Mace & Crown Nov 14

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WEDNESDAY | 11.14.2012 MaceandCROWN.COM | Vol. 55, Issue 11

By: Rae Parker Contributing Writer Mace & Crown What defines a “true citizen” was a key topic in the Veterans Day remembrance ceremony held Nov. 8, a celebration honoring service members who work to protect the country’s freedoms. Guest speaker Major General Peter Bayer, U.S. Army, said people earn their citizenship through active contributions. “It’s not okay to call yourself a citizen and merely obey the laws of the nation and pay your taxes. That is not citizenship,” he said. “Citizenship means that you give more than you receive and you do that through acts of service.” Bayer added that one does not have to be military affiliated to serve actively in the community. He encouraged those who aren’t currently serving their community in some way, to go out and do something positive. “My plea to the younger generation is that you must serve your country, your nation and your society,” said Bayer. America Luna, U.S. Army veteran and ODU undergrad, was a speaker for the Student Veteran’s Association (SVA). She also encouraged community members to get involved, noting the SVA as a great way to get started. The SVA at ODU is designed to accommodate the needs of students who are and were military affiliated and their families. Founded in December 2011, it officially became recognized as an ODU student organization in February 2012. It became an official chapter in March 2012. SVA membership is open to any student, faculty or staff who have a genuine interest to support the military and its members. It is

Veterans Day Ceremony

Old Dominion University honors the military

My plea to the younger generation is that you must serve your country, your nation and your society.

Bayer said military service is not the only thing one can do to serve their country. dedicated to providing assistance in the administration, mentoring programs, and events on and off campus that focus on military support and appreciation. Throughout the week, the ODU SVA members went to elementary schools to read to children and speak about their experiences as members of the Armed Forces.

The classes made posters that were delivered to the Veterans Association hospital in Hampton on Veterans Day. At the end of his speech, Bayer asked all the veterans and active duty members in attendance to stand for recognition of their service. He made particular recognition of Navy Captain Dick Whalen

(Ret.), Old Dominion University’s director of military activities, whom he said “is still an example of service some 40 years after he put on the uniform of the United States Navy.” The event was held in North Café of Webb Center and is one of many events planned in honor of American veterans and service members.

Veteran’s Day is something the university recognized with the highest regard. With two ROTC units and a quarter of the student body directly associated with the military, it’s no surprise the university has been named one of America’s most “Military-Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs.

International Education Week Features Numerous Events to Celebrate Cultural Diversity By: Andrew Tompkins Staff Writer Mace & Crown

Students from countries across the world will share in their experiences, heritage and customs during ODU’s International Education week. ODU honors International Education week from Nov. 12 through Nov.17, and will hold events sponsored by several cultural and ethnic student associations and groups. International Education week is described as a nationwide celebration of international exchange across all cultures around the globe. All events are open to the public and

traverse a variety of activities and speakers. International Education week gives students and staff a fun and easily accessible view into other cultures, and seeks to enlighten and broaden understandings of the many traditions, and beliefs, that make up the ODU community. International Education week commenced on Monday with the Diwali “Festival of Lights” at the Ted Constant Convocation center. India’s largest and most celebrated national holiday features the lighting of lamps and decorating of houses. Many Indians partake in a feast and bond together with close family and neighbors during the annual five day Diwali celebration.

Traditionally, lanterns and candles are lit up in homes and fireworks set off, to honor the holiday. The Diwali celebration at the Ted featured a variety of games and shows including bingo, raffles, an Indian themed fashion show, and cultural performances by both international and Indian students. Sponsored by the Indian Students Association the event was held as a celebration of Indian heritage, and a didactic for sharing cultural awareness. “We would like to give out knowledge about India, the festivals, the cultural diversity, promoting international integrity and intercultural engagement among several nationalities,” Indian Student Association’s Public Relations Officer Sai Tirumerla said. Additionally, the Muslim Student Association will sponsor two events including the

Islam Fair and the upcoming Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet Documentary and Panel. This will feature a documentary on the life of the Prophet, and a question and answer segment with the audience. Both events will seek to educate students about Islam and the Qura’an. President of the MSA Mazin Abuharaz addressed what they hope to accomplish through their events. “[We] hope to spread the sourced knowledge about the biography of the Prophet Muhammad and clear misconceptions about Islam, and enhance international students experience at ODU,” Abuharez said. Events for International Education week also include Emerging Issues in International Student and Scholar Exchange panel, Global Café: Austria, Soirée Poésie-An Evening of Poetry with the French club. Café 1201 will continued on A3


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