Calvin history professor Eric Washington was recently named the 2013–14 chair of the History Panel of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters (MASAL).  The MASAL, founded in 1894, is a collection of  professors, teaching scholars, graduate and undergraduate students from within and outside of Michigan. In his new role with the academy, Washington will help to plan the organization's annual conference, and he encourages undergrads interested in history to apply to attend. "My doors are open to anyone who needs sponsorship," he said. Washington is also a member of the Association of American Historians and the The Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora.