across campus
How sweet the sound:
Gospel music part of Presidential Forum on Diversity series
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hink of it as a gospel version of “Glee.” Over two days in mid-October, singers from diverse backgrounds in the campus community and public participated in an interfaith gospel workshop. Under the musical direction of Rev. Shaun Whitehead of St. Lawrence University and Lyndon Walters of Union’s Heavenly Voices gospel choir, participants learned a few spirituals and songs, along with a history of gospel music. The group performed the songs it learned during an interfaith gospel concert in Memorial Chapel. The concert also featured a talk by Deidre Hill Butler, associate professor of sociology, “Interfaith Connections to Gospel Music.” The workshop, concert and lecture are part of the Presidential Forum on Diversity series.
Focusing on the beauty and history of gospel music fit in well with this year’s diversity theme of religion, spiritual life and interfaith, said Gretchel Hathaway, senior director of Campus Diversity and Affirmative Action. “This event brought together people from diverse cultures, faiths and voices,” she said. “The roots of gospel music play an important spiritual and cultural role in our society, and by inviting people from various backgrounds to share in its history, perhaps we can all learn a little something about each other.” Previous speakers in the Presidential Forum on Diversity series have included poet Maya Angelou, journalist Soledad O’Brien, law professor Lani Guinier, Broadway star Anthony Rapp, actress Marlee Matlin and activist Morris Dees.
Professor receives Leadership
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eidre Hill Butler, associate professor of sociology and director of Africana Studies, is this year’s recipient of the Leadership Council on Inclusion Award. The honor, presented Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 in the Nott Memorial, recognized Hill Butler for her dedication to Union’s mission and her work on diversity and inclusion with students, faculty and staff. Hill Butler’s research areas encompass the sociology of African American Culture and African American women’s representations in society. She is focusing on the role of
African American women in contemporary stepfamilies. She is also a mentor for Union’s POSSE, which recruits students from urban high schools who have extraordinary academic and leadership backgrounds. In addition to her work with POSSE scholars, who play key roles in building a rich campus community, Hill Butler incorporates local service learning experiences into her upper-level courses. Last year, President Stephen C. Ainlay was presented with the President’s Award from the Leadership
The art of war
“Dress Parade and Review of the First South Carolina (Colored) Volunteers,” 1862, wood engraving from Leslie’s Illustrated Civil War
P Members of Union’s Heavenly Voices gospel choir participate in an interfaith gospel workshop and concert. 24 | UNION COLLEGE Winter 2012
ublishing czar William Randolph Hearst once sent an artist to Cuba to cover an uprising for the New York Journal. When the artist reported back that things were quiet and he wanted to return home, Hearst, a genius at selling
newspapers, ordered the artist to stay put. “You furnish the pictures, and I’ll furnish the war,” he allegedly replied. While the validity of that famous anecdote has been debated, the words underscore the healthy appetite