47 Colleges to Participate in $50 Million Science Education Initiative

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Website

May 24, 2012

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute announced today that it has selected 47 small colleges and universities in the United States as the recipients of grants totaling over $50 million that will enable the schools to work together to create more engaging science classes, bring real-world research experiences to students, and increase the diversity of students who study science.

Ira Glass, This American Life Host, Condemns Commencement Speeches & Talks About Losing His Virginity At Goucher College

Huffington Post

May 23, 2012

"I believe that it is a doomed form," Glass said right as he took to the podium. "Commencement speakers give stock advice which is then promptly ignored. The central mission of a commencement speech is in itself ridiculous, to inspire at a moment which needs no inspiration. Look at yourselves at this moment, something incredible is happening right now." Then he revealed a personal detail connecting him with Goucher on a more intimate level. "I lost my virginity in one of the dorms here," Glass said. "Not recently. I was 20 - it was still an all-girls school."

The Shoes of Lynn's 2012 Commencement

Huffington Post

May 23, 2012

As coordinator of Lynn University's Fashion Management program, I am always encouraging students to explore their sense of style as part of their studies. You'd think this philosophy of self-expression would hit a brick wall at our commencement ceremonies since everyone has to wear black robes and funny square hats, but that's not the case. Over the years, a tradition of wearing unique and flashy shoes has grown to where it is now become a semi-official event that students, staff and even the most studious faculty look forward to.

Yale Rivaled by Franklin & Marshall in Europe

Bloomberg News

May 23, 2012

While Franklin & Marshall College may not have the cachet of Yale University in the eyes of most Americans, for trendy European teens the Pennsylvania liberal arts school easily trumps the Ivy League icon. Among the hottest names in Europe these days is Franklin & Marshall, a name emblazoned on sweatshirts and other garb sold by an Italian company with an almost identical name.

Lon Morris College employees receive furlough notice

Jacksonville, Texas, Daily Progress

May 23, 2012

All but a core minimum group of Lon Morris employees received furlough notices Wednesday morning, and college President Miles McCall handed in his letter of resignation Tuesday, officials said Wednesday. While the furlough notice said the employees were "terminated," it was unclear whether they were formally discharged or furloughed. The decision was made by Bridge Point Consulting Company, an advising firm brought in on May 5 by the board of trustees to help restructure the school's finances, with intentions of reopening in the fall.

Did the Catholic organizations have to sue over the health care mandate?

Washington Post - Column

May 22, 2012

The federal lawsuits filed Monday by Catholic institutions against the contraception mandate under the health care law are not surprising, but they are unfortunate. There is certainly a case to pushing the administration to rewrite the definition of religious organizations under the health care regulations, but no reason to treat President Obama as an enemy of religious freedom. The bishops' "Fortnight for Freedom" campaign is looking more and more like a direct intervention in this fall's elections.