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January 27, 2025

Charter Week celebrates University’s founding

On January 31, 1850, the University was granted a provisional charter by the Regents of the University of the State of New York. One year later, on February 14, 1851, a full charter, formally establishing the University as “an institution of the highest order for scientific and classical education” was issued.

All members of the community are invited to visit a one-week-only exhibit today through Friday, January 31, featuring the charter—what it says, who created it, and how it has changed—from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation on the second floor of Rush Rhees Library.

In today’s issue:

  • The MLK Commemorative Address has been rescheduled for February 7
  • Discounted faculty and staff tickets for Thorgy Thor at Eastman Theatre
  • Daily yoga classes
TODAY'S UPDATES

MLK Commemorative Address with Giancarlo Esposito rescheduled for February 7

The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address, featuring award-winning actor Giancarlo Esposito, has been moved to Friday, February 7, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in Strong Auditorium.

The event originally was scheduled for Thursday, January 30, but was changed due to a scheduling conflict. Esposito, best known for his roles in Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian, and Better Call Saul, will be in conversation with Jordan Ealey, an assistant professor of Black studies, and answer questions from the audience.

The event is cosponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of Minority Student Affairs. It’s free and open to the public, but registration is required, and everyone who registered for the original date will need to do so again. The deadline to register is Monday, February 3, at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. the day of the event. There will be musical performances by University student a capella groups before the talk.

Pedestrian bridge sidewalk on Elmwood Avenue closed for construction

The sidewalk under the pedestrian bridge on Elmwood Avenue will be closed for construction today through February 28. Foot and bicycle traffic will be redirected while work is underway, with signs posted for the appropriate detours.


SECURITY TIP

New year, new scams

Whether or not you’re still going strong with those New Year’s resolutions, scammers are taking advantage. Targeting the most popular resolutions, these scammers promise fishy incentives to lure you in. From improvements to your health and wellness or ways to give to a community cause, read the fine print and be wary of anything seeming too good to be true. The Better Business Bureau has compiled a list of helpful resolutions for a fraud-free new year. Information Security encourages you to take charge of your sensitive information by becoming more vigilant in safe cyber practices.


RESEARCH

Brain immune cells may also be from Mars and Venus

New research from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience finds that microglia—the immune cells of the central nervous system—function differently in males versus females. The discovery could have broad implications for how diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are approached and studied and points to the necessity of having gender-specific research.


FOR STUDENTS

Study abroad returnee welcome back celebration 

If you studied abroad during the fall 2024 semester, join the Center for Education Abroad for light refreshments on Wednesday, January 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Havens Lounge, Wilson Commons. RSVP here to connect with other students who’ve gone abroad, get information on reentry, and learn about future opportunities.

February ‘BIC-Ture This’ craft events for LGBTQ students

Graduate and undergraduate students from all schools are invited to join the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center for February’s LGBTQ art-making and community-building “BIC-Ture This” events. All supplies are provided, and no prior experience is needed. Register to attend:

  • Cross-stitching on Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m.; the registration deadline is Monday, February 3.
  • Scarf-knitting on Friday, February 28, at 7 p.m.; the registration deadline is Monday, February 24.

Graduate student teaching book club

Open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows whose primary appointment is in the School of Arts & Sciences or the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, this informal Teaching Center book club will read and discuss Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom by Kelly Hogan and Viji Sathy. The group meets in person from 1 to 2:15 p.m. five times during the semester on Wednesdays.  Register here.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Limited number of discounted tickets for Drag Race star Thorgy Thor at Eastman Theatre

A limited number of discounted faculty and staff tickets are available to see Thorgy Thor, a New York City-based drag performance artist and professional strings musician, at Kodak Hall in Eastman Theatre, on Thursday, February 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which are available on a first-come first-serve basis, are $27 for University faculty and staff. After completing the registration form you will be notified via email within two business days if you have secured tickets. All confirmed tickets can be picked up at the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center and must be paid for in cash with exact change. Discounted tickets are provided by the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of Community Partnerships. Register here by February 7.

Living with IBS or IBD?

In Well-U’s new condition management program for irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, you can learn effective self-management skills to improve your daily activities and life. Enrollment is open for eligible University employees.

Find help with Care.com

Whether it’s a clean house, helping with your kids, or finding a pet sitter for upcoming travel, eligible employees can use their free Premium Care.com membership to connect with care providers. Visit the Family Care web page for eligibility criteria and to enroll.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Daily yoga classes

Start the spring semester with yoga to find your inner peace as you establish new routines. Classes are open to all University students, faculty, and staff—no experience is needed; mats and equipment are provided. Hosted by the Mindful University Project and Yoga Vibe’s experienced yoga teachers, classes take place in the Leibner-Cooper Room, Goergen Athletic Center. Explore the schedule and register for classes, or just drop in.

Proposals for Hartnett Gallery exhibits

The Hartnett Gallery in Wilson Commons is accepting proposals for the 2025–26 academic year. Exhibit proposals should be submitted about a year in advance, while activities like receptions and small events can be reviewed in a shorter time frame. Proposals are submitted online.


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