David Cuillier says freedom of the press always involves risk, adding that journalists won't stop doing their jobs out of fear. An American free press began in France with thinkers who were "the genesis of our liberties," he says. Cuillier also wrote an op-ed about free speech that was published in the Arizona Republic. More here and here. 

It's the season for the sometimes-dreaded conversation starter we hear every year: What's your new year's resolution? When people commit to a resolution, it is not always an absence of motivation that derails the plan. Often, it is a lack of self-kindness and compassion, said Leslie Langbert, executive director of the newly launched Center for Compassion Studies. To read tips on keeping your resolutions, click here. To learn more about the Center for Compassion Studies, click here. 

The Center for Middle Eastern Studies is one of 15 Middle East centers nationally to receive National Resource Center (NRC) funding and one of only 13 to receive FLAS fellowship support from the U.S. Department of Education! These funds support the mission of CMES to develop Middle East programs across the UA campus and train students in Middle East languages. The Center also offers public forums and cultural events; lesson plans for K-12 educators; and workshops on the Middle East for media, business, law enforcement, and government agencies. More 

The College of SBS is part of a partnership between the UA and the Maricopa Community Colleges to allow students in the Phoenix area to graduate from the UA! Beginning in fall 2015, students in Maricopa County can earn a B.A. in General Studies, with a concentration in Arts, Media, and Entertainment; Global and Intercultural Understanding; Social Behavior and Human Understanding; or Study of the U.S. and the American Experience.  More

The designation of Regents' Professor is an honor reserved for scholars of exceptional ability who have achieved national and international distinction. New Regents' Professor Mary Stiner is an anthropologist who studies Mediterranean cultures and is the author of "Honor Among Thieves," a book on Neanderthals that serves as recommended reading for anthropology students across the globe. More

Go behind the scenes at the UA with Shakespearean scholar Fred Kiefer! Kiefer, who is an expert in the literature and visual culture of the early and modern Renaissance period, was recently named a University Distinguished Professor, a designation which honors his positive impact on the lives of students. 

2014 University Distinguished Professors: (Keifer's profile begins at the 4:50 minute mark.)

Presented by the UA Confluence Center

Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-12 noon

Location: UA School of Music, Room 232 

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War's end. In this event, Southwest Center Professor JC Mutchler will speak on the human cost of the conflict. Vocalists Seth Kershinik, Jenina Gallaway, and Vanessa Salaz will bring to life the individuals who suffered through the conflict in songs by Carter, Kanter, and Kurt Weill.

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The Jeffrey Plevan Memorial Lecture presented by the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies

Speaker: Ted Sasson, Brandeis University 

Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m.

Location: UA Hillel Center

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The Sabbagh Lecture presented by the School of Anthropology

Speaker: John Esposito, Georgetown University 

Feb. 26, 7 p.m.

Location: Tucson Marriott University Park

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