Elizabeth (Betsy) Reed has been named director for Disability Support Services (DSS), effective Sept. 16, Dean of Students Adam Cantley has announced. "Betsy has done a tremendous job leading DSS during this transition and developing the current team," he said. "She has shown her skill in the position and passion for student success, and she is a strong partner throughout the University of Delaware." Reed joined DSS in 2016 and has served as interim director for the past year. Before her arrival at UD, she spent nearly 30 years working in accommodations in the private sector, rehabilitation counseling and human resources with Devereux, RTW Services and Travelers Medical Management Services. She holds a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University in adult development and aging, as well as two master’s degrees from the University of Scranton in rehabilitation counseling and human resources administration. "Over the past few years," Reed said, "the DSS team has focused on developing positive relationships throughout the UD community to ensure students receive the services they need to be academically successful. I am enthusiastic, and look forward to continue our outreach to the students and the UD community." Disability Support Services became part of the University's Division of Student Life this past summer.

Presentations

Neil Cullen and Betsey Cullen, both members of UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program in Wilmington, presented “Exceed Your Fundraising Goal” about OLLI’s 2017 fundraising successes, at the 2019 Southern Regional Conference for Learning in Retirement, July 29-31 at University of North Carolina Wilmington. The Cullens, along with then OLLI Wilmington council chair Pam Meitner and in coordination with UD’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, spearheaded the three-and-a-half-year "Renewing the Dream" fundraising campaign resulting in the successful funding of Arsht Hall renovation projects with the $1.5 million campaign eventually closing at $1.78 million.

Publications

Wendy Bellion, Sewell C. Biggs Chair of American Art History, is the author of a new book Iconoclasm in New York: Revolution to Reenactment,  published recently by Penn State University Press. In the book, Bellion discusses the destruction of a statue of George III in New York City in 1776 and its many implications. According to the publisher, “Bellion advances a history of American art that looks beyond familiar narratives of paintings and polite spectators to encompass a riotous cast of public sculptures and liberty poles, impassioned crowds and street protests, performative smashings and yearning re-creations.”

Rudi Matthee, John and Dorothy Munroe Distinguished Professor of History, wrote the “Introduction” to a new edition of Thomas Minadoi, The History of the Warres between the Turkes and the Persians (London, 1588; repr. London: I. B. Tauris, 2019), pp. vii-xviii, offering an overview of the author’s life and career and analyzing the significance of his work.

Recordings

Christopher Nichols, assistant professor of clarinet, has released a new recording, Almost All-American: 21st-Century Works for Clarinet on Albany Records. It is now available at Albany Records and Amazon. Featured are new works by James M. Stephenson, Sy Brandon, Joseph Eidson and UD composition faculty Jennifer Margaret Barker, who is also featured on piano. Performers include Christiana Winds members Eileen Grycky, flute; Jeffrey O'Donnell, oboe; and Lynn Moncilovich, bassoon; countertenor and UD alumnus Augustine Mercante; and Julie Nishimura, piano, retired UD faculty collaborative pianist.

Honors

Violist, composer, educator and alumna Megan DiGeorgio, who earned her master of music degree in 2017, is the winner of the 2019 TURNmusic Collegiate Composition Prize. DiGeorgio’s string quartet 'partial pressures' was played by TURNmusic on its Sept. 22, 2019, program in Burlington, Vermont.

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