 "Photo: sxc.hu")
 "Photo: sxc.hu")
While the people of Haiti continue surviving the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake, one Wesleyan professor wants to inspire the people of Wesleyan to demonstrate their support.
Dean of Freshmen Joe Brown put together a proposal for a Hike for Haiti walkathon on the Wesleyan campus mall.
Brown said the purpose of the hike would be to raise pledges for people to walk on the campus mall and give the proceeds to the American Red Cross to continue giving aid to Haiti.
Brown’s motivation for the project stems from what he said to be a general lack of interest from among people at Wesleyan in the Haiti crisis.
“I see nothing going on this campus to acknowledge a global need,” Brown said.
So Brown e-mailed an outline of the project to various faculty, staff and administrative departments to get feedback on the project and make sure it wouldn’t conflict with other events.
In his proposal Brown said he would let the students in his two freshman Academic Success Experience groups take over the project as an extra credit assignment.
And now, Brown said he’s letting it all run to his students.
But the ASE students gave a mixture of repsonses when asked about their interest in the project.
“Well, as far as the benevolent agenda, I don’t really care,” said freshman ASE student Rob Tutt, “but I do like Joe’s ulterior motive for getting the school a little face time.”
Brit Buckley, freshman ASE student from the Philippines, said she liked the idea of the walk because it might be an easy way to involve the diverse people of Wesleyan for a common purpose.
“I honestly think the whole project thing is pretty cool and it would put people together,” Buckley said, “and the whole walk thing is more convenient instead of a bake sale.”
Brown said he will coordinate the responsibilities each student will take on for the project but he will let them have creative control.
“I don’t want to set the perimeters,” Brown said, “because I don’t see my job as doing that. My job is to take a team and show them how to create a show.”
Brown said he wants his ASE students to take the initiative in developing this project and hopes this show will involve the efforts of student groups, faculty, staff and anyone willing to show their support for the Haiti endeavor.
“The point is everyone’s contributing in some way to a bigger picture benefit,” Brown said.
For more information on the Hike for Haiti project or to get involved contact Joe Brown at jbrown@txwes.edu.
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