Matt Dilworth

Matt Dilworth

Foster Care Month

Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month, celebrated since 1988 in honor of people who care for orphaned and displaced children – from foster parents and their family members to child social workers to volunteers to mentors. In 2016, the theme of NFCM is family reunification – “Honoring, Uniting, and Celebrating Families.” Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, it highlights the needs of many children who, for whatever reason, do not have the security of a normal, loving family. A child might be in the foster system for many reasons – orphaned, abandoned, or their parents incapacitated in some way. Frequently, though, children entering the foster care system are victims of abuse or neglect, necessitating their separation … Continued
One People One Sky

One People One Sky

April is Global Astronomy Month, sponsored by Astronomers Without Borders, a group dedicated to strengthening the bonds between nations by looking outward together. Their motto is “One People, One Sky”, and they focus on practical astronomy that you can participate with in your back yard over more esoteric theories. Astronomy is one of the most viscerally compelling of the sciences, because any child can understand its scope and grandeur just by looking up at the night sky; of getting excited at being able to identify a constellation like the Big Dipper. Perhaps you were inspired by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Maria Mitchell, or Stephen Hawking. Perhaps you took an astronomy class thinking it would be an easy grade, and were unexpectedly … Continued
Sexual Assault Prevention

Sexual Assault Prevention

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to rededicate ourselves to protecting all members of our community. This year, the focus is on the ways individuals and communities can take action to promote safety, respect, and equality. IU East is holding events all month – programs include the Clothesline Project from 11-1 each day this week, where students are encouraged to write a message regarding sexual assault awareness. Also this week, on Wednesday from 12-4, Operation Street Smart will provide information on narcotics, including trends, terminology, concealment techniques, and their physiological effects. Later in the month, IU East will offer many events such as Step Up Training and self-defense classes, as well as a Take Back the Night vigil … Continued
Legislature in Action

Legislature in Action

On April 4, IU East is hosting two retired members of the U.S. House for the Congress to Campus event. David Minge, (D) Minnesota (1993-2001) and Steven T. Kuykendall, (R) California (1999-2001), will visit classrooms and talk with students interested in the democratic process. There will also be a reception from 5-6 pm in the Whitewater Hall lobby, and a Town Hall meeting directly following in the Community Room entitled “Election 2016: The Changing Nature of Political Campaigns.” Both the reception and Town Hall are open to the public. This is a great opportunity to hear inside perspectives on electioneering, what working in Congress is like, and the importance of the political system. With 2016 being an election year, there … Continued
Pi for All

Pi for All

Today is Pi Day, a math holiday started in 1988 honoring the irrational number and mathematical constant at the core of understanding circles. March 14th was selected because of the first three digits of π – but mathematicians, of course, can develop even more finely tuned numeric symmetry. Most casual observers of π Day treat themselves to a piece of their favorite pie and discuss mathematics with their friends. But you’re undoubtedly reading this because you care about research. And the library is eager to help. You might not think of using the library for math studies. After all, if you’re just doing equations and using formulae, what else would you need? But mathematics education benefits from research and scholarly … Continued