Category: News

Paige Bailey
Writer

At the study abroad panel entitled “Powerful Engagements with Difference,” the three participants agreed that embracing the uncomfortable leads to life changing experiences. The event, which took place on Nov. 12, was part of International Education Week to give students a glimpse of the life-changing aspects of international education. The panel featured three seniors who traveled to different parts of the globe, pursuing academic interests, exploring new cultures and discovering who they are.

Alex Bird ’13 first talked about her time in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Bird was in part drawn to Russia because of familial ties but ended up learning a great deal about herself and her capabilities throughout the semester. Initially, she felt behind in her Russian skills, but after becoming more comfortable there she said that her progress in the language was “addicting.” Bird implored potential study abroad participants to go alone to a new place since it was “eye opening” because of the personal growth she underwent while in a foreign land.

Lindsey McLeod ’13 said that studying abroad in Argentina was the “ultimate social experiment.” McLeod said she did not know what she would find in Buenos Aires but left the country feeling like a local. She said that she “learned how to adapt” from being placed in new situations each day. She also said that she learned that the uncomfortable eventually becomes quite familiar. Overall, McLeod said the confidence she gained traveling around Central America will always be a part of her.

The last speaker was Andy Watts ’13 who travelled to Rabat, Morocco in order to expand his knowledge of Middle Eastern politics, culture and language. In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Watts was inspired to investigate the degree of liberalism within Moroccan society. He traveled to many “isolated villages” throughout his semester in order to connect with “average” Moroccans. In these personal interviews, Watts was able to connect his formalized education with the realities of everyday people. Watts said he “got to know himself” through isolated travel during his time abroad. He said that his time in a new culture has made him “prepared and confident” in pursuing a career in the Foreign Service.

In response to the personal stories the panelists shared, Mariah Midyette ’16 felt excited at the chance to explore a new country alone. She also said she would “benefit in the long run” by feeling temporarily uncomfortable in a new place.

Stephen Appiah-Padi, director of the Office of International Education, hopes that first- and second-year students look to his office for resources about studying abroad. He also suggested that students look to Facebook and Twitter for continuing updates on study abroad options and application deadlines.

Jen Lassen
News Editor

In the spirit of entrepreneurship, six different student groups recently set out to break the “Bucknell Bubble.”

On Nov. 12, the University “Beyond the Bubble” 2012 Business Pitch Competition final round dinner and awards ceremony took place in the Center Room of the Elaine Langone Center.

This event, hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and supported by the generosity of James Ferguson ’73 and Bob Esernio ’80, featured six finalists chosen from 23 competing teams after a preliminary round of presentations.

Emily Meringolo
Layout Editor

As part of Greek Week, the University’s fraternities and sororities showed off their best moves in Greek Sing on Nov. 1. Delta Gama sorority and Chi Phi fraternity performed their way to the top as they won over a panel of judges selected by Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association. For the first time ever, the event was  held in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. Audience members saw choreographed dances to the sounds of the Backstreet Boys, Gangnam style and The Bloodhound Gang, to name a few. Overall, the event packed in many members from the various Greek organizations on campus and culminated an eventful Greek Week.

Sara Blair Matthews
News Editor

Bucknell Student Government (BSG) hosted a student debate in regards to the 2012 presidential election, which covered topics such as the deficit, education and health care. President John Bravman moderated this event, which took place Nov. 5 from 7-9 p.m. in Trout Auditorium. The conservative side was comprised of Jeff Finegan ’14, Richie Pisano ’15 and Ashley Rooney ’13. The liberal side consisted of Darby Hamilton ’15, Kamran Khan ’14 and John Coleman ’16.

Early on, Bravman posed the question, “Do you believe that college education is a fundamental right to all citizens of the United States?”

The conservatives responded with a firm no, and Finegan took the floor on the issue.

“When government gives you something, government can easily retract that benefit that is given,” Finegan said.

From the liberal side, Khan disagreed.

“Education is the universal equalizer,” he said.

“The right to a college education is fundamental for Americans if they want it,” Coleman said.

Following the panel debate, there was a Q & A portion from students in the audience. Questions arose regarding controversial topics such as gun control and the deficit.

“An increase in spending is leading to an increase in deficit,” Finnegan said.

“The audience was very engaged in the discussion and asked great challenging questions,” Associate Dean of Students Kari Conrad said.

The auditorium was fairly packed, and Conrad was happy with the event turnout. 

“I was impressed with the knowledge base from both teams. I think both sides were well prepared and presented issues from their particular perspectives. Additionally, it was clear that Bucknell students are passionate about the election,” Conrad said.

Kerong Kelly
Writer

The Bucknell Brigade held its third annual “Making it to Managua” 5k race in Lewisburg, Pa. on Nov. 4. The Bucknell Brigade was formed 13 years ago in order to help rebuild Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch.

 “It was really cold out, but it was great to see so many people out supporting early in the morning,” Jon Drouin ’15 said.

At the event, there was coffee and doughnuts for the supporters and racers, and there were smaller goods for sale to raise money for Nicaragua.

“The 5k is a great way for the Brigade to raise money and awareness for our upcoming trip to Nicaragua. We are so excited to go and we’re glad we can share some of this excitement with the community,” Kasha Scott ’14 said.

The slogan “Making it to Managua: 2073 miles” is representative of the distance to Nicaragua.

“I’d say the race was definitely a success. We raised around $1,500 for the brigade’s work in Nicaragua. I think I speak for everyone involved with the brigade when I say that we really appreciate everyone coming out in the cold to help us raise money,” Chloe Drennen ’15 said.

Siobhan Murray
Senior Writer

University students “Rocked the Vote” on Nov. 6 at two on-campus voting locations, Larrison Dining Hall and the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.

Bucknell Student Government’s (BSG) Rock the Vote student voter registration contest, along with other campus initiatives, such as campus radio WVBU’s election night coverage and Monday night’s student debate, all sought to cover the issues leading up to the national election and increase student voter turnout.

Rock the Vote pitted each class year against one another to see who could get the most students to register to vote.

The Class of 2016 won the contest by registering 213 voters. Students in the winning class will receive a 20 percent off coupon for the Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

Behind the winning class, the Class of 2015 registered 169 student voters; the Class of 2014 registered 143 voters and the Class of 2013 registered 128 voters.

As Pennsylvania college students, students could have either chosen to either register to vote in Union County and voted in person at one of the designated polling places, or students could have registered using their current permanent home address via an absentee ballot.

Some students had to travel to off-campus locations to vote, depending what district their address was in.

David Blaides ’15, who lives on Saint George Street, found out upon arriving at Larrison Hall that he would have to cast his ballot at the nearby Lewisburg Court House.

“I didn’t really mind, but I wish I had known beforehand. I think that they did a good job of promoting voting early on, though, and as a non-Pennsylvania resident, I knew I had to be more aware of the campus voting opportunities. I appreciated the Rock the Vote initiative and things like the presidential student debate because it allows students to really learn about the issues before they vote,” Blaides said.

WVBU’s election night event, which took place at the Bison and featured live debates, discussion, entertainment and video elements, began at 7 p.m. and was simulcast via 90.5 FM and WVBU’s web stream at www.wvbu.com.

“I have been encouraged to see that many Bucknell students have been engaged in this year’s campaign, and I think it’s great that WVBU is going to provide a campus venue for information about the national election results as they unfold next week,” Scott Meinke, associate professor of political science, said.

These efforts resulted in another successful year for students casting ballots and exercising their right to choose.

“I think that, in general, college kids don’t vote enough, but there was a definite effort to get out the vote on campus,” Carolyn McPhee ’15 said.

Allison Busacca
Writer

The Gallery Theatre in the Elaine Langone Center was filled on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. with an audience eager to learn about the University’s Excavation in Thebes, Greece. Two University associate professors of classics, Kevin Daly and Stephanie Larson, gave the presentation on the University’s first two seasons of an archaeological dig (summers of 2011 and 2012) at the sanctuary of the Ismenian Apollo. Larson and Daly headed a select group of students along with several Penn State University students on a six-week long excavation. They spent hours each day digging in the Mediterranean sun at the Ismenion hill and an area to the northwest of the hill.

Daly began the presentation with “Thebes in Context,” a fascinating account of the mythology and history behind Thebes.

“[Thebes is] ground zero for much of Greek mythology,” Daly said.

He explained the importance of “how myth informs archaeology and vice versa.” Thebes is the birthplace of Hercules and Oedipus, where the alphabet originated and an ancient Greek power. With its historical and mythical presence, it is a natural site for excavation.

Larson continued the presentation with a discussion on some of the excavation team’s discoveries. One of her favorite discoveries was late sixth/early seventh century BCE Byzantine graves which revealed vessels and bones. Also of interest to the group was a red-figure askos, a vase depicting a scene of two humans fighting two sphinxes. The group also cleaned the southwestern side of a temple to restore it.

Jen Weber ’13, who went on the 2012 season, called the trip “one of the most unique summer experiences” she’s ever had. Even though the days were hot and required a lot of physical labor, she said the “anticipation that you might find something really awesome in a trench at any time during the day” kept her going. Digging the graves was “the most interesting and challenging part” of the excavation.

Larson and Daly explained how they get their digs started in Greece. First, they have to get the locals on board. They have to get approval to do these digs from the local Greeks through the Central Archaeological Council of the Greek Ministry of Culture. They must also agree that the knowledge of the material and what they find belongs to the Greek state. All the artifacts must stay in Greece to respect their community and history. Second, they need funding. Their largest funder is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Additional funding comes from the University and other contributions, including The Gladys Delmas Foundation and the Loeb Library Foundation.

The presentation was complete with pictures and maps of the area, detailing the work the excavation team did.

“Professors Larson and Daly gave a really wonderful presentation that explained why it’s important both to us and to current archaeological studies,” Weber said.

The third season will go from June 17 to July 26 in 2013. 

“[I am] looking forward to opening up a new area right above the ancient temple and continuing to explore the second millennium BCE tomb we found last year,” Larson said.

Sara Blair Matthews
News Editor

In the wake of Sandy’s aftermath, Duane Griffin, associate professor of geography, discussed the meteorological aspects of the storm.

Why wasn’t Hurricane Sandy as bad as anticipated?

“Actually, it followed the National Weather Service predictions pretty closely. We got less rain than we might have because the storm had a very unusual structure and sucked in a lot of dry air from Canada as it moved inland. That tempered the rainfall amounts. Also, the eye of the storm started falling apart as it moved inland, decreasing the pressure gradient, which is what drives the wind. We still had some high gusts. One of them snapped off a good-sized pine tree in the grove and a few others around campus. But otherwise, we were pretty lucky. ”

What was different about last year’s storm?  Why did so much flooding occur?

“Short answer: more rain last year, and a track that dumped more of that rain into the Susquehanna tributaries.”

Is Lewisburg more or less susceptible than the surrounding areas to flooding?

“It depends on what you mean by ‘surrounding areas.’ Since we’re on the river, we’re more susceptible than the areas away from it. We don’t have a flood wall or levee like Sunbury does, so we’re more susceptible than they are.”

Should we expect any other hurricanes coming our way in the near future or is the storm season pretty much finished?

“No idea. Every April, Colorado State University releases a seasonal hurricane forecast. They’ve got a decent track record, and they predicted 14 named Atlantic Storms this year. But Sandy was the 19th named storm this year, and the hurricane season runs through November. We’ll see. ”

Helpful resources to track hurricanes include nhc.noaa.gov and boatus.com/hurricanes.

Sara Blair Matthews
News Editor

Hurricane Sandy hit the Lewisburg area from, causing the University to cancel classes and shut down campus offices starting at 2 p.m. on Oct. 29. Classes resumed and offices reopened at noon on Oct. 30. Dining services closed from 8 p.m. on Oct. 29 to 8 a.m. on Oct. 30. The Elaine Langone Center and Switchboard remained open. Parking restrictions resumed at 6 a.m. on the morning of Oct. 31.

Students were advised to avoid the Route 15 tunnel and the St. George Street tunnel in the case of flooding.

“With high wind gusts, please watch for flying debris, including trees and limbs,” the Campus Center said.

The Grove on lower campus was closed as a precaution due to high winds and falling debris.

“We appreciate your taking every step to keep yourself and others safe … and informed on this storm and its impact on campus,” President John Bravman said.

The University also made use of social media outlets, such as Twitter and Facebook to provide emergency updates. These pages can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/BucknellU and https://twitter.com/BucknellU.

On Oct. 31, Bravman sent out a campus wide email entitled “Help Those Hurt by Hurricane Sandy,” in which he urged alumni, parents, faculty, staff and students to support students in urgent need at this time.

“We Bucknellians are especially pained by this [storm] because we know that many alumni, parents and students of our University community call the corridor that has suffered the greatest their home,” he said. “We encourage all Bucknellians to do what they can to support the Red Cross and other aid agencies providing help … thank you for anything and everything you can do to support urgent relief efforts that help … all who are struggling through the hardships this storm has caused.”