Dandelion Day 2016
Aisha Mohamed ’19 takes a ride on the carnival swings at the annual Dandelion Day celebrations marking the start of SpringFest Weekend. (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)
‘That means you have more to do’
In his acceptance speech while receiving the University’s Frederick Douglass Medal at the annual Diversity Conference, professor emeritus Frederick Jefferson admitted that he was unsure whether he had done enough to deserve such an honor. “I realized that the significance of this event was not the recognition of what I had done, but it was more about the thousands of respectful, caring, and hopeful human touchpoints with hundreds of people that have imbued me with the wisdom and grace to contribute to the common good of our society.” (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)
We’re Better Than That
The University’s anti-racism campaign, launched this January, was the focus of events across campus to mark United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism. “It acknowledges that racism does exist, but we can overcome it by becoming more willing to talk about race,” said Meredith Crenca ’19. “It means we are better than racism, discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice.” (University photo / Brandon Vick)
‘A heart still works, even when it’s broken’
Charles Blow, New York Times columnist and CNN commentator, read from his memoir, Fire Shut Up In My Bones, yesterday evening in the Hawkins-Carlson Room in Rush Rhees Library. “This book is about remembering, against all that this world may signal to the contrary, that you are not forever broken,” he said. “You are capable of giving and receiving love, and you are deserving of it.
Life on the moon?
Joan Saab, associate professor of art history and visual and cultural studies, points to illustrations popularized in the 19th century press purporting to prove there was life on the moon, during the inaugural Hagop and Artemis Nazerian Humanities Lecture. “I’m interested in this moment in the 19th century when people are willing to suspend disbelief and see things—and even though they know they’re not true, to believe for that moment that they are.” (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)
‘We may be a little late, but happy birthday Dr. King’
Marc Morial, the president of the National Urban League and a former mayor of New Orleans, delivered the University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address, after the event had been postponed due to weather. “Every generation has a responsibility and a mission to improve things,” Morial told students at the Douglass Leadership House earlier in the day. “When you succeed, go back,” he said. “Do not forget the communities from whence you’ve come.” (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)
Do you want to build a snowman?
In the wake of a record-breaking snowfall in the Rochester area, snow sculptures have been popping up across campus, including this happy creature on the academic quad. (University of Rochester photo / Brandon Vick)
Up, up, and away
The five-story, 50-foot sculpture made from more than 40,000 compostable balloons currently on display in the Sibley Building atrium in downtown Rochester is the work of University graduate and artist Larry Moss ’92. The exhibit closes this Sunday, February 7, with a giant “popping party.” (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)
‘I Heart Eastman’
Students, faculty, and staff participate in the first ever ‘I Heart Eastman’ Day, sharing what they love about the Eastman School of Music, and posting thank-you notes to Eastman alumni. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)
Diversity Awards 2016
Walter Cooper ’56 greets violist and ROCmusic director Alexander Peña, who performed at the 2016 University of Rochester Diversity Awards reception at Witmer House on January 20. The Diversity Awards recognize the accomplishments of faculty, staff, students, grads, units, or departments of the University that contribute to diversity and inclusion through exemplary leadership. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)