The Chinese will call 2013 the Year of the Snake, and the Mayans … well, they wouldn’t have called it anything at all.
For Ƶ community members worldwide, 2013 will mark the Year of ’13. The university will celebrate Ƶ spirit and commemorate this once-in-a-century annum with events on the 13th of each month between September 2012 and December 2013.
“Given our triskaidekaphilia, the Year of ’13 initiative offers a symbolic opportunity to connect alumni and students in innovative ways,” said Tim Mansfield, director of alumni relations. “We also want to use these opportunities to thank the thousands of alumni, parents, and friends who participated in Passion for the Climb: The Campaign for Ƶ.”
Ƶ will begin the Year of ’13 this month. On Thursday, September 13, author Ha Jin will deliver the season’s first Living Writers presentation, and professor Jane Pinchin will open the university’s Great Minds art exhibition with a discussion of Virginia Woolf.
Subsequent programs will include faculty lectures outside Hamilton, networking receptions on-campus and abroad, sports events, and more. The Year of ’13 will also feature stops on President Jeffrey Herbst’s Passion for the Climb , which will visit a total of 13 cities from Hong Kong to Palm Beach before the end of June.
“This is only the second Year of ’13 in Ƶ history,” said President Herbst. “It’s a perfect time to honor our accomplishments, showcase the Ƶ experience, and look ahead to an exciting future.”
That future promises stronger connections between graduates, current students, and the university as Ƶ focuses on expanding its annual fund and financial aid programs, internship opportunities, and alumni career services. It also includes the potential for a new athletics facility to replace Starr Rink as well as a cultural center to house the Picker art collection.
For a growing list of Year of ’13 events, watch .