Justin Yeakel will offer a free lecture, “It’s Alive! Competition, Extinction, and the Ecology of Reanimation,” on Wednesday, October 24, at 7:15 p.m., in Franz Hall room 120. In his talk, Yeakel will plumb the surprising wisdom of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with regard to competitive forces and survival in ecological communities. Yeakel is one part paleoecologist, two parts theoretical biologist, a recovering anthropologist, and a fan of science fiction and cosmic horror. He is a professor of theoretical ecology at UC Merced, and lives in Gilroy, Calif. (“Garlic Capital of the World”) to avoid the undead.
Yeakel’s lecture is part of the Beckman Humor Project and is free and open to all. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center. For ADA accommodations or more information call x7702 or email garaventa@up.edu.
This year, the University will be presenting professional development opportunities for all staff during fall break, October 15-18, 2018, according to Sandy Chung, human resources.
The Beauchamp Center will be on the following schedule over Fall Break, according to Brian Dezzani, recreation services:
“Taking on the Digitocracy” is the theme for the new season of UPCrossroads, the thought-provoking discussion series that tackles topics at the intersection of teaching and technology. Anne Santiago, political science, will lead a roundtable exchange on “Media Literacy and Digital Citizenry” on Friday, October 26, at 3 p.m., in the Digital Lab of the Clark Library. All are invited to attend and participate. Refreshments will be provided.
This week, the Office of the Provost is pleased to introduce three new UP faculty members:
The men’s basketball team will be kicking off their 2018-19 season with the annual Purple vs. White Scrimmage this Saturday, October 20, at 2 p.m., in the Chiles Center. Come get an inside look at the upcoming year as second-year head coach Terry Porter coaches a team full of young, exciting newcomers! Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and is free for all.
Over the weekend of October 26-28, a group of 35 students and 23 student leaders will be on the Encounter with Christ (EWC) Retreat. Would you consider writing a note (palanca) to the students you know on the list? This is an opportunity to encourage students and express appreciation for them outside the classroom. Each retreatant will receive an envelope of surprise palanca. Please do not discuss this concept with students, to keep it a surprise.
The College of Arts and Sciences Humanities Collaborative invites you to participate in a lively lunch-time discussion about topics relevant for the humanities and interdisciplinary connections to the humanities. Please RSVP to Laura McLary at