Marsh Professor William Darity
Gives College Honors Day Address

William "Sandy" Darity was on campus for a week starting April 15 as part of his initiation into the Marsh Professor-at-Large program. Professor Darity, who holds academic positions in Economics and African American Studies at both Duke University and the University of North Carolina, gave the address on College Honors Day. Darity encouraged graduating students to reflect on their experience of the learning environment at the University of Vermont. If, he said, their experience was one that provided an intellectual climate that fosters intellectual debate and diversity of ideas, then "speak up and respond to attacks on universities' freedom to pursue intellectual inquiry." Without that support, he argued, the space for real intellectual inquiry and debate that make institutions like UVM relevant to the problems of the 21st century will narrow.

Professor Darity's week at UVM was an example of UVM's commitment to debate and diversity of ideas and fit ideally with the mission of the Marsh Professor-at-Large program. Named after the University's fifth president and established in 2004, the program's goal is to bring a diverse group of experts from a wide variety of fields to campus with a sole mandate to "invigorate the intellectual and cultural life of the university." Darity, whose work focuses on the causes and consequences of racial inequality, talked during his stay here of reparations for African Americans and discussed the relationship between skin color and discrimination. Darity is an example of a public intellectual, who is willing to engage in public debate on difficult and contentious issues, in this case, racial inequality.

The winners of the Outstanding Graduate Seniors Award in Environmental Studies were presented by Professor Ian. A. Worley (center), director of the program. The recipients are Allyson D. Black-Foley (left) and Keri L. Johnson (right). Ms. Black-Foley is a leader in student government, a member of several honors societies, Girl Scout mentor, and student admissions representative. She plans to pursue graduate school and work in public policy for women's and environmental issues. Ms. Johnson has made her mark at UVM as a scholar, residential advisor, yoga teacher, environmental educator, and compassionate friend. She dreams of converting her family farm to a yogic apothecary organic farm and retreat center.

Dr. Kelvin Chu presented the Departmental Awards in Physics to Ashley M. Laughney. Ms. Laughney received the Ronald Chappellow Award (an award donated by Mr. Ron Chappellow) and the David W. Juenker Physics Prize, which is awarded to the senior Physics major who has the best academic record. Ms. Laughney is from Wilmington, VT. She has been the recipient of several awards and scholarships at UVM and has been accepted to graduate school in Biomedical Engineering at Dartmouth College.

Political Science chair George H. Moyser (right) stands with Emila H. DeMarchis (center), winner of the Elliott A. Brown Award for the Outstanding Senior in Political Science, and Mr. Elliott A. Brown (left). This award, established by Mr. Brown in memory of his parents, is given annually to recognize the outstanding senior in the Political Science Department for academic achievement and demonstrated leadership capabilities in the study and practice of political science. Ms. DeMarchis is an outstanding student with a superb scholarly record, who has also contributed at a high level in both UVM sports and community service.