may 1 - 8
2006

10th ruhlman conference bursts with student creativity

The 10th annual Ruhlman Conference, featuring presentations by more than 250 Wellesley College students, will be held Wednesday, May 3, from 9 am to 6 pm. Reflecting the diversity of student interest and accomplishment, the conference presents student work in a variety of formats: papers, panels, posters, exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances, interactive teaching presentations and readings of original work.

The day is organized around eight major themes: About Wellesley, Economic Issues, Literature and the Arts, Multicultural Research, Political Development, Science and Technology, Self and Identity, and Social Analysis. The conference helps to foster collaboration among students and faculty across academic disciplines while enhancing the intellectual life of the College.

In addition to the outstanding quality of work, its wide-ranging topics make the Ruhlman Conference a truly exceptional event. Under the theme of About Wellesley, for example, topics range from “The First Year Experience at Wellesley: Students’ Transition to College” to “Japanese/English Code-Switching in the Wellesley College Community.”

Under Social Analysis students will present a panel titled “The Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Manifestations of Social Inequality.” Under Science and Technology, they will offer “The Planet that Lost Weight and Other Astronomical Anecdotes” among a wide range of topics.

The conference is made possible by the Barbara Peterson Ruhlman Fund for Interdisciplinary Study. Schedules will be available at the event and online at www.wellesley.edu/DeanCollege/Ruhlman/home.html. Refreshments will be served throughout the day, and all members of the Wellesley College community are invited to enjoy lunch on the Wang Center lawn. (Rain location: Wang Center and Alumnae Hall.) For more information, e-mail ruhlman@wellesley.edu.

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lecture tackles changing role of women in muslim world

“The Changing Role of Women in Islam,” a lecture by Salima Ikram, an accomplished Egyptologist and professor at the American University of Cairo, will be presented Monday, May 1, at 12:30 pm in Pendleton Atrium. The event, sponsored by Slater International, aims to initiate a discussion about Muslim women.

“Slater believes that is essential for the community to hear a different perspective about women and Islam, unlike the common portrayal by Western media,” said Julia Shalnova ’08, Slater International member. “We take it as a responsibility of Slater to encourage a diversity of opinions and views in the Wellesley community.”

Ikram will share her experience as a female archaeologist in a heavily male-dominated field. She will also offer insights into her discoveries about ancient Egyptian life as well as the diversity of the life of Egyptian women, discussing many accomplished women in medicine, academia and archaeology.

Ikram has taught at the American University for six years. A graduate of Byrn Mawr College who completed her doctorate at Cambridge University, she focuses on Egyptian archaeology, mummification, cultural resource management with a focus on museums, experimental archaeology, zooarchaeology and daily life in ancient Egypt. She has recently won the Andrew W. Mellon Art History Fellowship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and has written several books. For more information, contact jshalnov@wellesley.edu.

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urban architecure

Three leading scholars of North American architecture and urbanism will present a symposium, “New Approaches to the Study of the Built Environment,” Thursday, May 4, from 4:30-6 pm in Jewett 450.

Daniel Abramson, director, architectural studies, Tufts University, will speak on “Obsolescence, Hospitals, and the Welfare State Nexus.” Eric Avila, history and Chicano studies, University of California, Los Angeles, will talk about “San Diego’s Chicano Park: A Barrio’s Encounter with Modernity under the Freeway.” Jane Kamensky, history, Brandeis University, will present “I Love the Past, but Oh, You CAD! Using Computer-Aided Design to Reconstruct Vanished Landscapes.” A reception follows. The event is sponsored by the Grace Slack McNeil Program for Studies in American Art. For more information, call x2042.

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acclaimed poet louise glück to read from new book

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Louise Glück will read from her new book Averno (“her masterpiece,” says The New York Times) Tuesday, May 2, at 5 pm in Founders 120. She is the author of numerous books of poetry, including Vita Nova, winner of Boston Book Review’s Bingham Poetry Prize; The Wild Iris, which received the Pulitzer Prize and the Poetry Society of America’s William Carlos Williams Award; Ararat, for which she received the Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry; and The Triumph of Achilles, which received the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Boston Globe Literary Press Award and the Poetry Society of America’s Melville Kane Award. Her collection of essays, Proofs and Theories: Essays on Poetry won the PEN/Martha Albrand Award for Nonfiction.

Glück teaches at Williams College. She was elected Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 1999 and became the Library of Congress’s 12th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry in 2003. A reception and book-signing will follow the lecture, sponsored by the English Department. For more information, call x2591.

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wellesley alum to talk about cancer prevention

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Biological Chemistry Program, Akhila Balasubramanian ’99, Ph.D. Program, University of Washington, will talk about “Epidemiology: The Other White Meat—One Alum’s Journey from Biochemistry to Cancer Prevention, Health Policy and Beyond” Monday, May 1, at 5:30 pm in Science Center 278 (refreshments at 5, Sage Lounge). “I will talk about epidemiology as a field,” she said. “I will also present my research on prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. I will address issues involved in cervical cancer screening including the search for new biological markers to detect cervical cancer early, policy issues including cost-effectiveness and feasibility of different screening options in various domestic and international settings, and the potential impact of the upcoming cervical cancer vaccine.” For more information, call x3153.

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expert to discuss nuclear terrorism

On Tuesday, May 2, at 5 pm in Pendleton West 212, Graham Allison will talk about “Nuclear Terrorism: The Ultimate Preventable Catastrophe,” borrowing the title from his 2004 book by the same name. Allison is Harvard’s Douglas Dillon Professor of Government and director of its Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. From 1977-1989, he served as dean of the Kennedy School. In the first term of the Clinton administration, he served as assistant secretary of defense for policy and plans, where he coordinated Department of Defense strategy and policy toward Russia, Ukraine and the other states of the former Soviet Union.

“In the ’04 campaign, the two candidates found but one point of agreement,” Allison said. “In the first TV debate, he moderator asks: What is the single greatest threat to American national security? Both answered: nuclear terrorist attack. My lecture will present two propositions: 1, on current trendline, nuclear 9/11 is inevitable, and, 2, this ultimate catastrophe is preventable.” Allison’s presentation will propose a feasible, affordable agenda for prevention. The background for this event is his book, Nuclear Terrorism. The lecture is sponsored by Peace and Justice Studies. For more information, call x3044.

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don't miss: upstage presents play about speech and democracy

Adapted and directed by Bethany Winkels ’07, the play The Life and Death of Socrates draws from ancient texts by Plato, Xenophon, Libanius and others that are translated into modern writing to create a commentary on reedom of speech within a democracy.

“This event will serve to bring about discussion concerning democracy, civil rights and freedoms,” said Winkels. “Because of its material, the audience will be able to consider these topics outside of the current political environment. Set in ancient Athens, the play uses the most famous and highly regarded democracy to make points both pertinent and theoretical.” An Upstage production, the play will be on stage Thursday, May 4, at 7 pm; Friday, May 5, at 8 pm; Saturday, May 6, at 2 and 8 pm; and Sunday, May 7, at 2 and 7 pm in Hay Amphitheatre. Tickets are free for Wellesley/MIT/Olin students; $5 for Wellesley faculty/staff/other students; and $10 for others. For more information, contact bwinkels@wellesley.edu.

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colleagues in the news

angie evans, institutional research, has competed in the April 30 Big Sur International Marathon, which runs along the Pacific Coast’s Route 1, with four fellow members of the Heartbreak Hill Striders running club. “As Big Sur is very hilly, and more of a challenge than the Boston Marathon route, we did a lot of hill training on the Newton Hills and also did five training sessions up Blue Hill in Milton, Mass.,” Evans said, who started running in 1996 after being inspired by the 100th Boston Marathon. “My first marathon was in Berlin, Germany, in 1997, followed by two Bostons in 1998 and 1999 (I ran these as a fund-raiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute), then I needed to take some time off due to an illness, but continued in 2001 by running the Toronto marathon, followed by the Wineglass Marathon in Corning, N.Y., in 2003, and the Hartford marathon in 2005.” Next up: training forher third run up Mount Washington this June.

karen ossen has been named assistant director of corporate and foundation relations. She previously served as assistant director of corporate and foundation relations at the Boys and Girls Club of Boston and as a member of the corporate and foundation relations team at Facing History and Ourselves in Brookline. She is a graduate of lark University.

james wice, director, disability services, will receive a Distinguished Employer Award from the Greater Boston Employee Advisory Board to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission at its Ninth Annual Employer Awards Breakfast, May 2, at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. The awards honor distinguished employers with special recognition for going above and beyond expectations in promoting diversity and inclusionary hiring for qualified persons with disabilities.

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calendar

monday may 1

beltane. Pagan tradition.

japanese table. 12:30-1:20 pm, Tower Court. Info: x7922.

lecture. “The Changing Roles of Muslim Women.” Speaker: Salima Ikram, Egyptology, American University, Cairo. 12:30-2:30 pm, PNE 225A. Sponsor: Slater International. (See story, page 1.) Info: Slatermail@wellesley.edu.

lecture. “Local Hands, International News: The Social Practices of Reporting on Israel’s Separation Barrier.” Speaker: Amahal Bishara, anthropology, NYU. 4 pm, PNW 212. Sponsor: Anthropology. Info: x2935.

lecture. “View from China.” Speaker: Binggen Wang, writer. 4:30-5:30 pm, PNE 239. Sponsor: Office of the President. Info: x3038.

lecture. “Epidemiology: The Other White Meat; One Alum’s Journey from Biochemistry to Cancer Prevention, Health Policy and Beyond.” Speaker: Akhila Balasubramanian ’99, research technologist, Ph.D. program, University of Washington. Reception: 5 pm, Sage Lounge; lecture: 5:30 pm, SCI 278. Sponsor: Biological Sciences. (See story, page 2.) Info: x3153.

meeting. CG Senate. 6 pm, Academic Council Room. Info: cgpresident@wellesley.edu.

esl tutoring. 6-8 pm, PLTC small conference room. Info: x2480.

lecture. “Conservatives and Current Events.” Speaker: Ann Coulter, author. 7 pm, Alumnae Hall. Free to Wellesley College community; others, $10. Sponsor: Wellesley College Republicans. Tickets: Republicansmail@wellesley.edu

meditation. 7-8:15 pm, lower chapel. Sponsor: Buddhist Community. Info: x2793.

films. Philadelphia, 7 pm; A Closer Walk, 9 pm. SCI 277. Sponsor: Student Global AIDS Campaign. Info: x1258.

german table. 8-9 pm, Stone. Info: x1685.

bahá’í gathering. 8:30 pm, Freeman. Info: x4188.

tuesday may 2

twelfth day of ridvan. Bahá’í tradition.

italian table. 12:30-1:30 pm, Tower Court dining hall. Info: x2616.

lecture. “Awakening to Freedom: Linking Spirit Across Differences.” Speaker: Hilda Ryumon Gutiérrez Baldoquin, Soto Zen priest. 4:30 pm, PNE 239. Sponsor: Buddhist advisor. Info: x2955.

reading. Averno. Speaker: Louise Gluck, poet. 5 pm, FND 120. Sponsor: English. (See story, page 2.) Info: x2591.

lecture. “Nuclear Terrorism.” Speaker: Graham Allison, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard. 5 pm, PNW 212. Sponsor: Peace and Justice Studies. (See story, page 2.) Info: x3044.

discussion. “Halaqa/Study Circle.” 6:45-8:30 pm, lower chapel. Info: nkhalil@wellesley.edu.

event. “Thai Dinner, Dessert and Dancing for AIDS.” 7-9 pm, Claflin living room. Suggested donation: $5. Sponsor: Student Global AIDS Campaign. Info: x1258.

wednesday may 3

ruhlman conference. 9 am-6 pm. No classes. (See story above.)

russian table. 12:30-1:30 pm, FND 416. Info: x2418.

spanish table. 12:30-1:30 pm, Tower Court private dining hall. Info: x3571.

unitarian universalist worship. 6 pm, lower chapel. Info: x3484.

meeting. 6 pm, BIL 201. Sponsor: Protestant Christian Chaplaincy. Info: x4205.

thursday may 4

arabic table. 12:30-1:30 pm, Tower Court. Info: x2916.

chinese table. 12:30-1:30 pm, Tower Court. Info: CSAmail@wellesley.edu.

french table. 12:30-1:30 pm, Bates private dining hall. Info: x2403.

wcw seminar. “Update on Same-Sex Marriage Project.” 12:30-1:30 pm, Cheever House. Info: x2500.

workshop. “Tax-Smart Ways to Save and Invest.” 12:30-1:30 pm, Wang Center 413. WC employees only. Sponsor: HR. Info: x2212.

panel. “AIDS and the World Today.” Speakers: Julia Miwa, chemistry; David Johnson, economics; Charlene Galarneau, women’s studies. 12:30-1:30 pm, PNE 225A. Sponsor: Student Global AIDS Campaign. Info: x7596.

symposium. “New Approaches to the Study of the Built Environment.” Speakers: Daniel Abramson, architectural history, Tufts; Eric Avila, history, UCLA; Jane Kamensky, history, Brandeis. 4:30-6 pm, JAC 450. Sponsor: Art. (See story above.) Info: x2042.

esl tutoring. (See 5/1 listing.)

worship service. 7 pm, lower chapel. Sponsor: Protestant Christian Chaplaincy. Info: x2655.

upstage theatre. The Life and Death of Socrates. Director: Bethany Winkels ’06. 7 pm, Barstow Stage, Alumnae Hall. Cost: Wellesley/MIT/Olin students, free; Wellesley faculty/staff/other students, $5; others, $10. Info: x2220.

lecture. “Queer y qué?” Speaker: Daisy Hernández, journalist. 7 pm, PNE 212. Sponsor: Alianza. Info: x2955.

meeting. Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. 7-9 pm, Wang Center Multipurpose Room 2. Info: wivcfmail@wellesley.edu.

concert. Chamber Music Society. 8 pm, Jewett Auditorium. Sponsor: Music. Info: x2028.

friday may 5

cinco de mayo.

president’s open office hour. 12:30-1:30 pm, GRH 350. Info: x2243.

prayer/discussion. Muslim communal (Jummah). 12:30-2:30 pm, lower chapel. Info: x2656.

shabbat service. 5:30-6:30 pm, BIL 300. Info: x2685.

bible study. 7 pm, Wang Center 413. Sponsor: Asian Baptist Student Koinonia. Info: x1831.

films. Pride and Prejudice, 7 pm; Walk the Line, 9 pm, Collins Cinema. Sponsor: Film Society. Info: x7043.

recital. Leslie Oesterich ’06, mezzo-soprano. 7:30 pm, Jewett Auditorium. Sponsor: Music. Info: x2028.

upstage theatre. The Life and Death of Socrates. 8 pm. (See 5/4 listing.)

concert. Tupelos. 8-10 pm, Houghton Chapel. Info: Tupelosmail@wellesley.edu.

saturday may 6

recital. Rachel Buglione-Corbett ’07, soprano. 1 pm, Jewett Auditorium. Sponsor: Music. Info: x2028.

upstage theatre. The Life and Death of Socrates. 2 and 8 pm. (See 5/4 listing.)

a capella concert. Awaken the Dawn. 4 pm, Wang Center, Tishman Commons. Info: Awakenmail@wellesley.edu.

concert. Graceful Harmony Gospel Choir. 6-8 pm, TZE House. Info: x4237.

films. Walk the Line, 7 pm; Pride and Prejudice, 9 pm, Collins Cinema. Sponsor: Film Society. Info: x7043.

concert. Yanvalou Drumming and Dance Ensemble. 8 pm, Jewett Auditorium. Sponsor:
Music. Info: x2028.

sunday may 7

worship service. 11:15 am, Houghton Chapel. Sponsor: Protestant Christian Chaplaincy. Info: x2685.

concert. Wellesley College Chamber Singers. 2 pm, Jewett Auditorium. Sponsor: Music. Info: x2028.

upstage theatre. The Death and Life of Socrates. 2 and 7 pm. (See 5/4 listing.)

catholic mass. 4 pm, Houghton Chapel. Sponsor: Newman Catholic Ministry. Info: x2688.

meeting. Darshana. 5 pm, lower chapel. Sponsor: Hindu Community. Info: x2794.

recital. Karen Chan ’06, piano. 5 pm, Jewett Auditorium. Sponsor: Music. Info: x2028.

concert. “MIT-Wellesley Toons.” 7-10 pm, Tishman Commons. Sponsor: Toons. Info: Toonsmail@wellesley.edu.

monday may 8

japanese table. (See 5/1 listing.)

meeting. CG Senate. (See 5/1 listing.)

esl tutoring. (See 5/1 listing.)

meditation. (See 5/1 listing.)

german table. (See 5/1 listing.)

bahá’í gathering. (See 5/1 listing.)

ongoing

exhibits. On the Edge: Contemporary Chinese Artists Encounter the West, through 5/24; Any Opinions?, through 6/3. DMCC. Info: x2051.

foh exhibit. Invasive Plants—Deceptive Beauty. Through 6/12, Botanic Gardens Visitor Center. Info: x3504.

exhibit. Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses. Through 5/3, Jewett Art Center. Info: x2042.

book sale. Clapp Library reading room. Donations: 50 cents to $4. Info: x2894.

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