Actor, writer, and social activist Ian Ruskin has released a new two-hour documentary on the life of Barbara Dane. Titled, “A Wild Woman Sings the Blues: the Life and Music of Barbara Dane,” the documentary includes interviews with several musicians and others who know Dane well.

Theo Gonzalves, Associate Professor and Chair of American Studies, was interviewed for the project and appears in the documentary. Gonzalves is a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at the Smithsonian Institution, working with the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. His project, “Singing Truth to Power: The Story of Paredon Records,” traces the cultural history of a record label whose output of recorded music and speeches documented revolutionary movements throughout the globe. Dane founded Paredon Records in 1970 and produced 50 albums that Gonzalves is studying as part of his project.

Other interviews in the documentary include Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Irwin Silber, Holly Near, James Early, and many more. For more information on the documentary, click here. To read a UMBC Magazine story about Gonzalves’s project, click here.

From: Philip Rous, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in UMBC’s winter 2014 Commencement Ceremonies. We will have two ceremonies this December in the Retriever Activities Center (RAC).

• Graduate Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17 in the RAC
• Undergraduate Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 18 in the RAC

These commencement ceremonies are important events in the life of our scholarly community where we come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and recognize the outstanding commitment of our faculty and staff to their success. These events mean a great deal to our graduating students, their parents and guests. I hope you will make a special effort to attend these events, to share this special time with our students and join in our community’s celebration of academic achievement.

RSVP PROCESS: There is a single web-based response form for faculty and staff to respond —whether you rent, purchase, or already own your regalia. The address is http://my.umbc.edu/go/commencementform

ORDERING REGALIA: As in the past, UMBC will subsidize the rental of academic regalia for faculty and administrative and associate staff. Please order your regalia by October 26, 2014. After that date, you will be asked to pay a late charge of $25. Please note that it will not be possible to order regalia after December 6. Even if there is only a slight chance that you will attend Commencement, you should order regalia. It is easier for the Bookstore to return unused gowns and hoods then it is to place a late order and not get delivery on time. Regalia will be ready for pick-up in the Bookstore beginning December 8 through December 12. (Regalia will not be available for pick-up at the RAC.) Please use the online Commencement RSVP form at http://my.umbc.edu/go/commencementform to place your order. If you have any questions, please call Gail Dupree at the Bookstore, x 53807.

RSVP FOR MARCHING IN THE PROCESSION: Even if you do not order regalia, we need to know whether you intend to march in the Commencement procession, so that appropriate seating arrangements can be made. Please give your RSVP on the website response form for Commencement by December 8, 2014. http://my.umbc.edu/go/commencementform

Sunil Dasgupta, director of UMBC’s political science program at the Universities of Shady Grove, writes about Asian military modernization programs in the International Relations and Security Network’s Security Watch.

In the article, Dasgupta explains what military programs in Asia indicate about the future of warfare in the region. He writes that Asian nations expect that conflicts will stay regional, but will occur at sea or in unpopulated areas to lessen the human cost of war. Dasgupta’s analysis also shows confidence in nuclear deterrence as well as an expansion into cyberspace and outer space. 

Click here to read “Military Modernization and the Future of Warfare in Asia” in Security Watch.

April Jones

Role at the UMBC Career Center: General Office Assistant/Receptionist

Q:Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: Albright College/Reading, PA

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you chose your major?

A: I studied Theatre. I have been singing since I was 8 and acting since I was 14. My mom always called me a drama queen, so I knew that Theatre was the way to go.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: I went to a liberal arts college so we were taught to broaden our horizons and not get stuck in the bubble of our major. I was receiving As in my Spanish and History courses, so it was recommended to become an on-campus tutor. I did that during my junior and senior years and still do that as a side job.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: I was told to never be apologetic for my creative works. I was given this advice after I wrote and performed a play that wasn't well received on campus. I'm glad I listened because just when I was about to lock it way forever, it ended up being nationally nominated for a playwriting award. It's funny how that works.

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: Students should visit the Career Center because it really is the best way to jump start the internship/job search. There are people who work here who are incredibly knowledgeable about the job search and the current job climate. Come give us a chance!

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: That there is a really high chance that you'll meet someone new every day.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: Perform on Broadway. *crosses fingers*

Want to connect with April or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/