More information about the symposium and the presentation schedule can be found here.

Here is a bit about Pulido’s background:

Pulido is an expert in the political participation of women and the particular impacts of militarization on women, expertise she has gained through hard personal experience in her community and her work at the Univeristy of Valle Center for Gender Studies. She works currently with Plan Salvaguardia. The Plan was born out of the 1991 Colombian Constitution and resulted from social movements’ insistence that the ethnic and territorial rights of indigenous communities and of Afro-Colombians be recognized. Comprising representatives from the 34 indigenous groups judged to be at risk of extinction, the Plan is responsible for creating and implementing ways that allow indigenous communities to remain in their territory while protecting their cultural and physical wellbeing.  Her national tour has been organized by Witness for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to non-violence and to supporting peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas.

More information for the event can be found here

A link to her profile can be found here.

Here is a flyer for the event:

Travel the World Make a Difference Alexia Bililies 9-13-2012

The Harbor Stage Company on their Fourth of July Float

Erika spent 5 weeks as the Management and Production Consultant with the Harbor Stage Company on Wellfleet Harbor in Wellfleet this summer. While there she provided her knowledge and guidance on the running of a theatre and putting on a theatrical production.

Among other things, Erika helped out with renovating the theatre’s physical space, providing ideas for effective marketing, box office operations, and production management.

Here are some of her thoughts on this experience:

“My time with the Harbor Stage Company was an amazing experience.  I was surrounded by people

A view of the set for the Company's production of Hedda Gebbler

who saw the value in the knowledge and experience I brought to the company.  I have returned a few times (to see a show and to help with the changeover to the last show of the season), and it is wonderful to return there with open arms literally waiting for me.  I look forward to continuing to work with the company remotely and hopefully return to help them in person next season.”

A link to an article about the theatre and the company can be found here

Articles reviewing various productions from the inaugural season can be found here, here, and here

Dr. Medwin graduated from WPI in 1941 with a Bachelor’s degree in physics.  He served in the army during WW II and when he returned from the war obtained a PhD. from U.C.L.A.    In his professional career he was an authority on marine acoustics and published numerous articles, a textbook, and received several patents.

His true passion, however, was performing string quartet and orchestral music.  Until his death in 2006 he rarely missed his weekly quartet rehearsals.  When travelling to other cities he would typically arrange in advance to meet with local players so he would not have to miss a week of rehearsing.      As an undergraduate Dr. Medwin formed a quartet that performed frequently on campus and within the Worcester community.

In 1987 Dr. Medwin established the first of what would become several endowments to establish a string quartet, a string ensemble, an orchestra, and scholarships for string quartet members.  There was no string program at that time and he believed WPI needed to have a program available.   It was his conviction that WPI students should have the opportunity to do more   than just math and science and that performing great music, particularly orchestral music, was a way of enriching their lives.  He was eager to pass along not just his own passion for the music but also the means to make this possible for the students.  Endowments were first given for the establishment of the ensemble and then for a quartet followed by an endowment to provide scholarships for members of the quartet.  Today there is full orchestra of  55 students, a string ensemble of 40 students, and an honors quartet.  Students may participate for academic credit towards their Humanities and Arts requirement or participate purely for enrichment.  In addition to pursuing projects in music members over the years have performed numerous concerts on campus, throughout New England, and on tour in over 15 countries.

Following his death in 2006 and then his wife Eileen’s passing in 2008 we were informed he had made provisions to leave a 1 million dollar endowment for the perpetuation of the Medwin Ensembles.  We chose to honor ‘Hank’ in a manner we think he would have chosen by presenting a challenging concert featuring the orchestra and quartet..     The concert opened with the stirring final movement of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony followed by WPI violinist Aaron Na (’12) performing the virtuosic Zigeuenerweisen by Sarasate.  The Medwin String Quartet presented Tango by Michael McLean and then the cello section combined with soprano Monica Hatch, a WPI adjunct professor,   to present Villa Lobos’  seldom heard Cantilena  from Bacchianas No. 5.   Guest artists, the QX String Quartet, performed Beethoven’s String Quartet in C minor and were again featured by sitting in with the students for Corelli’s Concerto No. 10.   The program concluded with the full orchestra performing Bernstein’s rousing Overture to Candide.

Dr. Medwin’s longtime friend, colleague, and executor of the estate, Dr. Chiu, flew in from California for the program.  Also in attendance were several alumni from the orchestra that included Dr. Christopher Trotta (’92),  member of the first Medwin String Quartet  and Ethan Mattor (’90, MS ’93), who played French horn in the WPI music program as an undergraduate.   He brought his two children and wife, all of whom are horn players.  Ethan played with the orchestra for the final number and commented: “I had a great time at your concert.  Coming back and playing with the students was a real thrill for me.”

The students demonstrated their appreciation of Dr. ‘Hank’ Medwin’s generosity with this concert.  His gifts to support the arts at WPI have ensured that students will have the opportunity to share his passion for performing music for many years to come.

Thanks to Doug Weeks for the write up.