Newsbriefs
At the Lyman Conservatory in March, the world seemed awash
in an array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips -- even
while snowstorms swirled outside. The event was the annual spring bulb show, a long-standing
tradition of Smith College’s Botanic Garden, dating back almost 100 years. Photo
by Jim Gipe.
Given annually by students to one junior and one senior faculty member to honor their
dedication to excellent teaching, the Faculty Teaching Award was established 20
years ago as a way for students to thank educators for their support, encouragement
and inspiration. This year’s recipients are Patricia Skarda, professor of
English language and literature (tenured faculty award); and Lucy Mule, assistant
professor of education and child study (nontenured faculty award). To view a photo
gallery of Rally Day ceremonies, go to www.smith.edu/news/2007-08/RallyDayCeremony2008.
Twenty first- and second-year students from traditionally underrepresented groups
are participating in a new program aimed at increasing diversity in the sciences.
The idea for Achieving Excellence in Mathematics, Engineering, and Sciences (AEMES)
grew out of a meeting at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), which raised
the issue of diversifying those disciplines. Smith recently applied to HHMI for
four years of funding support for the program. AEMES scholars remain in the program
for the first two years of their college experience. During those years, the scholars
are matched with both a faculty member and an upper-level peer to answer questions
about coursework and otherwise mentor them about their academic decisions. Laura
Katz, professor of biological sciences, is leading the program with Katherine Queeney,
associate professor of chemistry. For more, visit www.smith.edu/newsoffice/releases/AEMES.html.
John J. Shenette, a facilities manager who has led building projects at five other
colleges and universities, is the new executive director for Smith College facilities.
He replaced Robert Lesko, who served as interim director of facilities since William
Brandt, former director of campus operations and facilities, retired in 2007. Before
coming to Smith, Shenette had served for seven years as executive director of facilities
management at Bentley College in Waltham, Mass. After earning his bachelor’s
degree in civil engineering at Central New England College, Shenette began his
career as a civil engineer for the city of Worcester.
The Smith College athletics department will hold a Fall Fit 5K and 1.5-mile Fun Run/Walk
at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 21. The proceeds will go to the Northampton Public
Schools and Smith Athletics.
Interested participants may stop by Ainsworth Gym to pick up registration materials
after May 1 and register as an individual or as a team with a minimum of seven members.
A free pedometer and weekly training tips will be given to anyone who registers before
July 1.
The 5k will begin and end on the Smith campus with a loop through some of the neighboring
Northampton city streets; the 1.5 mile Fun Run/Walk will be located entirely on the
Smith campus. At the conclusion of the race, a health fair open to the public will
be in the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility.
The athletics department has chosen the promotion of fitness and wellness in the
Smith and Northampton communities as the focus of their annual community service
project. For more information, please visit www.smith.edu/athletics.
The Smith College Board of Trustees has approved a comprehensive fee of $48,108 for
2008–09, reflecting an overall increase of 5.5 percent over the 2007–08
comprehensive fee. That fee incorporates tuition ($35,810), room and board ($12,050)
and a student activities fee ($248).
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