Jessica Sinn
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American Studies Alumnus Captures Ann Richards’ Spirit in New Biography
When Ann Richards delivered the keynote address of the 1988 Democratic National Convention she instantly became a media celebrity and triggered a rivalry that would alter the course of American history. In “Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards,” author Jan Reid, a writer-at-large for Texas Monthly magazine, draws on his long friendship…
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Do You Speak Texan?
Despite drastic changes to the iconic accent, most Texans will continue to use their twang in the right situation Since this story was featured in Life & Letters last spring, English Professor Lars Hinrichs’ research on the evolution of the iconic Texas twang has been featured in several national media outlets, including TIME, NPR and…
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Q&A: Beauty and Social Justice
A staunch defender of beauty, Harvard University professor and award-winning author Elaine Scarry shows how appreciating aesthetic pleasures can press us toward a greater concern for social justice in her book “On Beauty and Being Just.” Drawing inspiration from writers and philosophers – as well as her own personal experiences – Scarry shares some provocative…
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Silver Tsunami
Psychology researchers target vascular disease to prevent the coming flood of Alzheimer’s patients It’s called the “Silver Tsunami” – the swelling number of baby boomers surpassing age 65. As medical advancements extend their lives, they’re expected to live well into their 80s and 90s – outlasting any generation in American history. But among Americans over…
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UTeach-Liberal Arts Goes Global
Applying top teacher-training principles into different cultural frameworks Inspiring. Knowledgeable. Passionate. These descriptions often tumble forth when people are asked to recall their favorite teacher. Good teachers help students pass tests, but great teachers spark critical thinking, bring subjects to life and encourage students to pursue their passions. Since 2001, The University of Texas at…
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Sweet Success for Liberal Arts Entrepreneurs
It’s not unusual to hear a liberal arts student say, “Wouldn’t it be great if I could make money doing what I love?” But the logistics of launching a business — from starting a portfolio to developing a marketing plan — can make the very notion of embarking on a new venture seem downright intimidating.…
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Media Highlights: Fall 2012
September H.W. Brands’ (History) new biography on Ulysses Grant, “The Man Who Saved the Union,” was featured in several media outlets, including the Boston Globe and the Wall Street Journal. Kate Brooks (Liberal Arts Career Services) shared some tips on how to mine job references in the Atlantic. She was also quoted in a Chicago…
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Media Highlights: Summer 2012
June Kate Brooks (Career Services) shared some tips on how to make the most out of a crummy summer job in Forbes on June 6. Dan Hamermesh’s (Economics) “Beauty Pays” research was featured in a June 16 story in the Globe & Mail. Jim Henson (Government) was quoted in a June 1 New York Times…
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Spring/Summer 2012 Faculty & Staff Awards
OCTOBER Two psychology professors, Kim Fromme and Paige Harden, have received a $2.3 million grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to study genetic influences on drinking and other risky behaviors. Go to this website for more details. SEPTEMBER Madeline Hsu, director of Asian American studies and associate professor of history,…
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Spring/Summer 2012 Student Awards
SEPTEMBER The College of Liberal Arts has honored two students with a Larry Temple Scholarship. The 2012-13 Larry Temple Scholarship winners are: William Hoenig, a Plan II Honors sophomore majoring in electrical engineering and economics; and Nicole Kruijs, a Plan II Honors sophomore majoring in public health. Go to this website for more details. The Asian…
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Media Highlights: Spring 2011
Historian David Oshinsky’s partnership with Bill Gates’ anti-polio efforts was featured in USA Today and Forbes. Linguistics professor Ian Hancock discussed the growing number of Gypsies who are rising into the ranks of an educated middle class in the Boston Globe, the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Yahoo News. Presidential historian H.W. Brands published an op-ed…
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Media Highlights: Fall 2011
H.W. Brands, professor of history, discussed “The Past, Present and Future of the Dollar” at a Longhorn Network Game Changers taping on Oct. 18. Jason Brownlee, associate professor of government, discussed Tunisia’s chance at democracy in the Wall Street Journal. Robert Dull, professor of geography and the environment, was quoted in a USA Today story…
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Whatever Happened to the American Dream?
International historian Jeremi Suri looks back at America’s greatest visionaries to show how our nation can achieve greatness again Some of America’s greatest triumphs were built on dreams. Without dreamers, Neil Armstrong wouldn’t have walked on the moon, proving the sky isn’t the limit. Steve Jobs wouldn’t have transformed the way we work, play and communicate through…
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The Pleasure Principle
New neuroscience research shows cocaine abuse hijacks the brain’s reward system Imagine biting down on a juicy cheeseburger after a long day of yard work, or taking a swig of ice-cold water on a hot summer’s day. That immediate rush of euphoric bliss is the body’s way of saying, “Yes, please!” Like a well-oiled machine,…
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In Memoriam: Fall 2012
James “Jim” R. Soukup, former professor of government, died May 26 at age 83. Soukup began his teaching career at the university in 1956, where he was a threetime Fulbright scholar to Japan for the study of labor politics and later served on the Fulbright National Selection Committee. He was instrumental in the development of…
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The Skinny on Memory Loss
Psychology researcher Andreana Haley examines the link between dementia and obesity and aims to improve your brain’s health through diet and exercise Step off the scale and let’s have a talk. You’re 30 pounds overweight and at risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, certain types of cancer and coronary heart disease. More than 30…
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History Cracked Open
Unearthed Time Capsule Fills Gaps in ROTC History After World War II A glimpse of life at The University of Texas at Austin’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) during the 1940s and ’50s was sealed within the building blocks of the former ROTC building for more than half a century. Last fall, a crew of…
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How Long Will You Live? Chances Are…
How long will you live? And how does that compare to your fellow longhorns based on your race and gender? Graduate researchers are striving to eliminate health barriers and extend life expectancy for one and all. Life expectancy in the United States is on the rise – but not for everyone. Although many older Americans…
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Retiring Faculty 2012
Harry Cleaver Economics Cleaver, associate professor of economics, taught at the university for 35 years. A specialist in Marxist theory, he taught a popular introductory course on Marxist economics for more than 20 years. Cleaver’s recent work has focused on social struggles, particularly in rural Mexico. He has published several articles on the Zapatista uprising…
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What Makes People Give?
Researchers investigate the science of generosity AMERICANS DONATED NEARLY $300 billion in 2011, surpassing the gross domestic product of all but 33 countries in the world, according to a 2010 report by the Giving USA Foundation. And in 2010, 62.8 million people volunteered almost 8.1 billion hours in the United States, according to the Corporation…
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A Formidable Team
Carolyn and Peyton Townsend raise their horns to a world-class education Carolyn Townsend will always remember her tearful parting from The University of Texas at Austin after earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in history and English in 1966. “I was the last one out of the Pi Phi sorority house,” Carolyn says. “I put…
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Timing Is Everything
Putting a new spin on ADHD research, psychologist finds the effects of the disorder may be caused by a glitch in internal timing At 33, Susan can’t sit still. She never could. Pegged by her teachers as the resident “problem child,” she spent most of her afternoons in detention for disrupting class and forgetting her…
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Students Dive into Language, Culture
New summer immersion program gives students a head start in language study Standing before a colorful spread of Russian foods, Katya Cotey shows her students what it’s like to sit down at a dinner table in Russia. She points to a hearty spread of meat-stuffed buns, vegetable soups and smoked sausages and explains the cultural…
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All the World’s a Stage
International relations and global studies major challenges a new generation of global leaders Amid the strong winds of technological change and global competition, the United States is facing an increasingly borderless world. And while these forces gather strength, more students are feeling the need to relate to different cultures and speak other languages. In an…
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Separating Fact From Fiction
Legend has it Benjamin Franklin ventured out on a stormy day to fly a kite with a lightning rod and a key dangling on the end of the string. When the lightning struck the kite, the powerful bolt charged the metal key. Franklin then touched the key and got zapped, thus proving the electrical nature…
