Wendi Heinzelman reappointed as Hajim School dean

Wendi Heinzelman has been reappointed to a third five-year term as dean of the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, a position she has held since her initial appointment in 2016. Read more here.

After 20 years, Rich Handler ’83 completes fourth and final board term, will pass the leadership baton

Having completed his fourth and final five-year term as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, Rich Handler ’83 announced his plan to step down from his role as board chair in September. He joined the board in 2005, served as chair of its investment committee from 2007 until 2018, and was elected chair of the board in 2018. The board will elect a new chair at its fall meeting.

Handler earned his bachelor’s degree in economics magna cum laude with high distinction from the University and his MBA from Stanford University. He was co-chair of the University’s historic $1.37 billion comprehensive campaign, the Meliora Challenge, which successfully concluded in 2016. Among his generous philanthropies to the University are the prestigious Alan and Jane Handler Scholarships. Named in honor of Handler’s parents, the scholarships provide in perpetuity complete financial support for exceptional undergraduates who have overcome adversity, demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership potential, and have significant financial need. He is the CEO of investment bank Jefferies.

Spruce up your dorm room at the poster sale

Are your dorm walls feeling a little empty? Check out the poster sale this week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, August 25, on the Wilson Commons front porch, and Tuesday, August 26, through Friday, August 29, in Hirst Lounge. Hirst Lounge is also the rain location for today’s sale. Sponsored by Wilson Common Student Activities

Faculty Senate opening meeting and welcome reception

Faculty can attend the Faculty Senate opening meeting and welcome reception to mark the beginning of the 2025–26 academic year on Tuesday, August 26, in the Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library. The meeting takes place from 4 to 6 p.m., with the reception to follow. Learn more and RSVP here.

Power through brain fog

Power up your brain and move through the fog with Well-U on Thursday, August 28, at noon. Discover the right blend of neurophysiology, practical tips, and resources. Registration is open until noon on Wednesday, August 27.

Genesee Staff Council annual report

The Genesee Staff Council annual report is now available to the entire University community. In 2024–25, council members participated in several University initiatives to enhance staff engagement, communication, accessibility, and institutional alignment. The report highlights the council’s accomplishments in those key areas and identifies themes that will guide the council’s work in 2025–26. Review the report.

CART's annual ice cream social

Join the Center for Advanced Research Technologies for an ice cream break on the Medical Research Building patio on Tuesday, August 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. Scientific advisors will be available for casual conversations about your research needs and to answer any questions. Plus, don’t miss the chance to win prizes.

LGBTQ Life meet and greet

Join the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center for its annual LGBTQ Life meet and greet on Wednesday, August 27, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. Open to students, faculty, and staff at all University schools. Register by Tuesday, August 26, at 5 p.m.

Early childhood music lab

This fall, Laura Turley, early childhood music program director at the Eastman Community Music School, and Mara Culp, an associate professor of music teaching and learning at the Eastman School of Music, will offer music experiences for University families, including graduate students, faculty, staff, and Rochester community members. Up to 12 children, ages 2 to 3 and a half years, will be enrolled in the Music Times Two Lab class.

These experiences are offered at a discounted rate of $50 per child with no registration fee. Classes will meet on Friday mornings from 9:40 to 10:25 a.m., October 10 through November 21. Families are encouraged to register by September 5.

Translational Science Day is October 29

Save the date for Translational Science Day on October 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event brings together research teams, community members, and research support providers from across the University to connect, learn, and get what they need to develop exciting translational science and research projects. Community members interested in research, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend, sponsored by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. More details and registration information will follow.