Hofstra Magazine

Hofstra Happenings

Winter 2010

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Ed Rollins and Howard Dean Named Kalikow Center Senior Presidential Fellows

Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz announced in September the appointment of two senior presidential fellows at the Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency: Republican strategist and former presidential adviser Edward J. Rollins and former Vermont governor, presidential candidate and Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean.

“Due to the vision and generosity of Peter S. Kalikow, as well as Hofstra’s tradition of hosting comprehensive conferences on presidential administrations, the Kalikow Center has become a leader in the study of the history and politics of the American presidency. We are pleased to add two of our nation’s most respected and experienced political advisers, both of whom have unique perspectives on the executive branch, to the Kalikow Center,” said President Rabinowitz.

Governor Dean and Mr. Rollins had their first joint appearance on campus on November 5, during the final panel of the Kalikow Center Symposium President or King? Evaluating the Expansion of Executive Power From Abraham Lincoln to George W. Bush. As senior presidential fellows, both will guest lecture, participate in University events, and work with Hofstra students throughout the year.

“The expertise and knowledge of these two respected and senior political professionals will be an extraordinary educational resource for the Kalikow Center, our students, and the University community,” said Dr. Meena Bose, Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies at Hofstra University and director of Hofstra’s Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency. “Their rich professional experiences bring a unique understanding of the role of the American presidency in the political system.”

President or King? Evaluating the Expansion of Executive Power From Abraham Lincoln to George W. Bush took place November 4 and 5. The symposium’s keynote address featured The New York Times Op-Ed Columnist David Brooks.

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Hofstra Recruits Student Oral Historians in Preparation for Its 75th Anniversary

In conjunction with plans to celebrate Hofstra’s 75th anniversary in 2010, Hofstra has been training students for positions as oral historians during the anniversary celebration. In order to be considered for a position as an oral historian in spring 2010, students were to apply after the completion of the fall 2009 course History 178A.

In History 178A, students worked collaboratively with community-based organizations, performed interviews, collected and documented data, and studied the Hempstead community, exploring racial, ethnic and class dynamics in Hempstead neighborhoods, looking especially at the impact of recent immigration. During the final weeks of the course, students transformed their testimonies into creative or documentary pieces in formats such as video, photography, radio, journalistic writing, theatrical performance and graphic illustration.

In spring 2010, students will be selected from among those who participated in the course for paid positions as oral historians. Ten selected students will work in pairs and be assigned to take approximately 20 oral histories from Hofstra alumni, faculty, emeritus faculty and administrators.

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Drama Alumni Join Current Students in Off-Broadway Production of Le Cid

A cast and crew composed of recent Hofstra University graduates and current students from Hofstra’s Department of Drama and Dance presented Pierre Corneille’s Le Cid, July 24 to 26, 2009, at the Gene Frankel Theater in Manhattan.

This off-Broadway production began as a senior project, developed and directed by Richard Pepio ’09. The play reunited the entire Hofstra student cast, which originally performed the work at Hofstra’s Emily Lowe Hall in December 2008.

Pepio says he selected Le Cid as his senior project or practicum because he studied the 1637 French play in his “History of Drama” class. Pepio says, “I probably never would have been exposed to this play if our department didn’t place such an emphasis on classical theater, for which I have gained a real passion.” After choosing Le Cid as his senior project, Pepio says he spent the summer of 2008 researching Corneille and the period of time in which the play was written, and reading different translations of the play. He ultimately chose a translation by Ranjit Bolt first produced in 1994.

The Hofstra production was well received, particularly by Pepio’s professors, who encouraged him to mount a New York City production. Afterward he said, “In January I contacted several theaters, and researched possible avenues to present this production, asking recently graduated friends in the post-Hofstra theater world for advice.” It was then that Pepio received an offer he couldn’t refuse from Kelly Feustel ’08, to produce Le Cid through the Carousel Theatre Company, where she is artistic director.

In Pepio’s distinctive interpretation of Le Cid, audiences were able to see the battles – usually offstage – unfold chronologically between scenes. Three artfully potent tableaus served as chapter headings, emphasizing the ever-changing relationship between the lovers, Rodrigo and Ximena. A clever stage setup forced two sections of the audience to face one another, creating the illusion for audience members that not only were they part of the action but also that they had to choose a side.

The cast of Hofstra students and alumni included Matt LeClair ’10 as Rodrigo, Chelsea Frati ’11 as Ximena, Louis Aquiler ’09 as Don Arias, Jeremy Benson ’09 as The Count, Lea Marie Heller ’09 as Elvira, Bethany McNamara ’10 as The Infanta, Keith Pinault ’11 as Don Fernando, Christian Titus ’12 as Don Sancho, and Rich Traub ’11 as Don Diego. Among the crew were Pepio, who directed, fight choreographer Charles Rohlfs ’09, and stage manager Abigail Strange ’10.

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Campus Launches Zipcar Car Sharing Program

Hofstra University and Zipcar, the world’s largest car sharing service, announced in September the launch of Zipcar’s car-sharing program on campus. The decision to offer Zipcar to the Hofstra community was driven in part by strong student involvement and advocacy, and reflects Hofstra’s commitment to a high-quality campus lifestyle and a reduced carbon footprint.

Two self-service Zipcars – one Honda Insight Hybrid and one Honda Civic – are available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The cars are located in reserved spaces and available to all students and staff aged 18 and older. Gas, insurance, roadside assistance, 180 free miles, and reserved parking are included in low hourly and daily rates.

The partnership with Zipcar is another step toward a greener Hofstra. The University is committed to sustainability, with support from students and faculty, including an Environmental Priorities Committee (EPC) that works to include environmental perspectives in issues relating to University life at all levels, from operations to academics to student life, retention and recruitment.

“While there’s no doubt that Zipcar is a great addition to our sustainability efforts, the fact that our students felt strongly about the program made the decision even easier,” said Hofstra Vice President for Student Affairs Sandra Johnson. “We’re glad we can provide a service that meets the needs of our students, our university and our community.”

Zipcar was selected as Hofstra University’s car-sharing partner based on its industry-leading brand, superior technology and operations, membership experience and track record of providing peer universities with a proven, cost effective and environmentally friendly transportation solution. Zipcar currently serves more than 130 colleges and universities nationwide.

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