Forum highlights Boston’s history Renowned local writers gathered last Wednesday night to discuss the impact Boston has had on their lives and promote their book “The Good City: Writers Explore 21st Century Boston,” as part of the Ford Hall Forum series. Susan Orlean, author of the novel “The Orchid Thief,” Howard Bryant, sportswriter for the Boston Herald and Anita Diamant, author of the bestseller “The Red Tent” all spoke at the event. The three spoke about their experiences and love for the city of Boston. After talking to the crowd, the writers answered questions ranging from “What would happen if the Red Sox actually won?” to “Why does the city hate New York as much as it does?” The Ford Hall Forum series offers free public meetings every week.
Zinn, Chomsky cast their votes on election Noted intellectuals and authors Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky were critical of both the Bush administration and the U.S. government as a whole at a talk Monday night at Bunker Hill Community College. “This is the most dangerous administration we’ve had in quite some time, perhaps going back to the Bible,” said Zinn, a Boston University history professor who was active in both the civil rights and anti-Vietnam movements. Chomsky, professor of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, described the world as being at risk of “ultimate doom” if Bush is re-elected, which he said was an unexaggerated term. He cited both the militarization of space and a missile defense system that is set to be implemented in weeks. He said the militarization includes development of pinpoint weapons systems that can wipe out any place in the world at any time. Despite his criticism of Bush, Chomsky said Republicans and Democrats were both responsible for the current state of “non-democracy” in the United States. The event, a rare joint appearance by the two activists, was a benefit for the Homeless Empowerment Project.
Marine Science Center holds open house The university-operated Marine Science Center opened its doors to the public Saturday afternoon for its annual CoastWeeks open house. The facility, located on the peninsula of Nahant, drew over 200 people to the free event as part of a national effort to increase awareness and management of coastal resources. “It is targeted towards the community, especially families with younger kids,” said Administrative Officer Liza Genovese. Exhibits included hands-on tanks for children, displays of current research for adults and faculty and student-led tours. Visitors to the center were also invited to participate in the New England Dive Club’s annual CoastSweep beach cleanup of the center’s Canoe Beach Cove.
Enron ‘whistle blower’ to speak of integrity From Oct. 4-7, Northeastern will be hosting multiple events and speakers as part of Academic Integrity Week. The week is sponsored by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) and the Student Government Association (SGA). All of the week’s events are free of charge with giveaways at the Krentzman and library quadrangles, Centennial Commons and Crossroads. On Oct. 6, Enron “whistle blower” Sherron Watkins will be speaking at the CSC Ballroom starting at 4:30 p.m. The week will conclude with two open panel discussions on Thursday which will include faculty and student presenters. For more information on Integrity Week visit www.osccr.neu.edu/integrity.
Student Activities leaders promoted Brooke Tempesta, associate director of student activities, and John Silveria, associate director of leadership development, have been promoted to new positions that will “more closely align the office [of student activities] with the overall goals of Student Affairs,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Ed Klotzbier in an e-mail addressed to university members. Tempesta will be promoted to director of campus activities and programs while Silveria will be promoted to director of student leadership. The new responsibilities Tempesta and Silveria are set to take on will include expansions of old responsibilities. The promotions will take effective immediately.
Message boards up and running Finding where a building is located and what’s going on around campus just got a little easier with the debut of two new information boards on campus. The boards, located outside of Stetson East and on the Centennial Common, not only display campus maps, but have electronic scrolling message boards. The boards were a collaborative effort between the administration and the Student Government Association (SGA). Interim SGA President Erin McFadzen said “students have wanted more places to post their information, and Northeastern is really concerned with how aesthetically pleasing the campus is, so this was a good middle ground.” Emily Donahue, manager of communications and special projects in the Student Affairs Office, will be in control of the master calendar that sends the information to the electronic boards. The board information will be updated at least once daily and, in time, an online form will be developed so that students or student groups can send information they want posted to Donahue directly. “It’s for the students, so we’re going to try and focus on student centered events,” Donahue said.
Vice provost takes position at Suffolk After spending 15 years at Northeastern, Vice Provost for Faculty and Budget Patricia Meservey is leaving the university to take a position as provost and academic vice provost at Suffolk University. Meservey attended her final Faculty Senate meeting last Wednesday, and received applause for her years of dedication. “Leaving Northeastern is difficult … it has been a wonderful privilege to work with the Northeastern community. It is a strong, vibrant community and I will miss the people,” Meservey said.
