University of Louisville Magazine

FALL 2011

The University of Louisville Alumni Magazine: for alumni, faculty, staff, students and anyone that is a UofL Cardinal fan.

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Highlights Institute hosts global study of American literature From Algeria to Yemen, scholars from 18 coun- tries traveled to UofL and other venues this sum- mer for the 10th annual U.S. State Department – sponsored Institute on Contemporary American Literature, presented by UofL's Commonwealth Center for the Humani- ties and Society. The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds the Institute as part of a broader initiative to help promote a better understanding of the United States by improving the quality of teaching and curricula in academic institutions overseas. The institute offers seminars, fi lms, tours and events in Louisville, as well as trips to San Fran- cisco, Santa Fe, Washing- ton, D.C. and Cincinnati. Activities were designed to deepen the scholars' understanding of the United States, while adding context to their studies. For example, a tour of Washington's National Museum of the American Indian linked to the scholars' study of Indian literature. A Cincinnati day trip included the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and was tied to literature about slavery. Louisville activities included dramatic performances, visits to Farmington, the Speed Art Museum and bookstores. Social events supplemented many seminars and involved authors, teachers and publishers. Topics spanned Asian Ameri- can, African American, European American, Latino and American Indian literature in the genres of poetry, drama, Saturday Academy anniversary gala raises $25,000 The Saturday Academy, a University of Louisville – organized community enrichment program, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a summer gala fundraising event at the Muhammad Ali Center. Headlining the gala were former NBA and UofL basketball star Darrell Griffi th and Betty Baye, former Courier-Journal editorial writer. The June 3 event also featured performances by members of the university's African American Theater Program and the Dave Clark Quintet. According to Dr. J. Blaine Hudson, dean of UofL's College of Arts and Sciences, ticket sales for the event raised approximately $25,000 to benefi t an endowment supporting the academy's operations and establishing an endowed chair in black public history. The College of Arts and Sciences organizes the Saturday Academy programs, which A day in the park. Biologist Margaret Carreiro and a student research team turn Louisville's Cherokee Park into a living laboratory as they perform fi eld work in part- nership with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Thanks to funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the group is studying the impact of fast-grow- ing, invasive plants on the park's ecological system. Learn more in a video interview at uofl .me/qFOMZu 32|LOUISVILLE.EDU focus on black history, issues and culture. The free sessions, designed for both adults and high school students, are held weekly during the school year at the DuValle Education Center in western Louisville. Saturday Academy sessions begin with a seminar on African and world history taught by Hudson, and include panel discussions on designated topics of historic or current interest, often featuring UofL faculty, staff members or community representatives. Over the past two decades, the Saturday Academy has attracted diverse audiences representing a variety of education levels and ethnic groups from throughout the city and region. In addition to the College of Arts and Sciences and UofL's Signature Partnership Initiative, sponsors of this highly successful community outreach program have included Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Louisville Urban League and Fifth District Metro Council member Cheri Bryant Hamilton. fi ction and non-fi ction. UofL English Professor Thomas Byers serves as director of the institute. He and other faculty members were joined by faculty and experts from other cities, leading seminars and conducting readings at the various venues. Annually, 40,000 scholars participate in State Department programs that promote mutual under- standing and respect between the U.S. and other countries. COLLEGE OF AR TS & SCIENCES

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