Karen Nakamura wins prize for Best Article in 2002

Anthropology Professor Karen Nakamura recently won the prize for the Best Article in 2002 from the editors of Social Science Japan Journal (SSJJ), a joint venture of the Institute of Social Science, University of Tokyo and the Oxford University Press.

Nakamura’s paper, “Resistance and Co-optation: The Japanese Federation of the Deaf and its Relations with State Power,” was chosen unanimously as the 2002 winner. “This paper examines the relationships formed between citizens’ groups and the state bureaucracy within the framework of civil law, and how these relationships affect social changes.”
 

Minnesota Environmental Atlas Project receives recognition

Visiting Geography Professor Carol Gersmehl recently learned that the Minnesota Environmental Atlas Project will be recognized by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Geographic Information. The Atlas is receiving recognition because of “its widespread use across the state and its ability to bring Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to the classroom in an easy-to-use and consistent format.”

(The Macalester Bulletin)
 

New co-ed a cappella group to find audience on and off campus

There can never be too many a cappella groups...At least that’s what Jenny Foughner thought when she formed Scotch Tape, Macalester’s third major a cappella group.

“Most universities and many colleges offer a large assortment of a cappella opportunities; I thought it might be nice to have a little variety here as well. The talent at Macalester exceeds the performance space available, so the more groups that form, the more chances we’ll all get to experience and create great music.” Foughner said.

Unlike the Traditions or the Sirens, which are both single-sex groups, Scotch Tape will be open to all men and women students.

Foughner sees the co-ed nature of the group as a way of having a wider variety of musical styles than either the Trads or the Sirens.

“Scotch Tape identifies not only as a traditional cappella group, but also a vocal jazz ensemble, so our repertoire will include pop, rock and jazz arrangements,” Foughner said.

The main focus of the group will be to not only serve the Macalester community but the larger community as well.

“We will provide community service in the form of free concerts at hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc., and monetary donations to a charity of the group's choosing,” Foughner said.

Scotch Tape will have at least one concert per semester. The group will perform in front of the campus center on Saturday (time to be announced) and on Friday, Oct. 17 at the Jazz Extravaganza at 8 p.m in the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center.

For those wanting in on the action, the group will be having both fall and spring auditions. Scotch Tape practices twice a week for a total of three hours. Those wanting to join should contact jfoughner@macalester. edu.

(Kai Wilhelm)