Archive – March, 2008
Robert F. Goheen, 16th president of Princeton, dies at age 88; service set for April 27
Posted March 31, 2008; 05:19 p.m.
Robert F. Goheen, president of Princeton University from 1957 to 1972 during a period of transformative growth and change, died of heart failure Monday, March 31, at the University Medical Center at Princeton. He was 88.
Letter to the editor of Indiana Gazette
Posted March 28, 2008; 12:18 p.m.
This letter to the editor was published in the March 27, 2008, Indiana Gazette:
In his March 24 opinion piece about the six-year-old Robertson vs. Princeton litigation, Dan K. Thomasson mischaracterizes the purpose of the Robertson gift and fails to point out that it is the descendants of the donor, not Princeton University, who are trying to overturn the intent of the donor.
Robert Fagles, celebrated translator of ancient epics, dies at age 74
Posted March 28, 2008; 11:47 a.m.
Robert Fagles, renowned translator of Greek classics, died March 26 in Princeton of prostate cancer. He was 74. Fagles, the Arthur Marks '19 Professor of Comparative Literature Emeritus at Princeton University, was widely acclaimed for his popular translations of Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," both of which became best-sellers.
Hockey game to air in Frist
Posted March 28, 2008; 08:33 a.m.
The Princeton men's hockey team's game against North Dakota in the NCAA Hockey Tournament on Saturday, March 29, will air live at 3 p.m. in the West TV Lounge of the Frist Campus Center. It also can be viewed elsewhere on campus on Channel 2 on the TigerTV system.
Sustainability is focus of lecture series
Posted March 27, 2008; 01:16 p.m.
"Going Green? The Science and Practice of Conservation and Sustainability" is the theme of the Maclean House Lecture Series sponsored in April by the Office of the Alumni Association.
Power to discuss war crimes and genocide
Posted March 27, 2008; 01:12 p.m.
Harvard University scholar and journalist Samantha Power will present a talk titled "War Crimes and Genocide Today: What Can One Person Do?" at noon Friday, April 4, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall (moved from 16 Robertson Hall).
Sunstein to assess judicial partisanship
Posted March 27, 2008; 01:05 p.m.
Renowned legal scholar and political theorist Cass Sunstein will examine the political partisanship of judges in a talk set for 8 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Poet Carson to collaborate with dancers, vocalists
Posted March 27, 2008; 01:02 p.m.
Poet Anne Carson will collaborate with three dancers from the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and two vocalists in a performance involving text, sound and dance at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in the Hagan Dance Studio, 185 Nassau St.
Lectures examine religion and diplomacy
Posted March 27, 2008; 12:56 p.m.
A series of lectures scheduled through May 1 will investigate the influence of religion and religious beliefs in the conduct of diplomacy, politics, crisis and conflict management, and other international affairs.
Gingrich to speak on health care policy
Posted March 27, 2008; 12:53 p.m.
Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will present a lecture titled "Real Change: Bringing Health and Health Care Into the World That Works" at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Students to screen videos on African American politics
Posted March 27, 2008; 12:49 p.m.
Princeton students' videos examining African American political issues from national, local and campus perspectives will be screened at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in 104 Computer Science Building.
Talking Points Memo blogger to speak
Posted March 27, 2008; 12:44 p.m.
Josh Marshall, a Princeton alumnus who founded the popular political blog Talking Points Memo, will speak on the current political scene at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in McCosh 50. He will be joined in the discussion by Anthony Grafton, the Henry Putnam University Professor of History.
Newsweek's Fineman to discuss election
Posted March 27, 2008; 12:40 p.m.
"Once in a Lifetime: The Election of 2008" is the title of a lecture by Howard Fineman, Newsweek magazine's senior White House correspondent, set for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Fauci, Frist to address global health issues
Posted March 27, 2008; 12:38 p.m.
Physician Anthony Fauci, former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist and other leading experts in science and public policy will gather for "No Country Left Behind: Transforming Global Health," a conference set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1.
Two win Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Posted March 27, 2008; 12:30 p.m.
A Princeton senior and an alumnus of the University have been awarded Gates Cambridge Scholarships, which give outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom an opportunity to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Kenneth Fockele and Mateusz Plucinski are among 45 U.S. winners of the Gates Cambridge Scholarships.
Exhibition marks art museum's 125th anniversary
Posted March 27, 2008; 12:00 p.m.
The Princeton University Art Museum is celebrating its 125th anniversary with an exhibition that brings together many of the most important works from all areas of its collection. On view from through Sunday, June 15, "An Educated Eye: Princeton University Art Museum Collections" also marks the publication of the museum's new handbook, which serves as a guide to its encyclopedic collection.
L'Atelier presents Moliere's 'Dom Juan'
Posted March 25, 2008; 05:24 p.m.
L'Atelier, Princeton's French theater workshop, will perform Moliere's "Dom Juan" at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 3-5, in the Matthews Acting Studio, 185 Nassau St.
Ant guts could pave the way for better drugs
Posted March 25, 2008; 02:18 p.m.
Scientists have discovered two key proteins that guide one of the two groups of pathogenic bacteria to make their hardy outer shells -- their defense against the world.
University completing study of athletics program
Posted March 25, 2008; 10:10 a.m.
Princeton is nearing the completion of a yearlong, campus-wide effort to study its athletics program as part of the NCAA Division I athletics certification program.
University to begin radon testing protocol in April
Posted March 24, 2008; 12:55 p.m.
As part of a new schedule for radon testing, the University in April will begin measuring radon levels in the basement and below-grade levels of all its administrative buildings on campus and all University-owned housing. Testing is expected to take place over the next year, and building occupants will be notified of the assessment schedule for their building in advance of testing.
Sympoh presents spring show
Posted March 22, 2008; 07:34 p.m.
Sympoh Urban Arts Crew, a student dance company, will perform its annual spring show, "Break Reality," at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 27-29, at the Frist Campus Center theater.
Mentoring program aims to keep women in math
Posted March 21, 2008; 03:15 p.m.
When Rhodes Scholar Lillian Pierce met Queen Elizabeth II at a reception at Buckingham Palace, Pierce introduced herself as a mathematician -- and found herself in a familiar situation. "Not many girls have the head for pure maths," the queen said. "I said, 'Well, actually, I think that most women are told that they can't do math, and then they don't,'" Pierce recalled. Pierce -- a Ph.D. candidate in the Princeton mathematics department who graduated as valedictorian from the University in 2002 -- now leads a campus program aimed at making women more comfortable in the field.
Student work: Sympoh Urban Arts Crew
Posted March 21, 2008; 12:32 p.m.
Senior Taofik Kolade directed this video on Sympoh, the original Ivy League urban arts crew.
Playwright Christopher Durang to speak
Posted March 20, 2008; 07:44 p.m.
Leading American playwright Christopher Durang will present a lecture and answer questions at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in 219 Burr Hall.
Science on the fly: Expo gives kids a taste of research for a day
Posted March 20, 2008; 03:46 p.m.
The three students from Timberlane Middle School in Hopewell had never heard of superconductivity before. Nor did they know anything about the scientist before them. But the seventh-graders knew a good thing when they saw it. "Cool," they uttered in unison, as Robert Cava, the Russell Wellman Moore Professor of Chemistry at Princeton, placed one piece of a magnet on Tristan Wheatley's palm and made another "stick" to the underside of the youth's hand just below the other magnet. They were among 1,000 middle school students attending Princeton's March 19 Science and Engineering Expo, where they did hands-on science with some of the ablest researchers in the world.
Sosa brings Afro-Cuban jazz to Princeton
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:53 a.m.
Grammy-nominated Cuban composer and pianist Omar Sosa will bring his unique style of Afro-Cuban jazz to Princeton for a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
'Aladdin' is theme of 'Princyclopedia 2008'
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:46 a.m.
Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the world of "Aladdin" and the mysteries of Arabia at "Princyclopedia 2008," sponsored by the Cotsen Children's Library. The interactive book convention is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, in Dillon Gymnasium.
International Festival kicks off
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:44 a.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. Friday, March 28, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
Neutrino expert to discuss insights, past and present
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:40 a.m.
Arthur McDonald, director of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory in Ontario, Canada, will deliver the 33rd Donald Ross Hamilton Lecture at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, in A02 McDonnell Hall.
Israel's U.S. ambassador to discuss peace process
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:35 a.m.
Sallai Meridor, Israel's ambassador to the United States, will present a lecture on "U.S.-Israeli Relations and the Middle East Peace Process" at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Danticat to present Morrison Lecture
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:32 a.m.
Haitian-born author Edwidge Danticat will deliver the annual Toni Morrison Lecture at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. The event is free, but tickets are required.
Ballistic missile expert to speak
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:28 a.m.
Weapons technology expert Theodore Postol will deliver a lecture titled "U.S. Deployment of Ballistic Missile Defenses in Eastern Europe: Should Russia Worry?" at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Ghosh to discuss Geniza project
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:16 a.m.
Amitav Ghosh, one of the most widely known Indians writing in English today, will speak at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in 101 McCormick Hall.
Talk focuses on U.S.-Chinese relations
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:12 a.m.
"Managing Sino-U.S. Relations: The Chinese Way" is the title of a talk by Qin Yaqing, a leading Chinese scholar of international affairs, set for 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 24, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Harvard scholar to present on Tocqueville
Posted March 20, 2008; 10:05 a.m.
Harvey Mansfield, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Government at Harvard University, will present a three-part lecture series on "Tocqueville's New Liberalism" at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, March 24-26, in 1 Robertson Hall.
Digital artist to discuss his work
Posted March 20, 2008; 09:52 a.m.
Cory Arcangel, a digital artist who lives and works in Brooklyn, will discuss his work at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Tilghman trip to Asia ends on a high note
Posted March 17, 2008; 03:01 p.m.
President Shirley M. Tilghman completed her weeklong trip to Asia with a visit to Hong Kong Thursday through Sunday, March 13-16, that featured a conference with prominent alumni from the region who are influential in shaping commerce and finance around the world as well as a campaign kickoff event.
Donation brings first Picasso painting to art museum
Posted March 14, 2008; 01:52 p.m.
The Princeton University Art Museum has acquired Pablo Picasso's 1964 painting "Tęte d'homme et nu assis" ("Man's Head and Seated Nude") through a donation by 1957 alumnus and noted collector Gregory Callimanopulos. The gift marks the museum's most significant single donation in recent years and the first painting by Picasso to enter its collection.
Tilghman's Asia trip continues with meetings in Shanghai
Posted March 14, 2008; 01:06 p.m.
Continuing her weeklong trip to Asia that began with a stop in Singapore, Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman traveled to Shanghai, China, Wednesday and Thursday, March 12-13.
Stewarding a precious resource: Hlafter spends 40 years making connections on the campus
Posted March 13, 2008; 08:08 p.m.
After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture from Princeton, Jon Hlafter was completing an internship at a firm in Boston. A friend recommended him for an opening in the University's campus planning office. "I decided to come down and interview for what I thought was going to be about a five-year commitment to help plan for coeducation," Hlafter said. He joined the staff in 1968, was named director of physical planning in 1969 and became University architect in 2004. Forty years after accepting Princeton's offer, Hlafter finally may be ready to say he has finished his commitment.
Princeton coaches and athletes to speak
Posted March 11, 2008; 05:31 p.m.
Princeton varsity coaches and student-athletes will discuss their programs at a luncheon set for noon Thursday, April 10, in the Class of 1956 Lounge, Princeton Stadium.
Alcohol coalition begins drafting strategic plan
Posted March 11, 2008; 05:21 p.m.
Following three successful workshops and more than 30 meetings with stakeholders to gather information and ideas, members of Princeton's Alcohol Coalition Committee will spend the next several weeks drafting a strategic plan on how to deal with high-risk drinking among undergraduates.
Spirit of Princeton nominations due April 14
Posted March 11, 2008; 05:13 p.m.
Nominations for the 13th annual Spirit of Princeton Awards, which honor undergraduates for their positive contributions to campus life, are due by noon Monday, April 14.
Tilghman meeting with education and government leaders in Asia
Posted March 11, 2008; 01:26 p.m.
Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman has embarked on a weeklong trip to Asia to learn more about the future of the region. Her stop in Singapore on Monday and Tuesday, March 10-11, was the first visit to that country by a sitting president in the history of the University.
Scalia: Courts' powers are limited
Posted March 8, 2008; 11:50 a.m.
Courts are only as good as the powers granted them through the Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia told a Princeton University audience Friday, March 7, during an address on the role of the judiciary in a democracy.
Court confirms trial date of Oct. 1 in Robertson case
Posted March 7, 2008; 06:11 p.m.
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Maria Sypek this week confirmed a trial date of Oct. 1, 2008, to hear the lawsuit brought against Princeton University by several members of the Robertson family in July 2002.
Satellite reveals treasure trove of data, including evidence for early universe neutrinos
Posted March 7, 2008; 05:21 p.m.
A NASA satellite built in partnership with Princeton scientists has uncovered evidence that a sea of neutrinos -- almost weightless elementary particles that zip around at nearly the speed of light -- permeates the universe. The discovery, announced March 7 by NASA, is part of a treasure trove of findings gleaned from five years of data collected by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP).
Ralph Nader to speak on democracy
Posted March 7, 2008; 09:28 a.m.
Consumer activist and Princeton alumnus Ralph Nader will deliver a lecture on democracy at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, in McCosh 50 on the Princeton University campus. The speech is being co-sponsored by the Arab Society of Princeton and Princeton Justice Project student groups. The event is free and open to the public.
Wilf gift to fund new dormitory and support Jewish life at Princeton
Posted March 6, 2008; 05:09 p.m.
A gift of $5 million from Jane and Mark Wilf, a 1984 alumnus, will fund the construction of Wilf Hall, a new dormitory in Butler College, and establish the Jane and Mark Wilf '84 and Wilf Family Fund for Jewish Life to support programming in the Center for Jewish Life (CJL).
CPUC meeting scheduled for March 10
Posted March 6, 2008; 12:47 p.m.
The Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC) will meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 10, in Betts Auditorium, School of Architecture. All members of the University community are invited to attend.
Students win Churchill Scholarships
Posted March 5, 2008; 03:27 p.m.
Two Princeton University seniors have won prestigious scholarships to Cambridge University for showing great promise in research. Anand Oza and Aaron Pixton will be Churchill Scholars, an honor bestowed annually upon about 13 students nationally by the Winston Churchill Foundation of New York City.
U.S. Army lawyer to speak on Afghans' future
Posted March 5, 2008; 01:20 p.m.
U.S. Army Col. Manuel Supervielle, former general counsel for U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, will present a talk titled "Challenges and Opportunities: Afghans Must Choose Their Future" at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Volker to discuss NATO, Afghanistan
Posted March 5, 2008; 01:17 p.m.
Kurt Volker, who recently was nominated by President Bush to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO, will discuss the conflict in Afghanistan and its impact on U.S.-European relations at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Newsweek's Isikoff to speak on presidency
Posted March 5, 2008; 01:14 p.m.
Newsweek investigative correspondent Michael Isikoff will speak on "Investigative Reporting and the Presidency" at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, in 16 Robertson Hall.
China's power is lecture topic
Posted March 5, 2008; 01:11 p.m.
Political scientist and former U.S. State Department official Susan Shirk will deliver a lecture based on her book "China: Fragile Superpower" at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Committee appointed to conduct search for art museum director
Posted March 5, 2008; 09:05 a.m.
President Shirley M. Tilghman has appointed a committee to conduct the search for a new director of the Princeton University Art Museum.
Five awarded Sloan Research Fellowships
Posted March 5, 2008; 08:49 a.m.
Five Princeton faculty members have been selected to receive 2008 Sloan Research Fellowships, highly competitive grants to outstanding scientists and scholars early in their careers.
Political scholar Zelizer goes beyond disciplinary, academic boundaries
Posted March 4, 2008; 10:06 a.m.
As the presidential campaign focuses attention on America's future, Princeton's Julian Zelizer is emerging as a prominent political scholar -- known for bringing historical insights to today's issues with a blend of social and cultural analysis.
Conference explores medieval art and history
Posted March 4, 2008; 10:00 a.m.
Some of the most eminent historians of religion, art and medieval culture from both sides of the Atlantic will gather for a conference titled "Looking Beyond: Visions, Dreams and Insights in Medieval Art and History" Friday and Saturday, March 14-15, in McCormick Hall. The event is sponsored by the Index of Christian Art at Princeton University and the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California. More information is available online.
Student work: Triple 8 dance company
Posted March 3, 2008; 04:10 p.m.
Princeton's East Asian dance company is devoted to the art and performance of contemporary and traditional East Asia.
Writers read from their work at Lewis Center
Posted March 3, 2008; 03:33 p.m.
A number of established and emerging writers will be on campus in the coming weeks as part of the Program in Creative Writing's Althea Ward Clark Reading Series.
Princeton's East Asian dance company to perform
Posted March 3, 2008; 03:27 p.m.
Triple 8, Princeton's East Asian dance company, will present its third annual spring show, "Hidden Kisses: Behind the Screens," at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 7-8, in the Hamilton-Murray Theater.