THE DAILY ATHENAEUM
“Little good is accomplished without controversy, and no civic evil is ever defeated without publicity.”
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Friday April 12, 2013
Volume 125, Issue 132
www.THEDAONLINE.com
Project to preserve WVU memories by alyssa pluchino staff writer
As the spring semester of 2013 comes to an end, many seniors will experience the moment they’ve all been working toward: graduation. While the diploma signifies accomplishment and perseverance, it also means the students’ time at West Virginia University has come to an end.
Thanks to the WVU Heritage Project, students will always have access to their favorite Mountaineer moments. The Heritage Project is an online collection of memories that are submitted by WVU alumni and students. “The WVU Heritage Project began in 2011 when then Vice President for University Relations Chris Martin wanted to capture the histories of
Spring Family Weekend coming to WVU By Meghan bonomo Staff writer
West Virginia University students and their families are invited to enjoy this year’s Spring Family Weekend April 12-14 to get a taste of what it is to be a Mountaineer. Spring Family Weekend is an annual event designed to give families the opportunity to visit their student and experience Morgantown’s atmosphere for a few days from a student’s perspective. “There are lots of activities planned this weekend for families of WVU students,” said Sabrina Cave, executive director of the Mountaineer Parents Club. “We know our students are more successful when their families know what is happening on campus. Knowing what is happening, allows them to be supportive.” Visiting family members have the opportunity to participate in just a few of the many opportunities students have available to them through the University. Free admittance to the Student Recreational
Center will be available to family members, as well as access to the WVUp All Night program, cultural and athletic events and more. “Spring Family Weekend is a great time for parents to visit and interact with their student, all while getting a feel for what life is like on campus,” Cave said. “Events have been planned for the whole family.” Families are invited to take part in tours, which will be conducted Friday at 10 a.m. and noon, as well as to attend class with their students upon instructor approval, shop at the bookstore, utilize the Rec center and participate in WVUp All Night. “Spring Family Weekend isn’t as structured as Fall Family Weekend, (thereby) allowing families lots of time to explore campus and the Morgantown community with their students,” Cave said. “It’s important for families to see their student’s ‘new’ home.” Saturday will feature Robotics Day, a
see family on PAGE 2
Student org fundraiser to benefit third-world children By Madison Fleck staff writer
A group of West Virginia University students will be adding Mexican flair to their efforts in improving health in third-world countries. WVU’s chapter of Circle K, a branch of the Kiwanis organization, will be selling tacos in a bag today. All proceeds will go toward The Eliminate Project, which aims to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus in emerging nations. Tetanus claims the lives of nearly 60,000 babies and a significant number of women each year, according to the Kiwanis website. The effects of the disease are excruciating, because newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch.
To eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, more than 100 million mothers must be immunized. This requires vaccines, syringes, safe storage, transportation and thousands of skilled staff. It will take $110 million to vaccinate mothers– not to mention the efforts from UNICEF and Kiwanis. “It’s around $1 per vaccination for every mother, and it not only prevents her from contracting tetanus, but it also keeps her from passing it on to her child,” said Amna Kahn, WVU junior and Circle K president. “When an infant doesn’t receive the vaccination, it dies soon after it’s born.” Kahn worked to help revive the WVU Circle K chapter when she was a
see circle on PAGE 2
65° / 45°
SOCIAL PRIVACY?
INSIDE
With today’s wired society, it’s difficult to keep things private. OPINION PAGE 4
AM SHOWERS
News: 1, 2 Opinion: 4 A&E: 3, Sports: 7, 8, 10 Campus Calendar: 5 Puzzles: 5 Classifieds: 9
Mountaineers,” said Diana Mazzella, communications specialist with University Relations. “As told in their own words, she was especially concerned that as our older alumni passed away, the University would lose their stories that helped to make up WVU’s rich history. “She presented it to the WVU Alumni Association and WVU Graduates Emeritus – those who graduated
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“Students at WVU are living and learning in the same place as students who lived through World War II and the Cuban Missile Crisis or went on to play in the NFL or found a Fortune 500 company.” The site currently has more than two dozen interviews uploaded, with stories from alumni who graduated as far back as 1945. One alumnus who sub-
mitted is Doug Skaff, “the original Mountaineer Maniac.” Skaff was elected student body president in 1999 when he and a group of friends decided West Virginia University needed a student athletic boosters club. It had become quite popular at other universities, and Skaff felt West Virginia University needed a special union that would
see heritage on PAGE 2
A CUP OF DIVERSI-TEA
Wythe Woods/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM
Psychology student Yudheesha Ekanaya (second from left) serves Sri Lankan mango tea from her table at Thursday’s Diversi-Tea event.
Fourth annual Diversi-Tea sparks cultural exchange, understanding By Cody Schuler Managing Editor
Although getting to know another person and their culture may seem like a momentous task, the West Virginia University Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has discovered it only takes a pairing of two simple ingredients: tea and conversation. The fourth annual Diversi-Tea event took place in the Mountainlair Ballrooms Thursday, giving students and the University community a chance to share their culture with one another by way of tasty teas and delicious treats. It also served as a platform to recognize individuals and groups in the community who have fostered inclusion and understanding. Five WVU international students set up booths with tea from their home country, ready to give instructions to attendees about how to best enjoy their native tea. Hazrat Noori, an Afghan finance student, said the Diversi-Tea event serves the dual purpose of meeting new people and representing his culture. “The best part about (the event) is introducing (my culture) to the society here. Most of the heads of different departments are participating here, so it’s a good networking (event),” he said. “It’s a great feeling to represent my country. “It’s a good opportunity for people to taste what different cultures prefer and how they like their
see diversi-tea on PAGE 2
Wythe Woods/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM
Chinese students serve three types of tea to an attendee of Thursday’s DiversiTea event.
Redding, Zuccari reminisce on time in office By Carlee Lammers & Evelyn Merithew da staff
Zach Redding and Jarred Zuccari know with great power comes great responsibility. Redding, a political science student and former Student Government Association president, and Zuccari, a multidisciplinary student and former SGA vice president, said their year in office was filled with chal-
lenge, triumph and powerful learning opportunities. “There is no way to explain the type of experiences gained from a position like student body president. In the blink of an eye, you are representing 30,000-plus students,” Redding said. “The experience is like no other.” Zuccari said he enjoyed being able to interact with West Virginia University students and serve as their voice on campus.
“The best part for me is meeting new people and having the opportunity to help them. It’s very rewarding knowing that I’ve made a difference,” he said. This year the two actively worked to remove the $500 cap for student organization grant proposals and helped increase voter turnout for the annual SGA election with the “Rock the Vote” campaign, among other achievements. “Our administration
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50 or more years ago – and they endorsed it.” Whether one has just become a Mountaineer or has been one for several decades, the Heritage Project invites everyone to record a video, or submit a picture or message to reflect on years spent in Morgantown. “When you listen to the stories, you realize how connected we all are to each other,” Mazella said.
ON THE INSIDE Senior safety Darwin Cook will look to provide the West Virginia secondary with experience and skill this season. SPORTS PAGE 7
made it possible for over 1,600 students to register to vote using WVU’s first ever TurboVote system. We were able to work with dining services to structure a new meal plan,” Redding said. “Having the ability to consistently help your constituents, day in and day out, you have the opportunity to hear people’s problems, issues or concerns, where they can see
see sga on PAGE 2
KEEPING THE RAKE The West Virginia baseball team will look to keep its recent momentum when it travels to Liberty for a three-game series. SPORTS PAGE 7
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