New Parents Day brought more than 75 parents of first-year students to campus Friday, where they got a taste of the experience their sons and daughters are getting at Pitzer College. The parents were welcomed by President Marilyn Chapin Massey and Bill Baker, co-chair of the Pitzer Parents Association whose daughter, Rachael, is a member of the class of 2001.
“Pitzer prides itself on enrolling a representative student body--students who will emerge as leaders for a wide spectrum of this country’s diverse citizenry,” Massey told the parents. “And we have a responsibility to ensure that your sons and daughters receive an education that will be meaningful to them, allow them to explore themselves and their world, and to prepare them to take their place in society, to make a difference. These are responsibilities I assure you we take to our hearts.”
During the day, parents attended faculty and student presentations. Professor Ann Stromberg talked about “Adventures in Teaching and Learning Sociology: Los Angeles and San Jose, Costa Rica.” Professor Paul Faulstich talked about “Building Community through Environmental Education.” Professor David Moore spoke on child development. Dean of Faculty Martha Crunkleton spoke on Pitzer's unique academic environment.
After lunch in the dining hall, parents were invited to hear about Pitzer’s external studies programs. They also had a chance to tour the Bernard Field Station or to join Doug Anderson for a writing workshop. The afternoon concluded with "Groove at the Grove," a community-wide reception featuring jazz by Andrew Beetley-Hagler '02 and his band of students.
New Parents Day was one of several events for parents this year. In February, Pitzer, Pomona and Scripps colleges host a family weekend.
Simply put, Alexandra "Alex" Bout is not your average student. It's hard to pinpoint the most impressive thing about the Pitzer College senior. Is it her life-altering decision to return to college at age 48? Her strength in coping with a degenerative eye disease? Is it her ability to focus on her studies while raising four children? Or maybe it’s the simple courage with which she views her life’s choices. "By the time I graduate, I will be 50," she said. "The second half of my life has yet to begin."
Bout entered Pitzer College's New Resources program, which targets students who are married or over the age of 23.
While taking a half-load at Pitzer, the sociology major attends two classes at nearby Mt. San Antonio College and works 15 hours a week at Casa Colina, a local rehabilitative hospital where she is a job coach. A resident of nearby La Verne, Bout specializes in horticultural therapy--gardening as a way of recovering from injury and illness.
"Anyone who's chronically ill ... needs to touch the earth and the green," she said. "It's such a healing experience. We're so used to hitting keyboards and looking at computer screens. We forget to touch a lot of things in this world, so that we don't forget where we came from."
Bout has retinitis pigmentosa, which renders her legally blind. She walks with a cane but has enough vision to read a handful of words at a time.
Bout, whose four college-aged kids give her feedback on her term papers, enrolled at Pitzer after realizing that one day, all her children will graduate and go out on their own. "I decided there was more to do with my life than just keeping my own little home," she said.
Faculty and Staff News
Open enrollment for benefits begins today and runs through Nov. 12. This is the only period of time during which you may drop, add or change benefit plans. Packets were mailed out to all benefit-eligible faculty and staff last week. If you have not yet received your packet, contact Marlene Kirk, director of human resources, at x18254.
Benefits representatives Russ Schiefelbein and Sheryl Wingate answer questions about benefits and open enrollment for Pitzer faculty and staff on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Founders Room of McConnell Center. A benefits fair for all employees of The Claremont Colleges takes place throughout the day on Thursday at McKenna Auditorium, CMC. Vendors from the various health plans offered will be on hand to provide materials and answer questions.
Sheryl Wingate, benefits specialist, and Nancy Petrikas, retirement specialist, present a pre-open enrollment benefits briefing on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Rose Hills Theater of the Smith Campus Center at Pomona. Contact the human resources office at x18175 if you would like to attend.
Tom Pennington, environmental health and safety manager, presents "Workplace Confrontation I," a session on conflict and violence between and among employees and others in the workplace, on Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon in Room 133 of Pomona's Smith Campus Center. This workshop is required of all staff. Enrollment is limited to 30. Contact the human resources office at x18175 if you would like to attend.
John Teuber, crime prevention officer for campus safety, presents "Personal Safety," a session covering how to get help in a hurry on campus, safety concerns, self defense and property protection, on Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Rose Hills Theater of Pomona's Smith Campus Center. Contact the human resources office at x18175 if you would like to attend.
Pitzer is one of only two colleges in Claremont to surpass the state's air quality goal for people arriving at work by alternative means, including car pooling, walking, biking or using public transit. Currently, 75 members of the faculty and staff are participating in Pitzer's TRIP program. If you would like to find out more about the program, contact Michelle or Marlene at x18254.
Do you like to plan great events? How would you like to become a part of the Staff Social Events Planning Committee? If you're interested in helping the committee plan the Winter Holidays banquet, contact Lynn Lewis, Neva Barker, Lynda Casey, Edie Cross, Colleen Duvall or Kathleen Kile.
Mark your calendars now for the Conference in Honor of Ronald Macaulay, which takes place Nov. 12 - 14 at Pitzer. This year's topic is "Methods in Sociolinguistics," with a secondary focus on applications to literacy issues. There are already 16 renowned linguists and anthropologists on the program, including William Labov of the University of Pennsylvania, John Baugh of Stanford, Lesley Milroy of the University of Michigan, Suzanne Romaine of Oxford, Don Brenneis of UC Santa Cruz and Alessandro Duranti of UCLA. Professor Macaulay will present the keynote address at a banquet on Saturday evening. More detailed information is being circulated.
Pitzer alumna Grace Byun ’98 has been appointed assistant director of annual giving, a new position. Grace graduated with a double major in world and English literature and psychology. "We first became aware of her considerable skills when she worked in the advancement office as a student during her senior year," said Susanne Faulstich, director of annual giving. After graduating, Grace was given a staff position as junior development associate. "Over the past year and a half she has made important contributions to the student alumni relations committee, organizing field group dinners and events such as the freshmen class reception and African American students and alumni dinner. She also effectively managed students during the 1998-'99 Alumni Fund phonathon and helped raise alumni participation to a record 33 percent," Faulstich said. Grace says she is excited to grow in the field of development and looks forward to focusing her energy and talents on fund raising for Pitzer.
Pitzer's newly established Center for California Cultural and Social Issues is accepting applications for one to two post-baccalaureate fellows to work with its director in the Center's community building and research activities. The fellowship comes with a maximum award of $25,000 and is for one calendar year with an expected starting date of Dec. 1. All Pitzer graduates are eligible to apply. "Successful candidates will demonstrate an outstanding record of, and commitment to, the ideals and practice of social responsibility, intercultural understanding and interdisciplinary thinking," said Alan Jones, professor of psychology and director of CCCSI. "They will be highly effective communicators, capable of collaborating with a diverse set of organizations and people, including students, faculty, staff, community members, business people, government officials and others." CCCSI Urban Fellows will participate in workshops and conferences on behalf of the College and the center and must have excellent public presentation and writing skills. Deadline for applications is Nov. 20. For further information, contact Alan Jones at x73450 or alan_jones@pitzer.edu.
Preliminary applications for the Durfee American/Chinese Adventure Capital Program are due Friday. The program is open to all Pitzer students, faculty, staff and alumni (from the past seven years) and provides up to $25,000 for exploring personal interests in China. Please contact Nadine Francis at x18289 if you have questions or would like additional information.
Proposals for paper and poster presentations are sought for CGU's "Inaugural Inter-Disciplinary Student Research Conference: Unpacking the Rhetoric within Minority and Diversity Theory and Practice," to be held Jan. 28 and 29. Proposals are welcome from graduate and undergraduate students of The Claremont Colleges, as well as McNair Scholars. Applicants must include three copies of a 100- to 200-word abstract or a one- to two-page description of the presentation, along with two self-addressed, stamped envelopes. The deadline has been extended to Nov. 1. Address inquiries to blanca.guillen@cgu.edu. E-mail proposals to desiree.crevecoeur@cgu.edu.
Week of Oct. 25
MONDAY
Film critic and professor B. Ruby Rich lectures at 4:15 p.m. in the Broad Center Performance Space as part of inMEDIAte Future, a weeklong media event featuring internationally known artists and independent filmmakers. The series is sponsored by a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
Maria Serenius, consul general of Finland, presents a “State of the European Union Address” at 4:15 p.m. in Wilbur Hall, Scripps College. For more information, call x78103.
Orville Schell, dean of the graduate school of journalism at UC Berkeley, discusses “China and Tibet: An Uneasy Relationship” at 6:45 p.m. at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum, CMC. For further information, call x18066.
Performance artist Miranda July screens the film "Nest of Tens" at 7:30 p.m. in the McConnell Living Room as part of inMEDIAte Future, a weeklong media event featuring internationally known artists and independent filmmakers. The series is sponsored by a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
TUESDAY
Performance artist Miranda July presents a multi-media performance titled "Love Diamond" at 4:15 p.m. in the Broad Center Performance Space as part of inMEDIAte Future, a weeklong media event featuring internationally known artists and independent filmmakers. The series is sponsored by a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
Cinematic artist Craig Baldwin screens the film "Spectres of the Spectrum" at 7:30 p.m. in the McConnell Living Room as part of inMEDIAte Future. The series is sponsored by a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
Pomona-Pitzer women’s volleyball at Occidental, 7:30 p.m.
Professor and poet Doug Anderson reads from his work at this week's Faculty-Student Fireside Chat, starting at 9 p.m. in the Marquis Library, Mead Hall.
WEDNESDAY
Lois Gibbs, founder and executive director of the Center for Health Environment and Justice, discusses “Lessons Learned from Love Canal Applied to the 21st Century” at 12:15 p.m. in Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum, CMC. The talk is part of an environmental activism series sponsored by the Roberts Environmental Center. For further information, call x18244.
Pomona-Pitzer men’s soccer plays La Verne at home, 2:30 p.m.
Cinematic artist Craig Baldwin lectures on "Press Play to Agitate: Pirate, Plagiarists and Prank Documentaries" at 4:15 p.m. in the Broad Center Performance Space as part of inMEDIAte Future. The series is sponsored by a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
Bruce Coates, Scripps associate professor of art history, presents a lecture entitled “Take Me to the Kabuki-Za: Virtual World Recreations of 18th Century Japan" at 4:15 p.m. in the Keck Learning Room of Honnold/Mudd Library. Refreshments will follow in the Founders Room. For further information, call x73986.
CGU's Art Department Speakers Program presents Kim Dingle, internationally known Los Angeles-area artist, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 105 east of the Art Building, CGU. For more information, please call x18071.
Pomona-Pitzer men’s water polo at Caltech, 7 p.m.
Shu Lea Cheang, a media installation artist and filmmaker, screens "Fresh Kill" at 7:30 p.m. in the McConnell Living Room as part of inMEDIAte Future. The series is sponsored by a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
THURSDAY
Catherine O'Neill, director of the United Nations information center, discusses “Global Conflicts and Refugees” at this week's International Place Lunch and Conversation. International food is served from 11:45 a.m.; the program begins at 12:15 p.m. at Pomona's Smith Campus Center. Admission is a meal card or $3.50; $5 community. For more information, call x18344.
The Office of Black Student Affairs and Pitzer's student alumni relations committee host a dinner for African American students and alumni at 5:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Gold Student Center. Please RSVP with your meal card number, if applicable, by Tuesday to Shontae Praileau at x73639 or shontaep@cuc.claremont.edu.
Liah Greenfeld of Boston University discusses "Ethnic Conflict in the Modern World" at 6:45 p.m. at Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum, CMC. For more information, call x18244.
Frank X. Gaspar reads from his recent novel, "Leaving Pico," and a new book of poetry, "A Field Guide to the Heavens," at 7 p.m. in the Writing Center, Sanborn Hall C-1. Gaspar is the second writer in the Reading in the Writing Center series. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please call x73766.
Shu Lea Cheang, a media installation artist and filmmaker, presents a Web site demonstration at 7:30 p.m. in the McConnell Living Room as part of inMEDIAte Future. The series is sponsored by a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
The Intercollegiate Department of Black Studies’ “Cinemas of Resistance” presents Gloria Rolando’s “The Eyes of the Rainbow” at 7:30 p.m. in the Broad Center Performance Space. The event is co-sponsored by Pomona's Latin American studies program.
Pomona-Pitzer women’s volleyball plays Colorado College at home, 7:30 p.m.
Professor Thomas Leabhart directs “Antigone” at 8 p.m. in the Allen Studio of Pomona's Seaver Theatre complex. Admission is $8 general and $4 for students and seniors. For further information, call x18186.
FRIDAY
Violinist Amy Dodds presents “Virtuoso Gypsy Violin: Works by Brahms, Sarasate and Ravel” at this week's Friday noon concert, at 12:15 p.m. in Balch Auditorium, Scripps. For more information, call x18081.
The Intercollegiate Department of Black Studies’ “Cinemas of Resistance” presents Gloria Rolando’s “El Alacran” at 1 p.m. in the Broad Center Performance Space.
Pomona-Pitzer women’s soccer at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 2:30 p.m.
An informal studio performance is given by “Tongue,” directed by Stephanie Gilliland, at 7 p.m. in the Richardson Dance Studio, Scripps. For further information, call x73293.
Pomona-Pitzer women’s volleyball plays Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at home, 7:30 p.m.
Professor Thomas Leabhart directs “Antigone” at 8 p.m. in the Allen Studio of Pomona's Seaver Theatre complex. Admission is $8 general and $4 for students and seniors. For further information, call x18186.
SATURDAY
Pomona-Pitzer men’s water polo at Occidental, 11 a.m.
Pomona-Pitzer men’s soccer plays Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at home, 11 a.m.
Pomona-Pitzer football homecoming plays Puget Sound, 1 p.m.
Professor Thomas Leabhart directs “Antigone” at 8 p.m. in the Allen Studio of Pomona's Seaver Theatre complex. Admission is $8 general and $4 for students and seniors. For further information, call x18186.
The Claremont Concert Orchestra, directed by Michael Deane Lamkin, performs with pianist Jonathan Lee at 8 p.m. in Bridges Hall of Music. Please bring canned goods for donation to the West End Hunger Program: SOVA. For further information, call x18081.
SUNDAY
Daylight Savings Time begins
Professor Thomas Leabhart directs “Antigone” at 8 p.m. in the Allen Studio of Pomona's Seaver Theatre complex. Admission is $8 general and $4 for students and seniors. For further information, call x18186.
The Claremont Concert Orchestra, directed by Michael Deane Lamkin, performs with pianist Jonathan Lee at 3 p.m. in Bridges Hall of Music. Please bring canned goods for donation to the West End Hunger Program: SOVA. For further information, call x18081.
PAct movies at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m in Avery Auditorium.
Week of Nov. 1
MONDAY
Pomona-Pitzer men’s soccer at Redlands, 2:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Pomona-Pitzer men’s water polo at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY
Novelist Janet Fitch reads from her work at 7 p.m. in the Writing Center, Sanborn Hall C-1. Fitch, who is the author of "White Oleander," currently on The New York Times Bestseller List, appears as part of the Reading in the Writing Center series. For more information, call x73766.
Pomona-Pitzer women’s volleyball at Cal Lutheran, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
Come celebrate First Friday of the Month and savor treats from Los Jarritos from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Gold Student Center.
Pomona-Pitzer men’s water polo plays Whittier at home, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
The Amper-Hodgkin Duo performs music for two pianos by Brahms, Gershwin, Mozart and Ravel at 8 p.m. in Bridges Hall of Music, Pomona. For more information, call x18155.
SUNDAY
Pomona-Pitzer men’s water polo plays Air Force Academy at home, 5 p.m.
PAct movies at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m in Avery Auditorium.
Comings and Goings
Opportunities and Announcements
Coming Up
Pomona-Pitzer men’s soccer plays Caltech at home, 2:30 p.m.
Pomona-Pitzer women’s soccer at La Verne, 2:30 p.m.
Benjamin J. Cohen, Louis G. Lancaster professor of international political economy at UC Santa Barbara, discusses “The Geography of Money” at noon in Oldenborg Center, Pomona College. For more information, call x78103.
Hundreds of new and used books are offered at great prices at Pomona's book sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Crookshank Hall. For further information, call x72809.
Shu Lea Cheang, Miranda July, Craig Baldwin, B. Ruby Rich and Pitzer professors Alex Juhasz and Jesse Lerner participate in a panel discussion on the future of independent media art at 9:30 a.m. in the Broad Center Performance Space. The event is the culmination of inMEDIAte Future, a weeklong media event featuring internationally known artists and independent filmmakers. The series is sponsored by a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
The first Sagehen pre-game brunch for alumni is held at the home of President Marilyn Chapin Massey at 10:30 a.m. The homecoming game against Puget Sound starts at 1 p.m. Please RSVP to the alumni office at x18130 or alumni@pitzer.edu.
Halloween
Come celebrate Dia de Los Muertos in the Sanborn Hall lobby. Time to be announced.
The Indigo Girls perform at Bridges Auditorium at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets at Huntley Bookstore, the Bridges box office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), or at the ASPC office of the Smith Campus Center (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Pomona-Pitzer men’s soccer at Cal Lutheran, 11 a.m.
The North LA/Ventura alumni chapter meets at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas. For more information, please contact Joe Chatham ’89 at (818) 597-0424 (work) or jlchatham@earthlink.net or the alumni office at x18130 or alumni@pitzer.edu.
The Friday noon concert series presents “Brahms Piano Quartet in C minor,” featuring Alfred Cramer (violin), Cynthia Fogg (viola), Tom Flaherty (cello) and Genevieve Lee (piano), all of the Pomona/CGU faculty, starting at 12:15 p.m. in Balch Auditorium, Scripps. For more information, call x18081.
Pomona-Pitzer football at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 1 p.m.
Pomona-Pitzer men’s water polo plays Loyola Marymount at home, 10 a.m.