ILR resoluteOur new normal finds us navigating uncharted waters in uncertain times. True to form, however, the ILR community has responded with an outpouring of heartwarming sentiment and uplifting support.
As we work collectively toward the same goals--staying safe, keeping healthy, and supporting one another--we inch closer to the day we emerge from this crisis even stronger, with renewed energy and resolve.
April has ushered in an abundance of springtime beauty. The freshness of the spring rains and new life surrounding us serves as a reminder that this pandemic will soon be behind us and our routines will return to a glorious state of normalcy.
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Spreading compassionWhile we're currently socially distanced, you're not alone. We're in this together.
Remember, social distancing ourselves may unwittingly result in social isolation for others. ILR is a caring, compassionate community. Please continue to check on your family, friends, and neighbors.
Additionally, now is the perfect time to put that stack of unused notecards to good use by sending messages of gratitude and encouragement to our first responders, healthcare and grocery workers, delivery drivers, mail carriers, and all those working under these stressful conditions. Everyone can use a socially-distanced hug right now.
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We're here for you ILR staff and volunteers are abuzz with activity, busily working behind the scenes from our homes. Please keep in touch, and let us know if we can bee of any assistance to you.
While we are all missing our time together in classes, we hope the options below will help to fill the void and fuel your mind, body, and spirit.
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Looking aheadOver 60% of our spring instructors are ready to teach their classes this fall.
A dozen more will return next spring. In addition, many new and exciting courses are in the works. All of this isolation time may be just what the doctor ordered to foster the continued development of many exceptional courses.
Thinking about offering a course for ILR? We're actively seeking proposals for our fall term, October 5 through November 6. To join us as an instructor or to coordinate a lecture series, complete our ILR course proposal form. Proposal deadline has been extended to May 15th.
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Enter the blogosphereMatthew Smith has started a blog that he has aptly titled Extraordinary Times. He stated, "I plan to keep going through the pandemic, at least until we resume normal public programming--hopefully in the fall. Feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions, especially folks who might be willing to give an interview on historical topics!"
He continues, “My goal is to provide engaging historical content to the community, especially in the absence of other avenues (as you will appreciate, our public programs have been forced to close their doors until further notice). The format is a mixture of personal historical reflection and profiles of leading members of the historical community.”
Dr. Matthew Smith teaches history at Miami University's Hamilton campus, and serves as Director of Public Programs at Miami Regionals. A native of the UK, and a naturalized US citizen since 2017, he lives in Wyoming, Ohio with his wife, daughter, and three cats.
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Fifty years ago todayMiami Presents: News from 1970! Student Cultures, the Vietnam War, and Birth of the Public Ivy
This free one-hour webinar will be offered on Monday, April 23rd, at noon. Register below.
On April 15, 1970, students staged a sit-in at Rowan Hall to protest ROTC on campus during the Vietnam War. It absorbed other grievances, resulted in 176 suspensions, passive resistance, mass arrests, and a police action featuring tear gas and dogs. Mass rallies, a student/faculty strike, and draining the town's water tower followed. Then in May, events at Kent State earned Ohio notoriety and prompted President Shriver to close all Miami campuses.
The Rowan Hall occupation was a turning point in Miami history because in the years that followed, students, faculty, and administrators together created a different kind of campus than had previously existed.
Dr. Curt Ellison is professor emeritus of history and American studies, and editor of Miami University, 1809-2009: Bicentennial Perspectives.
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Tai Chi onlineDr. Larry Bobbert has taught Tai Chi for ILR in the past, and plans to offer it again this fall. He states, "We know you understand the need for keeping your body sound while being house bound. Tai Chi exercises help both mentally and physically, and can be practiced in limited space."
TaiChiVillage.org is offering free online, live, and recorded lessons for sheltered individuals. Episode 1 is posted on YouTube. Details on the “live” programs will follow soon. You can watch free, and if you send an email message of interest to taichivillage@gmail.com, you will be notified as each new episode is posted. Your comments and suggestions are welcome and can alter the content toward your wishes.
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Record historyAre you willing to journal about your COVID-19 experience? To capture the experiences of the Miami University community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Walter Havighurst Special Collections and University Archives is asking for volunteers to journal for them.
Although the focus is on members of the Miami community, journals from others in the Oxford area are welcome as well.
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You are what you eat
Our friends "down on the farm" at Miami's Institute for Food tell us, "We still have openings in the 2020 CSA season. We believe healthy local food is more important than ever. The farm is up and running and getting ready for the launch of the summer CSA on May 21. We will be following social distancing practices mandated by the USDA. This is an excellent way for people to get a steady supply of fresh vegetables throughout the summer and into the fall."
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| Mark your calendar and plan to join us this fall, October 5 through November 6!
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