Academics | Ho Science Center, 101
NAST invites you to the Anthony Aveni Lecture Series with Dr. Victor Montejo.In this talk, Dr. Montejo will focus on the central idea developed in his newly published book Mayalogue: An Interactionist Theory of Indigenous Cultures (SUNY Press, 2021). Indigenous ideas of culture are very complex since they must make reference to their relationships with other living beings on earth. This ancient idea can be used retaken and used once again for explaining Indigenous belief systems in relation to the great connection or trilogy: human-nature-and the supernatural or spiritual world as the conciencia cosmica (cosmic consciousness). For Indigenous people there is a consciousness of belonging to the totality of creation: humans, plants, animals, rivers, mountains, the moon, the sun, the galaxies, and the spiritual world. In other words, this trialogical connection and reciprocity is of great scale that extends to the cosmic dimension for which rituals and ceremonies are necessary for pleasing the Creator. As Dr. Montejo mentions in Mayalogue, interactionism here can be labeled with the Maya term salap, the cross-weaving of threads to produce multicolored patterns of weaving, a metaphor for the diversity of cultures.Dr. Victor Montejo (Jakaltek Maya from Guatemala) is a renowned socio-cultural anthropologist, scholar, novelist, poet, activist, journalist, and important Maya public intellectual, specializing in Mesoamerican Indigenous cultures. Montejo's work integrates discourses on human rights, migration, Indigenous worldviews, and sustainable development. His contributions to understanding indigenous worldviews, such as the Popol Vuh, have been crucial in centering non-Western perspectives in academia through publications, such as Voices from Exile, Maya Intellectual Renaissance, and Mayalogue: An Interactionist Theory of Indigenous Cultures. He served as Guatemala’s Minister of Peace and a congressman, where he championed Indigenous rights, including establishing the National Day of Indigenous People of Guatemala and advancing reparation programs for civil war victims.Montejo also co-founded the American Anthropological Association's Commission for Human Rights, oversaw the implementation of Guatemala's peace accords as Minister of Peace, and continues to advocate for Indigenous self-representation through his leadership in the pan-Maya movement.As a Fulbright Scholar and award-winning writer, Montejo’s efforts have helped bridge Indigenous and Western perspectives and have worked to decolonize scholarship more broadly.

Academics | Lathrop Hall, 207
"Brain Sculpting: Creating optimal neural networks and functions with experience-based neuroplasticity" presented by Kelly Lambert, MacEldin Trawick Chair and Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience and 2024-25 Phi Beta Kappa National Visiting Scholar Program.Considering that our brains change from the womb to the tomb, it is critical to understand how life experiences alter neural functions. The ability to change our minds and our brains---known as neuroplasticity---is one of our most valuable "superpowers." A discussion of neuroplasticity research will span from the earliest "enriched environment" rodent studies to current research focusing on tuning brains for optimal functions throughout our lives. Over a half-century of research has identified fascinating neurobiological tools that the brain uses to adapt to our changing worlds. Knowledge that the brain can also change in maladaptive ways serves as a potent reminder that we should be mindful of our brain's experiences throughout our lives. Co-sponsored by Phi Beta Kappa and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Initiative. Reception to follow.

Academics
Throughout the weekend, enjoy performances, workshops, and receptions with faculty, students, and campus guests that underscore Colgate's Third-Century commitment to arts, creativity, and innovation.

Academics | Case-Geyer Library
National Poetry Month, launched by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, is an annual celebration in April that aims to highlight the importance of poetry and poets in American culture, encouraging people to read, write, and share poetry.The University Libraries, in collaboration with The Upstate Institute and the Adirondack Center for Writing, will be circulating a poetry machine throughout the Village of Hamilton in April.Pay attention the next time you’re at Case-Geyer, Flour & Salt, MOMs, or the Hamilton Public Library. You might encounter the ACW’s Poetry Machine.The Poetry Machine is an old capsule machine, the kind you might spend two quarters to get a bouncy ball, sticky hand, or small plastic alien from in the vestibule of a convenience store. With our machine, you can get your very own poem (for free—no quarters necessary).Inside the Poetry Machine are 10 different poems. Each one features a unique style of poetry, including haiku, cento, epistolary, list, ode, ekphrasis, prose poem, how-to, erasure, and cut-up.If you want to "check out" more poetry, visit the poetry display on the third floor of Case-Geyer.

Academics | Alumni Hall, 2nd floor
This exhibition, curated by 10 students in the fall 2024 semester of MUSE 300: Museum Curating, features the themes of textiles and weaving. Showcasing works from the Longyear Museum of Anthropology’s basket and world textile collections, this exhibition explores the incredible amount of labor and skill that goes into creating woven art. The exhibition takes a comparative view of textiles from around the world, introducing the community significance of different designs and individual stylistic choices. The exhibition discusses how fiber art forms have changed as local and global markets develop, as well as the role that clothing can play in displays of nationalism and politics. Ultimately, Unraveled aims to inspire viewers to consider the benefits of hand-crafted works and foster an appreciation for the people behind the woven things we use and love each and every day.The exhibition features several new acquisitions, including three new works acquired from the Jalabil Maya women’s weaving collective during their artist residency last fall. It also features pieces on loan from our student curators, highlighting the significance of weaving and textile arts in their lives.Student Curators:Leila Bekaert ’25 Oscar Brown ‘26 Kegan Foley ‘26 Emma Herwig ‘25 Bri Liddell ‘25 Gloria Liu ‘26 Meg McClenahan ‘25 Anna Miksis ‘25 Blanca Rivas ‘25 Aleksia Taci ‘25 Professor/Curator: Rebecca Mendelsohn

Academics | Picker Art Gallery, Dana Arts Center, 2nd floor
A Thought Is A Thread: Contemporary Artists Reworking Textile TraditionsMetaphors using the language of textiles are part of everyday idiomatic English: we follow threads on social media; storytellers weave tales or spin fantastic yarns; friend groups might be close-knit and and we might tie ourselves in knots trying to navigate complex situations. The history of textiles is intimately tied to the development of human societies. Weaving is at the same time one of the earliest human technological advancements, the foundation upon which modern industrial nations were built, and the basis for the computing revolution.A Thought Is A Thread brings together works by leading artists who investigate what textiles can still reveal about people and their relationships to each other, to themselves, and to language, land, and the future. Artworks by Faig Ahmed, Sanford Biggers, Diedrick Brackens, Melissa Cody, Suzanne Husky, Joy Ray, and Jordan Nassar present intertwining narratives that both cherish and complicate the web of meanings that emerge when traditional textile arts are given contemporary expression.Debuting at our opening, Picker Art Gallery welcomes members of the Colgate community to partake in Yarnival, a collaborative art experience. Yarnival will be on view and available for participation during the exhibition run of A Thought is a Thread, through May 18, 2025, in the upper atrium of the Dana Arts Center. Please stay tuned to our social media channels and website for more details on how to participate.A Thought Is A Thread is partially supported by funding from The Friends of Picker Art Gallery.