August 2011 E-Cat

Don't worry, be happy – convocation to launch new year

The Linfield College community will kick off the academic year with a talk about happiness during opening convocation Friday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. in the Ted Wilson Gymnasium. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom, will present the keynote address. Haidt’s presentation will reflect themes related to the summer common read, Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord, which will serve as a centerpiece for discussions and special programs throughout fall semester for Freshman Colloquium and other classes. Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 29.

A new look for an old favorite

Boxes are unpacked and offices organized. It’s official – the makeover is complete and the newly renovated T.J. Day Hall, formerly Northup Library, will open next week. The building will be dedicated during Homecoming festivities Saturday, Oct. 8, at 10:30 a.m. Plans include a short program followed by tours of the facility and the opportunity to meet with faculty and students. In the meantime, take a virtual tour by viewing a slideshow of photos.

Make plans now to attend Homecoming

Join us Oct. 7-8 for a chance to stroll the beautiful campus, visit with past and present professors, reconnect with classmates and friends, and much more. While you're at it, play some golf, visit the area wineries or meet an old college friend at one of the local eateries. You won't want to miss Homecoming. See the schedule or register online.

There's a new dean in town

The Linfield community welcomed Susan Agre-Kippenhan as vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty earlier this summer. In her new role at Linfield, Agre-Kippenhan will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of the faculty, overall curriculum design and implementation of Linfield’s academic vision. Watch a video about Agre-Kippenhan and learn what the Power of a Small College means to her. Read more here.

Welcome class of 2015

This fall, 464 incoming freshmen will begin their Linfield experience. The group, made up of 67 percent women and 33 percent men, contains 80 legacy students, those with family members who have also attended Linfield. Among the class is an International Peace Award winner, a Knowledge Bowl state champion and an International Olympics Orchestra member. They are a well-traveled group, collectively having visited some 65 countries. Learn more about the newest Wildcats.

TopCat Club members to gather Sept. 24

Meet and greet fellow TopCat Club members to celebrate past successes and look toward the future during a special TopCat Club Celebration Saturday, Sept. 24, from noon-1:15 p.m. at Maxwell Field. Gather with selected coaches and student-athletes in a designated VIP area at the south end of the stadium just before Linfield takes on La Verne in its second home game of the season. Not yet a TopCat Club member? Joining is easy and affordable! Make a gift now and celebrate at the Sept. 24 event. Learn more about the TopCat Club here and follow your favorite Wildcat team.

Calendar of events

• Friday, Aug. 26 – Convocation, 11 a.m., Ted Wilson Gym
• Wednesday, Sept. 7 – All-campus address, 4 p.m., Ice Auditorium
• Friday, Sept. 16 – Linfield Chamber Orchestra concert, 8 p.m., Ice Auditorium

Heard on Campus

“The opportunities Linfield has provided me are remarkable. I believe the power of a Linfield education is being able to take the foundations and theories of a discipline, and add your own personal experiences to make it a whole new learning tool.”

- Casee Clark ’12, on performing collaborative research with faculty and fellow students about the Dory Fleet fishermen of Pacific City.