Writing about Thich Nhat Hanh (Dr. Elise DeVido)

I have been invited to write a chapter on the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh for the two-volume Religious Leadership: A Reference Handbook, part of the Sage Publications Reference Series on Leadership. Thich Nhat Hanh is an internationally-known Zen monk, teacher, and author of many books on Buddhism. During the 1960s in Vietnam, he coined the term "Engaged Buddhism" which involved Buddhists in social work and war relief, and he negotiated for peace in both the U.S. and in Paris. He and Thomas Merton were close friends. Thich Nhat Hanh is now in his late 80s. I have met him twice in Vietnam and once in Hong Kong during his many lecture tours.

National Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (Dr. Elise DeVido)

On October 1, Alva Cellini (Department of Modern Languages), Kathleen Premo (Business), and myself represented our University at the National Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Seneca Falls, New York, site of the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848. Every two years, inductees are chosen "based on their lasting contribution to society" in all fields. This year's inductees included Billie Holiday, Coretta Scott King, Lilly Ledbetter (lobbyist for equal pay), Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (longest serving female Senator), and Donna E. Shalala (former Secretary of Health and Human Services). On Sunday October 2, we visited the National Women's Hall of Fame Gallery and the Women's Rights National Historical Park, including the newly-refurbished Wesleyan Chapel in which the 1848 Convention was held. The trip took us through the beautiful wine country of Seneca and Keuka Lakes, and on the way home we stopped at a produce stand to buy vegetables and delicious Concord grapes. A welcome break from our usual schedules!

News from the History Club

The History Club held its first meeting on Thursday, September 29, and elected its officers for 2011-12: Diana Phalon, President; Chaz James, VP; Max Schneller, Secretary; and Paul Bremmer, Treasurer. The Club discussed writing of the club's constitution; showing a history video series; organizing fieldtrips to historic sites; fundraising; and undertaking community service. The History Club is open to all students not only history majors. Be sure to join if you are interested!