September 30, 2011
From the Dean
Greetings,
We have had an eventful beginning to the semester—an earthquake, a hurricane, and a visit from the president of the United States! The campus community responded to all of these events with superb organization and grace.Our students have returned, and I am so impressed by their resolve to get the most out of their education here. High expectations for academic achievement and abundant opportunities to forge friendships continue to shape student life here. I know that many of you will remember how those expectations and opportunities impressed your own lives.
Amidst exceptional course offerings, the campus also offers extraordinary extra-curricular events. Our distinguished writer-in-residence, Honor Moore, kicked off the English department’s Writers Series last week (you can watch her reading online); the music department’s Free Music Concert Series offers a full year of free programming, which will begin during Family Weekend; and the Department of Theatre & Dance stages “Trojan Women: A Love Story” later this month. The chamber opera Rappahannock County, which was commissioned by President Ayers, premiered here this month. It is a haunting piece that treats the anguish of the Civil War with tenderness for the suffering of individual souls. I hope that some of you will have a chance to hear it.
I am meeting more faculty, staff and students every day. There is a spirit of invention here that I find so exciting. And I love it that students are willing to make appointments to take their dean for a walk around Westhampton Lake!
Please make plans to attend Homecoming this October and stop by the School of Arts & Sciences’ breakfast. We will be joined by a number of faculty hosts, some of whom you may remember from your time at Richmond: Krista Stenger, Kasongo Kapanga, Ray Hilliard, and Anne Van Gelder are among some of the faculty who will be joining me in welcoming you back to campus.
Until then,
Kathleen Roberts Skerrett
Dean, School of Arts & Sciences
News Around Campus
Political science and international studies major focuses her research on her home state in India
Having traveled to France, Peru, Japan, Uganda, Rwanda and now India—Oldham Scholar Maria Sebastian, ’12, is pursuing her international ambitions at the University of Richmond.
Summer research in Oregon helped Andrew Pericak focus his interests in environmental studies
Junior Andrew Pericak’s summer research in an Oregon forest may not have yielded the scientific results he was hoping for, but the project did help focus his academic pursuits.
The School of Arts & Sciences announces its new faculty
The University of Richmond School of Arts & Sciences is pleased to announce the arrival of 14 new tenured and tenure track faculty and five new directors for the 2011-12 academic year.
The University of Richmond School of Arts & Sciences is pleased to announce the arrival of 14 new tenured and tenure track faculty and five new directors for the 2011-12 academic year.
Junior uses language scholarship to explore access to health care among India's poor
Through the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship program, biology major Simrun Bal, ’13, spent the summer in Chandigarh, India, learning Punjabi and coming face-to-face with issues of health care and poverty.
Prof. Bukach attends neuroscience boot camp
Cindy Bukach, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond, was one of 30 participants in the 2011 ERP Boot Camp at the University of California-Davis.
Cindy Bukach, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond, was one of 30 participants in the 2011 ERP Boot Camp at the University of California-Davis.
Chemistry student selected for Procter & Gamble career development program
Alexander Hahn, ’13, a University of Richmond chemistry major, was one of 20 students selected to participate in a special seminar, “Procter & Gamble: Research your Future in Science.”
Alexander Hahn, ’13, a University of Richmond chemistry major, was one of 20 students selected to participate in a special seminar, “Procter & Gamble: Research your Future in Science.”
Service dog trainee becomes a part of the chemistry department
Chemistry professor Carol Parish is not only teaching students this year — she is also teaching a service dog trainee that has become an honorary member of the chemistry department.
Biology major researching the immune system of mosquitoes
Most people try to avoid mosquitoes, but Amina Abdul, ’13, has an entire collection of them. Abdul is spending her summer in a biology lab researching the immune system of the yellow fever and dengue virus mosquito.
Carol Parish to continue research of oil shale with ACS grant
The American Chemical Society's Petroleum Research Fund has awarded a three-year, $65,000 grant to Carol Parish, professor of chemistry at the University of Richmond.
The American Chemical Society's Petroleum Research Fund has awarded a three-year, $65,000 grant to Carol Parish, professor of chemistry at the University of Richmond.
Chemistry professor wins $50,000 ACS grant
The American Chemical Society's Petroleum Research Fund has awarded a two-year, $50,000 grant to Kristine A. Nolin, assisitant professor of chemistry at the University of Richmond.
The American Chemical Society's Petroleum Research Fund has awarded a two-year, $50,000 grant to Kristine A. Nolin, assisitant professor of chemistry at the University of Richmond.
Environmental studies major introduces inner-city children to gardening
Children attending an after-school program in Northside Richmond are getting their hands dirty, thanks to Keon Monroe, ’13, who spearheaded the creation of a garden in the vacant lot next to their learning center.
Alumni News
RHCS alumnus pursuing graduate studies in interpersonal communication
When Rudy Pett, ’11, first visited the University of Richmond, he chose to observe a class on interpersonal communication, despite knowing nothing about the topic. Today, he’s pursuing a master’s degree in the field.
Recent grad combines psychology and math to improve how people teach algebra
Recent psychology graduate Ryan Smout, ’11, wants to help educators better teach their subjects — whether it’s Latin or algebra.
Philosophy alumnus finds calling in public policy
Alumnus John Calhoun, ’09, is a cheerleader for philosophy majors and describes the foundation he built while studying at Richmond as central to how he sees the world today.
Recent Lectures and Events