Stress focus of convocation series

Author: Andrew Fuller

Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a Stanford University biologist and researcher on stress, will deliver the second annual convocation series keynote address on April 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Mead Chapel.

Sapolsky has done extensive field research on baboons in Kenya and the effects of stress on primate well-being for over 25 years. He lectures on various topics that include stress and the biological foundations for individuality and religion.

His published works include "A Primate's Memoir", "The Trouble with Testosterone" and "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers." Sapolsky will discuss his research with baboons at the convocation and its implications for understanding stress in humans.

The convocation series began with last year's address by Paul Rusesabagina, the subject of the movie Hotel Rwanda. Middlebury's Strategic Plan outlined the series as an attempt to promote the intellectual exchange of ideas at the College.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Campus Stress purposed bringing Sapolsky to campus for the convocation address. Composed of faculty, students and staff meeting since the spring of 2007, the Committee seeks to spread awareness about how students can better understand and deal with stress.

The committee also felt that using a forum such as convocation to promote awareness about individual health would attract students "most in need of the information [we] want to convey," said Chaplain Laurie Jordan, a member of the committee. "Our committee felt that we needed to bring evidence-based events to show the importance of taking care of oneself. We want to let people make up their own minds on these subjects by presenting research to the community."

The event will be followed by workshops meant to elaborate on the convocation address and continue the discussion on student health. "Mind the Body" workshops will take place from April 10 to April 28. Events for men will include workshops on dating and relationships, health issues regarding college-aged men, the importance of nutrition and exercise and an experimental workshop focusing on physical communication and cooperation. Similar workshops will take place focusing on women's health, and will also include an event with a local gynecologist.

Organizers of the convocation and the following events are also working on bringing other lecturers to campus to examine other topics affecting student health.

"We are trying to get a speaker on recent research about sleep and sleep deprivation to complement the Sapolsky event," said Jordan. Dr. Donna Powell, a Naturopathic physician, will also be leading a workshop on natural methods available to improve one's health and wellness.