Author: Brynn Boyer

Mehdi Aminrazavi, professor of philosophy and religion and co-director of the Center for Asian Studies, discussed his book, “The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam,” at George Mason University on Thursday, Sept. 22. The book discussion was presented by the Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies  in coordination with Fall for the Book 2011.

“Nourished by an admiration of Khayyam that has been with him since childhood, Aminrazavi’s comprehensive new biography reintroduces the figure of Omar Khayyam, and his great achievements, to the Western world. Blending a readable and accessible narrative with scholarly ambition and years of research, Aminrazavi’s work covers not only Khayyam’s well-known poetry, but also his extraordinary life, his neglected philosophical writings and the impact of his work in the West. It features a variety of supporting material, including original translations and the full text of Fitzgerald’s Rubaiyyat, and will prove an ideal biography for those who want to know more about the poets inspired by Rumi.” — from the book jacket

A Brand New U! Not necessarily a new university, but UMW is changing its image, and we want everyone in the campus community to hear all about it. The two dynamic leaders of Educational Marketing Group (EMG), Bob and Marlene Brock, will spearhead a couple of sessions next week that will provide a sneak peek into the makeover and how it came about. By the way, mark your calendars for the afternoon of Oct. 7 for a campus-wide pep rally; details to come!  Everyone on campus should try to attend one of the following two sessions; the information will be extremely helpful to all departments in moving forward. Refreshments will be available at only one, but attendees at either session will receive a voucher for something special! For more information, call (540) 654-1055.

Thursday, 9/22, 8:30-10 a.m.           Lee Hall, Room 412

Continental breakfast provided. Session will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

Friday, 9/23, 10:30-11:30 a.m.        Stafford Campus, North Building, Room 122

Stephen Farnsworth, author, political analyst and professor, will serve as moderator for the University of Mary Washington’s Fredericksburg Forum on Wednesday, September 28. http://www.umw.edu/news/?a=2079 

Two teams of University of Mary Washington staff traded in their desks and computers for paint brushes and shovels as volunteers at the Day of Caring on Thursday, September 15.

A total of 28 volunteers, 16 from Student Affairs and 12 from Advancement and University Relations, spent the morning cleaning, painting and landscaping for local agencies.

The team from Student Affairs volunteered at Thurman Brisben Center and Fredericksburg Area HIV/AIDS Support Services while the team from Advancement and University Relations volunteered at the Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council.

This is the second year that a group from Mary Washington has volunteered with the Day of Caring, a project of Rappahannock United Way.

Claudia Emerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and English professor at the University of Mary Washington, will read from her work at the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. Emerson’s reading will take place on Saturday, September 24 from 2:35 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The festival is free and open to the public.

Emerson will read from “Pharaoh, Pharaoh,” “Pinion: An Elegy,” “Late Wife” and her latest work, “Figure Studies,” as part of the Poetry & Prose pavilion at the festival. Fellow authors at the pavilion include Michael Cunningham, Dave Eggers and Rita Dove. A book signing session will follow Emerson’s reading from 4 to 5 p.m.

Read the full news release.