Dear Alumni and Friends:
‘Tis the season to send you greetings and news from the College of Arts and Science. It’s been a busy semester. Here are a few highlights.
Exciting new programs. This is a time of rapid change in higher education, and CAS is evolving our degree offerings to meet student needs. Recent additions include:
- New major in Applied Mathematics. “We created our Applied Mathematics major to help students develop a foundation to build mathematical models and analyze data in real-world settings,” says Anna Ghazaryan, professor and chair of Mathematics. “They can choose electives in the sciences, technology, engineering, or other areas of interest to complement and provide context to their mathematical training.”
- New co-major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The new co-major is designed to complement a student’s primary major and is especially suited for students pursuing fields where gender and sexuality are important factors, such as healthcare, marketing, sports, and social work. We’re excited to provide this co-major both for our students in CAS and students outside the College.
Faculty prizes and accolades. As just one of many examples,
Andrew Peck, associate professor in the Department of Media, Journalism, and Film, won the prestigious 2024 Chicago Folklore Prize for his book
Digital Legend and Belief: The Slender Man, Folklore, and the Media.
Exploring the changing nature of belief in a digital age, the book was chosen from over 40 submissions nationwide.
CAS Means Careers. Looking ahead, Greg Roche ‘95 (Sociology) will kick off our new CAS Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series on February 27, 2025. Greg has built a phenomenal career combining science and business and is currently the CEO of Distalmotion, a medical robotics company.
CAS Means Careers is a new initiative designed to ensure that every CAS student graduates with the skills and confidence to succeed in the world of work. Our graduates are adept at pivoting to new industries as the world changes. The series will showcase distinguished alumni from a wide range of majors and careers.
Finally, in the season of gratitude, I thank those of you who have reached out with greetings, offers of assistance, and contributions of all kinds. Your successes and support of your communities are our pride and joy.
Please keep in touch and
keep up with CAS. Our continued work depends on you.
Love and Honor,
Renée Baernstein
Professor and Dean
