Buzz

A miscellany of the new, the intriguing, and the obscure.

A miscellany of the new, the intriguing, and the obscure.

Up for Debate

In late July, Lewis & Clark’s nationally ranked debate team inaugurated the Pioneer Debate Institute, a two-week intensive debate camp for high school students from around the country. This camp revives a tradition at Lewis & Clark—in the 1980s and ’90s, the college’s forensics program hosted summer camps that were among the most well attended in the region. In addition to providing a high-quality debate experience, the event offers a recruiting benefit by introducing talented, motived students to Lewis & Clark.

Raise Your Glass (if you’re 21)

“To Maggie’s” is a toast likely to be heard this fall as Lewis & Clark opens its first alcohol-serving pub to students 21 and older. At the urging of students, and with the support of the dean of students office, Maggie’s will serve beer and wine during the late afternoon and evening hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The hope is to create a safe space where students can drink and socialize without having to get behind the wheel. The pub is also open to alumni, faculty, and staff of legal age.

Making a Big Splash

It was payback time—literally and figuratively. In May, soon-to-be graduates who donated to the 2013 Senior Gift (which benefited the annual fund) could vote for their favorite dunk tank candidates from the Lewis & Clark community. The “winners” included Ken Clifton, associate professor of biology; Jerry Harp, assistant professor of English; Neil Murray BA ’13 and Miles Paterson BA ’13, members of the senior gift committee and event emcees; Dinari Foreman, head men’s basketball coach; and Sandi Bottemiller, director of housing and orientation. A record 264 seniors made gifts.

Lazy Days of Summer? Not!

Lewis & Clark bustled with activity over the summer, serving as a popular venue for hundreds of guests from around the globe who attended youth camps, conferences, and special events. Lewis & Clark hosted the Human Rights Campaign, Lakewood Center for the Arts, a FoodCorps conference, and the Fir Acres Writing Workshop—among many other events. “We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere,” says Sherron Stonecypher BA ’92, director of conferences and events. “Our goal is to have every single visitor planning their next visit by summer’s end.”

A Heartfelt Meeting With Judge Judy

While recovering from open-heart surgery, attorney Lin Hendler JD ’10 ended up watching a lot of daytime television, including Judge Judy. Inspired by the pop culture icon’s hard work and success, Hendler entered a writing contest about how Judge Judy changed her life. The result was an all-expense-paid trip to Hollywood. When the two met in person, Hendler says Judge Judy “reiterated the essence of my essay by saying that, ‘It’s your life. Live it well.’” (She also noted that Lewis & Clark has “a wonderful law school.”)

‘Green’ Wins Gold

Holmes Hall, which opened in fall 2012, recently received its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification. Its green building features include a storm-water management system, energy reduction technology, a bicycle storage room, and the college’s first electric vehicle charging station.