Posted on Apr 29, 2010

To increase campus awareness of Asian culture and issues and to celebrate the diversity of traditions of Asian Americans at the College, the Asian Students Union is presenting a number of events, talks, workshops and other activities. These include:  

Thursday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center Pit / Dessert and Figurines: A professional artist from New York City will create figurines from dough. Also featured: Asian desserts, including Bubble Tea, and Chinese calligraphy

Thursday, May 13 5:30 p.m. / Golub House / Panel discussion / Union professors discuss issues they have faced as Asian-Americans, both in academia and the world-at-large.

Thursday May 20, 6 p.m. / Hull Plaza (Breazzano House in case of rain) / “Breaking Down Asian Stereotypes”; dance, discussion and dinner

Thursday May 27, 6 p.m. /  Beuth House / Hot Pot, featuring traditional Asian food (Hot Pot in Chinese, Shabu Shabu in Japanese)

Posted on Apr 29, 2010

Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin had a simple message for those who came to see her at the Nott Memorial Wednesday night:

"Despite what others tell us we cannot do, all of us have a right to achieve our dreams," said the hearing-impaired Matlin, a leading advocate for the deaf community. "As my friend Stevie Wonder said to me, only when those who see can open their eyes, those who can walk can open the doors, and those who can hear are no longer deaf, can we finally stand side by side equally to one another and celebrate our diversity."

An overflow crowd filled the Nott to listen to Matlin's words, which were shared by her longtime interpreter, Jack Jason. The talk was part of the Presidential Forum on Diversity series.

To read about her visit in The Daily Gazette, click here (registration may be required).

In 1986, when she was 21, Matlin became the youngest winner of the Best Actress Oscar for her leading role in “Children of a Lesser God.” She is one of only four actresses to receive that honor for a film debut.

Matlin has starred in numerous feature films, including “Walker,” “The Player” and “Hear No Evil.” She also has appeared in many television series, including “The West Wing,” “Reasonable Doubts,” Showtime’s “The L Word” and “Dancing with the Stars.”

She recently launched a reality series on YouTube, “The Deaf Family,” which features a California family whose members are all deaf, except for the oldest son, Jared (the show’s narrator), and the youngest, Elijah. She hopes the show will eventually get picked up by the networks.

Posted on Apr 28, 2010

More than 200 Union College students, staff, and faculty joined community members at Proctors GE Theatre last Sunday to take action against hunger in the local community.

The evening of music, art and food raised more than $3,000 for programs that alleviate hunger at the City Mission of Schenectady and Bethesda House. 

Participants chose and kept a ceramic bowl made by students from the College and Schenectady City Schools. The empty bowl serves as a symbol for hunger.

"The event was amazing. Union played a key role, with Union students comprising the entire organizing committee," said Don Austin, assistant director of Kenney Center programs, who advised the committee.

In addition, students created the ceramic bowls, donated art, designed advertisements, and prepared and served meals. The Eliphalets and the Dutch Pipers, two Union a capella groups, provided entertainment.

The event, the first of its kind for Schenectady, is part of an ongoing effort by the Kenney Community Center and various student groups to create more understanding and familiarity between students and community members.

“The local community sometimes perceives the typical Union student as not caring,” said Jackie Litvak '12, Empty Bowls organizer. “Having Union students run and plan events like these will change this perception and strengthen the ties between Union and Schenectady."

Posted on Apr 28, 2010

The deadline is nearing to sign up for the 3rd Annual Symposium on Engineering and Liberal Education, to be held June 4-5 at the College. You must register by April 30.

The event will continue the discussion of integrating engineering, technology and the traditional liberal arts and will feature interactive sessions, workshops and poster sessions as well as speakers, expanding the conversation to include current students, alumni and the wider community.

Keynote speakers include Richard K. Miller, president, Olin College of Engineering; and Thanassis Rikakis, professor and director, Arts Media and Engineering, Arizona State University.

Go to http://www.union.edu/integration  for more information and registration details.

Posted on Apr 28, 2010

Sixty students will bring Latin and South American music and movement to the Nott Memorial Friday, May 7 at 4 p.m. in the annual Steinmetz Dance Performance, a vibrant centerpiece of the Steinmetz Symposium.

“They will enchant you with their sparks and twirling energy dancing scenes from the winter dance concert ‘Red-Roja,’as well as new choreographies,” says Dance Program Director Miryam Moutillet.

On the bill: choreography by seniors Valerie Angell, Sara Block, Kira Moldow, Samantha Zayas and students from the Dance Experience course; tap and jazz pieces by instructor Marcus Rogers; and live music by Tristan Allen (pianist), Ron Herout ’12 (drummer), Harry Pellegrin (faculty-guitarist) and Colin Turley ’13 (violinist).

Also in the mix: performances by Union Bhangra, the Ballroom Club and the Union College Dance Team, featuring senior Lisa Crescenzo and Sara Mark as captains.

Capping the event, the Theater and Dance Program present two prizes: the Edward Villella Fellowship, made possible by gifts of Charles D. Lothridge ’44, will be presented to a dancer, and the Hedda Hainebach Memorial Prize to a graduating theater student.

The show is free.