WEDNESDAY | 4.4.12 MaceandCROWN.COM | Vol. 54, Issue 22
Bike & Build FOUR ODU STUDENTS ARE IN FOR THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME By: Derek Page News Editor
For most students, summer is a time for lounging around the pool, soaking up some rays and maybe enjoying a drink or two before it‘s back to school for more lectures. However, Emily Uperti, Cassi Patterson, Becky Holgate and Jacob Richardson aren’t like most students. This summer, these four seemingly average Old Dominion University students will be having a not-so-average summer as they venture out on a cross country bicycle trip as part of a philanthropic program, Bike & Build, based in Philadelphia. Bike & Build is a service oriented bicycling trip for young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 to engage with local communities and help with constructing affordable housing systems. “Community service means a lot to me, but I’ve never done something
SGA Election Results see A3
quite as daunting as Bike & Build. This organization has you committed to an entire summer of service which is the coolest thing ever,” said Uperti. According to the Bike & Build website, “Bike & Build envisions future generations who are committed to a lifetime of civic engagements and who inspire individuals and communities to create fair, decent housing for all Americans.” The program requires participants to complete 10 hours in “sweat equity,” working with an affordable housing organization before they begin their summer trek, so riders know what to expect when they arrive at job sites. The four decided they would volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads. Uperti said having the opportunity to be involved in projects multiple times over the summer gives her butterflies. “Going to the build site and hearing about who the house is going to is a continued on A3
ODU’s Spring Career Fair see B2
(from left to right) Emily Uperti, Becky Holgate, Jacob Richardson and Cassi Patterson will bike cross country this summer as part of a community service program, Bike & Build.
ODU Dance Team: Dynasty Dancers see C1
ODU Presents: Robert Putnam Author and Harvard professor speaks on religious trends in our society
Dr. Robert Putnam of Harvard University promoting his new book, “American Grace: How Religion Unites and Divides Us.”
Inside the Mace: Volunteer Athletes: Old
Dominion’s Rowing Club By: Matthew McCracken Sports Editor
Some students are not fortunate enough to receive a scholarship for a sport, but that doesn’t mean they lose their love for athletics. Old Dominion’s rowing club is a perfect example. continued on C2
Team Player Rebecca Hartrum see C3 By: Andrew Tompkins Staff Writer Prestigious author and Malkin professor of public policy at Harvard University Robert D. Putnam spoke Thursday night to a packed room at the Ted Constant Center. Putnam’s lecture addressed the growing metamorphosis that religious attitudes have undergone in recent decades. Promoting his newest book “American Grace: How Religion Unites and Divides Us,” Putnam spoke primarily on topics covered in his book. Backed up by data collected from his own research team over the course of several years and in collaboration with existing research from past decades, Putnam talked not on theology, but about religious trends, diversity and tolerance in America. His lecture explained how religious trends have a profound effect on the political and sociological climate of society and how the influences run much deeper than most people realize. While his lecture addressed key subjects about the correlation between religion and political views, Putnam emphasized the extraordinary tolerance Americans have for other religions. A substantial part of his lecture focused on how American values change much quicker than most other nations or cultures. With records and data that go back to the 1950s, Putnam explained how American attitudes toward things can essentially do a 180-degree turn in terms of popularity in only a couple years and that there are “shockwaves” from these social movements that have a lasting impact on future generations.
“American Idol” vs. “The Voice” see D2 The rate at which these changes take place is something that is unique to our culture and country. Putnam is an esteemed Harvard academic and has published over 12 books that have been translated into over 20 languages. He is seen as one of the leading sociological and public policy academics in the world. In addition he has received numerous industry leading awards including the Johan Skytte Prize, which is the most prestigious international award for achievements in political science. In addition he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the British Academy, and former president of the American Political Science Academy. He is most famous for his 2000 best-selling book “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.” The book received nationwide praise from academics within the field of social sciences. “Bowling Alone” addressed the decline of “social capital” in American society and the subsequent effect it has had on active civil engagement. “As we connect more in our private lives with different types of people our attitudes towards those types of people change which makes America a uniquely tolerant place,” Putnam explained. Putnam spoke as part of the ODU Presents lecture series. ODU Presents focuses on the university’s research initiatives and outreach efforts and features engaging speakers from a variety of disciplines. ODU Presents lecture series’ are open to the public as well as students and faculty and encourage participation.