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Professors' walls speak volumes

Professors' walls speak volumes

There is no hiding in the office of Cornel West GS '80.Hundreds of faces, unmoving yet alive, peer at anyone who enters the room from the covers of books and recordings.From Chekhov to Coltrane, Kafka to Chuck D, Andre 3000 to Arthur Miller, the religion professor has arranged the works that line his walls to face outward, so that from every angle he is surrounded by his "soul mates."West achieved this effect in his office in 1879 Hall by filling his mahogany shelves first with rows of books arranged as usual, then adding an outer layer of portrait-bearing covers."They challenge me, they keep me honest, they help me aspire to high standards of integrity," West said of the figures, all chosen because of their "unique fusion of Socratic questioning and prophetic witness against the backdrop of tragicomic hope."West's office is one example of how Princeton's luminaries decorate their workspaces.

NEWS | 09/27/2004

Students on duty

Ben Klaber '05 appears to be just like any other University senior. He chats about starting work on his thesis, planning activities at Colonial Club ? where he is an officer ? and anticipating Friday night movie showings at Frist Campus Center.

NEWS | 09/26/2004

Recent classes offer more artistic talent

In recent years, the Undergraduate Admission Office has aimed to emphasize artistic talent more strongly in incoming classes.

NEWS | 09/26/2004

New Jersey faces possible smoking ban

The patrons of Ivy Inn don't flinch at the smoke that fills the bar and pool rooms, and wafts onto nearby tables."If some of these people couldn't smoke, they wouldn't be here," says a patron, who wished only to be identified as a longtime resident of Princeton.

NEWS | 09/26/2004

Judge may grant claim changes

TRENTON ? The judge hearing the Robertson Foundation suit said on Friday he will likely grant the plaintiffs' motion to amend their complaint against the University.Judge Neil Shuster of Mercer County Superior Court will rule this week on the plaintiffs' request and also determine how much of the more than 1,000 pages of evidence attached to the proposed amended complaint will be made public.On June 16, the Robertson family ? relatives of Charles '26 and Marie Robertson, who gave $35 million in 1961 to support the Wilson School's graduate program ? motioned to amend their lawsuit with a new roster of allegations.

NEWS | 09/26/2004

For some, Princeton is not just a university, it's home

Many students will call Princeton their second home after a few weeks, months or years at the University.

NEWS | 09/26/2004

Popular Science names two professors to 'Brilliant 10' list

The scientists you're about to meet aren't famous. Yet.Maria Chudnovsky GS '03 and Claire Gmachl have neither won the Nobel Prize nor penned a bestselling book, yet Popular Science magazine has named the two Princeton faculty members to its "Brilliant 10" list of young scientists."'Brilliant 10' is our way of bringing some of the brightest, most promising minds in science to a mainstream audience," Mark Jannot, Editor-in-Chief of Popular Science, said.

NEWS | 09/26/2004

From France to Beijing, students take gap year

While peers contended with exams and early-morning lectures in college, Ned Rosenman '06 was teaching skiing in France's back country the year after he graduated from high school."I spent a lot of time in train stations," said Rosenman, 21, a native of Jackson, Wyo.Rosenman said he was afraid that without any real-world experience his freshman year of college would be "like grade 13."Rosenman was not alone in his decision to take a year off.In response to everything from academic burnout to unique internship opportunities, many students at Princeton have chosen to take a "gap year" before continuing their education.And many colleges look favorably on this choice for admitted students.Takingoff.net ? a website which provides information for students considering taking a gap year ? quotes former Princeton Dean of Admission Fred Hargadon as saying, "I've been recommending that students think about [taking a gap year] for many years now."Harvard even recommends in its admission letter that students think about deferring.Lennox Caleb '07, who spent three years teaching physics and chemistry at a high school in Guyana before coming to Princeton, agreed that the gap year was a positive experience.During that time, he also became heavily involved in environmental and economic advocacy."It's almost paradoxical," he said.

NEWS | 09/26/2004

Aid increased to reflect rising book, Pequod costs

With the school year now in full swing, almost all University students have made the semiannual trip to the U-Store to shell out their hard-earned cash for expensive books and Pequod packets.

NEWS | 09/26/2004

University launches online ticketing for campus events

The University Ticketing Office announced last Tuesday the launch of a new online ticketing program in partnership with Tickets.com, a company which specializes in handling online ticket sales.Tickets to athletic events, concerts and theater performances can now be ordered online as well as by phone, mail or in person from campus ticket offices.

NEWS | 09/23/2004

They're out there: U. debuts its first astrobiology course

Students this year have the opportunity to study astrobiology, a multidisciplinary field that, according to the Student Course Guide, aims to "discover life's origins and to seek extraterrestrial life."Astrophysics professor Ed Turner describes the new course, AST255: Life in the Universe, as "pedagogically challenging.""Not all is known," explained Turner, one of the professors for the course.

NEWS | 09/23/2004

New fundraising effort to support OA, campus life programs

As a result of a new fundraising effort by the Office of Campus Life, Outdoor Action (OA) as well as other athletic and campus life programs might receive an infusion of money in the near future.Vice President for Campus Life Janet Dickerson began coordinating the largest fundraising initiative earmarked specifically for campus life last winter.Though the initiative's scope is modest compared to the 250th Anniversary Campaign that raised $1.14 billion, Dickerson hopes to raise enough to provide significant additional funds for 17 athletic and 15 campus life departments."We recognize that we have numerous needs that are not currently supported by the operating budgets," Dickerson said.New funds raised through the initiative will likely endow sevral programs so that they can generate new income on their own each year, Dickerson said.This fundraising effort is expected to take place over the next three to five years with an official report published in the next six to eight weeks, she added.In addition to OA, funds will be earmarked to add counselors to health services, improve Dillon Gymnasium, help cultural centers and create a student publications board.Though OA director Rick Curtis '79 said it was still too early to determine how the initiative would impact his organization, he said, "The good news is that the University wants to provide additional funds for OA . . . We're certainly excited to be included."Dickerson said she hopes to raise funds for OA from alumni, friends and other donors outside the University.She added that the Priorities Committee ? the body responsible for allocating University discretionary funds ? previously had been hesitant to give money to OA.But with a new infusion of funds, both OA leaders and students are excited for expanded opportunities.

NEWS | 09/23/2004

24-hour study space initiative stalled

Efforts to create a 24 hour study space on campus continue to be deterred by obstacles.USG President Matt Margolin '05 and his board planned a focus group to meet about the issue twice this week.

NEWS | 09/23/2004

Sophomore's death caused by cyanide

Melissa Huang, a sophomore who was found dead in her University room by her parents and a custodian earlier this month, died after ingesting the toxin cyanide, officials said Thursday.President Tilghman made the announcement by email Thursday morning to all students, but administrators and local officials urged the campus community not to jump to conclusions about what this development might mean."The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was cyanide," said Casey DeBlasio, a spokeswoman for the Mercer County Medical Examiner's Office, adding that "the manner of death is still listed as undetermined."The most common types of cyanide are hydrogen cyanide, a colorless gas with a faint, bitter almond-like odor, and potassium and sodium cyanide, both white solids also with bitter, almond-like odors.

NEWS | 09/23/2004

Baehr '05 makes push for Borough Council seat

Evan Baehr '05 promoted his candidacy for Princeton Borough Council at a debate last night, portraying himself as a fresh perspective and needed University voice in local government.Dozens of students and a few community residents were on hand to hear the 21-year-old College Republicans president debate with his opponents, Roger Martindell and Andrew Koontz.

NEWS | 09/23/2004

Redesigned University website approaching campus-wide debut

Though not completed in time for the start of the academic year, the major renovation of the University's website has reached its final stages after a yearlong joint effort by OIT and the Office of Communications.Director of Communications Lauren Robinson-Brown '85 said the groups are still working to finish the project."We've been having a lot of positive input, but that input has been making us work harder," she said.

NEWS | 09/23/2004

Palmer stores have consumers worried about higher prices

These days Palmer Square may be confused for Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive with stores like Banana Republic, J.

NEWS | 09/22/2004

International students adjust to campus

Imagine this: It's the end of August. You step off your plane at Newark Liberty International Airport, arriving in the United States for the first time with a few suitcases and with friends and family thousands of miles away.

NEWS | 09/22/2004

University gives funds to Borough

The University announced last week that it will contribute an additional $250,000 toward capital improvements in Princeton Borough this fiscal year.The contribution is in response to a letter Borough Mayor Joseph O'Neill wrote President Tilghman in August, revealing a shortfall in the Borough's finances and requesting a renewed "sense of partnership" between the two groups.The $250,000 is in addition to the scheduled $350,000 payment arranged between the University and Borough, as well as a $141,000 donation arising from McCarter Theatre's expansion."I think the University has responded in a commendable way," O'Neill said.

NEWS | 09/22/2004

MicroFridges garner positive response

Last year students had to search the campus for a place to make their popcorn, but no more. A change in University policy has approved a new combination of microwave and refrigerator for use in dorm rooms.Beginning this school year, 200 MicroFridges are available to students through Tiger Rentals, the student agency that supplies appliances.According to Housing Department Inspections Manager Ken Paulaski, the University had not previously allowed them because of New Jersey policy.However, because other institutions had not been adhering to this policy, the University approached the state and received approval for the use of MicroFridges, Paulaski said.Student agencies head Scott Weaver declined to comment on why the state allowed the appliances.The black appliances have three parts ? refrigerator, freezer and a firmly attached microwave.Reactions among the student body have been largely positive.Amie Ko '07 said delivery was not a problem, as the appliance was shipped only two days after she ordered it.However, freshman roommates Rohini Rao and Suzanne Levy said their fridge was delivered a week late and left outside the room even though the price included installation.But Rao defended her purchase anyway, saying "it does keep my Peach Diet Snapple cold."Some students have complained about the prices, which for this year are set at $190 for the rental plus a $40 refundable deposit."That's so ridiculous," said Scott DeBenedett '08 ? who ended up renting one.Weaver said "just over 100" of the allotted 200 units have been rented out.When asked if he would limit the number of rentals to 200 again next year, Paulaski said the decision would be made based on this year's success.He also explained that storing the relatively large MicroFridges is a problem for the student agency.Tiger Rentals would have to sell off some refrigerators to make room for more MicroFridges if the demand became larger.The Housing Department will only allow one MicroFridge per room.Students are permitted one refrigerator or freezer per person in addition to the MicroFridge.

NEWS | 09/22/2004

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