Good Stuff Ahead

No more breaks, no more holidays, (hopefully) no more snow days--it's seven straight weeks of school from now until mid May.

But before you get in an end-of-the-semester funk, remember all the interesting things happening on campus throughout April.    

Like politics?  Come hear what George P. Bush (son of Jeb, nephew of W.) has to say about the future of the Republican Party (Wednesday, April 10, 2 p.m.--College Center Building (CCB for short), Rms. 252-253).  You can also get former Congressman Mickey Edwards's take on how to make Congress less ornery and more collegial (Monday, April 22, 12:30 p.m.--CCB, Rms. 252-253).

April also brings discussions of very serious issues, including ones that everyone should know about.  The Women's Resource Center's annual symposium on Wednesday, April 17 includes a film, "The Invisible War" (9:30 a.m., CCB, Multipurpose Room), on the subject of sexual assault in the military. Though not an easy film to watch, it's definitely an important one.

The next day, Thursday, April 18, New York State Assemblywoman Michele Schimel will address another serious issue--reducing gun violence (10 a.m., Tower, 11th floor).   Gun control, one of the most pressing issues of our time, will also be the focus of Congressman Patrick Kennedy's talk, "Mental Health Policy and the Gun Control Debate," on Monday, April 29 (11 a.m., CCB, Rms. 252-253).  Be a part of both discussions.

Looking for something lighter?  Check out the Caribbean Students Organization's "A Taste of the Caribbean" program on Thursday, April 11 (11:30 a.m.--CCB, Upper Atrium).   Or catch former "Harper's Bazaar" editor Kate Betts's talk (see below) on the global style appeal of Michelle Obama on Wednesday, April 24 (11 a.m., CCB, Rms. 252-253).

And don't forget about the Programming Board's annual Springfest celebration on Tuesday, April 30 (10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) on the Quad (that large patch of grass in front of Nassau Hall).  There'll be free food, a band, games, prizes--a great way to close out April and welcome May.  

So yeah, there's lots of studying and hard work ahead.  But don't turn your back on campus life completely.  Otherwise you'll miss something educational or enlightening or inspiring. . . or just plain fun. 

                                            Interview with Kate Betts, author of Everyday Icon:
                                            Michelle Obama and the Power of Style.