Author: Tracy Lum

Categories
Arts & Life

Reflections on the Past: Tracy Lum ’11

Tracy Lum '11 was Editor-in-Chief for the Fall 2010 run.

By Tracy Lum

Former Editor-in-Chief

If you know me, you probably know that I rarely sleep for more than seven hours a night, that I can’t survive a day without drinking at least one cup of coffee and that I have an insatiable (and slightly unexpected) thirst for gossip.

Strange habits aside, joining The Bucknellian on a whim four years ago was probably the best decision I made. To say I was a timid first-year is an understatement. I could barely hold a conversation with a stranger without having an anxiety attack.

My time at The Bucknellian changed that. Reporting gave me confidence; it made me take risks and stand up for causes. It made me explore the campus that initially daunted me. If it didn’t bring me out of my shell, it at least left a substantial crack in it.

I can’t say that I remember the first story I wrote for the paper. Having no previous experience with journalism, I clumsily gathered quotes and facts, piecing together an article that likely lacked focus and elegance. On Friday mornings, I’d pick up the latest issue, scan through my piece and gasp with outrage that the editors dared alter my writing. The following year I became one of those editors.

As the Arts & Entertainment content editor, I learned the basics of journalism. Naturally, I was nervous about joining the newspaper. For the past year, I was in awe of The Bucknellian, mostly because I was ignorant about how it was produced each week. I thought it was untouchable, unchangeable and incredibly demanding. I wasn’t wrong about the demanding part, but I did eventually figure out how to leave my mark on the paper.

After a semester of assigning stories and photos, writing one or two pieces a week and handling writers’ attitudes, I wanted to quit. Managing criticism and minor disasters each week became unbearable. But pride drew me into the paper. Seeing my name in print, knowing that what I wrote would become a part of the University’s history made me stay. I loved crafting narratives and bringing the stories of niche groups to the campus.

I loved it so much that I continued editing, later becoming features editor, associate editor of content and, much to my surprise, editor-in-chief. Pulling near-all-nighters (I’ve never actually gone a night without sleep) became commonplace. Developing a mild caffeine addiction didn’t faze me. Sometimes I’d walk home from Roberts basement at 3 or 4 a.m. after a night of production and hallucinate.

Last semester I organized my schedule so that I’d have my Tuesdays and Thursdays entirely free to field phone calls, answer ad questions, complete board edits, rewrite leads and catch the minute layout errors that would detract from the readers’ overall experience of the paper. The Bucknellian consumed every spare moment of my life. It even invaded my dreams, giving me nightmares about gaping holes in the layout, libelous statements or the nascent online version.

But no matter how much I suffered during the week, the final, freshly printed copy in my hands made up for it. My first week on the job, I reread every page probably 10 times before I sent the finished issue to the printer. That Thursday afternoon I collapsed once I reached my bed, and the same evening a friend burst through my door and handed me the first redesigned issue. It was sheer perfection, even in its imperfection.

After my term was over, I was elated. I probably screamed with joy and high-fived everyone I encountered. Wednesday nights were mine again. I could resume what I thought was my “real” life. As I looked over the last issue, I labored over every detail while sitting in the chief’s office, knowing that at some level I would miss the work. At times I do, and I don’t regret a single moment of my experience.

The Bucknellian has been so much a part of me and my life. It introduced me to some of the most brilliant, creative and hardworking people I will ever know. I will miss dearly my stalwart staff, especially Rob, Sarah and Kristen, who aided me throughout the summer while I planned the redesign and reorganization and who always kept the paper running. More thanks are due to my predecessors, especially Mike, who was a remarkable source of knowledge and advice. Courtney, you brought the news week after week, and you made production nights infinitely more entertaining. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next semester.

Jim, thanks for everything over the years. All that you have taught me I will never forget.

My friends, thank you for putting up with me, even when I conned you into working for the newspaper. John, without you, there would be no redesign. I am eternally grateful for our Thursday morning layout and venting sessions. Andy, thank you for publishing the online edition each week. I’ll miss WordPress filling my inbox with 30 emails.

To the writers and the new crop of staffers, I owe a successful run of the paper to you. I thought the art of print journalism was dying, but you resurrected it and exceeded my expectations in the process. Never again will I doubt the resilience of a college newspaper.

And Bucknellians, if you ever want to gossip over a cup of coffee, you know who to call.

Categories
News

Person of the Year: Missy Gutkowski

Missy Gutkowskiw as selected as one of the Bucknellian's People of the Year.

By Tracy Lum

Senior Editor

The words “dream” and “imagine” decorate the walls of Missy Gutkowski’s office, a room that beams and radiates with as much positive energy as Gutkowski herself. A career consultant, the manager of the externship program and the assistant director of Alumni Relations and Career Services, she helps students pursue their dreams–whatever they are.

For Gutkowski, who began working at the University in September 2006, a career in career services was a natural fit. Having graduated from Susquehanna University with a degree in sociology, she then pursued a master’s degree in social work at Marywood University. Throughout her time at Susquehanna, she worked in the career office and even spent a summer interning at our University’s Career Development Center (CDC).

“I loved the aspect that everyone has a career, and everyone has a job,” Gutkowski said. “It was this topic I could talk about with anyone, and I knew that [Bucknell] was where I wanted to be eventually.” She got there sooner than expected.

Gutkowski was initially hired as the program director of externships, a position she still holds. The externship program allows sophomore students to job shadow a sponsoring employer for two days over winter break. As the program coordinator, she expanded the burgeoning idea into the thriving program it is today.

“She’s really been the person to tweak the program and see what’s working,” said Pamela Keiser, Executive Director of Career Services.

At first, the pilot program was only offered for the College of Engineering and a few arts and science majors. Each year, Gutkowski incorporates new concepts into the program. For example, she requires students to get their résumé critiqued before they can apply to the program. She also provides tips on how to behave and dress professionally during the externship experience. “This has really paid off over the past few years in a very positive way,” Keiser said.

Gutkowski also serves as a career counselor and oversees the student workers at the CDC. In both roles, she goes above and beyond, developing genuine connections with students as she helps them achieve their goals.

“One of the things I admire most is her total commitment to educating students and the excitement and motivation she gets out of working with students,” said Sarah Bell, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services.

Many students who have worked with Gutkowski over her tenure agree. Rob Shanahan ’10 worked with Gutkowski for two and a half years, and he  believes that she truly defined his experience at alumni relations and career services.

“She was and continues to be the best supervisor that I’ve ever had,” Shanahan said. “Her management style is such that I loved my job, even the more mundane parts of it because I could see how it all fit into the big picture.”

Overseeing the student worker program gives Gutkowski insight into how to reach out to students. She not only hires and trains students, but also develops a personal connection with them.

“That’s a blast. I love it because I get to keep the pulse of students,” she said. “I want to know what students are thinking.”

Career counseling is another way that Gutkowski reaches out to students. Up to 12-14 students work with her per week, a vigorous schedule that could drain even the most resilient of workers. Gutkowski, however, keeps her energy level up–-even without coffee.

“Throughout the week, the students energize me, and just loving what I do,” Gutkowski said. “It’s awesome to know that you can be a piece in teaching someone about what’s going to make them so great or what they’re choosing to do with their life.”

The students who consult with her also notice her dedication, energy and vivacity.

“Missy is the most helpful person when it comes to advice and help with networking [and] job/internship searching,” Malika Subramanian ’11 said. “She is always detailed in her response and never lets you down.”

John Stevenson ’11 also believes that Gutkowski was immensely helpful in his job search.

“She consistently strove to help me with my search, including working on my resume after she had left the CDC for the day,” he said. “She is dedicated to helping students find solutions to their issues, and the Bucknell community is blessed to have her.”

Across her roles at alumni relations and career services, Gutkowski strives for excellence and demonstrates her genuine passion for counseling.

“It’s just this idea that [University students] can do absolutely anything. This is truly just the beginning,” she said.

“Seriously,” Gutkowski said, “dream, imagine.”

Categories
Editorial Opinion

Editorial

This week Public Safety made the Crime and Fire Safety Logs available online—a move we commend as a step in the right direction toward making the University more aware of incidents on campus. Though the online publication of the logs makes the information more accessible and transparent, we believe omissions render the logs useless and unless students actually make an effort to view the logs, their online availability is worthless.

Having a database of incidents available online is especially useful for community members seeking timely and accurate information. Instead of waiting until the weekly publication of the log in The Bucknellian, students, faculty and staff can view the information as soon as it is updated.

The log currently contains 60 days worth of logs, in accordance with the Clery Act. Downloadable PDF files containing a list of incidents report the nature, case number, dates of report and occurrence, location and disposition. The availability of information will provide concrete facts for the generalizations and rumors that currently float around campus. It will also allow students to take preventative measures.

Still, the individual reports in links make the data unwieldy. To make true progress, Public Safety should consider making a searchable and compiled database available. This will provide the campus with a more holistic view of crime trends as they occur.

Omitting data from the log page, however, will skew the conclusions its readers will reach. The logs should be full accounts of the reported crimes. Moreover, even if students are concerned about privacy or believe that reporting a crime will emotionally compromise them, we urge students to report all crimes, especially sexual assault. Omissions, whether edited or unreported, create an inaccurate portrayal of actual crime on campus.

Public Safety will also begin posting a link to the log page through the Message Center Digest. While we applaud Public Safety’s efforts to inform the campus community about the page in this manner, few students thoroughly read the digest and even fewer will read and click on the link.

The Bucknellian will continue to publish a compilation of the Public Safety Crime and Fire Safety Logs weekly. But for those who require timelier reports, the online publication of the logs represents a worthwhile endeavor that should be expanded in the future.

Categories
Arts & Life

HP Spoofs

By Tracy Lum

Editor-in-Chief

The magic of Harry Potter has inspired numerous spoofs, parodies and fan fictions. Some comment, extend and even completely rewrite the stories. For those who can’t get enough Potter, check out the following.

A Very Potter Musical

This fan musical written and produced by University of Michigan students in 2009 illustrates Harry’s journey through song. With newly “Gleeked” Darren Criss as Harry Potter, the musical revisits the most memorable moments of the series with an edgy, irreverent twist. Relive the magic with numbers like “Get Back to Hogwarts” and “Granger Danger.” Watch closely and you might even spot a cameo by Zac Efron. (For more, see http://www.teamstarkid.com/projects/a-very-potter-musical/)

Potter Puppet Pals

The Potter Puppet Pals have been entertaining YouTube audiences for years with sketches like “Potions Class,” “Wizard Angst” and “Wizard Swears.” Though the series began with cartoon-style puppets, creators Neil and Emmy Cicierega have now fashioned and filmed actual Potter Puppets. Check out the latest sketch, “Draco Puppet” at www.potterpuppetpals.com.

Wizard People

“Wizard People” mutes all sound on the original “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” film and replaces it with the gravely narration of comic book artist Brad Neely. Neely retells the first film, renaming characters, places and events, describing them with his characteristic dark humor. Fans can simply download the soundtrack to accompany their own muted versions of the film, or they can look up the videos on YouTube. Either way, join the “Wretched Harmony” and “Hardcastle McCormick” for some re-imagined Potter adventures.

Daniel Radcliffe is Harry Potter

The moment has finally arrived. Daniel Radcliffe has admitted that he and Harry Potter are one and the same. In this spoof, Radcliffe says, “I thought I was an actor playing a wizard, but really I was a wizard playing an actor.” Funny? Maybe, but check it out nevertheless: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/a1c04ce68e/i-am-harry-potter.

Categories
Arts & Life Movies Review

‘Hallows’ dark, stark and action-packed

By Tracy Lum

Editor-in-Chief

Dueling sparks and explosions burst out in a dingy London diner, interrupting the cool silence of the dark night. Two Death Eaters, stunned, fall to the ground, while three young wizards pant beneath an overturned table. Wands ready, Harry, Ron and Hermione have just faced their first real battle on an action-packed search for the Dark Lord’s seven horcruxes.

A pervasive darkness shrouds the glimmers of hope and comedy in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I,” directed by David Yates. For the first time, the trio has left the safety of Hogwarts and home behind, and the challenges that lie ahead are ominous. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) use their respective skills to piece together the clues that a now-deceased Dumbledore left behind to uncover the locations of Voldemort’s horcruxes—the pieces of his soul that allow him to defy death time and again. Along the way, they face unimaginable dangers, some of which prove fatal for their fellow wizards and magical creatures.

In the first part of the final film in the series, time moves swiftly. Yates never lets the trio linger in one place for too long. Gone are many of the intimate, nostalgic moments J.K. Rowling’s book includes—Harry doesn’t have the opportunity to forgive Dudley. The three don’t spend enough time in 12 Grimmauld Place to forge an emotional connection to Kreacher the house-elf before they storm the Ministry of Magic. Their stay the woods waiting for a new sign or clue doesn’t seem long enough to justify Ron’s frustration and departure.

In contrast to the book, action propels the trio toward the ultimate goal of defeating the Dark Lord. Battle scenes cast in high-contrast lighting depict fancy wandwork that requires no spoken spells. Handheld camera movement energizes chase scenes and instills a sense of real desperation and fear. The blood is real, the death is real.

Still, the film fulfills its share of emotional moments. The camera tracks Harry walking through the deserted 4 Privet Drive, returning to the closet where the story began. He is grown now; he cannot enter his old bedroom without crouching. The film shows Hermione’s tear-streaked face as she erases herself from her parents’ memories. Harry and Hermione dance together in their tent during a rare moment of calm after Ron has abandoned them in the forest.

The actors themselves have grown. Laced with flashbacks from the previous films, the seventh tugs at heartstrings as it juxtaposes images from Harry, Ron and Hermione’s earlier adventures with ones from their current quest. A bulked-up Rupert Grint proves himself a worthy actor. Emma Watson has finally stopped overacting by waggling her eyebrows in an attempt to garner more attention and screen time. Daniel Radcliffe has grown more into his role, especially when the seven decoy Harrys emerge on screen in a stunning flying sequence over the modern London landscape.

Since the first half of “Deathly Hallows” primarily focuses on the trio’s journey, secondary characters like Neville, Ginny and Luna are only featured briefly, but they too have grown. On the Hogwarts Express, Neville stands up for himself. In a cell under the Malfoy’s mansion, Luna is a source of comfort to the imprisoned Ollivander. Ginny secures her spot in Harry’s heart. Malfoy, however, is perpetually a coward.

While the film loses much of the complex background the book provides, its focus on the central three characters lays the groundwork for the final showdown of the Potter series. An action-packed, though gloomy portrait of life under the rule of Voldemort, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I” is intense, emotional and, as always, magical.

Categories
Editorial Opinion

Editorial

Over the 2009-2010 school year, a total of 77 cases of academic irresponsibility were brought before the University’s Board of Review on Academic Responsibility. While we could hardly argue that 77 cases represents a rampant outbreak of cheating on campus, we do believe students and faculty should more seriously consider the issue. 

Of the 77 cases adjudicated, 22 were found not guilty. The remaining cases received sentences ranging in severity from taking a zero on the assignment or a drop in the final course grade to a one-semester suspension. More troubling, however, is that many more instances of cheating go unreported, potentially skewing our interpretation of the statistics provided by the Board of Review.

The increased availability of information on the Internet and the growth in the use of electronic telecommunications devices have made cheating and plagiarism easier, though many students still resort to traditional techniques. Some students sneak a peak at their classmates’ quizzes while the teacher’s back is turned. Others stash notes in the bathroom and take breaks during exams to review the stowed materials. Some students have even made a business of trading old exams and homework assignments with other students who are taking the same classes the next semester.

Using technology to cheat on homework has also become prominent, according to the March 28, 2010 issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education. Some students download online solutions manuals and hand in answers copied directly from the manual. Others may store answers in graphing calculators during exams. The problem lies in the “technological detachment phenomenon,” according to the article on “High-Tech Cheating.” In other words, students feel that cheating is acceptable because technology removes them from any notion of responsibility. 

Plagiarism, whether intentional or not, is another growing issue. Twenty-eight of the reported cases related to plagiarism, and only six were found not guilty. The rise of plagiarism reflects a growing trend in students not understanding the importance of giving credit where credit is due. For example, a New York Times article dated Aug. 1, 2010 reported that many college students simply did not understand the extent of their crime, faulting digital technology for the blurring lines of authorship.

But no matter how much technology facilitates academic irresponsibility, students should resist the urge. Although the competitive college culture seems to encourage it, cheating is still no more than the easy way out. It fosters neither lifelong learning nor original scholarship. While it may produce short-term results in the form of higher grades, its long-term effects promise only a lifetime of dependence on others.

Students should realize cheating and plagiarism are severe crimes and should not be taken lightly. Furthermore, faculty and teaching assistants should assume a more no-nonsense approach to these problems when they see them. Letting the matter slide only encourages serial cheaters to continue their unethical methods.

Cheating and plagiarism are never acceptable in any learning environment. Students and faculty should report instances of cheating to the Board of Review on Academic Responsibility, and the sentences issued need to reflect the severity of the crimes.

Categories
Letters to the Editor Opinion

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

On behalf of the many Bucknellians to come across your editorial about sexual assault (Oct. 27), we would like to start off by thanking you for writing about an issue that has been a major problem on the Bucknell campus. We strongly agree with the editorial’s assertion that sexual assault is a big problem on campus; however, we feel that there is a disparity between The Bucknellian’s opinion and the way that opinion is conveyed.

The editorial argues that “what we need is a change in mindset that no committee or movement can accomplish alone,” in addition to saying that “signing a declaration to not tolerate sexual assault or wearing an ‘I (Heart) Consensual Sex’ button to promote a message is different than truly reforming behavior.” However, the point of this movement is to work with other movements (such as M4M and “Take Back the Night: For A Better Bucknell”) to “truly reform behavior.” Depreciating these efforts undermines any chance of creating positive change. If the “I (Heart) Consensual Sex” buttons and t-shirts are useless, why do we wear “gay? fine by me” t-shirts?  Wearing these t-shirts shows support for individuals who sometimes suffer in silence in the wake of cruel treatment by their peers, which is also the way survivors of sexual assault who speak up are sometimes treated at Bucknell.

While we applaud your efforts to give constructive criticisms, we feel your recommendations for more non-alcoholic events does not target the source of the problem. The solution is not Bingo sponsored by ACE in the LC. What really needs to be changed is the environment of the alcoholic, and frankly more popular, activities. We need to talk about sexual assault and learn more about preventing it. It is necessary to educate the student body on the importance of consent. The absence of a “no” does not equal a “yes.” This line between “no” and “yes” is too often blurred by miscommunication and lack of communication has made this topic uncomfortable. Consent requires an enthusiastic and freely given “YES”!  This way of looking at consent is not well known, but it should be.

The Bucknellian could work with us to increase rather than diminish conversation about sexual assault by printing sexual assaults from the “Public Safety Crime Log” or at least make it clear why you don’t. Maybe you could even start a column in which students write about the social scene at Bucknell–-from all different perspectives (e.g., greek, independent, CHOICE, athletes).

All of the efforts and movements you mention in your editorial initiate discussion, and discussion is the first step towards a better Bucknell. The Bucknellian can do its part as well.

Sincerely,

The students in FOUND 91-34: Gender & Philosophy and creators of the “I <3 Consensual Sex”  campaign

Categories
Letters to the Editor Opinion

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

As your staff works to provide important and timely information for the campus community on the topic of sexual assault, I would like to provide some feedback regarding the use and citing of research that has been conducted on campus and nationwide. In the Oct. 29 issue, three data points were reported that had been collected by the 2009 Sexual Assault Research Team Survey. These data were not properly referenced, nor was there any context provided. When sharing statistics with the community, especially those related to such a sensitive issue, it is critical that your readers have an opportunity to understand the nature of the research and that you use multiple data sources to provide accurate and balanced reporting.

I offer for consideration data that were collected using the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) in the spring of 2009. There were 385 women who completed the survey, and on questions that addressed the same three behaviors as those reported in the Oct. 29 issue, 51 women indicated that they had been sexually touched without their consent, 14 said they had experienced attempted rape and six indicated they had experienced a completed rape within the past 12 months. These data are comparable to those collected with the NCHA at similar institutions, with the exception of the sexual touching statistic, which is slightly higher on our campus (13.3 percent vs. 10.6 percent at other private, baccalaureate schools in the Northeast). These data also vary greatly from those reported in The Bucknellian.

Please know that I am in no way seeking to minimize the issue of sexual assault, the significance of the work that lies ahead or the value of important research conducted on campus by our faculty, students and staff. However, as we continue this conversation and seek greater understanding, it will be vitally important for us to continue to examine data from a variety of sources and disciplines to ensure we understand to the greatest extent possible the issues facing Bucknell. Faculty and staff have consulted regarding these two surveys and, while we do not fully understand the differences that lie between these data, it is an important reminder that no one survey answers all questions, and it underscores the importance of using multiple data sources when examining complex social issues.

For a better Bucknell,

Tracy Shaynak

Director of the Women’s Resource Center

Coordinator of the Advocate Program

Editor’s Note: As in any print publication, The Bucknellian is constrained by the limitations of space. The data reported from the 2009 Sexual Assault Research Team Survey were included to illustrate the issue of sexual assault on our campus alone. The full context appeared in the Sept. 10 issue of  The Bucknellian, but  we should clarify that the sample included 342 women and that there was a 38 percent response rate. In addition, there could have been overlap among the three categories of “Touching,” “Attempted rape” and “Completed Rape.”

Categories
Letters to the Editor Opinion

Letter to the Editor

Students know what’s right

To the Editor:

We live in a world of few absolutes. Issues are rarely black and white, and often we are called upon to distinguish subtle shades of gray.

The challenge of grappling with nuance and questioning inherited ideas is especially evident in academia, where so-called “standard interpretations” must sometimes give way to radical new understanding. Coping with ambiguity is something that all of us must confront, especially at a university.

But some ideals, I assert, are absolute, even on a college campus—in fact, especially at a college campus like ours. We are a residential learning and living community that is more than a place of study for our students. For the better part of the year, Bucknell is also their home.

Recently I appointed a Campus Climate Task Force to ensure that we are supporting and encouraging the most positive overall University experience for our students. The response to my decision to appoint this task force tells me that many of us across the campus—students, faculty and staff alike—share a deep interest in the well-being of this community.

In reflecting on that fact, I found myself drawn to fundamental values. It seems to me that while many ideas are open to question today, in a university community there are several truths that remain categorically true, including these:

—Violence between students is always wrong.

—Capitalizing on someone’s desire or need to belong or fit in is always wrong.

—Non-consensual sex by definition is violent, and is always wrong.

—Condoning the violent acts of others, directly or passively, is always wrong.

—Looking the other way when a wrong is being committed is always wrong.

In my short time at Bucknell, I have already come to learn how much we celebrate learning here. We celebrate difference, and overcoming difference. We celebrate achievement, understanding and creativity.

As a home to our students, we must also celebrate our commitment to values and behavior that make a good campus community possible. Administrations and faculties can stand behind this commitment, and we will. Our students, though, have a vital role in bringing this commitment to life for one another every day on our campus. You know what’s right, and what to do. We as a campus community need you to do it. Your fellow students need you to do it, and so do Bucknellians past, present and future.

The University we create happens one decision at a time. Let’s make decisions that are good not just for ourselves, but for others. It seems inarguable that by doing so, we can guarantee that our community is as good as it can be.

John Bravman

President of Bucknell University

Categories
Editorial Opinion

Editorial

The University ramped up its efforts to strengthen town-gown relations with its recent purchase of the Campus Theatre. Already this year the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Bucknell University opened downtown, and the University acquired both the post office and the DeWitt building. With these additions in mind, we believe that the University is making positive strides toward a stronger partnership with Lewisburg, but that it should also be wary of its actions becoming too imperial.

Integrating the campus with Lewisburg of course has its benefits. Purchasing the downtown buildings allows the University to help renovate and preserve several historic structures. In addition, the University’s plans to move several offices into the purchased buildings will increase student traffic downtown. With more visitors in the area, local businesses could see higher sales and revenues. Further integration could also change the very nature of downtown Lewisburg in terms of selection of goods and services and operating hours, making it more marketable to current and prospective students as well as townspeople.

The strengthened partnership could also foster mutual respect and understanding between University students and Lewisburg citizens. Having more students and townspeople interact could help erase the invisible barrier that separates the campus and the town.

In the case of the Campus Theatre, the University is assuming financial control over the building, increasing its involvement with Campus Theatre Organization Ltd. from assistance to ownership. While the purchase will now qualify the organization for state economic development grants, we are also concerned that ownership will place the Campus Theatre at the mercy of the University’s will. The Campus Theatre organization is supposed to maintain control over programming and film scheduling, but the potential for financial constraints to morph into other programming restraints still exists.

Likewise, the University’s potential ability to exercise control over the town is troubling. If the University continues to procure much of the downtown area for its use, Lewisburg could become a college town in its own right rather than a town that contains the University. While a college-town atmosphere may bolster the University’s marketability, it also further threatens the quaint, small-town way of life in Lewisburg.

In addition, while some will benefit from increased business, others have been and will be forced out by corporate entities like the Barnes & Noble bookstore. While we are in favor of greater integration, we believe it can be accomplished without conquest. The University should not wield control without giving due consideration to the greater Lewisburg community as well as the future of the University and its students.

The degree of integration is also a point of contention. For many, the downtown area serves as an escape from the stress of campus. Extending the campus’ reach to town will expose students to life outside the “bubble,” but it will also mark a fundamental change in the campus culture. There is a limit to how integrated the town and the University should be, and we believe that the limit will soon be reached.