2014 Stories

Wellesley Faculty on Big Topics of 2014

In 2014, Wellesley experts shared knowledge, research, and viewpoints on numerous happenings around the globe. They were sought by news outlets as well as the community, and covered a range of topics.

Lifetime Achievement Award to Wellesley Neuroscience Faculty Member

Wellesley's beloved neuroscience instructor Carol Ann Paul was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience, an international organization focused on neuroscience education and research at the undergraduate level.

Wellesley Junior Conducts Marine Research in Mediterranean

Sophia Sokolowski ’16 just completed a semester overseas—literally. Much of SEA Semester, which offers cross-disciplinary exploration of themes related to the ocean and global environments, is spent aboard ship in the Mediterranean. She was one of 21 U.S. students accepted to the program.

Pre-Finals Study Period Brings Fun Too

Wellesley's Wellness Outreach Committee offers a reading period schedule of events aimed at helping students relax and refocus. Always a favorite: a visit from therapy dogs, who this semester will be on campus at various locations on December 11.

Wellesley Students Tackle Putnam Math Competition

With the guidance of Assistant Professor of Mathematics Andy Schultz, Wellesley students across class years exercise their mathematical and problem-solving chops to take on the Putnam exam, a six-hour math competition.

Wellesley Boathouse Renovation Underway

Thanks to the generosity of John and Alice Butler ’53, the boathouse on Lake Waban is undergoing a comprehensive renovation to update the 1963 facility and knit it more beautifully into the campus fabric.

Spotlight on Teaching: Digital Technology and Learning Communities

Robbin Chapman's CS/Education course merges intellectual traditions of the liberal arts with design practices used outside the academy to inspire students to new ways of thinking about tech and learning.

A Thanksgiving Treat: Wellesley Magazine Fall 2014 Issue

Time for a little unassigned reading? We have a recommendation for you! The Fall 2014 Wellesley magazine from the Alumnae Association is now available to read online. Happy reading and happy Thanksgiving!

Fall 2014 Sports Roundup

Wellesley sees historic seasons for crew, cross-country, and field hockey, matched by strong performances and big growth for varsity golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.

Wellesley Alum in PBS's Makers: Women in Business

Lulu Chow Wang ’66 was highlighted in the PBS series Makers: Women Who Make America episode "Women in Business." Wang, a member of Wellesley's Business Leadership Council, is CEO of Tupelo Capital Management and trustee emerita of the College.

Consenses Comes to Wellesley

Art lovers are invited to bring all five senses to enjoy the Consenses interactive art installation now on display in Tishman Commons, and the newly-unveiled creative center designed by Wellesley students through Theatre Studies.

Davis Art Tours the World

Visitors to MoMA can see Matisse’s, Composition, Black and Red (installation shown), or at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris may view Sonia Delaunay-Terk’s Electric Prisms (1913)—both currently on loan from the Davis Museum at Wellesley.

Wellesley's Dan Sichel on Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Economy

It can be easy to be cynical about the current state of the economy, but former Fed economist Professor of Economics Dan Sichel says there are reasons to be optimistic.

Meet the 2014 Daniels Fellows

This fall, the Pamela Daniels Fellowship of $3,500 per recipient was awarded to four senior projects, each project exemplifying passionate engagement with a compelling intellectual subject.

Schneider Center Open House

An open house in Schneider Center from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the magnificent renovation the space has received as part of Wellesley's Plan for Campus Renewal.

Spotlight on Teaching: Campaigns and Elections

Professor of Political Science Marion Just teaches the new Calderwood Seminar on Public Writing, POL1 319 Campaigns and Elections, using the 2014 election as a laboratory to investigate why campaigns are important and what elections mean for democratic governance in the United States.

Wellesley Students Gear Up for Election Season

Katelyn Campbell '17 reports on how some Wellesley students are getting involved in the 2014 midterm elections, both on campus and in their home districts.

Wellesley Professor Shares Expertise on North Korea

Katharine Moon spoke with Al Jazeera America and other news outlets regarding her studies of North Korean politics, and the reasoning behind recent events such as the release of American prisoner Jeffrey Fowle.

Alumnae Association Presents First Sed Ministrare Volunteer Awards

Whitney Shaffer Ackerman ’03, Charlotte Hayes’75, Helen Kriz Marshall ’77, and Martha Reardon Bewick ’62 are the first recipients of the Sed Ministrare Volunteer Award, established this year to honor outstanding volunteer service to Wellesley College.

Halloween Spirit at Wellesley

The end of October brings spooky fun to campus, from res-hall trick or treating and cult movie screenings to "haunted" buildings and Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

El Table Celebrates 110 Years

Founded in 1904, El Table began as a small table by an elevator that catered to the needs of hungry students. The enterprise has since expanded into an organized student co-op, currently nestled in the basement of Founders Hall.

North 40 Joint Statement

Given the importance of the North 40 to our shared community, both the College and the Town recognize the need to allow further time to complete these important deliberations. The two parties have agreed to defer final decisions until a later date.

What Will College Really Cost You?

My inTuition, Wellesley's quick college cost estimator, will calculate your likely college cost breakdown in just three minutes. The online tool been updated this year to provide more detail on student contribution, work-study, and loan amount estimates.

Actors From the London Stage Bring "Much Ado" to Wellesley

In the renowned troupe's ninth visit to Wellesley, Actors From the London Stage present three free public performances of Shakespeare's comedy, and work with students in classes and workshops during the week.

Wellesley Participates in National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Wellesley has signed on as a Champion of National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2014, joining more than 300 colleges and universities, businesses, government agencies, associations, and nonprofits in a global effort to promote online safety awareness.

Newest Wellesley Alumnae Take on the World

As a new purple class settles into its first semester at Wellesley, we take a moment to catch up with the last purple class through the 2014 senior survey results and some individual perspectives. Great things are happening.

Wellesley Joins Nation in Observing LGBTQ History Month

Wellesley College's LGBTQ Programs and Services office presents several events throughout October to observe LGBTQ History Month 2014, including photo exhibit, lecture, and comedy.

Seven Wellesley Professors Win National Science Foundation Grants

Seven Wellesley professors representing six departments or programs received NSF grants this year to pursue research projects ranging from vascular development in plants to the changing structures of American families.

Spotlight on Teaching: Learning by Giving

An award-winning new class integrates writing and the complex world of philanthropy. In SOC/WRIT 307 Nonprofit Organizations and American Cities in the 21st Century, students partner with nonprofit organizations and learn grant writing skills with a tangible outcome.

Wellesley First Year Honored in National Writing Competition

Elizabeth Engel '18 talks to us about her passion for her craft after winning a gold medal in the 2014 Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards. Wellesley first-year gold medalists also include Grace Ming, Madeleine Barowsky, and Stephanie Yeh.

Wellesley Students Embrace International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Avast! The nautical heritage of Wellesley's Beebe Hall has evolved into a "friendly pirate" culture for the residence hall, especially strong on a day like International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Lake Day 2014: "Like" Day

If you're on campus, the bright blue sky, the crisp fall air, and the smell of fried dough mean one thing: Lake Day! On September 17, the Schneider Board of Governors once again hosted the surprise celebration of fall, friends, and fun.

Wellesley Serves with Day to Make a Difference

From Coastsweep to Cradles to Crayons, Habitat for Humanity to Wellesley Botanic Gardens, members of the Wellesley community jumped into service projects all around the region over the past weekend for Wellesley's Day to Make a Difference.

Wellesley Sociologist Markella Rutherford on NPR

Are kids today overprotected? Associate Professor of Sociology Markella Rutherford spoke with a California-based NPR station about parental decision-making around risk and safety for today's children, and how it differs from generations past.

Wellesley Faculty Voices on Hot Topics

One of the nation's largest wilderness areas is named for Everglades activist Marjory Stoneman Douglas Class of 1912; today wilderness bills languish in Congress. Jay Turner writes in an op-ed that along with wilderness our capacity for self-governance is threatened. Hahrie Han blogs about community organizing, and Russian area studies faculty explore turmoil in that region.

Impressive New Season of On-Campus Events Open to All

Get ready to mark your calendars! The Fall 2014 Arts and Culture at Wellesley Calendar of Events is now available. Artists, performers, thought leaders, writers (like Zadie Smith, pictured), and more will enrich this autumn at Wellesley.

Reflections on the Passenger Pigeon

A specimen in Wellesley's Science Center collection helps us look back, and look forward.

First Phase of Renovations Ready for Use in Founders Hall

Exploring new spaces on their historic college campus, Wellesley faculty look for that just-right office space... with a nod and a wink to HGTV's House Hunters.

Wellesley Women Named to Leadership Roles at Stanford

Persis Drell '77 'P16 (pictured) has been named dean of engineering at Stanford University, the first woman to hold the position. In another first for women, Sandra Horbach '82 has been appointed chair of the board for Stanford Business School.

It's Move-In Day!

Wellesley welcomes the class of 2018 and new transfer students to campus. The 595 members of the newest purple class come from 44 states plus the District of Columbia, and from 29 different nations of citizenship.

Wellesley Wraps Up First Online Language Course

Beginning Italian Language and Culture made its debut as a non-credit summer course offered by invitation through edX Edge; it will be incorporated into Daniela Bartalesi-Graf's blended (online and in-class) intensive Italian course this fall.

Wellesley Economist Offers Expert Analysis in Immigration Coverage

Kristin Butcher ’86, Marshall I. Goldman Professor of Economics and Chair of the Economics Department spoke with the news site Wallet Hub about the possible economic implications of the estimated 74,000 migrant children to cross American borders this year.

Wellesley College Botanic Gardens in Metrowest Daily News

The Wellesley College Botanic Gardens were recently showcased by the Metrowest Daily News, which called Wellesley's gardens "one of the best-kept horticultural secrets in the area."

Cindy Emefa Coffee ’16 Pursues Research in Ghana Despite Ebola Outbreak

Cindy Emefa Coffee ’16 spoke with the Boston Globe about her decision to go on a planned research trip to Ghana despite the deadly Ebola outbreak in nearby countries.

Student Summer Project: Victoria Rines '15

Thanks to the Wellesley network and the Madeleine Albright Institute for Global Affairs, Victoria Rines ’15 spent her summer interning with Amina Swanepoel '02 and her NGO Roots of Health in the Philippines.

MIT-Wellesley Ballroom Dance Team Celebrates 40 Years

Since 1974 the MIT-Wellesley Ballroom Dance Team has offered its members an opportunity to learn and compete in a new sport and join a diverse community passionate about dancing.

Wellesley Renewal Projects Generate Donations to Area Nonprofits

Local organizations benefited from donations of furniture, kitchen equipment, and other goods that were removed through various campus renewal projects.

Wellesley Hosts Composers Conference & Chamber Music Workshops

This innovative, selective program furthers the potential of emerging composers and develops the talent of amateur chamber musicians—and offers free concerts to the public. Established composers Augusta Read Thomas (pictured) and Steven Mackey mentor the fellows this year.

Crop of New Plants for Crop of New Students

Preparation for next month's arrival of new students on campus is in full swing. New students are invited to visit the Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses during orientation and select a houseplant of their own.

Student Summer Project: Alexandra Day '15

For Albright Institute fellow Alexandra Day '15, a summer internship at CERN blends her passions for physics and global affairs.

Wellesley Magazine Summer 2014 Issue

Published four times a year, Wellesley Magazine portrays the lives, interests, and concerns of diverse alumnae around the world. This issue includes highlights from Commencement and Reunion 2014, and a focus on special places.

Student Summer Project: Helena McMonagle ’16

A Wellesley Center for Work and Service Global Engagement Internship with Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust in Puerto Rico energizes and inspires this biological sciences major.

Sue Wagner '82 Named to Apple Board of Directors

Wellesley College alumna, trustee, and 2014 commencement speaker Sue Wagner '82 has been tapped to join the leadership team of "the world's most valuable company."

Why Is Wellesley the Best Choice for Women?

In addressing the question, "Why would someone choose Wellesley over Harvard?" on the knowledge-sharing site Quora, senior Ahilya Chawla's stands out among answers for thoroughness and passion.

Wellesley Alum Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Chris Evert welcomed longtime tennis executive and leader at all levels of the sport, Jane Brown Grimes '62, into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in on July 12, in recognition for her contributions.

Wellesley Professor Witnesses “World’s Largest Election”

Associate Professor of Political Science Christopher Candland, whose research is based on comparative and quantitative studies within Southern Asia, points out the significance and magnitude of Indonesia's 2014 presidential election.

Faculty Win Mellon Fellowships for Scholars in Critical Bibliography

Assistant professors Simon Grote (history) and Sarah Wall-Randell (English) will expand their expertise through courses and programs at the University of Virginia's Rare Book School.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

Happy Fourth of July! Assistant Professor of History Katherine Grandjean explains some of the complex political history behind the national holiday.

Senior Project: Heather Petrow, Computer Science

Media arts and sciences major Heather Petrow DS’14 explored the fascinating field of human-computer interfaces in her senior thesis entitled “Haptic Interaction: Using 3D Stereoscopic Display Technology.”

Wellesley Professor Presents at Alan Alda's World Science Festival

Associate Professor of Neuroscience Bevil Conway shared his expertise on the nature of color with acclaimed actor Alan Alda and packed house at Alda's annual event promoting the communication of science.

Pamela Melroy ’83 Honored by National Conference for College Women Student Leaders

Astronaut Pam Melroy ’83 (second from right) was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the NCCWSL, which recognizes women who have made a difference for others. She urged audience members to seek all-women environments at some point in their lives.

500 Wellesley Staff and Faculty Step Up to Fitness Challenge

As part of Wellesley’s Healthy You program, a friendly competition sponsored by Human Resources involved approximately 500 people who together walked 114,786 miles during the eight-week event.

Wellesley Wins NEWMAC Presidents Cup

The Presidents Cup is an all-sports award given to the top overall men's and women's programs in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference, determined by a weighted points system based on the order of finish during both regular season and championship play.

Read My Pins at Wellesley

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright '59 gained renown for communicating a little extra through pins that adorned her suits during meetings; whether a dove speaking of peace or a crab of aggravation, she let the tone be known. An exhibition of her pins is at the Davis.

Wellesley Professor to Be First Korea Studies Chair at Brookings

Wellesley’s Edith Stix Wasserman Chair of Asian Studies and Political Science Professor Katharine H.S. Moon has been appointed senior fellow and inaugural chair of the SK-Korea Foundation at the Brookings Institution, beginning June 30, 2014.

Exclusive Sawyer-Clinton Interview on ABC News

In a primetime special for ABC News, Diane Sawyer '67 interviewed former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton '69 about her role in shaping American foreign policy, her possible presidential run in 2016, and more.

Reunion 2014

Welcome back to Wellesley! Alums from class years ending in 9 or 4 converge on Wellesley's campus this weekend to celebrate five-year increments of their alumnaehood, dating back to 1939!

Wellesley Kicks Off Alumnae Participation Drive

On June 1, Wellesley launched its giving challenge titled 50% = $500,000. If Wellesley reaches its 50 percent participation goal by June 30, the College will receive an additional $500,000.

Alum Ends Jeopardy Run with Second-Best Record in Show's History

Julia Collins ’05 has ended a phenomenal run on Jeopardy! A business consultant who majored in art history and history, Collins won 20 consecutive games, making her the all-time best woman player of the game in the show’s 30 year history.

Commencement 2014

Welcome friends and family—and congratulations graduates! On May 30 Wellesley celebrates the purple Class of 2014, our 136th graduating class. Commencement exercises, with an address from BlackRock founder Sue Wagner '82, begin at 10:30 a.m.

Nine New Books by Wellesley Faculty

With new books in print over the last five months, impressive scholarship and creativity reveal themselves in faculty work ranging from original poetry to authoritative editions of classic texts.

Afropop Worldwide Interviews Professor on Unique Music Collection

The Elizabeth Kimball Kendall and Elisabeth Hodder Professor of History Lidwien Kapteijns discussed her love and study of the music of Somalia—and her unique and impressive collection of recordings—on Afropop's radio feature “Hip Deep.”

Senior Project: Kalina Yingnan Deng, Philosophy

A single paper sophomore year sparked a project of passion for Kalina Yingnan Deng '14. At a recent conference at the College of the Holy Cross she presented her research on the philosophical underpinnings of the 1974 court decision to desegregrate Boston public schools.

"New Yorker" Blog Interviews Peggy McIntosh

The New Yorker Page-Turner blog talks to Peggy McIntosh, associate director of the Wellesley Centers for Women, founder of the National SEED Project on Inclusive Curriculum, and the woman credited with coining the term white privilege.

Wellesley SMILES on USA Today

An new student-run initiative called Wellesley SMILES seeks to create “pop-up” moments of fun and spontaneity in student lives. Wellesley SMILES was featured this spring in USA Today’s college section, an example of “random acts of kindness” movements across the country.

Last Day of Classes Special Report

As dawn breaks on the last day of classes at Wellesley, the campus awakes to the colorful overnight ministrations of the purple class of 2014, and seniors toil over some of their very last Wellesley to-do lists.

Child Study Center Brings Child Development Expert Joan Almon to Wellesley

Cofounder of the Alliance for Childhood Joan Almon presents a talk on May 8, "Encouraging Adventure: Redefining Success to Include Risk," as part of the Wellesley College Child Study Center's 100th anniversary celebration.

Spotlight on Teaching: The Myth of Elizabeth

Assistant Professor of English Sarah Wall-Randell '97 leads a seminar that through poems, plays, novels, textbooks, films, and discussion considers one of the world's most powerful women. Each month Spotlight on Teaching highlights one of Wellesley's many thought-provoking courses.

Wellesley Alumna Selected as President of Trinity College

Joanne Berger-Sweeney ’79 has been elected as Trinity College's 22nd president, following a unanimous vote by its Board of Trustees. A former student, faculty member, and dean at Wellesley, Berger-Sweeney takes the helm at Trinity on July 1, 2014.

Ruhlman Conference 2014 at Wellesley on April 30

Presentations on topics from the politics of language to protein-lipid interactions, and performances from original poetry to Schumann’s Phantasie in C unite the College community in celebrating student achievement today, thanks to the Barbara Peterson Ruhlman Fund for Interdisciplinary Study.

Wellesley Blue Softball Hits Home Runs On and Off the Field

After a successful tournament weekend the Wellesley Blue softball team heads to the 2014 NEWMAC Softball Championship this Saturday, while players Ashtyn Coleman '17 and Jen Migliore '14 were honored off the field.

Special Tribute to Kathryn Wasserman Davis '28

The Wellesley Blue crew team formed a W with their oars on Lake Waban as the campus commemorated the life of beloved alumna Kathryn W. Davis '28.

Wellesley Initiates New Grading Policy for First-Year Students

Beginning fall semester 2014, Wellesley first-year students will leave traditional grades behind, and measure their progress through their first semester with the shadow grading policy.

Wellesley Students Get Head Start on Film Careers

Six Wellesley students have been hard at work on the production of Peter and John, a feature film by Jay Craven starring Jacqueline Bisset and Christian Coulson. Their meaningful crew positions are giving them real-world film experience.

See (and Share) Wellesley on Instagram

This newest official social media channel tells the visual story of Wellesley to those new to it, and will be a forum for sharing unique or iconic views of the College to those who already know and love it.

Wellesley Student among Those Honored with First Collier Medal

The MIT Emergency Medical Services team, including Wellesley volunteer Kat Goldsmith '16, received the first annual Collier Medal from MIT in recognition of their excellent service to the community.

Susan Wagner to Deliver 2014 Commencement Address at Wellesley

Susan L. Wagner '82, co-founder and director of BlackRock, will address the Class of 2014 and an international audience of their family and friends at Wellesley’s 136th Commencement Exercises on May 30.

Wellesley’s Science Club for Girls Hosts Fair for Emerging Scientists

Wellesley’s Science Club for Girls chapter recently held a successful hands-on science fair with activities and exhibits in 15 different science disciplines for girls in grades K-8.

Ravencam Live from Wellesley's Science Center

In an unusual move, two common ravens have built a nest on a Wellesley building. Science faculty and technology staff launched Ravencam to record the birds' behavior at the nest for scientific purposes and to stream live online for observation by anyone on the Internet.

CNN Names Wellesley Alum One of 10 Visionary Women in 2014

Victoria Budson '93 strives to erode gender gaps in her roles with Harvard’s Kennedy School, the State Department's Women in Public Service Project, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and the Obama administration.

Leadership in Action: Wellesley Enters Campus Elections Week

Wellesley women have a long tradition of filling the shoes of the leaders who came before them. The coming week is Elections Week, where candidates explain their priorities and students vote for the campus leaders to represent them.

Spotlight on Teaching: Home and Away

Each summer, a group of students travel with Visiting Lecturer in the Writing Program Justin Armstrong to Iceland to immerse themselves in a two-week intensive course, studying cultural geography and anthropology.

Wellesley Researchers Use Seal Teeth to See Lake's Past

By analyzing the composition of Lake Baikal seal teeth, Professor of Biological Sciences Marianne Moore, post-doctoral fellow Ted Ozersky, and Wellesley student Xiu Ying Deng ’15 aim to show environmental and contaminant patterns in the lake over the last 80 years.

Courtney Coile: Adapting Society to a Growing, Aging Population

What impact might an aging population and workforce have on the country and economy? Class of 1966 Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Knapp Social Science Center Courtney Coile explored the question on Public Radio International’s The Takeaway.

Wellesley Commemorates College Hall Fire Centennial

Until March 17, 1914, Wellesley’s splendid College Hall was the heart and soul of the College, housing students, faculty, staff, classrooms, laboratories, art, and more. We look back on its legacy 100 years later.

Up Next in Campus Renewal Plan: Improvements to Field House

The 54,000 square-foot Dorothy Towne Field House was built the 1980s, and is ready for renovation, which begins later this month. Wellesley will communicate about this and other upcoming projects through the website and a new blog called The Dirt.

Wellesley Hosts Expert Panel, “Ukraine! What Next?” on March 10

The Wellesley College Russian Area Studies Program hosts a panel exploring what's next for the region of Ukraine, Crimea, and Russia, to offer a wider historical and cultural perspective on the events unfolding.

Wellesley Symposium Focuses on How Best to Communicate Science

Pioneering microbiologist Rita Colwell, longtime head of the National Science Foundation, addresses a Wellesley symposium where participants grapple with the challenges of communicating science to the public, especially in fields that are easily politicized.

Spotlight on Teaching: Developing Technology for a Better World

In this recurring feature that highlights one of the many innovative, thought-provoking Wellesley courses each month, we visit the engineering courses of Visiting Lecturer of Engineering Amy Banzaert.

24 Hour Shakes Strikes Again

Last Friday and Saturday, the Wellesley Shakespeare Society hosted 24 Hour Shakes, an annual tradition that brings the campus community together to celebrate the words of William Shakespeare.

Wellesley Explores New Channels for Internal Communications

Town hall-style meetings, other in-person group meetings, official announcements, and a question-and-answer blog all aim to facilitate communication of important College decisions and developments on campus.

Cinema and Media Studies Professor Quoted in Esquire Magazine

Assistant Professor of Cinema and Media Studies Nicholas Knouf explains to Esquire how The Truman Show prefigured Her and a culture of digital spying.

Wellesley Launches Revamped ‘W Network’ on LinkedIn

Wellesley introduces the next generation of the Wellesley College Alumnae Association’s LinkedIn group, now renamed the Wellesley Alumnae Network.

International Mother Language Day 2014

The Wellesley Bangladeshi Student Association has built a replica of the Shahid Minar, a monument in Bangladesh, where this UN-recognized holiday originated, to encourage community interaction in the Lulu Chow Wang Campus Center all day on February 21.

Wall Street Journal Publishes Letter from President Bottomly

In a letter to the editor of The Wall Street Journal, Wellesley President H. Kim Bottomly challenged an op-ed about the response to the Sleepwalker sculpture installation at Wellesley and voiced admiration for Wellesley students who spoke out.

Neuroscience Professor discusses “Art and the Brain” with BBC Radio 4

"Beauty and the brain," Associate Professor of Neuroscience Bevil Conway discussed his research and artwork with BBC Radio 4 on January 22, in a feature exploring the role of neuroscience in art appreciation.

A Valentine to Wellesley's Mail Services

For many people, Valentine’s Day is the time to exchange flowers and cards with loved ones; for those in mail services at Wellesley, it is also one of the busiest times of the year.

2014 Distinguished Faculty Lecture: A Bush Not a Tree

In this year's Distinguished Faculty Lecture, Gordon P. Lang and Althea P. Lang ’26 Professor of Biological Sciences Emily Buchholtz tackles the question of how we name and visualize life’s diversity today.

The "Monuments Men" of Wellesley College

George Clooney may make an especially dashing "monuments man," but not all these experts who risked their lives to locate and save precious art in Europe during WWII were men. Myrtilla Avery, class of 1891 and art professor at Wellesley, was among the women doing this heroic work.

Olympic Connections at Wellesley

With National Women and Girls in Sports Day and the opening of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Russia this week, we look at recent discussions by thought leaders at Wellesley on the impact of women’s participation in sports—on society and on individuals. (Plus: faculty Olympians!)

Alumna's Foundation and Classmates Fund New Research Opportunity

Wellesley students now have a unique chance to get hands-on medical research experience at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, backed by the Calliope Joy Foundation in partnership with the Class of 1989.

Wintersession 2014: Intellectual Pursuits on and off Campus

Wellesley may have seemed quiet during Wintersession, but the range of endeavors underway through the College over the last month speaks volumes. From exploring the workings of cancer cells to exploring ancient sites in Crete, students expand horizons during Wintersession.

Wintersession 2014: Wellesley Athletes Train, Compete, and Serve

Wellesley's varsity winter sports teams had a busy January, with basketball, fencing, squash, swimming and diving, and track and field athletes remaining on campus or returning early for competitions (and community service) during Wintersession.

Wintersession 2014: Tri-College Program Tackles Real-World Problems

The Three College Collaboration's 2014 Wintersession program united students of different disciplines and academic approaches to develop software that optimizes services of a local nonprofit health education and fitness provider for low-income women and children.

Wellesley's New Quantitative Analysis Institute Provides Statistical Training and Services

This year, Wellesley opened an innovative institute on campus, designed to integrate statistics more deeply into the life of the College. The Quantitative Analysis Institute provides opportunities for expanded statistical work for both students and faculty.

Spotlight on Teaching: Food, Agriculture, and Sustainability

In our 2014 return to the series Spotlight on Teaching, we visit the first-year seminar of Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Jay Turner. The Spotlight series highlights new courses, innovative teaching, and interdisciplinary approaches to learning.

Wellesley Faculty and Staff Symposium Explores Book Studies

An interdisciplinary group conducted an innovative three-day book studies workshop entitled “Teaching with Books and Other Textual Technologies,” looking at the history and future of the texts we read, as well as the different media that transmit text.

Alumna's Social Enterprise Brings Progress through Tea

Tranquil Tuesdays, a Beijing-based business launched by Charlene Wang '03, has become a premiere provider of Chinese teas and teaware as well as an exemplary social enterprise featured on CBS Sunday Morning, China Radio International, Time Out Beijing, and elsewhere.

Wellesley College Summer Theatre Program Presents The Clearing

The Wellesley College Summer Theatre program kicked off its 2014 season on January 9 with the opening of The Clearing. The show, which runs through February 2, is the story of an English landowner and his Irish wife who find themselves on opposite sides of a cruel divide.

Neuroscience Study Sheds New Light on Brain Processes

A study by Wellesley College neuroscientists Associate Professor of Neuroscience Bevil Conway and Rosa Lafer-Sousa '09 provides new insight into how the brain’s inferior temporal cortex processes information about shape and color.

Wintersession 2014 Gets Under Way with 5th Albright Institute

The 2014 Wintersession Program of the Madeleine K. Albright Institute for Global Affairs at Wellesley College begins on January 6, 2014, and runs through January 24, 2014.