An Update from CNRC
What's going on in our department ahead of Give to the Max Day
Dear Friends of CNRC,
I hope this email finds you well despite the tumultuous times we are living through these days. Life at UMN mirrors what is happening in the wider country and world in many ways, but our work to help students navigate these times continues in earnest as we await the arrival of our new dean, GerShun Avilez at the end of November.
The biggest developments in the department center on the Future of the Past Lab which is partnering with the Center for Premodern Studies for a three-year visiting fellowship program called "Exploring Assumptions of Cultural History." This semester we welcomed our first two fellows, Anna Rosensweig from the University of Rochester and Young Kim from the University of Illinois Chicago. Keep an eye out for podcast interviews in the next few weeks where they talk about their fascinating work. And check out our recent blog posts by Mark Bretler of Duke University, Sarah E. Rollens of Rhodes College, and yours truly.
We are also embarking on our second annual Give to the Max Day campaign. Thank you to all who gave last year; your support is very much appreciated and your donations have helped support faculty research travel and a department lecture. This year's campaign will center on a new scholarship fund in honor of Elizabeth "Betty" Belfiore, a long-time member of the department whose scholarship, teaching, and mentorship was a cornerstone of the department for many years. The Elizabeth Belfiore Scholarship Fund will help undergraduate students experience the transformative joy of studying the ancient world. Please consider giving on Thursday, November 21st and your donation will be matched up to $1000 by a generous donor who is a firm believer in our department and the need to support students who wish to study antiquity. With your help on Give to the Max Day, we can establish this fund as a long-term source of student support.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me if you want to know more about the department and visit the CNRC website often to stay up to date on all the events and news about CNRC.
Best wishes,
Steve Ahearne-Kroll
Chair, Department of Classical & Near Eastern Religions & Cultures
