What does artisan cheese have to do with Middle East oil and American foreign policy? That’s what folks have been wondering since the University of Vermont sent out invitations to its reunion weekend “cheese reception” and lecture on May 31 with political science prof F. Gregory Gause III.
According to Kathleen Laramee, director of Regional Programs at UVM, there’s not much of a connection. The best she could come up with: “Some cheese is greasy and oil is greasy, too.” She explains that a board composed of UVM alums and parents planned the event. It was their idea to combine the talk with a self-guided cheese tour organized by the school’s Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese. The goal: to “highlight two elements of UVM.”
And while the edible part of the evening – featuring approximately eight varieties of local cheeses with appropriate accompaniments – is free, skipping out before the poli-sci lesson will be frowned upon. “We are looking for people to stay for the lecture,” explains Laramee. She adds, “There are a number of other lectures going on that week. None of them include cheese.”
If you plan to attend, RSVP online at http://www.alumni.uvm.edu/gause or call 888-458-8691.
This article appears in May 16-22, 2007.
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