November 2011
This issue of the Bulletin testifies to the many ways Mawrters bring empathy and excellence to their personal and professional lives—from 50 years of global service with the Peace Corps to the novel Posse scholarship program, which recently celebrated 10 years of redefining learning and leadership. Also in this issue, an alumna celebrates her recovery from a devastating bicycle accident and students speak out on war apathy and changing perceptions of Pakistan. Give us your feedback on the online and print Bulletin. The new editor, Priya Ratneshwar, looks forward to a new era of storytelling and communicating with all of you.
On the cover: Posse scholars Jen Rusk ’05 and Jackney Prioly ’06. Photo by Eleftherios Kostans.
News
Scholarships and new career services available for alumnae/i, a Trustees task force focuses on alumnae engagement, researcher visits White House, alumnae achievements, and more.
Voices
Students speak out on overcoming indifference to the effects of U.S. involvement in two wars, the impact of the war in Afghanistan on international perceptions of Pakistan, and daily life on campus.
On Campus
Celebrated author Karen Russell speaks with students, protecting Bryn Mawr’s trees, and upcoming arts events.
President’s Column
Bryn Mawr College President Jane McAuliffe adds her voice to the public debate about women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, citing Bryn Mawr’s success as a model.
Tell Us the Story: Trailblazing Mawrters
The May issue of the Bulletin will celebrate Mawrters who have blazed new trails…in their communities, homes, careers and lives. Help us identify these special women: use our online form to tell us their stories.
A Passion for Orangutans
In this Q&A, Meredith Bastian ’00 discusses orangutan culture, field work in the jungles of Borneo, and her work as Curator of Primates at the Philadelphia Zoo.
GSAS: In the Chem Lab with Prof. Malachowski
Can sparks of motivation happen between chewing over the day’s events and passing the mashed potatoes? Chemistry Professor Bill Malachowski thinks so.
Profile: JoAnne Fischer, MSS ’73
The lessons JoAnne Fischer learned in Girl Scouts are part of what inspired her to become the executive director of the Maternity Care Coalition (MCC) in Philadelphia.
Profile: Noreen Hall Papatheodorou, MSS ’58
Noreen Hall Papatheodorou, M.S.S. ’58, doesn’t want you to have a nice day; she wants you to make one instead.
Recovery: After the Fall
“A random moment of inattention by an unknown motorist catapulted me out of my identity and lifestyle.”
Op Ed: Why Should I Take Philosophy?
Marcia Y. Cantarella ’68 argues that a liberal-arts education is the best preparation for a rapidly changing workplace.
On Course: Doomsday Geology
Geology in Film is designed to help students think critically about how science is depicted by Hollywood writers and directors, whose main objective is to entertain, not teach.
Books
Farangi Girl, a memoir of growing up in Iran by Ashley Dartnell ’80, is among the books recently published by Bryn Mawr alumnae/i.