A colonial history: Jamestown, Plymouth and, yes, Bermuda

In his new book, Isle of Devils, Isle of Saints: An Atlantic History of Bermuda, 1609-1684, Michael Jarvis, an associate professor of history, argues that Bermuda belongs at the center, not the periphery, of the American colonial story.

During the spring semester, 18 Rochester students—including Tara Broadmeadow ’24 and Skylar DiBlasi ’25, pictured—traveled with Jarvis, who also directs the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project, to St. George’s, the old capital of Bermuda. Together with the Bermuda National Trust, the Rochester team has been working on combined research projects, trying to better understand and document the island’s history, including slavery and its role in the English colonization of America. Find photos and more information on their work here.

COVID-19 vaccines may undergo major overhaul this fall

Science, May 23

“From what we know now, matching the vaccine to whatever circulating variants you’re trying to protect against probably does best,” says Angela Branche, an assistant professor of medicine and codirector of the Medical Center’s vaccine treatment and evaluation unit.

Survey on the Medical Center Dean and CEO search

The University has launched an online survey to hear what expectations faculty and staff have for potential candidates in the key leadership role of Medical Center Dean and CEO. Individual responses will be collected anonymously and aggregated by Spencer Stuart, the search firm assisting with candidate recruitment. The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. Share your input here. The survey will close on Thursday, June 8.

Current CEO Mark Taubman announced in September 2022 that he will step away from the leadership role following the completion of his current term at the end of the calendar year. A search committee, chaired by Elizabeth Milavec, executive vice president for administration and finance, CFO, and treasurer, has been formed to assess candidates and recommend finalists to the president. The decision regarding the appointment will be made by the president, subject to the approval of the University Board of Trustees.

VSP Vision Care reminder

If you enrolled in VSP Vision Care for 2023—you would see “Benefit Extras Before Tax” on your pay stub—you don’t need a card to utilize your benefits. When you go to a vision appointment, you can tell them your VSP ID number, which is three zeros followed by your employee ID number. Find more information about your coverage here.

Find your next summer read with the University's virtual book club

Enjoy the next selection from the University’s virtual book club, The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai. Set against the backdrop of the Việt Nam War, this multigenerational tale follows Trần Diệu Lan and her six children as they are forced to flee their family farm during the Land Reform and rise of the Communist government in the North. The reading period begins on Friday, May 26, but readers can join at any time.

Connect with Simon's part-time programs staff in Flaum Atrium

Stop by and chat with an admissions representative about Simon Business School’s programs for working professionals on Tuesday, May 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Sarah Flaum Atrium, Medical Center. Learn more about University tuition benefits and merit-based scholarship opportunities. The first 10 registrants will receive a voucher for a free coffee at Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters (vouchers will be handed out at the table) and all visitors will receive an application fee waiver up to a $150 value.

Community CPR and AED training

This course will provide training and certification for community CPR and will cover adult, child, and infant CPR/AED use along with choking, opioid, and water safety. Register to attend on June 2 or 10. The course is offered at a 50 percent discount in recognition of National CPR Week. Registration is open to University staff, family, and community members.

Yesterday was the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new UR Medicine Orthopaedics and Physical Performance Surgery Center at Marketplace Mall. The surgery center, procedure suite, and advanced imaging services are now open. Follow UR Medicine on Instagram for more on what’s to come including the patient clinic, physical therapy, and the Center for Human Athleticism and Musculoskeletal Performance and Prevention (CHAMPP).