News Archive

December 2007

Susan B. Anthony Exhibit Now Online An exhibit on Susan B. Anthony, sponsored by the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation, is now available online. Called “Celebrating 'A Heroic Life',” the exhibit is based on the 2006 exhibition of the same name in honor of the 100th anniversary of Anthony’s death. (Posted December 21, 2007)

Kwanzaa Family Day at the Memorial Art Gallery, Thursday December 27, 2007 4pm-9pm Celebrate Kwanzaa, the African American cultural holiday. The whole family will enjoy hands-on art activities, Kwanzaa ceremony, music & poetrey performance by Whitney Marchelle, and staged readings of "Manly Virtue" by Akwaaba: The Heritage Associates. Sponsored by the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation and Target. Free Admission. (Posted December 17, 2007)

"Entrepreneurship, Politics, Hip-Hop and Def," An Evening with Mos Def Featuring Sheron Umi Smith and Bakari Kitwana 88' 90'(MAS) 90'W (MAS) Tuesday, December 4th, 2007 7:30 pm East River Rd. Auditorium University of Rochester Advancement and Alumni Center. Tickets Available at Common Markets (Wilson Commons) or Online at www.choiceticketing.com/rochester Contact: 585-275-7512 Admission: U of R: FREE General Public: 5 Dollars. Presented by the David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity in Science and Engineering and The University of Rochester Center for Entrepreneurship (Rescheduled for December 12, 2007)

November 2007

Lecture: Angel Rodriguez-Diaz, Memorial Art Gallery, Lecture starts at 7pm. Enjoy an illustrated lecture by Puerto Rican artist Angel Rodriguez-Diaz. Following a grand line of portraitists, including El Greco, Francisco Goya and Frida Kahlo, Angel Rodriguez-Diaz's work pushes the social and political boundaries of portraiture. Since the 1980s he has dealt primarily with issues in (and subjects from) the Latin American community, specifically the complexity of balancing and participating simultaneously in two cultures. In The Protagonist of an Endless Story (shown), he captures the dynamism of Sandra Cisneros, one of this country's premier Latina writers. The work is on special loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum throughout the exhibition TRANSactions: Contemporary Latin American and Latino Art. Free with Gallery admission. (November 15, 2007)

Seven UR Employees complete the United Way's Leadership Development Program The United Way’s African American and Latino Leadership Development Programs are unique development programs that identify, train, and promote the placement of members of the community in policy and decision making positions in community organizations in the greater Rochester area. The Curriculum topics include: communication, leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution, and board membership responsibilities.As the University of Rochester continues to deepen its commitment to the Rochester community, it is paramount that as the number one employer we foster and cultivate community leaders from our very own diverse staff. The support of individuals attending such leadership programs lays a strong foundation for a deeper understanding of the challenges related to the health care disparities, poverty and other social and socio-economic factors facing the Greater Rochester Community. The employees who participated in this year’s Programs are all members of either the or the African-American Network @UR or the Latino Professional Alliance @UR. (Posted November 12, 2007)

R World R Vote Panel Discussion "Is Identity the Issue? Gender, Religion, and Race in the '08 Elections" Thursday, November 8, 2007 Starts at 7pm, Interfaith Chapel. Panelist include Georgia Duerst-Lahti, Bloit College; Gerald Gamm, chair, department of political science and associate professor of political science and history; and Jose Cruz, Monroe County legislator representing the 29th District. Sponsored by R World R Vote, the Rochester Center for Community Leadership, the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies, The Humanities Project, the University's Department of Political Science, and the Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender and Women's Studies. (November 8, 2007)

University of Rochester Diversity Forum 9:30- 6 pm River Campus, Rush Rhees Library, Hawkins-Carlson Room. Featuring Grant Farred (Cornell University: Africana Studies and Research Center; Department of English,) Shirley Samuels (Cornell University English/ Art History,) Salah Hassan (Cornell Univesrity: Art History / Africana Studies and Research Center,) Alfreda Brown (RIT: Interim Chief Diversity Officer,) Arlette Miller-Smith (St. John Fisher College: Associate Provost; Dean of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs) Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences & Engineering; Frederick Douglass Institute for African & African-American Studies, Simon Graduate School of Business, Simon National Black MBA Association, Latin American Student Organization of Simon Students (LASOS); College Diversity Roundtable; University Office for Faculty Development and Diversity. (November 2, 2007)

October 2007

Diversity Panel Noon to 1pm in the Medical Center, Class of '62 Auditorium G-9425. Featuring Lynne Davidson, Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity, Stan Byrd, HR Maniger of Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion, Kathy Sweetland, Univeristy Intercessor, Jonathan Burdick, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, and other University of Rochester administration. Refreshments will be provided. Presented by the Latino Professional Alliance (LPA) at the University of Rochester. For information please contact 585-276-3259 x2 or e-mail URLPA@rochester.edu. (October 31, 2007)

Misconceptions of Race Among Latinos in the United States: Am I Black or White? The Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. A roundtable Discussion with Richard Morales, PhD. (October 23, 2007)

Lambda Reception at Meliora Weekend! 4:00- 6:00 p.m. Free, but registration is required. Location to be announced in the Meliora Weekend Handbook Meliora Weekend is the annual signature event for the University. All members of the University family: students, alumni, parents, friends and employees are invited to participate. We promise you’ll have a great time meeting LGBT students and their parents, as well as networking with alumni. In fact, the $15 registration fee is waived for employees! So there is no excuse, but registration is required. Visit http://www.rochester.edu/alumni/melioraweekend/ Click “register now”. (October 20, 2007)

The Susan B. Anthony Center for Women's Leadership Luncheon and Keynote Address In 1987, long-distance cold-water swimmer Lynne Cox was the first person to swim across the Bering Strait, bracing near-freezing temperatures and helping to thaw the Cold War. She holds a number of world records and “firsts,” including twice setting the record for fastest swim across the English Channel. A member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, she is the author of the critically acclaimed book Swimming to Antarctica. Noon-1 p.m. No charge for children 8 and under $40 all others (October 19, 2007)

The 2007 Stanton Anthony Conversations: Daring the Impossible: Strong Women Take on the World International Swimming Hall of Fame member Lynne Cox joins fellow women adventurers Ann Bancroft, renowned polar explorer and member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and Carol Stone White, author of Women with Altitude, in a conversation about how they’ve used their physical strength, tenacity, and courage to draw attention to causes larger than their own ambitions. Bancroft will draw on her leadership of a foundation that helps women and girls realize their dreams, and White will discuss the Winter 46ers—women who have hiked all of the Adirondacks high peaks, braving frostbite, 70 mph summit winds, and near-fatal falls—to pursue “the greatest experience of a lifetime.” 1:15-2:30 p.m. No charge http://www.rochester.edu/SBA/suffragehistory.html (October 19, 2007)

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day Heath Fair, Monday, October 15, 2007, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, MCC’s Damon City Campus, Sponsored by the Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS,Coordinated by the Rays of Hope Committee

Hispanic Heritage Family Day-- October 14, Memorial Art Gallery, noon to 5pm A day of activities for all ages, guided exhibition tours, music, and dance performances. (October 14, 2007)

Volunteer Opportunities for Minorities Learn about volunteer opportunities for African American, Latino, Asian/Pacific American, and members of other communities of color at the "Volunteers In Living Color" recruitment fair on Saturday afternoon downtown.
(October 13, 2007)

Marrow Donor Drive (Donors with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds are especially needed.) Sponsored by the The African American Network @ the University of Rochester, the Latino Profession Alliance @ the University of Rochester, the Office of Human Resources & Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion, and Marrow Drive Rochester. (October 10, 2007)

Supporting Minority College Students As part of an ongoing series on diversity in higher education, Douglas Guiffrida, associate professor at the Warner School, will be one of the local education experts leading a discussion at St. John Fisher College on the minority student experience at predominately white colleges, on October 9 at 6:15 p.m. (October 9, 2007)

Latino Exhibit Opens at the Memorial Art Gallery The Memorial Art Gallery's traveling exhibition TRANSactions: Contemporary Latin American and Latino Art opens this weekend with two events: Friday, 8 to 11 p.m. preview the show and enjoy entertainment by Shar and the Latin Project, the Freddy Colon Latin Jazz Quartet, Tango Cafe and Quartsemble. On Sunday at 3 p.m. hear a lecture by TRANSactions curator Stephanie Hanor. The exhibit remains on view through December 30. (October 8, 2007 )

September 2007

Frederick Douglass International Underground Railroad Conference The University of Rochester is one of the sponsors of the Frederick Douglass International Underground Railroad Conference at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Registration required. For information and to register, visit www.workforcediversitynetwork.com/. (September 28-30, 2007)

Lynne Cox, One of the World's Best Open water Swimmers Headlines an annual forum on issues of women's rights. She will speak during a luncheon and afterward she'll take part in the panel: "Daring the Impossible: Strong Women Take on the World." (September 28, 2007

Latino Cultural Fair Celebrate Hispanic heritage with music, dance, refreshments and displays during the Latino Cultural Fair, noon to 4 p.m. on Sept 25 at the Medical Center's Flaum Atrium. Presented by the Latino Professional Alliance. (September 25, 2007)

University's Pride Alliance Hosts Social Enjoy a "no frills, no pressure, no program" social from 5:30 to 7 p.m. sponsored by the University's Pride Alliance at Boulder Coffee, 100 Alexander St. (September 19, 2007)

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)

Simon School ranked 19th Best Business School for Hispanics Hispanic Business Magazine (September 13, 2007)

Chemist Honored for Encouraging Women in Science Esther M. Conwell, research professor of chemistry and physics, has received the 2008 American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Women into Careers in the Chemical Sciences. (September 11, 2007)

African American Network Sponsors Communication Workshop " Improving Communications Skills: A Reading/Writing Workshop Approach" A five week workshop approach to practice and improving personal and workplace communication skills in the areas of reading, writing and speaking. Participants will use current events, contemporary literature and workplace materials to build connections between the reading and writing processes. Lessons and opportunities to practice independently will focus on improving grammar, spelling and punctuation. The session begins Monday, Sept. 10 and continues on Sept. 22, Oct. 8, 22, and Nov. 12. Registration required. Email africanamericannetwork@urmc.rochester.edu and include name and phone extenstion. For more information, call (585) 276-3259, ext. 1. This is a professional and personal development workshop and sponsored by the University of Rochester Office of Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion, African American Network, an affinity group of the University. (Posted September 7, 2007)

August 2007

Area’s diversity on the upswing (Democrat and Chronicle) (NOTE: link may no longer be available or may require a subscription.) Valeria Sinclair-Chapman, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Rochester who studies minority political representation, said the growing minority population means political power — especially in local governments — may begin to shift. "Numerical strength is a harbinger of political strength, and when the numbers increase, we often see more people of these groups running for office." (August 9, 2007)

July 2007

Leaders Program for Latino Youth Returns to University of Rochester A high school program aimed at training future leaders will be hosted at the University of Rochester July 8 to 15. The National Hispanic Institute's Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session at the University is one of 16 programs held this summer in the United States and Mexico for students with college and leadership potential. (July 6, 2007)

June 2007

President Issues First Annual Report on Diversity During the 2006-07 academic year, the University began a new faculty diversity initiative and continued to make progress on an existing staff diversity program and various school-based efforts to increase the diversity of the student population, President Seligman says in the first annual report on diversity. (June 2007)

Affinity Group Executive Champions Recognized The Office of Human Resources-Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion is proud to recognize three individuals who are making a difference by participating in the Affinity Group Executive Champion Program; Chuck DiNolfo (the African American Network), Paul Burgett (the Pride Alliance) and Bill Passalacqua (the Latino Professional Alliance). (June 5, 2007)

Lecture: Latino Immigration Thursday June 7, 2007, 7pm. (Memorial Art Gallery) "Ciudad y Suburbia: The Changing Nature of Latino Immigration." Sherrie Baver discusses why so many Latino immigrants, particularly in New York and the Northeast, are staying in cities for only a short time--or bypassing them completely--in favor of the suburbs.
(Posted June 5, 2007)

Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence Relocates to University of Rochester The University of Rochester will be the new home of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, which was founded by the grandson of the Indian humanitarian to promote his ideals internationally through educational programs. Working with support from New York State Assemblyman David Koon, Arun Gandhi will relocate the institute's materials, including artifacts and books, and his headquarters to the University's River Campus. (Press Release June 1, 2007)

May 2007

Office of Minority Student Affairs Senior Dinner (May 19)
Frederick Douglass Building, Douglass Dining. Annual OMSA Senior Dinner celebrating the commencement of University students. The speaker will be the Honorable Maija Dixon.

International Museum Day. In a tradition dating back to 1977, museums worldwide are offering free admission today. (May 18)
Memorial Art Gallery

Asian Pacific American Heritage Family Day (May 6)
Memorial Art Gallery

April 2007

Press Release: Frederick Douglass International Underground Railroad Conference and Freedom Festival to be held in Rochester, NY September 28-30. More than 35 nationally-recognized authorities on the Underground Railroad will convene in Rochester to bring to life one of America’s most remarkable stories, illuminating compelling accounts of courageous people and historic places. (Press Release: April 25, 2007)

Black Nightingales: Lady Day, Ella, and Sassy (April 25)
Paul J. Burgett, University vice president, general secretary, and adjunct professor of music, presents a review of the lives and music of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

Multicultural Visitation Program (April 20-22)
Newly admitted students and parents get an opportunity to take a more focused look at the multicultural environment and services available at Rochester. Designed especially for under-represented minority students, MVP is an ideal opportunity to experience Rochester—stay overnight, interact with current students, participate in cultural activities, visit campus offices, and tour the City of Rochester.

Highlights from the Women in Music Festival (April 18)
The concert will feature: the Antara Winds and Joseph Werner, pianist, performing Libby Larsen's "Blue Windows" written for them; Margaret Leenhouts & Pia Liptak, violins; Olita Povero, viola; Kathleen Murphy Kemp, cello; and James Douhit, piano, performing Amy Beach's Piano Quintet in f-sharp minor; Eileen Strempel, soprano and Sylvie Beaudette, pianist, performing selected songs from the "Atwood Commission Project"; and Eastman student Madeline Miskie, soprano (pianist TBA), performing songs by Madeleine Dring.

A Salsa Production (April 17)
River Campus Wilson Commons Hirst Lounge

Susan B. Anthony Institute Research Seminar (April 12)
540 Lattimore Hall

A New Look at Diversity Helping build a more diverse faculty—in all its dimensions—is the goal of several new initiatives at Rochester. (Rochester Review March/April 2007 Vol. 69, No. 3 )

India: Through My Eyes (April 1-31)
A photographic exhibit by second-year medical student, Jonathan Black. Black went to India for ten weeks to study water practices and their impact on health in a few small villages in Tamil Nadu. Miner Library is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-midnight; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon-midnight. Call (585)275-3361 for holiday hours.

March 2007

Flamenco Nights (March 31)
Spurrier Hall, Spurrier Dance Studio

Hip Hop Symposium (March 31)
River Campus, Hoyt Auditorium

Society of Women Engineers Fashion Show (March 28)
River Campus, Wilson Commons Havens Lounge

Eastman's Women in Music Festival (March 26-30)

Symposium Explores Issues of Women, Entrepreneurship in Hip-Hop (March 21)

A New Look at Diversity
Helping build a more diverse faculty—in all its dimensions—is the goal of several new initiatives at Rochester.
(Rochester Review, March/April 2007)

Women's History Month Calendar of Events

February 2007

Specialty Services Have New Home at the Women's Health Pavilion
Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals have partnered to open the Women's Health Pavilion, a new center for world-class women's specialty care located at 500 Red Creek Drive in Henrietta.
(Posted 02.27.07)

Vagina Monologues Performance Benefits Local Agencies
"This annual performance of the the Vagina Monologues at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 2, in Strong Auditorium is part of the V-Day College Campaign, a nationwide movement that strives to empower women and end violence and abuse. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Sojourner House and Alternatives for Battered Women."
(Posted 02.20.07)

Jesse Jackson Remembers King
"Human rights advocate Rev. Jesse Jackson called the audience to action in his speech titled “Linked Fate: ‘Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere’.” The theme is based on a quotation by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., with whom Jackson worked at the Southern Leadership Conference in the mid-1960s."
(Currents, 02.19.07)

Black History Month
"The Black Students' Union is celebrating Black History Month by sponsoring a plethora of events and programs throughout the month, including speakers, movies and award ceremonies. In addition to providing social opportunities, BSU has other goals, like spreading knowledge about African American history and working to promote health and health care in the community."
(Campus Times, 02.15.07)

China Nite Puts Culture on Display
"The Chinese Students' Association held their annual China Nite celebration on Saturday to commemorate the Chinese New Year, which begins on Feb. 18. The event featured a catered dinner in the Meliora Restaurant and a performance combining both traditional and modern Chinese song and dance with a comedic skit in Strong Auditorium. "
(Campus Times, 02.15.07)

Jackson Stirs Students:
"Jesse Jackson gives the Commemorative Address for MLK Day. "
(Campus Times, 02.15.07)

Jesse Jackson visits UR:
"Don't just admire Martin Luther King, he says, but dare to follow his footsteps."
(Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 02.14.07)

Memorial Art Gallery Honors African American Leaders
"Three area residents were honored for their contributions to the community at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Black History Month Family Day on February 4. Margie Usher, Luvon Sheppard and Dr. David Anderson received the Gallery’s 2007 Pioneers in Arts and Education Awards, which recognize African Americans 65 or older."
(Posted 02.14.07)

Memorial Art Gallery Staffer Recognized as Emerging Leader
"Debora McDell, coordinator of community programs and outreach at the Memorial Art Gallery, was one of 29 area residents honored by the Democrat and Chronicle in a February 12 supplement celebrating "Rochester's Emerging African-American Leaders."
(Posted 02.14.07)

Black History Month Celebrated at the University of Rochester
(Posted 02.06.07)

"Fusion" concert blends hip-hop, dance and world music
"Bored on a Friday night with nothing to do? Sigma Beta Rho (SBR) and UR Concerts present Fusion 2007, an exciting night of music from all cultural backgrounds on Friday, Feb. 16. It will include a spectacular battle between DJ Mr. Illmatic and DJ Maestro."
(Campus Times, 02.01.07)

Black History Month Events
(Posted 02.01.07)

January 2007

Simon School Ranked Among Top 15 Business Schools For Executives in Training by Black Enterprise Magazine (January 31)

Women's Leadership Expert to Speak at the Simon School
"Susan Bulkeley Butler, an expert in women's leadership, will share her strategies with students at the Simon School during a Kalmbach Executive Lecture on Thursday, February 1, at 4:30 p.m. in Schlegel Hall."
(Posted 01.29.07)

UR Observes MLK Day Rev. Jesse Jackson's Commencement Address Postponed
"Though UR has traditionally observed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a week-long series of commemorative events, the past two years have been marked by the absence of students on the holiday itself due to the semester break. Next year, students will once again not be in class to mark the day created in remembrance of one of the United States' greatest civil rights leaders, but for a different reason: classes are cancelled."
(Campus Times, 01.25.07)

King Sets the Standards for Nonviolent Protest
"With the passage of Martin Luther King Day, students nationwide rejoice in a day off from school and adults party on Sunday night for the first time in the new year. And, of course, there are the usual commemorations for the great liberator of blacks in America, Martin Luther King, Jr., who is remembered for his incredible work in advancing equal rights."
(Campus Times, 01.25.07)

Actor Speaks About Diversity
"On Tuesday, Tony Award-winning actor B.D. Wong from NBC's Law and Order: SVU and HBO's Oz gave a speech in Hoyt Auditorium to a packed audience. His speech, entitled "All the World's a Stage: From Exclusion to Inclusion," not only detailed his hardships in life due to racial self-image, race-based rejection and diversity, but also how he overcame them and used them to grow as an individual and an actor."
(Campus Times, 01.25.07)

"The F-Word" comes to Interfaith Chapel
"The so-called "bubble" of isolation might be shrinking as The Forgiveness Project makes a stop on the River Campus. The Project's international exhibit, "The F-Word: Images of Forgiveness," opens viewers' eyes up to tragedies and triumphs in the face of adversity all over the world."
(Campus Times, 01.25.07)

Memorial Art Gallery Honors African American Elders
"The Memorial Art Gallery will honor two African American elders during Black History Month Family Day on Sunday, February 4. The event is from noon to 5 pm and the recognition ceremony is at 2:30 pm."
(Posted 01.18.07)

'Diversity' mustn't be just a buzzword
"Workplace diversity continues to be a key priority for work force organizations nationwide. Private industries and government will not reach their full potential as productive work forces unless everyone has a role... I was highly impressed with the hiring initiative presented by the University of Rochester last year. President Joel Seligman empowered the school's diversity task force to develop a plan to improve faculty diversity. UR announced the results to the community and Seligman publicly stated his support. I read the full report and it was evident that the commitment and resources needed to make this initiative happen were in place."
(Democrat & Chronicle, 01.18.07)

Undergraduate Art Explores Gender, Identity Issues
"Artwork by 11 undergraduate students is featured in the annual exhibition (en)GENDERED: identity, gender & art on display through Friday, Feb. 2, in the Gallery at the Art and Music Library, located on the ground floor of Rush Rhees Library."
(Posted 01.17.07)

To Honor King, Classes Will Be Canceled in Future Years
"The University will honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. by canceling classes on Martin Luther King Day beginning in 2008 while continuing the tradition of sponsoring special programs to remember the civil rights leader."
(Posted 01.17.07)

Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Service:
January 18 Interfaith Chapel, 6 pm.
(Posted 01.17.07)

Actor B. D. Wong to Speak at the University
B. D. Wong, Tony Award—winning actor and television celebrity will speak at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, in Hoyt Auditorium on the River Campus.
(Posted 01.08.07)

Eastman Receives State Grant for Women in Music Festival
"The Eastman School is the recipient of a $31,000 grant from The New York State Music Fund for its Women in Music Festival 2007, an annual celebration of women involved in all aspects of music. The 2007 festival, set for March 26 to 30, is marking its third year and will for the first time feature a composer-in-residence."
(Posted 01.02.07)

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to Speak at the University
"The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a leading voice for civil rights, will deliver the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address at the University on January 26. His talk at 4 p.m. in Strong Auditorium is free and open to the public."
(Posted 01.02.07)

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Last modified: Monday, 14-Jul-2008 16:18:22 EDT