Meliora 2021: A new spin on a popular fall weekend
The University is easing back into its beloved traditions this fall with a variety of virtual and in-person events for alumni, students, parents, and friends. Scheduled for Friday, October 1, and Saturday, October 2, Meliora 2021 is designed especially for the Class of 2020, parents and families, and reunion classes whose year of graduation ends in 0, 1, 5, or 6. It also marks the first reunion celebration for the Class of 2021. Meliora 2021 will feature academic lectures and programming as well as a social village with food trucks, live music, and more.
The signature event of the weekend will be the “One University” Commencement Ceremony on Saturday morning for all students who had degrees conferred in 2020. Featured guests include Geena Davis, the Academy Award–winning actor, producer, and gender equality advocate, who will give the commencement address on Saturday. On Friday night, comedian, actress, entrepreneur, advocate, and author Margaret Cho will perform.
Search begins for the next vice provost, dean of University of Rochester Libraries
A committee will begin a national search for the position of vice provost and the Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean of the University of Rochester Libraries. The search committee is charged with recruiting and recommending highly qualified candidates to serve in this leadership position, and ensuring the entirety of their work is framed with the University’s fundamental values of equity and inclusion. The committee will be chaired by Joan Saab, vice provost of academic affairs and professor of art history. As previously announced, Mary Ann Mavrinac, who for nine years led the University of Rochester Libraries, is retiring. She will continue to carry out her duties as dean until early January 2022.
In the past year, a lot of people have changed up their running routine—some out of necessity, and others due to increased stress or anxiety. “I saw a huge increase in stress fractures, which is an overuse injury from high-impact activity,” says Katherine Rizzone, an assistant professor of orthopaedics. She also saw a lot of injuries from runners slipping on the snow and ice during the early months of the lockdown, when the weather was cold and slick and the gyms were closed.
‘Lunch and Listen’ program for Medical Center staff and clinical workers features jazz faculty
The next “Lunch and Listen” concert from Eastman Performing Arts Medicine and the Office of Patient Experience takes place today, Tuesday, July 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT. Medical Center staff and clinical workers can join via Zoom and call in to make requests. This week’s concert features Eastman School of Music faculty members trumpeter Clay Jenkins, a professor of jazz studies and contemporary media, and guitarist Bob Sneider, an associate professor of jazz studies and contemporary media.
Tuition waiver benefits for postdocs
Beginning this fall, full-time postdocs will be eligible upon appointment for a 95 percent tuition waiver for two credit-bearing courses per semester or quarter at the University. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the tuition webpage.
Get a head start with your 403(b) plan
TIAA is hosting a live webinar for new employees or employees who want to learn more about the University’s 403(b) retirement plan on Wednesday, July 14, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Reserve your spot here.
Benefits overview webinar
Are you newly hired or newly benefit eligible? The Office of Total Rewards is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, July 20, at noon EDT to review and explain all benefit options. Representatives will be available to answer questions live throughout the presentation. Register here.
‘One University, Many Objects: Using Artifacts to Tell Our Story’
From the University’s Charter to Rush Rhees’s umbrella to reunion swag to oversized mascot heads––spend an hour exploring objects that tell the University’s history. Join Melissa Mead, the John M. and Barbara Keil University Archivist and Rochester Collections Librarian, and Mark Zaid ’89 as they highlight their favorite items from the University Archives and Zaid’s personal collection. Register here for the event, presented as part of the Experience Rochester series, taking place Thursday, July 15, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT.
Work is progressing nicely on the new Sloan Performing Arts Center. Slated to open later this year, the facility will provide new space on the University’s River Campus for theatrical programs, dance programs, concerts, and other activities.
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