Davidson College trustees adopt blueprint for innovations on campus

By KATHERINE JOHNSON
DavidsonNews.net

After two years of study, Davidson College has adopted a new strategic plan that outlines initiatives to help the college flourish in the future, including diversifying and globalizing the curriculum and student body, creating a Center for Teaching and Learning, and increasing enrollment by 150 students. Read the full story

A group of Davidson Day seventh and eighth graders is traveling this week with their teacher in Nova Scotia, where their trip made the local newspaper. The News, of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, reported in an article Read the full story

Dr. Tom Marshburn

Astronaut Tom Marshburn visited a school Monday in his hometown of Statesville. The 1982 Davidson College graduate, who also has relatives in Davidson, urged kids to find something they love and to work hard at it.

Read more in the Tuesday, Oct. 6,  Statesville Record & Landmark article,  “Astronaut describes what life is like in space.”

Michael Levi speaks at Davidson College (Bill Giduz photo)

By ALEX GREGOR
DavidsonNews.net

The world needs new energy policies soon to reduce the effects of global warming, and the United States can lead the way by cutting greenhouse gas emissions at home and encouraging change throughout the world, climate change expert Michael Levi said at Davidson College Tuesday night. Read the full story

World Habitat Day is Monday, focusing on housing worldwide. Above, the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Habitat for Humanity/Steffan Hacker)

A Giving Spirit Foundation presents its 2nd annual Autumn Family Fest this Saturday, Oct. 3, on the green at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Also below, details about the Davidson Housing Coalition’s Ride for Hope & Housing, also on Saturday. We also have news about upcoming events to raise money for Easter Seals, Barium Springs Home for Children, the Hole in the Wall Gang camps, United Family Services, and a NASCAR-related charity aimed at women in the automotive business. Also, info about Monday’s World Habitat Day 2009, and tomorrow’s (Wednesday, Sept. 30) dining fund-raiser for Cornelius Animal Shelter‘s wellness program.

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Haleh Esfandiari speaks at Davidson College Thursday. (Bill Giduz photo)

By KATHERINE JOHNSON
DavidsonNews.net

Two years ago, Dr. Haleh Esfandiari lived in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison. When she wasn’t being subjected to daily six- to eight- hour interrogations by Iranian intelligence forces, she was confined to her cell with only a blanket, a Koran and her thoughts. On Thursday night, Dr. Esfandiari, 69, stood before a packed house in Davidson College’s 900 Room and spoke about her experience with poise, humor, insight and optimism for the future of her home country. Read the full story

Robin Wright speaks at Davidson College. (Bill Giduz photo)

By KATHERINE JOHNSON
DavidsonNews.net

People worldwide may be disappointed that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remains in office after this summer’s fraud-ridden-election, but Iran is at a critical turning point, facing a severe challenge to its 30-year-old Islamic Revolution, journalist Robin Wright said Wednesday night at Davidson College.

Thanks to news coverage of post-election protests, “the outside world sees Iranians to root for and people we can identify with,” Ms. Wright said in lecture at Duke Family Performance Hall. Read the full story

Davidson College said Tuesday it has received a $2.2 million gift from Carole and Marcus Weinstein, of Richmond, Va. In conjunction with the gift, the college plans to rename its international studies offices for the couple and two other campus locations will be renamed in honor of former President Sam Spencer and his wife, Ava. Read the full story