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A display, "The Legacy of Uncle Tom's Cabin," is open now at Burke Library. This exhibit, which coincides with the 150th anniversary of the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin, explores the complex legacy of Harriet Beecher Stowe's influential novel. Researched and designed by the students in English 451: The Culture of the American Renaissance, the display draws upon materials from the Burke and Rare Books collections at Hamilton. Materials framing both the print history and stage and screen adaptations of the novel are featured.

A record number of 40 Levitt Scholars from all disciplines at Hamilton College were recognized at a May luncheon. Sponsored by the Levitt Public Affairs Center, these Scholars made 54 visits to high schools and spoke to a total of 81 classes. Topics ranged from a discussion of Jane Austen to an explanation of brain research.

Government Professor Philip Klinkner's review of a New York Times finding that a disproportionate number of black votes were thrown out in the Florida presidential election may now be used as support for a lawsuit against three Florida counties. The New York Daily News reported that the U.S. Justice Department has announced it will soon file lawsuits against as yet unnamed Florida counties for voting rights violations during the 2000 election.

Professor of Biology Sue Ann Miller coordinated and co-authored the publication, "From college to clinic: Reasoning over memorization is key for understanding anatomy." This special invited article appeared in the April 2002 issue of The Anatomical Record - The New Anatomist. Miller co-organized a symposium, "How do we cultivate, locate and admit ideal medical students?" that was part of the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) 2002 meetings in New Orleans in April. An abstract of her presentation, "Connecting liberal arts students with what is important for a career in medicine" was published in the FASEB Journal. She was invited to make a separate presentation about her teaching of Vertebrate Development (Biol. 333), and that abstract, "Constructive inclusion of developmental anatomy in an undergraduate course teaches mental imaging skills," is also published in the FASEB Journal. Miller has also been busy this spring reviewing manuscripts for the journals Clinical Anatomy and The Anatomical Record and a variety of grant proposals for the Sigma Xi, Grants-in-Aid of Research program.

Alumnus Kevin P. Davidsen '94 is the author of 600 DAYS: A Motivational Adventure to 30 Countries, published by American Literary Press. Davidsen's book chronicles his 600-day backpacking journey around the world.

Hamilton College's 190th commencement will be held on Sunday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m. on the Main Quad (in the event of inclement weather it will be held in the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House). Approximately 416 Hamilton students will receive bachelor's degrees during the ceremony. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman, former governor of New Jersey, will deliver the Commencement address.

The Hamilton College community gathered on May 20 to recognize staff and maintenance & operations colleagues for significant service anniversaries in 2002. President Eugene M. Tobin thanked the long-time employees for providing support in caring for students and maintaining the campus.

Director of Financial Aid Kenneth Kogut was recently cited in an editoral in Barron's regarding problems with financial aid. I.J. Eisenstadter, author of the editorial, claimed that not only are the principles often involved in deciding who receives financial aid unfair, but the system provides an easy opportunity for individuals to cheat. Kogut was quoted as saying that, "Hamilton may ask to examine tax returns going back two years in addition to current reporting--more than most colleges do," in order to make individuals more accountable and honest.

Hamilton Professor of Government Philip Klinkner reviewed the most recent Robert Caro book in his series on Lyndon Johnson. Klinkner finds LBJ: Master of the Senate to be "like going to an elaborate buffet in order to get the four basic food groups; they both give you what you need along with much, much more."

Assistant Professor of Physics Seth Major published an article, "Modelling Space with a Atom of Quantum Geometry, in Classical and Quantum Gravity 19 (2002) 2211-2227. Major published the article with Michael Seifert, Swarthmore '01, now at University of Chicago.