Archive – March, 2007
Death penalty in U.S. is topic, April 4--CANCELED
Posted March 31, 2007; 07:00 p.m.
This lecture has been canceled.
Anne James, executive director of the International Justice Project, will present a lecture titled "The Death Penalty in the U.S.: The Sentence With No Appeal" at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in 1 Robertson Hall.
Historian’s work uncovering the past helps community 'look itself in the eye'
Posted March 29, 2007; 03:51 p.m.
Seven years ago, Princeton history professor Jan Gross wrote a book that drew international attention to a little-known event in World War II and set off a firestorm in Poland. His latest work, about anti-Semitism in Poland after the war, is likely to stir up another tempest when it is published there later this year.
New chemistry approach promises less expensive drugs
Posted March 29, 2007; 02:00 p.m.
With a newly discovered method of assembling organic molecules, a team of Princeton University chemists may have found a way to sidestep many of the expensive and hazardous barriers that stand in the way of drug development.
Symposium focuses on medieval Japanese art, April 14-15
Posted March 28, 2007; 06:30 p.m.
An international gathering of scholars will explore new perspectives on medieval Japanese artistic traditions in a symposium scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15, in McCosh 50.
Xerox CEO shares leadership tips, April 5
Posted March 28, 2007; 06:24 p.m.
"Leadership Lessons Learned on the Firing Line" is the subject of a talk by Anne Mulcahy, chief executive officer and chair of the Xerox Corp., set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in the Friend Center Convocation Room.
Yoshino to speak on high court, civil rights, April 5
Posted March 28, 2007; 06:20 p.m.
Legal scholar Kenji Yoshino will deliver a lecture titled "The End of Civil Rights? The Supreme Court's Rejection of Identity Politics" at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Moravcsik to give second talk in President's Lecture Series, April 5
Posted March 28, 2007; 06:16 p.m.
Andrew Moravcsik, professor of politics and director of the European Union Program, will present the second talk in this year's President's Lecture Series on Thursday, April 5. He will address the question "Is There a 'Democratic Deficit' in World Politics?" at 4:30 p.m. in McCosh 10.
Scottish poets to read from work, April 4
Posted March 28, 2007; 06:12 p.m.
Scottish poets Kathleen Jamie and Don Paterson will read from their work at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Talk focuses on politics of abortion, April 4
Posted March 28, 2007; 06:08 p.m.
A lecture titled "The Politics of Abortion: Moving Toward the Post-Roe Era" is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Bank of China VP to speak, April 3
Posted March 28, 2007; 06:05 p.m.
Princeton graduate alumnus Min Zhu, vice president of the Bank of China Ltd., will discuss "The Global Economic and Financial Market: 2007" at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Mathematical mystery in art examined, April 3
Posted March 28, 2007; 06:02 p.m.
A mathematical puzzle in the work of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher is the subject of a lecture by mathematician Hendrik Lenstra at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, in McCosh 10.
'Bones and Mummies' is topic of talk, April 2
Posted March 28, 2007; 05:57 p.m.
A lecture titled "Bones and Mummies: Science Revealing the Past" is set for 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, in 6 Friend Center.
Major impact: Students gain more exposure to wealth of academic options
Posted March 28, 2007; 05:51 p.m.
From dinner discussions with faculty in numerous disciplines to cultural excursions to New York City museums and ethnic neighborhoods, freshmen and sophomores are benefiting from a greater array of perspectives as they shape their courses of study at Princeton.
Niehaus family to endow Center for Globalization and Governance at Woodrow Wilson School
Posted March 27, 2007; 09:00 a.m.
Investment executive Robert H. Niehaus, a member of Princeton's class of 1977, and his wife, Kate Southworth Niehaus, have made a substantial gift to endow a research and teaching center focusing on issues of globalization at Princeton University.
Nash Ensemble performs, March 31-April 1
Posted March 26, 2007; 12:10 p.m.
The Nash Ensemble of London will present two free concerts Saturday and Sunday, March 31-April 1,in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
Wheeler guides students into new creative waters
Posted March 26, 2007; 11:55 a.m.
For poet Susan Wheeler, the key to teaching writing is presenting students with all the possible ways to express themselves. "I try to encourage students to glimpse the entire field of possibilities," said Wheeler, a lecturer in the Council of the Humanities and the Program in Creative Writing. "Even if students have a preference already, I want them at least to be able to appreciate the spectrum. So, for instance, if they hate forms — what they really want to do is free verse — I encourage them to try a sonnet at least once, so they know what that experience is like and they're not afraid of it. I want them to exercise various muscles."
Hillel officials to kick off anniversary, March 28
Posted March 26, 2007; 11:52 a.m.
Edgar Bronfman, chairman of Hillel International, and Wayne Firestone, president of the Jewish campus life organization, will spend Wednesday, March 28, at Princeton University's Center for Jewish Life/Hillel meeting with University faculty members, administrators, student leaders and other community members.
Letter to the editor of the Washington Times
Posted March 26, 2007; 11:04 a.m.
This letter to the editor was published in the March 23, 2007, Washington Times:
The article "A&P heirs assail Princeton" (Nation, Wednesday), about the lawsuit filed against Princeton University by William Robertson and some other members of the Robertson family, incorrectly refers to the Robertson Foundation as "the family's foundation." When Princeton and Bill Robertson's parents created this organization in 1961, it was with the clear understanding that it would not be a family foundation but instead would be what the tax code today classifies as a "supporting organization" for the sole purpose of supporting a graduate program in public and international affairs at Princeton University.
Robertson Foundation lawsuit Q&A
Posted March 26, 2007; 11:00 a.m.
Here are responses to questions regarding the lawsuit filed against Princeton University by William Robertson and other members of the Robertson family in July 2002.
Harold Powers, versatile scholar of music, dies at age 78
Posted March 26, 2007; 08:08 a.m.
Harold Powers, a Princeton professor whose scholarly interests encompassed musicology, ethnomusicology and music theory, died Thursday, March 15, in Santa Monica, Calif., after an extended battle with liver cancer. He was 78.
Annual Innovation Forum brings together inventors and investors
Posted March 23, 2007; 02:12 p.m.
It's nearly dinnertime at the Friend Center, and Princeton University's newest inventors are serving up appetizers. Eleven teams of scientists and engineers are offering the community a taste of their potentially marketable creations, each in three minutes flat. While that's not a great deal of time to unveil new ideas on defending computer networks or employing lasers in medicine, the quick presentations at this year's second annual Innovation Forum on Feb. 27 whet the appetites of the audience, which included several potential investors from Jumpstart New Jersey.
Middle schoolers explore wonders of science and engineering
Posted March 23, 2007; 11:16 a.m.
The door to the tiny room in Princeton's Icahn Laboratory closes, and darkness covers everyone inside: Ben Tiede, a dozen middle school students and one mouse. "OK, what color is the Incredible Hulk?" asks Tiede, a graduate student in Princeton's molecular biology department. "Green!" several voices respond. With that, Tiede shines a blue flashlight into the cage on the table, and the mouse lights up like a green neon sign.
Letter to the editor of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Posted March 22, 2007; 11:03 a.m.
This letter to the editor was published in the March 22, 2007, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
The Trib's editorial was wrong when it asserted that the Robertson Foundation has sought the return of funds from Princeton University ("Shameful Princeton," March 19 and PghTrib.com).
Labouisse winner to develop library in Uganda
Posted March 21, 2007; 08:59 p.m.
Princeton senior Maital Friedman has been awarded the University's Henry Richardson Labouisse '26 Prize, which will allow her to undertake a postgraduate project in Uganda.
Urban planning in Los Angeles is topic, March 29
Posted March 21, 2007; 05:27 p.m.
University Trustee José Huizar, a member of the Los Angeles City Council, will speak on the city's planning initiatives at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Novelists Everett, Lethem to read, March 28
Posted March 21, 2007; 05:24 p.m.
Novelists Percival Everett and Jonathan Lethem will read from their works at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Former Austrian envoy to Iraq to speak, March 28
Posted March 21, 2007; 05:19 p.m.
"Iraq: Between Internal Conflicts and Regional Interests" is the title of a lecture by Austrian journalist Gudrun Harrer, a former special envoy to Iraq, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, in 1 Robertson Hall.
Kurtzer to speak on Israeli security, March 27
Posted March 21, 2007; 05:17 p.m.
Daniel Kurtzer, former U.S. ambassador to Israel and Egypt and a visiting professor at Princeton, will speak on "Ethical Issues and Dilemmas in the Formulation of National Security Policy" at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Talk examines four years of Iraq war, March 27
Posted March 21, 2007; 05:13 p.m.
Two of Princeton's leading scholars of international affairs will discuss the war in Iraq, marking the four-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion, at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, in 127 Corwin Hall.
Blix to discuss disarmament, March 26
Posted March 21, 2007; 05:09 p.m.
Former U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix will present a lecture titled "Is It Time for a Revival of Disarmament?" at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 26, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Foreign media coverage of Israel is topic, March 26
Posted March 21, 2007; 05:05 p.m.
The chief political correspondent for The Jerusalem Post will speak on "Israel in the Eyes of Foreign Media" at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 26, in 101 McCormick Hall.
Olsen named entrepreneur-in-residence
Posted March 21, 2007; 04:48 p.m.
The School of Engineering and Applied Science has named Greg Olsen, a pioneer in the sensors industry and in space travel, as its first "entrepreneur-in-residence."
International Festival kicks off March 31
Posted March 21, 2007; 12:36 p.m.
The Princeton International Festival, one of the largest student-organized events on campus, will kick off with an opening ceremony at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 31, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
Cotsen presents Princyclopedia, March 31
Posted March 21, 2007; 12:32 p.m.
The magical world of "Harry Potter" will come to life at "Princyclopedia 2007" presented by Cotsen Children's Library on Saturday, March 31, in Dillon Gymnasium. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is free and open to the public.
Exhibition showcases 'Godunov' production
Posted March 21, 2007; 12:25 p.m.
An aged woodcut map showing the boundaries of 16th-century Russia will be featured alongside innovative stage models and lavish costume designs in a special exhibition opening Sunday, April 1, to document Princeton's efforts to mount a world-premiere production of "Boris Godunov."
Telling it like it is: Harris-Lacewell draws on intellectual prowess and common sense
Posted March 19, 2007; 05:38 p.m.
Melissa Harris-Lacewell encountered racial politics early. Her father is African American and her mother is white. Of the four children from her parents' previous marriages, three are black and one is white. In the 1970s in the South, the family drew attention.
"It's quite possible that having a white parent and growing up in a multiracial family makes me even more interested in trying to figure out what's going on in an ordinary black experience, in part because I didn't experience it,"said Harris-Lacewell, an associate professor of politics and core faculty member in the Center for African American Studies, who joined Princeton last fall after seven years at the University of Chicago. Her research focuses on black political thought, religion and feminism.
Sympoh offers spring show, March 29-31
Posted March 17, 2007; 01:30 p.m.
Sympoh Urban Arts Crew, a student breakdancing group, will perform its annual spring show, "Sympoh: Under Construction," at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 29-31, in the Frist Campus Center theater.
Prize launches first project for architecture center
Posted March 17, 2007; 01:20 p.m.
An interdisciplinary team of Princeton faculty members and alumni, assembled to work together on urban research at a new Center for Architecture, Urbanism and Infrastructure at the School of Architecture, has been awarded the American Institute of Architects' Latrobe Prize.
Non-essential personnel on day shift dismissed early, March 16
Posted March 16, 2007; 12:45 p.m.
Due to the weather conditions, all non-essential University personnel who arrived for work this morning will be dismissed between 1 and 1:30 p.m. today. All employees reporting for afternoon or evening shifts are expected to report for work as usual...
Princeton to hold Science and Engineering Expo, March 22
Posted March 16, 2007; 08:53 a.m.
Nearly a thousand New Jersey middle school students will be exposed to critically important social issues and cutting-edge technology at Princeton University's annual Science and Engineering Expo from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22. The event is aimed at rekindling interest in science and engineering for faculty, staff and students on and off campus.
Testing the boundaries of teaching science
Posted March 15, 2007; 12:09 p.m.
Some of Princeton's most scientifically talented undergraduates are dedicating their years on campus to more than learning how to conduct experiments. They have elected to be part of a grand experiment themselves — one that is attracting attention nationwide. The students are enrolled in Princeton's Integrated Science Curriculum (ISC), a three-year-old effort to dramatically reorganize the manner in which scientific ideas are introduced to students. The goal is to prepare graduates for careers in a scientific world that requires a new level of expertise: next-generation scientists who have mastered their own discipline and can work closely with specialists from other fields to solve problems as a team.
Fleming, Whitford chosen to address seniors
Posted March 15, 2007; 11:06 a.m.
Longtime Princeton faculty member John Fleming will deliver the address at this year's Baccalaureate, and Emmy Award-winning actor Bradley Whitford will speak at the annual Class Day ceremony, leaders of the senior class have announced.
Film about senior thesis performance wins award
Posted March 14, 2007; 08:58 p.m.
A documentary film that tells the behind-the-scenes story of a senior thesis performance by Anthony Roth Costanzo, a 2004 Princeton graduate, has won a 2007 director's choice award at the Black Maria Film and Video Festival.
Physicists to lecture on new instrument, March 22
Posted March 14, 2007; 10:33 a.m.
Two professors of physics will offer a free public lecture on the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest scientific instrument, at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 22, in A02 McDonnell Hall.
Princeton offers extensive archive of public lectures as podcasts
Posted March 14, 2007; 09:00 a.m.
Princeton has converted nearly 800 digital files of public events and lectures to make them easily available for free downloads from a new podcasts website. The podcasts feature a dynamic lineup of distinguished guests who visited the University dating back to 1998.
Tilghman sees Princeton moving 'briskly into the future'
Posted March 13, 2007; 04:00 p.m.
Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman offered a view of the University's priorities and her perspectives on a wide range of issues in an open dialogue with campus community members Monday, March 12. "We absolutely must move briskly into the future," Tilghman said. "Universities that stand still fall behind."
University reimburses Robertson Foundation for discontinued program
Posted March 12, 2007; 02:45 p.m.
Princeton University has reimbursed the Robertson Foundation for the costs associated with a three-year trial program, known as the Graduate Funding Agreement, that from 2000 through 2002 provided funding for graduate students in academic departments at Princeton that were closely related to the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
'Sorcerers' exhibit highlights Mexican art
Posted March 10, 2007; 08:00 p.m.
A significant acquisition of rare art from ancient Mexico is the focus of an exhibition at the University Art Museum on view through April 28. "Sorcerers of the Fifth Heaven: Nahua Art and Ritual of Ancient Southern Mexico" is centered on a rare ceramic Mexican effigy censer from 1500 A.D., just prior to the European incursion. The display presents the results of 30 years of interdisciplinary investigation on ancient Mexican screenfold books and the ritual divinatory practices of the Nahua peoples of southern Mexico (1300-1500).
'Got Guts?' Students turn class into effort to help New Orleans rebuild
Posted March 8, 2007; 06:04 p.m.
During the trip from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 13 Princeton students gutted houses by day and met with city leaders and residents by night. By enhancing their understanding of the complex issues around rebuilding New Orleans following 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the undergraduates produced several proposals to bring attention and aid to the still-devastated city.
Raks Odalisque dance troupe to 'Hip.Notize' audience, March 8-10
Posted March 8, 2007; 12:31 p.m.
The student dance troupe Raks Odalisque will present dance styles from around the Middle East in its annual spring show, "Hip.Notize," Thursday through Saturday, March 8-10, at the Frist Campus Center theater. Show times are at 8 p.m., with an additional 4 p.m. matinee performance March 10.
Chile's U.N. ambassador here, March 15
Posted March 7, 2007; 05:41 p.m.
Heraldo Muñoz, Chile's ambassador to the United Nations, will present a talk at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Wieseltier to discuss Jewish history, March 14
Posted March 7, 2007; 05:37 p.m.
Writer, critic and editor Leon Wieseltier will deliver a lecture titled "Of What Use Is Jewish History to American Jewish History?" at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in 101 McCormick Hall.
Clinton national security adviser Lake to speak, March 14
Posted March 7, 2007; 05:09 p.m.
Anthony Lake, who served as national security adviser to President Clinton, will present "A View of the Middle East" at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Photographer Morell to discuss work, March 13
Posted March 7, 2007; 05:06 p.m.
Photographer Abelardo Morell, a visiting lecturer at Princeton this spring, will discuss his work at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, in the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Panel explores 'looming crisis' in Iran, March 12
Posted March 7, 2007; 05:03 p.m.
"Iran: A Looming Crisis With Possible Solutions?" is the focus of a panel discussion scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 12, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Talk focuses on early education, March 12
Posted March 7, 2007; 04:49 p.m.
"Early Childhood Education: Effective Use of Public Dollars" is the subject of a talk scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 12, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Exhibition on socialist architecture runs through April 27
Posted March 7, 2007; 02:02 p.m.
Though the Iron Curtain no longer exists, the innumerable prefabricated concrete buildings that sprang up behind it still provide homes and workplaces for many millions of Eastern Europeans. This architectural legacy will be explored in a photographic exhibition that opens Monday, March 12, and a panel discussion the next day in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
Tilghman to speak at CPUC, March 12
Posted March 6, 2007; 10:09 p.m.
Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman will lead a conversation about topics on the University's agenda during the next Council of the Princeton University Community meeting on Monday, March 12.
Energy plant earns award for reducing pollution, improving efficiency
Posted March 6, 2007; 08:25 a.m.
Princeton University's energy plant has received a 2007 Energy Star CHP Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for its efforts to reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency.
Creative connections: 'Godunov' project driven by scholarly, artistic collaborations
Posted March 5, 2007; 11:49 a.m.
Honoring a legendary Russian director's unfulfilled vision for a classic tale of power and intrigue, an army of Princeton scholars and artists is working this semester to mount a world premiere production of “Boris Godunov.”
Quartets to perform Mackey's music, March 12
Posted March 3, 2007; 06:07 p.m.
Two renowned string ensembles will perform the works of Princeton music professor Steven Mackey at a Composers' Ensemble concert at 8 p.m. Monday, March 12, in Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall.
Estonian singer to perform with jazz collective, March 11
Posted March 3, 2007; 05:55 p.m.
The University Jazz Composers Collective will present top Estonian vocalist Kadri Voorand in a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, in Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall.
Orchestra to feature concerto competition winners, March 9-10
Posted March 3, 2007; 05:37 p.m.
The Princeton University Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Pratt, will feature two co-winners of its 2007 concerto competition in performances a 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 9-10, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
Players to perform 'A New Brain,' March 8-16
Posted March 3, 2007; 05:05 p.m.
The Princeton University Players will present "A New Brain," a musical based on the life of composer William Finn, on Thursday through Saturday, March 8-10, and Wednesday through Friday, March 14-16. The show begins at 8 each evening in the Matthews Acting Studio, 185 Nassau St.
University, borough team up to address pedestrian safety
Posted March 3, 2007; 04:09 p.m.
The University's Department of Public Safety has teamed up with the Princeton Borough Police Department in an effort to educate the community on issues of pedestrian safety, focusing initially on the stretch of College Road between Alexander Road and Springdale Road.
Lawson, Martinez named to enhance diversity initiatives
Posted March 3, 2007; 03:57 p.m.
Two new administrators have joined the Princeton staff to enhance the University's diversity-related initiatives.
Symposium planned on Eisgruber book, March 9
Posted March 2, 2007; 06:07 p.m.
A symposium focusing on "Religious Freedom and the Constitution," a book co-written by Princeton Provost Christopher Eisgruber, is planned for 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 9, in 101 McCormick Hall.
Hudson named one of best young novelists
Posted March 2, 2007; 09:20 a.m.
Gabe Hudson, a 2006-07 Hodder Fellow in the Council of the Humanities and lecturer in the Program in Creative Writing, has been named to Granta's "Best of Young American Novelists" list.
From atoms to Africa: Soboyejo tackles problems, inspires students
Posted March 1, 2007; 12:30 p.m.
Wole Soboyejo's outlook is global not only in terms of geography, but in the challenges he addresses and the way he approaches them. His ongoing, and simultaneous, research projects address problems in the areas of human health, sustainable energy and nanotechnology, to name just a few. Many of these initiatives combine the talent and expertise of scientists throughout the world through the U.S./Africa Materials Institute (USAMI), which Soboyejo founded and directs.
When he is not abroad establishing collaborations and conducting research, Soboyejo can often be found in the EQuad Café, deep in conversation with students. He is known for his ability to imbue his protégés not only with engineering skills, but with the desire to use them to improve lives throughout the world. Based on student evaluations, he was named to the engineering school's Commendation List for Outstanding Teaching for the spring 2006 semester.