DeBrief - February 16, 2022

The Office

Bill Fenlon, head men's basketball coach

What's in your office?

As you may see from the photo I have literally hundreds of objects in this office! It would be easier to just categorize them. I love the photos of our family that span the 30 years we’ve been at DePauw and in Greencastle. Of course, the photos of former players are a daily reminder of the important relationships we’ve developed over the years. You might see the Post-its on different items. I can’t keep all of this stuff so I'm in the process of figuring out how to gift items of significance to colleagues, friends and former players.

But if I have to pick 5 things ... in no particular order:

1. The triangle offense, as told to Eddie Vedder (lead singer of Pearl Jam) at game four of the 1996 NBA Eastern Conference finals in Market Square Arena. Long story, but I ended up sitting with Eddie at this Bulls/Pacers game and drawing up the triangle offense of the Bulls for him (my college coach Tex Winter the then Bulls assistant designed it). Eddie was really into it. Had him sign it and I framed it for my office.

2. A painted skull by my friend Tom Chiarella (retired English professor). The words and symbols on the skull are tailored to me. During his “skull phase” he did a few for friends and I was lucky enough to get one.

3. A photo from our 2017 alumni game that commemorates the establishment of a Fund for International Travel for men’s basketball. Former players, parents and friends endowed a fund in my name and put close to a half a million dollars in it. A daily reminder how lucky I have been to work at a place that people care so much about.

4. A photo of the 1992-93 seniors at D3TV on the set of the Bill Fenlon Show! Just won a conference championship and watched the NCAA selection. It was a great group of seniors to start with. They look so happy!

5. A laminated copy of an article that appeared in Esquire Magazine written by Tom Chiarella, entitled “A Proper Holiday Party.” Tom wrote about the Christmas Eve party our family hosted at our home for almost 30 years for our friends and colleagues. When I look at it, it's hard not to think of all the people who came over the years. The kids who grew up with it and eventually came with their own kids. It was our family's gift to our friends. It had quite a run!

Note: Coach Fenlon is retiring this year after 30 years of coaching the men’s basketball team. Tonight, the DePauw Tigers take on the Wabash Little Giants in Neal Fieldhouse, which will be Fenlon’s last regular season home game with the Tigers. The DePauw women’s basketball team hosts Denison at 6 p.m., and the men take on Wabash at 8 p.m. Click here for a spectator update or watch the live streaming here.

Faculty and Staff News Roundup

Anthropology professor Angela Castañeda and Mandy Brookins, associate dean of experiential learning and director of off-campus programs, will be presenters Friday at the annual conference of the Association of Academic Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean about the winter term course they co-taught, “Public Health, Community and Culture in Cuba.” Their presentation will document their approach to finding solidarity with community in Cuba and directing a program focused on Cuba-U.S. relations under two U.S. administrations.

Jen Adams, professor of communication and theatre and faculty development coordinator, wrote the lead article, “Writing Others’ Stories: Autoethnographic Reflections on Historical Research, Representation, and Bakhtin,” for the winter issue of the Journal of Autoethnography.

The Oxford University Press Blog posted “Chief Justice Roberts’ court questions the religious neutrality of secular schools,” an essay written by Wayne Glausser, professor emeritus of English, Feb. 10.

Derek Ford, assistant professor of education studies, will be a featured panelist on the March 26 international webinar, “Clarifying the Struggle for Socialism: On the Uses and Misuses of Marx’s ‘Capital,’” organized by the International Manifesto Group, Geopolitical Economy Research Group and Critical Theory Workshop.

Announcements:

DePauw Post-65 Retirement Supplemental Program Overview, March 2, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom.

To provide the best insurance value available, factoring coverage, service and price, DePauw offers medical, prescription, dental and vision plans to their retirees. Employees and retirees are welcome to join this virtual session with AmWins representative Justin Goodwin. He’ll share an overview of the program and answer questions.

TIAA Virtual Financial Consultations, March 1

TIAA representative Mike Dooley is available to assist you with your financial planning. These one-on-one virtual sessions are free and confidential. Spouses are welcome to attend with you. Click here to schedule your counseling session or call 800-732-8353.

HSA Education Opportunities and Resources:

HSA Bank Empowerment Series, Feb. 18
Join HSA Bank as they explore various facets of Health Savings Accounts. From opening an account to learning how to fully maximize it, this series has valuable information for you. Attend for a chance to earn a $25 credit in your HSA account. For more information and to register, click here.

GOLD Learning Academy:

Building your Hardiness Factor, Feb. 25, 1-4:30 p.m.

Held via Zoom, participants will explore the concepts of “Hardiness.” Rooted in resilience and focusing on the 3-C’s of Hardiness: Challenge, Control and Commitment, this course is relevant to our current environment. It’s also a great opportunity to support employees holistically (both personally and professionally). Register here.

Welcome to DePauw! New hires since Jan. 5:

Clint Wallman, Athletics

Madi Crist, Admission

Daniela Chaparro, Art and Art History

Emily McEntee, Admission

Anna Monnett, DePauw Police Department

Dominic Muzzi, School of Music

Nathaniel Webber, Athletics

Departures

Michael Scott, Facilities

Mat Churchwell, Athletics

Brian Nees, Facilities

Amanda Faulkenberg, Development and Alumni Engagement

LaToshia Everson, Hubbard Center

Terrance Jefferson, Facilities

Chad Corley, Office of University Communications

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