Wellesleyweek
news
faculty-student
team uses economics to forecast olympic
results
search
underway for director of davis museum and cultural
center
prof
emeritus gulick dies
pendleton
east on track for january 2001
opening
element
k online learning now available at
wellesley
student
senate opens
colleagues
in the news
calendar
of on-campus events
highlight
of the week
information about wellesleyweek
faculty-student team uses economics to forecast olympic results
If the
United States finishes the Sydney Summer Olympics with 90
medals--33 of them goldremember that you read it at
Wellesley first.
Economics professor Daniel Johnson and former Wellesley
student Ayfer Ali have done an economic analysis of the
Summer Olympics since 1952 to predict medal counts in this
year’s Games. They demonstrate that larger developed
countries, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) per
capita, send more athletes to the Games than less developed
ones. They then show the relationship between certain
economic variables and the probability that an athlete from
any nation will win a medal. This explains who wins, given
the athlete-to-medal ratio of about 12.5 to 1 for the last
three Summer Olympics. Hence their US medal forecast, as
well as the following: China (85), Germany (61), Australia
(54), and Russia (29).
Johnson and Ali expect the home field advantage to help the
Aussies in 2000, because, on average, host nations double
the number of athletes they send to the Games, boosting by
12 percent the probability that a host-nation athlete wins a
medal. They also note that more women are competing in the
Games. “Richer nations send more athletes, at the rate
of roughly eight more for each $1,000 of GDP per capita on
average,” they say. And nations with higher GDP per
capita also send more women. The ratio of male to female
athletes has gone from a post-War high of more than eight to
one, to a ratio in 1992 (Barcelona) of less than 2.5 to
one.
Johnson and Ali began their collaboration as part of a
Wellesley program that encourages faculty-student research
efforts in the social sciences and is supported by the
National Science Foundation’s Award for the Integration
of Research and Education Program. Ali now attends Harvard
University. Their paper, Coming to Play or Coming to Win:
Participation and Success at the Olympic Games (Wellesley
College Working Paper 2000-10, September 2000), can be read
online at http://www.wellesley.edu/Economics/wkpapers.
search underway for director of davis museum and cultural center
The
search committee formed to fill the position of the Ruth
Gordon Shapiro '37 Director of the Davis
Museum and Cultural Center
(DMCC) began meeting earlier this month to consider
candidates. Susan Taylor, the previous director, left
Wellesley earlier in the summer to become director of The
Art Museum, Princeton University.
"We are looking for a visionary leader, someone who has
demonstrated an understanding of the museum's potential as a
shaper of intellectual and cultural life in a liberal arts
environment," explained Professor of Music Martin Brody, who
is co-chairing the committee with Nicki Tanner, a member of
the Board of Trustees. "The successful candidate will
continue and build on the DMCC's commitment to making its
collections an inspiration for teaching and research in all
fields and a dynamic extension of the classroom."
In addition to advertising the position, the committee has
actively solicited candidate recommendations from alumnae,
members of the art department, and other professionals in
the museum field.
Other committee members include Lilian Armstrong, art,
Patricia Berman, art, David Blinder, resources/public
affairs, trustee Dozier Gardner, Dennis McFadden, DMCC (ex
officio), Salem Mekuria, art, Geeta Patel, women’s
studies, Lee Ramer, '56, member of the DMCC visiting
committee, President Diana Chapman Walsh (ex officio), and
James Cuno, director of the Harvard University Art
Museums.
Professor emeritus of history Edward V. Gulick died on September 6 at the age of 85. A scholar of China, Gulick taught at Wellesley from 1947 until his retirement in 1980. He was well known for his interest in the lives and well-being of his students, many of whom continued to write and visit him long after his retirement. Dean Pamela Daniels '59, a student of Gulick’s, spoke of him in her commencement address to the class of 2000.
pendleton east on track for january 2001 opening
No
news is good news. And with no news of major glitches on the
$15.5 million Pendleton East renovation, the good news is,
"we are on schedule." So says project director Pam Gentile,
reviewing the summer’s progress. The target for
completion is January, 2001.
"The summer went very smoothly,” Gentile says. “We
ran a little behind on some things, but we made it up on
others--people worked a lot of Saturdays; but the weather
cooperated. It wasn’t hot."
Summer’s major task was to remove the old load-carrying
beams and bring in new steel structural ones to support the
open interior atrium. Then, ducts had to be installed for
modern heating and air-conditioning. Considerable
landscaping improvements were undertaken to make the
building handicapped-accessible. “We had to make a
major grade change in order to make up 18 inches of slope by
the front Pendleton West entrance,” says Gentile. The
building will have three new handicap entrances on the Quad
side, and two in back, where there also will be a
handicapped-only parking area.
"This has been one of the most interesting projects
I’ve worked on," says Gentile. "Both the design and
building phases have been immensely challenging. We had
intense faculty input from early on in the design stage
right up until the building started."
In the next two weeks Gentile will take faculty on a tour of
the new space. "With new structural steel and wall studs in
place, it’s starting to make sense," she says.
"Overall, faculty and students will be delighted," she
adds.
element k online learning now available at wellesley
When will you learn? Right now, if you use the new online technology learning resource Element K located on the desktop in your office, dorm room, or home. Wellesley has contracted with Element K, a leader in online learning, and is licensed for all faculty, staff, and students to access a bounty of technological knowledge online 24/7. Log on and learn new software skills, refresh old ones, explore new topics, choose from self-paced tutorials and instructor-led classes, even browse an on-line library of some of the best how-to books. IS User Services will have demo sessions ongoing through the semester to familiarize the College community with Element K. Go to a demo, log on, and see what it can do for you.
The Wellesley College Government begins its legislative year on Monday, September 25, with the first meeting of Senate. Senate meetings, held on Mondays at 6 pm in the Academic Council Room, are open to any member of the College community. “I extend an open invitation to anyone interested in College Government and campus issues to attend our meetings,” said President Marisa Van Saanen. “The agenda for each meeting is posted on the Community and Senate conferences each week.” Cabinet Members are Van Saanen; Lorena Ramirez, vice president; Theresa Tribble, chief justice; Jennifer Eckerman, CPLA chair; Neha Ummat, multicultural affairs coordinator; Sumana Chatterjee, director of on-campus affairs; Carla Weiss, secretary/treasurer; Jennifer Alcarez, student bursar; and Karen Helgeson, House Presidents’ Council liaison.
jim
wice came
to Wellesley on August 1 in a new full-time position of
director of disability services. The new position
coordinates all the college’s services for individuals
with disabilities under one umbrella. “The present job
is all-inclusive in terms of students, faculty, staff,
union, alumnae and visitors,” he says, from his office
in Clapp Library.
Wice is a certified rehabilitation counselor, with a
bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a
master’s in education. He comes to Wellesley from
Boston Career Link, a private, non-profit, one-stop career
center. Prior to that he worked at the University of
Massachusetts, Boston as director of the Lillian Semper Ross
Center for Disability Services.
In addition to experience developing and coordinating
disability services programs and working in academic and
diverse populations, Wice brings skills in advising, mental
health and career counseling, teaching, and understanding of
medical documentation and legal mandates.
One of his responsibilities and first steps is to convene a
disability services provider meeting on campus. While
services for people with disabilities--be they physical,
psychological, learning--have long been available at
Wellesley, they have been somewhat decentralized. “I
want to familiarize people with the policies and procedures
around the things that are already done here, to get the
information all together in one place and get it out, so
people know how to access the services we provide,” he
said.
“I see this job at Wellesley as a little bit of
everything--coordination, advocacy, education,” he says
as he gets underway. “I look forward to meeting as many
people on campus as possible.”
monday
september 25
study
abroad fair
Representatives from approximately 40 educational
institutions in the US and around the world will talk about
their programs to students interested in studying abroad. 12
- 4 pm, Alumnae Hall Ballroom. Sponsor: International
Studies and Services.
Info: x2320.
catholic
mass
12:30 pm, Newman Conference Room, Chapel basement. Info:
x2688.
senate
Open
to all students, faculty, staff members, and visitors. 6 pm,
Academic Council Room, Green Hall. Info: x3500.
buddhist
community gatherings
for meditation and discussion. 8-9 pm, in the Meditation
Room under Houghton Chapel. Beginners welcome. All invited
to attend “Midday Nirvana” (silent sitting)
everyday at 12:30 pm. Info: x2793.
tuesday
september 26
open
class “Painting
for PrincesLate Medieval Art in France and Italy.”
Lilian Armstrong, Art, discusses a rare 13th century
painting. 11:10 am12:20pm, Contemporary Gallery, Davis
Museum. Info: x2051.
demonstration
of Element
K
the
new online training resource (see
article).
Presentation and question-and-answer period for all
students, faculty, and staff. 12:30 -1:20 pm, Science Center
278. Info: x3594.
lecture
“The Struggle for Indigenous Autonomy in Chiapas:
Global and Local Perspectives.” Speakers: Jane and
George Collier, visiting professors of anthropology.
Discussion and reception to follow. 4:15 pm, Collins Cinema.
Sponsors: Latin American Studies, Spanish/PRESHCO,
Anthropology,
Political
Science,
Peace
and Justice Studies.
Info: x2399.
lecture
“Africa
in World History Before the Atlantic Age.” Speaker:
Professor Christopher Ehret, History, University of
California. 5 pm, Clapp Library Lecture Room. Sponsors:
History,
Africana
Studies,
Education, Slater
International,
French
(Linguistics).
Info: x2605.
volleyball
vs Mt Holyoke, 7 pm, Keohane Sports Center. Info: x2900.
lecture
“Our Stake in Trade Policy” by Deputy US Trade
Representative and Ambassador Susan Esserman ’74 (see
article page 4). 7:30 pm, Jewett Auditorium. Sponsor:
Political
Science.
Info: x2198.
wednesday
september 27
president’s
open office hour
12:30 1:30 pm, President’s Office, Green Hall 350.
Info: x2243.
russian
table
Come for tea, cookies, and Russian conversation. 12:30 pm,
Founders 416. Sponsor: Russian.
Info: x2418.
information
meeting
“Planning for Law School” 12:30 pm, Science Center
277. Sponsor: Center
for Work and Service.
Info: x2352.
bible
study
6:30 pm, Little Chapel. Sponsor: Protestant Christian
Chaplaincy. Info: x2655.
sustaining prayer 8 pm, Little Chapel. Sponsor: Protestant
Christian Chaplaincy. Info: x2655.
thursday
september 28
china
table
Come to talk about courses, food, travel, activity ideas,
and films. No Chinese required. 12:30 1:30 pm, Tower Court
small dining room. Sponsor: Chinese.
Info: x2188.
luncheon
seminar series “The
Soul of Work: Embracing Complexity Science For Business
Success.” Birute Regine, co-author with Roger Lewin, of
Soul at Work will argue that another way of thinking about
business is needed for the 21st century one guided by the
principles of complexity science, and that cultivates a more
humane and relational work environment. Book signing and
reception will follow the presentation. Bring a bag lunch.
Coffee served. 12:30 1:30 pm, Cheever House Library, 828
Washington Street. Sponsor: Wellesley
Centers for Women.
Info: x2483.
sustaining
prayer
1:15pm - 1:45pm, Little Chapel. Sponsor: Protestant
Christian Chaplaincy. Info: x2655.
field
hockey
vs Connecticut College, 4 pm, Keohane Sports Center, Info:
x2900.
catholic
mass
4 pm, Newman Conference Room, Chapel basement. Info:
x2688.
films
Two japanese animated films, “Tale of Genji” and
“The Tale of Shunkin.” 4:30 and 7:30 pm, Founders
120. Sponsor: Japanese.
Info: x3226.
interview
workshop
second in series. 4:30 5:30 pm, Clapp Library Lecture Room.
Sponsor: Center
for Work and Service.
Info: x2352.
unitarian
universalist service and gathering
All are welcome. 6:15 pm, Little Houghton Chapel. Info:
x3484.
informational
meeting for D.C. Summer
internship program (juniors only). Speakers: Edward
Stettner, internship director, and previous interns. 7 pm,
Clapp Library Lecture Room. Sponsor: Political
Science.
Info: x2194.
film
“The Manchurian Candidate,” 1962, 126 min, John
Frankenheimer, director, starring Frank Sinatra. In
conjunction with “Cold War Modern” exhibit at the
Davis
Museum and Cultural Center.
7 pm, Collins Cinema. Sponsor: Film Society, DMCC. Info:
x2051.
friday september
29
drop
deadline
Last day to drop a course without “WDR” appearing
on the record.
rosh
hashanah
(sundown). Jewish tradition. Evening service led by Rabbi
Ilene Lerner Bogosian and Cantorial Soloist Sharon Brown
Goldstein. 6pm, Jewett Auditorium. Info: x2687.
films
Titles to be determined. 7 pm and 9 pm, Free with Wellesley
or MIT ID; $3 off-campus. Collins Cinema. Sponsor: Film
Society. Info: smizra1@wellesley.edu.
saturday
september 30
rosh
hashanah
Jewish tradition. Morning service led by Rabbi Ilene Lerner
Bogosian and Cantorial Soloist Sharon Brown Goldstein. 10
am, Jewett Auditorium. Info: x2687.
field
hockey
vs Mt. Holyoke, 1 pm, Keohane Sports Center, Info:
x2900.
films
Titles to be determined. 7 pm and 9 pm, Free with Wellesley
or MIT ID; $3 off-campus. Collins Cinema. Sponsor: Film
Society. Info: smizra1@wellesley.edu.
sunday
october 1
rosh
hashanah
Jewish tradition. Second day morning, student led. 10am,
Hillel Lounge. Info: x2687.
protestant
service
11:15 am, Little Houghton Chapel. Sponsor: Religious Life.
Info: x2655.
catholic mass 4 pm, Little Houghton Chapel. Sponsor:
Religious Life. Info: x2688.
jazz
concert
“Music from the Heart.” Performers: Sheila Jordan,
jazz vocalist , and Steve Kuhn, piano. 8 - 10 pm, Jewett
Auditorium. Sponsor: Music.
Info: x 2077.
monday
october 2
catholic
mass
12:30 pm, Newman Conference Room, Chapel basement. Info:
x2688.
senate
Open to all students, faculty, staff members, and visitors.
6 pm, Academic Council Room, Green Hall. Info: x3500.
buddhist
community gatherings
for meditation and discussion. 8-9 pm, in the Meditation
Room under Houghton Chapel. Beginners welcome. Info:
x2793.
don't
miss...
ambassador
susan g esserman '74 to speak on trade and labor
issues
Ambassador Susan G. Esserman, Deputy US Trade Representative and alumna from the class of 1974, will speak in Jewett Auditorium on Tuesday, September 26, at 7:30 pm. In her lecture, entitled "Our Stake in Trade Policy," Esserman will speak about the development of US trade policy and negotiations in the World Trade Organization and other multilateral forums, and on women's issues, the environment, and labor as they relate to trade policy. Following the lecture, there will be a question-and-answer session. Before her appointment to her current position, Ambassador Esserman was General Counsel to the Office of the US Trade Representative, where she had lead responsibility for all legal issues related to US trade policy, and Assistant Secretary for Import Administration at the Department of Commerce. She began her career as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Oliver Gasch after receiving her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Esserman's visit to Wellesley is being sponsored by the Political Science Department in conjunction with several other academic departments. The lecture is part of a yearlong effort to highlight the achievement of alumnae and history of the College in celebration of Wellesley’s 125th Anniversary. For information about other 125th Anniversary programming and events, please visit http://www.wellesley.edu/Anniversary/2000.html.
WellesleyWeek is published each Monday by the Office for Public Information during the academic year. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Phone numbers are dialed (781) 283-xxxx.Campus-sponsored event listings are welcome via e-mail to calendar@wellesley.edu. Printed submissions can be sent to Calendar, Public Information, 354 Green Hall, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481. Deadline for submissions is the Monday prior to publication. For paid subscription information call 781 283 2373.