Davidson College’s spring
convocation last week celebrated achievements by about 250 members of the college community, including several professors (and neighbors).
Among the highlights: Assistant professor of history Jane Mangan (photo) was chosen as the inaugural holder of the new Malcolm O. Partin Professorship. And Assistant Professor Scott Tonidandel ’95 is the next holder of the rotating MacArthur Professorship for young faculty members.
The Student Government Association presented its annual faculty award to Durwin Striplin, associate professor of chemistry, as a “beacon of enthusiasm.”
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) presented its annual teaching award to Patrick Sellers, an associate professor of political science lauded for a dedication and commitment to teaching that extends beyond the classroom and into the daily lives of students.
And the college presented an honorary doctor of laws degree to 1968 Davidson alumnus William Andrews, senior associate dean of fine arts and humanities at UNC Chapel Hill. Andrews then presented a keynote address entitled “How I Got Here,” which described his unlikely academic evolution to become the nation’s foremost scholar of African-American slave autobiographies.
MOLINARY BOOK DUE
Davidson-based writer Rosie Molinary is awaiting the June 1 publication of a new book titled “Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image and Growing Up Latina” and the early reviews are flattering. The book draws on hundreds of interviews to portray the diversity of experience among American Latinas.
Author Julia Alvarez says of the book, “ ‘Hijas Americanas’ gives voice to the many influences that go into making strong, talented, beautiful Latina women. Its broad-based approach includes Latinas of all stripes, races, ethnicities, who have made different choices about what balance to strike between their two cultures. Rosie Molinary contributes to a much-needed conversation that needs to happen about what defines us as a community as well as what challenges us as individuals.”
Ms. Molinary plans a summer book tour around the Southeast to promote “Hijas Americanas.” It should be in stores after June 1. The book also can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com
Read more on her MySpace page for the book, http://www.myspace.com/rosiemolinary
TONY SNOW VISITS
White House Press Secretary and Davidson College alumnus Tony Snow made an un-publicized stop at the college Friday afternoon to speak about his career in politics and journalism.
In a Friday lecture open to students only, Mr. Snow reminisced about his time as a Davidson student and answered questions.
Many of the queries focused on the multitude of news sources in today’s society. Mr. Snow expressed enthusiasm for the many ways people can get information about politics these days, and said, “The essence of good journalism is not to show off, it’s to explore.” — Emmaline Harvey
BABY STEWART ARRIVES
Walker Berkeley Stewart was born on Tuesday, April 24, at Carolinas Medical Center. He’s the second child of Dave and Betsey Stewart of Hillside Drive. Mr. Stewart is a developer with Harris Associates.
WORDS OF VAGT
Bobby Vagt, president of Davidson College, delivered the inaugural Chidsey Leadership Lecture Wednesday night, April 11. His talk posed questions about leadership, such as “Can you be a leader if you don’t like to make decisions?”, and included personal anecdotes of some challenges he’s faced over time as a leader. Dr. Vagt concluded his lecture by asking the audience for their input on the question “Is there.. an ethical component to leadership?”, and left the Davidson students with “Anytime you set a worthy example, by word or by deed, you lead. And we need you to lead.” — Emmaline Harvey
TIP HONORS WOODLAWN STUDENTS
Woodlawn School has had its biggest year ever for participation in the 7th grade Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP), which recognizes high-achieving students.
Woodlawn students honored by Duke TIP include: Grand Recognition Michael Chuber (Davidson), Aidan Berkey (Davidson).
State Recognition: Stacy Mroz (Charlotte), Elizabeth Davis (Cornelius), Dana Neidinger (Davidson), Riley Beatty (Davidson), Ian Neft (Huntersville), Zach Lingle (Davidson).
Participants: Cassidy Coutinho (Cornelius), Emma Haupt (Davidson), William O’Connell (Davidson), Abbie White (Huntersville), Joseph Moran (Mooresville).
Woodlawn School is an independent school serving grades 3-9, located 1 mile north of Davidson. For more information on Woodlawn, see their website.
NEW RELIGION PROFESSOR
Davidson College has landed a distinguished theologian to fill a new professorship in its religion department. Douglas F. Ottati is leaving his position at Union Theological Seminary to become the new Craig Family Distinguished Professorship in Reformed Theology and Justice Ministry.
Professor Ottati has been teaching at Davidson this semester as the Lester Coltrane Professor of Religion. Read more about him on the college website.
