Dear Friends,
Springtime at the university is always filled with excitement - and this year has been no exception. Earlier this month, dozens of faculty, staff and students from the College of Liberal Arts took part in Explore UT, dubbed "The biggest open house in Texas." The college sponsored a wide array of separate sessions during the day that ran the gamut from children's medieval crafts to Henna hand painting to leaping lemurs of Madagascar.
Another special event each spring is the selection of the Pro Bene Meritis award winners. The Pro Bene Meritis honors alumni, faculty and friends who have made outstanding contributions to the college or the larger world.
I am pleased to announce three winners of the college's highest honor: alumni Frank Denius and Ellen Clarke Temple, and W. Parker Frisbie, professor emeritus in the Department of Sociology. The recipients will be honored at a special dinner on April 22 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center.
Please enjoy a glimpse of the tremendous work of our faculty members, students and alumni. I thank you for your continued interest and support.
In the News
In response to the earthquake devastation in Haiti, hundreds of liberal arts students and faculty have rallied for donations at campus-wide events, including Jemima Pierre, assistant professor of anthropology, who visited the country shortly after the earthquake to help with long-term recovery projects. And a number of liberal arts students participating in the university's Hold Up for Haiti fundraiser helped raise more than $55,000. Read the feature story for more about their work.
And to support the victims of Chile's earthquake, the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies helped raise more than $7,000 at a special benefit event, "Chile en el Corazon" on March 3.
Also impressive is the creation of the college's new Department of African and African Diaspora Studies. Paired with a new affiliated Institute for Critical Urban Policy, the department will focus on the experiences of African Americans, indigenous Africans and people of African descent around the world. It is the only Black studies department in Texas and will be the only Ph.D.-offering program in the south and southwest, making the university one of the premiere schools in the nation for African Diaspora Studies.
Research Updates
A fossil that was celebrated last year as a possible "missing link" between humans and early primates is actually a forebearer of modern-day lemurs and lorises, according to new research by Chris Kirk, associate professor of anthropology.
Sam Gosling, professor of psychology, found there really is a difference between "dog people" and "cat people." According to his study, those who define themselves as "dog people" are more extraverted, more agreeable and more conscientious than self-described "cat people." Fans of felines, on the other hand, are more neurotic but also more open than their canine-loving counterparts.
Visit the college's news section for more research updates.
Staying in Touch
Our alumni community continues to grow and we remain committed to developing more and better ways to keep you connected - to each other, to new generations of students, and to your college.
For more news about the College of Liberal Arts' community of scholars and alumni, become a fan of the College of Liberal Arts on Facebook and Twitter.
As always, we appreciate your ongoing interest and support and hope you keep in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Randy L. Diehl, Dean
Supporting Liberal Arts
The generous support of alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university allows the College of Liberal Arts to recruit and retain outstanding faculty members and provide the best programs for our students.
If you are interested in supporting the college, we invite you to consider making a gift. The college relies on private philanthropy to broaden support for scholarships, study abroad opportunities, faculty and graduate students. Gifts to the college ensure students are able to experience the same life-changing education you enjoyed.
Learn more about how to support the College of Liberal Arts.
Dean's Circle
Become a partner in transforming lives by joining the Dean's Circle.
The Dean's Circle giving society acknowledges alumni and friends who have committed to making an immediate impact through unrestricted funds. All members will be recognized on the college's Web site, receive periodic reports from the Dean, as well as the college's magazine Life & Letters.
Members will also be invited to attend a number of events, including a special annual Liberal Arts reception.
If you would like to learn more about giving opportunities, including special contribution levels for young alumni joining the Dean's Circle, please email us.
