When COVID-19 vaccines first became available, the hope was that, over time, the Medical Center’s Employee Health clinics would be able to provide the vaccine to all eligible University faculty and staff. However, evolving direction from New York State, combined with a national shortage of vaccine, make this an unrealistic goal, and an understandably frustrating experience for many.
The University awaits direction from the Monroe County Department of Health on vaccine supply and distribution, including how medical conditions will affect eligibility. The Government and Community Relations team is also working closely with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities to advocate for University employees with New York State. For now, however, all eligible non-1A University faculty and staff are encouraged to look for appointments at other vaccine clinics run by the county or the state or offered by local pharmacies. The Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub is the best source of up-to-date information on these clinics. Read the full update.
In this issue:
Lynne Maquat has been awarded the 2021 Wolf Prize in Medicine, an international award given to outstanding scientists from around the world for achievements that benefit humanity
There are a few notable moments in history to mark on Sunday: Frederick Douglass’ birthday and the University’s formal charter being issued
Since Thursday’s notice in @Rochester, there are eight new cases of COVID-19 to report: six River Campus students, one Eastman Campus student, and one Medical Campus student. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily. Whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.
It’s extremely important for the health of the University community that individuals continue to adhere to the face masking and social distancing protocols. Even as some individuals are now receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine, these practices to prevent the transmission of the virus cannot be relaxed.
If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to report them through Dr. Chat Bot—for non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students and for Medical Center employees—immediately. Even if you think your symptoms might be something else—like a cold, seasonal congestion, or allergies—it’s still important to tell University health professionals and contact tracers what you’re experiencing.
Lynne Maquat awarded 2021 Wolf Prize in Medicine
Lynne Maquat, the J. Lowell Orbison Distinguished Service Alumni Professor in biochemistry and biophysics and the director of Rochester’s Center for RNA Biology, was honored with the 2021 Wolf Prize in Medicine. Maquat was selected for the international award for “fundamental discoveries in RNA biology that have the potential to better human lives.”
Annual inspireDANCE Festival connects to dance community and beyond
Commemorating Frederick Douglass's birthday, University's formal charter
This Sunday would’ve been the 203rd birthday of the abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass who spent his most active years in Rochester. Like most African Americans born into slavery, Douglass was never told the date and year of his birth. He chose February 14. One of the most extensive collections of Douglass artifacts—including signed passes for the Underground Railroad, letters, broadsides, and other materials—can be found in the Rush Rhees Library’s Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation.
A more recent addition is the “Farewell Song of Frederick Douglass,” a rare work that hadn’t likely been performed in more than 100 years until 2019. One of two known copies of the sheet music was acquired by Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation.
This Sunday is also an important day in University history. On February 14, 1851, the Regents of the University of the State of New York issued a formal charter to the University, establishing it as “an institution of the highest order for scientific and classical education.” The University was granted its provisional charter a year earlier, on January 31, 1850. The full charter is posted here.
Tired of sitting through a presentation full of good ideas? Join the Barbara J. Burger iZone for a fun night of bad ideas on which you can passionately present. Prizes are given for humor, spontaneity, and confidence. This event takes place Wednesday, February 17, at 7 p.m. EST. It is open to all students but particularly targeted toward AS&E undergraduates. Register here to attend.
Applications open for Rochester Urban Fellows, Rochester Youth Year
Rochester Urban Fellows is a paid, full-time, 10-week summer program of experiential learning for local undergraduates to develop real-world and professional skills, increase their understanding of urban issues and poverty, and develop supportive ties to the Rochester community and its organizations. First-year students, sophomores, and juniors from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Friday, February 19.
Rochester Youth Year (RYY) is a year of paid, full-time service that engages and empowers recent graduates of local colleges to strengthen the capacity and reach of community organizations. The work of RYY enhances efforts to address the effects of poverty on Rochester youth and families. Members serve at public agencies or nonprofits and work to innovate, sustain, or expand initiatives. Seniors from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Friday, March 5.
Nominations are due Tuesday, March 16, for the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s 2021 academic mentoring awards. There are three awards: one for mentoring junior faculty; one for mentoring predoctoral trainees and postdoctoral trainees or fellows in basic science research; and one for mentoring residents, fellows, or other clinical trainees in clinical care or clinical research. The awards will be presented at the school’s convocation in the fall. Details and nomination requirements are available online. Note the two-step process, and that nominations should be led by the department chair or unit director.
'Will you marry me?': Three couples share their on-campus proposals
According to University records, about 10 percent of Rochester’s alumni are married to other alumni, not to mention the faculty and staff who’ve met their sweethearts on campus. In celebration of Valentine’s Day on Sunday, three couples share their on-campus engagement stories.
Webinar on child poverty in Rochester
Join the Susan B. Anthony Center for a panel discussion on poverty as the cause of debilitating outcomes in cognition, emotional stability, and health for poor children. The event takes place Tuesday, February 16, at 4 p.m. EST. Register here to attend.
Lecture on intersections between the civil rights movement, the faith community, and mental health
Join a conversation on the intersection between the civil rights movement, the faith community, and mental health, and start a discussion of the Black church in past and present justice movements. The aim of this event is to provide a space for psychological safety in the midst of ongoing racial injustice. The lecture takes place Friday, February 26, at noon EST. Learn more and register here.
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