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Legendary activist Angela Davis and bioethicist Harriet A. Washington speak to the Macalester community this month.
Feb13
W 5p Angela Davis
Feb29
F 7p Harriet A. Washington
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FEBRUARY 2008
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Macalester community celebrates college's 134th birthday in March 
A few of Macalester's Founders. Clockwise, from bottom, Catharine Lealtad, Mary Gwen Owen, Theodore Mitau, James Wallace, Esther Suzuki and John B. Davis. Macalester turns 134 next month and all alumni and friends are invited to join with faculty, staff and students to celebrate at Founders Day on Friday, March 7, in the Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center. Festivities will include entertainment from student groups, a bagpipe procession, food and dancing. Founders Day began in 1938, both to commemorate the day Rev. Dr. Edward Duffield Neill obtained the charter for Macalester from the Minnesota Legislature on March 5, 1874, and to celebrate the 89th birthday of James Wallace who served as college president for 12 years. The tradition continued through the early 1970s and was revived in March 2004. Macalester signs onto effort calling for presidential debate on science policy 
Macalester College is one of the “Science 57” — the first colleges and universities to endorse the nonpartisan effort Science Debate 2008. Organized by Shawn Lawrence Otto '84 and co-chaired by Congress Members Vern Ehlers (R-MI) and Rush Holt (D-NJ), the effort calls for a presidential debate focused on environment, health and medicine, and science and technology policy. “One cannot be a fully engaged citizen in this or any other democratic society without having at least a basic familiarity with the scientific thinking related to such subjects as global climate change, community health, and technology,” reads a quote from President Brian Rosenberg on the group’s website. “It follows that those who seek the privilege of leadership within such societies should be prepared to discuss their own familiarity with and views on the scientific thinking in these areas. Our candidates for president should seek opportunities to do so clearly, publicly, and in detail.” Other signers to Science Debate 2008 include the presidents of Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Duke, Carnegie Mellon, 25 Nobel and Crafoord Laureates, and a number of highly regarded math and science organizations. In addition to the college itself, Rosenberg and Professor David Bressoud, the president-elect of the Mathematical Association of America, have signed onto Science Debate 2008 as individuals. Tony Jennison named head football coach of Scots 
Tony Jennison was named head football coach for the Scots on Friday, Feb. 1. He replaces Glenn Caruso, who recently resigned to become head football coach at St. Thomas. Jennison was the football team’s defensive coordinator for the last two seasons and is now Macalester’s 28th head coach in the 122-year history of the football program. Three Macalester authors nominated for Minnesota Book Award English professors James Dawes and Wang Ping, as well as winner of a 1989 Distinguished Citizen Citation, Charles Baxter ’69, were nominated for the 2008 Minnesota Book Award on Jan. 26. Dawes was nominated for That the World May Know, a book exploring the role of storytelling in humanitarian work; Wang for The Last Communist Virgin, a collection of short stories; and Baxter for The Art of Subtext: Beyond Plot, examining how fiction writers use what is displayed to evoke what is not displayed. The nominees for the Minnesota Book Award were selected by 24 judges from around the state. The winners in each of eight categories will be selected March 1 and the awards will be presented at a gala on April 12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Paul. You can hear Dawes and Wang talk about their nominated books in archived episodes of the Macalester Talks podcast. Admissions Office launches eCard service 
This eCard says, "South of the Border, the Canadian border that is..." Know a young person who is searching for a college? Try sending a Mac E-Card to put Macalester on their radar. The Admissions Office recently launched its E-Card program. Visitors can pick one of five humorous designs, add a personal message and send it off. Student-led February energy-saving competition goes national 
Last February, students entered Macalester into an energy saving competition with 13 other Minnesota schools. This February, Macalester is competing to reduce energy use with over 90 high schools and colleges across the U.S. Schools participating in the National Campus Energy Challenge (NCEC), a project of the Energy Action Coalition, will take extra measures to reduce heating and electricity consumption on their campuses during the month-long competition and submit comprehensive energy usage data to NCEC organizers. Regional and national awards will be given to the schools with the greatest percent reduction in total energy use. Jim Wallis of Sojourners magazine lectures on faith and government 
Jim Wallis, executive director of Sojourners magazine and a Christian activist for social change, presents his lecture Reclaiming Government as a Force for Good at noon, Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel. In his new book, The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post Religious-Right America, he examines historical periods of spiritual revival that awakened the American consciousness and produced such change as the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, child labor law reform and the civil rights movement. He asserts that the nation is on the verge of another great awakening when citizens will reclaim their government as a force for good. |
Deadline for alumni trip to Dalmatian Coast is in two months 
The Alumni Travel Program is offering a tour of village life along the Dalmatian Coast July 29-August 6, the deadline to register is April 25. Alumni travelers and their guests will explore several unique ports of call along the Croatian coast line. Class of 2008 soon to be added to MacDirect 
Macalester's current seniors will soon be given access to MacDirect, the password-protected online community for alumni. The goal of adding the seniors to MacDirect is to build connections between these soon-to-be alumni with the larger community. The students will be encouraged to use the directory to network and prepare for life after graduation. If a student contacts you through MacDirect, please respond with the best advice you can provide. The student accounts initially will be hidden, but students may opt to unhide their profiles once they register. Brian Rosenberg to lead book discussion at Reunion 2008 College President Brian Rosenberg, who taught as an English professor for many years, will lead a book discussion at Reunion 2008, June 6-8. The book he picked for the weekend's Common Reading is Atonement by Ian McEwan. The Rosenberg-led book discussion is just one of many Reunion events happening this year. Others include an all-class picnic, the presentation of the 2008 Alumni Awards, comedy performances, eco-tours, music and time to reconnect with classmates and the college. Summit Society Phonathon sets record for gifts and pledges 
Forty-five alumni volunteers called their classmates for the Annual Fund’s Summit Society Phonathon January 7-10. During the four evenings of calling, these volunteers brought in 112 gifts totaling over $7,794 and took over 60 pledges expected to result in over $7,000 in gifts. This year’s 172 gifts and pledges smash a record of 111 gifts and pledges set by last year’s Phonathon. Twenty of the gifts made were from new and lapsed Annual Fund donors and qualify for a one-to-one match for the first $100 through the Be A Number program. “Alumni volunteers are crucial to the success of the Annual Fund because of their ability to share their passion for Macalester with their peers,” Phonathon organizer Paul Odegaard ’04 said. “Our thanks go out to everyone who made this year’s Phonathon a success.” The Summit Society is made up of young alumni who aim to increase participation in Annual Fund giving. To learn more about the Summit Society or other Annual Fund volunteer opportunities, email Paul Odegaard ’04. Volunteers needed for International Phonathon Alumni are invited to make calls to Macalester’s alumni and parents around the globe during the 24-hour Annual Fund International Phonathon starting at noon Sunday, March 2, and ending Monday, March 3. Volunteers will be treated to international foods coordinated with the regions of the world being called. Email Paul Odegaard ’04 to volunteer. 
Keon West '06 and Mike Mason '98 were both interviewed for episodes of Macalester Talks podcast series. Check them out: Keon West '06 shares what it has been like being a Rhodes Scholar studying at Oxford and reflects upon his experiences as an undergrad at Macalester. Mike Mason '98, a filmmaker and producer, discusses the contenders for the 2008 Oscars a week before the announcement of nominations. And, now that it's February... Professor Jaine Strauss talks about why people make New Year's resolutions and how they can keep them, especially those pertaining to weight loss. Strauss studies body image, eating disorders, mood and conceptions of self. Subscribe to the Macalester Talks podcast in iTunes or your preferred application today. Twin Cities alumni tell how they can support students Could you offer an internship to a Macalester student? Would you enjoy having a student shadow you for a day? Do you have expertise in diversity initiatives that you would be willing to share through the programming of Macalester’s Multicultural Life Department? The Student Support Committee of the Alumni Board recently sent out a short online survey with questions like these to alumni living in the Twin Cities. Their goal is to identify ways in which alumni can help current Mac students in terms of career planning and multiculturalism. The results and contact information will be shared with both the Internship Programs and the Multicultural Life staff, ultimately providing a rich and vast quantity of alumni resources to assist them in creating meaningful student programming. Alumni living outside the Twin Cities are welcome to take the survey as well.
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Feb9
Sa 10:30a M Club Coed Alumni Basketball Game Cretin-Derham Hall Gymnasium, 550 S. Albert Street, St. Paul Play a game of coed basketball with other alumni, then stay for a luncheon at noon followed by the 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. basketball games where Scots Women's and Men's teams take on St. Olaf. RSVP to Ben Van Thorre '04. Feb10
Su 5p Class of 1983 Reunion Calling Night Annual Fund Office, Lampert Building, 36 South Snelling, St. Paul Alumni from the Class of 1983 call their classmates and encourage them to attend Reunion 2008. Green Mill pizza will be provided. Bring your cell phone if you have one. The Lampert Building is on the east side of Snelling, just a few doors north of Breadsmith. Contact Gabrielle Lawrence with any questions. Feb13
W 7:30a Professor Lin Aanonsen Talks about Chronic Pain On Campus, Weyerhaeuser Board Room Biology Professor Lin Aanonsen presents Chronic Pain: Its Causes and Treatment. This talk will provide an overview of how acute pain is normally processed and how the nervous system changes in situations of chronic pain. Breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m. Conversation begins at 8 a.m. $10 per person. Call the Alumni Office at 651-696-6295 to register by Monday, Feb. 11.
Feb19
T 1-4p Class of 1953 Reunion Calling Annual Fund Office, Lampert Building, 36 South Snelling, St. Paul Alumni from the Class of 1953 are invited to join with their 55-Year Reunion Committee to call classmates and encourage them to attend Reunion 2008, June 6-8. Refreshments provided. The Lampert Building is located two doors north of the Breadsmith on the east side of Snelling. Email Erlene Lagerquist or call her at 651-696-6067 for more information and to confirm attendance. Feb21
Th 7p Pre-Oscars Talk with Film Critic Colin Covert '74 On Campus, Carnegie 06 The stars, the studios, the gowns, the gossamer — the Oscars. Join a conversation with Star Tribune film critic, Colin Covert '74, as he looks at this year's Oscar candidates, handicaps their odds of winning, and examines our national obsession with the awards. What drives people to obsess over Juno vs. No Country? Explore these topics and more. $6 per person. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 18. Feb22
F 8p Kuumba: Gospel Explosion with James Grear and Company On Campus, Alexander G. Hill Ballroom, Kagin Commons Alumni are invited to a Black History Month Gospel concert featuring James Grear and Company. To RSVP, email Karla Benson Rutten, director of the Lealtad-Suzuki Center, by Monday, Feb. 11. Sponsored by the Black Liberation Affairs Committee, Caribbean Student Association, Afrika!, the Lealtad-Suzuki Center and the Alumni Office.
Feb28
Th 11:30a Inaugural Lecture of Martin Gunderson '68 as DeWitt Wallace Professor of Philosophy On Campus, Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel Martin Gunderson '68 gives his inaugural lecture as DeWitt Wallace Professor of Philosophy titled Human Rights and the Creation of Human Dignity. Feb 28
Th 7p MacReads Portland At the home of Lesly Sanocki '90, Portland, Ore. Portland-area alumni discuss Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Food and beverages provided. Feel free to bring chocolate to taste. To join the reading group and obtain directions, email Lesly. The group will read Blindness by Jose Saramago in March. Feb29
F 7p Class of '83 Music Fest At the home of Jocelyn 'Sweet' van Toor '83, St. Paul Miss hearing tunes by Pink Floyd, The Dire Straights, or Nick Lowe? Alumni from the Class of 1983, and their guests, are invited to a listening party sponsored by their class's 25-Year Reunion Committee. Bring your own best of the '80s and be ready to nominate the worst. We'll spin tunes on a turntable and do our best to make sense of it all. Please bring a snack or beverage to share. Email Jocelyn to RSVP.
Mar6
Th 10a-1p Minnesota Private Colleges Day At the Capitol Meeting locations will be emailed to those who sign up. Join students, faculty and staff to show support for the Minnesota State Grant Program, which provides $156 million annually in need-based scholarships to 80,000 students, including 92 at Macalester. Meet with state legislators. It's fun, educational and important for the Macalester community. For more information contact Doug Stone at College Relations.
Mar12
W 6p MacReads San Francisco The Hidden Vine Wine Bar, 620 Post Street, San Francisco Alumni living in the Bay-area are invited to participate in a lively discussion about the The Last Communist Virgin by Professor Wang Ping. Bring your suggestions for future books to read as a group. Contact Aleena Oberthur '05 with questions. |
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MacWire is a monthly e-newsletter for the alumni, parents and friends of Macalester College. We hope you enjoy reading it. |
Angela Davis pursues social justice through her activism and scholarship. She is a professor at the University of California Santa Cruz where she teaches History of Consciousness, an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, and Feminist Studies. Her most recent research explores the social problems associated with incarceration and the generalized criminalization of those communities that are most affected by poverty and racial discrimination. She draws upon her own experiences in the early ’70s as a person who spent 18 months in jail and on trial after being placed on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted List.” She has written eight books including Abolition Democracy and Are Prisons Obsolete? She is now completing a new book, Prisons and American History. Free, but tickets are required and are available to the general public beginning Friday, Feb. 8, at the Information Desk of the Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center.
Journalist and bioethicist Harriet A. Washington will give the keynote address on the topic of medical apartheid for Macalester’s Ninth Annual American Studies Conference Friday-Sunday, Feb. 29-March 1. Washington's book Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present, was selected as one of the "Best Books of 2006" by Publisher’s Weekly, received a 2007 Gustavus Myers Center Outstanding Book Award for Advancing Human Rights, and is a finalist for the 2007 National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction. Her award-winning writing has appeared in the newspapers USA Today and New York Times, the magazines Health, Essence, American Legacy and Black Enterprise, and the journals Harvard Public Health Review, American Journal of Public Health, Nature and the New England Journal of Medicine.