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BRITON BITS
We hope you enjoy this edition of Io Triumphe! with its fresh design and larger size. In a readership survey conducted earlier this year, you told us what was important to keep and what might be changed, and we listened! So you’ll find much that seems familiar (yes, class notes are still included), but also much that’s new (like the different approach to our Briton Bits section). As we continue to develop the magazine, we will offer stories that celebrate Albion’s history and traditions, some that may challenge your thinking, and others that will be just for fun. While we remain committed to producing a magazine in print, please know too that you have more ways than ever to learn about Albion today—from our monthly e-newsletter, Britonline, to the College’s website and social media. So check out these online news sources too at: www.albion.edu. We welcome your comments and suggestions! Sarah Briggs, Editor communications@albion.edu
Semester Snapshot (as seen on “Albion Today”)
Filled up on soul food favorites at the Black History Month “Taste of Blackness.” Grooved with acoustic soul artist Javier Colon, winner of NBC’s The Voice, in Goodrich Chapel. Attended a Passover dinner with a feminist twist. Shown your card-playing finesse at a campus euchre tournament.
8 | Albion College Io Triumphe!
Blown your diet at a Global Food Festival. Enjoyed Alexander McCall Smith’s dry wit during his Isaac Symposium keynote lecture. Followed the College band’s “Symphonic Happening” at impromptu performances around town. Signed up as a research participant in a study of electronic multitasking in the classroom.
It’s always gratifying to learn about alumni doing good work, in this case preserving community heritage. And it’s especially enlightening because of the article’s focus on complementary kinds of cultural resources—vernacular architecture, industrial structures, and archaeological remains. The interplay between local and national preservation is clear; similarly, the importance of balancing private and governmental priorities, as well as solving problems pragmatically (even working with Walmart).The most valuable takeaway could be the reminder that history combines past and present. James Flack, ’59 Letters to the editor may be sent to: Office of Marketing and Communications, Albion College, 611 E. Porter St., Albion, MI 49224. E-mail: communications@albion.edu. Submissions may be edited for length, style, and clarity.
Sped down the zip line during Day of Woden.
Put your hands together for the College’s Hip Hop Dance Crew, “Sonic Boom,” at its “Art of Noise” concert. Battled the invasive garlic mustard plant during a “pull” at Whitehouse Nature Center.
D. LAWRENCE PHOTO
Do you long for your days at Albion? Here’s what you could have done on campus during spring semester 2013:
I am writing with appreciation for “Giving Voice to History” in the fall-winter 2012-13 edition.
Enrolled in a LinkedIn workshop to build your professional networks. Experienced Viennese night life through an honors class performance of live music, dancing, and games dating from 1814.
Coped during finals week with a late-night Wii workout, accompanied by pancakes, smoothies—and, of course, coffee—provided by Intercultural Affairs.
Built your mug collection with a new addition from the annual student pottery sale (presumably for all the extra coffee consumed during finals week!).