Campus News

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is just hours away. This semester has been flying past. But that is how life is and should be in this remarkable, vibrant, and exceedingly busy community. Since the first Thanksgiving was celebrated here in 1833, the breadth, depth, flexibility, and rigor of an Oberlin education—and the passion with which our students and faculty pursue their studies and their extracurricular and co-curricular activities—have enriched countless lives in myriad ways. I am thankful to be a member of the extended Oberlin family, and I hope you are, too.

I wish everyone a wonderful, relaxing holiday with family and friends! To those of you who are traveling, I wish you safe journeys.

Chris Flaharty, resident costume designer and associate professor of theater, examines a costume for the upcoming production of Shakespeare’s late romance Pericles. In professor and director Paul Moser’s adaptation, an ensemble of 12 will take the stage in a performance incorporating a range of narrative forms, including puppetry, clowning, story-theater, and stage combat. See Pericles in the Hall Auditorium December 4 through 6 at 7:30 p.m. and December 7 at 2 p.m.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake '92 was among several distinguished alumni who returned to campus in November to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics

At Oberlin and many other schools, we strive to build cultures of meaningful engagement with diverse viewpoints on complex issues. Free speech is part of that broader educational goal that includes community, listening, and dissent, among other issues. In the frenzied, overheated world of political debate fueled by sensationalist media reports, upholding the values of open inquiry and dissent may be challenging at times. But this mission is an essential pillar of Oberlin’s purpose.

Thursday, November 20, is the Great American Smokeout. The Counseling Center and Office of Student Health are providing services to help smokers quit.

Head Coach Ray Appenheimer and the Oberlin’s women cross country team are all smiles after earning a seventh-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Championships. Senior Emma Lehmann (back, third from right)

Nationally recognized arts experts Aaron Dworkin, Jenny Gersten ’91, and Michael Kaiser Tuesday night in Kulas Recital Hall discussed “The Future of the Arts,” as part of the Oberlin Strategic Planning Speaker Series. They praised Oberlin for playing a significant and leading role in arts education and encouraged students to “follow your passion, follow your dreams, and create works that fulfill your vision.”

This week marks Weill Week on campus, a series of events honoring the late Kurt Weill, including Oberlin Opera Theater’s presentation of Weill’s “Street Scene.” I have a special interest in this production. My wife and I have very brief cameos near the end of the show. I also want to welcome everyone who be joining us November 7 to 9 for Parents and Family Weekend. This year’s schedule of activities features an amazing range of attractions.

Finney Chapel was stirring with all sorts of creatures and characters during Oberlin's Friday Night Organ Pump—Halloween edition on October 31. A sinister doctor, an all-too-real portrait, and a host

As the temperatures cool and the trees explode with magnificent colors, we are reminded that it is time to start thinking about winter term, summer internships, and Election Day. New funding for quality, unpaid internships is available through the Career Center, which has declared 2014/2015 the “Year of the Internship.” Also, be sure to make your voice heard by going to the polls on Tuesday, November 4.