News - April 2007
Volume 7

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6

News from Faculty and Graduate Students

Faculty

Greetings from the sociology department at Temple. I hope you enjoy reading the newsletter edited by Rosario Espinal. As usual there lots of things are going on in the department. We have former students in graduate school at many different places as well as in law school and medical school. Our graduate program is booming and we have a number of interesting dissertations in the works. The faculty is hard at work on research and teaching. Everyone always seems to be in a rush. Right now we are in the middle of hiring, so things are even more hectic than usual.

For my part, I am juggling the demanding job of being the chair with my teaching and research. I have a book coming out with the University of California Press: Taking Charge of Breast Cancer. I am hard at work on a new book about the gender politics and emotional labor involved in competitive ballroom dancing. This allows me to combine my research with my new avocation. Right now I am in the process of interviewing dance professionals and students so I am having a lot of fun.

We love to hear from former students so drop me a line when you have a chance. You can reach me at julia@temple.edu

S.U.M.M.A.

The Sociology Undergraduate Majors and Minors Association (S.U.M.M.A.) is having a full and productive year. Thanks to the efforts of S.U.M.M.A. leaders Nicole Finnie, Aisha Pittman, Maggie Conley, and Jessica Morse, the association is now a fully recognized Temple student organization! Not only will this make it easier for students to network with other student organizations, but we will finally be able to receive funds allocated by Temple Student Government.

In the fall semester, S.U.M.M.A. participated in the Anti-Gun Violence rally in Harrisburg and in AIDSWalk Philly. Thanks to all of you who supported us in these events! S.U.M.M.A. also sponsored a “Dinner and a Movie” night at which students viewed and discussed the highly acclaimed, “Osama”. We finished the fall semester with the ever so popular Study Day where, thanks to the efforts of Sharon and Marie, students were treated to an all-day feast to help nurture their overburdened souls and minds.

S.U.M.M.A. began the spring semester by participating in the MLK day of service at a Kensington community center. Students helped kids from the community make an anti-violence quilt and joined a candlelight vigil around the neighborhood. S.U.M.M.A. leaders are now working towards a fundraiser to help cover the costs of an end-of-year event for graduating seniors and the purchasing of S.U.M.M.A. t-shirts, as well as other social and community events. We may be looking for your support as we develop our fundraising plans!

Mary Stricker (S.U.M.M.A. faculty advisor)