News

News

Graduation speakers aim to inspire

By Kendra Garstka | May 1

Donald Graham, The Washington Post's chief executive officer; Michael Kahn, the Shakespeare Theater Company's artistic director; and Paul Volcker, former Federal Reserve Board chair, will speak at AU's 120th commencement ceremony May 14. Judge Vanessa Ruiz will deliver the commencement address at the Washington College of Law's graduation on May 21.

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National briefs

By Ryan Grannan-Doll | May 1

Congress authorizes increased Pell Grant funding Congress increased funding for the Pell Grant program Thursday by renewing the Higher Education Act, the Ohio State University's newspaper The Lantern, reported. The vote was down party lines, The Lantern reported.

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Rising gas prices alter summer travel plans

By Jimm Phillips | May 1

The recent hike in gasoline prices nationwide has caused concern among some AU students about how the rising cost of gas may affect their summer plans. As of April 29, the nationwide average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was approximately $2.

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Professor proposes I.D. system, dialogue to aid immigration issue

By Kendra Garstka | May 1

Robert Pastor, director for the Center for North American Studies at AU, serves as a role model because of his drive to work through seemingly impossible situations, his students and co-workers say. "I have never met anybody who is as respected and accomplished as he is in the political and academic spheres, yet remains devoted to his students and [is] highly accessible to anyone who seeks his advice," said Jeri Buzzetta, a senior who as a sophomore took Pastor's class "North America: Union or Community?" At AU, Pastor has five positions: vice president of international affairs, director of CNAS, creator of the Center for Democracy and Election Management, executive director on Commission on Federal Election Reform and professor.

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Thousands rally against Darfur genocide

By Carolyn Phenicie | May 1

A group of AU students joined thousands of protesters Sunday to culminate AU's Darfur Week of Action at the "Save Darfur: Rally to Stop Genocide" on the National Mall. AU students marched from the Federal Triangle Metro station to the National Mall, chanting, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, genocide has got to go!" to the confusion of tourists.

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MGC construction, falling profits lead to Jamba's closure

By Brian Kalish | May 1

The Mary Graydon Center will receive a 9,000 square foot addition at the end of this semester that will see new spaces added and the permanent closure of Jamba Juice. The bridge project, as it is known, will begin in late May, according to Michael Elmore, senior director of the University Center.

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Fair educates AU about consumer choices

By Megan Slack | May 1

Students in Charlene Gilbert's "Communication and Social Change" class held a Consumer Fair on the quad last Friday to educate students about the importance of practicing ethical buying habits. Those who stopped by the fair were invited to try samples from vendors that follow organic guidelines or use fair trade business models, like Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Honest Teas.

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Library celebrates end of the year with free coffee, cookies

By Jeannette Kimmel | May 1

Bender Library will host its end-of-the-semester Final Perk this Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. in The Mud Box, which will include a movie, giveaways and free coffee and cookies for students. "We're kind of going all out for this," said Nick Banovetz, assistant to the librarian.

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Taylor's mission continues

By Jess Reamy and Cait Douglas | May 1

Some initiatives of former President Kyle Taylor's administration are still ongoing, although the newly elected Student Government executives have been sworn into office, In his last act as president, Taylor vetoed the Meal Plan legislation passed last week.

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Controversy ensues over Sprinkle event accomodations

By Mike Scher | May 1

Sex brings out the best and the worst in people, said Aaron Tobler, president of the College of Arts and Sciences' Graduate Student Council at last Tuesday's Love Art Lab featuring former porn star Annie Sprinkle. Tobler was speaking of what he thought was a bias on the part of the University Center, which handles event scheduling and placement, to shut down the Annie Sprinkle event that he had helped to bring to campus.

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7 AU students, alums receive Fulbrights

By Lauren Gardner | May 1

Seven AU students and alumni are 2006 Fulbright scholars, and one student is an alternate, according to Francine Blume, acting executive director at the Career Center. The results are the culmination of a rigorous process that begins a year before the applicants can expect to hear if they have been selected, Blume said.

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Reflection marks SG transition ceremony

May 1

The Student Government transitioned into a new administration yesterday with a ceremony rich with praise for the outgoing executives and full of promises from the new student representatives. Incoming President Ashley Mushnick, a junior in the School of Public Affairs, acknowledged the "big shoes" she has to fill and commended the outgoing administration for professionalizing the SG.

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TSU president misues funds

By Rebecca Kern | May 1

Texas Southern University President Dr. Priscilla Slade has been accused of misusing school funds for personal expenses, in a situation similar to the misuse of American University funds by former President Benjamin Ladner. Slade was fired by the university for allegedly spending state funds amounting to $86,000 on furnishing her home, $138,000 on landscaping and exterior improvements and $56,000 on security-related equipment and labor, according to the Houston Chronicle.

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Campus organizations promote divestment

By Kyra Smerkanich | April 27

On-campus organizations designed to pressure university officials to divest from companies that do business in Sudan have spread to numerous campuses throughout the nation, including American University. "[Divestment] is a smart kind of activism that recognizes the role universities, and really money, can play," said Adam Gentleson, policy and advocacy manager for Campus Progress at the Center for American Progress.

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Students reflect on 40 years with the Kay Spiritual Life Center

April 27

SOC junior Joy Henry, a member of the AU Gospel Choir, sings along at the Kay Spiritual Life Center's 40th birthday celebration Monday. Students spoke about various religions and the Kay family was on hand to help celebrate the anniversary.

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WCL guest talks human rights law

By Elizabeth Royall | April 27

Human rights and international law have come far in the past 100 years, but the European Court of Human Rights still faces difficulties today, said Judge Luzius Wildhaber, president of the Court, at the Washington College of Law Friday. Approximately 100 WCL and AU students, professors and community members came to hear Wildhaber, who was introduced by Stephen Breyer.

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Albright's talk funny, reflective

By Josh Goodman | April 27

"Our intelligence was wrong," former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said of Kim Jong Il as she spoke to students in Bender Arena Wednesday night. "They told me he was crazy and a pervert. He's not crazy." This and other jabs at the world of diplomacy left students laughing in their seats during the final Kennedy Political Union event of the 2005-2006 academic year.

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