Mason’s Office of Global and International Strategies worked with the college to secure a $500,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to fund a Russian/Soviet Perspectives on Islam program. The program, initiated by Steven Barnes of the Center for Eurasian Studies, will be directed by Vadim Staklo of the Department of History and Art History.

Mark Jenkins reviews Nikolai Getman's Gulag paintings on exhibition in the Mason Hall Atrium. While some of the paintings have spiritual themes, he notes, "Most of them testify to everyday gulag existence — lice, cold, meager rations — with naked intensity." The paintings are on view through November 9.

Senior Jared Anable was awarded a Boren Scholarship for the 2012-13 academic year. The Boren Scholarship awards up to $20,000 to undergraduate students to specialize in area study, language study or increased language proficiency. Anable is the only Mason student to receive the award this year.