In anticipation of taking up the Rothman Chair and the directorship of the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere in August 2009, I am looking forward to a busy season of planning for the upcoming years’ activities. Although the Humanities across the country have faced serious challenges in the past months stoked by a faltering economy, the Center will continue its tradition of excellence by sponsoring workshops and colloquia in 2008-2009 with monies from the Yavitz Fund. In 2009-2010, it will expand these undertakings significantly with the generous support of the Robert and Margaret Rothman Endowment for the Humanities. As in the past, the Center will bring in noted scholars from around the world, foster interdisciplinary undertakings within the Humanities and in cooperation with neighboring disciplines, raise awareness of issues of interest to the broader community, and of course highlight the work of University of Florida’s accomplished faculty and graduate students.
As I embark on the directorship in the coming months, I want to thank Bob Hatch, who served as Interim Director during the past few years, for his dedication to furthering the mission of the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere. I am eager, in turn, to take up my new responsibilities in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida and I welcome your feedback and participation. Please accept my thanks (in advance) for your support of the Center.
Bonnie Effros
Incoming Director (August 2009)
Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere
University of Florida
8 September 2008
beffros@ufl.edu