(Left and middle) Scott C. Soderberg , U-M Photo Services; (right) Lin Jones, U-M Photo Services
college
of history, is also working toward making the American Studies Association (ASA), the organization for which he is the incoming president, more international. “There are a number of European and East-Asian scholars working on aspects of U.S. history and culture. For several years, we have been encouraging their participation in our annual meeting and in the governance of the association,” he says. Gaines notes that this initiative is tied directly into what ASA scholars are writing and thinking about currently. “Many ASA scholars have been researching and writing insightfully about the political and cultural impact of the United States on the world, both historically and in the present. There is a strong current of American Studies scholarship that is responding to the major concerns of our time, including war and peace, citizenship, the environment, and issues of sustainability broadly defined.” And it won’t just be college professors at the organizational meetings talking about relevant issues, either. Outreach to and dialogue with high school educators is one of many initiatives that Ruth Scodel, Chair of LSA’s Classical Studies Department, spearheaded during her tenure as President of the American Philological Association (APA). “I helped start a project to cooperate with a high school organization, the American Classical League,
to create standards about what high school Latin teachers should know,” she says. “I also worked on creating courses for Latin teaching methods that aren’t widely available, to keep up the supply of well-trained Latin teachers.” Scodel adds that the more faculty leaders that engage in these activities, the more it enhances U-M’s reputation. “It raises the national profile,” she says. Todd Endelman, a professor in the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies and President of the American Academy for Jewish Research, concurs. “I think being president helps make the strengths of U-M known to other people in the field. It’s a moment when U-M is very visible, and that’s a benefit.” Additional reporting by James Militzer.
“
Living and learning in a different culture is an invaluable experience that prepares students for the global economy. I want to encourage students to visit other countries, particularly developing nations, and challenge themselves in their new surroundings. Increased financial support will make that possible. —U-M President Mary Sue Coleman, who seeks to double the number of U-M students studying abroad.
”
(From left to right) Samuel Mukasa, Presidentelect of the Geochemical Society; Sidonie Smith, President-elect of the Modern Languages Association; and Ruth Scodel, former President of the American Philological Association.
You can help graduate and undergraduate students gain expertise and expand their worldviews by supporting the Student Global Experience Challenge. President Coleman will give $1 for every $2 in endowment gifts between $25,000 and Use the enclosed envelope $500,000.
to make your gift today, or call 734.615.6333.
Support the Student Global Experience