Campus News

The author of more than 30 books, writer and social activist bell hooks died December 15 after an extended illness. From 1988 to 1994 hooks was as an associate professor in English and women’s studies at Oberlin. Her book Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism was named one of the twenty most influential woman’s books by Publishers Weekly and she was named one  of the most influential women of the past century, by TIME.

What were you doing on September 1, 1983? Eric Steggall, managing director of theater, dance, and opera, can tell you exactly where he was. Learn more about this former “theater kid” in this installment of Who Am I?

A student takes a few steps on a ladder and stretches one arm to the top of a large glowing menorah in the center of Tappan Square. The gold branched candelabra and flames glisten against the night sky, and those surrounding it look up at its brilliance. This Oberlin community gathering, in celebration of the last night of Hanukkah, leads off this week’s photo series.

Head Field Hockey Coach Jess West is in her happy place when she’s on the field. This might explain why she recalls playing during white-out conditions as a defensive player in college with such fondness. Learn more about West in this installment of Who Am I?

Jane T. Blodgett, 89, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2021. Blodgett met her future husband, Robert S. Danforth Professor of History Geoffrey T. Blodgett, during her first year at Oberlin. After graduating, they returned to Oberlin and she spent 26 years teaching in the community. She was also an ardent historian who chaired the Oberlin Historic Preservation Commission for ten years. UPDATE: the memorial service for Jane Blodgett will take place at First Church on Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m.

Contributions may be made in Jane’s name to the Geoffrey T. Blodgett Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund, Oberlin College Office of Advancement.

When he’s not working in the conservatory library, Circulation Coordinator Gregory Solow could be found curled up with a good science fiction or fantasy book. Find out his winter reading or listening recommendations in this installment of Who Am I?

A small group of students, standing in a semi-circle on stage in Nancy Dye Lecture Hall, look out toward a large audience. Their performance, and that of fellow a capella groups who took the stage just before fall break, serves as inspiration for this week’s photo series.

Interim Associate Director of the Multicultural Resource Center Ilianna Velez collaborates with campus and community partners. Find out how a recent achievement will extend her collaborative nature outside of work in this installment of Who Am I?

A sandstone arch that leads to the first floor of Peters Hall frames a colorful view of pine and maple trees and people on their way to class and offices. This early morning view on a cool fall day serves as inspiration for this week’s photo series.

Lab Crawl was well attended this semester with many students making stops at demonstrations held in one or more of 22 labs across campus.