New publication will benefit Wells College Book Arts Center

Clandestine Press of Ithaca, New York, is pleased to announce the publication of Maneuvers, a new chapbook of poems by Bruce Bennett, professor of English at Wells. All proceeds from the sale of this high-quality, limited edition will help support the Victor Hammer Fellowship in the Book Arts Center at Wells College. 

Maneuvers contains 27, eight-line poems which explore the possibilities of the form as they carry out or speculate on a variety of philosophical and psychological "maneuvers." Professor Bennett has chosen to write most of the sequence in rhyming quatrains that complement the playfully discursive content. For instance, "Biology Lesson" uses an unusual method to link stanzas which heightens our awareness of the parable embedded in the poem: 

The wildebeests, you tell me, know
when one is singled out to die.
Since they are not the ones to go,
they keep on grazing while the li- 

on, focused and intent, gives chase
till he brings down his hapless prey.... 

Professor Bennett has been praised for his sharp imagery and extended metaphors, and Maneuvers presents fresh, new examples of his skill. The chapbook also offers work drawn from a different rhetorical tradition and is an essential addition to the collections of his readers. These poems are filled with gems of insight about human interaction and the intricate rationalizations we weave in order to survive. "Its Own Place" is a marvelous lyric which captures the tone of this chapbook: 

If misery were at an end
and all the world appeared
complaisant as a happy dream
with nothing to be feared 

The mind would quickly set to work
constructing woe and bane
until it felt itself besieged
and quite at home again. 

Robert Doherty, printer-in-residence at Wells, is the owner of Clandestine Press. Maneuvers is set in Monotype Bulmer digital type on Rives mould made paper in an edition of 100 copies, numbered and signed by the author. The book sells for $20.00. An edition available to students costs $10.00. Checks should be made payable to the Wells College Press. For more information and orders, write to the Book Arts Center, Wells College, Aurora, New York 13026 or call 315.364.3420. 

October, 1998

New scholars program funds paid internships

Wells has reconfigured its long established Henry Wells Scholarship program now guaranteeing eligible students a paid internship of $3,000 during their college career, according to Susan Raith Sloan, director of admissions at Wells. 

During the first year of study at Wells, program participants will receive hands-on experience in a work setting that matches their academic interests during the January Intersession. 

The paid experience, which will take place during the upper-class years, can be in a variety of settings including the workplace, in collaboration with faculty on research, or studying in a Third World country, among other options. 

Wells' Director of Career Development Services Nancy Karpinski said, "Many students cannot explore their top internship choices due to financial pressures; the Henry Wells Scholars Program is designed to relieve those pressures. Students will receive guidance from faculty advisors throughout the process to ensure they take maximum advantage of the opportunities." 

The program is guaranteed to all nominated and admitted students with a 90% cumulative high school grade point average. They also must have scored 1150 or higher on the S.A.T. or 28 or higher on the A.C.T. 

Nominations may be made by guidance counselors or Wells College alumnae. Guidance counselors and alumnae may nominate more than one student for these prestigious awards. The deadline is February 1, 1999. 

Internships have always been an important part of undergraduate study at Wells. Recently students have held internships at ABC Television, Amnesty International, Citibank, Fidelity Investments, Habitat for Humanity, HarperCollins Publishers, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Seven Hills School, and Xerox Corporation, among other locations. 

The new Henry Wells Scholars program formalizes this important Wells experience and guarantees access for eligible students. All Wells students can participate in the college's internship program, but they are not guaranteed payment, said Karpinski. 

For more information about the Henry Wells Scholars Program call 1.800.952.9355. 

October, 1998

Wells professor establishes $700,000 trust to support faculty and staff research

A professor of religion at Wells has established a $700,000 trust that will provide financial support for faculty and staff members at the Upstate New York women’s college. An additional share of the trust will also benefit People For the American Way in Washington D.C.

"The portion of the trust I am giving to Wells will be used for an endowment, the income from which will support both faculty and staff research and development," said Professor of Religion Arthur J. Bellinzoni.

Professor Bellinzoni has taught at Wells for the last 37 years. He is an authority on Biblical studies and contemporary Middle Eastern history, culture, and politics. A widely published author, his books include The Sayings of Jesus in the Writings of Justin Martyr, Intellectual Honesty and Religious Commitment, and The Two Source Hypothesis: A Critical Appraisal.

"Although Wells is primarily a teaching institution, we recognize and applaud publication and research. I think the college needs to provide more resources to support travel and materials needed for various research projects," he said.

For the last 15 years he has stepped out of the seminar room to take on additional responsibility in the college’s Office of Development where he oversees planned giving - the branch of fundraising that involves wills, trusts, and estate planning. He has also taken a leading role in The Campaign for Wells College, the largest fundraising effort in the college’s history, which has raised $41 million toward a goal of $50 million by the year 2000.

"I know teaching is Arthur’s greatest passion," said Wells President Lisa Marsh Ryerson. "All the same, I continue to call upon his natural abilities as a fundraiser to support the college in other ways. He is truly a successful example of someone who can ‘wear two hats.’ This gift he has made is special and reflects his belief in the strength of the Wells community."

Working outside his academic area at the college has helped Professor Bellinzoni develop an appreciation for the role the staff plays in support of education at the institution. His contribution has also been designated to provide funds for college staff members to attend national conferences, take time off, conduct research, and participate in professional development activities so they can serve the college better.

As a fundraiser, he realizes that giving a gift of this nature sets an example. He hopes others will be inspired to give by his belief in the college’s future. More generally, he hopes people will consider making charitable contributions to support causes they believe in.

An additional share of Professor Bellinzoni’s trust goes to People For the American Way. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., the organization was founded by Norman Lear and has received much recognition for its challenges to the radical right’s vision of America.

"As a professor of religion, I have developed a clear understanding of what I believe is the best function of religion in American society. I certainly have in my own mind a clear understanding that religion speaks to our personal values, and we ought not to impose particular religious agendas on the whole of society. When I came upon People for the American Way, I was able to identify immediately with its mission."

Carole Shields, president of People for the American Way, said, "We are truly grateful for this gift. Professor Bellinzoni understands our mission at its very deepest level. At Wells College, he connects with his students and teaches them to think clearly and critically about complex issues involving religion and society. Through his involvement in our organization, he brings his knowledge and insights into the public arena - it is a way to make a difference."

Professor Bellinzoni received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his master’s degree and doctorate from Harvard University.

October, 1998

Open house at Wells offers views of college life

Students and their families who are involved in the college search process are invited to attend an open house at Wells on Sunday, December 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This free event is designed especially for students who have not yet selected a major and are interested in learning about different academic areas. Students and their families will also be able to learn about everyday life at a women's liberal arts college, career connections, and the financial aid process. Call 1.800.952.9355 for reservations and information.

Sponsored by Wells' Admissions Office, the open house will offer a variety of presentations and panels throughout the day. Wells faculty members, students, alumnae, and administrators will participate in the program. Current students will offer their perspectives on college life.

Sessions will address the relationship between college study and careers. Representatives from Career Development Services will discuss internship opportunities. The benefits of study abroad will also be explored. A number of Wells alumnae are scheduled to return to campus for the event to talk about how their majors have translated into careers. Members of the admissions staff will offer presentations about the college application process and financial aid.

"This open house will serve the needs of a wide variety of students," said Wells' Associate Director of Admissions Meredith B. Cook. "Students and their parents can learn about different majors. The day will also provide numerous opportunities to learn firsthand about clubs and activities, campus safety, and what Wells women do after graduation."

November, 1998

College unveils new intercollegiate team

Wells will add an intercollegiate softball program beginning in the spring semester of 2000, according to Lyn LaBar, the college's athletics administrator.

"This is an exciting step for Wells and demonstrates the college's commitment to the athletic program. We believe participation in intercollegiate competition greatly enhances the overall educational experience of our students," said LaBar.

Wells currently offers the following intercollegiate sports: field hockey, soccer, tennis, swimming, and lacrosse. The college competes at the NCAA Division III level and is a member of the Atlantic Women's College Conference (AWCC) and the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA).

"We are excited to add softball because both high school students considering Wells and current students have expressed enthusiasm for the creation of a softball team," said Dean of Students Susan H. Ryan.

Kristy Baley, a first-year student at Wells from Waterloo, New York, is pleased the college has announced this new program. She currently is a member of the college's soccer team. "I think adding the softball team is a very good idea especially because it will increase students' athletic options in the spring semester," she said.

December, 1998