The University of Chicago


	December 21, 2021

News for the UChicago community

Today marks the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year—and the final issue of Short List for 2021. We would like to thank you for reading and giving us space in your in-box.

If your New Year’s resolution is to read more, note that our first two items offer some book recommendations—including one with beautiful (albeit inscrutable to many) mathematical experiments. Or if you’re looking for space to reflect during this hectic time of year, don’t miss the Postscript to learn how to make a labyrinth.

We wish you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season and look forward to saying hello again when we resume Short List on January 11, 2022.


	Top of mind

Blackboard with mathematical chalk experiments.

1. Math masterpieces

Two UChicago professors inspired a photography book that captures the beauty of mathematicians’ chalkboard experiments. More ➞

Learn how an alumni-led program teaches calculus to fifth graders.

2. Choose your own adventure

Build your holiday syllabus with recent faculty books. Whether you pick literature, history, ecology, or film, your academic adventure awaits. More ➞

Browse recent alumni books on avian communication, the quest for contentment, and more.

Check out some book recommendations from UChicago faculty and staff.

3. The anxiety of acceptance parenting

In a piece selected for Best American Essays 2021, philosopher Agnes Callard considers a quandary facing modern parents: they’re “pre-committed to acceptance” but ignorant of what they may be asked to accept from their children. More ➞

Get a macroeconomic perspective on raising children.


	Plus . . .

Public safety update + Council to examine history, relationship of UChicago and South Side + New University librarian named + COVID-19 Q&A + Chicago’s gerrymandering + See more stories


	Things to do

December 28

Walk among the lights in SoCal ➞

January 15–17

Celebrate and honor MLK’s legacy with a day of service ➞



		See more things to do

Apply now for the 2022 Alumni New Venture Challenge.


	On the job

Job of the week

Research specialist, Loyola University Chicago ➞



		See more jobs

Professional development

January 19

Learn to speak tech ➞



		See more job resources


	In memoriam

Allan Rechtschaffen, 1927–2021

Studying the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, Rechtschaffen led the UChicago Sleep Laboratory for more than 40 years. More ➞


	Postscript

Students sit in the Late-Night Labyrinth during O-Week.

Walk like a Cretan

The transition from the old year to the new is often a time for reflection. Let Brent House’s Rev. Stacy Alan show you how to make a labyrinth—cookies optional—and go deep within yourself. More ➞

The editors welcome letters about our content or about the life of the University. Send your comments or updates for Alumni News to uchicago-magazine@uchicago.edu.

The University of Chicago Alumni and Friends

The University of Chicago
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