News

News

Interest in China grows at AU, abroad

By Kyra Smerkanich | April 24

Learning Chinese is growing in popularity among American University students, demonstrating the prominent role China has taken in international politics and business and showing the push the Chinese government is making in introducing new language programs.

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Discussion encourages global peace initiatives

By Tiffany Heimbuch-Maybee | April 24

World leaders must learn to focus equally on local and global scales in the pursuit of peace, according to Betty Reardon, an international peace promoter who spoke to students Saturday at an AU Creative Peace Initiatives event. Abdul Aziz Said, professor of international peace and conflict resolution, also offered his comments about teaching for global citizenship.

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Campus brief: Katxen Museum caters weekend event to children

By Kate Oczypok | April 24

The AU Museum in the Katzen Arts Center held its first "Kids at the Katzen Day" Saturday afternoon, according to American Weekly. The event featured Puerto Rican photographer Norma Quintana, whose exhibition runs through May 7 at the Katzen. She discussed what her work meant to her and also helped the youths think about themselves as portrait subjects.

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World briefs

April 24

7.7-magnitude earthquake rocks Siberia A large earthquake struck the sparsely populated region of Siberia in Eastern Russia at 12:30 p.m. local time Friday, the AP reported. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake registered a 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale.

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Volunteers landscape campus

By Kendra Garstka | April 20

Students and faculty invested in the upkeep of campus as part of Campus Beautification Day Tuesday, which AU Director of Facilities Management Willy Suter called a "celebration of the AU community." Campus Beautification Day is an annual event that generally occurs the week before the spring Freshman Day.

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National briefs

April 20

Former student found dead in Ore. Evian DiStefano, a former AU student, was found dead on a forest road east of Portland, Ore., last Thursday, according to the Mail Tribune, a southern Oregon news source. A passer-by discovered DiStefano's body shortly after midnight on an access road through Mount Hood National Forest to the Columbia Gorge, Multnomah County Sheriff's Lt.

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Police blotter

By Lauren Gardner | April 20

Wednesday, April 12 A computer monitor was reported stolen in Mary Graydon Center. Officers responded and are still investigating. Thursday, April 13 Two individuals reported having items taken from their locker in Jacobs Fitness Center. The items have not been recovered.

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D.C. Council candidates discuss schools, health

By Jimm Phillips | April 20

Four candidates vying for seats on the D.C. City Council debated the best way to provide students with opportunities to excel and constituents with equal health care facilities at a forum held at Woodrow Wilson High School Tuesday. Councilmembers Kathy Patterson, D-Ward 3, and Vincent Gray, D-Ward 7, who are candidates for Council chair, as well as Councilmember Phil Mendelson, D-At Large, and former D.

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Eye solution linked to fungus

By Kyra Smerkanich | April 20

Fusarium, a fungal infection that can cause red or swollen eyes, blurry vision and blindness may be linked to the usage of ReNu eye contact solution. According to the Food and Drug Administration, there have been 109 cases of suspected fusarium that are currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and public health officials in 17 states.

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SPA sophs fundraise to build Africa school

By Elyse Franko | April 20

The School of Public Affairs Leadership Sophomore Class is co-sponsoring a dance on April 21 to raise money to build a school for AIDS orphans in Uganda. According to the World Health Organization, Uganda is one of a few countries to have experienced a decrease in HIV/AIDS prevalence in the past 15 years.

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Cities attract college grads

By Rebecca Kern | April 20

A new analysis by The Associated Press shows that increasing numbers of college graduates are heading to large cities in search of jobs and housing. Trisha Reichler, a professor in AU's literature department, said she came to D.C. as a student at the George Washington University.

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Metro briefs

By Ryan Grannan-Doll | April 20

GW moves aid costs to donors George Washington University is trying to counteract increased operational costs by shifting some financial aid costs away from the university budget and passing them on to donors. Funds raised through GW's advancement office can now be used toward financial aid, relying less on tuition funds.

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Talent show kicks off Spring Fling

By Brian Kalish | April 20

AU's first ever Spring Fling event began last night with a talent show in the Woods-Brown Amphitheater, co-sponsored by Eagle Nights. Six groups performed in front of nearly 200 students who could then purchase tickets to vote for their favorite groups. All proceeds benefited the newly created Student Media Collective, comprised of The Eagle; The Talon, AU's yearbook; American Word, the online student paper; and American Literary, AU's literary journal.

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Campus calendar

By Kate Oczypok | April 20

Thursday, April 20 "Civilian Defense Counsel Trying Courts-Martial in Combat Conditions" 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., WCL room 101 Participants will relate their experiences defending courts-martial in dangerous locations, such as wartime Iraq, Vietnam and Afghanistan.

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Palestinian Awareness Week

By April Astor | April 20

A white tent erected on the quad last Monday marked the beginning of the fourth annual Palestine Awareness Week on AU's campus, and symbolizes the plight of Palestinian refugees. AU Students for Justice in Palestine staffed the tent all week, providing information on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict along with Palestinian food and music.

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Candy used to protest Minn. eviction of Easter Bunny

By Kate Oczypok | April 13

A decision to evict the Easter Bunny in the St. Paul, Minn., City Hall has caused Marshmallow Peeps to multiply outside the building of St. Paul, Minn., City Hall, resulting in a controversy surrounding the upcoming Easter holiday. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that the furor began after St.

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Campus calendar

By Kate Oczypok | April 13

Thursday, April 13 Making the Most of Your Benefits Brown Bag Lunch: Building Your Financial Future Noon-1 p.m., Mary Graydon Center, room 5 Learn about the importance and advantages of early retirement planning with particular emphasis on maximizing retirement plan contributions.

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