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March 31, 2025

Good morning, Rochester

An upcoming event at the Memorial Art Gallery highlights the current Alma Thomas exhibit with a screening of a documentary about the artist. Find more details and purchase tickets below in the For the Community section.

Also in today’s issue:

  • Enhanced measures for vehicle safety at the University
  • Forever Rochester Week for undergraduates
  • A seminar on directed energy
TODAY'S UPDATES

Enhancing vehicle safety on campus

The national and local crime trend of vehicle break-ins and thefts continues, and University campuses remain plagued by this activity despite targeted prevention efforts. In particular, the ongoing thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicle models from 2011 to 2021.

If you own a Hyundai or Kia, strongly consider using a steering wheel lock every time you park. The Department of Public Safety’s Office of Community Engagement will distribute free steering wheel locks at Lot 1-Crittenden on Thursday, April 3, from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 5:30 p.m. You can also stop by DPS headquarters at 612 Wilson Boulevard on the River Campus. All you need to do is show a University ID.

All vehicle owners, regardless of make and model, should follow good safety habits to help prevent auto theft and break-ins.

  • Close all windows and lock all doors. Activate your vehicle alarm system.
  • Park in high-traffic or well-lighted areas when possible.
  • Remove all valuables from the vehicle. It’s not enough to keep them out of sight.

DPS and the Department of Transportation and Logistics are also addressing this issue through a number of different measures, including:

  • Preventive foot and vehicle patrols and more parking staff in the lots and garages for monitoring.
  • Operation Park Safe, a multi-faceted strategy to enhance vehicle safety across University campuses. DPS officers are also available to provide transports upon request.
  • Safe Ride, a late-night transportation service for students.

SECURITY TIP

Prepare yourself for last-minute tax scams

Cybercriminals posing as the IRS or tax preparers will go to great lengths to steal your information and reroute your refund destination. Even if you’ve already filed your taxes, University IT emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant as the tax season wraps up, as scammers will claim an issue with your return and urge you to take action. Avoid suspicious emails with attachments, links, calls, or texts requesting social security numbers, banking accounts, or other forms of personal identification. Changing your password is a great way to protect your identity. Those who receive suspicious emails should forward them to phishing@irs.gov.


ROCHESTER IN THE NEWS

Effort takes on baby formula

New York Magazine, March 28

Bridget Young, a professor of pediatrics, answers questions about what parents should know about baby formula.


FOR STUDENTS

Forever Rochester Week starts today

Celebrate the many ways alumni and donors make the University ever better with this five-day, pop-up style event series from March 31 to April 4. Undergraduates from the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences can enjoy trivia, exclusive giveaways, and a “Forever Friday” Rochester swag spirit contest, all while learning how to stay connected after graduation and be #ForeverRochester. Find daily updates and event details on CCC or follow the Student Alumni Ambassadors on Instagram. Reach out to Ahren Henby with questions.

Weeklong Flourish Festival

Now in its third year, the Flourish Festival has expanded from a single day to a week-long celebration of well-being and mindfulness, April 7 to 11. All Rochester students can explore a diverse lineup of mindfulness and wellness practices, interactive workshops, and educational sessions, plus giveaways to support mental and emotional well-being. Find more information and register for events. Students who attend four or more events during the week will be entered to win one of three giveaways.

As part of the festival, the Health Promotion Office and Monroe County Department of Health will hold free STI testing on Tuesday, April 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Wilson Commons. Spots are limited, sign up today.

‘Introduction to College Teaching’ for grad students and postdocs

This Teaching Center program is designed to provide graduate students 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, and 24, and May 1. Register online.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Patient Access Week

Patient Access Week, March 31 through April 4, celebrates the health care access professionals who are pivotal in connecting patients with the care they need. Visit the Patient Access Padlet for more information.

Bioethics lectureship series event

Attend the moderated discussion “How Faith Informs Practice in Pediatric End-of-Life Care” on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Rochester Academy of Medicine. The event is part of the second annual Dr. Sidney Sobel Bioethics Lectureship Series hosted by the Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics. Learn more and register.

Panel discussion: ‘Speech Wars: Who Controls Ideas in a Fractured World?’

Who decides what you can see, share, and say online? David Primo, the Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and a professor of political science and business administration, hosts the panel discussion “Speech Wars: Who Controls Ideas in a Fractured World?” on Wednesday, April 2, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Wegmans Hall, Room 1400. Learn about the panelists here.

Pro-am squash tournament features Rochester student

From April 2 to 6, world-ranked professionals will join several top local players for an exceptional display of squash in the PSA Challenger tournament at the University’s Lyman Squash Courts. Among the contenders is Rochester senior Omar Zakaria. The tournament is free to attend. Find the match schedule here.

Seminar on directed energy

James Trebes, the principal director for directed energy at the US Department of Defense, will deliver a seminar from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 3, in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. Learn more about directed energy research and development, education needs, and the agencies that support directed energy efforts. RSVP by email to Sharon Pomeroy from the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Judges needed for International Graduate Research Showcase

The International Services Office is seeking graduate students, faculty, and staff to serve as additional judges for the University’s first International Graduate Research Showcase. Held on Monday, April 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons, this event will feature research posters from international graduate students across disciplines. If you’re interested in judging, email the International Services Office by Thursday, April 3. ⁠

Alma Thomas documentary, exhibit at MAG

Wear something colorful and join the Memorial Art Gallery for a screening of Alma Thomas: A Life in Color, a short documentary that unveils the multi-faceted life of the trailblazing artist and educator, who also had fun with fashion. Afterward, immerse yourself in the exhibition, Composing Color, and enjoy the in-gallery hands-on activities. The event is Thursday, April 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is required, and your ticket includes museum admission.


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