
Experts on Brazil discuss the World Cup from a historical lens
As Brazil kicks off the World Cup, more than the tournament outcome is at stake, according to historians Pablo Sierra and Molly Ball of the University of Rochester. The husband-and-wife team have developed a course, “History of Latin America through Soccer,” that will be taught for the first time this fall at Rochester.

Curt Smith critiques plans for the Obama library
As the June 16 deadline for bids for the library approaches, universities in Chicago, Honolulu, and New York City have expressed interest in housing the Barack Obama Presidential library. Curt Smith offers strong views about the three leading contenders vying for the project.

Bashwiner joins University as associate vice president for Facilities and Services
Bruce Bashwiner has been named associate vice president for University Facilities and Services. His appointment began on May 1, and he succeeds Richard Pifer, who recently announced his retirement after nearly 15 years at the University.

New book explores awkward moments in film and media
Films like This is Spinal Tap have built large followings around their use of awkward and cringeworthy comedy. But according to Jason Middleton, assistant professor of English and director of the film and media studies program, the use of staged “awkwardness” extends far beyond the domain of contemporary popular culture and into the earliest days of filmmaking.

Joanna Olmsted steps down as Dean of Arts and Sciences
Joanna Olmsted will step down as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences on July 1 after two decades of University leadership.
“Joanna has contributed immeasurably to the progress that has been made in strengthening arts, sciences, and engineering, and we are hugely in her debt,” says Peter Lennie, provost and the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering.

Festival brings student films to the big screen
A diverse group of 19 student films was presented at the University’s 9th annual Gollin Film Festival on Wednesday, May 1, with the top films winning $1,200 in cash prizes.

Andrew Ainslie named Dean of Simon Business School
Ainslie has been senior associate dean, full-time MBA program, at UCLA Anderson School of Management since 2010. The appointment, subject to Board approval, is effective after Dean Mark Zupan’s term ends on June 30.

Krasznahorkai and Biagini win 2014 Best Translated Book Awards
The award is the only prize of its kind to honor the best original works of international literature and poetry published in the United States over the previous year.

Rochester students to build community center in South Africa
This summer Rochester students John Dawson ’13/T5’14 and Katherine Wegman ’15, will spend two months in Cape Town, South Africa, building a new community center for residents of Egoli, a squatter community on the outskirts of Cape Town.

Best Translated Book Award honored at London Book Fair
The Best Translated Book Award — launched in 2008 by Three Percent, the University’s website for translated literature — is the only prize of its kind to honor the best original works of international fiction and poetry published in the United States.