During For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, Eric T. Lincke ’54, ’57M (MD) has given $1.5 million to establish the John F. Randolph Professorship in Mathematics within the University’s School of Arts & Sciences. The endowed gift honors Randolph—Lincke’s late mentor—and provides vital, permanent support for faculty in the math department. It also played a key role in recruiting Maria “Masha” Gordina, a distinguished mathematician, researcher, and leader, who has been named the inaugural holder of the professorship and chair of the department.

A new study from an interdisciplinary team of researchers, led by Ehsan Hoque, a professor of computer science, points to algorithm design as a potential way to reduce echo chambers—and polarization—online.

By completing two online health surveys and a biometric screening, eligible University employees can gain access to helpful resources and support for making healthy lifestyle changes, and earn $150 through Well-U. Log in to the wellness portal to get started.

Open to all URochester instructors, this Teaching Center Zoom workshop offers guidance and support for adjusting instructional design choices, including learning activities, assignments, assessments, and course logistics, to accommodate changes in course enrollment. Learn evidence-based and resource-efficient scaling strategies that maintain the quality of learning, whether a course is scaling up or down. Register here to attend on Friday, February 13, from noon to 1 p.m.

University staff and faculty are invited to register for a virtual book club featuring the book Try to Love the Questions, led by author Lara Hope Schwartz from February 19 through April 2. The book club is part of Better Together: The Constructive Dialogue Practice, which brings together the University’s civic dialogue initiatives. Book club members will consider the practice of open and respectful communication as a skill and not as a limitation on expression.

“Seeds for Collaboration” is a faculty and postdoc mixer sponsored by the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and the School of Medicine & Dentistry dean’s office. The goal is to germinate and incubate discourse that will ultimately result in interdepartmental and cross-disciplinary collaboration, discoveries, publications, and grant applications. Attend the next session on Thursday, February 26, at 4:30 p.m. in LeChase Assembly Room (G-9576) at the Medical Center.

Ambulatory Care Nurses Week, February 9–13, recognizes the compassion, skill, and dedication of Ambulatory Care Nurses and their lasting impact on patients’ lives. Find out how URochester is celebrating.

Stop by Hirst Lounge in Wilson Commons between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, to learn how you can help save a life during a cardiac emergency and get important information about automated external defibrillators (AEDs). CPR and AED training will also be offered in the Stackel Conference Room.

Looking for last-minute Valentine’s plans? Attend a viewing of Disney–Pixar’s Up on the big screen with the score performed live on February 13 at Kodak Hall, Eastman Theatre. Guests are also welcome to join a pre-reception at 6 p.m. in the Sproull Atrium at the Miller Center. Refreshments will be served. Guests are welcome to attend just one or both events. Find ticket information here.

Baritone Darrin Nicholson ’28E will join a lineup of performers for the William Warfield Scholarship Fund 2026 Benefit Concert: “Let Freedom Dream” for its rescheduled date on Sunday, February 15. Tickets are $50 (plus box office fees) and $10 for students with a University ID.

The Society of Women Engineers is hosting its annual Engineering Ball for undergraduate and graduate students of all majors on Sunday, February 15, from 8 to 11 p.m. in Feldman Ballroom.

The Grad Student Writing Well-Being Group at the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program meets in Rush Rhees Library, Conference Room E, on Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1:05 p.m. Register to attend, or contact Matthew Bayne.

Expand your nursing role with the School of Nursing’s RN First Assistant program. Applications for summer 2026 are due March 15. Learn more about the program and application process at a virtual informational session on Wednesday, February 18, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Contact SONCLL@urmc.rochester.edu with questions.

The New York State Business Plan Competition brings together top student founders from across the state to turn bold ideas into real businesses. Find application deadlines and submission requirements here.