Norwood to lead panel discussion of her book, ‘Color Matters,’ Jan. 29 (NEW TIME)

Kim Norwood, JD, professor of law and of African and African-American Studies, in Arts & Sciences, will lead a panel discussion of her new book, “Color Matters: Skin Tone Bias and the Myth of a Postracial America,” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, in Olin Library’s Gingko Room. Joining Norwood will be two contributors to the book, Vetta S. Thompson, PhD, an associate professor in the Brown School, and Richard Harvey, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at Saint Louis University. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.

‘Topping out’ ceremony held for The Lofts of Washington University​

A “topping out” ceremony was held Jan. 16 marking the final steel panel being raised and put into place on The Lofts of Washington University, WUSTL’s $80 million retail and student apartment complex under construction in the Delmar Loop. Construction of the first phase of the project is on target to be completed in July, with students and retailers moving in this August.

Dancer Elinor Harrison Jan. 28

Jane Comfort and Company has been described by The New York Times as “a postmodernist pioneer in the use of verbal material in dance.” From Jan. 26-30, company member — and WUSTL alumna — Elinor Harrison will return to campus as the 2014 Marcus Residency Dance Artist.

Nominate a student for Switzer award

The Women’s Society of Washington University seeks nominations for the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award. The award is given annually to one or more graduating seniors, recognizing young women who have made a significant contribution to WUSTL and have great potential to be leaders. The deadline is Feb. 7.

Recent immigration agency chief counsel criticizes House leadership for stalling immigration reform

“The House leadership’s procedural excuses for blocking a vote on critical immigration reform make little sense,” says Stephen Legomsky, professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis and the recent Chief Counsel of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security. In that position he worked intensively with White House and DHS officials and played a major role on comprehensive immigration reform. “It’s now been 7 months since the Senate passed a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill. Speaker Boehner should allow the people’s elected representatives in the House to consider it without further delay,” Legomsky argues.

Apply for funds to complete service projects

The Gephardt Institute for Public Service invites students, faculty and staff to apply for the Civic Engagement Fund. The fund provides up to $500 grants to support civic engagement and community service projects. If interested, schedule a brief interview by Jan. 31, and applications are due Feb. 14.

Ruthie Foster and Eric Bibb at Edison Feb. 15

Ruthe Foster sings like a force of nature. Eric Bibb, with his warm baritone and sparkling, effortless guitar, can seem like the happiest bluesman around. On Saturday, Feb. 15, these two Grammy-nominated blues artists will say “Thanks for the Joy” as part of the Edison Ovations Series.