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Parents Buzz

May 2010

NEWS

Celebrating the Class of 2010

"I really believe if you help others, give credit to others, and live with humility, you are a success," Danny Wegman, the chief executive officer of the grocery chain that bears his family's name, told Arts, Sciences, and Engineering graduates at their commencement ceremony Sunday. At the Eastman School's ceremony, Carnegie Hall executive and artistic director Clive Gillinson urged graduates "to do everything with total passion, total commitment."

MORE ONLINE: Photos, video, and audio from Commencement 2010.

Congratulations to parents and families of 2010 graduates! Read the "Dear Mom and Dad" letters submitted by this year's graduates to thank their families for their love and support.

President's Community Address Highlights Outstanding Students

In his annual Garden Party address May 18, President Seligman spotlighted some of the University's outstanding students. "There are more than 9,900 students at our University," Seligman said. "All are fascinating." Read the speech and view the presentation.

Other student stars: The University congratulates those students who earned national recognition during the past academic year. Read more ...

Parents Buzz Takes a Break

This is the last issue of Parents Buzz for the academic year. The newsletter will return to your inbox in August.

Sanjay Gupta to Deliver Meliora Weekend Address

Noted neurosurgeon and medical journalist Sanjay Gupta will be the keynote speaker at Meliora Weekend 2010 in October. Gupta, senior correspondent for health and medicine at CNN, follows in the tradition of recent keynote speakers, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu '70, '98 (Honorary); CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper, former U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell, and current U.S. Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton. Read more ...

An Update on Health Insurance for Students

University Health Service reports that the transition to Aetna Student Health is moving along smoothly. The link to the online enrollment/waiver selection process will be ready in early June. Students will be notified as soon as the site is ready. Details about the plan will be available at that time to help students and their parents select health insurance for 2010-11. In the meantime, if you are considering keeping your son or daughter on your plan, you might want to check to be sure your plan provides adequate coverage in Rochester. Read more ...

Sanctions Outlined for Psi Upsilon Fraternity
A disciplinary hearing has found the Psi Upsilon fraternity chapter in violation of the University's campus judicial code.
Read more ...

Financial Aid Notices Expected Next Month

Returning students who applied for financial aid for 2010-11 will receive an e-mail notification regarding next academic year's financial aid at the beginning of June. Students with outstanding application materials are e-mailed on a monthly basis starting in May. Contact your student's counselor with questions regarding next year's financial aid.

Survey: Study Abroad Enhances Educational Experience
Early results from a recent survey of students returned from studying abroad show that more than 90 percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that their study abroad experience had a positive effect on their education, gave them insight into future opportunities, and was a valuable experience overall. To learn more about study abroad options, call (585) 275-7532 or e-mail abroad@admin.rochester.edu.

Fall Book Pre-Orders

It's not too early to preorder fall textbooks for your son or daughter. Reserve books online at whywaitforbooks.com to get first dibs on used books. The Bookstore will have the order boxed up and ready for pickup when your son or daughter returns to campus in August.

Bassoon Players 'Go Gaga'

A new video by the Eastman's School's Breaking Winds Bassoon Quartet performing a unique medley of a Lada Gaga tunes is getting a lot of attention on YouTube. Watch the video.

ArtAwake 2010

Last month's Art Awake, a student-run arts and music festival, featured more than 150 pieces of art, interactive exhibits, and historical exhibits. More than 20 local musicians performed on three different stages throughout the venue, a former bank in downtown Rochester. See photos and video from the annual event.

Less Stress in the Summer

Summer at the College can be the ideal time for students to relieve stress. Students have told the Office of Summer and Part-Time Studies that the summer classroom atmosphere is more relaxed, and also that summer courses are fast-paced. In addition to the variety of courses offered, on-campus activities and off-campus events and festivals provide plenty to do after studying. Living on campus is convenient and affordable, with prices comparable to an off-campus apartment. Call (585) 275-2345 or send an e-mail to osp@mail.rochester.edu with questions.

Summer Institutes at the Eastman School

Summer at Eastman 2010 offers an array of programs specifically for students with musical interests. Programs include Eastman Sings!, Practical Vocal Pedagogy, Plays Well with Others (collaborative piano), and individual institutes for tuba, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. See the complete listing. Students can sign up for institutes on the paper application forms found in the summer catalog or download a form. Students should check with their advisor regarding the suitability of a specific course to their degree requirements, if they want to take a course for credit.

Visit Campus

Summer is a good time to visit Rochester. Spread the word by encouraging any students you know to come to campus for a tour and information session. Rising seniors are also encouraged to sign up for an admissions interview. View details here or contact the Office of Admissions at (585) 275-3221, toll free at (888) 822-2256, or at admit@admissions.rochester.edu.

Mark Ain Business Model Competition
Sara Ripp '10 and Kerry Wang '10 were among the five finalist teams in the 2010 Mark Ain Business Model Competition. Their business model, Arm EmBrace, offers arm brace technology to be used in the rehabilitation of hypertonic limbs, hemepariesis of limbs, and sports-related injuries. The other finalists, teams consisting of graduate students, included I-Squared Materials, MediTel, Oregano.com, and QMD Biosystems. Read more...

Middle, High School Students Sample College Life This Summer

The Office of Admissions is offering pre-college programs that allow middle and high school students to explore the University and its resources. There are a wide range of options over the summer, including one- and two-week noncredit programs, credit-bearing courses, and the opportunity to live on campus. View the 2010 Pre-College Course Catalog and call (585) 275-3221 or (888) 822-2256 for details. You also can e-mail precollege@rochester.edu.

CAREERS

It's Never Too Late to Find an Internship

Career Center director Burt Nadler offers tips on finding an internship at any time. Read more ...

Food for Thought: Career Conversations

Rochester students have an opportunity this summer to explore careers and fields of interest with alumni and parents in New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Career role models will share their backgrounds and diverse career fields, inspiring students to explore their own academic and career curiosities. See the menu of participating parents and alumni. For more information, contact Laura Godwin (lgodwin@ur.rochester.edu) or call (585) 275-9059.

LEARNING

Colorful Pursuit

For Dan Brooks ’10, anthropology research took him into the city of Rochester to uncover the full landscape of the city’s graffiti scene. Read more ...

Design Time

Senior biomedical engineering students design medical devices for hospitals and industry. Read more ...

MAKING HEADLINES

'Robin Hood's Fluid Identity Flows On'

USA Today (May 10)
"Robin Hood is infinitely adaptable," says Thomas Hahn, a professor of English at the University of Rochester, who hosted an academic conference there last year on Robin Hood as a "media creation" from the start. Also reported in the New York Times.

More Online

Want to see more news coverage about the University of Rochester? Monthly roundups of Rochester in the news are available online.

About Parents Buzz

Parents Buzz is produced by University Communications, Parent Relations, and the Parents Program. It is e-mailed monthly to parents of undergraduates in the College and at the Eastman School of Music. View issues online at www.rochester.edu/parentsbuzz. Direct feedback and questions to parentsbuzz@rochester.edu.

VIEW FROM ABROAD
The winners of Rochester Review's annual Study Abroad Photo Contest were named this month, and the winning photos appear in the May/June issue of the magazine. Rochester students who studied abroad during 2009 were invited to submit photos documenting their experiences. This photo, taken in Greece by Lian Law '12, won an honorable mention. See a slideshow of winners online.

CALENDAR

Parents: You're Always Welcome

Parents of current College and Eastman students, as members of the University community, are regularly invited to regional alumni programs. Visit the regional calendar for details and registration information.

Regional Events

New York: "A Toast to Your Health: An Interactive Evening of Wine and Education," June 3; "More than Meets the Eye: The Limits of Human Vision," June 13.

Rochester Events

Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Rochester. June 2 and Sept. 14.

James P. Wilmot Cancer Center Medical School for an Evening. "The Cure Starts Here." June 2.

School of Nursing Lunch and Lecture, "The Power of Sleep" with Dean Kathy Parker. June 17.

Fourth Rochester Biennial Exhibition. July 25–Sept. 26.

See more on the University Events Calendar.

Concerts

Hopeman Memorial Carillon Recital Series. July 5, 12, 19, 26.

Eastman Summer Sings. July 6, 13, 20, 27.

Conductors from Eastman School's Summer Orchestral Conducting Institute with the RPO. July 22.

The 12th Eastman Young Artists International Piano Competition. July 31–Aug. 7.

More events listed on Eastman's concert calendar.

SPORTS

Luke Flockerzi Named Men's Basketball Coach

Luke Flockerzi, who served as an assistant coach under Michael Neer during the 2006-07 season, has been named Rochester's new men's basketball coach. Read more ...