This Week in History: Dean of business leaves App State

Business News

Lorelei Roberts curated this story by Elaine Conger, which The Appalachian published March, 30 1982.
Dean Richard E. Sorensen is resigning from his position at ASU as Dean of the Business College to assume a dean’s position at Virginia Polytechnical Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia. 
The position at VPI was announced in February of 1981, and Sorensen was nominated for the position in March. Sorensen was interviewed in November of 1981. 
“It’s not something that just came up in the last week,” explained Dr. Harvey Durham, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
Dean Sorensen said he found out that the position was open to him about two weeks ago. “It’s an opportunity for me in my own personal development to move to a larger school with more state funding,” said Sorensen.
One popular opinion may be that Sorensen’s resigning is in some way connected to the recent problems concerning the business college.
But Sorensen explained that the reason for the timing of his resignation was that “last spring when we received our graduate accreditation, I felt that I could look at opportunities like this. I had been offered opportunities in the past, but turned them down because I wanted to see our program accredited before I left.”
Sorensen also explained that most of his visits to VPI occured before the current problems in the business college began. 
Dr. Harvey Durham said that there would be no permanent dean for the upcoming fall semester, but there “will be someone on charge.”
Durham stated that he would be talking with the Dean’s Advisory Council for suggestions to be made as to the new dean.
According to Sorensen, 26 percent of the business professors have signed summer contracts, and those professors are being asked if they would like to teach additional classes.
Sorensen will be sending a memo to students in the business college on Monday, April 5 to notify them as to what course will be offered in the summer session and which professors will be instructing them. 
Durham commented on his feelings of Sorensen’s resignation by saying, “We have an awful lot of good people as ASU, and from time to time we have to expect to lose some of them.”

Tourism flourishes in Xizang’s Nyingchi amid peach blossoms

Travel

An aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)An aerial drone photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)Tourists enjoy the view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)Tourists wearing traditional costumes pose for photos among peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 3, 2025. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)Tourists enjoy the view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)Artists perform during a peach blossom tourism and cultural festival in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 3, 2025. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)This photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)Tourists enjoy the view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)An aerial drone photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)This photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)A tourist poses for photos among peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)An aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)An aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)This photo taken on April 4, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)An aerial drone photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows a view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. As the weather warms up, peach blossoms in Nyingchi are in full bloom, attracting numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

The Role of Mass Spectrometry in Advancing Space Science

Science and Health

Mass spectrometry has emerged as an indispensable tool in the exploration and understanding of space. From atmospheric analysis to organic molecule detection on Mars, the role of mass spectrometry is vital in space exploration.In this webinar, our expert speaker will discuss how mass spectrometry contributes to key areas of space science, including soil and environmental sample analysis, ensuring air and water quality aboard spacecraft, and monitoring astronauts’ metabolic health.Our speaker will also explore the innovations and breakthroughs in mass spectrometry that underscore its vital role in unraveling the mysteries of the universe and safeguarding the well-being of astronauts. In this webinar you will:Hear how mass spectrometry, including GC/Q-TOF, is critical for analyzing both biological and environmental samples on space missionsExamine technological innovations in space-compatible mass spectrometersRecognize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between analytical chemistry, astronaut health and space exploration

The Role of Mass Spectrometry in Advancing Space Science
Mass spectrometry has emerged as an indispensable tool in the exploration and understanding of space.

In this webinar, our expert speaker will discuss how mass spectrometry contributes to key areas of space science, including soil and environmental sample analysis, ensuring air and water quality aboard spacecraft and monitoring astronauts’ metabolic health.

Our speaker will also explore the innovations and breakthroughs in mass spectrometry that underscore its vital role in unraveling the mysteries of the universe and safeguarding the well-being of astronauts.

Dr. Mark Libardoni
Staff Scientist and Technical Lead – Space Science

The gorgeous Greek island as beautiful as Santorini but without any tourists

Travel

A gorgeous Greek island that offers stunning sea views along with charming alleys is as beautiful as Santorini but without having a large number of tourists.  Located in the Aegean Sea, Amorgos belongs to the Cyclades island group.The island boasts a mind-blowing natural landscape, minimal Cycladic architecture, mysterious caves, and fabulous beaches. Often known as one of the hidden gems of the Cyclades, the island is untouched by mass tourism. Inhabited since the Early Cycladic Era, as indicated by archaeological finds brought to light in the area, Amorgos has a long cultural history and tradition.The island’s town, Chora is believed to be one of the most picturesque in the Cyclades. The whitewashed alleys lined with the traditional Cycladic houses and bougainvillea trees in their courtyards makes it look straight out of a dream. Chora’s streets are filled with local specialities. One can also visit the 13th century castle and the monasteries or relax at a local coffee shop.Calling it one of the “best holidays”, one of the travellers wrote on TripAdvisor forum: “I spent a week on the island of Amorgos in September 2018. I didn’t know a lot about it until a good friend of mine convinced me to go.“I fell in love with it. I met some incredible people and had some awesome food, drinks, cocktails, and desserts. I attended some local traditional festivities and became part of a vivid and vibrant community, a beautiful combination of youth and elderly crowds!“I did a couple of hikes, one early in the morning (just before sunrise) and another one late afternoon time. Just spectacular. I made a promise to myself to return to Amorgos Island as soon as possible! It was the best holiday I had in the past decade.”Katapola is the main harbour of the island as well as a haven for boats and small cruise ships. Set off on a boat trip from Katapola and explore the island’s sun kissed beaches. According to its official website, the next popular harbour is Aigail, which is very popular among young people. It said: “Aigiali is the second harbour of Amorgos Island. It is a very popular place among young people as there is a campsite.”Along its lively waterfront, you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants. Perched on the mountainside beyond Aigiali, there are three picturesque villages: Tholaria, Lagkada, and Potamos. Make a point of visiting them at the end of the day – the sunset view is beautiful.”However, there is no airport in Amorgos. You will need to reach Athens first and then take a ferry to the island. Alternatively, you can fly to the nearest international airport (Santorini & Mykonos) and then take the ferry to Amorgos.

The gorgeous Greek island as beautiful as Santorini but without any tourists

Travel

A gorgeous Greek island that offers stunning sea views along with charming alleys is as beautiful as Santorini but without having a large number of tourists.  Located in the Aegean Sea, Amorgos belongs to the Cyclades island group.The island boasts a mind-blowing natural landscape, minimal Cycladic architecture, mysterious caves, and fabulous beaches. Often known as one of the hidden gems of the Cyclades, the island is untouched by mass tourism. Inhabited since the Early Cycladic Era, as indicated by archaeological finds brought to light in the area, Amorgos has a long cultural history and tradition.The island’s town, Chora is believed to be one of the most picturesque in the Cyclades. The whitewashed alleys lined with the traditional Cycladic houses and bougainvillea trees in their courtyards makes it look straight out of a dream. Chora’s streets are filled with local specialities. One can also visit the 13th century castle and the monasteries or relax at a local coffee shop.Calling it one of the “best holidays”, one of the travellers wrote on TripAdvisor forum: “I spent a week on the island of Amorgos in September 2018. I didn’t know a lot about it until a good friend of mine convinced me to go.“I fell in love with it. I met some incredible people and had some awesome food, drinks, cocktails, and desserts. I attended some local traditional festivities and became part of a vivid and vibrant community, a beautiful combination of youth and elderly crowds!“I did a couple of hikes, one early in the morning (just before sunrise) and another one late afternoon time. Just spectacular. I made a promise to myself to return to Amorgos Island as soon as possible! It was the best holiday I had in the past decade.”Katapola is the main harbour of the island as well as a haven for boats and small cruise ships. Set off on a boat trip from Katapola and explore the island’s sun kissed beaches. According to its official website, the next popular harbour is Aigail, which is very popular among young people. It said: “Aigiali is the second harbour of Amorgos Island. It is a very popular place among young people as there is a campsite.”Along its lively waterfront, you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants. Perched on the mountainside beyond Aigiali, there are three picturesque villages: Tholaria, Lagkada, and Potamos. Make a point of visiting them at the end of the day – the sunset view is beautiful.”However, there is no airport in Amorgos. You will need to reach Athens first and then take a ferry to the island. Alternatively, you can fly to the nearest international airport (Santorini & Mykonos) and then take the ferry to Amorgos.

Road Scholar offers multiple paths to travel and learning

Travel

The nonprofit Road Scholar celebrates 50 years with new tours, as well as free armchair travel.Offering a wide selection of destinations for avid travelers, it also keeps in mind those who can no longer travel or cannot afford to.”For 50 years, Road Scholar has empowered older adults to explore, learn and connect with the world around them,” said James Moses, CEO of Road Scholar. “Beginning with our first program at the University of New Hampshire in 1975, we have partnered with thousands of colleges, universities, museums, and cultural centers around the world, and with exceptional teachers, professors and expert instructors to provide educational experiences to more than six million older adults across generations.”We are proud of the work we’ve done changing perceptions of aging, and of the educational community we’ve built united by curiosity, adventure and a passion for discovery.” From the comfort of homeUpcoming online free lectures take you to the world, wellness and history.April 3 at 10 a.m., Alaska Time2025 Keynote Event: “Leadership in Turbulent Times” – a free virtual by presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. The Q&A session will explore leadership during challenging periods in U.S. history. Goodwin has written biographies of numerous U.S. presidents including “No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1995.April 22 at at 9 a.m. Alaska Time “Into the Icy Deep – Marine Life, Sea Ice & Conservation,” a one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the vibrant marine ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic.Join Amanda Hunter, marine biologist and polar expedition guide, on a journey across the polar oceans in celebration of Earth Day. Dive into the vibrant marine ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic, from tiny phytoplankton to majestic seals and whales, while uncovering the vital role of sea ice in Earth’s climate. Hunter will also discuss the fascinating physical and chemical properties of polar waters and how they shape marine life. Examine the effects of human activities – from early exploration to the pressing challenges of climate change, pollution and overfishing – to better understand why conserving these remote regions is vital to the health of our planet.May 1 at 10 a.m. Alaska Time “Age Well: Aging in Place – Key Considerations for a Fulfilling Future.” Gerontologist and caregiver advocate Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger will help you explore considerations for aging in place. Learn how to make informed choices, discover useful tools and resources, and gain insights to help aging adults and family caregivers start the conversation and plan for a safe, comfortable future at home.May 5 at 9 a.m. Alaska Time “Exploring Easter Island – Moai Mysteries & More,” a one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the history and mysteries of Rapa Nui (Easter Island).Experienced guide Nicole Flores will unravel the island’s ancient riddles, reveal the moai legacy and explore Tangata Mana, the captivating birdman ceremony. With firsthand experience, she answers the most popular questions from travelers to the region, illustrated by photos from her journeys. Experience the mysteries and traditions of the Rapa Nui people and the wonders of Easter Island – for free!May 8 at 10 a.m. Alaska Time “Age Well: Move for Life – Strength, Balance & Curiosity at Any Age.” Find out about movement for well-being and flexibility.David Wilson is a movement coach and educator specializing in lifelong physical confidence. The founder of oldscoolmoves and anti-ageism advocate, he has a unique approach integrating rhythm, spatial awareness and adaptability to help individuals move with greater ease, power and control.May 9 at 7 a.m. Alaska Time”Age Well: Coping with Challenging Situations in Dementia Care.”Important information about brain changes that typically occur during dementia, and how those changes may contribute to these challenges, along with practical strategies and methods of providing support to individuals living with dementia. May 21 at 9 a.m. Alaska Time”Age Well: The AgeTech Revolution – Shaping the Future of Aging.”Gerontologist Keren Etkin, Age Tech expert will explore why Age Tech matters, how it’s shaping the future of aging and why older adults’ voices are essential in tech development. May 22 at 10 a.m. Alaska Time Age Well: Psychology of Kindness – Strategies for Prosocial Behavior”How can small acts of kindness and positive thinking shape a happier, more fulfilling life? Author Catherine Sanderson, a leading expert in positive psychology, will explore research-backed strategies for fostering positivity and gain practical tools to strengthen happiness in everyday life.June 10 at 9 a.m. Alaska Time “Honoring D-Day – Echoes of Valor & Victory”On June 6, 1944, the Allies undertook one of the most bold and significant operations of World War II – a massive amphibious and airborne assault in Normandy, marking the beginning of the end for Nazi oppression in Europe. The first 24 hours of Operation Overlord, codenamed “D-Day,” saw a united effort of American, British and Canadian forces overcome Hitler’s formidable “Atlantic Wall” and secure critical beachheads.Honor this monumental day with a lecture by Spencer Jones, a senior lecturer in Armed Forces and War Studies at the University of Wolverhampton in England, who also serves as the regimental historian for the Royal Regiment of Artillery. Jones will unveil the strategic brilliance and steadfast bravery that clinched the Allied victory. It’s easy to sign up for these lectures, just go to https://www.roadscholar.org/collections/online-lectures/free/

Ex-assistant says filmmaker Paul Schrader sexually assaulted her and backed out of settlement deal

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

NEW YORK (AP) — Paul Schrader, the writer of “Taxi Driver” and director of “American Gigolo,” has been accused in a lawsuit of sexually assaulting his former personal assistant, firing her when she wouldn’t acquiesce to advances and reneging on a settlement that was meant to keep the allegations confidential.The former assistant, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, sued the filmmaker and his production company on Thursday. She is seeking a judge’s order to enforce the agreement after Schrader said he couldn’t go through with it. The terms, including a monetary payment, were not disclosed.“This is an open-and-shut settlement enforcement matter,” Doe’s lawyer, Gregory Chiarello, wrote in court papers accompanying the breach of contract claim.Schrader’s lawyer, Philip J. Kessler, deemed the lawsuit “desperate, opportunistic and frivolous” and said many of the allegations in it are false or materially misleading.

“We absolutely deny that there was ever a sexual relationship of any kind between Mr. Schrader and his former assistant, and we deny that Mr. Schrader ever made an attempt to have a sexual relationship of any kind with his former assistant,” Kessler said.

The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, laid bare allegations that the confidential settlement between Doe, 26, and Schrader, 78, had been intended to keep under wraps.They include her claim that the filmmaker trapped her in his hotel room, grabbed her arms and kissed her against her will last year while they were promoting his latest film, “Oh, Canada,” at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Two days later, the lawsuit said, Schrader called Doe repeatedly and sent her angry text messages claiming he was “dying” and couldn’t pack his bags. When Doe arrived to help, the lawsuit said, Schrader exposed his genitals to her as he opened his hotel room door wearing nothing but an open bathrobe.

Doe alleges Schrader fired her last September after she again rejected his advances. Soon after, the lawsuit said, he sent her an email expressing fear that he’d become “a Harvey Weinstein” in her mind. Weinstein, the movie mogul turned #MeToo villain, was convicted of rape in Los Angeles in 2022 and is awaiting an April 15 retrial in his New York rape case.According to the lawsuit, Schrader agreed to the settlement on Feb. 5 but changed his mind after an illness and “soul searching.” Schrader conveyed through his lawyers last month that he “could not live with the settlement,” the lawsuit said. Kessler disputed that.“The agreement that they’re trying to enforce against Mr. Schrader, in plain English, required both parties to sign it before it became legally effective,” Kessler said. “Mr. Schrader declined to sign it. It’s frankly as simple as that.”Doe worked for Schrader from 2021 until 2024, according to the lawsuit. During that time, Kessler said, she posted on social media about how much she loved her job and referred to Schrader as an extraordinary mentor and “my man.”Schrader rose to fame through his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, beginning with “Taxi Driver” in 1976. Robert De Niro’s iconic line, “You talkin’ to me,” is seared into the lexicon and ranked among the American Film Institute’s all-time greatest movie quotes.

Schrader co-wrote Scorsese’s 1980 boxing drama “Raging Bull,” also starring De Niro, and authored his 1988 religious epic “The Last Temptation of Christ” and his 1999 paramedic drama “Bringing Out the Dead.”He’s also directed 23 of his own films, highlighted by 1980’s “American Gigolo,” which he also wrote. He received his only Academy Award nomination for writing “First Reformed,” a 2017 thriller about a small-town minister that he also directed.Schrader told The Associated Press last year that he made “Oh, Canada” — the film that Doe said brought them to Cannes — as he reconciled his own mortality after a string of hospitalizations for long COVID.In 2016, Schrader told The Hollywood Reporter police visited him after he ranted on Facebook about Donald Trump’s then-looming presidency. Schrader wrote Trump’s election was “a call to violence” and said people should be “willing to take arms.”

In 2023, he trashed the Oscars as scrambling “to be woke” with diversity efforts and more international voters. And in 2021, in the wake of #MeToo, he decried so-called “cancel culture,” telling Deadline it was “so infectious, it’s like the Delta virus.”“If your friend says, ‘They’re saying these terrible things about me that aren’t true’, you’re afraid to come to their defense, because you might catch that virus too,” Schrader told the entertainment news outlet.