Archive – May, 2007
Alumni of all ages return for Reunions
Posted May 31, 2007; 07:00 p.m.
Some 20,000 alumni and their families are expected on campus Thursday through Sunday, May 31-June 3, for Reunions activities. Highlights of the weekend will include: the annual P-rade throughout campus beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday; alumni-faculty forums and department open houses during the day on Friday and Saturday; and performances by groups including Quipfire!, Theatre Intime and the Triangle Club as well as receptions and student/alumni arch sings on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Princeton honors outstanding secondary school teachers
Posted May 31, 2007; 12:03 p.m.
Princeton University will honor four outstanding New Jersey secondary school teachers at its 2007 Commencement on Tuesday, June 5. This year's honorees are: Bruce Grefe, Creative Arts High School, Camden; Nina Lavlinskaia, High Tech High School, North Bergen; Raymond Page, St. Anthony High School, Jersey City; and Peggy Stewart, Vernon Township High School, Vernon.
Summer performances offered at Richardson
Posted May 31, 2007; 10:45 a.m.
Princeton University Summer Concerts will present four performances this summer starting at 8 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
Frist hosts concert series through July 25
Posted May 31, 2007; 10:40 a.m.
The Frist Campus Center will present six concerts this summer at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through July 25.
Weeks to discuss the shape of space, June 7
Posted May 31, 2007; 10:33 a.m.
Independent mathematician Jeffrey Weeks, a Princeton graduate alumnus renowned for his work in mathematics and cosmology, will deliver a lecture on "The Shape of Space" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7, in A01 McDonnell Hall.
PUPP to hold graduation ceremony, June 6
Posted May 31, 2007; 10:30 a.m.
The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP), which helps academically talented high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for college, will hold a ceremony for its graduating seniors at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, in 101 Friend Center.
Banghart named women's basketball coach
Posted May 30, 2007; 04:34 p.m.
Courtney Banghart, who has been part of Ivy League championship teams as a player and coach at Dartmouth, has been named head coach of the Princeton women's basketball team.
Nanoscale imaging reveals unexpected behaviors in high-temperature superconductors
Posted May 30, 2007; 01:00 p.m.
Recent discoveries regarding the physics of ceramic superconductors may help improve scientists' understanding of resistance-free electrical power. Princeton physicists have found that tiny, isolated patches of superconductivity exist within these substances at higher temperatures than previously were known.
Faculty members named to Royal Society
Posted May 28, 2007; 08:47 p.m.
Princeton's Rosemary Grant and Jeremiah Ostriker have been elected to the Royal Society, the United Kingdom's national academy of science.
Keohane elected fellow of social science academy
Posted May 28, 2007; 08:42 p.m.
Robert Keohane, Princeton professor of public and international affairs, is one of four new fellows named to the American Academy of Political and Social Science.
Roman decay helps salutatorian to thrive
Posted May 28, 2007; 08:00 p.m.
Senior Maya Maskarinec majored in classics, but her Princeton education would have been incomplete without Math 214: "Numbers, Equations and Proofs," German 306: "Topics in German Intellectual History" and Art 435: "The Arts of Pilgrimage in the Middle Ages." "Taking those courses was more than just expanding my knowledge of different fields," Maskarinec said. "They forced me to think in different ways. They broadened my perspective."
Valedictorian capitalizes on time at Princeton
Posted May 28, 2007; 08:00 p.m.
After four years as a Princeton undergraduate, Glen Weyl is still about a year away from his degree -- his Ph.D. Weyl has completed all of his coursework and exams for a doctorate in economics while still an undergraduate, earning a reputation as a rising star in the field. He also has garnered a remarkable collection of academic honors, capped by his selection as valedictorian of Princeton's class of 2007.
Letter to the editor of the Miami Herald
Posted May 27, 2007; 12:10 p.m.
A slightly altered version of this letter to the editor was published in the May 31, 2007, Miami Herald:
William Robertson's recent column continues what is now a five-year disinformation campaign in connection with a lawsuit against Princeton University that he is funding from a family foundation that is supposed to be supporting charitable purposes.
Letter to the editor of the Detroit News
Posted May 25, 2007; 03:35 p.m.
This letter to the editor was published in the June 5, 2007, Detroit News:
Froma Harrop's commentary on the lawsuit against Princeton University by several members of the Robertson family perpetuates inaccuracies about the lawsuit that the family has been disseminating for almost five years.
Global health scholars program and lecture series established
Posted May 24, 2007; 06:57 p.m.
The Merck Company Foundation and Princeton University will expand upon a 27-year-old partnership to create the Adel Mahmoud Global Health Scholars Program and Lecture Series in Global Health. Funded by a grant from the Merck Company Foundation, the scholars program and lecture series will be based at the Center for Health and Wellbeing, part of Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
Berry 'completes the circuit' to find a home in neuroscience
Posted May 24, 2007; 05:11 p.m.
Neuroscientist Michael Berry spends much of his time pondering circuits -- not the electronic sort that appear on a computer chip, but the biological sort that brain cells form to accomplish the still poorly understood calculations involved in thinking.
King of the road: Dale winner to take musical journey across America
Posted May 24, 2007; 10:00 a.m.
From the hum of a massive incinerator in Harrisburg, Pa., to the tonal distinctions of Chinese languages, Daniel Hawkins has found musical inspiration in atypical places. Now the Princeton senior plans to spend the next year traversing America's highways, taking his search for muses onto the open road.
Commencement events scheduled, June 3-5
Posted May 23, 2007; 01:55 p.m.
Several University activities for undergraduate and graduate degree candidates and their families are planned for Sunday through Tuesday, June 3-5.
Four honored for their work mentoring graduate students
Posted May 21, 2007; 03:08 p.m.
Four Princeton faculty members have been named the recipients of Graduate Mentoring Awards by the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning and will be honored during the Graduate School's hooding ceremony on Monday, June 4.
Senior tests gender differences in political behavior
Posted May 21, 2007; 12:03 p.m.
With Nancy Pelosi serving as the first female speaker of the House of Representatives and Hillary Clinton vying for the presidency, the role of women in U.S. politics continues to expand. Politics major Janice Dru decided to investigate how a greater female presence might affect the political landscape — and used her peers as test subjects.
Arts neighborhood plan revised
Posted May 21, 2007; 09:00 a.m.
Princeton University has updated its concept plan for the Alexander Street/University Place neighborhood based on feedback from meetings with neighbors and local officials and comments received through the University's campus plan website.
Students put classroom learning to work for Honduran legislators
Posted May 17, 2007; 05:12 p.m.
A series of meetings between a Princeton graduate student and a world-renowned musician has resulted in a training program that provided a group of Honduran legislators with a new set of tools for governing.
Smith named National Humanities Center fellow
Posted May 17, 2007; 04:55 p.m.
Professor of English Nigel Smith has been named a fellow of the National Humanities Center for the 2007-08 academic year.
Appiah book wins international affairs award
Posted May 17, 2007; 04:52 p.m.
"Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers," by Princeton's Kwame Anthony Appiah, has won the Council on Foreign Relations' sixth annual Arthur Ross Book Award for the best book published in the past two years on international affairs.
Pan-African Graduation set for June 3
Posted May 17, 2007; 04:04 p.m.
The Pan-African Graduation ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of graduates from the African Diaspora, will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. The event, inaugurated by students last year, also reflects on the unique cultural experiences of students from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States.
Writing the melody of a novel
Posted May 17, 2007; 10:32 a.m.
A few weeks ago Dmitri Tymoczko, the departmental representative in music, sent out an e-mail that listed the name of every senior in the department and the type of thesis each student was pursuing. Some students were listed under musicology, and some under composition. Scott Elmegreen was listed under "other." Elmegreen, a music major who also is earning a certificate in creative writing, actually wrote two theses, both of which combine the written word and music in a way that's rarely been done.
Boden named dean of religious life
Posted May 17, 2007; 10:00 a.m.
The Rev. Alison Boden, dean of Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago for the past 12 years, has been named dean of religious life and the chapel at Princeton University, effective Aug. 1.
Library acquires papers of Sir Frank Kermode
Posted May 16, 2007; 06:33 p.m.
The papers of one of the most important and influential British literary critics of the 20th century have been acquired by the University Library's Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. The library is now the home of the papers of Sir Frank Kermode, 87, who lives in England.
Wu gifts promote excellence in engineering and across campus
Posted May 15, 2007; 10:00 a.m.
Business leader and alumnus Sir Gordon Wu returned to campus Monday, May 14, to celebrate 25 years of extraordinary support to the University, including funds to construct buildings, provide financial aid, endow faculty positions and support innovative research. Wu, a member of the class of 1958, completed payments this year on a historic gift of $100 million that he pledged in 1995 to support the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The gift is the second largest in Princeton's history; in 2006, Peter B. Lewis, a member of the class of 1955, gave $101 million to support the creative and performing arts.
Art exhibition features works of class of 1957
Posted May 14, 2007; 05:33 p.m.
This spring Princeton's class of 1957 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its graduation with an exhibition of art works from class members' collections. The exhibition, titled "'57 Collects: A 50th Anniversary Celebration," will be on view at the Princeton University Art Museum from Saturday, May 19, through Sunday, Aug. 12.
Princeton team advances to next stage in 'urban challenge' competition
Posted May 14, 2007; 05:12 p.m.
The Princeton Autonomous Vehicle Engineering team has advanced to the next stage in the Pentagon's "urban challenge" competition, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency announced May 11.
University to consolidate campus points accounts
Posted May 14, 2007; 12:21 p.m.
The University this summer will consolidate its existing declining balance "points" accounts -- Dining Points and Paw Points -- which are available to purchase food and library photocopying services on campus.
Emergency notification test completed
Posted May 11, 2007; 05:59 p.m.
Princeton conducted a campus-wide test of its new emergency notification system on Friday, May 11, and officials were encouraged that 87 percent of the campus community -- or almost 10,200 individuals -- who were in the new system received a test message via live phone delivery or answering machine within an hour. Most of the calls were received within 20 minutes.
Celia recognized as outstanding hydrologist
Posted May 10, 2007; 05:31 p.m.
The National Ground Water Association has chosen Michael Celia as the 2008 Henry Darcy Distinguished Lecturer. The prestigious honor, awarded annually since its establishment in 1986, supports the travel of one expert to share his or her work in lectures at universities throughout the world.
Media advisory: Princeton Commencement to be held June 5
Posted May 10, 2007; 05:15 p.m.
Members of the news media who wish to attend any of Princeton University's 2007 graduation ceremonies Sunday through Tuesday, June 3-5, must contact the University's Office of Communications no later than noon Tuesday, May 29, to request credentials.
Seeking Mars survival secrets
Posted May 10, 2007; 10:45 a.m.
David Smith always wondered whether other planets might harbor life, so when he actually got the opportunity to investigate, he jumped at it. His decision launched him on a year-long mission, leading him to the Kennedy Space Center and back.
Two elected to American Philosophical Society
Posted May 9, 2007; 06:29 p.m.
Two Princeton scholars are among 52 people recently elected to membership in the American Philosophical Society. The Princeton honorees are Robert Keohane, professor of public international affairs, and Viviana Zelizer, the Lloyd Cotsen '50 Professor of Sociology.
University plans radon remediation efforts after elevated levels confirmed
Posted May 9, 2007; 03:22 p.m.
Air quality tests conducted in the basements of two residential buildings on Princeton's campus this week confirmed elevated levels of radon in an isolated area of one of the buildings. As tests continue, the University is developing a remediation plan in consultation with experts in abatement and remediation, and campus environmental health officials maintain there is no imminent risk to the public.
Conference focuses on free society, May 14-15
Posted May 8, 2007; 05:26 p.m.
"The Free Society: Foundations and Challenges" is the topic of a conference scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, May 14-15, in 222 Bowen Hall.
Kaster and Knoepflmacher receive Behrman Award
Posted May 8, 2007; 05:18 p.m.
Robert Kaster, the Kennedy Foundation Professor of Latin Language and Literature, and Ulrich Knoepflmacher, the William and Annie S. Paton Foundation Professor of Ancient and Modern Literature, have received Princeton's Behrman Award for distinguished achievement in the humanities. They were honored at a May 5 dinner.
Torquato to receive Kleinman Prize
Posted May 7, 2007; 06:23 p.m.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has selected Princeton's Salvatore Torquato to receive the Ralph E. Kleinman Prize for his work connecting mathematics with applications outside the field.
Wilmerding to leave a legacy of Pop art to Princeton
Posted May 7, 2007; 03:58 p.m.
Renowned curator, collector, art historian and professor of American art John Wilmerding revealed May 4 at a reception and dinner in honor of his retirement that he is the individual who has promised a major gift of Pop art to the Princeton University Art Museum.
Haidt to offer keynote on morality, May 10
Posted May 7, 2007; 01:33 p.m.
Visiting professor Jonathan Haidt will deliver an address titled "The New Synthesis in Moral Psychology: Evolution, Intuition and Even Politics" at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10, in 3 Thomas Laboratory. His talk will be the keynote speech at this year's Undergraduate Research Symposium, which will be open to the public that day from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Icahn Laboratory.
Book uncovers layers of anti-U.S. sentiment
Posted May 7, 2007; 01:22 p.m.
In studying America's fledgling society and political institutions, the 19th-century French thinker Alexis de Tocqueville commented that Americans "appear impatient of the smallest censure and insatiable of praise." Nearly two centuries later, Princeton political scientist Robert O. Keohane has engaged fellow scholars in a study of anti-American sentiment abroad, seeking to better understand a phenomenon that has intensified Americans' anxiety about their standing in the world.
Assembling the written word: McPhee reveals how the pieces go together
Posted May 7, 2007; 10:00 a.m.
For John McPhee, the most significant element of putting together one of his famed New Yorker magazine articles is figuring out the structure. "I'm obsessed with the structure of pieces of writing," explained McPhee, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Princeton's Ferris Professor of Journalism, who has taught his legendary class on writing at the University for more than 30 years.
Sinfonia to perform spring concert, May 10
Posted May 5, 2007; 02:12 p.m.
The Princeton University Sinfonia, a student-conducted chamber orchestra, will perform its annual spring concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
'Evening of Afro-Latin Jazz' presented, May 12
Posted May 5, 2007; 02:05 p.m.
The Princeton University Concert Jazz Ensemble and Afro-Latin Ensemble, directed by Anthony D.J. Branker, will present a program dedicated to the fusion of Afro-Caribbean music and jazz at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
Five named to American Academy
Posted May 4, 2007; 04:07 p.m.
Three current and two retired Princeton faculty members have been named fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. They are among 227 leaders in scholarship, business, the arts and public affairs elected this year in recognition of contributions to their respective fields.
Five elected to National Academy of Sciences
Posted May 4, 2007; 03:52 p.m.
Five Princeton faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences this year. They are among 72 new members and 18 foreign associates chosen in recognition of their distinguished and continuing accomplishments in original research.
Test planned for new notification system, May 11 -- UPDATE
Posted May 3, 2007; 10:00 a.m.
Princeton will conduct a campus-wide test of its new emergency notification system Friday, May 11, to ensure that members of the University community can be contacted in times of crisis. All faculty, staff and students must update their personal contact information through the appropriate self-service websites no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, May 10, to ensure inclusion in the test.
Deepening the discourse on racial dynamics
Posted May 3, 2007; 10:00 a.m.
Investigating where she comes from is a central theme for Anne Cheng, an Asian American, who uses her wide-ranging interests in 20th-century American literature, film, psychoanalysis, history, law and the arts to explore how racial identity is perceived and promulgated in American culture. Part of where she comes from is Princeton.
University conducting radon tests after air quality concerns raised
Posted May 2, 2007; 06:50 p.m.
Students testing air quality across the Princeton campus for a physics class raised concerns this week about radon levels in the basements of two buildings, but preliminary data collected by the University health physicist suggests there is no cause for immediate concern.
Slow Food Movement founder to speak, May 17
Posted May 2, 2007; 02:46 p.m.
Carlo Petrini, founder and president of the Slow Food Movement, will deliver a lecture titled "Slow Food Nation" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, in McCosh 50.
Souk festival will celebrate Middle Eastern culture, May 13
Posted May 2, 2007; 02:37 p.m.
Souk, an outdoor festival featuring Middle Eastern food, music and art, will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 13, at Scudder Plaza outside Robertson Hall.
Lavender Graduation set for May 12
Posted May 2, 2007; 02:33 p.m.
The sixth annual Lavender Graduation ceremony, sponsored by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Center, is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in the Maclean House courtyard.
Lectures explore relationships and health, May 10-11
Posted May 2, 2007; 02:28 p.m.
Shelley Taylor, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Los Angeles who studies issues related to relationships, stress and health, will deliver a pair of lectures Thursday and Friday, May 10-11.
High-tech funders share secrets, May 8
Posted May 1, 2007; 04:18 p.m.
Four accomplished entrepreneurs and investors in technology businesses will share their stories and guidance for those who would follow in their footsteps in a panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, in the Bowen Hall auditorium.
Student musicians to perform, May 4
Posted May 1, 2007; 01:30 p.m.
Two senior music majors, jazz drummer Charles Staab and cellist Daniel Hawkins, will perform original compositions in a concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, in the University Chapel.
On a quest for ancient coins, Steiglitz finds inspiration for a book and a course
Posted May 1, 2007; 12:05 p.m.
Computer scientist Ken Steiglitz is happy to admit that he is an eBay addict. For starters, his pre-dawn "grazing" on the popular Internet trading site has yielded a trove of ancient bronze coins to add to his personal collection. Even more, he has discovered a wealth of information to advance the field of auction theory, which lies at the intersection of computer science, economics, mathematics and psychology.
Princeton physicists connect string theory with established physics
Posted May 1, 2007; 11:20 a.m.
String theory, simultaneously one of the most promising and controversial ideas in modern physics, may be more capable of helping probe the inner workings of subatomic particles than was previously thought, according to a team of Princeton University scientists.
Former Gov. Tom Kean to succeed Jay Sherrerd on Robertson board
Posted May 1, 2007; 11:00 a.m.
Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman has informed members of the Robertson Foundation board of trustees that longtime trustee John J.F. Sherrerd has decided to retire as a University-designated member of the board, and that he is being succeeded by Thomas Kean, the former New Jersey governor, president of Drew University and chair of the 9/11 Commission.