Lamont Weekly Report, September 23, 2011

 

The equinox has passed, fall has fallen, and Open House 2011 (October 1) is around the corner. The tents will go up next week. Buildings and Grounds, Security, the Development Office, the External Relations Team, and, to be sure, most of the science staff and students, are all busy with preparations. Some of our alumni will be returning to campus and, as usual, there will be a few VIPs floating around. Most importantly, Marc Speigelman will be doing his Sid Viscous act on a tub of
cornstarch.
 
Beyond all the work on exhibits, volunteers are always needed to man the tents. Check with the DAs and AAs in your divisions for opportunities, or with Stacey in the Development office. You get a commemorative T-shirt, free meals, and lots of feel-good moments for your memory banks. Don't forget the after party in the Rose Garden from 4-5 and the staff and alumni BBQ out behind Lamont Hall starting at 5.
 
In all seriousness, Open House has proved to be one of the more effective ways for us to deliver our message, year in and year out, and your participation is always appreciated.
 
Catching up a bit from last week: our Advisory Board met on Wednesday, September 14th, with science lectures by Nick Frearson (IcePod) and Mo Raymo (cores and climate). We are privileged to have a focused and supportive board. I've been told by several board members that they especially enjoy these science interactions, and that the science we do
folds neatly into their desire to help us raise our profile and develop new funding streams. In 2012, we expect to hold one or more board meetings and events in Manhattan in support of those goals. I gratefully acknowledge the logistic and other support provided by several of our Board members that will make this possible. Our next Board meeting will be November 29th at Lamont.
 
A trip to DC to get closure on the Langseth review, another director search committee meeting, and a few events on Morningside as part of the World Leaders Forum took up most of the past week. I will be coming around to each of the divisions in coming weeks to present an update on the director search and the state of the Observatory.
 
Stay dry this weekend.
Art