Fast fact: In its first 45 days after opening, the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum welcomed 8,018 visitors.

The three-sided screen in the multimedia gallery features what Dr. Laura Hyunjhee Kim, one of its creators, calls “a blob named ‘The Hum.’”

EDITH AND PETER O’DONNELL JR. ATHENAEUM

‘Kinmakers’ Generates Wave of Emotions

It can mesmerize. Or inspire. Or trigger other reactions that change from minute to minute or even visit to visit. But this much is clear: O’Donnell Athenaeum visitors, including students from non-art disciplines, love its multimedia gallery, Kinmakers: Hidden Songs in Our Mother’s Dreams.

Find out how Dr. Laura Hyunjhee Kim, Assistant Professor of Visual and Performing Arts, and her friend Surabhi Saraf created the exhibition and what the wave on the screen represents.

Dr. Michael Thomas, Director of the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History, curated the From Texas to the World exhibition.

Putting Together the Pieces of Our History

Another O’Donnell Athenaeum exhibit not to be missed is From Texas to the World: Common Ground at UT Dallas and the Dallas Museum of Art. Its contributions from the University’s founders and scholars include mixed-media pieces, bronze figurines, oil paintings, carved wood, and porcelain and ceramic vessels.

Dr. Evan Smith and Dr. Chris Brewer (fifth and sixth from left) led the UT Dallas contingent at UT System’s Postdoctoral Research Symposium 2024.

OFFICE OF THE PROVOST

Programs for Postdocs Are a Priority

A National Science Foundation grant is funding increased UT System support of postdoctoral scholars. The Office of the Provost has used it to create opportunities for mentoring and growth. The goal is to recruit top-notch postdocs and help them on their career path.

New Assistant to the Provost

Tara Major has joined our office as Assistant to the Provost. Major’s email address should be included on all requests regarding the calendar, travel and correspondence of Dr. Inga H. Musselman, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, as well as any event or special project that requires Dr. Musselman’s attention. Provost’s Office staff list

EDITH O’DONNELL INSTITUTE OF ART HISTORY

Overflow of Culture

The Legacy of Vesuvius: Bourbon Discoveries on the Bay of Naples is on display at Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Museum through Jan. 5 before it leaves America, never to return. These ancient artifacts were brought to Dallas by the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History (EODIAH) with funding support from the Meadows Foundation.

Panel Shares Views on Impressionism

EODIAH and the Dallas Museum of Art co-presented a panel of scholars who explored new directions in studying Impressionism, which was born 150 years ago. Dr. Richard Brettell, EODIAH’s Founding Director, was among the world’s foremost authorities on the subject. Watch on YouTube

INTERNATIONAL CENTER

Anniversary Gala Marks Two Milestones

UT Dallas leaders, alumni and supporters gathered at the International Center’s 40/10 Anniversary Gala to celebrate 40 years of welcoming international students and 10 years of dedicated service to the campus community.

Highlights included remarks from University leaders, a keynote speech by alumnus John Olajide BS’04 and a special screening of the 40/10 anniversary documentary. Funds raised will enhance international education, student programs and campus internationalization initiatives.

SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS/ERIK JONSSON SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

Dr. Pearson’s New Role

Dr. Yvette E. Pearson has been named Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Associate Dean for Effectiveness and Accountability in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. The joint position is designed to facilitate more intentional, cooperative efforts between the schools.

EUGENE MCDERMOTT LIBRARY

Students Can Study in Comfort

The Eugene McDermott Library is nearing completion of its major renovation on the main level and has installed new individual study desks with convenient electrical outlets. For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, additional desks are available on the fourth level.

Antique Collection Continues To Grow

The Belsterling Foundation provided funding for the library to purchase the latest addition to its antique botanical collection, the Louise B. Belsterling Collection in the McDermott Suite. A Flora of North America by William Barton, a three-volume set with more than 100 color plates, features the first successful use of stipple engraving in the United States. It also is one of the most important early color plate books produced entirely in the U.S.

Roping lessons are just one of the activities available at Beaumont Ranch.

CENTER FOR VITAL LONGEVITY

Retreat Gets Everyone in the Loop

The Center for Vital Longevity’s first retreat combined team building, communications and creativity with a little fun at Beaumont Ranch in Grandview. The 55 participants (28 staff, seven faculty, 20 graduate students) played CVL trivia, “This or That?”, kickball (despite a mist), horseshoes and cornhole, built towers out of spaghetti and marshmallows, and even received an impromptu roping lesson from real cowboys.

Heather Cleary met with students while she was on campus.

CENTER FOR TRANSLATION STUDIES

Latin American Literature Expert Visits

Heather Cleary, who has played a pivotal role in bringing Latin American literature to English-speaking audiences by translating works of celebrated authors, took part in a campus event and was interviewed by Dr. Rainer Schulte for his “Translating the World” podcast.

Also available are the latest issue of Translation Review and a new Literary Translation Series video featuring Todesfuge by Paul Celan. Copies of Translation Review also are available at the Center for Translation Studies (JO 5.508).

ACKERMAN CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST STUDIES

Einspruch Lectures Focus on Doctors

Dr. Stacy Gallin, Founder and Director of the Benjamin Ferencz Institute for Ethics, Human Rights and the Holocaust, presented the annual Einspruch Lectures. She discussed the role physicians played during the Holocaust and the ramifications on bioethics today.

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION

First-Gen Students Enjoy First-Rate Week

The annual First-Generation Celebration Week, coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Education, attracted 571 students and included a kickoff with boba, giveaways and live music; Leadership Listens, in which first-generation students shared their stories with senior leadership; a career-readiness event; a First-Generation Support Network appreciation lunch; and a resource fair that included 45 campus departments.

During the lunch, attendees wrote congratulatory messages that the office will share with first-generation graduates along with custom pins. Fill out this form to join the Support Network.

Calendar

Thursday, Dec. 5
Courses of Innovation and AI Integration: UT System Mini-Conference Series, a monthly webinar, Generative AI across the UT System, explores how several campuses are integrating generative artificial intelligence into teaching and learning. 1-2:15 p.m., Zoom | Register to attend

Virtual Exchange/COIL Faculty Showcase: Faculty and students showcase and share their experiences in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, which enable professors and students to engage with their peers at universities around the globe. 2-3:30 p.m., Microsoft Teams | Register by Dec. 4

End of Semester CTL Happy Hour/Mentor Check-in: The Center for Teaching and Learning and the Provost’s Faculty Success Program invite faculty to a casual social hour to celebrate the end of semester. Enjoy refreshments, connect and reflect on achievements and experiences. 4-6 p.m., Northside Drafthouse

Friday, Dec. 6
Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering UTDesign Expo: Showcases the capstone projects completed by student teams in the mechanical engineering senior design course. 3:30-5 p.m., Synergy Park North 1 (SPN 1.220)

Wednesday, Dec. 11
Fall 2024 Capstone Celebration: See what graduating seniors have been working on. 5-8 p.m., Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building, Lobby

Friday, Dec. 13
Electrical and Computer Engineering UTDesign Expo: ECE seniors present their projects. 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m., Synergy Park North 1 (SPN 1)

Doctoral Hooding: Doctoral candidates are celebrated and hooded by their supervising professors and deans on stage. 1 p.m., ATC Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102)

Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15
International eConference on Holocaust Studies: Scholars, educators and creators from around the world explore the complex relationships between technology, Holocaust memory and human rights. Starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Keynote address, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15: The Future of our Past: Holocaust Education in 2045, by Dr. Stephen D. Smith, Executive Director Emeritus, USC Shoah Foundation, and Co-Founder, Aegis Trust. Conference website | Register for keynote address

Monday, Dec. 16
Naveen Jindal School of Management: Graduation ceremonies followed by Grads on the Green. 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., Activity Center (AB 1.2) and Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center

Tuesday, Dec. 17
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Graduation ceremony followed by Grads on the Green. 9 a.m., Activity Center (AB 1.2) and Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center

School of Interdisciplinary Studies: Graduation ceremony followed by Grads on the Green. 10:30 a.m., ATC Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102) and Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center

Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science: Graduation ceremonies followed by Grads on the Green. 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., Activity Center (AB 1.2) and Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center

Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology: Graduation ceremony followed by Grads on the Green. 1 p.m., ATC Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102) and Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center

School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences: Graduation ceremony followed by Grads on the Green. 3:30 p.m., ATC Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102) and Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center

School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences: Graduation ceremony followed by Grads on the Green. 4:30 p.m., Activity Center (AB 1.2) and Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center

Monday, Dec. 23-Thursday, Jan. 2
Winter break: Enjoy your annual respite! The extra day off, Jan. 2, is Comets United Day.

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Faculty or Academic Affairs staff are welcome to suggest items and story ideas for the Provost newsletter by emailing provostnews@utdallas.edu.

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