UPB Announces $1 Million Gift for Chapel

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INSIDE Family support conference...... 2 The explorers...... 3 PittNewspaper of the University of PittsburghChronicle Volume IX • Number 17 • May 27, 2008 UPB Announces $1 Million Gift for Chapel ULS to Collect Books For Earthquake Victims Pitt’s University Library System (ULS) is calling on local schools, individuals, and organizations to donate new and used English-lan- guage materials to help rebuild school libraries in Sichuan Province, site of the 8.0 earthquake that shook that region on May 12. A longtime partner with leading Chinese university libraries, the ULS plans to send the books to Dujiangyan City, Sichuan. The school, lost 278 students and 6 teachers in the quake. The Arizona State University (ASU) libraries also Artist’s rendering of the proposed chapel at Pitt-Bradford are participating in the drive. ULS director Rush Miller and ASU library director Sherrie Schmidt By Kimberley Marcott Weinberg along with other ULS personnel, will travel to The University of Pittsburgh at Brad- China in September to present the books to ford has received in honor of Harriett school officials. B. Wick a $1 million gift from anony- mous donors to build on campus an Donated materials—books, CDs, and interfaith chapel. The announcement DVDs in literature, history, science, and the was made at a campus luncheon, where arts—must be in good condition and appropri- the design of the chapel was unveiled. ate for children in grades 7 through 12. “We are delighted and honored to receive Boxes should be marked “Rebuilding this gift,” said Pitt-Bradford president Livingston Alexander. “This lead gift will School Libraries, Sichuan Earthquake” and can assist us in securing the balance of funds be brought to Hillman Library, 3960 Forbes needed to build this chapel,” he added. Ave., Oakland. Part of Pitt-Bradford’s master plan Staff at the ground floor and first-floor for several years, the chapel will pro- lending desks and at the second-floor East Asian vide a site for religious services, wed- dings, memorial services, receptions, and Library information desk will receive materials small choral and musical performances. through June 30. Those needing more informa- The chapel also will be used on those James Evans (center), Pitt-Bradford’s vice president and dean of student affairs, and Andrew J. Fortna (far left) of the tion or assistance with their donation may call special occasions when there is a need to Pittsburgh architectural firm MacLachlan, Cornelius, and Filoni, Inc., review a model of the proposed interfaith chapel, with 412-648-7710. Pitt-Bradford supporters (from left) Jacquelyn Jones, Pauline Higie, William Higie, and Howard Fesenmyer. call the campus community together for As of May 22, the earthquake death toll significant moments in the life of the col- stood at 51,151, and another 288,431 people lege or of individuals within it. In addition, Building Our Future Together fundraising at Pitt-Bradford in honor of their mother the chapel will be available to students, campaign, the Blaisdell family provided a to help support approximately 65 students were injured. The quake destroyed many schools employees, and guests of the University for $1.5 million challenge gift to complete the every year. More than 2,000 students have and thousands of other buildings. private reflection on a daily basis. campus’ communications building and fine benefited so far from the scholarship. —Sharon S. Blake The chapel’s location, overlooking arts center named in their honor. Wick and Dorn received the University Tunungwant Creek on the west side of In 1980, Wick and Dorn established of Pittsburgh at Bradford Presidential Medal campus, was selected for its woodland set- the Miriam Barcroft Blaisdell Scholarship of Distinction in 1993. ting. The chapel will feature a sanctuary seating about 150 people, a high ceiling, a hardwood floor, and space for a pipe organ and choir. Albert Filoni—president of Library Acquires Five Millionth Volume MacLachlan, Cornelius and Filoni Archi- Strickland’s Making the Impossible Possible is the landmark acquisition tects Inc. of Pittsburgh—designed the chapel; his firm also designed the renova- By Sharon S. Blake tion and expansion of Pitt Bradford’s Frame- Westerberg Commons and Blaisdell Hall. Pitt’s University Library System (ULS) Corporation and its subsidiaries, a Bachelor of Arts degree University officials hope to break ground has announced that its five millionth book the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in history and foreign rela- for the chapel in the fall. acquisition is Making the Impossible Pos- (MCG) and Bidwell Training tions. He established MCG Private funding is the only source of sible: One Man’s Crusade to Inspire Others Center. The long-running MCG to expose inner-city children money that will be used for the chapel’s to Dream Bigger and Achieve the Extraor- Jazz Series, which Strickland to the arts. The book focuses construction. So, Pitt-Bradford is launching dinary (Doubleday Business, 2007) by Pitt founded, has produced more than on Strickland’s belief that a fundraising campaign to raise the money alumnus, Pitt trustee, and ULS Board of 1,200 concerts and garnered three each of us has the potential needed to build the chapel, whose estimated Visitors chair William Strickland. Grammy Awards. Strickland has for remarkable achievement cost is approximately $2.5 million. The The ULS reached its first million vol- received numerous additional and that we can accomplish campaign will include a number of naming umes in the early 1960s and has been grow- honors, among them being named the impossible in our lives. opportunities inside the chapel, including ing steadily since then. Within 13 years, the a Pitt Distinguished Alumni Fellow and Strickland serves as a consultant, grant the sanctuary. ULS reached two million volumes in 1975, being inducted into the University’s inau- evaluator, and mentor in the fields of the arts Harriett Wick served as vice president and 16 years later, in 1991, it reached three gural Legacy Laureate class. He was named and arts education, community development, and secretary of Zippo Manufacturing Co., million. During the ’90s, growth within the 2007 Pittsburgher of the Year by Pittsburgh and workforce development training. which was founded by her father, George G. ULS took place rapidly. By 1999, the ULS Magazine and, earlier this year, Pitt Chan- “Bill Strickland’s book tells an inspir- Blaisdell, in Bradford in 1932. She and her celebrated reaching its four millionth volume cellor Mark A. Nordenberg celebrated the ing and important story of a most remarkable sister, Sarah B. Dorn, assumed ownership of by acquiring a copy of The New Ellesmere publication of Making the Impossible Pos- individual,” says Rush Miller, University the company following their father’s death Chaucer Facsimile Edition of Chaucer’s sible with a reception in Strickland’s honor Librarian and director of the ULS. “As in 1978. In 1999, Wick and her children Canterbury Tales (Huntington Library Press, at Pitt’s Alumni Hall. the title states, Bill is in the miracle busi- sold their shares of the company to Dorn 1995), one of only 250 facsimile copies of Making the Impossible Possible tells ness, making impossible dreams reality for and her sons. what is regarded as the most-famous literary the story of Strickland’s inner-city child- young men and women in Pittsburgh, many Through the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell treasure of the world-renowned Huntington hood and how his mother and an art teacher of whom might fail otherwise. It is fitting Foundation, the sisters have given funds Library, in San Marino, Calif. inspired him to become more than just an that our five millionth volume is the book to Pitt-Bradford for capital improvements. Recipient of a MacArthur Foundation aimless young man living in a rough Pitts- by such a wonderful alumnus, friend, and As part of Campaign 2000, which is the “genius” grant in 1996, Strickland is the burgh neighborhood. Strickland went on to supporter of the University of Pittsburgh and Pitt-Bradford component of Pitt’s $2 billion president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell graduate cum laude from Pitt in 1969 with the University Library System.” 2 • Pitt Chronicle • May 27, 2008 Newsmakers POSTDOC SYMPOSIUM

YWCA AWARDEES Pitt Cosponsors Family Support Conference JIM BURKE/CIDDE Sharon S. Blake More than 150 Pitt faculty and postdoctoral fellows attended the third-annual Postdoctoral Data and Dine Symposium May 7 Parents, policymakers, and human- in the William Pitt Union. Pitt Vice Provost for Research George service providers from throughout the region Klinzing (above) delivered the keynote address. The event was will convene June 4 to discuss the best ways for families to prepare their children for hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association academic success. (UPPDA) and sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the The 15th-annual Family Support Con- Office of Academic Career Development, Health Sciences. ference, titled “What’s Love Got to Do JOE KAPELEWSKI/CIDDE The UPPDA honored Andrew Blair, Pitt vice provost for faculty With It? The Heart of School Readiness Women associated with the University were recognized at the 2008 YWCA Tribute to Women Leadership affairs, with the 2008 Postdoctoral Advocate Award, and Rich and Success,” will take place at the Westin Awards May 15. Pitt honorees (from left) were Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, dean of Pitt’s School of Nursing, who Bodnar, Pitt research assistant professor in the Department Convention Center Hotel, Downtown. It is won the award in the science and technology category; Pitt alumnus Beth A. Slagle (LAW ’90), a partner at of Pathology, with the 2008 Postdoctoral Alumni Award. designed for social workers, parents, commu- Meyer, Unkovic and Scott, LLP, who won in the professional services category; and Kathy W. Humphrey, Pitt The event featured a poster session and three postdoctoral nity leaders, and educators and emphasizes vice provost and dean of students who won in the education category. In all, eight women were honored at fellows received travel awards for their poster presentations. the important role family members play in supporting children throughout their school the ceremony for their professional and volunteer work and for helping to advance the goals of the YWCA— experience. empowerment of women and girls and the elimination of racism. Workshops offered include Involving Moms in Involving Dads, Readers for Life, BAS AT 40 Getting in Synch With Children, and Family and Community Engagement: Go Beyond the Bake Sale. LEADING LITIGATOR Keynote presenters at the conference are Adolph Brown III, founder of The Well- ness Group, Inc., and Estelle B. Richman, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Brown is a teacher, author, consultant, and trainer who has shared his success with thousands of teachers worldwide. His involvement with education began in 1972, when he worked with Project Head Start. Brown is a psychotherapist and a former professor of psychology and department chair at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE

He frequently traveled with retired General BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI Carol Moseley Braun (right) was the keynote speaker at an April 16 event Colin Powell in an effort to emphasize the Pitt law professor Jules Lobel testified before a U.S. Congressional subcommit- commemorating the 40th anniversary of the founding of Pitt’s Black Action importance of mentoring in young lives. tee concerning the War Powers Act, which details the U.S. President’s powers Society. In her lecture, Moseley Braun talked about the importance of Black Known for adding humor to his presentations to commit the nation to war. Lobel was one of five witnesses invited to testify student organizations and the necessity for all students to be involved in and motivating young people to personal April 10 before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Interna- an ever-changing political world. To date, Moseley Braun has been the only success, Brown has shared platforms with tional Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight. Congressman and committee African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Illinois all the living U. S. presidents as well as First Ladies Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and chair William D. Delahunt from Massachucetts introduced Lobel, calling him “the from 1993 to 1999. Pictured with Moseley Braun is Deborah Walker, Nancy Reagan. leading American litigator on war powers.” assistant to the dean in Pitt’s Office of Student Affairs. In a career that spans more than 30 years of public service, Richman is a nationally recognized expert on behavioral health and children’s services. Prior to her current post with the Commonwealth, she was manag- Pittsburgh Symphony Honoree ing director, director of social services, and commissioner of public health for the City of Philadelphia. She has been honored for her advocacy efforts by the National Alliance on PittNewspaper ofChronicle the University of Pittsburgh Mental Illness and the American Medical Association, among other organizations. PUBLISHER Robert Hill Allegheny County has more than 30 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER John Harvith family support centers that are designed to EXECUTIVE EDITOR Linda K. Schmitmeyer meet the needs of local families. Pitt’s Office EDITOR Jane-Ellen Robinet of Child Development (OCD) provides tech- ART DIRECTOR Gary Cravener nical assistance and staff training for most STAFF WRITERS Sharon S. Blake of the centers. John Fedele The conference cosponsors include the Morgan Kelly OCD, part of Pitt’s School of Education; Amanda Leff Pitt’s School of Social Work; Allegheny Anthony M. Moore County Department of Human Services; and Patricia Lomando White The Heinz Endowments. For more informa- CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michele D. Baum tion and a complete conference schedule, call Reid Frazier 412-244-5363 or visit www.education.pitt. Kimberley Marcott Weinberg

edu/news/newsdetails.aspx?id=299. JOE KAPELEWSKI/CIDDE

Manfred Honeck (second from left), music director designate of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, The Pitt Chronicle is published throughout the year by Correction: was named an honorary member of the University’s Austrian Nationality Room Committee. The Austrian University News and Magazines, University of Pittsburgh, Room is the 24th of the Nationality Rooms. Located on the third floor of the Cathedral of Learning, it was 400 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Paul Solman was host of the panel discussion “The Phone: 412-624-1033, Fax: 412-624-4895, Global Economic Showdown,” sponsored by Pitt dedicated in June 1996. On May 6, Honeck toured the room and was the honored guest at a luncheon in E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chronicle.pitt.edu Business. Pitt economics professor Jim Cassing was the Croghan-Schenley Room. Pictured from left are Helen Semethy, Austrian American Cultural Society; Honeck; E. Maxine Bruhns, director of the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs; and The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal among the panelists. This corrects information that opportunity institution that does not discriminate upon any was published in the May 12 Pitt Chronicle. Jackie and Wilheim Dorfner of the Austrian American Cultural Society. basis prohibited by law. May 27, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 3 Graduate and Professional Education: Mapping the Future POSTDOC SYMPOSIUM The Explorers Humanities and social sciences PhD students cross traditional boundaries, break new ground This is the sixth article in a series about the University of Pittsburgh’s programs in graduate and professional education. JOE KAPELEWSKI/CIDDE David Bartholomae (standing), professor and chair of Pitt’s English department, says the department’s expanded vision has helped transform the field of English. Pitt graduate students in the Department of English pictured with Bartholomae are (from left) Katherine Kidd, Anna Redcay, and Helen Gerhardt.

By Reid Frazier

Jen Waldron, an assistant professor in different languages—Danish, Dutch, Swed- example, has traditionally been defined by innovation within the humanities. Pitt’s English department, recently taught a ish, English, and French—he was trying to time and space—say, the Victorian novel or graduate seminar called “Word and Image.” illuminate the relationship between the egali- antebellum plantation life. Doctoral students Rethinking and Reconfiguring Waldron, director of Pitt’s Medieval and tarian ideals of the French Revolution and the will always be expected to master their Programs Renaissance Studies Program, is a scholar sudden rash of mutinies in the Atlantic. subfields, but departments are increasingly Two examples of this kind of cross- of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama. But the None of these scenarios would have interested in producing scholars who can curricular thinking can be found in Pitt’s enrollment sheet for the seminar included been likely a generation ago, when graduate address a broader array English and history depart- students doing graduate work in creative students were expected to master a more of questions. ments, both of which were writing, art history, French, English litera- narrowly defined discipline. English stu- As a result, the Pitt’s graduate programs selected to participate in the ture, and film studies. They were all inter- dents needed to know the prescribed canon study of a particular Carnegie Initiative on the ested in similar questions: How are words of literary works and, generally speaking, time and place is being in the humanities and Doctorate, a national pro- and images produced and received? What didn’t have much to do with religious studies, enriched by an aware- gram that seeks to improve do they say about the world in which they political science, or anthropology. History ness of what’s going social sciences now doctoral education. were created? PhDs wrote dissertations on one country or on in other times and allow—even encourage— “We were asked to “We are all interested in how a message another. Not six. places. Graduate pro- evaluate what we do and, changes when it’s translated into a different Pitt’s graduate programs in the humani- grams are not aban- students to pursue more importantly, why we medium and how various modes of represen- ties and social sciences now allow—even doning the traditional do it,” says Evelyn Rawski, tation interact with one another in particular encourage—students to pursue broader time-and-place model broader interests. They University Professor of cultural contexts,” Waldron says. interests. They take more seminars outside of scholarship, Maher History and the department Waldron’s colleague in the English their own departments and are learning to and others say, but take more seminars chair. “The initiative asked department, Susan Z. Andrade, is a scholar straddle the boundaries of disciplines, fields, rather expanding it us why we’re requiring of African and Caribbean literature, with a and specialties in an effort to chart new so that when students outside their own depart- students to do the things we special interest in the African novel. Andrade scholarly terrain. graduate, they are able ments and are learning to do and then to simplify the sits on the dissertation committee of a PhD to place their own areas process, to better define the candidate in Pitt’s Department of Germanic Beyond a Particular Time and Space of study within a much straddle the boundaries academic mission.” Languages and Literatures who is writing The turn toward cross-fertilizing initia- broader context. As a result of this about Romanian émigré literature in Ger- tives is happening on a number of different In addition, Pitt’s of disciplines, fields, and introspection, the history many. In Andrade’s work on the African levels. Within individual departments, some Universitywide cer- department began initiat- novel, she asks a question similar to the PhD graduate programs have been revamped to tificate programs— specialties in an effort ing deep changes in its candidate on whose committee she sits: What incorporate these initiatives. Women’s Studies, Film graduate program. In 2003, do the content and form of these literatures “The best programs are those in which Studies, and compo- to chart new scholarly it began requiring gradu- tell us about the society that created them? academic leadership is always rethinking nent programs within terrain. ate students to study one For his PhD dissertation in history, the direction of scholarship,” says Pitt Pro- the University Center of a handful of thematic, Niklas Frykman spent much of the past vost and Senior Vice Chancellor James V. for International Stud- transnational fields. A good two years traveling throughout Europe and Maher. “Department chairs and faculty are ies—help PhD students example of this is Atlantic visiting Naval archives. He visited six coun- trying to broaden their students’ exposure in explore intellectual frameworks outside History. Now, instead of just studying 17th- tries and six national archives looking for a systematic way. Today they see their work their “home” departments. Thus, the natural century New England history, for instance, information on late-18th-century mutinies. in a broader discourse.” intellectual curiosity of individual students Scouring source material written in five Scholarship in the humanities, for and scholars serves as a constant source of Continued on page 4 4 • Pitt Chronicle • May 27, 2008 The Explorers have on an audience? What can the texts tell us about the world in which they were created? The interdisciplinary nature of the Pitt English department attracted Richard Parent to the University. “When I was looking at PhD programs, I made a list of all the classes I could take at the places that accepted me and gave me funding,” says Parent, who received his Pitt PhD in 2005 and is now an assistant professor at the University of Vermont. “The list at Pitt was about five times longer than the lists at other schools.” Parent took courses in the Departments of Religious Studies, Communication, and Philosophy, and he wrote his dissertation on how online and interactive texts affect the way we read. Parent feels working with a diverse group of scholars—his committee consisted of an expert each in reading, composition, and interpretation—benefited him, especially when it came to explaining his research to hiring committees with little exposure to “digital studies.” “I was lucky, because my committee kept forcing me to be as clear as possible and make sure that what I was writing was understandable to as many people as possible.” The history department’s turn toward transnational themes has aided students of MARY JANE BENT/CIDDE American history, Rawski says. “Now our Evelyn Rawski, University Professor of History and the department chair, and history professor Alejandro de la Fuente, director of the department’s graduate studies, helped institute deep changes Americanists have expertise in more than in the department’s graduate program to provide a more rounded education. As of 2003, graduate students in history are required to study one of several thematic, transnational fields. just their regional areas.” Eric Kimball, who is finishing his dis- Continued from page 3 sertation on trade between the New England colonies and the Caribbean, says setting early students would also be expected to under- a more comprehensive background. in one place. We’re moving past just look- America within the context of Atlantic his- stand important political and social changes “If a student entering the job market was ing at Paris in the 19th century,” Linduff tory makes for a richer understanding of the in Western Europe at that time, the rise of the writing a dissertation on, say, [20th-century says. “There’s an increasing awareness that salient questions of the discipline. West African slave trade and the settlement American novelist] Thomas Pynchon and creativity can happen anywhere, and that “When you study Atlantic history, you of the West Indies. the theory of the nation or American impe- interconnectedness isn’t just possible—it’s can ask questions like, ‘When the 13 colonies Racism provides an excellent example of rialism, we would want someone looking likely. It’s part of a way of looking at art that’s decided to declare their independence, why this, says history professor Alejandro de la at that student’s CV to say, ‘Oh, this person not just focused on a single individual ‘great did the other colonies decide not to?’ ‘Why Fuente, director of the department’s graduate can teach our 20th-Century Novel course artist’ but on the process of creativity.” didn’t Canada and the Caribbean decide studies. “As a corpus of ideas and policies, or our Survey of American Literature,’” to declare their independence, too?’” says racism can be studied from the framework of Bartholomae says. Illuminating the Questions Kimball, who will be an assistant professor the nation-state. But if you look at it outside The changes over the past 15 years Changes in Pitt’s English and history of colonial American and Atlantic history of one region or nation-state, you discover have catapulted the program into national departments have attracted a diverse group at Utah State University in the fall. “You many of these ideas have traveled around prominence. Pitt’s English department now of young scholars. English PhD students can actually illuminate the questions of why the world and have been used and applied ranks in the top fifth of all doctoral pro- study everything from Arthurian texts to those 13 decided to break away when they in different areas. They become part of a grams, according to the National Research war movies to multiplayer online video did by looking at the era from a transnational larger trend.” Council. games. The essential questions of the disci- perspective.” The department paired up professors “This was a radical change,” says plines unite the research: How are narratives from different subdisciplines to design and Bartholomae. “We were doing the kinds of constructed? What impact do these works Continued on page 5 teach courses in thematic topics. In the work in a number of different areas that were course Text and Context, for instance, a catching people’s attention. The thinking scholar specializing in Asian studies and one was, if the field of English was changing, we specializing in European studies devised a were leading the change.” syllabus that showed the evolution of words Pitt’s Department of the History of Art and ideas from Ancient Greece to early and Architecture also encourages its students China, Imperial Japan, and 17th-century to become proficient in areas outside of their Europe. traditional focus—in this case, regional. The English department was no stranger “The key is to situate your research to self-examination when it took part in the within a question that is of interest outside Carnegie Initiative. The PhD program had the particular region or area you’re studying, already undergone a transformation in the but also across cultures and times,” says 1990s that included a name change. Doctoral Katheryn Linduff, a professor of East Asian students now earn PhDs in critical and cul- art history and chair of the department. “We tural studies, not English. The name change want to be able to think about the really big reflected a shift that included the study of questions: What’s the function of a portrait? nontraditional texts, like films, as well as a How do architectural movements travel different way of thinking about literature. to other countries? We’re positioning our “No one can imagine that film hasn’t students to do more broadly based cross- had an effect on the way people think of nar- cultural work.” rative,” says David Bartholomae, professor Students in the history of art and archi- and chair of the English department. “When tecture program are researching a wide array you change the focus to critical and cultural of materials, from Chinese mortuary art and studies, you begin to acknowledge that text German churches in Poland and Jerusalem to works in places that extend beyond the page. 19th-century French photography. According You can ask questions like, ‘What do people to Linduff, the increasingly global nature of see, read, watch? What’s the cultural work of daily life with the advent of the Internet and the novel with respect to 9/11?’” instant worldwide communication makes Still, participating in the Carnegie Ini- the interdisciplinary approach crucial to

tiative on the Doctorate helped show some understanding any field. In addition, the JIM BURKE/CIDDE of the program’s shortcomings, Bartholomae discipline is undergoing a transformation Eric Kimball, a doctoral student in the Department of History, is finishing his dissertation on trade between the New England says. Faculty worried students were becom- that necessitates a better understanding of ing too specialized. The department wanted other disciplines and connections between colonies and the Caribbean. Setting early America within the context of Atlantic history makes for a richer understanding of the to make sure students had a more balanced cultures. discipline, he says. Kimball is photographed in the microfilms section of the Hillman Library, which has collections he used in training. So the department expanded stu- “We’re moving away from the notion his research, including naval office shipping records that record trade entering and leaving the colonies, Parliamentary reports dents’ reading and project lists to give them that everything important happens only and testimony, the American slave trade collection, and West Indian slave plantation records. May 27, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 5 The Explorers

Continued from page 4 A Network of Bridges Abetting this multidisciplinary approach are the University’s certificate programs, which provide training in areas that straddle the domains of different disciplines—women’s studies, film studies, and international studies, among others. Getting a certificate in women’s studies exposed Julie Hakim Azzam—an English department student who finished her critical and cultural studies PhD on postcolonial literature and gender in fall 2007—to works of sociology, anthropology, political science, and history. “Women’s studies gave me a vocabulary to talk about politics or history in literature— something I’d always been interested in but didn’t know how to bring within the scope of literary analysis,” says Hakim Azzam, who teaches women’s studies and literature at Chatham University. “I’d read articles about how political upheavals affected women or the way that culture creates gender and gendered forms of oppression,” she says. “I saw that happening in the novels I was reading but didn’t know how to discuss it. Women’s studies gave me a way to discuss those topics.” Helping doctoral students understand the regions they are studying is the pri- JOE KAPELEWSKI/CIDDE mary purpose of the University Center for Jamie Bono, a PhD student in the English department who studies digital texts and alternate reality games, draws his research from numerous disciplines, including the history of technology, International Studies’ graduate certificate literary criticism, and classic Greek rhetoric. The ability to engineer his own course of study attracted him to Pitt and is what excites him about the work he will do for his dissertation. program. Students in the Latin American Studies graduate program, for instance, are required to take courses on Latin America ing out on a huge part of how our culture of study is what attracted him to Pitt, and national profile. outside of their major. The cross-disciplinary works.” it’s what excites him about the work he will For Rawski, better placement num- study of a region is crucial, says Kathleen do for his dissertation. bers are a reflection of how well these new M. DeWalt, a professor of anthropology and Choose Your Own Adventure “We have the ability to apply a range methods anticipated broader changes in the public health and director of Pitt’s Center for There is an organic aspect to the inter- of interests and follow theoretical hunches field. The American Historical Associa- Latin American Studies (CLAS). est in an interdisciplinary approach. While into directions that haven’t already been tion (AHA), the field’s leading scholarly “One of the ways to deepen a student’s departments and certificate programs sup- cordoned off,” Bono says. “We’re building organization, recently endorsed the cross- understanding of a place is to have a more port a cross-fertilizing approach to gradu- a field from the ground up.” disciplinary approach in its report The Edu- contextualized view of the region, to place ate education, students are the ones who cation of Historians for the 21st Century. one’s own disciplinary perspective in the ultimately push their own research across Making Progress AHA scholars discovered, among their context of other disciplines,” says DeWalt. “I disciplinary boundaries by following ques- The results of the revamped programs findings in the report, that today’s gradu- encourage all my anthropology students to tions or phenomena that can’t be understood in the English and history departments have ate students “must be prepared to work at take Latin American history or politics.” by using traditional guidelines. been largely positive. Many entry-level the intersection of disciplines, where more CLAS is one of Jamie Bono’s research tenure-stream positions require the ability to and more of the important scholarship and five federally des- provides an excellent exam- teach at least two or three different fields, so teaching [are] likely to take place in the ignated National “We have the ability to ple. A PhD student in the having that kind of comprehensive knowl- years to come.” Resource Centers at English department who edge comes in handy for students entering For Rawski and others, a finding like Pitt, and thus among apply a range of interests studies digital texts and alter- the job market. this is proof that the innovations are keep- the top few centers of and follow theoretical nate reality games, Bono first The placement rate for history PhDs ing Pitt at the leading edge of doctoral its kind in the nation. became interested in the sub- into tenure-stream positions has increased education in the humanities and social The center attracts hunches into directions ject while playing the interac- rapidly, from 45 percent in 2000 (which sciences. students from anthro- tive game Majestic, which is Professor de la Fuente points out is the “In the historical scholarship of the pology, business, edu- that haven’t already a cross between role-playing average rate for top-30 programs) to 60-70 next 20 years, people will be looking at cation, history, His- and a scavenger hunt. Played percent for the last two years. In English, broader questions and must have the ability panic languages and been cordoned off. We’re over the Internet, it uses text placement of PhDs into tenure-stream posi- to look at many different sources,” Rawski literatures, and other messaging and other media. tions has increased in the past 10 years along says. “This is where the field is going. This programs. building a field from the (The Da Vinci Code’s author, with a dramatic increase in the program’s is where scholarship is going.” In the film stud- ground up.” Dan Brown, derived some ies certificate proof his ideas for this novel gram, graduate stu- —Jamie Bono from Majestic). The field dents from different of electronic media stud- departments study ies (referred to by some as everything from Chinese movie-watching the New Humanities) is so new there is no habits in the 1920s to contemporary Black canon of texts for Bono to master. He’s had crime films. The program attracts PhD to design much of his course of study, taking students from the Departments of English, classes in the Departments of the History Communication, Slavic Languages and and Philosophy of Science, Communication, Literatures, and Germanic Languages and and English. Literatures. There is one drawback, says Bono: “I “Film by its very nature is interdisci- get option paralysis.” plinary,” says Lucy Fischer, Distinguished There are numerous disciplines for Bono Professor of English and Film Studies and to draw from, including the history of tech- director of the Film Studies Program. “The nology, literary criticism, and classic Greek film object itself draws from many different rhetoric (His reading list includes Aristotle fields—literature, theater, pictorial arts—and and Marshall McLuhan, who predicted the we also study a lot of the economic and busi- rise of digital culture and penned the phrase ness aspects of film.” “global village” in 1962). To navigate all this, “Film is our new national literature,” institutional support is key, he says. says Tanine Allison, a doctoral student in “It’s great to have professors who are

English and film studies who is writing willing to go along with this and give me a MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE her dissertation about World War II films. long leash,” says Bono. “The great thing is Lucy Fischer (left), Distinguished Professor of English and Film Studies and director of Pitt’s Film Studies Program, says film that working with people who don’t do what “Film has a huge cultural impact. We need draws from many fields, including literature, theater, pictorial arts, and even economics and business. Tanine Allison (right), to be able to step back and learn what kinds I do forces me to talk with people outside of of images are coming at us and shaping our my field about my research.” a doctoral student in English and film studies who is writing her dissertation about World War II films, believes that film is opinions. If we don’t study it, we’re miss- The ability to engineer his own course our new national literature. JIM BURKE/CIDDE 6 • Pitt Chronicle • May 27, 2008 Science&Technology

Pitt Researchers Make Breakthrough in Nanotechnology by Uncovering Conductive Property of Carbon-based Molecules Newfound ability of organic molecules to conduct electricity opens door to smaller, cheaper, and more powerful technologies

By Morgan Kelly

University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered that certain organic—or carbon- based—molecules exhibit the properties of atoms under certain circumstances and, in turn, conduct electricity as well as metal. Detailed in the April 18 edition of Science, the finding is a breakthrough in developing nanotechnology that provides a new strategy for design- ing electronic materials, including inexpensive and multifunctional organic Community-acquired Pneumonia conductors that have long been considered the key to smaller, cheaper, and faster Harder on Men Than Women technologies. Study finds men come to emergency departments sicker, more likely to die over the next year The Pitt team found that the hollow, soccer-ball-shaped carbon mol- By Michele D. Baum ecules known as fullerenes can hold and transfer an electrical charge much like the graphite 100,000 times smaller than a Men who come to the hospital with of Melbourne, Australia. Investigators most highly conductive atoms, explained human hair. pneumonia generally are sicker than adjusted results for age, race, tobacco use, project head Hrvoje Petek, a professor of The team’s research shows promise women and have a higher risk of dying other demographic characteristics, chronic physics and chemistry in Pitt’s School of Arts for the future of electronics based on over the next year, despite aggressive health conditions, health behaviors, and and Sciences and codirector of Pitt’s Petersen molecular conductors. These molecule- medical care, according to a study pre- levels of treatment. “Even so, men had a 30 Institute for NanoScience and Engineering. based devices surpass the semiconductor sented May 20 at the 104th International percent higher risk of death, and the social The research was performed by Pitt postdoc- and metal conductors of today in terms of Conference of the American Thoracic factors we examined were not sufficient to toral associates Min Feng and Jin Zhao. lower cost, flexibility, and the ability to Society, held May 16-21 in Toronto. explain the differences we observed.” When an electron was introduced into meld the speed and power of optics and “It is well known that women Using the patient data, Reade, Yende, a fullerene molecule, the shape of the elec- electronics. Plus, unlike such inorganic live longer than men. We have always and their colleagues next examined a tron distribution mimicked that of a hydro- conductors as silicon, molecule-based elec- assumed that these differences occur series of molecules important to the body’s gen atom or an atom tronics can be miniatur- because men engage in riskier behaviors immune response to infection, finding from the alkali metal ized to a 1-dimensional and have a greater burden of chronic dis- significant differences between men and group, which includes “Our work provides a scale (1-molecule-wide), eases,” said Sachin Yende, study coau- women in levels of tumor necrosis factor, lithium, sodium, and which may enable them thor and assistant professor in the School interleukin-6, interleukin-10, antithrom- potassium. Moreover, new perspective on what to conduct electricity of Medicine’s Department of Critical bin III, Factor IX, plasminogen activator when two fullerenes with minimal loss and Care Medicine. “Our study showed that inhibitor-1, and D-dimer. By comparison were placed next to determines the electronic thus improve the perfor- men were more likely to die up to a between the genders, some concentrations each other on a copper mance of an electronic year after pneumonia, despite adjusting were lower, while others were higher. surface, they showed properties of materials. device. for health behaviors and chronic condi- “No one had shown this before,” said the electron distribu- The realization that hollow Traditionally, the tions. Further, our findings indicate this Yende. “So these differences in immune tion of their chemical problem has been that may be linked to differences in immune response could explain at least some of the bond and appeared as molecules can have metal- organic conductors have response.” differences in survival.” H2, a hydrogen mol- not conducted electrical The University of Pittsburgh Gender differences in immune ecule. The assembly like conductivity opens current very well, Petek researchers evaluated data from 1,136 response to infection are an area of inten- exhibited metal-like said. The Pitt team’s men and 1,047 women with symptoms sive research, with investigations into the conductivity when the way to develop novel discovery could enable of pneumonia who were treated at 28 role of X chromosomes, which encode the team extended it scientists to finally over- hospital emergency departments in the genes for several important immune system to a wire 1-molecule- materials with electronic come that problem, he United States. mediators. “Some investigators have sug- wide. and chemical properties added. On average, men arrived at the gested that the immune response may differ “Our work pro- “Metal-like behavior emergency departments with poorer vital because women have two copies of the X vides a new perspec- that can be tailored by in a molecular material— signs, were more likely to be smokers, chromosome,” said Yende. “Sex hormones tive on what deter- as we have found—is and had a greater variety of complicating are another area of inquiry. It is tempting mines the electronic shape and size.” highly surprising and health conditions. After hospitalization, to speculate that in the future, medical properties of materi- desirable in the emerg- men received timely antibiotic treatments treatment of pneumonia may be different als,” Petek said. “The —Hrvoje Petek ing field of molecular more often than women and were twice for men and women.” realization that hollow electronics,” he said. as likely to be admitted immediately to In addition to Yende and Reade, other molecules can have “Our work is a intensive-care units. authors of the study were Gina D’Angelo, metal-like conductivity opens the way to unique example of how nanoscale materials “The gender disparity on aggres- Eric Milbrandt, John Kellum, Amber Bar- develop novel materials with electronic and can be used as atom-sized building blocks siveness of hospital care is appropriate, nato, Florian Mayr, Lisa Weissfeld, and chemical properties that can be tailored by for molecular materials that could replace given that men tended to be significantly principal study investigator Derek Angus, shape and size.” silicon and copper in electronic devices, sicker than women,” said Michael Reade, all of Pitt’s School of Medicine. The study Although the team worked with fuller- luminescent displays, photovoltaic cells, first author, former fellow in Pitt’s was funded by the National Institute of enes, the team’s results apply to all hollow and other technologies,” Petek added. Department of Critical Care Medicine, General Medical Sciences at the National molecules, Petek added, including carbon To view the paper, visit the Science and assistant professor at the University Institutes of Health. nanotubes—rolled, 1-atom-thick sheets of Web site at www.sciencemag.org.

May 27, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 7

Eyeball Portraits and Beyond + Neke burgh Irish & Classical Theatre, www. Learning Research and Development Paints Andy ’72, Ceramic Explosion: The picttheatre.org. Center. Work Of Martin Klimas, and Contem- porary Prints From The Bank of New II Postino by Michael Radford, Jill Montgomery, Graduate School York Mellon Collection, all through June 1, Carnegie Library of Pitts- of Public Health, “Characterization of June 1, 117 Sandusky St., North Side, burgh, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Oakland, the Role of Human Herpes Virus 8 in Happenings 412-237-8300, www.warhol.org. 412-622-3105, www.carnegielibrary.org. Prostate Cancer,” noon May 29, Room A115 Crabtree Hall. Carnegie Museum of Art, Ecology. The Color Purple by Gary Griffin, Design. Synergy, through June 1, and June 3-15, Benedum Center, 803 Liberty Chunrong Cheng, Graduate School 55th Carnegie International, through Ave., Downtown, Pittsburgh Civic Light of Public Health, “Improved Gene- Jan. 11, 2009, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oak- Opera, 412-471-6070, www.pittsburghclo. wise Normalization to Enhance land, 412-622-3131, www.cmoa.org. org. Classification Models for Inter-study Prediction in Microarray,” 11:30 a.m. Fein Art Gallery, Pittsburgh 150-250: The Heist by Attack Theater, June 6-15, May 30, Room A622 Crabtree Hall. See How It Was, See How It Is, through part of Three Rivers Arts Festival, Forbes June 6, 519 East Ohio St., Northside, Avenue at Stanwix Street, 412-281-8723, Pei-Ying Chuang, School of Nursing, 412-321-6816, www.feinartgallery.com. www.artsfestival.net/about/. “Neuroglobin Genetic Polymorphisms and Their Relationships to Functional Pittsburgh Glass Center, Stained Glass Take Me Out by Richard Greenberg, Outcome Following Traumatic Brain in a Flash, through June 6; Glass & June 6-22, Navarra, 131 7th St., Injury,” 10 a.m. May 30, Room 331 Steel: Art Transcends Industry, through Downtown, barebones productions, Victoria Building. Sept. 5; 5472 Penn Ave., East Liberty, 412-456-6666, www.pgharts.org. 412-365-2145, www.pittsburghglasscen- Jaime Berlin Talkowski, School of ter.org. Bust by Lauren Weedman, through Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, June 29, Pittsburgh City Theatre, 1300 “Quantifying Physical Activity in SPACE, Pittsburgh NOW, through Bingham St., South Side, 412-431-2489, Community Dwelling Older Adults June 13, 812 Liberty Ave., Downtown, www.citytheatrecompany.org. Using Accelerometry,” 3 p.m. June 2, www.SpacePittsburgh.org, 412-325-7723. Room 4060 Forbes Tower. “An Unsettled Work,” a video installation by Peter Fischli and David Weiss, Shear Madness by Paul Portner, Patrick R. Shea, Graduate School Carnegie Museum of Art, through January 11, 2009 Rivers of Steel Visitor Center, through Sept. 28, Pittsburgh CLO Caba- Monongahela Valley: A Time of Change, ret, Cabaret at Theatre Square, 655 Penn of Public Health, “Identification and 1980–2000, through June 14, 623 East Ave., 412-325-6769, www.pittsburghclo. Functional Characterization of Estro- 8th Ave., Homestead Park, 412-464-4020, org.7th-floor Auditorium, Alumni Hall, gen Response Elements in the Human Concerts Braxton Plays Pittsburgh, featuring www.riversofsteel.com. 412-624-7298, www.kuntu.org. Herpes Virus 8 Genome,” 2 p.m. Anthony Braxton directing the CAPA June 3, Room A312 Crabtree Hall. Calliope Acoustic Open Stage, Folk Antithesis, 7 p.m. May 31, Pittsburgh Carnegie Science Center, Dinosaurs Music Concert, 9 p.m. May 27, Bloom- High School for the Creative and Alive and Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Pitt Oral Thesis Gregory Salmieri, School of Arts field Bridge Tavern, 4412 Liberty Ave., Performing Arts Theater, 111 9th St., Adventure, both through June 15; From and Sciences, “Aristotle and the Bloomfield, Pittsburgh Folk Music Soci- 412-338-6101. Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years of Charting Defenses Problem of Concepts,” 2 p.m. June 3, ety, 412-682-8611, www.calliopehouse. America’s Coasts, through June 29; Room 1001B Cathedral of Learning. org/index.htm. Breast Cancer Research Ben- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, through Ashley Conley, Graduate School of efit Concert, 7:30 p.m. May 31, Sept. 11; Allegheny Ave., North Shore, Public Health, “Molecular Characteriza- Thomas Kirchner, Department of Jerusalem of Gold, Pittsburgh Jewish New Castle High School, 300 Lincoln 412-237-3400, www.carnegiesciencecen- tion of IS1301 in an Emergent Clone of Psychology, School of Arts and Sci- Music Festival Orchestra, Children’s Ave., Par for the Cure, 724-658-7927, ter.org. Serogroup C Neisseria Meningitides,” ences, “Relapse Dynamics During Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. http://24.173.123.178/parforthecure. 1 p.m. May 27, Room A215 Crabtree Smoking Cessation: Recurrent May 28, Katz Theatre, Jewish Commu- Michael Berger Gallery, Prescient, Hall. Abstinence Violation Effects and nity Center of Greater Pittsburgh, 5738 Jewish Music Festival, 7:30 p.m. through June 28, 415 Gettysburg St., Lapse-Relapse Progression,” 8 a.m. Darlington Rd., 412-394-3353, www. June 1, Levy Hall, Temple Rodef Shalom, Point Breeze, 412-441-4282, www. Shaylee O’ Leary, Graduate School of June 5, 4127 Sennott Square. jccpgh.org. 4905 Fifth Ave., 412-394-3353, http:// mbergerart.com. Public Health, “Transcriptional Regula- rodefshalom.org/index.cfm. tion of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha by Angela Reynolds, School of Arts Mozart Favorites, 8 p.m., May 30-31, Hunt Institute for Botanical Docu- Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Vpr,” and Sciences, “Mathematical Models 2 p.m. June 1, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Chris Higbee of the Poverty Neck mentation, Edward Donovan: Naturalist 1 p.m. June 2, Room A216 Crabtree Hall. of Acute Inflammation,” 1 p.m. June Ave., Downtown, Pittsburgh Symphony Hillbillies, 7p.m. June 6, Chambers Artist, Author, and Collector, through 6, Room 704 Thackeray Hall. Orchestra, 412-392-4900, www.pitts- Hall Gymnasium, Pitt-Greensburg, June 29, Carnegie Mellon University, Krisztina Baglyas, Graduate School burghsymphony.org. 724-836-7741, www.upg.pitt.edu. 4909 Frew St., Oakland, 412-268-2434, of Public Health, “Delineating the Role Peter R. McDonald, School of Medi- [email protected]. of SIV-VPR and SIV-VPX on Dendritic cine, “Identification of Novel Potential Anthony Braxton Septet, 8p.m. Langrée & Ohlsson, Louis Langrée, Cells, Natural Killer Cells, and Immune Cancer Therapies by Synthetic Lethal May 30, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, conductor, 8 p.m., June 6, 2:30 p.m. Function,” 10 a.m. June 4, Room A215 Screening,” 1:30 p.m. June 9, Room 1815 Metropolitan St., 412-322-0800, June 8, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Lectures/ Crabtree Hall. 1395 Starzl Biomedical Science www.manchesterguild.org. Downtown, Pittsburgh Symphony Orches- Tower. tra, 412-392-4900, www.pittsburghsym- Seminars/Readings Braxton Plays Pittsburgh, featuring phony.org. Pitt PhD Dissertation Fang Zhu, Graduate School of Public Anthony Braxton, Michael Pestel and Tom Baker, author of Get Involved! Health, “An Index of Local Sensitivity Syrinx Ensemble, 10 a.m. May 31- Maurice Hines, singer and dancer, Making the Most of Your 20s & 30s, Defenses to Nonignorability and a Penalized June 1, National Aviary, 700 Arch St., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. June 7, 2:30 p.m. 7 p.m. May 27, Joseph Beth Booksell- Pseudolikelihood Method for Data 412-323-7235, www.aviary.org. June 8, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, ers, 2705 E. Carson St., South Side, Vincent B. McGinty, School of Medi- with Nonignorable Nonresponse,” 1815 Metropolitan St., North Side, 412-381-3600, www.josephbeth.com/. cine, “Amygdala Regulation of Prefron- 10 a.m. June 10, Room 109 Parran 412-322-0800, www. Mcgjazz.org. tal-to-accumbens Information Flow: Hall. “Phantom Limb,” “What Is Your FICO Score and How Is Implications for Motivation and Action,” Matthew It Affecting Your Credit?” Jenn Carr, 10 a.m. May 29, 2nd-floor Auditorium, Monahan, Exhibitions certified credit consultant, 12:15 p.m. May 29, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Hillman Cancer Center Atrium, Oncol- 12 Smithfield Street, 412-281-7141, Museum ogy on Canvas: Expressions of a Cancer www.carnegielibrary.org. of Art, Journey, 6:30-9 p.m. May 29, 5115 Centre PBMF AWARDS through Ave., Shadyside, 412-623-4701. Armchair Travels, 3 p.m. June 7, Car- January negie Library of Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes 11, 2009 Third Street Gallery, Art As Sustenance: Ave., Oakland, 412-622-315, www.carn- A Feast Of Paintings, through May 30, egielibrary.org. 220 3rd St., Carnegie, 412-276-5233, www.3rdstreetgallery.net. Eighth-annual Summer Reading Extravaganza, noon June 8, lawn, Car- Pittsburgh Glass Center, Fused negie Library of Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes Glass: A Design Perspective, through Ave., Oakland, 412-281-7141, www.carn- May 30, 5472 Penn Ave., East Liberty, egielibrary.org. 412-365-2145, www.pittsburghglasscen- ter.org. Miscellaneous The Firehouse, Passages, through May 31, 1416 Arch St., Northside, PNC Children’s Carousel Tea, 11 a.m.

412-682-0348, www.moxiedada.com. to 2 p.m. May 31, Schenley Plaza, 4100 JIM BURKE/CIDDE Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh Parks Con- Pitt’s Office of Public Affairs won seven Robert L. Vann Silver Eye Center for Photography, servancy, 412-682-7275, www.pitts- Alternative Focus, Opening Reception, burghparks.org. Journalism Awards at the 25th annual Pittsburgh Black 2-4 p.m. May 31; exhibition continues Media Federation Awards ceremony May 8. The awards through June 14; 1015 E. Carson St., Mammogram Screenings, 8 a.m.- Southside, 412-431-1810, www.silvereye. 4:30 p.m. May 31, Hillman Cancer were presented for 2007 media coverage of African American org. Center, UPMC Shadyside, 5115 life, culture, and accomplishments in Western Pennsylvania. Centre Ave., Women’s Health Day, Honorees and their awards were: Robert Hill, vice chancellor Framery, A Thin Line Between Space 412-623-5900. and Time, through May 31, 4735 Butler for public affairs, second place in Column Writing for “No Asterisks” in the Pittsburgh St., Lawrenceville, 412-687-2102, www. Post-Gazette; Pitt Chronicle, first place in News Features for “John Woodruff Dies at theframerypgh.com. Opera/Theater/ 92” by Bruce Steele, first place in Series for the 2007 Black History Month Series (for August Wilson Center for African Dance articles written by Morgan Kelly, Patricia Lomando White, Hassan Wilcox, and Steele), American Culture, Black Clay in PA; and a second place in Series for “Pitt, Carnegie Mellon Honor Tutu” by John Harvith A Dialogue in Flux, through May 31, The Odd Couple, May 29-June 29, Pitts- Gallery 209, 209 9th St., Downtown, burgh Public Theater, O’ Reilly Theater, and Jason Togyer; Pitt Magazine, first place in Public Affairs for Jennifer Bails’ story 412-281-5484. 621 Penn Ave., Downtown, 412-434-7590, “Sanctuary” and first place in Business Feature (Magazine) for Elaine Vitone’s “Smart www.ppt.org. Drive”; and Pitt Med magazine, Honorable Mention in Feature Photos for “A Most Trinity Gallery, HIE (High Speed Infra- red Film), through May 31, 4747 Hatfield Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Unwelcome Visitor” by Cami Mesa. Among those attending the awards were (from left) St., Lawrenceville, 412-687-2458. Musical Show, through May 31, Kuntu Cara Hayden, Pitt Magazine senior editor; Bails; Vitone; Holden Slattery, Pitt Magazine Repertory Theatre, 7th-floor Auditorium, intern; Cindy Gill, Pitt Magazine editor-in-chief; Ervin Dyer, Pitt Magazine senior editor Space 101 Gallery, Bare IV, through Alumni Hall, 412-624-7298, www.kuntu. May 31, The Brew House, 2100 Mary St., org. and coordinator of the PBMF Awards and ceremony; White; and Harvith. Dyer also South Side, 412-381-7767, www.brew- received two awards for articles he wrote for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, first place in house.org. An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde, through May 31, Henry Heymann Series for “Invisible Men” and second place in Feature Story for “The Bus Stops Here.” Andy Warhol Museum, Neke Carson: Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial, Pitts-

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8 • Pitt Chronicle • May 27, 2008 Pitt Supports Cave Canem’s Annual Poetry Retreat Arts and Sciences announces $200,000 multiyear funding for Cave Canem By Patricia Lomando White

Pitt’s School of Arts and Sciences has retreat for another five years on the Greens- mitted to cultivating poets’ artistic awarded $200,000 to support Cave Canem burg campus, which has been the host site for and professional development. Foundation’s retreat for African Ameri- the program since 2003. This year’s retreat With six robust programs—a can poets at Pitt-Greensburg from 2008 is planned for June 22-29. weeklong annual retreat, a first through 2012. The “The annual Cave Canem retreat pro- book prize, a Legacy Conversation multiyear funding vides a critical conversation space for Black series, regional writing workshops, follows an ini- poets, and I am delighted that the connec- anthology publication with presti- tial $40,000 gift tions between Cave Canem and the Univer- gious presses, and nationally based made to Cave sity have been symbolized by location of the readings—Cave Canem has been Canem in 2007 retreat at our Greensburg campus for the last providing necessary sustenance and ensures the five years,” said N. John Cooper, Betty J. and for African American poets for Ralph E. Bailey Dean of Arts and Sciences, 12 years. Its programs have influ- in awarding the funds. enced the literary landscape and For several years, the University and serve as models and inspiration for Cave Canem, North America’s premier home emerging minority organizations for Black poetry, have been connecting Black in the United States and abroad. poets with Pitt’s writing department. Poet The Cave Canem community and Pitt professor of English Toi Derricotte The foundation’s emblem, taken from a mosaic of a dog guarding the has grown from an initial gather- cofounded Cave Canem with Cornelius Eady, entry to the House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii, symbolizes Cave ing of 27 poets to become an influ- and Pitt assistant professor of poetry and Canem’s role—protecting African American poets and, by breaking the ential movement with a renowned writing Dawn Lundy Martin was the chain, unleashing vital new voices on the literary world. faculty and a high-achieving winner of the 2006 Cave Canem fellowship of 250 poets residing Poetry Prize. Since 1999, the in 34 states. University of Pittsburgh Press has rative of the Life of the Brown Boy and the published the winning manuscript White Man, selected by Claudia Rankine for of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize the 2007 prize. every third year. Forthcoming from The Cave Canem retreat annually serves Pitt Press is Ronaldo V. Wilson’s Nar- 54 fellows—African American poets from PUBLICATION NOTICE The next edition of diverse backgrounds, ages, and geogra- Pitt Chronicle will be published June 9. phies—who come together with a world-class Items for publication in the newspaper’s faculty for a week of writing, presentations, Happenings calendar (see page 7) should Poet and Pitt professor of English Toi and debate. be received six working days prior to For 2008, the retreat’s faculty are Der- the desired publication date. Happenings Derricotte (left) cofounded Cave Canem ricotte, Eady, Colleen J. McElroy, Carl items should include the following infor- Phillips, Rankine, and Reginald Shepherd. mation: title of the event, name and title of with Cornelius Eady to remedy the under- Ntozake Shange is guest poet. Since the orga- speaker(s), date, time, location, sponsor(s), nization’s inception in 1996, 250 fellowships and a phone number and Web site for addi- representation of Black poets in MFA tional information. Items may be e-mailed have been awarded. to [email protected], faxed to 412-624-4895, programs and at writing workshops. Derricotte and Eady founded Cave or sent by campus mail to 422 Craig Hall. Canem to remedy the underrepresentation of For more information, call 412-624-4238 or African American poets in MFA programs e-mail [email protected]. and at writing workshops. The group is com-