Undergraduates honored at annual Student Life Awards

The annual Student Life Awards, also known as the “Rockys,” were held on April 14. The awards recognize undergraduate students who, through service to others, investment of talent and time, and pursuit of excellence, have significantly and positively impacted the University or surrounding community. About 230 students and student organizations are nominated each year.

Why Zelensky is right to be nervous about a Trump return

Newsweek, April 15

Randall Stone, a professor of political science and director of Rochester’s Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies, says that a Trump victory next year could put an expiration date on American support. “The careful diplomacy that Biden has used to build a coalition of support for Ukraine would unravel,” says Stone. “Uncertainty would increase, making miscalculations more likely on all sides, which would increase the probability of a direct confrontation between the United States and Russia.”

Design and create a sleep mask

Enjoy arts and crafts? Need a break from studying? Join the Health Promotion Office to design and create your own sleep mask in the Welles-Brown Room, Rush Rhees Library, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, April 18.

Stress-reduction with Well-U

Are cute animal photos not cutting your stress? Try Well-U’s stress-reduction program starting April 27. You’ll earn $100 and learn tools to calm yourself. Sign up here.

PositiviTEA talk with the Mindful University Project

Join the Mindful University Project for a Tuesday PositiviTEA talk today, April 18, at noon. Take a 15-minute break during your day to make a cup of tea and join on Zoom, take a mindful moment to acknowledge what you’re grateful for, and to re-center your energy. Register for PositiviTEA.

Lecture: ‘What's Wrong with a Libertine King?’

Join Kathrina LaPorta, a clinical associate professor of French literature, thought, and culture, at NYU, for the lecture “What’s Wrong with a Libertine King?: Sex, Power, and Impotence in the Conseil privé de Louis le Grand (1696).” Sponsored by the Margaret Parkhurst Morey Lecture Series in French, the talk takes place from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, in the Humanities Center, Conference Room D, Rush Rhees Library.

Help plant a pollinator garden with the Bee Campus Committee

The University’s Bee Campus Committee is hosting its first pollinator garden open house planting event on Wednesday, April 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at the intersection of Library Road and Intercampus Drive for Dining Team Green’s Bee Day. Come help plant a pollinator habitat with the help of the Horticulture and Grounds Department and get a free bucket hat. Light refreshments will be provided. Sign up here.

Grand rounds webinar on effective partnership and communication in health care

Attend the next public health grand rounds webinar on Friday, April 21, from noon to 1 p.m. Andrea Garroway, an assistant professor of psychiatry and of medicine, and Tziporah Rosenberg, an associate professor of psychiatry and of family medicine, will review communication strategies for both clinicians and patients, particularly around difficult or sensitive topics such as mental health, and address issues related to access, opportunity, and responsibility as it relates to identification and response to mental health needs. Pre-registration is required. ASL interpreters will be present. Email Carolyn Settle with questions.

Submit artwork to the Bridge Art Gallery

The Department of Psychiatry’s Bridge Art Gallery has extended the deadline for the call for art for the exhibit Healing Within to April 30. These past few years have seen significant national turmoil and a growing mental health crisis. Artists are asked to respond to the theme while considering topics such as healing, community, and togetherness. To submit artwork, complete the online form or email the gallery.

Youth Healing Hate grants through the MK Gandhi Institute

The MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence is offering a sixth round of Youth Healing Hate grants for Monroe County youth, ages 12–24. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for youth to increase safety and a sense of community in their schools or local communities. Some of the past projects have included supporting an urban-suburban student exchange program, a peace garden in a Rochester city elementary school, and murals in school bathrooms that include a QR code for students to access social-emotional support. Applications are due Monday, May 1, for projects to be completed by August 31. Contact Katie Thomas for more information.

Virtual ‘Commit to Quit!’ program kicks off May 4

Are you ready to cut back or stop using nicotine? “Commit to Quit!,” a free virtual group program offered by the Center for Community Health & Prevention, could be the right fit for you or a family member. The next six-session weekly series starts at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 4. Learn from others with similar goals and work with certified smoking cessation experts. Register today.

Participate in a COVID-19 clinical study

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three days, and who currently have symptoms, may be eligible for a clinical study of a new investigational medication designed to reduce the duration of COVID-19 symptoms. Participants may receive $600 for study visits and travel, and free transportation to the study clinic is available. Email volunteer@rochestervictoryalliance.org or call (585) 756-2329.

Rochester’s softball team won its 18th straight game on Sunday to tie the program record with a doubleheader sweep of the Ithaca College Bombers. The Yellowjackets next face Nazareth College on Tuesday as they look to set a new record for the longest win streak in program history. Go Yellowjackets!