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March 18, 2025

Twisting atomically thin materials could advance quantum computers

By taking two flakes of special materials that are just one atom thick and twisting them at high angles, Rochester researchers, led by Nickolas Vamivakas, the Marie C. Wilson and Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Optical Physics, have unlocked unique optical properties that could be used in quantum computers and other quantum technologies.

In today’s issue:

  • Undergraduate students can still apply to be Welcome Week volunteers
  • Student Course Development Projects for instructors
  • Memorial Art Gallery hosts the Lillian Fairchild Award celebration
IN MEMORIAM

Flags will be lowered for Ronald Paprocki

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered on Tuesday, March 25, for Ronald Paprocki, a retired senior vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer, who died on February 22. Paprocki joined the University in 1969.


TODAY'S UPDATES

Rochester launches ‘Make the World Ever Better’ image campaign

Arial photo of Rush Rhees Library. Text reads Ever Advancing Toward Better Horizons.

This week, the University Marketing and Communications team launched
“Make the World Ever Better,” Rochester’s first-ever enterprise marketing campaign. This bold initiative is designed to elevate the University’s national and global profile, raise awareness, and deepen the understanding of who the University is, what it stands for, and how it’s unique.

Aligned with the goals of the Boundless Possibility strategic plan, this campaign reflects Rochester’s commitment to presenting a unified front, showcasing all aspects of academic, research, medical, music, and art offerings, as well as the overall student experience.

You’re welcome to review the “Make the World Ever Better” playbook for a detailed overview of the campaign strategy, creative activations, and what you can expect to see in the months ahead. You can also find additional information here, including a social media toolkit with a guide and images for social use.


FOR STUDENTS

Employer road trips with the Greene Center

The Greene Center hosts two employer road trips to local organizations Paychex and WeTheHobby on Friday, March 21. You can tour their facilities, connect with staff and alumni, and learn more about the organizations. Spots are limited; register today.

Last chance to be part of fall Welcome Week

Help welcome new students to the River Campus in August as a Welcome Week volunteer. The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs is still accepting applications through Monday, March 24, at 5 p.m. from undergraduate students at the School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences to help staff and set up events throughout Welcome Week. Volunteer perks include a free T-shirt, comprehensive training, limited complimentary meals, and early move-in. Learn more on the Orientation and New Student Programs website and apply for the position.

‘Introduction to College Teaching’ for graduate students and postdocs

This Teaching Center program is designed to provide graduate student and postdoctoral instructors with the tools and skills they need to successfully design and teach a course, with an emphasis on compressed summer formats. The program will meet in person from 3 to 6 p.m. on April 10, 17, 24, and May 1.  Register online.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

National Health Workforce Well-Being Day

March 18 is National Health Workforce Well-Being Day, a reminder that the well-being of health care professionals is essential to the institution’s success. The Medical Center’s Office of Well-Being is dedicated to supporting faculty, staff, and learners in their professional and personal well-being through wellness programs, advocating improvements, and resources to help them thrive. Take a moment today to reflect on your well-being—and know that support is always available.

‘Seeds for Collaboration’ faculty and postdoc mixer

“Seeds for Collaboration” is a faculty and postdoc mixer sponsored by the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and the School of Medicine and Dentistry dean’s office. At each event, colleagues mingle for 30 minutes, and then three 5–8 minute talks are presented. Attend the session on Wednesday, March 19, at 4:30 p.m. in the LeChase Assembly Room (G-9576) at the School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Student Course Development Projects

Instructors are invited to apply for funding to work with an undergraduate student this summer to codevelop new learning materials or activities for a 2025–26 course. The Teaching Center provides the student with a summer stipend, on-campus housing, and up to $500 in materials. Applications are due March 24.

The connection between blood pressure and brain

Join Well-U’s condition management coaching program to learn more about research tying stable blood pressure with healthy brain aging and how you can make changes to better your blood pressure and health. Register with your coach to set your first virtual visit.

Life insurance beneficiary information

You may review or change your life insurance beneficiary information online at any time by logging into myURHR Workday. Click on “Benefits and Pay” and then click on “Securian Financial Life Insurance” under Suggested Links. If you don’t name a beneficiary, policy benefits will be paid out in a predetermined order of priority.

UR Procurement (P2P) Marketplace upgrade completed successfully

The scheduled upgrade was completed successfully with no noticeable impacts for users. If you have questions or experience any issues, email Procurement_service_center@ur.rochester.edu or call (585) 275-2012.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Visit the Shops @ Wilco

Stop by the Shops @ Wilco this week. Student organizations raising funds include SALSA, Chi Omega, French Toast, SOCA, Equestrian Club, and Senior Giving. The Shops @ Wilco are located on the first floor of Wilson Commons.

‘Optics and Donuts’ session on light microscopy

Join the Center for Advanced Research Technologies for “Optics and Donuts,” featuring the Center for Advanced Light Microscopy & Nanoscopy, today, March 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Ryan Case Method Room (1-9576), School of Medicine and Dentistry. Enjoy coffee from Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters and donuts from Donuts Delite while learning about light microscopy resources available to the research community.

Ask Security Anything session on AI

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend “AI: Discussion and Demonstration,” the next Ask Security Anything Zoom session on Thursday, March 20, at noon. In addition to discussing artificial intelligence, guest speakers will open the floor for questions on any security-related topics. Find more information here.

Network with Rochester Connects

Ready to expand your professional network and unlock exciting opportunities? Attend “Rochester Connects” on Thursday, March 20, and meet with fellow alumni, current students, and top industry experts from diverse fields. Alumni, friends, and students in any stage of life or career are encouraged to attend. Advance registration is required. Learn more.

Third annual Drag Show for Charity

The third annual Drag Show for Charity on Thursday, March 20, cosponsored by outGRADS and URMC Spectrum, is hosted by Wallstar and features performances by Psy Kodick and Mx. Autistix. Your ticket is your receipt for at least a $10 donation to the Arnett House, a shelter for LGBTQ youth at the Center for Youth.

Lillian Fairchild Award celebration for G. Peter Jemison at MAG

Artist G. Peter Jemison receives the 2024 Lillian Fairchild Award for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the arts, selected by the Department of English in collaboration with the Memorial Art Gallery. Meet Jemison at a wine reception, followed by an award presentation and a talk on Monday, April 7, at 5 p.m. Learn more and register here.


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