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the Seahawk | NEWS | February, 2005
Tsunami aid efforts continue on campus
Ashley Murphy
Staff Writer
In order to help the UNCW community to
understand the tsunami better, the Division
of Academic Affairs held a tsunami panel
discussion on Feb 4.
With the death toll of the December 26
tsunami reaching over 300,000, many still
struggle to come to grips with a tragedy of
such magnitude.
The discussion was moderated by Stephen
Meinhold and included presentations from
UNCW professors Lewis Abrams, Paige Tan,
Soo Kim, Ronald Sizemore, Chris Dumas,
and Carrie Clements.
The discussion gave both the presenters
and attendees an outlet to discuss the implica
tions of tragedies like these.
Through Power Point presentations and
a question and answer period, the panel
gave information on many different aspects
of the tsunami. Presenters discussed the
scientific aspects of the tsunami, as well as
social, economic, psychological and health
related issuesthat could arise from the tsu
nami disaster
In addition, other aspects of the tsunami
were discussed that are commonly overlooked.
One of these was the effect of the tsunami on
the governments of the devestated countries.
Many of affected countries such as Indonesia
and Thailand, have just adopted new forms of
government, which will also have to be rebuilt
after the tsunami.
Also discussed by the panel were the dif
ferent relief efforts that are being provided to
tsunami victims. Clements pointed out that
donations and relief efforts will be needed not
only now, but for years to come. “A good idea
would be to split your contributions between
now and five years from now,” she said.
Tan also suggested that people educate
themselves on an organization before making
a donation. She recommends donating to an
organization that is doing ground work in the
effected countries. “Try to learn as much as
you can about an organization,” she said.
For students, faculty or staff interested in
donating to this cause, contact the Center for
Leadership Education and Service or Student
Government Association Vice President Mike
LeClair @ mrl5962@uncw.edu.
UNCW
geology
professor Lewis
Abrams speaks
on the causes
and effects of
the tsunami
that struck
across the
Indian ocean In
a tsunami panel
discussion on
Feb. 4.
Page GamtM# I THE SEAHAWK
from DIVERSITY page 1
completed - the creation of a Diversity
Recruitment/ Marketing Plan, and the cre
ation of the Diversity Advisory Council,
which will be in charge of monitoring the
plan.
A number of administrative steps remain,
but the majority of the Diversity Initiative
Plan’s objectives rely on student interest and
involvement. “Anything that students can do
to encourage interaction with students from
diverse backgrounds, in and out of class will
greatly enhance the level of diversity,” said
Carter.
Not everyone feels that increased diversity
will necessarily enhance the UNCW com
munity. “I know it’s not a diverse campus, but
I don’t think it matters, people will matricu
late here that want to come regardless,” said
Joe Petit, a UNCW student.
Campus diversity refers not only to
minority presence but also to the diversity of
socioeconomic, regional, and cultural back
grounds, community involvement, awareness
and sensitivity enhancement, and academic
curriculum.
Exposure to this range of experiences can
better prepare students for life after college.
“It is a tremendous disservice to be in an edu
cational setting where you can not experience
diversity,” said Dr. Deborah Brunson, Interim
Director of Campus Diversity.
At the beginning of next fall, a campus
climate survey will be conducted to assess
the progress of the plan. Though it appears
that the Diversity Initiative Plan has gotten off
to a good start, the full effects of the plan are
not expected to be fully recognized until the
2008-2009 academic year.
The Diversity Initiative Plan will cost
approximately $210,000 over the next four
years. You can learn more about it via the link
on the UNCW home page.
UNCW
The Honors Scholars Progam at
University of North Carohna Wilmington
Presents
a
The Impossible Will Take a
Little While:
Hope In a Time of Fear^*
Paul Loeb, Lecturer and Author
Thursday, February 10, 2005 7:00 P.M.
Morton Hall Auditorium on the UNCW Campus
Free and Open to the Public! Call 962-4181 for more information
•Author of several works including.
Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time. Generation
at the Crossroads: Apathy Action on the American Campus, and
his newest book on political hope. The Impossible Will Take a Little While
•Affiliate scholar at Seattle's Center for Ethical Leadership
Honors Scholar! Spring Speaker U spowiorod by the Honors Scholsra Program, wnh the Cnllcgc of Art*
and Sciencc&, the Division of Academic Affiursi, the Division of Student Affaini, Univcraity Housing, Center
for Leadership Ediualioo and Sctvkc, The Center for Teaching Excclieoce. Learning Comiwioities, General
College, the Dqwtmcntit of psychology, chcmiitiy, cfcativc writing, and political scicncc. Leadership Studia
Minor, and the student orgsnteations; the Honors Schobini Assocution, Political Scicncc Club. Bpiscopal Campus
Ministry. People Recognizing Individual Differwicea F.xist, UNCW College Democrats, and the Housii^ md
ResideiKe Life A^iiociation.
UNCW is an liHtVAA traSitutiufi Accommodfttiottit for {tisatnfAkii tmy be rei{ues(0(i by cc*nbu:Itii£ Scrv»e«i.
Turocr 962'i746 three to die evtW
What’s your scholarship?
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