October 07, 2005
Homan ’04 returns to speak for America
Teach for America: More students applying
Emma Epstein
Jeff Homan ’04 visited Vassar on Oct. 4 and 5 to speak about his experiences as part of Teach for America, a non-profit organization that trains and places recent college graduates as teachers in at-risk urban and rural schools.
Judicial board sees more interest
Laura Sutherland
Down the shoot: Where Vassar garbage goes
Sarah Brown
A look at garbage and recycling on campus.Fair just one part of increasing commitment to Poughkeepsie
Sara Farr
This Week At Vassar | 1979
QCVC plans events for Queer History Month
John Palmer
To celebrate Queer History Month, the Queer Coalition of Vassar College (QCVC) is hosting a number of events throughout the month to get the year started.On the Job | Lord ’87 goes from medieval scholar to U.S. health historian
Jamie Rosen
September 30, 2005
Zinn, actors bring stories of the people to campus
Emma Epstein
Hundreds of students, faculty, and community members packed into the Chapel to hear acclaimed historian Howard Zinn speak on Sept. 22. After a short introduction by the authors of Voices of a People’s History, other voices claimed center stage.Online space offers many uses
Matt Leung
Vspace offers a multitude of possibilities for virtual computing.Applied physicist joins faculty, begins research
Lauren Sutherland
Assistant Professor Brian Daly joins Physics Department.This Week At Vassar | 1981
Sushi places offer comparable cuisine
Brooke Skinner
Committee works to support local farmers, preserve environment
Sara Farr
On the Job | Alum weighs benefits of consulting
Jamie Rosen
September 23, 2005
Pajama days are over for Wells women
Jamie Rosen
Students adjust to new atmosphere after coeducation decision
As Wells College adjusts to a decision to admit males, they can take a page of history from Vassar.Chef spices up vegan stir-fry station
Jamie Rosen
This Week at Vassar, 1985
Panelists consider flaws of nation’s Constitution
Sam Bloch
Journalist speaks about her writing process
John Palmer
Liza Featherstone tells story of journalistic activism
Eye to Eye participants work toward brighter future for learning-disabled
Aapta Garg
Ever feel frustrated because you can’t understand a formula or break your writer’s block? Imagine taking about twice as long as to do homework compared to every other kid in your class.Library exhibit displays influential English dictionary
Walking into the library, it’s easy to overlook the black display cases lining the main corridor, but it may be worth your while to take notice.September 15, 2005
Former NY Times chief shares memoirs
Former editor of The New York Times speaks about activism, journalism and family.Creationism debate brought to college campus
How was the world created? Did God make the earth as we see it today, with man, plants and animals? Did it start off as an empty space with no living organisms and transform over time?Revamped Kenyon to open in spring
When Kenyon Hall reopens in March, it will boast a litany of changes.Freshmen show early signs of Facebook fervor
This is the first year that Vassar freshman have had immediate usage of the popular on-line student directory known as the Facebook, and for some of the Class of 2009, their time on the Facebook began as soon as they received their school e-mail addresses early in the summer.Zorona’s offers dining paradise
Zorona’s Café and Catering, whose proximity to Vassar, low prices and acceptance of the V-Card makes it a student’s dining paradise, offers a welcome respite from the monotony of Vassar cooking.A doctrine on dorm decor: Students add color, elegance to rooms
Students spruce up living space with personal styleNew prof from Penn State joins English Dept
Author, teacher, editor, screenwriter, and documentary narrator Professor Amitava Kumar joins Vassar communityNew musicians struggle with technique
Seasoned musicians offer tips
Former acting president speaks on Egypt
Political Science and International Politics Professor Glen Johnson lectures on democracy in the Middle East.
April 29, 2005
The Vassar Chronicles | 150-year history shows significant changes
Student historian ruminates on College’s past, future
Jon Cruz
It’s hard to believe that this is my final installment of The Vassar Chronicles.
Increase in HPV causes campus concern
Jamie Rosen
Human papillomavirus (HPV), the number one STD on campus and in the United States, is on the rise at Vassar. The Health Service’s records indicate that the percentage of abnormal Pap smears, most of which are indicative of HPV, has increased since the 2001-2002 school year.
Africana Studies activist gives talk on community
Dan Morgan
Bernice Johnson Reagon, a decorated and distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at American University, gave a lively lecture to the Vassar community last Wednesday, April 20,entitled “Lifting High Every Voice: Race and Community in the American Experience.”
USDA food pyramid trims down, takes new shape
Emma Epstein
Spring has finally sprung. Girls are breaking out their miniskirts; everyone is starting to live in their flip-flops. Even the food pyramid of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a fresh new look.
Vassar recognized for vegan-friendly options
Dan Morgan
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) named Vassar as one of the “Big 10” most vegetarian and vegan-friendly colleges and universities in the United States. Vassar placed seventh among over 100 colleges and universities surveyed for the list.
Student receives grant to build stoves in Peru
Jen Dixon
After spending the Fall 2004 semester studying abroad in Cuzco, Peru, Chris Freimuth ’06 will be returning to Peru this summer. With the assistance of a Burnam Fellowship, Freimuth will continue the work that he began last fall, assisting the NGO ProPeru’s Clean Burning Stove project.
Gender and the VSA
A look at the past five years
John Palmer
During the VSA presidential debates, candidates were asked what they thought about the lack of females applying for the position.
Habitat walks for local homes
Abby Loomis
After the Founder’s Day haze clears, a group of students will be putting on their sneakers for the Habitat for Humanity walkathon on May 1. The walkathon, held to benefit Habitat for Greater Newburgh, was organized by Habitat Executive Board member Eliza Pesuit.
April 08, 2005
The Vassar Chronicles | More than the curtains: A history of pranks
Jon Cruz
Mischief. Humor. Mirth. They have a long history on campus, dating back well before this year’s stunt that made April Fools out of all who attempted to take a shower last Friday morning.
Students present plans to renovate museum space
Jason Lipeles
As part of the Geology Department’s plans to rejuvenate Vassar’s natural history museum, six Vassar students from the architecture design class presented their potential plans to renovate the A. Scott Warthin Natural History Museum last Thursday, March 31.
Letters From Abroad | Hiroshima visit raises questions
Josh Ferguson
Cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom in Japan, a sure sign of spring. Watching the tiny buds develop, burst into bloom, and then quietly fall in a gentle breeze makes one acutely aware of the rapid passage of time.
Congressman Lazio returns to alma mater
Rachel Wolff
Vassar College’s only federal politician made a speaking appearance on campus Wednesday, April 6. Republican Congressman Rick Lazio ’80, a representative of New York, served an eight-year congressional tenure, beginning in 1993 and terminating in 2001.
How to get published: Writers for teen talk
Abby Loomis
They write novels on such tough topics as substance abuse, date rape, and child abandonment. What’s more, E.R. Frank ’90, Mariah Fredericks ’88, and Carolyn Mackler ’95 push the envelope farther by bringing this sort of difficult material to a unique audience—young adults.
College celebrates ten years of the Web
John Palmer
Ten years ago, The Miscellany News reported that Vassar had been officially connected to the World Wide Web, which enabled students for the first time to connect to outside Web pages and multimedia content.
Open source revolution means more Internet
Dan Morgan
When the Internet began to really grow in the late 90s, the public understood it as a useful parallel to the more tangible content delivery systems already in place.
“Algerian” student team wins Model U.N. award
Patrick Murray
Vassar and Dutchess County Community College Students finally found something they have in common: Algeria.
“Debutante Balls” lecture challenges gender stereotypes
Emma Epstein
Schofield’s performance, sponsored by The Women’s Center, Campus Life, American Culture, PEACE, Students Activist Union, and Women’s Studies program, discussed transgender issues and southern United States culture in a humorous one-man show.
Heeb mag blends Jewish humor and politics
Jamie Rosen
Heeb Editor-in-Chief Josh Neuman spoke about the magazine and its audience to a group of about 30 engaged students in Josselyn dorm March 29. The event was sponsored by the Vassar Jewish Union (VJU) and the Bayit as part of the “Tuesday Nights at the Bayit” program.
April 01, 2005
Corwin packs Chapel for naturalist talk
Discussion focuses on conservation and Corwin's environmental philosophy
Jamie Rosen and John Palmer
At age six, Jeff Corwin realized he was a naturalist. When he walked in his grandmother’s house with a garter snake hanging on his arm by its teeth, he refused his grandmother’s order to “get rid of it,” justifying himself with a classic response: “Because I love it,” he said at the Chapel.
Inside the VSA: We're all members, but how does it work?
Anita Varma
As Vassar Student Association (VSA) elections draw closer and talk of transparency continues to pervade student conversations, VSA Council meetings become a point of interest.
Lecture redefines film for the information age
Jason Lipeles
Competing with video games and the Internet, the DVD industry has had to invent new ways to attract consumers, said Jay Bolter, a Wesley Professor of New Media in the School of Literature, Communications, and Culture at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Science mag opens discussion
Publication hopes to knit together sciences at Vassar
Jamie Rosen
There are dogs, and then there are dogs: the kind of animals that deserve praise, admiration, and lots of doggie biscuits for the amazing feats that they accomplish in their daily routines. At Vassar, we have one such dog here.
Architecture expert gives talk on memorials
John Palmer
Dell Upton, the Harrison Professor of Anthropology and Architecture at the University of Virginia, spoke about commemorating the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s on March 22.
Student cartoonist publishes accessible strip on Web
Sarah DeFilippe
With his shaggy brown hair and vintage blue and green checked smoking jacket, Ryan Peterson ’08 is hard to miss. He’s the kind of guy who draws you into his own world by using his quick wit and frequent bursts of impersonations to get his point across: life is funny.
February 04, 2005
Vassar grad has affair with U.K. Home Secretary
Scandal rocks British press, is compared to Lewinsky scandal in U.S.
Patrick Murray
Kimberly Solomon '82, now Kimberly Quinn, has become the center of one of Great Britain’s leading sex scandals, involving one of the most powerful members of Tony Blair’s cabinet.
Food writer Molly O'Neill reads from memoir
Former New York Times editor shares witty stories
Judy Jarvis
Maybe it was cute, maybe it was corny, but I asked famed former New York Times food editor Molly O’Neill to survey the All Campus Dining Center’s culinary offerings with me.
Sushi Village offers a cultural food experience
Jiemei Geng
The Japanese are quite correct in their philosophy of a meal being a reflection of both tradition and the aesthetic. Food should be not only exquisite in taste, but also pleasing to the eye.
Metcalf offers support, dispels policy rumors
Sarah DeFilippe
Sometimes life as a college student can become overwhelming. It is almost inevitable that, as students try to balance their schedules with classes, sports, extracurriculars, and relationships, problematic issues arise.
Composition professor works on first novel
Instructor pursues writing goals in Vassar environment
Claire Taylor
The term ‘sparsely decorated’ barely begins to cover Josh Harmon’s office. There is nothing to break up the white monotony of the walls save a window and two shelves loaded with books.
Summer programs start application process early
Internships at Vassar and beyond prepare students for real life
Abby Loomis
After being spontaneously called up to the podium to speak about her participation in Vassar’s Community Fellows summer program, Lulu Caruso ’07 immediately launched into an energetic and enthusiastic speech on why her experience was so valuable.
Novelist packs Students' Building
John Palmer
Michael Chabon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, visited the second floor of the Students’ Building on Feb. 1 as part of the Alex Krieger ’95 Memorial Lecture Series.
VassarChat open as tool to communicate and procrastinate
John Palmer
Vassarchat.com exists for students and alumni to explore a number of different communication avenues and discuss all sorts of different interests, from academics to culture to a risqué “In the Bedroom” forum.
Vassar College Bookstore welcomes author of book on twentysomethings
Janine Parziale
Afraid of facing the harsh reality of a drab corporate building and a 60-hour workweek? Writer Colleen Kinder describes how to stave off these horrors in her newly-released book entitled Delaying the Real World: A Twentysomething’s Guide to Seeking Adventure.
January 28, 2005
Life of alum commemorated at memorial
Emma White
Service remembers energy and comedy of deceased
Matthew Carey ’03 died suddenly of natural causes on Friday, Dec. 3 in his Los Angeles home.
Inter-Group Dialogue provides safe space to discuss common student issues
Janine Parziale
Inter-Group Dialogue consists of two or more socio-cultural groups that are brought together to discuss basic differences and similarities.
Vassar mastodon bones at SUNY face uncertain future
Jason Lipeles
Vassar College, 1986: A pink slip of paper rested on a table on the New England Buildings third floor. It instructed the janitor to promptly dismantle the nine foot tall and 20 foot long mastodon skeleton that had resided at Vassar for 83 years and throw it in the garbage.
World-renowned museum displayed pieces of the past
Jason Lipeles
When the school opened in 1861, it boasted an impressive array of stuffed birds, eggs, fossils, and fish that took up the entire second floor of Main Building.
November 12, 2004
Comics
The Devil and Matthew Vassar, Underverse.The Flaming Chef | May the best chef win: The ACDC recipie contest
Craig Libman
A few weeks ago, I briefly mentioned that ACDC is holding a recipe contest this month for all Vassar students..
When students go to prison:
Vassar class has weekly dialogue with inmates
Daniel Morgan
Thirty minutes away but worlds apart from the arboretum-like landscape of Vassar lies the maximum security Greenhaven correctional facility.
Vincent Harding urges students to take social action in daily lives
Janine Parziale
Thus, his speech, which was more of a reflective and exhortative conversation, with the entire Vassar community, entitled “Where Do We Go From Here?,” was placed specifically in the context of this year’s presidential election.
Chapel celebrates 100th birthday
Janine Parziale and John Palmer
As the Chapel turned one hundred, members of the College community congregated to reflect on the history and purpose of this spiritual space. Throughout the afternoon of Nov. 4, a number of different activities helped illuminate the role of the Chapel and visions for the future.
The Vassar Chronicles | A history of the Chapel : serving spiritual needs since 1904
Jon Cruz
Chapel Services were a required part of campus life for decades, and the removal of such services from student life sparked a series of discussions and debates that continue to affect us today.
Director of Geese: A dog with a job
Sarah De Filippe
There are dogs, and then there are dogs: the kind of animals that deserve praise, admiration, and lots of doggie biscuits for the amazing feats that they accomplish in their daily routines. At Vassar, we have one such dog here.
November 05, 2004
Comics
The Devil and Matthew Vassar.Fashion show exhibits culture and style
The event, organized by the ASU, portrayed different aspects of African culture in addition to the role of being an international student at Vassar.
What's in your coffee cup?
Vassar switches to more globally-aware fair trade grinds
Nick Kusnetz
When Maureen King began her job as Director of Campus Dining at Vassar in 1999, the College already had begun to purchase some of its coffee from Fair Trade suppliers. The fair trade label means that the producer receives a higher price for the product by skipping over middlemen and gaining direct access to markets...
The Flaming Chef | New Tex-Mex restaurant opens
Craig Libman
At Fresco Tortillas, entrées “spring to the touch” with delectable freshness.
Presidential Race at Vassar 2004
On Nov. 2, the entire campus held its breath as the 2004 presidential election unfolded. Students particpated on all levels, from voting, to helping others vote, to traveling to other states in order to canvas for candidates. By the end of the day, however, all there was left to do was to sit and wait for the results.
Studies after college: Fellowships offer support for pursuits
Janine Parziale
Each year, thousands of undergraduates are intimidated and overwhelmed by the thought of what will happen after graduation. The inevitable question arises: What now?
October 29, 2004
Comics
NSO celebrates its non-humanity and diversity
Danielle Purifoy
Founded in 1996, the NSO, an affiliate organization of the Vassar Student Association (VSA), was created for students to participate in “geeky, fandom activities,” according to NSO member and Non-Con Director Erica Kudisch ’06.
The Flaming Chef | A cornucopia of harvest delights
Craig Libman
With over eight dishes, sides, and desserts containing local ingredients, the Harvest Dinner successfully spiced up the everyday fare of our cafeteria.
Letters from abroad | Student affirms identity in politically-charged Chile
Jen Dixon
I should have known better than to head the library that afternoon—Friday classes had already been cancelled in anticipation of the demonstrations that inevitably occur as a reaction to Saturday, Sept. 11, the anniversary of the 1973 Golpe de Estado...
Vassar alum calls for student participation in ambitious film
Judy Jarvis
Don’t feel sorry for Raul Gasteazoro ’04. Sure, he lives in an aging El Dorado mobile home, and yes, some of his burlap costumes are moldy because of a leak, and no doubt it’s supremely frustrating to be making a film on such a low budget. But this man’s got it all figured out.Vassar Democrats make effort to see different viewpoints
Sarah DeFilippe
Is your prime political aim to “kick the Republicans out of the White House”? Think John Kerry has all the right stuff? Have a “George W. Bush Stupid Phrases” Daily Calendar? Obviously, the place you need to be seen is at Vassar Democrats.
MICA thrives on nonpartisan voices for debate and discussion
Janine Parziale
On the evening of Nov. 2, the various political groups and forums will be gathered in anticipation for when the results are finally in. Ultimately, some groups will sigh and some will cheer. Yet, no matter what the outcome of the election, members of MICA will have mixed reactions.
Democracy Matters's enthusiasm looks beyond Election Day
John Palmer
The Election of 2004 may be coming on Nov. 2, but don’t expect Democracy Matters to call it quits on Nov. 3.
The Vassar Chronicles | College Center built to encourage campus activity
Jon Cruz
The College Center was conceptualized as a new hub for campus activity; in particular, the College hoped to restore Main Building as the focus of campus life...
October 08, 2004
Floating Cinema Sails into Poughkeepsie
Larissa Pahomov
Literally a screen on a 40’ barge pulled by a tugboat, any film-loving student should head to the riverfront for this unique movie-going experience.
Comics
The Devil and Matthew Vassar, Underverse.
Lakefest 2004
For those who weren't sated by the abundance of complimentary food, the day also yielded a thrilling pie-eating contest. Students also enjoyed sun, music, and a long-awaited stick fight rematch.
Smoothie change met with praise and disappoinment
Jason Lipeles
How much caffiene is in those "energy boosters," and do students really care?
New Paltz Mayor visits to guide senior seminar
John Palmer
An Urban Studies class teams up with Mayor James West to help solve New Paltz's housing problems.
Bean offers pick-me-up for late nights at library
Liz Baird
It's 12:30 a.m. You're holed up in the library, writing a ten-page paper. You need coffee, but the Retreat is closed and ACDC is so far away. What is one to do?
Street Fair connects College to community
Janine Parziale
Overall: the fair was as fairs should be. It had rampant cotton candy and popcorn, more substantial food as well...
Hip Hop 101 hosts 'Da Partie'
Daniel Morgan
Solid hip-hop music, spoken word, and open mic performances filled the Villard room last Saturday night.
The Flaming Chef | Essential cookbooks for the college student
Craig Libman
A list of those books needed to get you through all your culinary occasions.
"One Girl's Emotions" offers unique musical experience
Emily Epstein
A hand-picked group of musicians performed during Freshman Parents' Weekend.
The Vassar Chronicles | The birth of ACDC and centralized dining
Jon Cruz
Dining services used to hold events at which guest chefs from abroad come to campus and prepare an exotic meal.
October 01, 2004
Touring the community works campaign
Allison Clarke
With the implementation of the Community Works Campaign, Vassar’s efforts are aimed at creating social change within the local community.
Comics
The Devil and Matthew Vassar, Underverse.
Strong identity undergoing change
Ally Barlow
Merely referring to this residence building in mixed company very often educes a series of snickers and stifled laughter.
New Vice President of CIS enters job with optimism
Kristen Ward
Beefing up a campus network is no small feat. I sat down with the new Vice President to get to know him better—as a person and computer wiz.
How much food does Vassar eat?
John Palmer
Director of Campus Dining Maureen King was able to give some facts, figures, and insight about how and how much food the Vassar community eats at the ACDC and the Retreat. Are the results surprising? Maybe.
New Visiting Professor brings animal expertise, and dogs
Liz Baird
As of this fall, it seems that President Fergusson won't be the only one seen walking her dog around campus.
The Flaming Chef | A bright orange bowl of comfort
Craig Libman
"Mac and cheese! Mac and cheese!" Like many of my peers, eating this simple, unpretentious dish brings back a warm, safe feeling of childhood.
The Vassar Chronicles | Euthenics is Introduced at Vassar
Jon Cruz
While old favorites such as cakes, pig knuckles, and broth had given way to more recognizable college fare, students were still not getting the proper balance of food in their diet.
September 24, 2004
Comics
The Devil and Matthew Vassar, Underverse.
New surf club takes on Cape Cod
Daniel Morgan
Purists may cast doubts on the whole idea of ‘East Coast surfing’—and they have every right to. Usually it’s about as much fun as trying to play soccer on ice. But the gods of sky, earth, waves, and wind were having a glorious tea-party that weekend.
New salon offers alternative to NYC
Danielle Purifoy
Unlike many salons in the area, the Gallery’s stylists are trained to do hair of all types and textures.
Gossip site: harsh, yet amusing
Sarah DiFilippe
A website with the veil of anonymity takes on Vassar with a fresh and constant flow of posted rumors and personal opinions about pretty much everything.
The Flaming Chef | Fasting: A humbling experience in any religion
Craig Libman
Yom Kippur fasting is torture to a foodie like myself. Yet, this year, I want to try fasting again, not for religious purposes, but to gain a new perspective on the world.
Students fight for say in professor evaluations
Patrick Murray
As of right now, the only influence students have on the decision comes in the form of neatly filled-in bubbles.
Campus dorms ooze personality
Jason Lipeles
Which floor in Davison looks like a mental institution but feels like a home? Which floor in Main has the best parties? How did the fourth floor of Lathrop get its reputation?
Miscellaneous Sex at Vassar
What are blue balls, and how to "lose your V-card."
The Vassar Chronicles | Dining at Vassar in the Nineteenth Century
Jon Cruz
From the very beginning, college food was a central part of the Vassar experience.
