This is the Old WRGW District Radio News website. As of January 13th, 2014 all of the latest GW and local DC news can be found on our brand new website at: www.wrgwnews.com!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Auntie Anne's Adds a New Twist to J Street
by Chris Evans
The smell of freshly baked pretzels and cinnamon has taken over the Marvin Center, as
the newest J Street addition, Auntie Anne’s, opened today.
With today's grand opening and a promise of free pretzels from 11-3, crowds gathered in
J Street with the line wrapping around the corner. The shop, which has been under
construction for months, takes the location of where a smoothie and frozen yogurt place
stood last year. Some students like sophomore Marissa Price were initially reluctant of
the change.
"At first I was mad that they were putting it [Auntie Anne’s] in because it's not healthy
like the smoothie shop was," she said, "but it'll be a good decision."
The student reviews seemed to be all positive, following the free sample. Auntie Anne's
offers more than pretzels to the anticipating student body, including drinks such as their
popular lemonade, which senior Carly Litchfield described as "refreshing and all around awesome."
The new spot, perfect for a snack between classes, offers a variety of pretzels including
salted, garlic and onion, the always popular cinnamon, and the classic original.
Though spicing up J Street's snack options, Auntie Anne's is not affiliated with Sodexo,
the company that operates most of J Street's options. Many students echoed that they
found this to be a perk, including Price who said, "I like that it's independently owned, by a super friendly married couple, not Sodexo."
One of Sodexo's higher-up managers, who wished to remain anonymous, thinks that the
addition of Auntie Anne’s adds to the good mix in J-Street that the students ask for,
though he added, "We'll see how it goes after free pretzel day. The last shop [referring to the smoothie
shop] could not compete with local businesses, we'll see if this can."
The couple who manage the GW Auntie Anne's, a popular franchise, is feeding off the
energy of the students, many agreeing with senior Daniel Katton who took no hesitation
in saying, "This is hands-down the best thing that has ever happened to J Street. No debate."
"The Great Economic Debate" Comes to GW
by Myles Goldman
Students, faculty, and other policy makers were at GW's Jack Morton Auditorium in the School of Media and Public Affairs Building to listen to speakers like former Senator Alan Simpson and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles discuss the United States deficit and economy on Friday.
Simpson and Bowles, recently famous for co-chairing the nonpartisan "National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform" were speaking as part of an event entitled "The Great Economic Debate." The event was co-hosted by "The Aaron Harber Show" and by The Democracy and Media Education Foundation.
The event was broken down into two sessions, a morning session which lasted four hours and an afternoon session which lasted five hours. Simpson and Bowles spoke during the morning session, while Dr. Alice Rivlin the Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank and U.N. Foundation President Tim Wirth were part of the afternoon session. The event consisted of speeches, two panel discussions and question and answer sessions
According to the event's website, harbertv.com, the goal of the event was to provide information to policy makers, elected officials and voters so that they could have more accurate information and help encourage elected leaders to take a leadership role on economic issues. The event organizers especially wanted college students to become more knowledgeable on economic issues.
Students, faculty, and other policy makers were at GW's Jack Morton Auditorium in the School of Media and Public Affairs Building to listen to speakers like former Senator Alan Simpson and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles discuss the United States deficit and economy on Friday.
Simpson and Bowles, recently famous for co-chairing the nonpartisan "National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform" were speaking as part of an event entitled "The Great Economic Debate." The event was co-hosted by "The Aaron Harber Show" and by The Democracy and Media Education Foundation.
The event was broken down into two sessions, a morning session which lasted four hours and an afternoon session which lasted five hours. Simpson and Bowles spoke during the morning session, while Dr. Alice Rivlin the Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank and U.N. Foundation President Tim Wirth were part of the afternoon session. The event consisted of speeches, two panel discussions and question and answer sessions
According to the event's website, harbertv.com, the goal of the event was to provide information to policy makers, elected officials and voters so that they could have more accurate information and help encourage elected leaders to take a leadership role on economic issues. The event organizers especially wanted college students to become more knowledgeable on economic issues.
"We believe it is important for students to understand how budget choices will affect them today and impact their future," Janet Martin Media Coordinator for "The Aaron Harber Show" said. "We recommend students not only get educated and stay informed about the Economy and budget issues, but also actively participate in the political and decision-making process."
The event was filmed for television and aired live online on Comcast's website.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
University Announces New Strategic Academic Plan
by Emma Thomson
Provost Steven Lerman and the Student Association hosted a town hall meeting yesterday to discuss with students the university's efforts to set a new strategic plan in effect this academic year.
The new strategic plan aims to consolidate the university from separate units into one, operating under one undergraduate admissions system. Under the new plan, applicants will apply to the university as a whole, rather than applying to specific school, such as the Elliot School or Columbian College.
This process follows the admissions model of many other prestigious universities such as Princeton, Stanford, and the University of Rochester, schools that Provost Lerman spoke about at the town hall.
The plan has been centralized around two questions: "What is the world going to look like in ten years?" and "What is GW good at?"
Provost Lerman emphasized the goal of preparing GW students for the work force, especially in an international market. In addition, Lerman stressed that the university is not wealthy, but can use its resources to improve already strong programs into world-class caliber ones. According to the provost, GW has a great advantage in its central location that connects it to institutions such as the World Bank, the Smithsonian Institution, and the State Department.
The new academic plan outlines four areas that connect the various units of the university: potential to be strong in globalization, governance and policy, innovation through cross-disciplinary studies, and citizenship and leadership. The plan seeks to connect the schools with common themes, such as the importance of policy to many GW programs. Cross-disciplinary studies can apply academic concepts to real world applications.
"Most of us are interested in how theory affects human condition," Lerman said. "Solutions to problems will not come from one discipline...but a holistic solution."
Provisions in the tentative strategic plan include calls to action regarding goals to foster interdisciplinary studies, create additional faculty positions, implement the "admit to one university" application model, build more graduate housing, create more opportunity for undergraduate research, and expand the career center.
Provost Lerman says the plan will make budget changes to increase the prosperity of already-successful academic programs, using monetary incentives to encourage schools to teach more undergraduate students. He gave the example of the university giving the law school incentives to teach undergraduates constitutional law.
A draft of the strategic plan should be ready October 1st, followed by discussion by the October 2nd faculty assembly and board of trustees meeting. How to pay for the new plan, which is expected to cost at least $100 million, is a top concern for students. Lerman said the money will come from the provost's office, the Innovation Task Force measures to consolidate university debt, and philanthropy. The plan is slated to go into effect February 2013 if approved by the board of trustees.
Many students voiced their concerns over the lack of student life measures in the strategic plan, citing desires to foster a greater sense of community and more school spirit. In addition, students asked for a stronger student voice and more involvement in administrative and board of trustees decisions.
This is the first strategic plan the school has made following the 2002 "Academic Excellence" campaign, which emphasized investments in specific parts of the university rather than the academic experiences as a whole. The previous plan selected twenty-two GW programs to receive funding. Since the program's implementation, only two investments have been discontinued. The new academic plan is meant to carry GW into its bicentennial in 2021.
For those unable to attend Tuesday's meeting, Provost Lerman announced university officials are organizing another town hall meeting in order to allow more students to participate.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
SA Moves Forward with Student Organization Allocations
by Michael Scarborough
The Student Association
convened Monday night for its second meeting of the year and focused its
discussions on welcoming three new Freshmen Senators, amending its bylaws and student
organization financial allocations.
Only one bill came to the
floor during the night, and it was postponed until an October 15 convening.
Relating to revisions to the senate by-laws, the bill became suspect to some
senators who were not entirely sure what the revisions were. Requesting a clear
list of changes made to the by-laws, senators motioned 15-11 to have more time
to read the bill.
Later on in the meeting Finance
Chair Alex Mizenko announced the recent completion of initial budget
allocations for student organizations. This year, the finance committee dispersed
among 295 student groups approximately 85 percent of the $904,990 it has been
given by the University. Senate by-laws
say it can give no more than 85 percent of its funds. Student groups had requested almost $3.3
million.
Mizenko announced that the
SA was given an additional $39,495 from the University this weekend. Mizenko says a lot of this money will be used
during the appeals process, which takes place later this week. He went onto
applaud all of those involved in the allocation process, especially those organizations who clearly outlined their fiduciary needs.
“We rewarded those
organizations who did their due diligence,” Mizenko said.
Despite Mizenko saying the
process was transparent, the Vice Chair of Finance for AIESEC, a student organization
that sends students abroad to intern at companies, expressed his grievances
over what he saw as a lack of communication between the Finance Committee and
student organizations. Kaleab Brook said during the public comment portion of the
meeting that he emailed the Committee several times with questions relating to
allocation and received no response.
Additionally, Brook said he sent the Finance Committee a 1500 word
letter this weekend before allocations were announced outlining the reasoning
behind his $20,000 budget proposal. In
the end, AIESEC only received $500. Brook was especialy upset that the
allocation email he received was vague and its only explanation for the reason
his request was not met was that the Senate was not funding “Conditional
events.”
“I didn’t know what a
conditional event was,” Brook said “and there was no
explanation in the email.”
Mizenko shot back, citing
informational webpages, emails, and meetings as proof the Finance Committee had
laid out a sufficient amount of information for organizations.
“We have used every means
and every instrument to communicate to organizations,” Mizenko said.
At the start of the
meeting three new freshmen senators were introduced. Ben Pride, Joy Dhar, and Ryan Warman are now non-voting members of
the Senate. The three were selected from a pool of 83 applicants.
The next Senate meeting is
next Monday, October 1st at 9pm in the Marvin Center Continental Ballroom.
Monday, September 24, 2012
SA Works with Administration on Student Space
by Chris Evans
It's all about continuing the conversation. This is exactly what the Student Association intended to do with their recent formal outreach to the university administration to expand student space on campus, a top priority on the agenda for this year. According to SA President Ashwin Narla, the intent was achieved.
This fall, the SA submitted their 22-page formal proposal, which outlined 10 ways the university could grant the student body open space on campus. The proposal, entitled "Building a Sustainable Future," stated, "The Student Association examined not only existing space, but also potential areas of growth." Supported by numerous images and graphs, the proposal aims to further the conversation on student space, a pertinent issue to such a populous campus.
Narla's administration set three goals for now, three goals for November/December, and four goals for the long term benefit of the student body. He believes that by breaking the ten goals into specific categories, the SA can more easily work with the university to launch and continue the conversation. According to Narla, "We [the SA] want to not only continue the conversation on our original plans, but we want to start new conversations [on plans for the long term] now."
According to the proposal, the plans under the category "now" include developing a 24-hour schedule for all academic buildings, opening campus eateries during the weekend, and opening up the fifth floor of the Marvin Center to student organization use after hours.
Citing the increased burden of security, housekeeping, and energy use, the university did not broadly accept the three proposals. However, the university indicated a willingness to work on meeting the SA halfway, with the hope of extending hours and granting student organizations more office space. The executive board of the SA are optimistic of the university's response.
"At no point did the administration look at something and say no," Narla said. "They are open to further negotiations and are willing to continue the discussion of student space."
As a major part of the proposal, the SA launched an attempt to have all student organizations more accessible by housing their offices in one place. An automatic issue with this goal is that there are only around sixty offices on the fourth floor student organization hub, while there are over 500 student organizations. The SA's plan would require reorganizing university office space so a larger chunk of neighboring offices would be dedicated to student organizations.
The proposal indicates that this goal could likely be achieved by turning the Marvin Center third floor outdoor terrace into an indoor space (categorized as a "long term" plan in the proposal). Although the university did not embrace the idea, the SA is happy that the issue was brought into the spotlight.
Narla indicated that the initial SA proposal to remodel Gelman was not incorporated by the university for many years. Just like the Gelman proposal, the SA initially must initiate a conversation about an issue, and then work with the university to seek out common ground to build upon.
With the university's thoughts on the matter now known, the SA has a clearer understanding about what needs to be done in order to achieve the platform goal of increased student space, as well as condensed student org. locations.
Narla expressed optimism that the student space dialogue with the university will continue to meet success, noting, "As administrators, they were really receptive and have been very helpful so far."
Stay tuned to WRGW News for all future Student Association developments.
WRGW News at 6 for 9/24 With SA President Ashwin Narla
We apologize for the audio issues, they will be remedied for future broadcasts.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Funger and Duques Open Late
by Rio Hart
According to the Student Association, the University administration has agreed to extend the hours Duques and Funger Halls are open for student use. The buildings' hours would be extended to 2 AM, providing much-requested student study space late into the night.
"We're proud to announce that Duques & Funger Halls will be open from 7am - 2am beginning October 1st. #studentspace," read the Student Association official twitter feed, @GWStudAssoc.
Student Association president Ashwin Narla, who has previously stated that student space is a top priority for his administration, was unavailable for comment. There has been a large calling for more student study space on campus, which some have said is currently inadequate and leads to overcrowded libraries. There is no word yet on the cost to the university of the extended hours at the halls.
The university had previously agreed to extended hours during the "Study Zone" weeks before and during finals season, but this new change would establish a 2 AM closing time as the building's regular hours, which would provide students access to Duques' classrooms and lounges to students, to use for studying late into the night throughout the entire semester.
An official SA statement is expected tomorrow.
Stay tuned to WRGW News for more as this story develops.
According to the Student Association, the University administration has agreed to extend the hours Duques and Funger Halls are open for student use. The buildings' hours would be extended to 2 AM, providing much-requested student study space late into the night.
"We're proud to announce that Duques & Funger Halls will be open from 7am - 2am beginning October 1st. #studentspace," read the Student Association official twitter feed, @GWStudAssoc.
Student Association president Ashwin Narla, who has previously stated that student space is a top priority for his administration, was unavailable for comment. There has been a large calling for more student study space on campus, which some have said is currently inadequate and leads to overcrowded libraries. There is no word yet on the cost to the university of the extended hours at the halls.
The university had previously agreed to extended hours during the "Study Zone" weeks before and during finals season, but this new change would establish a 2 AM closing time as the building's regular hours, which would provide students access to Duques' classrooms and lounges to students, to use for studying late into the night throughout the entire semester.
An official SA statement is expected tomorrow.
Stay tuned to WRGW News for more as this story develops.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Dance Troupe Comes to GW
by Chris Evans
The GW community is being offered a unique opportunity tonight and through this weekend thanks to the Department of Theater and Dance. The very well-acclaimed dance group Dana Tai Soon Burgess and Company, known as DTSB & Co., will be performing in the Dorothy Betts Marvin theater later tonight as well as Sunday evening at 8.
DTSB & Co. focuses on dance work that expresses the universal stories of Asian and new Americans. With this performance, the company will be celebrating its 20th anniversary since being founded in 1992. Since the groups premiere 20 years ago, the dance company has performed at top national venues throughout the US and toured abroad, as well as received numerous local and international honors throughout the years.
Tonight's performance offers five pieces, including Becoming American, based on a touching personal story of the work's lead dancer. The complete set of works showcases the group's recurring theme of the journey from being an outsider to being an empowered individual capable of shaping one's own destiny.
Viewers can learn a lot from the intensely choreographed performance, with the work taking on social and international topics inspired by personal journeys and revelations.
DTSB & Co. was founded by the Department Chair of the university's Department of Theater and Dance, Dana Tai Soon Burgess, and features dancers from a variety of backgrounds.
Tickets may be purchased at the door prior to each show, with student tickets priced at $15 and general admission at $25.
With a vast following, a large audience of students and members of the community, including the Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, is expected.
Each evening's performance begins at 8 PM.
The GW community is being offered a unique opportunity tonight and through this weekend thanks to the Department of Theater and Dance. The very well-acclaimed dance group Dana Tai Soon Burgess and Company, known as DTSB & Co., will be performing in the Dorothy Betts Marvin theater later tonight as well as Sunday evening at 8.
DTSB & Co. focuses on dance work that expresses the universal stories of Asian and new Americans. With this performance, the company will be celebrating its 20th anniversary since being founded in 1992. Since the groups premiere 20 years ago, the dance company has performed at top national venues throughout the US and toured abroad, as well as received numerous local and international honors throughout the years.
Tonight's performance offers five pieces, including Becoming American, based on a touching personal story of the work's lead dancer. The complete set of works showcases the group's recurring theme of the journey from being an outsider to being an empowered individual capable of shaping one's own destiny.
Viewers can learn a lot from the intensely choreographed performance, with the work taking on social and international topics inspired by personal journeys and revelations.
DTSB & Co. was founded by the Department Chair of the university's Department of Theater and Dance, Dana Tai Soon Burgess, and features dancers from a variety of backgrounds.
Tickets may be purchased at the door prior to each show, with student tickets priced at $15 and general admission at $25.
With a vast following, a large audience of students and members of the community, including the Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, is expected.
Each evening's performance begins at 8 PM.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Eckles Library Celebrates its 25th Birthday
by Chris Evans
The melodies of happy birthday will be filling GW's typically quiet Eckles Library tomorrow, as the Mount Vernon hot spot celebrates its 25th anniversary since opening in 1987.
Eckles has planned quite the celebration for tomorrow and is inviting all GW students to swing by. According to John Danneker, Director of Eckles Library, "Throughout the day students can meet library staff, learn more about resources and services offered, and enjoy treats and surprises."
Students are also encouraged to break the usual library hymn of silence to meet and socialize with others in attendance, commemorating the opening of GW's second largest campus library.
Tomorrow's official celebration kicks off at 2 PM, where there will be birthday cupcakes, images of Eckles throughout the years, and fun surprises. For students who can't make the official celebration, the library is offering free coffee, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate throughout the entire day, perfect for students who just have a minute to join the party.
Foggy Bottom residents are being especially encouraged to take the quick ride to the Mt. Vernon campus to use the celebration as an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Eckles' great wealth or resources.
Eckles Library opened in 1987 with a specific focus on the research and study needs of freshman and sophomore students. To date, it holds a print collection of over 60,000 volumes, which continues to grow each month.
The melodies of happy birthday will be filling GW's typically quiet Eckles Library tomorrow, as the Mount Vernon hot spot celebrates its 25th anniversary since opening in 1987.
Eckles has planned quite the celebration for tomorrow and is inviting all GW students to swing by. According to John Danneker, Director of Eckles Library, "Throughout the day students can meet library staff, learn more about resources and services offered, and enjoy treats and surprises."
Students are also encouraged to break the usual library hymn of silence to meet and socialize with others in attendance, commemorating the opening of GW's second largest campus library.
Tomorrow's official celebration kicks off at 2 PM, where there will be birthday cupcakes, images of Eckles throughout the years, and fun surprises. For students who can't make the official celebration, the library is offering free coffee, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate throughout the entire day, perfect for students who just have a minute to join the party.
Foggy Bottom residents are being especially encouraged to take the quick ride to the Mt. Vernon campus to use the celebration as an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Eckles' great wealth or resources.
Eckles Library opened in 1987 with a specific focus on the research and study needs of freshman and sophomore students. To date, it holds a print collection of over 60,000 volumes, which continues to grow each month.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
First SA Meeting of the Year Focuses on Goals and Confirmations
by Myles Goldman
The student Association held its first meeting Monday night, focused on its plans for the year ahead.
Student Association President Ashwin Narla told SA Senators that the three issues he and Vice President Abby Bergren decided to focus on this year were Student Space, student wellness, and working with the External Relations Department to create an online calendar where student organizations would be able to publicize their events. Narla told Senators he would continue the work of his predecessors and work to reduce student fees.
One of Narla's major solutions to the student space issue that was heavily discussed in last year's SA election, is to work with Administrators to grant 24-hour access to more academic buildings on campus.
Other priorities of the new SA Executive Leadership team of Narla and Bergren include securing free HIV testing for students and expanding the Lerner Health and Wellness' hours.
Later in the meeting, the last two positions of Narla’s cabinet were filled when last year’s SA Presidential runner-up John Bennett was confirmed by Senators for VP of Financial Affairs and Larisa Ozeryansky was confirmed as VP of Graduate Student Affairs. Narla last spring had originally nominated candidates for both these positions and both those candidates were not confirmed.
"I took your advice and went back and found a Graduate Student," Narla sai, referring to his nomination of Ozeryansky.
With Student Organization Financial allocations happening in a few weeks, SA Finance Chair Alex Mizenko wanted all student organizations to know that with 50 additional groups asking for money this year and the amount of money raised from the student Association Fee stagnant, the SA has less money to give to organizations. He also said that based on Student Association by-laws, the SA can only give up to 85% of the money they have. Mizenko did reassure students that he intends to go right up to this cap.
"Students paid into the [Student Association] fee this year and the money therefore should be used this year," Mizenko said after the meeting.
The SA’s Student Organization Allocations meeting will be on Monday, October 1st. The next General Body SA Senate Meeting will be on Monday, September 24th.
The student Association held its first meeting Monday night, focused on its plans for the year ahead.
Student Association President Ashwin Narla told SA Senators that the three issues he and Vice President Abby Bergren decided to focus on this year were Student Space, student wellness, and working with the External Relations Department to create an online calendar where student organizations would be able to publicize their events. Narla told Senators he would continue the work of his predecessors and work to reduce student fees.
One of Narla's major solutions to the student space issue that was heavily discussed in last year's SA election, is to work with Administrators to grant 24-hour access to more academic buildings on campus.
Other priorities of the new SA Executive Leadership team of Narla and Bergren include securing free HIV testing for students and expanding the Lerner Health and Wellness' hours.
Later in the meeting, the last two positions of Narla’s cabinet were filled when last year’s SA Presidential runner-up John Bennett was confirmed by Senators for VP of Financial Affairs and Larisa Ozeryansky was confirmed as VP of Graduate Student Affairs. Narla last spring had originally nominated candidates for both these positions and both those candidates were not confirmed.
"I took your advice and went back and found a Graduate Student," Narla sai, referring to his nomination of Ozeryansky.
With Student Organization Financial allocations happening in a few weeks, SA Finance Chair Alex Mizenko wanted all student organizations to know that with 50 additional groups asking for money this year and the amount of money raised from the student Association Fee stagnant, the SA has less money to give to organizations. He also said that based on Student Association by-laws, the SA can only give up to 85% of the money they have. Mizenko did reassure students that he intends to go right up to this cap.
"Students paid into the [Student Association] fee this year and the money therefore should be used this year," Mizenko said after the meeting.
The SA’s Student Organization Allocations meeting will be on Monday, October 1st. The next General Body SA Senate Meeting will be on Monday, September 24th.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
WRGW News Coverage of the September 11th, 2001 Attacks
by Greg Hughes
In honor of the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks, WRGW News is proud to present our coverage of the attacks, originally produced on 9/12/2001.
These two recordings were sent to us by Mr. Daniel Yang, GWU Class of 2003, who served as WRGW News' Assistant News Director from 2000 to 2002, as well as WRGW's Marketing Director in 2003.
In his own words:
"On Sept. 11, 2001, a number of us found refuge at WRGW's studios after being released from class that morning and were able to use the landline and Internet connection (smart phones didn't really exist yet) to keep in touch with friends/family while we watched the network news. Cell phone reception became jammed a few minutes after we saw the smoke rising from the Pentagon.
Around 11:45am, reporter Peter Cheng and I, armed with press credentials that I printed and laminated from my apartment that morning, along with a MiniDisc recorder and microphone, walked to the State Dept. -- towards an explosion we heard at 23rd & F -- to investigate what was going on (explosion reported on TV, but we broke the news first that it was only a car backfiring).
Marvin Center security kicked us out of the Marvin Center a little after noon, as the university started shutting down buildings in an attempt to corral students to a central location for receiving information. We were forced to go off air at that point, but continued gathering material for the next day's news.
It was a trying day for us all, but it felt good to have solidarity at WRGW and a sense of purpose that day. It's one of the reasons I'm still working in news."
Mr. Yang, who is now Assignment Editor for PBS NewsHour (www.newshour.pbs.org, www.twitter.com/@newshour), sent this to us of his own volition, and we are very grateful to him for that.
In honor of the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks, WRGW News is proud to present our coverage of the attacks, originally produced on 9/12/2001.
These two recordings were sent to us by Mr. Daniel Yang, GWU Class of 2003, who served as WRGW News' Assistant News Director from 2000 to 2002, as well as WRGW's Marketing Director in 2003.
In his own words:
"On Sept. 11, 2001, a number of us found refuge at WRGW's studios after being released from class that morning and were able to use the landline and Internet connection (smart phones didn't really exist yet) to keep in touch with friends/family while we watched the network news. Cell phone reception became jammed a few minutes after we saw the smoke rising from the Pentagon.
Around 11:45am, reporter Peter Cheng and I, armed with press credentials that I printed and laminated from my apartment that morning, along with a MiniDisc recorder and microphone, walked to the State Dept. -- towards an explosion we heard at 23rd & F -- to investigate what was going on (explosion reported on TV, but we broke the news first that it was only a car backfiring).
Marvin Center security kicked us out of the Marvin Center a little after noon, as the university started shutting down buildings in an attempt to corral students to a central location for receiving information. We were forced to go off air at that point, but continued gathering material for the next day's news.
It was a trying day for us all, but it felt good to have solidarity at WRGW and a sense of purpose that day. It's one of the reasons I'm still working in news."
Mr. Yang, who is now Assignment Editor for PBS NewsHour (www.newshour.pbs.org, www.twitter.com/@newshour), sent this to us of his own volition, and we are very grateful to him for that.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Freshmen Turn Out in Record Numbers for Day of Service
by Chris Evans
The newest members of the GW community came out in force Saturday, marking the fourth annual Freshman Day of Service. The class of 2016 stepped up to their call to action, bringing out a record high 2,000 students.
Before heading onto buses and spreading out across the District, students gathered at the Smith Center for the class of 2016 convocation, where they heard from President Steven Knapp and other notable speakers.
The crowd of freshmen stood in anticipation as President Knapp, Provost Steven Lerman, and other University notables entered the Smith Center and welcomed the class of 2016. Student Association President Ashwin Narla emceed the convocation, which touted keynote speaker Donna Brazile, a weekly contributor and political commentator on CNN who also serves as the Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Brazile, electrifying the Smith Center with her animated persona, called the class of 2016 to action and encouraged them to remember that "you must pay rent on this world" by giving back.
Taking up the call to action, the freshmen climbed onto buses and were dispatched to 35 sites throughout DC. The District community embraced the students' help and put them to work in parks, schools, and public areas.
The newest members of the GW community came out in force Saturday, marking the fourth annual Freshman Day of Service. The class of 2016 stepped up to their call to action, bringing out a record high 2,000 students.
Before heading onto buses and spreading out across the District, students gathered at the Smith Center for the class of 2016 convocation, where they heard from President Steven Knapp and other notable speakers.
The crowd of freshmen stood in anticipation as President Knapp, Provost Steven Lerman, and other University notables entered the Smith Center and welcomed the class of 2016. Student Association President Ashwin Narla emceed the convocation, which touted keynote speaker Donna Brazile, a weekly contributor and political commentator on CNN who also serves as the Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Brazile, electrifying the Smith Center with her animated persona, called the class of 2016 to action and encouraged them to remember that "you must pay rent on this world" by giving back.
Taking up the call to action, the freshmen climbed onto buses and were dispatched to 35 sites throughout DC. The District community embraced the students' help and put them to work in parks, schools, and public areas.
Friday, September 7, 2012
GW Celebrates Dual DC Centennials
By Myles Goldman
"Today, we celebrate what it is to be part of-both in and of-our great capital," University President Steven Knapp said.
Originally scheduled to take place in the mid-campus quad behind Lisner Hall, the celebration was moved inside because of off-and-on rain showers. Although a scheduled Cherry Blossom tree planting had to be postponed due to the change in location, the tree was still in attendance, standing at the front of the room. It will be planted behind Lisner Hall in the near future.
Haruka Nakagawa sings "Sakura Sakura."
The ceremony was focused on exposing attendees to Japanese culture. The ceremony began with the reading of a haiku focused on the special nature of cherry blossom trees. Later on in the ceremony GW student Haruka Nakagawa, a psychology major minoring in theater and music sang "Sakura Sakura," a popular Japanese song that is translated to mean "Cherry Blossom O' Cherry Blossom." Nakagawa, who has spent much of her life in Japan, performed wearing a kimono given to her by her Aunt.
"I'm very happy about the strong international relationship between two countries I feel connected to," Nakagawa said after the ceremony. "I get to enjoy the season of spring [here in DC] the same way I do at home."
Diana Mayhew, Chair of the internationally known National Cherry Blossom Festival, also spoke at the event about the history of the trees in DC and GW's connection to the Cherry Blossom Festival. Many students have volunteered and interned with the festival during its nearly one hundred year history.
"GW is the epitome of extending the Cherry Blossom festival to a campus," Mayhew said.
JASA members practice their origami skills.
Throughout the course of the event the GW Japanese American Student Alliance (JASA) had a table set-up where attendees were able to try their hand at the art of origami and learn of the GW Chapter's efforts to raise funds for Japanese victims of recent tsunamis.
Following the ceremony, attendees who had signed-up had the opportunity to have a bento box lunch. This is the type of packaged lunch students in Japan bring to school. The lunch is known for being in a colorful box, layered with items of small samples of food such as several vegetables and pieces of fish.
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