Archive – June, 2012
Princeton researchers working at forefront of 'exascale' supercomputing
Posted June 28, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Scientists at Princeton University are composing the complex codes designed to instruct a new class of powerful computers that will allow researchers to tackle problems that were previously too difficult to solve. These supercomputers, operating at a speed called the "exascale," will produce realistic simulations of dazzlingly complex phenomena in nature such as fusion reactions, earthquakes and climate change.
Outdoor film series screens 'The Social Network'
Posted June 28, 2012; 11:24 a.m.
The Princeton University Art Museum will screen "The Social Network" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 2, on the Brown/Dod Quad lawn, to celebrate the themes of cultural and personal encounters in its current exhibit "Encounters: Conflict, Dialogue, Discovery." Popcorn and soda provided.
Outdoor film series screens 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
Posted June 28, 2012; 10:40 a.m.
The Princeton University Art Museum will screen "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12, on the museum lawn, to celebrate the themes of cultural and personal encounters in its upcoming exhibit "Encounters: Conflict, Dialogue, Discovery," opening Saturday, July 14. Popcorn and soda provided.
Evening gathering is inspired by cross-cultural exhibits
Posted June 28, 2012; 10:03 a.m.
The Princeton University Art Museum will present an evening of fusion cuisine, specialty cocktails and global music inspired by two current exhibits: "Encounters: Conflict, Dialogue, Discovery" and "Root & Branch," from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19, at the museum's galleries and lawn.
Exhibit heralds the symbolic role of trees across millennia
Posted June 28, 2012; 09:51 a.m.
The exhibit "Root & Branch" at the Princeton University Art Museum uses artwork from the museum's collections to reveal the role of trees in shaping one's mental image of the world through metaphor and symbol. The exhibit is open from Saturday, July 14, through Sunday, Nov. 25.
Exhibit explores the world of encounters
Posted June 28, 2012; 09:37 a.m.
The exhibit "Encounters: Conflict, Dialogue, Discovery" at the Princeton University Art Museum examines how encounters large and small control how one culture sees another and how one sees oneself. The exhibit is open from Saturday, July 14, through Sunday, Sept. 23.
Nanotechnology breakthrough could dramatically improve medical tests
Posted June 25, 2012; 02:00 p.m.
A laboratory test used to detect disease and perform biological research could be made more than 3 million times more sensitive, according to Princeton University researchers who combined standard biological tools with a breakthrough in nanotechnology.
Video feature: Potable Water for La Pitajaya
Posted June 25, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Students in the Princeton chapter of Engineers Without Borders have scouted their newest project: building a pipeline to bring drinking water to 150 residents in the village of La Pitajaya, Peru. According to the students, the residents have no source of clean water and resultant sickness is common in the isolated community.
Student Work: Potable Water for La Pitajaya
Posted June 25, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Princeton University's chapter of Engineers Without Borders is implementing a potable water project in Peru.
Study in hurricane region reveals effects of stress on pregnancy
Posted June 22, 2012; 03:53 p.m.
Expectant mothers who dealt with the strain of a hurricane or major tropical storm passing nearby during their pregnancy had children who were at elevated risk for abnormal health conditions at birth, according to a study led by a Princeton University researcher that offers new insights into the effects of stress on pregnancy.
Princeton Summer Theater builds community for its artistic 'voyages'
Posted June 21, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
To tackle the challenge of producing four plays in eight weeks, the Princeton Summer Theater company annually forms a small community that includes Princeton students, alumni and faculty, as well as local residents and students from other universities. The 44th season will take audiences to Sweden, London, Paris and the Catskills of New York with "A Little Night Music," June 21-24, and June 28-July 1; "Gaslight," July 5-8 and 12-15; "Boeing-Boeing," July 19-22 and 26-29; and "The American Plan," Aug. 2-5 and 9-12. Performances are Thursday through Sunday at Hamilton Murray Theater.
Learning continues on Princeton campus with summer outreach programs
Posted June 21, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
Students of all ages and teachers from New Jersey and beyond will be engaged in a summer of learning on the Princeton campus, taking part in outreach programs on subjects ranging from computer science and plasma physics to American history and journalism.
Plans call for 20 Washington Road to house economics, international programs
Posted June 20, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Princeton University officials have submitted plans to the Princeton Borough Zoning Board of Adjustment for proposed renovations to 20 Washington Road. The academic building is slated to become the home of the Department of Economics, several international offices and the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS).
FACULTY AWARD: Princeton researchers among recipients of 2012 Gruber Cosmology Prize
Posted June 20, 2012; 11:15 a.m.
Several Princeton University researchers are among those honored with the 2012 Gruber Cosmology Prize for the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) satellite project, which has become the basis for understanding the origin, age and content of the universe. Four of the 26 team members sharing the Gruber prize are currently at Princeton, while an additional 14 WMAP researchers worked on the project as graduate or postdoctoral students at the University.
Out of the mouths of primates, facial mechanics of human speech may have evolved
Posted June 20, 2012; 09:00 a.m.
Two recent studies based at Princeton University suggest that the oral-facial component of human speech evolved from lip smacking, a friendly back-and-forth gesture performed by primates such as chimpanzees, baboons and macaques. The studies suggest a separate neural control for facial mechanics in primates that could help illuminate the neurological basis of speech disorders in humans.
Ten faculty members transfer to emeritus status
Posted June 19, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Ten Princeton University faculty members were transferred to emeritus status in recent action by the Board of Trustees.
$10 million gift to enhance Princeton's globalization efforts
Posted June 19, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
A $10 million gift from Princeton alumnus and trustee William Fung of Hong Kong will substantially increase the University's engagement with scholars around the world and inspire ideas that transcend borders.
Employee retirements: June 2012
Posted June 18, 2012; 12:06 p.m.
The following is an updated list of University employee retirements.
Employee obituaries: June 2012
Posted June 18, 2012; 12:03 p.m.
The following is an updated list of University employee obituaries.
PIIRS uses art and languages to showcase its global reach
Posted June 18, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
To express its international identity, one academic center at Princeton University has embraced artwork and more than a dozen languages to relay its key messages of engagement with the world. The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, known as PIIRS, has redecorated a portion of the third floor of Burr Hall to convey its mission of furthering interdisciplinary, international research and teaching at Princeton.
Employee spotlight: Donald Snook
Posted June 18, 2012; 11:59 a.m.
Employee spotlight on Donald Snook, food service storekeeper in Dining Services.
Faculty members submit resignations
Posted June 18, 2012; 11:25 a.m.
Twelve faculty members have submitted their resignations.
Board approves 11 promotions
Posted June 18, 2012; 11:22 a.m.
The Board of Trustees has approved the promotions of 11 faculty members, all effective July 1, 2012.
Faculty chosen for endowed professorships
Posted June 18, 2012; 11:08 a.m.
Twenty faculty members have been named to endowed professorships, effective July 1, 2012.
Board approves 26 faculty appointments
Posted June 18, 2012; 10:45 a.m.
The Board of Trustees has approved the appointments of 26 faculty members, including four full professors, one associate professor, 20 assistant professors and a senior lecturer.
Startup born in Princeton lab turns carbon dioxide into fuels
Posted June 14, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
The founders of Liquid Light, a New Jersey startup company that turns carbon dioxide into fuels and industrial chemicals, include Princeton University Professor of Chemistry Andrew Bocarsly and his former graduate student Emily Cole, who earned her Ph.D. in 2009. Cole helped revive efforts in Bocarsly's lab to study the conversion of CO2 into usable fuels, which led to the launch of Liquid Light and an ongoing collaboration that Bocarsly said has been extremely positive for his research team at the University.
Got mass? Princeton scientists observe electrons become both heavy and speedy
Posted June 13, 2012; 02:00 p.m.
A Princeton University-led team of scientists has shown how electrons moving in certain solids can behave as though they are a thousand times more massive than free electrons, yet at the same time act as speedy superconductors.
Seven named to Princeton Board of Trustees
Posted June 12, 2012; 09:00 a.m.
Princeton University has named seven new members to its Board of Trustees, effective July 1. The new trustees are: Robert Hugin and Peter Wendell, who were elected by the board to serve for eight years as charter trustees; Ruth Simmons and John Wynne, who were elected by the board to serve for four years as term trustees; Jaime Ayala and Laurence Morse, who were elected by alumni to serve four years as alumni trustees; and Angela Groves, who was elected by the junior, senior and two youngest alumni classes to serve four years as young alumni trustee.
Video feature: 'Spirit and Celebration'
Posted June 11, 2012; 05:00 p.m.
Images from numerous 2012 graduation and Reunions events make up the video "Spirit and Celebration."
'Spirit and Celebration'
Posted June 11, 2012; 05:00 p.m.
This video captures the many events that took place on campus leading up to and including Princeton's 265th Commencement, held June 5.
FACULTY AWARD: Singer receives Australia's highest civic honor
Posted June 11, 2012; 04:32 p.m.
Peter Singer, the Decamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University, has been awarded Australia's highest civic honor. He was appointed Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia "for eminent service to philosophy and bioethics as a leader of public debate and communicator of ideas in the areas of global poverty, animal welfare and the human condition."
Summer performances offered at Richardson
Posted June 11, 2012; 01:27 p.m.
Princeton Summer Chamber Concerts will present four performances in June and July in Richardson Auditorium of Alexander Hall.
Carillon concerts planned through summer
Posted June 11, 2012; 01:23 p.m.
The University's 20th annual Summer Carillon Series, featuring carillonneurs from around the United States and abroad, will be held at 1 p.m. each Sunday from July 1 through Sept. 2 at Cleveland Tower on the Graduate College campus.
Frist hosts summer concerts, activities
Posted June 11, 2012; 01:19 p.m.
The Frist Campus Center will present its Summer Program Series, featuring concerts and other activities, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 13 through July 25, on its South Patio.
Three Princetonians win Davis Projects for Peace
Posted June 11, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
Two Princeton University students and a recent alumnus are spending the summer in Nicaragua and Brazil pursuing new and creative ideas for promoting peace through grants from the Davis Projects for Peace. The program awarded more than $1 million to students from universities across the country to pursue international endeavors during summer 2012.
Princeton names Dominick VP and CIO
Posted June 8, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
James "Jay" Dominick, the top-ranking information technology administrator at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, will become vice president for information technology and chief information officer at Princeton University on Aug. 13.
Video feature: Commencement 2012: Beyond FitzRandolph Gate
Posted June 7, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
As they prepared to exit FitzRandolph Gate for the last time as Princeton undergraduates, members of the Class of 2012 reflected on how their experiences beyond campus were an integral part of their time at the University.
Tilghman to graduates: Cultivate possibilities of a liberal arts education
Posted June 5, 2012; 07:00 p.m.
Making a stand for a liberal arts education in today's difficult economic climate, Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman urged graduates at the University's 265th Commencement Tuesday, June 5, to bring to the fore the talents they have developed as they embark on the future.
Excerpts from President Tilghman's 2012 Commencement Speech
Posted June 5, 2012; 06:30 p.m.
Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman emphasizes the value of a liberal arts education in her address to the graduates.
Excerpts from Princeton Class Day 2012
Posted June 5, 2012; 05:39 p.m.
Class of 2012 President Lindy Li, keynote speaker Steve Carell and Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman offer heartfelt and humorous words to the graduating seniors.
Excerpts from Princeton Graduate School Hooding Ceremony 2012
Posted June 5, 2012; 05:34 p.m.
Keynote speaker and Princeton graduate alumnus George Will presents a playful "beer-centric" history of civilization to the advanced-degree candidates.
Excerpts from Michael Lewis's 2012 Baccalaureate speech
Posted June 5, 2012; 05:27 p.m.
Author and Princeton alumnus Michael Lewis tells graduating seniors that luck plays an important role in success.
2012 President's Commencement Address
Posted June 5, 2012; 01:00 p.m.
2012 Commencement Address delivered by President Shirley M. Tilghman
Princeton awards six honorary degrees
Posted June 5, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Princeton University awarded honorary degrees during Commencement exercises Tuesday, June 5, to six individuals for their contributions to athletics, music, education, the humanities and science: Peter Carril, basketball Hall-of-Famer and former Princeton coach; Aretha Franklin, the singer known as "the Queen of Soul"; Eduardo Padrón, president of Miami Dade College; Joan Wallach Scott, the Harold F. Linder Professor in the School of Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study; Joseph Taylor Jr., the James McDonnell Distinguished Professor of Physics Emeritus at Princeton; and Karen Uhlenbeck, the Sid W. Richardson Foundation Regents Chair in Mathematics at the University of Texas-Austin.
2012 Latin Salutatory Oration
Posted June 5, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
2012 Latin Salutatory Oration delivered by Elizabeth Butterworth
Princeton University holds 265th Commencement
Posted June 5, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Princeton University awarded degrees to 1,230 undergraduates in the Class of 2012, five from other classes and 832 graduate students at its 265th Commencement Tuesday, June 5.
2012 Valedictory Oration
Posted June 5, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
2012 Valedictory Oration delivered by Nathaniel Fleming
Four faculty members recognized for outstanding teaching
Posted June 5, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Four Princeton University faculty members received President's Awards for Distinguished Teaching at Commencement ceremonies Tuesday, June 5. They are: Maria Garlock, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering; Carol Greenhouse, professor of anthropology; Daniel Rodgers, the Henry Charles Lea Professor of History; and Jeffrey Schwartz, professor of chemistry.
UPDATE 6:18 a.m.: Commencement to be held outdoors
Posted June 5, 2012; 06:18 a.m.
The University's 265th Commencement ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. today, on the lawn in front of Nassau Hall, as originally scheduled. Guests must be seated by 10:15 a.m. Tickets are required for guests attending the ceremony.
Commencement 2012: Beyond FitzRandolph Gate
Posted June 4, 2012; 07:40 p.m.
Meet 10 Princeton seniors who have made an impact on the world even before they departed through FitzRandolph Gate at the end of Commencement.
Carell sends seniors off with laughs at Class Day; Hooding held for Grad School
Posted June 4, 2012; 07:00 p.m.
A celebratory mood reigned — even amid heavy rain — on Princeton's Cannon Green as members of the Class of 2012 gathered for the Class Day ceremony Monday, June 4, to reflect on the joys and trials they shared as students and to recognize the accomplishments of their peers.
Princeton University's 2012 Hooding Remarks
Posted June 4, 2012; 06:45 p.m.
2012 Hooding remarks by George Will
Goin' Back: Reunions 2012
Posted June 4, 2012; 02:31 p.m.
Each year, thousands of alumni return to Princeton for Reunions, where they learn, laugh and reconnect with their classmates and the University. Here's a look at this year's festivities.
Princeton University's 2012 Class Day Remarks
Posted June 4, 2012; 02:16 p.m.
2012 Class Day remarks by Steve Carell
UPDATE 12:53 p.m.: Hooding ceremony moved to McCarter Theatre
Posted June 4, 2012; 12:53 p.m.
Due to expected rain and thunderstorms this afternoon, the Hooding ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. today at McCarter Theatre Center, opposite the train station on University Place. Tickets are required for all guests.
Students recognized for achievement and service at Class Day
Posted June 4, 2012; 12:15 p.m.
Members of Princeton University's Class of 2012 gathered on Cannon Green Monday, June 4, to celebrate the conclusion of their undergraduate careers in a Class Day ceremony honoring their leadership and accomplishments.
UPDATE 9:48 a.m.: Class Day to be held outdoors
Posted June 4, 2012; 06:38 a.m.
The Class Day ceremony for Princeton's graduating class of 2012 will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Monday, June 4, on Cannon Green, as originally scheduled.
Senior Class Step Sing set for 10 p.m. at Blair Arch
Posted June 3, 2012; 09:13 p.m.
The Senior Class Step Sing will be held as scheduled at 10 p.m. today at Blair Arch. Earlier in the evening uncertainty about weather conditions led to the possibility that the event would be moved to an indoor location nearby.
Lewis urges graduating seniors to embrace their good fortune
Posted June 3, 2012; 08:00 p.m.
Princeton alumnus Michael Lewis offered the University's Class of 2012 the story of his path from art-history major to investment banker to best-selling author as an illustration of how good fortune plays an important role in success — and leaves its recipients with a responsibility to society.
Princeton University's 2012 Baccalaureate Remarks
Posted June 3, 2012; 04:17 p.m.
2012 Baccalaureate remarks by Michael Lewis
Alumni celebrate Reunions 2012
Posted June 1, 2012; 06:00 p.m.
Some 20,000 Princeton University alumni, family and friends began arriving on campus Thursday, May 31, to reconnect with classmates, enjoy performances by student groups, attend panel discussions and show off their most colorful orange and black wares during Reunions 2012.
Map shows new campus voting districts, polling stations for June 5 primary
Posted June 1, 2012; 06:00 p.m.
Residents of the Princeton University campus can find the location of their voting districts and polling stations for the primary Election Day through an online chart and map. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 5.