For many of us, 10 years ago is the halfway point of our lives. The Eagle looked at its Jan. 22, 2001 issue to see what’s happened at AU, then and now.
THEN: Activists mobilize against Bush: “In a mass-mobilization effort reminiscent of last spring’s IMF/World Bank protests, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of downtown D.C. Saturday to challenge the fanfare for George W. Bush, the nation’s 43rd president.” NOW: AU students are mobilizing to counteract the Westboro Baptist Church’s picket set for Jan. 14.
THEN: Chemical weapons not found: “The Army Corps of Engineers found no chemical warfare agents during an excavation on campus this month, but results of soil tests for further arsenic contamination are pending and expected to reveal further arsenic contamination.” NOW: The Army Corps of Engineers will begin to dispose of about 100 munitions found behind Sibley Memorial Hospital this week.
THEN: Students question Gen Ed: “The General Education Review Committee, as part of its yearlong review of the program, is currently debating several changes concerning the structure of General Education classes and clusters.” NOW: The General Education program’s cluster system could be eliminated if the Faculty Senate and the provost approve proposed changes to the overall program.
THEN: A four-month wait for fries, AU McDonald’s opens its doors in the tunnel: “Following more than four months of construction and permit acquisition, a McDonald’s franchise opened last Monday in the tunnel at AU.” NOW: New restaurant Asian Flavors is supposed to open soon next to the UPS store in the tunnel.
THEN: AU and neighbors can compromise (OP-ED): “Every 10 years, the District of Columbia requires colleges and universities within the city of Washington to come up with a ten-year plan that forces them to outline their physical development programs for the next decade for submission to zoning officials for approval. Concerned neighbors along with citizens associations and the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions are involved in the process. Some institutions in their arrogance and their “we’ll do as we please” attitude have quickly found themselves involved in an acrimonious process that has at times led to litigation.” NOW: AU is about to present its draft Campus Plan to neighbors, which will include a proposed East Campus on the Nebraska Parking Lot.
— STEFANIE DAZIO
