Haiti relief efforts inspire the campus
Kristin Travagline
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Cover Story
Several relief events have already taken place. A general interest meeting was held on Jan. 25. Those who attended addressed the efforts taking place, the goals on which the college should focus, and the plans the college has for the future. Richard Chrisman, director of Religious and Spiritual Life, estimated that 25-to-30 people attended the meeting and there was a "good mix of students, staff and faculty."
Chrisman emphasized the importance of being in spiritual solidarity with Haiti. "To just observe the moment is very important. It makes the whole impossible thing a little more real. It is so horrible that you suddenly become inert. Prayer activates the soul," he said.
Chrisman plans on eventually designating one hour per week in the chapel for students to informally meditate and pray. The theme for the hour will be "Pray for Haiti, Pray for the World."
On Feb. 1 a Teach-In was held in the Spa. Faculty gave informal speeches on Haitian culture and history. Almost all of the seats in the Spa were filled. In addition to other faculty members, Professor Aldo Vacs of the Government Department spoke about Haiti's historical relationship with the United States. Professor Lisa Aronson of the Art History Department spoke about Haitian visual culture. Kennelly expressed a hope that the Teach-In will be "the first in a number of lectures, panels and visitors."
Professor Jordana Dym, director of Latin American Studies, recalled, "A student said to me 'I care, but it didn't really affect my daily life.' Our day to day life is the same, so how do we retain the sense of urgency?" By trying to educate about Haiti, instead of focusing solely on fundraising, faculty hope to keep Haiti in the forefront of students' minds. In keeping with these efforts, faculty dedicated five minutes of their class time on Feb. 2 to discuss Haiti. If students wish to learn more about Haiti, a book display is presently available in the library.
Chrisman emphasized the importance of being in spiritual solidarity with Haiti. "To just observe the moment is very important. It makes the whole impossible thing a little more real. It is so horrible that you suddenly become inert. Prayer activates the soul," he said.
Chrisman plans on eventually designating one hour per week in the chapel for students to informally meditate and pray. The theme for the hour will be "Pray for Haiti, Pray for the World."
On Feb. 1 a Teach-In was held in the Spa. Faculty gave informal speeches on Haitian culture and history. Almost all of the seats in the Spa were filled. In addition to other faculty members, Professor Aldo Vacs of the Government Department spoke about Haiti's historical relationship with the United States. Professor Lisa Aronson of the Art History Department spoke about Haitian visual culture. Kennelly expressed a hope that the Teach-In will be "the first in a number of lectures, panels and visitors."
Professor Jordana Dym, director of Latin American Studies, recalled, "A student said to me 'I care, but it didn't really affect my daily life.' Our day to day life is the same, so how do we retain the sense of urgency?" By trying to educate about Haiti, instead of focusing solely on fundraising, faculty hope to keep Haiti in the forefront of students' minds. In keeping with these efforts, faculty dedicated five minutes of their class time on Feb. 2 to discuss Haiti. If students wish to learn more about Haiti, a book display is presently available in the library.
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oy
posted 2/05/10 @ 5:55 PM EST
Do any of you realize that the picture wrapped around the donation jar is a map of Haiti. WTF?
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