Macalester turns 135 in March

Macalester's founders include, clockwise from top, Esther Suzuki, John Davis, Margaret Doty, Catharine Lealtad, Mary Gwen Owen, Charles Turck, Ted Mitau and James Wallace (center).

Macalester College will celebrate the 135th anniversary of receiving its charter during Founders Day, Friday, March 6, in the Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center. Festivities will include entertainment from student groups, the traditional presentation of the birthday cake, food and dancing. Alumni, students and friends of the college are welcome to join the celebration. RSVPs are due Friday, Feb. 27.

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 again in March 2004.

A keepsake book documenting the unique 135-year history of the college is available for purchase here.
· RSVP to attend and see Founders Day schedule
· View historic photos of Macalester

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Andy Overman named Harry M. Drake Professor

Professor Andy Overman.

Andy Overman has been named Harry M. Drake Professor of Classics, President Brian C. Rosenberg announced Tuesday, Feb. 10. Overman began teaching at Macalester in 1993 and specializes in religion, culture and ethnicity in the Greco-Roman world. He has written widely on the development of Christianity and Judaism in the Roman world and directs a dig at Omrit in Israel each summer.

"It's a pleasure to be able to recognize through this appointment both the accomplishments of Andy Overman as a teacher and scholar and the abiding generosity of Harry Drake," Rosenberg said. The Drake Professorship was established in 1999 by Harry Drake '50, who earned an art major and an English minor. He has been a long-time benefactor of Macalester and other organizations and for years served on a volunteer basis as the college's archivist.
· Learn more about endowed professorships at Macalester

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Eugene Rogers leads choir on a Wisconsin tour

The Macalester Concert Choir and Professor Eugene Rogers tour Wisconsin in March performing an eclectic program featuring the music of William Walton, Benjamin Britten, G. F. Handel, John West, Gwyneth Walker, J.S. Bach, African and Jamaican folk songs, and a special Macalester tribute. They will sing in Madison, Sun Prairie and Milwaukee.

Two of the shows are open to the public and Macalester parents, friends and alumni are invited to attend. The first is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison. The second is during the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, March 21, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor St., Milwaukee. Email Eugene Rogers for more information.

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Amy Phenix '88 begins as director of communications

Amy Phenix '88 joins Macalester's staff as director of communications on Monday, Feb. 16. She assumes leadership of a staff of 10 communications professionals and will oversee the media relations, print publications, online presence and marketing initiatives of the college. She will also serve as official spokesperson and advise President Brian C. Rosenberg and other key officials.

Phenix was most recently the vice president for marketing and communications at Allina Hospitals & Clinics in Minneapolis. She also has worked as director at the public relations and public affairs firm Himle Horner, Inc.; director of news and public information at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; and director of communications for former Minneapolis mayor, Sharon Sayles Belton '73.
· Read press release about Amy Phenix

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MITY prepares for summer program at Macalester

Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY) is gearing up for two summer sessions at Macalester. The first will be June 15-26; the second, July 6-17.

MITY is offering summer enrichment classes for diverse, intellectually curious 7th–12th grade students on campus in its Expand Your Mind program. The all-day classes cover a range of topics taught by teachers who enjoy both their area of interest and engaging adolescents. Steve Cox '76 runs the program's noon recreation activities. Students attend as commuters ($495 tuition) or live on campus as residents ($1,270 tuition). The registration deadline is April 20.

In addition, Holly Lindsay '75 coordinates YES for 1st – 4th graders, and Kristin Matthews Long '91 coordinates ExplorSchool for 4th – 6th graders. For more information visit the MITY website or call 651-696-6590.
· Learn more at the MITY website

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Registration opens for San Juan Kayak trip

The San Juan Islands kayaking trip planned for July 16-19 is only open to 20 participants to allow for the most up-close and personal experience with nature possible. Now that the online registration form for the trip is open, organizers expect it to sell out quickly due to the interest already expressed by alumni. Travelers will paddle around the San Juan Islands together, see whales and wild life, and camp on a remote island only accessible by boat during one of the most beautiful seasons to paddle the area.

· View trip itinerary
· Register online for the kayak trip

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Los Angeles alumni step forward

L.A. alumni gathered at The Walt Disney Concert Hall for a Step Forward lunch and presentation.

More than 90 alumni and friends of the college spent an afternoon at the Step Forward event in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 8. The event's program included video presentations and talks by the Step Forward campaign chair, Jerry Crawford '71, and President Brian Rosenberg.

The next Step Forward event takes place at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Ariz. Events are also planned for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Seattle and London. To RSVP for upcoming Step Forward events email Karlyn Wegmann.

· View list of upcoming Step Forward events
· View photos from the event in L.A.

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World map makes it easier to find alumni around the globe

Alumni can now quickly search for alumni living in 116 countries using a new interactive world map released by the Alumni Office this month. The world map shows the density of alumni in each country and instantly searches the online alumni community, MacDirect, with a 'click of the Scot.'
· Explore the world alumni map

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Summit Society Phonathon callers set new record

Phonathon callers Sennett Zhen '11, Christina Robinson '07, Alana Hedlund '04, Liz Hutchinson '05, Christina Newcombe '02, Jon Einar Flatnes '05 and Paul Odegaard '04.

Forty-three alumni volunteers set a record when they called classmates during the Annual Fund's Summit Society Phonathon Jan. 12–15. During the four evenings of calling, these volunteers and student callers brought in 174 gifts and pledges, resulting in over $14,930 for Macalester's Annual Fund.

The number of Phonathon gifts and pledges breaks last year's record by two. "The great joy of my job is working with Annual Fund volunteers. Their ability to share their passion and experiences with their peers is crucial to the success of the Annual Fund." Phonathon organizer Paul Odegaard '04 said. "Our thanks go out to everyone who made this year's Phonathon a success."

The Summit Society Committee is made up of young alumni who aim to increase participation in the Annual Fund by demonstrating the value of philanthropy. To learn more about the Summit Society Committee and other Annual Fund volunteer opportunities, email Paul Odegaard '04.

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Feb. 18 - Wednesday
6:30 p.m.

Boston-area Alumni Happy Hour
Enormous Room, 567 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass.

Join Boston-area alumni for great conversation and refreshments. Hosted by Swapnil Prabha '05, Claire Reynolds '05 and Martins Blums '05.
· View directions

Feb. 18 - Wednesday
7 p.m.

Dead Feminist Society hosts Professor Adrienne Christiansen
Common Good Books, 165 Western Ave. N., Suite 14, St. Paul

Minister and former Star Tribune columnist Kristine M. Holmgren '75 hosts Political Science Professor Adrienne Christiansen, director of the Jan Serie Center for Scholarship and Teaching, to discuss themes from the books Female Chauvenist Pig by Ariel Levy, Why Men Earn More by Warren Farrell, and Walking Out on Boys by Frances Conley.
· Read event listing at CommonGoodBooks.com

Feb. 19 - Thursday
8 p.m.

Mitau Endowed Lecture by Wendy Brown
On Campus, Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel

Wendy Brown, a professor of political science at the University of California - Berkeley and author, presents 'Desiring Walls' for the 28th Annual G. Theodore Mitau Lecture. Her books include Regulating Aversion (2006) and Edgework (2005).

Feb. 20-21 - Fri.-Sat.
6 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Relay For Life at Macalester College
On Campus, Leonard Center, Field House

Alumni, students, faculty, family, and friends are invited to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease, and raise money to fund cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts and life-affirming patient services. Email Adam Freedman '12 or Maggie Hutchison '12 with questions.
· Start or join a team at relayforlife.org

Feb. 20 - Friday
6-7:30 p.m.

American Studies Conference: Whiteness in the Age of Obama
Kagin Commons, Alexander G. Hill Ballroom

Cheryl I. Harris and David R. Roediger deliver the keynote address for the 10th Annual American Studies Conference: Whiteness in the Age of Obama. Harris, a professor at UCLA School of Law, presents 'Tracing Race in Colorblind Spaces.' Roediger, a professor of history at the U. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, presents 'Whiteness as Management: Race and Capitalist Control of Production in the U.S. Past and Present.' No charge, open to the public.
· View conference details

Feb. 22 - Sunday
6 p.m.

Step Forward: Phoenix
Wrigley Mansion Club, Phoenix, Ariz.
· See story below

Feb. 23 - Monday
6:30 p.m.

London POLIS Debate: Reporting the Global Crash of '08
London School of Economics, Old Theatre, Houghton Street, London

Join London-area alumni for the POLIS public debate Why Did Nobody Tell Us? Reporting the Global Crash of '08 featuring Alex Brummer, Vince Cable MP and Evan Davis. After the debate, discuss it over drinks and nibbles at a nearby venue, to be determined. Email Russell Bradley-Cook '02 for more information.
· RSVP via Facebook
(requires account)

Feb. 23 - Monday
7 p.m.

MPR Broadcast Journalist Series with NPR's John Ydstie
On Campus, Kagin Commons, Alexander G. Hill Ballroom

The Minnesota Public Radio Broadcast Journalist Series presents NPR's John Ydstie, who covers the current recession and federal economic recovery plans. He'll be hosted by MPR's Kerri Miller. No charge, but tickets are required and are available at Twin Cities Bibelot Shops.

Feb. 26 - Thursday
7 p.m.

MacReads Portland
At the home of Mariko Kino Harris '96, Portland, Ore.

Discuss Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow with Portland-area alumni. Food and beverages will be provided. Email Mariko to RSVP and for directions.

March 6 - Friday
8:30 p.m.-Midnight

Founders Day 2009
Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center
· See story above

March 12 - Thursday
6 p.m.

Step Forward: Washington, D.C.
The Newseum, Washington, D.C.

Alumni, parents and friends are invited to this regional celebration of the many ways Macalester is taking steps forward. The evening is hosted by Peter '70 and Alison '72 Fenn P '05; Robert Samuelson P'09 and Judy Herr P'09; as well as Bob Van Huevelen '72 and Jan Sherburne. To RSVP, email Karlyn Wegmann.
· View Step Forward site

IMPORTANT
SUMMER EVENTS:

Reunion 2009
June 5-7

Volunteer Day at Greater Chicago Food Depository
June 13

Summer Session 2009
August 2-5