teacher certifications, most of the Corps members lack formal training in education and are shocked to realize that imagination paired with ambition alone will not power students to success. Discipline and respect are necessary to make a classroom run smoothly. It is easy for young teachers to lose perspective in the sometimes hostile company of children and teenagers. Guza warned, "Only those who are truly serious about the mission and able to commit themselves to the challenge should take this on, because it is far too important to be taken lightly." Given the ups and downs of the jobs, Guza does not regret her membership in the Corps. "Once I learned to focus on the positives every day brought, to turn the negative into opportunities for improvement, and to see everything that I did as part of a larger learning experience, I was able to move away from this self-doubt and into a more assured, proactive state of mind."Teach For America is not for everyone, but for many the experience provides a sense of confidence that leads Corps members into strong careers and relationships. In 2006, almost 19,000 individuals applied to Teach for America, including dozens of Middlebury seniors. Thirteen matriculants were Middlebury alumni. Guza said that her Middlebury experience led her to question her world and her place in it. She applied to Teach for America knowing the power of social activism and the opportunity for individuals to work collaboratively and effect large-scale change. "My college years taught me to balance creativity and spontaneity with structure and organization, and that balance is exactly what I need to be successful with my students," she said. She is helping high school students question their own spheres of experience, expand their minds and reach out to others. Across the country millions of kids struggle to get by in educational systems that do not offer anything near the same amenities that Middlebury students know. For those students Teach for America is working to bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots by bringing more and more dynamic teachers into the classroom. These students are not the only ones, however, to benefit. Guza reflected, "Everyday I get to say, 'Today mattered.'"
(10/12/06 12:00am)
Author: Anthony Adragna Karlye Wisdom '09 was awarded the Paul W. Ward '25 Memorial Prize on Oct 6. in a competiton that honors students for writing in their first year at the College. Fellow sophomores Samantha Pack and Claire Kelly were named the runners-up. In all, 33 members of the Class of 2009 were nominated for the award. In a ceremony in the New Library to present the award, Assistant Professor of History Febe Armanios, who nominated Wisdom, sent a message of support to Wisdom to congratulate her. Wisdom then read from her winning entry, "Transcending Biases: Representing the Other and the Self."Preceeding Wisdom's excerpt, Kelly received her award from Jean Thompson Fulton Professor of French Carol Rifelj, who also taught Kelly's first-year seminar. Kelly then read an excerpt from her entry, "A Search for Identity in City of Glass." Pack received her award from Martha Woodruff, associate professor of philosophy, and read from her essay, "What is Happiness for Kant and for Aristotle?"Faculty members nominate the work of first-years who show exquisite writing skills in the manner prescribed by Mrs. Ward. "Faculty watch for outstanding writing by first-years in every course they teach, and pass those papers on to an interdisciplinary panel of faculty judges," said Associate Professor of English Kathleen Skubikowski in her address at the ceremony.Submissions reflect the goals of the College in terms of encouraging good writing practices, Skubikowski said. "It is our commitment, then, to prepare you to shape the future of the fields you choose to enter, our commitment to encourage you to use writing as part of your own life-long learning and to make a difference in your world," Skubikowski said in her speech.Professor of History of Art and Architecture John Hunisak and Visiting Assitant Professor of English James Berg judged the submissions this year. Judges received personal narratives, critical arguments and research papers among the submissions this year.Created in 1978 by Dorothy Cate Ward '28, her daughter Marren Ward '62 and her son-in-law Tom Meehan '62 in honor of Paul Ward, the award praises students for excellence in writing produced during their first year at the College.In her letter to the College that led to the establishment of the award, Mrs. Ward mentioned that her husband emphasized the necessity of basic writing skills during his distinguished journalism career. Mr. Ward was a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize and the French Legion of Honor.Skubikowski told students to remember their parent's support for their writing. "They were there on the spot to recognize and encourage your very first words from the time you were toddlers, words perhaps less lucid, graceful and exact than you're producing now, but certainly no less memorable," she said.Other nominees for the award included: Emily Asher, Ashley Asmus, Ruby Bolster, Jessica Campbell, Kate Dellas, Angela Evancie, Ellen Flenniken, Elizabeth Herron-Sweet, Caitlyn Olson, Nicholas Spengler, Sara Swatzwelder, John Kinder, Dilanthi Ranaweera, Adam Volwiler, Amanda Kleinman, Antoinette Rangel, Chandler Koglmeier, Mary Lohman, Amelia Magistrali, Tessa McClary, Elizabeth McMorris, Dorothy Mitchell, Michael Nevadomski, Kevin Redmon, Daniel Roberts, Scott Robinson, Lindsay Rotherham, Richard Saunders, Maxwell Sinsheimer and Emily Slatter.
(10/05/06 12:00am)
Author: Dina Magaril Middlebury held its annual "CROP walk" on the town green this past Sunday and followed a two-mile in-town route, in efforts to raise money to combat hunger in the United States and around the world. The event got off to a great start in spite of Sunday's rain showers and is one of hundreds of CROP walks that take place throughout U.S. cities in association with the Church World Services (CWS).CROP, which stands for Christian Rural Overseas Program was started in 1946 by the Church World Service, a ministry that includes 36 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations in the U.S. "You can count on there being a CROP walk in some city across the nation on any given weekend," said Ellen McKay, the program coordinator of Middlebury's Scott Center for spiritual life and one of the event's organizers. The money raised during the walk will go towards hunger-fighting programs across the U.S., as well as towards international relief efforts of the Church World Services. This year marked the 29th CROP walk in Middlebury. Walkers raised over $17,000 dollars last year. Though McKay says that the numbers are not out yet on how much they raised this year, 25 percent will go to local food programs and shelters, including local food pantries, food banks and other meal sites. Seventy-five percent will go to the CWS which will distribute the money to communities in need of clean water, to communities crippled by the AIDS epidemic and to families who are growing their own food.Aside from the numerous CROP walks held to raise money for shelters, the CWS has also organized the Tools and Blankets Program, which works to supply victims of natural disasters such as earthquakes and most recently Hurricane Katrina, with emergency supplies and small loans as part of sustainable development programs. The CWS also runs the Kits program, which distributes health kits, school kits and baby kits that include necessities such as soap, toothpaste and band-aids to those in need of material supplies.Over 200 Middlebury local residnts and college students came out to the green on Sunday, some wearing "Walking Together" T-shirts to symbolize that their walk to raise money for hunger is the same one that millions of people must make simply to survive. Stewart Professor of English and Environmental Studies John Elder "gave an inspiring talk just before the walkers got started," said Chaplain Laurie Jordan, who took part in planning the walk. Students of the college came out for the cause as well, some serving as crossing guards and others walking with their teams as Hillel did. Rebecca Steinberg '08 organized the Hillel team, which consisted of six walkers and raised over $700 for MAZON, a Jewish organization dedicated to fighting hunger. "Hunger is a problem so vast in our country and often goes unnoticed," said Steinberg.Professor of English and American Literature Brett Millier was among the faculty participants at the event. Her association with the walk came through her church, the Champlain Valley Unitarian Society, which was one of the many Church groups that participated in the walk. When asked why she felt it necessary to attend the event, Millier echoed Steinberg's sentiments over the largely ignored issue of hunger. "There is significant hunger and malnutrition in our community and it is largely invisible to college students and many well-fed local residents," said Millier. "Especially with fuel prices what they are and winter coming on, some families are going to have to choose between eating well and keeping warm. That shouldn't happen in this country or anywhere." As for next year, the walk hopes to raise even more money and to include more student walkers. "Mostly [the CROP walk] has been a community event, said McKay, "but we would love it to be more on students' radar."For more information on how to start a CROP walk in your own area visit www.cropwalk.org
(10/05/06 12:00am)
Author: Justine Katzenbach This past summer, Maegan Mishico '08.5 returned home to New York City to participate in an incredible internship opportunity at The Atlantic Theatre Company (ATC). Working beside Middlebury College alum and Associate Artistic Director of the ATC, Christian Parker '93, Mishico got an inside look into the Broadway theatre world. Mishico speaks fondly of her experience this summer working on such acclaimed productions as Tina Howe's Birth and After Birth and Duncan Sheik's Spring Awakening. Mishico, a joint Theatre and English major, is currently directing Urinetown, which will be performed in late fall. The Middlebury Campus: How did you first hear about the Atlantic Theatre Company?Maegan Mishico: I actually discovered ATC when I saw them perform The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDounagh. I saw [McDounagh's] Pillowman in New York and at Middlebury last year - I am a huge fan of his writing. So, when his new play was produced and shown in the states at ATC, I went and saw it. That was my first recognition of the company. Last spring, I was scrambling for an internship and noticed a Middlebury alumni internship opportunity at the ATC. I did some research to see what the program would be like. I applied on a whim, not expecting much because it was so late in the season. Someone called me the next week and I had an hour-long phone interview. It was offered because Christian Parker '93 is the Associate Artistic Director. TC: Describe your internship. What were you primarily working on throughout the summer?MM: I worked with the Executive Assistant to the Director. This gave me direct access to the creative opportunities [and the chance to learn through observation at ATC]. I got to work on two shows primarily. I worked on Spring Awakening, a musical [adapted by Duncan Sheik] which is moving to Broadway, and the Tina Howe play Birth and After Birth, which was directed by Christian Parker. Spring Awakening was more exciting for me to work on because I've always been drawn to musicals. The cast was young, so it was great to work with my peers. I got to sit in on rehearsals and I was there from the previews to the closing, so it was great to see a show do its entire run. Spring Awakening was originally written in 1870 by Frank Wedekind, so it is based on a much older text, and then Duncan Sheik wrote all this contemporary pop, rock, blues and soul music to weave together this creation that is really unexpected and refreshing. Often musicals aren't written like that - they are written for a time period. This play was able to weave together two different worlds, and therefore two different value systems. It was an interesting way to show teen angst. TC: Working at such a renowned theatre company, you must have been surrounded by some very accomplished people. Who was the most inspiring person to work with?MM: I don't think that there was one specific person, it was just the sense that everyone who came through the doors was really creating theatre in a very interesting way. It was amazing to partake in this creation. I would never notice right away, and then someone would mention something like, "Oh, that was Woody Allen on the phone." Then it would hit me. Everyone at ATC works as peers, which is really impressive, and that is why I didn't really notice [celebrities] right away. But, throughout the summer I had witty email banter with Craig Lucas. I got a hug from Tina Howe. One of the most inspiring things about ATC and my internship was that the ATC is also a school. They have a huge library of plays and they gave me free access to them. I would take a play a week and read it and then put it back. It was this unfettered access to contemporary and historic playwrights. I got to read both Ibsen and Tom Donaghy. TC: What was the highlight of your internship? MM: The entire thing was such a constant high that it is hard to pinpoint one part. I'd have to say that being involved in Spring Awakening was something that made me very proud. I am happy to have contributed even a little bit. It was a young play that I could connect with and I realized that people my age and people younger would connect with it - almost in the same way as they did with Rent. Spring Awakening deals with heavy issues in an effective way - for example pregnancy, homosexuality and sexual assault. Essentially the play is about sexual awakening, but it is all in the context of 1870s Germany. I really appreciated the internship because I got to see the whole picture of theatre. This is why I love being involved in productions myself. You can watch a play transform - the set being moved in, script changes, the opening night. I even delivered paychecks. I really got to see what it was like to run an actual company. It was so interesting in terms of creating this long-term advancement to making good theatre. ATC really thought about it. So many people make up the company and come together to put on a show. You have to have members of the company, artistic directors, business directors. You have to think about sales, the ensemble. It was nice to see how much goes into a company, and it made me really appreciate it and also really excited to be involved in it. TC: You are currently directing the musical Urinetown. How will this internship affect the work that you do at Middlebury College?MM: I'm directing Urinetown and I am really excited about it. It was really cool because right before I left for school, I met with the artistic director of ATC, Neil Pepe. I told him that Urinetown would be my first show to direct and then he told me the best advice I've ever heard. He said, "You have to respect yourself and you have to respect what you are giving to the art. You need to have pride in what you do and you need to have respect for what you do." I think ATC made me appreciate theatre in a broader sense - not necessarily how theatre should be watched, but what it can do. How long it can last and how impacting it can be. In the manifesto of the Atlantic Theatre Ensemble, they say that they want to do relevant plays. This doesn't necessarily mean contemporary, but they must be relevant to our time and what we are going through. This has given me an idea not only about my show but also about theatre in general. TC: Have there been any moments during Urinetown rehearsals when you have been reminded of ATC?MM: I got to sit-in on a rehearsal for this 10-minute play series that the ATC put up. An actor was sick and I had to stand in and read their lines. I watched and followed the director and we did the scene several times. After each time the director would acknowledge what the actors had just done and appreciate their work. He would sit back, smile and say, "Good." Every time that my cast or my production staff does something, I sit back and I think how I have to appreciate this. They are doing something for all of us.
(09/28/06 12:00am)
Author: Astri vonArbinAhlander My name is Astri and I've scored big. After all, I have my own column in this illustrious newspaper - a column with few editorial guidelines other than "Write what you want." How did I get it? I'm not a trendsetter. Rather, I belong to a fast on-coming trend - Sweden. And The Campus, by choosing me as a columnist, is jumping on-board. "Blondes have more fun" may be a timeless tagline, but Swedes on Parade is definitely the hit of the season. Just look around, we're everywhere. Are you a WRMC junkie? The Cardigans, The Hives and the big-time newcomer, Laleh, should be on your charts. Social issues get you off? Then Sweden is on your world map right now. On Sept. 17th, the Social Democratic party - basically the single-handed ruler for the past 70 years and creators of the textbook favorite Welfare State - made a record poor election and were kicked out of the Riksdag, handing over power to the four-party coalition headed by the Conservative party. No worries, the Swedish Conservatives are more liberal than your average Proctor Lounge kid. For all you nature lovers, next year is the 300th birthday of Carl Linnaeus, the inventor of binominal nomenclature and the founder of modern biological systematics. So, the next time you hike Camel's Hump, think of the man from the land up North that gave your favorite flowers family identity. Wonder about your Minnesotan roommate's funny accent? Ja, we Swede's can take the blame for that. Sweden colonized Delaware Bay in 1638, making Sweden one of the founding countries of the United States. We gave you the log cabin, too. To history, we gave iffy neutrality, Raoul Wallenberg and the Vikings - which, as I'm learning in my Literary Texts and Contexts class, also means we contributed a certain "word-hoard" to the English language. You can thank my Norse ancestors for "ugly" and "anger," but you must also give them credit for the word "skirt." This leads me to the current Swedish trend closest to my heart - fashion. From the country that brought you H&M comes a whole new clan of top-tier designers that are making a splash on the international fashion scene. At the recent Stockholm Fashion Week, three sisters launched their celebrated knit brand, Dagmar, with the fabulously named collection, "Fisherman's Wife Goes Glamour," heap-full of sensuous sweaters that promise to keep you hot for more than one season. Perfect for the Vermont winter, not so happy on the Middkidd wallet. Sweaters aside, the Swedish denim scene is wrapping up fashionista bottoms all over the world this fall. One of the most thrilling brands is Nudie, founded by the former head designer at Lee. A recent article explained that Nudie is "indisputably Swedish because it emphasizes functionality, attention to details, and purity of line," or, to put it simply - it's edgy and minimalist. I was tickled blonder when I spotted one of Middlebury's own studs sporting Nudie's characteristic thick-wave pocket design to class this week. WESC is the street brand for a hotter, looser fit that's breaking it big internationally. Watch out for streamlined sweatshirts and low-slung waist-lines. But perhaps the most innovative Swedish jean on the international market right now is Acne. Sure, the name sends some sketchy signals, but wait till you see the fit of their new high-waisted, toothpick skinny jean. They're simply to die for. Or rather, worth going on a rice-and-beans diet in order to save up for - or fit into. Nudie, WESC and Acne are all sold at hideous prices at Fred Segal in L.A., but are surprisingly affordable on the European continent. My tip - have a friend from abroad make a delivery. To conclude, I offer up some words of wisdom for this week: embrace the Swede in you. You can't escape us anyway. Tack och hej!
(09/28/06 12:00am)
Author: [no author name found] English and Theatre professors around the world rejoice! This Monday's performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream stormed the Middlebury College campus with exclamatory cries - Shakespeare is not dead. The words of the literary god were celebrated with hoots and hollers by Middlebury spectators at the SITI Company's performance. Directed by Anne Bogart, this unique rendition of the comedic classic donned new contemporary twists. Told through the cultural landscape of 1930s America, Bogart added bold theatrical elements which revolutionized the production. Though visually simplistic, the stage had a basic backdrop of a cloudy sky and the props were minimalist due to the nature of a traveling theatre company - the lighting and costume design were truly works of art. The brilliant colors of costume designer Gabriel Berry and intricate light designs of lighting designer Brian Scott painted with ease any image that the set lacked. In addition, the whimsical natures of the actors' movements were significant to the performance's dance-like approach. The SITI Company uses the Viewpoints and the Suzuki Method of Actor Training as two training methods for its actors. This highly stylized approach is evident in the professionalism of the actors. Most revered by the audience was the hilarity of Christopher Spencer Wells who played Egeus and Bottom, as well as the gracefulness of Ellen Lauren who played Hippolyta and Titania. As one of their mission statements explains, the SITI Company strives "to create opportunities for artistic dialogue and cultural exchange" - and so they did. After a long autumn Monday, Middlebury students in attendance left Wright Theatre with a sense of utter rejuvenation and indulgent pleasure, a sensation that can only be brought about by a good night at the theatre.
(09/28/06 12:00am)
Author: Aylie Baker It is not often that one gets the chance to hear one of journalism's key figures speak on the nature of news media today - let alone ask him his favorite band or whether his movie collection includes the film Almost Famous. This past Thursday, Sept. 21, however, a hoard of students and faculty crowded into room 216 in McCardell Bicenteniall Hall to do just that, and boy did Will Dana deliver. As managing editor of Rolling Stone magazine, Dana '85 helps orchestrate one of the world's most acclaimed and widely-read news sources. Rolling Stone is in all capacities, an "iconic magazine, [one which] defined both a generation and a genre," said Sue Halpern, author and English scholar in residence, of the magazine in her introduction. But, she continued, while it has always been a haven for music aficionados, what has made the magazine's legacy so enduring is its "dual personality." In addition to providing in-depth coverage of the music industry, the magazine also "writes about things that matter," and while often "political, it is not dogmatic." Indeed, in a field in which good reporting is arguably meant to be free of opinion, Rolling Stone has maintained its rebellious edge - brazenly refusing to adhere to classical reporting standards. In continuing to cultivate a rapidly diminishing style of investigative reporting, the magazine has in many ways been a harbinger in spotlighting today's most pressing global matters. Rather than skirting around controversial issues - take global warming and the war in Iraq for example - the magazine actively seeks them out, said Helpern. As Dana asserted, Rolling Stone is constantly looking to "sound the alarm."It is the criticism which the publication has received for such pointed, so called "biased" coverage that Dana chose to address in his lecture. In his talk, "The Myth of Fair and Balanced: A Defense of Biased Reporting," Dana expounded upon the mania inherent in today's news. He particularly focused on the blind obedience with which journalists "worship the grail of objectivity." Some of his literary contemporaries "are so afraid of being crucified [by upper management]," he explained, "that they will play twister to hide their bias." In deliberately disguising their opinion, their message often becomes more convoluted, giving way to a deep mistrust of the media by the people who are consuming it. "If the New York Times would just present itself as pro-war," insisted Dana, "that would just be much more honest."Amidst a sea of this murky, supposedly more objective journalism, Dana argues that poignancy of opinion is much more honest and forthcoming than classic reporting. "I want to do stuff that's biased." For "bias," maintains Dana, "does not mean unbalanced." If anything. it sets the bar higher for Rolling Stones' writers. They have to exercise extreme depth of analysis and reporting in writing their stories. In fact, confided Dana, his all-time favorite stories are those which deliberately framed extremely controversial issues in a manner which was both emotive and unabashedly honest.Take Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation, for example: What began as a two-part expose on the historical and cultural rise of fast food in the United States has since become a best-selling book - Fast Food Nation - and is in the process of being turned into a feature film. Generating the most mail of any article written by the magazine during the 1990s, Schlosser's initial piece achieved such feats not by remaining neutral, but rather by taking a bold, radical stance. With a subtitle like "The Dark Side of the All-American Meal," Schlosser knew the piece he was writing would be very alluring but at the same time potentially very volatile. Hence the exhaustive research. This was modern muckraking at its finest - if Rolling Stone was to feature such a controversial topic, its validity was never to be in question. Indeed, with an estimated 8-10 million readers per issue, Dana asserts that by printing pieces like Schlosser's, the magazine yields considerable power. "We can become the seed pod for great things."Thus, while he acknowledged the importance of giving thought to both sides of an issue, ultimately "we'll write what we believe," insisted Dana. According to him there is no point in taking a hard stance on an issue which the staff finds morally incongruous - "It's like when Rod Stewart made a disco record," he quipped, "It just sounds wrong." A 1985 graduate of Middlebury College, Dana began writing with Harper's right out of college and has soared through the journalism ranks, joining Rolling Stone in 1996. While at Rolling Stone he has since moved from senior editor to managing editor.Dana's lecture was presented as part of the "Meet the Press" lecture series which is coordinated by author and English Scholar in Residence Sue Halpern and is sponsored by the Middlebury College English Department and Atwater Commons. The series, which aims to bring leaders in news media - including "reporters, editors, critics, photojournalists, bloggers and editorialists" - to Middlebury, has been a great success since its inception three and a half years ago. "It's really a misnomer to call it a lecture series," remarked Halpern, who explained that the short speech followed by a longer, more interactive discussion is meant to eliminate the "distance between the speaker and the audience." NPR's Congressional Correspondent, David Welna, is scheduled to speak in October for the next event in the lecture series.
(09/28/06 12:00am)
Author: Kelsey Eichhorn A mid-summer morning in Oslo, Norway finds the sun cresting the fjord horizon at 5:30 a.m. Exhausted university students do not enjoy rays peaking through the curtains at such an unseemly hour, yet daybreak is a welcome friend to the local Oslo Fjord fishermen, whose workday began in the brisk darkness at 4 a.m.Haling from the university student breed rather than from the fisherman breed, my day begins later. As I emerge from the T-ban station at Oslo's Stortinget subway stop, the metropolitan bustle greets me. Whilst nothing compared to the clamor of NYC, it is the healthy, hospitable pulse of a small but thriving city in an out-of-the-way corner of Europe. I wrap my scarf once more around my neck and pause momentarily to purchase a licorice from the tattooed, kilt-wearing, bagpipe-playing guy sporting a mohawk who sells candy and wool hats on the corner, before winding my way to the docks. Red, blue, white, brown, short, long, thin, wide, tall fishing boats line the docks. Cod is the most popular catch, but there are numerous other varieties, my favorite being the shrimp - here, shrimp is caught daily, cooked in enormous skillets nailed to the boat deck. The fishermen wend their way back to the docks, and sold, ready-to-eat. The boat that catches my eye is old. Originally white, now a paint-chipped gray-brown, the Norwegian flag proudly flutters off the back rail. A weathered elderly gentleman clad in yellow bibs, a smoky wool sweater, and a herringbone cap, seated in a tattered folding chair on the deck rests his eyes. He rises as I approach, smiles, and inquires something in Norwegian. Uh-oh.My conversational skills extend just far enough to ask whether or not my new friend speaks English. He doesn't.I could have a short conversation with him regarding food options and prices at the University of Oslo cafeteria, but I settle for a smile, in the awkward way most Americans do when they feel embarrassed by their lack of worldly-knowledge and cultural acumen.And my fisherman smiles back. A shy, genuine smile. With a nod he reaches behind him into the skillet, selects a single shrimp, and offers it up to me. The fruit of his labor, a gift of friendship and welcome that transcends the language barrier, he offers me a little piece of Norwegian tradition that has provided his livelihood for roughly 60 years.Accepting the shrimp with my own timid smile, I raise it to eye level and contemplate my next move. The shrimp stares straight back at me - eyes, rostrum, antennae and all. I have never shelled a shrimp before, let alone ripped the head off of one. The only difference between this little guy in my hand and his friends still swimmingly contently in the fjord is that the heat of the skillet has turned his body from a dull ashen gray to a zesty paprika color. I think for a few seconds, ponder how to preserve this shrimp as a memento, promptly discard the idea as impossible (and bizarre), and settle for gracefully holding the shrimp in hand, as I smile uneasily.He chuckles, retrieves the shrimp, and deftly decapitates it, discarding the shell. He returns the delicacy to my still outstretched hand, while enjoying my bemused look, and motions me to eat. I comply. Witnessing a master at his craft, I confidently purchase a half-liter of shrimp, and I swear to myself that before my return to Middlebury in January, I will be an accomplished "shrimp sheller." Dinner, anyone?
(09/21/06 12:00am)
Author: Annie Onishi Schines take on new posts as Brainerd faculty headsBrainerd Commons received two new faculty heads this summer in the form of Robert and Marita Schine. The Schines take over the post from Karl Lindholm, who served as faculty head last year.The Schines have been affiliated with Middlebury College since 1985 when Robert Schine was named as the first Dana Faculty Fellow in Jewish Studies. He became Dean of the Faculty in 1997 and has served on the College's administration since then. Marita Schine attended Middlebury College to attain a Vermont teaching license and holds degrees in biology and English from the University of Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany.President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz approached the Schines in the spring of 2005 and asked them to take over the faculty head position. "I saw this as a chance to roll up my sleeves and contribute," said Robert Schine. "It is also an opportunity to work with a wider range of students than I encounter through my courses." The Schines see their appointment as an opportunity to become more involved in the life of the campus, and have specific ideas as to how they would like to lead their commons. "I have a particular interest in supporting the Commons Council in its community service work," said Marita Schine. "I have long-standing involvements in community agencies in the town and county that I hope will be useful to students in Brainerd in community action initiatives." Their term as faculty heads will last for three years, but may be extended. The Schines will move in to a house on Blinn Lane, opposite from Ross Commons, once construction on the building is complete. The Schines currently live in McKinley House and hope the move will make them more accessible to students. The Schines said they look forward to hosting students and faculty members at an opening celebration when construction on the house is complete. Staff remove Atwater waffle makers for repairsHungry students looking for breakfast at Atwater Dining Hall may have noticed the absence of the Belgian waffle makers from the back counter where they normally reside. The machines, a beloved breakfast institution, are currently in the electrician's shop in the Service Building, awaiting new parts for repairs. According to Atwater Commons Chef Ian Martin, the machines broke during Language School about seven or eight weeks ago. "On one the thermostat was broken and on the other the wiring was fried and eroded," said Martin. "I'm not an electrician, but I guess that could be a safety hazard, yes." In addition, both machines had loose joints that created instability when the machine was flipped for waffle cooking. Jessica Clayton '09, a waffle machine user, ate waffles every day the machines were out last year. "I don't really know what to do with myself on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays," said Clayton. However, not everyone misses the waffle machines. Martin reported that the responsibility of cleaning up the often messy machines and surrounding areas lies with the servery workers who "wouldn't mind [the machines] being gone." Martin added, "But that's not why [the machines] aren't out."Clayton thinks that waffle making lessons would be a good idea, as better technique would help the machines last longer and reduce the mess caused by spilled batter and stuck waffles. She said, "I mean people who just don't spray are idiots."VT Congressional candidates set to debate at MiddThe Rohatyn Center for International Affairs will host a debate about foreign affairs on Sept. 26 between candidates for the Vermont seat in the United States House of Representatives. The debate will occur at 7 p.m. in Mead Chapel and will be moderated by Vermont Public Television's Chris Graff '75. Participants in the debate will include Martha Rainville, Republican candidate and former Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard; Peter Welch, Vermont State Senate President Pro Tem and Democratic candidate; Independent candidate and Burlington restaurateur Dennis Morriseau; and Liberty Union candidate Jane Newton. The Rohatyn Center is co-hosting the event with the Vermont Council on World Affairs (VCWA). VCWA is a non-profit and non-partisan group dedicated to the education of the Vermont public. Through programs and presentations from international delegates, the VCWA spreads awareness about international affairs.Chandler Koglmeier '09, a political science major, expressed interest in attending the debate. "I am interested in international affairs, especially American foreign policy," said Koglemeier. "This debate sounds like a great idea, and I think it will be really informative. How often do you get to see a live political debate?" Koglmeier continued, "I also appreciate the idea of getting exposed to many different political view points, even though I may not agree with all of them."
(09/14/06 12:00am)
Author: Zamir Ahmed After years of construction in the peripheries of campus, projects at the former site of Hillcrest and Starr Library have now brought construction to the center of the College. Construction on these projects began on June 30. The Donald E. Axinn '51 Center for Literary and Cultural Studies at Starr Library will, upon its completion in the fall of 2008, house the Department of English and American Literatures as well as the Programs in American Studies, Creative Writing and Film and Media Studies. The 81,000 square foot facility will be partially completed by the previous summer, enabling the Language School to begin using it for special events. The Axinn Center at Starr Library, which is to hold 54 faculty offices, six classrooms, a 70-seat screening room, a production studio, editing room and a restored reading room, will be the fruit of a project seven years in the making. At that time, Donald E. Axinn '51, earmarked a large donation to the College to be put toward the creation of a Center for the Humanities. A businessman, poet, novelist, philanthropist and former Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences of Hofstra University, Axinn has also endowed a chair in English and Creative Writing to the College in 1987, which is currently held Professor Jay Parini."The Axinn Center at Starr Library will a place for learning, signifying the importance of humanities at Middlebury," said Axinn. "The building is an expansion of my great pride in the college, and in witnessing how it continues to thrive."The project, which will cost slightly under 32 million dollars, was designed and is being managed by the architectural firm Childs Bertman Tseckares from Boston while Colchester, Vt.-based Engelberth Construction will serve as the general contractor. In the selection process for the general contractor for the project, the College's decision was strongly influenced by Engelberth's local roots, which gave the company a significant advantage over competing firms. "We knew we wanted a local company to do the construction," said Tom McGinn, the Middlebury College Project Manager in charge of the Axinn Center. "We had looked at Engelberth in the past for other projects but they hadn't done anything this big. In the past five years, they've done bigger projects so we decided to go with them this time."In the design of the facility, the College heard from representatives in a broad range of departments on all aspects of the building. A building committee was formed in the first stages of the project while a planning committee, chaired by C.A. Johnson Professor of Art Glenn Andres, influenced the development in its later stages."The faculty commented on everything, from the size of the classrooms and the color of the walls to the technology used in the rooms," said McGinn. "They had a lot of input, and continue to have input, throughout the project."A renovated Hillcrest Hall, which is scheduled to be completed in June 2007, will be home to the Environmental Studies Program and the Office of Environmental Affairs. The four million dollar project will renovate original building and western addition and construct a new two-story addition to the south in place of the already destructed south annex.Once completed, the 7,900 square foot construction will house 14 faculty offices, a 100-seat lecture hall, a lounge and teaching space, a study and informal meeting areas for students and faculty.In keeping with the College's existing energy management programs, both facilities have incorporated environmentally-friendly systems into their plans. Among other systems, motion and carbon dioxide sensors will be prevalent throughout Axinn Center at Starr Library, which regulate lighting, temperature and ventilation, while Hillcrest will optimize daylight and natural ventilation in all new spaces.While the construction of these two buildings looks to strength Middlebury's infrastructure in the coming years, concerns exist that the projects will disturb classes and the work of students and faculty. The projects will, as much as possible, try not to upset the community, but McGinn acknowledges that will not always be possible."With the College's previous projects, like the New Library and the Atwater, we were on the edges of campus," said McGinn. "Now, we're right in the middle of the College. If we get complaints, we'll shift things around. We want to accommodate as much as possible. We hope for everyone's input."
(09/14/06 12:00am)
Author: Justine Katzenbach Gena Schiffenhaus '06 is an English major with a focus in creative writing from Key West, Fla. Shiffenhaus was one of 11 Middlebury College students accepted to attend the renowned Breadloaf Writers' Conference at the close of the summer. Schiffenhaus was accompanied by Mike Ives '06.5, Chris Knapp '07, Piya Kashyap '07, Kate Brittain '07, Lauren Markham '05.5, Luke Woods '07, Julina Rundberg '06, Lindsay Horner '07, Astri vonArbinAhlander '07 and Taylor Johnston '07. These students joined writers of all genres from across the globe to participate in this intensive two-week long workshop. Gena speaks to The Campus about her experience at this writers' haven.The Middlebury Campus: What is your preferred genre of writing? Gena Schiffenhaus: Well, technically I have been writing poetry recently and have always been drawn to poetry. I think that there is something in writers that resists labeling the genre they write in. There is a little of fiction and non-fiction in the poetry I love to read and a little poetry in the prose I love to read.TC: How were you elected to participate in the Breadloaf Writers' Conference?GS: Middlebury students have the unique chance to apply to the Conference and because of our affiliation, go on a scholarship. This year I was one of a group of very talented student writers from Midd at the Conference. The application consists of submitting a manuscript of unpublished work for review. In my case, it was ten pages of poetry, but it is different for fiction and non-fiction.TC: How did the conference differ from a creative writing class at Middlebury College?GS: We have phenomenal workshops here at Middlebury. Really good work is being done in them. I would never have thought about the Conference if it had not been for the professors and workshops I have had in my past three years here. The Conference itself is almost a retreat for writers. There were amazing lectures and readings everyday alongside time to meet interesting people and enjoy the beautiful setting. The workshop experience felt very familiar to ours here, except there were writers of all ages and a wide array of success (publishing that is) and backgrounds. So generally I would say in the workshops at Breadloaf there is the indelible feeling that people have come to [understand] their writing, that they are making it their life's work, and that is something amazing to witness.TC: How did the experience differ for Middlebury College students compared to other Breadloaf students?GS: Well having the sense of community that we do at Middlebury, it was comforting to have others there who were experiencing it all for the first time. I also think since we were there at this point in our lives, and had the opportunity to go on a scholarship, that we were able to take in the wonder of it all. Maybe not more so than the other students, but we were certainly the youngest writers there, and we were not leaving careers and families to come to the Conference in pursuit of writing and feedback.TC: How did your writing improve? GS: Funny thing, I wasn't able to write while I was there! I worked on pieces I was having workshopped at the time. It was almost paralyzing sometimes to be around so many accomplished, beautiful writers and then have to go back and produce something I found beautiful. Sometimes you just have to take time to absorb, and I know it will make a difference the next time I write. I feel as if my reading has improved though, absolutely.TC: What is the general philosophy or credo of the conference? GS: I am not sure if I can be so concise, maybe: write and support writers.TC: How did you find the Breadloaf philosophy to be useful in learning more about your own writing? GS: I think it reminded me how important it is to just make time to write, and to read especially. Read as much as you can!TC: What is the best piece of advice you could give to writers at Middlebury after finishing Breadloaf?GS: When going into workshops, realize that any criticism you receive is also a form of compliment because someone has read your work closely and intimately, and that is a rare thing. So listen and absorb and refine, but at the end of the day always know that it is your writing and it is not done by committee.For more information on the Breadloaf Writers' Conference visit www.middlebury.edu/~blwc.
(09/14/06 12:00am)
Author: Melissa Marshall H'okay, so, you've made a resolution to improve your life - a new school year, a new you! You may have even set the typical resolutions such as starting a paper before the night it is due or sculpting an uber-hot body that will be hidden under nine layers of clothing. More than likely, however, you will be one of the lucky people to hear the voice of God in the library at midnight, and the most your heart will accelerate is when you climb the steps to your fourth floor class in Munroe. Nonetheless, never fear! Your friendly local newspaper has a few tips that will make your goals easier to achieve than Tara Reid after a few Margaritas. The hardest part of writing a paper is actually starting it. To get you in the mood, try some music that relaxes you and gets those brainwaves jumping. No matter how dorky, the classical genre does do the trick. Good selections are any of Chopin's nocturnes or pieces from Debussy. However, not all of us are as intense. If this is the case, try a softer-core version such as the Amélie or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtracks. If you are still not ready to jump into this voluminous wordless field of music feet first, try the newest release from chamber pop quintet Matt Pond PA, Several Arrows Later, or the haunting melodies found on Modest Mouse's masterpiece The Moon and Antartica. Unfortunately, writing noble-prize worthy essays are only half the battle - you may have to grace your professors with your presence occasionally as well. All iPods, and almost all portable mp3 players have an alarm clock option. Make a cheery, up-beat morning mix with such songs as "Love You Madly" by Cake, "July, July" by the Decemberists, "A Million Ways" by OK Go or "Hit Me" by Swedish sensation The Sounds, that will not only get you out from between the sheets but also dancing as you wage war with your skinny jeans. Keep the beats going - Sufjan Stevens or Rivers Cuomo will make the walk from the CFA to BiHall much more enjoyable. Plus headphones double as great earmuffs. In following the advice of the venerable Alicia Silverstone, after taking care of your mind, you should take care of your body. When exercising, a playlist is essential in keeping your heart-rate and attention span at its peak. Some recommendations include Stellastarr's "My CoCo," Franz Ferdinand's "Darts of Pleasure" and The Artic Monkey's "I Bet You'd Look Good on the Dance Floor." Still, one cannot forget the timeless summer classics of '06 such as Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" and Nelly Furtado's "Promiscous." Let's face it, the college experience is not complete without a well-rounded social life - and alcohol can only achieve so much my friend. Try making the quintessential make-out mix. Who can resist the mournful melodies of Irish singer/songwriter Damien Rice or the strained vocals of Elliott Smith? Select tracks from The Counting Crows, Rufus Wainwright, or Interpol (Turn on the Bright Lights is divinely inspired) have also been known to get potential partners more excited than if they had found out that it was "breakfast for dinner" in the dining hall. But one cannot enjoy this newly crafted life if the only sleep garnered happened to be during a three-hour French film. And if counting sheep makes you nervous about your economics exam, try plugging your earphones into these precious little diddies. Tori Amos' catalog, with her soothing voice and poignant piano, are sure to send you off to the land of Nod, and the quieter tracks from Death Cab or The Postal Service are staples as well thanks to the glorious quality of Ben Gibbard's voice. Or, worse comes to worse, just bring a tape recorder to your next English class. So go forward, armed with your iPod and increased musical knowledge, and make this the healthiest, happiest school year yet! Or at least give your roomie a break from the Dave Matthews CD which has been in your computer since last April.
(09/14/06 12:00am)
Author: [no author name found] Last Friday evening, members of the class of 2010 gathered in McCullough auditorium as upperclassmen partook in a longstanding orientation tradition - Voices of the class. The event pairs select college admissions essays written by the incoming freshmen with skits playfully mocking life at Middlebury. This year, English/Theatre double major Myra Palmero '07 directed this fun-filled show. She gives her input on the impact of the event."For me, the show is so interesting because it brings together both the unique and the universal of the freshman class's voice - the essays are written by specific people telling their own stories, but by telling them in Voices of the Class, where the authors are anonymous, I think one finds that the stories represent multiple voices of their class. Many of our skits took place in ridiculous settings - the "lost freshman in the frozen Siberia" or Harry Potter finding a Commons - but they're funny because they parody the experiences that everyone goes through during their first year at Middlebury, including the upperclassmen who act them out in the first place. It says something that though the show is made up of original skits, the content does not change much from year to year. Voices is a special part of Freshman Orientation because it is a nice reminder that though the feelings of being lost, confused or just plain clumsy on campus may feel specific to the incoming student who feels it, they're more universal than they seem."
(09/14/06 12:00am)
Author: Joe Bergan For most Middlebury College students, registration was an ordeal completed in that ancient period - "before summer." For others, those hot months are an uncomfortable time, awkwardly fielding such questions as: "Oh Middlebury! Do you take a language?" "What is a 'Feb' exactly?" For those who felt inadequate this summer, The Middlebury Campus offers a helpful guide to the most fulfilling (and boast worthy) classes at Middlebury. Read along to discover the array of classes, variety of professors and endless possibilities that can be found right outside your dorm room door.HIST 0203 U.S. History 1492-1861Professor: John McCardellPresident Emeritus and College Professor John M. McCardell - after wrapping up one of the most popular presidencies of the College two years ago - has returned to the classroom with vigor. Under his majestic hair is a brain that makes the human race proud. His orientation speeches can reduce just about anyone to tears. Trust us, although the subject matter of this class, Puritanism, Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock might not seem riveting, Professor McCardell has the ability to breathe life into any subject matter. For those who aspire to be not only a better student, but also a better human being, this is the class for you.ENAM 0332 Shakespeare's HistoriesProfessor: John BertoliniAnother class chosen for the quality of instruction, Ellis Professor of English and Liberal Arts John Bertolini's Shakespeare's Histories course description includes "intensive" as its second word. Three hours of lecture and a mandatory screening makes for a lot of Shakespeare. Is there any other mark of pure genius greater than a thorough knowledge and understanding of Shakespeare? (Repeat this mantra while crying over your homework).FMMC 0256 TV & American CultureProfessor: Jason MittellPerhaps no professor at Middlebury has his or her fingers on the pulse of popular culture quite like Assistant Professor of American Studies and Film and Media Culture Jason Mittell. While many professors on this list might not own cable, Professor Mittell consumes more TV in one week than you did all summer. While slackers may rejoice at the subject matter, Professor Mittell will impress you with his ample knowledge spanning from "Laguna Beach" to Theodore Adorno. Caution: Grey's Anatomy might never be the same in your eyes ever again. PHYS 0155 An Introduction to the UniverseProfessor: Frank WinklerThe Physics department at Middlebury has a catalogue full of classes that always drag the curious artist into McCardell Bicentennial Hall. Gamaliel Painter Bicentennial Professor of Physics Frank Winkler's fall offering is no exception. The daily subject matter will leave you pondering your place floating in infinite space, while your creative professor guides you through the night sky in the college observatory. Past students also rave about his dramatic Monty Python renditions. You may even see your professor rocket himself through Bicentennial Hall on a skateboard. Seriously.THEA 102 C, D Acting IProfessor: Alex DraperA requirement for Theatre majors, this class is a liberal arts rite of passage. Again, these particular sections are chosen for the professor. While some uninformed young men might attend this class to "pick up the ladies," be forewarned. The dashing and talented Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Alex Draper has served as the inspiration for a fan group on Facebook.com, as well as stolen the spotlight in many a Middlebury theatre production since his return to his alma mater. The obessessed may watch his episodes of "Sex and the City." The jealous may watch their Proctor Crush bat their eyes admiringly. Sorry ladies, he's taken. AMST 365 Art and Language of the Civil WarProfessor: Kit WilsonOnce every semester, Professor of Humanities Kit Wilson offers one class, usually in one three hour block, beginning on a Monday or Tuesday evening - and spots in these limited classes cannot be bought. Professor Wilson draws on history, paintings and prose to push and entertain the average Midd student's intellect further than "The Da Vinci Code" ever could. His Art and the Bible class draws many for the Mayan Hot Chocolate. This class is why you came to a small liberal arts school.
(05/11/06 12:00am)
Author: Mike Murali Scott Russell Sanders, an English professor at Indiana University at Bloomington and a nationally recognized environmentalist, spoke last Thursday in the Charles A. Dana Auditorium, reading from his recent memoir, "A Private History of Awe." A discussion ensued the following day in the Organic Garden regarding community, sustainability and life as a writer.Sanders has written extensively on environmental issues, feeling that citizens need to take a more active role in combating pollution and raising awareness of issues of sustainability. Said Jacob Risinger '06, "At base level, I think that much of Mr. Sanders' work is about understanding who we are as a small but important part of a large, complex world." While Sanders has written both novels and short stories, his main focus is literary nonfiction. Among his 19 published works, he has written eight works of fiction and children's books.Blair Kloman, News Writer for the College's Public Relations department, says, "'A Private History of Awe' is a coming-of-age memoir, love story and spiritual testament in which Sanders traces the corresponding development of his imagination and insightful sense of responsibility." Through both personal stories and commentary, Sanders focuses on understanding one's place in nature, social justice, community and the quest for a spiritual path."In terms of the man, he's capable of thinking deeply and openly about important national issues and questions about personal identity without grasping after fact or reason. In this sense, I think he represents the best of the academic world. His work is not flashy or clever but honest - and honest attempt to speak about some personalized truth or experience," said Risinger when asked his opinion of Sanders.In his 1998 book, Hunting for Hope, Sanders writes of the impact of humanity on nature: "We are the only species capable of exterminating other species wholesale, but we are also the only one capable of acting, through love and reason, to preserve our fellow creatures. We are unique in our ability to affect the fate of the planet, but also unique in our ability to predict those effects and to change our ways in light of what we foresee" (133).The reading and discussion was organized both by Risinger and by Stewart Professor of English and Environmental Studies John Elder. Elder and Sanders are also close friends. Sanders' lecture was co-sponsored by Atwater Commons, the Bread Loaf Writer's Conference, the Department of American Literature and Civilization, the Environmental Studies program, the Middlebury Mountain Club, the Stewart Fund and the Academic Enrichment Fund.Last Thursday, he spoke of his experiences during the Vietnam War, which drew many responses from the students present because Sanders identified himself as a conscientious objector. Said Risinger, "Students came because Scott brings back the possibility of hope to many of our national discourses that are more often a source of cynicism and frustration. It's good to talk about these things together, reflecting on how the world can become a better place on both a personal and communal level."More information on Scott Russell Sanders is available at his Web site: www.scottrussellsanders.com.
(05/11/06 12:00am)
Author: Liz Cambell The Middlebury College Board of Trustees convened over the weekend for its annual May meeting. The main item on the agenda was the Strategic Plan and its financial feasibility, while other topics of discussion included the election of new trustees, the approval of the College's budget, both for the upcoming academic year, and an update of construction and renovation projects.The Board unanimously endorsed the adoption of the Strategic Plan, the first to be adopted by the Board and the College since 1992. The Board's approval was the culmination of a process that began in January 2005 with the initial meetings of the Planning Committee for Middlebury's Future. The plan, said President Ronald D. Liebowitz on the College's Web site, "will focus renewed attention on Middlebury's core mission: to provide the strongest learning environment for the talented young people who choose to study here."Another issue involved in the planning process and on the Board's agenda over the weekend was the progress of renovation projects, in particular the Axinn '51 Center for the Humanities, which is scheduled to be completed by May 2008. In October 2005, the Trustees approved the project for the renovation of Starr Library in order to create the Axinn Center and set a budget of $30.6 million. During the May meeting, Project Manager of Facilities Services Tom McGinn updated the Board on the status of the projects and discussed the next steps of the renovation. The Board agreed on the next steps outlined by Facilities Services, which include interior demolition of the building and the removal of the mechanical systems, furniture, and shelving."The Board, specifically the Buildings and Grounds Committee, has been intimately involved with the project from the start," said McGinn. "We are most fortunate to have such an active and interested group of trustees."Other building projects discussed during the meeting included an update of the renovation of Hillcrest Hall. The Board agreed to begin construction of Hillcrest in June 2006. The project will better accommodate the College's Environmental Studies Program by renovating the original building and adding a smaller two-story addition to the back. The main component of the addition will be a technologically advanced lecture hall that will allow seating for up to 100 people and will provide a space for the weekly Howard E. Woodin Environmental Studies Colloquium Series, which is a key component of the ES Program. This project aims specifically to address Middlebury's strategic goal, stated in the Strategic Plan, to "continue and strengthen its leadership with environmental initiatives and awareness, to enhance its reputation as 'the environmental college.'"Beyond the strategic planning and renovation project discussions, the Board also reviewed admissions fees for the Language Schools and the Bread Loaf School of English and approved the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
