Posted on Jun 1, 2006

Here's a reminder that a new garden built by the students of AAH480, the Asian Garden Design seminar, will be unveiled on Friday, June 2,3-5 p.m. Enjoy Asian hors d'oeuvres, with a performance by the Union College Taiko (Japanese drums) Ensemble at 4:30 p.m. Activities will be in Jackson's Garden, or Chet's in case of rain. The garden construction and reception have been made possible with the support of the East Asian Studies Program and the Department of Visual Arts.

Posted on Jun 1, 2006

Three students, Robert Larimore '07, Kristen Puliafico '07 and Andrew Schaeffer '06, were inducted into the German Honor Society Delta Phi Alpha during a dinner ceremony last week. The event was organized by the German Club and supported by a Union College Intellectual Enrichment Grant. Delta Phi Alpha recognizes excellence in the study of German and promotes the study of German language, literature and civilization.  

Posted on Jun 1, 2006

Friday, June 2-Monday, June 5, 8 &10 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center Auditorium / Movie: “16 Blocks”

Saturday, June 3, 5 p.m. / Memorial Chapel / Student recital

Saturday, June 10, 4:30 p.m. / Memorial Chapel / The Baccalaureate Commemoration

Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m. / Old Chapel / Baccalaureate Mass, sponsored by the Catholic Chaplaincy

Saturday, June 10, 8-10 p.m. / Library Field / Garnet Gala

Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. / Roger Hull Plaza / 2006 Commencement

Sunday, June 11, 2:30-4 p.m. / Nott Memorial / Closing reception, 2006 Senior Show Exhibition

Wednesday, June 28 / Alexander Field / 2006 Thank U picnic

Posted on Jun 1, 2006

By Ross Marvin '07

The rockers from bands like Housewives on Prozac, Placenta, the Midols and Frump certainly won't be making an appearance on the popular television show Desperate Housewives any time in the near future.

With songs like “Pick up Your Socks” and “Boom Baby Boom,” these 40-something women are leading the “mom rock” phenomenon – the subject of sociology major Julie Link's senior thesis.

“Exploring mom rock gives new insight into how modern women are behaving in terms of their families and choices in their lives,” says Link, who presented “Mom Rock: An Oxymoron?” at the Steinmetz Symposium last month.

“The results of my research clearly show that these mothers began these bands as a way of giving themselves a voice and making time for their own interests beyond their domestic lives.”

Certainly, mom rock challenges the stereotypes inherent in rock and roll.

“Typically, you think of young males like Steven Tyler and Jimi Hendrix singing misogynistic lyrics with women as the groupies,” says Link. “Mom rock turns this stereotype on its head.” And if the audience doesn't like it – they can go to their rooms, as one Mom Rocker intones during a concert.

While many songs deal with the everyday duties of mothers and wives, other songs deal with serious issues facing contemporary women. Rachael Yellow, the lead singer for Placenta, was in an abusive relationship. She used music as an outlet, writing protest songs against domestic violence and empowering women to change their lives, to understand that it's okay to be independent.

“Ultimately, Mom rock is a vehicle for changing the stereotypes of middle-aged women,” says Link, “and in the process it's made a nice niche for itself in the greater scheme of rock and roll.”

Posted on Jun 1, 2006

Interim President James Underwood will deliver the main address at Union's 212th Commencement on Sunday, June 11 at 10 a.m. in Hull Plaza.

Approximately 500 students in the Class of 2006 are expected to receive their degrees that day. Underwood, who has more than 40 years of service to the College, also will receive an honorary doctorate degree during the ceremony.

This year's valedictorian is Mark Weston. Co-salutatorians are Fatima Mahmood and Marisa Zarchy. Sarah Bills will deliver the student speech.

For a complete schedule of commencement events, go to www.union.edu/Commencement.