Campus News

Building on its leading-edge commitment to responsible investing through the creation of the Impact Investment Platform (IIP), and dovetailing with Oberlin's leadership in such areas as sustainability and access, the Board of Trustees has recently approved an initial allocation of $5 million to seed the IIP over the next five years. Furthering its commitment to making the investment process more inclusive, the Board also has adopted a divestment policy that provides an avenue through which students, employees, and alumni may bring forth concerns regarding endowment portfolio holdings.

Oberlin's traditional West African dance troupe will perform a tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis.

The landscape of journalism is changing. While there are many concerns about where it is heading, it is also an exciting time for journalism. News, images, and information can move at light speed around the world. Innovative new journalism initiatives, some hyper-local, some focusing on specific topics, are proliferating.

Journalism, perhaps more than any other profession, draws on the skills of a superb liberal education including among other things devotion to truth, facts and verification, clear writing, strong researching, and critical thinking. So it is not surprising that many Oberlin alums, including recent Convocation speakers Jad Abumrad ’95 and Robert Krulwich ’69, are tackling the challenge of the changing journalistic landscape.

In her recent President's Lecture, Paula Richman, William H. Danforth Professor of South Asian Religions, made a compelling case for studying the many religious traditions of the world. Doing so, even if not always comfortable, can broaden our understanding of different worldviews.

The latest book by Professor of Dance Ann Cooper Albright has been recognized by the American Society for Aesthetics.

Alison Bechdel ’81 was named this morning as one of 21 MacArthur Fellows for 2014. She is an amazing, inspirational person and a great supporter of Oberlin. Congratulations, Alison, from all of us at Oberlin!

I am looking forward to what will be an exciting and historic Homecoming Weekend celebration beginning this Friday. We have a terrific slate of events including celebrations relating to Latinx Heritage Month, the annual President’s Lecture, with Paula Richman ’74, and a Convocation with “Radiolab” cohosts Jad Abumrad ’95 and Robert Krulwich ’69. We will also celebrate the opening of the Austin E. Knowlton Athletics Complex by playing the first home night game in Oberlin’s football history.

Oberlin OnCampus is featuring brief bios of faculty and staff members new to the campus community. New employees who have not completed the New Employee Information form that was included in their human resources packet can still submit information by e-mailing oncampus@oberlin.edu. Others who want to supplement the information they have already provided may do so by e-mail

The beginning of the academic year in American higher education invariably seems to be accompanied these days by a growing wave of rankings and stories in the media attempting to judge the quality and value of a college education. As Oberlin’s president, I have written and spoken a lot about the relevance, cost, and value of college education. I have benefited from and believe in studying the distinctive blend of the humanities, sciences, and the arts that is the essence of liberal arts education. And I know Oberlin prepares students to lead meaningful, considered lives, to flourish in multiple careers, and to be informed, engaged citizens of their communities and the world. Simply put, I believe liberal arts education is the best preparation a young person can have for success in life.

Oberlin OnCampus is featuring brief bios of faculty and staff members new to the campus community.

Oberlin OnCampus is featuring brief bios of faculty and staff members new to the campus community.