Author: Amanda Ayers

Categories
Uncategorized

University celebrates Family Weekend

By Nicki Briggs

Writer

The University’s campus was overflowing with parents and siblings of students last weekend.  The beautiful weather provided a suitable environment for the activities and events available for students and their parents.  

“Freshman parents get to see how well we are adjusting to the college environment.  It was also nice for them to see where we’ve been living for the past month and what they’re paying for,” Lindsey Nourse ’15 and Tyler Wind ’15 said.

Family Weekend appeals to everyone on campus.

“It provides a good setting for students to introduce parents to Bucknell beyond what they see in an admissions visit or another weekend during the year.  The activities over Family Weekend really provide insight into life at Bucknell,” Arielle Barnett ’14 said. 

After checking in at the Family Weekend Welcome Center, families attended numerous events hosted by the University. The weekend athletic events included field hockey and both men’s and women’s soccer games. There was an orchestra concert, performances in Rooke Chapel by all five campus a cappella groups and a comedy show by improv group We Brake for Nobody. There were also information sessions for parents and students interested in learning more about study abroad programs, financial aid and other topics.

While Family Weekend often caters to first-year students and their families, the University provides a unique experience for family members of all students students on campus.

“I love updating my parents about everything that’s been happening at Bucknell, but when they’re actually here and can see the places I study, my friends, and my sorority suite, they actually get to see my Bucknell life.  Plus the home cooked meals they bring and the hugs are always the best,” Sarah Dubow ’13 said.  

The University attracts multi-generational Bucknell families as well.  Those who attended in previous years enjoy visiting their children and grandchildren at the school and seeing how things have changed and stayed the same.

“I was once a student at Bucknell, so it’s great to be able to come back with my family and relive all the amazing memories,” Sue Romagnoli ’87 said.

The weekend concluded with the Paint Bucknell Pink 5K walk/run on Sunday morning.
Categories
Featured News

Students and faculty have high hopes for campus climate initiatives

By Jen Lassen

Writer

President Bravman’s recent email to students about the necessary ‘next steps’ regarding the recent publication of the Campus Climate Report has made both students and faculty more confident in the proposed changes to be made on campus.

On Sept. 22, Bravman emailed students about the next steps on starting the process of making some of the changes outlined in the Campus Climate Task Force Report. Included in the email were sections about the President’s background with the University climate, the Task Force itself, the challenge the University is facing and the steps needed to move forward.

In his email, Bravman said that “the report has initiated an important campus dialogue, and I write to lay out our plans from here and where I hope they can lead.”

Some of the steps that Bravman outlined included holding discussions with various administrative groups over the course of the year, reflecting on student input through the BSG Committee on Student Engagement, asking the Greek system to hold discussions among members about the report and gathering University feedback through the Bucknell Suggestion Box or campusclimate@bucknell.edu

These steps are intended to jump-start the process of change at the University.

The task force covers several major areas including student intellectual engagement outside the classroom, student social life (including the role of Greek organizations), student alcohol consumption, social space on campus for non-Greek activities, student diversity and sexual assault.  Because these areas are all important yet complex, it will take time for changes to take place.

“I think it’s important to realize that none of the recommendations that were suggested in the Campus Climate Report are necessarily being enacted right now. These were recommendations that were sent to President Bravman, and whatever changes that may take place will be decided on collectively by Dean Lantz, Provost Smyer and President Bravman, with, of course, feedback from all levels of the University including students,” said BSG president Phil Kim ’12.

“It is half of the responsibility of the student organizations and half of the responsibility of the President and his task force to make students aware of opportunities for involvement with this. Students need to be active and knowledgeable to stay involved with this, and they need to involve themselves in this process if they want a say in the changes taking place,” said Clark Bogle ’12.

Dean of Students, Susan Lantz, a Campus Climate response coordinator, is working with Provost Mick Smyer to gain student insight on the report. They are currently reaching out to student organizations such as BSG, offering to meet with them directly in an effort to hear additional thoughts, questions, concerns and ideas.

“Keeping faculty, staff and students updated throughout this process is very important. I appreciate that President Bravman has continued to communicate so openly with the campus community,” Lantz said.

“[I think Bravman’s e-mail is] simply meant to make sure everyone is on the same page moving forward–to lay out all the cards on the table, so to speak. As he mentions in his email, I would much rather realize our faults and points of concern and straight-on address them. I believe that President Bravman was trying to do just that. And I respect that,” Kim said.
Categories
News

Historian recognized as Janet Weis Fellow

By Alexander Slavitz

Writer

Robert A. Caro, who will be giving a talk Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, was recently named the 2011 Janet Weis Fellow in Contemporary Letters.

Caro is notable political historian. His work is admired by many, including President Barack Obama, who has cited one of Caro’s Pulitzer Prize-winning books, “The Power Broker,” as having had a distinct influence on his perception of politics.

Caro is the author of two Pulitzer Prize-winning biographies and has been the recipient of many other prestigious literary awards. He is currently working on a final volume of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s biography, provisionally titled “The Presidency.”

Categories
Headline News

Community rallies against hate

By Sara Blair Matthews

Contributing Writer

The University and the Lewisburg community came together in support of the annual Stop the Hate: Unity Rally held on Monday. 

Students, faculty and staff gathered in front of the Elaine Langone Center at 6:30 p.m. with signs that read “Stop the Hate,” “In memory of James Byrd” and “End the Silence to Stop the Violence.” FLAG&BT and the Social Justice and Humanities Residential Colleges were among the student organizations that participated.

The Stop the Hate: Unity Rally was first held at the University in 1998.

“It started as a national movement to honor James Byrd and Matthew Shepard after their deaths in 1998,” said Tracy Shaynak, director of the Women’s Resource Center.
Byrd was an African-American man murdered by three white supremacists in Jasper, Texas. He died after he was dragged behind a pick-up truck with a heavy logging chain around his ankles. Shepard was a gay teen who was beaten, strapped to a fence and left to die. His mother, Judy Shepard, became a well-known advocate for LGBT rights, founding the Matthew Shepard Foundation to support diversity and tolerance in youth organizations. She visited the University in 2010.

According to  its website, “The Stop the Hate program reflects our commitment to provide social justice tools for combating bias and hate crimes in all its forms. Stop The Hate is dedicated to provide the necessary resources and educational training to combat hate on college campuses.”

“Stopping the hate is not about tolerating but about respecting and getting to know each other on a personal level,” said Myrna Perkins, assistant to multicultural and international student services.

Shaynak thinks this is relevant to our campus because she believes we all have ownership in this community and our collective goal is to leave the University better than we found it.

“We encourage students to hold each other accountable for what happens on a res hall, at a party and even walking down the street,” Shaynak said.

“Studies have shown that campuses that have these marches are less likely to have anti-gay retaliation,” said rally founder and professor of English Saundra Morris.

Lewisburg mayor Judy Wagner and Provost Mick Smyer were among those who gave speeches in support of the rally.

“We gather here tonight to gather the best of ourselves to be apart of something bigger,” Wagner said.

She ended by suggesting that our voices may soon be heard in Harrisburg or Washington, D.C.

Smyer spoke about the beneficial effects of doing small acts of kindness throughout our lives.

“We all rely on the kindness of strangers. We are all strangers at some time or place,” he said.

Lakeisha Meyer, assistant professor of education, discussed her background with hate crimes and violence.

“I grew up where lots of attention was paid to differences, not in a good way,” Meyer said. She encouraged the audience to live by the motto, “If I truly love men, I can’t hate you.”

The rally ended with a candle-lighting ceremony and the singing of African American Civil Rights Anthem, “We Shall Overcome.”

Categories
News

TKE upcoming philanthropy run to DC

By Carleen Boyer

Contributing Writer

The eighth annual Reagan Run, a fundraiser started by the brothers of the Beta Mu chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity will take place during Fall Break, commencing on Saturday Oct. 8.
The fraternity started an annual run titled the “Reagan Run,” named after President and fellow TKE brother Ronald Reagan eight years ago. The run takes place over three days and the brothers work together to run 180 miles in a relay-style race down to Washington, D.C. Since the fundraiser’s beginning, the fraternity has raised over $187,000, which is donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“It goes towards such a good cause, which is what we really rally behind,” said Matt Gruseke ’13, Reagan Run co-chair.  

The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980, and since then has spread globally. The association reaches out to patients and families who suffer from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to reaching out to affected families, the association also works for the advancement of Alzheimer’s research.  

“I think it’s an unbelievable cause. For what little I knew about Alzheimer’s disease, I learned so much through Reagan Run last year. I feel like I’m actually giving back, and I think now with all the campus climate things, it’s very important to highlight all of the good things that Greek life can do,” Gruseke said.  

The run falls only a few weeks after rush, which gives new pledges an opportunity to become closer to the brothers of the fraternity.  

“It’s four days working together, but we’re also putting together something big and we’re all contributing to a huge goal that, at the end, is something we can be proud about,” Alex Debetencourt ’14 said.
Categories
News

Panel discusses state of U.S. economy

By Olesya Minina

Contributing Writer

Six University professors addressed pressing questions of American public policy, economy and the debt ceiling crisis in a panel sponsored by the Bucknell Institute for Public Policy.
The panel took place on Monday, Sept. 26 in Trout Auditorium.

“I thought the panel was both interesting and extremely relavent, given the recent economic turmoil. I enjoyed listening to different facets of the debt crisis from professors of several disciplines and found their presentations to be thorough and throught-provoking,” Maggie O’Brien ’14 said.

Congress and President Barack Obama have been debating raising the federal debt ceiling and reducing future budget deficits for months. The debt ceiling was created after World War II to give the government more economic flexibility, but today it is used as a tool to enact policies that ordinarily would not have the necessary funds within the constraints of the budget, associate professor of political science Scott Meinke said.

The Congressional “super committee” is trying to “produce legislative proposal changes in spending and taxes and must have a package (cut 1.5 trillion in 10 years) to give to Congress by Nov. 23 or automatic spending cuts, that harm both the Democrats and the Republicans, go into effect,” Meinke said.

This committee shows that the United States is in dire need of reform, and decisions need to be made about taxes and spending issues.

John Enyeart, associate professor of history, discussed the history of debt in America. The government needs to stop “following economic wisdom and understand that since the 1950s, GDP has grown but investment is absent and that public spending is crucial for job creation,” he said.

“[The] engines for growth are education and the real problem is a wage crisis, not a debt crisis,” Enyeart said. “We have seen from our past depressions and recessions that income distribution does not have enough consumers and cutting spending does not fit historical reality, and we must invest in jobs.”

Greg Krohn, associate professor of economics, addressed the issue of the federal budget in the long run and pointed out that deficits recently are the highest they have been since 1945. He discussed different budget scenarios and alternative fiscal policies but said projections are highly uncertain since the United States has an aging population and increasing healthcare costs. By examining different sets of data and graphs Krohn said that “maintaining current policy will have a negative conflict and our debt will grow faster than our economy.”

“Healthcare costs are the main driver in increased spending, but the problem is not the growth in public healthcare spending (Medicare/Medicaid) but growth in healthcare overall,” said Amy Wolaver, associate professor of economics.

Wolaver evaluated possibilities of controlling spending and raising the medicare eligibility age.

“We need policies to address system-wide healthcare expenditures and where our priorities are, and what could be the distributional effects,” Wolaver said.

Professor of economics Nancy White examined the different tax revenues and showed that Democrats and Republicans disagree on tax programs. White addressed the possibilities of raising taxes, letting some tax cuts expire and looking at a broader tax base if  the United States wants to decrease preferences, which were over $1 trillion last year.

Chris Ellis, assistant professor of political science, said that there is a broad disconnect within the public because citizens “endorse conservative principles and liberal policies.” The U.S. has vast party polarization and cannot find a common ground on tax increases and program spending cuts, he said.

“The debt discussion panel offered those who attended a glimpse of the economic, historical and social aspects of the debt ceiling debate, something often lacking in American political discourse but something nevertheless important for a proper understanding of the issue,” Jeff Finegan ’14 said.

In addition to offering a broader understanding of these issues, panelists raised questions on the economic and social issues college students need to face as a growing generation that will soon vote on these policies.

 

Categories
News

Paint Bucknell Pink 5K raises money for cancer research

By Meghan Finlayson

Writer

Over 150 participated in the 10th annual Paint Bucknell Pink Walk/Race and together raised over $6,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The event, hosted by the University’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer took place on Sunday, Sept. 25 and was dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness. Many families, students, faculty and administration came together for the event.

“The event did a great job of raising money and awareness for a very important cause. It was wonderful to see so many students and their families supporting the fight against breast cancer,” associate dean of students Amy Badal said.

Colleges Against Cancer is a national student organization that works with the American Cancer Society to raise money and awareness on campuses across the country. The Paint Bucknell Pink Walk has become a tradition of Family Weekend.

“Everyone was really excited to be there and felt a strong commitment to the fight against cancer. It’s always a great way to end parents weekend,” said Heather Lenker ’12, Relay for Life chair.

Many students have been seen on campus wearing the “Think Pink” shirts, which were sold the week prior to the race in the lower lobby of the Elaine Langone Center.

Colleges Against Cancer also hosted a “caf” night, featuring a cake provided by Dining Services, to provide information about the event.

On Sunday, participants gathered in front of Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium at 8 a.m. to register for the walk and race. They could honor survivors or remember loved ones by writing their names on balloons at the start and end of the race.

“Everyone was thrilled to have an opportunity to honor those who are still fighting cancer and remember those who lost their battle,” Lenker said.

The loop went around campus, starting at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium, going past the Gateways, down Moore Avenue and Loomis Street, then warpping back around to the stadium. Although listed as a 5K, the race was technically 4.06 miles.

Over 50 people raced and were timed along the way. Jake Eaton-Hall ’13 came in first place, finishing in less than 24 minutes.

“The race was a great way to raise awareness. I love to run and doing it for a good cause made it even better,” Lucy Swank ’13 said.

Everyone involved with the event was happy with the end result.

“We could not have asked for a better turnout this year. We got beautiful weather, and had a great showing. The whole organization really came through and we all worked so hard to make the event a memorable one,” said Katherine Griffith, president of Colleges Against Cancer.

Colleges Against Cancer Club coordinates many events on campus, the most well-known being Relay for Life in April. Currently, they have plans for a “pink” homecoming weekend in October, in order to honor breast cancer awareness month.

Categories
News

University hosts bee symposium

By Christina Oddo

Writer

Last Saturday, the University hosted a hands-on bee biology and beekeeping symposium.

“[The workshop was] designed for any interested members of the community to foster and encourage the growing interest in beekeeping in our region,” said Elizabeth Evans, associate professor of biology and animal behavior.

Maegan Winkelmann ’13 was able to give great insight into honeybees on campus.“They are actually a non-native species; they are from Europe,” Winkelmann said.
Where are these honeybees located on campus? Most, Winkelmann said, live by the animal behavior lab, while others are located in the Bucknell Chillisquaque Creek Natural Area.

The symposium was sponsored by the biology department and the animal behavior program.

In conjunction with the symposium, “Queen of the Sun” was shown at the Campus Theatre. Before the film, a reception was held in the Campus Theatre, where the general public had the opportunity to taste honey, exhibit posters, ask questions and learn more about bees. The film focused on the global bee crisis, the disappearance of bees and the beehive. It revealed the problems regarding the bee culture and balance in nature. Both the film and the discussion that followed were free to the public.
Categories
Letters to the Editor Opinion

Letter to the Editor: From a Christian Bucknellian

Dear Bucknell,

I want to apologize for what happened the other day when those preachers came to campus.  I am a member of the Christian community here at Bucknell.  Although we were not responsible for what happened on Wednesday of last week and could do nothing to stop it, I feel that it is our responsibility to respond.  I beg your forgiveness for some of the things said in this overall rather offensive sermon and in general for all the wrongs that have been done by Christians in the name of Jesus Christ.  Many of those wrongs have been very hurtful.

Christians are just the same as everybody else when it comes to doing bad things.  Sometimes (often) we’re even worse.  Need I bring up such awful deeds as the Spanish Inquisition, the Crusades, the people who bomb abortion clinics, the priest sex scandals of a few years ago, or the Catholic/Protestant fighting in Ireland?

I am not writing this letter to defend Christians because we have done some pretty horrible things, Catholics and Protestants alike.  The purpose of this letter is twofold:  First, to apologize for the hurt, guilt, and offense caused not only by those who were speaking on Wednesday downhill, but all the things that Christians have done that were not loving, especially here at Bucknell.  And second, to express that this is not God’s intended message for the world, for this campus, or for any one of you.  Yes, God wants us to proclaim the love of Jesus to all of you.  He wants us to encourage every person to seek an intimate relationship with Him.  He loves every one of us and a relationship with Him is not meant to be a burden on the soul, or a guilt complex. He does not condemn, but loves unconditionally.  He does not want us to send a message of superiority or hatred, which is what came across during much of the speech given on Wednesday.

In the Bible, Jesus defends those who have been condemned by society so many times.  Everyone is shocked to see him eating dinner with cheating tax collectors, talking with prostitutes in the street, and spending time with pagans and nonbelievers.  He even saves the life of an adulterous woman when everyone else wants to give her the death penalty.  Everyone was confused—wasn’t Jesus the voice of Godly justice?  Why was he standing up for such sinners?  But to Jesus, these things make perfect sense.  Nobody is completely righteous, he reminds us all the time, so why should any of us act like we’re better than everyone else?  He says, “why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matt 7:3)  He is constantly scolding the Pharisees for doing exactly what those Christians did downhill on Wednesday.  Sure, some of the people the Pharisees were sticking their noses up at were doing some pretty bad stuff—but so were the Pharisees.  So are the rest of us.

At first, when I heard about what these people were doing and saying on Wednesday, I thought Christians were being too loud.  But perhaps we’re being too quiet, not responding to this by shouting God’s message of mercy and love.

So whenever you hear a Christian speaking of fire and brimstone and threatening the world with talk of Hell, please remember that those words are coming from human mouths and that is not the message that Jesus gives to us to proclaim to the world.  They are grossly misrepresenting the things our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us.  He teaches a message of love and forgiveness, of reaching out in love to help one another, and of not judging others.  Even when we are pointing out wrongs, we are supposed to do so in a loving way (and gently, if possible), because we ourselves do plenty of wrongs also.  We Christians are pretty sloppy at carrying out that message.  We’re trying our best, though, and I believe that the incident on Wednesday is incentive to all of us to try even harder.

Again, I am very sorry for the hurtful things that were said on Wednesday.  We are all truly sorry.

–A Christian Bucknellian

Categories
Opinion

Campus Climate forums proving constructive

By Jen Lassen

Contributing Writer

There is no question that the Campus Climate Task Force Report has caused many students to ask questions and discuss the contents of the 68-page document. President Bravman’s bold move to initiate a forum for students to attend first seemed a little dangerous to me, especially after I had observed students’ negative reactions to the document. Before I attended the forum last week I thought it would be a bunch of angry students back-lashing both the administration and the document for some of its more controversial topics. Especially as a first-year, I walked into the forum quite intimidated and unsure of how it would turn out. But I believe that in a world dominated by administrative hierarchies, giving students the chance to voice their opinions is always a good thing–especially with something that directly affects the students. A forum gives the administration a chance to rethink its original intentions for wanting to make University changes after students speak. Keeping an open dialogue between staff and students is healthy and productive, and in the case of the Campus Climate Task Force Report, the student body and administrators will be able to work together to improve campus from the discussions held.

I found myself surprised at how intelligent and constructive the students’ comments were. There were hints of anger in some students’ comments, yes, but overall I thought giving the students the ability to voice their own opinions turned out to be a good thing. As the president stood on stage, he certainly must have been listening to what the students had to say and analyzing their opinions about the report. I think this process of letting the students speak their minds helped everyone, especially the administration, realize how the students attending the University feel about a document that specifically targeted their actions.

Although on Tuesday students were not given the chance to ask questions about the document, only to voice their opinions, it turned out to be constructive because it allowed the president and his staff to gain insight from students and take students’ thoughts into consideration. Maybe the administration’s own opinions about what was written in the document were changed from the students’ comments, but we won’t know this until there is more collaboration between students and staff to improve the University.