Campus Briefing

By CHARLOTTE RODINA

Speaking Center Octoberfest

UMW’s speaking center will be hosting three workshops aimed at helping students better their communication and presentation skills. The workshops are: “Speech Basics” on Oct. 9, “Presenting in a Foreign Language” on Oct. 18 and “Persuasive Speech” on Oct. 22. Each will be held in Combs 001 at 5 p.m.

Philharmonic on PBS

UMW’s Philharmonic Orchestra, along with The Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band, will appear in a 60-minute holiday segment to be aired on PBS this December. The concert was filmed over the course of two days this past December.

UMW Receives High Rating

In the 2013 edition of America’s Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report ranked UMW sixth among public Southern universities in the category “Top Public Regional Universities – South.” Among all Southern universities, both public and private, UMW is ranked 16th. According to the report, rankings are based on “freshman retention, graduation rates, and the strength of the faculty.”

UMW to Host Congressional Debate

Republican Rob Wittman, Democrat Adam Cook and Independent Gail Parker will participate in a debate in conjunction with the upcoming election. The debate will be moderated by Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies. The debate will take place in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium on Monday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

U.S. Ambassador and UMW alumna visits campus

On Sept. 19, Rose Likins visited several classes and spoke with international affairs and political science students about her roles as U.S. ambassador to Peru and El Salvador. Likins graduated from UMW with a double major in Spanish and international affairs.

C-Span Bus to Visit UMW

At 8:30 a.m. until noon today, the C-Span Campaign 2012 Bus will be parked next to Lee Hall. From 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m., Stephen Farnsworth, political science professor and director of the university’s Center for Media and Leadership Studies, will be a guest speaker, giving insight into the upcoming presidential election. Tours will be held and election and campaign information given from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Hotel Construction Begins

A groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Sept. 21 marked the start of construction on the Hyatt Place hotel in Eagle Village. The UMW Foundation is overseeing the project. The hotel is expected to open fall 2013.

“Talking With” Final Weekend

The final productions of Jane Martin’s “Talking With” are this weekend. Performances are Sept. 27 through Sept. 29 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. at Klein Theatre in duPont Hall. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students and senior citizens.