Month: November 2010

By Megan Herrera

Assistant News Editor

For Nadir Sharif, a graduate student at the University, the answer to the question of whether or not to build an Islamic community center near ground zero is simple—yes.

“The United States of America is a nation composed almost entirely of immigrants, and what makes it great and unique is its constitutional guarantee to respect all individuals and groups regardless of their racial, religious, or cultural backgrounds,” Sharif said. A Muslim, Sharif is a graduate assistant for the International Student Services.

“It would be a giant leap backwards if the community center was not built because of public opposition. Like several leaders in the U.S. have expressed, as long as no law is violated by the construction of the community center, its construction should be allowed,” he said.

As of May of 2010, the New York City community board approved construction for the Muslim Community Center unanimously. This $100 million project covers the construction of a 13-story community center. The community center will house a “fitness facility, auditorium, restaurant, library, 9/11 memorial, mosque and more,” according to the Flor-ala.

The building will be built on the Park 51 property in Manhattan, located two blocks from the World Trade Center site. This project, originally called Cordoba House, has stirred mixed emotions and feelings from New Yorkers and people nationwide.

Although many were hundreds of miles from the locale of the attacks, University students still feel a personal pull toward the issue.

Elena Latzen ’14, a New Yorker who has experienced the devastation the 9/11 attacks caused said that the issue is difficult to grapple with.

“On one hand, I think having a mosque at or near ground zero sends a message of religious acceptance and tolerance,” she said. “The hate that led to the 9/11 attacks was, in a sense, fostered by a lack of this kind of acceptance in the world,” she said.

On the other hand, Latzen said she can see why the construction of the center has stirred up so much controversy in the media.

“I can also see how this would be a very painful daily reminder to people of the horrible events that took place that day,” she said.

Whether or not this community center should be built is still up for debate, but as of now, the center will be built no matter what others say.

By Christina Oddo

Writer

International Education Week kicked off Monday with International Attire Day. The annual celebration is sponsored by International Student Services (ISS) and the Office of International Education (OIE) and included many opportunities for students to learn more about International Educational exchange.

The art exhibit “Xiaoze Xie: Amplified Moments” was shown in the Samek Art Gallery, and the student success series was held Tuesday in the Vedder Lounge. Civic Engagement Posters: Highlights of International Service were on display on Thursday in Larison Dining Hall.

The OIE and the Office of the Provost held international education fairs Wednesday and Thursday in Larison Hall, providing University students with the opportunity to speak with representatives from the providers of the 140 University-approved programs for off-campus learning.

Megan Wolleben, assistant director of alumni relations and a contributor to Student Communications and Extracurricular Interests and Career Development Center, said that international study is all about perspective and comparison.

“Comparing a new environment to what one is accustomed to, perhaps where one grew up, develops a priceless learning opportunity. Through this comparison, one can learn about one’s likes, dislikes, etc.,” Wolleben said. “Learning in a classroom environment greatly differs from the priceless essence of learning through pure experience.”

The International Education Fair included information about study abroad opportunities, University-sponsored programs and programs sponsored by other prestigious universities.

“Students can go to Northern Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Nicaragua,” Kate Peterson ’14 said. “There are study abroad opportunities for three weeks during the summer.” Peterson said that these shorter trips are more structured than traditional study abroad programs. Trips such as these provide an alternative for students who are unable to participate in semester-long programs or who are just looking for a different experience altogether.

The fair also offered information regarding the International Orientation Assistant Program. The program links University students to an international population right at the start of the fall semester and focuses on mentoring and the idea of creating a comfortable community. This particular program primarily highlights leadership and intercultural communication.

Many University students who study abroad or who are interested in studying abroad apply to be an IOA. Between one-half to three-fourths of the IOA staff are U.S. students, not international students.

International Education Week ends today with a closing reception featuring the annual Burma-Bucknell Bowl Award ceremony at 4 p.m. in Walls Lounge.

By Olivia Seecof

Writer

The Office of Civic Engagement offers the University two large community service projects during the current holiday season: The Turkey and Trimmings Holiday Baskets and The Giving Tree.

The University has been supporting the greater community with these specific service projects for the past five years and hopes to continue a lasting relationship with the organizations in which they help.

“[During] this time of year it is especially heartwarming to see the generosity of our Bucknell community to others that are less fortunate,” said Lynn Pierson, assistant director for community service.

The Thanksgiving baskets include a gift certificate for a turkey and all of the Thanksgiving favorites like stuffing, potatoes and cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving-themed decorations and linens are also encouraged as additions to each basket.

Last year, the campus community put together and delivered 190 baskets to local families.

Many residence halls participate in the event, and Greek members can receive community service hours for their participation in making the baskets. The baskets were delivered to local families on Nov. 18.

The Giving Tree, located in the library lobby, allows members of the University community to select a “snowflake” and purchase a holiday present for the specified recipient.

“I like that the Bucknell community includes people of all ages—from toddlers to adults to senior citizens, in their community service efforts,”  Steph Thomas ’13 said.

The requests of the snowflakes range from necessities, such as blankets and clothes, to more enjoyable toys and games.

“My snowflake is a seven-year-old boy who wants Transformer toys, and I can’t wait to buy them for him,” Olivia Cohen ’14 said.

This year, 17 agencies are requesting holiday gifts, so there are many snowflakes remaining on the Giving Tree. Some of the agencies represented on the tree are the Danville State Hospital, Children’s Choice and the Salvation Army.

Even though the Thanksgiving Turkey and Trimmings Holiday Baskets project is complete, there is still an opportunity to purchase a holiday gift for those less fortunate.

Greek members can receive philanthropy credit for their participation in the Giving Tree. Gifts are due by Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010 to the Office of Civic Engagement.

By Allie Mongan

Writer

John C. Bravman, recently inaugurated as the University’s 17th president, has been warmly welcomed by most on campus.

“I appreciate that he treats students as he would treat any other adult member of the campus community and asks for student opinions,” said Sonali Basak ’12, an undergraduate executive intern who works closely with the Office of the President.

Bravman has already started trying to improve many aspects of campus.

Several years ago the Board of Trustees started working on plans for Academic West, and this fall Bravman was able to drive a front loader at the groundbreaking ceremony.

With the recent events pertaining to campus climate, President Bravman has made changing our campus climate one of his platforms.

Some students have expressed concern about his decision to focus so much attention on this controversial and difficult subject matter. Having a new president come in and decide to start tackling a large issue is surprising to some, but others like that he is not afraid to take initiative.

“He has also been direct about things that need to be changed. You can see that in the way he approached issues of campus climate,” Basak said.

While on campus, Bravman has worked with the Board of Trustees in the planning of new student housing. Plans involve the creation of four new residence halls and a commons building on the “Farm” south of Bertrand Library.

The plans have yet to be approved by the University or the Board, but University representatives are trying to work out a strategy to make the building of the residence halls accompany the building of Academic West.

A special committee on athletics and recreation has also been one of the president’s new initiatives. This committee was put in place to evaluate various dimensions of athletics and recreation on campus and its role in campus life.

The University’s relationship with the Patriot League and the role of merit aid has also been discussed by the committee and in a forum held on Oct. 8.

Students have expressed their approval of the President and his various visions for our campus.

“I think President Bravman has approached his presidency with an appropriate amount of deference and respect for tradition as well as innovation. He has made significant and visible efforts to become acquainted with the student body,” undergraduate executive intern Lindsay Machen ’11 said.

Bravman has met with students in the Bison, at their downtown houses and in his office. Having this open communication with the student body has had a positive impact on many and he seems to “prize the student perspective and seeks out opportunities to hear about Bucknell affairs from the students directly,” Machen said.