Arts and Sciences dean speaks at humanities event

On March 13, the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences held an event celebrating the humanities in Gilman Hall. Several alumni attended the first-of-its-kind event, which included student performances, presentations from professors and an opening address from Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Katherine Newman titled “Creativity and Reflection: The Arts and Humanities as a Calling.”

“Hopkins has always stayed small. People in the academic world know Hopkins as its humanities. We have the biggest writing department and we’re world renowned for languages. The mission of this event is to show that the humanities are the core of Hopkins. The humanities at Hopkins are in Gilman, and Gilman is the cover photo for Hopkins,” Rob Friedman, class of 1981, said.

The event featured performances by many student groups including the a cappella group The Octopodes and the African dance group Temps d’Afrique. Art pieces and screenings of films created by current Hopkins students added to the event. Attendees were also able to sit in on presentations from various Hopkins professors in the humanities, including Professor Stuart “Bill” Leslie who gave a sneak peak into his research on the history of the University.

“I’m surprised at how many people are here. It’s a delightful event,” Judith Short, class of 1986, said.

In Newman’s opening remarks, she discussed the importance of the humanities and emphasized what sets them apart from other fields in academia.

“We celebrate arts and humanities because people who work in these fields have a calling. There’s an inner drive that causes people to devote themselves for years and years to master languages, master texts. I want to take you into the world of the fine writer because it’s what we celebrate tonight,” Newman, who studied philosophy as an undergraduate, said.

In her address, Newman spoke highly of many professors in the humanities that she personally knew and even read out loud a quote from Professor Alice McDermott’s novel Someone.

Many alumni also noted that the event proved to be a nice change from their daily routines.

“I don’t normally get to the Hut or the Atrium. This is a wonderful way to draw attention to the humanities,” Bob Garnett, class of 1972, said.

Hopkins faculty also expressed satisfaction with the event.

“It’s a great program. I’m really pleased with how it has come together,” Director of Homewood Arts Programs Eric Beatty said.

Jay Lenrow, incoming president of the Alumni Association, noted how the demonstration of talent in the humanities at Hopkins is the product of the constant support of alumni.

“This is something that’s been a long time coming. It’s an extraordinary demonstration to people who aren’t well versed at Hopkins. It goes to show how broad the University is. Hopkins is top 20 in the world because people who love it give back and never step back,” Lenrow said.