News · W&M News · 2006 archive

Calderon shows symbolism and substance

A first-person essay was written by George W. Grayson, Class of 1938 Professor of Government at the College, after he attended the inauguration of Felipe Calderón as president of Mexico on Dec. 1.

Reagan to serve as chief of staff for Webb

Alumnus Paul Reagan has agreed to serve as chief of staff for the newly elected U.S. senator from Virginia.

Cooley tackles musical challenges

Shane Cooley and the Aviators helps band leader take on new challenges at William and Mary and beyond.

Students Serve to help collegians nationwide

Junior Angela Perkey saw a need and created a nonprofit organization to meet it.

College flag flies at MEI conference

For the second consecutive year, the William and Mary flag was flown on a table at the annual conference of the Middle East Institute (MEI) in Washington, D.C.

Global Friends help in transitions

Global Friends link international students at the College with the Williamsburg community.

AIDS funding problematic despite increases

Recent infusions of cash into the global AIDS fight could become problematic if care for the sick is done at the expense of prevention, said Susan Peterson, professor of government.

Jazz great inspires students

Jazz musician Donald "Duck" Harrison sweats the small stuff, and he expects that same from William and Mary students.

Orth helps shine light on global seagrass crisis

VIMS professor Robert Orth is co-author of a report indicating that the seagrass problems of the Chesapeake Bay are global in scale.

Medical mission corps: Empowering a community

The Medical Mission Corps is providing sustainable intervention in the Dominican Republic. President Nichol is scheduled to travel with the group in December.

BOV: School of Ed to get new facility

The Board of Visitors were told that the College will move forward with plans to construct a new facility for the education school.

More than equipment at rec center

Renovated facility meeting broader needs of community.

English scholars earn Trollope Prize

English scholars at the College received first- and third-place honors in the Trollope Prize Expository Writing Program hosted by Harvard University.

NIAHD alumna becomes student-in-residence

Heather Dunn, an alumna of the first NIAHD pre-collegiate program, has returned to campus as the NIAHD student-in-residence.

Law classroom named for Sullivan

A classroom at the law school was dedicated to Timothy J. Sullivan, former president of the College and former dean of the law school.

Latino forum builds understanding

The Voices of Our Latino Community forum drew attention to cultural obstacles.

Board passes diversity resolution

The Board of Visitors approved a resolution that outlines the College's commitment to diversity.

Fiorina talks about her 'Tough Choices'

Fiorina, the former chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard, spoke about the challenges of changing a corporate culture.

College hosts national ethnohistory event

By all accounts, the annual meeting of the American Society for Ethnohistory hosted at the College Nov. 1-5 was an unqualified success.

Architectural ghosts at President's House

The “ghosts” discovered recently at the President’s House are not of a typical variety—they are architectural and more historic than spooky.

Allen's gaffes set stage for Webb win

Ron Rapoport, professor of government, believes campaign miscues by Sen. George Allen opened the door for his challenger, Jim Webb, to win his seat.

National acclaim to Bukzin marrow drive

The Alan Bukzin Memorial Bone Marrow Drive has received the first Collegiate Award from the National Marrow Donor Program.

College police officer earns Bronze Star

William and Mary police officer Beonko Sampson earned a Bronze Star in Iraq as a member of the Army Reserve unit based at Ft. Eustis.

Homecoming reflects Campaign impact

The College community benefited from significant gifts that were offered during homecoming weekend 2006.

Muscarelle offers glimpse of European masters

Italian, Dutch, Flemish and French Renaissance and Baroque paintings are featured at the Muscarelle Museum.

Law school poised to inform recount debate

Law-school program poised to deal with challenges resulting from close elections.

Do not give up on the environment

Researchers at VIMS conducted a mini-school at the Science Museum of Virginia titled "Global Warming in the Chesapeake Bay."

Students active in statewide campaigns

Democrats and Republicans at the College are active in the statewide campaigns.

College election pundits: Who needs CNN?

Professors in the College's government department are as insightful as analysts touted by mainstream news networks.

Early arrival: Scott's workday is birthday

As Jennifer Scott was preparing to give a presentation to 300 high-school students, her own unborn child decided it was time to arrive.

Anger management: The art of cartooning

Accomplished editorial cartoonist Ed Stein said it is tough to get angry six days a week at the opening of a Swem Library exhibition.

Egger sees new momentum for nonprofits

Robert Egger, who is emerging as a leader in the world of nonprofit organizations, encouraged students to help shape an infusion of momentum in that sector.

Homecoming 2006: Something for everyone

Homecoming 2006 featured music, parades and thousands of feathers. At its heart, however, were the reconnections among old friends.

Law students make moot-court history

Four law school students made history while competing with law-school teams from Australia in a virtual moot court competition.

Slain Frenchmen remembered at College

Memorial service at the Sir Christopher Wren Building honors Frenchmen who died during the Siege of Yorktown in 1781.

College to continue early admission

Although other top-tier schools are abandoning the early admission process, administrators say it is working effectively at William and Mary.

Restructuring: A quiet revolution

The College has begun to experience the benefits, as well as the responsibilities, of the Higher Education Restructuring Act.

Chancellor entertains, enlightens students

Chancellor Sandra Day O’Connor talked about her personal and her professional experiences during forums with students at the College.

Writing comes from living, says Brakenbury

One has to live in order to write, the College's writer-in-residence told students during a reading of her work.

Ferro helps music students find voices

World renowned voice instructor Daniel Ferro helped students find their voices.

Sisterhood of the traveling journal

Three students stay in touch despite being in various parts of the world through a traveling journal.

The 'Grind': Coffee shop in Owen's image

Clients of the College's Daily Grind are as assorted as are the interests of its manager, Scott Owen.

Remembering Vaughn and LeCates

Students are taking steps to perpetuate remembrance of two members of the class of 2007 who died recently.

Environmentalists in the Boardroom

Environmentalists in the Boardroom was the title of the 2006 Distinguished Faculty Lecture delivered by Sarah Stafford, associate professor of government at the College.

Contentious issues at philosophy conference

Whether intelligent-design theory should be taught in public schools was among the contentious topics given a hearing during the Conference on the Future of Democracy.

Policy, business and the future of Iraq

A first-person essay written by recent graduate Banan Malkawi (’05) concerning her introduction to doing business in Iraq.

Plumeri tapped to lead homecoming parade

Joe Plumeri has been tapped to ride in the front of the 2006 homecoming parade.

Surviving academic diversity topic for Pretlow

Carol J. Pretlow, an emerging voice on national security law and terrorism at Norfolk State University, came to William and Mary to provide students with tools to help them embrace academic diversity.

Lake's alive! Matoaka survives hot summer

Cooling autumn temperatures and an influx of fresh water from tropical depression Ernesto have Lake Matoaka breathing easier again.

Olsen discusses Peace Corp service

Jody Olsen used stories to convey the opportunities available through the Peace Corps.

Family Weekend: Tribe parents stay connected

More than 1,400 Tribe parents came to the College for Family Weekend. For them, it was all about their kids.

Super Tailgate: Pre-game party for students

UCAB and the athletics department seek to create pre-game parties for students.

Child-care center gets NAEYC accreditation

Pre-schoolers enrolled in Williamsburg Campus Child Care at the Sarah Ives Gore Center are in the best of hands.

The Inquisition: Is it relevant to Guantanamo?

Lu Ann Homza knows that readers of her recent book The Spanish Inquisition: 1478-1614 will perceive parallels to current debates about the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

Welsh's Enigma: A cryptological collection

Robert Welsh has a fully functioning Enigma machine among his personal collection of cryptological devices.

VIMS and NOAA tackle 'ghost' pots

VIMS and NOAA recently announced plans to help remove derelict crab pots from riverbeds in the Chesapeake watershed.

Citizen-lawyer ethos re-enforced at law school

New law students learned about the College's citizen-lawyer ethos during a tour of Colonial Williamsburg.

'Who Killed the Electric Car?' debated

The documentary 'Who Killed the Electric Car?' used as a primer for undergraduates in the business school.

Faculty/student research initiatives announced

The president announced a two-pronged initiative to facilitate and enhance research opportunities at the College.

BOV hears about new campus facilities

Members of the Board of Visitors are updated on Jamestown dormitories, the new business school building, the new education school building and other construction projects.

Talking Judaism and baseball with Raphael

Marc Raphael, professor of Judaic studies, talks about his recent book What is Jewish About America's "Favorite Pastime"?

Foster ('07) cited as service heroine

Jessica Foster ('07) has received the 2006 President's Award for Service to the Community.

Berquist's service reaches across generations

Karen Berquist has been honored with the 2006 President's Award for Service to the College.

Alumni throw party at Egyptian Embassy

Nearly 400 alumni met at the Egyptian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to mingle with Gene Nichol and with each other.

Diplomacy and the loss of time

Egyptian ambassador Nabil Fahmy considers how diplomatic decisions are made in an age of information overload.

Governor Kaine appoints Charles A. Banks to W&M Board of Visitors

Charles A. Banks, Group Chief Executive of Wolseley, the world’s largest supplier of heating and plumbing products, has been appointed by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to the College of William and Mary Board of Visitors.

Lessons from the front lines of terrorism

Seniors Scott Brown and Michael Reed went to Israel to study terrorism while the Israeli government was at war with Hezbollah.

Tribe students take D.C. by storm

Law Library construction is on schedule

Construction of the new library at the Law School is proceeding on schedule.

Text of Buck's convocation address

Text of the convocation address delivered by keynote speaker Warren W. Buck at the College on Sept. 5.

Excellence and compassion: Buck welcomes freshmen

Warren Buck (’76) was the keynote speaker for the 2006 opening convocation ceremony.

Pageant phase earns Casey top national finish

Freshman Samantha Casey placed in the top five during the Miss Teen USA contest.

Abdel-Fattah explores surface science

Incoming freshman Dina Abdel-Fattah received high-end research experience before entering the College.

Schoenberger’s book is behind 'Hollywoodland'

"Hollywoodland," the movie about the death of George Reeves, the TV Superman, is based on a book co-written by Nancy Schoenberger, professor of English at the College.

Chaloupka: Why physics at William and Mary?

Jan Chaloupka makes the case for studying physics at the College.

Researchers uncover evidence of Wren gardens

Archaeologists help to solve an 80-year-old mystery near the Sir Christopher Wren Building.

Day for dreams: Class of 2010 takes up residence

It was hard to sense who was more excited during move-in day at the College: the freshmen, the upperclassmen or the College’s staff, who view the process as one of the most exciting events on campus.

College welcomes a diverse freshman class

The class of 2010 is one of the brightest and most diverse in the history of William and Mary.

'Hubris' fuels Israeli and U.S. mistakes in the Middle East says Wilkerson

Incursion this summer by Israeli military forces into southern Lebanon represents only “the most recent indication of failed policies in the Middle East,” said Lawrence Wilkerson, visiting professor of government.

U.S. News: College remains among the nation's best

The College of William and Mary remains among the nation’s best universities, according to the 2006 annual rankings of colleges by "U.S. News & World Report."

Students serve Eastern Shore farm workers

Students serving on the Eastern Shore provided translation services for Spanish-speaking migrant farm workers, many of whom were illegal immigrants.

William and Mary's response to Staff Committee report

William and Mary President Gene R. Nichol's response to the NCAA Staff Committee report dated June 20, 2006.

Reply to the Staff Commitee's response to the William and Mary appeal

Response written by Chancellor Professor of Law Richard A. Williamson to the Staff Committee's response to the William and Mary appeal.

Back from Israel: Two students consider the conflict

Roy Mor ('10) and Erica Fredericks ('07) spent part of the summer in Israel. Back in the United States, they keenly are watching the conflict between Lebanon and Israel unfold.

Petersburg rising: The Phoenix Project impacts a city

Fifteen William and Mary students worked through the pilot Phoenix Project program to partner with non-profit service agencies in Petersburg, Va.

Student evacuates Lebanon as war escalates

Michael Fares was studying at the American University of Beirut when war forced him to cut his summer session short.

College Summit students envision possibilities

Twenty-eight rising high-school seniors began to see college as a possibility during a four-day College Summit seminar on the campus of William and Mary.

Q&A: Reiss on North Korea, Iran and other 'hot spots'

Mitchell Reiss, vice provost for international affairs, discusses the world's hot spots beginning with the nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Iran.

Graduate student on zero-emissions road trip

Believing that global climate change trumps all other environmental concerns, James Rosenthal, a graduate student at the College, embarked this summer on a zero-emissions road trip.

Scientific research meets spiritual pursuits in pilgrimage study

M. Brennan Harris is studying the physiological effects of a 30-day pilgrimage on a team of William and Mary students.

Designing for Shakespeare: Wesp knows actors' needs

Patricia Wesp, the talented and versatile costume designer for the Viergina Shakespeare Festival, has a star quality all her own.

Founding Fathers were primarily Deists, Holmes says

The Founding Fathers fit the category of "men of faith" although that faith is different from "the faith of most Christians today," says David Holmes.

Finding John Henry: Nelson reveals where the bodies are buried

The real John Henry was a convict who was forced to work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. It killed him, according to Scott Nelson, associate professor of history at the College.

Q&A with Nelson: Beyond the myth of John Henry

Q&A with Scott Nelson, associate professor of history, who discusses his discovery of the real John Henry as detailed in his new book Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American Legend (to be published in October 2006).

Jim Gleason: Sui generis

Jim Gleason, who passed away on July 5, had a prickly exterior underpinned with a heart of gold--a heart that was given totally to the College.

Study shows no significant gain for nationally certified teachers

A study of more than 300 fifth-grade teachers in North Carolina found that the distinction of being a nationally certified teacher doesn’t necessarily translate into greater student success in the classroom.

Brian Watts speaks

Methodology—fly low, count fast.

Compose yourself

Computers can remove the drudgery, but can't replace musical creativity.

A tale of two cities

2007 will be Jamestown's year, but 1607 was all about Werowocomoco.  

Integrating Sciences

Dennis Manos, vice provost for research, talks about the Integrated Science Center.

A fortress under siege

An Internet community of scholars chips away at a mammoth project

50 years later: Alums repeat vows in Wren

John and Carol Marsh returned to the scene of their wedding—the Wren Chapel—after 50 years to re-create their matrimonial ceremony.

Nichol praises College's 'marvelous' staff during Employee Appreciation Day

President Gene Nichol led in honoring staff members of the College during the 2006 Employee Appreciation Day picnic.

Sharing the love: Brown celebrates 50 years of service

For his half-century of service to the students at William and Mary, the College honored "Guy" Brown during its 2006 Employee Appreciation Day.

AIDS/Tanzania: Envisioning a life of service in Africa

As she prepares to lead the second AIDS/Tanzania group from the College to Africa, Jenn Guyant already is envisioning a life of service there.

Journey to Tanzania: Guyant's journal

Excerpts from the Tanzania journal of Jenn Guyant.

Journey to Tanzania: DeBell's journal

Excerpts from the Tanzania journal of Paul DeBell ('06).

Journey to Tanzania: Pattenn's journal

Excerpts from the Tanzania journal of Audrie Pattenn ('06).

Smith ('80, Ed.D) hosts dinner in honor of his professors

Russell Smith returned to campus 26 years after receiving his graduate degree in order to host a dinner in honor of his professors.

'Artifacts of Work': Smith's tribute to professors

Remarks made by Russell Smith ('80, Ed.D) during a dinner that he hosted in honor of his professors at William and Mary.

And they wintered happily ever after

Research, coupled with advocacy, helps to create a Panamanian shorebird preserve.  

Dominion establishes faculty development fund

Dominion Foundation donates $250,000 to support research and professional development opportunities for faculty members at the College.

Sarah LeCates is remembered at College

Sarah LeCates, a philosophy major at the College, had a passion for helping others. She died unexpectedly May 20 while traveling in Africa.

Governor recognizes Sharpe scholars for VDH work

On May 9, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia recognized students in William and Mary’s Sharpe Community Scholars Program at a press conference for their work with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

Capstone proposal is heart of reaccreditation process

David Aday, director of William and Mary’s reaccreditation effort, gave a presentation to a group of visiting academics representing the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

College honors students with awards

William and Mary honored students with awards at Commencement 2006.

Professors honored during commencement

Professors Herrington Bryce of the Mason School of Business and Paul Marcus of the William and Mary Law School were honored during the College’s commencement ceremonies. Bryce was named the recipient of the 2006 Thomas Ashley Graves Jr. Award. Marcus received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

Batten honored with Botetourt Award

The College recently recognized Frank Batten for his service and faithfulness by giving him the Lord Botetourt Award.

Honors projects give seniors a head start after their graduations

This month, 123 William and Mary seniors graduated with honors, a distinction given in recognition of their yearlong work on an honors research project. While topics ranged from theatrical set design to genetic analysis of bacteria, they all shared the requirements of having to write a research paper and prepare a thesis defense.

Artistic milestones displayed at Andrews Gallery

At Andrews Gallery, an aesthetic experience comprising architecture, ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture by all 17 William and Mary art department seniors awaited visitors during the final weeks of the academic year.

Galano’s students learn to give psychology away

Joseph Galano, associate professor of psychology, sends students upstream to improve the human condition.

LambdaRail speeds up College’s networking capabilities

Virginia’s K-12 schools, museums and libraries will be among the first in the nation to connect to both National LambdaRail (NLR) and Internet2, which will provide better access to educational and research resources worldwide.

Magill meets her moment during College tribute

On May 13, Rector of the College Susan Magill was nearly speechless at an event she hosted as master of ceremonies.

NCAA rules 'Tribe' not offensive; objects to feathers

The College will appeal an NCAA ruling objecting to the use of feathers as part of the Tribe athletic logo.

President Gene Nichol's commencement remarks

Following are the written remarks delivered by President Gene Nichol during the College's 2006 commencement ceremony.

Matthew Scranton's ('06) commencement remarks

The written remarks of Matthew Scranton delivered during the College's 2006 commencement ceremony.

Desmond Tutu's commencement remarks

A transcript of remarks made by Archbishop Desmond Tutu during the College's 2006 commencement ceremony.

Maintain judicial independence O’Connor tells law graduates

Judicial independence must be maintained, Sandra Day O’Connor, former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and recently installed chancellor of the College, told more than 200 graduates during the law school's commencement.

Tutu challenges graduates to partner with God

Archbishop Desmond Tutu delivered the featured commencement speech during 2006 graduation exercises at the College.

Poverty simulation brings home trials of obtaining services

Howard organizes poverty simulation to help his students connect faces to their topics of study.

Soldier returns from Iraq to participate in commencement

Miranda Summers given leave from her U.S. Army unit in Iraq to attend commencement ceremonies with her graduating class.

Governor gives nod to Sharpe Scholars

The College's Sharpe Community Scholars program was recognized for its contributions to the Commonwealth by Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine.

Reluctant philosopher wins Beinecke scholarship

Junior Andrew Shoffner has won a $32,000 Beinecke Scholarship from The Sperry and Hutchinson Company.

Srour ('05) attends first day of school in Uganda

George Srour saw a dream fulfilled during the first day of classes at the Learning Centre at Meeting Point Kampala, an school he helped to build with assistance from the William and Mary community.

Goldwater Scholars seize undergraduate research opportunities

The College's 2006 Goldwater Scholars reflect on their research experiences.

ACE Fellow Williams believes College can redefine greatness

Julie E. Williams has been a part of numerous conversations as she has served as an American Council on Education Fellow at William and Mary.

Earth Day: 35 years and we still do not get it

Scientist-turned-activist Jeff Greenblatt was featured during the Earth Day 2006 event hosted on campus by the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC).

Unexpected fashion: Moore brings campus designers together

Trendy styles and lifelong dreams were on the runway during a student fashion show.

Pi Kappa Alpha reconsiders its Vietnam War-themed party

In the wake of concerns raised by representatives of the Asian community on campus, Pi Kappa Alpha plans to change at least the name of its Vietnam War party.

Asian community searches for on-campus identity

An Asian-American identity on campus promises to come into clearer view with the release of a documentary titled Capturing Our Voices.

Community contributions: Students invest more than 300,000 hours

William and Mary students provided the local community with more than 300,000 volunteer hours, according to a recent survey.

College names three recipients of its 2006 Prentis awards

Public servant Anthony Conyers Jr., long-time College photographer C. James Gleason and professor and county superviser John J. McGlennon have been named recipients of the Prentis awards for 2006.

Model U.N. team brings home championship from China

The Model United Nations team brought home top honors from the world championships for the third consecutive year.

Costs slated to rise 9 percent at College

Board of Visitors approves 9 percent increase in costs for in-state undergraduate students.

Michael Powell elected rector of College

Michael K. Powell, former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has been unanimously elected Rector of the College of William and Mary.

Final volume of John Marshall papers published

The 12th and final volume of the Papers of John Marshall—a comprehensive edition of the papers and correspondence of the chief justice—has been published, bringing to conclusion a project that started nearly half a century ago to document the life of the prominent jurist.

Excellence in teaching: Driving students beyond the boxes

Several professors who have earned distinctions for excellence the in classroom discuss the liberal-arts tradition and the evaluative process at William and Mary.

Excellence in teaching: Professors' perspectives

Thoughts on excellence in teaching by professors at William and Mary.

College admits more minority students for 2006

The College has accepted for admission 37 percent more students from under-represented racial minorities during the 2006  admissions season than the one in 2005.

Event planning 401: Faculty and staff at head of the class

Faculty and staff members at the College rose to the challenge of planning for separate venues for a double event.

Timing brought new chancellor to College

Among other topics, Chancellor Sandra Day O'Connor talked about the timing involved in her coming to William and Mary in front of 750 students at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall.

Psychological considerations re-enforced at the U.N.

Harvey Langholtz led a contingent of students into the halls of the United Nations building in New York City.

Aliens, gangsters and psychopaths created at 24-Speed

Four film teams raced the clock to compete in the 24-Speed competition.

New leaders poised to shape a new century

During the investiture of Sandra Day O'Connor as chancellor and the inauguration of Gene R. Nichol as president, nearly 4,500 people heard that the College is poised to lead the nation into its new century.

Prepared remarks of President Gene R. Nichol

Prepared remarks of President Gene R. Nichol
Inauguration and Investiture Ceremony
Wren Courtyard
Friday, April 7

Transcribed remarks of Chancellor Sandra Day O’Connor

Transcribed remarks of Chancellor Sandra Day O’Connor
Investiture and Inauguration at College of William and Mary
Wren Courtyard, April 7, 2006

Hoilett to be awarded 2006 Duke Award

Olive Hoilett, a lead teacher at the Sarah Ives Gore Child Care Center, is the 2006 recipient of the Charles and Virginia Duke Award. The award is given annually to recognize exceptional devotion to William and Mary by a non-student, non-instructional faculty employee.

Thomas appointed to William and Mary Board of Visitors

The Honorable John Charles Thomas, a Richmond attorney and former justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, has been appointed by Governor Tim Kaine to serve on the Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary. He will fill out the unexpired term of former Delegate James Dillard.

Journalist tells stories of the upcoming environmental catastrophe

Elizabeth Kolbert, author of Field Notes from a Catastrophe and the New Yorker magazine series The Climate of Man, closed out this semester's Mellon Environmental Issues Series.

McGee (’06) savors her time with Professor Cohen

Art student Jennie McGee considers having had the opportunity to study with retiring professor Lewis Cohen.

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet had audience laughing out loud

As James Tate wove together the poetic narratives that would become the text of his latest book, Return to the City of White Donkeys, he never cracked a smile. On a recent Monday evening in Ewell Hall, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, reading from that collection, had 75 people laughing out loud.

Student-initiated forums consider issues of concern to community

In an effort to raise awareness on campus, students at the College recently conducted two forums on issues related to sexual assault and the judicial system for students.

Isaacson calls for humility and tolerance

More humility and greater tolerance are needed in American foreign policy, Walter Isaacson, the 2006 Hunter B. Andrews Fellow, told a crowd during a forum on the William and Mary campus.

Davis helps College community make media at Swem

Troy Davis helps members of the community  work on audio and video projects—from pre- to post-production.

Muscarelle exhibition to honor Cohen

Lewis Cohen, professor of art and art history at the College, began his interest in art at a young age. He copied master drawings for practice and soon started taking evening classes at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Explosive growth of the Internet proves boon and hazard for librarians

Few professionals have embraced the explosive growth of the Internet as have those involved in library sciences. Few face as many potential Internet-related legal uncertainties as do librarians when patrons utlilize public computers to access information that others consider offensive.

Wilkerson delivers insights about wars and policies

Larry Wilkerson’s teaching philosophy is simple. He wants his students, most of whom are headed to careers in public service, to leave his class with knowledge that will help them enter the working world smarter than he was when he started.

College prepares for historic investiture and inauguration

On April 7, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will be invested as the College of William and Mary's 23rd Chancellor and Gene R. Nichol will be inaugurated as the College's 26th President.

Werowocomoco placed on National Register

Werowocomoco, the seat of Powhatan's extensive Tidewater chiefdom, has been approved for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Q&A with Wilkerson: Iraq, the Taliban, bin Laden and Hamas

Larry Wilkerson, former chief of staff the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, offers insights about key policies that can be considered as part of the "war on terrorism.”

Sonn lectures on Islam’s liberation of women

Islam is liberating for women, Professor Tamara Sonn recently told a campus forum.

Farce animates Pea-Guy in original radio play

David Techman ('08) is bucking the digital age by writing a radio play.

New Center for Gifted Education program wows young students

There were plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” among a group of first- and second-grade students during a recent science experiment in a classroom at William and Mary’s Jones Hall. As one of the new courses offered this year as part of the Center for Gifted Education’s Saturday Enrichment Program, the magnet class has been a popular hit.

Mason School of Business at W&M names new building in honor of alumnus

The new business school building for The Mason School of Business at The College of William and Mary has been named for healthcare management entrepreneur Alan B. Miller for his leadership and support to his alma mater.

Psychology researchers to measure brain response

Researchers in the psychology department are preparing to conduct experiments to measure the brain's response to certain kinds of stimuli.

Human rights tested by terrorism

Law professor Nancy Combs said human rights are severely tested in the age of terrorism during a lecture sponsored by the Williamsburg League of Women Voters.

Evidence of a ghostly encounter in Tucker?

First-person account by Erica Fredericks ('07), who remains skeptical about her encounter with a ghost in Tucker Hall. She advises tact and caution nonetheless.

Spring serve: Meeting medical needs in Costa Rica

Tina Ho ('07) writes a first-person account about being part of a student team that met medical needs in Costa Rica during Spring Break.

Spring serve: Students meet personal, environmental needs in D.C.

A first-person account by Catherine Schwenkler ('06) reflecting on a Spring Break experience enjoyed by nine students who worked in Washington, D.C. 

Spring serve: Students build house in Charleston during break

A first-person account of a Spring Break service trip to Charleston, S.C., where students worked with Habitat for Humanity.

Pinson’s 'Changing the Changes' delivers more than the blues

Hermine Pinson's CD "Changing the Changes," is a feast of poetry merged with song.

Center for Gifted Education hosts national curriculum conference

Hosted by William and Mary’s Center for Gifted Education, the March 7-8 National Curriculum Network Conference brought together more than 300 educators from 22 states across the country to learn new techniques for improving curriculum for high-ability learners.

College’s writer-in-residence dissatisfied with Hollywood’s treatment of ‘The Evidence’

Ian Caldwell, writer for the forthcoming ABC cop series "The Evidence," recounts his impressions of the Hollywood creative process.

Q&A with Caldwell: A new cop-show formula

Ian Caldwell, writer for "The Evidence,” a television series scheduled to premier on ABC in March, talks about coming up with and selling a new-formula production in Hollywood.

Danish cartoon controversy provides peek into global culture war

A forum sponsored by the Muslim Students Association sheds light on the ongoing global culture wars.

Mystery brick foundation discovered during work at President's House

As part of the current renovation of the President’s House at the College of William and Mary, workers have been carefully digging trenches outside the house to install new utility lines to the building. Last week, they uncovered a mystery.

Kozol discusses 'Shame of a Nation' during Hauben lecture

The proportion of black students attending public segregated school is at its highest since the death of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., education author and advocate Jonathan Kozol told a sold-out crowd at the Kimball Theatre.

Pieri named vice president for development

Sean M. Pieri, currently vice president for development of the U. S. Air Force Academy’s Association of Graduates, has been named vice president for development at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.

BOV approves faculty promotions

The College’s Board of Visitors approved three designated professorships at its February meeting. In addition, it approved 18 faculty members for tenure and promoted 15 others.

Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu will address William and Mary graduates at 2006 commencement

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for leading the nonviolent movement against apartheid in South Africa, will deliver the 2006 commencement address at the College of William and Mary on May 14, 2006. In addition, William and Mary Chancellor and retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will deliver remarks to the Class of 2006.

Three William and Mary professors receive state’s top award

Three faculty members at the College of William and Mary have received the Commonwealth of Virginia’s highest honor for professors of the colleges and universities in the state.

Marth's (’06) 'Wasteland' is a winner in nationwide video competition

Eric Marth (’06) earned second place for "Wasteland," one of his entries in a video contest promoting "intelligent use of information technology."

Klaiber gets 30 minutes of fame on Jeopardy

Graduate student Nick Klaiber recently appeared on Jeopardy.

Students audition for MTV's MADE reality show

MTV conducted a casting call on campus for its MADE reality series.

Dillard honored by BOV

Citing a lifelong devotion to Virginia’s education system and to William and Mary, the College Board of Visitors honored James H. Dillard with a resolution on Feb. 10.

Sievers to run for city council

David Sievers (’07), a philosophy major at William and Mary, has taken a semester off from his studies at the College in order to run for Williamsburg City Council. He announced his decision in a Feb. 7 press conference. Afterward, he promised that his candidacy would differ from those of students who campaigned for seats on the council last year by stressing unity.

Schwenkler honored with College’s Monroe Prize

Every day is a day of action for William and Mary senior Catherine Schwenkler. With drive, dedication and a grace of human spirit, Schwenkler has addressed the needs of Latino communities at home and abroad. The College recognized her tireless volunteer efforts at its annual Charter Day ceremony by awarding her the James Monroe Prize in Civic Leadership.

Middle-schoolers discover science

Middle-school students spend a morning at College Landing Park as part of a grant and partnership with graduate students and faculty at the School of Education and Keck Environmental Lab at the College.

College poised to become a force in biomagnetics

Biomagnetic research, an emerging field, has a wide field of potential applications, including the study of vascular and neurological tissues at the cellular level. William and Mary’s new 17.6 tesla nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (one of only a handful in the United States) allows molecular analysis of biomaterials at a resolution previously unattainable.

Professors say the avian flu virus is coming to Virginia: Don’t panic

Perhaps it will be the millions of migrating blackpoll warblers that will bring the avian flu virus to Williamsburg when they arrive from Alaska this autumn. Perhaps it will be some other species. Regardless, H5N1 will come to Virginia, where it will, if all goes as several William and Mary professors predict, take up residence indefinitely in local wild-bird populations. At that point, one of those professors, Dan Cristol, associate professor of biology at the College, will be among the first human beings locally to be at risk.

College breaks ground for Integrated Science Center

College breaks ground for Integrated Science Center, the first phase in the development of a “science precinct” at the William and Mary.

For the Birds

In these two-minute audio segments, Dan Cristol, an ornithologist at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, discusses topics of general interest related to birds. Questions he answers include why people resent non-migrating geese—"goose poop" (episode 1); what people should do with their cats—"keep the killers indoors" (episode 3); and what types of fowl he finds appetizing—"ugly birds taste better than pretty ones" (episode 6).

Cristol’s ‘For the Birds’ could save fowl and make people happier

Dan Cristol, associate professor of biology, created demos for a radio program called "For the Birds."

Q&A with Grey Gundaker: African-American yard work

Grey Gundaker, professor of anthropology, recently published No Space Hidden: The Spirit of African American Yard Work, a book about the history and the messages conveyed by items placed around a person’s house.

Prepared Charter Day Remarks of Timothy M. Kaine, Governor of Virginia

The prepared Charter Day remarks of Timothy M. Kaine, Governor of Virginia.

Governor calls for better funding for higher education

The Commonwealth of Virginia and its elected leaders in Richmond must do more to fully fund higher education, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine told an audience at the College of William and Mary’s Charter Day ceremony.

Prepared Charter Day Remarks of Gene R. Nichol, President of the College of William and Mary

Prepared remarks of William and Mary President Gene R. Nichol for the 313th Charter Day of the college, Feb. 11, 2006.

Chancellor Sandra Day O’Connor: A little ranch girl from Arizona

Profile of Sandra Day O’Connor, Supreme Court justice who is serving as the 23rd chancellor of the College.

College's intercollegiate athletic program sets standard for nation

The College’s maintains one of the premier programs of intercollegiate athletics, according to a task-force study released in February.

Q&A with Frederick Smith: Caribbean rum

Frederick Smith, assistant professor of anthropology at the College, recently published Carribean Rum: A Social and Economic History, a book about the impact of rum in the region.

College contributes more than $539 million and 7,100 jobs to economy

William and Mary releases results of an Economic Impact Study completed in January 2006.

The Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor

Brief bio of the College of William and Mary's Chancellor, Sandra Day O'Connor.

O'Connor discusses the Court, her life and her hopes as chancellor of the College

Interview with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor after she agreed to serve as chancellor of the College.

Ebadi calls for Muslim intellectuals to teach the ‘real’ Islam

Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi said in a recent lecture at the College that radical Islamic groups responsible for atrocities in the Middle East do not represent the true Islamic faith.

Popps ('06) led student army on the 'Road to Richmond'

Steven Popps ('06) assembled an army of more than 60 students for a trip to Richmond to meet with state legislators.

Students support administrative response to rash of sexual-assault reports

William and Mary students respond to the recent rash of sexual-assault reports and to the administrative response.

Senior mathematics major Smith to get Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy

Paul A. Smith, a senior mathematics major from Blacksburg, Va., is the recipient of the College’s 2006 Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy.

Canuel selected for teaching award

Elizabeth Canuel, associate professor at the College’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), will be awarded with the 2006 Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award at Charter Day on Feb. 11.

Schwartz to receive Thomas Jefferson Award at Charter Day

When Joel Schwartz, director of the Charles Center, steps up to the Charter Day microphones on Feb. 11 to accept the College’s Thomas Jefferson Award for career contributions to William and Mary, he will have three minutes to speak.

Repairing the Gulf Coast

Ten students and two staff members representing William and Mary traveled to New Orleans and Mississippi to scrub, bleach and paint school buildings and gut private dwellings. The team traveled as part of the College's Project Relief .

Jennie Rose Anderson: Cleaning up the Gulf

Excerpts from a journal prepared by Jennie Rose Anderson ('09) about her participation in a College Project Relief service trip to assist in the recovery of the Gulf Coast region after Hurricane Katrina.

Caitlin Wall: Cleaning up the Gulf

Excerpts from a journal prepared by Caitlin Wall ('08) about her participation in a College Project Relief service trip to assist in the recovery of the Gulf Coast region after Hurricane Katrina.

College plans to broaden sexual-assault education

In the wake of a rash of reports of sexual assault by William and Mary students, College officials outlined a plan to address the problem.

MLK remembered
All Americans implicated in continuation of inequality NAACP chairman Bond tells College audience

Julian Bond, Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, told a College audience that the victories of the civil rights movement are under attack as never before.

"Tapestries” features woven art of the modernists

The unusual exhibition “Tapestries: Picasso, Matisse, Calder and Other Great Twentieth-Century Modernists,” which opens at the Muscarelle Museum of Art on Jan. 21 and runs through March 26, brings together the vibrant and joyful colors of Calder and Arp, the bold figural architectonics of Léger and Le Corbusier, the cutouts of Matisse, and the cubism of Picasso.

Erlich’s paper outlines the modeling of quantum chromodynamics

Traditional physics has long identified four forces. Most people are familiar with gravity and electromagnetism. Less well-known, except among physicists, are nuclear interactions known as the strong force and the weak force, which is seen in particle decay.
This is a story about the strong force but ends up involving all four fundamental forces. The strong force is what binds protons and neutrons together in the nuclei of atoms. A theory called quantum chromodynamics (QCD) describes how the strong force operates.

Response to Ely’s Israel on the Appomattox continues

The incredible run of Melvin Patrick Ely’s book Israel on the Appomattox, which began nearly a year and a half ago, continued this month as the American Historical Association (AHA) gave it the Albert J. Beveridge Award as the best book of 2004 on American history along with its Wesley-Logan Prize as the outstanding book dealing with the history of the African diaspora. Two juries cited Ely’s work as a “beautifully crafted history” and as “meticulous and moving.”

Hoffman receives editing award for Dear Papa, Dear Charley

Ronald Hoffman, director of the College’s Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, recently won the 2005 J. Franklin Jameson Award from the American Historical Association (AHA) for the three-volume collection of letters Dear Papa, Dear Charley: The Peregrinations of a Revolutionary Aristocrat.

Washington internship program slated to begin during the fall ’06 semester

Beginning with the fall 2006 term, the College of William and Mary will offer a new residential study and internship program in Washington, D.C., called William and Mary in Washington. Participants will take classes with a member of the William and Mary faculty in Washington, D.C., live in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood and earn credit for working in an internship.

College officials positive about upcoming legislative session

The proposed biennial budget drafted by former Gov. Mark Warner that awaits members of the Virginia General Assembly this week as they open the legislative session is among the friendliest to higher-education issues in recent memory, according to officials at the College. Overall, the proposed budget contains nearly $1 billion in funding to support colleges and universities across the commonwealth, including a provision to increase salaries of faculty and staff members by four precent and three percent, respectively.

New associate provost for enrollment comes back to his alma mater

As a student tour guide, Earl T. Granger III (’92) spent most of his undergraduate days pitching the College of William and Mary’s unique educational experience to prospective students and their families. So when Granger returns to his alma mater next month to assume his new role as associate provost for enrollment, he will be returning to familiar territory—and a favorite topic.

Kaine given Jefferson letter

On the eve of Gov. Tim Kaine’s inauguration, the College presented Virginia’s governor-elect a 1785 letter from Thomas Jefferson. The letter, part of the Tucker-Coleman papers in the College’s Swem Library, is being loaned to Kaine for display in his gubernatorial office.

College caught in inaugural whirl

Despite some persistent rain, thousands of Virginians, including William and Mary faculty and students, gathered in the historic area to celebrate the inauguration of the Commonwealth’s 70th governor—the honorable Timothy M. Kaine.

Charter Day address to be delivered by Virginia's governor

The honorable Timothy M. Kaine, who was inaugurated last week as the Commonwealth’s 70th governor, will be the keynote speaker at the College of William and Mary’s annual Charter Day Ceremony on Feb. 11. Kaine will be awarded an honorary degree at the ceremony.

Dear Papa, Dear Charley: A sampling of letters

Excerpts from Dear Papa, Dear Charley, a collection of letters between Charles Carroll of Annapolis (Papa) and his son, Charles Carroll of Carrollton (Charley), that was edited by Ronald Hoffman, Director of the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and professor of history at the College.

Q&A with Ely: Current issues of race

For more than a year, Melvin Ely has been touring the region—and the nation—discussing his book, Israel on the Appomattox, which deals with the relationships between free blacks and their white neighbors prior to the Civil War. The discussion has contributed to his understanding of current issues of race.

Q&A with Rapoport: The validity of Perot and third parties

Ron Rapoport recently published Three's a Crowd, which was inspired by the success of the Perot campaign. In this exchange, he talks about Perot's success and the impact it continues to have in the present.

Stranded on the rock of St. Michael
The pilgrim adventures of John Conlee

After 14 years, John Conlee, professor of English at the College, resumed his pilgrimage to Skellig Michael, a rocky outcropping off the coast of Ireland.