The contributions the inaugural occupants of these chairs will make to the teaching, research, and engagement missions of the College will only add to the strength of the College.

Sincerely,

John J. Contreni
Dean

NEWS AND RESEARCH

CLA receives three endowed professorships

Purdue alumni and friends have met the challenge to create 20 endowed professorships valued at $30 million. Three positions are in Liberal Arts.

Purdue honored the donors during a dinner on Oct. 27 in the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms as part of the Purdue President's Council annual weekend events.

"Meeting this challenge is a major success not just for our Campaign for Purdue but also for the entire university," said Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. "The professorships it will create empower us to recruit and retain the best faculty, the key to every great university."

So far, Purdue has raised $198 million to help fund 100 new endowed professorships as a result of the $1.5 billion Campaign for Purdue. The campaign to date has raised $1.45 billion and will conclude on June 30.

A challenge match to create 20 endowed professorships was made possible through a $15 million unrestricted estate gift from George E. Goodwin, who died in 2002. Money from the estate was used to match dollar for dollar every new $750,000 gift, and the combined total of $1.5 million will fund each professorship. More

Professor studies firefighters' safety rules

The deadly fire near Palm Springs, Calif., is likely to affect how we fight and talk about future wildfires, says an expert in Communication who studies the management and practice of safety in wildland firefighting.

It also will affect how the media cover the fire and compare this fire to others, says Jennifer Thackaberry Ziegler, an assistant professor of Communication.

The wildfire in Riverside, Calif., that has claimed five lives has been called one of the deadliest fires in Southern California since the Inaja fire in 1956, which triggered the development of the "Ten Standard Fire Orders." These orders are safety rules that have been taught to all federal wildland firefighters since 1957. Ziegler is studying the use of these fire orders in accident investigations and in resulting public perceptions about firefighter safety.

Ziegler's research interests are in the origin and 50-year history of the "Ten Standard Fire Orders," how they have been used in accident investigations over time, as well as current initiatives that attempt to qualify their authority. She also has examined the role the fire orders play in wildland fire culture. For example, the guidelines are sometimes referred to as the "ten commandments of safe firefighting" and have played an important role in firefighter memorializing. More

English professor explores Eucharist in art, philosophy

A Purdue Medieval scholar is taking a "beautiful" look at how art, history, literature, and philosophy relate to the Holy Eucharist, a Catholic sacrament.

Eating Beauty

"Interpretations of what it means to 'eat beauty' have been published, painted, and discussed since the Middle Ages," says Ann Astell, a professor of English and expert in Medieval literature.

The eating of beauty phrase is portrayed in art as the mouth of hell or in reference to the Christian story of Adam and Eve eating forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden and, as a result, dooming humankind, Astell says. Geoffery Chaucer, Virginia Woolf, Simone Weil, and G.W.F. Hegel are some of the writers and philosophers who have incorporated themes of eating and beauty in their work.

"And images of food in religion are nothing new," says Astell, who also is a member of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. "But, what I saw missing from many of these discussions is consideration for the Holy Eucharist as a source of beauty." More

'Culture of corruption' may not be voting issue for all

A Purdue political science expert cautions Democratic challengers in this year's midterm elections about basing their campaigns on allegations of a "culture of corruption."

"Corruption in government appears to be a second-level concern for the typical American voter if you consider what the majority report in the polls," says James McCann, who studies public opinion and perceptions of political corruption. "When asked what people care the most about, they answer the war in Iraq, the domestic economy, and the threat of nuclear weapons in North Korea.

"Yes, accusations of corruption can be a problem for candidates on the day of an election, but whether one party can wage a successful national campaign against a culture of corruption is unclear. Those who might agree with such a sweeping charge may be more difficult to energize, and it could be particularly difficult to convince voters in the Republican bloc to believe the worst about their leaders and the institutions they govern." More

President's 'fellow Americans' may speak loudly at polls

Even though voters will not choose a president, the midterm election on Nov. 7 is a chance to send a message to George W. Bush, says a presidential expert.

"The election is in some sense a referendum on the presidency and how the president is doing in that role," says Bert Rockman, professor and head of Political Science. "But it also is a time to look for a possible shift in party politics. If there are changes, the president, politicians of all sorts, especially potential presidential candidates, and commentators on American politics will be looking at the nature of the changes and the magnitude of the shift.

"But, above all else, the outcome could seriously redefine the relationship between the president and Congress. And this could have consequences for the presidential election in 2008."

Rockman says the big challenge for the majority of incumbents is retaining control of the Senate and House of Representatives, with the contests being especially vigorous in the Midwest, including Indiana. More

Political parties more savvy about Latino demographic

Latino voters could play a deciding role in some midterm elections, says a Communication expert.

"There are some states where Latino voters may have a great influence in the races for seats in the House and Senate," says Stacey Connaughton, an assistant professor of Communication who studies how political parties tailor campaign messages to Latinos. "Indiana is one state where the Latino population continues to grow. If mobilized to go to the polls, Latinos may have an impact on future campaigns and elections at the local, state and national levels.

"We're certainly seeing Latino organizations engaging in mobilization efforts, and as the midterm election approaches, we're starting to see more coalition-building with other constituency groups," she says. More

Polls can sway citizens to vote

Both political parties' pollsters often predict close races so supporters feel their votes will actually make a difference and they are likely to vote, says a Political Sociologist.

"Predictions based on polling or other considerations can be either self-fulfilling or self-defeating," says Jeremy Straughn, assistant professor of Sociology. "If Democratic pollsters predict major successes, they could be inadvertently discouraging the very turnout they need to win – if it makes people think 'they'll win without me, so I won't bother voting.'"

"But, above all else, the outcome could seriously redefine the relationship between the president and Congress. And this could have consequences for the presidential election in 2008."

The same prediction could inspire more Republican supporters to vote on Nov. 7. Because many Democratic candidates continue to lead in polls, Straughn says the Democrats' message to voters should not be "we're going to win," but rather, "we've got a really good shot, but we can't do it without you."

By the same token, pessimistic predictions by Republicans, even if well-founded, could be self-defeating if supporters are further discouraged from voting, Straughn says. More

Communication scholars look at health issues in China

Purdue's Communication scholars participated in the first China Public Health Communication Conference at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Twelve Purdue faculty members and 13 graduate students attended the Oct. 13-15 conference that highlighted research in China regarding health issues, as well as honored journalists who cover health-related stories in China. Purdue faculty representatives included 10 members of the Department of Communication, a professor of Health Sciences and the director of Purdue's Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering.

In addition to conference panels and presentations, the Purdue participants toured health-care facilities and met with health-care leaders and hospital chief executive officers. The Purdue delegation also met with representatives from the U.S. and China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offices. More

Study seeks children, ages 4 and 5, who stutter

Purdue speech and language researchers are looking for 4- and 5-year-olds who stutter to participate in a study that is evaluating the differences between young children who stutter and those who grow out of stuttering.

Study demonstration

This longitudinal study will follow children for at least three years and will be conducted by professors Anne Smith and Christine Weber-Fox. Children who participate will receive a free assessment of their speech, language, and hearing skills, and the families of eligible children will receive $100 per year for participating in testing sessions. Families who live more than 60 miles from Purdue will be paid $200 per year.

To be considered for this study, children must be native speakers of English, have hearing within the normal range, display stuttered speech, and have no cognitive or neurological difficulties. For information, contact Barbara Brown, project coordinator, at 496-6403. Testing will take place in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences in Heavilon Hall. More

Overrated popularity of frights scares expert

A good scare, whether it's from a horror film or haunted house, is really not the preferred treat for most people, says a mass media effects expert.

"The assumption at this time of year is that everyone seeks a scary experience because they enjoy it," says Glenn Sparks, a professor of Communication. "Research shows that not everyone wants to be scared and that a substantial proportion of the population is wary about exposing themselves to this kind of entertainment."

Sparks, who has surveyed hundreds of people on this topic over many years, says that about one-third of the population actively seeks a good scare, another third avoids it, and the remainder says it depends.

"The people in this 'depends' group can be lured to participate in these types of experiences when they would really rather not, either because they underestimate the severity of what they're going to face or because they succumb to the cultural norm or peer pressure," Sparks says. "If you are one of those people who would rather not be scared, it might help to realize that there are plenty of people who share your sentiment." More

Film expert gives 'thumbs up' for old-school movies

Filmgoers should expand their Halloween movie list to include the odd, quirky, and classic original horror films, says a film expert.

"The old back-and-white horror films are often neglected because they lack the gore most horror films are known for today," says Lance Duerfahrd, an assistant professor of English who teaches courses that explore film theory. "These old classics inspire awe and are certainly ingenious. It's amazing how the directors did so much with limited means and technology.

"Older films can require a little more patience, but watching them is about more than just being shocked."

Duerfahrd says the first films about Dracula, including F.W. Murnau's 1922 Nosferatu, are a must-see because so many of today's movies spoof the originals or are based on them. More

EVENTS

Rare Orthodox Christian icons available for viewing

The permanent collection of Purdue Galleries is now home to one of the largest private Orthodox Christian icon collections in the country, and an exhibition of these objects will be on public display through Dec. 3.

Russian icon of
Christ Pantocrator

"Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection" will be presented in the Purdue Memorial Union's Robert L. Ringel Gallery. The collection, part of a gift to the University made last fall by Katherine "Betsy" Scheuring, includes 132 Russian and Ethiopian religious icons that range from the 17th century to the 21st century.

Russian iconography combines theological, aesthetic, and technical features into powerful and intimate objects of beauty and devotion that are used in church liturgy or private households, said Craig Martin, director of Purdue Galleries. More

Fantasy meets technology in new Galleries exhibit

Purdue Galleries opened an exhibit on Oct. 23 that features fantasy/digital technology.

The exhibit, "Nature Rehearsed: Works by Richard J. Krueger and Ronald Leax," will be shown in the Stewart Center Gallery through Dec. 3.

Richard J. Krueger's
"Beyond Desire"

Richard Krueger and Ronald Leax, both art faculty members at Washington University in St. Louis, incorporate images, processes, and even the materials of science into art constructions that mimic biological sciences, the realms of fantasy, and laboratories.

Krueger suggests that the sciences of artifice, including reality simulation and gene manipulation, have revived reality as theater, said Craig Martin, director of Purdue Galleries. More

Rueff Galleries exhibit Native American, international

The exhibits at Purdue's Patti and Rusty Rueff Galleries feature posters by Native American artists, prints by international artists, and students' multimedia work.

The traveling poster exhibit "Visual Power: 21st Century Native American Artists/Scholars" will be on display through Nov. 10 in the West Gallery. The exhibit, which includes work by Purdue professor Phoebe Farris, explores the interconnections of Native American artistry and scholarship as expressed by 12 artists from diverse tribal backgrounds. Farris is a member of the Powhatan nation.

The other visiting exhibit is "INKLANDIA: An International Print Exhibition," which runs through Nov. 10. This exhibit celebrates Inklandia, a real or imagined utopian society of artists who freely and peacefully exchange art, ideas, and information. "INKLANDIA" is organized and curated by Kathryn J. Reeves, professor of Art, and her work is also included in the "Pocahontas" international portfolio. More

Author speaks at series honoring former professor

Author Marjorie Garber is the speaker for the 2006 Leonora Woodman lecture series.

Garber will present "Bartlett's Familiar Shakespeare: The Pleasure and Pitfalls of Quotation" at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. Garber is the William R. Kenan Jr. professor of English and American literature and language at Harvard University. She is the author of 12 books, including Vested Interests: Cross-Dressing and Cultural Anxiety, Vice Versa: Bisexuality and the Eroticism of Everyday Life, Symptoms of Culture, Quotation Marks, Sex and Real Estate: Why We Love Houses and Dog Love. More

Ethics speaker to talk about faith, politics

A political and social ethics scholar will speak at Purdue on Nov. 9 about "Faith Based Political Engagement."

Jean Bethke Elshtain, the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor of Social and Political Ethics at the University of Chicago, will speak at 8 p.m. in Beering Hall, Room 2280. Her talk, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Aquinas Educational Foundation in West Lafayette, Purdue's Department of Political Science and the College of Liberal Arts' programs in American Studies, Religious Studies, and Women's Studies. More

OTHER EVENTS

– Andrew Cutrofello, professor of Philosophy at Loyola University, will present "Kant's Resistance to Sturm and Drang Enthusiasm for Hamlet," at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 in Beering Hall, Room B222. His talk is part of the 2006 philosophy colloquium series.

FACULTY & CLA HONORS

Latino Faculty & Staff Association presents awards

Purdue's Latino Faculty and Staff Association (LaFaSA) presented its Outstanding Latino Awards on Sept. 15 at the celebration for the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month and the Latino Cultural Center's new building.

The awards, which are the first of their kind from the association, were given for Outstanding Faculty, Outstanding Staff, Outstanding Student, and Outstanding Community Ally. A Liberal Arts professor and student were two of the recipients.

Angelica Duran, associate professor of English and former director of the Latino Faculty and Staff Association, for Outstanding Faculty.

Jose Uribe, a senior in the College of Liberal Arts from Dallas, for Outstanding Student. More

MORE FACULTY NEWS

– Karen Iler Kirk, a professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, was awarded the 2005 Editor's Award for best paper in the hearing section of the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. She and the paper's co-authors will be honored at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association annual meeting this month in Miami. The paper is titled "Influence of Voice Similarity on Talker Discrimination in Children with Normal Hearing and Children with Cochlear Implants."

– Randy Black, a professor of Health and Kinesiology, has received the Eta Sigma Gamma W. E. Schaffer Presidential Citation. This is awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the profession. Black was honored in St. Louis at the group's annual meeting in October. Black, whose area of expertise is public health and education, also has adjunct faculty appointments in Foods and Nutrition, Health Sciences, and Nursing.

– George Avery, an assistant professor of Health and Kinesiology, was selected to serve as a member of the Board for the Academy-Health Public Health Services Research Interest Group for the 2006-07 year. This advisory committee will assist in guiding and overseeing the academy's health activities throughout the year.

– Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts will be one of 17 facilities featured at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. at the Prague Quadrennial 2007 Architecture & Technology exhibition in the Czech Republic. The theme of the June exhibit is art facilities for theater education. Pao Hall is home to the Nancy T. Hansen Theatre and the Carole and Gordon Mallett Theatre. The Patti and Rusty Rueff Department of Visual and Performing Arts is located in this building, which celebrated its dedication September 2005. Scholer Corp. served as the architect for the facility.

– Anne Fliotsos, associate professor of Theatre in the Patti and Rusty Rueff Department of Visual and Performing Arts, has been selected by the editorial board at the Studies in Popular Culture journal as the annual Whatley Award winner for the best essay. Fliotsos was selected for her article "Cultural Specificity and the American Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein Revivals."

STUDENT NEWS

Homecoming queen is CLA major

JJ Camp of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Jillian Hmurovic of Munster Ind., were crowned Purdue University's Homecoming king and queen on Sept. 21 during the pep rally at Slayter Hill.

Camp is a senior majoring in Social Studies Education, and Hmurovic is a senior majoring in Psychology. More

EXPERTS IN THE NEWS

USA Today, Forbes, Associated Press, ABC News, Miami Herald –
Freshman 15 drops some pounds
(Christopher Agnew, Department of Psychological Sciences)

The Chronicle of Higher Education –
Middle East studies in the news: A prominent professor's attack on a best-selling memoir sparks debate among Iranian scholars in the U.S.
(Janet Afary, Department of History)

Indianapolis Star –
Retooling, not retiring: Many people report being busier after leaving their careers
(Ken Ferraro, Department of Sociology and Anthropology)

Catholic News Service –
U.S. Catholic-Muslim dialogue looks at faithful living in today's world
(Donald Mitchell, Department of Philosophy)

Indianapolis Star –
Only waifs need apply: Ultra-thin models still hog spotlight on runway, but some fight trend (Graduate student Amanda Holmstrom, Department of Communication)

Associated Press, The Olympian –
You will need your nine iron for business school
(Tom Templin, Department of Health and Kinesiology)

Lafayette Journal and Courier –
Referendum on the governor: Daniels isn't running, but his record is
(Robert Browning, Department of Political Science)

Muncie Star Press, Poughkeepsie Journal –
From clowns to bridges, readers share what scares them
(Glenn Sparks, Department of Communication)

Arizona Republic, Gannett News Service –
Why are we so into being afraid?
(Glenn Sparks, Department of Communication)

Religion and Spirituality Forum –
A new take on the Eucharist
(Ann Astell, Department of English)

The Washington Times –
America adrift
(Louis Rene Beres, Department of Political Science)

Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel –
Parties' attack ads ramp up the intensity
(James McCann, Department of Political Science)

Lafayette Journal and Courier –
Icons appeal to faith, art
(Craig Martin, Purdue Galleries, and David Parrish, Patti and Rusty Rueff Department of Visual and Performing Arts)

Lafayette Journal & Courier –
Health care on voters' radar
(James McCann, Department of Political Science)

Lafayette Journal & Courier –
Purdue faculty, students to visit China
(Howard Sypher, Department of Communication)

Louis Rene Beres, professor of Political Science, appeared live as a guest on CNBC. He spoke about Iran's interest in Uranium enrichment.

This edition of Liberal Arts eNews is available online.

Previous editions of this newsletter can be found on the Liberal Arts eNews home page.

Any story ideas can be sent to Amy Patterson Neubert at the Purdue News Service, 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu