Recently on campus, many student organizations were responsible for an interesting series of events focusing on topics relevant to life outside of Lawrence. These events were made possible through the collaboration of numerous student organizations and university offices. We at The Lawrentian applaud the student organizations, university departments and all who were involved with the organization of these events.
Greenfire spearheaded the celebrations of Earth Week from April 17 to 26 with a calendar full of activities. Greenfire, the Class of 1965 Student Activities Grant, the Class of 1968 Peace and Social Activism Fund and the ERC Environmental Initiatives Grant brought environmental filmmaker Chris Paine to speak on campus April 26. Greenfire also sponsored a picnic, gardening in SLUG and the opening of the Magpie Thrift Store.
Many organizations also worked to sponsor Social Injustice and Genocide Awareness week, centered around Paul Rusesabagina’s April 25 speech. Rusesabagina’s visit was sponsored by the Provost, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Panhellenic Council and numerous other departments, student organizations and committees.
Amnesty International sponsored the Take Back the Night walk down College Avenue April 18. Take Back the Night aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Additionally, the university’s counseling services worked with the Fox Cities Sexual Assault Crisis Center to coordinate this year’s April 30 Walk A Mile in Her Shoes — a mile walk that gives men an opportunity to help end sexual violence.
Collaboration like this can help to break the infamous “Lawrence bubble.” These recent events demonstrate students interacting with staff, faculty and the community. Their cooperation brought numerous educational opportunities to campus which complement Lawrence’s liberal arts tradition well. We encourage student organizations to continue collaborative work like these events in the future, for the benefit of Lawrence and the Appleton community in general.