Union in the Media

Hundreds from the campus community turned out Sunday for the seventh annual Dutchmen Dip. The event raised more than $20,000 to benefit the Shinebarger Memorial Scholarship, with an additional $20,000 matched by Tom Coleman '88.

The Daily Gazette and Times Union covered the event (subscription may be required).

Andrew Feffer, professor of history, was a recent guest on WAMC, Northeast Public Radio’s program, “The Roundtable.”

He discussed his new book, “Bad Faith: Teachers, Liberalism, and the Origins of McCarthyism,” a look back at the Rapp-Coudert Committee. The committee held a series of private and public hearings in the 1940s in which hundreds of educators were interrogated, threatened and in many cases, fired, for their alleged Communist ties.

Northeast Public Radio is a member of National Public Radio serving parts of seven northeastern states. These include New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.

Chad Orzel, R. Gordon Gould Associate Professor of Physics, has written a new book, "Breakfast with Einstein: The Exotic Physics of Everyday Objects."

It was recently featured in the Book Review section of the New York Times.

Orzel has written two other books: “How to Teach Physics to Your Dog” and its sequel, "How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog."

Orzel is also the director of undergraduate research.

He joined Union in 2001.

Recent works by U.S. and Latin American artists who are grappling with issues of colonialism and postcolonialism make up the new exhibit at the Mandeville Gallery in the Nott Memorial.

“A Decolonial Atlas: Strategies in Contemporary Art of the Americas” runs from Jan. 19 through June 16. It features paintings, photography, sculpture and works on paper, with video, in particular, highlighted as a critical medium for expanded narratives and immersive imagery.

The Times Union recently reviewed the exhibit.

Recent works by U.S. and Latin American artists who are grappling with issues of colonialism and postcolonialism make up the new exhibit at the Mandeville Gallery in the Nott Memorial.

“A Decolonial Atlas: Strategies in Contemporary Art of the Americas” runs from Jan. 19 through June 16. It features paintings, photography, sculpture and works on paper, with video, in particular, highlighted as a critical medium for expanded narratives and immersive imagery.

President David R. Harris was recently featured in the Times Union's popular series, "20 things you don't know about me..."

Andrew Morris, associate professor of history, was featured on NPR's program, "All Things Considered."

An expert in federal disaster relief, Morris discussed the rebuilding efforts in Paradise, Calif. after a fire wiped out 90 percent of the town.

Morris joined Union in 2003.

In his inaugural address, President David R. Harris challenged the campus community to learn to “become more comfortable being uncomfortable.” He asked what they could pursue in their studies, work or personal life that would push them in a healthy and responsible way.

“Our name refers to the coming together of people from several faiths to form this college,” he reminded the audience. “The founders did not stay in their cultural comfort zones, as did the founders of most other colleges at the time. Through experience they discovered what it meant to be a leading college without a denominational affiliation.”

Kicking off the Union College Challenge, Harris committed to add a center-right podcast each week to his regular list of preferred podcasts from outlets such as NPR, the New York Times or the Washington Post, and to post his reflections online. This has helped push him to better understand how others see the world, and sharpen and perhaps change, some of his perspectives. In addition to an intellectual challenge, he added a physical one, as well: Harris committed to taking at least three yoga classes a month.

Since Harris’s September address, “What’s your Union College Challenge?” has become a popular catchphrase (and hashtag) across campus for students, faculty, staff, alumni and even parents.

The Daily Gazette recently featured the challenge.

An op-ed on how an earthquake in Alaska in 1964 led the federal government to get involved in disaster relief by Andrew Morris, associate professor of history, was published by the Washington Post’s Made by History feature.

Morris joined Union in 2003.